September 11, 2013 (La Mesa) - Soon the sounds of polka music, as well as rock and roll, will be heard throughout the downtown area of La Mesa, as the 40th Annual Oktoberfest kicks off October 4-6. Barbecues will be heating up for bratwurst and  kegs in the Chamber's "big beer garden" during downtown La Mesa's popular fall tradition.

Thousands of people come to La Mesa during this three-day event to enjoy German-style food, live music and vendor booths. The La Mesa Chamber hosts its "family-friendly" beer garden sponsored by Sycuan Casino, located on Allison Street between Pine and Palm Streets, where you can hear live music all weekend, enjoy games for the entire family and sit while eating "the best food this side of the Mississippi," says Chamber president Mary England.

The entertainment lineup for this year’s event includings a Germand brass band on a national tour and much more.   Full schedule:

September 11, 2013 (La Mesa) – Sullivan Solar Power invites the public to two free  events on solar energy in La Mesa:

• La Mesa Solar Luncheon on Saturday, September 21st at 11:00 a.m.at the La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Dr.). will provide opportunities to, learn about solar technology, how to determine if solar is right for your home, rebates and incentives, and local case studies. The presentation will last one hour; lunch will be provided. RSVP: 1.800.SULLIVAN. 

• Solar Open House on Saturday, September 28th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in La Mesa at 7430 Orien Avenue. Utility rates went up as much as 39% recently. Learn about solar technology, rebates and incentives, and the SDG&E rate hike from solar industry experts while talking to property owners that went solar. Call 1.800.SULLIVAN for more information.
  

September 10, 2013 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Historical Society will continue it free History Roundtable Series for 2013 with a presentation on the architectural heritage of La Mesa titled “Emmor Brooke Weaver: Pioneer Architect”.  The presentation featuring Alexander D. Bevil, a historian with California State Parks, will be held on September 28 at 10 a.m. at Grossmont Healthcare District Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa Drive, La Mesa.

UPDATE September 3, 2013:  The Medical Examiner has identified the deceased shooter as Lionel Silva II.  At 2:16 a.m. the Sheriff sent an advisory that a robot confirmed the shooter is dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.  Most of Grandview has been reopened to residents only, with the exception of Grandview Peak and Angel's Terrace. Murdock School, which was used as a command post, will be open for classes. Below is our earlier report.

By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2013 (Mt. Helix) – A SWAT team standoff with a suspect who reportedly fired up to 200 rounds in all directions from inside a home at 9952 Grandview Drive  on Mt. Helix continues tonight. A Sheriff's advisory indicates the suspect, 47, is believed to be armed with a rifle, a shotgun and two handguns.

Update August 31:  A gun has been found but the suspect remains at large.

August 30, 2013 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police and the San Diego Sheriff’s helicopter are searching for a suspect after shots were fired at 7520 El Cajon Boulevard in La Mesa shortly after 7:30 p.m.  The incident began with a fight inside a hookah lounge that spilled outside intot he street. The suspect began firing shots at the business, according to police.

The suspect ran north on Comanche and was last seen in the area of 4900 Comanche.  He is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, 250 lbs, wearing a blue shirt and dark pants. Call 911 if seen.

August 29, 2013 (La Mesa) – People of the Earth, a guitar/keyboard duo, will perform live on Saturday, August 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the San Pasqual Winery tasting room at 9364 La Mesa Blvd.  (map)

The duo will play popular favorites from the 80's through today, in addition to entertaining original music. There is no cover charge; guests may purchase wine by the glass; cheese,  crackers and dessert are available for sale.

August 26, 2013 (La Mesa) – Late Saturday night, La Mesa Police were called to the emergency room at Alvarado Hospital to investigate a stabbing. The victim suffered two stab wounds to his thigh that are not considered life threatening.

The victim reported to police that the stabbing occurred around 8:50 p.m. in the 7500 block of El Cajon Boulevard in La Mesa The victim said he was waiting for a friend to give him a ride when he was approached by two males and a fight ensued over his property. The victim fought back and did not lose his property in the robbery attempt.

August 17, 2013 (La Mesa) – Two pedestrians were robbed of their purses in the 8100 block of La Mesa Boulevard on August 14 at 10:05 p.m.  Two suspects approached the victims from behind, and one of the suspects displayed a black handgun. The other suspect was armed with a crowbar.

One of the suspects demanded the victims’ purses. After the victims complied, the suspects fled eastbound La Mesa Boulevard on foot. The victims ran to a nearby residence and called La Mesa Police.

National and international leaders in social justice, politics, faith and entertainment to speak

August 6, 2013 (La Mesa)-- While the hallowed halls of downtown San Diego are echoing with strategies for staying in office and getting through the next week, more than 500 local participants are preparing to be inspired by some of the nation’s most effective leaders at the annual Global Leadership Summit, August 8-9, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  at Journey Community Church, 8363 Center Drive, La Mesa.

“This is a chance to hear from men and women who demonstrate influence in many arenas – politics, social justice, faith and entertainment – and tobe inspired to become confident truth-sayers in our own spheres of influence,” said Ed Noble, Lead Pastor.Speakers such as General Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, Mark Burnett, executive producer of Survivor and The Voice, Bob Goff, General Counsel to Uganda and Founder and CEO of Restore International, Liz Wiseman, executive strategy and leadership consultant and more will make the case for becoming a leader, not for a term of office or for a bottom-line result, but for life. 

July 15, 2013 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Police responded to a 9-1-1 call on July 12 at 7:40 p.m. in the 7400 block of Colony Drive. A witness reported that a suspect slashed the face of a victim with a knife and then fled west through the residential complex.

Officers arrived on scene and located the victim on the ground with a laceration to his nose and face. The 50-year-old victim was transported to the hospital with wounds that were not life threatening.

Officers searched the area with assistance from San Diego Sheriff’s helicopter ASTREA and El Cajon Police Department canine units, but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect is described as a white man in his 40s or 50s, between 5’4 and 5’6 tall, approximately 160 pounds, with “salt and pepper” hair. He was wearing a t-shirt and brown shorts and carried a large black trash bag when he fled the scene.

July 11, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Helix Water District Annual Water Quality Report is now available online in both English and Spanish.  Again this year, as in all prior years, Helix’s drinking water meets or exceeds all State and Federal drinking water standards. 

The annual 2013 Water Quality Report contains important information about drinking water in the Helix District.  The District encourages customers to read the report carefully and ask any questions they might have about water sources, quality, or distribution by contacting:  (619) 667-6248 or wqr@helixwater.org.

June 25, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free senior discussion group presentation on “The Importance of Sleep,” from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26.  The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required.  The speaker will be Jason Chagnon, senior technician with Grossmont Hospital Sleep Disorders Center.

June 23, 2013 (La Mesa) – If you bought a Powerball Lottery ticket at Excalibur Liquor on Baltimore Drive in La Mesa, you could be a millionaire.  A ticket sold at the store matched five of six numbers chosen, state Lottery officials reported  Thursday.  The winning ticket is worth $943,604.   

Winners have 180 days to claim the prize.

By Miriam Raftery

June 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – The public is invited to sample award-winning wines, savor food and live music at the grand opening of the San Pasqual Winery at 8140 Center Street in La Mesa.   The festivities will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 from 12-5 p.m.   Cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

The decision to move its wine-making business from Pacific Beach to La Mesa was motivated by a need for more space and a desire to be close to San Pasqual Winery’s existing tasting room in downtown La Mesa.   The new facility will be triple the size of their existing winery, supplementing the existing tasting room with a second La Mesa location.