Accreditor puts Bridgepoint on notice
It's one more concern about for-profit university's accreditation
Bridgepoint Education, the extremely controversial for-profit educational operation, posted a notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today (Feb. 28) that it has more accreditation problems. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges …
Filner sets up ballot battle committee
New campaign fund of San Diego mayor could dramatically up ante in war with San Diego's big three hoteliers demanding cash payouts from city hall
The epic battle involving San Diego's big three hotel owners, their city council ally Todd Gloria, and Democratic mayor Bob Filner and his hotel union backers may soon be taking yet another new turn. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/28/40880/ As reported here Tuesday, a …
$2.1 million police vehicle purchase approved
San Diego’s City Council on February 26 approved an expenditure of $2.1 million to purchase 76 vehicles to replace the San Diego Police Department’s aging fleet of Crown Victoria cruisers. The new vehicles, at an average cost of just over …
Overnight jail fight at Chula Vista facility, Sheriff says
One prisoner went to hospital, no deputies injured
There was a fight between inmates at the Chula Vista detention facility last night, which resulted in one prisoner being sent to hospital, it was reported by the San Diego County Sheriff this morning. A little after 9 o’clock last …
Escondido man on trial for murder after head-on collision
Repeat felon was high on heroin and driving stolen vehicle, prosecutor said
An Escondido man is on trial for murder, after he allegedly caused a fatal head-on collision driving a stolen car on the wrong side of the road, while high on heroin. Jurors began hearing evidence this morning, in a trial …
Peevey, supposed to be neutral, pushed secretly for Pio Pico
CPUC head requested another agency to write a letter to help SDGE
Tomorrow (Feb. 28), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) votes on whether to permit San Diego Gas & Electric to push ahead with three gas-fired power plants. The most important is Pio Pico in the Otay area. But, it is …
San Onofre shutdown costs now over $400 million
The cost of the ongoing emergency shutdown at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has topped $400 million for plant operator Southern California Edison, new disclosures reveal. Edison’s costs thus far include $102 million for inspection and repair of defective steam …
County supervisors quietly assign selves lucrative board gigs
Fight over stipend-laden planning and airport board seats at city eclipses low-key self-awards at county
It was an epic struggle last month between Bob Filner and fellow Democrat Todd Gloria - the politically ambitious, developer and hotelier-backed city councilman from the Third District - over who would get appointed to outside agency boards. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/27/40812/ As …
SDGE still hopeful it will screw you
But annual report says if it can't, it will record a charge
On December 20, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) turned down an attempt by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) to get ratepayers to cough up for uninsured costs of the 2007 fire, for which the utility was found responsible. …
City appeals judge's decision to award former pension officials over $5 million in damages
Representative for City Attorney to appear in court on Friday to get out of paying legal fees.
The City of San Diego is still embroiled in the legal fight surrounding the estimated $2 billion hit it took during the 2002 pension debacle when pension board officials voted to increase benefits while decreasing payments. The City of San …
San Diego schools superintendent announces retirement plan
Next leader will be sixth installed in eight years
San Diego Unified School District has announced that superintendent Bill Kowba will step down on June 30, following the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year. Kowba’s departure will set the district to work in seeking its sixth head since 2005, …
Man arrested for murder could not make plea today
Arraignment of Kevin Coset was delayed by defense attorneys
A frightened-looking young man was brought into court today, but he did not hear the charges alleged against him, because attorneys are still sorting out who might defend him. Kevin Albert Coset, 23, looked around the room when he was …
Yet another lawsuit being cooked up by hotelier-run district, notice reveals
Friday meeting agenda shows so-called tourism board run by C. Terry Brown is not yet done suing
Hotel workers are complaining they don't make enough scratch, and hotel owners say they are afraid for their own sizable meal tickets, but at least one well-paid attorney from Sacramento and his legal associates are apparently making out big in …
Appeals court scuttles Encore robo-signing settlement
Thirty-eight states said payment "paltry"; stock plunges 7.21%
Stock of Encore Capital, which purchases defaulted consumer receivables, plummeted 7.21% today (Feb. 26) to $29.08 after a federal appeals court voided a $5.2 million settlement over charges that Encore used false affidavits and illegal tactics to collect debt from …
San Diego Tourism Authority plans to spend more than 44 percent of hotel tax on staff salaries so far this year
A big portion of revenues from hotel assessment goes to pay salaries, taxes, and benefits for ConVis employees
Proponents of San Diego's Tourism Marketing District spoke out in favor of the two percent assessment on hotel rooms at a February 25 council hearing. Some warned city councilmembers about the impact that withholding the revenue would have on the …
Tijuana man arrested for teen sexual exploitation plot
Suspect met 13 year old girl on Facebook and began fake relationship
A Tijuana man was arrested on February 23rd, for allegedly luring a 13 year old girl to the city for sexual exploitation. The 18 year old suspect, Jesús Ramón “El Chui” Cristin Urbina, met the girl online last year and …
San Diego home values keep rising
Again, SD prices top those of top 20 markets
San Diego home values rose 0.4% in December from November, topping the 0.2% rise of the top 20 markets, according to Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller numbers posted this morning (Feb. 26). Over the last year, local home values have risen 9.2%, …
Save Our Heritage Organisation urges Gloria not to pursue Municipal Code change
Numerous other hurdles could arise in fight over Plaza de Panama revamp plan, group says
Tensions over plans to remove parking and vehicle traffic from Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama have once again been reignited, as local preservationist group Save Our Heritage Organisation reacts to a suggestion from San Diego City Council president Todd Gloria …
Radio investment adviser charged with fraud
La Jolla's George Charles Cody Price touted expertise on "The Wealth Weekend Hour"
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged La Jolla investment adviser George Charles Cody Price, and his company, ABS Manager LLC, with fraudulent misrepresentation and other violations of securities laws. Price, who until early 2011 co-hosted a KFMB San …
City council hears Tourism Marketing District comments as union hotel workers unveil a new lawsuit
Brigette Browning and Sergio Gonzales, representing the hospitality workers’ union UNITE HERE Local 30, announced the filing of a lawsuit against San Diego City Council protesting the proposed extension of Tourism Marketing District fees collected from visitors to local hotels, …
