November 23, 2011 (La Mesa) – Mayor Art Madrid cut the ribbon this week at the grand opening of twin glass elevators rising from the Grossmont Trolley Station to the street above. Before, commuters and apartment dwellers along the transit line had to climb a steep flight of 77 stairs to access Grossmont Shopping Center or Grossmont Hospital above, an impossible feat for those in wheelchairs.

November 18, 2011 (La Mesa)--Youth at United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM)  will host a Fair Trade Holiday Sale on November 19 and 20 featuring gifts made by artisans paid fair wages and clean, safe work conditions in communities across the globe.

November 9, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--The staff at San Pasqual Winery invite you to honor present and past service men and women by participating in “A Toast to Our Veterans.”

October 25, 2011 (La Mesa)--Two suspects, armed with a “stun-gun, robbed Aliberto’s Taco Shop located at 7819 El Cajon Blvd. on October 24. The suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to La Mesa Police.

Police received a call around 12:10 a.m.that a robbery had just occurred. An employee reported that one suspect approached the counter of the business and ordered a burrito. A short time later the second suspect entered the business. One suspect then pulled out a “stun-gun” and ordered the employee to the back of the business. The suspects then got behind the counter and took the cash drawer out of the register. Both suspects fled southbound on foot. The employee was not injured.

By Millicent Arko

October 19, 2011 (La Mesa) O’Dunn Fine Art will unveil the Ireland Paintings Exhibition by Paul Strahm, a signature treatment that examines the Irish countryside, street scenes, coast and waterways. The collection of 14 paintings will be on display from October 22 – November 27, 2011 and are available for pre-sale.

October 13, 2011 (La Mesa) – University Avenue in La Mesa has been reopened after authorities found no explosives in an abandoned U-Haul truck. Damian Payne, a 35-year-old transient, has been arrested and charged with auto theft and possession of stolen property.

The U-Haul had been stolen on October 8 in Santee, according to a press release issued by La Mesa Police.

By Kristin Kjaero

October 13, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Re: "Reader’s Editorial: The Shame of La Mesa -- Council Votes Against Fair Trade, Bows to Corporate Interests Over Helping People," in which Meg Jensen expressed her disappointment at their decision to decline a proposal by the Fair Trade Towns USA ("FTT").

“The City, on its own website, already supports many initiatives that show preference to some businesses over others—and rightly so, to promote the public good… Where were the so-called pro-life members of the council last night? Why, casting their votes on behalf of companies represented by an out-of-town Chamber of Commerce instead of showing compassion for unborn babies, children and families.”
 

By Meg Jensen
 

October 13, 2011 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council fell one vote short last night of joining major cities and small towns across America in becoming a “Fair Trade Towns USA” city. The resolution would not have cost the city a penny. It would, however, have enabled consumers to have information on retailers in La Mesa who have voluntarily agreed to carry at least two fair trade products certified to have been made without the use of child labor, slavery, or use of dangerous chemicals that harm workers and their unborn children.

October 9, 2011 (La Mesa) – Two transients have been arrested for stealing a bicycle and attempting to steal a backpack and cell phone from a man at Collier Park yesterday, La Mesa Police report. One of the men also reportedly threatened to beat up the victim if he would not relinquish his property. Those arrested are John Allen Bass and Jamar Brown, both age 24.

October 5, 2011 (La Mesa)—Three San Diego teens have been booked into juvenile hall on burglary charges. Yesterday at 1:29 p.m., La Mesa Police responded to a call in the 5600 block of Urban Drive from a neighbor who reported a possible burglary.

Update 2 a.m. - The highway is now reopened.

October 3, 2011 (La Mesa) – A SIG Alert has been issued in La Mesa, where a pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 125 just north of I-8 near Fletcher Parkway. The driver of a Grey Honda accord notified authorities that she hit a pedestrian who was running across the freeway around 10:26 p.m. The individual was also struck by several other cars.

September 29, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Historical Society opens its Centennial year activities with the release for sale of its special edition 2012 Centennial Calendar at Oktoberfest, which runs Sept. 30 through October 2.

Calendars feature historic photos plus fun Centennial facts.

September 24, 2011 (La Mesa)--Grossmont Center invites you put on your 60's threads and come to a to a free family-friendly celebration that's a blast from the past.

Meet the artist Sept. 28

September 6, 2011 (La Mesa) -- AbEx invades La Mesa Village! Bay area abstract expressionist John Krempel is bringing a selection of larger oil and acrylic paintings to East County for his exciting show September 7 – October 9 at O’Dunn Fine Art.  Art lovers are also invited to meet this talented artist at a reception on Wednesday, September 28 from 5-8 p.m.

Influenced by the 20th century San Francisco abstract expressionist movement, Krempel references the beauty of both natural and man-made landscapes in his work. He has been featured in dozens of bay area shows, and is the founder of the Temporary Artists Group (TAG), which brings emerging artists to the community. With degrees in both the arts and psychology, John's paintings dance at the interface of the physical and psychological worlds.