Public Education Bills Authored by Marty Block Signed By Governor Brown

Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown signed several pieces of legislation in an effort to improve public education in the state of California.

Question of the Day: Is a PBID Needed for a Vibrant Downtown Village?

Committee is close to starting a petition drive of parcel owners to seek vote on $375,000-a-year program.

PBID Petition Drive for The Village Edges Closer, Gains Financial Focus

Parcel owners with weighted votes totaling $187,500 (and a penny) would need to sign supportive petitions to gain an election on the property-based business improvement district.

Question of the Day: Did Council Act Properly on Fair Trade Town Decision?

Members voted 3-2 against designating La Mesa the first Southern California city with this stance.

Council Rejects Fair Trade Town Status for La Mesa, Calls It ‘Vague,’ ‘Meddling’

Only Mayor Madrid and Councilman Allan support resolution backing sale of certain products.

Titanic Sculptor from England Among Bidders for City’s Centennial Legacy Project

Tony Stallard is the only foreign entrant seeking $125,000 public art assignment in The Village.

Lifetime La Mesan Ed Aceves ‘Very Honored’ to Be Named Police Chief

Veteran officer was the lone in-house candidate; City Manager Dave Witt says “full screening” led to Aceves as “best choice.”

City Council to Consider Fair Trade Town Resolution at Tuesday Meeting

Mayor Art Madrid and Councilwoman Ruth Sterling put the issue on council agenda upon request.

Unclaimed Funds Sitting in County Coffers

The county can transfer money that goes unclaimed for more than three years to the general fund.

Self-Sustaining: Fourth Annual Environmental Festival Sets Record

Some 55 booths from stores, clubs, civic and school groups engage hundreds at Harry Griffen Park.

Gold Medal (and $10,000) Goes to Northmont PTA for Fitness Programs

But the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports could be on its last legs.

Plugging Along: Environmental Fest Will Show How to Convert Your Car

Fourth annual Sustain La Mesa Environmental event on Saturday will showcase nearly 50 exhibits.

Walk Northmont’s Way: Governor’s Council to Present $10,000 to PTA

Elementary School will be paid a visit from Jerry Brown’s rep after International Walk to School Day.

Board of Supervisors Approves Redistricting

Here is a roundup of stories from the County of San Diego.

Assemblyman Block: ‘Brian Jones Has Failed You’

Democrat spoke to Grossmont College students and faculty on the GOP role in the state budget crisis.

Presidential Candidates Need a Way with (Very Few) Words

Those seeking the nation's highest elected office must possess the talent and imagination to sum up a campaign in the space of a bumper sticker.

East County Congressman Stands Alone: No Reportable Assets or Income

Not counting his House salary and home, Rep. Duncan D. Hunter reports no assets above $1,000.

Assemblyman Marty Block Addresses Budget Cuts With Grossmont College Students

Block was formerly president of the San Diego Community College board, and prior to that served an equal length of time on the county Board of Education.

La Mesan Honored to Have Front-Row Seat at Presidential Jobs Forum

Christina Bonner, who has children attending Murray Manor and Parkway Middle schools, shook hands with Obama but fell just shy of asking her question.

Update: Congressman’s Office Denies Asking City for Free Room Rental

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter’s spokesman says state Board of Equalization alone seeks to host a small business expo at La Mesa Community Center.

President Obama Makes Campaign Stop In San Diego Monday

The president is stopping San Diego as part of a west coast swing along the campaign trail.

Pony Rides, Games and Entertainment Lure Kids to Health Screenings

Kids Care Fest on Saturday followed the trend of previous years with higher attendance and more services. But many families just came for the fun.

La Mesa’s Assemblyman Aims to Influence Governor on Open-Carry Bill

Brian Jones says Second Amendment event at Lemon Grove Gun Club exceeded his expectations.

Shannon O’Dunn Frames Possible Repeat Run for City Council in 2012

Challengers Patrick Dean and Laura Lothian, and announced candidate Jim Wieboldt, also file financial disclosure statements along with incumbents Ruth Sterling and Art Madrid.

Update: Obama Departs San Diego After La Jolla Fundraiser

Air Force One took off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar amid a presidential tour of the West Coast. His last stop was an evening appearance in Los Angeles.

Sacramento Drive Speeding Headaches Coming to a Head in Serramar

In wake of Sept. 13 appeals to City Council, residents are seeking more help from their subdivision’s management company.

City Clerk, May I Have Recording of July Parking Commission Meeting?

Bill Jaynes: “Please consider this my request under California's Public Records Act for a CD of the 7/19/11 hearing.”

City Hall Puts Focus on Televised Bulletin Board, Online Newsletter

City Manager’s Office looking to hire someone to produce new slide show, more frequent newsletter on La Mesa events, information.

Some Spring Valley Grocery Workers Happy Strike Was Averted

Because of the agreement reached earlier Monday, employees went to work as usual.

Family Matters Most as Police Chief Lanning Is Saluted Upon Retirement

Three council members and a dozen police chiefs and other local law enforcement luminaries hear the 35-year veteran single out his daughter.

Ending Federal Entitlements Is Moral Imperative, GOP Women’s Club Told

Ayn Rand’s ideas of personal responsibility and unfettered pursuit of happiness are relevant to today’s Washington politics, speaker says.

Hunter: Local Economies Can Improve By Reining In Federal Bureaucracy

In a 40-minute interview, Republican congressman says: “Jobs and national security—those are two of the main things I work on all the time.”

Supervisors Approves Redistricting Ordinance

The measure is scheduled for a final vote in two weeks.

CalTrans to Auction Off 20-Acre Spring Valley Lot

The vacant lot, located at 2657 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., will be auctioned off to the highest bidder on Sept. 15. The Spring Valley Planning Commission hopes the land will be developed as a town center.

Update 2: Cuthbert to Pay $2,500 for Illegal Mailer; Mayor Hits Shiff Remarks

State Fair Political Practices Commission says longtime La Mesan violated Government Code with postcard sent to 15,000 households days before November 2010 election.

3 Candidates Poised to Seek 2 Seats on La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board

November 2012 election is 14 months away, but incumbents Bill Baber and Emma Turner, and challenger Jay Steiger, have signaled plans to run.

Update: Aceves Named Interim Police Chief, Gets Ex-Chief’s Endorsement

Aceves, a longtime officer, takes over on the day of Chief Al Lanning’s retirement, city manager says.

Update: City, County Lift Boil-Water Alerts

Laboratory results now show water is free from bacterial contamination.

UCLA Public Health Professor Responds to Smart Meter Questions

Leeka Kheifets is an expert consultant to SDG&E on the health effects of smart meters.

Happy With SDG&E Actions? Take Our Poll

The massive regional blackout was blamed on an Arizona Public Service worker, but how did our electric utility do?