Trial set after alleged shooter fires 2nd attorney
A judge has set a Sept. 14 trial date after a suspected gunman, who is charged with shooting a man in Pacific Beach in January 2007, hired his third lawyer.
Phillip Troy Relos, 24, has waived his right to have a speedy trial in San Diego Superior Court. He fired his second public defender May 19, and his new attorney requested to have more time to prepare his defense.
Relos is charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm from a vehicle in the Jan. 21, 2007, incident in the 4500 block of Dawes Street at 2 a.m. Relos is accused of shooting David Fitzpatrick, 24, in the right side of the hip. The two men did not know each other.
Fitzpatrick was walking with friends and someone in a Saab fired a shot for no apparent reason and wounded him. The car drove off, but San Diego Police stopped the vehicle and Relos was arrested later that night.
Relos had posted $50,000 bond, but after a judge heard testimony in the March 20, 2007, preliminary hearing, she increased the bail to $1 million, citing the seriousness of the charges.
In January, another judge revoked bail, and Relos remains in the George F. Bailey Detention Facility without bail. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
‘Hands-free’ becomes law on Tuesday
The state’s new “hand’s-free” cell phone laws will take effect Tuesday, July 1, which will prohibit all drivers from using a handheld wireless phone while operating a motor vehicle.
However, drivers 18 and older can use hands-free device. It will be illegal for all drivers 16 and 17 years old from using either a cell phone or hands-free device while behind the wheel.
The San Diego Police Department is allowing a 30-day grace period and will begin issuing citations on violations beginning Aug. 1, but other law enforcement agencies, such as the California Highway Patrol or sheriffs could possibly issue tickets for drivers using cell phones.
The penalty will be $97 for the first offense and $211 for the second.
Discounts offer on Family Night at Belmont Park
Family Nights have returned to Mission Bay’s Belmont Park. On Tuesday evenings both children and adults can can enjoy affordable family-friendly activities from 4 p.m. until the park closes at 10 p.m.
Families have the pleasure of taking advantage of generous discounts on park attractions, food and shopping. Rides on the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, bumper cars, the vertical plunge, the Liberty Carousel and more will be half off the regular price of $2 to $6.
Also back this year is the Dairy Queen Idol, hosted by Channel 93.3. The karaoke-style talent competition began June 20, continuing every Thursday night from 7 to 10 p.m. for the next seven weeks. The audience decides each week’s winner, with the finalists invited back to compete for the grand price.
Family Nights will run through Aug. 26. For more information and competition dates, visit www.belmontpark.com.
PB Middle hosts free choral concert Sunday
The San Diego Community College District Continuing Ed choruses, Pacificaires and Cedar Center Chorus are inviting the public to come out and enjoy a free evening of musical entertainment.
The group will present “A Garden of Music: Choral Sounds of Nature” Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m.
The concert will be held at Pacific Beach Middle School, 4676 Ingraham Street.
Led by director Eunice Williams, the choruses will perform a spring-themed program of classical and contemporary music featuring the works of Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim and Lerner and Loewe.
The vocalists recently returned from an eight-day, sold-out tour in Southern France, where they were joined by L’esterelenco, a renowned French choir.
“We are the first continuing ed choir that has ever done any international singing,” said member Karen Hedrick. “We are pleased that it was so successful.”
The choruses are composed of 75 adult singers of all ages and backgrounds. They present two free concerts, one in June and one in December, each year at the middle school.
Disability-related accommodation requests should be made no later than five working days prior to the event; contact the Dean of Emeritus Program at (619) 388-1800.
Animal Services offers discounted pet adoptions
The Department of Animal Services is encouraging families looking to expand with a four-legged friend to visit any of the three county animal shelters. The adoption fees for senior cats (six months and older) and dogs (five years and older) and those that have been at the shelter for 30 days are being waived through August 31.
The fee waiving began on May 31 as the result of a seasonal influx of animals. The shelters want to get the animals adopted to prevent an overflow at the shelters.
The cost to adopt is normally $35 for senior cats and dogs, $58 for cats or kittens and $69 for dogs or pups. The fee includes costs of required surgical sterilization, vaccinations and other medical services.
Prior to going home with their new family, the animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. If the animal is unable to be altered at the time of adoption, a $40 refundable sterilization deposit is required. Two animals per person may be adopted.
The Department also has a “Better with a Buddy” program in which someone can adopt a kitten at the full price of $58 and adopt a second kitten at half price.
There is a shelter located at 5480 Gaines St. in San Diego, open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
For more information on adoptions or to view photos of adoptable animals visit www.sddace.
com/adoptions.asp.