Inland Edition, July 19, 2024

T he CoasT News

Ex-VUSD employee is guilty

By Laura Place VISTA — A former Vista Unified School Dis-

trict employee and Carlsbad water polo coach pleaded guilty July 8 to several charges after allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl at an Oceanside park last year.

Conner Chanove, 28, of Carlsbad, pleaded guilty in Vista Superior Court to three felonies, including two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 14 and one count of luring a minor for sex, and one misdemeanor count of arranging an illicit meeting with a minor.

He previously pleaded not guilty to four felonies in November.

Chanove’s plea includes a stipulated 10-year prison sentence, and he has been remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing hearing on Aug. 5, according to San Diego County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Tanya Sierra.

Law enforcement arrested Chanove in November after a woman reported that she had discovered her 13-year-old daughter inside a vehicle with an adult male at Guajome Regional Park in Oceanside. The man was later identified as Chanove.

Prosecutors said Chanove’s pants were down, and the girl later disclosed that she had touched Chanove’s penis and kissed him.

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

Chanove was working part-time in the Vista Unified School District when he was arrested and had held roles as a substitute teacher, counselor and instructional aide.

He also worked as a girls’ coach for the Seaside Water Polo Club in Carlsbad and had previously worked as a lifeguard in Encinitas and Carlsbad.

SAN MARCOS MOVES QUICKLY TO ENACT BAN

Encampments in public areas soon to be illegal

By Laura Place SAN MARCOS —

The San Marcos City Council will amend the municipal code to prohibit homeless encampments on public property, regardless of whether shelter space is available, establishing one of the most restrictive bans in San Diego County.

In a 4-1 first-reading vote on Tuesday, with Councilmember María Nuñez opposed, the council agreed to ban encampments on all city-owned

streets, alleyways, parking lots, sidewalks, parks, open spaces, and areas near waterways, including San Marcos Creek.

Individuals who violate the ordinance can be issued infractions, including fines, at the city’s discretion.

The proposed ordinance, which will become city law if approved by the council after a second reading, was introduced less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark deci-

sion in Johnson v. Grants Pass.

In its 6-3 decision on June 28, the court’s conservative majority upheld a ban on homeless camping in Grants Pass, Oregon, finding that laws criminalizing sleeping in public spaces do not violate the Eighth Amendment’s protections against cruel and unusual punishment in the U.S. Constitution.

“It’s time to take action. We finally have the law behind us with the

most recent Supreme Court ruling,” said Mayor Rebecca Jones.

The ordinance explicitly bans the presence of encampments, defined as tents or other temporary structures used to shelter someone or their personal belongings, and “camping paraphernalia,” including tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, buckets, cots, and cooking equipment, on public property.

It also prohibits indi-

City to vote on tax bump

voters will be asked to approve a 1-cent sales tax to generate up to $20 million in additional revenue for various city services in November, following unanimous approval by the City Council on Tuesday.

Revenue from the proposed sales tax, which now goes on the Nov. 5 ballot, would go toward law enforcement and emergency response services, maintaining public streets and infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion, and maintaining parks, trails, playgrounds and community facilities.

Escondido also places a 1-cent sales tax increase on the ballot.

The need for new local revenue sources has grown more apparent in recent years, especially as the population continues to grow and San Marcos maintains one of the lowest shares of property tax in San Diego County at 6.6%.

The city had to dip into reserves to close a $3.8 million budget gap in 2023 and could only balance this year’s budget by making cuts in most departments. Without new revenue, the city will not be able to maintain the current quality of life in terms of safety and cleanliness, officials said.

“Every budget season that I’ve been here, it’s been nothing but cutting. Cut enough, and you hit bone,” said Councilmember Mike Sannella. “For me, this is really an easy decision. It is never a tough decision to give our residents a voice.”

Members of the city’s budget committee, fire department and

Vista commits $2M for affordable housing

By Laura Place

VISTA — The Vista City Council has committed $2 million for an affordable housing project on city surplus land along Vista Village Drive, with another agreement to come before the council for an adjacent affordable project along Palm Drive in the future.

The four-story 902 Vista

Village Drive project proposes 56 permanent supportive housing units (all studios) for those making 60% or less of the area median income (AMI), with half of the units set aside for those making 30% or less and 10% reserved for veterans.

On June 25, the City Council unanimously approved an exclusive negotiating agreement with Wakeland Housing Development Corporation and Tideline Partners for the Vista Village Drive project with a $2 million funding commitment.

According to the city,

The 211 Palm Drive project proposes 70 affordable units for residents 55 and older, making up to 60% of the AMI.

this show of formal support can strengthen the project’s chances of receiving crucial tax credits and other grants going forward.

“The goal in it is to keep people housed, and we work together as a team to make that happen, and the goal is to get people healthy, and TURN TO HOUSING ON 7

TWO HOMELESS men sit in a San Marcos parking lot with their belongings. Two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way, the San Marcos City Council voted to ban encampments on all city-owned property. The ban will take effect after a second reading of the ordinance. Photo by Frank Armstrong

CHANOVE

By Laura Place

SAN MARCOS — San Marcos

Gigi the mini horse is an Escondido service animal whose owner is teaching to line dance. Page 11

Hoofin’ it

San Diego congressmen call on Biden to exit race

By Samantha Nelson REGION — Local Reps.

Scott Peters (D-San Diego) and Mike Levin (D-San Juan Capistrano) have joined a growing group of Democrats calling on President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race.

Levin, whose district includes Vista, released a statement formally calling on Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee just moments after asking him to drop out of the race during the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s July 12 call with the president.

“First, let me say that President Biden has been an outstanding leader, not only of our nation, but of the entire free world. Making this statement is not easy,” Levin said. “I have deep respect for President Biden’s five plus decades of public service and incredible appreciation for the work

viduals from living in vehicles parked on public property.

Several speakers begged the city not to pass the ordinance, arguing that it criminalizes individuals living outside or in their cars as a last resort and qualifies as a human rights violation.

“This is criminalizing and making things even harder on those people trying to get housing or do even better,” said Angelica Santiago, speaking through tears. “It’s definitely hard, you know, people have fees and then you’re adding more fees and more fees. It’s definitely not okay.”

“We are talking about human beings, people who are in need. We need to treat them with compassion and decency. With no place to go, it’s deeply troubling to think that without any other options for people, you would like to see them arrested,” said Tracy Ganz.

City spokesperson Tess Sangster said the ordinance does not mandate that fines be issued for violators; it depends on the situation. Potential infractions start at $250 and can increase to $500 and $1,000 for second and third offenses, and an individual can be charged with a misdemeanor by the fourth violation of the same offense.

“The City will continue the compassionate approach it has been taking with respect to its unhoused population. This will include providing information regarding resources available to assist in finding alternative shelter and other services; it will also include citing for illegal camping or encampments when deemed appropriate, which will depend on the facts of any given situation,” Sangster said.

Jones and other council members argued that the ban does not criminalize homelessness itself but conduct that causes environmental, health and safety concerns, such as trash accumulation, blocking the

we’ve done together these last three and a half years. But I believe the time has come for President Biden to pass the torch.”

Nineteen Democratic members of the House and one Democratic U.S. senator have called on Biden to withdraw as of July 12, including Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.

The day before Levin’s public statement, Peters asked Biden to step down after the president concluded a high-stakes briefing with reporters on July 11 at the NATO Conference in Washington, D.C.

The White House characterized the briefing as a “big-boy press conference,” hoping to assuage fears about Biden’s age and mental acuity after the president appeared to lack energy and lose his train of thought in a disastrous June 27 de-

bate performance against former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump.

“The nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to President Biden for saving us from a second term of a Trump Presidency in 2020 and for leading with his huge heart and a steady hand in challenging times,” Peters said. “It’s now clear, however, that the president’s record of accomplishments will not translate

into similar success in his reelection campaign. This was not a blip. And while the Biden campaign claims the post-debate national polls remain relatively unchanged, polling in the swing states has worsened alarmingly. Today, I ask

my great affection for, and loyalty to, the president and those around him.’’

But just as he has in multiple appearances since the debate, Biden dug in last Thursday on his determination to stay in the race.

“I’m not in this for my

I have deep respect for Biden’s five plus decades of public service... but I believe the time has come to pass the torch.”

President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course. My conscience requires me to speak up and put loyalty to the country and to democracy ahead of

public right-of-way, waste dumping into storm drains, and fire risks.

In the first five months of the year, the city received 84 complaints about RVs and motorhomes parked for long periods of time along public streets or other public property. According to staff, several instances of individuals dumping human waste and black water directly into storm drains were reported.

“We’re faced with an environmental disaster that’s taking place right in front of our eyes,” said Councilmember Mike Sannella.

Under the ordinance, individuals camping on public property must be given at least 24 hours notice of their need to vacate, except in extreme situations. The city may seize any personal property not removed by this time, and information about where the property is being stored and can be recovered must be left at the site.

Nuñez said she could not support the ordinance and that the city should focus on providing more resources for individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

“Our unhoused individuals, although some may be criminals, that’s not what

we’re seeing … What I see are entire families, single moms with kids of all ages,” Nuñez said. “Making the possibility of criminalizing these individuals and families, I don’t think will help their situation. I don’t think it will help to solve homelessness.”

The council will hold its final vote after a second reading of the ordinance at its next regular meeting.

‘TAKE BACK THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY’

City leaders said they modeled the ordinance on restrictions in the cities of San Diego and Escondido, which have significantly higher rates of homelessness as well as shelters within their city boundaries.

San Diego’s controversial 2023 ban prohibits camping within two blocks of K-12 schools or a shelter, along trolley tracks and transportation hubs, within city parks, open spaces or waterways.

Escondido banned camping in all public spaces but changed its encampment regulations just two days before the Grants Pass decision, identifying more specific locations where it is prohibited.

San Marcos has among the lowest rates of homelessness in San Diego County, but like other cities, its numbers have increased over the years. From 2023 to 2024, the number of individuals tracked during the Regional Task Force on Homelessness Point in Time Count grew from two to 35.

While it does not have its own shelter, San Marcos contributes $120,000 annually to be part of the Alliance for Regional Solutions Bridge to Housing network, which connects North County residents to shortterm shelters.

Leaders also highlighted the 3,300 affordable housing units currently offered in San Marcos — 10% of its total housing stock — and partnerships with county social workers and organizations like PATH, which provide street outreach to unhoused residents and offer services and shelter.

However, residents and local organizations say this is not enough, as shelter space becomes more and more limited and the number of people becoming homeless outpaces those who are exiting homelessness.

“The proposed encampment ordinance ignores the severe shortage of both

temporary shelter and permanent supportive housing in our region. On a given day, only a handful of shelter beds become available when there are thousands of people who need them,” the social justice organization Alliance San Diego said in a letter to the city.

Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services in Escondido, said camping bans do not help resolve homelessness, as they often result in people being shuffled around to different unsheltered locations.

“We haven’t seen the data that they reduce homelessness, even in the small communities where they’re deployed. In San Diego, for example, we haven’t seen homelessness decrease since their ban,” Anglea said.

San Marcos City Attorney Helen Holmes Peak claimed that many homeless individuals turn down offers of shelter and other services because they want to live by their own rules. San Marcos was previously unable to ban camping if shelter space was available, but the Grants Pass ruling removes this barrier.

“Now, the city is able to enforce and essentially take back the public right-of-way for citizens, even if shelter is

legacy,” Biden said. “I’m in this to complete the job I started... My schedule has been full bore. So, if I slow down and can’t get the job done, that’s a sign that I

not available. It may not be an issue, because very often, the unhoused do not want shelter,” Peak said. “One of the things we are hoping with this prohibition … is that they will be encouraged to seek shelter and seek services and take advantage of those shelters and services when they are available.”

However, homelessness service providers have emphasized that there are several reasons someone might turn down a shelter bed. These include safety concerns, barriers such as the prohibition of pets or requirements to be sober, or distrust of law enforcement due to past negative experiences.

Anglea said he expects more of these bans in local cities after the Supreme Court decision.

“For us, it heightens the need to work in closer partnership and offer solutions for people to overcome homelessness, and not have to be moved from place to place … from one unsheltered location to another, but to be able to move from an unsheltered location into a sheltered location,” Anglea said.

In the city of Vista, leaders plan to bring forward their own camping restrictions on Aug. 13. This follows a discussion back in April in which the City Council said they would support a prohibition on camping within two blocks of a homeless shelter or school and 250 yards of a play structure or recreation field if a shelter bed is offered and refused.

It is unclear if the City Council will adopt stricter regulations in light of the Grants Pass decision.

In San Marcos, the city’s fire department said it has seen an increase in calls related to the unhoused population over the years—288 calls in 2021, 331 calls in 2022, and 290 calls in the first 10 months of 2023, according to department data. Most of these are calls for rescue or EMS, followed by good intent and service calls.

LEVIN

AN ENCAMPMENT along Valpreda Road in San Marcos, which has seen an increase in homelessness in recent years but still has one of the lowest rates in San Diego County. Courtesy photo/City of San Marcos

The CoasT News

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INTERNS

Beware gold scams

By Summer Stephan

Now that buying gold bars has come back into popularity with retailers such as Costco making the purchase easy, those of us in law enforcement are seeing a disturbing trend in which scammers, who are pretending to be government officials, bank representatives or computer technology support experts, are telling victims to buy gold, silver or other precious metals to protect their funds.

The financially devastating scam, as with many similar schemes, begins with a computer pop-up window telling the user that their computer has been hacked or that a virus has been detected on their device.

There are many iterations of how this scam plays out, such as bad actors saying they are from the Social Security Administration, a banking institution or a tech support employee. The outcome, however, does not vary. It ends with a victim, typically a senior citizen, being defrauded of their financial wealth and dignity.

The most common method is when a scammer fools a victim into thinking their computer has a virus or has been hacked and that the victim needs to allow “Microsoft” or some other company remote access the victim’s computer to protect them.

Deception joins insurance crisis

Blackmail has been the rule for the last year as insurance companies terrified California’s insurance commissioner into giving them their way on almost everything they want. Deception has now joined this scene.

The blackmail began when company after company canceled policies last winter while threatening to pull out of the state’s insurance sales market. When Commissioner Ricardo Lara gave in and granted price increases whose need had not been proven and thoroughly vetted, the industry turned to deception.

iled places to win virtually unfettered profits elsewhere.

What’s more, the rate levels from which that 5% increase would be figured would be the latest ones, not counting policies they previously canceled.

Our San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, made up of local and federal law enforcement partners, works collaboratively to hold these perpetrators accountable in state and federal prosecutions. One recent case involved a Carlsbad victim who reported to police that she was involved in a months-long scam by fraudsters posing as government, bank and tech-support employees. Eventually, when the

bad actors realized how much the victim had in savings, they convinced her she could safeguard her funds by obtaining gold bars and sending them to the U.S. Treasury, which would create a locker under her name.

Over the course of two months, the victim sent more than $1 million via wire transfers to a precious metal business located in San Marcos. She was told to give the precious metal, which was mostly gold,

• If anyone asks you to pay for something or to secure your money by wiring money, using crypto currency, Bitcoin, gift cards or to pay large sums of cash or buy gold, end contact with that person immediately. You are being scammed.

• Immediately talk to someone you trust.

• Never believe anyone who tells you that you will get into trouble if you tell someone else about a situation that involves your money or financial accounts.

Government officials and legitimate businesses will never request you purchase gold or other precious metals.

to an individual under the false pretense that it was being secured for safekeeping. She was actually giving her life savings to a criminal network.

Government officials and legitimate businesses will never request you purchase gold or other precious metals.

These tips could help prevent a scam from happening:

• Never allow anyone to install remote access software on your computer or to download apps on your phone.

• Never disclose your home address or agree to meet with unknown individuals to deliver cash or precious metals.

• Do not click on unsolicited pop-ups on your computer, links sent via text messages, or email links and attachments.

• Do not contact unknown telephone numbers provided in pop-ups, texts, or emails.

• Do not allow unknown individuals access to your computer.

If you suspect that you have been the victim of fraud, report it or any suspicious activities to the FBI IC3 at www.ic3.gov as quickly as possible and also report this to your local police agency. Be sure to include as much transaction information as possible including:

• The name of the person or company that contacted you.

• Methods of communication used, including websites, emails and telephone numbers.

• Any bank account number to which you wired funds and the recipient’s name.

• The name and location of the metal dealer company and the account to which you wired funds, if you were instructed to buy precious metals.

If you have been the victim of elder abuse, report it to Adult Protective Services: (800) 339-4661.

Summer Stephan is District Attorney of San Diego County.

This comes via manipulation of Lara, who is desperate for the companies to keep existing policies and write new ones for owners of property in areas the insurance industry deems endangered by wildfires, even if those areas have never burned.

Instead, Lara could have stood tall, telling the industry, “Either sell property insurance here, or sell no other coverages, either, like auto or life.”

Here’s how the new situation looks: If a company increases its market share in supposedly endangered areas to 85% of its statewide market share, that company will be authorized to use secret, socalled “black box” algorithms (another term for formulas) to set its rates in all parts of the state.

If a company writes 20% of all property policies statewide, it could get secrecy in rate-setting by insuring 17 of every 100 homes in threatened areas. If a company writes 10% of policies statewide, it could get rate freedom by selling 9% of policies in threatened places.

All other Californians will pay for such new availability in fire-prone areas via higher premiums. It was no accident that State Farm and Allstate, two of the largest insurers in America, announced planned price increases of 30% or more for homeowner policies soon after Lara’s plan was announced.

But wait. Now deception kicks in. For in order to get those increases, companies won’t really have to raise their market share in possible wildfire areas to 85% of their statewide market share.

