RSF Free Press

Teen Killed in Rancho Santa Fe Rollover Crash. Teen Driver Arrested After Rancho Santa Fe DUI Accident. San Diego Sentencing For Teen Accused In DUI Fatality In Rancho Santa Fe. All recent headlines, as several teen DUI, and other high profile local DUI, crashes made news. Incidents such as those have brought new sobriety checkpoints to high risk entryways into greater Rancho Santa Fe in an attempt to stem the vehicular volence. For much more on the recent high-profile DUI events FOLLOW THIS LINK...

While Rancho Santa Fe continues to look for the arrest of the so-called "Geezer Bandit" who robbed the Bank of America at the 17000 block of Avenida de Acacia last fall, a 63-year-old man arrested for robbing a Del Mar bank today ain't him. That guy was a transient, authorities say.

Stephen Hill allegedly entered the First Republic Bank at 1110 Camino Del Mar around 10:40 a.m. Friday and handed a bank teller a note demanding money, said Sgt. Darrell Strohl of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. The note also said the man had a gun, Strohl said.

A deputy later spotted Hill in a vehicle traveling north of Highway 101. Authorities found the money and the demand note in Hill's car, Strohl said, adding Hill was a transient not believed to be the "Geezer Bandit," an older serial bank robber who has robbed at least five banks in the county, including locations in Carmel Valley and Rancho Santa Fe. More on the "Geezer Bandit" a bit down the page...

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. — A fiery, head-on collision Around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, injured two people and closed El Camino Del Norte in each direction for about 90 minutes, according to the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department.

The two-car collision happened in the 3000 Block of the winding, two-lane artery jutting through Rancho Santa Fe between Escondido and Encinitas. Firefighters arriving at the scene found one vehicle engulfed in flames. The driver from that vehicle was able to escape, but the driver of the other crashed vehicle was trapped and extricated by firefighters. Both drivers were taken by ambulance to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla with one suffering major injuries.

Firefighters from three Rancho Santa Fe fire companies as well as two San Diego Medical Services enterprise ambulances and California highway Patrol officers responded to the accident.

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RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. — Around 11:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District firefighters responded to the report of a structure fire in the 16000 block of Caminito Del Vientecito. Upon arrival, the firefighters could see smoke and flames coming from a single story detached garage. The firefighters quickly set up defensive lines to prevent the fire from spreading to the home. The garage and three vehicle were a total loss. The female home owner sustained a minor injury but refused treatment. No firefighter was injured during this fire. The fire was caused by a heating lamp in the garage with damage estimated to be about $400,000.

A total of 10 fire apparatus, 3 battalion chiefs, and a fire marshal from Rancho Santa Fire Fire Protection District, Encinitas Fire Department, San Diego Fire Department, and Poway Fire Department responded to the scene. A San Diego Medical Services Enterprise ambulance, San Diego Gas and Electric, and California Highway Patrol also responded.

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Rancho Santa Fe Fire Station No. 3 is moving across the street at El Apajo for a spell, setting up temporary shop behind Horizon Church through early next year.

While Fire Station 3 is rebuilt, firefighters and their equipment will operate out of the Horizon Christian Fellowship Church's property on 6365 El Apajo. Here's the map and info, according to RSFFD. The mailing address will remain at P.O. Box 410, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 92067.

To access the temporary facility, enter the church parking lot through its south entrance and drive towards the back and to the rear of the building. Aloha! rancho santa fe 92067 fire station

"Geezer Bandit" who robbed the Rancho Santa Fe Bank of America branch last month has become a nationwide obsession making it on to CNN today. FBI offers $16,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Bandit struck local BoA branch last month absconding with an undetermined amount of cash, his image brazenly captured on bank surveillance video. Old kids, don't try this at home. It was the third time in three years, by the way, this bank next to the Rancho Santa Fe Association offices on Avenida de Acacias, has been robbed. Time to boost security with some of that ill-gotten hidden bank overdraft fees, guys.

The FBI said the "Geezer Bandit" may be between 60 and 70 is responsible for stickups at four banks in Rancho Santa Fe, Santee, La Jolla and Carmel Mountain Ranch. That man was carrying an oxygen tank during some of the robberies. There have been a slew of bizarre bank robberies recently, including a series allegedly involving a Poway mom in a minivan and another that also allegedly involved an elderly man. (Photo below, surveillance camera at Rancho Santa Fe Bank of America branch of Bandit during robbery.)

