Bizarre Crime Stories, Failing Fireworks, and La Mesa Obits

At La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch, we know that in your busy lives there may be some stories that you can't read about the day they happen. With the "Week That Was" column, we'll provide a roundup of the most important stories of the week.

There were some strange crime stories emerging from La Mesa last week, including a robbery victime being dragged by a getaway car when he tried to stop the suspects; a woman jumping out of a moving vehicle after she claimed to have been kidnapped; and a teenager being arrested on suspicion of throwing a makeshift bottle bomb at a trolley.

In a story that made national news on July 4th, a technical malfunction caused the 15-minute fireworks display at San Diego Bay to explode in nine epic seconds of pyrotechnics. Our poll asks, should a new show be put on to make up for the mishap?

La Mesa lost two of its longtime community leaders recently. Leland Brooks, a commander at the La Mesa American Legion Post 282 passed away last month. A memorial service was held Sunday. One of the city's longtime merchants, Donato Sanfilippo also died recently. His family-owned pizzaria is a favorite in the Village. His memorial service will be held Tuesday.