La Mesa/Mt. Helix

DR. HAROLD BAILEY WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM WATER FOR PEOPLE

By Miriam Raftery

July 31, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—Water for People, a global nonprofit, has presented its prestigious Kenneth J. Miller Founder’s Award for outstanding service to La Mesa resident Harold E. Bailey, Ph.D., P.E.  A registered civil engineer and former university instructor, Dr. Bailey has an impressive record of accomplishments for numerous local water-related organizations and agencies spanning more than four decades.

“As a past chair of the San Diego Water for People Committee who continues volunteering numerous hours serving on multiple event committees, and who has been a strong and consistent supporter of Water for People for over 15 years,” the organization’s award recommendation letter states, “Harold Bailey exemplifies outstanding service to Water for People’s mission of bringing clean water and sanitation to `everyone, forever’; he is well deserving of the Miller award.”


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ASSESSED VALUE OF PROPERIES IN EAST COUNTY CITIES HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR

 
East County News Service
 
Photo courtesy: San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Jordan Z. Marks recently certified the 2024 assessment roll in a letter to Andrew Potter, clerk of the County Board of Supervisors.
 
July 29, 2024 (San Diego) –  San Diego County’s gross assessed value of all taxable property, including residential, commercial and industrial land, has reached $768 billion, which is 5.58% higher, or $40.6 billion greater than last year, according to Jordan Z. Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC).
 
The ARCC office also said the 2024 gross assessed value for the city of El Cajon was $13,559,175,149, or 3.33% higher than the 2023 figure of $13,122,021,164.
 
The figures for the city of La Mesa were $10,716,933,082 for 2024, a 3.51% increase from $ 10,353,489,019 in 2023.
 
The figures for the city of Santee were $9,289,601,629 for 2024, a 5.42% increase from $8,811,894,317 in 2023.

About the author: (28) Rick Griffin | LinkedIn


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3-2 VOTE IN FAVOR OF REGULATING LA MESA’S RESIDENTIAL STORAGE OF FIREARMS

 
July 28, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The nationwide riots in 2020, including La Mesa, sparked whispers to defund the police. While varying degrees of this conversation are igniting again, lines are blurring between a nation’s objectivity and its intention behind police oversight boards, and now citizens are taking a stance on regulations for the residential storage of firearms. 
 
At this week's City Council meeting, members and the public spoke out on a proposal to regulate the storage of firearms.
 
For Councilmember Colin Parent, who remembers being held at gunpoint, he thinks it is a basic human right to feel safe within the community, and the prevention of unintentional uses of personal firearms is a modest and appropriate step toward the preservation of security.

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GROSSMONT ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES AND OPTIONS SEMINAR

 
 
July 27, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Navigating around San Diego can be challenging and daunting, especially for the aging population. This seminar aims to provide valuable insights into various transportation options available in San Diego and East County. Attendees will learn about low-cost, donation-based, and reduced fare transportation possibilities that can help maintain independence and mobility.
 
Whether you no longer drive or are considering giving up driving, this seminar is designed to offer practical solutions and support. Discover how to access services like volunteer driver programs, rideshare options, and public transit tailored to meet the needs of older adults. The seminar will also cover essential resources such as the Ride Well to Age Well Guide, which catalogs transportation services throughout San Diego County.

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30TH ANNUAL LA MESA CLASSIC CAR SHOW AND LIVE MUSIC EVENT CONTINUES THURSDAYS FIVE TO 8 IN THE VILLAGE

 
July 26, 2024 (La Mesa) The 30th Annual La Mesa Classic Car Show, presented by the La Mesa Village Association, is in full swing in downtown La Mesa! Don't miss this FREE community event happening every Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m. through August 29th! 
 
Giddy up Thursday, August 1st, for Private Domain.
 
