December 10, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s downtown village transforms into a Victorian-style wonderland December 10th and 11th from 5-10 p.m. The annual Christmas in the Village celebration features horse-drawn carriages, bonfires on La Mesa Boulevard, strolling minstrels, carolers, street entertainers, puppets, carnival rides and Santa Claus.

December 7, 2010 (La Mesa) – Former Congressman Duncan Hunter (father of the current Congressman) is the author of a new book, Victory in Iraq: How America Won. He will be signing copies of his book on Saturday, December 18 from 3-6 p.m. at Maxwell’s House of Books at 8285 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa.

Store targeted by measure reveals today that it is going out of business

December 1, 2010 (La Mesa) – On December 14 at 4 p.m., La Mesa’s City Council will consider an ordinance proposed by San Diego Stop Puppy Mills. The proposed law would prohibit pet stores from buying dogs from puppy mills and other breeders.

Since February 2009, the group has been protesting against Pet Works in Grossmont Center, alleging that the store sells dogs raised in puppy mills with inhumane conditions. Today, East County Magazine contacted Pet Works and learned that the store plans to shut down.

November 29, 2010 (La Mesa)—A Heartland Fire & Rescue engine from La Mesa was driving northbound on Bancroft Drive when crew members smelled a strong odor of natural gas yesterday morning. The fire crew stopped to investigate the smell and determined that there was gas coming from underground at 5033 Bancroft Drive.

November 29, 2010 (La Mesa)—During La Mesa’s Christmas in the Village holiday celebration on December 10 and 11, the Readers, Inc. bookstore will have numerous authors speaking. Below is a schedule of events.

November 20, 2010 (La Mesa)--Holiday offerings of smaller paintings priced for gifting is a tradition in the art world; many galleries feature shows entitled "Little Gems", "Holiday Miniatures Exhibit", and the like. 

November 12, 2010 (La Mesa) – Savor fair trade coffee while perusing products from fair-trade artisans around the world at the La Mesa Holiday Alternative Gift Fair. The event will be held on Sunday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 7710 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa in the parish hall.

 November 3, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Thanksgiving is coming and the people of the United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM) invite you to let Mama do the baking this year. Two members are helping Mama’s Kitchen raise money to provide nutritious meals for San Diego men, women and children affected by AIDS and cancer. You can help by purchasing a pumpkin, pecan, apple, or sugar-free apple pie for $20 ($15 is tax deductible).

By Jim Wieboldt

October 30, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – The San Diego Medical Examiner’s office has identified Guy Edward Halac, 51, of Lemon Grove, as the victim of a fatal accident on October 26. Halac’s his Ninja motorcycle plunged over a ramp from State Route 125 at I-8 in La Mesa, landing on a roadway below.

October 7, 2010 (El Cajon) – San Diego Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter crew assisted El Cajon Police in apprehending a suspected drunk driver following a high speed chase through La Mesa and El Cajon early Tuesday morning.

October 2, 2010 (La Mesa) -- To encourage health through physical activity and reduce traffic around schools, eight schools in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District will participate in the International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 6th. Students will be walking or biking to school, along with parents, teachers, principals, and community leaders.

September 28, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants’ Association invite you to La Mesa's annual Oktoberfest celebration in the downtown Village October 1-3.  This year's event will feature 400 vendors, two beer gardens, live music, carnival rides, and an estimated 200,000 visitors.

Hours are:

It’s All About Priorities

By Kristin Kjaero

In Part Four of this series on election races in La Mesa, East County Magazine spotlights City Council candidate Patrick Dean. For this series we asked all candidates the same set of questions on local issues, with an open invitation to bring up anything else they would like to discuss at the end of the session. 

September 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – Quality of life issues lead La Mesa City Council candidate Patrick Dean’s priorities, from his personal approach to life to his visions for the City.