For over 30 minutes last night, three trolley gates on Spring Street were down. MTS Transit Enforcement Officer Triold had to direct and divert traffic to avoid any accidents. According to Triold a broken power box locked the three gates that run from I-8 to the 94 Freeway on Spring Street blocking traffic from incoming vehicles for several minutes.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
TWO SHOOTING SUSPECTS UNDER ARREST
La Mesa Police Department has two suspects of the August 8 shooting in custody. A tip led police to capture two men - who happened to be brothers, and were responsible for the shooting at Baltimore and El Cajon Boulevard were two men were critically injured.
Both suspects have been charged with two counts of attempted murder.
Both suspects have been charged with two counts of attempted murder.
Monday, August 18, 2008
A NEW BUILDING FOR LMPD
Two years is the time expected for the city to inaugurate its new facility. The station will be built in the Civic Center area. The project's total price estimated at $18.6 million includes costs of construction management, architectural designs, testing and inspection services, and setting up utilities. The project will be paid mostly with proceeds from a $25 million bond measure approved by La Mesa voters in 2004.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN OBSERVATORY
Palomar Mountain Observatory can delight anybody, kids and adults, in a day trip from La Mesa.
SUMMER TIME ON A BUDGET
With gas prices soaring most of the summer La Mesa residents have to be creative.
Some still like to go out of town, even if few miles away, to have the feeling of a vacation time spend with the family.
With beaches too crowded to enjoy, some people have taken their adventure to the San Diego County near mountains.
A good day trip is hitting north on 67, pass Ramona, and make the first stop at Santa Ysabel. The small town was once home of one of many Mission in California. Now site of the Santa Ysabel chapel. Driving north-west there's a lake for breath taking pictures. Few miles down there's a brand new casino with a good restaurant.
After lunch, the trip follows towards Palomar Mountain. The scenery is awesome and hardly any traffic. Palomar Mountain is a very interesting place to visit, not for the possibility to be in contact with nature but because the Palomar Mountain Observatory is enclave there.
Instead of coming back the same way, going forward on 79 allows to enjoy the many orange trees along the road. from there people can either hit I15 South, or turn on Valley Center Road and still enjoy the scenery before hitting the freeways again.
Within 50 miles La Mesa residents can enjoy a day-away-home, and maximize their gas consumption, coming home feeling they, too, had a summer vacation.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
SUSPECT WANTED
The La Mesa Police are looking for a man that witnesses say shot two men last night. One victim was found shot near El Cajon Boulevard and Guava Street, the second victim was found on a shoulder of Interstate 8 under the Baltimore Drive overpass.
Despite the help of a helicopter and several police cars searching the area for over an hour, the suspect -described as a light-skinned black man, 6 feet tall, driving a black or gray Ford Focus, wasn't found.
Anyone with information should contact La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400.
Despite the help of a helicopter and several police cars searching the area for over an hour, the suspect -described as a light-skinned black man, 6 feet tall, driving a black or gray Ford Focus, wasn't found.
Anyone with information should contact La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
NO FUN FOR EBGAMES STORE
EBGames store located at 5454 Grossmont Center Drive, was robbed yesterday when the sole worker was held in the backroom, bound with duct taped.
Three males in their 20s entered the store -one of them armed with a pistol.
After loading their car with several computer games the suspects fled the premises.
The 19-year-old female clerk was able to freed herself and then called police.
EARTHQUAKE RATTLES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A 5.8 earthquake was felt from Los Angeles to San Diego Counties.
It certainly was felt at 11:42 a.m. in La Mesa as furniture bounced back and forth inside homes.
No major damage has been reported in the area.
The 5.8 magnitude has been downgraded to 5.4 in the past hour.
Monday, July 28, 2008
TERMINATOR AFTER LOCAL RESOURCES
Mayors around the county got together today to ask Sacramento not to tap into their local funds as a desperate measure to ease the state's financial crises.
Art Madrid fears Schwarzenegger might take up to $2.5 millions from the city (from gas tax revenue)now that the state faces a $15 billion deficit, and legislators have not agreed yet in a budget for the new fiscal year.
Monday, July 14, 2008
GOT GAS?
One gallon of regular gas nowadays: $4.69
Five gallons of gas: $23.45
To get someone else to pay for it: PRICELESS!
With gas prices soaring, people are becoming very creative.
First was the middle-age, well-dress, Asian man that needed to pick up his dog at his mom's home. Unfortunately he was running out of gas, while nobody was home to bring his wallet to the gas station. "If you could only lend me a gallon of gas..."
