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Dave Good
Marty Graham
Moss Gropen
Andrew Hamlin
Dorian Hargrove
Garrett Harris
Ken Harrison
Patrick Henderson
Tam Hoang
Eve Kelly
Dryw Keltz
Eva Knott
Thomas Larson
Ken Leighton
Matthew Lickona
Mike Madriaga
Bill Manson
Scott Marks
Bob McPhail
Walter Mencken
Joseph O'Brien
Sheila Pell
Ian Pike
Matt Potter
H.G. Reza
Dave Rice
Elizabeth Salaam
Jay Allen Sanford
Julie Stalmer
DJ Stevens
Matthew Suárez
Amanda Tascher
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Liz Swain
Liz Swain
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Everyone will be moving to La Mesa
**Update:** Realtor Kip Pitman said escrow closed April 22 on the property at 7640 El Cajon Boulevard.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2016/a…
— April 29, 2016 11:16 a.m.
La Mesa council bans mobile dispensaries
**Update:** La Mesa city manager David Witt said in a December 11 phone interview that there have been "three to four" illegal medical marijuana dispensaries in the city during the past three to four years. He said the businesses "pop up," and the city tries to get them closed. The city's efforts include working with property owners. I knew from writing about La Mesa that the city sometimes learned about these businesses because residents filed zoning-code compliance complaints. I mentioned this to Witt, and asked about enforcement of the mobile dispensary ban. "At this point, we will rely on people reporting" violations, he said.
— December 12, 2015 12:53 p.m.
End of the line for Carl's Jewelers
**Carl Goldberg's favorite joke:** Adele told this joke during the interview and wrote it up to accompany this story. Carl was born in Brooklyn in 1929 and "spent his youth in a leg brace and survived the taunts of other children, this enabled him to create his sense of humor," according to Adele's write-up for her father's 2009 memorial. A couple of bums are walking down the street. One turns to the other, sniffs, and says, "Did you shit your pants?" The other bum replies, "Of course not." They walk on and a little further. The first bum sniffs and says again, "Did you shit your pants, you stink?!" The other bum looks indignant and says emphatically, "No!" They walk a few more steps and bums #1 can't stand it. He stops and says "OK, drop your pants!" He does and is covered in shit! Bum #1:" I thought you said you didn't shit your pants?" Bum #2: "Oh, did you mean today?"
— August 24, 2015 5:10 p.m.
End of the line for Carl's Jewelers
There was a time in the late 20th century when I bought a lot of watches. Not that I was fascinated by timepieces, but the only ones I found were cheap watches with plastic straps that got caught on things and broke. The watches were so inexpensive that it was easier just to buy another one. I hated the digital display (eg. 10:00), but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I complained to my mother, Dorothy, not realizing that she would look until she found what I wanted: a silver watch with a small face displaying all 12 numbers on it, two hands to indicate the time, and a sweeping hand that measured seconds. She gave me **the** watch on my birthday and described an extensive search that ended when she found my watch at the Longs Drug Store in Grossmont Center. My mother's unexpected death in 2008 left me shell-shocked. The feeling worsened a week later when I discovered the watch crystal was missing. I don't know when, where, or how it happened, but I went to Carl's and asked the jeweler for help. Carl replaced the crystal. I didn't realize until I interviewed Adele that her father made it. I'm touched to wear this keepsake of both of our parents.
— August 24, 2015 3:58 p.m.
New La Mesa library? Eh.
The older "old" La Mesa Library: Librarian Denise Stutzman sent this link to a picture of the 1910 library. On the dropbox is the message, “San Diego County Free Library."
http://catalog.library.ca.gov/F/JVD1FSU2UYT88BCKM…
— August 14, 2015 7:53 p.m.
New La Mesa library? Eh.
Discussion of the feasibility study and master plan for La Mesa’s civic center/old police station includes references to what was on the land, what’s there now, and what could be there in the future. The civic center property is described in the August 11 city report as a 3.5-acre block bounded by University Avenue, Allison Avenue, and Spring Street. Date Street separated the “old” post office from the property where the 1957 city hall still stands. Expansions include two trailers, one more than 30 years old. The old police station on Allison Avenue was demolished in 2012, and the city planned to sell the land to a redevelopment agency with "potential development … as an affordable housing site," according to the report. Assistant city manager Yvonne Garrett said at the meeting that when the state abolished redevelopment agencies, land was transferred to the city, which acts as a housing agency. Mayor Mark Arapostathis said the land is used as a staging area, and residents asked councilmembers about future plans. "Tell them we're opening a Baskin-Robbins," he joked. Garrett said the study will look at mixed-use development on the site, and ensure sure the city follows the "letter of the law" in terms housing requirements.
