La Mesans in Boston, and New Data Shows More Local Homeless

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 news of the week locally was dwarfed by the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon and shoot out  at MIT. Five La Mesans ran in the race, and all were reported safe. One runner reported "pandemonium" at the finish line.

Poll: Are Boston Marathon Blasts a Sign of Terrorism Making Comeback?

Larry Stowe, a former La Mesa Village Merchant, who pleaded guilty to fraud for trying to provide patients with unapproved medicines to his patients, will be sentenced in July.

Thomas Guss was arrested last week for allegedly stabbing Irvin Harris, Jr. to death. Initial reports were that Harris was Guss's stepfather, but it was later learned that Harris was Guss's mother's boyfriend.

Dozens of La Mesa police officers and volunteers were honored at the department's awards ceremony, which is held every other year. Detective Dale Perry and officer Derek Cox were honored as Officers of the Year in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

A sad story last week as a man died after he was found unconscious in a burned out cargo trailer in Spring Valley. The trailer was serving as a marketing billboard, and the man was apparently, according to authorities, using the trailer for shelter.

Homeless Man Dies in Spring Valley Cargo Trailer Fire

There were more homeless people in La Mesa last year than the year before, according to new "point in time" count data. La Mesa has seen 70 percent more homeless people than in 2011. Have you noticed a difference?