Convicted Temecula con man is filing appeals
Hawaiian prosecutor is "very interested," according to local attorney
A convicted con man has filed motions appealing his conviction and for reconsideration of sentence and to return property that was seized during his arrest, according to attorneys. Tyler Adams, now 40, was sentenced to 14 years prison last November, …
Woman reportedly shared a baby picture while attempting check fraud
Suspect shared photo of her one-year-old son, detective said
A beautiful young Latina woman reportedly shared a baby photo, saved in her cell phone, with a bank teller before she abandoned her efforts to cash a stolen check and left the bank, last summer. A bank teller at Chase …
Escondido stolen vehicle suspect in court
Oil dipstick is reportedly tool for car thieves, cops say
Jason Albert Scaparo, 36, was in court today charged with stolen vehicle. Escondido police officer William Havens said he joined a stolen vehicle pursuit on Wednesday, February 6, shortly before noon. Officer Havens said he was in his patrol vehicle …
Another potential lawsuit in Hotel Tax issue, this time over how district plans to pay for lawsuit against City
Attorney for San Diegans for Open Government warns of another lawsuit if TMD board moves forward with case against the City
Two days after the Tourism Marketing District Board announced it would be suing the City for failing to follow through with approving its 40-year contract, one question remains unanswered: Just where will the city-backed Tourism Marketing District get the money …
Over 7.5 tons of marijuana seized in Tijuana
Large seizures continue in Tijuana as authorities fight major trafficking operations
Several busts occurred during the week of February 17th, which netted over 7.5 tons of marijuana in the city of Tijuana. The largest seizure occurred Wednesday evening, February 20th, in the delegación Cerro Colorado area of Tijuana. An arrest led …
Sheriff's Department busts two rural marijuana grows
Sheriff’s deputies are reporting two significant marijuana busts in rural San Diego County communities. In Ramona, the Sheriff’s SWAT team served a warrant on the 300 block of Fegahli Road on Friday, following a month-long narcotics investigation. Residents had fortified …
Hotel titan leading legal war against Democrat Filner had role in San Diego Nixon scandal
C. Terry Brown helped fund controversial effort to bring 1972 GOP convention to Richard Nixon's "lucky city"
The date was March 9, 1972, and San Diego's hopes to host that year's Republican convention were quickly unraveling. Lobbyist Dita Beard had spilled the beans to Washington columnist Jack Anderson about a deal by ITT Corporation, a giant conglomerate …
Mayor Filner, City Council and City Attorney Goldsmith to discuss Tourism Marketing District during closed session meeting
Meeting to discuss lawsuit brought on by government activist which challenges the validity of the TMD
Mayor Bob Filner and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith will square off once again over the fate of the controversial Toursim Marketing District. This meeting won't be in front of the cameras, it will be behind closed doors during a closed …
Advocacy group closely tied to big hotel owner backs legal attack on Filner
Executive board of business lobbying group includes Mike McDowell, vice president of corporate affairs for Atlas Hotels
As reported earlier this week by Dorian Hargove, city councilman Todd Gloria, who is not a particularly close ally of fellow Democrat Bob Filner, has called a city council meeting Monday to provide support to the hoteliers currently suing the …
SDGE, SCE must justify charging customers for idle San Onofre
You have paid $115 to $140 yearly as nuclear plant has been closed
An administrative law judge of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has ruled that Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE), co-owners of the now-closed San Onofre nuclear plant, must justify customer charges at meetings in …
Declining to take public questions, tax-backed tourism board votes to sue Filner
Four of nine marketing district board members skip controversial vote to sue San Diego mayor over disputed two-percent hotel levy
After an unexpectedly long meeting behind closed doors early this afternoon, five of the nine members of the San Diego Tourism Marketing District finally emerged to announce they had voted to approve suing Democratic San Diego mayor Bob Filner in …
Cipher expert hired to decode message in murder case
Source says disguised communication found in defendant's jail cell
The District Attorney’s office may have hired a cipher expert to decode a document found in the jail cell of a defendant charged in a notorious murder, according to a well-placed source. The defense attorney for one female defendant in …
La Jolla likely to keep "Christmas" in parade name
Talk of name change surfaces, but movement does not appear strong enough
La Jolla has 40,000 people, and about 12,000 are Jewish, according to the San Diego Jewish Journal, using figures from the United Jewish Federation. Many other La Jolla residents belong to non-Christian faiths and assorted ethnic groups. But La Jolla …
Tourism Marketing District has some economic incentive...for city councilmembers
City councilmembers have collected more than $42,000 from top three hotel companies part of TMD
For Monday's council hearing, council president Todd Gloria is planning to shed some light on the controversy surrounding the Tourism Marketing District. At the meeting, councilmembers will hear the benefits that the Tourism Marketing District, the special assessment paid by …
Humphrey's owner voted to sue San Diego mayor
Wealthy hotelier who runs internationally famous Shelter Island concert venue is vice-chairman of hotel tax district at center of Filner storm
San Diego's famed Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay, where musical acts all the way from Tony Bennett to the Goo Goo Dolls have plied their trade for 31 seasons to sold-out crowds, has been getting some off-stage attention of late. …
Oceanside burglar handed out flyers with her name and phone number
Sentenced to prison for string of first-degree burglaries
A Vista woman passed out “lost dog” flyers, with her true name and phone number, while she was casing homes in Oceanside that she would later burglarize, according to papers in her court file. Toya Dahl Calderon, 30, was sentenced …
California brothers found dead in Mexicali
Two men from Calexico murdered in neighboring Mexicali
Two brothers, who were U.S. citizens from Calexico, California, were found dead in an abandoned gas station in Mexicali, Baja California on February 20th. The men, who were identified only as Daniel and Cristian, were bound with tape and suffered …
Disgraced Carlsbad cop has completed his “treatment”
Former police detective took evidence in front of witnesses
Michael Christian Koch admitted burglary, when he took heroin from the evidence room at Carlsbad police headquarters, the crime happened January 19, 2012. The 18-year-veteran was a vice and narcotics detective at the time of the incident. Koch was in …
Driver in fatal hit-and-run crash expects 22 years prison
Escondido man admitted manslaughter in plea deal
An Escondido man admitted gross vehicular manslaughter, and causing injury to multiple victims, and fleeing after a fatal car crash, in a plea deal in San Diego’s North County Superior Court. Three other felony charges, including DUI charges, were dropped …
New proposal from Mayor's Office opens commercial areas to medical marijuana dispensaries
New zones would include some commercial and light industrial areas.
