Council also approves changes to traffic-calming procedures, making it harder for neighobrhoods to approve speed humps



By Miriam Raftery

January 10, 2019 (La Mesa) – Heeding the urging of citizens for form a task force with citizens’ involvement to address homelessness,  La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis at Tuesday’s City Council agreed to take action—taking the first steps toward forming a committee to address the issues.

“It’s beyond just setting up ways to work with faith-based centers,” the Mayor said, referencing local churches helping to feed and provide temporary shelter to homeless people. He said the city also needs to look at “how to help people not become homeless.”

By Miriam Raftery

January 6, 2019 (La Mesa) – At the La Mesa City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 19^th, Mayor Mark Arapostathis will deliver his state of the city speech. Afterwards, the Council agenda includes several hot topics.

Council will hear a report on the independent investigation into a controversial use of force by a La Mesa Police school resources officer at Helix High School in January of last year. A video showed the officer knocking a handcuffed female student to the ground.  According to the city, the student declined to speak with the independent investigator and has filed a lawsuit against La Mesa.  

Council will also hear results of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and vote on whether to accept the report, which includes a 2019 work plan and ranked list of streets for traffic calming measures.

Council will also hear appeals involving two medical marijuana dispensary applications. 

Update November 7, 2018:  With 39% of precincts tallied, Weber and Baber maintain the lead with 27.43% and 25.94% respectively over McWhirter at 24.79% and Myers at 21.84%. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Dr. Akilah Weber and her sons at Democratic Party celebration downtown

November 6, 2018 (La Mesa) — One of the closest races in East County is unfolding in La Mesa, where incumbents Bill Baber and Guy McWhirter face tough challenges from physician Akilah Weber and retired Sheriff’s commander Dave Myers.  Weber is currently in first place with 27.06% of the vote, narrowly leading over Baber at 26.22% and McWhirter at 25.03%, with Myers at 21.68%.  But only five of 33 precincts have been counted as of midnight.

The offices are officially nonpartisan, but Weber and Myers are endorsed by Democrats while Baber and McWhirter are backed by Republicans.  The “blue wave” that swept Democrats into control of the House of Representatives thus far appears to have split in La Mesa.

East County News Service

July 18, 2018 (La Mesa) – Dr. Akilah Weber, a physician who is the daughter of Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, has announced she is running for the La Mesa City Council.

If elected, she says her three top issue priorities will be public safety, health and wellness, and housing affordability.

By Miriam Raftery

April 6, 2018 (La Mesa) – Last week, La Mesa’s City Council approved the city’s first medical marijuana dispensary, New Origins, set to open in the La Mesa Medical Plaza on Center Street near El Cajon Boulevard.  But now the chief executive officer of Family Wellness Center in the same complex, is asking the city to rescind the permit.

Why is library omitted from the plan?

By Dr. Anthony McIvor

February 27, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Tonight the City Council agenda includes a returning item: engagement of an urban planning firm to update feasibility tests for the Civic Center site. Included are the introduction of market-rate housing, as well as office and/or governmental use, park and parking uses in combination with another civic building.

And once again we see a baffling omission.  Surrounding cities – from Alpine to IB – are proudly opening – and winning awards with – new town libraries. Just yesterday, San Diego Mayor Faulconer lauded libraries as “…hubs for inspiration, discovery and opportunity.” But in La Mesa, the long-delayed new library continues to get the crickets treatment at City Hall.

Why?

SDG&E defends its record on safety and clean energy

By Jonathan Goetz

Photos Courtesy City of La Mesa

December 11, 2017 (La Mesa) - City Council voted at its last meeting to officially become a due-paying member of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless. La Mesa has been participating by sending staff to the meetings, and this action makes the relationship official. Additionally, meetings will now be held at a standard 6 p.m. instead of the rotating 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and SDG&E’s Public Affairs Manager Cameron Durckel and La Mesa Parks and Recreation Foundation President John Fonseca shared PowerPoints.

By Miriam Raftery

September 24, 2017 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa City Council will take up several hot issues at its meeting on Tuesday, September 26^th at 6 p.m. The Council’s decision could make it easier for developers to increase density and decrease parking, create new marijuana regulations, and declare La Mesa a ‘ferret friendly” city.

A proposed change in meeting time and openings on several boards and commissions are also on the agenda.

By Miriam Raftery

August 29, 2017 (La Mesa) – Facing a threat of legal action, on September 12^th, La Mesa’s City Council will reconsider its vote on a proposed apartment complex at the former Little Flower Haven convent site on University Avenue.

By Jonathan Goetz

August 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – This year’s Oktoberfest will be September 28-Ocober 1 and run by the La Mesa Village Association.  The La Mesa City Council approved the action at last week’s meeting. A proposal to change all City Council meetings to 6 p.m. was continued to a future meeting to allow more community feedback.  The City’s traffic calming program will use more than just speed humps to slow down traffic. Additionally, private fundraising efforts will be launched to raise money for a large gateway sign for downtown La Mesa.

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council will consider a proposal at its Tuesday meeting to issue a special permit to expand the La Mesa Classic Car Show from eight weeks to 14 weeks.  The shows would be held Thursday nights from June 7 through August 25 and would be run by the newly formed La Mesa Village Association (LMVA).

East County News Service

January 24, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council will hear an Affordable homes Bonus Program proposed by Councilmembers Kristine Alessio and Colin Parent at tonight’s  meeting at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers (8130 Allison Ave., La Mesa.) View details: http://ca-lamesa3.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/1472?fileID=2801

Update with comments from the Lincoln Club President and links to prior concerns raised about the PAC by the FPPC.

By Miriam Raftery

November 3, 2016 (La Mesa) — A hit piece mailer on La Mesa City Council Colin Parent has been sent by a shadowy political action group tied to his opponent.

The mailer deceptively states Parent moved to La Mesa only to run for Council and mentions he’s lived in Sacramento and San Diego.  It fails to mention his long and deep ties to East County.  Parent went to Fuerte Elementary School near Mt. Helix, had his first job on La Mesa Blvd. with the East County Development Council, grew up going to local La Mesa hang-outs such as the Aquarius roller rink, was active in Boy Scots and graduated from Valhalla High School in the Grossmont Union High School District before attending UC San Diego and later, getting a law degree in New York.

East County News Service

October 15, 2016 (La Mesa)—Three candidates vying for two seats on the  La Mesa City Council are slated to appear in a forum  on Tuesday, October 18 at 6 p.m.in the La Mesa Police Department’s community room.

This forum will be sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the  American Association of University Women.

Candidates are incumbents Ruth Sterling and Kristine Alessio,  as well as challenger Colin Parent.

By  Miriam Raftery

East County Magazine sat down with Councilwoman Kristine Alessio, who is seeking reelection to the La Mesa City Council.  Alessio, an attorney specializing in land use issues, was born and raised in La Mesa and previously served on the  Planning Commission.  “I have a very good understanding of the city,” she says. 

You can hear her interview, originally aired on KNSJ radio,  by clicking the audio link: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au..., or click “read more” and scroll down to read highlights.