Bank of America branch at 17000 block of Avenida de Acacia, next to RSF Association building, ROBBED around 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 26, according to deputies. Suspect was captured on surveillance tape. He is 70-something, white, 5'8", 150 pounds. He wore a gray cap and gray tweed coat. He fled with an undisclosed amount of money. This is the THIRD time in the last two years this particular bank has been robbed. No other bank in Rancho Santa Fe has been robbed during this period.

Investigators say that San Diego's "Geezer Bandit" had money on his mind when he walked into the Bank of America in La Jolla, Calif. on November 16, 2009.

The 60- to 70-year-old approached a teller, demanded cash and revealed a handgun -- then calmly walked away cash in hand, authorities say.

Police believe the Geezer Bandit is responsible for four other bank robberies in the San Diego area in the past four months.

The string of robberies began on August 28, 2009 when a gray haired man, now believed to be the Geezer Bandit, held up a U.S. Bank branch located inside of a Vons grocery store.

Security cameras caught images of the geriatric thief as he handed the teller a note demanding cash.

On Sept. 12, the sticky-fingered senior citizen struck again -- this time at the San Diego National Bank. During the heist, witnesses say he carried an oxygen tank on his shoulder with a tube leading into his nose.

On October 9, cops say the Geezer Bandit stepped up his approach by using a handgun and a note to intimidate the teller at a U.S. Bank in San Diego.

Law enforcement says the Geezer Bandit should be considered armed and dangerous.

This is presented with great respect as a community service as well as a peak behind the news curtain. Newspapers traditionally have obituary sections. These combine entries on notable deaths as well as smaller death ads placed by families or funeral homes on behalf of families. Sometimes, the ads are free; other times they are paid.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner now puts "newsworthy" cases online, updated every 15 minutes

"The posting of news releases will occur as soon as investigators finish their preliminary reports. Typically the initial postings will not include information about the cause and manner of death, or the contributing conditions. The name of the descendant may be withheld if investigators have not yet identified the person or next of kin."

We will update sometimes for the purpose of general information. Otherwise go to San Diego Newsworthy Deaths for fully update information from the source, the end of the line, the final earthly coil, the San Diego County Medical Examiner Newsworthy Deaths...

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DAILY, A RANCHO SANTA FE RESIDENT, NOT ONLY VOLUNTEERED TO BE A RANCHO SANTA FE AND SOLANA BEACH GIRL SCOUT TROOP BOOKKEEPER, BUT SHE VOLUNTEERED HERSELF RIGHT INTO $13,000 OF GIRL SCOUT TROOP MONEY, AUTHORITIES ALLEGED TUESDAY, NOV. 25.

THURSDAY, JAN. 8 WAS JUDGMENT DAY PART ONE FOR DAILY. AFTER EARLIER PROTESTING HER INNOCENCE, DAILY PLEADED GUILTY TO ONE FELONY COUNT OF EMBEZZLEMENT. SHE FACES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF ONE YEAR IN PRISON. VISTA SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT KEARNEY WAS SCHEDULED TO SENTENCE HER ON MARCH 16. DAILY WILL FULLY REPAY THE MONEY IN QUESTION, PROSECUTORS SAID.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES ARRESTED DAILY ON SUSPICION OF GRAND THEFT AND EMBEZZLEMENT AT 1:30 P.M. ON NOV. 25.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS FROM THE GIRL SCOUTS LEARNED DAILY WAS MOVING OUT OF STATE. CHECKING BANK ACCOUNTS OF 44 RANCHO SANTA FE AND SOLANA BEACH TROOPS, THEY DISCOVERED $9,000 MISSING. WHEN CONFRONTED BY DEPUTIES, DAILY WAS FOUND TO HAVE $1,000 IN CASH AND CONFESSED TO TAKING THE MONEY OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS OF A SEVEN YEAR TENURE AS VOLUNTEER BOOKKEEPER, DEPUTIES SAID. SHE WAS LOADING A MOVING VAN AT HER RSF HOME ON THE WAY TO IOWA WHEN ARRESTED. SHE WAS RELEASED ON $30,000 BAIL LATER IN THE DAY.

