The Coast News INLAND EDITION
.com ESCONDIDO, SAN MARCOS, VISTA
VOL. 5, N0. 5
Voters say no to Newland Sierra
Alleged drug ‘haven’ leads to Vista arrest By City News Service
VISTA — Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment March 3 charging a Vista man with maintaining a drug den at his property in the city, which prosecutors say was home to numerous drug dealers and gang members. Sean Terrence Sheeter is charged with a federal count of maintaining a drug-involved premises at a two-acre home at 725 Poinsettia Ave., according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is also seeking a criminal forfeiture of the property. Prosecutors say North County gang members lived at the residence and used it as a headquarters for the importation of heroin and methamphetamine from Mexico, and the distribution of said drugs throughout North San Diego County. U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer called the residence, “a drug-laden haven for violent felons, gang members, drug dealers and drug users.” A search warrant unsealed by prosecutors states that Sheeter, who owns the property, allowed several targets of a law enforcement operation into drugs and firearms trafficking to stay at the home in exchange for providing him with drugs Officials say that from the beginning of 2017 until last month, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department received 53 separate calls regarding the property, including reports of stolen vehicles, thefts, disturbance calls, burglaries, grand thefts, armed suspicious persons, vandalism, and threats with a weapon. During that time, 22 arrests were made -— mostly for drug possession and stolen vehicles — and seven citations were issued at the property, which officials say is TURN TO ARREST ON 11
MARCH 6, 2020
Diaz trails; Issa appears to advance By City News Service
REGION — San Diego County residents soundly rejected plans for the Newland Sierra housing project north of Escondido, along Interstate 15 and north of Deer Springs Road. If it had been approved, Measure B, also known as the Better Choice Measure, would have upheld the county supervisors' approval of a general plan amendment allowing the Newland Sierra project to go forward. Newland wanted to build 2,135 homes on the 1,985-acre site. The development would feature 81,000 square feet of commercial space, a six-acre school site, 35.87 acres of public and private parks, 19.2 miles of multi-use community trails, an equestrian staging area and 1,209 acres of open space. As of Wednesday morning, more than 58% of voters in the March 3 primary election had rejected the measure. Rick Schloss, spokes-
man for the No on B campaign, said the voters spoke clearly when rejecting the measure. “We are optimistic that strong rejection of Newland Sierra will be fully confirmed as the vote tally is officially completed over the next days,” he said. “Newland had every opportunity to guarantee affordable housing when they originally sought the county’s approval — but they chose not to. It should be no surprise to Newland that San Diegans didn’t believe their last minute claims. No on B is proud that we stuck to the facts and held Newland Sierra accountable for the flaws in their project. We will be ready for whatever they try next.” Supporters of Measure B said 60% of the new homes would be affordable for working families, starting in the $300,000 range. After a public hearing in December 2018, the
2020 primary election
ADRIENE EDWARDS of Vista poses with a statue of famed entertainer Lawrence Welk as she celebrates her 55th year of employment at Welk Resorts this year. Courtesy photo
Keeping Welk’s legacy alive By Hoa Quach
ESCONDIDO — North County has changed a lot over the years, but one thing has remained the same for Vista resident Adriene Edwards — she has always loved going to work. This year, Edwards celebrates her 55th anniversary of working at Welk Resorts. The Pennsylvania native who moved to California in 1963 began working at Welk Resorts shortly after entertainer Lawrence Welk opened the business. Edwards was a waitress at a nearby restaurant when the lodge, formerly named The Welkome Inn, opened. However, when the chef of the restaurant left for the new inn — she and three others joined. “I feel blessed to have
been a part of this company’s journey and to have been so close to Lawrence and his family,” Edwards said. “I just loved him. When I started, I had no idea that this would be my lifelong calling, but his hospitality and kindness did encourage loyalty and those values are still a part of our culture.” As the longest-serving employee, Edwards has been a witness to many changes. What started as a small motel with a nine-hole golf course has emerged into a 450-acre resort, with two golf courses, multiple pools, spa, theater and more. The company has also expanded to include resorts in other areas of the world. Edwards has also served in many different roles at the resort
before landing her current position at the Welk Theatre. Although the company has flourished since opening in 1964, Edwards said it remains a family business, which shows in the way employees interact with their guests. “For instance, when our owners or rental guests arrive, our staff always say ‘Welkome home,’” Edwards said. “It pays homage to the Welkome Inn. It’s a fun tradition and just one of the ways we always provide superior customer service to our guests.” In fact, her favorite moments include that of the late entertainer and his family. “One of my favorite TURN TO WELK ON 5
TURN TO ELECTION ON 11
Measure Q: EUSD bond bid falls short From Staff Reports
ESCONDIDO — The Escondido Union School District fell short in its bid for more than $200 million in bonds to help pay for repair, renovation and modernization projects at schools in the district. With 100% of precincts reporting results from the March 3 primary election, Measure Q failed to get approval from the required 55% of Escondido-area voters. As of Wednesday morning, Measure Q had the support of nearly 51% of voters. Had it passed, Measure Q was designed to help pay
to fix deteriorating roofs, plumbing and electrical systems, build new classrooms and buildings and improve campus security and safety, according to language on the San Diego County Registrar of Voters website. The new measure came six years after the approval of Proposition E, a similar ballot initiative that approved $182 million in bonds for Escondido Union School District. Michael Taylor, assistant superintendent of business services for the TURN TO MEASURE Q ON 2