Fair housing workshop
Jan. 28

The San Diego Regional Alliance will host a workshop on fair housing laws and provide an opportunity for local residents to share their experiences with housing discrimination. The group aims to understand the community’s needs and reduce housing discrimination. The workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the community room (#161) of the El Cajon Police Department, 100 Civic Center Way, in El Cajon. 

Adaptive telephone information session
Jan. 28

Learn about the free adaptive telephone equipment available to anyone who has difficulty hearing, seeing, speaking, moving, remembering or interpreting information through the California Telephone Access Program, which offers specialized phones that make it easier to hear, dial, call and stay connected. Sandra Lambarri Johnson, an outreach specialist for the program, will explain what it takes to qualify. She will also provide information on the state’s Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the California Relay Service. The program is part of the monthly “Wellness Wednesday” program of the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Herrick Community Healthcare Library. 

Spring recreation classes begin
Feb. 2

The City of La Mesa offers dozens of classes for children and adults, including pilates, swimming, tennis, fencing, dance, ceramics and dog obedience. Most classes begin Feb. 2 and last nine weeks, but some classes follow a different schedule. Visit cityoflamesa.com/classes to view a full guide to the city’s offerings. Registration for the classes is managed online. For more information or assistance with registration, call the Community Services Department at 619-667-1300 or send an email to [email protected]. 

City swimming pool re-opens
Feb. 2

Construction to replace portions of the pool deck at the La Mesa Municipal Pool was delayed by rainy weather. City staff now plan to re-open the pool, at 5100 Memorial Drive, on Feb. 2. 

Breakfast with the chief
Feb. 10

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast with retiring La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves at Marie Callender’s, 6950 Alvarado Road, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Attendees will have the chance to meet Aceves and hear his thoughts on policing in La Mesa. The event is open to the public. The price of admission is $20 in advance for guests who are not members of the chamber, or $25 at the door, and includes a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, muffins, fruit, juice and coffee. Visit the Chamber’s website at lamesachamber.com or call 619-465-7700 ext. 2 for more information.

Town hall meetings
Feb. 17 and 19

The La Mesa City Council will host two town hall meetings to encourage citizens to share their ideas and opinions on issues in the city and its neighborhoods. The meetings will follow an open forum format with no specific agenda. The city’s department heads will also attend the meetings to answer questions and provide information on city programs and services. The Feb. 17 meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Dale Elementary, 4370 Parks Ave. The Feb. 19 meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Murray Manor Elementary, 8305 El Paso St. Both meetings are expected to end by 8:30 p.m.

Salute to local heroes
Feb. 18

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host its seventh annual “Salute to Local Heroes” event to celebrate seven police, firefighters, paramedics and senior patrol volunteers. The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Golden Ballroom of the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley. The theme is “Come to the Cabaret.” Dinner, a silent auction, raffles and more are all on the agenda along with the installation of the chamber’s new officers. For more information or to buy a ticket, call 619-465-7700 or email [email protected].

Lunar New Year Drawing
Through Feb. 18

Sycuan Casino’s ongoing promotion to celebrate the Year of the Ram will culminate with a grand final drawing at 10 p.m. on Feb. 18 where the prize is a new 2015 Ram truck. Anyone can enter the grand final drawing and daily drawings of up to $8,888 in cash by swiping a Club Sycuan card at any kiosk at the casino. For all the details, visit Sycuan.com.

Diet, exercise for a healthy senior heart talk
Feb. 20

Deva Plumlee, a cardiac rehabilitation specialist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, will give a presentation that explains the crucial role that diet and exercise play in maintaining a healthy heart, covers the risk factors for heart disease and outlines the best steps to take to maintain heart health. The talk will be held at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is required in advance by calling 800-827-4277, or register online at sharp.com.

Family caregiver class
Feb. 27

Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Senior Resource Center invites anyone who is helping a loved one with socialization, finances, transportation, meals or other activities to come to a free class to learn about resources. Program coordinator Andrea Holmberg will share information on health resources, community resources, placement options, support groups and managing emotional issues from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 15 of the hospital’s Brier Patch Campus, 9000 Wakarusa St. Registration is required in advance by calling 800-827-4277 or visiting sharp.com.

La Mesa Village Farmers Market
Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27

Visit the certified farmers market between 1 and 5 p.m. to pick up fresh local fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, packaged foods, oils, cheeses, hot foods and more. The event is held at the La Mesa Civic Center across from the police station. Ample free parking is available.

Upcoming public meetings

Youth Advisory Commission
Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center

Aging and Veterans Commission
Jan. 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Adult Enrichment Center

Design Review Board
Feb. 2 at 12:30 p.m. at the City Manager’s Conference Room

Development Advisory Board
Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. at City Council Chambers

Historic Preservation Commission
Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. at the City Manager’s Conference Room

Traffic Commission
Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. at City Council Chambers

Planning Commission
Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at City Council Chambers

Youth Advisory Commission
Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. at La Mesa Community Center

City Council
Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. at City Council Chambers

Community Services Commission
Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at La Mesa Community Center

Environmental Sustainability Commission
Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at the City Manager’s Conference Room

Planning Commission
Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at City Council Chambers

Design Review Board
Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m. at City Manager’s Conference Room

Youth Advisory Commission
Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center

Aging and Veterans Commission
Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. at Adult Enrichment Center

City Council Meeting
Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers

La Mesa Community Center: 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa

City Manager’s Conference Room: 8130 Allison Ave., La Mesa

Adult Enrichment Center: 8450 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

City Council Chambers: 8130 Allison Ave. La Mesa