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.

September 16, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will host the 10th annual Kids Care Fest on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event features free health care screenings at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.

"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." Niccolo Machiavelli

By Walter Hall

August 20, 2011 (La Mesa) – Do you live, work or attend school in La Mesa? The city invites you to help plan and build a community garden. A meeting will be held Wednesday, August 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Helix Charter school campus, 7323 University Avenue, Room 1300, La Mesa.

“Tell us what you would like to see there and how you would like to help with the garden,” an invitation from the City states.

An ECM Special Report: Part I

By Walter Hall

August 19, 2011 (La Mesa)--In October, property owners in La Mesa’s downtown district will vote on an initiative with long range consequences for the city and surrounding area. At stake is the charter and character of a Property-based Business Improvement District, commonly abbreviated to PBID.

August 16, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –A Sig Alert has been issued for northbound 125 at Spring Street, where a vehicle rolled over, blocking lanes and a dog has reportedly been injured.

There is also a hazardous fuels spill on Highway 94 at Dulzura Café reported at 1:19 p.m.

Councilman Dave Allan announces he will not seek reelection

August 10, 2011 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council by a 5-0 vote approved a revised biennial budget. Revisions included a state takeaway of $215,000 in vehicle licensing fees formerly allocated to La Mesa.

July 29, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Three boys told La Mesa Police they were assaulted and robbed at gunpoint by a group of teens on July 26 around 9:38 p.m. near the Amaya Trolley Station on Amaya Drive.

July 20, 2011 (La Mesa)--Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Senior Resource Center offers free or low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Center also provides health information and community resources.

July 17, 2011 (La Mesa) – A fire has displaced seven residents at a triplex located at 5055 Thorne Drive in La Mesa. Heartland Fire & Rescue in La Mesa responded to a call at 3 p.m. and found smoke pouring from one of the units.