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Find out what's happening in the city. Below is a list of current news releases.
On July 28, 2008, the La Mesa Police Department received 2 calls regarding a scam. In both cases, the victim was an elderly female. The victims received phone calls from a young man claiming to be their grandson. The suspect then pleaded with the victims to wire him money because he was in trouble in Canada. In one case, he requested $3000 and the other $4000. Luckily, neither victim sent the man money. In one case, the grandmother decided to call her actual grandson on his cell phone to verify that the call came from him, which it didn’t. Many people learn the hard way that scam artists are becoming more and more sophisticated in their efforts to take advantage of people’s kindness. Never agree to send money, products or credit card numbers to anyone over the phone or in person. If you wish to give money to a relative or a charity, be sure that you contact them, rather than responding to a telephone call or letter. For any questions regarding scams, call the La Mesa Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (619) 667-1445.
The La Mesa Police Department responded to 2 separate calls of a residential burglary in progress last night, July 23, 2008. The first occurred at approximately 1:00 AM on Vigo Drive on the West side of the city. The suspect entered through a window by cutting the screen. The suspect escaped out the back window after the homeowner confronted him inside the home. It is unknown at this time if there was any loss of valuables, but the entire house was ransacked in the process.
Suspect Description: Black Male Adult, 20-30 years old, approximately 6 feet tall with a medium build. The second incident occurred at approximately 4:00 AM on Elma Lane, only a few blocks from the first incident. In this case, the suspect again entered the home by cutting a window screen. The victim woke up when he heard noises. It is unknown if there was any valuables lost from the incident. There was no suspect description except that the person was wearing a dark jacket. Earlier that night, at approximately 11:45 PM, San Diego Police Department responded to a home on Revillo Way. The incident was identical to the others that occurred in the City of La Mesa. These incidents should serve as a reminder that home security is of the utmost importance. It is imperative to note that many people choose to leave their windows open at night during the hot summer months. However, keep in mind that home burglaries are often crimes of opportunity, where criminals are looking for easy targets. Don’t let an open window invite undesirable people into your home. Close and lock all windows at night while you are sleeping and when you are away from your home. If you have any questions about securing your home, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at (619) 667-1445.
The La Mesa Police Department has noticed a growing trend in vehicle thefts over the last 30 day period. Forty seven vehicles have been stolen city-wide. The majority, 42%, of these cars were early to mid 1990s Honda Civics and Accords. Seven Saturns and 9 Jeeps were also taken. The thefts were mainly from residential streets, driveways, apartment parking lots, occurring during late night or early morning hours. The losses were only slightly heavier on the north side of Interstate 8. There are several sensible and easy precautions you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of vehicle theft: • Lock your doors and close the windows every time you leave your vehicle. • If using a remote locking device, make sure listen for and you hear the vehicle doors lock, or the alarm set “chirp”. There are devices out there that can block the frequency of these devices. • Never leave your car running when you walk away from it, even if you will only be gone a minute or two. • Park in well-lit areas close to your destination • When purchasing a car, add additional anti-theft options • Clubs, collars, or J-bars are all useful tools used for locking the steering wheel, column, or break. • Audible alarms are a great way to alert you and your neighbors that something is wrong. • If you leave your car in a parking lot with an attendant, only leave the vehicle key. Never leave your home or office keys on the key ring. • Now is a great time to clean out the garage and start parking your car inside behind closed, locked doors. • Don’t make your car attractive to thieves by leaving valuables inside. This includes after-market navigation devices. For more information about preventing vehicle theft, call the Crime Prevention Unit at (619) 667-1445.
The La Mesa Police Department has taken 2 reports since the beginning of April involving a scam advertising jobs for “secret shoppers.” A Secret Shopper is a person who purchases goods and services from companies and then rates the level of customer service they received during the transaction. While a Secret Shopper is a legitimate job, there are companies that are using the appeal of the job to scam money out of potential “employees.” While the scammers may use any business name, the name that has been reported to the La Mesa Police Department was “Bargain Shoppers Express.”
