October 17, 2013 (La Mesa)--On Friday, October 25 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., the City of La Mesa will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the La Mesa Village Farmers’ Market.

The weekly market, held at La Mesa Civic Center, has become a Friday gathering place for La Mesans and East County residents. The celebration will include all the usual market amenities, plus a live DJ, free face-painting for kids, a booth decorating contest for vendors, and prize raffles. Shoppers will receive free 20th Anniversary shopping bags while supplies last and the City will also unveil new street banners featuring a special 20th Anniversary logo. The City of La Mesa invites citizens and visitors from throughout the region to join in celebrating this milestone.

October 13, 2013 (La Mesa) -- Boosted by sponsorship of Drew Ford,  La Mesa Kiwanis Club will conduct its annual Soap Box Derby Rally Race on Saturday, November 2 in La Mesa.

"Families with kids from throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada are expected to make the trip," Blake said.  "Rally race winners in stock, super stock, and masters division cars earn points to help them qualify for the national race held each July in Akron, Ohio."

By Alex Riggins

(October 9, 2013 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa City Council voted 5-0 on Wednesday to postpone a decision on whether to place a measure on the November 2014 ballot regarding term limits for the mayor and council members. The item, introduced by Vice Mayor Kristine Alessio, is the first step towards imposing limits on the number of consecutive terms that councilmembers could hold office.

See what’s on the agendas for city councils in  El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and the San Diego Supervisors this week

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)  - Chickens, term limits, renaming a theater, the Castlerock housing project, a regional water plan and a proposal to boost beekeeping in the backcountry are among the hot items impacting East County that will be heard this week.

September 27, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Senior Resource Center at Sharp Grossmont Hospital offers free or low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Senior Resource Center also provides information and assistance for health information and community resources. Scroll down for details on next month’s programs.  For more information, call 619-740-4214. For other programs, call 1-800-827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com.

Heartland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a person trapped in a hole in the 8000 block of Morocco Dr. in La Mesa Friday morning.  The resident, a 71 year old man, was digging a drainage line about four feet deep when a small boulder came loose and fell on top of him into his lap, pinning him inside the hole. 

photo, left: Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds

September 17, 2013 (La Mesa) – On September 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., costumed “Steampunk” fans are expected to join the celebration of “A Day in the Life,” an art show opening at O’Dunn Fine Art.

 “Colorado artist Joe Bonomo has taken the characters from the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’ album and interpreted them as Steampunk characters…totally original,”  gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn told ECM.  The artist will be on hand at the opening, which will also feature live music, food and beverages.

“Even if you don’t speak Steampunk (or the Sixties, for that matter) these oil paintings are gorgeous,” said O’Dunn. The exhibit will also feature a replica of the time machine seen in the 1960 movie Time Machine  and in The Big Bang Theory.

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.