Community Corner

Embezzler Sentenced, Man Shot in Face, and Hard-Hitting HS Football Photos

These stories and more as we take a look at the Week in Review on La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch.

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.

A few high profile court cases were seen last week, with the biggest being that of Lizeth Ochoa, the former Drew Ford employee who pleaded guilty on embezzlement charges in July. In an East County courtroom last Monday, Ochoa was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for embezzling almost $850,000 over a seven-year time period.

Lizeth Ochoa Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison In Drew Ford Embezzlement

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Gary Allen Thomas, the Ramona man who is accused of killing his 94-year-old neighbor by beating her to death with a hammer, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity last week. The victim is Mary Jean Eskeridge, who founded and owned Jean's Dance Studio in Spring Valley for many years.

Man Accused of Killing Elderly Woman Enters Not Guilty by Insanity Plea

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Traffic on Interstate 8 was tied up and brought to a stop last week when  man climbed up on the overpass on the 70th Street bridge in La Mesa. Authorities first reported that the man was a possibly suicidal jumper, but it was later revealed that he was simply unable to get down after climbing over the busy freeway.

Authorities Rescue Man From I-8 Overpass in La Mesa; Traffic Flowing

Law enforcement officials are still seeking information on an incident which occurred on Johnson Drive over the weekend, in which a man was shot in the face. The man later died at a local hospital. Please call La Mesa Police Department if you have any information on this case.

Man Dies After Being Shot in Face in Johnson Drive Incident

There is still time to pick up tickets to the annual "Trolley Dances" event, which kicks off on Sept. 29 at the Grossmont Transit Center. The popular dance spectacle takes guests on trolley rides, where they witness dances at each stop throghout La Mesa, Santee and other East County locales.

It was  a busy night in high school football on Friday in the region. Grossmont High kept their undefeated season going at its homecoming game, beating Mar Vista.

In Spring Valley, a local rivalry turned into a hard-hitting affair, as Helix defeated Mount Miguel 28-6 in a game that saw multiple injuries, including a broken leg for one Matador player. Check out the amazing photos from each game.

There’s No Place Like Homecoming at Grossmont High School

Helix Beats Mount Miguel 28-6 in Bruising Game With Several Injuries


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