La Mesa

BODY FOUND IN LA MESA IDENTIFIED AS EL CAJON TEEN MISSING SINCE FEBRUARY: REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION

East County News Service

November 13, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Medical Examiner has identified a body found on March 13 in La Mesa  as that of Cassidy Hopwood, according to El Cajon Police.  Hopwood, an El Cajon resident, was reported missing in February.

Both La Mesa and El Cajon Police have listed Hopwood’s age as 17. However, on Facebook, the RAD movement, an organization that helps families locate missing teens, states that she was 16 when she went missing and when she was found dead.

The group also leveled criticism at police handling of the case.


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WEAPONS CACHE INCLUDING ASSAULT RIFLES SEIZED IN IN LA MESA AND SAN DIEGO; TEEN ARRESTED

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  some of the weapons and drugs seized

November 12, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Harrison Lee Stone,18, was arrested Wednesday under suspicions of trafficking after SWAT teams seized large caches of guns and drugs at homes in La Mesa and San Diego, ECM news partner NBC 7 reports.


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VISIONARY DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER: IN A NUTSHELL DEC. 9-11 IN LA MESA

East County News Service

 

November 10, 2022 (La Mesa) -- Visionary Dance Theatre:  School for the Performing Arts presents “The Nutcracker: In A Nutshell” at The Visionary Performing Space (8674 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91942) on December 9-11.


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INCUMBENTS WINNING IN EAST COUNTY CITY RACES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and La Mesa Mayor Mark Araposthis are winning their reelection bids

November 8, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Early results after polls closed tonight indicate incumbents heading for reelection in La Mesa, El Cajon and Lemon Grove.

The power of incumbency proved stronger than partisan politics. Though city races are nonpartisan, political parties endorsed candidates and expended resources walking precincts to campaign for their parties' choices. But incumbents in both parties hold solid leads, though Democrats appear likely to pick up a seat in both the La Mesa and Lemon Grove Council races, following the retirement of Republican incumbents.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, a Republican, has a solid 71.25% of the votes tallied so far; his opponent, realtor Arnie Levine, a Democrat, has 28.75%. The Mayor ran on a track record of boosting revenues through bringing in new hotels and reopening the performing arts center, while Levine criticized Mayor Wells’ defiance of public health business shutdown mandates duringthe pandemic. El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick ran unopposed, drawing 100% of the votes.  But El Cajon’s Measure P which the Mayor supports, to increase the city sales tax to a penny per dollar, is losing 58% to 42%.


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LA MESA CITY COUNCIL HEARS CONCERNS OVER PROPOSED APARTMENTS ON RANDALL LAMB SITE DOWNTOWN

By Christianne McCormick

Screenshot: Mayor Mark Arapostathis

 

November 6, 2022 (La Mesa) -- Disgruntled and outraged residents of La Mesa at the October 11 City Council meeting voiced their concerns about a five-story, 64-unit apartment complex proposed to be built in the heart of the city’s village.  The building would be erected on the same land where the historic Randall Lamb Building burnt down during a riot following the May 30, 2020 protests after the tragic death of George Floyd. 


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SHOP FAIR TRADE IN LA MESA DECEMBER 4

Source: Shop Fair Trade

October 31, 2022 (La Mesa) -- Shop Fair Trade this Christmas will be held at St. Martin of Tours Parish in La Mesa on Sunday, Dec. 4th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  You’re invited to shop for beautiful, handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts from local store Fair Trade Décor, The Guatemala Project, and local vendors including Lumily, SSEKO/Noonday and Ember Arts Jewelry.  In addition, you can meet Dressember, founder Blythe Hill celebrating a 10-year anniversary with a special documentary at 11 a.m. 


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ANTI-PANHANDLING SIGNS OF LA MESA SPARK DEBATE, DENUNCIATIONS AND EVEN PRANKS

 

By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

October 28, 2022 (La Mesa) - A disabled Vietnam-era veteran named John sat under an Ikea umbrella on a La Mesa median Tuesday. He displayed a neatly lettered sign that read: “Please help with what you can. Every little bit helps, even change.”


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THE 39 STEPS LIGHTS UP LAMPLIGHTERS THROUGH NOV. 6

By Kathy Carpenter

October 24, 2022 (La Mesa) - Lamplighters Community Theatre deliver a breath of fresh air as we breeze through October into November in a keystone-cop type comedy presentation of The 39 Steps. This play lightens the mood, when normally at this time of year it's all things dark and spooky. The play is a treat -- light-hearted, delightful and a bit of a spoof on film noir classic Hitchcock.


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SDSU FOOTBALL: HELIX ALUM MICHAEL SHAWCROFT NAMED MOUNTAIN WEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Shawcroft had seven tackles, two TFLs, a sack and a forced fumble in SDSU’s win at Nevada

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

October 24, 2022 (San Diego) - San Diego State senior linebacker Michael Shawcroft has been named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday. It is the first conference weekly award for the San Diego native (Helix HS).


