Artists Sought for $125,000 Centennial Legacy Project; Deadline Is Oct. 21

Finalists will receive a $1,500 honorarium to develop and present a design concept for the project.

Update: Helix Water Board Halts El Monte Valley Wastewater-Recycling Project

District cites rising delays in getting Padre Dam treated wastewater and rising project costs.

Jackson Park Remodel Helps La Mesa Win Playful City Award for 2011

Ours is won of 151 U.S. cities saluted for efforts to boost play opportunities for children.

Meet the Patch: Rep. Duncan D. Hunter Quizzed on Domestic, Foreign Issues

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.”

Parents of Lone La Mesa Casualty Recall Their Son, ‘Travesty’ of Iraq

John and Marilyn Adams remember Lt. Thomas Adams, a Grossmont High grad, for his love of flying—and Monty Python.

Judge Orders SDG&E to Prepare Opt-Out Plan for Wireless Smart Meters

Leading critic says: “SDG&E will charge customers extra fees for changeout of the smart meters ($75) and a monthly fee of $10 for the privilege of not being irradiated or intruded upon by SDG&E.”

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter Sees U.S. in Afghanistan for ‘Next 30 or 40 Years’

The congressman, who represents East County and Poway, says military won’t be an occupying force but limited to 5,000-10,000 intelligence and special forces.

Dianne Jacob Seeks to Nix Release of Sex Predator to Campo

“At least four sexually violent predators have been recommitted after the state saw fit to foist them on communities in San Diego County,” Jacob writes.

Time to Produce, La Mesans: What Do You Want in a Community Garden?

The city and Helix Charter High School will host a community meeting on Wednesday to plot out plans for garden on campus.

SANDAG Considering Two Options to Buy South Bay Expressway

The board of directors hears two proposals to finance the purchase of the state Route 125 toll road.

Wraps Coming Off Grossmont Trolley Skybridge in Mid-November

Long stair climb to mall will be over when SANDAG project is completed behind Pravada apartments.

Vacant Land Off Fletcher Parkway Being Put Up for Auction by Caltrans

Multiresidential lot is 32,000 square feet, with bids starting at $78,000. Registration fee is $7,500.

Rural Fire Fee Is Political 'Sleight of Hand,' Assemblyman Jones Testifies

State Responsibility Fire Fee is an illegal tax, Jones tells the state Board of Equalization on Tuesday.

8 Great Reasons to Shoot the California Bullet Train

The state's plan to build a high-speed rail system, aka the “bullet train,” is a massive bailout-in-waiting.

Barbecue Fundraiser Aims to Fuel Democrats in Local Races

The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club seeks volunteers for East County Big Blue Round-Up.

Rural Fire Fee Dispute Goes to Special Session; Supervisors Urge Repeal of 'Illegal Tax'

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection will discuss the fire prevention fee Monday in Sacramento.

San Diegans Smell Something Strange in the Air

See this and other news from around San Diego County from the past week.

Grossmont, Helix Saw About 2 Percent of Students Quit in 2010, State Says

Projected four-year graduation rates at local high schools were better than state and county average.

Rep. Susan Davis Addresses Spring Valley Concerns

Davis gave an update about her work in Washington and answered questions during the Spring Valley Citizens Association meeting on Thursday.

Zumba, Yoga and Watercise Among Classy Recreation Offerings Starting Sept. 6

Youngsters from 6 months up have their own set of fall classes via La Mesa Community Services.

Update: Helix Water District OKs 5.9 Percent Rate Increase Despite Customer Outcry

Residents, city officials opposed the action, saying the district should focus on cost containment.

City Hall: Staff Gave Delinquent Sewer Accounts Warning, July 27 Deadline

School board member vowed to check out sewer bill lien, but hasn't contacted city, officials say.

School Board Member Among 270 Owing on ‘Delinquent’ Sewer Accounts

School trustee Bill Baber, treasurer to several political campaigns, faces $407 lien on property taxes.

Video: Board President Defensive During Heated Otay Water District Meeting

Last Wednesday, the board voted 4-1 to approve a "lifetime benefits" package for District employees, despite more than 100 angry ratepayers asking the board to reconsider.

Public Art in Village May Cost $125,000 as Part of City Centennial Celebration

Volunteer committee sees proposed logo and hears plans for website and series of events.

Vista La Mesa Park Ranked Least Favorite in City Poll

Harry Griffen Park and La Mesita Park lead online survey being used to help crease a citywide parks master plan. Work is being paid for with federal stimulus funds.

An Open Letter to the La Mesa City Council: Stop the SDG&E Smart Meters

Susan Brinchman: “We believe enough evidence exists to halt the program and exercise the Precautionary Principle.”

Vitriolic Crowd Doesn’t Sway Otay Water District Board; Controversial Benefits Plan Approved

The board passed a proposal for “lifetime health care” for its employees with a 4-1 vote, with only Mark Robak dissenting.

Councilman Dave Allan Is Hailed on Surprise Decision to Step Down in 2012

Former mayoral candidate Lothian: Allan made an “altruistic choice in not running for another term.”

Ratepayers to Speak Out Against Otay Water District Adjusted Pension Plan

The Otay Water District meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 3:30 p.m. The offices are located at 2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd.

City Hall Shocker: Dave Allan Won’t Run for a 4th Term on City Council in 2012

Former firefighter vows to be involved in next election cycle, but not as a candidate.

8 Reasons Why American ‘Leaders’ Are So Out of Touch

Just a few supporting arguments for the Standard & Poor's downgrade.

Legomaniacs, Unite! Kids’ Play Bricks Needed for Care Fest

La Mesa Community Center needs the plastic toys to build sports cars for racing at September event.

Heartlandfire.org Debuts for Agency Serving La Mesa, Lemon Grove

Twitter account has been operating for at least a month, with promise of updated incident reports.

Helix Charter High to Host Community Garden—and One for the Students

Planning grant to the city of La Mesa and donation of tools by GMC will make garden happen—but opening is uncertain.

State to Form New High-Tech Jobs Committee

Six San Diego-area Assembly members are candidates for the Select Committee on Job Creation for the New Economy.

Democrats Urged to Back ‘Rapid-Response’ Teams to Counter the GOP

Documentary filmmakers behind “Save KLSD” discuss the demise of liberal radio in San Diego.

Rival Political Rallies Occupy Grassy Strip Outside Duncan Hunter Offices

MoveOn-organized liberal group and fans of Republican congressman leave each other alone, except for name-calling.

New Tennis Courts Unveiled with Match for the Ages: Madrid vs. Vandeweghe

$50,000 remodeling of La Mesita Park facility includes four pint-sized courts for youngsters.

Petition Workers for San Diego’s DeMaio Seek La Mesans’ Signatures

“Not many people know La Mesa is [within] San Diego city,” said Kenneth Owen, manning one of two tables in front of the Albertson’s on Fletcher Parkway.