MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 – Jared Shelton has been arrested for assaulting a man who attempted to come to the aid of Shelton’s girlfriend during an altercation outside the 7/Eleven Store at 4610 Avocado Boulevard in the unincorporated area of the County aound 1:30 a.m. on January 19th. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s office, Shelton was arguing with his girlfriend when a man who recognized her came to her assistance. Shelton reportedly went home and returned with a jack handle. He repeatedly struck the man, who was seated in the woman’s car talking with her. The victim suffered facial fractures and other injuries. The woman fled the scene with the victim in her car. Shelton then vandalized the man’s car. The woman lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a brick wall, then walked back to the 7/Eleven to summon assistance. She then fled the scene and went to Shelton’s home. Following a search of Shelton’s home and vehicle pursuant to a search warrant, he has been arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. Sheriff’s deputies have received descriptions of the involved vehicles and suspect an association between this incident and an earlier house party, where both vehicles were located. The CHP is investigating the collision. Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that the assault occurred in La Mesa, based upon an error in the Sheriff’s press release. In fact although the 7/Eleven has a La Mesa mailing address but is actually located within the unincorporated area of the County. Printer-friendly version
CHARTER MEMBERSHIPS NOW ON SALE FOR NEW MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – A grand opening is slated for April at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12012 Campo Road in Rancho San Diego, 9. The East County Family YMCA is offering special discounts to the first 1,000 people who sign up as charter members. Charter members will receive a $99 discount off the membership fee, a gold membership card, charter member T-shirt, coupon book for YMCA program discounts worth $200, and an invitation to a special charter member event. The new YMCA facility will include a sports complex and 35,000 sq.ft. full-service YMCA facility that will include the Sycuan Wellness/Fitness Center, the Dallas Pugh Basketball/Volleyball Gymnasium, multi-purpose and conference rooms, multiple Group exercise studios, a Youth and Teen Center with Wii video, interactive fitness equipment, pool table, ping-pong table, air hockey and more. There will also be a Member Lounge and child watch services while members work-out. The YMCA is a not-for-profit, charity organization that is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. “We want the entire community to know we are coming and to start getting excited for their new local YMCA,” said Steve Rowe, Executive Director/Vice President, East County Family YMCA. “At the YMCA we are all about building and supporting communities. Our new facility in Rancho San Diego branch brings more resources and opportunities to kids, teens, adults and seniors of this community. We are very grateful to our donors, local businesses, volunteers, elected officials and the community at-large for making this dream a reality.” For more information on the new McGrath Family YMCA, please call Executive/Vice President, Steve Rowe at 619-464-1323 or visit www.eastcounty.ymca.org. Printer-friendly version
LAKESIDE FIRE BOARD VOTES TO OUST FIRE CHIEF
Printer-friendly version Move ignites anger among many community members; residents convene meeting Friday to discuss recall of Board members January 20, 2010 (Lakeside) – By a 3-2 vote, Lakeside’s Fire Protection District on Saturday voted to oust Fire Chief Mark Baker, despite testimony from 18 members of the public who all spoke in favor of renewing Baker’s contract. “We are shocked,” said Laura Cyphert, co-founder of the East County Community Action Coalition. “Chief Baker has been a strong contributor to our efforts to bring awareness to the community of Lakeside about the fire dangers that will be realized if the Sunrise Powerlink is constructed. It was Chief Baker that spoke up at the Lakeside Planning Group meeting back in February 2009 and first alerted our community that the Sunrise Powerlink was classified as a level 5 fire risk (the highest possible threat level) and stated that he was concerned about the unmitigated fire threats to our community, particularly in El Monte Valley.” Board president Rick Smith and member Key Coyle voted against giving Baker the axe, while members Jim Bingham, Nick Johnson, and Pete Liebig voted for the motion to not renew Baker’s contract. Division Chief Andy Parr was named interim department head until a new chief is appointed. Parr faced criticism following the 2003 Cedar Fire (photo), when he was the duty chief