The clerk looked at him and thought "If I help this guy, I will have to work half an hour to pay for his gas."
Good will prevailed and the clerk coughed up the gallon -at his expense.
Up until today -three weeks later, he's still waiting for the man that was just going to "pick up his dog at his mom's home."
Yesterday was the good looking, teenage girl that ran out of gas. She was carrying a five-gallon gas can, determined to fill it up at someone else's expense.
Thirty minutes at the gas station were enough for a good Samaritan to fill up her gas can. With a big smile she walked down the street, jumped to her car and drove away.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
SHORT CASH LA MESA
It's official: The City of La Mesa will have to cut expenses to battle a $4 million budget gap. And that mean up to 35 employees will be lay off, around 12 percent of the payroll. A hiring freeze is in place for all departments except police and fire.
Other measures to fix the deficit are outsourcing some jobs and asking residents to pay more in sales tax. Since only voters can raise taxes, city officials are considering putting the measure in the November ballot.
According to Mayor Art Madrid the tough choices are going to be several, not only for the residents, but also for the city's employees.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
LA MESA'S NEW LIBRARY
The city has a new library. The new building opened a week ago and occupies more than half the building on Allison Avenue that will, also, house the post office, which will move to the new site later this summer.
The library/post office was funded by bonds issued in August 2006, which will be repaid from monies owed to the City from the Redevelopment Agency and a lease with the U.S. Postal Service.
The La Mesa library is located at 8074 Allison Ave., La Mesa
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
More information: sdcl.org or (619) 469-2151
Friday, June 20, 2008
GAS STATION & CONVINIENCE STORE HIT
The ARCO gas station located at 7594 University Avenue was robbed at gun point on June 18, around 6:30 a.m. The suspect, described as a Hispanic male, 5'6'', medium build with black hair and a goatee, threatened the clerk with a gun and took an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash register.
It was an active day for thieves, approximately at 3:35 a.m., the La Mesa Police Department received what they described as a “Panic Alarm” activation from the 7-11 store located at 4253 Palm Avenue. Dispatchers called the store and spoke to the clerk who stated that he had just been robbed by a white male adult at knife point.
The suspect displayed a knife and demanded the clerk to open the register and took an unknown amount of cash and fled northbound on Palm Avenue. No vehicle was seen.
The suspect was described as a white male, 20-25 years old, 5’9” to 5’11” tall, 180-200 pounds, wearing a black “Hoodie” pulled over his head, black pants and gloves.
In both cases the stores surveillance videos are being checked.
Anyone with information regarding this robberies is encouraged to contact the
La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.
It was an active day for thieves, approximately at 3:35 a.m., the La Mesa Police Department received what they described as a “Panic Alarm” activation from the 7-11 store located at 4253 Palm Avenue. Dispatchers called the store and spoke to the clerk who stated that he had just been robbed by a white male adult at knife point.
The suspect displayed a knife and demanded the clerk to open the register and took an unknown amount of cash and fled northbound on Palm Avenue. No vehicle was seen.
The suspect was described as a white male, 20-25 years old, 5’9” to 5’11” tall, 180-200 pounds, wearing a black “Hoodie” pulled over his head, black pants and gloves.
In both cases the stores surveillance videos are being checked.
Anyone with information regarding this robberies is encouraged to contact the
La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.
Monday, June 16, 2008
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
La Mesa Police Department interviews a woman after she was seen driving erratically in a shopping center parking lot last night.
After searching her vehicle the woman was prevented from driving her car and was cited.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE
La Mesa's Annual Flag Day Parade began with two free patriotic concerts; one featuring La Mesa Middle School Band, and the second featuring Granger Junior High Jazz Band.
The Parade kicked off at ten a.m.
This year's invited Grand Marshals were the 2007 AFC West Division Champions San Diego Chargers.
Six marching units including the popular Marine Corps Band, marched in the parade along with floats, local service organizations, equestrian groups, drill teams, specialized vehicles, clowns, dogs, vintage cars, and pageant winners.
This was the 11Th La Mesa Annual Flag Day Parade.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
CRIME OF OPPORTUNITY IN LA MESA
This Chevron at 8200 University Avenue was robbed in a crime of opportunity when San Diego Gas & Electric cut the service to give maintenance to the area.
A door was broken and the thieves took cigarettes and beer from the location.
