La Mesa

DREW FORD SELLS TO SOCAL PENSKE FOLLOWING DEATH OF FAMILY PATRIARCH

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

September 19, 2014 (La Mesa)—Drew Ford, a fixture in La Mesa with roots dating back to 1927, has sold to SoCalPenske. Mallory Lee, agency manager at Drew Ford, confirmed the sale to ECM reporter Janis Russell, adding that she believes Penske will keep the facility a Ford dealership.


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READER'S EDITORIAL: AFTER THE RHETORIC, WHAT'S THE RECORD?

 

Originally published in La Mesa Today

By Anthony D. Mc Ivor

September 19, 2014 (La Mesa)-- In November, La Mesa voters will decide whether to change the Municipal Code and put into law a significant new ordinance. The ordinance will tell us – and future generations of La Mesa voters – who we can vote for, who we can’t and when.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: SEPT. 20 - SEPT. 28

 

September 17, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – This week’s Destination East County has some hot musical and theater events, also marking the start of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.  Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions, from a Fiesta in Spring Valley to the Viejas Days Parade.


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PASSAGES: FORMER LMSV SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER PENNY HALGREN DIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 18, 2014 (La Mesa)—Former La Mesa-Spring Valley School District board member Penny Halgren passed away yesterday afternoon.  Halgren served on the school board from 1994 until January 2013. She resigned to move to Arcadia in Los Angeles County to be with her boyfriend and started a quilting business there.

A long-time La Mesa resident, Halgren also served on the board of the East County YMCA for 16 years and was actively involved with the La Mesa Rotary Club.


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BEST HAPPY HOURS IN EAST COUNTY

 

Part II in a series

By the East County Eaters

 

Week 2:  Alpine Beer Company Pub (Alpine) and Vine Cottage (La Mesa)

September 11, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--Last week, we opened our Best Happy Hours in East County series by focusing on some premier locations for cocktails. This week, our eager team of eaters and drinkers hit the road once again, this time bringing you reviews of a local brewery’s pub that’s one of the most popular watering holes in the backcountry, along with a European-style bistro with a wonderful wine bar and some of the best happy hour food deals in town.

 


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LISTEN NOW: OPPONENTS MAKE THEIR CASE FOR NO TERM LIMITS IN LA MESA

 

Click here to hear a podcast of our interview with opponents of La Mesa’s term limits campaign

September 11, 2014 (La Mesa)--East County Magazine recently sat down to interview Kristin Kjaero and Dexter Levy, organizers of The No Term Limits for La Mesa Campaign. Levy chairs the City’s Planning Commission and Kjaero serves on La Mesa’s Sustainability Commission.   In our interview, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio, the two long-time La Mesa residents share their concerns about the proposed term limits initiative on the November ballot—including why they believe the measure reduces choices for La Mesa voters and could open the door for special interests to buy influence in La Mesa, a century-old city often likened to Mayberry for its sense of community.


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LA MESA TO SHUT OFF PARKING METERS FOR 60 DAYS

 

By Miriam Raftery and Janis Russell

Updated September 12, 2014 (La Mesa)—By a 3 to 2 vote, La Mesa’s City Council members voted Tuesday to shut down parking meters for 60 days, though the shut-off won’t take effect until mid-October.  Motorists will have two hours of free parking.


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HEARING UNDERWAY IN DEATH OF TREE TRIMMER IN LA MESA

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 8, 2014 (La Mesa)--Executives of a company that hired a man with no tree trimming experience to trim a towering eucalyptus tree may soon stand trial for the man’s death.


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GUNMAN ROBS LA MESA MOTEL

 

September 8,2014 (La Mesa)-- Travelodge Motel at 7911 University Avenue, La Mesa, was robbed by a suspect armed with a black handgun last night at 8:20 p.m.


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2014 KIDS CARE FEST SEPT. 20 IN LA MESA: FREE HEALTH CARE SCREENINGS FOR 1,000 CHILDREN

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 9, 2014 (La Mesa)--The date has been announced for the 2014 Kids Care Fest, a free, family-oriented event open to the public featuring free health care screenings. This year’s Kids Care Fest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now in its 13th year, Kids Care Fest is presented by the Grossmont Healthcare District, La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation and the City of La Mesa.

Organizers expect more than 1,000 children will receive free, potentially life-saving, health care screenings, including hearing, vision and dental screenings, from healthcare professionals.


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HELIX MUSIC PROGRAM HOLDS REHEARSE-A-THON TO RAISE FUNDS FOR COMPETITIVE SEASON

 

Community asked to sponsor a student for $50 each

September 7, 2014 (La Mesa)--On Saturday, September 13th, the students and staff of the Helix Highlander Band and Color Guard have committed to a 12 hour practice challenge for their annual Rehearse-A-Thon, raising money while perfecting their competitive show.