VISTA SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ADRIENNE ORFIELD ON MONDAY SCHEDULED A FIRST CONFERENCE ON THE CASE FOR JAN. 8 WITH A PRELIMINARY HEARING ON FEB. 9. DAILY ENTERED A NOT GUILTY PLEA. IF CONVICTED, DAILY WOULD FACE A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF THREE YEARS IN PRISON, ACCORDING TO THE SAN DIEGO DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

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(Editors note: Willis pled guilty and was sentenced last September to a four-year prison term.)

One-half of the big wave surfing legends, the Willis Brothers, Milton Willis was released on his own recognizance after pleading not guilty in Vista Court to gross vehicular manslaughter felony DUI charges in connection with a June 6, 2008 crash in Del Mar resulting in the death of Bradley Dillahunty, 24. Dillahunty, an Orange County musician, was a passenger in his own Toyota Avalon that Willis was driving, according to Steve Walker, District Attorney's Office spokesman. The charges carry a sentence up to 11 years, 8 months in prison, Walker said. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 26.

Willis, 52, of Solana Beach was driving 65-miles-per-hour in a 25 mph zone when he lost control on Coast Boulevard, acording to sheriff's deputies who believed alcohol was a factor. Willis had picked up Dillahunty at Jimmy O's Sports Bar and Restaurant shortly before the 1:45 a.m. crash, according to authorities. The arrest warrant released Wednesday said Willis had .18 blood-alcohol level one hour after his arrest, more than twice the legal limit.

Willis was a well-known motivational expert and surfing professional. Willis and twin brother Michael operated WB Safe Surfing, perhaps the leading summer surfing camp in Del Mar/Solana Beach. The Willis Brothers were featured for years as columnists for the Del Mar Times/La Jolla Light/Rancho Santa Fe Record/ Solana Beach Sun before those papers cut all actual local content in late 2007.

According to court records, Willis has a prior DUI conviction in 2001 for an offense in 2000.

"The corner stones of our surfing philosophy are: Have Fun!, Ocean Safety, Life Skills, and Clean Ocean Awareness. Our goal is to share our passion and lifetimes of experience and knowledge of surfing, with all who desire to hear the call of the surf."

"The name Willis Bros. is synomous surfing. No wave is to big, no challenge to great. From catching your first wave to big wave tips, surfboard design or our current surf camps, surf info. or surf techniques, we are privileged to share this information with you. It is our way to continue to contribute for all the blessings we have received through surfing..."

We the people of the United States of America now have a new leader and also new challenges and opportunities that we will be faced with in the forth coming future. President Obama exudes us "with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us" we will succeed. Truth is he is right. When a surfer gets barrelled it's where he looks that determines where he goes. It's the surfer that keeps his eyes and inner force focused on the opening (way out) that finds his way out. In a long barrel ride the surfer that keeps his eyes wide open and looking forward has a much greater chance of making it than the surfer who closes his eyes in fear while relying solely on a hope and a prayer. Surely God's grace is the determining factor of success whether a surfer keeps his eyes open or shut. There is a higher power than the president of the United States and we are all (including the President) subject to it. The president doesn't command what time the sun will rise, moon will set or which way the wind will blow --- a higher power does. "Starting today we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America." I am not sure about President Obama but there are many in the trenches of the American work force who have, do, and will continue to tirelessly pick themselves up and work toward making America what it is and can be ---- While America and much of the rest of the world believe President Obama offers the best chance for a new and improved world, a world where peace, prosperity and freedom abound it is important to remember President Obama needs us the American people more than we need him. Ask not what President Obama can do for us but rather what we can do for President Obama and America to help make the United States one of if not the greatest nation in the world. In President Obama's own words, " For as much as their government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies." We the people ----- key word WE.

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Bernie Madoff is living in the apartment that $50 billion made but former Ranch Santa Fe residents Justine Lorraine Rice, 45, and Wendell Anthony Rice, 45, are in jail without bail awaiting a Tuesday, Feb. 2 appearance before a federal judge in San Diego.

The Rices were picked up in Escondido on suspicion of lying and falsifying documents to obtain a 17466 Luna de Miel home in mid-2004.

