16 minute read
Machine Guns Cont. on
Machine Guns Cont. from Page 2
ties of firearms they were making and selling. Therefore, there was no traditional arrest of the defendants all at once. to Distribute Title 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1)
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Charles Munoz, 23, Escondido
Possession of Cocaine with intent to Distribute Title 21 U.S.C § 841 (a) (1) Use and Carrying a Firearm in the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime Title 18 U.S.C. 924 (c)(1)
Martin Ochoa, 35, Escondido
*One federal defendant, who is charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) is not yet Some of the drugs confiscated. in custody. There is a current warrant for his arrest.
Sears, or “switches” that can convert a weapon to machine gun rate of fire. OPERATION DEVIL’S DEN FEDERAL DEFENDANTS’ CHARGES
Do you know these defendants? They may be your neighbors:
*One federal defendant’s name is not being released due to the ongoing investigation. These federal defendants have pled guilty to the following: Leonel Buenrostro, 32, Escondido Felon in Possession of a Firearm Title 18 U.S.C. § 922 (g)(1) Miguel Alvarez, 34, Escondido Felon in Possession of Ammunition 18 USC § 922 (g)(1)
STATE DEFENDANTS’ CHARGES
Kevin Lemus, 21, Escondido
Cristopher Chavero, 31, Escondido
Rocky Trinidad, 29, Escondido
Adrian Alvarado, 25, Escondido
Justin Cartwright, 32, Escondido
Felon in Possession of Ammunition Title 18 U.S.C. § 922 (g)(1) Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent Jose Bora, 39, Escondido State Firearms and narcotics charges Jason Cardenas, 18, Escondido State assault, firearm, and burglary charges Elijah Salazar, 18, Escondido State assault, firearm, and burglary charges Raymundo Figueroa, 27, Escondido State firearms charges Pedro Manriquez, 28, Escondido State firearms and accessory charges Adalberto Ortiz, 28, Escondido State attempted murder, gang, and firearms charges Ricardo Ponce, 33, Escondido State firearms charges Chuck Velasco, 20, Escondido State narcotics charges
Oodles!
Looking for things to do? Places to go? Check out Oodlesevery week for listings of civic and service club meetings throughout our area.
Have an event you need publicized? Email it to: Oodles.thepaper@gmail.com. If you submit photos do NOT embed them! Send as jpg, tif, or pdf attachments only.
Simple press releases are the best: who, what, where, when, why. Please, no brochures or flyers. Keep it simple. You’ll get more ink!
ESTATE EVENT Vintage/Collectible - Furnishings & Accessories, Automotive/Machinery, clothing, household, and more. Fri-Sun, Nov 11-13, 10a-2p daily Escondido 92025 Email us for invitation at:
HWCINVIITES@GMAIL.COM
November 7th - Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting for all North County Inland Communities Parkinson’s Support Group. Free monthly meetings for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners are held on the first Monday of every month from 10 AM until Noon at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo, in the Parish Hall. Our featured speaker for Monday, November 7th is Megan Robbins, a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist at Scripps Clinic, who will present "How Parkinson’s Affects Driving". Separate breakout ses-
The statutory maximum penalties are five years in prison for engaging in the business of dealing or manufacturing firearms without a license; 5 to 30 years consecutive mandatory minimum depending on the circumstances for carrying, using or possession a firearm in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking; up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the U.S.; 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a machine gun; 10 years for felon in possession of a firearm; not more than three years of supervised release, and a fine.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Escondido PD. The Southern District of California United States Attorney Office is prosecuting the federal charges and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the state charges. ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes and regulates the firearm industry. For more information about ATF follow @LosAngelesATF on Twitter.
sions for People with Parkinson’s and care partners will follow the presentation to discuss successes and challenges.
Come learn, share, meet, and enjoy the free refreshments with other involved Parkinson’s persons. Please call (760) 749-8234 or (760) 518-1963 if you have any questions.
