Teen

hospitalized after e-bike, vehicle collision

By Steve Puterski

CARLSBAD — A 14-year-old girl is recovering from injuries after she was struck by a vehicle while riding her electric bicycle on March 1 on Tamarack Avenue, according to the Carlsbad Police Department.

The incident occurred at 6:05 p.m. when a vehicle turned left onto James Drive off Tamarack Avenue before colliding with the e-bike, Lt. Alonzo Delevasco said.

The case remains under investigation.

According to other sources, the girl suffered a fractured skull, concussion and several broken teeth. She was transported to a local hospital and released later that night, Delevasco said.

Law enforcement did not disclose the young cyclist’s name.

“They were turning into James Drive, making a left turn and collided,” he said. “We’re still trying to interview some witnesses.”

The collision is at least

Las Abejas Park Opens

Three of Merriman’s brothers and three friends, including Butterfly Farms co-founder Pat Flanagan, pleaded with the judge to hand down the maximum sentence of 25 years to life.

“We respectfully ask you to help us deliver justice and do what is good and right for Tom,” Merriman’s older brother Tim wrote. “There should be no leniency for the convicted’s selfish, planned and brutal act. We ask for the maximum sentence that the law provides.”

Janks was convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of Merriman following a 10-day trial in December. Prosecutors Teresa Pham and Jorge Del Portillo argued that the So

VILLAGE ‘SWEET SPOT” IS A SENSATION

Remember the candy you ate as a kid? We’re talking nostalgic fun; the small delights you don’t normally find today like Bit-O-Honey, Beemans, Clove and Black Jack Chewing Gum, Abba Zabba, Lemon Heads, Fire Balls, rock candy and wax lips. Or how about a good old-fashioned malt or a root beer float? If you are in the mood for something familiar and sentimental, then the SWEET SPOT CARLSBAD is an absolute must for you!

Previously Linda’s Yogurt & Deli (since the 1980’s), the SWEET SPOT CARLSBAD re-opened with a new purpose in mind this past July. Husband and wife team, Amy and Richard Tovar, turned faith into action and created a little slice of heaven that caters to young and old alike with the sweetest of intentions.

“I like being behind the counter and seeing the joy on people’s faces,” said Richard about watching his customers as they enjoy their frozen confections or handfuls of candy. “We have regulars who come every week, as part of their routine. We didn’t know it was going to be this special.”

Linda’s Yogurt & Deli has been a staple for beachgoers and Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort time share owners due to its beach-close location next to the resort. Year after year, customers would return. Some initially came there as children and are now returning with children of their own.

“We are getting to meet generational families and creating new experiences with them,” Richard said.

What started as a desire to expand Amy’s hair salon, The Hair Spa, next door, turned into something much more after a chance visit to a venerable candy shop in Big Bear.

“God is a huge part of this journey,” said Amy. “Originally we were going to expand the salon, but something kept us from moving forward. We prayed for an answer on a trip to Big Bear. We’re now so grateful that we opened up the SWEET SPOT instead.”

Specializing in gourmet chocolates, including a large assortment of truffles, chocolate covered honeycomb, turtles, and melt-in-your-mouth caramels, as well as “scoop by the pound” candy, over 20 flavors of ice cream (with a classic topping bar), homemade waffle cones, and even frozen yogurt, there is something here for everyone. Come see what you find in one of the giant barrels of saltwater taffy or discover the latest in Gummy Sharks, Sour Gummy Belts, or Jelly Bellies.

This family-owned and operated confectionery, the SWEET SPOT, might be new to the Tovar’s, but it has very deep roots in the Village that they will nurture for years to come. Don’t be surprised if you find Richard and Amy’s 12-year-old daughter learning the ropes and running the register while Mom and Dad are scooping ice cream.

3001 Carlsbad Blvd., #B www.sweetspotcarlsbad.com

Tri-City interim CEO puts focus on community

By Samantha Nelson

OCEANSIDE — Emergency physician and chief medical officer Dr. Gene Ma has been named interim CEO of Tri-City Healthcare District.

The Tri-City Board approached Ma about taking over the temporary interim CEO while the search for a permanent candidate continues.

“Dr. Ma is a proven leader with more than two decades of service to the medical center,” said Board Chair Rocky Chavez.

As interim CEO, Ma plans to take a data-driven approach with future initiatives to improve operations while also keeping an ear open to what the community needs and wants from its local hospital.

“Our ability to listen and incorporate what the community needs from Tri-City as a hospital is going to be essential in how we move forward with directives we set forth for ourselves,” Ma said.

The Tri-City board has hired HealthSearch Partners, a Dallas-based executive search firm, to help in a nationwide search for a permanent president and CEO. The search for a new CEO could take several months, and Ma could still be chosen for the title.

Ma has been an emergency department physician at Tri-City for over 20 years and is a 10-time honoree as one of San Diego’s Top Doctors in Emergency Medicine. He has also served in several adminis-

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