East County News Service

May 24, 2017 (La Mesa) - Local young entrepreneurs Aaron Morgante and Colin Martin of “Good Wood Customs” are bringing their love of Cornhole to local bars and breweries around the San Diego area.

Story and photo by Liz Alper

May 24, 2017 (San Diego) - New La Mesa Fire Department chief Colin Stowell was this month's speaker at the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce's breakfast meeting at Marie Callender's on Wednesday morning.

East County News Service

May 18, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce encourages you to taste foods and beverages from dozens of local restaurants at the ninth annual “Taste of La Mesa” being held on Monday, June12th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.

Source: City of La Mesa

May 12, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation will hold its annual “La Mesa Rocks!” event to benefit local La Mesa parks on May 19. The proceeds from this event provide FREE family activities such as summer concerts, movies in the park, science days and recreational events for kids.  The Foundation is currently raising funds to renovate playgrounds at Vista La Mesa, Collier and La Mesita parks.

Source: City of La Mesa

May 12, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The community is invited to attend the ribbon cutting celebration for the opening of the first phase of the Collier Park Improvement Project on May 25 at 4:30 pm at 4401 Palm Avenue in La Mesa.

East County News Service

May 11, 2017 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa invites you to wear your red, white and blue to salute “Old Glory” at the 20th annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 3rd. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. through the La Mesa Downtown Village, led by the United States 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.

East County News Service

May 4, 2017 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to celebrate Mother’s Day at Farmer’s Table in La Mesa, where a special 3-course prix fixe menu will be served up for $38 per person.  A wine pairing is also available for $15.

Police seek leads on suspect, described as bald Hispanic man in white polo shirt

By Miriam Raftery

April 30, 2017 (La Mesa) – A security guard was injured by a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his thigh at 1:35 a.m. outside Jolt N Joe’s Bar.  Several vehicles parked outside were also struck.

East County News Service

April 29, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Simone Bahou, 52, was arrested April 27^th after fleeing from Sheriff’s deputies.

According to Sergeant M. Hettinger, a Sheriff’s deputy responded to a call reporting a suspicious person drinking alcohol in his vehicle behind the CVS store at 3749 Avocado Boulevard in unincorporated La Mesa. Upon arrival, the suspect, (later identified as Bahou, started his vehicle and slowly drove past the deputy as he approached on foot.

By Miriam Raftery

April 28, 2017 (La Mesa) – Bookworms, rejoice! Huffington Post has published a list of the best 50 independent bookstores in the U.S.  Five are here in California – including Maxwell’s House of Books in La Mesa.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

April 25, 2017 (La Mesa) - Santana High School baseball paid a visit to Helix to take on the Highlanders.  It promised to be a fun matchup, with the Scottie dogs sporting an incredible 13-7 overall record (3-1 in league) coming into today.  The Sultans were even more impressive, coming into the contest undefeated in league play (4-0) and 14-6 overall.  Junior Keaton Chase took the mound for the Highlanders against senior Tristan Salinas for the Sultans.

By Miriam Raftery

“I will argue that my minority and low income citizens have just as much right to be fairly represented as San Diego and Chula Vista.”—Lemon Grove Councilman Jerry Jones

April 23, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Assembly Bill 805  passed the Assembly Local Government Committee on Wednesday by a 5-4 vote.  The measure claims to  reform SANDAG,  but in fact gives virtually all power to the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista, leaving East County cities and other communities in our county powerless to add agenda items to benefit other cities or block objectionable measures at SANDAG, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District.

Now East County cities are fighting back.   On Tuesday, La Mesa’s City Council will consider a proposal from Council members Bill Baber and Kristine Alessio to hire a legislative lobbyist to advocate on La Mesa’s behalf against AB 805, which was authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), according to the agenda.

El Cajon’s City Council has voted to oppose AB 805, as did Lemon Grove and La Mesa.  East County Assemblyman Randy Voepel, former Mayor of Santee, voted against the measure in committee.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson

April 22, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of Farmer's Table,  La Mesa's hot new dining spot. 

The restuarant specializes in farm-to-fork fresh cuisine, serving up hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners daily.  From a farmer's salad to wood-fired pizzas to a black and white tagliolini brimming with shellfish,  you'll find plenty to satisfy your appetite here.

Source: Heartland Fire & Rescue

April 17, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Are you prepared for a disaster? An earthquake or firestorm? Consider attending a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy. Free disaster training will be taught by members of Heartland Fire & Rescue and Santee Fire Department in classes that begin May 6^th. 

By Joseph Glidden

How the City Games the System to Keep Its Residents Uninformed, Unengaged, and Uninspired.

April 11, 2017 (La Mesa)--The Strategic Planning Workshop is arguably the city council’s most important public meeting of the year. Police, Fire and city employees are always well represented, but few residents are in attendance. The city does little to promote civic engagement. If anything, it actively discourages community involvement in the following ways: