Some of the gambling machines recovered in the raids. (Photo courtesy of the San Diego Police)
San Diego Police raided two illegal gambling operations this week, seizing a total of 62 machines at a vacant building on El Cajon Boulevard and a storage facility in Chula Vista.
On Tuesday, officers first raided the building at 4835 El Cajon Boulevard, detaining several individuals and confiscating 23 machines, money and narcotics.
Then officers searched three storage units at 1160 Third Avenue in Chula Vista, finding 39 gambling machines and “a large amount of money.”
“Illegal gambling establishments pose significant risks to the community,” the department said in a statement following the raids. “These locations often attract additional criminal activity, including narcotics sales, theft and violence.”
Anyone with information about the gambling at the two locations was encouraged to call police at 619-531-2000 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
L-R, Kane Roldan and Elias Yanez. (Photos courtesy of GoFundMe)
An 18-year-old man accused of gunning down two teenage boys at a Chula Vista house party pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two counts of murder.
David Garcia is accused of opening fire on Kane Roldan, 15, and Elias Yanez, 17, at a Halloween party attended by more than 100 people. Police responded to the East Prospect Street home just after 11 p.m. to find both boys with gunshot wounds. The teens later died at a hospital.
Along with the murder counts, he faces a charge of negligently discharging a firearm for allegedly shooting into the air some time before the teens were shot. He also faces a special circumstance allegation of committing multiple murders.
If he is convicted of the murder counts, plus the special circumstance allegation, he would face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, should prosecutors pursue capital punishment.
At Garcia’s arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Jack Yeh said Garcia showed multiple people at the party that he had a gun tucked into his waistband.
Prior to the fatal shooting, the prosecutor said Garcia got into an altercation with someone, then fired the gun into the air to scare the person away.
Later, Garcia allegedly got into an fight with a friend of the victims. When the boys attempted to aid their friend, Garcia shot them both, Yeh said.
Garcia remains in custody without bail.
Family members of Roldan, of San Diego, and Yanez, of Imperial Beach, have created GoFundMe pages to assist with funeral costs and support their loved ones.
According to the fundraising pages, Roldan’s memorial will be on Nov. 24, while plans for Yanez’s service are pending.
Chula Vista police at a crime scene. (File photo courtesy of OnSceneTV)
Two teens died Friday in a shooting at a Chula Vista Halloween party and police are seeking video footage of a fight to help identify those responsible.
At approximately 11:17 p.m., patrols responded to a report of a shooting on E. Prospect Street, according to a news release from the Chula Vista Police Department. The officers discovered two victims, ages 15 and 17, suffering from gunshot wounds.
The officers attempted to resuscitate the teens until medics arrived to transport both to UCSD Medical Center. Doctors there pronounced them dead.
The victims’ names are being withheld until family members can be notified, police said.
Investigators have determined that an argument at the Halloween party led up to the shooting and believe “there is a likelihood” witnesses would have used cell phones to record the fight.
Chula Vista police are trying to locate witnesses to identify the suspect or suspects. They ask that anyone with information, video of the incident or working exterior cameras around the 00 block of E. Prospect Street to contact investigators at (619) 691-5075.
Tipsters also may contact the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in the fatal shooting.
A DUI checkpoint in San Diego County. (File photo courtesy SDSO)
The Chula Vista Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint within the city on Friday, the department announced Wednesday.
The checkpoint will take place from 5 p.m. to midnight.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” CVPD Traffic Bureau Agent Brian Carter said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
Police reminded the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol, but some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving, according to the department.
“While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license,” the department said in a statement.
Funding for DUI checkpoints was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Two fire departments, a helicopter and Border Patrol then raced to beat the setting sun to rescue them at about 6 p.m. Feb. 10 in Jamul, the Chula Vista Fire Department said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
How the two men got there remains a mystery, but officials said their location was about a quarter-mile from Skydive San Diego, according to KGTV.
Tonight at 1800, crews found two victims stranded in tree in water approx 300 yards off shore. CVFD, CalFire, SD copter 3, Border Patrol coordinated rescue efforts. Boat team deployed and victims extricated, brought to shore and evaluated for minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/NRIOr7WmxS
Videos released by the fire department show the sun sinking behind the hills while a helicopter circles overhead. Rescue teams contemplated their next moves from shore. Eventually, they sent a boat crew into the water.
Rescuers in the boat crossed the dark water. When they arrived at the tree, they were safely able to get the stranded duo out, firefighters said.
The two were then “brought to shore and evaluated for minor injuries,” according to the post.
Jamul is about 20 miles east of San Diego.
Julia Daye is a national real-time reporter for McClatchy. She has written for numerous local and national outlets and holds a degree from Columbia Journalism School.
Welcome to Chula Vista, CA. This coastal city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity. From its stunning bayfront development to the vibrant cultural and arts events, Chula Vista has something for everyone. Join us in this Redfin article as we delve into what Chula Vista is known for and uncover what truly sets it apart.
1. Coastal city
Located along the beautiful coastline of Southern California, Chula Vista offers residents and visitors stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. With its sandy beaches, picturesque sunsets, and a variety of water activities, Chula Vista is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Proximity border
Chula Vista, CA is known for its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. Situated just a short distance from the border, Chula Vista offers a unique cultural experience influenced by both American and Mexican traditions. Residents and visitors can easily explore the vibrant Mexican culture, indulge in authentic cuisine, and enjoy cross-border shopping and entertainment.
3. Bayfront development
The city has invested in transforming its waterfront area into a thriving hub of entertainment, dining, and recreation. With a scenic marina, waterfront parks, and a variety of shops and restaurants, Chula Vista’s bayfront is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
4. Otay Ranch Town Center
This vibrant shopping center offers a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. With its open-air design, beautifully landscaped surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere, Otay Ranch Town Center provides a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for residents and visitors.
5. Educational institutions
The city is home to a number of top-rated schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Chula Vista also boasts several colleges and universities, providing residents with access to quality education and a range of academic opportunities.
6. Natural parks and trails
Chula Vista is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and coastal areas. The city offers residents and visitors a variety of parks and trails for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation, allowing them to connect with nature and enjoy the city’s scenic beauty.
7. Ethnically diverse community
The city embraces a rich cultural tapestry, with residents from various ethnic backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the city’s cuisine, festivals, and community events, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates different cultures and promotes cultural exchange.
8. Cultural and arts events
The city hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing local talent and promoting cultural appreciation. From music festivals to theater performances, Chula Vista offers residents and visitors a vibrant arts scene that adds to the city’s cultural identity.
9. Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
This state-of-the-art facility is a premier training destination for elite athletes from around the world. With world-class training facilities and support services, the center attracts top athletes in various sports disciplines, contributing to Chula Vista’s reputation as a hub for athletic excellence.
