April 13, 2011 (La Mesa)-- La Mesa residents who are Vietnam War Veterans are invited to attend the La Mesa City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26th at the City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue.

The City Council will honor these military personnel for their service during the meeting as part of its ongoing effort to recognize local veterans. Last month, the Council recognized Korean War Veterans, in February the WWII Veterans, and in January the Council honored the Pearl Harbor Survivors for their valor.

By Miriam Raftery

April 5, 2011 (La Mesa)  At 8:30 a.m. today, a 14-year-old boy was punched in the face three times and his necklace and hat were taken by two suspects aboard a trolley in La Mesa. The robbery occurred while the victim and suspects were riding eastbound on the MTS Trolley between the Spring Street and La Mesa Boulevard stations.

Authors will offer writing tips and sign copies of books at Grossmont Center store

By Dennis Moore

April 2, 2011 (La Mesa)—Are you an aspiring author? Barnes & Noble bookstore in Grossmont Center will host ”How to get published” on April 9 at 1 p.m.

Moderated by ECM book reviewer Dennis Moore, The event will feature  best-selling novelist Joshua Graham as well as local authors Max Sturman and TJ Johnson. The authors will field questions and offer helpful tips about the business, as well as sign copies of their books.

By Miriam Raftery
 

March 29, 2011 (La Mesa)—David Zaloudek decided to combine his two passions: coffee and restoring vintage light fixtures. You can savor and purchase both at Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge, La Mesa’s newest java joint at 8513 La Mesa Blvd. The coffee lounge is named in honor of Zaloudek’s mother, whose portrait adds a vintage touch in keeping with the period lighting that softly illuminates this cozy, one-of-a-kind shop.

March 25, 2011 (La Mesa) La Mesa Police Department today arrested Domingos Oliveira, 50, of Spring Valley for soliciting the murder of his 19 year-old daughter’s boyfriend. Police were notified by the suspect’s daughter and boyfriend, after several posters had been placed on the campus of Grossmont College within the past two weeks.

March 22, 2011 (La Mesa)--At 2:35 p.m., three masked suspects smashed the I-Pod liosk display counter at Grossmont Center and stole  electronic items. The suspects are described as either black or Hispanic males.

March 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Don’t want to fight crowds to head to downtown San Diego for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, or drive home after a night of partying? Sure ‘n’ we’ve got the answer!

Irish pubs in La Mesa, Rancho San Diego and Poway are hosting their own celebrations—complete with free cab rides home. For families, an Escondido park is offering a St. Patrick’s Day hike and crafts.  Plus a Scripps Ranch church is holding a special St. Patrick’s Day mass--in Gaelic.

Don’t forget to wear green!

March 7, 2011 (La Mesa) – A lone gunman made off with cold cash stolen from the Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt Store at 5640 Lake Murray Blvd. last night around 9:25. The suspect displayed a handgun and ordered two employees to empty the safe, then deposit the money in a paper bag. He then forced the employees into a closet and blocked the closet door with chairs.

February 28, 2011 (La Mesa) A man with a black scarf over his face robbed the Denny’s Restaurant at 6970 Alvarado Road at gunpoint last night around 10:31 pm. After receiving cash from the register, he fled on foot, La Mesa Police report.

February 16, 2011 (La Mesa)--The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free seniors' discussion group on “The Aging Process: What is Normal, What is Not,” on Wednesday, February 23 at 11 a.m.

By Miriam Raftery
 

February 13, 2011 (La Mesa) – One hundred years ago, the Flying A silent movie studio opened its doors in downtown La Mesa. The studio produced over 150 silent films in 1911 and 1912, including some shot in La Mesa, other East County locations, and San Diego.

February 11, 2011 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department, in a continuing effort to partner with communities, wiill host a neighborhood forum on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lemon Avenue Elementary School, 8787 Lemon Avenue, La Mesa. This forum is part of a series of community forums to encourage public discussion and questions about issues specific to the individual neighborhoods within the City of La Mesa.

ECM pauses to ask for your reflections

By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero

February 3, 2011 (La Mesa) -- On February 16, 2012, La Mesa will turn 100, and city leaders hope to celebrate throughout the year, from special commemorative events to putting a centennial spin on annual events such as Oktoberfest. The city has extended an invitation for civic organizations to collaborate with events of their own. All, it hopes, will be underwritten -as the Flag Day Parade is- by sponsorships and volunteer efforts.

January 27, 2011 (La Mesa) – A woman walking to her car in the Wal-Mart parking lot at Grossmont Center had her purse stolen last night around 6:30 p.m.The victim was approached from behind by the suspect, who grabbed the purse by the strap and attempted to flee. The victim tried unsuccessfully to hold onto her puse, twisting her lower back during the struggle.