Rancho Santa Fe Review

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SECTION B

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Providing The Ranch with Three Decades of Quality Journalism

Volume 31 Number 48

Man pleads guilty in plot to kill witnesses

‘White Nights’ La Jolla Music Society SummerFest’s ‘White Nights’ Gala was held Aug. 11 at the home of Jean and Gary Shekhter in Rancho Santa Fe (below). (Left, l-r) Gigi Fenley; Christopher Beach, Music Society president and artistic director; and Linda Howard enjoyed the event. See pages 16 and 20 for more.

Rancho Santa Fe woman among the four targeted BY CITY NEWS SERVICE A former Internal Revenue Service agent and tax preparer pleaded guilty to a dozen felonies recently in connection with a plot to murder four witnesses against him in a criminal fraud case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. Steven Martinez, 51, entered his pleas to soliciting a violent crime, use of interstate commerce to commit murder-for-hire, witness tampering, money laundering and mail fraud — among other charges. Federal prosecutors said the Ramona man admitted that in February he asked someone to kill four witnesses who were set to testify against him in a tax fraud case. The would-be ``hit man’’ reported the solicitation to the FBI. In a subsequent meeting between the defendant and the person who made the report, which was recorded by investigators, Martinez offered to pay $40,000 immediately following the murders and an additional $60,000 within 72 hours, according to the complaint. He also provided the unnamed individual with packets of detailed information about the intended vicSee PLOT, page 26

PHOTO/JON CLARK

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN DIEGO, CA PERMIT 1980

Aug. 16, 2012

RSF students can expect iPads — and rules BY KAREN BILLING Come the first day of school on Aug. 27, the Rancho Santa Fe School District will be entering a new era of technology with iPads in the hands of every middle school student. As the district has to take extra steps to ensure the new technology is taken care of, at its Aug. 9 meeting the board looked at a new set of rules for the use of the ipad that will be approved in September and will act as a contract signed by students and parents. Board President Jim Depolo said the rules are “pretty specific” and it is made clear that the iPads are to be used for educational purposes only. Trustee Marti Ritto asked about the rule that the

Lawsuit regarding noise filed against resort

ipads are not to be carried in students’ book bags as they can contain food, liquid and heavy or sharp objects that could damage the device. “Is that realistic?” Ritto asked. Superintendent Lindy Delaney said that they have to “assume the most care” to ensure that their investment is protected. Assistant Superintendent Cindy Schaub said she has seen many helpful tips from districts that have instituted school-wide ipads, such as using extra large freezer bags to transport the devices. Those tips will be distributed to students and parents. The summer has been a busy one technology-wise as the district also purchased 70 new computer monitors See iPADS, page 26

HWAC’s 40th

Rancho Valencia has hired engineering firm to address neighbors’ complaints BY JOE TASH A Fairbanks Ranch couple has sued the Rancho Valencia Resort, alleging that noise from resort events has caused them pain and suffering, diminished their property value and violated county noise ordinances. Angel and Linda Mendez, who live on Avenida Las Perlas, filed

their lawsuit in Vista Superior Court on May 22. The lawsuit alleges that the problem has occurred since a group of investors purchased the resort, at 5926 Valencia Circle in April 2010. “Defendants, and each of them, have occupied, used, and maintained these premises in such a manner that the sound of music,

shouting and other accompanying noises generated by means of a loudspeaker, sound amplification system, public address system, or otherwise, during parties hosted by defendants, and each of them, travels well beyond the borders of the defendants’ property and into See LAWSUIT, page 26

Former RSF Association manager to leave county post BY CITY NEWS SERVICE The longtime chief administrative officer for San Diego County announced Aug. 8 that he will step down on Dec. 1. Walt Ekard made the announcement during the afternoon session

of the Board of Supervisors meeting. Ekard is a former manager of the Rancho Santa Fe Association. Ekard said he is not retiring, but will seek other challenges. He has led the county government since 1999, making him the lon-

gest-serving person in the position in modern times. Board Chairman Ron Roberts said Ekard helped make the county one of the best managed local govSee MANAGER, page 26

Rylan Kargman gets a kiss from CindyLou, held by Jessica Gercke, during the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 40 anniversary celebration Aug. 8 at the Center Pavilion. PHOTO/JON CLARK

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