Rather, they could get still get full freedom in setting premiums if they merely increase their number of policies in risky areas by 5%.

If, say, State Farm now writes 200 policies for homes in fire-plagued Malibu, it would only have to add 10 policies there and in similarly fire-per-

This is complete deception, coming after Lara trumpeted the supposed 85% of overall market share figure as a consumer boon.

The reality is that his new rules will put even more pressure than before on homeowners whose mortgage lenders require them to have fire coverage. Go without a homeowner policy for long and you could end up homeless.

This pressures homeowners to turn to the already overused state Fair Plan, California’s insurer of last resort, which for the most part charges higher premiums than any individual company, while offering less coverage than most other policies.

So the coverage expansion that was supposed to help consumers and eliminate panicked hunts for coverage will for the most part be small potatoes if this plan goes forward.

The bottom line here is that rates will soon rise for every Californian, including renters for whom insurance rates are often a pass-through added to their monthly expense.

Said Carmen Balber, executive director of the Consumer Watchdog advocacy group, “The massive loopholes in the text of the (new) regulation won’t get insurance companies selling (much) again in the hardest-hit areas of California.”

What’s more, price hikes will likely start quickly, while even the tiny requirements for more policies in the hardest-hit areas won’t begin until two years from now.

While Lara said the 5% increase alternative for sales in threatened areas is intended for small companies, it could also be used by giants like State Farm, Farmers and Allstate. It adds up to a pernicious mix of blackmail and deception with every property owner in the state now figuring to be victimized by rate increases topping even those already assessed over the last two years.

Samantha Mason

Fiona Bork

Sophie Love

tom elias

Esco council sends 1-cent sales tax increase to ballot

By Samantha Nelson ESCONDIDO —

The Escondido City Council agreed to send a citizen-led, 1-cent sales tax increase initiative for the city to the November ballot during its July 10 meeting.

If voters approve, the city’s sales tax rate will see a hike of 1 cent on the dollar, or 1%, bumping the city’s current rate to 8.75% for the next 20 years.

The sales tax revenue would be used primarily for public safety, increased police, fire and paramedic services, addressing homelessness, improving streets, sidewalks and other infra-

structure, reducing traffic congestion, and maintaining parks, trails and open space. A coalition of police, firefighters, city employees and local business owners banded together at the beginning of the year to get the 1-cent sales tax on the November ballot. For the next several months, the group collected thousands of signatures from Escondido residents who supported the ballot measure.

The coalition delivered approximately 11,898 signatures to the city clerk’s office on May 31.

According to City Clerk

Driving tutor admits to sex crimes with students

By City News Service

VISTA — An Escondido man arrested earlier this year on allegations of molesting and secretly filming multiple female students while he was working as a driving instructor pleaded guilty last week to child molestation and possession of child pornography.

Richard Joseph Banks, 51, who at the time of the offenses was an instructor with El Cajon-based American Driving School, was arrested in January on suspicion of sexually abusing female students during driving lessons, as well as “using secret cameras hidden in the instructional car to record his students’ private areas,” according to the San Diego Police Department.

Earlier this year, prosecutors charged him with nearly three dozen counts in connection with 11 victims, most of whom were underage.

Prosecutors said the crimes occurred between April and November of last year.

On July 9, Banks pleaded guilty to 11 counts, including unlawful possession of sexual images of a child under the age of 18, sexual battery, annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18, and lewd and lascivious acts on a 14- or 15-year-old.

He’s expected to be sentenced later this year to a prison term of between 32 months and five years, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s

other organizations have urged the City Council to put the sales tax to voters for several months. It has been endorsed by the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of San Diego County, the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and the San Marcos Professional Firefighters Association.

At Tuesday’s meeting, dozens of residents showed up to voice their support for

Zack Beck, he noted the coalition had made an effort to avoid duplicates or invalid signatures during his prima facie count of the signatures in early June.

The sales tax measure needs 7,748 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Beck submitted the signatures to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, which determined that based on the sample size, the signatures had a 74% validation rate; however, that rate was reduced to a weighted 65% when the Registrar of Voters found two duplicate signatures.

Beck requested the

Registrar of Voters conduct a full count of the signatures on June 19. However, the deadline to complete the count isn’t until Oct. 8. Meanwhile, the city has an Aug. 9 deadline to submit the ballot measure in time for the November election.

Because of the time constraints and confidence that the measure will qualify, staff recommended that the City Council approve putting it on the ballot despite the full count deadline.

“Time is of the essence,” said Councilmember Mike Morasco.

The city has faced an ongoing structural budget

deficit in its general fund for the last few years, having also closed a $11.3 million budget shortfall in the last two years.

Without a significant increase in revenues, the city’s reserve funds and one-time funding resources will be gone by 2030, which could result in deep cuts to city services. Putting the sales tax on the November ballot will cost the city between $150,000 and $200,000.

While Councilmember Consuelo Martinez ultimately supported the initiative, she noted some changes she would have liked to see

— including removing police and fire from the advisory board due to what she felt was a conflict of interest because the city would be receiving the funds to benefit the two departments, and improving how the signature collection process was handled.

“We could have done better,” she said. Martinez also would have preferred the City Council to implement the initiative instead of the coalition.

Most Escondido voters previously denied a city-proposed ¾-cent sales tax measure in 2022.

Around the time of Banks’ arrest, American Driving School's owner, Daniel Tackett, said in a statement that Banks passed a background check before he was hired. Prosecutors said Banks did not have any prior criminal history in San Diego County.

Tackett said, “We were shocked by the allegations against Joe. His actions are his alone, and they violate the trust and policies of our company and those of the DMV regarding inappropriate behavior. He hasn't taught any students after SDPD notified us of their investigation. We’ve always encouraged parents to ride on the lessons for observation of our teaching methods.”

BODY FOUND IN SANMARCOS FIELD

SAN MARCOS — The body of a deceased man was discovered in a field in San Marcos on the evening of July 10, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

According to Lt. Patrick Fox, the body was discovered shortly after 11 p.m. in a vacant field at the intersection of South Las Posas Road and Linda Vista Drive and reported to law enforcement.

The individual appears to be a male in his late 20s, Fox said.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and is currently investigating the death. The sheriff’s Homicide Department does not appear to be involved at this time, according to Fox.

The field where the man’s body was found is a

the measure during public comment.

“I have been amazed at the groundswell of support that has reared its head in the last couple months regarding this measure,” said Jay Petrek, a member of the Committee for a Safe and Strong San Marcos, the committee supporting the measure. “There’s been a lot of work to get to this point, and a lot of work, if this gets voted to the ballot, will be needed to get the support to grow.”

One of the measure’s

33-acre vacant site in the industrial zone next to Bradley Park. The southern area of the lot is the proposed site of a 228-unit residential development that will go before the San Marcos City Council for approval later this month. No other information was immediately available. The Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for identifying the individual.

— Laura Place

TIPS SOUGHT IN BURGLARY

REGION — Authorities reached out to the public last week for help in identifying a pair of thieves who stole more than $21,000 worth of private possessions and store merchandise in North County in recent weeks through a residential burglary and fraudulent supermarket purchases.

The man and woman broke into a home in the 1200 block of South Hampton Road in San Marcos on the morning of June 30, ran-

main focuses is additional revenue for law enforcement and emergency services. San Marcos firefighters are in dire need of a fifth fire station, noting that their calls for service have nearly doubled since the last station was added in 2008.

sacked it and made off with roughly $20,000 worth of jewelry, purses and other items, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators believe the pair may have fled the scene of the burglary in a white late-model SUV, possibly a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban.

The suspects then used stolen credit cards to buy items valued at a total of about $1,300 from a Food 4 Less in Escondido and from two San Marcos grocery stores, an Albertsons and a Ralphs, sheriff’s Detective Lavinia Fifita said.

Surveillance footage captured a white, newer-model Chevrolet Suburban near the scene of the home burglary and an unknown man and woman outside the home.

The woman is described as White, between 30 and 40 years old, with brown hair, wearing a brown “Modelo” hat, a white “Budweiser” T-shirt and black shorts.

The man is described as

“As our city continues to expand, public safety must remain a top priority,” said SMFFA President Jordan Abeel. “A 1% sales tax would provide a sustainable revenue source to support essential services without compromising our financial stability.”

San Marcos’s current tax rate is 7.75%, including 7.25% in state taxes and a 0.50% TransNet tax. The additional 1-cent measure would increase the city’s overall rate to 8.75% for ten years.

To pass, the measure must be approved by at least 50% of voters. In a survey of San Marcos residents by True North Research earlier this year, 64% said they would probably or definitely vote yes in favor of a sales tax measure.

White and wearing a strawstyle hat, a black face mask, sunglasses, black shorts and black shoes.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-5808477 or contact the agency online at sdcrimestoppers. org.

Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

— Laura Place

MAN GETS 4 YEARS FOR FATAL CRASH

VISTA — A driver who slammed into another car at an Escondido intersection in 2018, killing two people in the other vehicle, was sentenced July 15 to four years in state prison.

