La Mesa’s Homeless Count Rises to 68, Says Latest Census from January

Regional Task Force on the Homeless also finds 32 people unsheltered in the unincorporated community of Spring Valley.

Toss $5 Million Frozen Pizza Lawsuit by Local Mom, Judge Is Asked

Katie Simpson's suit citing Rancho San Diego purchases is toasted by L.A. and D.C. lawyers.

Journalist Claims ‘Retaliatory Animus’ in 1st Amendment Suit Against S.D. Police

J.C. Playford files new case against Chief Lansdowne, Sheriff Gore and District Attorney Dumanis.

La Mesa Assemblyman's Concealed Weapons Permit Bill Fails Passage

Assemblyman Jones: "The best way to combat gun crime is through harsher punishment, not through stricter gun control.”

Quail Brush Requests Suspension of Application for Power Plant

After being dealt a blow by the PUC, the company vying to construct a power plant near Santee and adjacent to Mission Trails Regional Park is taking a step back to regroup.

LMPD Was Tony Gwynn of the County in 2012 for Solving Violent Crimes

La Mesa police cleared 58 percent of such crimes in 2012—the highest rate for city agencies.

NOTICE: La Mesa City Council Meeting Canceled for Tuesday

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m.

Incoming S.D. Schools Chief: ‘I Can’t Support a Teacher Having a Gun’

Superintendent-to-be Cindy Marten tells La Mesa Democrats: “We went to college to be teachers.”

Cindy Marten Calls Herself a 9/11 Soldier—Defending Public Education

Incoming SD Unified chief says George Bush declared war on public schools in September 2000.

Tax Collector: More Than Half of SD County Property Owners Still Owe

The second installment of property taxes are due April 10.

La Mesa Jobless Rate Down Almost a Full Point in the Past Year

State agency says unemployment rate here was 6.6 percent in February, 7.5 percent in Casa de Oro-Mt. Helix, and 9.2 percent in Spring Valley.

Mayor Madrid Says Chabad of East County Still Lacks La Mesa OK

“I’m sure the landlord was anxious to rent the place,” Madrid told the editor of La Mesa Courier.

Group Formed to Protect Military's Economic Impact in California

Assemblyman Rocky Chavez and retired Maj. Gen. Anthony Jackson will be on its board.

Council Meets New Royalty, Cuts CDBG Funding for Some City Services

Some of the organizations that will be cut out of funding in FY 2013 include the Alzheimer’s Association ($1,700), the Challenge Center ($3,400), East County YMCA Summer Camps ($4,200) and others.

La Mesa Jobless Rate Rose to 7.2% in January, State Agency Reports

Spring Valley was at 9.9% and Casa de Oro-Mount Helix at 8.1%—under the county’s 8.6% rate.

Victory for Quail Brush Foes: PUC Denies Power Contract for Peaker Plant

Save Mission Trails and other activist groups were out in force for Thursday's commission hearing.

Honoring the Fallen: La Mesa Suffered 1 Casualty in the Iraq War

On the 10th anniversary of the start of U.S.-led invasion, first U.S. Navy officer killed is recalled.

Architect Jerry Lecko Appointed to La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board

Lecko, a La Mesa resident, is a member of the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, and has served on various PTAs, and on the Mt. Helix Council PTA. He was a seven-year member of the District Advisory Council, and was its chairman from 2005-07.

City Moves Forward With Proposed 7-Eleven Store, Despite Opposition

Construction at the site is slated to begin some time this year. Once completed, it will be the eighth 7-Eleven store within the La Mesa city limits.

Otay Water District Receives Nat'l Awards Marking Achievement in Government Budgeting

Otay was one of only five organizations that submitted budgets as being recognized as having "outstanding" policy documents.

‘Obama 2016’ Filmmaker Tells GOP Women How Party Can Be ‘Invincible’

La Jollan Dinesh D’Souza says the only immigrants needed are those who believe in GOP ideals.

ER Wait Times at Sharp Grossmont Much Higher Than National Average

Medicare database shows how hospitals across San Diego—and nation—compare for care.

Pulitzer Winner: Sequester ‘Not That Big a Deal,’ But May Stir S.D. Recession

Former U-T writer Dean Calbreath sees possible $7.5 billion hit to the San Diego County economy.

City Council Denies Preschool Expansion, Overturns Planning Group

BunnyBears Inhome Preschool, which currently operates inside the home of Anise and Egle Athari at 6111 Howell Avenue, cannot relocate to a larger facility down the street.

Mayor Madrid Calls Councilmember Ewin 'Liar,' Fueling Public Feud

In a prepared statement read at last week's council meeting, the mayor admonished his fellow councilmember, claiming he is "mired in political games and personal vendettas."

Local Pension Costs Set to Rise, Says San Diego Taxpayers Group

Contributions from cities including La Mesa are rising at a fast clip, according to San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

Council Action Could Set the Stage for Parking Garage in the Village

The council voted 5-0 on a motion to initiate a Zoning Ordinance amendment, in order to establish an in-lieu parking fee withing the Downtown Commercial zone.

County Supervisor Recounts ‘Horrifying’ Chat on Convict Put in Nursing Facility

Dianne Jacob says felon exposed himself to other patients—with DA’s Office unaware of transfer.

No Vendors at Oktoberfest? Council to Discuss Cost-Saving Scenarios

La Mesa Police Department offers event organizers several pricing options at annual beer fest, including no carnival and spreading the event over two weekends.

Malaise in La Mesa? Chris Lavin Essay Faults Chamber, Merchants, Leadership

Editor says: “La Mesa may still be the Jewel of the Hills, but to remain that way it needs a strategy, not just a motto.”

Rep. Susan Davis Joins Effort to Nullify Citizens United Decision by High Court

Rep. Jim McGovern introduced two amendments to undo the Supreme Court's decision allowing unlimited corporate spending on political campaigns.

Rep. Susan Davis Slams USPS Decision to End Saturday Mail Delivery

The U.S. Postal Service announced it would end Saturday mail delivery by Aug. 1. Your reaction?

San Pasqual to Open in Summer, Will Be First La Mesa-based Winery

In November 2012, the council unanimously passed the ordinance, making way for the up-and-coming La Mesa-based San Pasqual winery, which is slated to open in June or July.

School Board to Fill La Mesa-Spring Valley Vacancy by Appointment

Vote was unanimous after Superintendent Brian Marshall said special election could cost $430,000.

Where to Get Free Tax Help in La Mesa, Spring Valley

The IRS' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program began last weekend.

Locals Greet County Sale of 3-Acre Parcel for New Park Near Helix HS

Park at Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road will be 15th in La Mesa, but opening could be years away.

ACLU Rips Grossmont Union HS District Over Lack of English-Learner Services

Demands went to superintendent of public instruction and members of state Board of Education.

Council Excuses Holiday Inn’s $9,000 Fine as ‘One-Time Exception’

La Mesa hotel will have to pay only $628.44 to the city, as a prorated fine of being only two days late on its Transient Occupancy Tax for the third quarter of 2012.

La Mesa Facing $1 Million Fine for Sewage Overflows in 2010 Rainstorm

State says 1.3 million gallons of raw sewage was dumped into San Diego Bay and the ocean.

La Mesa Jobless Rate of 6.7% Is Lower Than San Diego County Average

State estimates 2,400 La Mesa residents were out of work in December. There were 900 without jobs in Casa de Oro/Mt. Helix, and 1,500 out of work in Spring Valley.