By Miriam Raftery

September 21, 2018 (La Mesa) – Controversy has enveloped the La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board, where three incumbents are stepping down – leaving three open seats. One slate of three challengers is critical of the board’s action, while another trio of candidates is backed by the same forces as the outgoing board members. A seventh candidate is running independently.

A candidate forum will be held on Monday evening, October 1^st at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church (4690 Palm Ave.) in La mesa with a meet and greet at 6:15 p.m. and forum at 6:30 p.m.

East County News Service

September 20, 2018 (La Mesa)-- On Friday, a Helix Water District customer reported  that she received phone calls from someone wanting her credit card information so they could lower her interest rates. The Caller ID on the customer’s phone identified the caller as Helix Water District, but the district warns, “These calls are not coming from Helix Water District. Under no circumstances will a Helix employee ask for your credit card number, over the phone or in person.”

By Miriam Raftery

Hear our interview with Councilman Bill Baber on marijuana measures, originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link

September 13, 2018 (La Mesa) --The La Mesa City Council has approved by a 5-0 vote a ballot measure, Proposition V, which would allow the city to put a business excise tax on cannabis businesses in  La Mesa.  The tax, if approved, would be paid by the businesses, not consumers. The city’s finance departments estimate that the measure could raise $1.5 to $2 million per year.

“As a separate matter, we’re working on an adult use ordinance that would bring the opportunity for adult use businesses to come alongside medicinal,”  reveals Councilman Bill Baber in an interview with ECM on KNSJ Radio.  He envisions allowing dispensaries already complying with medical marijuana sales requirements to be the first to carry recreational cannabis.

Scooter craze offers freedom for riders seeking alternatives to cars, but raises concerns over injuries, parking and public safety

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Scooter riders don't always follow traffic rules; cc by N.A.

September 9, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The latest worldwide transportation craze has hit our region.  Electric “dockless” scooters for short-term rental are cropping up across San Diego County, offered by companies such as Bird, Lime, Uber and soon, Lyft.

East County News Service

September 13, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “QPR: Question, Persuade and Refer, Suicide Prevention Training,” an informational program about how to offer hope and help someone in a suicide crisis, from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.

Update 3:30 p.m.:  This missing person has been found.

September 4, 2018 (La Mesa) - Amir Abbas Khorram, 84, is missing and has dementia, so he may not remember his address. He was last seen this morning in the area of 7100 Colony Road, La Mesa.

He is Middle Eastern and speaks both Farsi and English. He walks with a cane and has white hair and a white beard.

Updated January 24, 2021 with a link on ABA therapy for autism. 

By Andy Tolley, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 31, 2018 (La Mesa) - A simple suggestion from a parent at the La Mesa Branch Library has initiated a new program for kids with autism.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve heard about in a while for kids on the spectrum,” said Matthew Wion, a dad with two kids on the spectrum who has been taking advantage of the new program.

East County News Service

August 28, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to “shop with joy and purpose” at the annual La Mesa Fair Trade Shopping event on Sunday, October 14^th from 8 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Parish Hall, 7710 El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa.  La Mesa.  Enjoy Fair Trade Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and lots of samples while perusing the aisles of hand made baskets, jewelry, purses, belts, wallets, handbags, jackets, scarves, toys, pottery, Christmas ornaments, gift baskets, coffee, tea, chocolate and lots more from many vendors.

East County News Service

August 22, 2018 (La Mesa) – Following several successful events at local restaurants aimed at encouraging people to put down cell phones and enjoy interacting with others during dinners out, Unplugged Dining announces a Sept. 18 “Control Your Tech” workshop as well as “Tech Break Tuesday” events at local restaurants on Sept. 25. See below for details.

By Ken Stone

Originally published by Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo by Ken Stone

August 14, 2018 (la Mesa) - A year ago this week, 25-year-old Rebekah Basson attended her first meeting as a newly appointed school board member in East County — based in part on her pledge to run for a full term in November 2018.

East County News Service

August 3, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Daniel Charlson, owner and founder of Dark Horse Coffee Roasters (http://www.darkhorsecoffeeroasters.com) has recently announced that their 4th location in San Diego will open its doors on August 10, 2018, at 4350 Palm Ave, La Mesa, San Diego.

By Miriam Raftery

August 1, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The filing deadline to run for local offices is August 10^th.   We checked with El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Santee to find out which seats are on the ballot, and who has taken out papers declaring an intent to run for city council or mayor so far.  Below is the list of prospective candidates to date, though more candidates may file, and prospective candidates are not confirmed until they turn in signatures and meet verification requirements to qualify for the November ballot. 

If you are interested in running, you have until August 10 to pull papers and turn in the required signatures from registered voters in support of your candidacy. Since some city offices are closed on Friday the 10th, be sure to check with your local jurisdiction.

City Council and Mayoral races are officially nonpartisan; however, some officials tout their endorsements or affiliations with political parties. For those candidates, we have listed their affiliations.

By Miriam Raftery

July 30, 2018 (La Mesa) – New Origins, the applicant for a medical marijuana dispensary is suing the city of La Mesa, after the city reversed earlier approval of the dispensary to open in the La Mesa Medical Plaza on University Avenue near El Cajon Boulevard.

By Miriam Raftery

July 23, 2018 (La Mesa) – A family of four and the driver who struck their vehicle Sunday were all transported to hospitals, Patch.com. reports.

East County News Service

July 16, 2018 (La Mesa) -- You won’t find noisy TVs and blaring music at Fourpenny House in the heart of the La Mesa Village.

This coming Tuesday, July 17, what you will find are signs encouraging you to take a tech break while you enjoy your meal at the cozy Scottish Brew Pub.