Local News

November 26th, 2009

Palomar Pomerado’s Michael Rene’ Covert Gets Raise to $736,000 per year, Plus Possible Bonus

Palomar Pomerado Health's CEO, Michael Covert, has received a $154,000 raise, pushing his base salary from $582,000 to $736,000 per year, according to the district’s board chairman, Bruce Krider. Krider explained the board voted unanimously to increase CEO Michael Covert's salary because his pay fell below the 50th percentile of similar-size hospitals, as measured by total net revenue.

Krider said Covert is a “highly-performing executive that was underpaid for many years."

Covert was paid $676,000 last year. Covert's contract also includes a provision for a bonus of up to 50 percent of his base salary. Krider said that after much deliberation, the board decided that automatic adjustments were not wise, instead opting to pay Covert in the middle of the pack among his peers at other hospitals of similar size.

Critics have criticized Covert for misrepresenting facts to persuade the electorate to pass a $489 million bond issue, and the skyrocketing estimated price tag of an 11-story, $917 million "hospital of the future" under construction off Citracado Parkway.

The hospital, according to Covert, was originally projected to cost $531 million in 2005, but the price jumped to $773 million in 2007 and to $957 million in early 2009. Currently, the latest estimate is $917 million. In April, the same elected body voted to give Covert no bonus because the organization failed to meet certain goals.

At the end of fiscal 2008 Palomar Pomerado posted a $600,000 loss. In fiscal 2009, the system reported an $11.3 million profit. A $25 million profit had been projected for fiscal 2009.

Neighboring Tri-City Medical Center, North County's other public health care district, recently inked a deal with new chief executive Larry Anderson for $480,000 per year. Anderson's contract does not provide for bonuses.

According to the San Diego Association of Governments, San Diego County's inflation-adjusted median household income was $51,920 in 2008, up slightly from $47,360 in 2000.

Nominations Sought For Escondido City Council Awards

Each year at the State of the City meeting, the Escondido City Council recognizes individuals who have improved the quality of life in the community through volunteer service. Nominations now are being solicited for these awards.

If you know of an Escondido resident who has made a significant impact to the community, please obtain a City Council Awards nomination form by calling the City Manager’s Office (760-839-4631) or you may download a copy from the City’s web site: http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/government/awards/index.html

No Auto Insurance? No Excuses
California’s Low Cost Automobile Program Offers Affordable Options

With the expected increase in holiday traffic, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and the CHP are asking for motorists to do their part before they hit the road and make sure to carry liability insurance. Buying automobile insurance is the first step each motorist should take when considering their travel plans - not only this holiday season, but year round. The CLCA program is an affordable option for eligible drivers. There’s no excuse. Drivers without liability insurance put themselves, their families and other motorists on the road at risk. All drivers should be responsible and be prepared.

To learn if you qualify for California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, visit: www.insurance.ca.gov/LOWCOST, or call (866) 60-AUTO-1(866-602-8861)

San Marcos Lions Foundation to Host Foster Families Christmas Party

On December 10th the Lions Foster Families Christmas Party will be held at Green Oaks Ranch in Vista for the families that welcome foster children into their homes. Lion Paul Van Middlesworth says, “They are amazing people. I don't know how they do it. They are almost never well off and typically have little more than food, shelter and love to offer these foster kids.

Our Christmas party really helps by providing Christmas gifts to all the children in the foster family. The children in foster care get a real boost in self esteem by knowing that their foster parents and foster siblings are invited to this wonderful Christmas party because of them.

The Lion’s cost per child is approximately $18 ($3 for cookies, ice cream, etc. for both parent and child, and $15 for a gift). They are looking to invite at least 165 children. Since the San Marcos Lions Foundation is a 501(c)3 public foundation, your gift will most likely be fully tax deductible.

The Computer Factory at 845 W. San Marcos Blvd., has agreed to accept both gifts, toys and money for the San Marcos Lions Foundation Christmas Party. Questions? Call Santa at 760.744.4315.

Traffic Citations Issued

On November 19, 2009, the Escondido Police Department and several outside agencies conducted a Traffic Enforcement Detail from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The emphasis of this traffic detail was to address traffic violations throughout the city and to provide a highly visible operation to deter unsafe driving. Currently the department is participating in the Click It or Ticket Safety Campaign and seatbelt violations were one of the primary enforcement efforts during today’s detail.

Some of the locations where enforcement occurred, resulted from citizen complaints about speed and other traffic safety issues.

