EDITORIAL: LAKESIDE FIRE CHIEF MARK BAKER, YOU ARE GOING TO BE MISSED
Printer-friendly version FIRE BOARD AXES ITS CHIEF By Dennis Richardson January 16, 2010 (Lakeside) — The Lakeside Fire Board fired our Chief for doing his job far above the expectations. The rushed lynching of Chief Mark Baker was not announced or publicized to the public by the Fire Board. This firing was done with the hearing room filled with his supporters who all voiced their heart-filled opinions to keep him; standing room only. The board went against the public outcry to keep Chief Baker. Mark: When things are going well, we don’t appreciate what we have. When things are done well, we recognize the consequences of the great leadership, and give credit to the person in charge who was responsible for all the good things. I know some great things you have done for Lakeside, which was outside of the Fire Department’s typical duty, including your proactive approach to your leadership in the Lakeside Fire Department, which benefited our community… For those of us who live and work in Lakeside, we will feel the pain of your departure. I am part of the Lakeside Public Safety Committee. Your proactive work with the Lakeside Public Safety Committee and the Fire Department, working with the Sheriff Department, has reduced the crime in Lakeside and eliminating hundreds of emergency response calls by the Fire Department and Sheriff Department. This is very much appreciated by Lakeside. It is far and above the call of duty and is to be commended. Lakeside is a better place because of it. Thank you for your service. Happy trails ahead. Dennis Richardson Life Time Lakeside Resident The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
SCAM ARTIST TARGETS DONORS AT SAN DIEGO HOSPICE AND GROSSMONT HOSPITAL
Printer-friendly version A woman posing as a nurse or medical employee has been approaching people outside Grossmont Hospital, San Diego Hospice and other locations to request donations or money for a ride, according to Hospice representatives. Numerous area residents have been burned by the scam. Victims describe the woman as medium to heavy build, 5’4 to 5’6 inches, with reddish-blonde or chestnut hair. She is big-chested, appears to be olive-skinned, wears make-up and is usually well-dressed. She sometimes used the name Michelle or Melissa Park. She has been knowon to claim she has run out of gas and asks for money or a ride to a destination. She has suggested that individuals call San Diego Hospice to verify her story, but most people assume she is honest and don’t follow-up. “Our employees would never ask someone on the street for money, using the San Diego Hospice name, for personal matters,” said spokesperson Melissa DelaCalzada. “It’s important for the public to be aware that there are those out there who will take advantage of charitable situations and use false information to get funds for their own purposes. One should always beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.” DelaCalzada asks the public to report these types of solicitations to law enforcement immediately. Printer-friendly version
EDITORIAL: CHARGING VICTIMS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery, Editor January 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection Board wants to charge drivers who cause accidents for costs of emergency services—fees estimated at up to $2,100. Director Karrie Johnston says she wants to hold “irresponsible” people responsible for costs of public safety services. What’s next? If you’re “irresponsible” and ignore doctor’s orders to lose weight, shall ambulance companies charge you for paramedic services if you have a heart attack or stroke? How about people with old wiring in their homes, or those are “irresponsible” by causing a cooking fire? Shall we force them to pay for firefighters to save their home? San Miguel faces an admittedly steep budget deficit of over $1 million for its next fiscal year. District residents voted down a proposed parcel tax to pay for fire services on the last ballot. It amounted to about the cost of a cup of Starbucks a month, per person. Critics contended that the district should have addressed its deficits in other ways, though Chief August Ghio notes that the district has already cut staff positions, taken one engine company out of service and saved the district $1 million by having employees pay their own retirement contributions. If there is any fat left, then it should be trimmed. But if more revenues are needed, then the fairest solution is for ALL residents to share in the cost of emergency services so we can keep them affordable for everyone. Charging accident victims for services that a public fire department is supposed to serve sets a very bad precedent. The accident response fees would apply to district residents and non-residents alike, under an agreement approved Thursday night, though decisions must still be made as to what factors would trigger fees to be charged. Fire Chief August Ghio estimates fees would generated $175,000 in revenues for the district, which encompasses unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa as well as communities of Bostonia, Casa de Oro, Crest, Mount Helix, La Presa, Rancho San Diego and spring Valley. Ghio says the move isn’t motivated purely by budget-savings, but also to "change drivers’ behavior to make them pay more attention" and avoid accidents caused by carelessness. "A year ago, I got hit by a driver who looked down to pick up a CD," he said by way of example. San Miguel isn’t alone. North County Fire recently implemented a cost recovery program. Lakeside Fire and the City of Chula Vista are considering similar fees, Ghio confirmed. How far might cost-recovery programs be carried in the future? Health insurance companies are now finding excuses to kick hordes of people off the insurance rolls when they get sick, claiming belatedly that policy holders failed to disclose often-minor preexisting conditions. So, too, would this proposal open the door for emergency services agencies of all sorts to find excuses to stop providing public services