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ANTI-ISRAEL ADVOCACY BECOMES ISSUE IN LA MESA CITY COUNCIL RACE

By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Mejgan Afshan

October 21, 2022 (La Mesa) - A political action group calling itself San Diegans Against Hate has come out in opposition to La Mesa City Council candidate Mejgan Afshan, describing her anti-Israel positions as antisemitic.  Afshan, daughter of Afghan refugees, was invited via her campaign website to respond on Wednesday, Oct. 19, by San Diego Jewish World, but had not done so by late afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 20.


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LA MESA POLICE RECEIVE $100,000 GRANT TO DETER UNSAFE BEHAVIORS AND INCREASE ROAD SAFETY

Source: La Mesa Police Department

October 19, 2022 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police Department has been awarded a $100,000.00 Grant to deter unsafe behaviors and increase safety on roads  LMPD will increase patrols throughout the community and provide other traffic safety programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads.

“This grant funding allows us to support our ongoing traffic safety efforts in the community,” La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney said. “Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling.”


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT CELEBRATES 70TH ANNIVERSARY NOV. 2

East County News Service

October 17, 2022 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District will host a special “Wellness Wednesday” event on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., celebrating both the 20th anniversary of the Herrick Library and the district’s 70 years of dedication to health and wellness in East County. The open house event will be at the library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa.


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PATRICIA DILLARD, LA MESA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE: COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE

 

October 16, 2022 (La Mesa) -- East County Magazine recently interviewed Patricia Dillard, one of four La Mesa City Council candidates vying for two seats on the ballot. In our interview, originally aired on KNSJ radio, she shares her experience, priorities and goals if elected.

Her  career spans close to 40 years working in business development, customer service, and sales for large and small businesses. She’s also been an active volunteer in community service. 

View the full interview by clicking the video image above and scroll down for highlights.


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LA MESA MAYOR MARK ARAPOSTATHIS SHARES HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GOALS FOR THE CITY IF REELECTED

 

October 12, 2022 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis is a life-long La Mesa resident, a teacher once honored as a County Teacher of the Year, and Director of Theatre Arts at La Mesa Arts Academy.  Known as Dr. A, he holds a doctorate in education from USD and SDSU. He served on the La Mesa City Council and headed up the La Mesa Arts Alliance before becoming mayor, and now he’s running for reelection.

In an interview with East County Magazine also airing on KNSJ radio, he spoke about his accomplishments, key issues and challenges facing the city, and his goals if reelected. View the full interview by clicking the image above, or scroll down to read highlights.


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VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA COUNCILWOMAN LAURA LOTHIAN SEEKS REELECTION, AIMS TO "CLASS UP" LA MESA

By Henri Migala

View the full interview by clicking the image below, and scroll down to read highlights.

October 7, 2022 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Councilwoman Laura Lothian spoke with ECM via zoom about her run for re-election. Council. The interview also aired on KNSJ radio, 89.1 FM.

Lothian is one of four candidates running (a fifth, Kathleen Brand, has dropped out); ECM will be publishing and airing interviews with all the candidates over the next several days. She aims to "class up" La Mesa, bucking the trend toward high-density housing downtown, while also working to reduce homeless and crime, as well as cut regulations for businesses and homeowners with permit applications for new construction or remodeling.


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DECEPTIVE FLYERS TARGET DEMOCRATIC VOTERS IN EAST COUNTY—TOUTING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

East County News Service

October 10, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Flyers headlined “East County  Democratic Voter Guide” have been mailed to homes across East County. But Democratic Party officials warn that the mailers are deceptive – touting Republican candidates, not Democrats endorsed by the party.


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MEJGAN AFSHAN, LA MESA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE, SEEKS EQUITY FOR ALL

 

By Miriam Raftery, based on interview by Henri Migala

October 6, 2022 (La Mesa) – In an interview with East County Magazine’s Henri Migala originally aired on KNSJ radio, La Mesa City Council candidate Mejgan Afshan shared her experience as a civil rights leader and her goals to build a more equitable La Mesa if elected. She is one of four candidates running (a fifth, Kathleen Brand, has dropped out); ECM will be publishing interviews with all of the candidates over the next several days.

Audio: 


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LA MESA VIETNAM VETERAN CHOSEN FOR HONOR FLIGHT

East County News Service

October 9, 2022 (La Mesa) -- Long-time La Mesa resident Garry Armacost, a Vietnam veteran, will be flown to Washington D.C. on November 4 aboard an Honor Flight to be hailed as a hero. He will spend two days in our nation’s capital, where he will visit war memorials.


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LA MESA HISTORY CENTER PRESENTS 16TH ANNUAL HOME TOUR: FABULOUS FOOTHILLERS NOV. 5

East County News Service

October 8, 2022 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa History Center is teaming up with Grossmont High School and Museum to present the 16h annual Home Tour on November 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Fabulous Foothillers.”


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ALESSIO SENDS DECEPTIVE MAILER IN LA MESA MAYORAL RACE

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2022 (La Mesa) –  A mudslinging flyer in the La Mesa mayoral race sent by Kristine Alessio’s campaign contains numerous false and misleading statements regarding Mayor Mark Arapostathis.