Medical Marijuana patients in San Diego may not have to travel to remote industrial areas to get their medication, that is, if city councilmembers agree with a proposal to open new zones for dispensaries. A committee comprised of former task …
Alleged Mexican Mafia enforcer sent to prison
Gangster admitted assaulting blacks in Escondido
An admitted Escondido gangster was sentenced to 17 years State prison last month, on January 16, 2013. Ulysses Ocampo, now 23, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other crimes, ten days before his trial was set to start in San …
New lawsuit challenges extension of rope at La Jolla Children's Pool
Lawsuit claims 22-foot extension of rope barrier in violation of the Coastal Development Permit
The La Jolla Children's Pool may be in need of a name change. A better name for the "public park, bathing pool for children," dedicated by Ellen Browning Scripps in 1930 could be La Jolla Lawsuit Lagoon. In the past …
Escondido "skin-head" gets prison term
Now 25, he began his felony career when 18-years-old
A man described as a “documented skin head” was sentenced to more than 2 years State prison, on burglary and stolen vehicle charges, in San Diego's North County Superior Courthouse. Chase Evans Jenkins, 25, admitted the two felony charges in …
Does San Diego's City Attorney have conflict of interest in hoteliers' legal attack on mayor?
GOP's Goldsmith heavily backed by big hotel interests and lobbyists threatening to sue Democrat Filner in cash dispute
With the looming threat of a lawsuit against the city of San Diego and mayor Bob Filner by the so-called San Diego Tourism Marketing District, insider eyes are turning to city attorney Jan Goldsmith and his long and cozy political …
Former Marines charged for false travel, lodging claims
This one even tops phony corporate expense accounts
Two former Reserve Marine Sergeants, Luis Gilbert Menchaca and Manuel Ramos Padilla, have pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and fraud charges for alleged offenses occurring at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, the indictment …
The fix may be in on Pio Pico power plant
Clearly conflicted CPUC commissioner changes her mind, decides to vote
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) is pushing for three gas-fired power plants: Quail Brush, near Mission Trails Regional Park; Pio Pico in the Otay area, and the Wellhead Escondido Energy Center. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) delayed two …
San Diego paramedic says Fire Department officials targeted him for his military service
Navy reservist claims Fire Department officials disciplined him for reporting for military duty
San Diego paramedic, Michael Meoli, no longer wants to be punished for being a Navy Reservist. On February 6, the 16-year veteran paramedic and reserve Seal Operator Chief and Special Operations Combat Medic for the Navy accuses San Diego Fire …
Business owners invited to claim their share of $7B settlement
All businesses that accepted Visa/MasterCard between 2004-2012 eligible for partial "swipe fee" refund
Thousands of local businesses could be eligible to claim a portion of a $7 billion settlement offered by Visa and MasterCard, though they may not be aware of it. K.B. Forbes, from Consejo de Latinos Unidos (the Council of United …
Lawyer for hotel owners planning to sue city can't say who will pay his fee
Litigation targeting San Diego mayor yet to gain final approval and will be debated at February 22 meeting at the Bahia Hotel, attorney says
Who will pay the tab for that prospective lawsuit against the city of San Diego regarding Democratic mayor Bob Filner's refusal to release hotel tax money demanded by the hotelier-controlled San Diego Tourism Marketing District? http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/19/40413/ The district is largely, …
Labor group talks transit plans
A Better San Diego, a community outreach group sponsored largely by local labor unions, held its latest monthly community breakfast and roundtable last Friday, February 15, hosting speakers on the issue of regional public transit. Event host and labor leader …
DeMaio backers behind Tourism Marketing District attack Filner in U-T San Diego
U-T San Diego, run by GOP hotel magnate Douglas Manchester, not pleased with Democratic mayor's self-styled reform plan for city "tourism" subsidies
The San Diego Tourism Marketing District, TMD for short, has long been a fixture at city hall, funneling $30 million or so of hotel tax revenue through a hand-picked industry-controlled board of directors to an array of pet causes, including …
Two District 4 candidates pulling ahead in campaign cash
Myrtle Cole leading the pack in campaign contributions with thousands more than her closest opponent
Out of the nine candidates running for the District Four council seat, two are pulling ahead of the pack in terms of fundraising efforts. Recent campaign disclosures show that candidates Myrtle Cole and Dwayne Crenshaw have raised thousands more than …
San Diego city council surrenders in costly Catholic school case
Closed session council vote approves $500,000 payment and authorizes permits for controversial Our Lady of Peace expansion
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace in Normal Heights [See update at bottom of item] will finally be allowed to proceed with its controversial expansion plans, and pick up $500,000 of taxpayers’ money for its trouble, according to a …
City sued for failing to maintain swing sets in Mission Bay Park
Girl claims she sustained serious injuries after the seat on a swing snapped in half
