Pedestrian hit by car dies of her injuries A 47-year-old woman who suffered a broken pelvis and major head trauma April 8 when she was struck while crossing Grand Avenue at Mission Bay Drive succumbed to her injuries just hours later, according to the county Medical Examiner’s Office. The woman’s identity was not immediately released and it was not yet clear if drugs or alcohol played a role. The accident happened shortly after 8 p.m. when the woman crossed Grand Avenue on foot and was struck by a Nissan Armada. Police investigators said the driver stopped and called 9-1-1 for help. Driver ordered to pay friend’s medical costs A judge ordered a drunken driver to pay more than $7,500 in medical bills to a passenger who was severely injured when he struck a streetlight and two trees in the 2400 block of Ingraham Street in 2011. Oscar Solis, Jr., 25, was ordered to pay restitution during a March 26 hearing for Mindy Smith, who was injured in the Feb. 17, 2011 incident. Solis is serving a one-year jail term handed down by Judge Theodore Weathers on Dec. 20. Solis pleaded guilty to drunken driving with injury, hit and run with injuries, and to giving a false report to police. Solis agreed to waive all his past and present jail credits to avoid a prison term. His tentative release is set for Sept. 17, according to the Sheriff’s Department, which is almost a full year since his arrest. Solis was intoxicated when he crashed his vehicle into the street light, snapped it off and crashed his vehicle into two trees. Solis got out of the car and ran off, leaving his passenger without help, according to court records. Solis got a cab ride on Sea World Drive and called police from the cab, saying he had been carjacked. He gave the approximate address where the car came to rest. He became a fugitive and was believed to have lived in San Jose for awhile. He was arrested in September. Smith suffered multiple fractures and a dislocated hip and shoulder. Some of her medical expenses were paid by Solis’ car insurance company, but the amount of more than $7,500 amounted to what was still owed. Weathers suspended a six-year, eight-month prison term, which Solis won’t have to serve unless he violates conditions of his five years’ probation. Those conditions include a ban on possessing or drinking alcohol for five years. He was fined nearly $2,300. —Neal Putnam

Safer drop-off/pickup zone opens at PB school The San Diego Unified School District dedicated a new student drop-off/pickup zone at Kate Sessions Elementary School April 9 in a move officials said will improve traffic and parking and foster safer conditions around the Beryl Street school.  Students, parents, staff and district leaders will mark the first day of use with an official dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.  The safety project improves traffic and parking, and ensures safer conditions at the school. The safety improvement project included widening and relocating the existing driveway into the parking area, adding fencing and landscaping, installing dedicated left-turn lanes on Beryl Street and adjusting traffic signals. This nearly $2 million project was funded by Proposition S, San Diego Unified School District’s general obligation bond that was passed November 2008 for capital facilities improvements at district schools. Construction began in May 2011 and was completed in March. The project partners were Group Christilli Architects and Summit Builders. ‘Taste of Morena’ to deliver food, fun April 24 The “Taste of Morena” returns for its fifth year on Tuesday, April 24 to feature foodie favorites at a “baker’s dozen” selection of Morena District restaurants. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. The eateries will serve tempting food samples, including American, barbeque, Cuban, grilled, Italian, Mexican, burgers, seafood, pizza, gourmet coffee, desserts and more. The Morena District, across from Mission Bay, includes Morena and West Morena boulevards south of Clairemont Drive, as well as Napa Street and West Linda Vista Road. Tickets are $15 and are available at Cole’s Fine Flooring, Jerome’s Furniture and City Chevrolet on West Morena Boulevard and US Bank at the corner of Napa Street and Linda Vista Road. Only 500 tickets are available and every year is a sold-out celebration. Free Old Town Trolley shuttles will transport diners to their favorite participating restaurants. The participating restaurants plan a wide variety of old favorites and new delights. They include Andre’s Cuban, Baci Ristorante, Bay Park Fish Co., Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ, Caffe Vicino, Iowa Meat Farms-Siesel’s Meats, J.V.’s Mexican, N.Y. Giant Pizza, Offshore Grill & Tavern, Plaza Donuts, Sardina’s Italian and Tio Leo’s Mexican. Brick By Brick will have “Taste” drink specials. For more information, call (619) 920-2121, or visit www.exploremorena.com. Heffington Remembrance Girl Scout drive set The second annual Ashley Heffington Remembrance Girl Scout Recruitment and Recognition event is set for Sunday, April 22 at the Kate Sessions Park playground area. Heffington, a Girl Scout from Pacific Beach, was the victim of a fatal motor-vehicle accident on New Years Eve 2009. Heffington and her mother were struck from behind by an SUV while stopped at a red light. The man who hit them was under the influence of inhalant drugs and created a five-vehicle accident. Heffington suffered severe brain injuries and died 12 days later at age 9. In her honor, the April 22 family friendly event will allow other residents to experience what the Girl Scout movement has to offer. The San Diego Girl Scout Council will offer information about summer camps and activities to demonstrate other experiences available through Girl Scouting from 2 to 4 p.m. In Ashley’s honor, the Heffington family will announce the first Ashley Heffington Award for community service and announce the name of the local Girl Scout who designed the patch for the event. For more information, call (858) 229-3124 or (858) 610-2046.