[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6136657,"mediaKeyId","5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542","parentId",5664384,"title","Council appoints planning commissioner and approves manager and attorney contract adjustments; no action on elected pay increase","audioSeconds",42,"startMs",3119000,"endMs",3161000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542&start=3119&end=3161","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542/thumbnail_3119000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6136657/La-Mesa/San-Diego-County/California/Council-appoints-planning-commissioner-and-approves-manager-and-attorney-contract-adjustments-no-action-on-elected-pay-increase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6136657-9ced64d478ce6d629afe9918896c2ba5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413760&Signature=Lom2-RxWupKMbaV87y7fPQSgeEigK2q5l6onbDgobd5gfv8BPKLy1vsq-P5KF4LU-onu4sSRnaAUUWcm2F2oJ~N7903XUNVIcE0W1yrkJQ~4mchNPpaWd-DKNwsD~MY61M5waDDblw4NNUjSVCcZid1aw1YREs9Z6Wmz6byfn3xU4VmrGkz3KOufj73m5LNVSfSs9fRp6-~6Z26c2Lz~P9n6z~8fRychNrySK0yli8ZDSDDTp0DB~86p5lne4BTGOg6lFW08a1USlIzOFCAJKiYpgKJ8NqoczOl1ZJFGcjyqdrBM3i5js43dceACiyQgVLn9UIVdfjGmAnjfamkdqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","La Mesa, CA","date","2025-08-12T00:00:00Z","article","The La Mesa City Council on Aug. 12 appointed Mark Regier to the Planning Commission and approved contract adjustments for the city manager and city attorney recommended by a council subcommittee.

Why it matters: Planning‑commission vacancies and executive compensation are routine municipal governance matters, but the council’s decisions affect continuity of land use review and the city’s top management pay structure.

The City Clerk reported that nominations for the planning commission were placed into ballot form after prior posting issues; all council members nominated Mark Regier and the council voted to appoint him (motion carried unanimously).

In closed‑session follow‑up, a council subcommittee recommended a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment for the city manager; the council approved that adjustment. The subcommittee also recommended a package for the city attorney that included a 6% COLA, a 3% market adjustment (aligning the attorney with department director increases) and a one‑time additional 50 hours of administrative leave; the council approved that request.

Separately, staff presented a biannual city salary review noting a statutory maximum adjustment of up to 10% since the last change in 2023; the council took no action on increasing elected officials’ compensation at the Aug. 12 meeting.

Votes recorded: the planning commission appointment and the contract adjustments for the city manager and city attorney were approved by unanimous vote; the elected‑compensation item was informational and not acted on during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Tuesday, August 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council unanimously appointed Mark Regier to the planning commission and approved subcommittee recommendations to increase the city manager and city attorney compensation; council did not act to raise elected officials’ pay at this meeting.","taxTitle","La Mesa, San Diego County, California","taxId",3983,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6136659,"La Mesa debate over HOME outreach: officers describe outreach limits; residents urge firmer enforcement and alternatives",187,3614000,3801000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542&start=3614&end=3801","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542/thumbnail_3614000.jpg","/articles/6136659/La-Mesa/San-Diego-County/California/La-Mesa-debate-over-HOME-outreach-officers-describe-outreach-limits-residents-urge-firmer-enforcement-and-alternatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6136659-976163eed78a238b915f336bd6a27dce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413760&Signature=HXPPH-Wqq7gSfLovUNR5XOI3CHBswhlAevl0UO0C1eLeUvpx63A0FI--FTeQXuKQsDHAYKOBO4DGLi70D2x-IujhBwte~3AELum3LPYY3CT1E3BdGLlIWkqG811BWzliiQWSOcIHnhOOesOgYJb1mulNJguhkfbnQ4t-WI7zyfOezi894sD2owCna84cqazmMYAufgAOj8fD~Mx6gctj4TjqRvPYUOtnJ7ZihrGeJ5YVdwEygUMHK31Zwq3Av~0TYF8G6g3RAu0DPvQLuWg2Wmas2esZKd5dpueth3SdvMCQWu72FIYacUwYRkrPq0JItfi6p-MRGjnx3Gg8HD1dWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Questions about La Mesa’s approach to homelessness dominated public comment and a council‑staff exchange on Aug. 12. Residents criticized the HOME (Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement) program’s reliance on progressive engagement and said the public bears the cost when individuals refuse services. City and public‑safety staff described outreach procedures, encampment cleanups and regional partnerships as they responded to concerns.

