 Contractor in hotel blast fined $67,500
 Natural gas seeping from pipes caused an explosion in May at a hotel under construction in downtown San Diego, according to citations issued by the state yesterday.
|
Regional fire authority created to oversee county's backcountry
Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
A new regional fire authority that will protect more than 920,000 acres – about one-third of the county – in the backcountry became official yesterday.
The action by the Local Area Formation Commission will allow a newly created San Diego County Regional Fire Authority to oversee fire protection in rural East and North County.
More Metro News
CHULA VISTA, 9:28 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)Chula Vista mayor supports chief of staff's outside work: Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox's chief of staff is doing consulting work for his previous employer on city time – with the permission of the mayor. SEATTLE, 9:04 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Feds: FAA employee took illegal perks – including planes, boats: A federal worker based out of San Diego took illegal perks from his job – including a plane, yachts and heavy-duty trucks, federal prosecutors said Thursday. SAN DIEGO, 5:01 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
DA: Police killing of gunman on I-805 was justified: Six San Diego police officers were justified when they killed a gunman during a foot pursuit on Interstate 805 last year, the District Attorney's Office said Thursday. EL CAJON, 5:45 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Woman who fatally beat elderly man gets 35 years to life: A San Diego woman who admitted to fatally beating and stabbing an 82-year-old man with whom she had an affair was sentenced Thursday to 35 years to life in prison. SAN DIEGO, 5:32 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
New border crossing plan gets presidential permit: The plan to a build a new border crossing east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry now has a stamp of approval from President George W. Bush. SAN DIEGO, 4:56 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Man accused of filing bogus grant deeds pleads not guilty: A man accused of fraudulently claiming ownership of properties in San Diego and Chula Vista by filing bogus grant deeds with county authorities pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony charges. SIOUX FALLS, S.D., 2:19 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Hells Angel from S.D. acquitted in South Dakota gunfight: Two Hells Angels bikers, one of them from San Diego, have been acquitted of attempted murder in a gunfight during the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota. SAN DIEGO, 1:28 p.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Mistrial declared in Gann murder case: Jurors announced Thursday they were unable to reach a verdict in the trial of Nathaniel Gann, who is accused of fatally shooting his stepfather during a phony home-invasion robbery. EL CAJON, 11:54 a.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Man who killed real estate agent sentenced: A Lakeside man convicted of murder in the killing of his real estate agent was sentenced Thursday to 40 years to life in prison. SAN DIEGO, 11:41 a.m. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Hazmat teams called to Scripps Research Institute after fire: Two hazardous-materials teams were called to La Jolla on Thursday after a flash fire caused by a chemical at a Scripps laboratory. County sues SDG&E, Cox for damages in '07 fires: Add San Diego County to the long list of plaintiffs suing San Diego Gas & Electric and Cox Communications for damages caused by three of last October's wildfires. The suits, filed yesterday in San Diego Superior Court, do not specify how much money the county is seeking.
IMPERIAL BEACH, Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Pier repairs to start next year:
A stroll down the 1,500-foot-long slightly uneven Imperial Beach pier soon will be much smoother – a $1.2 million repair and maintenance project will begin next year.
Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
No kayak needed at very low tide: Fall and winter are the best times to explore the La Jolla caves on foot because tides are favorable. Extreme low tides occur many afternoons from now through March.
Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Mobile home residents to get more moving aid:Residents of a threatened mobile home park didn't receive their fondest wish this week – keeping their homes – but they did succeed in securing better relocation benefits as they make way for an apartment complex they have vigorously opposed.
EL CAJON, Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Homeless campsites hot topic at forum: EL CAJON
–
They voiced concerns about gangs, graffiti and vandalism. But most complaints from a crowd of more than 60 people at a Monday night forum on public safety centered on the homeless living in the canyons and riverbeds near their homes.
FEDERAL COURT, Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Church is allowed to meet in bar:
Worshippers who had been barred from their East County church because it was zoned for a bar, and not religious services, may return as early as Sunday.
Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
City Council to consider budget gap again Monday :SAN DIEGO:
The City Council will next take up the issue of how to close San Diego's $43 million budget gap Monday. Mayor Jerry Sanders is proposing to shutter 17 libraries and recreation facilities.
Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Woman, 67, hit in robbery is found dead a day later : CARLSBAD:
A woman assaulted during a robbery at a Carlsbad resort was found dead a day later on her boat in Oceanside. Friends found the body of Barbara Novelich, 67, Monday morning.
Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
7:41 a.m. Nov. 20 (SIGNONSANDIEGO)Jury in slain stepdad trial told to keep deliberating: Jury in slain stepdad trial told to keep deliberating SAN DIEGO COURTS: Jurors in the trial of Nathaniel Gann, a young man accused of fatally shooting his stepfather, announced yesterday they were unable to reach a verdict in the case. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Feb. 4 hearing for actor accused in stabbing case: Kendra Beebe was attacked Aug. 10 in her San Marcos home, suffering more than 20 stab wounds, prosecutors said. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Man faces lesser charges in death of bicyclist, 23: SAN DIEGO COURTS: A man accused of running down a bicyclist in Mira Mesa and dragging the body more than 500 feet was ordered yesterday to stand trial on charges of voluntary and vehicular manslaughter. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Suspected car thief eludes police via drainage pipe: SAN DIEGO: A suspected car thief eluded police early yesterday by diving into a drainage pipe after leading officers on a freeway chase from Miramar to La Jolla. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Teens walking near park shot after confrontation: NATIONAL CITY: Two teenagers were shot yesterday afternoon after being confronted by assailants in a dark sport-utility vehicle, police said. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Groups honor companies with cross-border ties: SAN DIEGO: Four companies and a foundation with cross-border ties were honored yesterday by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce's Mexico Business Center and Tijuana's Economic Development Corp. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Cuts to housing benefits for elderly criticized: DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO: Advocates for elderly and disabled people denounced recent state cuts to housing benefits yesterday at a news conference outside the state building. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Sanders seeks changes to Mills Act program: SAN DIEGO: A program that provides tax breaks for owners of historic properties could face significant changes under a plan backed by San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. Nov. 20 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
CCDC to put workers' raises, bonuses on hold: SAN DIEGO: The downtown redevelopment authority will freeze bonuses and raises for employees through June. BAJA CALIFORNIA, 7:44 p.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Suspected smugglers toss bales of pot during Coast Guard pursuit: Suspected smugglers tossed dozens of bales of marijuana valued at about $22 million overboard earlier this week during a pursuit by the U.S. Coast Guard about 100 miles south of San Diego, authorities said. NATIONAL CITY, 7:07 p.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Two teens shot in National City: Two teenagers were shot late Wednesday afternoon after being confronted by assailants in a dark sport utility vehicle, police said. SAN DIEGO, 6:59 p.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Man accused of running down Mira Mesa bicyclist to stand trial: A man accused of running down a bicyclist in Mira Mesa and dragging the body more than 500 feet was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on charges of voluntary and vehicular manslaughter. EL CAJON, 6:07 p.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
El Cajon man to stand trial for murder in DUI fatalities: A 19-year-old Vista woman told a judge Wednesday how a carefree summer day turned deadly when an accused drunken driver slammed into her boyfriend's car in Ramona, killing him. SAN DIEGO, 5:18 p.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Gann trial jurors report deadlock; judge asks them to continue: Jurors in a trial involving Nathaniel Gann, a young man accused of fatally shooting his stepfather, announced Wednesday that they were unable to reach a verdict in the case, but a judge asked them to resume deliberations. GUATAY, 10:39 a.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
East County church can reopen, but must get permit: A federal judge ruled Wednesday that an East County church that was shut down by the county because it was improperly permitted can resume services once it corrects the problems that violate building codes. CARLSBAD, 10:44 a.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Police seek three men in La Costa burglaries: Police are asking for the public's help in locating three men who may be connected to a series of burglaries in La Costa. ENCINITAS, 10:45 a.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Leucadia house fire displaces four: Four people were displaced from their Leucadia home early Wednesday morning after a fire engulfed the garage and two vehicles and damaged parts of the attic and roof. 9:48 a.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Cause of El Cajon fire never may be known: A three-alarm fire that destroyed a hillside home just south of El Cajon was probably started by an electrical failure, but the exact cause may never be known. SAN DIEGO, 8:07 a.m. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Car thief dives into drainage pipe, eludes cops in pursuit: A suspected car thief eluded police early Wednesday morning by diving into a drainage pipe after leading officers on a 12-minute freeway chase from Miramar to La Jolla.
Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
County is facing painful cuts: San Diego County is facing a $78 million budget deficit that is expected to persist in coming years and could force cuts in public safety and programs for low-income families. The county Board of Supervisors received an update yesterday that showed a bleak picture for sales and property tax revenues and state funding, which makes up a large chunk of the county's $5.2 billion budget.
Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Guilty verdict in surfer death:It all started with a spilled beer at a La Jolla bar.
What followed was a street brawl that led to the death of a young surfer, outrage among the residents of an affluent beach community and a media maelstrom that soon went national.
And now, nearly 18 months later, a murder conviction.
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Council OKs law for heart devices: SAN DIEGO
–
Large new buildings, including stores, churches, hotels, restaurants, schools and theaters, will be required to have heart-starting medical devices on site under a law passed by the San Diego City Council yesterday.