The following statistics were generated during the operation:

• 303 traffic citations were issued
• 33 vehicles were impounded
• 35 of the traffic citations issued were for seatbelt violations

This operation was conducted in conjunction with C.I.T.E. (County-wide Inter-Agency Traffic Enforcement). 31 traffic officers participated in this operation of which eight were from the City of Escondido.

DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint Nabs Three for DUI, Issues 51 Citations

On November 21, 2009, the Escondido Police Department conducted a DUI Sobriety / Drivers License Checkpoint at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Fig Street 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:

 2,472 vehicles entered the checkpoint eastbound on Lincoln Avenue
 1,647 vehicles were screened in primary
 105 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)
 3 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
 1 person was arrested for public intoxication
 4 field sobriety tests were administered
 46 vehicles were impounded at this checkpoint, 7 drivers did not have auto insurance, 10 drivers had a suspended drivers license and 36 drivers did not have a drivers license
 51 citations were issued at this checkpoint

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

Stabbing at Kit Carson Park, Escondido

On November 19, 2009, at approximately 3:15 p.m, Escondido Police Officers responded to a stabbing victim at the San Pasqual High School Campus. On arrival, officers found a 14 year old juvenile suffering from two stab wounds to his torso. Based on the witness accounts, the victim was at Kit Carson Park when he was confronted by a Hispanic male described as approximately 20 years old, tall with a thin build, and having a mustache. There was an unknown disagreement between the two; and the suspect suddenly stabbed the victim. The suspect was last seen driving away in a white pickup truck with a lumber rack and landscaping tools in the back. The victim was taken to Palomar Hospital where his condition has not been released.

The Escondido Police Department Crimes of Violence Unit is investigating the crime. Anyone that may have information on this case is asked to contact Detective Greg Clark at (760) 839-4450, or Crimestoppers at (888) 580-TIPS. San Diego Crimestoppers may pay a reward up to $1000 for information provided anonymously.

Camp Pendleton Celebrates Thanksgiving Firing Explosives

Camp Pendleton officials have announced live firing exercises which started Tuesday morning and are scheduled to continue through Friday. Residents living near the Marines’ North County base can expect to hear loud noises all this week. Marines will be firing high-explosive munitions into the Whiskey and Zulu areas of Camp Pendleton from 6am on.

Three Robberies In 90 MInutes Suspects Caught

An 18-year-old man and a juvenile were arrested last Thursday night and charged with robbing three people in a span of 90 minutes, including one man who went to the hospital after being beaten. The string of incidents began at 6:30 p.m., when a man near Mission Avenue and Fig Street was grabbed and beaten by two other men who demanded money from him, Escondido police said. The victim suffered minor facial injuries that required a trip to the hospital.

About 30 minutes later another man was assaulted at Mission near Gamble Street. Two assailants grabbed him and went through his pockets before fleeing. Then, just before 8 p.m., two Escondido gang officers on patrol saw a third man being assaulted by two men on Park Place near Norway Court. After a brief pursuit the officers caught the two suspects.

The 18-year-old was charged with three counts of robbery, as was the 17-year-old juvenile. Police said no money or property was taken from any of the victims.

Oceanside Phys Ed Teacher Arrested; Alleged Relationship with Teen

A physical education teacher at Oceanside High School was arrested last Thursday on allegations that he had a two-year sexual relationship with a student beginning when she was 15 years old, police said.

Corey Hogue, 37, was booked into Vista jail on suspicion of two counts of rape and two counts of lewd and lascivious acts, said Oceanside police. He was arrested about noon during a traffic stop.

The female student reported the relationship to police in late October, telling detectives that the sexual encounters took place at Houge’s house in Oceanside, where he lives with his wife and children, including a daughter who is a freshman at the same school.

Hogue, who was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 30, is now on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the criminal case, said Steve Lombard, spokesman for Oceanside Unified School District.

Hogue was hired in 2006 to teach physical education and health, as well as coach boys varsity basketball at Oceanside High, school officials said. He spent two years before that at Orange Glen High School in Escondido. He also co-founded Kings Court Basketball and Training, which offers individualized coaching.

Oceanside Man Arrested, Charged with Assaulting Family and Neighbor

A 42-year-old man, Robert Michael Cox, of La Quinta, is in custody after he was arrested Saturday on charges of beating his wife, teenage children, and a neighbor.

Police responded about 6 p.m. Saturday. There were told an estranged husband had returned home, made threats and beat this two teenage children and wife. A neighbor, who sought to intervene, was assulted as well. None of the victims suffered serious injuries.Police arrested the man and booked into Vista jail on suspicion of battery, assault with a deadly weapon, terrorist threats and vandalism. His bail is $1 million.

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