Friday, June 6, 2008
EDGAR'S LANDSCAPING
Edgar's Landscaping crew quick response avoided an accident from oncoming traffic or pedestrians last night, when a tree fell late at night on a section of University avenue not well lit.FALLEN TREE AT UNIVERSITY AVENUE
Strong winds, lack of water?Nobody knows what caused this tree to split and fall on University Avenue near Spring Street last night.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
TEENAGE CRIMES ON THE RISE
It was 12:50 p.m. last Sunday when a teenager entered the gas station, walked towards the coolers, grabbed two 12 packs of beer and ran outside the store towards Orchard Street.
This scene is becoming more and more usual around La Mesa, and business owners think enough is enough and something's got to be done.
La Mesa Police Department takes this kind of criminal activity seriously but it's not at the top of their priorities when it comes to protect the city. Burglary, armed robbery, sexual assault, and homicides still take the lead when it comes to go after the criminals.
For residents and business owners one thing leads to the other, and if minors are not keep in check now, they will be the burglars, armed robbers, sexual predators, and killers of tomorrow.
This scene is becoming more and more usual around La Mesa, and business owners think enough is enough and something's got to be done.
La Mesa Police Department takes this kind of criminal activity seriously but it's not at the top of their priorities when it comes to protect the city. Burglary, armed robbery, sexual assault, and homicides still take the lead when it comes to go after the criminals.
For residents and business owners one thing leads to the other, and if minors are not keep in check now, they will be the burglars, armed robbers, sexual predators, and killers of tomorrow.
FENDER BENDER
A crash at the corner of University Avenue and Spring Street last Sunday at six p.m.
It was one of those "fender Bender" that the driver behind usually hates.
Indecision makes the driver in the front car pretend that he's going to cross the street, but at the last second decides to stop. The driver behind, fooled by the move and too close to stop, ends up with the bill.
Both drivers other than the usual discomfort after a crash, didn't report major injuries.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
MAYOR MADRID'S COMPANION PLEADS NOT GUILTY
Mayor Art Madrid's companion in his last February's highly publicised incident, pleaded not guilty to a drunken-driving charge.
Michael Richmond, an attorney for Trisha K. Turner, entered the plea on her behalf via fax.
A meeting between lawyers and the judge, called a readiness conference, is set for May 16, according to prosecutor Jennifer Kaplan.
The county District Attorney's Office charged Turner, 34, last month with one count of driving while under the influence. The charge came one month after La Mesa police, responding to a 911 call in the city's Eastridge neighborhood, found Turner and Madrid, 73, apparently intoxicated.
Turner, who works in the city's finance department, was in the driver's seat with the engine running and Madrid was lying on the sidewalk near the passenger door.
Police did not perform sobriety tests, instead drove them to Madrid's house a block away. That decision sparked allegations of special treatment and led the City Council to hire an independent investigator to look into whether police followed department policy that night.
The investigator – James Gardiner Associates, based in San Luis Obispo – is expected to submit a written report by the end of the month.
Madrid has not been charged with a crime. Turner, who was charged with one misdemeanor count, would face up to six months in jail if convicted. Defense attorneys have said first-time offenders usually get probation.
Michael Richmond, an attorney for Trisha K. Turner, entered the plea on her behalf via fax.
A meeting between lawyers and the judge, called a readiness conference, is set for May 16, according to prosecutor Jennifer Kaplan.
The county District Attorney's Office charged Turner, 34, last month with one count of driving while under the influence. The charge came one month after La Mesa police, responding to a 911 call in the city's Eastridge neighborhood, found Turner and Madrid, 73, apparently intoxicated.
Turner, who works in the city's finance department, was in the driver's seat with the engine running and Madrid was lying on the sidewalk near the passenger door.
Police did not perform sobriety tests, instead drove them to Madrid's house a block away. That decision sparked allegations of special treatment and led the City Council to hire an independent investigator to look into whether police followed department policy that night.
The investigator – James Gardiner Associates, based in San Luis Obispo – is expected to submit a written report by the end of the month.
Madrid has not been charged with a crime. Turner, who was charged with one misdemeanor count, would face up to six months in jail if convicted. Defense attorneys have said first-time offenders usually get probation.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
BUSINESSES WANTED
The city of La Mesa is determined to attract more businesses. Last December, the city hired a consulting firm to bring new businesses to Fletcher Parkway and the downtown village in an effort to boost sales-tax revenue, which is a significant part of all city budgets. The firm matches companies with cities based on the demographics, lifestyle choices and spending habits of their residents.
Besides this approach city officials will attend the the International Council of Shopping Centers conference next month in Las Vegas, where they expect to set up meetings with companies that may be a good match for the city.