SAN DIEGO COURTS, Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Closing arguments heard in stepson's trial in '07 slaying: SAN DIEGO COURTS
–
Nathaniel Gann and his sister calculated the slaying of their stepfather down to the last detail, a prosecutor told jurors during closing arguments yesterday.
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Pedestrian shot from behind, is expected to live: SAN DIEGO
–
An 18-year-old man was shot from behind several times as he walked through the Mountain View neighborhood last night, police said.
Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
La Jolla woman reports being sexually assaulted : LA JOLLA:
A woman reported that she was sexually assaulted early yesterday while walking on a popular bike path near Starkey Park, police said.
Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Analyst urges Sanders to postpone closings :SAN DIEGO:
The city's independent budget analyst yesterday called on San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders to hold off on his proposed closures of 17 libraries and recreation centers, but Sanders pressed on.
Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)Stepfather pleads guilty in 3-year-old girl's death: SAN DIEGO COURTS: A San Diego man who punched his 3-year-old stepdaughter in the stomach, resulting in her death, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Killers of 2 brothers get 80 years to life in prison: SAN DIEGO COURTS: Two gang members convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a pair of brothers in Lomita last year were sentenced yesterday to 80 years to life in prison. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Four agencies put out fire at home in Spring Valley: EAST COUNTY: Crews from four agencies extinguished a fire at a Spring Valley home yesterday afternoon, officials said. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
GPS devices being stolen, sheriff's deputies warn: IMPERIAL BEACH: Deputies are warning residents to beware of thieves stealing GPS devices from cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Merchandise stolen from electronics store: SAN MARCOS: Sheriff's deputies who responded to a burglar alarm at a Radio Shack electronics store in San Marcos yesterday morning found the front window of the business smashed and merchandise missing. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Man, 44, is hospitalized after attack with machete: SAN DIEGO: A 44-year-old man was attacked yesterday by a man with a machete after an argument at a University Heights home. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Record highs set, but cooler weather coming: Despite the forecast of a cooling trend, two record high temperatures were set for the date in the county yesterday. Nov. 19 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Council lets development replace mobile home park: SAN DIEGO: A mobile home park in Allied Gardens must make way for a large-scale residential development, the City Council decided last night. SAN DIEGO, 4:39 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
San Diego water rates to rise on Jan. 1: City of San Diego water rates will rise $4.43 a month to $57.31, an 8.4 percent increase, on Jan. 1, following the City Council's approval Tuesday.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Library, rec center cuts seen as no-win situation: At the Azalea Recreation Center in City Heights, every season has its youth sport – basketball in the winter, soccer in the spring, baseball in the summer and flag football in the fall.
SAN DIEGO, 7:49 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)S.D. law requires new large buildings to have defibrillators: Large new buildings, including stores, churches, hotels, restaurants, schools and theaters, will be required to have heart-starting medical devices on site under a law passed Tuesday by the San Diego City Council. 6:54 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Border Patrol claiming success along local fence: The Border Patrol is claiming success along a formerly chaotic five-mile stretch of the border between the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry, where fencing was raised and reinforced with razor-studded concertina wire. SAN DIEGO, 6:41 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
City College student diagnosed with TB: A San Diego City College student has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, and about 190 students and faculty members have been notified that they may have been exposed, county officials said Tuesday. SAN DIEGO, 6:13 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Career criminal, wanted since 2003, gets 100 months in prison: When Manuel Jose Romero was pulled over by a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy in April, the man described by authorities as a career criminal had a few problems. SAN DIEGO, 5:53 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
U.S. citizen arrested at border via SENTRI alert: A 24-year-old United States citizen who had been driving in a a SENTRI lane was arrested at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on suspicion of smuggling marijuana, authorities said Tuesday. EL CAJON, 5:11 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Upscale East County house destroyed in 3-alarm fire: A house perched atop a hillside in unincorporated El Cajon was destroyed in a three-alarm fire Tuesday afternoon, injuring two residents and spreading to nearby brush on the surrounding slope. SAN DIEGO, 5:25 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Regulator backs Sunrise Powerlink, but not through Anza-Borrego: The head of the California Public Utilities Commission said Tuesday that San Diego Gas & Electric should build a huge power line across East County on the assumption that it will lead to more electricity from the sun, wind and water heated underground. 11:36 a.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
County faces swelling budget shortfall: San Diego County is facing at least a $78 million budget deficit that is expected to grow in coming years and could force dramatic cuts in programs aimed at children and low-income families. SAN DIEGO, 4:19 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Prosecutors: Gann, sister planned stepdad's murder to last detail: Nathaniel Gann and his sister calculated the murder of their stepfather down to the last detail, from buying black clothing to faking a home-invasion robbery and calling 911 for help, prosecutors told jurors during closing arguments Tuesday. SAN DIEGO, 3:58 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
