East County News Service

October 14, 2017 (La Mesa) - Harry Griffin Park is going to the dogs! 

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2017 (El Cajon) – Crowds flocked to Oktoberfests in El Cajon and La Mesa for bratwurst, beer, and festivities. The two community events differed sharply, with the German-American club’s event at its headquarters in El Cajon focused on authentic offerings such as a German band and Bavarian pastries, while La Mesa added some international elements and carnival attractions.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

October 6, 2017 (Lakeside) - ECM Friday Night Lights is back after a two-week hiatus with our first-ever trip to Lakeside as the Foothillers of Grossmont (3-2 overall) made the trip out to visit the Vaqueros of El Capitan (2-3 overall) in both teams’ first matchup of Grossmont League play.

Update June 6, 2019 -- Artale has been found guilty of second degree murder. 

By Miriam Raftery

October 4, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa resident Christopher Artale is now charged with murder after the man he allegedly shot in the head, Aldo Alfonso Prado, died during the night of his injuries, La Mesa Police report.

Artale, 40, has pled not guilty. If convicted, he could face 35 years to life in prison. His bail is set at $1.5 million, NBC 7 reports.

By Miriam Raftery

October 3, 2017 (La Mesa) – Our second East County Dining Club event once again filled a local restaurant to capacity. Guests savored special Italian dishes, homemade pasta,Italian and local wines, and  live Italian vocal music  at Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa--also winning a wealth of prizes, meeting neighbors and making new friends.

By Miriam Raftery

October 2, 2017 (La Mesa) — Last night, La Mesa Police detectives arrested La Mesa resident Christopher Artale, 40, for attempted murder of Alfonso Prado, 35, of National City.  Artale shot Prado in the head following an altercation Sunday afternoon in front of Artale’s home.

East County News Service

September 29, 2017 ( San Diego ’s East County) – This year’s San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego will launch on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the 12 Chick-fil-A restaurants in San Diego County, including the Chick-fil-A restaurants in the East County in Santee at 9418 Mission Gorge Road and in La Mesa at 8200 Fletcher Parkway.

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section! Type in “Sports” as your donation!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity? Comment on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

September 27, 2017 (La Mesa) - It’s been a little cold the last few days, but it’s starting to warm up again and it’s perfect water polo weather as the varsity Santana Sultans boys--who are having an impressive season so far, sporting a 6-2 record (but 0-1 in league) made the trip to Helix to take on the Highlanders, who aren’t doing as hot at 4-7 overall and 0-2 in league play.

East County News Service

September 29, 2017 (La Mesa) -- A wide variety of high quality, fairly traded international items will be available at a La Mesa gift fair on Sunday, Oct. 15 in the church hall at St. Martin of Tours Church in La Mesa (7710 El Cajon Blvd.)  The event will take place from 8 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.  Attendees can enjoy samples of fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and ice cream while perusing gift items such as handmade baskets, jewelry, clothing, home décor, crafts and more. Also, available for purchase will be fair trade chocolate, coffee & teas.

East County News Service

September 26, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is hosting its current art exhibit featuring 45 paintings by Michael Dayon of La Mesa. The exhibit, ending Sept. 30, features Dayon’s paintings in a variety of media, including alkyd-oil, acrylic, gouache, graphite and mixed media. Also on display is Dayon’s “Fritz the Pearman” series (Fritz is Dayon’s “struggling artist” alter ego).

By Miriam Raftery

September 24, 2017 (La Mesa) — On August 9^th, La Mesa residents filled the community center to share their ideas for revamping MacArthur Park, the former Sun Valley Golf Course site. The city is committed to keeping the area as a public park and unveiled a map where citizens could post colored dots and comments to show which ideas they favored or not, and why.

By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2017 (La Mesa) – Bugsy’s Brew Coffee shop ha s closed its doors, five years after opening at the corner of La Mesa Blvd. and Jackson Drive.   A note taped to the door informs customers of the closing over the weekend “with a heavy heart but great memories.”  Owner Dan Moran thanked patrons, adding, “I’m sorry for having to move on, but my family is in need and I just focus on remaining active in my children’s lives! Family first forever.  I will love and miss my time here…let’s stay positive and may our paths cross in the future.”

By Miriam Raftery

September 17, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- According to a California Health Alert Network bulletin, San Diego County’s outbreak of hepatitis A now includes  cases in La Mesa, El Cajon and Santee as well as unincorporated areas of the County, though cases have now been confirmed “in all parts of the County,” the report states.

East County News Service

September 15, 2017 (La Mesa) – Miguel Angel Rojas, 54, owner of the La Torta restaurant in La Mesa, died on September 10^th.

“ A husband, father, brother and friend, Miguel, was beloved by many,” states  a GoFundMe page set up by Rojas’ stepdaughter to help his wife, Felicia, and daughters.  “Many people came to know Miguel through his food and friendship.  Unfortunately, Miguel was taken from the Rojas/Reed family very suddenly and without preparation. Any donations received will be used for funeral services, hospital bills and to support Miguel's wife and daughters. Prayers and condolences are appreciated.”

By Miriam Raftery

September 12, 2017 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Village Voice, originally founded to halt the Park Station proposed highrise project, has published an editorial on its Facebook page criticizing a proposed apartment project on the site of the former Little Haven convent The editorial also suggests that a proposal to eliminate the city’s design review board would simply clear hurdles for developers in the future. 

The La Mesa Village Voice editorial states in part, "Do you care about development in the Village? If so, you must read this. You may not be aware of the Little Flower Haven Apartment Complex Development that is being proposed at the old covenant on La Mesa Blvd. It may not affect you, it may not interest you, but the way the council responds to the developers pushing it through should – because it’s a window into the future of La Mesa."

Read the full editorial and discussion, including extensive comments by Council members Guy McWhirter and Kristine Alessio (photos, top left):  https://www.facebook.com/LaMesaVillageVoice/posts/1398618196853750 and see highlights below of the editorial and online responses below.