Inland Edition, August 16, 2024

Page 1


Ex-VUSD employee sentenced

Gets 10 years for child sex crimes

District and North County water polo coach was sentenced to 10 years in prison last week after molesting a 13-year-old girl at a park in Oceanside last year.

Conner Chanove, 28, of Carlsbad, received a stipulated 10-year sentence in Vista Superior Court on Aug. 5 as part of a plea deal reached in July. He pleaded guilty to four felony counts — two counts of child molestation, one count of luring a minor for sex, and one count of attending an arranged illicit meeting with a minor.

Chanove was arrested in November after the mother of the 13-year-old discovered her daughter with Chanove in the backseat of his parked car at Guajome Regional Park in Oceanside. The girl later stated that she kissed him and touched his penis.

Speaking through tears at last week’s hearing, the girl’s mother stated that Chanove had groomed her daughter for several months and taken advantage of her trust. On the day of the assault, he invited her to a park and provided her with alcohol before luring her into his car, she claimed.

“You did unthinkable, TURN TO SENTENCED ON 3

CSUSM CLIMBS IN DII

Young women explore firefighting careers

agencies in North County came together last weekend to introduce young women to potential careers in the fire service and give them hands-on experience with firefighting activities.

The Ignite Your Potential program, held from Aug. 9-11, was the first of its kind in North County and similar to other women empowerment summits in San Diego. The Vista Fire Department, Oceanside Fire Department and North County Fire Protection District hosted it.

Many of the activities were led by women currently in the fire service, in paramedic school or preparing to attend the fire academy. Haley Shields, an EMT in Oceanside and Ignite leader, said seeing that example is crucial for young women interested in the fire service.

Vista OKs total ban on camps

VISTA — City leaders have agreed to adopt a total homeless encampment ban on public property regardless of whether there is shelter space available, bringing back 1960s-era regulations that are now consistent with federal and state direction.

The Vista City Council agreed Tuesday in a 4-0 vote, with Councilmember Corinna Contreras abstaining, to adopt a first reading of an ordinance banning camping on all public property. The ordinance will go into effect after a second reading at the next council meeting.

Vista is the latest city to take broad action against encampments after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in the Johnson v. Grants Pass case in June declaring that clearing encampments does not qualify as cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.

The city of San Marcos adopted a local encampment ban in July.

On July 25, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide executive order directing state agencies to move urgently to address encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them. The order also provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same.

Vista leaders last discussed encampment regulations in April, and were considering banning encampments only within certain distances of schools, playgrounds and shelters, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court decision.

Over the three-day program, attendees ranging in age from their teens to 20s participated in training and lectures

at Fire Station 5 in Vista, the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center in Carlsbad, and Oceanside Fire Training Center.

We

“It’s a great eye-opener and experience, and you can really see how women can actually do it and succeed. All these women really want you to succeed,” said Shields.

On the first day, at-

TURN TO FIREFIGHTING ON 5

“It gave cities much greater latitude than cities had expected, to be honest,” said Vista City Attorney Walter Chung.

Instead, city officials proposed re-implementing the total camping ban that was imposed in the city in 1968, but has not been in effect for some time.

Camping is defined in the Vis-

CHANOVE MOROD SHAH, 40, a San Marcos High and Cal State San Marcos grad, was recently named director of athletics at CSUSM after serving as interim AD for a year. In that time, the Cougars sent 12 of 13 teams to postseason play, highlighted by the women’s basketball team’s run to the Division II Final Four. STORY ON 7 Photo by Greg Siller
‘IGNITE YOUR POTENTIAL’: Carol Valenzuela, 25, and Avery Musnicki, 17, participate in a wildfire training exercise in Vista on Aug. 9. Photo by Laura Place

Brewery closes Outpost in San Marcos

SAN MARCOS — Karl Strauss Brewing Company permanently closed The Outpost beer garden in San Marcos on Sunday, less than a year after the test concept was opened along Armorlite Drive.

The Outpost opened in October 2023 as the ninth Karl Strauss location overall and the fifth in San Diego County. While it started with limited hours Wednesday through Sunday and was intended to expand, Karl Strauss Brewing an-

nounced earlier this month that it has decided to focus on its other locations.

“We had hoped to evolve this concept, but the challenges of operating a fully outdoor space, coupled with the hurdles that needed to be overcome for further development, led us to the difficult decision to end this experiment,” said Fred Glick, Karl Strauss Vice President of Brewpubs.

“While we loved sharing our beer in an outdoor tasting room environment, the reality is that our full-ser-

vice brewpubs really allow us to better connect with our guests through our award-winning beers and outstanding service.”

The Outpost served beer from a custom cargo container and bites out of the company’s first-ever food truck. Visitors were able to enjoy outdoor seating, umbrellas and tents, cornhole, and fire pits at the 85,000-square-foot space.

The location’s 11 employees are eligible for jobs at other Karl Strauss locations, the company said.

“We sincerely appreciate the support of the San Marcos community during our time at The Outpost,” said acting Chief Experience Officer Jennifer Briggs.

“While The Outpost experiment is ending, Karl Strauss beer is available at our full-service brewpub locations, retailers, and other local establishments.”

Other Karl Strauss brewpubs are open in Carlsbad, Temecula, 4S Ranch, downtown San Diego, Sorrento Mesa, Anaheim and Costa Mesa.

Esco further restricts RV parking

ESCONDIDO — Recreational vehicle parking faces new, stricter restrictions in the city after a City Council majority this month approved an ordinance effectively banning RV parking on highways, streets, alleys, public ways and other public spaces, with some exceptions.

Those exceptions include allowing RV parking within 100 yards of the owner’s address listed on the Department of Motor Vehicles registration to load and unload for up to

unimaginable, disgusting things to her, a child,” her mother said. “You stripped her of her innocence and trust in adults, teachers, and people overall.”

Law enforcement later found Snapchat messages between Chanove and the child detailing plans to meet at the park on the day of the incident.

It is unclear what position Chanove held in the school district at the time of the assault. Vista Unified representatives stated last fall that he worked parttime as a substitute teacher, counselor and instructional aide, but that he was not a counselor at the time.

In statements made in court, the girl’s family members referred to him as both her “counselor” and

48 hours before and after a trip; parking for the purpose of emergency repairs as long as the vehicle can be moved; parking for RVs belonging to a federal, state or local agency in city lots; parking during a proclaimed city emergency at the discretion of the director of emergency services; and when the city issues a special event permit allowing RV parking in designated areas.

Staff originally proposed a 24-hour loading/ unloading time frame. However, after some discussion, the council bumped it

her “teacher.”

According to her family, the assault has caused the once happy and funny girl to become depressed, withdrawn and even suicidal, and forced her to change schools halfway through eighth grade.

“She's a strong girl, and very insightful. She has a wonderful support system and a lot of people who love her. She will get through this, but she will never be the same as she would've been,” said her grandmother.

Chanove did not speak at the sentencing hearing but did submit an apology letter, according to Judge Robert J. Kearney. Several individuals also submitted support letters attesting to his good character.

Chanove will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

up to 48 hours.

Councilmember Mike Morasco recalled how it takes his neighbors a little over a day to load and unload their RV before a road trip and worried that a 24hour restriction would be too short.

The ordinance also allows for RV parking in city lots with posted signage, though the city currently doesn’t have any such lot or signage. According to city staff, the ordinance provides the ability to create these RV parking lots at the discretion of the city man-

ager with council’s blessing. Current RV parking options include parking on residential private property, travel trailer parks like the Escondido RV Resort, and at Dixon Lake Campground, which limits stays to 14 days in a 30-day period with a daily fee. Staff also noted there are travel trailer parks throughout the county as well.

Discussion about stricter RV parking rules came up in January 2023, however City Council decided at

TURN TO RV PARKING ON 5

Vista candidates debate local issues

VISTA — Candidates are contending for open seats on the Vista City Council, Vista Unified School District Board and Tri-City Medical Center Board in this November’s election, with many getting the chance to share their views at a community forum last month.

On Nov. 5, voters will be asked to elect two City Council members and three school board trustees, as well as four members to the Tri-City Medical Center Board.

Marine veteran and activist Anthony White, business owner Jeff Fox, and Jess Jebrall are running for the City Council District 2 seat currently held by Joe Green, who is not seeking re-election. Business owner Denisse Barragan is running for the District 3 seat against incumbent Katie Melendez.

In Vista Unified, seven candidates are throwing their hat in the ring for three open trustee seats.

Parent and PTA leader Amanda Remmen and parent Michael Markov are running for the Area 1 seat currently held by Rosemary Smithfield, who is not seeking re-election; parent and community advocate Zulema Gomez and Frank Nuñez are challenging incumbent Cipriano Vargas for his Area 3 seat; and retired teacher Susan Martin and business owner Anthony “TJ” Crossman are running for Julie Kelly’s Area 5 seat (Kelly did not respond to an inquiry about whether she plans to seek re-election).

The seats for zones 1, 3, 5 and 7 on the Tri-City board are up for election this year. Allen Newsome has filed to run for Adela Irma Sanchez’s Zone 1 seat; Aaron Byzak has filed to run for Marvin Mizell’s Zone 5 seat, and Zone 3 incumbent Gigi Gleason is seeking re-election to her seat.