Francisco Andres Alvarez, 32, pleaded guilty to charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and great bodily injury allegations for the March 25, 2018, crash that killed Bran-

Some residents and city officials said that while increased taxes are not ideal, this measure will ensure that all of the revenue generated stays in the city.

“I’m somewhat reluctant about putting this on the ballot, for the reason of it being a very tough time right now financially for our families,” said Mayor Rebecca Jones. “I’ve always supported and believed that our residents should be involved in the community. They should have their voices heard.”

don Contreras and Ana Lira, both 19.

Police say Alvarez ran a red light and struck the victims’ Mustang. The crash also seriously injured an underage boy who was riding in the victims’ vehicle.

Prosecutors alleged that a blood test revealed alcohol, marijuana and cocaine were in Alvarez’s system at the time of the crash.

However, a three-justice panel from the 4th District Court of Appeal ruled last year that Alvarez’s blood was illegally drawn without a warrant while he was unconscious or unresponsive.

According to the appellate panel’s written opinion, Alvarez was taken to a hospital after the crash and became unresponsive about 45 minutes after speaking with a police officer. The officer then called for a phlebotomist, who drew Alvarez’s blood about 2½ hours after the crash.

The officer who ob-

Nine of the 18 cities in San Diego County have their own local sales tax. Chula Vista, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Imperial Beach and National City each have a 1-cent tax; El Cajon, Oceanside and Vista have a half-cent tax; and La Mesa has a 3/4-cent tax. Encinitas and Escondido voters are being asked to approve their own 1-cent sales tax this November. The city of Oceanside is also asking voters to extend their half-cent sales tax by another 10 years.

Office.

SURVEILLANCE footage captured a white, newer model Chevrolet Suburban near the scene of a home burglary along South Hampton Road in San Marcos on June 30. Authorities are asking for the public’s help to ID the thieves. Courtesy photo

Who’s NEWS?

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

COLLEGE GRADS

The following students graduated from their respective universities: Brant Kelley of Carlsbad and Emily O’Keeffe of Encinitas from the University of Northern Colorado; Constantino Felicetta of Vista from Shenandoah University in Virginia; Neal Presa of Carlsbad and Joseph Welch of Encinitas from Missouri State University; Joe Crotty of San Marcos, Ella Salvagio of Carlsbad and Aiden Springer of San Diego from Miami University in Ohio; and Paolo Martino of Encinitas from Clarkson University in New York.

DEAN’S LIST

The following students were named to the dean’s list at their respective colleges and universities: Ella Biebel and Noah Gabriel of San Diego and Ricardo Covarrubias of Oceanside at Oregon Institute of Technology; Natalie Huestis of Carlsbad at Wichita State University in Kansas; Van Coughlin of Solana Beach at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachu-

setts; Ignatio Tran of Carlsbad at Hamilton College in New York; and Ian Palmroos of San Diego at Augustana College in Illinois.

CHARTER GRADS

Pivot Charter School San Diego in San Marcos hosted a graduation ceremony for its 12 2024 graduates on May 31. According to administrators, the ceremony marks a significant milestone and underscores the partnership between Pivot and the San Marcos Unified School District.

HONORS ATHLETE

Angel Torres of Oceanside is one of 460 student athletes named to the athletic director’s honor roll at Midway University in Kentucky.

ACADEMY GRADS

The 56 graduates of the Army and Navy Academy’s Class of 2024 received a total of 165 college acceptances from 85 institutions and more than $11 million in scholarships.

SUPPLY DRIVE

Home Start, a nonprofit organization dedicated to child abuse prevention and providing evidence-based family strengthening services, is hosting its annual Backpack and Supply Drive until July 31. Donations of supplies or filled backpacks ready to distribute can be dropped off at Home Start’s

GIANT PANDAS AT SAN DIEGO ZOO

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance shared some first-look photos of Yun Chuan, left, and Xin Bao, the first pandas to enter the United States in 21 years. The two arrived in San Diego in late June and are settling into their new home at the San Diego Zoo. The pandas won’t be viewable to the public for at least several weeks, according to the alliance. For more information, visit sandiegozoo.org/giant-pandas. Courtesy photos

main office at 5005 Texas St., Suite 203 in San Diego from Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those who are interested in donating can also shop through Home Start’s Amazon Wishlist, which allows the school supplies to be shipped directly to Home

San Marcos Chamber

CHATTER

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The USS Midway Museum is recruiting volunteer tour guides. Training begins Sept. 23. No military experience is required. Women and civilians are encouraged to apply. Each volunteer

Mimi Cerutti: CEO & curator of cheesy goodness for Cerutti Charcuterie

For the past several years, Cerutti Charcuterie has transformed events with its custom curated grazing table catering.

Mimi Cerutti continues to dazzle guests at private parties, weddings and corporate events with elegant, hand-crafted charcuterie boards. The unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and creating unforgettable grazing experiences truly sets Cerutti Charcuterie apart in the industry.

How long have you been in business? Reopened in August 2023 (originally established in 2021).

What does your business do? We provide custom curated grazing table catering for private parties, weddings and corporate events. We also make charcuterie boards, platters, and conduct charcuterie workshops.

What sets you apart

MIMI CERUTTI Owner, Cerutti Charcuterie

from others in your industry? Every creation I do is a unique work of art. No two platters or spreads are the same. The ingredients for every event I do are handpicked by me, and I always choose the highest quality ingredients available. My goal is to not only provide a tasty menu but also a memorable grazing experience.

What question are you asked most frequently by clients? People are often curious about the work that goes into my spreads

before the guests get to them. They’re often surprised to hear that the minimum amount of time that I spend on my platters is 2 hours and that I spend up to 8 hours for a large grazing table for up to 100 people.

What is your favorite business success story? It’s hard to name just one! ... My favorite successes are those of women. We wear so many hats in life and to see us rise in the business world and within our passions moves me beyond measure.

As someone doing business in San Marcos, what are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Chamber? I absolutely love the people at the San Marcos Chamber! The support that I’ve received from the time when I first opened my doors has been incredibly motivating and inspiring. When I was first getting started and putting myself out there, it was so helpful to know that

I wasn’t alone and that others believed in what I was creating. I’m excited to continue to meet new people, to grow in the community and to be a resource for other businesses as well.

What’s your best piece of business advice? The same piece of advice I have to give myself on a regular basis is to be patient and not give up before the miracle. As a new business owner, I’m learning in real time that my efforts and what I’m putting into this business will not always show an immediate return. ... I trust that every reward as well as every struggle that comes along the way is leading to the next big success and miracle.

Business website: cerutticharcuterie.net

Business Instagram: @cerutticharcuterie

Business Facebook: facebook.com/ cerutticharcuterie

shift is four hours long and docents will be asked to volunteer roughly 20 or more hours per month once training is completed. The classes include training in naval customs and procedures, interpersonal skills, guest relations, engineering and aviation features and more.

LAKE MONTH

The Vista Irrigation District Board of Directors has recognized July as Lakes Appreciation Month. The district owns Lake Henshaw, located at the base of Palomar Mountain in northeast San Diego County.

Assemblywoman boosts diaper bank

By Samantha Nelson

OCEANSIDE — Despite facing deep cuts due to the state's budget deficit, the San Diego Food Bank is sustaining its diaper program through a combination of state funding and public donations.

The San Diego Food Bank started its diaper bank in 2018 after former Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez helped to secure state funding for the program.

The diaper bank, one of the first programs of its kind in the state, has continued its mission of helping low-income and military families in need of diapers for the past six years.

Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed deep cuts in next year’s state budget to address the nearly $45 million budget shortfall. This means the diaper bank would not receive its usual $3.75 million for an additional three years.

The bank was at risk of shutting down until Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) stepped in.

“She came to us because she wanted to help,” said San Diego Food Bank CEO Casey Castillo.

Davies, whose district includes Vista, secured half of the program’s annual funding from the state –about $800,000 – to keep the diaper bank running.

To compensate for the missing funds, the San Diego Food Bank held diaper drives at Walmarts in Oceanside and Vista on June 28 to collect physical diaper donations and money to help

purchase more diapers. That day, the food bank received 10,256 diapers between two locations.

“People have been so fantastic – especially with the cost of everything being so expensive right now,” said Davies at the Oceanside diaper drive. “Everyone’s been so generous.”

Last year, the diaper bank distributed 9 million diapers through approximately 100 nonprofits partnered with the program.

According to the food bank, nearly 8,000 families received diapers monthly throughout 2023.

While the food bank hopes to sustain its diaper bank program through partial state funding and donations, its leaders haven’t given up on furthering its reach across the county.

“We’re always interested in growing,” Castillo said. “We have 100 nonprofits that we work with, but we also have a waitlist of other nonprofits.”

According to Castillo, with every dollar the food bank receives, the money is leveraged to provide two meals and diapers.

