La Mesa

PASSAGES: MARY VICK GENSER, ACCOMPLISHED ARTIST AND LONG-TIME LA MESA RESIDENT, 1930-2022

May 9, 2022 (La Mesa) – Mary Genser, 91, passed away on April 20, 2022, following a long battle with dementia and COVID-19.  She was an accomplished artist, long-time La Mesa resident, and mother of East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery as well as David Genser of Poway.

She was born Mary Evelyn Vick on August 9, 1930 to Thomas Monroe Vick and Artie Ola Snider Vick in Weatherford, Texas. Raised on her family’s farm during  the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl along with her sister, Winnie Ruth Vick, she learned the values of hard work and integrity. 

“Life was hard, but life was good,” she once wrote of her early years.


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READER'S EDITORIAL: PLEASE DO NOT EXPORT YOUR HOMELESS PROBLEM TO CAMPO

This letter was written in response to La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian's proposal to purchase land in Campo to house La Mesa's homeless population. The item is slated to be heard tonight, May 10. Tisdale sent copies of her letter to the city of La Mesa, Supervisor Joel Anderson, and Campo-Lake Morena's planning group chair Billie Jo Jannen.

By Donna Tisdale, Chair, Boulevard Planning Group (photo, left)

First and foremost, It would be the courteous and ethical thing to do to provide timely notice and ask the Campo - Lake Morena Community Planning Group to weigh in on your proposal to export your problem to their predominantly low-income rural community where most residents are already struggling to survive the pandemic, government-induced inflated cost of living, and a basically open US/Mexico border with daily smuggling activities. They don't need an additional problem foisted on them.

Rural residents have the added burden of an expensive commute due to the increasing cost of gas. We make many sacrifices in order to enjoy the benefits of quiet country living.  A serious lack of local services is one of those sacrifices ,including very limited medical and law enforcement .  In some cases, it may take days for law enforcement to answer a call to a rural home.

Exporting your homeless problem to Campo's underserved rural area is neither justified nor warranted for local residents or the homeless population. Shelters / alternative housing should be placed close to services, not an hour away.


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SUSPECTED SERIAL THIEF ARRESTED, TIED TO MAGNOLIA HOMELESS CAMP AS CITIES AND COUNTY WEIGH REGIONAL SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2022 (El Cajon) – A man accused of stealing a bicycle and a suitcase full of goods from a Target Store was arrested following a pursuit by El Cajon Police officers on Monday, May 2.  According to Lt. Randy Soulard, the suspect, Sterle Floyd Sisco lived at a homeless camp at Magnolia near the Vernon St. overpass in the unincorporated area. Sisco was on probation for assault with a deadly weapon and has an extensive criminal history including prior arrests for assault, burglary, theft, domestic violence and drug possession. He is also a suspect in numerous prior retail thefts.

The recent arrest highlights concerns over the encampment just days after Supervisor Joel Anderson held a press conference calling for a regional solution to homelessness, an action that will require cooperation from the four cities in East County.


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THE COLONIZED AND THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA: LA MESA AUTHOR’S TRUE STORY DEPICTS STRUGGLES IN KENYA

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

Author to hold book signing at Julian Library on May 10 at 1 p.m.

 

May 5, 2022 (La Mesa) -- The Colonized and the Scramble for Africa, the first of The Colonized series, provides true stories of how the author, Wanjirũ Waramaher family and community lived in abject poverty on British colonial farms in Kenya.

Warama, a resident of La Mesa, is a member of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild. She will host a book signing in Julian at the County Library on May 10 at 1 p.m.


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SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER EXPLAINS ITS PROGRAM

By Pennell Paugh

May 4, 2022 (La Mesa) – On Wednesday, April 27, the City of La Mesa (the City) provided a virtual meeting between the public and San Diego Community Power (SDCP) and San Diego Electric and Gas (SDG&E) to discuss the new SDCP program.


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SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND ANNOUNCES SUMMER OF MUSIC

East County News Service

May 3, 2022 (San Diego) – The San Diego Concert Band has announced five concerts in its upcoming “summer of music” series including a performance July 10 in East County at La Mesa’s Harry Griffin Park.

Below is the full schedule of events.


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U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION NAMES ST. MARTIN OF TOURS ACADEMY A 2022 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GREEN RIBBON SCHOOL

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

April 23, 2022 (La Mesa) - The U.S. Department of Education announced today that St. Martin of Tours Academy in La Mesa, CA is among the 2022 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees.


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LA MESA CHAMBER INVITES YOU TO SHOP & DINE LA MESA MAY 21 TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES AT LAKE MURRAY VILLAGE

East County News Service

Photo: Brew Coffee Spot is one of many shops in the Lake Murray Village Shopping Center

April 22, 2022 (La Mesa) -- On Saturday, May 21st the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at a new community event, “Shop & Dine La Mesa” located at the Marketplace at Lake Murray Village Shopping Center, at the corner of Lake Murray Blvd. and Baltimore Drive (5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd.) between 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.


