🌱 Police Oversight Board + Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Good morning, La Mesa-Mount Helix! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started.

First, today's weather:

Cooler; morning sprinkles. High: 61 Low: 49.

Here are the top stories in and around La Mesa-Mount Helix today:

1. The La Mesa Community Police Oversight Board released a draft of its 2022 work plan. The advisory group expects to present it to the City Council in January. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
2. Dozens of California's ambulatory surgical centers recently ranked among the best facilities in the nation, according to a new report. In San Diego County, 14 facilities made the list, including Surgical Care Affiliates - Grossmont Surgery Center in La Mesa, according to America's Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2022, new rankings from Newsweek compiled in partnership with Statista. (La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch)
3. The jury in the trial of a former La Mesa police officer visited the Grossmont Trolley Station, where the controversial arrest of a young Black man took place last year. Matthew Dages is accused of falsifying a police report. (Fox 5 San Diego)
4. The city of La Mesa hired Perri Storey as communications manager. Her job includes coordinating the city's website and news desk and overseeing social media, newsletters, press releases and media relations. (Times of San Diego)
5. San Diego-based fast-food chain Jack in the Box announced an agreement to acquire rival Del Taco in a $575 million deal. (San Diego Patch)

Today's La Mesa-Mount Helix Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in La Mesa-Mount Helix!

From my notebook:

• County of San Diego: "'Tis the season for celebration, and our December Program Guide has a bunch of cool opportunities listed — from ranger-led cooking classes to cultural and educational experiences." (Instagram)
• Foothills Art Association: "Hurry — don't miss our Wildlife in Art Show! It ends Dec. 8!" (Facebook)
• La Mesa Chamber of Commerce: "Join us Tuesday, Dec. 7, at BJ's for our final mixer of the year! Help us collect toys to brighten the holiday season for military families living in La Mesa." (Facebook)
• San Diego Humane Society: "San Diego Humane Society is happy to announce that stories from two of our adopters have been selected to be part of the Petco Love Love Stories People's Choice Award competition!" (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Episcopal Community Services — Episcopal Community Services Names Julia Nemon Montijo COO (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Top 10 Divorce Mistakes and How to Avoid Them – Carlsbad ~ No–Cost Webinar (December 9)
• Ask the Divorce Experts – San Diego, CA Hub ~ No–Cost Webinar (December 10)
• How to Divorce Better – Carlsbad, CA Hub ~ No–Cost Webinar (December 14)
• Year End & Divorce: Legal, Financial, Emotional – San Diego ~ No-Cost Event (December 15)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (December 20)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Volunteer with Trauma Intervention Program of San Diego (Details)
• Add your announcement

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. Send them this link to subscribe.

— Kristina Houck

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming La Mesa-Mount Helix Daily? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.