Community members heard from nearly a dozen new candidates in all three races during a forum hosted by the Latino American Political Association of San Diego on July 31.

City Council candidates Barragan, Fox, and White discussed issues such as road safety, affordable housing, and public transportation.

Melendez was absent, stating in an email that she did not want to be at a forum hosted by the Latino American Political Associ-

ation due to their support of Donald Trump on social media. Jebrall had not yet filed as a candidate.

Housing was a major topic of discussion. When asked what percentage of Vista’s housing should be subsidized for low-income families, White said there needs to be an overall increase in accessible and affordable housing to prevent people from being forced to leave the city.

“When we talk about what drives the cost of housing, it’s availability,” said White. “Promoting affordable, accessible housing in all ways is something I would promote.”

White also said it is important to ensure that the city can preserve its character and charm when new housing is being built, and said he believes current rent control regulations on the state level are sufficient to protect renters from extortionary practices.

Barragan said she is opposed to adding more subsidized housing in the city and wants to see a focus on increasing home ownership opportunities, especially with the construction of single-family homes.

“I really believe that most families don’t want to live in 25-story buildings, in apartment units. I do believe families want ownership, so I do support projects that will bring those to our city,” she said.

Barragan also stated that she does not support the idea of a rent control ordinance, noting that many landlords invest their life savings in a home and should not be limited by rent control.

Fox, a business owner and marketing professional, said he believes rent control would lead to decreased construction of housing units in Vista. He also said there needs to be more housing options for the “missing middle” that cannot afford luxury housing or do not qualify for subsidized housing.

While Barragan advocated for home ownership opportunities, Fox emphasized that the majority of residents are in need of rentals.

“We need to promote rental opportunities where we can,” he said. “Not everybody’s going to be able to afford to buy a home.”

For more coverage of the forum, visit

CITY COUNCIL candidates Jeff Fox, left, Anthony White and Denisse Barragan at the July 31 debate. Photo by Laura Place
CONNER CHANOVE, 28, of Carlsbad, was sentenced to a 10-year prison term in Vista Superior Court on Aug. 5 after pleading guilty to molesting a 13-year-old girl in the fall. Photo by Laura Place
THE OUTPOST beer garden off North Las Posas Road was a test concept by Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Courtesy photo

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INTERNS

Samantha Mason Fiona Bork

Dodging Ponzi schemes

Californians fall prey to more online investment scams and lose more money than residents of any other state in the country, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Report.

Even though investment scams make a small portion over the overall types of scams reported to authorities, the amount of monetary losses to fraudulent schemes is shockingly high.

must be registered through the Securities and Exchange Commission, or in California, through DFPI.

• Registration doesn’t guarantee that an investment is good, legitimate or safe, but an unregistered investment raises red flags because there is no oversight.

When researching a potential investment ask for a prospectus or offering circular.

• You want to fully understand the business before investing.

• The higher the return, the higher the risk.

• Every investment carries some degree of risk.

• Be suspicious of individuals who tell you that you must act now.

• This is a “once-in-alifetime offer that will be gone tomorrow” is a trick used by con artists to get you to part with your money.

• You should always have time to make an informed decision on a legitimate investment opportunity. Any ethical salesperson

One thing that makes Ponzi schemes and other investment scams successful is that fraudsters use the façade of legitimacy to get victims to trust them.

San Diego is no stranger to its share of investment scams.

One thing that makes Ponzi schemes and other investment scams successful is that fraudsters use the façade of legitimacy to prey upon people they know and get victims to trust them.

It’s natural for anyone with extra cash to want to invest their funds in order to multiply them. But before you hand over your money, know that if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Here are some tips:

• Learn as much as possible about the person promoting the investment.

• Verify the license of the person selling the investment and that the investment is registered.

• People selling investments in California typically need to be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.

• You can verify the license by calling DFPI at 866-275-2677 or visit their website at https://dfpi. ca.gov.

• Most investments

• If they tell you that a prospectus or offering circular isn’t necessary, walk away.

• Never invest in something until you have written material about the company and the investment and have taken the time to check it out.

• Do your own research before you invest and don’t rely solely on material provided from the salesperson.

Talk to a financial professional knowledgeable in investments.

• If you are interested in the investment, talk with a third party or disinterested person.

• Ideally, talk to your stockbroker, attorney, accountant or any other reputable consultant.

• This is especially true if you lack financial experience.

• If the opportunity sounds too good to be true, it is.

• Beware of promises of high rates of return, quick profits and/or “guaranteed returns.”

• Con artists know what appeals to people.

will understand this. Beware of unsolicited and online offers and online scams.

• Always treat unsolicited phone offers to invest with skepticism.

• It is easy and cheap to create a fancy looking website populated with false and misleading information. Do not assume that online people or organizations are who they say they are.

• Investments in cryptocurrency and foreign currency are almost always scams; use extreme caution here.

If you have been contacted by a scammer, report the contact online via the Internet Crimes Complaint Center (ic3.gov). If you fall victim to any of these types of scams, don’t be embarrassed. Report the scam to your law enforcement agency. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.

Summer Stephan is the district attorney for the County of San Diego.

Views expressed in Opinion & Editorial do not

Gun safety on the local ballot

By Therese Hymer

There's a critically important local race on the ballot this November — the most important in the region regarding gun safety.

For the past four years, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has had a 3-2 majority for common-sense gun regulation.

The board majority has stood strong against the powerful gun lobby and listened instead to the real-life concerns of their constituents. It’s one reason San Diego is among the safest metropolitan areas in the nation.

Unfortunately, that could change this fall.

The outcome of one key race this November will determine how safe you and your loved ones are from random acts of gun violence.

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is the incumbent. Throughout her time in office, she has championed common-sense gun safety laws and actions. Her challenger is Kevin Faulconer, who is supported by the same hard-core gun fanatics who tried to defeat those laws.

Lawson-Remer’s credentials as a fighter for safe neighborhoods are without question:

She advocated for the County’s important safe firearm storage law, which keeps children safe, protects against the use of guns in suicides and protects against theft.

She helped pass the County’s law against untraceable ghost guns and parts and prohibited the 3D printing of guns or parts.

She supported the County’s lawsuit against a company whose ghost-gun machine allows people to build unregistered firearms. Giffords Law Center’s pro bono representation of the County keeps legal costs in check while fighting to keep us safe.

She hosted a summit to educate the community on local leaders’ actions to reduce gun-related suicides, homicides and crime.

Lawson-Remer was also the driving force behind the county’s thoughtful Gun Violence Reduction Plan, resulting from extensive study and public hearings.

The plan promotes gun safety training, suicide prevention education, safe storage of firearms and community-based intervention programs focused on high-risk populations like potential gang members.

Who could oppose that? Well, the opposition was led by Faulconer’s cheering section, the San Diego County Gun Owners.

Two SDCGO-supported supervisors voted against

the plan when it first came for a vote in 2023. If he wins, Faulconer would become the third vote SDCGO needs to overturn the plan.

Faulconer, a career politician, has a history of siding with the gun lobby.

When he was mayor of San Diego, he opposed the city’s Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance, a law designed to keep children and criminals from having access to unlocked firearms.

Luckily, the San Diego City Council overwhelmingly supported the ordinance, so it became law without his signature.

After only one term in office, Lawson-Remer was named a Gun Violence Pre-

The outcome of one key race this November will determine how safe you and loved ones are from random acts of gun violence.

vention Champion by San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention, which carefully screens candidates to determine who has your safety at heart.

Faulconer instead won the endorsement of the San Diego County Gun Owners, so they clearly liked what they saw.

SDCGO isn’t shy about opposing reasonable gun laws. It opposed the county’s safe storage and ghost gun laws. It opposes the state assault weapons ban, firearm waiting periods, bans on the open carry of firearms in sensitive areas (like schools and playgrounds) and the ban on the high-capacity magazines favored by mass shooters.

Finally, where gun safety groups want to keep guns as far away as possible from schools and school children, the Gun Owners host an annual “Gun Prom,” an event whose title is a constant reminder of their insensitivity to the hundreds of victims of school shootings in America.

When you vote in local elections this fall, remember there is no more important vote you can cast than for Lawson-Remer and against Kevin Faulconer. Vote like your life depends on it. It very well could.

Therese Hymer is president of San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention, a volunteer coalition of citizens and community organizations dedicated to ending gun violence in America.

FIREFIGHTING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

tendees spent the day at Vista Fire Station 5 learning to handle the fire hose, utilize and pack up a fire shelter, and carry equipment on a hike through Buena Vista Park during a wildfire training exercise.

“Sitting in class, you know, you learn about it and read about it, but it’s cool to actually put hands on,” said Itzana Verduzco, 22, a Palo-

mar College student in the firefighter/paramedic program.

Attendees also went to the Carlsbad firefighter testing center on Saturday for written and physical agility testing, similar to what is offered in the fire academy, followed by a lesson in structural firefighting at the Oceanside Fire Training Center on Sunday. Despite the heat, heavy equipment, and taxing activities, participants said

HS teacher faces charges of sexual contact with minors

City News Service

— An Escondido High School teacher who allegedly engaged in sex acts with two underage students pleaded not guilty Tuesday to more than two dozen felony counts.