Why it matters: La Mesa has identified homelessness as a top community concern; council members and residents sought clarity on how the HOME team balances outreach, shelter availability and enforcement when individuals repeatedly decline services.

At the meeting Capt. Runge of the La Mesa Police Department (filling in for the chief) described the HOME team’s outreach work and said the team may require repeated contacts — “it can take up to 15 contacts” to build trust and acceptance, depending on the individual. He and other staff said response times and engagement length vary: some people accept services after a single contact while others may take months. Runge described municipal encampment cleanups performed twice a month that aim to remove hazards and provide resources.

HOME and police speakers said enforcement is a distinct element carried out when illegal or criminal activity is present; outreach and engagement continue in parallel. Staff highlighted regional grants and pilot projects — including tiny‑homes options and a 95‑Corridor encampment resolution grant noted in the meeting — as part of a multifaceted effort. Residents and commenters urged a stronger two‑pronged approach that combines compassionate outreach with timely community protections; they asked whether the city would revise HOME policy to shorten open‑ended engagement windows. No ordinance changes or enforcement directives were announced at the meeting.

The council did not take formal action on program policy; staff and police said they will continue outreach, encampment cleanups, and coordination with regional partners.","Council received questions about the HOME team’s outreach model, encampment cleanups and timelines for engaging unhoused people; police and HOME representatives described outreach efforts, regional programs and enforcement limits.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6136662,"Neighbors decry alleged drug activity, oppose youth group home next to alleged sober‑living house on Bellflower Drive",294,2319000,2613000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542&start=2319&end=2613","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542/thumbnail_2319000.jpg","/articles/6136662/La-Mesa/San-Diego-County/California/Neighbors-decry-alleged-drug-activity-oppose-youth-group-home-next-to-alleged-soberliving-house-on-Bellflower-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6136662-07bba3875a64f47652869d282c6d3aa3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413760&Signature=K23g880~Bm-QscIm~mzzr~BYcJ6K~Vtdrp~UwwwC8dC-GAlotEcWGWINVBHFkM2gJCmjbyx~WY89I6BFs7YaymGNK5yR5uz0gJ5meaDU3OmSfW6EbtWU~XLZO~NrHgQUtthu4-MsAssJ9rqnjxAFg-l44wkPgoMUskRw7mLrD9y~QWmqQ3hRzMPe6iXwnQugsWIaCVoCYVn-C4kQ4UK6rLSEcEDLfGUZWonTJU8iDvaV9JvhymvC5VRHy7bQDuOKlQ8cZ6lUlKbdCPDnQTLInJAp3~GYpcsqtFz7Udcx4negvhEgY~sc6zjQFBtTnDiTzQ2GtPA82s3B~nMZLF~4yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Bellflower Drive neighbors addressed the La Mesa City Council on Aug. 12 to protest what they described as ongoing public‑safety problems at a nearby property they say operates as a problematic sober‑living home. Neighbors said the house generates frequent emergency calls and described a July 23 overdose response that involved multiple police cars, an ambulance and a fire truck.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the block is residential and includes families and older adults; they asked the council and staff to intervene after learning that a permit has been approved for a youth group home at a neighboring address. Speakers said they support legitimate treatment and youth programs but oppose placing a youth facility alongside a house with repeated emergency responses.

At the meeting, resident Billy Belts said neighbors are “extremely concerned” and that the situation has created a climate in which children do not go outside. Craig Riley (representing neighbors) and other commenters said they have collected petitions opposing the group home placement. Several residents specifically named the property operator and gave dates of recent police activity; one speaker said a La Mesa police detective told neighbors there were “no drugs in the home,” which the speaker disputed and called inconsistent with recent overdose responses.

