10 Local Current Events

High Tech Murders

On may 24Th High Tech High student Priscilla Pimienta, 17, and her family where found dead in their backyard swimming pool. Priscilla’s mom, Georgina was found dead in the bathtub inside the house. It is believed her parents drowned the two daughters and then killed themselves. She was going to graduate from High Tech High on June 25th. Priscilla was going to major in biology at Sonoma State University. This makes me appreciate life more than I have before.

Boater Dead by Shelter Island.

Micheal Hill fell into the water and ultimately to his death on May 24Th near Shelter Island. He fell off the dinghy he was riding in with his girlfriend. The Harbor Police officers said it was unclear on what caused Micheal to fall off the boat. Hill and his girlfriend where returning from a restaurant to their 50 foot yacht where Hill lived. The police said he was wearing a life jaket when he fell in the water but it appears he received head trauma before he hit the water, possibly from the engine however foul play has not been ruled out completely. While this does not effect me directly I feel that it is very suspicious that she could not pull him out of the water before he drowned.

San Diego Family Murdered

41 year old Mary Alvarez and her children where murdered by her ex-boyfriend Alfredo Almonte. The family was chocked and beaten to death by Alfredo who then committed suicide by jumping off a Spring Valley bridge. Police said that the multiple homicide-suicide was a result of their relationship taking a turn for the worse. Police said Mary was trying to break up with Alfredo or either had, which caused him to become angry. With the High Tech murders and now this family murdered over something as simple as relationship problems it puts the San Diego youth, including myself, in a sense of unease. This is especially true with murderers being willing to kill children and teens.

Skaters Showing Off Skills

San Diego skaters got an opportunity to show off their skills on June 4Th at a skateboard competition in Paradise Hills. Both Professional and amateur skaters showed up to the event, which went from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event was free and was sponsored by Off the Streets Productions, police departments and the city’s Recreation and Park services. The event called “Skate With the Pros” was held on Potamac Street to teach kids about safety and promote healthy habits. Being an ex-skateboarder I can understand the importance of events like these. Skaters frequently do not wear helmets, which protect from serious head injuries.

Infant Airlifted to Hospital

On June 4Th a two year old toddler was airlifted to Rady Children’s Hospital after the victim fell into a pond around 3:30. The toddler’s older sister called the police after she could not find her younger sibling. Firefighters and officers arrived shortly after receiving the call. They found the child behind a house where they immediately airlifted him to the hospital. Educational programs are there to teach your baby to swim so in the event of the toddler falling in the water he or she is capable of staying afloat and living. I have experienced death in my immediate family before and I can just begin to imagine what the family members must be feeling.

Teen Stabbed In San Ysidro

A 16 year old boy was stabbed while participating in a party on June 5th in San Ysidro. Shortly after being stabbed he showed up at Scripps Chula Vista Hospital with a stab wound, where he was then taken to UCSD Medical Center for surgery. Kids from LA showed up and a fight started which lead to the teen being stabbed in the chest. The boy said when he tried to stop the fight he was stabbed, then he was driven to the hospital by a friend. There where no arrests made. With fights breaking out at parties and the escalation to where a teen was stabbed makes me feel unsafe and vulnerable at social events.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

June 5th was the largest Rock and Roll Marathon in its history. With over 31,000 people showing up from not only across the country but across the world coming to raise money and have fun. Beginning at Balboa Park and ending at Sea World the 26.2 mile run helped raise money for the Leukemia and the Lymphoma Society. Thousands showed up to watch and have a good time. The runners dressed up in costumes from superman to the original Elvis getup. Started 14 years ago the event was created to raise money for charity, now cities across America have their own Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons. Having never been around someone with Leukemia I can only speculate on the how it effects the family. This event does however bring public awareness and provides a sense of gratefulness just to be alive.

Seals Barrier To Come Down

A San Diego Judge decided the rope at Children’s Pool can come down.Seals are known to leave their pups when they become scared. The rope was there to prevent people from scaring the seals while they where at the beach with their pups. With the pups old enough to leave the beach the city is arguing the rope isn't needed while animal rights activists want the area to be a permanent haven for the seals. The case is going to San Diego County Superior Court on July 15, where the judge said the Animal Protection and Rescue League, which is the party suing the city, has a daunting task if they plan on winning the trail.

Man Arrested In El Cajon



On June 5th officers received a call at 4pm regarding a man threatening to kill his father. What followed was a four hour standoff between police and a 31 year old man. The man and his father got into a heated argument that escalated and eventually ended with SWAT members trying to coax the man out of the house. After the man surrendered the officers found over 27 marijuana plants in two rooms. The man is set to go to trial later next month.

Padres Win Three In A Row

The padres won three in a row for the first time this season. They won their third straight behind the play of the 20 year old Jordan Lyles. After struggling last year finishing in the bottom five in hitting they appear to have worked out their kinks in the off season. This season has padres fans excited with the future looking up. With a team to rally behind it shows the citizens of San Diego that change can happen, and the results will appear.