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CITY OF LA MESA HIRES NEW DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Veteran Public Works czar Michael Throne brings vast experience to the position

Source:  City of La Mesa

April 14, 2022 (La Mesa) - With a commitment to tackling aging infrastructure, the City of La Mesa has tapped Michael Throne to be the new Director of Public Works. Throne, who started on April 11, has more than three decades of experience in reimagining engineering in the public sector.


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VACCINE CASH AND MORE: LA MESA APPROVES PHASE TWO ALLOCATION OF ARPA FUNDS

By Elijah McKee

April 13, 2022 (La Mesa) — City of La Mesa employees are now eligible for $500 bonus checks — and if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, they can receive an additional $500. 


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JUDGE FINDS LA MESA WAS JUSTIFIED IN FIRING OFFICER MATT DAGES

By Miriam Raftery

April 13, 2022 (La Mesa) – The city of La Mesa’s decision to fire La Mesa Police Officer Matt Dages in 2020 was “supported by the weight of the evidence”, according to a tentative ruling issued by Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal.  According to the Judge, the evidence showed that Dages provided “false and misleading” information in his report on his arrest of Amaurie Johnson.


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MISSING WOMAN: NICOLE PARE’S PURSE FOUND IN LA MESA, WHITE AUDI SEEN IN LA MESA AND LEMON GROVE

East County News Service

Update April 14:  Nicole Pare has been found safe, according to SDPD, which did not release details.

April 13, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Police seek help to locate Nicole Marie Paré, 32, a Pacific Beach woman who vanished without picking up a family member at the airport on Monday, April 11. Her white Audi A5 (CA license plate 7VAZ668) was seen Monday in La Mesa and Lemon Grove, and her purse was found in La Mesa.

She is considered at risk due to the circumstances; her family told police she has never gone missing before.

She has blond hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds.


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LAMPLIGHTERS PRESENTS NEIL SIMON'S "RUMORS"

By Kathy Carpenter
 
April 12, 2022 (La Mesa) - Lamplighters'  "Rumors" is a classic farce.  A farce is defined as a comedy that seeks to entertain an audience through situations that are highly exaggerated, extravagant, ridiculous, absurd and improbable. With lots of doors, comings and goings and people impersonating other people. An evening of fun and laughter. 

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MT. HELIX TO HOST GOOD FRIDAY UNDER THE STARS AND EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

By Miriam Raftery

April 7, 2022 (Mt. Helix) – The amphitheater atop Mt. Helix has been holding Sunrise Easter Service since 1917 and the tradition continues this year on April 17. Now for the first time, the venue will also hold a “Good Friday Under the Stars” on April 15.


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SECOND ARSONIST SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR BURNING DOWN CHASE BANK IN LA MESA

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Jake Rose: Chase Bank in flames during May 30, 2020 riot in downtown La Mesa

April 5, 2022 (La Mesa) – One of several people alleged to have set fires which burned down the Chase Bank in La Mesa following a May 30, 2020 riot has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.  Alexander King, 20, pleaded guilty in February to a felony count of recklessly causing fire of a structure.


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CANDLELIGHT OPEN AIR CONCERT: POP ON STRINGS MAY 28 ON MT. HELIX

East County News Service

April 3, 2022 (Mt. Helix) – Live music returns to Mt. Helix Park on Saturday, May 28 at 8 p.m. with a candlelight open air pop concert on strings.  A talented string quartet will take you on a musical journey through the ages, performing pop songs on classical instruments while you savor the stunning outdoor backdrop in a memorable experience.


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SMALL FIRE DOUSED NEAR LA MESA TROLLEY STOP

East County News Service

Image: CC via Bing

Update April 2, 2022: A suspect, 31, has been arrested on suspicion of arson in this case, as well as throwing a rock at the trolley.

March 31, 2022 (La Mesa) – A brush fire scorched less than an acre yesterday afternoon before being doused by Heartland Fire & Rescue crews.


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CITY OF LA MESA CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH FREE FAIR APRIL 9

Activities, resources & educational materials focus on ways to invest in our planet

Source:  City of La Mesa

March 29, 2022 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation and other sponsors, is ramping up efforts for the annual celebration of Earth Day at MacArthur Park on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will showcase fun, educational, and sustainable activities, products and services.


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CASA DE PICO NAMED BEST RESTAURANT IN EAST COUNTY

Iconic Diane Powers restaurant honored by San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce 

East County News Service

March 21, 2022 (La Mesa) - Diane Powers’ Mexican restaurant Casa de Pico has been named the “Best Restaurant in East County” by the members of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, awarded during the chamber’s 110th annual East County Honors ceremony on February 27.  


