La Mesa/Mt. Helix

PASSAGES: COMEDIAN, MUSICIAN AND RADIO HOST RUSS T NAILZ (RUSS STOLNACK)

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Russ T Nailz on Facebook

 

March 10, 2022 (San Diego)  He often said he’d been making people laugh since June 1957, when he was born. Yesterday, the laughter stopped when Russ Stolnack, Jr., aka Russ T Nailz, died at age 64. The long-time East County resident was a multiple Emmy award-winning entertainer best known as a comedian, radio hostmusician and celebrity auctioneer for charities.

 

On his Facebook page, he celebrated “making a living doing what I love.”

 

He also died doing what he loved, while filming "On The Air."  His  long-time TV and radio cohost, Robert “Sully” Sullivan, said Stolnack “was signing a song with the house band when he had a heart attack, and – just like that – he was gone.”


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TRUCK COLLIDES WITH MOTORCYCLE IN SANTEE, KILLING LA MESA MAN

East County News Service

March 10, 2022 (San Diego) – A La Mesa man, 26, died at the scene of an accident early this morning after he was struck by a truck and ejected off his Honda motorcycle onto westbound State Route 52.

The accident occurred at 5:13 a.m. just west of Mast Blvd.  According to the California Highway Patrol, a Freightliner truck tractor-trailer combination driven by a 34-year-old Lakeside man collided with the motorcycle.


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GIRL SCOUTS OFFERED TO SPEAK IN LA MESA AT AAUW MEETING MARCH 12

East County News Service

March 5, 2022 (La Mesa) -- On March 12 at 10 a.m., the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women will welcome Michelle Mullen, Chief Mission Delivery Officer of the San Diego Girl Scouts at their general meeting. The topic for the presentation is Girl Scouts Today: Mission and Design.


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LAMPLIGHTER’S THEATRE REVIEW: THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL - GOING HOME FEB. 25 - MARCH 20

By Kathy Carpenter

March 2, 2022 (La Mesa) - It's said you can't go home again because nothing will be the same. You have changed in your time away. In the 1940s, elderly Carrie Watts lived in Texas in a small apartment with a controlling daughter-in-law and her hen-pecked son. For 20 years, she kept trying to return to Bountiful, where she had spent the happiest years of her life. The only thing that keeps her going in her aged years is that she keeps trying to sneak out and go back home. She's always been caught, until now.


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ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION AT HOOLEY’S

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) - Hooley’s Public House, once voted most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland, invites you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17.  Both the Rancho San Diego and La Mesa locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with no cover charge.


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SPRING VALLEY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FATAL HIT-AND-RUN IN LA MESA WHICH KILLED COLLEGE STUDENT

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Jok Joseph Jok, 18, had dreams of going to medical school and was a student at the University of California, Riverside when he was struck by a pickup truck a year ago. The driver fled the scene, leaving Jok injured alongside the road on Bancroft Drive in La Mesa on Feb. 27, 2021. Jok died a week later in a hospital.


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TRAUMA TEAM RECRUITING NEW VOLUNTEERS: NEXT TRAINING SESSION MARCH 2 IN LA MESA

East County News Service

February 22, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- When trauma hits it does not discriminate. It can come in a blink of an eye and can turn your life around like a tornado in a matter of seconds.   Most do not know the steps to move forward from a crisis event, but there are people with hearts two sizes too big who volunteer to be by the side of victims.

In collaboration with the emergency response system, Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) provides immediate crisis intervention following a tragedy. TIP volunteers add another dimension to the emergency system compassionate support. Specially trained volunteers provide care and support to citizens who have been traumatized or are in a state of crisis providing service 365 days a year.


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OASIS HELPS SENIORS AND HOMELESS LEARN TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

By Mike Allen

Photo:  Oasis trainer David Beevers helps Trinity Place resident John Hurst with his new tablet.

February 19, 2022 (San Diego) -- Getting the homeless off the streets is just one step in a multi-pronged approach to achieving a life of self-sufficiency. An example of a follow-up step is an innovative program by San Diego Oasis: giving low-income seniors and older homeless folks smart technology devices that can make a difference in their lives.


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LA MESA MONTHLY MARKET FEB. 26

East County News Service

February 18, 2022 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to “find your treasure” at the La Mesa Monthly Market.  The next event is Saturday, February 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 8200 La Mesa Blvd. in the heart of the La Mesa downtown village, organized by Pacific Coast Market.


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LA MESA CHAMBER INVITES YOU TO WELCOME SAN DIEGO LIVING REAL ESTATE AT OPEN HOUSE & RIBBON CUTTING FEB. 23

Source:  La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

February 17, 2022 (La Mesa) - On Wednesday, February 23rd the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at an open house and ribbon cutting for San Diego Living Real Estate located at 8504 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m. with the “official” ribbon cutting taking place at 6:00 p.m.


