December 10, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland on December 13-14 during its old-fashioned Christmas in the Village. The family friendly event features horse-drawn carriages, strolling minstrels, carolers and street entertainers along La Mesa Boulevard.

Carnival rides, ponies, puppet shows, live music stages, bonfires and an outdoor market round out the traditional holiday fun.

November 23, 2013 (Mt. Helix)--Sounds of the season will emanate from the Mt. Helix Park Amphitheatre on Sunday, December 15 from 6:30  to 8 p.m. during the annual Sing-along Christmas Caroling Party, a free family event.

Gina Seashore, known locally as That Music Lady, will be leading the caroling supported by a group of musicians.  Free, hot coffee and cocoa will be available and SPRITES (a local mother-daughter philanthropic group) will provide free, baked goods.  Santa will be visiting from the North Pole to hear the wishes of the younger carolers. Donations of canned goods will be accepted for distribution through the Journey Church food pantry. 

November 12, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee City Councils meet this week to discuss matters ranging from the future of Oktoberfest to choosing a new mayor.  Below are highlights from the agendas for each community.

November 5, 2013 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Term Limits Committee filed the paperwork today to get voter approval for an ordinance that will limit city officials to twelve consecutive years in office. The group needs to collect 3,306 valid signatures in 180 days to place the measure on the November 2014 ballot.

Vice Mayor Kristine Alessio recently tried to get the City Council to put the ordinance on the ballot, but only Councilmember Ruth Sterling supported her motion. Alessio said, "If the Council won't do its job, the people will get it done. That's the essence of our democracy."

By Miriam Raftery

November 2, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Five new cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been reported at area schools this week according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.  The new cases include a student at Maryland Avenue Elementary School in La Mesa here in East County.

There have been 216 cases of pertussis reported in the county so far this year, compared to last year’s total of 165 cases for the entire year, so the rate of whooping cough is on the rise.

East County welcomes “You Missed”, a new comedy program starring Diane Jean, Al Gavi, Chris Clobber, Young Lucas, and Charlie the Yellow Bird. 

“You Missed” is packed with humor, lots of strange stories from around the world, political perspectives from the right, left and people that just don’t give a damn.

“You Missed” is recording live  at the Space Bar in La Mesa on Sunday Nights from 6-7PM.  The show will air on KNSJ  89.1 Community Radio, Networking for social justice, Friday-Sunday at 4PM streaming worldwide on www.KNSJ.org. “You Missed” Pod Cast coming soon.

October 22, 2013 (La Mesa) – A motorcyclist suffered a fractured arm and abrasions when he was struck from behind in a three-vehicle collision at 3:43 p.m. today at the junction of Interstate 8 and State Route 94.

According to the CHP, an Acura Integra driven by a 21-year-old from Spring Valley traveling westbound on I-8 was attempting to take a transition road to southbound 125 when traffic came to an abrupt stop. The driver swerved and skidded into the next lane, striking a Honda Magna motorcycle from behind and ejecting its driver onto the roadway.  The Acura also struck a Suburban driven by a 59-year-old Bonita man.

Highlights of El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee and San Diego agenda items for this week

Update October 24, 2013:  Supervisors unanimously approved the feasibility study on bringing veterans' services to libraries countywide.

By Miriam Raftery

County Supervisors and local city councils have several significant measures on their agendad impacting East County this week.

On Tuesday at 10 a.m., Supervisors will hear a proposal by Supervisor Dianne Jacob to extend the county’s outreach to veterans. This proposal is being introduced in response to an East County Magazine investigation that found a lack of County veterans’ services in rural East County. 

Supervisor Jacob’s proposal asks the County’s Chief Executive Office to report back in 120 days on the feasibility of using county libraries for veterans services, which would add 34 additional locations for  County Veterans Services representatives to meet with veterans.

By Miriam Raftery

October 18, 2013 (La Mesa) – It was no laughing matter when a man in a bloody clown mask walked into a 7-11 store on Amaya in La Mesa at 4:34 a.m. yesterday morning.  The suspect, armed with a gun and mace, ordered a clerk to lie down on the ground, then robbed the store of cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets.  A search was conducted but the suspect remains at large.

The man wore a blue sweatshirt, blue jeans, black gloves, and black and white  tennis shoes along with the mask.  He is 30 to 35 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build.

September 14, 2013 (Mt. Helix ) – If you own a winery or vineyard, or want to learn more about becoming a wine maker or growing grapes, you’re invited to the second annual Mt. Helix Wine Growers “Meet and Greet” on Sunday, October 20 from 2 to 5 pm.

“This is a casual event to give fellow vine growers and wine making enthusiast an opportunity to meet one another and share experiences. Also, several experts will be there to speak with anyone who has questions regarding growing grapes or maintaining a vineyard,” said Stephanie Young, founder of the organization.  “All are welcome to attend regardless if they currently have a vineyard or are interested in planting a few vines in the future.”

October 13, 2013 (La Mesa) – A shopper returning to his Ford Ranger  at 7:32 p.m. last night saw a man inside the vehicle going through belongings in the parking lot at Grossmont Center. 

The victim confronted the intruder, who fled.  An officer responding near Walmart pursued the suspect on foot and apprehended him. Lance Rodgers of El Cajon, 31, was booked into County jail on charges or burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest.

October 8, 2013 (La Mesa)—The City of La Mesa is taking steps to encourage residents to walk and ride bikes by rolling out several new programs.  These include a Regional Walk Day October 12,  Walk to School Day on October 9, and creation of La Mesa Urban Trails, thanks to a grant from CalTrans.  You can also download an ap for best walking routes, safe routes to school, and rate the streets where you walk. .Scroll down for details in a press release from the city.

September 28, 2013 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s Oktoberfest October 4-6 will feature a variety of musical entertainment, from an authentic German band to classic rock and roll.  Scroll down for a schedule of events.  You can also view a video provided by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Community Spectrum about the event at  http://bcove.me/gbaks5ge.

If you attend, be sure to stop by East County Magazine’s booth outside All Things Bright and British to say hello!

September 27, 2013 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa will host its fourth annual Senior Expo on Thursday, October 10, 2013.  With a wide variety of speakers and exhibitors, Expo will offer free “one-stop shopping” for all adults facing life changes that may affect their independence, or those who would like great tips on safety and security. The Expo will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa 91942 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and is supported by funding from the San Diego Association of Governments.

September 18, 2013 (La Mesa) – The East County Magazine, distributed by the Heartland Coalition, has been named a media sponsor for the 12th annual Kids Care Fest, a free, family-oriented, community health fair event with free health care screenings for children. Kids Care Fest will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Briercrest Park, 90001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.