The stack of needed infrastructure repairs in the City of San Diego doesn't seem to be getting any thinner. And now, the City might have to add dilapidated and dangerous swing sets to the list of needed repairs. On February …
Gambling hypocrisy: Padres protested wagering facility near Petco
But racing board approved Tilted Kilt Pub and Restaurant
On January 17, the California Racing Board unanimously approved a new mini-satellite gambling facility near the right field bleachers of Petco Park, the Tilted Kilt Pub and Restaurant, over the objections of the San Diego Padres. According to several racing …
Two month delay for alleged South Bay corruption cases
Frustrated South Bay residents unable to be seated in tiny courtroom
Once again on February 15 the wheels of justice did not roll forward. Arraignments for 14 defendants in alleged pay-to-play schemes were postponed until April 12. (One defendant, Yolanda Hernandez, has already been arraigned.) The South Bay courtroom gallery seats …
Del Mar again extending ban on food trucks
City looking to other coastal locales over a 10 month span while considering special laws to apply to mobile vendors
After extending a 45 day moratorium on issuing licenses to food truck vendors to 90 days last month, the Del Mar City Council is now planning to pass another extension of the ban, this time for 10 ½ months. Interim …
Did genes condemn O'Connor to gambling compulsion?
Late father of ex-San Diego mayor brought down by $1 billion in gambling debts was celebrated San Diego bookie
Jerome O'Connor was laid to rest in September 1992 at the age of 87, followed just thirteen days later by his wife Frances Shinnick O'Connor, 78. St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Mission Hills overflowed with mourners, including their daughter, Maureen, …
Physicians: heal thyselves, says state medical board
Kickbacks, sexual advances, drunken rampage allegedly involved in charges
The Medical Board of California has made charges against three San Diego County physicians. M. Tarek Kady is charged with referring patients to White Cross Pharmacy and in return getting kickbacks of $90,000. In 2009, Dr. Kady allegedly prescribed a …
Public Utilities Commission rejects complaint of over-billing at San Onofre
A complaint filed February 13 alleging that San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station operator Southern California Edison potentially overcharged by as much as $100 million for installation of new steam generators (that failed less than two years into their service life …
"Mayor Mo" stole $2 million from late husband's foundation
She made, then lost $1 billion in gambling, lost even more, and plundered funds
Maureen O'Connor, mayor of San Diego from 1986 to 1992, entered into a "deferred prosecution" agreement today (Feb. 14) for plundering $2.088 million from a foundation set up by her late husband, Robert O. Peterson. She was a trustee of …
Foundation at heart of O'Connor scandal was big donor to San Diego police; John Burton Foundation
The R.P. Foundation, one-time funnel for the charitable giving and wheeling and dealing by late Jack-in-the-Box millionaire Robert O. Peterson, plays major role in ex-mayor’s case
At the center of today's breaking federal case against former San Diego mayor Maureen O'Connor is a foundation deeply rooted in her past relationship with her late husband Robert Oscar Peterson, the founder of the Oscar's hamburger chain, and later …
FreePB lawsuit tossed by federal court judge
Group is not a victim of discrimination due to city's denial of event permit request
Free Parks and Beaches for San Diego, the group behind the FreePB.org site, has been denied in its quest to sue the City of San Diego over an event permit moratorium that prevented the group from hosting its “Leisure Olympics” …
Capitol Hill's top two personal debtors hail from San Diego, analysis finds
North County mega-millionaire Republican and newly elected La Jolla Democrat not eager to talk about places on congressional debtor list
Two San Diego county congressman rank at the very top of the list of Congress's biggest debtors, but neither are eager to provide details about their personal high finances, according to a report posted online today by OpenSecrets.org, a Washington-based …
Complaint alleges overbilling on San Onofre generator replacement
Utility could have charged up to $100 million too much based on incorrect inflation calculation
The Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility on February 13 filed a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission alleging, among other things, that San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station operator Southern California Edison is guilty of “multiple violations of California and federal …
Ex-Sanders aide gets $6,000 a month for Balboa Park centennial role
Former mayoral staffer who played key role promoting city-funded Balboa Park centennial plans and failed parking makeover now working for project's non-profit sponsor, co-chairman says
An ex-Union-Tribune reporter who left the paper to become a top aide to GOP mayor Jerry Sanders is now working for the nonprofit group making plans for a megamillion-dollar corporate-sponsored 2015 celebration of Balboa Park's centennial. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/13/40105/ Gerry Braun, who …
Hit-and-run driver gets 2 years State prison
Korean immigrant ran over bicyclist in Rancho Santa Fe
A Korean immigrant was sentenced to 2 years in prison today, for a hit-and-run collision in which he killed an 18-year-old bicyclist, last summer. Jin Hyuk Byun was 19 years old when he drove his black pickup truck into Angel …
UT San Diego's sale of the North County Times campus in Escondido in limbo
Well after the 90-day escrow, the charter school has yet to obtain a permit or funds for the campus.
