WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR TO STOP AT RAMONA AIRPORT APRIL 23-25
April 8, 2014 (Ramona)–Aviation enthusiasts and war history buffs will enjoy an exciting display at Ramona Airport when the Wings of Freedom Tour flies into town this month. World War II aircraft, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and P-51 Mustang, will be on display April 23 to 25 at 2898 Montecito Rd., Ramona. The aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Ramona at 2 p.m. April 23 and will be on display to the public until 5 p.m. On April 24, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and April 25, 9 a.m. to noon. Following the Ramona Airport stop, the tour will move to McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, April 25 to 27. For flight reservations and information, call 800-568-8924 or visit www.cfdn.org.
GUIDED NATURE WALK AT WRIGHT’S FIELD IN ALPINE
“Saving the Endangered San Diego Thorn-mint” April 8, 2014 (Alpine)–Join Restoration Ecologist, Scott McMillan, as we begin spring field surveys for populations of the rare and endangered San Diego Thornmint at Wright’s Field in Alpine on Saturday April 19 from 19 a.m. to 12 noon. Considered to be the “most endangered plant” in San Diego County, Scott will introduce the group to the thorn-mint plant sites, its habitat and ecology, and discuss BCLT’s three-year project to restore and enhance this imperiled member of the mint family. This 1st Saturday event is also an opportunity for those interested in getting involved as volunteers. Opportunities within this project are ongoing, and this is your chance to learn how you can get involved in hands-on restoration of an endangered plant right here in East County. Group parks and meets at Joan MacQueen Middle School – 2001 Tavern Rd in Alpine. Sturdy footwear, water, and sun protection are recommended. Sponsored by Back Country Land Trust. Email: jgreen@bclt.org for more information.
LICENSE TO STEAL: FBI CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION INTO EL CAJON DMV CONTINUES
Photo: Surveillance video shows DMV employee accepting cash from license applicant. Source: FBI http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2014/february/corruption-in-a-san-diego-motor-vehicle-office February 25, 2014 (El Cajon) –You could call this scam a license to steal, and it certainly was—until it all came crashing down on the corrupt state employees and their accomplices who were selling California driver’s licenses for cash. For at least three years, though, between 2009 and 2012, the scammers had a nearly seamless operation that netted a tidy profit. Here’s how it worked: A man who owned a driving school let his students know that—for a price—he could guarantee them a license, even if they had already failed the driving test. Often they didn’t even have to take the test, thanks to the man’s connections at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in El Cajon, California. Those willing to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 to corrupt DMV employees could get a license with no questions asked. The driving school catered mostly to Middle Eastern immigrants, and soon word of easy licenses in that community spread north to Los Angeles and beyond. “One guy flew in from Dallas, took a cab to the DMV office, paid for his license, and flew back to Dallas a few hours later,” said Special Agent Mike Peters, who investigated the case with Special Agent Kim George out of our San Diego Division. “It was so blatant,” Peters said, “that our surveillance showed the driving school operator brokering multiple deals in the DMV parking lot.” “They had gotten away with it for so long,” added George, “that they were extremely confident and had no plans to stop.” Court records indicate that the group—which included Kuvan Piomari, who owned the U.S. Driving School in El Cajon; Jeffrey Bednarek, a DMV examiner who conducted driving tests; and three other DMV employees—took part in the long-running bribery conspiracy that produced hundreds of ill-gotten licenses. In exchange for bribes, Bednarek falsely entered passing scores for written and behind-the-wheel tests for applicants seeking regular and commercial driver’s licenses. He enlisted other DMV employees to falsify records as well. Bednarek produced more than 100 fraudulent driver’s permits, for which applicants paid a total of more than $50,000. Sometimes the corrupt DMV employees would issue multiple bogus licenses a day, George said. “They would