Source: Grossmont Center

October 12, 2019 (La Mesa)-- Give an animal the treat of a forever home this Halloween! Grossmont Center and the San Diego Animal Support Foundationinvite you to the annual Howl-O-Ween Hounds MEGA Adoption Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, at Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa).

During the free Howl-O-Ween Hounds event, dozens of rescue groups and shelters bring hundreds of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, birds, turtles, and tortoises to the Center—and all of them are ready to be adopted into a loving home! You can find many different kinds of dog breeds at this mega adoption event, everything from the tiniest Chihuahuas to the grandest Great Pyrenees, as well as unique and adorable All-American “mutts.” This family-friendly event is the perfect way for every member of your household to choose a new pet together.

East County News Service

October 7, 2019 (La Mesa) – The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a real estate trade group for San Diego-area realtors, will host “Small Homes, Big Impact,” a free, two-hour forum and resource fair on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa. The public is invited to attend.

The event sponsor is AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons.

Topics to be discussed will include state and local compliance laws and legislative updates, as well as financing and types of ADUs, also known as granny flats and companion units. Additional topics will include why ADU’s are an option for homeowners, common experiences for homeowners, and where to go for more information and to apply for permits.

The moderator will be Colin Parent, La Mesa City Councilman (photo, left).

East County News Service

September 24, 2019 (La Mesa) – From jazz to classic and modern music, to swing infused with an indie-pop vibe, plus country, pop, blues, and retro-funk, Ed Kornhauser plays it all. The pianist and keyboardist will be live at The Table: United Church of Christ in La Mesa (5940 Kelton Ave.) on Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Screenshot, City of La Mesa video

September 20, 2019 – (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Chief Walt Vasquez presented a report on citizen police oversight practices at last week's City Council hearing and made suggestions for an 11-member Citizen Public Safety Panel to exchange information for the betterment of public safety in La Mesa. But his panel would lack investigative powers to look into complaints involving the police department.

Public testimony was against the Chief's proposal, and Councilwoman Dr. Akilah Weber grilled Vasquez on whether he adequately canvassed residents for input.

East County News Service

September 15, 2019 (La Mesa) – Get your Lederhosens ready – the 46th annual La Mesa Oktoberfest is gearing up for over 100,000 revelers celebrating German traditions over three full days of free festivities October 4-6.

Source:  City of La Mesa

September 11, 2019 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa receives approximately $400,000 annually from the federal government through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) to fund housing, community development, and infrastructure projects. The city would like your input to help determine housing and community needs in the community for future funding.

East County News Service

Photo: Vegan burger, courtesy of Grossmont Center

September 6, 2019 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to taste how delicious a vegan lifestyle can be at the First Friday Night Market at Grossmont Center on Friday, October 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sponsored by Vegan San Diego, this free event gathers the most exceptional vegan vendors all in one spot so that you can savor and sip delectable plant-based food and beverages.

Hear our interview with Councilman Bill Baber

By Miriam Raftery

September 1, 2019 (La Mesa) – After years of battling illegal marijuana dispensaries and recently licensing the city’s first legal medicinal cannabis dispensary, La Mesa is considering an ordinance to legalize recreational adult-use sales and manufacturing. 

Councilman Bill Baber and Mayor Mark Arapostathis served on a subcommittee that recently held a meeting with cannabis industry representatives. Next up, staff is preparing ordinance language for the City Council to consider on September 10^th, when the public can weigh in with comments.

We sat down for an interview with Councilman Baber that originally aired on KNSJ radio.  You can hear the full interview by clicking the audio link, or scroll down for details.

Baber says if the measure is approved Sept. 10 and at a second reading Sept. 24, La Mesa could see its first legal recreational cannabis sales starting as early as January 2020. The first sales of recreational marijuana would be through dispensaries already approved for medical marijuana sales, providing they have operated without significant complaints or legal issues.

East County News Service

August 29, 2019 (La Mesa) – Thrive Real Estate, an independent real estate brokerage in the East County, has announced it is now affiliated with Compass, Inc., one of the fastest growing real estate brokerages in the U.S.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

August 26, 2019 (La Mesa)   Parents in La Mesa are charged with murdering their infant son, as well as assault and child abuse. Joel Dwayne Rodriguez-Brownell and Jalena Robin Rodriguez were arrested August 18th after their 8-month-old son, also named Joel, suffered life-threatening injuries. Murder charges were added after the child died a day later.