free to all – and instead, gouge victims of accidents, fires, or medical emergencies for life-saving or property-saving critical care. I would grant an exception for drivers who have been found criminally liable in a court of law, such as a criminal involved in a high-speed chase or a drunk driver who causes an accident. But not for ordinary people involved in an accident. Even the most careful drivers can be found “at fault” in a car crash. I once swerved and hit a mailbox to avoid striking a dog that ran in front of my car. My insurance told me I should have hit the dog! If you strike an animal or skid on a wet payment and cause damage, or your teen makes a judgment error and flips your car, you could now get stuck with a hefty bill for “public” services you thought you’d already paid for through your taxes. Like Ghio, I was also struck by a negligent driver and faced staggering medical bills for injuries and surgery. The driver’s insurance wasn’t even enough to fully cover my medical bills and damage to my vehicle. Under Ghio’s plan, insurance would cover fees recovered for accidents–meaning even less money available for accident victims hurt by a negligent drive. Most chilling, the proposal could spur people NOT to call for emergency services if they know they will be charged. In Del Mar this weekend, a prominent veterinarian I once interviewed was found dead on a driveway after he attempted to walk away from an accident in which his car went into a ditch. I don’t know the reason why he didn’t wait for help. But surely we can expect more such tragedies if people who can’t afford emergency costs know that they will have to pay the price if they call for help for themselves or others in an accident in which they may be found at fault. The photo in this story shows an accident that occurred when an elderly driver struck a fire hydrant. Bystanders saved him from drowning by lifting his head from beneath a pool of water until rescue workers summoned arrive on the scene. In the future, maybe some rescue workers start asking for proof of financial solvency before bringing out the Jaws of Life to extricate a trapped driver. Do we really want our loved ones, friends and neighbors to feel that they need to try and douse a fire or free passengers trapped in a vehicle themselves, because they’re not sure if they can afford the cost of calling 9-1-1? This editorial reflects the views of its author, the editor of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA GAS STATION ROBBED AT GUNPOINT; REWARD OFFERED
Printer-friendly version January 18, 2009 (La Mesa) At approximately 1:31 this morning, La Mesa Police received a report of a robbery at the Arco Station at 9600 Murray Drive. A white male suspect entered the store and displayed a black semi-automatic handgun, demanding money and cigarettes. The clerk handed the suspect an undetermined amount of money from the register and a pack of cigarettes. The clerk followed the suspect out of the store and saw him get into a white newer model sedan, then drive off west on Murray Drive. The suspect is described as a white male adult in his 20’s, approximately 6’4” – 6’-5” tall with a thin build. He wore a gray ski mask over his head and cloth gloves. He also had on a gray zip-up hoodie and blue jeans. Anyone with information is urged to call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400. You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Printer-friendly version
2 SAN DIEGO RESCUE TEAMS HEAD TO HAITI
Printer-friendly version January 17, 2009 (San Diego) – Two San Diego organizations, International Relief Teams (IRT) and Rescue Task Force (RTF) are dispatching teams to aid victims of the devastating 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti last Tuesday. The situation is criticial with infrastructure destroyed including most hospitals, the major port, roadways and the palace. Hundreds of thousands are feared dead and many remain trapped in rubble, yet survivors continued to be pulled out of debris as late as today. Bodies are stacked in the street and violence has marred efforts to bring international relief to increasingly desperate people in Haiti, a region already ravaged by poverty and several recent hurricanes before the earthquake struck. International Relief Teams (IRT) has sent five emergency physicians and nurses to Haiti. The team departed Saturday from San Diego with medical supplies, tents, sleeping bags and other supplies to help quake victims. The team will join International Medical Corps partners in Santo Domingo, then travel to Port-au-Prince on a two week mission. Rescue Task Force, another San Diego-based organization, has a rescue team departing Monday to arrive in Haiti on Tuesday. RTF’s team leaders include several SDG&E employees and veteran RFT rescue participants. Darryl Hall, a high voltage foreman and coach of his son’s little league team, has assisted in tsunami relief efforts. Chris Simmons is president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and a father of four; he has participated in rescue efforts during the tsunami and elsewhere. Jose Garcia has delivered humanitarians supplies to Mexico and is a father of two boys. Shad Fleming, who will be a first-time father in February, has training in the martial arts. Dave Martinez II, a former U.S. Marine and combat veteran, is father of a three-month-old daughter. He has extensive training in medical techniques, CPR and first aid. “Sometimes people are presented with an opportunity to help people,” he said. “I have been presented with many opportunities and I see this as a new, wonderful opportunity to offer my services. Stanley Vincent was born in Haiti. A former Marine now employed as a California Highway Patrol officer, he brings to the mission local knowledge of on-the ground resources, common sense, crowd and riot control training, the ability to be the team interpreter, cultural experience, and will help with in-country volunteers. Donations are sought to assist both of these efforts. To donate, visit http://www.irteams.org and http://rescuetaskforce.org . Printer-friendly version