With 2025 off and running, it is time to take a look back at 2024 and some of the local news that made headlines in the La Mesa Courier circulation area.
Among some of the items that we reported on in print and online include:
JANUARY
One La Mesan was looking forward to hitting the century mark in the first month of the year. Elizabeth (Gena) Fischle, who resides at Say You’re Home (residential care facility for the elderly in La Mesa) will be 100 years old in January. According to Fischle, she feels lucky and thankful turning 100 in January, and wants to be remembered as being thankful.
A suspect was arrested and jailed following a burglary early Monday in La Mesa. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Dnico Hooks of La Mesa, was to be booked at County Jail for his outstanding warrant and an additional burlgary charge.
FEBRUARY
A recent federal report revealed that compared to other states, California had the largest number of individuals experiencing homelessness in 2023. of those unhoused individuals, 68% are unsheltered, says the document. Furthermore, non-profit, non-partisan newsroom inewsource stated that for San diegans, unsheltered homelessness has increased by 32% in 2023 – the highest report this decade. Housing shortages, skyrocketing regional rent prices, camping bans and towing are among the growing reasons for the increase, says inewsource. This year, a survey took place on Jan. 25. As stated on the survey’s site, volunteers were to join a team of more than 1,700 individuals to canvass the entire San Diego County area – directly connecting with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Volunteers were expected to conduct a brief survey and headcount.
Locals came out despite the rain this past Monday evening to celebrate the Best of La Mesa. The event was attended by some 50 people at Anthony’s Fish Grotto in La Mesa.
Founded on Feb. 16, 1912, the City of La Mesa celebrated its 112th birthday this February. During its early days, La Mesa was in the movie-making business and had an estimated population of over 700 people according to La Mesa’s historical timeline. As of 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau approximated that the population has grown to over 60,000 individuals.
MARCH
The La Mesa Council voted on Feb. 13 in favor of drafting an ordinance to reduce single-use plastics in the city. Following in the footsteps of other cities that have implemented ordinances in the county like Oceanside and Carlsbad, La Mesa approved the creation of an ad hoc committee to determine the next steps in addressing single-use plastics, according to Council members Patricia Dillard and Jack Shu. A second proposal brought forward by Dillard and Shu regarding the sale of plastic water bottles at city-sponsored events did not pass.
Millions of Californians will head to the polls on Tuesday, March 5 to vote in the presidential primary. Various San Diego State University students interviewed for an article noted that voting is important to enacting change. One student noted, “We live in a country where we have the privilege of speaking our minds and deciding who we want to represent us. So many others aren’t afforded this opportunity and we take it for granted.”
After undergoing a $4.5 million revitilzation project, the City of La Mesa’s Collier Park reopened with a celebratory event earlier this month. Renovations for Collier Park, La Mesa’s first and oldest park, officially began in November 2022.
APRIL
Wondering where your life may take you once done with high school? Helix Charter High School is hosting its Trades Day on Wednesday, April 10. Trades Day is a career expo focused on unique career paths that don’t require a traditional college degree. Therefore, the fair will expose students to careers such as construction trades, law enforcement, cosmetology, and real estate, among others.
Looking to learn more about how you can do your part for the Earth? On April 20 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the City of La Mesa will host their sixth annual Earth Day Fair at MacArthur Park, located at 4900 Memorial Drive. City of La Mesa Communications Manager Grecia Aguilar shared that attendees can expect “Hands-on fun for everyone including educational materials and resources on recycling, energy efficiency, water conserva\tion, mobility and transportation and other sustainable practices.”
The 10th annual San Diego Made Spring Market will be held for the first time ever in La Mesa Village starting at Spring St. and La Mesa Blvd., Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This spring festival will feature 120-plus local curated makers, showcasing the best of San Diego’s creative community and offering attendees a unique shopping experience along La Mesa’s vibrant downtown district.
MAY
Scams against consumers have been going on for many decades, but the number of them and the damage they can cause may seem exceptionally high in recent times. According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data, consumers claimed losses of more than $10 billion to fraud alone in 2023. That was a nearly 15 percent uptick from reported losses only a year earlier. The most targeted area for the scams was in the investment arena, accounting for more than $4.6 billion.
San Diego State University is taking the first step toward renovating Viejas arena by surveying students and concertgoers. The survey aims to collect feedback on fan experiences, which will inform future renovations.
CBRE arranged the $6.3 million sale of 8375 Hercules Street in La Mesa. The building’s site, strategically located alongside I-8, offers prominent visibility. The 14,000 square foot building , the former home of Lamp Plus in La Mesa, sits on 1.27 acres at the end of a cul-de-sac with its own parking lot that includes 52 spaces.
JUNE
If you have a love for cars and music, there is no better place to be this spring and summer than the La Mesa Classic Car Show & Music Event. The 30th annual event kicks off Thursday, June 6. The summer tradition offers a variety of classic cars, trucks and vans along La Mesa Boulevard as well as live bands and a DJ each week.
Recently, students from Helix Charter High School and Grossmont High School got to celebrate their respective proms. Helix had its prom at Venue 808 in Downtown San Diego. More than 600 students and guests got to enjoy the evening. Meantime, some 400 Grossmont High students ventured to Paradise Point Resort and spa to celebrate their special day.
We at the nonprofit Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation are excited to share that we recently closed escrow on 55 acres that will become part of the park. Both the MTRP Foundation and the City of San Diego are actively working to purchase land to expand the park; acquiring parcels is one of the 12 priority projects derived from Mission Trails’ 2019 Master Plan Update.