Ms. Rice was in bankruptcy proceedings with the home, facing foreclosure when she arranged for someone to buy the home from the lender, then helped the buyer get the home by falsifying loan documents and secretly supplying the down payment, according to the indictment.

The bankruptcy judge allowed the sale, ordering any proceeds from the sale, except payments to secured creditors, placed in a blocked account or an attorney-client trust account.

Instead, Rice funneled more than $200,000 to an account controlled by her husband, Wendell Rice, who moved the money to an account controlled by his brother, the indictment said.

"The defendants are being held without bail pending a detention hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Stormes on Monday, February 2, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. The defendants also are scheduled to appear before the Honorable Roger T. Benitez, United States District Judge on March 16, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., +for motion hearing and trial setting."

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In the wee hours of Sunday, Jan. 5 and Monday, Jan. 6, burglars broke through a glass door at Woodward Center on El Apajo Road, rooted around, set off three alarms over five hours and nevertheless absconded with $600 in cash and some checks from a locked box at the pet supply office, Woodward officials said. It was the second break-in in two months, officials said. Nobody has been arrested in the case.

“The cash is gone," said Mike Arms, Woodward president in a written statement. "Nothing we can do about that. It's obvious that the people who did this have no concern for any of the people and animals we serve. They don't care how it affects others who have greater needs. This is about their greed.”

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JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY? MAYBE IT'S THE PRE-CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY RUSH. FULL MOON? OR THE ECONOMY STUPID. BUT THE LAW WAS ON THE RUN AROUND RANCHO SANTA FE AND SOLANA BEACH WITH SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES AND FBI AGENTS CHASING BANK CRIMINALS ALL DAY ACROSS UPSCALE TERRAIN.

THE HECK WITH THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY MELTDOWN. RANCHO SANTA FE'S MONEY PROBLEM WAS AT THE BANK OF AMERICA, 17008 AVENIDA DE ACACIAS IN THE VILLAGE. AN UNKNOWN HISPANIC MALE WALKED INTO THE BANK JUST BEFORE 2:30 P.M. MONDAY, "BRANDISHED A SILVER HANDGUN AND ORDERED EVERYONE TO THE GROUND," SAID SGT. WILLIAM DREYER OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THE SUSPECT DEMANDED CASH BEFORE LEAVING WITH AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT. HE WAS AROUND 25 YEARS OLD AND WORE A WHITE HOODED SWEATSHIRT WITH A WHITE BANDANA COVERING HIS FACE, ACCORDING TO DREYER. SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES AND FBI AGENTS RESPONDED AND WERE INVESTIGATING.

AT 9:30 A.M. THE EARLY WORMS WENT AFTER THE BIRD AT CITIBANK, 740 LOMAS SANTA FE IN SOLANA BEACH. TWO BLACK MALES WEARING NYLON SKI MASKS BRANDISHED HANDGUNS AND ORDERED EVERYONE TO THE GROUND, ACCORDING TO DREYER. ONE SUSPECT WATCHED THE EMPLOYEES WHILE THE OTHER WITHDREW AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF CASH FROM THE DRAWERS. BOTH SUSPECTS LEFT IN A SMALL LIGHT BLUE VEHICLE DRIVEN BY A THIRD BLACK MALE SUSPECT. "THE LIGHT BLUE VEHICLE WAS LATER LOCATED A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE SCENE," DREYER SAID. "WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE SUSPECT GET INTO A SECND VEHICLE DESCRIBED AS A DARK NISSAN MAXIMA AND FLEE TOWARDS LOMAS SANTA FE." DEPUTIES AND THE FBI ARE INVESTIGATING.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST -- IN TERMS OF CROOKED NUMBERS -- FOUR GUNMEN WEARING MASKS AND GLOVES HIT THE US BANK AT RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD NEAR GRAND AVENUE, SAN MARCOS AROUND 5:15 P.M, SAID SHERIFF'S LT. MIKE MUNSEY. THREE OF THEM WERE IN BLACK HOODIES AND ONE -- PRESUMABLY THE "GOOD GUY" -- WORE A WHITE HOODIE. NO WORD ON THE AMOUNT OF CASH TAKEN.

FOR MORE ON THESE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENTS AS WELL AS SHERIFF'S DEPT. INFORMATION FOLLOW THIS LINK...

