Campaign Contributions, Shocking Police Video, GUHSD Grand Jury Probe

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.

In local school news last week, Grossmont Union board member Priscilla Schreiber, who is running for re-election, claims that a grand jury probe into the district is investigating the possible diversion of voter-approved funds away from building a new public high school in Alpine.

Trustee Schreiber Alleges Grand Jury Probe of Grossmont Union HS District

In cheerier school news, it was announced that College Prep Middle School, which is located in La Mesa, is ranked eighth in the state with an API score of 920.

La Mesa Charter School Ranked Eighth in State API Scores

If your clothes still smell like smoked wood, you might have been at the Spring Valley Tailgate and BBQ Fest last Sunday. If not, you can see what you missed with the photo gallery and video, and find out which teams took home the prizes as well.

Last Tuesday's presidential debate was more of a toss-up than the first, which most political experts claim Romney won easily. But naturally, the Democratic and GOP supporters of each think that their guy won. What do you think? The third and final debate is tonight.

In local politics, the third public forum for candidates for La Mesa City Council was held last week, and one of the topics turned to affordable housing and trailer parks... see which candidate is in favor of them.

It was also revealed that Shannon O'Dunn has received the most campaign contributions, though a majority of her donations have come from O'Dunn herself.

Trailer Parks in La Mesa? One Council Candidate Welcomes the Idea

Shannon O’Dunn Leads City Hall Candidates in Campaign Fundraising

A small business in La Mesa, whose satirical election-style marketing signs have been disallowed by the city, spoke out this week, defending his signs as just having fun. Most agree, but read the story of Preston's Tire.

Vote for Preston’s Tire? Owner Defends ‘Satirical’ Signs But Will Remove Them

Another big story from last week came from our sister site in Imperial Beach. Editor Khari Johnson was able to get video of a police officer pulling a woman by the hair away from her burning home. The officer has subsequently been the subject of an internal probe as to his actions. The VIDEO has blown up, in San Diego and across the country. Check it out here and make your own judgment. Was the officer justified or did he go to far?

Police Sergeant Seen Pulling Woman by Hair Is Subject of Internal Probe

The new Walmart Neighborhood Market is open in La Mesa. See a peek inside and find out what this may mean for local residents in terms of grocery selections.

Madrid: Walmart Brings 'Employment Opportunities' to La Mesa (Video)