Zack Widdes
Sep 4, 2026
Trivia Question❓La Mesa City Council unanimously approved a major new mixed-use development in the Village district in July 2026. How many residential units will the new CityMark Palm building at Allison and Palm Avenues contain? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
What's Happening in La Mesa This Week 🌟It's Labor Day weekend, La Mesa! From sunrise walks to sunset concerts, here's your guide to everything happening September 2–6.
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Business Spotlight |
Where La Mesa Comes to Recharge |
Discover La Mesa's Most Magical Hidden Gem: Amethyst Moon
Tucked right in the heart of La Mesa Village, Amethyst Moon is the kind of shop that makes you stop mid-stride on La Mesa Boulevard and peer through the window — and then stay for an hour.
At 2,200 square feet, this locally-owned mystical and spiritual gift shop is one of the most unique retail experiences in all of San Diego County. Whether you're a longtime crystal collector, curious about holistic wellness, or simply searching for a gift unlike anything you'll find at the mall, Amethyst Moon delivers.
What You'll Find Inside
Every corner of Amethyst Moon tells a story. The shop is stocked with a global collection of energy-packed crystals and gemstones — from raw amethyst clusters and rose quartz to rare specimens you won't find anywhere else locally. But that's just the beginning.
More Than a Shop — A Wellness Destination
What sets Amethyst Moon apart is its lineup of in-house services. On any given day, you might book a psychic or tarot card reading, sit with a reiki therapist, schedule a massage, or consult with a chiropractor or skincare specialist — all under one roof. It's a full mind-body-spirit experience, right here in our neighborhood.
The San Diego Union-Tribune spotlighted Amethyst Moon in their Handpicked by Locals guide to La Mesa in early 2026 — and for good reason. This is the kind of place La Mesa residents proudly tell their out-of-town guests about.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Address: 8329 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
Whether you need to decompress after a long week, find a one-of-a-kind gift, or simply want to browse something beautiful — Amethyst Moon is your Village sanctuary. Stop in this weekend! ✨🔮💜 |
Kitchen & Bathroom remodeling by experienced contractors, 43 years experience. Floors, roofs, and more. Call 1-619-933-7111 lic. #512939 |
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The Best Coffee Shops in La Mesa, CA: Your Guide to Local Caffeine Culture
La Mesa has quietly become one of San Diego County's hidden gems for coffee lovers. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor exploring the village, this charming East County city offers a surprising variety of exceptional coffee shops that blend quality brews with neighborhood warmth. Quick Take
La Mesa's coffee scene ranges from cozy independent cafés perfect for remote work to trendy spots with artisanal pour-overs. Most shops are clustered around the La Mesa Boulevard village area, making it easy to café hop. Expect friendly service, quality beans, and a laid-back vibe that reflects the city's welcoming community spirit. What Makes La Mesa Coffee Shops Special
Unlike the rush of downtown San Diego, La Mesa coffee shops offer a more relaxed, neighborhood feel. You'll find baristas who remember your order, plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the year-round sunshine, and a genuine sense of community. Many local shops source their beans from California roasters and take pride in their craft—you're not just getting coffee, you're getting a carefully curated experience. Types of Coffee Experiences You'll Find
Beyond the Brew: What to ExpectLa Mesa's coffee shops often double as community hubs. Many offer pastries from local bakeries, host live music or art shows, and provide spaces for neighborhood meetings. The village area is pedestrian-friendly, so you can easily combine your coffee run with a stroll through local shops and restaurants. Parking can be competitive during peak hours, but most cafés are within easy walking distance of residential areas.
Best Times to VisitWeekday mornings (7-9 AM) are bustling with the pre-work crowd, while mid-morning and early afternoon offer a quieter experience perfect for settling in with a laptop. Weekend mornings are popular with families and brunch-goers, creating a lively, social atmosphere. Most shops are open until early evening, though hours can vary, so it's worth checking ahead if you're planning a late afternoon visit. Coffee Culture Tips for Visitors
La Mesa locals appreciate authenticity and quality. Don't be afraid to ask baristas for recommendations—they're usually passionate about their craft and happy to guide you. Many shops offer seasonal specials featuring local ingredients, and supporting these independent businesses helps keep the neighborhood character alive. Cash is accepted everywhere, but most places also take cards and mobile payments.
Ready to discover more about what's happening in La Mesa? Subscribe to What's Happening La Mesa to stay updated on the best local spots, upcoming events, and hidden gems in our vibrant community. |
🏗️ La Mesa's getting a glow-up — and it's a big one. If you've walked past the corner of Allison and Palm Avenues lately and thought "something's about to happen here" — you were right. La Mesa City Council unanimously approved CityMark Palm, a shiny new five-story, 114-unit mixed-use development smack in the heart of the Village district.
Think: new neighbors, new street-level shops, and a whole lot more energy on that block. Council members gave it the thumbs up while also raising an eyebrow at parking (a very La Mesa move 🚗🤔), so that conversation is definitely continuing.
For homeowners, it's a vote of confidence in La Mesa as a place people want to be — and with median home values pushing $882K, the data agrees. For renters, it means more options coming to a city that seriously needs them. For the rest of us? It means the Village is growing up — and still staying charming.
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😂 Joke Of The Day 😂 |
Why did the chicken cross the road in La Mesa? To get to the coop-fee shop on the other side! |
🏡 La Mesa Real Estate Update 🏡 |
La Mesa Real Estate — September 2026 Snapshot La Mesa's housing market remains competitive heading into fall. Here's where things stand:
What it means: Sellers are in a strong position — homes are moving fast with multiple offers. Buyers should be prepared to act quickly and come in with competitive terms. If you've been thinking about listing, now is a great time to get a free market analysis. ⚠️ Data sourced from Redfin, Zillow, and Movoto as of September 2026. Figures reflect recent market activity and may vary. Always consult a licensed real estate professional for current listings and advice. |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Zack Widdes, Realtor® |
Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in La Mesa? Call Zack! 619-339-7111 Local expertise. Real results. Free home valuations available. |
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Secret Little Hack |
🎵 This Sunday might be your last free concert of summer. La Mesa's beloved Sundays at Six summer concert series is winding down — and September 6th at Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St) could be one of the final performances of the season. Grab something from the Friday Farmers Market, pack a blanket and lawn chair, and head to the park amphitheater by 6:00 PM for free live music under the open sky. No tickets. No cover. Just La Mesa doing what it does best. 📍 Harry Griffen Park · 9550 Milden St, La Mesa · Sundays at 6:00 PM |
🎻 Mark it. Block it. Tell your neighbors. La Mesa's most wunderbar weekend of the year is just around the corner — La Mesa Oktoberfest returns October 2–4, 2026, taking over the heart of downtown La Mesa Village for three days of lederhosen energy, cold steins, and enough bratwurst to fuel a very happy crowd. This is one of San Diego County's biggest and most beloved Oktoberfest celebrations, and it happens right here in our backyard. Think live music, German food and drinks, local vendors, and the kind of community atmosphere that makes La Mesa, well — La Mesa. The Village absolutely transforms for this weekend, and if you've never been, this is your year. 🗓 October 2–4, 2026 · Downtown La Mesa Village |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: 114 units! La Mesa's City Council gave unanimous approval to the five-story CityMark Palm development at Allison and Palm Avenues in July 2026 — the largest new housing project approved in the Village district in recent memory. With La Mesa home values hovering near $882K, new housing supply is welcome news for the community. Stay tuned for groundbreaking updates! |