July 3, 2011 (Lemon Grove) – Lon Scully, 74, was struck and killed around 2 a.m. Friday morning while attempting to cross the southbound lanes of State Route 125 north of Spring Street in La Mesa when he was struck by a silver Hyundai sedan, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports.

The accident severed the victim’s legs and hurled his torso through the windshield, where it became lodged in the front seat, CHP spokesman Brian Pennings said, La Mesa’s Patch.com reported.

June 1, 2011 (Spring Valley ) – A man has jumped to his death off a bridge over northbound State Route 125 just south of Highway 54, CHP reports. The victim has not been identified, however the CHP website indicates he had left the home he shared with his wife and has been missing for two days.

May 19, 2011 (Spring Valley) -- The Sheriff seeks public help to locate Oscar Leyva Gonzales, 85. The elderly man, who has diabetes, went missing from Presidio Healthcare, a board and care facility at 3825 Lamar Street in Spring Valley five days ago on May 14.  The Sheriff did not notify media until today.

He does not have his medications with him.  He was wearing a black button-up shirt, black pants and sneakers.

County's Family Day in the Park Set for Spring Valley Park on April 30; Family Fun Walk added to list of activities

April 25, 2011 (Spring Valley) -- Families are invited to stretch their legs in a day of fitness and fun at the sixth-annual It’s How We Live! Family Day in the Park health festival  from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 30 at Spring Valley Park, 8735 Jamacha Blvd. This year’s event has an invigorating line-up of activities, entertainment and giveaways--all free!

April 8, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Jack Messina, a parolee described by Sheriff’s officials as a “person of interest” in a 1995 cold-case killing in Texas was airlifted out of an East County canyon Friday.

Messina failed to report to his parole agent, according to a press release issued by the Sheriff. He was found in an intersection at Sweetwater Springs Blvd. and Jamacha Blvd. with a GPS tracking device running low on battery. Deputies found him “very drunk” with his foot in a soft cast on a trail muddy from the recent rain.

Popular American musical playing March 24-27 in Spring Valley

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Director Jean Isaac calls Ragtime a show that “will get inside your soul.” Drawn to the musical’s epic scale and powerful yet timeless themes, she observes, “It’s a beautiful story to be told," then adds that it's important to tell the story anew in today’s turbulent times.

Isaac delivers a moving interpretation, brought to life through often stellar performances by the Young Actors’ Theatre cast. 

February 19, 2011 (Spring Valley) –Lemon Grove Detectives and U.S. Marine Corps Criminal Investigators searched a home at 2851 Highlands Blvd. in Spring Valley Thursday morning that is also used as a licensed child day care center. Authorities had previously arrested Michael Manglicmot, 23, for desertion  from the Marine Corps.

Sheriff’s detective Joel Stranger, working with USMC-CID investigators, learned that Manglicmot was the primary suspect in several recent burglaries at Camp Pendleton and Spring Valley. During the search, stolen property items including USMC body armor and night vision equipment were found. Detectives arrested Manglicmot’s brother, Mario Solis, 27, on charges of drug possession and sale, as well as possessing a loaded firearm.

February 8, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Curtis Haynes, 45, was shot four times after refusing to give up his wallet to a pair of robbers while walking outside the San Miguel Fire Station, in 3255 Helix Street in Spring Valley. He was struck in the torso, arm and both legs during the attack, which occurred around 7:03 p.m. last night.

January 23, 2011 (Spring Valley) – A Spring Valley man has been arrested for shooting a handgun inside his home at 1815 Sweetwater Road, #12, in Spring Valley. John Graham, 70, was reportedly intoxicated and despondent when he fired off the gun following an argument with his wife, who fled the residence. Deputies surrounded the home and made numerous calls into the residence via phone and loud speakers, but initially received no response.

December 20, 2010 (Spring Valley)- -San Miguel firefighters used a 100-foot ladder truck to access a third story roof, cutting ventilation holes to control a raging condominium fire that threatened multiple units in the 3000 block of Charwood Drive in Spring Valley just before 4 a.m.

Five people were inside the unit when the fire began. One occupant told investigators he was trying to light the fireplace when the lighter flame ignited and there was was a swift explosion, as a ball of flame and embers shot out onto the area rug.

November 29, 2010 (Spring Valley) – A mother with two children smelled smoke and discovered her bed on fire this morning. Fortunately, the family as well as two guests all evacuated safely from the duplex apartment, located in the 3100 block of Bernis Court in Spring Valley.

Changes Enhance Historic Charm

November 17, 2010 (Spring Valley)--The public is invited to come glimpse what life was like for San Diego pioneers in the 1800s. Yesterday, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation officially opened the newly restored Bancroft Rock House in Spring Valley.

November 14, 2010 (El Cajon) – Anthony Watson, 22, of Spring Valley was struck and killed on November 10th when he attempted to run across the westbound lanes of Interstate 8 near State Route 67. He was hit by an SUV. Medics transported him to Sharp Memorial Hospital’s trauma unit, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

By Miriam Raftery

October 26, 2010 (Spring Valley) Despite disapproval of two County agencies and community groups, the County’s Planning Commission gave the thumbs up for an Alcoholic Beverages commission (ABC) license allowing beer at Blue Flayme, a new Hookah lounge in Spring Valley. The Commission overturned a decision by the Department of Planning and Land Use (DPLU), which opposed the license.

Hookahs have been linked to serious health hazards.  Now, the new trend of combining Hookah smoking and alcohol consumption locally has many in the community up in arms.