— August 14, 2015 7:39 p.m.
None
**Fire Station Hosts Oct. 12 Open House:** Heartland Fire & Rescue is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Station 11, 8054 Allison Ave. The event kicks off Fire Prevention Week, and this year's theme is "Prevent Kitchen Fires." Adults and children of all ages are invited to tour the station and learn valuable fire and personal safety lessons. Children can participate in activities such as a coloring contest, stop, drop & roll; and trying on firefighting gear. Terrific photo opportunities are promised.
— October 8, 2013 9:35 p.m.
None
**Free Senior Expo Slated for Oct. 10:** The City of La Mesa host the fourth annual expo from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Thursday at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr. The event offers “one-stop shopping” for all adults facing life changes that may affect their independence, or those who want tips on safety and security. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Postal Service, district attorney’s office, and Alzheimer’s Association. Exhibitors include the police department, Aging & Independence Services, MTS, “211,” Sharp Senior Resource Center, DMV, and Burn Institute. Sharp Grossmont Hospital will provide flu shots for a small donation, and refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Oct. 9. To sign up or for more info, call 667-1322.
— October 7, 2013 3:06 p.m.
None
**Council Considers Chickens and Terms Limits on Oct. 8:** The La Mesa City Council meets at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at City Hall, 8130 Allison Ave. Councilman Ernie Ewin wants his colleagues to discuss a zoning change to allow chickens in residential zones. Vice mayor Kristine Alessio wants the council to schedule a November 2014 vote on a measure to set a limit of three consecutive terms for people elected mayor or to the council. For more info about this and other agenda items, go to
http://www.cityoflamesa.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFil…
. Interest in the city seal? See my Sept. 21 Holler post.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/s…
— October 7, 2013 2:43 p.m.
None
**Signs of Oktoberfest:** Traffic controls are now in effect for the Downtown Village celebration that starts tomorrow at 11 a.m.
http://www.lamesachamber.net/oktoberfest.php
According to a City of La Mesa news release, drivers are advised to expect delays through Sunday. The streets closed to traffic are: La Mesa Boulevard is Acacia to 4th and Allison Avenue from 4th to Palm. Spring Street traffic may be subject to delays, according to the La Mesa Police Department. Disabled parking is available in the Lemon Avenue municipal lot and on Acacia north of La Mesa Boulevard.
— October 3, 2013 4:20 p.m.
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Dryw Keltz
Eva Knott
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Ken Leighton
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Joseph O'Brien
Sheila Pell
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This Week’s
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This Week’s
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Everyone will be moving to La Mesa
**Update:** Realtor Kip Pitman said escrow closed April 22 on the property at 7640 El Cajon Boulevard. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2016/a…— April 29, 2016 11:16 a.m.
La Mesa council bans mobile dispensaries
**Update:** La Mesa city manager David Witt said in a December 11 phone interview that there have been "three to four" illegal medical marijuana dispensaries in the city during the past three to four years. He said the businesses "pop up," and the city tries to get them closed. The city's efforts include working with property owners. I knew from writing about La Mesa that the city sometimes learned about these businesses because residents filed zoning-code compliance complaints. I mentioned this to Witt, and asked about enforcement of the mobile dispensary ban. "At this point, we will rely on people reporting" violations, he said.— December 12, 2015 12:53 p.m.
End of the line for Carl's Jewelers
**Carl Goldberg's favorite joke:** Adele told this joke during the interview and wrote it up to accompany this story. Carl was born in Brooklyn in 1929 and "spent his youth in a leg brace and survived the taunts of other children, this enabled him to create his sense of humor," according to Adele's write-up for her father's 2009 memorial. A couple of bums are walking down the street. One turns to the other, sniffs, and says, "Did you shit your pants?" The other bum replies, "Of course not." They walk on and a little further. The first bum sniffs and says again, "Did you shit your pants, you stink?!" The other bum looks indignant and says emphatically, "No!" They walk a few more steps and bums #1 can't stand it. He stops and says "OK, drop your pants!" He does and is covered in shit! Bum #1:" I thought you said you didn't shit your pants?" Bum #2: "Oh, did you mean today?"— August 24, 2015 5:10 p.m.
