San Diego County Wins 28 National Achievement Awards

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

Fearing Radiation Risk, Murray Manor Parent Aims to Move Cell Phone Tower

“I’m not letting my kindergartner play under there for eight hours a day,” Heidi Bentz says.

Board of Supervisors Votes to Create Committee to Battle Human Trafficking

The newly formed council will include law enforcement agencies, victim services organizations, the education community, and volunteer and community groups.

Nonprofit Comic-Con Reports Nearly $10 Million Cash in the Bank

Latest IRS filing also notes $65K-plus salaries for wife of group’s treasurer, daughter of its treasurer.

Mike Pacheco’s Kids Might Be Too Young for This Volunteer Gig

City worker is looking for people to conduct park audits to help improve recreational proximity.

La Mesa Is Shifted to Democratic Congress District Under Remap Plan

Rep. Duncan Hunter and state Sen. Joel Anderson would lose the Jewel of the Hills under first proposed plan of citizens redistricting commission.

Pensions Account for 3% Projected Rise in City Budgets Through 2013

“Status quo” preliminary spending plan totaling $193.7 million goes before Council on Tuesday night.

Grocery Store Employees Consider Strike Amid Negotiations

The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council announces its support for workers as bargaining continues.

Normal Avenue Will Have Abnormal Traffic Flow, Parking for Some Months

City is beginning four-phase project to underground power, phone and other utility lines.

Veterans Gather to See Fletcher Parkway Named in Memory of Fallen

Retired rear admiral says Veterans Memorial Parkway event deserved to be held in a packed Qualcomm Stadium.

MyPlate Replaces USDA Food Pyramid

Old nutrition icon was criticized as being hard to understand.

Old Glory Is Saluted Saturday in 14th Annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade

Red-white-and-blue event will proceed west on La Mesa Boulevard from near the Community Center.

Other Side of Healthcare Board Member: Motorcycle Road Warrior

Michael Emerson fell in love with riding at the age of 13—and the feeling never went away.

Search of the Century: Is 1912 Important to You or Your Business?

The hunt is on for La Mesans (and businesses) who have celebrated their own centennial or are nearing it.

War Memorial Building Not to Be, but Vietnam Monument Rose from Ashes

La Mesa’s latest recognition of local veterans continues a tradition of Memorial Day efforts dating to the 1890s.

Members of Several Local Fire Agencies Help Battle New Mexico Blaze

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

Comic-Con Not So Super at City Hall: Local Office Lacks Business License

Allison Avenue operation, where 25 people work, is given 30 days to apply for license. Office near City Hall owes at least $110.

Council Honors Students Who Came to Aid of Bleeding Woman

Meeting also saw annual Safety Patrol awards to local fifth-graders and appearance by Iraq war veteran.

Was Thunder Stolen From Veterans Memorial Parkway Fete? Signs Up

Fletcher Parkway drivers notice new signage on median across from the Auto Club building—10 days before ceremonial unveiling.

Allison Avenue Streetscape Work Gets Its Moment in the Sun

Civic Center sidewalks, planters and other road improvements are recognized in small ceremony.

San Diego County Sues State Over First 5 Funding

First 5 San Diego says a bill signed by the governor in March is illegal because it redirects funds in a way that is not consistent with Proposition 10.

Council Set to Honor 3 Teens Who Aided Bleeding Woman

La Mesa Middle School boys will be recognized at Tuesday’s 6 p.m. council meeting.

More La Mesans are Working: Jobless Rate Falls to 8.2 Percent for April

State shows city tied with Santee for lowest unemployment rate in East County.

Parents of Chelsea King, Assemblyman Fletcher Announce Legislative Hearings for Chelsea’s Law

The hearings will ensure the proper implementation of the law, according to Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher.

Joel Anderson Says Democrats Using Education as a ‘Political Pawn’

State senator makes case for Caltrans overhaul to help rescue state budget. He spoke at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Berkeley Consulting Firm Regrets Error on La Mesa Sewer Rates

Mistake was in study used by Lemon Grove City Council to raise rates. La Mesa officials objected to depiction of rates being highest.

Union-Tribune Article Erred on La Mesa Sewer Rates

Greg Humora: “The comparison of sewer fees among different agencies is difficult to do because most agencies use different billing methodologies.”

State Parks Foundation Urges Statewide Action Due to Looming Park Closures

Assembly Bill 42 could bring help to state parks, the foundation states.

Taxpayer, Business Groups Will Be Tapped for College Bond Panel

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District looks to fill vacancies in its bond oversight committee.

Concrete Progress: Grand Opening is Tuesday for Allison Ave. Streetscape

La Mesans invited to help celebrate completion of grant-financed project in front of the Civic Center.

Potential Shelters Identified in Ramona for Next Big Fire

At an evacuation forum, residents were surprised to hear that the Red Cross may have identified locations as emergency shelters in Ramona.

Modern War Veterans Sought for La Mesa Council Salute on May 24

Americans who fought in conflicts since Vietnam are asked to RSVP City Hall for latest in series of recognitions.

75th Anniversary of City: Madrid was Shifty, Ewin was Rev. Sweetworthy

Plays, picnics and parties made city sparkle in Diamond Anniversary celebrations of 1987. Last of a three-part series.

Grossmont Center E-Waste Event More Than a Mere Chamber Fundraiser

Watchdog group and media investigations cast harsh light on recycling companies, but La Mesa drive organizer boasts permits and licenses—and audits overseas shippers.

SANDAG Wants More Bikes on the Road

With free bike tune-ups on Saturday, Bike to Work Day on May 20, and bike lockers all year, it's time to ditch the car—and $4-a-gallon gas.

La Mesa Trolley Stations Stand Ready with Lockers for Bike to Work Day

Bicycle commute event May 20 is one way to fight $4-a-gallon gas, says SANDAG, and lockers make it possible to secure your wheels.

American Legion to City Hall: Rumors Aside, We’re Not For Sale

Developer and landowner Joseph Kitzman responds with own letter to community, saying Post 282 “can stay exactly where they are.”

Cheers Big and Small Given Five Healthcare Heroes—for the Fifth Year

Grossmont Healthcare District treats longtime volunteers to buffet salute at Sycuan resort.

Small Public Projects No Longer Require Competitive Bids in La Mesa

Formal bidding will be required only for work costing more than $125,000 after the council “opts in” to state program.

10,000 Contacted, 4 Show Up for Meeting on Postal Annex Closure

Customer service window may be closed at Lake Murray Boulevard station if district recommends the move, based on four factors.