leave work with $500 in cash in their pocket. That could be one day a week or two. They were doing very well.” When a new manager arrived at the El Cajon DMV office, however, “she instantly realized that something wasn’t right,” Peters said. The new manager alerted the DMV’s investigative arm, who in turn called the FBI. Using undercover operatives and court-authorized surveillance and wiretaps, investigators quickly uncovered the scam. Some of the “candidates” who paid for licenses were bad drivers, George explained, “and some paid because they were just too lazy to take the test.” Peters added that some candidates had paid for commercial licenses that allowed them to drive tanker trucks. “That took things to a different level in terms of public safety,” he said. In all, 30 defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and identification document fraud, and all have pled guilty. The case is ongoing (see sidebar). Bednarek is scheduled to be sentenced in April. Another DMV employee, Jim Bean, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in the scheme. “We hope this case sends a message,” Peters said. “This type of corruption will not be tolerated.” The investigation into widespread corruption and bribery at the El Cajon DMV office is still active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-877-NO BRIBE (662-7423), the DMV investigations branch office of internal affairs at 626-851-0173, or submit a tip online. The El Cajon DMV will be closing from late April until October, reportedly for remodeling. Resources: – Press release – 21 Defendants Charged for Corruption at Two Southern California DMV Offices
SAN DIEGO CHAPTER OF CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION ELECTS MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
East County Resident Named President April 7 2014 (Lakeside) – The San Diego Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA), a non-profit trade organization of licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors elected its board of directors recently. East County resident Lawrence O’Leary was elected president of the board for a second term. The other elected board members are: Stacey Sturnot, ValleyCrest companies – president elect & vice president, events Janet Pozzuoli-Vallin, Belle Terre Landscapes – vice president, education Mimi Cortes, Tierra Verde Resources, Inc. – vice president, legislation Donette Lamson, Wilbur-Ellis Company – vice president, membership Mike Salceanu, Landscapes USA- vice president, resource management Sandra Grow, Mark Schroeder and Company- treasurer Jerrie Beard, Jerrie Beard & Associates – secretary Amy Conrad, Conrad Public Relations – public relations Loren Godes, Hydro-Scape Products- AM representatives O’Leary resides with his family in Lakeside and works as director of sales at Hydro-Scape Products Inc., a leading provider of landscape and irrigation supplies. O’Leary spent nine years as an adjunct soils instructor at Cuyamaca College promoting water reduction in landscape, reduced fertilizer load and minimizing source point pollution. Also, he participated in habitat reconstruction in the Mojave Desert to mitigate damaging solar farms and windmill projects for endangered desert tortoises. The San Diego Chapter of the CLCA is one of California’s largest and most active chapters. Each year, the chapter hosts a number of informative and educational meetings that allow members to keep on top of industry trends and network with their peers. The chapter sponsors its annual beautification awards, hosts the Landscape Industry Certified test and is active in local political issues affecting the landscape industry such as water conservation and sustainability issues. “I look forward to serving with this knowledgeable and experienced board,” said O’Leary. “I know this group of talented people can help the San Diego Chapter continue to grow and promote positive public awareness of the landscape industry.” ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO CHAPTER OF THE CLCA: The San Diego Chapter of the CLCA aims to serve, protect and promote professionalism; and advance public awareness of the landscape industry including water conservation. San Diego CLCA members are always available to brief the public on topics ranging from the state of outdoor water conservation, including the latest in irrigation technology for both commercial and residential communities. For more information about the San Diego CLCA, please log on to www.clcasandiego.org.
