Trolley Noise Critics Gearing Up for Stronger Efforts in 2012, Leader Says

Rhonda Ciardetti says she has petitions from 82 people in her Water Street area near high school.

Madrid on Rulings: California to Become ‘Worse Than a Third World Country’

Mayor reacts to the state Supreme Court effectively abolishing local redevelopment agencies.

Christmas Tree Recycling Through EDCO Continues Until Jan. 16

City of La Mesa provides instructions on how and where to recycle your trees.

Helix Water District Chief Is Staying on Through Jan. 31—or Perhaps Later

More than 60 applied for Mark Weston’s general manager job, expected to be filled by early March.

Farmers Market Doubling Its Fun—and Fortune—on Eve of Christmas Eve

Vendors are making twice as much since relocation, says manager of three markets including ours.

Mandarin Mayor: Shipment of Loomis Oranges Should Be in La Mesa Soon

Rhonda Morillas says she's ordered a $40 box of Struble Ranch oranges as payoff in football wager.

County Groups Are Getting More than $14 Million to Address Homelessness

Award renews funding for 52 county projects providing housing, job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care.

General Plan Is Going Green: Enviro Panel Having Say About City Growth

Current document, updated in 1996, will give way to a centennial year vision for 2030, with panel help.

Spring Valley-Casa de Oro Post Office Was Among 40 Considered for Closure Last Summer

Following announcements earlier this year that the USPS wants to cut 120,000 jobs.

Grossmont Center Plans Aerial Centennial Photo: Human ‘100 YEARS’

Centennial Committee also hears plans for a geocaching challenge during La Mesa's milestone.

Ewin: Until the PBID Process Is Done, Art Madrid Speaks Only for Himself

Ernest Ewin: "As long as tactics of veiled color of authority, position and bullying use of a public ridicule/calling out are used to stifle La Mesa free speech, La Mesa loses."

SANDAG OKs Purchase of SR 125 to Relieve Traffic Congestion for Spring Valley, South Bay

The board agreed to pay $341.5 million for the asset – roughly one-third of what a private consortium spent to build the toll road.

Question of the Day: Should Mayor Apologize for ‘Furniture Lady’ Remarks?

In a private email to PBID panel, comments by Cynthia Stein were called “a crock!” by Art Madrid.

Mayor Raps Remarks by ‘Furniture Lady’ in Email After Council Meeting

PBID supporters outnumber critics 13-6 as downtown Village debate moves into campaign phase.

Miles: Grossmont, Cuyamaca Colleges Are ‘Rationing Education’ Amid Cuts

District chancellor reacts to latest budget projections leading to $6.3 million cut for her schools.

Update: Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Board OKs Elections by District; Garrett Still President

Spate of lawsuits against school districts have led to recent moves away from at-large elections.

Super Chat: Helix Grad Debates Bolts with Obama at Army-Navy Game

And Vice President Joe Biden talks with Juliann Hitt's mother by cell phone from Landover, MD.

Tips for Increasing Your Tax Refund

You have about three weeks to make some final changes.

Task Force Seizes Marijuana Plants From Public Lands

A multi-agency effort over 11 months brought in 200,000 plants from 150 locations.

Centennial Projects Include ‘Share Your Story’ and Four Logo Options

Official sponsors of the centennial can use logo for a minimum donation of $500, city license says.

Caltrans Has Own Ideas When It Comes to La Mesa Population

City limit signs on Interstate 8 say 59,500 people live here, based on several possible sources.

La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools Face Cuts in Busing, Child Development

State may require $2.5 million budget cut, board told, as options range from unlikely “rosy” to nuclear.

Question of the Day: Are the Feds Doing Enough to Prosecute Wall Street Execs?

"60 Minutes" episode featured whistle-blowers with evidence of crimes in 2008 mortgage meltdown.

Update: Why Was Mailbox Yanked? It Lacked Local Love, USPS Says

Longtime collection box at Dugan and Laird was marked for removal after survey found low use.

Herman Cain's Vain Campaign to Increase His Profile, Profits

Herman Cain isn't the only vanity candidate, but he's the leader of the pack in the current field.

Property Taxes Due Dec. 12

Deadline is coming up the end of next week; taxpayers have a two-day reprieve this year.

Councilman Dave Allan Says He’s Dropping Out of State Assembly Race

Nine days after announcing plans to pursue 79th District seat as independent, he bows out.

Update: La Mesa Is in ‘Great Financial Position,’ New Auditors Tell City Hall

Despite redevelopment and pension concerns, “You guys are in good shape,” CPA Terry Shea says.

Potluck Dinner at Village Winery Will Benefit Community Garden at Helix

Seasonal cooking demonstration planned at event, which will share details on new campus location.

Dave Allan Says Assembly Run as Independent Will Be Tough ‘For Sure’

New open primary could change dynamics of councilman’s pursuit of seat in the 79th District.

Big Boxes Aren’t Alone: Village Merchants Have Black Friday Deals, Too

At least 10 businesses have deep discounts in downtown district, some on everything in the store.

Councilman Dave Allan Plans Run for State Assembly in 2012, Tells Issues

Republican-turned-Democrat says he’ll run as an Independent in the new 79th District.

Question of the Day: Dems or GOP Most to Blame for the Deficit-Cut Deadlock?

Both parties appear to be locked into positions against compromise—despite risks to the economy.

‘Red-Letter Day’ on the Orange, Green Lines: Grossmont Trolley Elevator Opens

La Mesa, Santee and county officials praise $7.9 million project at least 22 years in the making.

Sheriff's Department Breaks Ground on New $17.5M Facility In Rancho San Diego

Sheriff Bill Gore was joined by Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Skyline Church pastor Jim Garlow, and others for the groundbreaking.

Question of the Day: Should Obama OK Canada-to-Texas Tar Sands Pipeline?

Mayor Madrid’s opposition to Keystone XL project brings issue to La Mesa as he signs letter.

Price of the Spring Valley-Otay Mesa Toll Road On SR-125 Could Go Down

The highway opened in 2007 but failed to catch on with commuters, many of whom complained of excessive toll charges. Prices now range up to $4 per trip.

Update: Mayor Cites BP Oil Spill in Signing Letter vs. Canada Pipeline

OK of $7 billion Keystone XL project, hit by left and right, has been delayed, pending federal review.

Skybridge at Grossmont Transit Center Opens on Saturday Morning

Nearly $8 million project, aided by federal stimulus funds, replaces steep, long wooden stairway.

Assemblyman Jones Among Lawmakers Taking Part in Maui Conference

U-T poll asks readers whether Jones, who represents La Mesa, should be in Sacramento.