A free public forum is coming to La Mesa next Monday for residents who want to better understand what immigration enforcement activity means for their community — and what options they have.

On Monday, March 23, the group La Mesa Conversations will host a panel discussion titled "Community Responses to Immigration Enforcement: Standing with Our Neighbors." The event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Police Department Community Room, 8085 University Ave.

The panel brings together a cross-section of East County civic leaders. Participants include Mariah Jameson, a representative for San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe; Christian DeMent, pastor at La Mesa First United Methodist Church; Erin Tsurumoto Grassi, Associate Director of Alliance San Diego; Krystle Johnson, a special education teacher and community activist; and Brianna Coston, a trustee for the La Mesa–Spring Valley School Board. The discussion will be moderated by Manny Gomez, host of the local podcast Table Talk.

Organizers say the goal is to move beyond news headlines and provide practical information about how immigration enforcement touches families, schools, businesses, and houses of worship — and what residents can do in response.

The event is free and open to all, though attendees are encouraged to register in advance via Eventbrite. Search "La Mesa Conversations" on Eventbrite to find the listing.