By Mike Allen

December 15, 2015 (La Mesa)-Although it already prohibits such dispensaries, La Mesa won’t allow the growing, sale or delivery of medical marijuana in its city limits.

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the City Council approved two ordinances that re-affirm and confirm the city’s existing laws, also expressly banning delivery of medical cannabis. The actions were taken following the adoption of a series of regulations covering the sale and cultivation of marijuana by the state that were signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown earlier this year.

East County News Service

December 12, 2015 (Spring Valley ) – Institute for Public Strategies invites you to the third community meeting on alcohol-related harm in Casa De Oro.  

At the last meeting in November, members decided to create a formal community group and will choose a name at the next meeting, which is set for Thursday, December 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Young Actors’ Theater, 9628 Campo Road, Suite J in Spring Valley.

December 8, 2015 (La Mesa)--The East County Roller Girls is a new start-up women's Roller Derby league that will play under WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) rules.

A boot camp and tryout will be held on Sunday, December 19 at 11 a.m. at 8855 Dallas Street, La Mesa. Childcare will be provided.

East County News Service

December 4, 2015 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces completion of the new “Children’s Holiday Project.” The following will be presented to Maxine Lynch for La Mesa boys and girls on Thursday, December 10: 35 pairs of shoes, 54 shirts, 200 pairs of underwear, 170 pairs of socks and 20 fleece jackets. In addition, over 46 stuffed animals have been donated for local children by the Town and Country Resort Hotel.

East County News Service

November 25, 2015 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to join the City of La Mesa in celebrating completion of the $5 million downtown streetscape renovation project on La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa’s quaint village. Experience the newly brightened Downtown Village on December 9th from 4:00-6:00 pm.

La Mesa Shimmer will feature a lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm at Palm Ave. and La Mesa Blvd.  Refreshments will be provided during the event at Palm Ave. and La Mesa Blvd.  and near Date Ave. and La Mesa Blvd.  Live bands and students from Peter Pan Junior Theatre will perform along the Boulevard from 4:00-6:00 pm.

East County News Service

November 24, 2015 (La Mesa) – The Miracle Worker, a play that depicts the amazing life of Helen Keller, will be presented by Grossmont High School’s drama department December 2-4 and 9-12.

November 23, 2015 (La Mesa)--A person at Helix Charter School was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed others, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported.

By John Greenwall

November 23, 2015 (La Mesa) - La Mesa Conversations and the Friends of the La Mesa Library presented a joint program earlier this week titled: The Town Library: A Valuable Community Partner?  Members of the audience listened to various leaders from around the San Diego metro region about the evolving role of libraries and how they maintain relevance in contemporary civic life.  After the panelists presented their views, there was a very robust, but civil moderated discussion with more than 35 attendees, including La Mesa City Councilmembers Guy McWhirter and Kristine Alessio.

By Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2015 (La Mesa) – La  Mesa artist Grace Schlesier has been awarded the American Women Artists Gold Medal for her oil painting titled “Desert Magic.”

“It was chosen by the curator of the Scottsdale Museum Of The West,” Schlesier said. The show is currently at the Bonner David Gallery in Scottsdale until the end of November and available for purchase.

Schlesier is a signature member of the American Impressionist Society and American Women Artists, noted for her mastery at capturing the beauty and moods of nature, painting on location or En Plein Air. Her landscapes and seascapes reflect light and softness, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility--welcome qualities in today's fast-paced and stressful world.

November 12, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Experience the Connect La Mesa 2015 Block Party! Get connected with friends, family, destinations, and all things La Mesa when you join the rest of your community this Saturday, November 14 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the La Mesa Farmer’s Market Parking Lot behind City Hall. This is a fun packed event focusing on healthy activity, our urban environment, energy efficiency, and connecting you with essential destinations, services, and opportunities to Live Well in La Mesa.

By Janis Russell

November 11, 2015 (La Mesa)- On November 6^th, the Caregiver Coalition of San Diego with the city of La Mesa had an event for caregivers of military veterans called “Finding the Balance in Caregiving- Caring for Veterans.” The event took place at the La Mesa Community Center with resource booths, free lunch provided by AARP, and a drawing. Respite care was available, provided by Heritage Senior Care.

East County Magazine was there- and below are details on many important programs and services to help our local veterans.

November 11, 2015 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police have released surveillance photographs of the suspect who robbed the AM/PM Gas Station in La Mesa this past weekend. The suspect was armed with a rifle when he entered the store at approximately 1:25 AM on 11/07/15.

East County News Service

November 7, 2015 (La Mesa) – A man armed with a rifle similar to an assault weapon entered the AM/PM gas station at 3775 Massachusetts Avenue in La Mesa at 1:25 a.m. and demanded cash.  After the clerk turned over money, the suspect left on foot and was last seen running eastbound on Waite Drive, according to La Mesa Police.

Officers from La Mesa Police Department searched the surrounding areas with assistance from the San Diego Police Department helicopter ABLE and a San Diego Sheriff’s Department canine team, but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male adult in his 20s, approximately 5’9” tall, with a thin build. He was wearing a blue and gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a baseball cap. The suspect also wore dark sunglasses and had the hood of his sweatshirt up over his head.

November 4, 2015 (La Mesa) – Connect La Mesa invites you to bring you family and friends to a fun and interactive Block Party on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market parking lot on Allison Avenue.

Join East County Magazine at our Halloween Eve Masquerade Party at our editor's "haunting" home on Mt. Helix!

Friday, October 30th, 6-10 p.m.

Savor a "spook-tacular" feast, hear local spine-tingling ghost stories, watch classic '50s suspense films, listen to live original and variety music with Paul Nichols, and win wonderful prizes!  Free, fabulous masquerade masks for the first 50 RSVPs. 

Suggested donation: Just $10 and bring a dish to share. Happy Halloween Eve!

This event is open exclusively to East County Magazine subscribers. Our subscriptions to our weekly e-newsletter are FREE. Sign up here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/wild-fire-alerts  and then reserve your space!  Reserve space now!  Call 619-698-7617 or email editor@eastcountymagazine.org to RSVP and get the address.