8/1/24 - Private Domain
8/8/24 - That Beatle Cover Band
8/15/24 - Fleetwood Max
8/22/24 - The Farmers
8/29/24 - 80z All Stars (theme night)

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THANKS TO GROSSMONT HOSPITAL FOR DONATING BACKPACKS

East County News Service
 
July 26, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Sharp Grossmont Hospital held its annual backpack drive today to support local students impacted by HIV and AIDS as they get ready to go back to school. This year, nurses and hospital staff sponsored 75 children by donating backpacks filled with school supplies, ranging from crayons and glue sticks to graphing calculators and planners.

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LA MESA POLICE SEEK LEADS IN STABBING DEATH; $1,000 REWARD OFFERED

Update July 25,  2024:  La Mesa Police have identified the victim and clarified that the victim was stabbed, not shot.

By Miriam Raftery

July 13, 2024 (La Mesa) – Shortly after midnight, a man suffering stab wounds to his upper torso staggered across High Street in the 7500 block and fell down on a the driveway in front of an apartment building, a caller told police. Officers and fire department personnel immediately responded and rendered first aid, but the victim was declared dead at the scene.

“Based on initial information gathered by investigators, it does not appear the victim, a 25-year-old white male and resident of La Mesa, was shot while out on the street,” says Lieutenant Katy Lynch. “A light-colored sedan was seen driving westbound on High Street shortly before the victim was seen staggering across the street, but it is unknown if that vehicle is related to this incident.”


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LA MESA VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET FRIDAYS 3-7 P.M.

 
Photos courtesy: East County Magazine
 
July 25, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Take advantage of the beautiful summer evenings and enjoy the La Mesa Village Farmers Market every Friday, from 3 - 7:30 p.m. The La Mesa Village Association's (LMVA) family-friendly, public market is located in the heart of downtown La Mesa on La Mesa Blvd. between Palm Ave. - 4th St!
 
LMVA Farmers Market features 90+ vendors with a focus on high quality, fresh produce, locally raised meats, fresh fish, eggs, honey, cheeses, prepared and pre-packaged food, local artisans, fresh flowers and plants, live music and a dedicated food court to enjoy. 

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SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL HOSTS BACKPACK DRIVE TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS

East County News Service
 
July 25, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Sharp Grossmont Hospital is hosting its annual backpack drive to support children in San Diego impacted by HIV/AIDS on Friday, July 26. This year, Sharp Grossmont staff are sponsoring 75 children through Christie's Place, a nonprofit support center dedicated to women, children, and families living with HIV/AIDS.
 
Christie's Place, whose motto is "Love Grows Here," focuses on empowering individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to take charge of their health and wellness, ultimately improving their quality of life and that of their families. Many of the women, children, and families supported by Christie's Place face significant challenges such as poverty, unstable housing, food insecurity, and a lack of basic needs. By providing school supplies through this backpack drive, Sharp Grossmont staff help alleviate one of these burdens, enabling the children to concentrate on their education.

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GROSSMONT ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: THE HOME EQUITY LEVERAGED PROGRAM

East County News Service
 
July 24, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The Home Equity Leveraged Program is an estate planning arrangement that is a contractual agreement between you and Grossmont Hospital Foundation. You retain the use of your home for the rest of your life and the Foundation promises to pay an annuity to you for life. 

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LA MESA VILLAGE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT SIGN UPDATE

 
July 24, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The Downtown District Sign is moving along! View the Fox 5 interview for the latest update. Construction projects take time and the next step is geotechnical investigations (predrill), which will begin soon and take 6-12 weeks. A predrill is required for:

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GROSSMONT ACTIVITIES CALENDAR: MINDFUL JOURNALING

East County News Service
 
Photo: ECM prompt to Bing CoPilot
 
July 23, 2024 (La Mesa) -- This journaling workshop offers simple writing techniques that use a reflective method for participants to foster healthy boundaries for expressing thoughts and emotions, relieve stress and re-orient thinking in stressful situations. 
 
