Local News

September 17th, 2009

DUI-Driver’s License Checkpoint - 9/11/09

On September 11, 2009, the Escondido Police Department conducted a DUI Sobriety / Drivers License Checkpoint at the intersection of El Norte Parkway at Washington Avenue from 6:00 PM until 1:00 AM. The emphasis of this checkpoint was to detect intoxicated and unlicensed drivers as well as to provide a highly visible operation to deter driving under the influence.

The following activity resulted from this checkpoint:

• 1,537 vehicles entered the checkpoint eastbound on El Norte Parkway
• 1,294 vehicles were screened in primary
• 85 vehicles sent to secondary (drivers who could not produce a drivers license or who were suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs)
• 7 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• 1 misdemeanor arrest was made (non DUI)
• 1 felony warrant arrest was made (non DUI)
• 11 field sobriety tests were administered
• 62 vehicles were impounded at this checkpoint, 13 drivers did not have auto insurance, 12 drivers had a suspended drivers license and 42 drivers did not have a drivers license
• 58 citations were issued at this checkpoint

This checkpoint operated in conjunction with the San Diego County DUI Probation Team, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and the North County Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Council.

Carlsbad Detains 20 Suspected Illegals

Carlsbad police detained 20 suspected illegal immigrants in a van early last Friday, police said.

A resident called police about 3 a.m. reporting a suspicious vehicle on Camino del Parque near Paseo del Norte. Officers found 20 people wearing life jackets and covered in sand, police said. Officers also detained the driver. The group was turned over to the Border Patrol.

Police searched the nearby beaches for the boat that they apparently arrived in but didn't find one.

Escondido Police Find Methamphetamine During Search

On Thursday, September 10, 2009, members of the Escondido Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and the Special Enforcement Team (SET) served a search warrant at an apartment in the 2000 Block of E. Grand Avenue in the City of Escondido. During the search, detectives located approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Detectives arrested Amos Keith Thompson, 40, of Escondido (see photo at right) for Possession of a controlled substance and Possession of a controlled substance for sale.

Thompson was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. The street value of the seized narcotics is valued at approximately $1,500.

2010 Census Cautions
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers!

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?

BBB offers the following advice:

• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.

However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a
salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

United Church at Lake San Marcos Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Most of the congregants are eldery and retired. Some are as old as 80, 90, even 100 year-old, many of whom have attended for 30-40 years. Most all live at Lake San Marcos where the church meets in the Pavilion of the LSM Community Center every Sunday.

Fifty years ago, the little church started up. It grew and grew and today . . . until they arrived at their 50th anniversary which they will be celebrating at the September 20th and 23rd services.

According to a church spokesperson, one of their dearest members lives at Silvergate Residence (assisted living) and is very articulate & has memories of how the church got started. The church actually started in the Meadowlark Ranch (off Rancho Santa Fe) neighborhood in a barn.

Their special church service on 09/20, will feature a display of history, memorabilia, and great music. Dr. Sarah Lopez, their new choir director teaches music at local colleges.

Due to a scheduling conflict with a bird show, the Lake San Marcos Church will move on the September 20th date to the larger Conference Center at 10am.

The Vikings are Coming!

Once again this year, the Vikings intend to invade North San Diego County. They are expected to arrive, in force on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27th respectively.

It’s all part of the annual Viking Festival staged by Norway Hall, located in Vista. See their ad on page 16 of this addition for directions and details. Live music, plenty of food, games, and period costuming, all lend an air of the Viking Days of Old.

Charger Stadium in Escondido?
Could Be

The San Diego Chargers and Escondido officials are discussing the feasibility of building a stadium in Escondido to house the San Diego Chargers.

Issues being discussed include the necessary financing plan, possible obstacles, location, both pluses and minuses.

Charger officials confirm that Escondido has been added to the short list of cities where the San Diego Chargers might build a new stadium, and team officials said Wednesday they've been quietly crunching numbers and exploring potential sites in the city for several months.

Escondido is attractive to the team because it is on the Sprinter rail line and has freeways that provide easy access to San Diego, coastal North County and Riverside County. Talks are continuing.

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