It didn't take long for Doug Manchester and John Lynch to start selling assets that came with the $12 million purchase of the North County Times in September 2012. Unfortunately for them, it's taking a lot longer than expected to …
Car burglars captured in Santee
Sheriff's Department seeking other potential victims of duo captured Monday
Sheriff’s deputies in Santee are asking victims of recent car burglaries in and around the city to come forward following the arrest of two men suspected of having committed multiple vehicle break-ins in recent weeks. On the morning of February …
State releases rail plans, calls public meetings for feedback
California’s railroad planners are set to release their long-term plans for the future of rail in the state, including the controversial and costly voter-approved high-speed rail corridor that would run from San Francisco through Orange County but stop short of …
San Diego ranked 2nd safest large city in U.S.
Recent list compiled on FBI statistics gives California cities high rankings
A recent list released, created by CQ Press and compiled on FBI statistics, ranks San Diego as the 2nd safest city in the United States with a population above 500,000. The annual list was compiled on crime statistics to rate …
Oops! NFL team official slips up and tells the truth
"Unwise investments [subsidized stadiums] are strictly for the taxpayer saps."
The Miami Dolphins football team is seeking a $200 million subsidy for renovation of its stadium -- at a time when enraged taxpayers are paying 80% of the cost of a ballpark for the horrible Miami Marlins baseball team. There …
FINRA disciplines two brokers
Also charges unauthorized use of customer's credit card
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has announced discipline against two San Diego County brokers, both of whom neither confirmed nor denied the charges. Jon Herbert Green of Escondido was suspended for two years for obtaining a $6,000 loan from …
So is Manchester negotiating to buy LA Times?
La Jolla Patch says that Manchester misunderstood a question
The La Jolla Patch reported at almost midnight Monday (Feb. 11) that U-T San Diego publisher Papa Doug Manchester mistakenly told a Republican women's group yesterday that he was in negotiations to buy the Tribune Co., owner of the Los …
Kiss statue returns to San Diego Bay
Installation began Monday, February 11 of a bronze recreation of Unconditional Surrender, the controversial statue depicting a sailor kissing a nurse in celebration of the end of World War II, on the San Diego bay front near the U.S.S. Midway …
Lawyer Stocker disbarred over child pornography
He met probation requirements and his conviction was expunged.
San Diego lawyer Frederick John Stocker was disbarred Dec. 19, 2012, according to the February California Bar Journal. He had been convicted of misdemeanor child pornography after his law firm discovered he had downloaded a large number of pornographic images …
Tijuana hotel raided in search for Dorner
Mexico border on high alert in search of fugitive
A Tijuana hotel was raided early Monday evening, February 11th, in search of United States fugitive Christopher Dorner. The Hotel Tapatio, which is located 250 meters from the U.S. border, was searched by over 20 officers. No evidence of Dorner …
Two persons ran from stolen vehicle in Valley Center, deputies say
One suspect allegedly wearing clothing taken from the car
Deputy John Johnson said he tried to pull over a car that was leaving Rancho Corrido Campgrounds in Valley Center, a place he said had “quite a history of criminal activity,” about 4 a.m. on a Thursday morning, January 17, …
Jury: female Border Patrol agent guilty of battery
Off-duty Border Patrol agent attacked another woman in Del Mar
Late today, a jury declared a female Border Patrol agent guilty of battery on another woman, after a public event on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, May 27, 2012. The jury of nine women and three men heard Kallie Helwig testify …
CPUC to hold public hearings on San Onofre in Costa Mesa
Later, there will be a second set of hearings in San Diego County
On February 21, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold public hearings on the mess at the San Onofre nuclear plant. They will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Costa …
Todd Gloria still ready to move forward on Plaza de Panama Project
Council President asks City Attorney for guidance on how to get the ball rolling on the project.
Opponents of the Plaza de Panama Project should have known it would take more than a decision from a Superior Court Judge to keep it from coming back. Today, council president Todd Gloria sent a memo to City Attorney Jan …
Violent week in Tijuana with 12 homicides recorded
Despite increase in homicides, violence mainly isolated to certain neighborhoods
According to figures released by the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública Municipal (SSPM or Secretary of Municipal Public Security), Tijuana recorded twelve homicides from Monday, February 4th, to Sunday, February 10th. The most publicized of the twelve was the murder of …
Filner "Special Events" committee reports big special interest cash
SDG&E, Chargers, downtown lobbyists listed on disclosure of mayor's inaugural and state of the city events
San Diego's new Democratic mayor Bob Filner has become locally famous for frequently showing up around town for various community events, festivals, and parties. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/11/39905/ Now a disclosure report posted online Friday by the city clerk's office and filed February …
San Diego a hot singles market
According to Zillow, SD ranks high for those seeking love
In honor of Valentine's Day, Zillow.com programmed its computers to search for the best markets for people under 35 seeking love. Among the variables taken into account were disposable income, size of the dating pool, ratio of single men to …
How to get a drivers license: pay a bribe