The victim posted her resume online and was contacted by Bargain Shoppers Express to participate in a “Secret Shopper” operation. The letter included a check made out to the victim for several thousand dollars. The instructions to the victim were to deposit the check into her personal account, purchase goods, and then keep the remainder of the money for herself. The goods that she was instructed to purchase were two money orders that were to be sent to two different addresses in Canada. The money was withdrawn from her checking account for the two money orders before the check from the company had cleared. The check from the company bounced and the victim was still charged over $4,000 for the money orders.
The number of scams like this has grown exponentially in the last few years. It is important to remember to wait for all checks to clear before spending the money that was promised to you. Never send money or goods to someone you don’t know that were purchased using your own checking account or credit cards. Also, be suspicious of companies that make the effort to contact you directly. Proceed with extreme caution when dealing with any company that is requesting any exchange of money, even if they sent money to you first.
For questions regarding scams and fraud, contact the La Mesa Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (619) 667-1445.
The La Mesa Police Department needs your help in identifying two suspects who robbed an ARCO AM/PM convenience store. Please see the Special Bulletin for additional information. [Additional info...]
The La Mesa Police Department need your help in identifying a bank robbery suspect. Please see the Special Bulletin for additional information. [Additional info...]
The La Mesa Police Department has been informed of a county-wide scam involving fabricated stories to gain access to property. In the first case, a male and a female came to the door at the victim’s home and told the 97 year old resident that she was in need of roof repairs. While the female spoke with the victim and distracted her, the male apparently stole money and other items from another room in the home. In the second case, an elderly female answered her door to find 2 men claiming to have damaged her fence with their car. They offered to pay for the damage but requested access through her home to the yard to inspect the fence. She refused them access through her home, but allowed them in the side gate of her yard. While she was talking to one of the men, she suspects the other went into her home and stole several items. She noticed that cash and checks had been stolen. It is important to note that this is occurring county-wide. Be careful not to let anyone inside your home or yard. If you wish to seek repairs, do it on your own terms and contact the company yourself. The best advice is to not open the door for anyone you don’t recognize. If you have questions about scams, please call the La Mesa Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (619) 667-1445.
The La Mesa FOCUS newsletter is produced and distributed quarterly. This online La Mesa FOCUS meets the growing demand for computerized access to up-to-date information about activities and noteworthy projects occurring in the community. Additionally, there is significant savings due to elimination of postage and printing costs. This online edition also serves to familiarize readers with the City’s website. If you would prefer to continue receiving a printed version please Email us with your name and address or call 619.667.1105 to be placed on a mailing list. City staff would like to hear what you think about the current issue. After you read the newsletter, take a moment and give us your feedback. FOCUS Newsletter FOCUS Survey
La Mesa Businesses are invited to attend a free workshop to learn more about new federal, state, and city codes and requirements that apply to industrial and commercial businesses. This workshop is being endorsed by the East County Chamber of Commerce, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and the La Mesa Village Merchants Association. The City of La Mesa Code Update Workshop is scheduled for 8:00 am on Thursday August 28, 2008 at the La Mesa Community Center at 4975 Memorial Drive. Participants will receive updated information on storm water requirements, fire codes, building codes, and a new fats oil & grease (FOG) program. These programs will require businesses to make a number of changes to ensure regulatory compliance. To help meet these new requirements, the City will provide information on what businesses can expect during annual storm water, building, fire, and FOG program inspections. Information on new inspection fees for the storm water and FOG programs will also be presented. The City will offer a $25 rebate voucher to use toward storm water, fire or FOG inspection fees for attending this workshop. Space is limited so please contact Bobbie Rose by August 21, 2008 at 619.667.1148 to RSVP.
Workshop Agenda
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. HARRY GRIFFEN PARK 9550 MILDEN STREET • Activities and games for all ages!
• Information and resources on water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling,
composting, solar cooking, storm drain runoff, master gardeners and more.
