Local News |
January 25th, 2007 |
The Fire
By now everyone has likely heard about the major conflagration in Escondido as the Paramount Condominium Complex burned to the ground last Thursday.
Estimates of a $6.6 million loss are preliminary. City, county, state and federal investigators are on the scene, checking for signs of arson. Preliminary guesses are that it probably was not arson but human error . . . but once the forensics personnel complete their investigations we should know more.
Fortunately, no injuries or deaths ensued.
Lyle Davis, editor and publisher of The Paper, had purchased one of the condominium units, located dead center in the middle of the complex. It was a three story unit with enclosed two car garage, about two blocks from the California Center for the Arts, Escondido as well as restaurants, movies and shopping centers.
“It was a prime location,” said Davis, “an upscale condominium community with all the amenities; private elevator, marble and granite countertops, modern kitchens . . . great sound system . . . real luxury digs. It would have commanded top rents had we elected to treat it as an investment . . . or it would have been a wonderful residence. But it’s gone now. A shame.”
“When Evelyn interrupted me while I was on one of my phone calls I knew it was something important as she would not normally interrupt me. She said, ‘come look at this.’ I went to view the large screen tv and I wasn’t only looking at the condominium complex on fire I was looking at my condo unit. The fire was blazing most fiercely right where my unit was located.
We both thought the same thing at exactly the same time. Arson! Then, my second thought was ‘those idiots at ELF (Earth Liberation Front) must have done this (they were the ones the burned down the multimillion dollar residential and commercial project near La Jolla several years ago. Talking with informed sources, however, at this point at least, the feeling is it was most likely human error. A welder’s torch, a welder’s tank of gas . . . we just don’t know yet.”
Told that H. D. Horton, the developer, would likely rebuild within the next 12 months and asked if he would purchase again Davis said he wasn’t sure. He’d have to think about it . . . but, without question, it had been the most desirable of all the condo complexes on the market in Escondido.
There were 122 units in the complex located near Washington Avenue and Centre City Parkway, directly across from the Woodward Avenue access road.
About 100 firefighters from across the county responded.
“We have some absolutely outstanding firefighters,” Davis said. “They did everything right. No way could they save the building but they made sure no one got hurt or killed. They were all true professionals.”
The Chieftains Heading For Escondido
 Regarded as one of the most popular traditional Irish folk groups in the world, the Chieftains return to the U.S. this Friday, January 26, 2007 at 8 p.m. in the California Center for the Arts, Escondido's Concert Hall as part of a tour that culminates on March 17 at New York's Carnegie Hall. Their current tour marks 33 years of touring in North America, Tickets cost $45-$58, with discounts for seniors. Military and student rush discounts are available via walk-up on the day of the performance.
Unlike many bands that enjoy a brief stint of popularity and quickly disband before becoming bitter enemies, The Chieftains have performed together for 42 years, creating 41 albums and numerous songs, including the well-known hit Cotton-Eyed Joe, also performed by country star Ricky Skaggs.
The Chieftains' original members include founder and frontman Paddy Moloney (Uilleann pipes, tin whistle), Matt Molloy (flute), Sean Keane (fiddle) and Kevin Conneff (bodhran, vocals).
The musical program will encompass The Chieftain's greatest hits featured on their 2006 release The Essential Chieftains, and will also include selections from last year's Grammy nominated album, Live From Dublin: A Tribute to Derek Bell. Derek Bell was a member of The Chieftains for over 30 years, who passed away in 2002 after recording the Down the Old Plank Road.
For tickets to see The Chieftains, call 800.988.4253 or visit www.artcenter.org. The Center Museum is open until curtain on Center-presented performances nights. Parking is free and ample.
Escondido’s Code Enforcement and Compliance Sweep
Last week, the Escondido Appearance and Compliance Team (ACT) continued its ongoing efforts to improve the city's safety and appearance by conducting a sweep along the Rose Avenue corridor from Oakhill Drive to Lincoln Avenue. The sweep covered approximately 117 parcels.
The City's Code Enforcement Division inspected 117 properties, and opened 28 new cases representing 49 total violations. 80 businesses were inspected, with seven business license violations found. The highest number of code violations concerned inappropriately stored trash and recycling containers. Urban Corps and City Community Services' Maintenance and Operations staff removed a combined total of 147 graffiti tags in 47 locations.