In a phone call today regarding the mailer’s claims, Arapostathis told ECM, “None of these things are true.”  ECM has fact-checked many of the statements and found numerous deceptions in Alessio’s claims.

Most blatantly false, the flyer falsely states that Alessio is “The clear choice for La Mesa Democrats.” While the race is nonpartisan, Mayor Arapostathis is endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party and Alessio, a registered Republican, is endorsed by the San Diego County Republican Party.


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LA MESA POLICE SUPPORTS NATIONAL WALK AND ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY OCT. 12

Source:  City of La Mesa 

October 7, 2022 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Police Department encourages parents and students to join their classmates and walk, bike, or roll to class October 12, 2022. “Walk and Roll to School Day” is celebrated annually to highlight the benefits of exercise and practice pedestrian and road safety with other students, families, and caregivers.


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LA MESA CANDIDATES FORUM OCTOBER 5

By Miriam Raftery

October 4, 2022 (La Mesa) – Candidates for La Mesa Mayor and City Council will participate in a forum at the La Mesa United Methodist Church this Wednesday, October 5 at 7 p.m. 


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KRISTINE ALESSIO, LA MESA MAYORAL CANDIDATE: GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE

View videos of our interview by clicking the video image at left.

Kristine Alessio is running in hopes of becoming La Mesa’s first woman mayor, challenging the current Mayor, Dr. Mark Arapostathis. She is a former La Mesa Councilwoman  with a background in land use, law, business and community service. She holds degrees in philosophy and law, and she’s a La Mesa native who raised her daughter here. As a former City councilmember, she says she spearheaded some local initiatives including Term Limits, the Climate Action Plan, pension liability paydown plan, Smoke Free La Mesa ordinance and an Affordable Homes Bonus program.

La Mesa is changing from a sleepy small town and is now facing challenges that larger cities face. Alessio says the city needs a dynamic mayor with leadership that she hopes to provide. In an interview with East County Magazine originally aired on KNSJ Radio, she spoke about her goals if elected. Click the links to view videos or hear audio, or scroll down to read highlights.

Audio: 


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THE LA MESA CHAMBER INVITES YOU TO A PRE-HOLIDAY SHOPPING MIXER AT THOUGHTFUL CREATIONS OCT. 12

Source:  La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

October 4, 2022 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at Thoughtful Creations, an innovative retail location at 8270 La Mesa Boulevard to enjoy a pre-holiday shopping mixer. This is the perfect opportunity to walk around this unique business with friends and mix and mingle while shopping. This evening mixer will be held on Wednesday, October 12th between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.


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BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS OCT. 9 IN LA MESA

East County News Service

Phot: CC via Bing

October 4, 2022 (La Mesa) – United Church of Christ invites to join Pastor Kelly for a blessing of the animals on October 9 at 2 p.m. in Harry Griffen Park, next to the dog park.

“Bring your beloved animal companion(s), be they fish or fowl, dog or cat, all creatures great and small,” says Melanie Lucero.  “All animals will receive an individual blessing from Pastor Kelly. If you are not able to bring your pet, please bring a picture of him/her.”


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30 RESIDENTS DISPLACED BY APARTMENT FIRE IN LA MESA

By Miriam Raftery

September 27, 2022 (La Mesa) - A fire at Spring Hills Apartments, 4341 Spring Street in La Mesa, last night has displaced around 30 residents due to fire or water damage. Fortunately, due to a swift and strong responses by firefighters, most of the building was saved from burning.


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MAN DIES AFTER JUMPING OFF OVERPASS IN LA MESA

East County News Service

September 25, 2022 (La Mesa) – A man jumped to his death this afternoon off of State Route 125 onto Interstate 8 east in La Mesa, the California Highway Patrol reports.


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SEUSSICAL JR. THE MUSICAL AT VISIONARY YOUTH THEATRE NOV. 4-13

East County News Service

September 23, 2022 (La Mesa) -- Visionary Youth Theatre presents Seussical, Jr at the Visionary Performance Space (8674 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa) from November 4-13.   Bring your family and friends to enjoy as the diverse and talented children of Visionary School for the Performing Arts bring to the stage this fun, family musical directed and choreographed by Sharla Mandere.


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CHARGING FORWARD: HELIX WATER DISTRICT GETS FIRST ELECTRIC TRUCK

Source: Helix Water District

Photo: Helix Water District Board of Directors in the district’s new all-electric, zero-emission, Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck. Driver’s seat: Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. Backseat: Director Dan McMillan. Back of the truck: Directors Joel Scalzitti, De Ana Verbeke and Mark Gracyk.

September 23, 2022 (La Mesa) -- Helix Water District received its first all-electric, zero-emission, Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck -- another milestone in the organization’s sustainability plans.


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FRIDAY NIGHT COMEDY AT SPACEBAR CAFÉ AND WINE BISTRO SEPT. 23

East County News Service

September 22, 2022 (La Mesa) -- Seven comedians will perform this Friday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Spacebar Café and Wine Bistro in La Mesa.  The café hosts comedy shows on the fourth Friday each month.


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