Sober Reminder: Police Operating DUI Checkpoint on Spring Street

Despite daily reports of deaths from crashes involving drunken drivers, people still take a chance with human life by getting behind the wheel after tossing back a few. The La Mesa Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver License checkpoint tonight (Friday) on Spring Street in partnership with the Avoid DUI Task Force Campaigns and law enforcement nationwide. 

"After hearing about the dangers of drinking and driving time after time, most people have gotten the message that if they're planning on drinking, they should always plan a safe way home," said Police Chief Al Lanning. "But sadly, millions of Americans still think they are invincible and regularly choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink."

The sobering statistics are enough to persuade anyone to forgo getting behind the wheel in a moment of weakness. Last year, 36 Californians died in crashes statewide with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

The department recommends party-goers plan a safe way home before festivities begin, designate a sober driver, and be ready to hail a cab or call a sober friend of family member in the event they're impaired.

AUNT'S GENEROUS GIFT: La Mesa Rotary Club president Deanna Price is a jewel among jewels. Earier this month The Rotary Foundation presented her a Paul Harris Fellow Pin featuring three sapphires, which indicates a contribution of $4,000 during her 10 years of service. Price said in the Rotary Club's newsletter The Tattler that it was her "privilege to be able to give to such a wonderful organization that does so many things to help people much less advantaged."

But the pin Price will be wearing at special events has a much more meaningful back story: It was given to her by her good friend Kay Lowe's Aunt Dorothy. A few days before Lowe's aunt died, she donated $1,000 in Price's name to The Rotary Foundation. "To this very moment, this gesture brings feelings of overwhelming humble thanks and appreciation," Price said.

CENTENNIAL SUPPORTERS: La Mesa celebrates its 100th birthday in 2012, which means we're gonna party like it's 1999. Well, 1999 plus 13 years. In order to plan a proper anniversary, the Centennial Committee Volunteers gather every third Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Fire Station 11, 8034 Allison Ave. The advisory committee includes chair Mayor Art Madrid, vice chair Councilman Mark Arapostathis and numerous community leaders. Jan. 17* is the next meeting,  so if you want to get in on the planning process, or at least be privy to its plans, here's your chance.

Correction: Earlier version of this story reported Dec. 20 as next meeting of Centennial committee meeting. The correct date is Jan. 17