May 26, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The annual pancake breakfast is stacked up to be a fun time for the whole family, Sunday June 7 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the La Mesa Fire Station #11 in the city's civic campus (8034 Allison Ave, La Mesa).

May 24, 2015 (Mt. Helix) – Can you say “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?”  Christian Community Theatre San Diego celebrates its 35th anniversary at the beautiful Mt. Helix Park amphitheater with this summer's production of Mary Poppins.

Project will advance to City Council

Story and photos by Janis Russell

Photo, left: Sherm Harmer, Urban Housing Partners

May 21, 2015 (La Mesa)- At yesterday’s meeting, the La Mesa Planning Commission voted to deny approval of a revised Park Station plan because of its inconsistency with the general plan and community objectives. The vote was 4-2 with Commissioner Dexter Levy absent.  Next up, the City Council will be asked to decide Park Station’s fate.

This was the developer’s third attempt to win approval.  The plan had been dramatically scaled down from 190 feet in height originally proposed  to a maximum of 75 feet in the latest proposal, though still far over the 46 feet height limit citywide and double the allowable density. The latest plan increased density and added a hotel, but reduced parking. A controversial aspect has been the developer’s effort to  get approval of a specific plan solely for Park Station so that zoning requirements of the historic downtown district and other areas in La Mesa would not apply.  It would have included a “by right” ability to make future changes without city approval, or what critics referred to as a “blank check.”

Rare Event Affirms Welcoming Church Environment

May 20, 2015 (La Mesa)--At least 400 people are expected to attend a local event that is unusual for mainstream Protestant churches. A modern-day “Love –In” will showcase one United Methodist congregation’s welcoming environment for love between all people, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.  The event will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa.

By Mimi Pollack

May 18, 2015 (La Mesa)--Whenever, he sees his Sherpa carrier, Marcel gets all excited. This doggie loves to travel which is good since his owner, Maggie Espinosa, happens to be a travel writer! They have gone to various parts of the United States, Mexico and France. They live in La Mesa, CA where Espinosa’s husband works as a veterinarian in his own clinic.

May 15, 2015 (La Mesa)--Want to learn more about wine but not sure where to start? @Spacebar Café & Wine Bistro invites you to a wine class, tasting and pairing on June 3rd from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

May 14, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Park Station is coming before the La Mesa Planning Commission for the third time since the application was first submitted in 2008. The hearing will be held on May 20 at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The first time it was kicked to the curb on the basis of height and density. The second time everyone -including the applicant- was stunned when the American Legion Hall withdrew their co-application during the hearing, requiring the Kitzman’s to come up with a new plan.

May 11, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department will be hosting its 4th Annual La Mesa Police Youth Leadership Camp from June 29-July 2, 2015. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Camp is to provide leadership training and life-enhancing skills, personal development training, academic enrichment, team building, and to teach responsibility to one’s family and community. Participants will engage in classroom instruction, discussions, and scenarios; athletic and academic challenges (team and individual); field trips to volunteer community service work; and other activities.

-- Health care library’s `Wellness Wednesday’ meeting will discuss de-cluttering and downsizing for health on May 27

May 10, 2015 (La Mesa) - The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free program on  “De-Clutter and Downsize for Happiness and Health,”  from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27. The program is part of the Grossmont Healthcare District library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

By Patricia O’Reilly, Photos by Ed Rodden

May 8, 2015 (La Mesa)--The 7^th Annual Golden Artistry Jewelry Design Competition was honored with a special fundraising event at the La Mesa Women’s Club on Friday evening, May 1^st, 2015.

Terry Whyte, owner of Golden Artistry in La Mesa Village, established the competition to encourage and inspire young designers from the high schools of the Grossmont Union High School District.

By Kristin Kjaero

May 5, 2015 (La Mesa) – On April 28 the La Mesa City Council voted unanimously to allow telecommunications equipment to be installed on streetlights and signals in the right-of-way in 11 locations around the City (map below), to enhance cellular phone and data transmission coverage.

The company will pay the City as a Right-of-Way Use Fee of 5% of adjusted gross revenues generated from the equipment or $500 per location, whichever is greater, and an annual fee of $500 to attach its equipment to a City pole. It will be required to apply for an encroachment permit, and will bear the costs of installation and maintenance.

May 4, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Myra Witzer, a strong willed woman in her late thirties, is determined to get married at any cost and Leonard Shank, an unassuming man in his early forties, is the guy she goes after and gets, much against his will. After several months of married life, Myra realizes that the chase excited her more than the capture and wants out. On the other hand, Leonard, who at the beginning wanted no part of the marriage, now wants to stay married to her more than anything. Now that he's fallen for her, will Leonard be able to convince her that he's her prince charming?

Event to benefit benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of East County, Fostering Opportunities Scholarships and Include Autism.

East County News Service

May 1, 2015 (La Mesa) -- San Diego Las Hermanas "(The Sisters") invites you to  their "Boots & Bling" fundraiser on Saturday, May 9 at the La Mesa Community Center. Grab your partner, throw on your cowboy boots and hats, and join the festivities including live Country Western music, BBQ dinner, drawings, live auction, card tricks and comedy magic, line dancing instruction, and entertaining antics by  Master of Ceremonies Yosemite Sam.

By Kristin Kjaero

April 30, 2015 (La Mesa) – With all the activities available this month, there has to be something for everyone here.

Events range from star gazing party on Mt. Helix to a free boot camp, s SANDAG public workshops on regional growth plans through 2050, what is arguable the community's most popular event, the La Mesa Flag Day Parade (if you're not in it, you're probably watching it)... and oh, so much more.

April 29, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa has once again updated its economic development webpage with refreshed Commercial Space Availability Reports. According to the most recent reports, dated April 2015, there is approximately 146,000 square feet of retail space available in the City; 150,000 square feet of office space; and 37,000 square feet of industrial space.  Retail vacancy is down over 20% from April 2014 and office vacancy is down roughly 14%.