Jakubec formerly ran a contracting business in Ramona
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

November 22, 2010 (Escondido)—George Djura Jakubec, 54, pled not guilty today to 28 criminal counts. He is accused of possessing destructive explosive devices and the ingredients to make them, as well as robbing two local banks.
 

Deputy District Attorney Terri Perez told Judge Marshall Hockett that the suspect’s home was “a bomb factory” containing “the largest quantity of these types of homemade explosives at one place in the United States.” Those materials pose “a huge danger to officers and the public,” she said.

October 29, 2010 (Ramona)--What could be spookier than a haunted hike in the woods?  Dos Picos CountyPark in Ramona is offering a haunted trail hike on Saturday, October 30th at 7:30 and 8 p.m.

The scary but kid-friendly trail hikes will include a moderate walk with some hills and uneven surfaces. Younger hikers must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone is encouraged to bring a flashlight.

October 22, 2010 (Ramona)--The Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest is conducting prescribed burning from October 19th 2010 to May, 2011 if weather and fuel moisture conditions permit. This vegetation treatment is for community defense, fuel break maintenance and forest health, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The prescribed burning will take place on Forest Service Land that adjoins the San Diego Country Estates.

September 13, 2010 (Ramona) – David Bruce Menea, 54, was struck and killed on Main Street Saturday night while illegally crossing the road, CHP reports. He was struck by a 4-Runner SUV, which went on to strike a parked Volkswagen, pushing the VW into Mike’s Liquor Store. Three other people were injured from the collision and flying glass.

ECM news partner Channel 10 News has dramatic video of the crash viewed from inside and outside the store, as well as an interview with eyewitness Terri Linnell. Linnell, who ran for Congress on a T.E.A. party platform during the June primary, tried to assist the fatally wounded bicyclist. “He died in my arms,” she told 10 news.

August 18, 2010 (Ramona) – San Diego Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter rescued five hikers last night, including a 20-year-old who was experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms. One of the hikers used her cell phone to call for help and advised they were not sure if they were on the correct trail. She also reported that one of her friends was unable to walk any further.

July 18, 2010 (Ramona) – Cal-Fire rescued four dehydrated hikers and a dog, but were unable to save a second dog that collapsed and died on the trail to Cedar Falls near Ramona on Saturday. The group had hiked more than two miles in temperatures over 100 degrees.

The tragedy illustrates the need for hikers to know safety tips for themselves--and their dogs.

Update 3:30 p.m. - These fires are now contained. The Quail fire in Flinn Springs was caused by a mulch pile that ignited. Causes of the other fires remain under investigation.

Update 2:10 p.m. -- A third fire is reported in Flinn Springs at Quail Canyon and Ranch Trail; no structures are threatened.  A fourth fire is burning in Lakeside on Rancho Trail and air support has been requested.  The Japatul fire is now contained.

June 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal-Fire is on the scene of two brush fires. Both fires started shortly before 1 p.m. and each is currently about two to three acres in size.  Details below. 

May 17, 2010 (Ramona) – James Leo Flaherty III has been arrested for following and harassing a 17-year-old girl walking in the 300 block of 16th Street in Ramona. The victim reports that Flaherty drove past her, staring, on Tuesday May 11 and reportedly said, “I am not going to leave you alone.”

The victim told authorities that Flaherty had previously followed her and her sister within the past year, placing a pornographic magazine in front of them in the same area.