By Jonathan Goetz

September 14, 2017 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa City Council gave the green light to Silvergate’s 130-unit apartment development at the site of the former Little Flower Haven Convent on La Mesa Blvd., reversing their earlier 2-2 deadlock.  The item passed 4-0 with Councilman Colin Parent recused because he lives near the site.

The development sparked mass opposition from neighbors, primarily due to a parking variance that allowed 193 parking spaces under a  State "density bonus" law as opposed to 260 spaces under La Mesa municipal code, because 10% of the project will be affordable housing units.

Council insisted their hands were tied and that they risked jail time if they didn’t approve the development.  The reversal comes after the developer’s lawyer sent a letter threatening to sue the city if Council would not approve the project.

East County News Service

September 11, 2017 (La Mesa) – The two Chick-fil-A restaurants in the East County in Santee and La Mesa will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, Sept. 19 to support recovery efforts for Houston’s victims of Hurricane Harvey. Chick-fil-A officials said both stores will donate 15 percent of all sales between 5 and 8 p.m. to a Chick-fil-A fund earmarked for Houston residents.

East County News Service

September 7, 2017 (La Mesa) - La Mesa Historical Society presents its 12th Annual Home Tour on Saturday November 4th, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The La Mesa Historical Society is proud to showcase six amazing homes in the rural suburban neighborhood of La Mesa Highlands.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: “Bootsie,” found dead and mutilated in Lemon Grove, one of several similar cat deaths in recent weeks in East County communities.

September 3, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Residents in Spring Valley, Lemon Grove and Mt. Helix are voicing concerns after several cats were found cut in half, dismembered or eviscerated in recent weeks.  It is not yet known whether the gruesome finds were the result of human acts or animal predators.

Next event is Sept. 21 at Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa

September 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – Thanks to all who turned out to help make the launch of our East County Dining Club a big success! 

Over 75 people attend our premiere party  at Fabrison’s Country French Restaurant in  Jamul, where guests feasted on all-you-can-eat crepes and  savored wines from the award-winning Deerhorn Valley Vineyard.

If you haven’t yet joined our dining club (just $10 a year!) we strongly recommend doing so now since we expect future events to sell out.

East County Dining Club members  will receive early invitations and  first options to reserve space at all of our future special culinary events, two free drawing tickets at their next event, and a free “Best of East County” cookbook we are compiling with recipes from top restaurants, wineries, farms and more in our region. Join us to savor the flavors of the world at great restaurants here in East County!

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

August 29, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Sheriff’s department has released the identity of a 19-year-old shot dead in Lemon Grove on August 24^th by law enforcement officers after a pursuit that began in La Mesa and ended on Rebecca Lane in Lemon Grove.

East County News Service

Photo:  H. Dail Rankin, January 24, 1944 – June 14, 2017

August 28, 2017 (San Diego) A memorial service will be held for H. Dail Rankin on Friday, September 8^th at 2:30 p.m. at Mirror Lake in Greenwood Cemetery (4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113).

Update August 24, 2017:  This fugitive has been captured. The Sheriff thanks the media and the public for tips received.

By Miriam Raftery

August 11, 2017 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego Sheriff is urging the public to be on the lookout for Kevin Manriquez, a 24-year-old fugitive who is wanted for child cruelty, robbery and manufacturing a controlled substance.

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2017 (La Mesa) – If you’d like to have a say-so about water rates and other issues in the Helix Water District, you may soon have that chance.  The district’s board has voted unanimously to establish an advisory board comprised of its customers.

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2017 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to experience bluegrass, Cajun, Flamenco, and country blues music this Wednesday night at Brew Coffee spot, the happening new gathering place in La Mesa, at 6101 Lake Murray Blvd.  from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

August 17, 2017 (La Mesa, California)—La Mesa Councilmember and Vice Mayor Kristine C. Alessio has quit the Republican Party over the party’s failure to take a stand against racism.

“I’m out of the Republican Party,” Alessio announced on her Facebook page yesterday. “I’ll never be pro choice, never be against the second amendment, but I cannot stand with anyone who will not say no to racism and prejudice. Count me as decline to state and in favor of liberty.”

By Miriam Raftery

August 15, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Choosing a citizens’ advisory committee will be on the agenda (item 9) this Wednesday for the Helix Water Board. The board is considering creating the advisory group to allow ratepayers to provide feedback on assigned topics that could include water rates, budgets, conservation, strategic planning and more.

East County News Service

August 14, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Celebrating its 44th year in 2017, the popular La Mesa Oktoberfest is going back to its roots to bring guests more entertainment, more vendors, more beer, and more "Prost!” (cheers!) than ever before, organizers have announced. Under the direction of the La Mesa Village Association, this year’s fest will showcase a revitalized and elevated experience for all ages on Friday, September 29th through Sunday, October 1st. Attractions include many vendors featuring craftwork and knick-knacks, foods ranging from scrumptious sausages to food truck favorites, live entertainment, beer and now, cocktails. 

By Jonathan Goetz

August 9, 2017 (La Mesa) - Congress members Susan Davis and Scott Peters, Assembly members Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher and Todd Gloria, and Helix Director Mark Gracyk all shared at the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club last week their reasons for running for public office.

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police have arrested two teenagers for armed robbery aboard a trolley on July 5^th.

According to police, the victim, a juvenile male, was riding a trolley from San Diego. When it arrived at the Amaya Trolley Station in La Mesa, a group of young males approved the victim and one asked for the time.