La Mesa

LA MESA COUNCILMAN PARENT NAMED INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATE SAN DIEGO

By Miriam Raftery

July 18, 2017 (La Mesa) – Circulate San Diego has announced that Colin Parent will serve as the organization’s interim executive director, filling the void left by departure of former executive director Jim Stone, who is joining the Elementary Institute of Science.. Parent also serves as an elected member of the La Mesa City Council.

Circulate San Diego is a nonprofit organization that  works to promote public transportation, active transportation (walking and bicycling), and accommodate sustainable growth.

APTS PROPOSED ON LITTLE FLOWER HAVEN CONVENT SITE SET FOR HEARINGS IN LA MESA: DEVELOPER TO ADD AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS SWAP FOR FEWER PARKING SPACES

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Little Flower Haven circa 1954, via Postcards.com on City of La Mesa's website.

July 6, 2017 (La Mesa) – Two public meetings are set for Silvergate Development’s proposal to redevelop the former Little Flower Haven convent and nonprofit home for the elderly at 8585 La Mesa Blvd.  The Planning Commission will hold an informational-only meeting and environmental assessment on Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m.  The City Council will hold a hearing on the project on August 8th at 6 p.m.  Both meetings will be in Council Chambers at 8130 Alison Ave., La Mesa.

Plans submitted called for keeping the historic 1939 Spanish Mission style front structure and bell tower, which is eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources. The property, recently sold, was formerly home to the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus.   The sisters have relocated to Texas, the Reader reported in March. 

CHA CHA’S SNAKE PIT CHALLENGE TO HELP THE HUNGRY: JUNE 24 AT GROSSMONT CENTER

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2017 (La Mesa)  -- Radio personality Cha Cha from106.7 FM will scale new heights –and slither in new depths—all to help the hungry. She’ll be broadcasting from inside an exotic jungle snake pit  at Grossmont Center’s courtyard on Saturday, June 24 starting at noon – and she won’t come out until at least 1,057 canned goods or dry food items are donated to help the Jacob and Cushman San Diego Food Bank.

You’re invited to face your fears and help fight hunger in our community. Bring canned or dry food items and hold a snake from the San Diego Reptile Association.  Post a picture of you overcoming your fears on Twitter or Instagram, and challenge others to do it too! Use the hashtag #SnakePitChallenge and tag 105.7 MAX FM. (Or skip the snake and just donate.)

HELIX WATER TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING ON BUDGET AND RATES TONIGHT

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2017 (La Mesa)—Helix Water District’s board will hold a special meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the district headquarters (7811 University Avenue, La Mesa) to consider the proposed fiscal year 2017-18 budget of $88,282,730. Click to view the complete board package.  Scroll down for details on a proposed rate increase, most due to a hike in rates from the County Water Authority:

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECONOMICS PROFESSORS SPEAK TONIGHT IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

June 7, 2017 (La Mesa) --  Tonight’s meeting of the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club will feature a veritable who’s who of leading San Diego experts in the political ramifications of executive orders dealing with our economy and the environment.   Social hour starts at 6:30 with the program at 7 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center.

Speakers included renowned climate scientist Jeff Severinghaus, Professor of Geosciences at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who has voiced concern at the drastic measures taken by the Trump Administration in rolling back recently enacted advances to combat global warming.

LA MESA RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

 

Source: City of La Mesa

May 12, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Applications are now being accepted for volunteer positions on the City’s boards and commissions. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:30 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2017, in the City Clerk’s office at La Mesa City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue. Applications may be obtained at City Hall or from the City of La Mesa website, www.cityoflamesa.us.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER TO SHARE EVIDENCE OF RUSSIAN ELECTION HACKING MAY 3 IN LA MESA

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 25, 2017 (La Mesa) – Was the 2016 presidential election hijacked by Russian hackers?  San Diego investigative reporter John Mattes believes so. The award-winning journalists’ disturbing findings have been published on numerous news sites. On Wednesday, May 3rd, he’ll be presenting his evidence at a meeting of the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club at 7 p.m. in the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.

LA MESA CHAMBER WELCOMES FARMER'S TABLE TO COMMUNITY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson

 

April 22, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of Farmer's Table,  La Mesa's hot new dining spot. 

The restuarant specializes in farm-to-fork fresh cuisine, serving up hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners daily.  From a farmer's salad to wood-fired pizzas to a black and white tagliolini brimming with shellfish,  you'll find plenty to satisfy your appetite here.

READER’S EDITORIAL: HOW THE CITY OF LA MESA GAMES THE SYSTEM—PART 3

 

How the City of La Mesa games the system--even when it is not necessaary

By Joseph Glidden

April 12, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Prop. 218 will make it difficult for La Mesa’s ratepayers to reject the pending sewer rate increase. If the city has its way, it will be impossible.