Elizaabeth Hospice Presents . . .Light Up a Life, a free community event to honor and celebrate your loved ones. It’s an opportunity to collectively illuminate the darkness we experience when our hearts are touched by loss, illness or sorrow.
Light Up a Life 2022 Sunday, Nov. 13 3:30 to 5:30 pm
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Oodles Cont. on Page 8
If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-2834867) or through the Reportit Mobile app.
Auto sears explained: How one small device turns handguns, rifles into machine guns
In 2021, there were more than 200 shootings that had automatic gunfire.
For decades, fully automatic weapons were expensive, collectable, and rarely used in crimes. Auto sears, which can cost less than $20 online, have changed that.
An auto sear — the most common automatic conversion device — transforms a semiautomatic gun into a weapon capable of emptying an entire magazine with a single pull of the trigger. Also known as switches or chips, auto sears have been around since the ‘70s but are exceedingly tough
Former Escondido City Council Member Olga Diaz Fired by University of Wisconsin - Eu Claire
In a written statement, excerpts of which appear below, Olga said:
“For the record, I did not resign my position as vice chancellor of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Student Affairs at UWEC. I was fired, as an act of retaliation by Chancellor James Schmidt who has failed to address the toxic work environment festering on his campus. I was offered severance to resign in exchange for absolving the university and the chancellor from liability but more importantly from accountability. I refuse to be complicit in what I now recognize to be a dysfunctional, racist environment that undermines the essence of equity, diversity and inclusion work. Instead, I have chosen to speak out.
I assumed my duties on June 14, 2021, and joined a team of professionals dedicated to serving students. It was clear they were exhausted, relationships were strained, and the infrastructure to support an effective team was in disarray. I attributed these conditions to the high turnover in leadership and the fallout of a global pandemic. I prioritized a reorganization that would distribute workload more effectively, reduce duplication of efforts and use limited resources in a fiscally prudent way. Change is difficult but the public attacks lauded at me personally were alarming. I remained professional — receiving compliments from colleagues about my grace in the face of such vitriol.
Man About Town
I don’t know about you but I’m mighty proud of our Escondido Police Department and the brilliant investigative work they did to confiscate weapons, drugs, and to take a number suspected “bad guys” off the streets.
Escondido Mayor Paul ‘Mac’ MacNamara, expressed similar sentiments: “I think I speak for the city when I say how proud we are of our police department and their diligence and persistence in keeping us and our children safe.” •••• Was delighted to learn that Jeff Epp, former Escondido City Manager and former Escondido City Attorney, now retired, is back in Escondido. Diaz went on to say that there were several faculty members who did not like her and attacked her privately and publicly but usually anonymously. She had taken up a civil rights issue concerning a white student and was contrary to the position the University had taken and appeared to anger Chancellor Jame Schmidt, to whom she reported.
(Later) he sent out an email that said, in part, ”Olga Diaz has left the university and is no longer serving as Vice Chancellor.” The next morning, two days after refusing to tender my resignation, the LeaderTelegram reported I had left UWEC.
I believe my advocacy to create a truly equitable approach to student services, as well as my support for a white employee subjected to discrimination and harassment in the workplace, led to a targeted campaign by specific faculty and alumni to discredit me.
Somewhere in this country is a university chancellor or president looking for a principled administrator with the commitment to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. I want to work for that person.” - Olga Diaz
nor did he intend to run for the Escondido City Council. We had already endorsed him when we first heard he had filed to run. I, perso nally, was disappointed he withdrew from the race . . and was also disappointed he had left Escondido.
But he’s back.No political plans but in the future? Who knows? •••• Was also delighted to see my worthy competitor and good friend, David Ross, of the Escondido Times Advocate, back meeting with local dignitaries. David, as you’ll recall fractured his left foot and is now in a “boot.” He’s able to walk, but not very far. Fortunately, as a writer, he can remain comfortably seated while he writes the news and feature stories, both of which he does very well. •••• Sad to learn about Olga Diaz losing her job at the University of Wisconsin-Eu Claire, details of which are in the Local News above, but am pleased to have her back home in Escondido.