“That dollar can go a long way because of our amazing volunteers and the relationships we have with our wholesalers and retailers,” Castillo said. “We know that every dollar counts.”

To donate, visit sandiegofoodbank.org/diaperdrive.

DAVIES

living and working back in the community,” said Wakeland CEO Rebecca Louise. “I think sometimes these projects are kind of challenging for people to understand, and we do have a lot of experience in it, so I just want you to feel comfortable with what we’re building here.”

City leaders declared the two city-owned parcels at 902 Vista Village Drive and 211 Palm Drive as surplus land last summer.

Under the Surplus Land Act, affordable housing developers approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development have the first right of refusal to utilize surplus properties.

Vista received two statements of interest for the two sites, ultimately choosing to move forward with the two-agency partnership of Wakeland and Tideline, who designed both the Vista Village supportive permanent housing and Palm Drive senior housing projects.

City funding will be allocated once an Affordable Housing Agreement is approved for the project.

Wakeland/Tideline requested a 55-year residual receipts Commission loan, the most common financing method for low-income developments.

The Vista Village development will be the city’s first permanent supportive housing project on public land. Funding still needs to be identified for the Palm Drive project.

“We have available public land, and the best and highest use of that public land is this area is to provide public housing for people who are vulnerable, and to reduce suffering on our streets and in households that may well be suffering due to a lack of housing and space,” said City Councilmember Katie Melendez.

PROJECT PLANS

Permanent supportive housing is defined as affordable housing with additional services, including medical, legal, emotional and employment support, to help keep residents housed.

According to Housing Program Manager Eric Bunge, the Vista Village development will provide weekly case management, life skill training, connections to substance abuse treatments, educational services and preventative health care for participants.

At this point, the target population for permanent supportive housing is still being determined.

“It’s kind of something we have to figure out as we go. What we really do is decide, who can we provide the best services for, given the programs that are out there, and go around that, because it’s really the key to making this kind of housing work,” Louise said.

At their other supportive housing projects, Louise said 96% of residents voluntarily participate in case management services. The percentage of people who stay housed through Wakeland’s permanent supportive housing programs is also

96%. Louise said they have successfully developed several affordable housing projects, such as The Grove Senior Apartments along Civic Center Drive, and supportive housing projects in other areas of San Diego County and beyond.

City Council members said they would favor prioritizing individuals already involved in local programs, such as the Buena Creek Navigation Center, transition-age youth and potentially those involved in livework programs.

asked staff to investigate the legality of prioritizing locals.

“It’s right and just that the cities who invest in these projects should benefit from them. We shouldn’t be asked to solve the problems of every city,” Franklin said.

“I totally get where you’re coming from … but in any case, there’s certain things that we can’t do because it’s against the law,” Contreras said.

Mayor John Franklin advocated making 100% of the units available specifically for Vista residents and

City staff said residents are referred through the Coordinated Entry System and the county Behavioral Health Services Department based on their level of need.

This led to a back-andforth argument with Councilmember Corinna Contreras, who insisted that accepting only local residents would not be legal.

Louise said the two projects likely won’t be open for at least a couple of years. The 126 constructed units will also be counted toward the city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation obligation for very low-income units.

A RENDERING of the proposed 56-unit Vista Village Drive permanent supportive housing project, right, for which the City Council has committed $2 million in funding. Courtesy photo

AN AERIAL view of two pieces of surplus land in Vista that will be used for affordable housing. Google Maps/Screenshot

JULY 20 - SEPTEMBER 8

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Cox

OPENING DAY SAT JULY 20 WILL SELL OUT

Sample a wide variety of delicious tastings from over 50 brews, ciders and seltzers plus music and more. Ages 21 & up only.*

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

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!

Enjoy over 100 wines and champagnes, live races, DJ, local favorite food trucks, and more. Ages 21 & up only.*

Specialty tequilas, margaritas and cervezas paired up with tasty tacos from the best taco shops in town. Ages 21 & up only.*

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

Breeders’ Cup Giveaway

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

$1,000,000 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic

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.*

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.

Who’s the fastest U.S. broadband provider in the U.S.? It’s Cox Communications, according to a recently released 2024 annual review by HighSpeedInternet.com (HSI), which ranked Cox as the fastest ISP (internet service provider) in the nation based on average download speeds for all of 2023.

Cox claimed the top spot by delivering average yearlong download speeds of 238 Mbps across the country — a full 10 Mbps ahead of its nearest competitor.

THEY SAID IT

“Our Speed Test sets the standard for millions of Americans seeking greater insight into their internet connection. With millions of tests conducted in our 2024 Annual Review, HighSpeedInternet.com has the unique capability to examine speeds for internet users from coast to coast,” said Manuel Delgado, managing director at HighSpeedInternet.com.

“As technologies and ISP infrastructures improve, it is impressive to see Cox emerge as the fastest broadband provider in the U.S. this year in our comprehensive analysis,” Delgado continued.

$11B NETWORK UPGRADE INVESTMENT

In the past 10 years, Cox has invested more than $11 billion in network upgrades to deliver some of the

most powerful internet, TV, phone, smart home, and mobile services and will continue making multibillion-dollar annual infrastructure investments over the next several years:

• All Cox markets are powered by fiber today and Cox continues to expand fiber-to-the-home across our footprint in the coming years.

• Today, all Cox customers have access to gigabit speeds and approximately half have access to multi-gigabit speeds.

• Cox increased download speeds for the majority of its customers in 2023,

IT’S A SNAP! A wishbone is about luck. Advertising in the Coast News is about results.

doubling the speed of its most popular tier from 250 to 500 Mbps at no extra cost.

“As consumers continue to introduce more connected device in their homes, the need for fast fiber-powered broadband becomes increasingly important,” said Sheila Hicks, senior vice president of residential sales at Cox.

“Validating our capabilities with a respected third-party partner reinforces our message to customers that we can deliver the fiber-powered reliable speeds they need now and well into the future.”

SPEED TESTING APP

Internet users seeking to measure the speed of their connected devices while at home can do so via HighSpeedInternet's website tool or by downloading the speed testing app, available via the Apple App Store and Google Play.

As the largest private broadband company in America, Cox operates fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced managed IT and cloud services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide.

Our mission is to exceed your expectations so that you are our customer for life.

We realize there are hundreds of other carpet cleaning professionals in San Diego and we are different because of the level of service we offer.

COX DELIVERED speeds 10Mbps faster than its nearest competitor. Courtesy image

Esco youth explore watershed in weeklong camp

By Samantha Nelson REGION —

Last month, Escondido teens and tweens journeyed across the San Dieguito Watershed as part of a weeklong summer camp designed to inspire young minds to explore and appreciate nature.

San Dieguito River Park’s Watershed Explorers program, which launched in 2015 in partnership with the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, San Diego Archaeological Center and Volcan Mountain Foundation, educates children about the importance of the watershed through hands-on activities.

The weeklong summer camp is funded by state grants and provides young participants with transportation, meals, gear, field trips, educational opportunities, and an overnight stay at no cost.

This year, two dozen campers traveled to Volcan Mountain on June 24 in Julian to begin their 7-day expedition at the headwaters of the San Dieguito River.

Each day, the students traveled to different locations within the watershed, stretching from Volcan Mountain through parts of Poway and Escondido to the San Dieguito Lagoon and finally to Del Mar’s Dog Beach, where the river empties into the ocean.

At every stop, they learned about the watershed’s diverse ecosystems, plants, and animals.

“The San Dieguito Wa-

tershed is very unique because it’s one of the last intact watersheds in San Diego,” said Leana Bulay, senior interpretive ranger for the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority, the government agency that oversees the river park. “If you think about the San Diego River, remember that Mission Valley was built right on top of it, so really they’re learning about the importance of a watershed and every aspect of it – the biodiversity, the plants and animals, and its history going back to basically the dawn of time.”

The campers also collected water samples to compare how the water changes

as it travels through the watershed.

“They start in Julian where they can see how the spring water starts out so clean and pure, then they see how it changes from urban and agricultural runoff once you get to Escondido,” Bulay said.

After Julian, the kids visited the historic Sikes Adobe Farmstead, where they learned about its history and tested the water from Kit Carson Creek, where urban runoff from Escondido flows into the watershed.

They also ventured to the San Diego Archaeological Center to test well water for the effects of pesticides

used at farms and orchards in the San Pasqual Valley.

Later in the week, members of the San Pasqual Band of Indians led students on a hike around Lake Hodges, where they learned about the watershed’s indigenous history and cultural traditions, including the use of native species.

This was the first year that the Watershed Explorers program partnered with the San Pasqual Band, something Bulay hopes to continue in future years.

Near the end of the week, the campers visited Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Del Mar before hiking along San Dieguito

Lagoon and ending the day at Dog Beach, where they swam and learned about marine life.

The campers wrapped up their week with an overnight trip to Surprise Farm near Ramona, a retreat center that offers educational programs focused on nature, organic farming, and the conservation of heritage sites.

