Helix Water District raises rates in contentious hearing

By Kristin Kjaero

August 19, 2010 (La Mesa) – “Get used to it. We’re going to pay more each year,” Helix Water District Board member John Linden told the audience, shortly before the board voted 3-2 to raise the three-tiered rate structure an average of 8% more starting in November. Last year rates increased 21+%.

Discussion at the rate increase hearing was lively to say the least, as tempers frayed and the public, General Manager and Board members accused one another of not being truthful and of micromanaging. The room was filled to capacity, and occasionally members of the audience called out and were gaveled back to order. A La Mesa Policeman stood in the back quietly observing.

Revealing art exhibit Aug. 18-Sept. 26

August 13, 2010 (La Mesa) – O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa unveils “A Century of Naked Ladies”, kicking off the month-long exhibition with a special celebration August 18 from 5 to 9 p.m.
 

San Pasqual Winery hosts “A Perfect Pairing” event with Chef Dave and champion BBQ pitmaster secrets

Fun Continues Tonight at Gio's with more headliner comics

By Miriam Raftery

July 18, 2010 (La Mesa) – Brew-Ha-Ha’s first weekly comedy show upstairs at Gio Bistro and Wine Bar in La Mesa opened to a sold-out crowd last Sunday night. The act proved a rollicking success—artfully blending universally funny jokes with some East County-oriented punch lines.   Brew Ha Ha is the remedy for the blues--serving up light-hearted relief from tough times in an intimate yet friendly atmosphere with palate-pleasing food at Gio's.

July 10, 2010 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Police have arrested two juveniles for stealing a woman’s wallet in front of the Von’s store at 9011 University Avenue. A third suspect remains at large.

Police received a call reporting the robbery at 8:21 p.m. The 21 year-old victim was in the Vons parking lot when the three suspects approached her from behind. One grabbed the victim’s wallet and forcibly took it. All three suspects ran away while witnesses chased them.

July 8, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa is offering two free summer movie nights. The movies are shown on large screens, providing family entertainment under the stars.  Now you can enjoy a "dive-in movie" while swimming or floating, or relish a movie in the park at dark.

July 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – C. Hook Theater will present Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat July 7-10. C. Hook Theater productions are held at the Performing Arts Center at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center, 6845 University Avenue in San Diego (one block west of 70th Street).

By Miriam Raftery

June 28, 2010 (La Mesa) – “This is a wonderful opportunity for art collectors,” Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa, told East County Magazine. On Wednesday from 5-8 p.m., the gallery will host a reception and opening of a month-long exhibition of masterworks by Stanislaus J. “Stan” Sowinski, who died in January at his Rancho Bernardo residence at age 82. 

His large-scale oil paintings and Byzantine-style icons grace the walls of many public buildings including city halls and a university, as well as corporate headquarters, restaurants, and prominent churches.

Easy Rider director had roots in East County

by Christopher Mohr

by Christopher Mohr

May 24, 2010 (La Mesa) - Bryce Taylor, Sam Ferguson and Ellen Blackwell each won their respective divisions at the La Mesa Soap Box Derby Race on Saturday (May 22). The course was set up on a downhill section of Junior High Drive next to the La Mesa Middle School. Competitors faced each other in tournament bracket pairings to determine the division winners. 

City of La Mesa and City Heights Community Center also among honorees in San Diego's eastern regions

May 22, 2010 (San Diego) – Walk San Diego’s recent Golden Footprint Awards included a special recognition to Lemon Grove’s Mayor Mary Sessom for “outstanding vision and leadership in promoting walkable communities.”

Slim pickings for suspect Robert William Pickens

May 11, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police today arrested Robert William Pickens, 44, of San Diego on suspicion of holding up the Mission Federal Credit Union at Grossmont Center.