VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN OCOTILLO MOTORCYCLE CRASH
Printer-friendly version Driver of car that hit motorcycles may face charges; 2nd driver in gold Honda Civic still sought November 15, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Four members of the Lakeside Saddle Tramps motorcycle club who were killed Saturday afternoon near Ocotillo have been identified by the club president, Carl Smith. Lance Heath, 43, and his wife, Amy, 36, of Alpine, died, as well as Bill Miller, 57, or Ramona and Tonya Trayer, 37, or Lakeside. Smith told the Union-Tribune that he tried to resuscitate Trayer for several minutes, but “there was nothing we could do.” Trayer’s husband, Wilson, remains in the hospital with numerous broken bones in his jaw, hip, pelvis, leg, feet, and wrists as well as internal bleeding. The Trayers have three children and Tonya Trayer also served as a surrogate mother of two children for a family friend. The Heaths leave behind two teenage boys; Miller is survived by a wife, daughter and grandchildren. Other club members suffered injuries. John Lombardo was treated for a leg injury. William Barnes had a punctured lung and broken bones; his wife had a broken pelvis , brain hemorrhaging and internal bleeding. Kelly Halley of Santee had her spleen removed, the Union-Tribune reported. The tragedy occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday on Highway 98, in the desert several miles east of Ocotillo. According to the Highway Patrol and numerous witnesses, a gold Honda Civic crossed the center line to pass a group of motorcyclists, causing the driver of a Dodge Avenger to lose control trying to avoid a head-on collision. The Avenger swerved onto the shoulder, then back onto the roadway and struck the motorcyclists. "I was the first person on scene that had a uniform on," CHP officer Deann Goudie said Sunday, 10 News reported. "I was being dragged in every direction by frantic people saying, ‘Help this person, help that person."’ Goudie said investigators on Monday would check surveillance video at a nearby border crossing to see if the driver went to Mexico. Yesterday authorities in Imperial County detained the Avenger driver after detecting alcohol on breath, but he has since been released. A blood test, which will take about a week for results, could lead to the driver facing charges of driving under the influence. The driver of the Avenger, Carlos Ramirez Bobadilla, 36, of Mexicali suffered injuries to his hands. A woman passenger in his vehicle also died, the Imperial Valley Press reported. However the accident is listed as a hit and run; authorities are seeking the gold Honda Accord which witnesses indicated appeared responsible for causing the horrific crash. The Saddle Tramps are known for doing good works for the community, such as helping collect toys for needy children during the holidays. Now, however, the group must focus on healing and helping its own members. “We were all one big family,” Smith said. “We take care of our own. We will continue to do that.” Printer-friendly version
MAJOR INJURIES TO MOTORCYCLISTS IN ACCIDENT NEAR JULIAN
Printer-friendly version November 14, 2010 (Wynola) – A traffic collision involving three motorcycles has resulted in major injuries at the junction of Wynola Road and Farmer Road near Julian. Mercy Air has been requested and a landing area established following the accident, which was reported at 3:31 p.m., CHP reports. Printer-friendly version
CRAFTING WITH MARY: YOU WON’T BE “BORED” WITH THESE EASY—TO-MAKE BOARD GIFTS
Printer-friendly version By Mary Genser November 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Hand-made boards provide easy, inexpensive, and customizable ways to brighten up the holiday season for those on your gift-giving list. Whether you need gifts to give—or you’re simply a little bored—get some little boards and have fun! Any smooth-surfaced board will suffice for a work surface. For this column, I used wood slices with bark from Michael’s and JoAnn’s craft stores, as well as plain boards from Wal-Mart. Cutting boards can also be used. You may use fabric cut-outs, or choose any image to decorate your boards, such as a favorite photograph or your own original art. Just make a copy, shrinking or enlarging to fit your boards. Next, apply image with permanent glue sticks, available at Copy-It or office supply stores. If desired, you can outline or decorate the items with glitter glue to add sparkle to your creations. Your finished items may be hung on a wall, or displayed on a miniature easel, available at any art supply or craft stores. Printer-friendly version