Message from the City Manager

Dear La Mesa, 

Get ready for an unforgettable movie night as we launch the 2023 Movies in the Park Series in collaboration with the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation!

This Friday, July 28, we're commemorating the 30th anniversary of a beloved classic - Free Willy, screened at MacArthur Park. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m., so be sure to arrive early to indulge in games and explore various vendors. As the sun sets, the movie will begin, providing a perfect outdoor experience.

But that's not all! This weekend also marks the final Sundays at Six Summer Concert at Harry Griffen Park. We invite all of you to join us for an evening filled with the timeless tunes of the local classic rock band, "It's Never 2L8." Just before the concert, the next Miss La Mesa will be crowned. The scholarship pageant is scheduled at 5:45 p.m. for this Sunday, July 30. The concert is from 6 to 7 p.m. and is completely free of charge.

We look forward to seeing you there. 

Your City Manager,

Greg Humora

Collier Park Renovation Project Update

Exciting progress has been made at our neighborhood park renovation project! Crews continue installing the irrigation system in preparation for a coverage test, which will determine if there is an even distribution of water.  

In the coming months, we can look forward to the installation of fitness equipment, a playground, landscaping, and shade sails. Other exciting amenities include new restrooms, tennis and pickleball courts, a nature trail, a picnic pavilion, and more. 

With a budget of approximately $4.5 million, the project is being funded by park development fees, federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), donations from the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation, California Department of Parks and Recreation Local Assistance Specified Grant funds, and California Prop 68 Land and Water Bond Funds. 

The completion of the project is expected by Fall 2023. Stay tuned for further updates as we create a vibrant community gathering place for all to enjoy!

The La Mesa Pool and Spa remains closed as we await parts to make repairs to the pool heater. We’re optimistic that the repairs will be completed in August, allowing us to reopen the facility. Refunds for all aquatic programs through July have been processed. Please continue to check the website for updates.

La Mesa Village Enhancement Fund Program: Empowering Our Community

Time is almost running out to apply for the La Mesa Village Enhancement Fund Program! This program provides funding for non-profit organizations and businesses to organize events, promotions, programs, or advertising activities within Parking District Number One. Applications for the current fiscal year are now open until July 31, 2023. The La Mesa City Council established the La Mesa Village Enhancement Fund Program to invigorate our Downtown Village and support local businesses. 

Take a look at this transformation! Phillip’s Appliance was able to upgrade their windows thanks to the funding from year one of the La Mesa Façade and Property Improvement Grant.

We take pride in supporting local businesses like Phillip's Appliance to enhance their properties for a better business experience.

Year two of the La Mesa Facade and Property Improvement Grant Program is now in full swing, and we are happy to announce that we have already received an overwhelming response with 25 applications since we opened online applications on July 10. Our team is diligently reviewing each application, and by the end of the month, selected applicants will be notified if they are to receive this valuable grant.

The program provides matching grant funding for business and property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties looking to improve or renovate existing buildings within city limits. Improvements include structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, irrigated landscaping, outside decorative lighting and more.

Applications are being considered for funding on a first come, first serve basis.

City Council Meeting Overview: July 11, 2023

Assemblymember Weber Honors Mayor with State Resolution 

During this week's City Council Meeting, Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber made an unexpected appearance to honor Mayor Mark Arapostathis by presenting him with a state resolution. This resolution serves as a tribute to his retirement from the La Mesa Spring Valley School District, where he dedicated over three decades of exceptional service.

City of La Mesa’s Environmental Program Manager presented the 2022 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Annual Report to the City Council during Tuesday’s meeting. The report annually highlights the accomplishments achieved since La Mesa's CAP was adopted by the City Council in March 2018. The CAP aligns with State goals and outlines targets to address emissions in energy, transportation, solid waste, water, and green infrastructure. 

A 2023 Community Opinion Survey was presented to City Council identifying key resident concerns and overall satisfaction with City operations. The statistically valid public opinion community survey, conducted by True North Research, involved 1,069 randomly selected La Mesa residents, equally represented from four areas of the City. The survey covers topics like public safety, City services, communication, and quality of life. The City has been conducting a public opinion community survey since 2006 to identify resident concerns and measure satisfaction with City operations.

La Mesa Chief of Police Ray Sweeney presented the La Mesa Police Department Quarterly Operations Report for the second quarter of 2023. The report provides details on specific cases and the resolution of criminal incidents. LMPD also engaged in community events, actively used social media to share information, and emphasized wellness support for its staff. 

The Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) Team in La Mesa continues to work diligently to support individuals experiencing homelessness. In the second quarter of 2023, they helped 72 individuals, including adults and children, connecting many to temporary or permanent homes. The report highlights successful partnerships, community engagement, and services provided to improve the lives of those in need. 

Welcome and congratulations to the individuals listed below who have either been recommended to or by the City Council for appointment or reappointment to various City of La Mesa Boards and Commissions!

