By Kristin Kjaero

May 5, 2015 (La Mesa) – On April 28 the La Mesa City Council voted unanimously to allow telecommunications equipment to be installed on streetlights and signals in the right-of-way in 11 locations around the City (map below), to enhance cellular phone and data transmission coverage.

The company will pay the City as a Right-of-Way Use Fee of 5% of adjusted gross revenues generated from the equipment or $500 per location, whichever is greater, and an annual fee of $500 to attach its equipment to a City pole. It will be required to apply for an encroachment permit, and will bear the costs of installation and maintenance.

May 4, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Myra Witzer, a strong willed woman in her late thirties, is determined to get married at any cost and Leonard Shank, an unassuming man in his early forties, is the guy she goes after and gets, much against his will. After several months of married life, Myra realizes that the chase excited her more than the capture and wants out. On the other hand, Leonard, who at the beginning wanted no part of the marriage, now wants to stay married to her more than anything. Now that he's fallen for her, will Leonard be able to convince her that he's her prince charming?

By Kristin Kjaero

April 30, 2015 (La Mesa) – With all the activities available this month, there has to be something for everyone here.

Events range from star gazing party on Mt. Helix to a free boot camp, s SANDAG public workshops on regional growth plans through 2050, what is arguable the community's most popular event, the La Mesa Flag Day Parade (if you're not in it, you're probably watching it)... and oh, so much more.

April 29, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa has once again updated its economic development webpage with refreshed Commercial Space Availability Reports. According to the most recent reports, dated April 2015, there is approximately 146,000 square feet of retail space available in the City; 150,000 square feet of office space; and 37,000 square feet of industrial space.  Retail vacancy is down over 20% from April 2014 and office vacancy is down roughly 14%. 

East County Magazine

April 27, 2015 (La Mesa) – Back in December 2013, the city of La Mesa installed roundabouts to slow down speeders at two locations on Harbison Avenue, at the Watson Way and Annapolis Avenue junctions.

By Bonnie Baranoff

April 27, 2015 (La Mesa) -- It’s a beautiful, sunny day in Southern California as patrons enjoy lunch and dinner at Himalayan Cuisine, and shopping at the Himalayan Bazaar in La Mesa. But on the other side of the world in Nepal and in parts of India and China, the scene is much different: it’s raining, it’s dark, and it’s destroyed.

Mr. Khem Kharel, owner of Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa and a native of Nepal, says that his immediate family in Kathmandu--his 84 year old mother, his brother, brother’s wife and other family members--are thankfully “fine, just scared” and hungry. He has been in touch with his family, briefly, by phone, two times since the epicenter of the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the remote village of Barpak, in the northern-central Gorkha District, about 50 miles northwest from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu on April 25. The latest numbers report more than 4,400 deaths.

East County News Service

Photo: George Hodan, PublicDomainPictures.net

April 27, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Do you have a budding artist or a child that loves to learn Chess?  What about your sports enthusiast or do they love to work with wood and tools?  La Mesa Community Services is offering twenty-one (21) “Summer to Remember!” camps that will put a smile on any child’s face ages four years and up:  Archery, Art Smarts, Baseball, Basketball, Chess, Code to the Future, Dance, Day Camp, Engineering, Fencing, Flag Football, Golf, Gymnastic, Jump Rope, Kids in the Kitchen Cooking, Mad Science, Martial Arts, Multi-Sport, Tennis,  Woodworking, and Yoga Rascals.

Get Ready to Kick-off Summer with a fitness Boot Camp for all levels and instruction provided by Fit-X San Diego. Whether you are a seasoned athlete, just beginning a fitness routine, or merely thinking about increasing your physical activity this workshop is a “no risk” opportunity to learn what the Boot Camp craze is all about. Instructors will identify exercises for all fitness levels. Wear appropriate workout clothing, sports shoes, and bring a towel.  Not sure but curious? Join in the observer section – but dress appropriately and bring a towel anyway – you might catch Boot Camp fever!

April 16, 2015 (La Mesa)--Thirty years ago, a group of surfers from Malibu, California, were concerned about the health risks associated with environmental threats posed by escalating coastal development at their favorite surf spot. They took action. Not even they could have envisioned the history they were making when they succeeded in protecting their beloved surf spot.

By Bonnie Baranoff

April 12, 2015 (La Mesa) -- On Tuesday, April 14 at 2 p.m., 30-year La Mesa Police Department veteran and outgoing Police Chief Ed Aceves will “walk out” in what has become a traditional retirement ceremony at the La Mesa Police Department. Though officially retired in December 2014, he stayed on until his replacement, Chief Walter Vasquez, had a week to transition into the job.

In an ECM exclusive, Aceves shares how he got into law enforcement, how technology and communications have changed the field, his most memorable moments, and his plans for the future.

By Kristin Kjaero

April 9, 2015 (La Mesa) – There’s something for everybody going on this month in La Mesa. There are activities for every age and interest, as well as for mind, body and entertainment.

Source: City of La Mesa

April 9, 2015 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa, was named a 2014 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.  La Mesa is the city that holds the highest number of years as Tree City USA in the County of San Diego!  This is the 35th year La Mesa has earned the national designation.

East County News Service

April 2, 2015 (La Mesa)—Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. has announced plans to open a store in La Mesa on Grossmont Boulevard, off Jackson Drive, in the same center as Toys R Us and the new Ross for Less store.  The national chain of craft and home décor stores based in Oklahoma operates over 650 stores and is listed by Forbes and Fortune magazine among the nation’s largest retail companies.

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

April 2, 2015 (La Mesa)—A police chase in La Mesa Thursday night ended when the suspect crashed into a car dealership.

March 31, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Have you ever seen a Maypole dance? Now’s your chance. Bring your family to the NUA Sparrow Charter School Spring Festival on Sunday May 3, 10-11:30 a.m. for the maypole event followed by the festival 11:30 to 3 p.m.

There will be live music by Hullabaloo, Kathryn the Grape, Teagan Taylor and Olmeca Roots.