In order for residents to defeat this proposal, the law requires that 50% (plus one) of the ratepayers submit a written “protest” letter. This is not likely to happen. La Mesans have not rejected a rate increase in recent history. In fact, the last two sewer rate increases have passed with 99.9% of the ratepayers not filing a protest letter. This should have been a red flag at City Hall. It is nearly impossible to get 99.9% of our community to agree on anything, let alone on a sewer rate increase. So how did the city manage such a feat? By gaming the system, of course.

HOW THE CITY OF LA MESA GAMES THE SYSTEM - PART 2



By Joseph Glidden

 

How the City Games the System to Keep Its Residents Uninformed, Unengaged, and Uninspired.

April 11, 2017 (La Mesa)--The Strategic Planning Workshop is arguably the city council’s most important public meeting of the year. Police, Fire and city employees are always well represented, but few residents are in attendance. The city does little to promote civic engagement. If anything, it actively discourages community involvement in the following ways:

HOW THE CITY OF LA MESA GAMES THE SYSTEM—PART 1



 

How the City Games the System Through Sampling Bias. 

By Joseph Glidden

April 10, 2017 (La Mesa) --At its annual Town Hall Meetings, the City of La Mesa gathers skewed data that is then uses to make important decisions at the Strategic Planning Session held later in the year. While the town hall meetings might give the illusion of civic engagement, the data collected is misleading at best. Once again the City Council is busy with the irrelevant, at the expense of the essential.  

La Mesa has been holding annual town hall meetings for the past 10 years. One on the east side of town and the other on the west. Over the years and at both locations, the concerns voiced by residents have been conspicuously similar. Why would this be so?

APRIL POOLS DAY: APRIL 8 IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

April 7, 2017 (La Mesa) -- April Pools Day, a free event for the whole family, will be held Saturday, April 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Municipal Pool, 5100 Memorial Drive.  The event promotes water safety in preparation for May, which is Drowning Prevention Month.

LIBERAL BILLIONAIRE TOM STEYER ON POLITICAL FUTURE: ‘NOTHING IS OFF THE TABLE’

 

 

Story and photo by Ken Stone

Originally published at Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Tom Steyer speaks at La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club

April 6, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Billionaire Tom Steyer gave a stemwinder Wednesday, railing against the “liars and cheaters” of the Trump administration and calling the White House “malevolent, shallow and incompetent.”

Tom Steyer slammed the White House but cautioned against a “Fortress California” mind-set. But a La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club audience didn’t hear what some wanted most from the biggest single donor in the 2016 election.

LA MESA TO GAIN NEW LIBRARY—AND A VIRTUAL CITY HALL

 

 

By Abel Reader

April 1, 2017 (La Mesa) --By a unanimous vote, La Mesa’s City Council has voted to eliminate City Hall and build a state-of-the-art new library in its place, fulfilling a years-long promise to residents.  The project will be paid for by selling off the old police station to a developer who has committed to build affordable housing on the site.

PROPOSALS ROLL IN TO REPLACE SUN VALLEY GOLF COURSE IN LA MESA

 

 

By  O.K. Putter

April 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – Last month, La Mesa City Council announced it would not be renewing a lease with Sun Valley Golf Course near the community center.  The city asked for ideas for alternative uses of the site. 

Today, the city announced that a wide variety of  creative proposals have been submitted.  They include:

HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: LOIS KNOWLTON AND BONNIE BARANOFF SPEAK OUT ON HELPING HOMELESS IN LA MESA

 

 

Listen to our interview,  originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM, by clicking the audio link.

By Miriam Raftery

March 21, 2017 (La Mesa) – This Thursday, La Mesa Conversations will host an event at Johnny B’s Restaurant in La  Mesa from 5:30 to 7 :30 p.m.  on homelessness in La Mesa.  We sat down with Bonnie Baranoff, a steering committee member from La Mesa Conservations, and with Lois Knowlton from the La Mesa First United Methodist Church on signicant progress helping the homeless—and how you can help. 

The church holds regular events to help the homeless get back on their feet, offering clothes for job interviews, haircuts and meals.  The church has long helped homeless people who showed up on their doorstep.  Now, church leaders aim to take that to a higher level by creating La Mesa’s first temporary shelter for homeless people in the church’s basement.

Audio: 

Bonnie Baranoff, La Mesa Conversations & Lois Knowlton, La Mesa First United Methodist Church, on homelessness
Download: Audio icon Bonnie Baranoff, La Mesa Conversations & Lois Knowlton, La Mesa First United Methodist Church, on homelessness

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: SPRINGTIME IN HARRY GRIFFEN PARK

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Wildflowers are popping up all East County over after the winter rains -- including these sunflowers springing forth at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa.

The park, located behind Grossmont High School,  has idyllic paths for strolling  or walking your dogs through areas of native vegetation just starting to blossom.

