By Don Woods, La Mesa

Image: Rendering of a proposed digital billboard created by Clear Channel, via City of La Mesa documents

July 22, 2023 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa City Council will discuss a digital billboards proposal this Tuesday evening.

At a prior meeting, the City Council appointed Council members Pat Dillard and Jack Shu to form an “ad hoc” committee to consider a proposal by Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising company to erect a huge new, two-sided digital billboard along the north side of the I-8 freeway as it runs past the Grossmont Center shopping center. The committee has met and has now made a recommendation, which the Council will take up at its 6 p.m. meeting on Tuesday.

Item 14.2 on the Council’s Tuesday agenda says “The Digital Billboard Negotiating Ad-hoc Subcommittee recommends the Council direct staff to develop and circulate, within 30 days, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the placement and installation of digital billboards in the City, to include: (1) a statement of facts identifying the process to authorize digital billboards; and (2) a listing of questions and concerns (for response) raised by the Digital Billboard Negotiating Ad-hoc Subcommittee”.

So instead of just discussing the proposal with Clear Channel, the ad hoc committee now wants to open up a bidding competition to see who is willing to pay the most to be allowed to erect a digital billboard. In effect, they are interested in selling the safety of La Mesa residents to the highest bidder!  

The committee’s recommendation shows a surprising lack of due diligence. It also seems to ignore a number of facts, and tries to put the cart before several horses.

Update July 15, 2023 -- The person of interest, Steven Calhoun, 39, of San Diego was arrested today and charged with murder.

East County News Service 

July 14, 2023 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Dept. seeks public help to identify a man seen arguing with a man who was fatally stabbed a short time later last night around 8:40 p.m. at the trolley station at 7255 Alvarado Road near 70th Street.

Surveillance video showed the victim in an altercation with another man who left the scene walking westbound on  Alvarado Rd.  He is described as a male in his late-20s or early 30s with a dark complexion. He was wearing a light blue Chargers baseball cap, dark blue jeans, white t-shirt with black print, and a blue short-sleeve button-up shirt with a floral pattern. He was carrying a skateboard and at one point had a red facemask covering his nose and mouth. 

By Miriam Raftery

July 10, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Michele Michalina Lange was a devoted mother  and a popular waitress at the Por Favor Restaurant in La Mesa.  But on June 22, her ended when she was walking across  Jamacha Blvd. near Lamplighters Village Drive in Spring Valley and was struck by two vehicles—a red SUV and a silver sedan.

 Both fled the scene, and now Michele’s father, Michael Lange, is offering a $25,000 reward to find those drivers and hold them accountable.

“I’m lost…I loved my daughter dearly,” he told 10 news, adding, “I want justice.”

July 5, 2023 (La Mesa) -- On Thursday, August 17, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will produce its 8^th Annual “Summer Bash” Business Expo. This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott  (141 N. Magnolia Ave. El Cajon) from 5-7:30 p.m.

“To encourage you to come out and see us again, tickets are being offered at the low price of $15 apiece and include food from many local restaurants,” says Mary England,  the Chamber’s president. “There will be raffles and business vendors will offer numerous FREE door prizes that evening. You may win free prizes/gifts to use the rest of your summer!”

By Jacob Pamus 

Photo: Finance Director Tammi Royales gives presentation on proposed budget

July 3,2023 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa City Council voted  unanimously on June 27 to approve a tentative biennial budget of $130,246,110 in fiscal year 2023-24 and $133,151,664 in fiscal year 2024-25. The Council is expected to vote on a final budget in August 2023. 

Cannabis tax revenues are projected to rise sharply as new dispensaries open, with other revenue sources such as property tax and leasings also on the upswing.

General expenditures will be boosted by 6%to cover rising utility costs, as well as studies on police staffing issues and a new citywide strategic plan are among the reasons for the increase. 

This new budget is being made with open gov online, an online system that connects live financials with the budget, available in 135 languages, and is fully interactive and accessible for residents and students.

East County News Service

June 16, 2023 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to celebrate Black culture, history and life while honoring those who fought for freedom and rights.  La Mesa’s Juneteenth Celebration will be held Sunday,  June 19  from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MacArthur Park,4900 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.

“We bring a family oriented celebration with participation from local businesses, educators, writers, churches, community leaders, elected officials, and performers in and around La Mesa. All are welcome as we bring our community together and raise awareness of the Juneteenth jubilee and share its important historical significance,” states the website for the La Mesa Juneteenth Foundation.

By Kathy Carpenter

June 6, 2023 (La Mesa) - "Gioia di vivere!” The joy of living is expressed in Slikworms, Lamplighters Theatre’s latest production, by local playwright Connie Terwilliger. A world premiere, Silkworms represents three generations of women. Silkworms need mulberry leaves to survive; both are interdependent.  Similarly, the women in this play need each other for support and love.

The grandmother provides wisdom and guidance, the mother provides love and support and the daughter provides hope and new beginnings. Together, they form a strong and unbreakable bond that sustains them through good times and bad. Silkworms is relatable, humorous and poignant.

Source:  AAUW

May 29, 2023 (La Mesa/El Cajon) - The June 10, 2023 installation meeting of the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women will be held at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina at 2131 Shelter Island Dr. in San Diego. The luncheon meeting begins at 11:00 and dress is Tropical. The new officers will be led by President Elect, Jane Drinkwalter. For more information, lunch selections and reservations go to AAUW La Mesa-El Cajon (CA) Branch. The cost of the luncheon is $40.00.

Source:  City of La Mesa

May 27, 2023 (La Mesa) - During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the La Mesa Police Department reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. Safe riding and driving practices, and a shared responsibility from all road users, will help everyone get to their destination safely.

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

Photo:  La Mesa Councilwoman Laura Lothian, seeing no chance of council OK, made no motion for her policy proposal. Image via Facebook

May 25, 2023 (La Mesa) - La Mesa Councilwoman Laura Lothian ran a proposal up the flagpole but saw it shot down in a hail of public scorn and derision.

East County News Service

May 15, 2023 (La Mesa) - The California Note Catchers, a women's four-part harmony chorus, will be presenting "Sounds of Summer" on Saturday, June 17, at 2 p.m. The concert will be held at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave., La Mesa. 

East County News Service

May 15, 2023 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s 14th annual popular “foodie” event is set for Monday, June 26 from 4:30 to  p.m. at the newly renovated Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. The popularity and crowd of this annual event has outgrown the La Mesa Community Center, where it was held for the first 10 years.

East County News Service

May 15, 2023 (La Mesa) - Members of the Letitia Coxe Shelby Chapter, NSDAR held their annual tea in Santee on April 14th, 2023. The tea was held in honor of their Revolutionary War patriots. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service organization dedicated to community service, preserving history, educating children, as well as honoring and supporting all who serve and have served this great nation.

Source:  La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

April 30, 2023 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber invites you to join in welcoming Casa Gabriela to the business community at a fun-filled evening on Wednesday, May 17.