The city, however, continues to look at other ways to generate revenue because, even though the city has been frugal, it has no control over inflation, the rising costs of materials or the state, which has in the past raided city coffers to balance its own budget.
Besides this approach city officials will attend the the International Council of Shopping Centers conference next month in Las Vegas, where they expect to set up meetings with companies that may be a good match for the city.
The city, however, continues to look at other ways to generate revenue because, even though the city has been frugal, it has no control over inflation, the rising costs of materials or the state, which has in the past raided city coffers to balance its own budget.
Friday, April 11, 2008
WHERE'S THE BEEF?
Where's the beef? That seemed to be what two robbers had in mind last week when the two men entered the Outback Steakhouse located at 5628 Lake Murray Boulevard, wearing ski masks, one armed with a gun at the close of business through an open back door. The unknown suspects gained access to the safe and took an undisclosed amount of cash and then tied up the employees. Both suspects were described as black, in their early 20's.
The suspects left the restaurant through the rear door towards Lake Park Way into a nearby residential neighborhood. No shots were fired, no vehicle was seen leaving the area and no employees were injured.
The suspects left the restaurant through the rear door towards Lake Park Way into a nearby residential neighborhood. No shots were fired, no vehicle was seen leaving the area and no employees were injured.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
WHERE AM I IN LA MESA?
The answer to last week's poll was MacArthur Park. Located at the corner of University Avenue and Memorial Drive, the park offers several amenities for all ages and tastes. From the community and recreation center, the picnic areas with tables, BBQ, benches, tot lot and restrooms, to the Sun Valley Golf Course, the municipal pool, Porter Hall, Nan Couts Cottage, and the children's favorite Khulken Baseball Field.
DREAMING OF BEING A COP SOME DAY?
Have you ever been curious about how a police department operates?
Now is your opportunity to find out in a safe environment. La Mesa Police Department has announced its Citizens Academy 2008, where citizens will be taught how to track a real homicide case and learn about police tactics in an interactive way, with hands-on evidence collection and scenarios.
The academy consists of six classes -one every week, beginning May 29 at the La mesa Police Department.
If you think some criminals might try to use this opportunity to learn the tricks, don't worry, all applicants must pass a background screening in order to be admitted.
So, hurry up, and fulfill your dream of becoming a cop, if only for few weeks. Apply online.
Now is your opportunity to find out in a safe environment. La Mesa Police Department has announced its Citizens Academy 2008, where citizens will be taught how to track a real homicide case and learn about police tactics in an interactive way, with hands-on evidence collection and scenarios.
The academy consists of six classes -one every week, beginning May 29 at the La mesa Police Department.
If you think some criminals might try to use this opportunity to learn the tricks, don't worry, all applicants must pass a background screening in order to be admitted.
So, hurry up, and fulfill your dream of becoming a cop, if only for few weeks. Apply online.
THE CITY OF LA MESA GETS HIT AGAIN, AND SEVERAL TIMES
Would it possibly be that the current economic situation is triggering all these bank robberies, convenience store robberies, even trolley station robberies?
The city has been relentlessly hit lately, whether a bank's been hold up, a convenience store mugged, or an old lady snatched of her purse at a trolley station, things seem to be escalating.
Pedro Ramirez, a waiter from Mario's Restaurant said what they've experienced lately is few patrons leaving without paying their tabs. "Specially the people that sits in the patio..."
Whether is the dollar going down, the war in Iraq, the pending elections or simply bad karma, the country -and that includes the city of La Mesa, seems to be experiencing an increase in criminality that people are still trying to understand, nonetheless, to get used to it.
The city has been relentlessly hit lately, whether a bank's been hold up, a convenience store mugged, or an old lady snatched of her purse at a trolley station, things seem to be escalating.
Pedro Ramirez, a waiter from Mario's Restaurant said what they've experienced lately is few patrons leaving without paying their tabs. "Specially the people that sits in the patio..."
Whether is the dollar going down, the war in Iraq, the pending elections or simply bad karma, the country -and that includes the city of La Mesa, seems to be experiencing an increase in criminality that people are still trying to understand, nonetheless, to get used to it.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
PARK APPRECIATION DAY
Individuals and families are invited to come to a La Mesa neighborhood park at 8:00 am on Saturday, March 29th. Adopt-a-Park volunteers will be at the parks taking sign-ups (look for the person in the Park Appreciation Day t-shirt
MAYOR ART MADRID, THE SAGA, PART III
The District Attorney's Office has charged Mayor Art Madrid's sole companion the night of February 20, with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence.