Kyiri Tisdale, 31, was arrested Aug. 9 on suspicion of multiple sex crimes involving two alleged victims who have since graduated, according to the Escondido Union High School District.

The Escondido Police Department says it first received a report concerning Tisdale last month.

Tisdale faces nearly 20 years in state prison if convicted of all 26 charges filed against him, which include 22 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

A criminal complaint states the alleged crimes occurred between June 2022 and May 2023.

Tisdale remains in custody on $250,000 bail. He was also served with protective orders forbidding contact with the victims, identified by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office as Jane Doe and John Doe.

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

He then allegedly stabbed the driver in the stomach, shoulder and back. Though the driver was able to push Felix out of the bus, Felix jumped back on, stabbed the driver once more and walked away, the D.A.’s Office alleges.

Paramedics took the driver to a hospital, where he was admitted for non-life-threatening wounds, Escondido police said.

Witnesses who followed Felix pointed him out to police, who arrested him in a hiding spot behind a dumpster, according to the D.A.’s Office. Felix faces up to 65 years to life in state prison if convicted of all counts. He is being held in county jail without bail.

FELON SUSPECTED OF GUN POSSESSION

VISTA — A 39-yearold felon suspected of possessing over 35 rifles and handguns and committing other crimes was arrested in an unincorporated area bordering Vista, authorities said Aug. 8.

the time to wait until more information was available regarding permits, city regulations and potential safe parking lots for unhoused individuals living in mobile homes.

The new restrictions are a result of years of numerous complaints regarding longterm RV parking on city streets and property.

According to staff, RV parking on city streets and property negatively impacts traffic safety by impairing driver visibility of pedestrians, bicyclists and other motor vehicles when RVs are parked near intersections or on curves, and impairing driveway access on narrow residential streets. RVs can also reduce parking for other vehicles belonging to residents and business customers.

Additionally, the city has a history of trash and litter being left behind as well as illegal discharge of wastewater onto city streets or storm water system by RV owners after long-term parking.

City Council approved the ordinance by a 4-1 vote on Aug. 7, followed by a second reading and final adoption on Aug. 14. The ordinance will then go into effect 30 days later, on Sept. 13, and staff expects enforcement to begin after Nov. 1.

Escondido Police Department will begin emphasizing education through discretionary warnings during the initial implementation process. Additionally, the city’s Public Works Department will install 58 signs at roadway entrances to the city notifying drivers of the new rules, and public notices will be posted in English and Spanish on the city’s website and social media pages. When enforcement takes effect, infractions could result in an impound, citation or misdemeanor (after two violations). The ordinance allows the Police Department to tow and impound an RV after a single violation.

Councilmember Consuelo Martinez was the sole vote against the ordinance due to her concerns that it would effectively ban RV parking throughout the city

they were eager to face the challenge and see if they had what it took.

“This is honestly what I’ve been looking for for a while,” said Marbella Barron, 20. “I’m most excited for all the drills. All the working out — it’s gonna help me out in the long run.”

Avery Musnicki, 17, of Mission Vista High School, was among the younger attendees. She has been interested in firefighting for some time.

However, she didn’t really think it was an attainable career for her until she got connected to the Ignite program and learned about all the different pathways in the fire service—firefighting, fire investigating, fire prevention, fire engineering, and more.

“I thought it [firefighting] was just a dream, like, ‘it would be cool if I did that,’” Musnicki said. “But I think it’s really fun. I’ve already learned so much.”

Escondido welcomes new farmers market

ESCONDIDO — A new Sunday morning farmers market is hoping to serve more local customers and vendors alike at its prime downtown location.

The Hidden Certified Farmers’ Market first opened its doors, so to speak, at 123 Woodward Ave. between Grape Day Park and the James A Stone Swimming Pool – adjacent to the California Center for the Arts — this year. The farmers market is open rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday.

According to main organizer Mike Johnson, the

without providing any free, safe options for people currently living in their RVs.

“If this goes forward, we don’t have a place to direct people with RVs,” Martinez said. “There’s no place signed to permit RV parking.”

Mayor Dane White said the city currently doesn’t

location is perfect due to the amount of available parking with multiple electric vehicle charging stations, plus its proximity to a park, Interstate 15 and state Route 78 freeways and the Escondido Transit Center a few blocks away.

“It’s an ideal location,” Johnson said.

Johnson hopes to serve more locals who can’t make it to an existing Escondido market on Tuesdays.

To learn more or to apply as a vendor, visit www. hiddenfarmersmarket.com.

— Samantha Nelson

have the resources for a safe parking lot where unhoused individuals can park with their RVs or other motor vehicles at this time.

Other North County cities with RV parking restrictions in place include Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas.

In a statement, Escondido Union High School District Superintendent Jon Petersen said Tisdale has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

BOY, 14, CRITICAL AFTER HIT-AND-RUN

ESCONDIDO — A 14-year-old boy was in a hospital in critical condition last week following a hit-and-run on an Escondido street.

A 911 caller reported spotting the victim lying in the roadway in the 1100 block of North Fig Street and hearing a vehicle traveling out of the area to the south at high speed shortly before 9:30 p.m. Aug. 8, according to police.

Paramedics took the victim, an Escondido resident who may have been on a skateboard when he was struck, to a trauma center for treatment of severe injuries, police said.

The hit-and-run driver remained unidentified and at large as of the afternoon of Aug. 9.

NOT GUILTY PLEA IN BUS STABBING

VISTA — A man accused of repeatedly stabbing an MTS bus driver in Escondido pleaded not guilty Aug. 9 to attempted murder and attempted robbery charges, in what local prosecutors say is indicative of a rise in violent crimes taking place on public transportation.

Mario Joseph Felix, 50, was arrested for allegedly stabbing the victim on Aug. 7 after being told he couldn’t ride the bus for free.

Felix allegedly became angered, threatened to kill the driver and demanded his wallet, according to the

Deputies from the Vista Sheriff’s Station responded at approximately 1:30 p.m. Aug. 7 to a residence in the 900 block of Sugarbush Terrace regarding a temporary restraining order violation, said Lt. George Crysler.

During the investigation, deputies discovered that Sean Christiansen, a felon, lived at the home. They also discovered Christiansen was in possession of several firearms and ammunition, Crysler said, and based on this information, sheriff’s detectives obtained a search warrant for Christiansen’s home.

During the search, more 35 rifles and handguns — the majority of which are illegal to possess — were found, authorities noted.

Deputies also found body armor, various firearm parts, illegal high-capacity magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, firearms manufacturing equipment and approximately 5 ounces of psilocybin mushrooms.

Christiansen was arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on various charges:

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case was asked to call the San Diego County Sheriffs’ Department office at 858565-5200

VISTA TRAFFIC STOP

YIELDS GHOST GUN

VISTA — San Diego County sheriff’s deputies who stopped a white Ford sedan for equipment violations and an expired registration in Vista found an illegal handgun and ar-

VISTA FIRE Engineer Patrick McDonald leads a group in a wildfire training exercise during the Ignite Your Potential empowerment summit in Vista on Aug. 9. Photos by Laura Place
ITZANA VERDUZCO, 22, practices rolling up a fire hose at Vista Fire Station 5 on Aug. 9.
MARBELLA BARRON, 20, left, learns how to use a fire shelter tarp with help from Oceanside EMT Haley Shields.

Who’s NEWS?

Business news and special achievements for North San Diego County. Send information via email to community@ coastnewsgroup.com.

COLLEGE GRADS

Laura Jones of Carlsbad recently graduated from the University of Miami in Florida and is now enrolled in Columbia University’s Climate School & Earth Institute pursuing a master’s degree in sustainability management, and Amelia Scharin of San Marcos graduated from Whitman College in Washington with a degree in anthropology-environmental studies.

ATHLETE AWARD

Neleh Coleman of Oceanside is one of 84 Angelo State University student-athletes who received the 2023-2024 Academic Achievement Awards from the Division II Athletic Directors Association for achieving at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average in school.

EDUCATION PROGRAM

University of Alabama student Ryan Hartmann of San Diego is participating in the university’s Cooperative Education Program

San Marcos Chamber

CHATTER

during the fall semester working for SABIC, a Saudi manufacturing company that produces petrochemicals, chemicals, industrial polymers and fertilizers.

PHILANTHROPIC FUNDERS

Jewish Community Foundation San Diego reached a historic milestone after providing $2 billion through more than 135,000 grants to more than 9,000 nonprofits since it began in 1967. Funding has been allocated to arts and culture, education, social services including homelessness,

Silvergate celebrates 30 years of luxury living and community engagement in San Marcos

With a legacy spanning over 30 years, Silvergate offers luxury independent living, assisted living, and memory care across its established communities in Fallbrook, San Marcos, and Rancho Bernardo.

Joan Rink-Carroll, Executive Director of Silvergate San Marcos discusses how Silvergate fosters a warm, family-like atmosphere, helping seniors maintain independence while enjoying a vibrant social life and exceptional care.

