Imperial Valley Press Quick News

El Centro firefighters arrested; ECFD to begin internal investigation

IMPERIAL — Two off-duty El Centro firefighters were arrested Wednesday night for allegedly attempting to steal a motorcycle from the I.V. Cycle booth at the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta.

Imperial County Sheriff's Office Lt. George Moreno said the incident occurred about 10:50 p.m. Wednesday when a security guard noticed the bike missing and followed its tracks to where the two firefighters had the bike next to a pickup with its tailgate down.

Both of the men had already posted bail by noon Friday.

El Centro Fire Chief Chris Petree said that his department and the city's human resources office are currently gathering information on the incident to conduct an internal investigation.

— Staff Writer Jonathan Dale

IID Board could approve budget Thursday

The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors could approve a 2008 budget at a special meeting Thursday.
The district has been operating without a budget since January while staff went back to the drawing board to come back with a bare bones budget.
With no proposed rate increases for this year, IID Chief Financial Officer Bob Vodzack said although the budget is workable, any unforeseen expenses could bust the budget seams.
The board will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at the district auditorium on Broadway Avenue in El Centro.
Staff Writer Brianna Lusk

Two suspects arrested for alleged hay theft

By SILVIO J. PANTA

Staff Writer

HEBER — Two Mexican residents face possession of stolen property charges following their arrest early Tuesday along Highway 86 for allegedly having a truck full of compressed hay.

Jesus Montoya Lerma, 33, of

Mexicali

, and Jorge Carranza, 28, of

Tijuana

, were pulled over after midnight when the Ford pickup they traveled in passed through a stop sign near

Heffernan Avenue

, said Imperial County Sheriff’s Investigative Sgt. Miguel Leon.

The two suspects were “extremely evasive” with the sheriff’s deputy at the traffic stop and even requested an attorney for their initial questioning,

Leon

said.

But the sheriff’s deputy noticed the hay that filled up the bed of the Ford pickup truck,

Leon

said. Authorities confiscated the hay after the arrest.

Leon

said the suspects could face additional charges of grand theft if the hay owner comes forward and places the value of the hay at more than $400.

Lulu Belle Animal Haven closed by county

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced today it is shutting down the ability for Lulu Belle's to house animals at the shelter. 

The closure is a result of threats to the health of the animals due to the constant presence of tick-borne diseases among the animals at the facility.  In addition to health issues, the facility also has structural issues that make it unsafe for people and animals.       

There are still about eight puppies and 10 adult dogs at the facility, county health department PIO Maria Peinado said. The health of those remaining animals will be assessed to see if any can go up for adoption. But she said it is likely they will first have to quarantined for a while.   

The Imperial County Public Health Department’s public health officer stated, “The Public Health Department’s ultimate concern in this matter has always been the health and safety of the animals at Lulu Belle's. Unfortunately, health issues persist at the facility and after many years of working with Lulu Belles the determination was made to close it to all animals. We needed to take the necessary actions to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals.” 

This is also a human concern for the potential for diseases to enter the community.   

Lulu Belle's was the only no-kill animal shelter in the Imperial Valley.

Interstate 8 re-opened shortly before 1 p.m.

The California Highway Patrol re-opened Interstate 8 in the mountains west of the Imperial Valley around 12:55 p.m.

I-8 has been closed to traffic this morning because of windy conditions in the mountains. There remains a traffic advisory for high-profile vehicles.

Drivers can call the state Department of Transportation's roadway hot line at 800-427-7623 or the Highway Patrol's local roadway hot line at 482-2555 for the latest info.

El Centro man arrested for attempted murder

By SILVIO J. PANTA

Staff Writer

El Centro

police arrested a man early Sunday on an attempted murder charge after a woman was found severely beaten over the head.

Francisco Camarillo Solorio, a 56-year-old

El Centro

resident, was also booked in the Imperial County Jail on suspicion of stalking the victim whose injuries were bad enough to require a flight out to the University of California San Diego Medical Center.

The victim, with whom the suspect had a past relationship, received treatment for facial fractures and cuts to her head.

She also underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition, said police Sgt. Jeff Mason. Solorio’s bail is set at $500,000.

Motorist hospitalized after struggling with officers

By SILVIO J. PANTA

Staff Writer

IMPERIAL — A Heber resident suspected of driving under the influence allegedly scuffled with two police officers Sunday night following a three car crash on

Imperial Avenue.

The struggle left 29-year-old Jorge Vladimir Orellana Lainez with fractures to his face that lead him being flown out to the University of California San Diego Medical Center in serious condition. There were no other reported injuries during the 6:34 p.m. crash.

Lainez is expected to be booked on suspicion of driving under the influence after his treatment at the hospital, said Imperial Police Sgt. Dub Perkins.