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CASH MOB COMES TO LA MESA SEPT. 13 FOR “REVIVE THE BLOCK PARTY” TO HELP SHOPS IMPACTED BY CONSTRUCTION

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 8, 2014 (La Mesa)—The East County Cash Mob is back – and you’re invited to help several struggling small business owners in La Mesa’s downtown village all day on September 13th.

“Times have been tough with local construction on the city streets. Their business has dropped 80 percent,” says Susan Barron, organizer of the event, said of the impact that torn up streets from a downtown revitalization project is having on local merchants.

Cash mobs organize through social media to draw customers and support small businesses during tough times. To participate, simply come prepared to spend $20 or more at any of the following businesses:

 

  • Act ll                   8321 La Mesa Blvd.
  • Wildflowers          8323 La Mesa Blvd.
  • Amethyst Moon    8329 La Mesa Blvd.
  • O’Dunn Fine Art    8325 La Mesa Blvd.
  • Glamour Girlz    special invited guest inside Amethyst Moon

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VOTERS TO WEIGH AN ARRAY OF LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 7, 2014 (San Diego) – Eighteen local initiatives will appear on ballots in San Diego County, on issues ranging from school bond for funding schools to measures that would legalize medical marijuana dispensaries.


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VET WARNS OF NEUROTOXIC SNAKES IN SUBURBAN SAN DIEGO NEIGHBORHOODS

 

Photo, left: rattlesnake in Ramona, by Elena Pena

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Neurotoxic snake bites, known as “super bites”, were formerly  rare in our region, found mainly in the Mojave Desert. But 10 News reports these serious bites are occurring now in suburban areas of San Diego and East County.

A dog with a neurotoxin bite in Del Cerro, for example, went into shock and had difficulty walking. The dog was treated at Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in La Mesa, where vets told 10 news that three of the ten snakebites treated in the past week have been neurotoxic bites.


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LAKE JENNINGS LOSSES DOWN 56%: HELIX TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING WED. ON LAKE’S FUTURE

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Just a few months ago, the future of Lake Jennings, in Lakeside appeared dire, with someHelix Water District board members ready to close it permanently or eliminate campgrounds.  But a special committee was established to come up with solutions to save this resource for the public enjoyment--and the results are promising, based on a dramatic drop in losses and increasing use by the public.

The future of the lake is on the agenda this Wednesday at 6 p.m. at a special meeting of  Helix Water District’s Board at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.  (View full agenda: http://www.hwd.com/board/package090314.pdf


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SHERIFF SEEKS FUGITIVE KNOWN TO FREQUENT EAST COUNTY; $1,000 REWARD OFFERED

 

September 1, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest of Tavarris Deshawn Garcia.


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TROLLEY OFFICERS FIRED OVER PASSENGER BEATING IN LA MESA

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 29, 2014 (La Mesa)--Two security officers caught on video beating a passenger on a trolley in La Mesa on August 18th have lost their jobs, Transit Systems Security has informed Metropolitan Transit System. MTS contracts with TSS to provide security services on trolleys and busses countywide.

“This incident never should have happened and we will take all appropriate steps internally and with TSS to help prevent future occurrences,” said MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski in reference to the altercation between a passenger and two TSS security officers. “We do not tolerate that kind of behavior.”


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TORREY PINES BANK CELEBRATES A DECADE IN LA MESA

 

August 27, 2014 (La Mesa) - Torrey Pines Bank is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its La Mesa office, at 8379 Center Drive, this August. The attached  image captures the bank’s grand opening ten years ago. Then, Torrey Pines Bank started in 2003 with $20 million in initial capital and today has more than $2 billion in assets.


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BICYCLIST STRUCK BY TROLLEY

 

East County News Service

August 26, 2014 (La Mesa)—A bicyclist was struck by a trolley Tuesday in La Mesa, suffering a serious injury to his leg.


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THIEF FOILED AT CARL'S JUNIOR

 

August 27, 2014 (La Mesa) – A thief hungry for cash was foiled from robbing a Carl’s Junior on Parkway Drive in La Mesa, thanks to the actions of the fast food outlet’s assistant manager.  La Mesa Police seek public help to locate the suspect.


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BORDER CHILDREN: LA MESA CHURCH FORUM HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

 

Hear audio excerpts from Morones' presentation from our East County Magazine radio show originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM:  http://www.kiwi6.com/uploads/new

By Miriam Raftery

August 24, 2014 (La Mesa)--Parishioners and guests at the United Church of Christ in La Mesa lined up to purchase T-shirts proclaiming “Love has no borders,” after hearing an impassioned presentation on the plight of border children August 17th.

Wearing a “Save the Children” tie, pediatrician Dr. Richard Short introduced guest speaker Enrique Morones, founder of Border Angels (www.borderangels.com) .  The church congregation has committed to support Border Angels’ efforts to aid immigrant children and families fleeing violence and poverty in Central America.  Over 60,000 have flocked to America seeking asylum here, including families and children placed in detention centers here in San Diego County.