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LA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT PURCHASES SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL EQUIPMENT

Source:  City of La Mesa

March 11, 2022 (La Mesa) - “It is important that the commuting public is always mindful of the increase in children in and around our neighborhoods before and after school,” Sergeant Tim Purdy said. 


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ANIMAL TALES: CATCHING UP WITH CHOPPER THE BIKER DOG

Chopper the Biker Dog

By SJ Miller 

Photo: East County celebrity Chopper the Biker Dog,by Mark Shaffer

March 6, 2022 (La Mesa) — It's been just over a year since Fox 5 San Diego announced that canine celebrity Chopper the Biker Dog had been diagnosed with liver cancer. Now, I’m checking in on the beloved Boston Terrier and his dog dad, realtor Mak Shaffer.

 

“He’s terminal,” said Shaffer. “I’m trying to still give him some happiness and comfort.” 


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GIRL SCOUTS OFFERED TO SPEAK IN LA MESA AT AAUW MEETING MARCH 12

East County News Service

March 5, 2022 (La Mesa) -- On March 12 at 10 a.m., the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women will welcome Michelle Mullen, Chief Mission Delivery Officer of the San Diego Girl Scouts at their general meeting. The topic for the presentation is Girl Scouts Today: Mission and Design.


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LAMPLIGHTER’S THEATRE REVIEW: THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL - GOING HOME FEB. 25 - MARCH 20

By Kathy Carpenter

March 2, 2022 (La Mesa) - It's said you can't go home again because nothing will be the same. You have changed in your time away. In the 1940s, elderly Carrie Watts lived in Texas in a small apartment with a controlling daughter-in-law and her hen-pecked son. For 20 years, she kept trying to return to Bountiful, where she had spent the happiest years of her life. The only thing that keeps her going in her aged years is that she keeps trying to sneak out and go back home. She's always been caught, until now.


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ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION AT HOOLEY’S

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) - Hooley’s Public House, once voted most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland, invites you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17.  Both the Rancho San Diego and La Mesa locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with no cover charge.


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TRAUMA TEAM RECRUITING NEW VOLUNTEERS: NEXT TRAINING SESSION MARCH 2 IN LA MESA

East County News Service

February 22, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- When trauma hits it does not discriminate. It can come in a blink of an eye and can turn your life around like a tornado in a matter of seconds.   Most do not know the steps to move forward from a crisis event, but there are people with hearts two sizes too big who volunteer to be by the side of victims.

In collaboration with the emergency response system, Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) provides immediate crisis intervention following a tragedy. TIP volunteers add another dimension to the emergency system compassionate support. Specially trained volunteers provide care and support to citizens who have been traumatized or are in a state of crisis providing service 365 days a year.


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OASIS HELPS SENIORS AND HOMELESS LEARN TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

By Mike Allen

Photo:  Oasis trainer David Beevers helps Trinity Place resident John Hurst with his new tablet.

February 19, 2022 (San Diego) -- Getting the homeless off the streets is just one step in a multi-pronged approach to achieving a life of self-sufficiency. An example of a follow-up step is an innovative program by San Diego Oasis: giving low-income seniors and older homeless folks smart technology devices that can make a difference in their lives.


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LA MESA MONTHLY MARKET FEB. 26

East County News Service

February 18, 2022 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to “find your treasure” at the La Mesa Monthly Market.  The next event is Saturday, February 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 8200 La Mesa Blvd. in the heart of the La Mesa downtown village, organized by Pacific Coast Market.


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LA MESA CHAMBER INVITES YOU TO WELCOME SAN DIEGO LIVING REAL ESTATE AT OPEN HOUSE & RIBBON CUTTING FEB. 23

Source:  La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

February 17, 2022 (La Mesa) - On Wednesday, February 23rd the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at an open house and ribbon cutting for San Diego Living Real Estate located at 8504 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m. with the “official” ribbon cutting taking place at 6:00 p.m.


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“TACO TUESDAY” MIXER HOSTED BY THOUGHTFUL CREATIONS IN LA MESA FEB. 22

East County News Service

February 17, 2022 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces that Thoughtful Creations, an innovative retailer located at 8270 La Mesa Boulevard, will host a mixer Tuesday, February 22nd between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.


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LA MESA PASSES ORDINANCE TO LIMIT IMPACTS OF SB 9, NEW STATE LAW INCREASING HOUSING DENSITY

By Elijah McKee

Photo: CC by NC via Bing

February 15, 2022 (La Mesa) — This past September, the State of California passed a pivotal housing law called Senate Bill 9. Now, like many localities around the state, the City of La Mesa is charged with considering how to best implement the legislation with local ordinances — such as the one that passed the City Council last Tuesday night. 


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