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La Mesa, California

Located in San Diego County, California, La Mesa was established in 1912. Known as 'Jewel of the Hills.'. La Mesa means 'the table' in Spanish.
Founded 1912 | Population 60,000 | Peak 60,000 (2024) | County San Diego County

Top 10 Most Important Events for La Mesa, California

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1885 Railroad Era: Railroad connections spurred growth and commerce in La Mesa.
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1912 Founded: La Mesa was founded as a railroad town in San Diego County.
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1912 Incorporated: 'Jewel of the Hills.'.
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2010 Modern Era: La Mesa continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in La Mesa

Apr 11, 2026
Sexual Assault Probe and Staff Revolt Threaten to End Congressman’s California Gubernatorial Bid
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s once-promising campaign for California governor has unraveled with breathtaking speed. In little more than …
Apr 10, 2026
Pattern of Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists Sparks Calls for Federal Scrutiny
The quiet death of a veteran NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist in 2023 has resurfaced amid a string of unexplained fataliti…
Mar 22, 2026
Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman
LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …
Mar 16, 2026
Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders
A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…
Mar 16, 2026
Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California
Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…
Mar 15, 2026
NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator
NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

Complete Historical Timeline

1885 Transport
Railroad Era
1912 Culture
Founded
1912 Government
Incorporated
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Known as 'Jewel of the Hills.'.
2
La Mesa means 'the table' in Spanish.
3
Walkable downtown village with antique shops and restaurants.
4
La Mesa is located in San Diego County, California.
5
La Mesa was founded in 1912.

Famous People from La Mesa, California

DM
Dave Mustaine
Composer, Singer · Born Sep 13, 1961 · Age 64
BW
Bill Walton
Basketball Player · Born Nov 5, 1952 · Died May 27, 2024 (age 71)
FS
Frederick W. Sturckow
Astronaut, Military Officer · Born Aug 11, 1961 · Age 64
FH
Frankie Hejduk
Association Football Player · Born Aug 5, 1974 · Age 51
SR
Steve Roach
Composer, Musician · Born Feb 16, 1955 · Age 71

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F
Fresno
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S
Sacramento
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