“Everybody looks to the president or the mayor. But what can we do?” Morones asked.  He emphasized that the Central American refugees are fleeing to numerous nations, not only the United States.


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VICTIM OF TROLLEY BEATING SPEAKS OUT

 

August 25, 2014 (La Mesa) - East County news partner 10 News has tracked down the man shown in a video being beaten aboard a trolley in La Mesa on September 18th by MTS security officers.


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TROLLEY BEATING IN LA MESA NOT THE FIRST ALLEGATION OF ABUSE BY TROLLEY SECURITY; RACIAL PROFILING ALSO ALLEGED IN PAST

 

By Miriam Raftery

August  22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Surveillance video of two Metropolitan Transit Service (MTS) security officers brutally beating a passenger in La Mesa has prompted suspension of the officers and a police investigation, as ECM reported.  But now an ECM investigation reveals that it may be only the tip of an iceberg.

A Facebook page titled “Stop MTS Harassment and Brutality!” with the logo shown at left was launched back on March 3, 2014 by Bertha Guttierez of Chula Vista.  Posts and links at the site reveal at least three additional excessive use of force cases involving MTS security officers, two of them also involving victims who alleged racial profiling , racial slurs and taunts by the officers.


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CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO OPPOSE TERM LIMITS IN LA MESA

 

 

“A vote is too precious to limit.” – No Term Limits in La Mesa slogan

East County News Service

August 11, 2014 (La Mesa)--With the slogan “A vote is too precious to limit,” a group of La Mesa residents has joined together to form No Term Limits in La Mesa, to oppose a term limits initiative  in the city of La Mesa that will be on ballots this November. The group asks the public’s help to spread the word through a people-powered grass roots campaign using word of mouth, a website (www.NoTermLimitsInLaMesa.com ), social media and downloadable graphics to print your own flyers, car signs, posters and T-shirts.

The group objects to term limits on principle, Kristin Kjaero explained, saying “The Founding Fathers didn’t give us term limits, they gave us the Bill of Rights which guarantees our right to free expression. The most fundamental form of that expression is our vote, which allows us to put teeth behind our opinions.”


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EAST COUNTY AD AGENCY EARNS CREATIVE AWARD FROM THE ACADEMY OF INTERACTIVE AND VISUAL ARTS FOR COMMERCIAL MUSIC PRODUCTION

 

August 9, 2014 (La Mesa) – La Mesa-based advertising agency Clark Marketing Solutions recently earned a 2014 Communicator Award of Distinction from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for commercial music production.  The agency’s award entry was a jingle/music production package developed last year for automotive client Nelson Honda.


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HELIX WATER DECLARES DROUGHT LEVEL 2 ALERT: MANDATORY CONSERVATION MEASURES IMPOSED

 

Source: Helix Water District

August 7, 2014 (La Mesa)--Helix Water District’s board of directors voted yesterday to put Drought Level 2 into effect in response to the State Water Resources Control Board’s passage of mandatory water conservation measures to deal with the current drought.

Since February, the district had been in Drought Level 1, which called for numerous voluntary actions to eliminate water waste. Drought Level 2 makes them mandatory.  Residents and businesses are required to take the following conservation steps:


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LA MESA: "SUMMER BASH - BUSINESS EXPO"

 

 

August 7, 2014 (La Mesa) – On Wednesday, August 13, La Mesa's Chamberof Commerce invites you to take mix, mingle and enjoy food provided by local businesses and the Chamber.


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HELIX WATER BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT: NOTICE TO DECLARE CANDIDACY

 

August 4, 2014 (La Mesa) – Notice is hereby given that a General District Election will be held in the Helix Water District on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, for the following offices for which candidates may be nominated:


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LOCAL CHURCH HOSTS BORDER CHILDREN FORUM: AUGUST 17 IN LA MESA

 

Church launches drive to save lives, help children fleeing violence

"Jesus himself was a refugee, who with his family fled to a foreign as an infant." --Rev. Kaji Dousa

Hear our interview with Doug Brunson from UCCLM: http://www.kiwi6.com/file/gvviv3lgb6

View or sign a petition to help the children: http://tableucc.com/witness/sign-the-petition-central-american-refugee-crisis/

By Miriam Raftery

 

August 7, 2014 (La Mesa)—United Church of Christ in La Mesa has stepped forward to help children from Central America who have sought refuge in the United States, fleeing violence, drug trafficking and threats of death.   The public is invited to a Border Children panel discussion on Sunday, August 17 at 3 p.m.  at the church, located at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa.

 “We need to welcome the strangers. We need to help those in need,” Doug Brunson with UCCLM told East County Magazine in a recent radio interview, quoting Jesus.  “This is a crisis…something that needs to be addressed now,” he said of the 50,000 children.


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COUNTERFEIT BILLS IN LA MESA

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2014 (La Mesa)--A La Mesa coffee shop has been victimized by patrons passing counterfeit bills, La Mesa Today reports.


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