Tennis Pro Helping Reopen Refurbished Courts at La Mesita Park on Tuesday

Coco Vandeweghe, playing at La Costa this week, will help mark repairs under Fresh Courts program.

MoveOn.Org Calls for Protest Rally at Duncan Hunter Offices in El Cajon

Members told that gatherings at noon Tuesday will express fear about Republicans driving “nation off an economic cliff.”

SANDAG Votes to Buy South Bay Expressway

A public hearing and vote will be held before a final decision is made.

State GOP Chairman Slams Remap Plan as Favoring Democrats

La Mesa moves west in Assembly and Congress district but stays with East County neighbors in likely state Senate boundaries.

No Sound Wall for La Mesa Meadows, but Project Is Years from Fruition

Developers win council vote to change project requirements after agreeing to 60-tree landscape plan to alleviate noise from state Route 125.

Joblessness In Spring Valley, Mt. Helix-Casa de Oro Slowly Rising

After three months of declines, unemployment rises; county rate is at 10.4 percent.

La Mesa Jobless Rate Takes U-Turn, Heads Back Up to 8.7 Percent

After three months of declines, unemployment rises; county rate is at 10.4 percent.

San Diego City Council Repeals Medical Marijuana Restrictions

The Council could have chosen to put the issue to a public vote.

Police Chief Is Hanging Up Badge—Alan Lanning to Retire in September

City Manager Dave Witt will choose new chief, replacing 35-year career La Mesa officer who has been chief since 2005.

San Diego County Launches Suicide Prevention Campaign

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

Helix Water District Notes Proposed Rate Hikes at Sparsely Attended Forum

Ratepayers can protest and potentially stop the increase with written letters to the district.

Goats Earn Their Keep as Fire Prevention Tools

Helix Water District and other customers sing their praises, says Hire-A-Goat owner Brad Woolf.

Mayor Art Madrid Was Victim of $12,300 Home Burglary in August 2010

His case was among 373 burglaries of La Mesa homes and businesses in 2010 still unsolved.

Mount Helix Man’s Anti-Obama Rant Is Ruled Free Speech, Not Threat to Life

Walter Bagdasarian of Carmichael Drive was spared a prison sentence by a federal appeals court.

State Kicks Wyland's Tail, Announces New Whale License Plate

The state officially ends a kerfuffle with the famed muralist, who has several murals and a gallery in San Diego.

New SDSU President's $400K Salary Raising Eyebrows

Reactions from Aztec students, staff and alumni vary about President Elliot Hirshman's recently approved salary package. One student calls it "adding insult to injury."

IRS Revokes Tax-Exempt Status of 40 La Mesa Nonprofits

Approximately 275,000 nonprofits throughout the U.S. were affected. The IRS said the revocation was due to organizations failing to file necessary tax forms for three consecutive years.

Board of Supervisors Continues Redistricting Discussion Until August

A proposal submitted by the American Civil Liberties Union has delayed the first reading of the draft ordinance.

City Council Approves Two-Tier Retirement System for Fire Dept. Union

As of Oct. 1, new hires will be under a plan that increases the age at which they will begin to receive pension benefits.

Firefighting Father of Five Reflects on 28 Years with LMFD

After almost three decades with the La Mesa Fire Department, John Burningham has come to feel a deep connection with his comrades and his community.

Mount Helix Resident is Coronado's New Fire Chief

Mike Blood rose to the top spot after 22 years with Coronado's department.

Literacy Rate Shows Need for English Tutors; Free Training Available

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

IRS Revokes Tax-Exempt Status of 33 Spring Valley Nonprofits

Approximately 275,000 nonprofits throughout the U.S. were affected. The IRS said the revocation was due to organizations failing to file necessary tax forms for three consecutive years.

What You Need To Know For Independence Day

A number of government offices will be closed for the holiday on Monday, July 4.

Local Realtors Group Keeping Eye on Congress—and Fate of Freddie, Fannie

Loss of mortgage-backing agencies could hurt home buyers and other interests.

Q&A With Marco Gonzalez: No Regrets Over Music Fest Lost

Attorney behind lawsuit threatening San Diego fireworks displays replies to La Mesa Patch queries.

Noise-Study Data That Led to Council Delay on Sound Wall Decision

Mary Putnam: “The information that is presented to City Council by the developer and the city’s ‘third-party consultant’ (who is paid by the developer) is so blatantly not factual.”

Leaders Sound Off on State Budget, Jacob Says it Contains ‘Risky Gimmicks’

The state’s new budget calls for deep cuts to higher education and courts.

Labor Deals with City Unions Not Helping Reduce Pension Obligations.

Russell Buckley: “I suggest that you set the example for our city by implementing the Little Hoover Commission recommendation that elected representatives not receive pensions.”

Council Delays Decision on Sound Wall for La Mesa Meadows Housing Tract

Garfield neighbors told to meet with developer to seek compromise on freeway sound barrier.

Helix Water District to Hold Public Forum on Proposed 6% Rate Hike

Rate increase would offset increased costs for water and other operating expenses, officials said.

Deanna Price is Right: $8,000 Donation for Senior Center is ‘Big Thing’

La Mesa Rotary Club is helping build an outdoor fitness park at the Adult Enrichment Center.

Fire Season — What Can Residents Expect?

The heavy winter rain could play a role.

Parking Commissioner Raps Fellow Member Over Blog Post on Meters

Outgoing member Lynn McRea accuses blogger Laura Lothian of “a significant lack of respect for the commission.”

‘They're Changing Us’: How Collier Park ‘Riffraff,’ Church Group Bonded

Journey Community Church’s efforts, including Sunday movie nights, lead to unexpected revelations in societal relationships. New Format learns new ways of reaching out.

Light Work for City Treasury: Stimulus Funds Paying for New Street Lamps

Grant of $506,000 allows La Mesa to swap out heavy sodium lights with long-lasting energy savers.

La Mesa Jobless Rate Still Among Lowest in East County

Unemployment fell to 8.1 percent in May, according to state figures.

Council Slams Helix Charter High School for Ending Police Grant

Charter board voted June 6 to end payments to city for Police Department-provided SRO.

Lake Murray Postal Annex Closing to Retail Customers This Summer

June 9 report notes cost savings and low usage of north La Mesa office. Carriers will continue.

La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools Placed on List of Districts at Fiscal Risk

Officials blame Sacramento for budget woes. “Qualified” status means the K-8 district might not be able to pay its bills in next three years.