Presenter: Lisa Goodman, Integrative Healing Coord. 
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
 
When: Tuesday, August  20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

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THE GRASS IS GREENER ON CENTER STREET: CANNABIS TESTING SITE TO OPEN

 
Photo: Abhey Schweitzer, the architect behind Center Street Distribution LLC (July 17)
 
July 20, 2024 (La Mesa)—Sprouting along Center Street’s southerly side is a budding industry propagating the cultivation of cannabis products like weeds. The planning commission favored its first marijuana distribution facility last Wednesday.

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HOW SAFE ARE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS? GROSSMONT DISTRICT ELIMINATES SCHOOL SAFETY DEPARTMENT

By Kristen Andelman

Photo:Jay Farrington testifiedto board on priorities for the Office of School Safety, which the GUHSD board majority later voted to eliminate.

July 18, 2024 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont Union High School District has ousted its School Safety Director Jay Farrington and eliminated the entire school safety department entirely, effective June 30. 

The action is shocking and particularly troubling in a district that survived two mass shootings at Santana and Granite Hills high schools back in 2001.The Santana shooting killed 2 students and injured 13 people; five people were shot and injured at Granite Hills. School shootings are at record levels nationwide today. So far this year, there have been 107 school shootings, killing 29 people and injuring 61.

The decision was made by the GUHSD board on May 11 in a in a 3-2 vote.  Board members Chris Fite and Elva Salinas voted against the cut, while members Robert Shield, Gary Woods and Jim Kelly voted to eliminate student safety.


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MT. HELIX PARK, FOOD AND WINE FEST NOW A TWO-DAY EVENT

By Jonathan Goetz
 
 
July 17, 2024 (La Mesa/Mt. Helix) -- Join Mount Helix Park Association at the Mt. Helix Food & Wine Festival, Friday, August 16th (limited capacity sit-down dinner) and Saturday, August 17th (main festival) 6 p.m. - 1 p.m. (Friday), 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Saturday) at Mt. Helix Park, the crown jewel of East County.

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UPDATED ODD COUPLE PLAY IN LA MESA PROVIDES INSIGHTS ON FRIENDSHIPS DESPITE DIFFERENCES

By Susan Taylor

July 15,2004 (La Mesa) -- Neil Simon’s timeless comedy, The Odd Couple, is playing at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa through July 28, a play worth seeing.  Directed by Diane Jones and produced by Cydney King, it is billed as the “female version”, so the cast is all female, with the exception of two male roles introduced in the second act.

The show retains the game-playing friends in a 1980’s New York apartment, and the principal roles of the jilted spouse and the slob.  Yvonne Nguyen portrays Florence Unger, the insecure wife in need of a place to stay and a best friend’s compassion. Erin Grayce plays Olive Madison, a hard-working sports writer who cares nothing for a tidy home.  Olive invites Florence to temporarily share her apartment until they get laughingly on each other’s nerves. Viewers come away with the realization that this very odd couple teaches valuable lessons about friendship and differences among people here and abroad.


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LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SALES TAX MEASURE FOR BALLOT

 

By Rachel Williams

July 11, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Here’s Why Your Voice Matters, La Mesa.

The La Mesa City Council voted unanimously on July 9 to let residents vote in November on whether to continue the ¾ cent sales tax extension used to fund public services.  Prop L, enacted in 2008, is set to expire in 2029.

According to a city press release sent by the city after the vote, the Prop L sales tax contributes approximately $12 million annually in local funding. Without Prop L funding, the City would need to make significant reductions to public safety services and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, parks, storm drains and other infrastructure, the release states.


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AFTER OTAY FIRE, LA MESA CITY MANAGER OFFERS ASSURANCES ON SAFETY OF PROPOSED BATTERY STORAGE SITE IN LA MESA

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Rendering of proposed Murray Project in La Mesa, via Enersmart's project website

July 8, 2024 (La Mesa) – A battery fire at the Gateway energy storage facility in Otay Mesa in May forced evacuation of nearby businesses for nearly two weeks.  

Enersmart has proposed building a battery energy storage facility at 8131 El  Paso Street in La Mesa.

