REGION: New I-15 express lanes shave 5 minutes off commute, Caltrans says

The average rush hour commute on I-15's regular lanes (those open to all drivers) dropped by five minutes from Escondido to Mira Mesa after the January opening of new car-pool lanes, said Gustavo Dallarda, I-15 corridor director for the California Department of Transportation.

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This weekend's local headlines, Feb. 10-12

A roundup of the North County Times news stories you may have missed.

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RAMONA: Family rescued from suicidal man

RAMONA ---- A 19-year-old suicidal man was hospitalized after he briefly held three adult family members and two young children hostage Sunday afternoon in a Ramona apartment before injuring his throat with an 8-inch knife and biting a sheriff's sergeant, authorities said.

New Feb 13, 2012 | 7:57 am | Loading…

CAMP PENDLETON: Beaches remain closed following sewage spill

CAMP PENDLETON -- Beaches north of Oceanside were closed today after an estimated 18,000 gallons of sewage spilled near the Santa Margarita River.

New Feb 13, 2012 | 8:30 am | Loading…

VALLEY CENTER: Man injured in crash died in hospital

VALLEY CENTER ---- A man who died from injuries he suffered in a crash last week was identified as Dean Gittleson, 52, of Valley Center, authorities said.

New Feb 13, 2012 | 8:25 am | Loading…

ERDOS: An omelet is more than eggs

Last month, I took a long overdue trip to New York to visit my mother.

Feb 12, 2012 | 9:00 am | Loading…

PFINGSTEN: Valentine's Day brings e-book-mobile to North County

As couples throughout North County buy flowers and make dinner reservations on Tuesday, at least a few book lovers will be making their way to the Vista Library, where a national campaign will arrive this week to help readers learn how to use their Kindle, NOOK and other digital devices t…

Feb 12, 2012 | 8:00 am | Loading…

RAMONA: Library to celebrate one-year anniversary with festivities

The Ramona Community Library will celebrate its first anniversary Feb. 16 with a celebration of local talent that will include Mariachi music, food and Irish dancing.

Feb 12, 2012 | 2:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Backers hope transit center kiosk will boost local business

People arriving in Escondido by Sprinter train or bus pass by a new, interactive information kiosk at the Escondido Transit Center that lists local restaurants, shops, art galleries and other attractions.

Feb 12, 2012 | 5:00 pm | Loading…

CAMP PENDLETON: Crash causes 18,000-gallon sewage spill

CAMP PENDLETON ---- A vehicle crash Sunday caused an 18,000-gallon sewage spill near Vandergrift Boulevard and Stuart Mesa Road, authorities said. An estimated 10,000 gallons leaked into the Santa Margarita River.

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REGION: County courts closed to public Monday

San Diego Superior Court will be closed to the public Monday in observance of Lincoln's Birthday.

Feb 12, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

REGION: Strong winds expected through Monday

Strong, gusty winds were expected to blow across the mountain and desert areas of San Diego County on Sunday, and may create unsafe driving conditions on some local highways, according to the National Weather Service.

Feb 12, 2012 | 2:05 pm | Loading…

• Related: San Diego, CA Weather

VISTA: Adult day health care program saved by private donation

An adult day care program in Vista was scheduled to shut its doors last month because of state budget cuts, but a last-minute bequest has granted the program a reprieve.

Feb 12, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

REGION: Evictions continue to decline in 2011

The number of North County landlords filing suit to evict tenants is on the decline, dropping 22 percent last year from its high-water mark in the heart of the recession three years ago.

Feb 12, 2012 | 7:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Missing boy found safe

ESCONDIDO ---- A 12-year-old boy who ran away from home after school Friday has been found safe, police said Sunday night.

Feb 12, 2012 | 7:08 pm | Loading…

REGION: Democrats vote to back two June ballot measures during state convention

SAN DIEGO - The California Democratic Party voted Sunday to back measures on the June ballot that would raise the tax on tobacco products to fund research into cancer and other smoking-related illness and loosen term limits as it concluded its three-day convention at the San Diego Convent…

Feb 12, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…

REGION: Prostitution sting leads to 21 arrests

A series of prostitution stings netted 21 arrests in Escondido, Vista and Oceanside, mostly of men suspected of trying to pay for sex, authorities said Sunday.

Feb 12, 2012 | 3:30 pm | Loading…

OCEANSIDE: OUSD trustees to pick architect for OHS theater

School officials and consultants have picked an architectural firm to design a performing arts center at Oceanside High School.

Feb 12, 2012 | 5:00 pm | Loading…

ENCINITAS: Downtown group expects to open farmers market in March

Downtown Encinitas may have a Wednesday night farmers market starting in early March if the City Council approves a parking lot rental fee this week.

Feb 12, 2012 | 8:00 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: Pair plans to paddle from San Francisco to Coronado

When the going gets tough, stand-up paddleboarders and extreme athletes Clay Walking Eagle and Tim Warner will be past thinking about the miles of ocean that lie ahead, the inconsistent, choppy waters of March, the sore arms, the bright sun, or the extreme fatigue.

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RANCHO SANTA FE: Pet adoption center opens hospital

Helen Woodward Animal Center will offer the public a chance Feb. 25 to view its new 10,000-square-foot animal hospital.

