June 22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Here are highlights of important issues on the agenda this week impacting San Diego's unincorporated areas as well as residents in the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee.
The San Diego Board of Supervisors meets on Tuesday and Wednesday this week with many important items slated to be heard. On Tuesday, Supervisors will deliberate the county budget and a joint powers agreement with Caltrans for the Next Generation regional communications system and more.
On Wednesday, supervisors will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Initiative Lands General Plan amendment. This is a controversial issue that will determine what sort of development will be allowed on properties in the vicinity of Cleveland National Forest in East County.
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July 12, 2014 (La Mesa) – Polonia United invites the public to attend a charity event to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. The benefit begins at 6 p.m. with a reception followed by a live music concert by artist Ivan Quiceno from 7-9 p.m. as well as a silent auction. The event costs $25 per person and will be held at 4518 Mayapan Drive in La Mesa, CA 91941.
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June 19, 2014 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Village Merchants Association invites you to step back in time each Thursday night from 5 p.m. starting June 19 through August 28. The Car Show happens along La Mesa Blvd between Acacia and Fourth Streets, in the heart of La Mesa Village.
Six trophies are awarded each night: four to cars, one to a motorcycle, and the La Mesa Police Department’s Police Officer’s Choice Award. Cruising is encouraged!
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By Janis Russell; Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report
June 18, 2014 (La Mesa)- An overflow crowd filled Council Chambers and spilled outside at last night’s La Mesa Planning Commission meeting on the controversial Park Station project, a multi-use development proposed at Baltimore and Nebo Drive. Kitzman, the developer, has scaled down original plans from 18 stories to 11, still well over double the height limit for the area. The new plan also eliminates a park and makes other changes.
Testimony ran on for over to four hours, with 23 speakers opposed and 26 in favor (most from outside La Mesa). The evening ended with a shocker, when Lenny Guccione, business manager for the American Legion – the project’s co-applicant-- criticized the project as “too big” for the neighborhood, then abruptly announced withdrawal of the American Legion’s support and walked out.
The announcement stunned planners and project backers. A recess was swiftly called, after which Sherman Harmer with Urban Housing Partners admitted the American Legion’s withdrawal came as a “total shock” to the applicant.
The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to close the public hearing and end public input on the project. Following internal discussion and staff input, a new meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 at 7 p.m.
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June 17, 2014 (La Mesa)—Jorge Alberto-Rocha Osuna, 26, is on life support with life-threatening injuries after a bizarre confrontation that began in the drive-in lane at McDonald’s, then ended in a vehicle intentionally striking the victim and pinning him against a building at a residence in the 3600 block of Avocado Village Court. Both locations are in unincorporated portions of La Mesa.
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June 16, 2014 (La Mesa) -- On Wednesday, June 18 the La Mesa Planning Commission will hear a request for a proposed “Park Station Specific Plan” and “Final Environmental Impact Report,” a conceptual plan for a 5.23 acre project in the Village which could include commercial and retail space, as well as 416 residential units with an option for a 500 room hotel in lieu of the residential units.
The developer is requesting the properties be removed from the city’s Village Specific Plan and given its own proposed plan, to be called the Park Station Specific Plan.
While scaled down from the original proposal, the current iteration still proposes double the density, up to a little more than double the height limit, and to cut the residential parking by half compared to current requirements as part of the Village Specific Plan.
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June 14, 2014 (La Mesa)--Helix Water District’s board of directors on Tuesday approved a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2014-15 that calls for a rate increase of 4.5 percent for the average domestic-class customer. The increase amounts to $5.93 on the average bimonthly bill—well below the anticipated 6.2 percent or $8.23 increase that was approved last year as part of a two-year rate notice in accordance with requirements of Proposition 218.
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June 9, 2014 (La Mesa)-- Volunteer worship leaders at Journey Community Church in La Mesa have been teaching students at La Mesa Middle School to play instruments and create their own bands in what is called “Rock University.” The after-school program was instituted three years ago as school funding dried up for music classes in the schools. The music team at Journey – all accomplished musicians – decided to fill in the gap and give the free lessons to students who have never experienced playing music. This event is the recital/concert for nearly 20 students who have gone through Rock University this past school year and takes place Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Journey Community Church.
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June 14, 2014 (La Mesa)--If you’ve ever wished that you could play football one more time, you’re wish has been granted. Alumni football is coming to La Mesa. Gridiron Alumni is planning several full contact alumni football games. Gridiron Alumni travels the nation pitting old football rivals against each other one more time. Hundreds of players and thousands of fans swarmed stadiums to watch their hometown heroes strap it on one more time. Gridiron Alumni is targeting teams like Grossmont, Foothills Christian, Mount Miguel, and many others. Players from the local area are invited to register and play. The first 40 players on each team get to play. The team that gets 30 people registered first gets home field advantage.