After the Otay fire, La Mesa City Manager Greg Humora recently sent an e-mail to the mayor and city councilmembers highlighting key differences between the Otay and La Mesa projects in size, technology, and fire protection plans.


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LAMPLIGHTERS PRESENTS THE ODD COUPLE, WITH FEMALE ROOMMATES JULY 5-28

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 6, 2024 (La  Mesa) – Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa presents Neil Simon’s classic comedy, The Odd Couple, July 5-28, with a twist. Instead of sloppy Oscar and neatnik Felix, the leads are female roommates​: Olive Madison and Florence Unger.


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LA MESA PLANNING COMMISSION TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING JULY 8 ON PROPOSAL TO ALLOW MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo: CC via Bing
 
July 5, 2024 (La Mesa) –The La Mesa Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on July 8 at 6 p.m. The agenda includes a proposal to allow by-right approval of housing projects on designated “reuse” sites if at least 20% of units are considered affordable to lower income households.
 
A by-right approval means there would be no public hearings and projects must be approved as long as they meet zoning and design requirements in effect at the time the proposed project is submitted. View full agenda

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BOMB SCARE IN LA MESA PROMPTS EVACUATIONS, BUT DEVICE PROVES HARMLESS

East County News Service
 
July 2, 2024 (La Mesa)  -- La Mesa Police responded to calls early this morning reporting a man waving a knife in the 5800 block of Kelton Street. He pulled a handgun from a bag and put it on the curb as officers tried to deescalate the situation. After about 20 minutes, the suspect reached toward the gun and officers fired beanbag rounds, taking the suspect into custody.  
 
When officers looked inside his vehicle, a white Toyota Yaris, they saw several red five-gallon fuel tanks and called the Sheriff’s bomb squad. Several residents were temporarily evacuated until the bomb squad determined the device was not explosive. Residents were allowed to return home around 10 a.m. Kelton Avenue was closed to all traffic between El Paso Street and Zeta Street for several hours but has since reopened.

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LA MESA SUNDAYS AT SIX: SUMMER CONCERTS AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK

East County News Service

June 3, 2024 (La Mesa)-- La Mesa's 2024 Summer Concerts will be held on Sundays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. from June 23 through July 28 at the Amphitheatre at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Dr., La Mesa.

The concert series highlights musicians from various genres, from soulful jazz to energetic rock.

Artists include:


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ADIOS TO POR FAVOR IN LA MESA: MEXICAN EATERY SELLS TO OWNER OF FARMER’S TABLE

By Miriam Raftery

June 30, 2024 (La Mesa) – Today is the last day to savor margaritas and Mexican food at Por Favor in La Mesa, a favorite of village patrons for the past 50 years. The Marrujo family has sold its downtown La Mesa restaurant, but will continue to operate Por Favor in El Cajon.

The Alba Retaurant Group, established by Albert Morreales, has purchased the Por Favor site at 8302 La Mesa Blvd., according to SanDiegoVille.com.  The group owns several local restaurants including Farmer’s Table, Limoncello, and Smokey and the Brisket in La Mesa, as well as  Farmers Bottega in Mission Hills.

Alba reportedly plans to remodel the space for a new restaurant concept, though details have not been disclosed,NBC 7 reports.0

Will the new owners retain the Mediterranean Revival-style building’s historic features, such as its arched, stained-glass windows,interior balcony and  exterior concrete-and-stucco finish designed to resemble rusticated stone?


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HANDMADE MEMORY BEARS OFFER COMFORT TO GRIEVING FAMILIES

 
Denise Kelly, Sharp HospiceCare program coordinator, contributed to this report.
 
Photo: Joyce Anderson holding her Memory Bears made by Sharp HospiceCare volunteers.
 
June 28, 2024 (La Mesa) -- A pair of stuffed bears made from the clothing of family members who have passed sit on Joyce Anderson’s dresser. They serve as a tangible reminder of the cherished memories she and her loved ones shared.
 
Less than two years ago, Joyce's family faced profound loss when their daughter-in-law, Danielle, died after courageously coping with breast cancer. She had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2020 while pregnant with her second child.
 