What services do you provide? Silvergate San Marcos is an award-winning retirement community providing luxury independent living, assisted living, and memory care for over 30 years.

How long have you been in business at your current location? Silvergate has three established communities. Our Silvergate Fallbrook community first opened its doors in

1990, followed by Silvergate San Marcos in 1994. Silvergate Rancho Bernardo opened in 2020, and a new Silvergate has been proposed for Rancho Santa Fe.

What sets you apart from others in your industry? For more than three decades, Silvergate San Marcos has been locally-owned and operated by the Petree family, under its parent company, AmeriCare Health & Retirement,

Inc. With an actively engaged leadership team that’s regularly involved in the ongoing operations of its boutique collection of senior living communities, Silvergate is consistently ranked among the top 1%-2% of independent, assisted living and memory care providers in the nation.

By working with seniors consistently over months or even years, Silvergate’s tenured staff come to know each resident and their loved ones personally. With time, Silvergate’s team learns what brings residents joy each day, their personal preferences and just what makes them tick.

What question are you asked most frequently by clients / prospective buyers? Our residents and families often ask, ‘How will I know when I’m ready?’ Our boutique-like community is designed to be just the right size to help seniors maintain their inde-

pendence, while the warm, family-like atmosphere encourages residents to participate in activities and socialize with new friends. Life just gets easier when you have a staff to take care of housekeeping, maintenance, transportation, and preparing and serving healthy, wonderful meals.

What motivated you to join The San Marcos Chamber? As someone doing business. As a locally and family-owned company, giving back to the San Marcos community is important. The Chamber gives us several opportunities in doing so. It is a pleasure to be involved with like-minded professionals, sharing the same mission and goal.

What’s your best piece of business advice? Continue to learn, lead by example with integrity and pride in everything you do.

SilvergateRR.com

CANINE MILESTONE

Oceanside-based Canine Companions recently paired its 8,000th graduating team of service dogs at the Southwest Region graduation ceremony on Aug. 9.

SCHOOL MEALS

Encinitas Union School District will provide free school meals for all students under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Free breakfast and lunch are offered every school day at the district’s nine elementary schools serving Encinitas and South Carlsbad, featuring scratch-made entrees and a salad bar full of locally grown produce, including many organic items from the EUSD Farm Lab.

SURF ART

children and health and human services projects.

SOLANA CENTER

The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation recently received a $50,000 grant from the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego in partnership with the Clare Rose Foundation to expand the organization’s capacity. The Solana Center has provided waste diversion and environmental education in San Diego County for 40 years.

WRITING AWARD

San Marcos resident and author Rachel Valencourt received the prestigious Historical Fiction Award at the 2024 Regal Summit Book Awards for her novel, “Every Night Has a Dawn.”

MILK DONATION

The San Diego Seals, a professional box lacrosse team, and Hollandia Dairy have donated 840 gallons of milk to the San Diego Food Bank as part of the team’s Gallons for Goals program, which encourages kids and families to drink dairy milk.

BEST OF SHOW

Tim Cline won best of show for his art piece, “Lizard King,” in the “Los Animales: Wildlife Exhibition,” which runs until Sept. 6 at the Escondido Art Association gallery.

Wooden surfboards, handplanes and fins created by Kyle Jackson of Encinitas-based Platypi Surf are currently on display in the Encinitas Community Center until Sept. 4.

FINANCIAL AWARD

Vista Irrigation District recently received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2023. This is the 17th year the district has received recognition for financial reporting and transparency.

COMPANY REBRAND

A Vista-based print marketing and technology company formerly known as International Printing Solutions has rebranded to STiCKi after 26 years of operations.

KIND TRAVELERS

Visit Oceanside has launched Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back, a program that takes a portion of guest stays at Marbella, Beachfront Only Vacation Rentals and Stay Coastal Vacations to fund two local charities, WILDCOAST and Berry Good Food Foundation, which champion ocean conservation and healthy food systems in the region.

VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED FOR THE NORTH COASTAL VOLUNTEER SHERIFF’S PATROL

The North Coastal Sheriff’s Station is recruiting for its Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol. This program involves:

• Conducting home vacation security checks

• Assisting with traffic control

• Patrolling neighborhoods, schools, parks, and shopping centers in patrol cars and on foot

• Visiting homebound seniors who live alone in the communities of Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and portions of the county’s unincorporated areas, such as Rancho Santa Fe

• Performing other duties as needed

The primary mission of the volunteers is to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the deputies on patrol. To be eligible, volunteers must be at least 50 years old, in good health, and have no significant mobility limitations. Volunteers must pass a background check, have auto insurance, and a valid California driver’s license. Training involves two weeks at the Sheriff’s Academy plus several in-field patrols. Volunteers must commit to four 6-hour shifts with a partner and attendance at one program meeting per month. If interested, please contact the Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol at (760) 966 3579 to schedule an initial interview.

AUTHOR Rachel Valencourt of San Marcos. Courtesy photo
JOAN RINK-CARROLL
THE YOUNG MARINES, a national youth organization, announced that James Calderon of Vista is among the top 10 graduates of the Advanced Leadership School at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island, recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities. Calderon is a member of the North San Diego Young Marines based in Vista. Courtesy photo

Shah, CSUSM athletics on rise Sports

State San Marcos Director of Athletics Morod Shah finds inspiration in his father.

Morod remembers how his dad, Habib Shah, would write the alphabet on the back of his checkbook to help him pay bills on time as a newly-arrived immigrant in America. He thinks about his dad, who, at 17, left Afghanistan in search of a better life for his mom, three sisters and brother in Europe before pursuing education in Dallas and later dropping out to become an auto mechanic.

Morod Shah thinks about when he took a job at Harloff BMW of Encinitas and slowly climbed the ladder before starting his own business in San Marcos, Bavarian Master Care, doing BMW repairs.

But when they get together, a lighthearted squabble often breaks out.

His father likes to say, “If I were born in this country, I’d be a millionaire.”

“Because you weren’t born in this country, I think that’s what’s driven you [to become successful],” the son pushes back.

“The sacrifices he made as a young man have always been a motivation for me,” Shah, 40, told The Coast News. “He’s done all this to get us here so I have to capitalize off of these opportunities. This is easy compared to what he has gone through.”

Shah, a 2008 graduate of CSUSM, has been with the athletic department since 2013. He spent the past year as the interim director of athletics following Jennifer Milo's promotion to the role of special assistant to the vice president of student affairs.

He was appointed to the role on a permanent basis on July 24, and his first day under the new title was Aug.1.

“I’ve always said that if I wasn’t going to be a professional athlete I want to be around sports one way or another,” Shah said. “I wanted to do something that I enjoy so it doesn’t always feel like work. Looking back as a kid, there were so many life lessons through sports: teamwork, comradery, hard work, discipline. Those are all transferrable and I was blessed to be part of that. I want to help the next generation of student athletes cultivate their journeys through athletics and more importantly using athletics to earn a degree and set themselves up for the future.”

A hooper at San Marcos High School, Shah was unable to pursue collegiate athletics because CSUSM did not have a basketball team when he enrolled.

However, he did compete for the Afghan national basketball team while pursuing a communications degree, often asking profes-

sors for excused absences to travel to Qatar, Taiwan, and Bangladesh for FIBA tournaments.

“That experience was very special,” Shah remembered. “It was neat because I made the team and we had to do everything on our own: fundraising, practices. I looked it as a way to represent my father’s country and also travel. It was us against the world, we were grinding for every dollar. We were playing national teams that got paid and had annual practices but we had a little bit of heart and appreciation.”

During Shah’s interim year as director of athletics, CSUSM set a new program record, with 12 out of 13

teams making postseason play. The high point was the women’s basketball run to the NCAA Division II Final Four.

Student-athletes combined for a GPA of 3.31, and revenue was up across the board, with over $ 1 million raised through the athletic program.

"I am excited to continue working with Morod in his new role as the CSUSM director of athletics and help him elevate athletics to new heights," said Dr. Viridiana Diaz, CSUSM's vice president for Student Affairs, in a press release. "I want to thank the members of the search committee and the internal and external community members who

attended the open forums and shared their feedback. Their input was invaluable in helping us identify and recruit the next director of athletics.”

“We used to say we are the diamond in the rough in North County,” Shah added. “I would argue now we aren’t in the rough; we are out there shining. We are the only four-year university north of the 56. From an athletic standpoint, we have done a great job of strategically putting ourselves in this position. When I first got here as a staff member, we were playing our volleyball games at Escondido High School and our bas-

MOROD SHAH with his wife, Adrienne, and their two children in March. Last month, Shah was named director of athletics at CSUSM after the school’s historic success under his interim leadership. Photo by Greg Siller
TURN

Where summer really races by.

Three more weeks of summer fun and excitement at Del Mar.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

Breeders’ Cup Giveaway

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

Get FREE admission, program and seat, plus 40% off 16 oz. Michelob ULTRA, Brandt Beef hot dogs and sodas at concession stands with FREE Diamond Club membership.

Half off Del Mar Signature Drinks every Friday at select locations. We’ll drink to that!