Trisha Turner, 34, of La Mesa and a city finance department employee left La Mesa's Chico Club with mayor Madrid and was behind the wheel when police arrived on February 20. Police drove the pair to the Mayor's home a block away from the site.
Turner's charge is seen by many Madrid's supporters as politically motivated by a small group that has long opposed the mayor.
Turner will have to appear on April 10 in El Cajon Superior Court, and if convicted, faces up to six months in jail.
Trisha Turner, 34, of La Mesa and a city finance department employee left La Mesa's Chico Club with mayor Madrid and was behind the wheel when police arrived on February 20. Police drove the pair to the Mayor's home a block away from the site.
Turner's charge is seen by many Madrid's supporters as politically motivated by a small group that has long opposed the mayor.
Turner will have to appear on April 10 in El Cajon Superior Court, and if convicted, faces up to six months in jail.
Friday, March 14, 2008
SUSPECTED BANK ROBBER ARRESTED
The FBI has arrested a man on suspicion of robbing four banks in a record five days. Charles Anthony Martinez, 34, is believed to have robbed two La Mesa banks -last Friday and Monday, on Grossmont center Drive; an El Cajon bank on Fletcher Parkway on Monday, too; and a National City bank on Tuesday on Highland Avenue.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY WON'T INVESTIGATE LA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT
District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis declined to investigate the La Mesa Police Department for its response last month when it found Mayor Art Madrid and a city employee apparently intoxicated on the street.
According to Dumanis the District Attorney's Office investigates and prosecutes criminal conduct but they don't examine issues as compliance with policies and procedures of law enforcement agencies.
However the topic doesn't stop here, City Manager Sandy Kerl has selected a private company to investigate the case, something councilwoman Ruth Sterling neglected from the beginning since it will cost money to the city.
According to Dumanis the District Attorney's Office investigates and prosecutes criminal conduct but they don't examine issues as compliance with policies and procedures of law enforcement agencies.
However the topic doesn't stop here, City Manager Sandy Kerl has selected a private company to investigate the case, something councilwoman Ruth Sterling neglected from the beginning since it will cost money to the city.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
LA MESA BANKS HIT HARD THIS WEEK
La Mesa Chief Police Alan Lanning said the two banks that were robbed on March ten could be related. The Washington Mutual Bank, in Grossmont Center was robbed March ten at 10:16 a.m. by a lone suspect. The La Mesa Police, El Cajon Police and the FBI believe this is the same suspect that robbed a Union Bank an hour and a half later at 776 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon. The suspect was described as a white male, early 20s, short brown hair, 5'7", medium to thin build, with a goatee, wearing a baseball cap, Pendleton-type long sleeve shirt and blue jeans.
In both cases, the suspect presented a demand note to the teller and left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect displayed no weapons and no suspect vehicle was seen in either case. Anyone with information regarding these robberies should contact La
Mesa Police Detective Runge at (619) 667-1439, the El Cajon Police Department (619) 579-3311, or the F.B.I. at (858) 565-1255.
In both cases, the suspect presented a demand note to the teller and left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect displayed no weapons and no suspect vehicle was seen in either case. Anyone with information regarding these robberies should contact La
Mesa Police Detective Runge at (619) 667-1439, the El Cajon Police Department (619) 579-3311, or the F.B.I. at (858) 565-1255.
WHERE AM I IN LA MESA? POLL
Artist Dennis Smith artwork is displayed at Grosmmont Center. Two sculptures, "Brothers' Hands," and "Friends in Flight," decorate the mall since 2004.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL DAY
F.Y.I.
In 1908, fifteen thousand women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
The first International Women's Day was launched on 8 March 1911 in Copenhagen by Clara Zetkin, Leader of the'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany. This followed many years of women's campaigning dating back to British MP, John Stuart Mill, the first person in Parliament calling for women's right to vote. On 19 September 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing nation in the world to give women the right to vote. After 100 years, not even a small note appeared in San Diego local newspapers, T.V. stations or websites to commemmorate the event.
In 1908, fifteen thousand women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
The first International Women's Day was launched on 8 March 1911 in Copenhagen by Clara Zetkin, Leader of the'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany. This followed many years of women's campaigning dating back to British MP, John Stuart Mill, the first person in Parliament calling for women's right to vote. On 19 September 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing nation in the world to give women the right to vote. After 100 years, not even a small note appeared in San Diego local newspapers, T.V. stations or websites to commemmorate the event.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
THE CITY OF LA MESA GOES SMOKELESS
The City of La Mesa plans to go smokeless. The Community Services Commission will gather data and public imput on restricting smoking in outdoor patios where food is served and in areas of public access where children are present such as entryways and commercial walkways. The Commission is distributing a survey to City of La Mesa businesses and residents as a first step in community input on the subject. The survey is aimed as a tool to craft a report on current business practices in La Mesa concerning the designation of smoke free zones.
