Source: La Mesa Police

December 17, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department held a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 12, between 6:30 p.m. and midnight, at 4900 Spring Street. Although no motorists were found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 880 vehicles were screened, and one driver was arrested for having a D.U.I. warrant. Five drivers were cited for driving without a license.

“They meant to hurt us, but they’re hurting our kids.” –Jason Balisteri, Mount Miguel history teacher and former teacher-librarian

By Armando Rasing II

Photos, left:  protest signs at GUHSD board meeting when the majority voted to fire all teacher-librarians.

November 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) - The 2025-26 school year marks the first school year that the Grossmont Union High School District doesn’t have a teacher-librarian for any of its nine schools, following mass layoffs. 

“Thrifting is a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.” – Darlene Cossio,  Goodwill Director of Marketing and Communications in La Mesa

By Heidi Hope 

November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – In today’s tight economy, with many people struggling financially, one of the best ways to stretch your dollars is by shopping at thrift stores. At Goodwill, you will  find deep discounts on second-hand clothing and accessories such as shoes, handbags and backpacks—from wardrobe basics to stylish outfits. 

By Heidi Hope 

November 18, 2025 (La Mesa)-- For 43 years, Act II has been a thriving and successful boutique offering women’s resale fashion in La Mesa’s downtown village. It is a trendy store started from a family business in 1982 by Dolores Buller and her daughter Deanne Ross, who still owns the store. Act II focuses on stylish female fashion with the hope of helping others dress well, feel good and maintain a budget-friendly experience. 

Andrea Holland, Act II’s store manager, explains the process of gathering fashions to sell and describes their fashion specialty for women’s clothing.

“Ladies resell--we specialize in current trendy fashion, and we have wonderful prices,"Holland says. "You can get designer wardrobe here for just really great deals.” 

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Village Association's 10th annual Holiday in the Village event will take place on December 13 from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. It will feature a variety of enhanced holiday traditions including an ice rink, a winter wonderland, Mrs. Claus’ reading nook, selfies with Santa, holiday photo opportunities, mini golf, and an “elf yourself” activity.

By Heidi Hope 

November 13, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking for men’s and women’s vintage and contemporary fashions, you’ll find a treasure trove of resale clothing and accessories at The Vault.  Run by Michelle La Bruno, The Vault is located at the corner of Lemon Avenue and Nebo Drive in La Mesa’s downtown village, tucked behind the train locomotive museum in the storefront formerly occupied by Unique Boutique.

East County News Service

November 9, 2025 (Mt. Helix) — Dawn Sebaugh snapped this picture of the “Beaver Moon” on November 5,   The November full moon was dubbed “Beaver Moon”  because it’s the time when beavers are most active building their lodges for winter, and when the fur trading season was at its peak. The name has its origins in Native American and Colonial American traditions.

This shot was taken looking west from her home’s deck towards Rancho San Diego and El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery, with additional reporting by Karen Pearlman

Photo: LMPD Officer Lauren Craven, courtesy of La Mesa Police

Updated Oct. 21, 4 p.m. with comments from Chief Ray Sweeney,  City Manager Greg Humora, and Governor Gavin Newsom

October 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was struck and killed last night after stopping to assist motorists involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 east at Fairmount Avenue at 10:24 p.m. last night.  One of the motorists also died, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer Craven was on duty returning from Central Jail when she stopped at the scene of the crash, where one vehicle had lost struck another, then lost control and rolled over, according to the California Highway Patrol.  A third vehicle then struck the disabled vehicle, 10 News reports.

The CHP told 10 News that after LMPD Officer Craven got out of her vehicle to assist the motorists, she was struck by an oncoming vehicle, after which a fifth vehicle struck those involved in the original crash.

East County's Casa de Oro, which was going to benefit from a demonstration project for Campo Road road improvements, saw a grant from the federal government rescinded. ECM photo

Local residents and officials voice disappointment in decision