At one time I was one of Olga’s fiercest critics. Then, one day we met for a meal together and I discoverd that (a) she did not have a devil’s horns and tail, and (b) she was actually a rather nice person.
We wound up endorsing her for two of her city council runs, both of which were successful. Olga and I have disagreed on one or two key issues . . but overall, I rated her as one of the more articulate and well
Organized Effort to Replace Board of Directors for the Palomar Hospital District
A slate of candidates has been organized, headed by long time Registered Nurse and Current Chair of the Board, Linda Greer, to fill upcoming board seats with new and more reliable candidates.
There has been discontent and grumbling about two of the incumbent board members, Tom Clark and Laurie Tate-Edwards, both within the board itself as well as within the medical community and the public at large.
The board has sanctioned Clark for, among other things, refusing to meet with the hospital CEO, Diane Hansen (a requirement of all board members, to meet with the CEO, as needed) and not attending orientation classes which all board members are required to do, and Laurie Tate-Edwards has been criticized as being a board member who is an obstructionist and is more interested in having the spotlight shine on her rather than getting the board’s work done in an efficient, professional manner.
The slate, headed by Linda Greer, includes incumbent Michael Pacheco, Community Leader Rod Jones, and Dr. Alejandro Paz, a Family Practice physician. (The Paper has endorsed the above slate).
Having been sanctioned, Clark was stripped of his Committe Chairmanship and is not able to serve on any other committe. He is still able to vote but, typically, always votes in the negative.
Meanwhile Edwards-Tate has been labeled as a “prima donna” by several of her board colleagues as well as staff members.
The Palomar Health District is the largeset Health District in the state of California, has a huge budget to administer, and, unfortunately, is often ignored by the voting public. As a result, mediocre candidates are often attracted to, and elected, to office. The current slate, if elected, appears to offer a strong possible remedy.
prepared council members . . which is why we endorsed her.
Welcome back home, Olga! •••• Received a nice note from Dr. Greg Hurt, that magnificent dentist who head up the San Marcos Dental Center.
As you’ll recall, they had to shut their clinic down due to a water leak in the building foundation; major repairs were needed. While the contractors were fixing the problem the staff made good use of the down time. Dr. Hurt headed to Arizona to visit his son and grandson, Sandy went back to Minnesota before the snow started to fly so she could visit her children, grand children and great grandchildren, Hortencia went to Mexico to visit family; Lulu went to Germany to visit her daughter and granddaughter, Hayate went all the way back home to Morocco to visit her mom and sisters. Maria took a weekend trip to Las Vegas . . .and now, everyone is rested and back at work. The clinic renovations have been completed and they are now seeing patients (one of which was me. I had a root canal a couple weeks ago by none other than the Master himself, Dr. Greg Hurt). Absolutely painless . . . and done beautifully!
Here was a perfect example of how a clinic, its owner and staff, took what to most folks would appear to be a crisis and, instead, turned it in to a positive experience for all.
Vista city manager resigns after council hampers hiring authority
After nearly 11 years in the position, Vista’s city manager has resigned in opposition to a new policy that removed his sole authority over the department head hiring process.
Patrick Johnson informed the city of his involuntary resignation in an Oct. 13 letter, stating that he made the decision following the City Council’s adoption of a code change in September which required him to appoint department heads in consultation and
Local News Cont. on Page 5
Letters to the Editor
A Note from Friedrich
Lyle, seems The Paper scooped everyone -- I mean, the world!
Seems the world at large was "Shocked!" when Pope Francis made the major, jolitin' and unexpected "News Flash!" that -- priests, nuns, and the whole clergy (from top to bottom) is in a major, major battle against viewing pornography!
