THREE EAST COUNTY CITIES SIGN JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR SHARED FIRE PROTECTION
Printer-friendly version Photos by Monica Zech October 15, 2009 ) — In La Mesa today, city leaders, fire department chiefs and staff from El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, gathered for the official signing of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA). This agreement will create a shared management team to coordinate fire and emergency medical services, firefighter training, fire prevention, emergency planning, and community preparedness. La Mesa Mayor Art Marid, El Cajon Councilmember Bob McClellan and Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Sessom made it official by signing their names to three copies of the agreement as other Councilmembers from the three cities looked on. All three Cities had previously approved the agreement at recent Council meetings held in each city. This new agreement takes effect in January 2010. The fourteen current Chief Officers of the three cities will eventually be reduced to eleven. There will be one Fire Chief for the three cities. The goals of the JPA are to create additional staffing capacity and contain costs, while maintaining a high level of fire and emergency medical services. It is projected that by sharing management functions, three cities will save a combined $560,000 annually. La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid commented, “This is an historic time for our three cities in being visionaries and having confidence in our City staff to form this partnership. This JPA is a tribute to the City managers, the Fire Chiefs and all levels of the fire service. Yes, there are long term benefits, but this is the first step toward consolidating this level of services, and I’m confident we’ll be able to consolidate other department services that are common in each of our cities.” The official signing ceremony took place at 11 :00 a.m., at La Mesa Fire Station 11, located at 8034 Allison Avenue. Printer-friendly version
FIRE EXPOS DRAW HEATED INTEREST AMONG AREA RESIDENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery October 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Fire safety expos were among the hottest attractions in East County recently, drawing thousands of visitors—all as part of National Fire Prevention Month. In our region, which was devastasted by two of our state’s worst wildfires in 2003 and 2007, it’s clear that people take fire protection seriously–while also enjoying some free family fun at these extensive events. “How fast can it go?” one child asked Barry Links, rescue medic with San Diego Fire Rescue, while clambering into a rescue helicopter at the Viejas Commumity Center. (Answer: 140 knotts, or 165 mph.) Links also demonstrated a hoist used in canyon rescues and showed how the vehicle can also suck up water from lakes “like a straw” to help dowse fires. Viejas hosted 250 fifth graders from Alpine Union School District, as well as Viejas preschoolers. Youngsters got up close looks at fire trucks, fire and rescue helicopters—even taking aim at a miniature house with a firehouse. “We do interagency training. Now the tribe is taking it to the next level,” Viejas Fire Chief Don Butz said at a fire safety expo at Viejas Recreation Center in Alpine on October 8. “We all share the same fire safety problems. This is one way we help educate the next generation,” he said. Besides enacting laws and codes to improve the environment for fire safety, it’s also important to teach behavioral changes—such as not cooking with pot handles hanging over the edge of a stove, Chief Butz observed. “Crawl low and get out of the house,” Lemon Grove Fire Department’s Charlie Lewis told kids inside a special safety house, where theatrical smoke is used to simulate an actual fire. Lewis told East County Magazine, “It’s like Disneyland in here. Everything’s fake. We can rock it like an earthquake, or do hurricanes.” Kids viewed a rap safety movie before practicing how to escape safely from the trailer (purchased with a Homeland Security grant), which is towed by a fire chief’s vehicle (purchased with Indian gaming money). They also learn to memorize their names, addresses and phone numbers in case of an emergency. Tots also enjoyed a visit from Sparky the Firedog. San Miguel Fire Department hosted its own fire safety expo recently complete with an entire kids’ fun zone. Children enjoyed free rides on a miniature fire truck, tugged fire hoses across a parking lot, and watched goats do their part to nibble down grasses and prevent wildfires. Grown-ups learned about fire safety products, such as Barricade Fire Gel, which provided a dramatic demonstration of how swiftly the gel could extinguish an actual blaze. Smokey the Bear was also on hand to meet kids and remind people of ways to prevent forest fires. At the El Cajon Fire Safety and Careers Expo on October 10, a Kiwanis club provided free bicycle helmets for many local children. Home Depot had a free workshop to teach kids how to use tools safely—and build their own special creations. Adults perused booths with safety info on a diverse range of topics, from domestic abuse to motorcycle safety. Sam “Captain Jack” Sparrow, costumed performers, musicians, teen princesses and Disney stars were all on hand to delight young and old alike. Visitors also had opportunities to see the inside of a fire station and chat with firefighters and paramedics about career opportunities. East County Magazine was on hand at all three fire expos, signing up people for our free Viejas Wildfire Alerts. Our alerts reach readers by e-mail even if phone lines or cell phone towers burn down, enabling you and your family to safetly evacuate with as much advance notice as possible. Sign up at the top right side of our homepage — it’s free! Printer-friendly version
WILD RIDE: KIDNAPPED SHELL STATION OWNER ESCAPES ROBBER
Printer-friendly version POLICE CHASE NABS SUSPECT; PAROLEE MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHER AREA CRIMES October 15, 2009 (La Mesa) Crime didn’t pay for a lone gunman who robbed a Shell gas station clerk at gunpoint around 12:15 today. The suspect took money from the register and fled. The station manager arrived just before police and went looking for the robber in his own car. Coincidentally, he was flagged down by a man a few blocks away, on Pennsylvania Avenue. Being a good citizen, the manager gave the stranger a ride back toward the Shell gas station so the man could buy gas—not realizing that that the stranded man was actually the robbery suspect. When the suspect realized he was being returned to the crime scene where police were, he kidnapped the gas station manager and forced him to drive west on interstate 8–leading to a harrowing series of events. After the manager realized he had picked up the robber, a fight broke out between the manager and suspect on the freeway, police report. The Shell manager stopped his car, took his car keys and bailed out of his vehicle, leaving the robber behind. The manager ran down the freeway, called 911, and was later transported to the hospital by a family member for treatment of minor injuries to his face. The robber fled over the freeway fence, north into the business area off of Alvarado Canyon Rd. The suspect was last seen headed eastbound near Alvarado Canyon Rd. Police began getting 911 phone calls from drivers who witnessed the struggle between the manager and the suspect. Numerous officers from the LMPD, SDPD and CHP responded to the area to search for the suspect. While officers were en-route to the area, the robber attempted to carjack a woman’s car in the Post Office parking lot at 4740 Mission Gorge Pl. in San Diego. The suspect battered the woman and abandoned his efforts to take her car. The suspect fled and ran east on Mission Gorge Pl. The woman’s injuries are unknown at this time. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect ran east into the Church of the Nazarene located at 4750 Mission Gorge Pl. A woman from inside the building ran out told police about a man who ran into the church complex. Officers immediately flooded the area and surrounded the church complex. Officers searched the church interior and located the suspect hiding in a storage room. The suspect was identified as the robber and booked into San Diego County Jail on the following charges: 211 PC – Armed Robbery 207 PC – Kidnapping 215 PC – Carjacking 245(a)(1)PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon 422 PC – Criminal Threats The suspect was identified as Michael Thomas, 32, from San Diego. Thomas is currently on parole and was booked on a parole hold as well. He may be responsible for other robberies in the county, La Mesa police report. This investigation is continuing. Printer-friendly version
ASSEMBLYMAN BLOCK CONVENES OCT. 20 HEARING ON SDSU ADMISSION POLICY CHANGES
Printer-friendly versionOctober 15, 2009 (San Diego) – Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) will hold a hearing October 20 on SDSU President Stephen Weber’s recent announcement to suspend guaranteed enrollment for local students. “As chair of the Select Committee on K-16 Articulation, Access and Affordability, I have called a hearing to examine this issue in detail and to accept testimony on the merits of this policy change,” Block wrote in an e-mail to constituents." The 78th District Assemblyman added, “I am eager to hear the views of experts in the field and community stakeholders on just how this policy will affect not only our current San Diego area High School and Community College students; but also how it will affect the future plans of all our students and their families who are dedicated to helping their children attain a quality, accessible and affordable college education.” The hearing will be held Tuesday October 20th from 6:30-8”30 p.m. at Hoover High School, Room 1103, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Hoover High is located off the I-15 freeway; signs in the parking are will direct attendees to the room. The public is invited to attend the hearing and address the impact of the policy changes. President Weber has also been invited to present the rationale for the changes, which Weber has previously said were the result of state budget cuts. To RSVP for the event, visit: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a78/Events/SDSU-enrollment.aspx?utm_source=eAlert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Block_SDSU. Printer-friendly version
“EXTREME COWBOY RACE” TO HIGHLIGHT VAQUERO FESTIVAL IN DESCANSO OCT. 17-18
Printer-friendly version October 15, 2009 – It’s time to round up the family and head ‘em on out to one of East County’s most unique events—the annual Western Heritage Days Vaquero Festival in Descanso. The all-day event Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, hearkens back to the days of Spanish California and our early rancheros heritage. The popular event also includes some new twists, however—notably the Extreme Cowboy Race. Other events include ranch roping, horsemanship demonstrations, barrel racing, gymkhana, music and poetry, a barbecue, and much more. Admission cost is $10 per day; kids attend free with a parent. Hours are 9 am. To 6 p.m., rain or shine. The event will take place at the Granville Martin Ranch/Museum in Descanso. For more information, visit www.vaquerodays.org. Printer-friendly version
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATES NEW RESTARANT IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO: SPINNERS FRESH MEDITERRANEAN SALADS & GRILL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 15, 2009 – Business and community leaders congregated at Spinners last week for a celebration of the fast-food Mediterranean restaurant’s grand opening in Rancho San Diego. Guests sampled gyros, falafels, tabouleh and baklava, among other flavorful offerings. “We grew up on these flavors,” said owner David Barka, a Chaldean Christian whose family origins are in Iraq, the cradle of civilization. “We tried to match as much as we can the flavors with the authentic food, but the presentation differs,” he explained. Barka hopes his fast-casual concept of fresh Mediterranean cuisine will prove popular among not only the 30,000 Chaldeans now living in our region, but also returning military veterans who have served in the Middle East—and anyone else who enjoys the exotic flavors and healthful qualities of his restaurant’s affordably priced Mediterranean menu. Ultimately, he hopes to expand to create a chain of fast-food fresh Mediterranean outlets. “Business is going well,” Barka said. “We’re seeing new faces, which means word is spreading. We want to succeed with this concept; then we will expand. We aer already looking at other locations,” he disclosed. Spinners, named for the trio of spinning vertical rotisseries serving up lamb, chicken and beef, officially opened on July 3rd in the site of a former flower shop. Since then, the proprietor has been fine-tuning recipes. Though the cuisine dates back thousands of years, Barka is utilizing the latest state-of-the-art technology to market Spinners’ to an increasingly high-tech audience of potential customers. “We’re doing a lot of social media—Twitter, Facebook,” he disclosed. Spinners was also among the restaurants featured at East County Magazine’s recent “Celebrate East County” event. The East County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 6th, complete with live musical entertainment. Leaders of East County’s Chaldean community, local business owners and other community leaders turned out to help celebrate—and savor the tasty fare. Our own East County Eater also stopped by for a second visit – and plans to return some more. Read the East County Eater’s rave review of Spinner’s: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2075 Visit Spinners at 2654 Jamacha Road, Suite 101, in the Ralphs shopping center in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon. For more information, visit Spinners’ website at www.ilovespinners.com. Printer-friendly version