GUNMAN AT BARONA; SHOTS FIRED, SWAT TEAM DISPATCHED
Printer-friendly version Update 12:45 p.m. A Sheriff’s spokeperson informed ECM that the sniper took seven hostages but has since released them. She was unable to confirm whether there are any additional hostages. The suspect has barricaded himself in an office and SWAT team negotiators are on hand. Channel 10 News reports the gunman is Donnell Roberts, a former gaming commission employee and trained military sniper who was fired by Barona in November. There are conflicted reports as to whether an injury has occurred despite earlier reports of a gunshot victim. Casino guests are being held in the casino to protect their safety, the Union-Tribune reports. Wildcat Canyon Road is closed in the vicinity. December 29, 2009 (San Diego) — San Diego Sheriff’s Department has dispatched a SWAT team to the Barona reservation in Lakeside, where a gunman armed with a rifle and scope is reportedly in the Gaming Commission Office. Scroll down for more details…. Multiple shots have been fired, Incident Page Network reports. At least one person has suffered a gunshot wound. Other people remain inside and it is unclear whether a hostage situation may be occurring. Earlier reports indicated the gunman was inside the casino. It is unclear whether the gunman was in the casino originally and moved to the Gaming Office, or if the earlier report was incorrect. Media spokespersons for the Sheriff’s office and Barona Casino are unavailable at this time. The area is being evacuated. No additional information is available at this time. Printer-friendly version
FOUR SEASONS IN EAST COUNTY: SCENIC SHOTS FROM 2009
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 – At year’s end, we’d like to share with our readers a few of our favorite images taken along East County’s backroads and byways during the four seasons in the past year. Winter in Rancho Cuyamaca State Park Spring lilacs, Ranchita Summer, Mt. Palomar, viewed from Highway 79 Fall on Cottonwood Creek, east of Jamul Printer-friendly version
MAN ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO LURE SPRING VALLEY GIRLS INTO VAN IS FREE ON BAIL
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Francisco Daniel, 40, has been arrested on two counts of annoying or molesting a child. He is currently out on bail and will have a hearing in January in connection with approaching middle school aged-girls near La Presa Middle School in Spring Valley. According to the Sheriff’s Department, a Hispanic male in a dark colored Dodge Caravan van attempted multiple girls between November 18th and November 20th in the morning hours and attempted to lure them into the vehicle. Daniel has no prior criminal history, but did have a prior law enforcement contact for similar allegations in November 2008. If you have information regarding this case, contact Detective Joe Sherman at the Sheriff’s Lemon Grove Station at 619-337-2015. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY EQUESTRIAN GROUP, THE VICTORIAN ROSES LADIES RIDING SOCIETY, JOIN IN ROSE PARADE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
Printer-friendly version The Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society, an equestrian unit of nine women from several East County communities including Descano, Lakeside, Campo, Alpine and El Cajon, will appear in the 121st annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1st, in Pasadena. Adorned in Victorian-era attire with lace-covered gowns, hats, gloves and parasols,the group’s members make their second consecutive appearance in the famous 5.5-mile parade along Colorado Boulevard. Parade officials positioned the local group in the No. 48 position, in front of floats from South Pasadena and behind the City of La Canada Flintridge. A founding Society member, Jamie Gassert of Descanso, graphics coordinator at Grossmont College, will be leading the group while driving in a four-wheeled carriage drawn by Bobby, a Belgian, a breed of draft horse from western Belgium. The parade will be seen in person by upwards of one million spectators, along with an estimated worldwide audience of 150 million on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA-TV, NBC, Travel Channel and Univision (in Spanish). The theme for the 2010 Rose Parade is “A Cut Above the Rest.” For more information about the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society, visit www.victorianroses.org. Printer-friendly version
SHERIFF ANNOUNCES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR TEEN DRINKING & DRIVING
Printer-friendly version Sheriff William D. Gore is announcing a new program designed to keep teen drivers safer when on the roadways. “Lose your license, lose your car, lose your life,” is the message behind re-enforced patrols, curfew checks, teens driving with unauthorized persons in their cars, texting, cell-phone usage, and all other unsafe driving practices. “The recent deaths involving teens drinking and driving were entirely preventable,” commented Sheriff Gore, referring to several local fatalities involving teens driving under the influence. “By enhancing patrols, working with our law enforcement partners, and focusing on teen drivers, we hope to be an active partner in reducing accidents, preventing deaths, and educating parents.” Additionally, when underage minors are in private homes drinking alcohol and driving away, the Social Host Ordinance may come into play. Those who provide alcohol to children may also suffer consequences for their actions. Sheriff Gore explained, “We wanted to send a clear, definitive message to parents and teens this holiday season and beyond. When you knowingly violate the law, there are consequences. We are looking for you.” Printer-friendly version
WALK UP MT. HELIX TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2009 (Mt. Helix) – Need to get in shape after all that holiday feasting? Join members of the Grossmont Mount Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) for a 1.3 round-trip walk up Mt. Helix on January 2nd at 10 a.m. Meet at the fire station at 10105 Vivera to stroll together to the summit, where entertainment and light refreshments will be provided. Printer-friendly version