HOMELESS IN LA MESA
According to Lieutenant Bond there's a steady homeless population in La Mesa. "Around ten individuals," that are identified and their transient camps perfectly located. Although they might be cited for some disturbance and City Code violations, most of the time they behave and stay out of trouble.
Friday, February 29, 2008
MAYOR ART MADRID, THE SAGA CONTINUES
Last week's incident involving La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid has opened a can of worms that threatens to permeate not only the inside environment but also the outside and disturbe the Cty of la Mesa residents.
Yesterday's meeting to discuss whether a third-party investigation should enter the scene, set the mood for a new chapter of this soap-opera that began last week when the mayor was found in an inconvenient state a block from his home and LMPD officers decided to take him home, exercising a leeway that apparently police officers across the county are allow to use at their own discretion.
Didn't take long for the whole roles to be assembled for this story. Supporters and foes of the main character entered the city hall last night to outline a story that now might even distract La Mesa residents from other suspense stories out there, such as the primaries across the nation, or as Councilmember Dave Allan said, from bigger problems such as the nation's trillion deficit, or the state's 20 billion deficit.
Mayor Art Madrid characterized the events last night as a "The eruption of a volcano that just as Mountain Helen, where nothing in its path was unscathed, the damage was 360 degrees and everything was either scorched or destroyed."
The police department was one of the injured, along with city manager Cindy Kerl and city attorney Glenn Sabine, all of them critiziced in their integrity and commitment to fairness and justice.
The torch was pass to Vice-mayor Ernest Ewin to preside the event.
Councilmember Dave Allan called on all the bad things not the city, but the state and even the nation are facing, as to waste time with this event.
Finally the motion for the night came "to direct the city manager to bring in a third party to conduct an investigation."
City Manager Cindy Kerl proposed to bring a third party from a pool of investigators from the State Bar, and chose one that has had no previous relationships with the City of La Mesa, to which councilmember Ruth Sterling adamantly opposed, since "that would cost the city money." Instead, she proposed to bring in an attorney from the county or the state. A non-bias third-party investigation.
Before agreeing that was why they were there tonight Ruth Sterling insisted on an investigation by S.D. County District Attorney. However, the investigation she wants is not about the LMPD behavior that night, but to investigate the Mayor's actions. Such motion was denied since the meeting was set to decide whether the police department should be investigated.
For some the whole story is a personal vendetta stemmed from long time Mayor's opponent Craig Maxwell, who last night defended himself as not being the one leaking the story to the media. And insisted the Mayor should come forward and let people know what else he's hiding. He took the opportunity to shed light on an alleged hit-and-run incident where the mayor was involved too. He closed his statements by asking the mayor to open up and let people know what else might crawl from under the rock of his past, what other misadventures has he had.
Mayor Art Madrid also had plenty of supporters to advocate for him, but no one as passionate as Anna San Fillipo, San Fillipo's Pizza owner, who asked the audience how come the mayor has been re-elected so many times if the people of La Mesa don't want him? She agreed the mayor made a bad judgment but blamed the restaurant he was at the night of the incident for not providing him with a taxi-cab and allowed him to go home on his own. She asked the audience to look back at all the goodness he's done for the city. Her comments made the mayor shed some tears and the audience roar, screaming and clapping in approval.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Yesterday's meeting to discuss whether a third-party investigation should enter the scene, set the mood for a new chapter of this soap-opera that began last week when the mayor was found in an inconvenient state a block from his home and LMPD officers decided to take him home, exercising a leeway that apparently police officers across the county are allow to use at their own discretion.
Didn't take long for the whole roles to be assembled for this story. Supporters and foes of the main character entered the city hall last night to outline a story that now might even distract La Mesa residents from other suspense stories out there, such as the primaries across the nation, or as Councilmember Dave Allan said, from bigger problems such as the nation's trillion deficit, or the state's 20 billion deficit.
Mayor Art Madrid characterized the events last night as a "The eruption of a volcano that just as Mountain Helen, where nothing in its path was unscathed, the damage was 360 degrees and everything was either scorched or destroyed."
The police department was one of the injured, along with city manager Cindy Kerl and city attorney Glenn Sabine, all of them critiziced in their integrity and commitment to fairness and justice.