ST. PAWTRICK’S DAY PHOTO BOOTH AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2017 (La Mesa)—If you’d like an Irish-themed photo with your dogs,  stop by the first-ever holiday photo booth today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. just outside the dog run, on the grass, at Harry Griffen Park (9950 Milden St.)  in La Mesa .  You’ll find props, clothes and signs to put you and your pups in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit – free of charge, thanks to the nonprofit Canine Corners board.

SPRING HARP FEST APRIL 15 IN LA MESA

 

 

East County News Service

March 14, 2017 (La Mesa) – The 18th annual Spring Harp Fest, showing harmonica players and more, will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St.) in La Mesa. 

The event is free though a $10 donation is suggested. Funds are used to donate harmonicas to local schools. This year’s lineup includes:

LA MESA BANS RECREATIONAL POT BUT ALLOWS DELIVERIES; CITY ALSO MOVES TO ALLOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

 

By Jonathan Goetz

March 7, 2017 (La Mesa) - At its February 28 meeting, the La Mesa City Council spent over an hour learning about and discussing cannabis legislation, following a lengthy introduction by City Attorney Glenn Sabine who consulted a conditional Use Permit (CUP) process and cannabis taxing consultant.

EAST COUNTY EATER: FARMER’S TABLE SERVES UP WHOLESOME, FLAVORFUL FARE IN LA MESA

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 4, 2017 (La Mesa) – I come from a farming family, so I’ve looked forward to sampling the farm-to-table fresh cuisine at Farmer’s Table in La Mesa. The restaurant lives up to its pledge of “honest food done right” with locally grown, organic vegetables and an array of tasty dishes to savor.

TIRE & APPLIANCE RECYCLING DROP-OFF MARCH 3, 4, 11, 13

 

East County News Service

February 16, 2017 (La Mesa) - You're invited to drop off your used tires, motor oil, electronic waste, fats, oil, grease and CRV glass, cans and plastic at the EDCO station in La Mesa (8184 Commercial St.) from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on March 3, 4, 11 and from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on March 13.

GOOD SAMARITAN SAVES ORANGE CAT HIT BY CAR IN LA MESA

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2017 (La Mesa) - An orange tabby cat struck by a vehicle February 3rd on La Mesa Blvd. near Rosehedge Drive was rescued by a passing motorist and provided emergency veterinary care.  "Diego," as the lucky cat has now been named, may have used up one of his nine lives, but fortunately he's healed and will be heading to a new home tomorrow.

LA MESA RESIDENTS WON TRIP TO SUPER BOWL IN UNION BANK CONTEST

 

East County News Service

February 14, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Donald and Marilyn Gustavson of La Mesa savored a trip to the Super Bowl in Houston, after Donald was named grand prize winner in the “From Sofa to Stadium” Visa Super Bowl LI Sweepstakes for Union Bank. A Union Bank customer for almost 40 years and a huge football fan, Gustavson was thrilled to win.

LA MESA TO HONOR RON AND ALICE BRADY, ROERT AND MARY-EM HOWARD WITH “WALK OF FAME” PLAQUES MONDAY, FEB. 13

 

Source: City of La Mesa

February 11, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Since the incorporation of La Mesa in 1912, the city has benefited from the influence and giving spirit of residents and businesses within its borders. One way the City recognizes these contributions is by adding their names to the La Mesa “Walk of Fame.” Recipients are recognized through placement of a bronze plaque on the sidewalks of La Mesa Blvd. in the downtown Village between Spring St. and 4th St.

KATIE STINCHCOMB, STEELE CANYON STUDENT, HONORED FOR SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

 

East County News Service

February 11, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Councilwoman Dianne Jacob honored Katie Stinchcomb, a La Mesa resident, with a proclamation that recognized it to be “Katie Stinchcomb Day” on Feb 10th.

GRAND OPENING WITH LIVE MUSIC IN LA MESA FEB. 9

 

East County News Service

February 4, 2017 (La Mesa) - Melania Mirzakhanian announces the Grand Opening of Tomea Real Estate at 5575 Baltimore Drive #105 in La Mesa.  The community is invited to the office warming complete with appetizers, raffle prizes, and live music by the acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist, Mr. Gregory Page. 

POLICE SEEK MAN WHO ATTACKED WOMAN OUTSIDE LA MESA DENNY’S

Update:  LMPD has arrested Elvis Rojas, 19, on robbery and carjacking charges in this case. 

East County News Service

February 3, 2017 (La Mesa) — A man with long curly hair, shorts and a blue jacket open with no shirt violently attacked a woman with a crowbar in the parking lot of a Denny’s on Spring Street in La Mesa around 2 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Pages

Hot Coupons

Festival Strings - Music for any occasion

The Rainbow Animals

 

Weddings in East County

Support ECM while Shopping on Amazon

Support East County Magazine - Heartland Coalition (La Mesa - CA) when you search the Web or shop online with GoodSearch. GoodSearch: You Search...We Give!