Council did not take formal action on the matter at the Aug. 12 meeting. The speakers asked for immediate assistance and said they would like the council or staff to review the approvals and consider remedies that do not rely on state law changes. Council members took public comment and did not announce a directive or vote on a specific enforcement or zoning action during the meeting.","Multiple residents told the council that a property on Bellflower Drive run as a sober‑living house has produced police calls and an overdose; they said a newly approved youth group home next door threatens neighborhood safety and asked the council for assistance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6136666,"La Mesa treasurer reports record investment earnings, cautions on market uncertainty",330,575000,905000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542&start=575&end=905","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542/thumbnail_575000.jpg","/articles/6136666/La-Mesa/San-Diego-County/California/La-Mesa-treasurer-reports-record-investment-earnings-cautions-on-market-uncertainty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6136666-692ccf686f029b2cdd0126f012e1b5d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413760&Signature=Ti2JQ22hsVekwET-mgbUQoyeJjN11kxW59ziRvqQGLJcAYE63R5CusykcWQt~HGV9wOtw0qnWtKCtKNioxWtP--AyzPW~JecWLGruHdBDejqiDQg5ZU1s7bKeIUxtHERwi2JN02WODA~d~y79Uo0Hi0Vhkp~1SzA5mZFhkn2m-1rrXO0Vz3BWECiZ0q5JZApkcWk06114EQgZrm8I1~hQBLY5rk-RGIOiU7dGE9GpwlBpo6mcvR56qCWhF0g301gpazTlKCuFd3QQJBOB-KL8ZAVq~uSIa0hKDvr7tbvZGg6ooLdxp0sIp~8~C9xi2gk-YdXEb--tSvpEZUNCiOTqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Treasurer Matt Trebone told the La Mesa City Council on Aug. 12 that the city earned $721,725 in investment income in the quarter ending June 30, and roughly $1.5 million in the first half of 2025 — the most the city has earned in a comparable period, he said. Trebone said the city’s investment approach remains “safety, liquidity, and earnings,” in that order, and that staff has maintained a buy‑and‑hold posture while leaving maturing funds in the California Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) when cash yields were favorable.

Why it matters: Higher investment returns increase available non‑tax revenues for the city budget. Trebone said a strong LAIF return — he reported LAIF at about 4.4% for the quarter — and a conservative posture have given the city “flexibility” to pursue opportunities without sacrificing liquidity.

Trebone said $3.5 million of assets matured during the quarter and the city did not buy new long‑term assets in Q2; instead, it retained cash in LAIF because “cash is king right now.” He projected that if the city continues at the quarter’s pace, pro forma annual investment earnings could approach $3 million. He emphasized that the portfolio complies with the City of La Mesa’s investment policy and “relevant sections of the California Government Code” governing public funds.

Council members thanked Trebone and asked about the reasons for improved results. Trebone said flexibility — waiting for opportunities instead of immediately reinvesting maturing assets — and coordination among treasury, finance and city management were factors. He also told the council he is monitoring market conditions and would look for opportunities to ladder investments if and when appropriate.

