East County News Service

July 2, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Elizabeth Yeatts, 92, of Lakeville, Massachusetts, formerly of La Mesa, CA died on June 26, 2018 at home, surrounded by family and friends. Born in New London Connecticut, she graduated from the Williams School in 1943. Married to a Navy officer, Elizabeth lived in many different places including Rhode Island, Vermont, Florida, Hawaii and California during her husband’s Naval career and raised two daughters.

By Miriam Raftery

June 24, 2018 (La Mesa) — You can earn gift cards from $25 to $100 and other prizes for taking and posting photos on social media between Friday, July 6^th and Sunday, July 8^th for a “Dine, Shop, Explore” contest sponsored by the city of La Mesa.  Photos must be taken in the city in July to show off parks, restaurants, businesses and more.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: ECM news partner 10 News

Update: a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the mother and son with their medical bills.

June 21, 2018 (La Mesa) – A 2-year-old boy will require arm surgery following a vicious attack by two Rottweiler dogs that escaped from a backyard kennel.  The attack occurred in the 6900 block of Waite Drive, where the tot’s mother, 29, was pushing him in a stroller, her 8-year-old daughter beside her. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

June 6, 2018 (La Mesa) – Edward Cline was killed after a vehicle he was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed ran lights, then struck a Mustang. The collision occurred at 8:15 p.m. last night.

Cline was ejected and died at the scene.

By Miriam Raftery

June 5, 2018 (La Mesa) –Fourpenny House (8383 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa’s downtown village is a natural fit in a community that’s home to the Helix High School Highlanders and bagpipe band. 

The Scottish pub and restaurant was inspired by owner Peter Soutowood’s family travels to his ancestral homeland in Scotland.

“Scottish food represents the flavors of the landscape,” says Soutowood, wearing a Scottish kilt during an industry night sampling of the fare. 

Aggressive, day-biting, hairy-legged mosquitos can transmit heartworms to pets

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

June 1, 2018 (La Mesa) -- San Diego County residents now have one more reason to find and dump out standing water in and around their homes to fight mosquitoes.

County environmental health officials have found a new type of invasive, aggressive, day-biting mosquito in La Mesa — the Australian backyard mosquito, Aedes notoscriptus, also known as the “Aussie Mozzie.”

East County News Service

May 29, 2018 (La Mesa) - The Foothills Art Association invites everyone to enjoy “Art in the Park” an art show and sale at MacArthur Park in La Mesa on Sunday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Many local artists will be displaying and selling their artwork during a festive day in La Mesa’s newest community park. See the art, listen to the music, bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy a family day at MacArthur Park.  

By Miriam Raftery

May 18, 2018 (San Diego) – What should consumers know about saving money and choosing a financial institution?  What’s the difference between credit unions and big banks?  When does a home equity line of credit make sense, and what are new options when shopping and financing a car?

These are among the questions East County Magazine asked Jonathan Zide, vice president of Cabrillo Credit Union, which has branches in La Mesa, San Diego and Carlsbad. The local company has been serving our region since 1955, starting out helping federal Border Patrol agents. Today, it’s open to everyone.

By Miriam Raftery

May 4, 2018 (La Mesa) --  I took a trip into La Mesa’s downtown village today to check out opening day of the new Farmer’s Market, which has moved to downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Village.  The market is now operated by the La Mesa Village Association instead of the city, with a new farmer’s market company.

East County News Service

May 1, 2018 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa will present a Salute to Old Glory at its annual Flag Day parade on Saturday, June 2^nd down La Mesa Boulevard in the La Mesa downtown village.

Pre-parade entertainment includes performances by local middle school bands at 9 a.m., with the parade rolling out at 10 a.m.  This year’s grand marshal will local historian and author Jim Newland.

There will also be a free ice cream social after the parade at La Mesa Blvd. and 4^th Street to round out a day of patriotic celebration.

Memorial services in San Diego April 27 and May 1

East County News Service

April 27, 2018 (La Mesa) --- Gladys Palast (1921-2018), a beloved mother, former La Mesa resident, progressive activist and military veteran, passed away Friday at age 96 in Kaiser Permanente Hospital.  A life-long activist for union, education and civil rights, she is survived by her son, journalist, author and film producer Greg Palast and her daughter, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Geri Palast. 

Gladys Palast was a union activist with SEIU and the San Diego Teachers Union.  Until the age of 80, she was also a school teacher in Los Angeles then San Diego.  She and her late husband, Gil Palast, were cofounders of the La Mesa Democratic Club and Activist San Diego, owner of KNSJ radio.

The first woman to enlist in the Coast Guard during World War II, she will be interred with full military honors at Miramar National Military Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 today at 11 a.m. along with the ashes of her late husband, Gil Palast. A celebration of her life will follow at 1 p.m. in the rec room at 6780 Mission Gorge Road in San Diego, where friends are invited to bring memories, stories and songs to share.

Update April 20: The Design Review Committee hearing slated for April 23 has been postponed. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Jeff Phair, right, shares information with area resident Anthony McIvor, left, at site of planned La Mesa Summit Estates.

April 12, 2018 (La Mesa) – On a hilltop above the Serramar development in La Mesa’s Eastridge area, local builder Jeff Phair hopes to build La Mesa Summit Estates.  The proposal calls for 30 new homes—each with multi-generational suites complete with separate entrances, stacked washer/dryers, and media centers.  They’re designed for families that want space for parents, grandparents or grown children---and the concept came out of extensive meetings with neighbors.

 “All developers don’t wear black hats,” an article in The Phair Company’s newsletter is titled. The company has a policy of “cooperative community based planning” that calls for meeting with neighbors and incorporating their input into designs, where possible, before ever approaching city staff of elected officials.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Farmer's Market at its former location on Allison Avenue may soon come back to its roots in the La Mesa downtown village

March 22, 2018 (La Mesa) – On Tuesday, La Mesa’s City Council will consider a proposal by the La Mesa Village Association to move and expand the farmer’s market back to the downtown village, with street closures for the event each Friday.  Staff has recommended approval in its report.  

Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 27 at its 6 p.m. meeting in City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Ave.

The issue has fostered a lively discussion on social media, with some residents and local merchants welcoming the proposed change to invigorate downtown and boost traffic for local businesses. But others vigorously oppose the change, citing concerns over not enough parking, having to carry groceries too far, and dissuading patrons from coming into downtown on Friday night, when restaurants are typically busiest.

By Miriam Raftery

March 5, 2018 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police officers responding to a call reporting a domestic dispute on Grape Street this morning had a dog charge at them and fired shots, but did not strike the animal.

La Mesa Patch.com reports that while one officer fired shots, the other officer was able to get the dog into the patrol car, according to Lieutenant Chad Bell.