The torch was pass to Vice-mayor Ernest Ewin to preside the event.
Councilmember Dave Allan called on all the bad things not the city, but the state and even the nation are facing, as to waste time with this event.
Finally the motion for the night came "to direct the city manager to bring in a third party to conduct an investigation."
City Manager Cindy Kerl proposed to bring a third party from a pool of investigators from the State Bar, and chose one that has had no previous relationships with the City of La Mesa, to which councilmember Ruth Sterling adamantly opposed, since "that would cost the city money." Instead, she proposed to bring in an attorney from the county or the state. A non-bias third-party investigation.
Before agreeing that was why they were there tonight Ruth Sterling insisted on an investigation by S.D. County District Attorney. However, the investigation she wants is not about the LMPD behavior that night, but to investigate the Mayor's actions. Such motion was denied since the meeting was set to decide whether the police department should be investigated.
For some the whole story is a personal vendetta stemmed from long time Mayor's opponent Craig Maxwell, who last night defended himself as not being the one leaking the story to the media. And insisted the Mayor should come forward and let people know what else he's hiding. He took the opportunity to shed light on an alleged hit-and-run incident where the mayor was involved too. He closed his statements by asking the mayor to open up and let people know what else might crawl from under the rock of his past, what other misadventures has he had.
Mayor Art Madrid also had plenty of supporters to advocate for him, but no one as passionate as Anna San Fillipo, San Fillipo's Pizza owner, who asked the audience how come the mayor has been re-elected so many times if the people of La Mesa don't want him? She agreed the mayor made a bad judgment but blamed the restaurant he was at the night of the incident for not providing him with a taxi-cab and allowed him to go home on his own. She asked the audience to look back at all the goodness he's done for the city. Her comments made the mayor shed some tears and the audience roar, screaming and clapping in approval.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
RAINY DAYS IN LA MESA
Do you think that every time we get some rain in San Diego County everything goes crazy?
That drivers are just waiting for few drops to go hydroplaning?
Most statistics show that indeed way too many accidents happen in Southern California as a result of the sporadic rain Mother Earth grants us with. However, if you were in la Mesa last Sunday and were able to witness dogs and cats downpour, you'll be surprise to know that no more than three accidents happened there, and no one was actually attributed to the rain. According to Lieutenant David Bond of LMPD, very few accidents were reported over the weekend, and none was rain-related.
Nice.
That drivers are just waiting for few drops to go hydroplaning?
Most statistics show that indeed way too many accidents happen in Southern California as a result of the sporadic rain Mother Earth grants us with. However, if you were in la Mesa last Sunday and were able to witness dogs and cats downpour, you'll be surprise to know that no more than three accidents happened there, and no one was actually attributed to the rain. According to Lieutenant David Bond of LMPD, very few accidents were reported over the weekend, and none was rain-related.
Nice.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
ISN'T LADY JUSTICE BLIND?
Residents of la Mesa are not too enthused after Mayor Art Madrid got leeway when police found him lying on the sidewalk near his SUV and a city employee in the driver's seat – both apparently intoxicated – about a block from Madrid's home last Wednesday.
Perhaps that's why La Mesa City Council members called for a public discussion at tonight's City Council meeting.
La Mesa Police found the mayor near the passenger side of his white Ford Explorer. Finance department employee Trisha Turner was in the driver's seat, her feet pointed out the open door.
Madrid and Turner appeared intoxicated, the responding officers told Police Chief Alan Lanning. They had vomited around the SUV, which was legally parked.
Neither was given a sobriety test. Officers drove them to Madrid's home, unlocked his front door with his keys and left.
Madrid, who has already apologized publicly, declined today to further discuss the topic.
Not some residents of la Mesa that attended the meeting with the only purpose to demand the mayor's resignation. Such as bookstore owner Craig Maxwell and former city treasurer Jim Stieringer.
Council member Ruth Sterling, a longtime foe of Madrid, said she wonders whether the incident would have been handled the same if the mayor weren't involved. “Why should he be treated any differently than anybody else?” Sterling asked.
Perhaps that's why La Mesa City Council members called for a public discussion at tonight's City Council meeting.
La Mesa Police found the mayor near the passenger side of his white Ford Explorer. Finance department employee Trisha Turner was in the driver's seat, her feet pointed out the open door.
Madrid and Turner appeared intoxicated, the responding officers told Police Chief Alan Lanning. They had vomited around the SUV, which was legally parked.
Neither was given a sobriety test. Officers drove them to Madrid's home, unlocked his front door with his keys and left.
Madrid, who has already apologized publicly, declined today to further discuss the topic.