After the week ended, many campers with no previous connection to nature developed a newfound appreciation for the outdoors.

Over the years, Bulay has watched as her campers go from being disinterested to fascinated with nature. She’s also seen the camp help kids open up to each other as the week progresses.

“You can tell they feel a bit awkward on Day 1, but by

the end, they’re laughing and talking with each other,” Bulay said.

The San Dieguito Watershed, one of 11 watersheds in San Diego County, holds special significance for Bulay. She grew up exploring the river park and eventually returned to work for the same place she loved to visit as a child.

Bulay hopes the campers can also find inspiration in nature, as she did, and develop a sense of attachment to the park and the outdoors beyond its boundaries.

For 17-year-old Noah Martinez, who attends Escondido Charter High School, the camp helped him develop a deeper appreciation for nature.

“I already liked nature, but it gave me more of a reason to like it,” Martinez said.

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.

STUDENTS in the Watershed Explorers program explore San Dieguito River Park as part of their seven-day exploration of the San Dieguito Watershed. Photos by Samantha Nelson

CAMPERS look for birds and other animals near San Dieguito Lagoon. The camp started at Volcan Mountain and ended in Del Mar, where the river empties into the ocean.

20-day fair ends; attendance

By Laura Place DEL MAR —

The San Diego County Fair has closed the curtains on its 2024 season after a 20-day run at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, with officials reporting lower attendance but an improved overall visitor experience.

This year’s fair, “Let’s Go Retro,” was two days shorter than in 2023, with a total attendance of 877,452 — a decrease of around 120,000 — and an average of 44,000 guests daily. The fair also began later than in previous years, starting June 12 and running until July 7, marking the first time since 2015 that the fair has run past the Fourth of July.

While attendance

down

continues to be well below pre-pandemic levels of around 1.5 million, 22nd District Agricultural Association CEO Carlene Moore marked this year a success. The fair continues to focus on improved layout and limiting overcrowding.

“The San Diego County Fair this year looked and felt better, cleaner, safer and more fun than ever before.

In our third year back after an extraordinarily challenging two-year hiatus, we feel we have truly hit our stride and set a new Fair standard that we can build upon for years to come,” Moore said.

Wednesdays and Thursdays proved to be the busiest days, including the Juneteenth holiday and July 3, which saw 64,000 guests.

Virginia's Montpelier confronts contradictions of 4th US president

GUN STORE

GUNTHER GUNS

It is an unplanned but pleasing coincidence that our visit to Montpelier, the home of James Madison, the fourth U.S. president (1809-1817), coincides with Juneteenth.

Recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the date that slavery ended in Texas, the last state to abolish the 246-year-old institution.

This historical fact holds a bit more gravity while sitting in the cellar of this plantation home that sits on 2,650 acres in Orange County, Virginia. Here, below ground, is where enslaved

people made meals for the Madison household. It also is the site of “Mere Distinction of Colour,” an exhibit that uses artifacts and art to give visitors a deeper sense of the experience of being enslaved.

Wraparound graphics showcase the names of Montpelier’s 100-plus enslaved; interactive exhibits demonstrate aspects of everyday life for an enslaved person; and a short film brings to life the story of Sarah, whose family was continually torn apart by the sale and trade of family members. Her story, taken from letters and other writings, gives visitors an intimate, emotional and tangible feel for life as an enslaved person.

Similar to other current exhibits on slavery, Montpelier’s use of the word “enslaved” instead of “slave” denotes that the condition of slavery was imposed and not at the core of the person's existence.

At the conclusion of the house tour, we stand near a replica of the desk at which Madison wrote the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and his

many thoughts on the birth of our nation and the institution of slavery. One must wonder how this learned man penned documents in which liberty was the central theme while enslaving dozens of people. Madison never freed any of his enslaved and took several with him to the White House, but he wrote that slavery would surely tear apart the nation.

Madison’s Montpelier “confronts visitors with a historic site that is simultaneously a place where ideas of Liberty were conceived and…a place where the same ideas were systematically denied,” according to the Montpelier Foundation.

The cellar exhibition, coupled with tours of the main house, gardens and cemeteries where the Madison family and an untold number of enslaved people are buried, exemplifies just how “messy and bipolar” is the history of the United States.

Highlighting the lives of the enslaved at historic sites wasn’t a given until the Black Lives Matter movement gained traction, opines Christine C., a former Californian who moved to Virginia seven years ago. Soon after, she became a docent at the nearby Civil War battlefields, where slavery once received little mention. (The National Park Service asks that volunteers do not use

their full names.)

“First, we had very little information on the site’s enslaved workers,” Christine says. Some records were destroyed during the war and “records the families took with them during the war were lost.”

But then, the park service “dug deeper” and found a “treasure trove of court cases (that) provided invaluable information.”

This information exists because, since enslaved people were property, “they frequently appeared in court cases, which was enlightening.” she adds. “Now, the park service has a larger trove of very specific histories of different enslaved individuals who lived on the battleground sites.”

Christine now volunteers for Historic Germanna, where she catalogs artifacts found at a nearby archeological dig. The organization works to preserve and promote the history of German settlers who began arriving in this area of Virginia in the early 1700s. Their original, pentagonal-shaped fort was just across the road, and archeology students from local colleges help to uncover the layers of history.

“History is one of the reasons I fell in love with Virginia,” Christine says. “It is central to the framing of America and home to many early presidents.”

MONTPELIER, about two hours southwest of Washington, D.C., is the Virginia plantation home of fourth U.S. president James Madison (1809-1817), who authored the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. And yet, the native Virginian owned more than 100 enslaved persons, some of whom served in the White House. Stock photo

ondash

Meet Gigi, the dancing horse

By Samantha Nelson ESCONDIDO

— For the last eight months, a uniquely smart miniature horse has been learning the moves to several popular line dances to the surprise and delight of her owner.

Laura Van Eyck has had 5-year-old Gigi as one of her service animals for the past four years but only just discovered Gigi’s talent last November when she taught the mini horse the steps to the Electric Slide as a joke at first.

As a service animal, Gigi follows and supports Van Eyck – who has mobility issues due to a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Van Eyck trained Gigi and her other two miniature horses, Zorro and Kiya, to pick up anything she drops and place it right back into her hands.

According to her owner, Gigi stands out from the other two because of her intelligence and easy willingness to work with Van Eyck.

“Gigi likes a challenge,” Van Eyck said. “She’s really, really, really smart, and we have to keep challenging her or else she gets kind of un-

shouldn’t be doing it. But there’s no indication of that yet – none.”

Biden touted his firstterm accomplishments, continuing to make a forceful case for his candidacy.

However, Biden also made some verbal gaffes at the NATO conference that did not go unnoticed.

Near the top of the event, he referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump” and introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin,” mixing him up with the president of Russia, which is at war with Ukraine. Biden quickly corrected the mistake.

Peters and Levin both said Democrats need to find a new candidate to defeat Donald Trump.

“We must prevail

happy.”

Once she realized Gigi could dance, she continued to teach the mini horse more line dances. Now, Gigi can do the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Hustle and Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

According to Van Eyck, the more challenging the dance, the more Gigi likes it. Her favorite is the Hustle; Cupid Shuffle seems to bore her a bit. Van Eyck also had to add an extra spin in the Boot Scootin’ Boogie dance to keep Gigi interested.

“She does this because she wants to, not because I make her,” Van Eyck said.

Van Eyck receives additional help teaching Gigi new dance moves from Rachel Dunford, who lives nearby, and Jennifer Hutchinson of San Marcos. The two originally teamed up to get their daughters some volunteer experience with horses. Now, more than three years later, the two still lend a hand –and now some footwork as well.

Gigi is in the process of learning some original choreography to the song, “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe.

against the incalculable threat Donald Trump poses to the American institutions of freedom and democracy,” Levin’s statement said. “Donald Trump actively seeks a bleak authoritarianism and the overthrow of the values which have guided us towards justice and prosperity for nearly two and a half centuries. Once again, our national mettle must be forged in the crucible of history. It is time to move forward with a new leader together.”

Major Democratic Party donor and Hollywood actor George Clooney also said the president needs to step asid. Clooney cited what he implied were signs of decline he witnessed during a record-setting Los Angeles fundraiser on June 15 for Biden with former President Barack Obama.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Van Eyck’s intends to have Gigi dance the song with survivors of cancer, domestic violence and other hardships.

“It’s about having hope, and I think it would be really meaningful for them to dance with her,” she said.

According to Dancing Gigi’s website, the group hopes to educate the public on the long-term commitment involved in owning a miniature horse and why it’s important to understand the commitment prior to owning one.

“Miniature horses can live into their 40s,” the website states. “They are a longterm commitment, and the more you work with them, the more amazing they become.”

Carol Conley Fenske Oceanside July 6, 2024

Mark Rodriguez Montanez Solana Beach June 20, 2024

Van Eyck doesn’t want to see her horses or any others end up in a slaughterhouse like many other horses whose owners couldn’t handle the responsibility.