El Cajon man diagnosed with West Nile: A 49-year-old El Cajon man is the latest person in San Diego County to be diagnosed with the West Nile virus, authorities said Tuesday. SAN DIEGO, 3:39 p.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Woman reports sexual assault on La Jolla bike path: A woman reported that she was sexually assaulted early Tuesday morning while walking on a bike path in La Jolla, police said. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Gaylord drops Chula Vista bayfront resort: Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego were reeling yesterday after Gaylord Entertainment dropped plans for a 32-acre resort, another disappointment in 35 years of failed attempts to develop the city's waterfront. EL CAJON, 7:40 a.m. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Big Lots manager attacked, robbed: An employee of an El Cajon discount store was attacked Monday night by a robber armed with a knife who kicked her and hit her over the head with a computer.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Officer who sued city over pageant activity loses job: Chula Vista police Officer Deanna Mory has been fired from the department and her attorney has filed an appeal with the city's Civil Service Commission.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
2 from UCSD joining Obama team: LA JOLLA – Two UC San Diego scholars have been tapped to join President-elect Barack Obama's transition team.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Rapes, homicides climb, but city's crime rate dips: SAN DIEGO – The city's crime rate for the first nine months of this year dropped nearly 8 percent overall compared with the same time period last year, but homicides, rapes and gang-related crimes were up.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
State begins spraying for citrus pest: SAN DIEGO – Men in white protective suits and face shields sprayed citrus trees in the San Diego neighborhood of South Bay Terraces yesterday as part of an expanding war against a pest that is little bigger than a pinhead.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Kaiser workers go to ER, but no hazard is found: SAN DIEGO: Half a dozen people at a Kaiser Foundation Hospital administrative building were exposed to an unknown white powder yesterday and went to the emergency room as a precaution, authorities said.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Theories abound over size of Prop. 8 protest: SAN DIEGO – San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders' surprising support of same-sex marriage. A mobilized church effort to end such unions through Proposition 8. A strong showing at county polls in favor of the measure.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Conditions contributing to record heat expected to ease: It may not be fireplace-and-hot-chocolate weather, but after several days of dry, out-of-season heat, fall should finally start acting something like fall.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Teen lives on through heart recipient: SAN DIEGO – He was a seemingly healthy 15-year-old boy who enjoyed weight lifting and computer games. She was a 61-year-old woman with congestive heart failure, unsure if she would live to see her grandchildren grow up.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Jurors struggling with verdict in surfer's death: SAN DIEGO COURTS – Jurors announced yesterday that they were unable to reach a verdict on a murder charge against Seth Cravens in the beating death of a La Jolla surfer.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Canyon brush fire doused: SAN DIEGO – Firefighters stopped flames from reaching homes along the top of a City Heights canyon that burned yesterday for at least the third time this year, a fire official said.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Two small earthquakes hit north of observatory: NORTH COUNTY: Two small earthquakes struck within hours of each other yesterday morning in a remote area of the Cleveland National Forest north of Palomar Mountain.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Report outlines how to adapt to climate change: Scientists and policy experts yesterday unveiled San Diego County's first blueprint for adapting to rising sea levels, altered rainfall and other “catastrophic” changes linked to global warming.
Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)Man caught near border wanted in L.A. slaying: SAN DIEGO: Border Patrol agents have captured a Mexican fugitive wanted in connection with a homicide in Los Angeles. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Crews have tough time rescuing trapped woman: NORTH COUNTY: Rescuers worked into the night yesterday trying to figure out how to get a woman out of a canyon in the Pauma Valley area after she slid about 800 feet down the steep, wooded slope. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Wife found dead at home; husband taken to hospital: RAMONA: A 44-year-old woman was found dead and her husband was hospitalized after a prescription-drug overdose in their home yesterday, a sheriff's official said. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
School district extends superintendent's contract: EL CAJON: The Grossmont Union High School District governing board voted 4-0 last week to extend the superintendent's contract by one year, until 2012, and increase his annual pay by 4.5 percent. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Two Lane Field projects strike out with state: SAN DIEGO: The California Coastal Commission has denied a coastal development permit for a project that includes two posh hotels on Lane Field, property that once was home to the Pacific Coast League San Diego Padres. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
South Bay Expressway operator to donate funds: The South Bay Expressway turns a year old tomorrow, and private operators of the four-lane tollway plan to mark the milestone with a fundraiser. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
San Diego considers sale of Balboa Avenue parcel: SAN DIEGO: Facing a budget shortfall, the city of San Diego is seeking nearly $3.2 million for a parcel on Balboa Avenue but is rethinking plans to sell a larger piece of property on North Torrey Pines Road for $16 million. Nov. 18 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
County budget deficit could reach $90 million: The county faces a potential budget deficit of $90 million this year as tax revenue falls short of expectations and state funding cuts loom, the county's top administrator has told employees.