DMV office supervisor one of those charged in bribery conspiracy
Jesse Mario Bryan, who supervised licensing examiners at the Department of Motor Vehicles in El Cajon, was criminally charged today (Feb. 11) for his involvement in a bribery scheme in which drivers who had failed tests, or not taken them, …
Nuclear Regulatory Commission will launch Boxer's requested investigation
Days after Senator Barbara Boxer called for a full federal investigation of the troubled San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station on San Diego’s northern coastline, it appears that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is set to act, pushing back an already-delayed decision …
When newspaper racks attack: UT San Diego named in two lawsuits for poorly maintained newspaper racks
Paper sued for failing to maintain newspaper vending machines
As if San Diego's cracked sidewalks and bumpy streets weren't bad enough. Now another hazard appears to be putting pedestrians at risk: UT San Diego newspaper vending machines. Two people have filed lawsuits against the daily newspaper in San Diego …
Doug Manchester's Texas lobbying team bankrolls Rick Perry
Lobbying and campaign disclosure records show wealthy La Jolla Republican retains Austin influence peddling firm closely linked to GOP governor
U-T San Diego says it is worried about California’s economic future in the wake of Texas governor Rick Perry's Pacific Coast job poaching swing. The GOP pol and one-time presidential candidate is touring the Golden State this week, traveling to …
Watchdog report shows how Wall Street law firms manipulate SEC
Villain is "revolving door" -- securities agency lawyers getting hired by white shoe firms
The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) released this morning (Feb. 11) another report on how Wall Street law firms influence the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by hiring its lawyers for fat compensation. The quid pro quo is Wall Street …
Jury decides against mother of girl killed in hit-and-run
Tiffany St. Ives prevailed in multi-million-dollar civil case
Tiffany St. Ives was 52 years old when she drove into a girl walking across a street in November 2007. More than two years later, in 2010, she pleaded guilty to felony hit-and-run; the judge sentenced her to one year …
Jury deliberates case against two Border Patrol agents
Judge already dismissed two counts, in the misdemeanor trial
After more than a day of deliberation, a jury is still considering the facts in the trial of two Border Patrol agents who are accused of lewd acts in public and then attacking a witness who complained. Kallie Lamb Helwig, …
Proposal that would ban nuclear power in California cleared to petition for 2014 ballot placement
Anti-nuclear activist Ben Davis Jr. is back with another proposed ballot initiative concerning the storage of nuclear waste that would effectively shutter the two remaining active nuclear power plants in California, or one if one doesn’t consider San Diego’s San …
Oceanside gangster admits meth sales
Expects six years in prison, in plea deal
A 24-year-old Oceanside man admitted to selling methamphetamine for benefit of a criminal street gang, in a plea deal last week. George Leno Orozco, said to be a member of the Posole Locos gang, expects to get 6 years in …
Oceanside man will go to prison for assaulting father
Arrested after two stand-offs with police
A 51-year-old man who admitted “willful cruelty” to his own father, and assaulting two police officers, was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison, last month. Noel Sean Myers pleaded guilty to one felony count of “willful cruelty to …
San Diego retiree healthcare 3% funded
That compares with 55% in Los Angeles, according to Pew Center study
According to the publication PublicCEO.com, Pew Center on the States has issues a 40 comments
How TaylorMade drove past neighbor Callaway
Golf market shares completely changed as Callaway management blundered
The Wall Street Journal has a comprehensive story in the weekend edition (dated Feb. 9) on how Carlsbad's TaylorMade left Carlsbad's Callaway weeping at the tee in the golf equipment business. TaylorMade now has 47% of the market for woods, …
Day after Jacobs speaks, Plaza de Panama lobbying deal with Shepard ends
Public Policy Strategies Plaza de Panama lobbying gig with Turner Construction is dropped the day after Qualcomm billionaire pulls out of controversial Balboa Park road and parking makeover
It didn't take long for the announcement by Qualcomm billionaire Irwin Jacobs that he was pulling out of his controversial big-money plan to remake Balboa Park with new roads and a huge parking garage to impact an influential player in …
Skirmish over security contracts at Qualcomm Stadium
Elite and Staff Pro fight over paying employees living wages
The scuffle between Elite Show Services and Staff Pro over two open security contracts at Qualcomm Stadium rages on. At the center of the debate is allegations that Staff Pro is trying to avoid paying their employees living wages. Now, …
Local municipalities pushing to get cats sterilized ahead of peak breeding season
County, six local cities offering $100 vouchers for free spaying
The late winter months of February and March mark the primary breeding season for cats, which leads to the dubbing of springtime at local animal shelters as “kitten season,” a time when the number of unwanted young housecats are abandoned …
Tijuana police on watch for Dorner, suspected cop killer
Man suspected of killing three people could be traveling near Mexico border
The Tijuana municipal police have setup operations near the United States border incase alleged cop killer, Christopher Dorner, attempts to cross into Mexico. Authorities in Tijuana were put on alert after Dorner allegedly spent the night in the San Diego …
City of Chula Vista sued by woman who fell as a result of a broken City sidewalk
Woman's husband files lawsuit against the City for injuries caused by a broken City sidewalk.
