December 9, 2010 (Escondido) – A controlled burn has destroyed the Escondido home filled with explosives and chemicals used in bomb making. A bomb-arson team ignited the residence on via Scott via remote control shortly before 11 a.m. today.

The burn proceeded as planned, albeit with a later start time than previously announced.  A massive blaze swiftly consumed the home, punctuated by popping sounds likely caused by hand grenades and ammunition stored in the premises, Sheriff’s represented Jan Caldwell said.

December 9. 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is confirmed to appear with other dignitaries at a groundbreaking hosted by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) for Sunrise Powerlink slated for 11 a.m. today (originally set for 9 a.m.)

In response, the Protect Our Communiities Foundation is organizing a protest, calling the groundbreaking “premature” since three active lawsuits against Sunrise Powerlink are currently in the courts—any one of which could potentially halt the project.

I-15 to shut down; shelter to open for evacuees

Map of traffic plan during burn

 

December 7, 2010 (El Cajon) – A driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, rolling the front of the vehicle into the path of an oncoming trolley. The trolley struck the vehicle at North Marshall Avenue and Billy Mitchel in El Cajon, triggering a multi-agency response, Incident Page Network reported at 10:49 a.m. Fortunately, the driver was not injured.

By Miriam Raftery

December 3, 2010 (Santee) –The body of missing Santee resident Bryson Lukacik, 22, was found this morning beneath the snow in Big Bear, just a couple of blocks from where he was last seen.

Bryson Lukacik graduated from El Capitan High School and played ball for the San Diego Stars semi-pro baseball club, Santee Patch.com reports.

December 2, 2010 (Spring Valley) -- San Miguel Firefighters responded in force to a multi-casualty accident which injured a driver and three Mount Miguel High School students who were walking home from school just after 3 p.m. today.  A section of Sweetwater Road was shut down, allowing Mercy Air to transport the most seriously injured student, according to Leonard Villareal, spokesman for San Miguel Fire.

Governor issues emergency declaration; County provides health advice

December 2, 2010 (Escondido)--Sheriff’s officials, Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit, Escondido Police and Fire, CHP and CALTRANS met today to discuss evacuation and traffic control plans prior to burning a home containing the largest stash of home-made explosives ever found in the U.S. 

The Governor has declared San Diego County an emergency zone, meaning that environmental restrictions are waived. Some residents will be evacuated for the burn, while others are advised to shelter in place. However people with asthma or other respiratory conditions are advised to leave shelter-in-place areas during the burn. If ashes fall on your property, do not handle the ashes. Wash fruits and vegetables from your garden and do not allow children to play in ashes. Follow the health tips and cleanup instructions recommended by the county.    

“If he did make it out of there, someone must have seen him or knows what happened to him, and we need them to call and tell us.” - Sgt. Don Parker, San Diego Sheriff Department

By Caleb Trainer
 

December 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) --The blue Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 16-year-old Mickey James Guidry was found abandoned in the Anza Borrego desert two days after Thanksgiving. That was Thanksgiving a year ago. No one has reported seeing him since.

County declared disaster area; top disaster official seeks state disaster declaration--a move that would waive environmental laws

By Miriam Raftery
November 30, 2010 (Escondido) – An Escondido home described by a prosecutor as a “bomb factory” will be burned down to destroy the largest cache of homemade explosives ever found on U.S. soil. Protective barriers will first be erected around the property at 1954 Via Scott.

November 30, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – A fire reported shortly after 4 a.m. in the 2000 block of Massachusetts Avenue in Lemon Grove caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to a garage and its contents. . After attempting to douse the blaze with a fire extinguisher, the resident alerted other family members, who evacuated safely.

November 29, 2010 (Spring Valley) – A mother with two children smelled smoke and discovered her bed on fire this morning. Fortunately, the family as well as two guests all evacuated safely from the duplex apartment, located in the 3100 block of Bernis Court in Spring Valley.

November 29, 2010 (El Cajon)--Nominations are now open for the selection of El Cajon's 2010 Citizen of the Year. The City invites all of El Cajon's civic, service and fraternal organizations to nominate a candidate. Nominees will be honored at the Citizen of the Year luncheon to be held on February 14, 2011 at the Community Center.

November 27, 2010 (Lakeside) – Lakeside Fire Protection District received a report of a paraglider that had experienced a rough landing at the Blossom Valley Glider Port, resulting in injuries to the pilot. A rescue response was dispatched, including one structural engine, one rescue unit , an ALS ambulance, and Battalion Chief Lawler.

November 26, 2010 (El Cajon)--Late Tuesday night, just before 11:00 p.m., Heartland Fire Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call of a fire at the Lexington East Apartments in the 200 block of Jamacha Road in El Cajon. Firefighters from Heartland Fire & Rescue arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the open front door of one of the apartment units.