April 3, 2010 (San Diego) San Diego County’s Consolidated Fire Code has been certified by the State of California. According to a County press release issued yesterday, the change will make it simpler for builders and homeowners in San Diego County to comply with fire protection standards on homes and developments.

 Can theater be key to downtown revitalization?

April 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – At a community forum Tuesday, dozens of East County residents turned out to hear details of a proposed plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC).

The conceptual business plan, prepared by consultant Kurt Swanson, calls for the City to takeover management of the theater, invest $4.3 million in renovations, and commit to 48 performances per year including a return to headline entertainers. While some area residents praised the effort, many had questions, suggestions, and criticisms to offer.

Updated July 11, 2010 with biographical information and photo provided by Sarah Waldron, the victim's brother.

 
April 1, 2010 (Lakeside) – El Cajon resident Chris Ethan Allen Krum, 34, father of eight children, died from injuries sustained when he lost control of the 1994 Toyota Camry he was driving on Barona Road in Lakeside last night. The vehicle struck a tree and Krum was partially ejected from the vehicle. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, he died at the scene.

Born September 8, 1975 in Casa Grande, Arizona to Kenneth Arhold Krum and Joan Loreta Allen, Krum's life was marred by tragedy when he was just ten months old.  "My mother's and stepfather's mobile home caught fire in the middle of the night," rcalled Krum's sister, Sarah Waldron, "killing his older sister, Hidey, 3, and brother Kenny, 2, leaving my mother and brother badly burned."

April 1, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Esteban Angel Bahena, 24, of Lemon Grove was killed this morning on northbound 163 near Robinson Avenue in San Diego. An emergency medical technician with San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, he was assisting with a minor car crash on the rain-slicked highway when he was struck by another vehicle.

April 1, 2010 (San Diego's East County) – The construction work on State Route 67 continues nightly at 9 starting Monday, April 5 to Thursday, April 8 as crews close the highway between Prospect and Woodside Avenues.

By Miriam Raftery

March 29, 2010 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon has issued a proposed business plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The proposed plan calls for the City to take back management of the facility, dramatically remodel the theater, then bring back headliner stars as entertainment.

Suspect reportedly threatened to blow up deputies with grenade 

March 28, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Jose Gonzalez, 40, has been arrested and charged with making terrorist threats and resisting a peace officer. According to a statement issued by the Sheriff, deputies responded to a call last night in the 7900 block of Longdale Drive in Lemon Grove. Gonzalez had locked himself in his bathroom and reportedly threatened to commit suicide.

March 27, 2010 (Sacramento) Assembly Bill 1178, also known as the “Cayman Islands Tax Loophole” bill, recently passed the Assembly and will next be considerate by the Senate. The measure authored by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) passed the Assembly with a 42-28 vote.

March 26, 2010 (Borrego Springs) – A hiker who broke her leg on a trail in Palm Canyon, a remote location in Borrego Springs, was hoisted to safety yesterday by San Diego's Copter 10, following a call for assistance from the Borrego Springs Fire Department.

Beyond the hype, snipes and myths, what will the landmark measure really do?

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – How will the landmark healthcare bill passed last night by the House of Representatives impact you, your family and your business?  The answers, detailed extensively below, may surprise you.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign the measure in the next couple of days, though the Senate has yet to vote on whether to accept House changes to a version of the bill that the Senate recently passed. While some changes may yet be made, major elements include provisions to take effect immediately, as well as many others that will be phased in over several years. These include:

By Miriam Raftery

March 23, 2010 – President Barack Obama today signed into law historic healthcare reform legislation. Locally, the measure drew sharp criticism from Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) but praise from Hunter’s Democratic opponent, Raymond Lutz.

March 22, 2010 (Escondido) – At 9:05 a.m., CAL FIRE-Deer Springs Fire Department responded to a report of an accident on I-15 at North Centre City Parkway, just north of Escondido. When firefighters arrived they encountered a passenger vehicle on it roof and two of the three occupants in the vehicle required extrication. The vehicle was traveling north bound on I-15 when it rear-ended another vehicle.

Friends of missing teen Mickey Guidry’s family are mounting a search this weekend in the Anza Borrego desert. Volunteers are needed to scour a massive area. To date some 200 have signed up to participate. Searches will begin Saturday, March 20 at 9 a.m. and end Sunday, March 21 at 5 p.m. Volunteers should meet northwest of the intersection of S2 and Highway 78. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2010 (La Mesa) – The body of Maria “Laura” Chavez Sandoval, of La Mesa was found today in the water off the coast of Rosarita Beach, Mexico. Sandoval, 55 was reported missing on Sunday by her husband. She reportedly took a taxi from La Mesa to San Ysidro and was last seen exiting the taxicab.

Sandoval left behind a “goodbye” note and was believed to be suicidal, according to a Sheriff’s missing person bulletin issued today shortly before the body was found.