San Diego is not the only City in the County trying to answer to a massive backlog of street and sidewalk repairs. Chula Vista, the second largest municipality in the County, is also hundreds of millions of dollars in the …
Lobbyists use Twitter to rip Filner over downtown banquet speech
With transcript yet to surface, tweets provide unusually candid glimpse of how hardball special interest politics is played in San Diego
But how do they really feel? Prolific tweeters among the ranks of San Diego's real estate and development lobbyists and political consultants have been burning up the Internet over remarks reportedly made by new Democratic mayor Bob Filner at a …
Sheriffs in Ramona visit the "Chicken Ranch"
Compound was used by burglary ring to hide and process stolen property
Sheriff’s deputies served a warrant Tuesday on a Ramona property known as the “Chicken Ranch,” which a gang of burglars was reportedly using to hide and dismantle stolen property before attempting to offer it for sale. Concluding a two month …
One way to negotiate: threaten to blow up the plant
Platinum Equity owns French company hit with layoff unrest
A French plant owned by Beverly Hills-based Platinum Equity, former owner of the Union-Tribune, is experiencing real labor unrest: the workers are threatening to blow up the place, according to the publication Testosterone Pit. Tuesday (Feb. 5) the 168 remaining …
Massachusetts nails LPL Financial
SD firm will pay $2 million to investors plus $500,000 fine
San Diego's LPL Financial has been hit with an order by the Massachusetts Security Division to pay more than $2 million to investors who had bought shares of non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs). LPL will also pay a $500,000 …
Rick Perry's La Jolla super PAC down to its last $946
San Diego committee backing California job-poaching Texas governor isn't so super anymore
Self-styled San Diego business leaders aflutter about Texas governor Rick Perry's recent California job raiding forays can rest easy about one thing: his La Jolla-based super PAC. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/07/39694/ At one point during the run-up to the 2012 presidential election season, …
Alleged San Marcos gangster brought before a judge
Accused of ramming his car into another man
An alleged gang member was arraigned on charges of attempted murder and felony assault, in San Diego’s North County Superior Courthouse, late yesterday. Jorge Alcantara Colin, 21, is accused of driving his car into another man, after that man intervened …
Man walks into the Imperial Beach Sheriff Station and says he just killed his wife
Woman's body found in husbands Nissan pickup truck
Just before 4:00 pm Wednesday February 6, William Barker was driving home from work when several San Diego Sheriff cars fell in behind him sirens blaring. Before he could pull over the patrol cars stopped in front of the sheriff's …
Boxer, Markey demand San Onofre investigation
Senator, Congressman say new information indicates SCE overlooked safety
Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer of California and Democratic Representative Ed Markey of Massachusetts today (Feb. 6) wrote the federal Nuclear Regulator Commission (NRC) urging it to investigate new information indicating that Southern California Edison (SCE) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries were …
Kilroy Realty throws one-million dollars at city lobbyists to help with permits for One Paseo
The developer hopes the money will result in permits needed to start on massive mixed-use project
Kilroy Realty is sparing no expense trying to convince elected officials and city staffers to approve One Paseo, their 23.5 acre mixed-use development in Carmel Valley. Executives at Kilroy have a tough road ahead of them. Kilroy acquired the property …
One SDGE expense account: $71,158 in 2011
SDGE chief exec raked in $2.93 million in compensation; Sempra chairman $11.8 million
San Diego Gas & Electric executives were reimbursed for some fat expenses in 2011, according to the GO-77M report filed with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). One manager had an expense account of $71,158. A vice president had expenses …
Did you charge more than $100,000 on your expense account?
Four Edison executives did in 2011; one wrote off $192,402.
The Orange County Register has an excellent watchdog piece this week on pay and expense account reimbursement for Southern California Edison (SCE) executives. The data came from a filing with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The best-paid 10% of …
El Cajon Police dog attacks La Mesa officer
Camaraderie between local law enforcement officials apparently does not extend to the canine world, as an El Cajon Police K-9 unit responding to assist in a search instead chose to attack a group of La Mesa Police officers on Monday …
Border Patrol agents may testify
Prosecution has rested in trial of two agents accused of lewd acts and battery
Prosecution has rested, in the trial of two off-duty Border Patrol agents who are accused of lewd acts in public and then attacking a witness who complained. Kallie Lamb Helwig, 25, and Gerald Joseph Torello, 35, have pleaded not guilty …
Tijuana narco-tunnel discovered
Another sophisticated passage found, built by drug traffickers
Another narco-tunnel was discovered in Tijuana, that crossed into the United States but did not have an exit built yet, which spanned 370 meters in length. The tunnel was discovered Monday evening, February 4th. The tunnel was found after an …
Edison got huge rate boost although required filing still not made
Question was whether generator replacement program was cost-effective
San Diego attorney Mike Aguirre learned today (Feb. 5) that Southern California Edison (SCE) has still not made a filing that should have been critical in its California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) general rate case that ended late last year. …
Jacobs says he is bowing out of Balboa Park makeover
Money talks as La Jolla billionaire Democrat and Qualcomm founder makes announcement on public broadcasting station he funds: "I've told the committee that the project is over "
San Diego's richest man, Qualcomm billionaire Irwin Jacobs, says he is pulling out of his controversial Balboa Park traffic and parking plan. The move came a day after a Superior Court judge here ruled that the city council had acted …
Despite ills, UCAN raises $20,000
Board at monthly meeting discusses lawyer, accountant bills
Troubled watchdog Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) has raised $20,000 from 1,000 contributors, its board learned today at the February meeting. Some expressed surprise that with the U.S. Attorney investigating UCAN, and civil suits cropping up, a certain number of …
As the world turns: Earth Day Fair to be held inside Balboa Park
Mayor Filner announces support for the Earth Day Fair, now that Plaza de Panama project has been defeated
The drama over Earth Day at Balboa Park can finally be put to rest. One day after Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor struck down the controversial Plaza de Panama project, Mayor Bob Filner announced the annual Earth Fair is back …
Alleged pay-to-play cases remain in South Bay
Judge Timothy R. Walsh denies district attorney's motion
At the end of January, San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis filed a motion to reconsider the transfer of alleged corruption cases from the San Diego courthouse (central division) to the South County courthouse. On February 5, Judge Timothy R. …
Vista Fire Department seeking seniors
http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/05/39580/ The Vista Fire Department is putting out a call for residents age 50 or older to join the organization’s Senior Volunteer Program. Providing “emergency incident support,” such as providing food and drink to crews working extended duty situations like …
After backing industry-favored timber tax, Fletcher reaped big contributions
Republican-turned-independent Assemblyman was one of two crucial votes needed for passage of tax bill favored by Sierra Pacific Industries and other timber interests
It was August 2012 and one of the most heated tax battles of the year was unfolding. California's Democratic governor was pushing an industry-favored timber bill through the legislature, imposing a tax on California consumers for the lumber they buy. …
Baja authorities fighting sex trafficking network
Officials working to dismantle trafficking ring from southern Mexico
Baja California officials stated at a press conference on Monday, February 4th, that they are working to dismantle a sex trafficking ring that is run by organizations from Mexico City and the state of Puebla. Rommel Moreno Manjarez, the head …
Whalen Furniture fined for not reporting bed defect
Federal commission says company did not immediately report death of child
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced in a news release that San Diego's Whalen Manufacturing, dba Bayside Furnishings, has agreed to pay a $750,000 penalty. In 2007, Whalen learned that a 22-month old boy had died after …
Mitt Romney moves forward on massive renovation of La Jolla home
City asked to consider granting permits for overhaul of beachfront home.