• Recycling drop off: metal, paper, electronics, glass, all plastics (1-7), plastic bags,
and clean, formed Styrofoam.
• Free shade tree program.
• Energy saving lightbulbs rebate program. Learn more about the festival and see a listing of useful links.
If you are thinking about remodeling your homes or businesses, beware of whom you hire. In California, anyone who contracts to perform work that is valued at $500 or more in materials and labor must hold a valid license from the Contractors State License Board. In order to protect yourself against significant financial and legal consequences in the event of injury or property damage and avoid substandard work, be sure to ask to see the contractor’s pocket license and some form of identification before you hire. For additional information regarding hiring of a contractor, visit the following Contractors State Licensed Board website.
www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor/
Join us at Harry Griffen Park on Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
[Additional info...]
Kids Care Fest is an interactive day for children and their families. Fun activities, health screenings, wellness and safety information, and more. [Additional info...]
Located in La Mesita Park at 8855 Dallas Street, La Mesa 91941, the Skate Park is open every day from dawn to dusk. [Additional info...]
Listing of Cool Zone locations and operating hours in and around La Mesa that are open to the public.
[Additional info...]
Help make La Mesa beautiful. Encourage your civic, church, or social group to adopt a park for a clean up 8:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 25. All ages welcome to participate. Please bring your own gloves and rakes/trowels or grab a trash bag at the park and help make your local park shine. Free t-shirts for all participants.
It has come to the attention of staff members at City Hall that an unlicensed business is soliciting in various neighborhoods. The notice from the company indicates that they will paint your street number on the curb for a small fee or donation. This is an unlicensed business that is operating illegally within the city limits. Call 619.667.1118 or 619.667.1400 if you see them painting in your neighborhood so that City staff can take action immediately. Alternately, you may submit the information electronically through La Mesa Listens. Thank you for your help in locating unlicensed businesses!
On September 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM, the La Mesa Police Department and the La Mesa Spring Valley School District will conduct an informative presentation to the parents of all La Mesa Spring Valley School District students at the La Mesa Middle School auditorium. The goal of the presentation is to promote parental awareness that could affect school age children in the areas of Vandalism, Bullying, Drugs, Gangs, Personal Awareness, and Internet Safety and to introduce parents to the County Diversion Program and the positive learning environment of the Boys/Girls Club of East County.
The La Mesa Police Department's Crime Prevention video provides helpful information about 9-1-1, Residential and Vehicle Security, and Personal Safety. Crime Prevention Video
La Mesa Businesses are invited to attend a free workshop to learn more about new federal, state, and city codes and requirements that apply to industrial and commercial businesses. This workshop is being endorsed by the East County Chamber of Commerce, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and the La Mesa Village Merchants Association. The City of La Mesa Code Update Workshop is scheduled for 8:00 am on Thursday August 28, 2008 at the La Mesa Community Center at 4975 Memorial Drive. Participants will receive updated information on storm water requirements, fire codes, building codes, and a new fats oil & grease (FOG) program. These programs will require businesses to make a number of changes to ensure regulatory compliance. To help meet these new requirements, the City will provide information on what businesses can expect during annual storm water, building, fire, and FOG program inspections. Information on new inspection fees for the storm water and FOG programs will also be presented. The City will offer a $25 rebate voucher to use toward storm water, fire or FOG inspection fees for attending this workshop. Space is limited so please contact Bobbie Rose by August 21, 2008 at 619.667.1148 to RSVP.
Workshop Agenda
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. HARRY GRIFFEN PARK 9550 MILDEN STREET • Activities and games for all ages!
• Information and resources on water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling,
composting, solar cooking, storm drain runoff, master gardeners and more.
• Recycling drop off: metal, paper, electronics, glass, all plastics (1-7), plastic bags,
and clean, formed Styrofoam.
• Free shade tree program.
• Energy saving lightbulbs rebate program. Learn more about the festival and see a listing of useful links.
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