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June 11, 2014 (La Mesa)--La Mesa showed its patriotic spirit at the city's annual Flag Day Parade in 2014. Kristen Kjaero and Jose Abadie compiled this video with highlights of the event.
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Suspect may have approached children in San Diego, too, authorities warn
May 30, 2014 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Police seek public help to locate a man who approached two girls, ages 11 and 12, in a vehicle and asked them inappropriate questions on Friday, May 23 between 4 and 5 p.m. The girls were walking in the 6000 block of Bob Street when approached by the man, who sped off northbound.
The suspect has been described as a White male in his early 30’s. He has brown wavy hair, a mustache and goatee. He was wearing black framed eye glasses with clear lenses. He was well dressed and possibly has an earring in one ear. The suspect vehicle is described as a gold, silver, or grey older model four door sedan with beige interior.
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May 29, 2014 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa hosts its annual Flag Day parade on Saturday, May 31st in the downtown village. The festivities kick off at 9:00 a.m., with pre-parade concerts by La Mesa Middle and Parkway Middle Schools. At 10:00 a.m. the parade led by the United States 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band starts through the downtown La Mesa Village. Enjoy this year’s Grand Marshal celebration of the Ford Mustang 50th anniversary.View floats, military vehicles, active and retired war heroes, equestrian units, service clubs, and youth groups. This year the City of La Mesa will also have the First Class Petty Officers Association from Tactical Training Group Pacific carry a community Living Flag to conclude the parade.
Spectators are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire and cheer on the participants in this annual parade. After the parade, join the La Mesa’s Human Relations Advisory Commission for ice cream, see classic and new Mustang cars, and talk to the car owners at Palm Avenue and La Mesa Boulevard.
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May 17, 2014 (La Mesa) – A Kaiser Hospital nurse who rescued a baby and helped save the driver of a burning car in La Mesa has been honored for her actions at the Burn Institute’s Spirit of Courage Awards ceremony held on May 15th.
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May 14, 2014 (La Mesa) - Applications are now being accepted for positions on the City’s boards, commissions, and committees. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 5, 2014, in the City Clerk’s office at La Mesa City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue. Applications may be obtained at City Hall or by accessing the City of La Mesa website, www.cityoflamesa.com.
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Update May 15, 2014: by a 4 to 1 vote, with Mayor Art Madrid opposed, Council voted to move forward with this proposal, with voters having the ultimate decision on a future ballot measure to make the City Clerk an appointed position.
May 12, 2014 (La Mesa) -- On Thursday, May 13 the La Mesa City Council will discuss whether to place an item on the November election ballot to change the City Clerk position from one that is elected to a staff position that would be appointed.
Citing the increasing complexity of the position, Council Members Ernie Ewin and Ruth Sterling wrote, “City Clerk responsibilities require professional skills and expertise in areas such as election law, records management and conflict of interest regulations.”
Among other things, the Clerks Office must have a thorough knowledge of election procedures and the public notification requirements of the Brown Act.
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$12,500 NEA Arts Work Grant will bring music to at risk Communities
May 10, 2014 (La Mesa)--The National Endowment for the Arts recently awarded SDSU’s Heartpower Performances a $12,500 Art Works Grant to fund its unique combination of music performances, classes and clinics for at-risk audiences throughout Southern California.
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May 9, 2014 (La Mesa)—Meet local authors and artists from 9 .a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, May 10 at the La Mesa Civic Center, 8174 Allison Avenue). This free, fun and informative "Authors and Artists" event supports arts and literature in La Mesa.
The event also includes special presentations, notably by Richard Lederer, renowned wordsmith from public radio and the Union-Tribune, speaking on “The Writing Life.”
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May 5, 2014 (La Mesa)- At a Proposition H executive briefing held on April 25 by Grossmont Hospital, community leaders in San Diego and East County showed up to learn more about the measure, which will be on the upcoming June ballot. The measure seeks to extend Grossmont Healthcare District’s leae agreement with Sharp Healthcare at Grossmont Hospital for 30 years, until 2051.
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May 3, 2014 (La Mesa) -- Today from 11 a.m to 5 p.m., Johnny B's restaurant in La Mesa will donate 10 percent of proceeds to benefit a new pocket park project called the "Lookout" planned in La Mesa's downtown vlllage. The restaurant owner, John Bedlion, wlil also match the amount raised today. Drawings will also be held, along with a live auction.
“TheLookout” at Legacy Park will become a permanent piece of art that will honor the City’s Centennial celebration. Located at the convergence of La Mesa Boulevard (known as Lookout Avenue until 1940), Allison Avenue, and 4th Street; The Lookout will serve a traditional gazebo function – as a gathering place for social interaction. Center city gazebos have historically occupied a special place in the heart of communities; this one will be no different.