Judging by the stunned shockwaves expressed worldwide -- they just were totally unaware!
Ditto, the major newspapers were shocked at the revelation by the
The Paper Owned and Operated by a Veteran!
lyle e davis US Army, Entertainment Director, 1957-1959 Brooke Army Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas “The state of Texas was never invaded while I was on duty at Fort Sam. You could look it up!” War Correspondent, South Vietnam, 1967-68 Assimilated Grade/Rank, Lt. Colonel, MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam)
Letters to the Editor Continued from Page 4
Pope, himself, and stampeded to call-in their "scoop" reports to their respective 'dailies' in order to hit deadline.
Just yesterday, Wednesday, 27 October 2022, the following world news networks (print, video, and global internet) went with the disturbing, formal, official, (confirmed) announcement from the Vatican, itself.
Give me a "high five" Lyle, 'cause we did it (again)! Can you imagine, a little ol' village newspaper like us, tucked away in the hinterlands of Southern California, having the brass to 'scoop' the Big Boys (who were shocked at the Vatican's revelation -- hell, it made world news! And the people were thunderstruck.
I dunno boss, you and I may be gettin' too big for our britches! You, the Editor and newspaper who broke the "disturbing" front cover news to our villagers, and me -your rascal investigative reporter and gadfly who enjoys overturning the proverbial apple cart in public opinion/mindset . . . well, maybe you and I should keep 'low' for a spell.
Just in case the 'Big Boy' media types come a'running and knocking on our door asking: "Hey fellas, ya got anything 'fresh' for us? C'mon Mr. Davis, play straight with us . . . you and your boy Friedrich got something you’re nursing . . .?"
I dunno Lyle, you and I are just two country bumpkins who just happen to know where the scoops are -- and our print competitors ain't exactly happy!
Not that you wish to, but, if you wish to see what all the Big Leaguers are now talking about, just Google: Pope Francis warns of pornography. Just glance the headlines -- 'cause it'd take you a month of Sundays to read everything, let alone view all the news videos!
As one Letter to the Editor expressed: "Nothing compares to The Paper. Nothing!"
Y'know, he could be right. You rule, Lyle!
-- Friedrich Gomez The policy includes a sunset clause which will revert the policy back to its original language six months after its adoption, removing council involvement in the hiring process. During those six months, staff planned to develop a policy that would include a hiring panel to advise the city manager on qualified applicants.
City leaders, stakeholders and community members will have a chance to discuss what the hiring panel will look like and how to develop this policy moving forward at a workshop scheduled for Thursday.
Councilmember John Franklin, who initially voted against the policy when it was introduced in August but voted in favor of it in September, said while he was aware that Johnson may choose to resign, it still came as a surprise. “He certainly made clear that it was a possible outcome. I think we were still surprised when he tendered his voluntary resignation,” Franklin said. “It was a great loss to lose Patrick Johnson. He was very highly thought of by the employees. I am saddened that he has decided to move along, and we’ve got big shoes to fill to replace him.”
Local News Continued from Page 4
agreement with a majority of the council for the coming six months.
Johnson, who recently clocked in his 24th year serving as a city employee, said the new policy had resulted in a material change to his contract without his consent, thus triggering his ability to tender his involuntary resignation and be placed on paid administrative leave through March 2023.
“This was a fundamental change in the City Manager position and authority by removing my ability to create and manage an effective management team. I advised you in advance that this action would be taken against my wishes and result in involuntary resignation as City Manager,” Johnson stated in his letter.
A city staff report confirms that Johnson is currently on paid administrative leave. The Vista City Council appointed Assistant City Manager Amanda Lee as acting city manager at its Tuesday meeting while the city searches for Johnson’s replacement.
The controversial policy altering the terms of Johnson’s contract was adopted by the City Council in a 41 vote back in September, with Mayor Judy Ritter dissenting, and set to take effect on Oct. 14.