Get a free, branded 12 oz. stainless steel, hot and cold Travel Tumbler with each paid admission, while supplies last.

An epic celebration of New Orleans culture with Cajun cuisine, themed drinks, music, mini parade and more.*

Cox internet offer for military, veterans

The Aug. 15 deadline is approaching for San Diego active-duty military and veterans to visit a nearby Cox store to sign up and qualify for a “Cox Salutes” internet offer that features a $100 prepaid debit card.

Military families, according to recent White House data, made up nearly half of all recipients of broadband subsidies through the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

With the ACP and its $30/month subsidy having come to an end, participants are in search of options to get and stay connected to internet service at home.

Diego customers who sign up for a Cox internet plan during the period of July 15 to Aug. 15.

The Cox Salutes offer is also open to existing customers who add an internet plan during that period.

Active-duty military and veterans in San Diego County can visit a nearby Cox store to sign up and qualify for the offer.

Cox offers various internet tiers, including two affordability plans geared toward qualifying lower-income households.

all students for their education.

For more information on ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete, visit https:// www.cox.com/affordableinternet.

Internet discounts with Cox Mobile Cox Internet customers who sign up for Cox Mobile services can also receive a discount on their internet plan. More information on Cox Mobile and the latest phones is available in the Cox stores.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

$1,000,000

FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

FAMILY

FUN DAY

Don’t miss Del Mar’s only $1 million purse for 3-year-olds & up. A “Win And You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The day features five graded stakes races.

Free activities for the whole family including bungee trampolines, rock climbing walls and more. FREE admission for kids under 18 with a parent or guardian.

To help ease the burden for active-duty and veteran military families in San Diego County, Cox Communications launched “Cox Salutes,” a new offer that features a $100 prepaid debit card for new San

• ConnectAssist — $30/month for speeds up to 100Mbps (for households without K-12 children and ideal for those who receive a VA pension or survivors benefits).

• Connect2Compete — $9.95/month for speeds up to 100Mbps for families with children in grades K-12 to ensure digital equity for

GUN STORE

Cox store locations in North County include Oceanside, Escondido and San Marcos.

Internet connectivity has been an important service to meet educational and employment needs, but also telehealth to make mental health services and virtual doctor’s appointments easier to access.

COX LAUNCHED “Cox Salutes,” which features a $100 prepaid debit card for new San Diego customers who sign up for a Cox internet plan by Aug. 15. Courtesy photo

Escondido family makes zombie movie

— A local family of filmmakers has teamed up to create a family-friendly zombie comedy, “Don’t Get Eaten,” which will soon be available on several streaming platforms.

Brothers Joe and George Simon spent their formative years writing, filming, and editing comedic short films together while growing up in Western Michigan and American Samoa. The two attended filmmaking school at John Paul Catholic University in Escondido, where George met his now-wife, Melinda Simon, who was also a student.

Twelve years ago, while in school, the brothers discussed creating a funny zombie movie together one day. That night, George Simon stayed up all night writing what would become the first draft of “Don’t Get Eaten.”

The idea matured over time, and about a decade later, the two brothers were ready to write and direct the movie. Melinda joined the fun, producing it and starring in a lead role.

“The idea came from thinking about how funny it would be if you had a zombie movie whose main character didn’t want to use lethal force against the zombies because they didn’t know if there was a cure or if they were actually zombies,” George Simon said.

“Another key part that was funny to us is the idea of someone trying to hide a zombie apocalypse from another person.”

“Don’t Get Eaten” fol-

lows the story of a family whose exasperated mother tries to keep her family afloat while her internet streamer husband creates zombie survival videos with

their daughters. A couples therapist prescribes the family a technology-free getaway, during which an actual zombie apocalypse sets off.

George and Melinda Simon, along with their three young children and more than a dozen bags of filmmaking equipment, left their Escondido home in March 2022 and traveled to Michigan, where Joe Simon and his wife lived with their then-seven (now eight) children.

The film’s small crew also flew out from all over the country to join them, several of whom were George’s former students.

“I was so fortunate to be asked to be a part of this project,” Cian Magner, a JPCatholic graduate and the film’s director of photography, told the university last year. “George, Joe, and Melinda are incredible filmmakers with a passion for creation that you can’t help but be inspired by. I’ll always look back fondly on our winter in Michigan together.”

After the brothers earned their MBA in film production from JPCatholic, George Simon began teaching there as a professor. Now, he leads the university’s feature film program, while Melinda is an adjunct professor.

As the parents looked after all the younger kids, the Simon brothers, along with Melinda and Joe’s

three oldest children, who co-star in the film, got to work for an entire month.

The film was finished in August, after which private screenings were held at The Ritz Theater in Escondido for university students and alums and in Michigan for friends and family.

The family team began screening at film festivals, including the Omaha Film Festival, the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in Iowa, and the PRAYnksters Comedy & Family Film Festival.

“Every person who worked on this movie was driven by love of the game and a genuine desire to support one another in this crazy life we’ve chosen as filmmakers,” Melinda Simon told the university last year.

“I will never cease to be thankful for our crew. We faced some extraordinary challenges along the way, but this only makes me more proud of the movie we were able to create.”

The family is currently working on delivering the movie to its distributor for a broader release on platforms including Apple TV, Amazon, Roku TV and Xbox.

The Simon family looks forward to sharing their finished product with the community.

“We’re really proud of the film,” Simon said.

SDHS lowers fees to urge pet adoptions

The San Diego Humane Society’s

“Clear the Shelters” month promotion runs through Sept. 10, with adoption fees reduced by 50% to help alleviate crowded shelters.

The organization will also waive all adoption fees on Sept. 7 for a special “Clear the Shelters” day. The promotions are part of NBC Universal and Telemundo’s Clear the Shelters month, intended to spread awareness about the importance of pet adoption.

“You can be a hero for animals by being part of the solution,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society.

According to the organization, unlike previous years, the shelter has an abundance of puppies and kittens. Every adopted animal comes spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego.

Adoptions take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

All available pets can be seen at sdhumane.org/ adopt.

RAIN, WIND, AND FIRE...

“The three menaces to any chimney, fireplace, or stove.”

Every year there are over twenty thousand chimney/ fireplace related house fires in the US alone. Losses to homes as a result of chimney fires, leaks and wind damage exceeds one hundred million dollars annually in the US.

CHIMNEY SWEEPS, INC., one of San Diego’s leading chimney repair and maintenance companies, is here to protect you and your home from losses due to structural damage and chimney fires.

Family owned and operated and having been in business for over 30 years, Chimney Sweeps Inc. is a fully licensed and insured chimney contracting company (License #976438) and they are certified with the National Fireplace Institute and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

For a limited time, readers of this paper will receive a special discount on our full chimney cleaning and safety inspection package with special attention to chimney water intrusion points in preparation for the rainy season.

THE SIMON BROTHERS, Joe and George, alongside other family members, recently released the zombie comedy film
“Don’t Get Eaten.” Courtesy photo

LA writer explores city's origins, opportunities

Thit the road

ackling the history of Los Angeles — the sprawling, chaotic, seemingly amorphous neighbor to the north — had to be as intimidating as the L.A. freeway system is to a visitor from Des Moines, but native Angelino, author and historian Paul Haddad has pulled it off.

“I didn’t invent the phrase, but Los Angeles is the city that shouldn’t exist,” he said during a phone call discussing his newly published “Inventing Paradise: The Power Brokers Who Created the Dream of Los Angeles.” “The Los Angeles River had the capacity to serve only 200,000 people, the city was hemmed in by the mountains and the closest natural harbor was 21 miles south.”

But it was the “human factor,” the enduring need to find Shangri La, to be at peace with our environment, that canceled out the roadblocks to creating Los Angeles.

“It’s almost in our DNA that we are always seeking the promised land or the perfect place — Eden,” Haddad added, and that’s how this piece of earth in Southern

California was viewed and promoted.

Haddad’s extensive research (the book includes 68 pages of notes, maps, appendices, bibliographies, attributions and indexes) has yielded a tale of the forces that shaped Los Angeles from the 1890s to 1932 when the city hosted the Olympic Summer Games.

“That’s when the city achieved pretty much the square mileage it is now.” the author said.

Those forces include what Haddad calls the Mount Rushmore of Los Angeles: Henry Huntington (1850-1927), Moses Sherman (1853-1932), William Mulholland (1855-1935) and

Harry Chandler (1864-1944)

— magnates of the Gilded Age who recognized the paradise that L.A. could be.

“These men had careers that overlapped and they were all long-lived, but mostly they were business associates,” Haddad said. “They were enemies and frenemies depending on what was happening. They were not politicians but had a lot of sway with city hall.”

The Big Four controlled the big four: transportation, real estate, information and access to water, all of which helped propel the once small Spanish settlement of El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles into today’s city of nearly 500

square miles, 4 million residents and a metro area of more than 12 million.

While some find Los Angeles overwhelming, Haddad sees the city and his Los Feliz neighborhood as places worthy of exploration and full of opportunity.

