By Miriam Raftery

March 2, 2017 (La Mesa) –The popularity of selling goods using the internet has substantially increased over the last decade, which has also increased criminal activity during the sale of these items.  So today, La Mesa Police Department announced designation of two parking stalls on the east side of the police station as a “transaction zone” for La Mesa residents engaging in e-commerce.

Source:  La Mesa Police Department Press Release

May 2, 2016 (La Mesa) - On May 5, officers from the La Mesa Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 8:00 AM at Starbucks, 5020 Baltimore Drive La Mesa.

Drive to support AJ’s Kids Crane and Rady Children’s Hospital 

October 2, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department will begin its 3rd Annual Toy Drive on October 5, 2015 which will continue through November 17, 2015. The police department is hoping to collect enough toys to fill their Bearcat Rescue Vehicle, which will deliver the toys to AJ’s Kids Crane in the Mission Valley Ikea parking lot on November 17th. 

Submitted by the La Mesa Police Department

The La Mesa Police Department has been awarded a $34,363 grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to battle alcohol-related crime. This is important to the City of La Mesa in order to increase protection for youth and to keep our community safe.

July 9, 2015 (La Mesa) – A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with assault involving great bodily injury for a beating that occurred at the La Mesa Trolley Station on La Mesa Boulevard on June 13^th at 8 p.m.

July 2, 2015 (La Mesa) – There have been reports of a young man with dark hair observed going through people’s mailboxes as he goes door to door in La Mesa.  He then mentions neighbor’s names, supposedly to sell educational material.

In response, Claudia Ortega of the La Mesa Police Department provided a refresher on solicitors in La Mesa and how to stay safe:

May 11, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department will be hosting its 4th Annual La Mesa Police Youth Leadership Camp from June 29-July 2, 2015. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Camp is to provide leadership training and life-enhancing skills, personal development training, academic enrichment, team building, and to teach responsibility to one’s family and community. Participants will engage in classroom instruction, discussions, and scenarios; athletic and academic challenges (team and individual); field trips to volunteer community service work; and other activities.

By Kristin Kjaero

April 7, 2015 (La Mesa) -- It was a perfect spring day in La Mesa for the outdoor swearing in of the new Police Chief, Walt Vasquez (photo, left), joined by his family (photo, below right).  The charisma and popularity he brings with him was clear to see in the size and responsiveness of the crowd.

Vasquez began his career in law enforcement in 1986 with the San Diego Police Department, where he rose through the ranks to captain, most recently overseeing SDPD's SWAT team, Canine Unit, communications,  property room, information services, and the chief's community advisory boards. 

Not surprisingly given this background, his speech today expressed the values he places on public service, teamwork, and community policing.

Below and in video, we give you Chief Vasquez's speech in full.

November 24, 2014 (La Mesa)--The La Mesa Police Department has been awarded a $38,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries.  The La Mesa Police Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

July 15, 2014 (La Mesa) -- Today, the La Mesa Police Department announced today a partnership with Nextdoor (www. nextdoor.com).  Nextdoor is a private social media network for neighborhoods that builds stronger, safer communities by connecting neighbors together.

December 4, 2012 (La Mesa) – More traffic enforcement and safer streets are coming to La Mesa in the coming year.  Increased special traffic enforcement measures are on tap as a result of a recent $55,000 grant awarded by the Office of Traffic Safety to the La Mesa Police Department. The La Mesa Police Department is dedicated to keeping our roadways safe through both enforcement and education.

October 13, 2011 (La Mesa)  Police are investigating a robbery that occurred Wednesday night in La Mesa at the Motel 6 at 7621 Alvarado Road near Comanche Drive at 10:12 p.m.  The clerk told officers that two men armed with handguns came into the lobby and demanded money.