La Mesa Reacts to Newtown, G'mont Alum Slain in Oregon, and a Tuna Tale

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.

The only real story dominating the news cycle last week was that of the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn. on Friday. People from around the world have responded in grief for the town that will never be the same. Local reaction included the school district discussing its emergency plans, and owners of a local gun shop, located less than a mile from an elementary school, expressing their heartfelt condolences.

React to CT School Massacre: Are Your Kids Safe? How to Avert Such Horrors?

Gun Dealer Near Murray Manor School: ‘My Heart Weighs Very Heavy’ for Town

La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools Practice Emergency Plans With Monthly Drills

In another tragic shooting, this time at mall in Oregon, one of the two victims was a Grossmont High School graduate in 1976. See how former classmates remembered Cynthia Ann Yuille, who was known as Cindy Waddell in high school.

A La Mesa man earned national fame last week, when he returned from a fishing trip with quite a "catch," a 445-pound yellowfin tuna. John Petruescu caught the mammoth fish off the coast of Baja on Dec. 3. It is widely believed to be the largest yellowfin tuna ever caught on a rod and reel.

La Mesan Lands Gigantic 445 Pound Yellowfin Tuna Off Coast of Mexico

A group of Grossmont students who were visiting a downtown San Diego courtroom last week witnessed a bizarre scene, when the defendant in a case attacked his defense attorney, allegedly slicing his cheek with a makeshift razor that was sneaked into the courtroom.

Grossmont Students Witness Courtroom Assault By Defendant on Attorney

In another court case, former Helix trackster Roshawn Broadnax had his preliminary hearing postponed again, this time until Feb. 19, 2013. Broadnax is in custody, accused of murder in the death of his 19-year-old girlfriend.

Hearing Postponed Again for Former Helix Track Athlete Accused of Murder

It was the end of an era at the last meeting of the La Mesa City Council, as Dave Allan ended his 12 years on the council. New councilmember Kristine Alessio was sworn in and took her seat on the dias, but the night was all about Allan, who was honored by his colleagues.

Dave Allan Honored at Final Council Meeting; Streetscape Project Updated

The Christmas spirit was filling the air in La Mesa on Saturday at the annual "Christmas in the Village" event. Check out the photo gallery, and upload your own photos from the fun as well.

PHOTOS: Upload Your Own Photos From 'Christmas In the Village' 2012

Local high school athletes were honored by the San Diego Hall of Champions last week, with a pair of football players earning first-team accolades. See all of the winners.