“I feel attached because I grew up here,” he said. “I’m able to look past the veneer of problems — high rents, homelessness, an inefficient bureaucracy and air pollution. I love the arts. You can find inspiration here any day. Yesterday I went to the (100-year-old, refurbished) Vista Theatre, which is within walking distance of my house, to see a movie that’s hardly ever screened.”

Others who seek out Los Angeles also “are similarly curious…and feel connected to the city by visiting its preserved places and taking advantage of the mountains and trails.”

And, as it so happens, Haddad has a book to help do just that: “10,000 Steps A Day in L.A.: 57 Walking Adventures.” The guide takes walkers to legendary locations as well as the more “hidden, unsung and quirky sites.” And always the historian, the author includes stories of the past.

“I wanted to debunk the notion that Los Angeles is a city hostile to pedestrians,” he said. “I take joy in upending narratives. You dig a lit-

tle deeper and you find there is another side of things.”

Both books by Haddad are published by Santa Monica Press in Solana Beach. In his 58 years, Haddad has seen immense change in his hometown.

“I grew up in Beverly Hills before it was a global center of business and ostentation,” he said. “It was a sleepy town before all the bling. I was a latchkey kid who grew up exploring around Mulholland Drive. My grandmother had horses in the (San Fernando) Valley. There were drive-in theaters. It was an idyllic upbringing.” For more discussion and photos, visit www.facebook. com/elouise.ondash.

e’louise ondash
BESIDES BEING a major tourist draw, Moses Sherman’s Los Angeles-Pacific Railroad in the early 1900s greased the wheels for L.A.’s westward development, according to author and historian Paul Haddad. At right, Haddad at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks. The native Angelino has written extensively about the history of Los Angeles and how to best see the sprawling metro area. Public domain Wikimedia Commons/Courtesy photo

In loving memory of Dr. Jeffrey Pearson

May 2, 1957 - August 4, 2024

Jeffrey Pearson was a great appreciator of jokes, so much so, that he would demand of his patients that they share with the office a joke prior to treatment being rendered. And we won’t even discuss his trademark red clown nose, but suffice

In loving memory of Robert Thomas Donath

July 29, 2024

Robert Thomas Donath, a proud Veteran of the United States Army, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024; he was 96 years old.

Rob grew up in the Bronx, New York and enlisted in the US Army in 1946

it to say, he was a big hit with the younger patients. They also loved when Dr. Pearson pulled coins out of their ears, or riveted them with card tricks. Jeff was a compassionate doctor, and not just with patients. For more than 35 years, he mentored

at the age of 17. He was a long-time resident of Saratoga Springs, but his heart was always in Oceanside, California where he enjoyed golf, being with friends, and having a manhattan with his buddies at the Elks Club.

He valued his military service greatly and attained the rank of Major. As a part of his service, he was recognized with the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Occupational Medal (Japan), Victory Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Campaign Ribbon and the UN Ribbon. Rob developed a proficiency in the Thai language and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Over his tenure in the US Army, he held various command and staff positions in Infantry and Armor Units operations, personnel and intelligence. Rob retired after 21 years of service.

Rob also led a successful Real Estate career after

Submission Process

Please email your verbiage in email or word document format and a photo to obits@coastnewsgroup.com or call (760) 436-9737. All photo attachments should be sent in jpeg format, no larger than 3MB. the photo will print 1.625” wide by 1.5” tall inh black and white. Timeline

Obituaries should be received by Friday prior at 12 p.m. for the next Friday’s newspaper. One proof will be e-mailed to the customer for approval no later than Monday at 10 a.m.

countless young doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. He wanted them to learn the “art” of medicine, apart from its technical aspects: how to communicate with patients, be a good listener, and make them feel comfortable. As an osteopath with a Family and Sports Medicine practice, he understood the importance of treating patients holistically, noting that issues in one system or body can affect other seemingly unrelated regions.

Jeff worked with athletes on all levels, from Pop Warner to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. His volunteer work also included being Head Team Physician for Rancho Bernardo High School, and Team Physician at several other local high schools. He also volunteered medical services at UC San Marcos, as well as at two local colleges.

Mostly, though, Jeff will be remembered for the zest with which he lived his life. He was endlessly upbeat, even after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis two years ago. He was an accomplished magician who never went anywhere

his retirement from the US Army in the North County San Diego area for 12 years. Rob was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Carol Jayne Donath.

A full military service honoring the life of Robert will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

A United States Veteran-

I have done things that haunt me in my sleep, so you may sleep at night safely. I have been away from my home for long periods of time, to make your home a safer place. I have sacrificed a lot in my life, so you may live a life of peace, I have sworn an oath to my country, and I will still live by this oath until I am buried, because I am, and always will be a UNITED STATES VETERAN

without a deck of cards in his pocket. Even at chemo sessions and hospital visits, he would regale the staff with his magic wizardry. Jeff developed an inseparable bond with his magician community, all of whom wish that Jeff’s passing was just a sleight of hand, just another one of his many tricks.

Music was one of his life’s loves, having been playing guitar and other assorted instruments since his early school years. He was a prolific songwriter/musician whose songs, both happy and sad, echoed his innermost feelings and loves, as well as his trademark sense of humor. (These can be found on his website, medicine-in-motion. com). Jeff and his wife Laurie (whom he lovingly called “Folgers”), hosted weekly karaoke and movie nights at their home. Jeff wanted everyone to have as much fun as he did.

Above everything else, Jeff was a great humanitarian. He helped anybody and everybody, lending physical and emotional support to anyone in need. Among his many other activities, he and his staff of other dedicated

volunteers would travel monthly to the Tijuana border to provide medical care to migrant families. He was also a proud liberal and absorbed himself in educational political podcasts daily.

Finally, Jeff was a loving big brother to sisters Lori and Wendy, who crossed the country in June so that the three of them could all be together for the first time in years. At the end of that week, Jeff announced, with much satisfaction, that he had achieved his final goal, which was to show his sisters a wonderful time, and that he did. We are all blessed with that memory, and so, so many more.

Sadly, Jeff died on August 4, 2024. He was one-of-a kind whose passing leaves a huge void in all those who loved him.

In addition to his sisters, he is survived by his beloved wife, Laurie, and adored children Samantha, Michael A., and Michael E., and six loving nieces and nephews. In celebration of Jeff’s life, please think of him fondly whenever you eat a cannoli.

Jose Luis Gudino Orozco Vista August 6, 2024

Helen Hidalgo Oceanside

August 5, 2024

Elizabeth Ann Lane San Marcos August 2, 2024

Glen Martinus Andersen Vista August 1, 2024

William Roswell Pund Encinitas

August 2 2024

Maria Ramirez Vista

July 31, 2024

Juana Estrada Oceanside

July 29, 2024

Share the story of your loved ones life... because every life has a story.

For more information call (760) 436.9737 or email us at: obits@coastnewsgroup.com

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” — Irish proverb

Senior Citizens

There is something very special about the ring of those words “Senior Citizens!” These little two words imply seniority, knowledge and experience. They are all these things and more. Much more. Living fully, usefully, and with dignity. Learning, earning, striving, giving, sharing, being a human being with compassion, understanding and depth. These are qualities that are earned ~ and our Senior Citizens have earned them indeed!

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan declared each August 21st to be Senior Citizens Day. We single out these wonderful people in a special way to pay them respect and homage. They are useful, capable, wise, helpful, and willing. Everything we each strive to be.

Please Join Us in Honoring Our Senior Citizens!

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EVENTS CALENDAR

AUG. 16

MINGLE & MOVE

Mingle and move to the grooves of the ’70s. $7, 2-4 p.m. Aug. 16 at Encinitas Community and Senior Cetner, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.

‘THE PROM’

Award-winning Ovation Theatre proudly presents the North San Diego County premiere of “The Prom,” a heartwarming musical comedy that follows a group of hilariously narcissistic Broadway actors. $28$38, Aug. 16-18 at Howard Brubeck Theatre at Palomar College, 1140 W Mission Rd, San Marcos.

SAN DIEGO STORYTELLERS

Marilyn McPhie, president of the San Diego Storytellers, promises to delight, captivate and entertain attendees of MiraCosta College’s LIFE series. Free, 2:30 p.m. at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside.

AUG. 17

PINE MOUNTAIN LOGS

Check out the world’s best cover band, The Pine Mountain Logs, and Venice. $30-$53, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

BATIQUITOS FAMILY WALK

Batiquitos Lagoon will have a family walk with a focus on the historical geology of the lagoon and its larger region. Free, 10 a.m. at Batiquitos Lagoon, 7380 Gabbiano Ln, Carlsbad.

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the award-winning resort located in the coastal canyons of San Diego, is thrilled to bring Grand Cinema Under the Stars presented by Fatboy. Free-$20, 8 p.m. at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand del Mar Ct, San Diego.

MENTORS RECEPTION

This groundbreaking exhibit highlights the enriching dynamics of intergenerational co-mentorship, creative influence, and inspiration, bringing together a diverse group of artists and poets. Free, 12-2 p.m. Aug. 17 at Front Porch Gallery, 2903 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.

DNA INTEREST GROUP

Sponsored by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society, the DNA Interest Group will hear an “Adoption Meets DNA” presentation from DNA expert Beth Swartz. Free, 1 p.m. at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad.