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has been making up for lost time on the giant remodel of his beachfront home in La Jolla's posh Barber Tract community. Just days after suffering defeat at the polls, Romney removed the hold on …
Cabo San Lucas airport adding international competitors
U.S. airlines intending to add flights to more affordable landing strip
United States airlines, Air Tran and United, have applied to begin flights to Cabo San Lucas International Airport, beginning in the month of June. The Cabo San Lucas airport is much smaller than its neighboring Los Cabos International Airport and …
In debt to self for failed mayoral bid, San Diego District Attorney already raising 2014 re-election cash
Republican Bonnie Dumanis puts out the word that be she intends to have a big campaign war chest for next year's re-election battle
Fresh from a frantic year-end fundraising bout for her failed mayoral campaign fund- which finished 2012 with $32,758 of cash on hand and $50,000 of remaining debt to the candidate herself - San Diego county District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis is …
Bonnie Dumanis kicks off campaign for fourth-term as District Attorney
Two years shy of election, Dumanis already on the hunt for donations.
You can't keep a good district attorney down, or so says District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis in a recent announcement that she will be running for a fourth-term as the County's top prosecutor. Dumanis launched her campaign today for the 2014 …
San Marcos man charged w attempted murder for alleged car-ramming
Man who rescued domestic violence victim was reportedly pinned tween cars
A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder for using his car to ram another man who had intervened in a domestic violence dispute, according to a Sheriff’s statement this morning. Jorge Alcantara Colin was taken into custody …
Hilton Mission Valley to lay off 148
Has been scene of many labor disputes
The Hilton San Diego Mission Valley hotel has filed with the state its intention to lay off 148 workers on March 2. The hotel filed the notification under the state's WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) system run by the …
Woman sentenced to ten years for fatal DUI crash
Debbie Pacheco Sumi read a statement that she is "sorry"
A woman convicted of killing three persons by crashing into a car parked on the side of a freeway two years ago, was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison. There were so many people who wanted to hear the …
Filing: SDGE, SCE ratepayers getting shafted over San Onofre
CPUC head Peevey appears to be still cozy with former employer, SCE
San Diego attorney Mike Aguirre yesterday (Feb. 1) filed a paper with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), asking that Southern California Edison's (SCE's) original plan to replace four steam generators at the San Onofre nuclear plant be reexamined. Aguirre …
Alleged Mexican Mafia gangster sent back to prison
Shot three persons in Carlsbad, five days after he was released from prison
An admitted gangster who was declared guilty of three attempted murders, after he shot three persons that were out walking their dog in Carlsbad one night, was sentenced today. Luciano Velasquez got 30 years plus 75-years-to-life, the terms to run …
San Diego's great red light camera rebellion
August story on secretive Sanders bid solicitation preceded today's dumping of red light cameras by new mayor
Back on August 22, we reported here on a plan by Republican then-mayor Jerry Sanders to extend the city's controversial red light camera program. There was no notice to the public, other than a request for proposal quietly posted by …
Mary Jo White fretted about "aggressive" regulator
Matt Taibbi has another revealing piece on her role in the Gary Aguirre firing
Today (Feb. 1) in Rolling Stone online, author Matt Taibbi asks more probing questions about the fitness of Mary Jo White, lawyer with a white shoe law firm, to be head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as President …
Appeals court rules wrongful conviction for Mexican national who believed he was helping FBI nab drug traffickers
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that an unnamed Mexican national was wrongly convicted for drug crimes after he contacted U.S. agents in San Diego and, at the direction of a detective linked to the local agent, arranged …
Ben Hueso uses campaign funds for his brother's campaign and to pay for hotel stays with his son
Ben Hueso rakes in campaign funds but shares the wealth with his family
Ben Hueso's political fundraising machine is now in high gear. Last month, Hueso, through his three active campaign committees, reported a positive balance of $204,316. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/01/39403/ The former city councilmember, turned state assemblyman, turned candidate for the open state senate …
Lobbyists, lawyers, and land developers anted up for Dumanis’s post-loss fundraising
San Diego district attorney and mayoral candidate raked in big money in December after placing fourth in June primary; still carried $50,000 debt to self
San Diego's Republican District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who placed fourth in last year's mayoral primary, did well at post-election fundraising, bringing in a total of $17,060 in cash for her mayoral campaign committee during the final six months of 2012, …
City Attorney says Mayor's questions about port appointment process "lacks merit"
City Attorney says Mayor's reasons for vetoing council's appointments to port commission lacked legal footing
Mayor Bob Filner was wrong to say that the process of appointing commissioners to the Port commission was "flawed," states a memo from City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. On January 18, Filner vetoed the council's decision to appoint Marshall Merrifield and …
Six arrested in Fallbrook's Operation Guacamole
San Diego Sheriff’s deputies in Fallbrook arrested five adults and a juvenile yesterday in an action they’re calling “Operation Guacamole VII.” Between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., authorities visited area residences to conduct probation or parole compliance …
Economy adds 157,000 jobs but unemployment rate rises
Jobless rate goes to 7.9% in January, up from 7.8%
The nation's economy added 157,000 jobs in January, slightly below economists' expectations, as the jobless rate inched up to 7.9% from December's 7.8%. Job gains in November and December were revised substantially upward. All in all, it was a so-so …