Not some residents of la Mesa that attended the meeting with the only purpose to demand the mayor's resignation. Such as bookstore owner Craig Maxwell and former city treasurer Jim Stieringer.
Council member Ruth Sterling, a longtime foe of Madrid, said she wonders whether the incident would have been handled the same if the mayor weren't involved. “Why should he be treated any differently than anybody else?” Sterling asked.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
HAVE YOU SEEN ME: 5AKT466
La Mesa police's still looking for the driver of a white Ford Expedition or Ford Explorer that crashed into a fire hydrant, and caused flood damage to a business and a vehicle.
Lt. Dan Willis said it happened around 6:40 p.m. on Friday in the 8100 block of Fletcher Parkway. Reknowned market "The Vine Ripe" and a parked vehicle were flooded, while the driver fled the scene. The license plates are 5AKT466 and police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call LMPD at 619-667-1400
Lt. Dan Willis said it happened around 6:40 p.m. on Friday in the 8100 block of Fletcher Parkway. Reknowned market "The Vine Ripe" and a parked vehicle were flooded, while the driver fled the scene. The license plates are 5AKT466 and police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call LMPD at 619-667-1400
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The City of la Mesa has a very organized Web site, easy to navigate.
The whole agency is broken down into departments, each one citing a contact person.
Both phone numbers and e-mail addresses are available, and there is a FAQ section.
The site also allows visitors to register to receive press releases from all areas through their "Notify Me" section.
Forms for different issues are available in PDF format, and some of the services provided go beyond the City itself with links to other governmental facilities.
The site is pleasant to the eye with a slide show of different but recognizable places of the city.
The Web site pretty much covers everything a "normal" resident, consumer could look for in a governmental office.
The whole agency is broken down into departments, each one citing a contact person.
Both phone numbers and e-mail addresses are available, and there is a FAQ section.
The site also allows visitors to register to receive press releases from all areas through their "Notify Me" section.
Forms for different issues are available in PDF format, and some of the services provided go beyond the City itself with links to other governmental facilities.
The site is pleasant to the eye with a slide show of different but recognizable places of the city.
The Web site pretty much covers everything a "normal" resident, consumer could look for in a governmental office.
BLONDE AMBITION LEADS TO BEER RUN
Three white females entered a la Mesa gas station thursday night and got away with
several cans of beer.
Officer Purdy of LMPD said the women, described by the clerk as blonde, in their late
teens or early 20's, 5'3'' to 5'5'' and slender had a getaway car waiting for them and
were last seen on Mills street and Orchard.
A video of the robbery it's been examined, and there are leads pointing to a youth
group.
several cans of beer.
Officer Purdy of LMPD said the women, described by the clerk as blonde, in their late
teens or early 20's, 5'3'' to 5'5'' and slender had a getaway car waiting for them and
were last seen on Mills street and Orchard.
A video of the robbery it's been examined, and there are leads pointing to a youth
group.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
To: Seniors
With this year's elections everybody is going crazy about the 'old folks' and whether you can teach and old dog new tricks, etc. As opposed to the new wave that's here to save us, since it seems, everything that's been done so far by the 'old timers' has been wrong.
Personally, I rather have my mother taking care of me than my older brother. However, this column is not about politics (at least today) but about the current events happening in the City of La Mesa, more exactly at the Senior Center:
Personally, I rather have my mother taking care of me than my older brother. However, this column is not about politics (at least today) but about the current events happening in the City of La Mesa, more exactly at the Senior Center:
Senior Housing Expo - February 6th
A FREE event for mature adults interested in housing and care alternatives, property tax savings, granny flats, reverse mortgages, financing for residential options, home safety and security, assisted living and more.
Wednesday, February 6th 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.La Mesa Community Center4975 Memorial Drive
Event Flyer
WELCOME TO GG'S WINDOW TO LA MESA
I've lived in La Mesa for the past ten years, and I love it. The love affair began unintentionally as I would come to visit my sister, her husband, and my mother, in my trips back and forth from Alaska, New Mexico, Mexico, and Italy. One day I sat back and relaxed, and discovered San Diego's best kept secret: The cool weather. So I stopped the travel and began enjoying "my new found land."
I know there are other nice areas in San Diego, but La Mesa is not only centrally located, nearby to everything, and accessible, but also beautiful. There's a reason to be call "The Jewell of the Hills."
However, this blog won't be all about beautiful La Mesa, but also about how a City is sustained, maintained, well kept, or not. What their residents think, how authorities respond, how this community as a whole works.
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