| San Diego County Sheriff - June 2014 |
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Welcome to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Newsletter
Sheriff's Deputies took the oath to serve and protect. This promise was on display as deputies risked their lives to safely evacuate people during the May wildfires. They worked long hours to keep all of us safe. We have employees who were asked to leave their homes due to the fires as well, but they kept working to serve the public. 9-1-1 dispatchers were also on the front lines of sending evacuation notices to the affected areas. Food service workers kept our deputies going through this challenging time.
This June edition of our e-newsletter features a salute to the men and women of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Seeing your dedication during an intense and dangerous time makes me so proud to be your Sheriff.
It's just the beginning of fire season. We want you to be aware of steps you can take to prevent a wildfire. Scams to defraud generally follow a wildfire. Read on and get tips on how you can avoid becoming a victim. There's also recovery information in this e-newsletter.
With the weather warming up, we have family-friendly events to help keep your children safe. Our newest substation in the East County is also opening soon. We hope you can join us.
Stay safe,
Bill Gore, Sheriff
San Diego County
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Sheriff Bill Gore cordially invites you to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Pine Valley Sheriff's Substation.
Friday, June 6th 10:00 a.m. 28696 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley (619) 473-8774 Free parking and shuttle service to and from the substation is available at Pine Valley County Park, 28810 Old Highway 80. Light refreshments will be served. Members of the community will get a tour of the substation after the ribbon cutting. The $3.75 million building will more than triple the size of the old building. The Pine Valley Sheriff's Substation serves an area of more than 400 square miles including Pine Valley, Guatay, Descanso, Mount Laguna, Boulevard and Jacumba. |
When wildfires broke out in various parts of the county in May, Sheriff's Deputies were on the fire lines to help people get to a safer place. Sheriff's ASTREA (helicopter unit) also worked overtime to help put out the flames. You can click on the photo above to see more photos of deputies in action during the fires. You can also follow us on  .
It takes all of us to be part of the solution. Being ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around your home. Assemble an emergency kit and create an evacuation plan. Be ready to evacuate early and allow firefighters and deputies to do their work. For more tips on how you can prepare for any disaster, click here.
Evacuation notices are issued through AlertSanDiego. Make sure you register your cell phone to receive emergency messages. You can also receive evacuation notifications via text or email by registering through Nixle. Just text your zip code to 888-777. Standard text messaging rates will apply.
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It is heartbreaking to lose your home in a wildfire, but there are people who are willing to take advantage of an emotional situation in order to make money.
The Sheriff's Financial Crimes Unit has tips on how to protect yourself, your property and your money. Click on the image above to watch the video or follow us on  .
For more information on recovery assistance, click here.
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| Don't Run Around, Stay Found | |
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Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach, county fair or theme park. These places are also filled with a dizzying amount of attractions that might draw a child away. There's nothing like the panic a parent feels when a child disappears, even for just a second, in a crowded space.
Before you go on your summer adventure, take your child to a Don't Run Around, Stay Found class. The program features Simon the Sheriff's Bloodhound Safety Puppet and his pal, Search and Rescue K-9 Unit Team Leader Pam Medhurst. They teach children about the basic rules of staying together and safe. They also give advice on what to do if anyone gets separated from a group.
Thursday, June 19th
2:00 p.m.
Rancho Santa Fe Library
17040 Avenida De Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe
Tuesday, July 1st
1:00 p.m.
Ramona Community Library
1275 Main Street, Ramona
Thursday, July 10th
10:30 a.m.
Julian Library
1850 Highway 78, Julian
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Another Sheriff's Department program to help keep your children safe is KidzWatch. Join the Ramona Sheriff's Substation on:
Monday, June 23
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ramona Library Community Room
1275 Main Street, Ramona
To register, call (760) 738-2425
Children will learn about bullying, personal and fire safety.
There's a lesson on how to call 9-1-1. McGruff the Crime Dog will be giving advice on how to say no to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Kids will also get a chance to explore a patrol car, ambulance and fire truck. At the end of the class, kids will receive t-shirts, certificates and gift bags.
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The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is committed to keeping drivers safe on our roads. A public safety message is now playing in local AMC, Regal and IMAX Movie Theaters to warn the public of the dangers of distracted driving. The video message will air through the end of December.
By law, it is illegal to hold your cell phone while driving. Holding your cell phone includes texting, taking photos, using it for GPS or music among others.
If you are caught violating California's cell phone laws, you will be cited and face a minimum fine of $161 plus court fees with subsequent violations being higher.
Click on the image above to watch the video or click here.
Remember, ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL. IT'S NOT WORTH IT.
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Every month, the Sheriff's Department works with the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force (FTF) and Crime Stoppers to find and arrest people wanted for committing crimes.