JULY
La Mesa attorney and community volunteer Genevieve Suzuki announced recently her plan to run for La Mesa City Council in the November 2024 election. Voters will elect two new members of the City Council in the Nov. 5 election. Councilmember Jack Shu, whose term expires in December, announced that he would not seek re-election. Councilmember Colin Parent, whose term also expires this year, is running for State Assembly and is not seeking re-election to the City Council.
The Lake Murray 4th of July Music Fest and Fireworks began in 1997 as a beacon of community spirit. Sadly, 2024 could very well mark the end of an era for our community. After a meeting with city officials the committee was told permits for this event will most likely not be approved after this year. It is a sobering reality for the dedicated volunteers and thousands of families who have cherished this event for nearly 20 years.
In ceremonies earlier last month, 452 seniors in the Class of 2024 became part of an amazing group: more than 40,000 Foothiller graduates. For 103 years, Grossmont High School’s students and staff have taken great pride in the traditions surrounding graduation, many which began in its first decade. Helix Charter High saw its largest graduating class in the 72-year history of the school with 571 graduates accepting diplomas.
AUGUST
The victim in a fatal La Mesa murder earlier last month has been identified by the La Mesa Police Department. As of presstime, authorities had not yet made an arrest in the case. According to the LMPD, the victim was 25-year-old La Mesa resident Essa Faraj. Authorities believe he was possibly walking in the area of High Street shortly before being stabbed. On July 13, at about 12:02 a.m., the LMPD received a 9-1-1 call of a subject down in the 7500 block of High Street.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Silver Outstanding Cadet Medal has been awarded to La Mesa teen Jack Chabot. Chabot was chosen by the NSDAR Letitia Coxe Shelby chapter to receive this award for his involvement with civil air Patrol San Diego Cadet Squadron 144.
The ArtReach Mural Program reports the unveiling of their latest community mural project at the newly renovated Collier Park. The ArtReach Mural Program, in partnership with the City of La Mesa, worked with more than 40 community members to paint a new mural.
SEPTEMBER
Since 2008 the City of La Mesa has relied on local funding from a voter-approved 3/4 cent sales tax, Proposition I. During last month’s City Council meeting, Councilmembers voted unanimously to place an extension of the sales tax on the ballot for the November election. This decision allows La Mesans to decide on the sales tax continuation, which is currently set to expire in 2029.
Recently, La Mesa Mayor Arapostathis announced the 2024 selections of Miss La Mesa and Miss Teen La Mesa 2024, respectively to a crowded group at the Sundays at Six Summer Concerts at Harry Griffen Park. Samantha Luevano was crowned Miss La Mesa 2024 and Jaeden Roy took home the honor of Miss Teen La Mesa 2024.
Both Helix Charter High and Grossmont High headed back to class last month. At Helix, they started a new tradition of making the first two days back to school “Welcome Back Days.” At Grossmont, the 104th year of school welcomed the Class of 2028 with activities designed to lead to a successful school year.
OCTOBER
It is safe to say that Helix Charter High School kicker Aubrey Laue does not take life for granted these days. A senior, Laue dealt with a life-threatening health issue at an early age and kicked that to the curb over time. Whether facing a serious health scare, playing sports or being active with ASB, studying in her final year of high school, being quite active in and out of school, Laue is not one to sit around and let life pass her by. When she is spending Friday evenings as the varsity kicker for the football team, Laue is doing something she loves.
The 51st Annual La Mesa Oktoberfest took place Oct. 4-6. The event is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California. The popular fall attraction offers vibrant live music, authentic German cuisine, and a plethora of German craft beers among other things.
The city of La Mesa is updating their Outdoor Dining Ordinances in an effort to continue to support local businesses. City Council recently held an informal outreach session to discuss updates and gather community input on the outdoor dining review process.
NOVEMBER
Four candidates are in the hunt for two seats on La Mesa Council during the Nov. 5 election. Lauren Cazares, Shawn Townsend, Kristine Alessio, and Genevieve Suzuki are in the running for four-year terms.
Downtown La Mesa’s Papalo, which first opened nearly a year ago, has re-opened as a collaboration between Executive Chef Drew Bent and Gerry Torres; the founder of its next-door neighbor City Tacos. The restaurant now offers a dining experience that brings together international culinary techniques and the soulful spirit of BBQ.
DECEMBER
The holiday season can be a challenging one for some people. That is where groups like the Helix Charter High JustServe Club come in. Under the direction of sophomore Lainey Krage, the club recently did a stuffed animal drive, with the animals going to the children at the Ronald McDonald House. The club partnered with Our Father’s Grace Ministries and collected more than 3,200 stuffed animals. According to Krage, 35 people participated in this year’s event.
The La Mesa Village Association’s (LMVA) ninth annual Holiday in the Village event on Saturday, Dec. 14, is getting a refresh this year focusing on enhanced holiday traditions that area fully immersed in La Mesa’s charm.
San Diego State University announced in September its plans to significantly expand student housing in the coming years. The project, subject to approval by the California State University’s Board of Trustees in mid-2025, includes constructing up to seven residential buildings with around 4,500 beds, along with amenities on campus.
Editor’s note: Jessica Mills, Lainie Alfaro, Natali Gonzalez, Kyungmin Min, Jennifer Morrissey, Lake Murray Fireworks Committee, Lauren Knuth, Connie & Lynn Baer, Angelica Tilton contributed to this article.
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