FLOODING AND MUDSLIDES WREAK HAVOC IN RURAL EAST COUNTY
By Miriam Raftery Photo of Dehesa Elementary School courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News January 7, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Today’s storm has caused significant damage across East County including closure of Dehesa Elementary School and a mudslide that oozed into homes in Rancho San Diego. Muddy floodwaters drenched the interior of classrooms at Dehesa Elementary, soaking electrical and computer equipment on floors. The school will remain closed until Monday for cleanup, 10 News reports. A rain-soaked hillside collapsed onto Willow Glen Drive at Hillsdale Road in the Rancho San Diego area of unincorporated El Cajon. Up to four inches of mud seeped into homes below, where homeowners tried in vain to divert the torrent by digging ditches. Some residents voiced anger at the County for issuing a grading permit to the owner of the property that turned into a “slip and slide” as one victim described the scenario, NBC 7 news reports. The County has indicated the land is private property and that County officials will be working with the owner to prevent future mudslides.
BARRY JANTZ NAMED CHAIR OF TAXPAYERS GROUP
By Miriam Raftery January 7, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — Jamul resident Barry Jantz, CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), has been elected to serve as 2016-17 chair of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) board of directors. Jantz, who joined the SDCTA board of directors in 2007, will lead the region’s leading taxpayer watchdog organization in its role of promoting accountable, cost-effective and efficient government and opposing unnecessary taxes and fees, discriminatory regulations and ill-advised public expenditures. Jantz succeeds Greg Stein of Millennium Health, who served as SDCTA chair the past four years. “I am excited about this opportunity to serve,” said Jantz. “The Taxpayers Association plays an important role in the region, as our analysis of ballot measures helps voters understand their implications and make informed decisions. The Association also is instrumental in recommending important best practices to local government agencies in San Diego County.” Jantz also is currently co-chairing the SDCTA search committee for a CEO to replace Mark Leslie, who retired in June 2015. Longtime civic leader Bill Geppert is serving as the other co-chair of the SDCTA search committee. Geppert, who is not on the SDCTA board, served for 16 years as general manager of Cox San Diego and served as chair of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Bowl Game Association and as a member of numerous nonprofit boards. Jantz, who joined GHD as CEO in 2004, served as a member of the La Mesa City Council for four terms from 1990 to 2006. Prior to joining GHD on a full-time basis, he served as district chief of staff to former Assemblyman Jay La Suer (R-La Mesa) and as a public affairs consultant. He previously worked for 18 years in the Facilities Development Dept. for Kaiser Permanente, including three years as financial manager. Founded in 1945, SDCTA has spent seven decades saving the region’s taxpayers millions of dollars, as well as generating information to help educate the public.
NOT A TORNADO, BUT “MICROBURSTS” IN YESTERDAY’S STORM CAUSED PLENTY OF DAMAGE
By Miriam Raftery Photo: fallen tree Jan. 7 in La Jolla, courtesy ECM news partner 10 News January 7, 2016 (San Diego ) – The tornado forecast to hit north-central San Diego County yesterday didn’t materialize. But “wet microbursts” did cause major wind damage. Among the hardest hit communities was the Poway-Sabre Springs area, where damage was “consistent with 60 to 70 mile per hour straight-line winds,” says Alex Tardy, warning coordination meteorologist manager for the National Weather Service in San Diego. Thunderstorm microbursts can be as strong as 100 mph, he added. Surveys conducted thus far found: Poway: Large trees uprooted and snapped off at mid-trunk on Poway Road. Sabre Springs: The Hill Top community had about 15 trees uprooted or snapped, mostly large pines. Trees landed on fenches and two vehicles. Roofs were also damaged. Vista: Several homes had damage including bent antennas and shingles, trees uprooted or snapped. Peak winds were estimated to be 60 mph. Bonsall: A garage was damaged by straight-line winds. Investigations of wind damage are also underway in Escondido here in San Diego County as well as in San Clemente in Orange County.
JAMUL AREA FLOODING AND ROAD CLOSURE
East County News Service Jaunary 7, 2016 (Jamul) –Honey Springs Road will be shut down all night due to power lines downed by vehicle that struck a power pole this evening, while awaiting SDG&E repairs, the CHP website indicates. A SIG Alert has been issued. Highway 94 had substantial flooding this afternoon, reaching 30 feet wide in places and up to two feet deep, by some estimates.. Ronnie Durfee sent in video including this still shot of the dip between Rancho Jamul and Melody Lane. “I would guess the water was between 18 and 24 inches,” he said. “CHP was allowing cars to pass but I would not recommend it. Many were turning around and a couple had tried, but became disabled. It was no problem for my 4 x 4 truck.” Power remains out for two homes due to the power pole accident, according to SDG&E. Power restoration is expected to be restored by 11 p.m.