ALSO, DEPUTIES CONDUCTED A SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT 8 P.M. TO 2 A.M. FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DEC. 20-21 AT ENCINITAS BOULEVARD AND COAST HIGHWAY, SAID SHERIFF'S TRAFFIC SGT. RANDY WEBB. THEY STOPPED 341 OF 688 VEHICLES, ARRESTED TWO PEOPLE, ISSUED 12 CITATIONS. FOR MORE OF THE SOBERING DETAILS, FOLLOW THIS LINK...

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SAN DIEGO PERSONAL SAFETY AND VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS PRESENTED BY TED PARKER. Posted Nov. 15

PARKER IS A LONGTIME POLICE AUXILIARY MEMBER WITH AN INTEREST IN COMMUNITY SECURITY.

This story contains tips on personal safety and security when you are at home and at work. Others will deal with personal safety and security when you are away from home in various situations and if you are threatened or become a victim of stalking or domestic violence. The last story will contain tips on caring for your children and teaching them how to care for themselves when they are alone at home or away from home.

This story contains tips on what to do if you are a crime victim, starting with reporting the crime. Other tips are provided on things to do if you are threatened or are a victim of stalking or domestic violence.

This story contains tips for caring for your children and teaching them how to care for themselves when they are alone at home or away from home. -- TED PARKER

Although a professional car thief can defeat most security measures and quickly break into and steal a locked vehicle, most vehicle break-ins and thefts are carried out by amateurs who take advantage of the carelessness of drivers in leaving vehicles unlocked, valuables in sight, etc. Thus, the tips in this story deal with preventing vehicle break-ins and thefts of unattended vehicles. It also contains tips on helping to recover a stolen vehicle or property stolen from a vehicle. The tips in Part II will deal with preventing carjackings and vandalism, and buying a used vehicle.

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Want to see the latest in area traffic accidents with annotated commentary provided by the California Highwy Patrol? Here it is thanks to Erik Estrada and CHiPs.

How about the latest in local crime "incidents". San Diego County Sheriff's Department provides real-time maps of crimes and arrests by location. The"incidents" also are presented in statistical format. It's easy and fun...unless you're a crime victim. Fortunately, the Sheriff's Department also has contact numbers and tips.

Speaking of criminal, how about that traffic? Caltrans provides detailed real-time traffic maps along with traffic cams, lane closures, problems areas, and more "traffic incidents". Find out the shape of things to come as you go from cyberspace to street scene.

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Unincorporated areas of the County patrolled by deputies from the Encinitas Sheriff's Station include Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, the new Rancho Cielo development and the San Onofre-Camp Pendleton coastal area. The California Highway Patrol provides traffic control and enforcement in unincorporated areas. Nearly half of the population and number of dwelling units of this overall unincorporated area is included in the "Covenant" area of Rancho Santa Fe. They are governed by the Rancho Santa Fe Association which employs the Rancho Santa Fe Patrol security force, professionals who have all previously served with various law enforcement agencies. Other gated communities in the unincorporated area contract for private security patrol services.

Case Number: 08-02069
Name: Michael Carl Kaske	City of Residence: San Diego
DOB: 10/31/1986	Gender: Male
Place of Death: 555 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido CA	Place of injury: W/B SR 78, W. of Springview Road, Santa Ysabel CA
Date/Time of Death: 10/5/2008 6:52:00 PM	Date/Time injury: 10/05/2008 1520
Summary: The decedent was a single 21-year-old White male who was active duty U.S. Navy Petty Officer onboard the USSS HIGGINS DDG-76. During the afternoon of 01/05/08 he was the driver and sole occupant of his motorcycle on SR-78 in the Santa Ysabel area. For an unknown reason he lost control of the motorcycle and struck a tree. CHP Officers and paramedics responded to the scene and encountered the decedent alert and orientated. During the paramedic assessment of his injuries the decedent went into sudden cardiopulmonary arrest. Resuscitation was initiated and Mercy Air Ambulance transported him to Palomar Medical Center. Despite an aggressive resuscitation effort, death was pronounced shortly after admission to the hospital.
Cause of Death/Updated Cause of Death: Blunt force head and chest injuries
Contributing Conditions: None
Manner: Accident
Investigating Agency: CHP - El Cajon	Next of kin notified? Yes