• Community Relations and Veterans Commission
• Donald Long
• Jeffrey Foertsh
• Community Services Commission
• Christopher Langdon
• Environmental Sustainability Commission
• Mary Nooristani
• Dasmine McFalrin
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Don Cary
• Jan Wilcox
• Lori Wilcox
• La Mesa Community Parking Commission
• Steve Kitchen
• Jonathan Baron
• Mobility Commission
• David Nichols
• Kara Koehrn
• Personnel Appeals Board
• Peter Gregorovic
• Tony Orlando
• Planning Commission
• David Harris
• Jonathan Frankel

At the recommendation of the City Council Salary Review Ad-hoc Subcommittee, the City Council directed the City Manager to create and select a five-member community panel called the Council Salary Adjustment Panel. The panel's task would be to evaluate the current City Council salary compared to other city councils in the region and provide a recommendation within 90 days on whether an adjustment is needed, along with the appropriate methodology and amount. 

Digital Billboard negations for the City of La Mesa will not be moving forward. This after the City Council struck down the Digital Billboard Negotiating Ad-hoc Subcommittee recommendation for staff to create and share a Request for Proposal (RFP) within 30 days to replace and install a digital billboard in several parts of the city.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) issued a 60-day notice on April 25, 2023 to the City of La Mesa regarding their consideration to lease an existing building for a parole office. The potential location for the office is located at 8374-8376 Hercules Street.

Since receiving the State’s correspondence, the City mailed a Public Notice to addresses within 1,000 feet of the proposed location, advertised the Public Notice in various City Manager Update newsletters, and made mention of the proposed Parole office at City Council Meetings during City Manager comments. 

The City evaluated the proposed location and sent a letter to the State imploring them to remove the site from consideration. The proposed site is in close proximity to several sensitive uses that provide essential services to youth and senior citizens. The City will continue to monitor the status of the proposal and provide updates under the newsroom section of our website.

We also encourage La Mesa residents to reach out to their state elected representatives to voice any concerns.

If you have any comments or questions regarding the proposed lease, please direct them to the following contacts:

Krissi Khokhobashvili

Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Employee Communications

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Phone: 916-956-6160

Email: Kristina.Khokhobashvili@cdcr.ca.gov

Additionally, you may reach out to the property owner, Jeni, for any inquiries related to the property at jeni@floit.com.

The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 8130 Allison Ave.

Sign up for Notify Me to stay informed on when the latest City Council meeting agenda is available for viewing.

CITY OF LA MESA CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you on the lookout for a new career opportunity or a fresh start in your professional journey? Look no further! Our vibrant city has exciting job openings across various departments, offering you the chance to contribute your skills and talents to the heart of our community. 

Several Positions are available including:

• Equipment Operator (Streets Division)
• Public Works Maintenance Worker I/II (Streets Division)
• Public Works Maintenance Lead Worker (Streets Division)
• Heavy Equipment Operator (Streets Division)

The community self-serve mulch pile for La Mesa residents at the Public Works Operations Yard will be restocked on Aug. 3. So, grab your shovels, sturdy containers, or tarps if using an open truck bed and load up your vehicle. The mulch is available on a first-come, first-serve basis until it runs out.

The County of San Diego is offering virtual workshops called "Deep Dives" through the Regional Water Equity Project to explore various water sustainability topics. Each one-hour session will begin with an educational overview of the featured topic, followed by interactive discussions and collaboration to hear participants' unique experiences. The workshops will cover topics such as Stormwater Reuse in Affordable Housing, Graywater Reuse, Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture, and more.

Join the Fun at the 2023 La Mesa Classic Car Show

The highly anticipated 2023 La Mesa Classic Car Show is back! This summer event takes place every Thursday from June 1 to Aug. 31, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

 

Take a stroll down La Mesa Blvd., where you'll be captivated by a dazzling display of pre-1974 cars, trucks, and vans, spanning the area from Fourth Street to Spring Street. But that's not all! Prepare to be entertained by live music performances each week, courtesy of talented local bands.

Best of all, this is a FREE, family-friendly community event! Gather your loved ones and join us as we celebrate the joys of summer.

While you're here, make sure to take advantage of the incredible dining, shopping, and exploration opportunities available in La Mesa Village.

Get ready for Fall! Registration is now open for a diverse range of classes offered by the Community Service department. From gymnastics and dance for kids to pickleball, martial arts, yoga, and more for adults, there's something for everyone. Classes kick off on Aug. 28, so don't miss out!

Looking for something for the kids to do the rest of the summer? Registration is still open for a variety of camps and fall recreation programs for all ages. 

"Mosquito season" is in full swing! With the increased rainfall this year, we can expect a surge in mosquito activity during the summer months.

Beyond being bothersome, mosquitoes pose a serious health risk by carrying diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika, and dengue.

The key to preventing mosquito-related issues lies in eliminating standing water, where these pesky insects lay their eggs. Surprisingly, even the tiniest amounts of water can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This includes water in saucers under potted plants or residual water in landscape drains.

Fortunately, the County of San Diego Vector Control Program is here to help county residents. They offer free educational inspections by certified technicians who can identify potential sources of standing water at homes, businesses, and other areas.

They also provide free mosquitofish to control mosquito populations in ponds and unmaintained green pools. 

We're thrilled to welcome Aromi Italian Cuisine to our community! Located at 7200 Parkway Drive in La Mesa, this newly opened restaurant offers a delightful array of fresh and authentic Italian dishes. Experience the essence of Italy through their authentic dishes including Pappardelle Ragu, Parmigiana Melanzane, Rigatoni Carbonara, and more. Enjoy dining indoors or on the charming patio, where contemporary meets classic design. Visit Aromi today to embark on a delightful Italian dining experience.