End of the line for Carl's Jewelers
There was a time in the late 20th century when I bought a lot of watches. Not that I was fascinated by timepieces, but the only ones I found were cheap watches with plastic straps that got caught on things and broke. The watches were so inexpensive that it was easier just to buy another one. I hated the digital display (eg. 10:00), but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I complained to my mother, Dorothy, not realizing that she would look until she found what I wanted: a silver watch with a small face displaying all 12 numbers on it, two hands to indicate the time, and a sweeping hand that measured seconds. She gave me **the** watch on my birthday and described an extensive search that ended when she found my watch at the Longs Drug Store in Grossmont Center. My mother's unexpected death in 2008 left me shell-shocked. The feeling worsened a week later when I discovered the watch crystal was missing. I don't know when, where, or how it happened, but I went to Carl's and asked the jeweler for help. Carl replaced the crystal. I didn't realize until I interviewed Adele that her father made it. I'm touched to wear this keepsake of both of our parents.— August 24, 2015 3:58 p.m.
New La Mesa library? Eh.
The older "old" La Mesa Library: Librarian Denise Stutzman sent this link to a picture of the 1910 library. On the dropbox is the message, “San Diego County Free Library." http://catalog.library.ca.gov/F/JVD1FSU2UYT88BCKM…— August 14, 2015 7:53 p.m.
New La Mesa library? Eh.
Discussion of the feasibility study and master plan for La Mesa’s civic center/old police station includes references to what was on the land, what’s there now, and what could be there in the future. The civic center property is described in the August 11 city report as a 3.5-acre block bounded by University Avenue, Allison Avenue, and Spring Street. Date Street separated the “old” post office from the property where the 1957 city hall still stands. Expansions include two trailers, one more than 30 years old. The old police station on Allison Avenue was demolished in 2012, and the city planned to sell the land to a redevelopment agency with "potential development … as an affordable housing site," according to the report. Assistant city manager Yvonne Garrett said at the meeting that when the state abolished redevelopment agencies, land was transferred to the city, which acts as a housing agency. Mayor Mark Arapostathis said the land is used as a staging area, and residents asked councilmembers about future plans. "Tell them we're opening a Baskin-Robbins," he joked. Garrett said the study will look at mixed-use development on the site, and ensure sure the city follows the "letter of the law" in terms housing requirements.— August 14, 2015 7:39 p.m.
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**Fire Station Hosts Oct. 12 Open House:** Heartland Fire & Rescue is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Station 11, 8054 Allison Ave. The event kicks off Fire Prevention Week, and this year's theme is "Prevent Kitchen Fires." Adults and children of all ages are invited to tour the station and learn valuable fire and personal safety lessons. Children can participate in activities such as a coloring contest, stop, drop & roll; and trying on firefighting gear. Terrific photo opportunities are promised.— October 8, 2013 9:35 p.m.
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**Free Senior Expo Slated for Oct. 10:** The City of La Mesa host the fourth annual expo from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Thursday at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr. The event offers “one-stop shopping” for all adults facing life changes that may affect their independence, or those who want tips on safety and security. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Postal Service, district attorney’s office, and Alzheimer’s Association. Exhibitors include the police department, Aging & Independence Services, MTS, “211,” Sharp Senior Resource Center, DMV, and Burn Institute. Sharp Grossmont Hospital will provide flu shots for a small donation, and refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Oct. 9. To sign up or for more info, call 667-1322.— October 7, 2013 3:06 p.m.
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**Council Considers Chickens and Terms Limits on Oct. 8:** The La Mesa City Council meets at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at City Hall, 8130 Allison Ave. Councilman Ernie Ewin wants his colleagues to discuss a zoning change to allow chickens in residential zones. Vice mayor Kristine Alessio wants the council to schedule a November 2014 vote on a measure to set a limit of three consecutive terms for people elected mayor or to the council. For more info about this and other agenda items, go to http://www.cityoflamesa.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFil…. Interest in the city seal? See my Sept. 21 Holler post. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/s…— October 7, 2013 2:43 p.m.
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**Signs of Oktoberfest:** Traffic controls are now in effect for the Downtown Village celebration that starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. http://www.lamesachamber.net/oktoberfest.php According to a City of La Mesa news release, drivers are advised to expect delays through Sunday. The streets closed to traffic are: La Mesa Boulevard is Acacia to 4th and Allison Avenue from 4th to Palm. Spring Street traffic may be subject to delays, according to the La Mesa Police Department. Disabled parking is available in the Lemon Avenue municipal lot and on Acacia north of La Mesa Boulevard.— October 3, 2013 4:20 p.m.