Be on the lookout for Daniel Juarez Martinez. He is wanted for attacking his wife and setting fire to their home in Bonita in February of this year. He also goes by the name Daniel Catavarrias and Daniel Juarez. He has tattoos including three black circles on his right arm and the letters "DD" on his upper body. Martinez is also known to dress as a woman.
It is believed Martinez escaped to Mexico following the crime, but there is a strong likelihood he is back in San Diego County. He has ties in the South Bay, as well as in the Glendale area of Los Angeles County.
Martinez was last seen driving a 2010 Toyota Camry with California License Plate 6KHS540. If you see Martinez, do not approach him. He should be considered ARMED and DANGEROUS.
Anyone with information on Martinez' whereabouts is urged to call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. You could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
To learn more about wanted fugitives in San Diego County, visit www.sdsheriff.net/wanted. For a bigger photo of the suspect, follow us on . |
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is hiring. Recruitment for sworn positions opens during the first business day of each month. If you have questions about the hiring process, you can chat with a recruiter on:
Monday, June 2nd
10:00 a.m. to noon
 facebook.com/sdsheriff  @SDSheriff
Just type your questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages and a recruiter is available to explain the application process to you.
Are you ready to put a star in your future? Join the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Visit www.joinsdsheriff.net
or email recruit@sdsheriff.org.
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Railroad Safety
Operation Lifesaver says a person or car is hit by a train every three hours in the United States.
June 3rd is International Crossing Awareness Day. Deputies with the Sheriff's Railroad Enforcement Unit will be raising awareness about driver safety at railroad crossings on this day.
Washington Street Crossing
W. Washington Street
& Frontage Road
Sorrento Boulevard Crossing
Sorrento Boulevard and
Sorrento Valley Road
Drivers caught not observing the warning signs at this crossings during the enforcement period may be cited.
The Sheriff's Railroad Enforcement Unit (REU) oversees the safety and security of the public and railroad employees, as well as railroad property and equipment. The unit works with local government and law enforcement agencies while investigating railroad incidents.
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Hiking Safety
If you plan on hiking at Cedar Creek Falls, we want to remind you that hikers are now required to pay for a visitor permit.
The permits are not parking passes. There are only 29 parking spots on the trailhead. Cars blocking road access will be towed at the owner's expense. Bringing or drinking alcohol in the area is not allowed. The cliffs surrounding the falls are closed to jumping and diving.
Sheriff's Deputies and U.S. Forest Service Rangers will strictly enforce the permit requirements and the ban on alcohol and cliff jumping.
The trail to Cedar Creek Falls is a challenging five-and-a-half-mile hike with no shade from the sun. It is not for beginners. The return trip is mostly uphill. Dress appropriately for the hike and know your limits. Leave your dog at home. This trail is not easy on the paws because of sharp rocks and the surface gets very hot.
Click on the image above to watch a video offering more safety tips or click here.
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Pool Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages one to four. Drownings and injuries are highest in warm weather months, from May to August.
These simple steps can save lives:
- Keep children within arm's reach at all times in and around the pool
- Assign an adult water watcher
- Fence your pool with self-closing or self-latching gates
- Install pool and gate alarms
- Learn CPR
Simon the Sheriff's Bloodhound Safety Puppet also has a safety reminder for kids. Click on the image above to watch the video or click here.
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Preventing Car Burglaries
With the hot weather, many people leave their car windows open to stay cool. This makes it easy for burglars to steal your belongings.
Car burglary is one crime you can really help us prevent. All car burglaries have one thing in common: something to steal. Car burglaries are crimes of opportunity. You can stay away from the radar of car burglars by checking out our safety tips.
You can always report suspicious activity by calling us at
(858) 565-5200
Remember, if you don't get it, they will! Lock it or Lose it!
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Annual Report
Take a look back at the accomplishments of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department in 2013 and learn more about our programs. To read the annual report, click here.
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Who Killed Michelle Wyatt?
Sheriff's Homicide Detectives want your help in solving the murder of Michelle Louis Wyatt
33 years ago.
A roommate found Wyatt lying on the living room floor on October 9, 1980. She lived in the 10,000 block of Kerrigan Court in Santee. Wyatt was last seen alive by her boyfriend around 1:30 a.m. The Medical Examiner says Wyatt was strangled. (858) 974-2321. You could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
For a Crime Stoppers Flyer, click here.
For more cold case files, visit |
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Vista Crime Prevention
The Vista Sheriff's Station Crime Prevention Unit is reaching out to seniors in the community to let them know what free services the Sheriff's Department offers to make sure they are safe.
Wednesday, June 11th
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Thibodo Community Center
1150 Lupine Hills Road, Vista
(760) 639-6160
You can learn about the You Are Not Alone (YANA) program for seniors and disabled people who live alone, home vacation checks, preventing Identity Theft, and senior scams.
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