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“TACO TUESDAY” MIXER HOSTED BY THOUGHTFUL CREATIONS IN LA MESA FEB. 22

East County News Service

February 17, 2022 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces that Thoughtful Creations, an innovative retailer located at 8270 La Mesa Boulevard, will host a mixer Tuesday, February 22nd between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.


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LA MESA PASSES ORDINANCE TO LIMIT IMPACTS OF SB 9, NEW STATE LAW INCREASING HOUSING DENSITY

By Elijah McKee

Photo: CC by NC via Bing

February 15, 2022 (La Mesa) — This past September, the State of California passed a pivotal housing law called Senate Bill 9. Now, like many localities around the state, the City of La Mesa is charged with considering how to best implement the legislation with local ordinances — such as the one that passed the City Council last Tuesday night. 


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LOTHIAN SUCCESSFULLY PITCHES PUBLIC ARTS FOCUS ON MURALS IN LA MESA

By Elijah McKee

Photos:  Councilmember Lothian envisions murals, such as this one projected onto a currently blank building wall.

February 12, 2022 (La Mesa) — Ever drive through La Mesa and notice the blank gray side of a building? Councilmember Laura Lothian sure does, and she’d like to change what people see. 


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LA MESA CITY LEADERS REMIND DOG OWNERS TO LOVE EM AND LEASH EM

Leashes help to keep dogs & people safer by preventing bites, fights & traffic accidents!

Source:  City of La Mesa

February 11, 2022 (La Mesa) - La Mesa City leaders are reminding dog owners to be good neighbors by keeping their dogs on a leash, unless in a designated off-leash area. It's also the law. Leashes keep dogs and the people around them safer by preventing bites, fights and traffic accidents, as well as avoiding potentially dangerous encounters with snakes, coyotes, or other wild animals.


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PERMIT FOR NEW LA MESA URBN LEAF DISPENSARY NOW A PIPE DREAM AFTER CASA WINS APPEAL AT HEARING

By Elijah McKee

February 11, 2022 (La Mesa) — Phil Rath could see the light at the end of the tunnel. He had the La Mesa Planning Commission’s stamp of approval, as well as the Design Review Board’s. It appeared that his employer, Urbn Leaf, would soon have a new cannabis dispensary at 7901 Hillside Drive.


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LA MESA ANNOUNCES MORTGAGE AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Source: City of La Mesa

February 10, 2022 (La Mesa) -- To help struggling La Mesa families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City announced today the expansion of the current Mortgage Assistance Program to also include rent payment relief for residents. Beginning Monday, February 14,  applications will be accepted for rental assistance.


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FIND PUPPY LOVE FEB. 12 AT CUPIDS & CANINES MEGA ADOPTION IN GROSSMONT CENTER

Cats also available at annual event

 

Story and photos by Karen Pearlman

February 9, 2022 (La Mesa) -- The annual Cupids & Canines MEGA Adoption Event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Grossmont Center shopping mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa.

About two dozen animal rescue agencies and shelters are expected to bring nearly 300 adoptable dogs and cats to the mall looking for prospective homes as part of the event put on by the San Diego Animal Support Foundation.


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VEHICLE HITS TREE, KILLING DRIVER IN LA MESA

East County News Service

February 7, 2022 (La Mesa) – A 32-year-old man died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in a blue 2018 Hyundai Genesis early this morning on Fletcher Parkway east of Amaya in La  Mesa.  A male passenger, 29, was injured.


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LA MESA RESIDENT EVELINE WILSON HAS A FAMILY OF 71

By Ray Bello 

Photo: Eveline’s 80th Birthday Party 2011 (partial family photo)

February 3, 2022 (La Mesa) - Imagine having 71 birthdays to remember. Impossible! Eveline Wilson, age 90, has this impossible mission handled. Her son Chuck prepares a calendar for her with each name and birthday. She addresses the envelopes using her Rolodex, personalizes each card and uses lots of x’s and o’s.

 


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ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED IN LA MESA

February 2, 2022 (La Mesa) – A man who attempted to rob Cabrillo Credit Union at 7900 El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa yesterday passed a demand note to the teller, but fled before receiving any money.  
 
He fled on foot, heading west on El Cajon Blvd.  La Mesa Police officers searched the area.  Within seven minutes of the initial call, an officer spotted a man matching the suspect’s description on Guava Avenue, says Lt. Katy Lynch.

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MAN SENTENCED FOR PARTICIPATING IN ARSON DURING LA MESA RIOT

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Jake Rose: Randall Lamb building in flames

January 29, 2022 (La Mesa) – Daniel Louis Sandoval, 44, of Campo has been sentenced for his role in the burning down of the historic Randall Lamb building in La Mesa shortly after midnight on May 31, 2020 during civil unrest.


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HOMELESS MAN ACCUSED OF ROBBING WELLS FARGO IN LA MESA

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC by SA-NC

January 29, 2022 (La Mesa) – A homeless man accused of robbing the Wells Fargo Bank in Grossmont Center on Thursday was arrested soon after in a nearby restaurant.


