December 14, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Residential fires have caused major damage to homes in Descanso, Lakeside, Valley Center and La Mesa this month. The latest blaze occurred this morning at 4:17 a.m. in a condominium complex at 9320 Earl Street #25 in La Mesa, where fire crews arrived in less than five minutes and ran hose lines inside through thick, dark smoke down to the floor. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to locate the fire in the kitchen.

On December 13, 2009, at about 5:43 PM, a lone suspect robbed the clerk at the Staples store at 8805 Murray Drive, La Mesa. The suspect selected a display item, and waited in line. Once at the register, he simulated a handgun and threatened the clerk, demanding cash. The clerk complied and gave the suspect an unknown amount of cash. The suspect then fled on foot. No one was injured during the robbery, which La Mesa Police believe may be related to a series of robberies in the area.

By Kristin Kjaero

December 10, 2009 (La Mesa) – It was a standing room only crowd December 9, as residents gave their input at the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Public Scoping Meeting for Park Stations at the Crossroads of La Mesa, a six-acre, 18-story multiple use project proposed for the Village.

La Mesa’s historic shopping district offers a Victorian-style holiday celebration, rides, bonfires, specialty boutiques and unique gifts

December 4, 2009 (La Mesa) – For two days and nights, La Mesa’s historic downtown village transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland complete with strolling minstrels, carolers, street entertainers and several stages. Bonfires will fill La Mesa Boulevard, where you can roast chestnuts over an open fire or delight in a horse-drawn carriage ride. You’ll also find carnival rides, puppet shows, and Santa Claus.

November 18, 2009 (La Mesa) -- At approximately 2:52 p.m. yesterday, a man robbed the Office Depot store at 8481 Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa.  The robber demanded money from a store clerk, displaying a simulated gun under his shirt. The clerk gave the suspect approximately $334.00 in cash. The suspect fled eastbound and was last seen running running towards the Petco Store.   A search of the area with ground police units and the ASTREA helicopter did not locate the suspect.  

November 8, 2009 (La Mesa) --“If Bryce Taylor can do it, I can do it.”

That’s been the attitude among many area youngsters as they prepared to compete in two days of Soap Box Derby Rally Races, with the final rounds today. The event is sponsored by Drew Ford and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa. The race course is down Junior High Drive adjacent to La Mesa Middle School. Highwood Park is the staging area.

By Leon Thompson
Photos by Leon Thompson, Takayuki Higuchi, and Miriam Raftery

October 29, 2009 (La Mesa) – “In the ‘30s, La Mesa was an artists’ and film-makers destination,”  Gabriel “Gabe” Giordano, co-owner of the new Bella Mesa Gallery at 8080 La Mesa Blvd., said at a grand opening party  on October 10th. “Tonight, one has the feeling it is about to be revived.”

Guests included Joshua Rose, editor of American Art Collector magazine. Rose came from Arizona to cover the opening of Bella Mesa, which features national-caliber artists.  Most notable is Sean Diediker, who was recently commissioned to create a portrait of Barack Obama  presented as an inauguration gift to the President by his campaign staff and Vice President Joseph Biden.

By Miriam Raftery

October 28, 2009 (La Mesa) – At last night’s La Mesa City Council meeting, it came as a surprise to many in the audience to learn that alcohol consumption has been prohibited in City parks since 1991. Last night Council voted 5-0 to extend that ban to all public places including City streets, curbs, and sidewalks—drawing praise from some and criticism from others.
 

Photos by Monica Zech

October 15, 2009 ) -- In La Mesa today, city leaders, fire department chiefs and staff from El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, gathered for the official signing of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA). This agreement will create a shared management team to coordinate fire and emergency medical services, firefighter training, fire prevention, emergency planning, and community preparedness.

Book Review: Nugget on the Flight Deck By Patricia Newman

New York, Walker and Company, 2009. Illustrated by Aaron Zenz. Hardback Picture Book, 40 pages, with Target Age: 4-8 years.

Reviewed by Deena While

“Welcome aboard, Nugget…I’ll bet you’ve never been aboard a carrier before…”

October 13, 2009 (La Mesa) -- San Diego may be the nation’s 9th largest city, but it is still a Navy town at heart. The graceful passage of San Diego’s homeport aircraft carriers down the harbor channel, past Ballast Point and out to sea is one of our area’s most awe-inspiring sights. And any one of those ships could have a nugget aboard.  Navy and Marine jargon is often heard in our community. In Navy-speak, a nugget is a new pilot on his first tour of duty. Patricia Newman’s just-released book is a fun-filled introduction to the basics of carrier operations, centered on the heart-warming story of one particular nugget.

New measure follows city’s recent award for excellence in community health and wellness programs
 

October 9, 2009 (La Mesa) – A whopping 60% of La Mesa 5th, 7th and 9th grade students sampled and over half of all adults in California are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for stroke, high blood pressure, or other serious medical problems. To combat obesity, the League of California Cities has adopted a resolution encouraging cities to embrace policies that foster healthier lifestyles and communities, including a healthy diet and exercise.

On Tuesday, La Mesa’s City Council will consider whether to adopt the measure which calls for a redevelopment plan that would include community gardens, design plans to make La Mesa more accessible via bicycles and walking, improve access to fresh foods, and more. The proposed resolution also calls for promotion of employee wellness and urges the City to set an example for other area businesses by establishing an employee wellness program. Read the full text of the resolution here.

Tiramisu Trattoria
8273 La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619)698-0096
http://www.tiramisutrattoria.com/ 

By the East County Eater

September 20, 2009 (La Mesa)--This is a tough job. For instance, how do you choose the best Italian restaurant in East County among so many tasty choices? After considerable (and delectable) research, I’m pleased to reveal my current favorite: Tiramisu Trattoria in La Mesa.

 The second you walk in, you feel like an honored guest. Everyone I’ve spoken to tells the tale of how the owner personally welcomed them and came by the table to ask if everything is to their liking. Our experience confirmed the owner’s reputation for not only dishing up fine food, but also warm hospitality.

September 14, 2009 (La Mesa) -- You're invited to join a few friends--200,000 or so--in the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the Western United States.  Festivities extend through six blocks in the La Mesa Village area of downtown La Mesa, featuring three beer gardens and more than 300 vendors.

“Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival – Sept. 12
Coastal Cleanup Day at Lake Murray – Sept. 19

By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero

By Miriam Raftery

August 13, 2009 (La Mesa) – This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, join a historical free walking tour through downtown La Mesa and learn about our region’s colorful past. The tour will include a professional impersonator portraying Mary Porter, a famous La Mesa resident of the era, as well as music and costumed tour guides.