“There are a lot of beautiful animals out there that get abandoned… so we’re trying to make sure that doesn’t happen,” she said.

Van Eyck also hopes to raise funds through Dancing Gigi to take care of her mini horses before her cancer, which is incurable, eventually ends her life.

To learn more about Dancing Gigi, visit dancinggigi.com. Events will be posted soon. To inquire about a visit, email info@mail.dancinggigi.com or dancinggigiminihorse@gmail.com.

Photographer dies at 62; Oprah pays tribute

By Claire Strong VISTA

— The sudden death of a North County photographer last week has triggered a wave of tributes from family members, triathletes and television icon Oprah Winfrey.

Rich Cruse, of Vista, died June 28 at Menifee Global Medical Center, according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office. He was 62.

The respected photographer was a recognizable figure in Oceanside, spending many of his evenings there to capture the sunset at the pier. Cruse’s stunning portraits depicting local surfers, palm trees, buildings and birds were regularly featured in local TV weather segments.

His dramatic photos of the recent fire at Oceanside Pier also made the front page of The Coast News.

Cruse, who was staying at Wilderness Lakes Thousand Trails RV Park in Menifee at the time of his death, struck up a friendship with Winfrey after becoming involved with Harpo Studios and the Oprah Winfrey Network.

After learning of Cruse’s passing, Winfrey sent a heartfelt message of condolence to his older sister, Jill.

“He loved life and lived life with such vigor and sought beauty every day. The earth and all who knew him will miss his presence,” Winfrey said.

As a former athlete, Cruse created a niche for himself in sports photography, covering various events from Iron Man competitions and cycling to the

O’side Turkey Trot, fun runs and disability sports.

“My heart has been shattered by the news of Rich Cruse’s passing,” said Chrissie Wellington, a fourtime Ironman Triathlon World Champion. “A fantastic photographer and an even more fantastic friend, he captured the essence of me in a way that no one else has. Thank you, Rich, for the gifts you gave. May you rest in peace.”

Friend and fellow photographer Alan Crosthwaite spent some time with Cruse in the days leading up to his death.

“I loved his consistency,” Crosthwaite said. “To get great pictures, you have to show up, and he showed up. He had the ability to get great action shots and his photos were beautiful. Rich was really good at what he did.”

Before selling his house and buying an RV, Cruse was a longtime resident at Green Valley Mobile Home Park in Vista. In March 2023, heavy flooding caused a landslide that destroyed the home of his neighbor, Denise Dougi.

Cruse invited her to live with him for three months until she got back on her feet — an act of kindness Dougi said she would never forget.

“He was like my big brother,” Dougi said. “I’m so blessed to have known him.”

The Coroner’s Office said it could take up to four months to release a determination.

Kalae Anne Meyers Oceanside June 20, 2024

Richard Hoffman Van Thiel Fallbrook June 18, 2024

Submission Process

Please email 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 and approved before Friday at 12 p.m. for publication in the next week Friday’s newspaper.

Rates:

Text: $15 per inch Approx. 21 words per column inch

“Although

$25 Art: $15 (Dove, Heart, Flag, Rose)

Funeral services are not about personal beliefs; it is a time when friends and family come together to celebrate a loved one’s life. The funeral service can be held at a church, temple, mosque, funeral home, graveside, or even the residence.

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The family will greatly appreciate that you took the time to join them to honor their loved one and you will have the opportunity to say your final farewell. Is

www.allenbrothersmortuary.com

Photo:

LAURA VAN EYCK and miniature horse and service animal Gigi. Van Eyck, along with Rachel Dunford and Jennifer Hutchinson, are teaching Gigi a variety of line dances. Photo by Samantha Nelson

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EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY 19

HAMLET

The Theatre School at North Coast Repertory presents the climactic Shakespearean tragedy, “Hamlet,” as its next student production. The outdoor touring show will feature performances at three venues (Birdwing Open Air Classroom, 3201 Via de la Valle, Del Mar; La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave, Solana Beach; and San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas). Shows July 18-20, July 2527, and Aug. 1-3. Free admission. All shows start at 5:30 p.m.

FREE SUMMER MEALS

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Oceanside is offering a summer meal program for free to children 18 years old and younger. Meals must be eaten at the club. Meals served at 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. from June 10 to Aug. 9 at Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside, 401 Country Club Ln, Oceanside.

SHAKE, RATTLE, ROLL BBQ

Dust off your dancing shoes for classic rock and roll hits by Ancora the Band. Free, 2 to 4 p.m. July 19 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.

SUMMER CAMP

Do you have a creative and curious problem solver?

$300-$350, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19 at San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, 320 N Broadway, Escondido.

BEERS BY THE BAY.

Experience a carefully crafted dinner, that is meticulously paired with each of Coronado Brewing's refreshing beers. Ensuring a delightful blend of flavors and an unforgettable dining adventure. $72, 6 p.m. at San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego.

SONGS & SHELLS OF SEA

Join Discovery Days for stories and songs with a marine biologist. Guests can create their own piece of jewelry to take home at the shell bracelet bar (one per guest). Free, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 19 at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad.

JULY 20

PAWMICON

The Helen Woodward Animal Center is bringing back Pawmicon, an annual event that invites pet owners to dress up their dogs in cosplay, paying homage to Comic-Con International. Free, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 20 at AleSmith Brewing Company, 9900 Alesmith Ct, San Diego.

FAMILY LAGOON WALK

Bring the whole fam-

ily for a tour the lagoon to learn about its history and the species that live there. The event is suitable for all ages. Free, 10 a.m. at Batiquitos Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Ln, Carlsbad.

METALACHI & MORE

Catch Metalachi, Dark Alley Dogs and Punkture perform live at Belly Up as part of the venue's ongoing 50th anniversary celebration. $27.25, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

ENCINITAS WALKING TOUR

The Encinitas Historical Society now offers this fun, historical, and educational tour with more varied walking paths. $10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 20 at Encinitas Historical Society, 390 W F St, Encinitas.

DNA INTEREST GROUP

The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by the North San Diego Genealogical Society, hosts an open forum to help attendees with issues or concerns regarding DNA genealogical research. Free, 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 20 at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad.

40TH HIGH TEA

Join us for a celebratory high tea service in our iconic Beverly Mansion ballroom, where tea guests will be serenaded with live music and three elegant courses featuring loose leaf teas and delectable bite sized accompaniments. $400 for up to four guests, $600 for six guests and $800 for eight guests. 1 to 4 p.m. July 20 at Grand Tradition, 220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook.

17TH BAKE AT THE LAKE

North County Road Runners present its 17th Annual Bake at the Lake, a cross country race that will benefit the park trail system at Lake Hodges and El Camino High School in Oceanside. $20, 7:30 a.m. at Lake Hodges, 20175 Lake Dr, Escondido.

MADD HATTER'S RETURN

Welcome to The Madd Hatter’s Return to Carlsbad! Join us for a whimsical afternoon as we celebrate the return of our favorite program, the Madd Hatter’s. Get ready for an enchanting experience filled with creativity, music, and surprises. Free, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20 at North Coastal Art Gallery, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad.

COURTLY NOYSE

Courtly Noyse brings Renaissance music to life, complete with period repertoire, costumes, and instruments, some of which you will recognize as the grandparents of our guitars, violins, and dulcimers. $15-$18, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 20 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Ave, Carlsbad.

GINUWINE

Join us at SeaWorld San Diego to see Ginuwine, R&B sensation known for his hit song “Pony,” weaving tales of love and passion through his soulful lyrics and irresistible melodies. $79, 6 p.m. at SeaWorld, Bayside Amphitheater, 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

The Vista Historical Society is hosting its annual ice cream social with ice cream and rootbeer floats, activities for children, vendors and more. $5 for adults, $3 for children. 1 to 5 p.m. July 20 at Vista Historical Society, 2317 Foothill Dr, Vista.

JULY 21

COUNTRY & BLUES BBQ

Leeann Atherton brings her musical guests out for a BBQ and rootsy good time. Free, 2 to 4:30 p.m. July 21 at American Legion Encinitas , 210 W F St, Encinitas.

CARDIFF DOG DAYS

Cardiff 101 Main Street and the city of Encinitas present Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, a free, public

JULY 22

PAUL THORN

Catch acoustic blues musician Paul Thorn at Belly Up as part of the venue’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebration. $44.25-$74.50, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

JULY 23

ALVIN & GILMORE

Catch Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones at Belly Up as part of the venue’s ongoing 50th annversary celebration. Musicians Jon Langford and Alice Spencer will perform as well. $41.25, 7:30 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

TWILIGHT IN THE PARK

event featuring dog-related vendors, rescue groups and more. Free, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 21 at Encinitas Community Park, 425 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas.

HEALING EVENT

Neil and the Divine Light healers will guide you through a highly effective technique to receive spiritual energy to heal and transform your life. $20, 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 21 at Spiritual Arts Institute, 527 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.