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Update: The suspect has been identified by the Medical Examiner as Robert Deleon, 40, of Spring Valley.
April 21, 2014 (La Mesa ) – A SWAT standoff has ended in La Mesa, with the suspect dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, five hours after barricading himself into a local motel.
A SWAT team and armored vehicle were called to La Mesa after a parolee fired a gunshot at U.S. Marshals attempting to serve him with a warrant at the Rodeway Inn this morning, according La Mesa Police. The Inn is located in the 4200 block of Spring Street near state Routes 94 and 125. The public was urged to avoid the area.
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April 17, 2014 (La Mesa) – Harmonicas and more will be wailing on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the annual Spring Harp Fest at Harry Griffin Park, 9550 Midden in La Mesa.
A donation of $10 is suggested. Below is the tentative lineup of talent:
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April 12, 2014 (La Mesa)—Polonia United, an organization of Polish Americans in San Diego, hosted a meet and greet with Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) at a private home in La Mesa.
“I am proud to have fought for people who want to be free,” said Hunter, a veteran who has served multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan.Hunter spoke of the need for the U.S. to support its allies that value freedom including nations in Europe such as Poland, while guarding against those who seek to cause harm.
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Hear our radio interview with term limits advocates Craig Maxwell and La Mesa Vice Mayor Kristine Alessio: http://kiwi6.com/file/257ktyze5y
By Miriam Raftery
April 12, 2014 (La Mesa) – An ad sent in a mailer to La Mesa residents by the La Mesa Term Limits Committee is sparking controversy. The ad, topped by a no career politicians message, has two photos of convicted former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner – one in 1979, labeled “idealistic, committed, zeal of a new recruit” and the second in 2013 labeled “corrupt, drunk on power, self serving.” The ad then admonishes voters to “keep all our reps honest with term limits.”
“How could the innuendo in this not be profoundly offensive to the current La Mesa City Council?” asks Anthony McIvor, a La Mesa resident, who calls the mailer a “regrettable smear” piece.
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April 11, 2014 (Santee)--On Thursday, May 8, 2014 the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the Santee Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them for an evening mixer at Lantern Crest Senior Living, 11010 Sunset Trail in Santee.
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April 9, 2014 (La Mesa)--The city of La Mesa kicks off “May is Drowning Prevention Month” with several free learning and prevention activities at the La Mesa Municipal Pool. On Saturday, April 12th from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m., the following classes will be held:
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April 8, 2014 (La Mesa) – A man who stabbed a Sheriff’s deputy was shot by the deputy’s partner this morning in La Mesa.
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April 4, 2014 (La Mesa)--Learn to paint a masterpiece in just a few hours with step-by-step instruction at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room, 8364 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa on April 8 from 6-9 p.m.. No painting experience is necessary.
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Ewin to step down, leaving two vacancies to fill on Council
By Miriam Raftery
April 6, 2014 (La Mesa) – The filing deadline isn’t until August for La Mesa’s city council and mayoral races. But at least two candidates have already declared their intention to vie for Mayor. Art Madrid announced on East County Magazine’s radio show that he is seeking reelection. Listen to interview here. Councilman Mark Arpostathis held a press conference to announce he plans to challenge Mayor Madrid. View video of his announcement here.
Whether Aropstathis wins or loses the mayoral challenge, it will open up his seat on the city council. In addition, long-serving Councilman Ernie Ewin announced this week that he will not seek reelection and has further indicated he will not run for mayor, San Diego Rostra reported. That leaves two open seats on La Mesa’s council –and a potential shift in the balance of power and priorities for La Mesa.
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April 1, 2014 (La Mesa) – La Mesa is gearing up for the unveiling of its Centennial Legacy Project – larger than life snail sculptures honoring the area’s species of snails (Helix aspersa) for which Mt. Helix was named. But that’s not all. Now a local entrepreneur has announced that she will launch “Escargot To Go,” a culinary delivery service specializing in farm-raised snails served up in buttery French tradition. (click "read more" below to read the full story.)
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March 26, 2014 (El Cajon )—In a pretrial motion hearing yesterday, El Cajon police Detective Darren Forster testified that he doctored a photograph to convince Kassim Alhimidi to admit that he was near his home when his wife, Shaima Alawadi, was brutally murdered. Police admitted that they drove the suspect’s red van to the scene and staged a photo, altering the date stamp.
Alhimidi initially denied being near the scene but later said he was in the area when shown the “evidence,” ECM news partner 10 News reports. He continues to deny killing his wife and reportedly wept in court after learning he had been arrested based on falsified evidence.
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new plan also eliminates a park and makes other changes.
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