David Ross

EDITORIAL George Orwell once wrote: “If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” Elsewhere I have read a quote often erroneously attributed to Orwell that says “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.” I like both sentiments. Our freedoms to […]

Valley Center Planning Group Chairwoman Dori Rattray, who two weeks earlier had tried to impose what critics on the group called a “gag order” on fellow planners to prevent them from talking to the press, was slapped down by County Counsel last week, which ruled that her proposed “protocol” for dealing with the press violated both the First Amendment and […]

Four Valley residents were honored at the May 6 annual dinner of the Valley Center Business Association at Bates Nut Farm. Although the awards are presented by The Roadrunner after vetting nominations from the public, the VCBA showcases the awards presentations. The evening also included the recognition of new Honorary Mayor Andrea Dominguez. Volunteer of the Year Julie Picot named […]

Although the proposed Harmonia Estates development of 67 detached homes next to Park Circle community was not on Monday night’s agenda of the Valley Center Community Planning Group, it was the dominant subject of discussion for most of the nearly three-hour meeting. Members of the Park Circle community showed up in force, with about 30 residents from that development and […]

Republican Civil War in North County breaks to the surface: ‘We whipped his (DeMaio’s) a___ and now he is out for revenge.’—John Franklin A specter is haunting the San Diego County GOP: the specter of the Republican party handing victory in every elected office in North County to the Democratic party. How do I know? The constant emails I […]

I recently inteviewed Kerry Garza of Touchstone Communities—discussing the proposed Harmonia Estates project near Park Circle in a question and answer format. Here is a portion of that conversation. Note: Several residents of the Park Circle development made comments at the May Valley Center Planning Group meeting about the proposed Harmonia Estates, although it is in the very early stage […]

The California Republican Party has sent Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, the leader of Reform California, a ‘cease and desist’ letter, directing him to stop “Unlawful and Deceptive Use of the California Republican Party Trademarks, Insignia, and Name by Reform California Voter Guide and RepublicanVoterGuideCA.com.”

Korean War hero, U.S. Navy air ace and Medal of Honor winner Royce Williams will lead the Valley Center Western Days parade this Saturday morning, May 23 beginning at 10 a.m. A living legend, serving as Grand Marshal is Captain E. Royce Williams, a 101-year-old Hidden Meadows resident and newly minted Medal of Honor recipient. This year’s theme is a […]

At its May 13 meeting, the Escondido City Council unanimously passed a fireworks ordinance with teeth. The new ordinance raises fines up to $1,000 per infraction, and creates the concept of “social host.” This expands the responsibility for the infraction to—not only the person who sets it off—but the property owner or tenant where the infraction occurs. Expect to […]

Bob Grove, a former trusted employee and driver for Riverside-based Merit Oil—which has an Escondido office—May 5 pleaded guilty to Felony Grand Theft for stealing thousands of dollars in fuel over many months and re-selling it off-the-books to parties who were not Merit Oil customers. In effect, Grove had his own private oil business on the side—with possibly dozens […]