Feb 11, 2012 | 10:00 am | Loading…

BEST BET: International dance festival concludes

CORONADO ---- Eight international cultures will be represented in dance today at the final performance of the 18th annual Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival.

Feb 11, 2012 | 12:00 pm | Loading…

CARR: Valentine's Day tips for canny Cupids

Hop in, buckle up. This week we're visiting with Frankie Berkley Newberg, owner of Sun Valley Florist on Ramona's Main Street, to get an important tip for anyone planning on saying it with flowers this coming Tuesday.

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:00 am | Loading…

JACKSON: State of the Region to outline jobs, innovation, health

The annual State of the Region presentation by the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce is designed to inform and educate San Diego businessmen and women about ongoing developments in the key areas of our local economy: jobs, innovation and health.

Feb 11, 2012 | 11:00 am | Loading…

SAN DIEGO: Name of woman who jumped from freeway overpass released

SAN DIEGO ---- Authorities today released the name of a 23-year-old woman who was fatally injured when she jumped from an overpass into the path of a car on Interstate 805 in Kearney Mesa.

Feb 11, 2012 | 1:18 pm | Loading…

SAN MARCOS: CSUSM freshman wins Miss California Teen USA

A Cal State San Marcos freshman won the Miss California Teen USA pageant last month, competing for the title less than two months after her father died in a car accident.

Feb 11, 2012 | 4:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Tasting chocolate

The Downtown Business Association of Escondido hosted its second chocolate festival Saturday on Grand Avenue between Centre City Parkway and Juniper Street.

Feb 11, 2012 | 4:17 pm | Loading…

OCEANSIDE: Proposal would ban feather signs and hand-held twirling signs

Roadside "feather signs" that have popped up along Coast Highway and in other commercial areas of Oceanside would be banned under a revised proposal to update the city's sign ordinance.

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…

ENCINITAS: Birch Aquarium director to speak about ocean health

The executive director of Birch Aquarium at Scripps will discuss the health of the world's oceans during a free public lecture Wednesday at the Encinitas Library.

Feb 11, 2012 | 3:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Attic fire damages home

ESCONDIDO ---- Two people were displaced Friday night when a fire started in the attic of their home, fire officials said.

Feb 11, 2012 | 2:57 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: Seeds for seeds

Carlsbad's Smerdu Community Garden held its first free seed exchange Saturday.

Feb 11, 2012 | 3:52 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: Boy struck by vehicle, injuries minor, police say

CARLSBAD ---- A 10-year-old boy suffered minor injuries Saturday when a vehicle struck him, police said.

Feb 11, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Practical mathematics

Escondido Union School District held its annual Math Field Day competition Saturday at Del Dios Middle School.

Feb 11, 2012 | 2:30 pm | Loading…

HOUSING: Banks gear up slowly for programs in mortgage settlement

When John Crumbacher of Fallbrook learned Thursday of a proposed $25 billion mortgage settlement between five majo…

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…

MILITARY: Escondido Marine stays upbeat despite toll from roadside bomb

Five months after a bombing in Afghanistan tore off his legs, Marine Cpl. Michael Fox plans to stand on the parade deck at Camp Pendleton in early April and greet his buddies when they come home from war.

Feb 11, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

• Related: MILITARY: Escondido Marine stays upbeat despite toll from roadside bomb
• Related: Escondido Marine stays upbeat despite toll from roadside bomb

CARLSBAD: Sweet moment

While a musician plays love songs, Gabriella Sarrazolla and her boyfriend, Helmut Ohnesorge, steal a kiss near the water fountain during "A Chocolate Affair," a Valentine's Day-and-chocolate-related event, at the Village Faire in Carlsbad on Saturday. HAYNE PALMOUR IV | hpalmour@nctimes.com

Feb 11, 2012 | 5:50 pm | Loading…

CARLSBAD: An uplifting show

Dancers with Opus Mixtus, a contemporary group choreographed by Heather Dale Wentworth of Carlsbad, perform as part the Family Open Studios Plus series Saturday at the Dove Library in Carlsbad. The free program, presented three or four times each year, is designed for families with small …

Feb 11, 2012 | 6:39 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Walla Walla incubator could guide city's wine ambitions

City officials said last week that a wine incubator in Walla Walla, Wash., could be the perfect model for them to follow in their efforts to make Escondido a prominent wine region.

Feb 11, 2012 | 7:00 pm | Loading…

ESCONDIDO: Police seek missing 12-year-old boy

ESCONDIDO ---- Police were looking for a 12-year-old boy Saturday evening who apparently ran away from home after school Friday afternoon, officials said.

Feb 11, 2012 | 9:27 pm | Loading…

MENIFEE: Students develop gold fever

By AMY BENTLEY For The Californian

Students at Freedom Crest Elementary School in Menifee panned for gold, played cards, listed to old-fashioned saloon music and played period games earlier this month as part of a fun, hands-on history lesson about the California Gold Rush.

Feb 12, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…

TEMECULA: Students rewarded for attendance

By AMY BENTLEY For The Californian

To a group of 52 students at Vintage Hills Elementary School in Temecula, not missing any school is serious business, and last week, the children were rewarded for having perfect attendance during the first semester of this school year.

Feb 12, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…