READER’S EDITORIAL: DAUGHTER’S TESTIMONY RAISES QUESTIONS AT ALHIMIDI TRIAL
By Robert Clark Photo: Shaima Alawadi April 6, 2014 (El Cajon)–The body of Shaima Alawadi, 32, was found by her daughter Fatima (then 17) on March 21, 2012. She told El Cajon police that she was asleep upstairs, heard her mother “squeal,” followed by the sound of broken glass. She thought perhaps her mother had dropped a plate, and waited about ten minutes before going downstairs. Her father, Kassim Alhimidi, has been charged with his wife’s murder, and in opening statement of his trial which began April 1, the 911 call made by Fatima was played, and it reveals that she said “scream,” not “squeal.” The glass that was broken was a full-length window and a sliding glass door, which would have created a very loud noise. In the days following the attack, Fatima claimed to have found a note next to her mother’s body. At a preliminary hearing in July, 2013, however, a paramedic said he found the note, which was folded and on the floor of a small room near the room where Shaima’s body was found. Under cross-examination on April 4 by Richard Barkon, one of Alhimidi’s attorneys, Fatima admitted that she never saw a note next to her mother’s body. In November, 2011 (four months before the attack), Fatima was seen in a car possibly having sex with her 21-year-old Chaldean boyfriend. Police were called, and Shaima came to scene. Fatima got into a car driven by her mother, and, according to police affidavits, said “I love you, mom,” and jumped out of the car when it was going about 35 mph. She was upset because of an upcoming aranged marriage to a cousin in Iraq. When asked by Barkon whether she made the statement to her mother, Fatima said she “can’t remember” saying that. She was shown the police report, and said “I still don’t remember.” She told Barkon that her “romantic” relationship with her boyfriend ended shortly after the November incident. She was shown text messages to her boyfriend showing that she was arranging for him to sneak into her room at night after her parents were asleep; the latest incident was March 15 (about a week before the attack). Fatima then admitted that she did “sneak” him into her room, but didn’t remember how many times that happened. Fatima was asked about two telephone calls she received while paramedics were working to revive her mother. She allegedly told the caller that someone she didn’t know entered the home, hit her mother with a bar, left a note next to her mother’s head, then “jumped in front of her” and broke the (sliding glass) door. She denied making those statements, and was told by Barkon that the calls were “recorded.” (They were recorded because the caller was a jail inmate, a fact which the judge decided would not be revealed to the jury.) Fatima said she did not make those statements; the call was in Arabic, and she did not agree with the translation. Cross- examination will continue on Monday, April 7. Will there be more bombshells? The views expressed in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
ASSAULT ARREST IN LAKESIDE FOLLOWING STANDOFF
By Miriam Raftery April 7, 2014 (Lakeside) – Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Steve Nakho, 24, for allegedly assaulting a man with a stick, then chased the victim with a knife Sunday night. The victim told police he fled from the assailant and sought help at a USA gas station on Woodside Avenue. After the victim alerted a clerk at the gas station, the suspect fled. Deputies found the suspect in the 9700 block of Wintergardens near where the assault occurred. Nakho ran from deputies and barricaded himself into a nearby apartment. Deputies established containment around the apartment. Several announcements were made to Nakho to surrender and exit the apartment, but, he refused to comply. Deputies obtained and executed a search warrant for the apartment where Nakho was barricaded inside and arrested the suspect without further incident. Deputies also recovered a stick and knife that are believed to have been used in the assault. Nakho was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and was booked into county jail. The victim sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER AT CITY OF LA MESA SUMMER CAMPS
April 5, 2014 (La Mesa)– Do you have a budding artist or a child that loves to act? What about your sports enthusiast or do they love to work with wood and tools? La Mesa Community Services is offering 19 “Summer to Remember!” camps that will put a smile on any child’s face ages three years and up: *Archery, *Art Smarts, *Baseball, *Creative Theatre, * Dance, *Day Camp, *Engineering, *Fencing, *Flag Football, *Golf, *Gymnastic, *Jump Rope, *Kids in the Kitchen Cooking, *Mad Science, *Small Friends Summer Time Fun, *Soccer, *Tennis, *Woodworking, and *Yoga Rascals. Summer is just around the corner! For more information on these fun and exciting summer camp programs and classes offered through La Mesa Community Services call 619.667.1300 or view online and register at www.cityoflamesa.com/camps.