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GMIA HEARS DETAILS ON PROPOSED SITE TO HELP HOMELESS

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson 

(Photo courtesy of the County of San Diego)

Jan. 24, 2022 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Mt. Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) took a proactive look at where potential homeless sites would be located in La Mesa, while trying to balance compassionate solutions with community safety. 

One proposed site is at the Park and Ride near the Rancho San Diego Village Shopping Center at Avocado Blvd. and State Route 94 in unincorporated La Mesa; GMIA asked the county to host an online webinar, which was held January 18.  

Due to technical difficulties that knocked some participants offline, a second Zoom meeting has been set for Wed., Jan. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  The link for the Jan. 26th session is:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89774215131 . The next session should provide an opportunity for the attendees to further explore potential sites in La Mesa for the homeless. 


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LA MESA CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS NEW PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY

New policy & procedures aim to preserve remote access to meetings

Source:  City of La Mesa

January 21, 2022 (La Mesa) – In an ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in local government, La Mesa City Council adopted a new public comment policy for City Council, Boards, and Commissions meetings. Currently, these meetings are held virtually, but the new policy preserves remote access to these meetings when in-person sessions return.


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LAMPLIGHTERS SERVES UP "THE COCKTAIL HOUR"

Review by Kathy Carpenter

January 19, 2022 (La Mesa) - Do we need permission? These days it is often touted to give yourself permission to move forward. A lot of people may think the whole plot of this play is hooey. As Nike’s slogan says, "Just Do It." But there is also such a thing as respecting others.

Lamplighters Theatre is presenting "The Cocktail Hour," a play written by A.R. Gurney. The play is based on Gurney and his family, a technique not uncommon in playwrights. The story is set in the northeast United States, many decades ago, with a somewhat affluent white family.


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LA MESA REPLACES ITS SANDAG REPRESENTATIVE AND EXTENDS VIRTUAL MEETINGS; LOTHIAN DEFIES MASK MANDATE

Updated January 17 with comments from Councilmember Lothian and clarification that the Council has been meeting virtually since the pandemic began and voted to extend virtual meetings.

By Eugenie Budnik

January 14, 2022 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa City Council held its first meeting of the new year on Tuesday. Mayor Mark Arapostathis opened with his State of the City speech, calling the city “strong.” 

Later the Council addressed some contentious issues, including replacing its SANDAG representative and extending virtual meetings amid the latest COVID surge.  With Council and staff in chambers, newly elected Councilmember Laura Lothian openly defied the state’s mask mandate.


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TEEN SHELTER IN LA MESA IS FOCUS OF JANUARY 14 ZOOM MEETING

East County News Service

January 12, 2022 (La Mesa) – The East County Homeless Task Force has announced a Zoom meeting this Friday, January 14 at 1 p.m. regarding Home Start’s work on The Lodge, a former motel on University Avenue in La Mesa repurposed to provide housing and services for transition-age youths.


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LA MESA TO REPLACE 21 TREES AT COLLIER PARK, CITY’S OLDEST PARK

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Collier Park, City of La Mesa

January 11, 2022 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa plans to remove 21 Eucalyptus trees this week at Collier Park, the city’s oldest park, located at Palm and Pasadena. 


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LA MESA AWARDS ANIMAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO HUMANE SOCIETY

Source: San Diego Humane Society

January 11, 2022 (La Mesa) — Tonight, members of the La Mesa City Council voted unanimously to approve a contract with San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) to become the City’s animal services provider. San Diego Humane Society has been providing sheltering and medical care for La Mesa’s animals at its El Cajon Campus since October 2020. With this new contract, which goes into effect immediately, SDHS will provide Humane Law Enforcement (animal control) and licensing services as well.

In addition to all the specialized programs San Diego Humane Society offers, such as the Kitten Nursery, Behavior Center, Pilar & Chuck Bahde Center for Shelter Medicine, Bahde Wildlife Center, Community Support Services and community education, residents in La Mesa will see an added benefit with extended animal control and dispatch hours. Residents can call 619-299-7012 (press 1 for Humane Law Enforcement Dispatch) or visit http://www.sdhumane.org  for more information about San Diego Humane Society’s services.


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HUNDREDS HIKE TO TOP OF MOUNT HELIX

 

Story and photos by Karen Pearlman

January 8, 2022 (Mount Helix) -- More than 200 people circled the 3/4-mile winding road from the San Miguel Fire Station on Vivera Drive up to Mount Helix, where a festive atmosphere and the famed 360-degree view of San Diego County awaited them this crisp Saturday morning.

A possible threat of rain never emerged, with clouds making way for partly sunny skies during the Grossmont Mount Helix Improvement Association's 14th annual Walk to the Top of Mount Helix. Live music, fresh-picked lemonsand tangerines from trees of neighbors living in the Mount Helix area also awaited the walkers.


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