LA MESA
Twenty-five potential candidates have applied to become the next police chief in La Mesa, according to city officials who expect to announce the new hire in April.
La Mesa’s previous police chief, Walt Vasquez, retired last August. A pair of police captains have been serving as acting chiefs on a rotating basis.
Los Angeles-based executive recruiting firm Teri Black & Company is conducting the nationwide search at a cost of $25,400. City Manager Greg Humora said the firm has recruited police chiefs for 10 California cities in the past two years.
The application period for the job was open between Jan. 13 and Feb. 15, according to Humora. The 25 applications are now being screened, with the “most highly qualified candidates” to move onto an interview phase.
LA MESA
The city of La Mesa last week adopted a five-year plan to help people living on the streets and prevent others from becoming homeless.
The City Council approved a 2021-26 Homeless Action Plan developed by the city’s Citizen Task Force on Homelessness with the support of the La Mesa Police Department.
The action plan’s key initiatives are:
More public communication and coordination related to the homeless population;
Improving the city’s ability to prevent homelessness by providing direct outreach to homeless individuals, addressing public safety needs, and responding to non-emergency calls for service;
Expanding the city’s ability to connect homeless individuals to transitional and permanent housing options;