in charge, for not getting word out in time to save 14 people who died in Wildcat Canyon. He has defending his actions, noting that his department did save "thousands of lives" by notifying residents to evacuate. Smith described Baker as “an excellent chief” and expressed anger at the decision, the Union-Tribune reported. Baker has served as chief since summer 2004. Dennis Richardson, a lifetime resident of Lakeside, blamed the decision on union issues and said the board has been “infiltrated” by the firefighters’ union. “This leaves us voters and taxpayers very vulnerable to poor choice spending of our tax dollars within the department.” Richardson sent an e-mail inviting citizens to a meeting on Friday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. the Ranch House Restaurant, 11510 Woodside Avenue in Lakeside. He proposes forming an oversight committee to monitor the fire board. He also proposes a recall action to remove two newly appointed board members and will also ask citizens to assist in finding candidates to fill three seats up for reelection this year as well as the two recalled seats. Peter Liebig, a member of the Lakeside Fire Protection District board, spoke with East County Magazine today about his decision to vote to terminate Baker’s contract. “We’re actually very good friends…this is heartbreaking,” he said. “I know there is a lot of emotion and people out there saying it was the union, but it wasn’t with me. There were other issues.” Liebig said the board differed with Baker over how to deal with budget issues. The state has been taking $2 million a year from the board’s budget and took an additional $1 million this year, he noted. “There were pay cuts last year. Everybody took a 2% cut. We’re looking this year at anywhere from 4 to 6% in pay reductions.” According to Liebig, Baker wanted to take money from the reserve fund to cover budget gaps. “It was going to take our reserves down below 10%,” he said. “It took us years to set up that reserve.” Liebeg said the $12 million budget is the same as in 2004 or 2005, when the department had six stations and two fewer administrative fire chiefs than now. “I said hey, we need to look at the possibility of having to cut services and demoting people.” He said Baker is leaving with a good benefit package. “He didn’t get fired.. We’re not renewing his contract,” he said. “Mark is a very likable, nice guy, very good out in public…but basically I lost confidence in the man.” The actual resolution passed by the board, however, was to "terminate" Baker’s contract due to a "loss of confidence." Nick Johnson, another board member, declined to discuss his reasons for voting to oust Baker. “We have been advised by legal counsel not to talk about this,” he said. “I encourage community members to go to their local board meetings to find out what’s going on, because that’s where they will find out the truth.” Board member Jim Bingham also declined to comment. Bob Robeson, a retired CalFire and San Diego firefighter, praised Baker and said most community members approved of his managing of the department, including its budget, the Union-Tribune reported. Chief Baker responded to East County Magazine’s request for comment with an e-mail stating he wants time to reflect before commenting on the Board’s decision, but did offer his appreciation to members of the public. “I was completely awestruck about the community support ,” he said, adding that he feels “greatly humbled and very, very grateful for their support.” The departing Fire chief concluded, “Thirty-seven years of being a firefighter and public servant, I always reminded myself that it is ALL about the community and the citizens we serve.” Printer-friendly version
TORNADOS, THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE TODAY & TOMORROW
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (San Diego County) –New storms today and tomorrow will bring thunderstorms with the potential to produce tornadoes , the National Weather Service advises. A flash flood watch is also in effect for San Diego County mountains, valleys and coastal areas. The most likely scenario for tornados Wednesday and Thursday would be funnel clouds and waterspouts moving onshore in coastal areas, Dan Atkin, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego told East County Magazine. However tornados in the past have struck Poway and Fallbrook, with one that wreaked havoc as far east as the Inland Empire in Riverside and San Bernadino. “That one blew a freight train off the track,” Atkin recalled. Blizzard warnings have been issued for San Bernadino and Riverside County mountains. In San Diego County, conditions will likely not be cold enough for snow until late Thursday or Friday, when snow may fall down to the 4,500 foot level. Please e-mail editor@eastcountymagazine.org and/or post comments below if you have first-hand information on weather-related problems, such as fallen trees blocking roads, downed powerlines, or a funnel cloud spotted in your area. Should a tornado be spotted in your area, you are advised to take cover. Most San Diego homes do not have basements, the preferred shelter. An alternative option is to take shelter in an empty closet on the ground floor of your home and to cover yourself with a blanket or pillows for protection from flying debris. If you are not yet signed up to receive our emergency alerts via e-mail, sign up free at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/89. Printer-friendly version
