April 5, 2011 (Otay) -- The suspect killed in yesterday's early morning robbery and shootout at the Apple store in the Otay Ranch Mall  has been identified at Alex Somphonh Choulamontry, age 23. According to Chula Vista Police, Choulamontry was a documented gang member and on active California State parole. Choulamontry had convictions for theft, possession of controlled substances, driving under the influence and false identification to a peace officer.

April 4, 2011 (Ramona) -- A stolen bronze moose statue from Ramona was recovered in a vacant field on March 30, about a mile from the 2800 block of Willow Oak Drive where it was stolen sometime between February 15 and 23. The area is located at the intersection of Dye Road and Southern Oak Road and is frequently used by people who ride and train horses.

A watchful citizen made the discovery and contacted the Sheriff’s Department after reading  media articles about the theft of several statues in our region.

District Partners with Borrego Solar and CCSE to deploy 290 Kw solar system at  Nat L. Eggert Operations Center

April 4, 2011 (El Cajon)--Helix Water District has activated a 290 kilowatt (KW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Nat L. Eggert Operations Center (OC) in El Cajon. The zero-emission system was deployed through a partnership with Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. and the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE).

To celebrate, the District hosted a ribbon-cutting event for the new system on March 30th.

By Russell Buckley

March 31, 2011 (La Mesa)--"Today's benefit structure for public employees is unrecognizable from the design, funding structure and goals of the original 1932 version. Instead of retirement security, the public pension became a wealth generator. Initially, state workers retiring at age 65 could expect retirement income at roughly half of their final compensation, based on an average salary earned during their last five years of employment. The retirement formulas and benefits began ratcheting up in the 1940's and never stopped. California's pension plans are dangerously under funded, the result of overly generous pension promises, wishful thinking and an unwillingness to plan prudently. Unless aggressive reforms are implemented now, the problems will get far worse, forcing counties and cities to severely reduce services and layoff employees to meet pension obligations."

The words above are taken from the 50 or so pages of the Little Hoover Commission Report released last month. The report is about the State at large - but its words apply so accurately to La Mesa that it seems to be talking about us.

Swift action by Police and Border Patrol  canine patrol led to capture of two suspects; Robbery may be part of a series of storefront “smash and grabs”

Update 7:15 p.m.:  The two suspects arrested have been identified as Johnny Chenda, 25, and Melissa Ortiz, 21.  Both are charged with commercial burglary and conspiracy. The third suspect, who died, has not yet been identified.  The security guard has been identified as Jose Jimenez, 58, with Security Industry Specialists in Culver City.

April 4, 2011 (Otay Mesa) – Chula Police Chief David Bejarano has provided an interview with East County Magazine moments after returning from the scene of a fatal shooting at Otay Ranch Town Center shopping mall. He disclosed chilling details of a brazen robbery attempt that ended with one suspect dead following a hail of bullets and a massive response by law enforcement to seal off and search the neighborhood.

 Updated April 22 to add photos from the April 9th celebration of life.

A Celebration of Life, Service and Dedication to Community

April 3, 2011 (Lakeside) The El Capitan Stadium Association has offered the use of the rodeo grounds for a community gathering honoring Rick Smith, who passed away on February 18th, 2011 following a long battle with cancer.  A celebration of his life and service will be held April 9 from 1-4 p.m. at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds.

April 3, 2011 (San Diego) -- On April 9 and 10, hundreds of San Diegans are expected to convene at University Ave. and Fairmount in City Heights to attend workshops, share knowledge, and discuss the sustainability, accessibility, and health of our food system in San Diego and around the world.
 

April 3, 2011 (La Mesa) -- At 8:05 a.m. La Mesa Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls of shots being fired in the 3900 block of Charles Street, La Mesa, near La Mesa Dale Elementary School.  (View map) When officers arrived they discovered approximately seven shots had been fired into a house. The targeted house was occupied, but no one was injured.

The suspect reportedly fled the scene driving a motorcycle.The unknown suspect was wearing a dark jacket and a blue helmet.

By Miriam Raftery

April 2, 2011 (San Diego) -- Every 10 years, the City of San Diego Redistricting Commission redraws the political boundaries for City Council districts candidates. This is a once in a decade occasion. The County is also redistricting its Supervisorial seats.  Want to have a say in how your community gets represented for the next 10 years?

April 2, 2011 (San Diego) – A 74-year-old man assaulted his 64-year-old neighbor at 246 Euclid Street, San Diego over allegations that the victim’s dog was bothering the suspect’s kittens. According to San Diego Police Officer David Stafford, the suspect struck the victim in the face with a broomstick, then went home to retrieve a knife, returned and stabbed the victim in the stomach.

Update 8:15 p.m.  CHP reports at 8:11 p.m. this will be a "long" closure.  Body was found behind a dumpster at 12102 Wildcat Canyon Road, according to the Sgt. Roy Chase. Anyone with information is asked to call 858 565-5200.

April 1, 2011 (Lakeside) – Muth Valley Road is closed down at Wildcat Canyon Road due to a homicide investigation. According to Lt. Walker at the San Diego Sheriff, “a passerby or a resident found a body and called deputies.”  A source close to the scene indicates the body is male and that there was bruising on the torso.

After deputies were dispatched to the scene, they requested the homicide unit said Walker, who had no further details. As of 5:55 p.m., he said it’s likely the road will remain closed for several hours.

By Justin Time

April 1, 2011 (Campo) – Shortly before dawn this morning, U.S. Border Patrol agents made a startling discovery along the border south of Campo in San Diego’s East County.

By Joy Ryder

April 1, 2011 (Julian) – Highway 67 is notorious for the many head-on collisions and fatality crashes which have occurred on the winding stretch from Lakeside to Julian. Today, Cal-Trans and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) announced a solution.

In a joint press conference outside Julian Apple Pie Company, a major project sponsor, officials from both agencies revealed plans to replace old 67 with a new double-decker freeway from Santee to Julian.