Comic books worth taking the time to read
By Jake Sexton | La Mesa Reads
Every summer, San Diego Comic-Con gives me a fine excuse to dedicate a column to the popular yet maligned field of comic books. Read More
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‘Alice: A Wonder-Full Musical’
Through July 29
Christian Youth Theater presents “Alice: A Wonder-Full Musical” that parallels the theme of Lewis Carroll’s famous story, “Alice in Wonderland,” the whimsical tale of a girl whose curiosity propels herself into a wild world of imagination, now with a fresh and enthralling approach. Set in a modern day high school, Alice takes a musical journey down the “rabbit hole,” as she meets unforgettable characters and embarks on an adventure of self-discovery. At Patrick Henry Performing Arts Center, 6702 Wandermere Drive. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Matinee shows on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets range $14–$20; available at cytsandiego.org. Read More
By Colleen Cochran | Guest Editorial
As a woman and a mother who is deeply concerned about climate change, a decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) a few weeks ago enabled me to take a break from my feelings of dread. In fact, I all out rejoiced. Read More
Tickets are on sale now for the 11th annual heART of Mt. Helix event showcasing local art, music and cuisine at Mt. Helix Park.
This sunset event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, from 5–11 p.m., and will feature vignettes by local performing and visual artists, music on two stages, casino gaming, live art demonstrations, tastings provided by more than a dozen participating local restaurants, 360-degree views, and dancing under the stars to the music of Mighty Untouchables. Read More
By Jake Sexton | La Mesa Reads
Every summer, San Diego Comic-Con gives me a fine excuse to dedicate a column to the popular yet maligned field of comic books. Read More
By Sharon Fitzpatrick and Nancy Johnson | La Mesa Beautiful
Summer salads
Some of you have planted one of the many varieties of crunchy, lacy, colorful lettuces in the spring. Hopefully you’re still reaping the benefits. The San Diego heat wave has been late this year, but July will likely find our gardens rising in temperature. You may have to start your salad with a trip to your favorite grocery store or farmers market if needed. Read More
By Ron Stern | Global Gumshoe
From the sleepy days when Palm Springs was a laid-back little city and home to numerous celebrities, Greater Palm Springs now encompasses nine cities in a sprawling patchwork across the Coachella Valley. Highway 111 will now take you through Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indian Wells. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations, attractions, and culinary delights while still enjoying that relaxed desert vibe. Read More
An important part of what makes La Mesa special are the businesses — big, medium and small — that are owned and staffed by the families and people in our community. They work hard, day in and day out, to provide retail shopping, medical services, law advice, and a multitude of other vital services and products we need. That is why one of the most exciting times of the year for us at San Diego Community News Network is the release of our “Best of La Mesa” issue, which puts a spotlight on those local businesses who are doing the very best in a variety of categories. Read More
By Connie and Lynn Baer | Foothiller Footsteps
The Grossmont High School Educational Foundation (GHSEF) is the only support group on campus that raises money and provides volunteer support for programs, supplies, and other needs that benefit all Grossmont students and staff. The foundation’s motto is “Take Your Memories, Leave Your Footprints,” with footprints being its logo. The money is raised by the foundation through memberships and donations as well as annual interest from the GHS Endowment Fund. Read More
By Tina Rynberg and Jeff Benesch | La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old activist endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, took out 10-term Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley in New York’s 14th District, it sent shockwaves through party establishment. Was Ocasio-Cortez’s election a harbinger of things to come for Democrats or an isolated phenomenon? Read More
By Colleen Cochran | Guest Editorial
As a woman and a mother who is deeply concerned about climate change, a decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) a few weeks ago enabled me to take a break from my feelings of dread. In fact, I all out rejoiced. Read More
By Genevieve A. Suzuki | Gen-X in a Millennial World
Last month I had an encounter at the La Mesa Springs Shopping Center that reminded me of the importance of compassion for our fellow humans. Read More
By Jennifer Osborn | Helix Highlights
Summer will soon come to a close for the Highlanders. School offices will reopen on Aug. 6, and classes begin Aug. 8. We look forward to another great school year. Read More
By Joel Anderson | Guest Editorial
[Editor’s note: This op-ed first appeared in the Voice of San Diego on July 18] Read More
By Dianne Jacob | Dianne’s Corner
Are you ready?: The terrible loss of homes and other property during a recent wildfire in Alpine is the latest reminder of the importance of being prepared in case of disaster. Read More
By Peter Johnson
“America’s Greatest Pastime” has been a long-standing tradition of ballparks and homeruns and San Diego is fortunate to have many levels of playing ball — from the San Diego Padres, to the San Diego State University Aztecs, to community little leagues. Since 1957, the Lake Murray Little League has served the area’s passionate baseball loving families, providing children ages 4–12 a place to enjoy the sport and grow as individuals. Read More
Re: “Editorial: A new La Mesa Library should be a priority” [Volume 8, Issue 6 or bit.ly/2lxR6Ls] Read More
By Frank Sabatini Jr. | Restaurant Review
Years before the 2010 release of his first cookbook, “From Terra’s Table,” which focuses on the agricultural bounties of Southern California, local chef-restaurateur Jeff Rossman was already fortifying his menu with staples from those supply lines. Read More
By Linda Michael
Roz Oserin is a student of art — and now is also a teacher of it. Read More
By Jay Steiger
With a roll of drums, blasts of brass, and whistling woodwinds echoing across the green of La Mesa’s Harry Griffen Park, the 17th annual Sunday’s at Six concert series kicked off on June 10 with a performance by The San Diego Concert Band. Read More
By Frank Sabatini Jr. | Restaurant Review
The first visit I made to City Tacos was several years ago at the original San Diego location in North Park. At the time, scoring a carnitas or carne asada taco was out of the question. They were too mundane for the shop’s envelope-pushing concept. Read More
By Alex Owens
Typically, you don’t want an actor to phone in a performance — unless, of course, the play requires them to do so. Read More
By David Dixon
Actor/writer John Cariani (who is currently one of the stars of the Tony Award-winning musical, “The Band’s Visit”) is known for his 2004 play about unique relationships, “Almost Maine.” While it wasn’t an initial success off-Broadway, the play, comprised of different vignettes, has been produced at a number of high schools, colleges, community theatres and regional theatres. According to the Educational Theatre Association, it was the most-produced play in American high schools in 2016-2017. Read More
By Sen. Joel Anderson
This June 6 marked the 40th anniversary of the passage of Proposition 13 (Prop 13), a 1978 ballot measure that reduced property tax rates on homes, businesses and farms and capped how much property tax rates could grow in the future. The core motivation of Prop 13 was to protect Californians from being taxed out of their homes by the state. Read More
By Linda Michael
Kathleen A. McLaughlin, a native of San Diego, picked up a camera and a paint brush in elementary school. She has been “snapping” and “doodling” her way through life ever since. Read More
Jeff Clemetson | Editor
This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the La Mesa Library moving into its temporary location at 8074 Allison Ave. The temporary location was given to the library after a 2005 agreement between the city and the San Diego County Library (SDCL) after the city took its old location to house the La Mesa Police station, with the promise to build a new La Mesa branch library sometime in the future. In June of 2008, the library opened in its current digs.
At the May 22 City Council meeting, La Mesa Library branch manager Heather Pisani-Kristl presented an update on the library and how it has fared in the temporary location. She noted that the temporary location’s 10,000 square feet is now at capacity and as the city grows, the temporary location will not be adequate to serve the residents of La Mesa. Read More