STORM UPROOTS TREES, KILLS 1 EAST COUNTY WOMAN; NEW STORM TO HIT THIS AFTERNOON
Printer-friendly version FLASH FLOOD WATCH ISSUED FOR LATE TODAY January 20, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Yesterday’s severe storm prompted the National Weather Service to issue a tornado warning mid-afternoon. Countywide, the strongest wind gusts were reported on Mt. Woodson, where wind speeds reached 75 mph. In Julian, wind gusts of 61 mph were reported. Gale-force winds around the county uprooted numerous trees and caused power outages in multiple areas, also claiming at least one life. In Flinn Springs, Linda Jane Flick, 58, died after high winds toppled a large tree onto her mobile home in Country Creek RV Resort. Three other mobile homes were damaged. On Mt. Helix, a large tree fell onto power lines, blocking Conrad Street and causing a power outage that lasted more than eight hours (photo). Some residents reporting spotting a funnel cloud in Santee, where high winds ripped a roof off a home. But the National Weather Service has no record of tornados in that area. Countywide, more than 69,000 customers were without power during the height of yesterday’s storm, said SDG&E spokesperson Fabra Moallem. By this morning, power has been restored to all but 510 customers. The storms January 18 and 19 dumped more than an inch of rain onto Mt. Palomar and Mt. Laguna, with over half an inch recorded in many locations throughout the County. The third in a series of storms is slated to hit our region late today. A flash flood warning has been issued for San Diego mountain, valley and coastal regions starting at 2 p.m. today. Printer-friendly version
FUTURE OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER AT STAKE IN THURSDAY MEETING; CITIZENS PLAN PROTEST OVER CLOSURE
Printer-friendly version Update Jan. 21: Tonight’s outdoor rally has been cancelled due to rain, however those who wish to protest closure of the theater will instead gather inside the Ronald Reagan Community Center at 6:30. January 20, 2010 (El Cajon) The City of El Cajon hosts its second of two community meetings on the future of the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) on Thursday, January 21st. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas St. in El Cajon (1/2 block east of Magnolia). The City has announced plans to close the theater for up to two years for renovations. Citizen’s Oversight Project, a watchdog group, plans a rally at 5:30 to protest the two-year closure. The rally will be held on Main Street in front of the theater.(This rally has been moved indoors at 6:30 at the Ronald Reagan Community Center due to rain.) “If we want to continue having a theater in El Cajon, we need to show some citizen’s support for it,” an e-mail from Paul and Bobbie Slater sent to arts supporters read. Recent articles in some newspapers have referred to the theater as "out of date", "a money pit, "past its prime" and "a stage in disrepair". One story compared the theater to a car "an 18-year-old guzzler, one never really assembled right, and now on its last legs", the Slaters’ e-mail noted. The first meeting held by the City in November drew only about 20 people. Arts supporters urge the public to turn out at Thursday’s meeting, emphasizing the importance of a strong public show of support to save East County’s only community theater and performing arts center. Printer-friendly version
POWERLINK MEETINGS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) SDG&E has just announced cancellation of this week’s community council meetings in Campo and Lakeside due to stormy weather. Those meetings were set for tonight and tomorrow night, respectively. SDG&E plans to reschedule and will announce new dates soon, Jennifer Briscoe, spokesperson for the utility company, informed East County Magazine today. A meeting in Alpine remains scheduled for Feb. 15. Representatives from East County Community Action Coalition and Protect Our Communities Foundation will be in attendance at the Alpine meeting to answer questions on the groups’ legal actions aimed at stopping the project. That meeting is set for 6 p.m. February 15 at the Alpine Women’s Center, 2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. Printer-friendly version