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The Coast News
INLAND EDITION
VOL. 4, N0. 1
A tall tale?
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VISTA, SAN MARCOS, ESCONDIDO
JAN. 12, 2018
Issa out: Won’t
seek re-election tion in California’s 49th DisREGION — Nine-term trict.” Issa becomes the second Congressman Darrell Issa announced Jan. 10 that he longtime California Repubwill not seek re-election in lican congressman to anNovember, sending shock nounce that he would retire waves throughout Southern from the House of Representatives. Ed Royce California and (R-Yorba Linda) both political parannounced two ties. days before Issa Issa, widely that he would not considered one of seek a 12th term the most vulnerin office. able incumbents Reaction to in the upcoming Issa’s retirement midterm elecwas split along tions, said in a partisan lines, statement that he as Republicans came to the depraised him as cision not to run a political force with the support Darrell Issa who wielded his of his family, but influence for the did not give a reason as to why he decided not good of the district, while Democrats derided him for to run. “Throughout my service, his voting record, which was I worked hard and never virtually in lock step with lost sight of the people our President Donald Trump. “On the governance government is supposed to serve,” Issa said in a state- side ... behind the scenes ment. “Yet with the support and helping out the city of of my family, I have decided TURN TO ISSA ON 7 that I will not seek re-elecBy Aaron Burgin
Gas tax repeal effort picks up momentum By Promise Yee
Hodgee stands over 16 feet tall and is carved from a red eucalyptus tree stump in Del Dios, where legend has it a lake monster resides in nearby Lake Hodges. Photo by Cari Hachmann
Wood carver brings Del Dios lake legend to life By Cari Hachmann
ESCONDIDO — Even some longtime San Diego residents may be unaware of the possibility that a monstrous lizard-like creature lives in the depths of Lake Hodges, a 115-foot deep reservoir just south of Escondido in a quaint little town called Del Dios. The mystery surrounding the legendary lake monster — nicknamed “Hodgee” by locals — is rooted so deep in Del Dios folklore, that the town decided to bring him to life in its own unique way.
On the evening of Jan. 6, nearly 100 showed up in festive spirit to witness the historic unveiling of the monster hand carved by a local artist. “It’s like the Loch Ness monster, but for Lake Hodges,” said Ewing Mitchell IV, known as “Mitch,” who spent more than 1,800 hours carving the creature from a giant red eucalyptus tree stump. The scaly sculpture towered over spectators at 16 feet tall with bright yellow and green eyes and large white teeth. It can be seen from the road where
Date Lane meets Lake Drive at the north edge of Del Dios Community Park. After dark, it’s rumored Hodgee’s glass-blown eyes change colors and glow purple in the night. This is because the monster is equipped with an LED solar-powered unit inside its head, explained 72-year-old Gary Cohen, the local glassblower who was responsible for creating Hodgee’s eyes. TURN TO MONSTER ON 10
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REGION — Supporters of a repeal to the increased state gas and car tax are about halfway to gathering the 584,400 needed California voter signatures to put a measure on the November ballot. Carl DeMaio, San Diego city councilman and chair of Reform California, wants to stop the gas tax that went into effect in November 2017, and halt the roll-in car tax that will impact vehicle owners when they renew their registration this year. The gas tax increase of 12 cents takes the tax from 29.7 cents per gallon to 41.7 cents per gallon. The diesel fuel tax increase of 20 cents raises the tax from 16 cents per gallon to 36 cents per gallon. Vehicle fee increases in the new year will range from an additional $25 to $175 for
nonelectric cars. DeMaio said cost increases for an average family of four with two cars will add up to $779 more a year in gas, car and food expenses. “It adds up real quickly,” DeMaio said. “The gas tax needs to stop, it hurts working families.” DeMaio has concerns about how the tax money will be spent. The state increases cannot go toward freeway expansion, and there is no guarantee funds will be used to improve local roads. “The law says money will go into the general fund and can be spent on anything,” DeMaio said. DeMaio said millions from gas tax revenues have been spent on park maintenance and light rails, not TURN TO GAS TAX ON 5
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