Enjoy these summer concerts with family and friends and don’t forget to bring a picnic. See you there. Free, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23 at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Rd E, San Diego.

GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The North San Diego Genealogical Society hosts Andy Likins to present, “Locating Images of Putting a Face with a Name” at the regular monthly meeting. 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 23 at Faraday Center, Faraday Ave, Carlsbad.

JULY 24

MICHAEL FRANTI

Catch Michael Franti and Spearhead during the Togetherness Tour stop at the Belly Up as part of the venue’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebration. $110.75$194.25, 7 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

THREATS TO CIVIC DUTY

In an update to last year’s popular event, USD researchers present latest findings on threats to public officials and brainstorm ideas to improve civil discourse. Free, 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 24 at Palomar College, 1140 W Mission Rd, San Marcos.

JULY 25

JIM NORTON

Comedian Jim Norton will perform live at Belly Up. He is a bestselling author actor and radio personality. $55.50, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

SUMMER NIGHTS

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

Find The Path

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Right now, the Buyer’s journey to a new home is full of obstacles. Having a great guide, one that can help the process go faster, smoother and less expensive, is the best investment you can make.

HELEN WOODWARD Animal Center’s Pawmicon, inviting pet owners to dress up their dogs in cosplay, returns July 20 to Ale Smith Brewing Co. Courtesy photo/Helen Woodward Animal Center

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1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the town in the sitcom “Parks and Recreation”?

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the town in the sitcom “Parks and Recreation”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: The Earth’s equator runs through how many countries?

3. MOVIES: Who plays the character Morpheus in “The Matrix”?

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the town in the sitcom “Parks and Recreation”?

2. GEOGRAPHY: The Earth’s equator runs through how many countries?

3. MOVIES: Who plays the character Morpheus in “The Matrix”?

4. MYTHOLOGY: Which Greek hero was dipped in the River Styx as a baby and made almost invulnerable?

5. EXPLORERS: Which English explorer claimed Australia for Great Britain?

6. HISTORY: Which two Native American leaders fought Gen. George Custer’s troops at the Battle of Little Bighorn?

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What are the two traditional flowers associated with the July birth month?

8. LITERATURE: Which poem begins with the line, “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary”?

9. ANATOMY: Where is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body located?

2. GEOGRAPHY: The Earth’s equator runs through how many countries?

4. MYTHOLOGY: Which Greek hero was dipped in the River Styx as a baby and made almost invulnerable?

5. EXPLORERS: Which English explorer claimed Australia for Great Britain?

3. MOVIES: Who plays the character Morpheus in “The Matrix”?

4. MYTHOLOGY: Which Greek hero was dipped in the River Styx as a baby and made almost invulnerable?

6. HISTORY: Which two Native American leaders fought Gen. George Custer’s troops at the Battle of Little Bighorn?

10. INVENTIONS: What medication, originally used to treat eye muscle spasms, later became a success in reducing facial wrinkles? Answers

1. Pawnee, Indiana.

2. 13.

3. Laurence Fishburne.

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What are the two traditional flowers associated with the July birth month?

5. EXPLORERS: Which English explorer claimed Australia for Great Britain?

8. LITERATURE: Which poem begins with the line, “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary”?

6. HISTORY: Which two Native American leaders fought Gen. George Custer’s troops at the Battle of Little Bighorn?

9. ANATOMY: Where is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body located?

4. Achilles.

5. James Cook.

6.

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What are the two traditional flowers associated with the July birth month?

8. LITERATURE: Which poem begins with the line, “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary”?

10. INVENTIONS: What medication, originally used to treat eye muscle spasms, later became a success in reducing facial wrinkles? Answers 1. Pawnee, Indiana. 2. 13. 3. Laurence Fishburne. 4. Achilles.

James Cook.

Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.

9. ANATOMY: Where is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body located?

Larkspur and water lily.

“The Raven” by

10. INVENTIONS: What medication, originally used to treat eye muscle spasms, later became a success in reducing facial wrinkles? Answers

1. Pawnee, Indiana.

2. 13.

3. Laurence Fishburne.

4. Achilles.

5. James Cook.

6. Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.

7. Larkspur and water lily.

8. “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe.

9. Middle ear — the stapedius. 10. Botox.

Achilles.

James Cook.

Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.

Larkspur and water lily.

“The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe.

Middle ear — the stapedius.

Botox.

2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. 7. Larkspur and water lily.

8. “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe. 9. Middle ear — the stapedius. 10. Botox.

Inc.

July 22 - August 3rd

9 AM-12 PM Rehearsals

Show Dates:

Friday, Aug 2nd; 2 PM and 6 PM

Saturday, Aug 3rd, 2 PM and 5 PM

760 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd

San Marcos, CA

760-369-8986

tained the blood draw testified that “getting the warrant would have created substantial delays primarily because he was the only officer at the hospital, he did not have the proper paperwork, and other officers were still investigating the scene,” according to the panel’s opinion.

At the time of the ruling, Alvarez had already pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and been sentenced to nearly eight years in prison, but his convictions were re-

FEATURING SCENES AND SONGS FROM FROZEN, MOANA, AND ALADDIN JR

versed as a result of the appellate court’s opinion.

While the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that warrantless blood draws could be performed on unconscious people suspected of driving under the influence, those blood draws are only permitted under “exigent circumstances,’’ such as when evidence faces an imminent threat of being lost or destroyed. The appeals court found those circumstances did not exist in Alvarez’s case.

Before the appellate ruling was released in December, Alvarez was arrested in another DUI case, in

which prosecutors said he drove drunk last July. Alvarez pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in that case and was sentenced Monday in both cases to a stipulated fouryear prison term.

— City News Service MAN SENTENCED FOR KIDNAPPING REGION — One of two brothers who kidnapped a trio of migrants and held them for ransom at an Escondido home was sentenced this week to nearly six years in federal prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Virves

Musical theatre summer production: ‘Disney Dreams: A Magical Melody’

This summer, dive into a world of enchantment with “Disney Dreams: A Magical Melody,” our latest musical theatre production. Featuring beloved scenes and songs from Disney classics like Frozen, Moana, and Aladdin Jr., this program offers a unique opportunity for young performers aged 6 to 15 to create, rehearse, and perform a magical musical play.

Participants will have the chance to immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre. Whether they dream of being in the spotlight or prefer the creative hustle behind the scenes, there's a role for ev-

Pablo-Francisco, 22, and his 20-year-old brother Nicolas Pablo-Francisco held a 16-year-old Afghan boy, as well as a 41-year-old father and his 19-year-old son from Ecuador, hostage and demanded thousands of dollars from their families.

The siblings demanded between $4,000 and $10,000 for each person’s release, according to court documents.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges Virves Pablo-Francisco specifically didn’t provide food to the Ecuadorian father and son “and told them they were required to pay extra if they

eryone. Kids can choose the characters they want to portray or the musical parts they wish to perform. Additionally, those who are more interested in stage production can contribute by helping to create costumes, design sets, and manage backstage activities.

One of the unique aspects of this program is its inclusivity. All kids who want to perform will have speaking roles and singing parts, ensuring that everyone gets their moment to shine. Throughout the week, they'll work together to bring this magical story to life, culmi-

wanted to eat.” Prosecutors said the abductions came to light on June 13 of last year, when the 16-year-old boy’s family in the United States was contacted by his kidnappers.

The family reached out to law enforcement and, according to a probable cause statement filed in federal court last year, investigators obtained cellphone records for a phone the kidnappers used to call the family.

Records showed Nicolas Pablo-Francisco was the phone’s user, with a listed address in Escondido, according to the statement.

nating in a special public performance where they can showcase their hard work and talent.

Our previous productions, including “Aladdin Jr.,” “Willy Wonka,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “Charlie Brown Christmas,” have been met with enthusiasm and applause. This year's “Disney Dreams: A Magical Melody” promises to be just as spectacular, offering an unforgettable experience for all participants. Take advantage of this chance to be part of a magical musical journey. Sign up now and let your creativity soar!

Virves Pablo-Francisco was listed as the billing party for the account.

On June 14, agents searched the home listed on the phone’s account and found all three kidnapping victims, court documents state. Nicolas Pablo-Francisco was arrested at the home, while Virves Pablo-Francisco was arrested at a later time.

Both brothers pleaded guilty to federal charges earlier this year.

Virves Pablo-Francisco was sentenced Monday to 70 months in prison, while his brother awaits sentencing later this month.

in North County San Diego. Gold and Silver winners have been announced and the results are now available online at

Rob Weinberg is Chief Strategist at MarketBuilding.com, author of 5 Minutes to Better Branding (available on Amazon), and our very own Mr. Marketing columnist.

"We’re VERY proud to have you as part of the Coast News family!"

~Coast News Publisher Chris Kydd

Want to congratulate Rob or thank him? Do you have a marketing challenge of your own that you would like to share? Reach out to Rob at rob@marketbuilding.com, or on social media.