The Fire Department also inspected the 117 parcels for safety violations, opening six new cases. Police impounded two vehicles, issued four parking citations and made three arrests, in addition to providing assistance with inspections and back-up to other sweep personnel.
ACT supports Escondido's commitment to improving the City's attractiveness by proactively addressing appearance issues, including graffiti. Monthly ACT sweeps are a part of this effort. The next sweep is scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2007 from Redwood to Centre City Parkway between 9th and 15th. Community members are encouraged to report graffiti violations by calling (760) 839-4OFF.
San Marcos to hold
Second Public Workshop for South Lake Park Master Planning
The City of San Marcos will be holding the second community workshop to gain public comment and input for the planning of a future park at South Lake, a hidden jewel in southern San Marcos. The park planning workshop will be held at the Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, on January 31 at 6:30 p.m..
The January 31st workshop will provide a summary of the first workshop along with a presentation of three alternatives drafted by the park consultant team. Small groups will discuss and prioritize the concept plans and then present their preferences to the group at large. For further information please call 760-744-9000 ext. 3505.
Escondido Humane Society Adult Education Classes
The spring lineup of adult education courses at Escondido Humane Society are coming soon. Students are asked to not bring pets to any class. Reservations are required. Contact Ina Shookhoff for more information or to reserve your spot, 888.2261
• Pet Grooming: Sunday, March 18 from 1PM to 5 PM - Cost: $40.00. Susan Sholar, a long time instructor from the San Diego School of Grooming, will teach a class for those interested in learning how to groom their pets. This hands-on class will cover the basics for making your pet look his best. Shelter dogs will be the models.
• Acupuncture and Holistic Complementary Health Care: Saturday, March 31 from 1 PM to 4 PM - Cost: $40.00. Acupuncture and other Eastern medical practices are not just for humans. Our pets can benefit too from these approaches. Learn how acupuncture and holistic medicine can help your pet maintain optimum health and vitality. Barry Sands, DVM CVA will demonstrate the procedure using shelter animals.
Three more courses are scheduled for April and May. Visit the website (www.escondidohumanesociety.org) for all the details.
“Wilderness Survival for Kids (And Adults too!!)”
Saturday, February 10th 9:30 am – 11:30 am
If your child wandered off from the trail, a picnic ground, a campsite or a park, would they know what to do? It can happen anywhere, anytime. Don’t let fear keep your children from having enjoyable outdoor experiences. Studies have shown that children develop a love of nature and outdoor recreation that can last a lifetime. Take time to instill basic safety tips and essential techniques that will give your child (and you) the confidence to hit the trail!
Initiated in response to a local child lost in Mount Palomar State Park, “Wilderness Survival for Kids (And Adults Too)” was a program begun by now-retired Oceanside Police Captain Stephen Scarano. He and friend Tom Bussey, a retired OPD Sergeant, launched community seminars to spur awareness and to teach people basic survival techniques. Now part of the San Dieguito River Park Trail Patrol, they continue to be active in search and rescue and educational outreach activities.
This class is free but seating is limited so will be offered on a first come-first served basis.
The event will be held at the Community Room located on the outside second level next to McDonalds at the Westfield North County Fair Mall, 200 East Via Rancho parkway in Escondido.
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“Stargazing in the San Pasqual Valley” continues with Public Star Parties on February 10th and March 10th from 5:00 pm-11:00 pm, weather permitting. The event will be held at the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park located at 1666 San Pasqual Valley Road, 1.5 miles east of the Wild Animal Park on Highway 78. Park at the San Diego Archaeological Center. Additional information can be found at www.sdrp.org or by calling (858) 674-2270.
Hike with the Hounds
Saturday, January 27th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join San Dieguito River Park Trail Patrollers Jan Hughes and Sue Munz on a hike to Felicita Creek along the North Shore Trail. All dogs are welcome but must be leashed! Bring water for both you and your best friend. Location: North Shore Trail from Sunset Drive.
Directions: Exit Via Rancho Parkway from I-15, and head east. Turn right at the next light on Sunset Drive. Park at the end of the road; we will be hiking under the overpass toward the lake.
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