FERMENTED CONDIMENTS

Learn how to stock your fridge with homemade fermented probiotic condiments. $72-$134, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Maya

OVATION THEATRE presents the North County premiere of “The Prom,” a musical comedy, with shows Aug. 16-18 at Brubeck Theatre on the campus of Palomar College in San Marcos. Courtesy photo/Ovation Theatre

Moon Collective, 3349 Adams Ave, San Diego.

MONTELL JORDAN

Join us at SeaWorld San Diego to see Montell Jordan, R&B icon who has left an unforgettable mark with his smooth vocals and timeless hits, including the classic anthem “This Is How We Do It.” $60+. 6 p.m. at Bayside Amphitheater, SeaWorld, 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego.

ILLUSIONS AT THE WELK

Internationally acclaimed illusionist and comedy magician Anthony Hernandez brings his award-winning show back to Theatre at the Welk on Saturday nights throughout August. $42 and up. 7-9 p.m. Aug. 17 at Welk Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr, Escondido.

COUNTRY HOEDOWN

An old fashioned, country hoedown for seniors in the Carmel Valley area. Free, 3-6 p.m. Aug. 17 at Westmont of Carmel Valley, 5720 Old Carmel Valley Rd, San Diego.

AUG. 18

BE THE LIGHT GALA Shelter to Soldier, a nonprofit that adopts dogs for post-9/11 veterans, will host is 12th Annual Be the Light Gala to benefit its programs. $800, 5-9 p.m. Aug. 18 at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar.

BLOOMING BOOTS

Hey art enthusiasts and kombucha lovers! We are thrilled to invite you to a fun-filled Paint and Sip evening of creativity and refreshments. $45, 5-7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Local Roots, 1430 Vantage Ct, Vista.

JAZZ EVENSONG

Jazz Evensong is a free, weekly event held every Sunday afternoon that offers a unique blend of jazz rooted

in the context of Anglican meditation and prayer. 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s-by-theSea Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.

AUG. 19

UCP GOLF CLASSIC

The United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County Organization is holding its annual benefit golf classic event at the El Camino Country Club. The event includes lunch, golf, cart, dinner and more. $350, 11:30 a.m. at El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way, Oceanside.

BEYOND TIKTOK

In this hands-on workshop, students will explore a mini college fair and discuss dozens of ways to gather college intel. This class is for rising grades 9, 10, & 11 students. $50-$65, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.

‘ITALIAN BRED’

Italian Bred, the hilarious and heartwarming hit one woman show, written by and starring Candice Guardino is coming to North Coast Rep at 7:30 p.m on Aug. 19 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 20. $42, at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach.

AUG. 20

CULTURED ICE CREAM

Learn how to make cultured milk products through fermentation, and celebrate summer by indulging in cultured ice cream (dairy and vegan). $79, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Maya Moon Collective, 3349 Adams Ave, San Diego.

TWILIGHT IN THE PARK

Enjoy summer concerts with family and friends and don’t forget to bring a picnic. Free, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Rd E, San Diego.

AUG. 21

SENIOR CENTER’S 50TH

Join the city of Vista in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, featuring live music by Ricky Rivas, Handel’s Ice Cream, face painting, balloons, dance demos and more. Free, 1-4 p.m. Aug. 21 at Gloria McClellan Vista Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista.

HEYDEN HALL RIBBON CUT

Join us for the celebration of MiraCosta College’s Theresia M. Heyden Hall on the Oceanside Campus. The new building, named in honor of Theresia M. Heyden, will provide a consolidated location and modern facilities for all Allied Health programs. RSVP online. Free, 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside.

JOB FAIR

This Oceanside job fair will feature over 40 employers from industries including manufacturing, hospitality, health, education, and more. May include onsite interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to register in advance. Free, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at Oceanside Civic Center Library, 330 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

GOP CLUB

The Republican Club of North County will present local Republican candidates running for office in Vista, Oceanside and Carlsbad at its August meeting. $35, 12 p.m. at The Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way, Oceanside.

AUG. 22

CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE

Don’t miss American blues harmonica player and bandleader Charlie Musselwhite and special guest Kid Ramos. $44.25. Ages 21+. 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

various composting methods, and more. Free, 10:30 a.m. at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista.

WILD DUCK 5K

The North County Road Runners present its 19th Annual Martha Walker Wild Duck 5K cross country race. Open to the public. $30, 8 a.m. at Guajome Park, N Santa Fe Ave, Oceanside.

‘8-TRACK’

The New Village Arts center presents the opening night of “8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s.” Opening night features a reception and reception and Handel’s Ice Cream after the performance. The showruns from Aug. 16 - Sept. 15. $70, Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center, 2787 State St, Carlsbad.

DELIGHTFUL DOLLS

GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY

Experience the third annual Marea Sessions concert series, featuring Ghostland Observatory and Bob Haro. Proceeds benefit Rob Machado Foundation. $187.50, 7 p.m. at Alila Marea Beach Resort, 2100 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas.

ORFILA WINE DINNER

Indulge in a sophisticated evening at Brickmans Restaurant and Bar with an exclusive wine dinner featuring the distinguished wines of locally based Orfila Vineyard. $110, 6 p.m. at Brickmans Restaurant and Bar, 1025 La Bonita Dr, San Marcos.

SUMMER NIGHTS

Join San Diego Botanic Garden at its highly anticipated Summer Nights, every Thursday from July 11 through August 29. $20$22, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 22 at San Diego Botanical Gardens, 300 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas.

AUG. 23

MARION BRASHEARS GILL Kristi Hawthorne of the Oceanside Historical Society will present the life of Marion Brashears Gill, the wife of famous architect Irving Gill. 2:30 p.m. at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside.

RANKED CHOICE VOTING

Marcela Miranda-Caballero of the League of Women Voters will explain why the league supports changing how we vote in local and state elections to ranked choice voting. 1 p.m. at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside.

AUG. 24

SAVE YOUR SCRAPS

The workshop will guide attendees through reducing food waste while shopping and cooking, the benefits and drawbacks of

Delightful Dolls of Southern California is having its 45th annual doll show and sale with treasures from teddy bears and stuffed toys to vintage doll clothing, Barbies and antique dolls. $6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 24 at Handlery Hotel, 950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego.

DEATH CAFE

A death cafe brings strangers together to discuss death and increase awareness with a view of helping people make the most of their finite lives. Hosted by Death Doula Selena Jong. Free, 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 24 at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Dr, Encinitas.

WHOLE HOG

Whole Hog is a bluegrass band that performs timeless hits, eclectic selections from the roots of Americana music. $15-$18, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Ave, Carlsbad.

NEWSBOYS

Join us at SeaWorld San Diego to see Newsboys, with a decades-spanning career and a vastly impressive catalog blending different styles and genres. $60+. 6 p.m. at Bayside Amphitheater, SeaWorld, 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego.

SANDPIPERS DANCE

The Sandpipers Square Dance Club will host a community dance to introduce interested attendees to square dancing. Singles, couples and families welcome. Wear casual attire. Refreshments included. $10, 6-7 p.m. Aug. 24 at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S Nardo Ave, Solana Beach.

PICKLE FOR THE PANTRY

A full day of pickleball fun; raising funds to fight hunger among local school children. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at Vista Pickleball CLub, 685 Taylor St, Vista.

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257

TRIVIA TEST #12345_20240812 FOR RELEASE AUGUST 12, 2024

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257

TRIVIA TEST #12345_20240812 FOR RELEASE AUGUST 12, 2024

1. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin prefix “audio-” mean in English?

2. TELEVISION: Gladys Kravitz is the annoying neighbor in which TV comedy?

3. ANATOMY: About how many taste buds does the average human tongue have?

4. GEOGRAPHY: The Brandenburg Gate is in which European capital city?

5. HISTORY: Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during WWII?

6. MOVIES: Which movie features the line “I’m the king of the world!”?

7. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the Egyptian sun god?

8. LITERATURE: “The Great Gatsby” is set in which U.S. city?

9. MONEY: What is the basic currency of Poland?

1. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin prefix “audio-” mean in English?

1. LANGUAGE: What does the Latin prefix “audio-” mean in English?

10. FOOD & DRINK: Which country is associated with the side dish kimchi?

2. TELEVISION: Gladys Kravitz is the annoying neighbor in which TV comedy?

Answers

2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

3. ANATOMY: About how many taste buds does the average human tongue have?

2. TELEVISION: Gladys Kravitz is the annoying neighbor in which TV comedy?

4. GEOGRAPHY: The Brandenburg Gate is in which European capital city?

3. ANATOMY: About how many taste buds does the average human tongue have?

5. HISTORY: Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during WWII?

6. MOVIES: Which movie features the line “I’m the king of the world!”?

4. GEOGRAPHY: The Brandenburg Gate is in which European capital city?

7. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the Egyptian sun god?

8. LITERATURE: “The Great Gatsby” is set in which U.S. city?

5. HISTORY: Who was the leader of the Soviet Union during WWII?

9. MONEY: What is the basic currency of Poland?

Korea (North and South).

1. “Sound” or “hearing” (e.g. “audiophile”).

2. “Bewitched.”

