Local News

October 8th, 2009

Escondido Police Arrest Arson Suspect

On Wednesday, September 30th, at about 5pm, members of the Escondido Police Department and the Escondido Fire Department responded to a fire at 405 North Juniper Street. Officers arrived on scene and noticed smoke coming from the second story of the house. A short time later officers detained a possible suspect in the case.

The suspect was identified as Jade Kimberly Havlik, 46, of Escondido (see photo above). Havlik was arrested for arson of an inhabited dwelling or structure. Havlik was later transported to Vista Detention Facility. Escondido Fire officials estimate the damage to the structure at $75,000.

Escondido Police Recover Methamphetamine, Cash, and Firearm During Search

On Wednesday, September 30th, members of the Escondido Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and Special Enforcement Team (SET) served a search warrant at a home in the 1300 block of S. Juniper Street. During the search, detectives located approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, approximately nineteen grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, $1,734 in cash, and a loaded firearm.

Detectives arrested Brenton Matthew Johnson, 45, of Escondido, for possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance while armed, and Felon in possession of a firearm. Johnson was transported and booked into the Vista Detention Facility. The street value of the seized narcotics is valued at approximately $3,380.

Hidden Valley Kiwanis Club of Escondido Wins Senator Mark Wyland’s Award

California State Senator Mark Wyland has chosen the Hidden Valley Kiwanis Club of Escondido as the Veteran's Allegiance Organization of the Year.
This is as a result of the club’s sponsorship of "Operation Hero," a program wherein they honor a wounded military veteran once every quarter.

The wounded warrior is their honored guest, he is also the program for that day, telling of his assignment, how he was wounded, and participating in a question and answer period (if he so chooses; it's up to him to participate or not). At the end of the program, a dignitary, usually the Mayor or a City Councilmember, presents the wounded warrior with a check from the club in the amount of $500. On several occasions, members of the audience were so moved that they donated two and three times that amount, as individuals. Grown men and women have openly shed tears after hearing the stories these troops tell.

The program was suggested about two years ago by Lyle Davis, a member of the Hidden Valley Kiwanis Club and publisher of The Paper. The program was approved and Davis has been the chair ever since. The program has spread, being adopted by the Kiwanis Club of Escondido, the Rancho Bernardo Kiwanis Club, and several others are pending. It is truly a great program, honoring those who have suffered so much for our nation.

Said Davis, “Naturally, I'm very honored and proud to have Senator Wyland recognize the "Operation Hero" program and our Hidden Valley Kiwanis Club of Escondido. It's just one of many community endeavors our club does so well. I'm proud to be an active member of this great club, filled with great people!”

Dates, time and location of the presentation of the award are pending.

North County Fans Abuzz About Charger Stadium in Escondido

Conversation levels about the possibility of Escondido being the site of an all new San Diego Chargers stadium grew even higher following an announcement that several top notch bowl games as well as the San Diego Aztec games would likely follow the Chargers to the Escondido stadium.

Escondido could well host the Holiday Bowl, the Poinsettia Bowl, San Diego State Aztecs football games and the county's high school football championship games, officials said last week. In spite of several obstacles, officials for all the groups contacted said they would follow the Chargers north.

Escondido is one of three cities, still in the running and on the short list. The other cities are Oceanside and Chula Vista. Suitable sites thus far have not yet been identified so Escondido came to the forefront and is actively behind discussed by the movers and shakers involved.

Proposed as the site for the new stadium is a decaying industrial zone south of Highway 78 and east of Interstate 15. It has easy freeway access, the Sprinter rail line and a new bus system being developed.

The two bowl games, which are played in December each year, would probably provide a significant boost to Escondido's economy, proponents say. Restuaranteurs had big smiles and wide eyes when they envisioned the fan base from bowl games coming to their restaurant. The Poinsettia Bowl has averaged nearly 35,000 fans since the game was founded in 2005. And the Holiday Bowl, founded in 1978, has averaged more than 62,000 fans during the past four years.

Carlsbad Searches Nationwide for New Police Chief

It has begun. Carlsbad has begun a nationwide search for a new police chief to replace Tom Zoll who has announced his retirement. In addition to posting the job opening on the city’s website, city officals are conferring with executive search firms. The position carries a hefty salary of
$124,300 to $180,300, depending on qualifications and experience.

The new chief will be responsible for leading a department of 115 sworn officers with a $27.9 million annual budget. Zoll, a retired assistant sheriff, was hired as Carlsbad's chief in 2003. He plans to remain at the department until a replacement is found. The first round of applications will be reviewed starting Nov. 10.

Board Members Wanted: San Marcos Senior Services Foundation

Seniors or anyone interested in serving on the board of directors for the San Maros Senior Services Foundation are asked to contact Alison Driesson at (760) 736-4808 or e-mail her at alison.driesson@cox.net for an application or more information.

The foundation works with the San Marcos Senior Center and other agencies that serve seniors, and has donated $350,000 for supplies, furniture and the fitness room at the center. The foundation also sponsors bingo and computer classes and bridge sessions there.

Escondido Republican Club Announces Special Speaker

Joseph Andrews, founder and president of the Center for Teaching the Constitution, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching the principles of the founding documents, will be the guest speaker for The Escondido Republican Club's (TERC) meeting on Monday, October 19th. Andrews began his endeavor 15 years ago when he taught his own children a three-semester course on the founding documents because they were not getting this instruction in the public school system. From that small beginning, Andrews has expanded his efforts throughout the community, state and nation.

Through the city of San Marcos, Andrews teaches 12-week courses on the Constitution to the public at the Civic Center. He has authored a book and curriculum to teach the principles of liberty using actual documents and classical learning techniques that were employed by the Founding Fathers. Andrews has given numerous lectures and seminars on the principles of the Constitution at schools, political groups, churches and on television and radio.

The meeting will be held at Cocina del Charro, 525 N. Quince, Escondido, CA. Check-in begins at 11:30 AM with the luncheon meeting beginning at noon. To RSVP for the meeting, please call Sharon Wood at (760) 741-5060. For more information about TERC, visit: www.escondidorepublicanclub.org.

Carlsbad Residents Offered Reduced Rate on Bins for Compost and Worms

Carlsbad is offering compost and worm bins for sale at a reduced cost to city residents who want to recycle their food scraps and other biodegradable waste. Stackable bin that measures 28x28x34 inches for $50. It normally retails for $129. Call (760) 436-7986, ext. 222, or e-mail compost@solanacenter.org .

• • • • •

Local News? We’re your community paper. If you have a news event in your community, we’d like to know about it. Please email details of any news event you are aware of and would like us to investigate.

Send your news tips or press releases to: thepaper@cox.net. Questions? Call 760.747.7119. And thanks!