Not long after losing Danielle, tragedy struck again when Joyce's mother died on what would have been Danielle’s 37th birthday. Memory Bears, handsewn by Sharp HospiceCare volunteers using clothes worn by Danielle and Joyce’s mother, became a source of comfort for her grieving family.

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SUPERVISOR SPEAKS AT GMIA DINNER, PRESENTS AWARD TO LARRY AND SUSAN NICHOLS

Source: Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association (GMIA)
 
June 24, 2024 (Mt. Helix) -- County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe (photo, left) was the keynote speaker at the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association annual dinner held June 22 at the Cuyamaca College Student Center. 
 
GMIA, with about 1,000 members, is a community organization that has been working to improve the Mt. Helix area since 1938. The organization’s annual events include an Art & Garden Tour, a Succulent Swap, and a Walk to the Top of Mt. Helix. GMIA also advocates and informs the community on issues of concern, and works with local and state elected officials.

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LA MESA OVERALL CRIME RATES REMAIN THE SAME, WHILE VIOLENT CRIME DROPS

By Michael Howard
 
Photos courtesy: City of La Mesa. Left: La Mesa Police Department Chief of Police Ray Sweeney address the La Mesa City Council on May 28, 2024. 
 
June 23, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) – La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney reported mixed crime results in his first quarter 2024 crime report to the La Mesa City Council during the May 28 city council meeting.
 
“We had a slight dip in violent crime, property crime did go up a little bit, and then, the FBI total index is exactly the same as it was this time last year,” the chief reported to the council members.
 
By slight dip in violent crime, the chief was referring to a 17.5% decrease in 2024 first quarter homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assaults compared to the same time period last year.  In Q1 2023, the La Mesa Police Department responded to 57 crimes in this category, while in Q1 2024, they only responded to 47.

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EAST COUNTY NOMINEES FOR SAN DIEGO FILM AWARDS

By Susan Taylor

June 19, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Congratulations to Whitney Wegman-Wood and Sandy Nissou, two East County women who are nominated for their work on films recognized by Film Consortium San Diego for the upcoming San Diego Film Festival this Saturday.


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LA MESA JUNETEENTH AND FRIENDS JUBILEE SUNDAY JUNE 16 FROM NOON TO FOUR AT MACARTHUR PARK

Updated 6/14 with more information from organizers
 
By Jonathan Goetz and Henri Migala
 
Photos courtesy: La Mesa Juneteenth & Henri Migala
 
June 13, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The third annual La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends celebration is being held this Sunday, June 16 at MacArthur Park, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The La Mesa Juneteenth and Friends celebration is a grassroots community effort that brings the rich heritage, culture, and fun of a Juneteenth Jubilee to La Mesa, East County and the wider San Diego region. 

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PASSAGES: GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE AND ASTRONAUT WILLIAM ANDERS DIES AT 90

By Chris Jennewein and Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association


 
NASA Photo: The famous “Earthrise” photo taken by astronaut Bill Anders aboard Apollo 8 in 1968.
 
June 8, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Astronaut William Anders, the 1951 Grossmont High School graduate who took what may be the most famous photo of Earth during the history-making Apollo 8 mission, has died at 90.
 
He died Friday when a single-engine T-34 aircraft he was flying crashed near Jones Island in the Puget Sound north of Seattle.

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RUTH STERLING TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL AT LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 8

 

East County News Service

June 3, 2024 (La Mesa) – La Mesa salutes Old Glory at the annual Flag Day Parade this Saturday. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and travels west through the La Mesa Village, along La Mesa Blvd. Former City Councilwoman Ruth Sterling will serve as Grand Marshal of the parade.

"Ruth's tireless dedication, from spearheading the parade's committee to establishing the Flag Day Parade endowment, exemplifies the essence of our celebration," the city's press release states.

Free ice cream will be provided by the La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission at the Lookout in Legacy Park at the corner of La Mesa Blvd, 4th St. and Allison Ave.


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