Helix High Seniors Turn Up the Wattage at Eco-Festival

While the global environment seeps into darker days with oil and toxic sludge spills, our town shed some light on the green movement at the third annual Sustain La Mesa festival Saturday at Harry Griffen Park. Travis Neal, Rachael Silva and Alda Tran—all Helix Charter High School seniors and AP environmental science students—stood at their booth, eager to demonstrate the differences between standard light bulbs and compact fluorescent lights. The standard bulb uses 53 watts and burns hot at 150 degrees while the energy efficient model uses just 10 watts at 107 degrees. "That saves you a lot of money,"  Neal said. The lights weren't the only one shining that day; good job, Helix, on turning out some bright kids.

THE GIVING TREE: Folks were hugging information handed out by Urban Corps of San Diego County. Apparently, you can apply for a free tree through the organization. Made possible through funding from the city of San Diego, CAL FIRE and other organizations, Urban Corps will plant your tree in a public right of way, or at the curb in front of your home. They'll do all the grunt work once you submit your application, including check for underground utilities and apply for a city permit. Pretty amazing when you think about everything that goes into planting a tree. Interested?  Call 619-235-6884 for more information.

EVERYTHING BUT THE SANDWICH: Also at the festival was Sarah Volpe, a librarian and resource specialist with the Center for Sustainable Energy. A La Mesa resident for 15 years, Volpe said she loves living in the Jewel of the Hills. One of the many things she especially digs is La Mesa Village, which she said helps make it "the best little town ever." She does, however, have one request: for someone to open a gourmet deli featuring artisan breads and cheeses similar to those found in South Park.

NOT TOO SEXY TO HELP: Consignment store Fashion Exchange in La Mesa Village plans to put its most stylish foot forward for its fall fashion show Oct. 16. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Rachel's Women Center, which helps women with few or no resources to get on their feet. In addition to seeing autumn's latest, guests will be treated to entertainment by three local comedians and lunch by Tiramisu Italian Restaurant. The best-dressed guest will win something and the store is giving away door prizes—as well as a 10 percent discount. The boutique opens at 10 a.m. Tickets run $10 each.