No council action was taken on the report; Trebone presented the quarterly update and answered questions.","City Treasurer Matt Trebone told the council the city earned $721,725 in Q2 2025, putting first half earnings at $1.5 million, and said the city is prioritizing safety and liquidity while keeping cash in LAIF amid rate uncertainty.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6136667,"Caltrans says SR‑94/125 auxiliary‑lanes design nearly finished; connector still unfunded",368,1048000,1416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542&start=1048&end=1416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5664384-3a7b4757db175726c63279def0ae0542/thumbnail_1048000.jpg","/articles/6136667/La-Mesa/San-Diego-County/California/Caltrans-says-SR94125-auxiliarylanes-design-nearly-finished-connector-still-unfunded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6136667-792cd96ed95be727517f99bcbc3ea5d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770413760&Signature=Xb5~D~vTV6hlsy5Rh2VvVGgboLKtvGOPyhboLYErXeZGCgI1zavJB1qzIj2mS1IbN~VvGvgnzfjcuvAmAibKj9QSh8oKqRIcx2vebvZXd-T8xiRKbzrVftEuD1ydMEV~wSvpaO-2N1Ok2~1-yuEosUEqA24ULCH2eVZXPJQOmXz7DvDma~HFP-68ul44JTduUJKIAO1BqD8gtJWz0QgEHBWt5rrMJNs-1ENsZwvDmy69UZiuVWwYAOT8MC5nMCA4KNZjrPQDYg97onwSsU4kTWIA26KtZRCb2fANwvxPoB58zQKmYhojAG5KRsOrweHOvEWh11mUOHkQQGs7k2pEGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caltrans project staff told the La Mesa City Council on Aug. 12 that design work on the first phase of the State Route 94/Interstate 125 interchange — the auxiliary‑lanes project — is nearly complete and is expected to reach the California Transportation Commission for funding allocation in December 2025. Construction is forecast to start in 2026 and take about two years.

Why it matters: The interchange, built in 1974 without a southbound‑to‑eastbound connector, has been cited by residents and local officials as a chronic bottleneck and a source of traffic spilling onto local streets. Caltrans said the two‑phase approach was chosen to deliver some improvements sooner while it resolves environmental and groundwater issues affecting the connector design.

Caltrans project director Karen Jewell and project manager Jake Stelton described the split approach. Stelton said the first phase — the auxiliary lanes project — includes two auxiliary lanes (one on southbound 125 and one on eastbound SR‑94), an added auxiliary lane on northbound 125 requested by the community, reconstruction of the Mariposa Street bridge to lengthen it for the lanes, some originally planned sound walls and retaining walls, and pedestrian and ADA upgrades on Mariposa Street and Bancroft Drive. Stelton said the auxiliary‑lanes phase is “fully funded through our State Transportation Improvement Program” administered by SANDAG and estimated construction capital and support at roughly $85,000,000.

Stelton told the council Caltrans is finishing design with the goal of getting that project to the December CTC meeting for allocation and opening it to traffic in “late spring, early summer 2028.” He said the second phase, the direct connector (the southbound‑to‑eastbound movement), is in environmental and design phases and is expected to cost about $140,000,000 for construction; however, “we are still searching for construction” funding for that connector.

Council members and public speakers pressed Caltrans on the project’s long history, alternatives and possible impacts. Vice Mayor Dillard asked whether the connector was the region’s top priority; Stelton replied, “It's the number 1 priority” for the regional program, but added that STIP funding is limited and Caltrans is pursuing federal grants and other sources. Public commenters raised concerns about groundwater contamination (selenium), project sequence and induced demand from widening freeway facilities. Mary Davis, a resident, asked for more detail on groundwater depth and whether pumping would be needed; Stelton said the groundwater issue prompted the split and that cost estimates (including the $140 million) depend on whether the connector will go over or under the freeway because “the water table and the water is an issue.”

Caltrans said the choice to build auxiliary lanes first was intended to relieve the immediate bottleneck under Mariposa by adding capacity for weaving and to reduce traffic using Spring Street as an unofficial connector. Stelton said the auxiliary‑lanes work was timed so that, if funds become available, connector construction could start immediately after phase one finishes.

No formal action or local funding commitment was taken by the council at the meeting; the presentation was informational and followed by public comment.","Caltrans presented a two‑phase update on the SR‑94/125 interchange: an 85 million‑dollar auxiliary‑lanes phase moving to construction in 2026 and a larger connector phase still seeking full construction funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council appoints planning commissioner and approves manager and attorney contract adjustments; no action on elected pay increase

La Mesa debate over HOME outreach: officers describe outreach limits; residents urge firmer enforcement and alternatives

Neighbors decry alleged drug activity, oppose youth group home next to alleged sober‑living house on Bellflower Drive

La Mesa treasurer reports record investment earnings, cautions on market uncertainty

Caltrans says SR‑94/125 auxiliary‑lanes design nearly finished; connector still unfunded