3. 2,000-8,000.

4. Berlin, Germany.

5. Joseph Stalin.

6. “Titanic.”

7. Ra.

8. New York.

9. Zloty.

“Bewitched.”

10. Korea (North and South).

6. MOVIES: Which movie features the line “I’m the king of the world!”?

(e.g. -“audio phile”).

10. FOOD & DRINK: Which country is associated with the side dish kimchi? Answers

7. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the Egyptian sun god?

1. “Sound” or “hearing” (e.g. “audiophile”).

8. LITERATURE: “The Great Gatsby” is set in which U.S. city?

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

2. “Bewitched.” 3. 2,000-8,000. 4. Berlin, Germany. 5. Joseph Stalin. 6. “Titanic.”

9. MONEY: What is the basic currency of Poland?

10. FOOD & DRINK: Which country is associated with the side dish kimchi?

Answers

1. “Sound” or “hearing” (e.g. “audiophile”).

2. “Bewitched.”

3. 2,000-8,000.

4. Berlin, Germany.

5. Joseph Stalin.

6. “Titanic.”

7. Ra.

8. New York.

9. Zloty.

10. Korea (North and South).

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Joseph Stalin.
“Titanic.”
Ra.
New York.
Zloty.

How Learn4Life high schools help San Diego teens achieve diplomas

For Christine W., freshman year of high school was an ordeal. The same students who bullied her in middle school were at her new high school.

“The idea of walking through those gates gave me so much anxiety,” she says. “I hated school.” Unable to focus or dedicate herself to her schoolwork, she began to fail and eventually just dropped out.

There are many reasons students drop out of high school. Poverty, pregnancy, homelessness, bullying or just losing interest can cause students to skip class.

Learn4Life, a network of free, nonprofit public charter high schools, takes a dynamic approach to reengage students. The average student who enrolls in Learn4Life has been out of school for 11.4 weeks. Through personalized learning, mentoring and job skills training, the program has been highly successful in reengaging dropouts and keeping them in school.

Here’s how:

1. Deal with issues outside the classroom. Whether it's counseling to help with issues they’re facing or mentoring to build confidence, helping students deal with life gives them stability to succeed.

CSUSM

CONTINUED FROM 7

ketball teams were practicing next to the Boys & Girls Club. Seeing that growth from then to now is exciting.”

Funding has long been a challenge for CSUSM athletics. During Shah’s time as interim AD, the program increased corporate sponsorships by 40% and saw an uptick in season ticket sales of 26%, with general admissions tickets up 76%.

“Money is always important,” Shah said. “Fundraising is always a priority for us and being able to supplement our budget. The state of California is going through some challenging budgetary times. We need to look at that and plan and continue to grow while being responsible fiscally.”

With longtime coaching staples Renee Jimenez (women’s basketball) and Stef Ewing (softball) departing for new head jobs elsewhere, Shah oversaw the difficult task of finding

2. Meet students where they are. Not every student is at the same emotional, academic or mental level as their peers. Through one-on-one attention and personalized instruction, students can get help where they most need it.

3. Remove obstacles to learning. Basics like transportation, needing to work or childcare can prevent students from returning to school. Flexible schedules and connecting them with community partners for essential resources can make a big difference in their ability to learn.

4. Make them feel safe Creating a respectful and safe place to learn is essential for removing social anxieties and fears that can hinder learning.

5. Let them see a future. Through job skills training programs, students can prepare for a future beyond a diploma. As a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partner, Learn4Life offers courses in career exploration and work-readiness skills.

For 15 years, Learn4Life has served more than 25,000 San Diego students and families through trauma-resilient education and wraparound community support. With Learn4Life’s personalized learning program has

replacements, hiring Jana Pearson as the new women’s basketball coach and A.J. Robinson to lead the softball program.

“We want this place to be the best possible place for our student athletes and our staff,” Shah said. “It’s trying to cultivate relationships and understanding there are individual goals [that may take coaches elsewhere].

“Selfishly, I want our coaches to stick around but I also understand they have their own aspirations. So, my job is to help them in that. Division II is very much life in the balance.”

Shah didn’t know the interim role would become permanent, but he’s ready to get to work.

“I took it as I am here to do what’s best for our campus and department; If it ended up being permanent that would be a tremendous honor and dream come true,” he said. “Looking forward to this year and seeing some things we can grow and improve on is exciting.”

ment.

rested the driver, authorities said Aug. 10.

The traffic stop was made just before 10:30 p.m. Aug. 9 near the 1900 block of West Vista Way, west of Emerald Drive, by deputies with the Gang Enforcement Team, according to a Sheriff’s Department press state-

Deputies found a privately made, unregistered firearm, also called a ghost gun, in the possession of the driver, 36-year-old Michael Beason, officials said.

Deputies planned to book Beason into the Vista Detention Facility for suspicion of possessing an undetectable firearm and other related firearms charges.

allowed more than 7,000 students who might not have ever graduated to achieve a high school diploma.

The Learn4Life Way

• Personalized Learning — Lessons are built around the skills, talents and learning style of the individual student.

• One-on-One Attention — Students are paired with a supervising teacher with support from tutors, counselors and administrative staff.

• Flexibility — Responsibilities can make a regular school day impossible, so Learn4Life works with students' schedules to encourage school completion.

• Safe Environment — Campuses have controlled access and security monitoring so the focus can be on learning.

• Workforce Training — Corporate partnerships and job readiness programs prepare students for the real world while filling the need for a skilled workforce.

Learn4Life is successful with 88% of students, either helping them graduate, catch up on credits or continue their high school education in pursuit of a diploma. And 41% of Learn4Life graduates go on to college

BAN

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

ta Municipal Code as using public property for living accommodation purposes such as sleeping activities or preparing to sleep, storing of personal property and sleeping in vehicles.

Homeless Services Manager Jonathan Lung emphasized the city will continue to focus on outreach and offering services when the ban is in effect. Personal property cleared from encampments will be held for 72 hours at the city’s public works yard for individuals to pick up, and valuables like photos, money, religious items and identification documents will also be safely stored.

“Anytime there is a notice of property removal posted on the public rightof-way, social workers are notified and will attempt outreach if there are folks on site,” Lung said.

Holly Herring, who was formerly homeless and now works as a homelessness advocate, said she is grate-

BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED

SAN MARCOS — A Temecula woman was arrested on multiple felony charges — including residential burglary — as part of an ongoing investigation in the San Marcos area, authorities said Aug. 10.

As part of the investigation, detectives from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station

ful for the city’s initiatives to address homelessness in recent years. These have included inclusionary housing requirements, the Safe Parking Site, and the opening of the city’s low barrier shelter, the Buena Creek Navigation Center.

However, she said the city needs to offer more services before it can enforce an encampment ban.

“I’m really grateful that we are making strides toward resolving homelessness and preventing homelessness. But clearing encampments is like putting the cart before the horse,” Herring said. “I dont think it’s right. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should, necessarily.”

Contreras said she would be in favor of the ordinance if the council could bring back a discussion to clarify the definition of “camping,” raising concerns about people simply napping or having picnics in the park.

She also said the city should talk further about citations and misdemean-

served a search warrant on the 43000 block of Kensington Place in Temecula on Aug. 9.

The resident, Katie Rhew, was also a suspect in the crimes and was arrested during a traffic stop two blocks from her home, with the assistance of deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, according to the San Diego

ors for those violating the encampment ordinance, as these could hurt their chances of obtaining housing or employment in the future, which would be counterproductive.

“Without that, I cannot do that. There are just too many questions and too many ways for folks who are already hurting to continue to be hurt,” Contreras said.

Councilmember Katie Melendez shared similar concerns, saying she does not want to see people placed in jail due to having an encampment.

Chung said he is not aware of any citations issued in the city for homeless encampments since March 2020, when the Centers for Disease Control advised cities not to clear encampments to prevent spread of disease.

Mayor John Franklin emphasized that continuing to offer shelter and services to unhoused individuals is crucial. However, he said the city needs to use jail as a tool to convince people to accept services, and that the state

County Sheriff’s Department.

During the subsequent search of the home, detectives recovered several items stolen during a residential burglary in San Marcos, including several designer bags valued at more than $5,000, authorities said.

During the search of the Chevrolet Suburban Rhew was driving, detectives re-

also needs to provide funding for treatment facilities to assist those living on the street with substance abuse issues and severe mental illness.

“The people who are unsheltered are not mentally well enough from substance use disorder or mental illness to accept the help we are offering,” he said. “We have, for some reason, stopped using compulsory process and involuntary treatment.”

The discussion ended on a tense note, as Franklin began to state emphatically that women are “raped everyday” in encampments. Contreras became upset and reminded him that there are children listening to the meeting, and said the conversation had “gone beyond” its original focus.

Franklin became more agitated, saying he was trying to protect the children and asking Contreras, “You think you’re the only one who cares about the children?” Contreras then briefly left the chamber and did not vote on the item.

covered two packages that had just been stolen from an unincorporated area near De Luz.

The packages were returned to their owners and those thefts are still under investigation.

Rhew was booked into the Vista Jail on residential burglary, possession of illegal drugs and identity theft charges.

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