Former Robb Field city worker pleads guilty to grand theft charges Rogelio Najera Jr., a former longtime city employee who worked at Robb Field Recreation Center in Ocean Beach, pleaded guilty July 21 to grand theft and has agreed to pay $40,000 in restitution. The city and Robb Field are listed as victims, said Deputy District Attorney Leon Schorr. The prosecutor said Najera, 49, hasn’t yet paid any restitution but hopes to pay back at least some of it by his Oct. 27 sentencing. Najera faces up to a year in county jail because a prison term has been ruled out – provided he pay restitution, said Schorr. Najera is working at another job, which Schorr said will help Najera pay the city back. Najera worked in the Park and Recreation Department for more than 20 years and was at Robb Field most of the time. He was a city supervisor for most of the soccer and baseball games, Little Leagues and classes. District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer is “extremely disappointed” in Najera, said Faulconer’s spokesman, Tony Manolatos. In 2006, Najera’s job at Robb Field was about to be cut from the city budget, but people signed a petition in support of him. Faulconer argued in support of Najera’s job and a community group raised some money to help fund the position. Najera’s job was ultimately saved. When charges were filed Feb. 28 in San Diego Superior Court, Faulconer again expressed his disappointment with Najera. “His opinion hasn’t changed,” said Manolatos on July 22. San Diego Superior Court Judge Eugenia Eyherabide dismissed two charges of misappropriation of public funds and falsifying public funds accounts after Najera pleaded guilty to grand theft. Schorr said both sides have agreed the $40,000 restitution figure is accurate, although earlier media accounts suggested the loss was estimated at $101,000. Schorr said Najara’s early plea made a preliminary hearing unnecessary. Najera, who lives in Otay Mesa, remains free on his own recognizance. —Neal Putnam
Female Midway bank robber enters guilty plea Lorraine Samuels, 53, has pleaded guilty to stealing $900 from the Wells Fargo branch bank on Sports Arena Boulevard and will be sentenced on Sept. 23. Samuels was arrested March 15 just hours later after the bank was robbed, but the money was not recovered. She held up the bank at 11:50 a.m. after asking for the manager and presenting a demand note. The note specifically asked for $900, and she remarked she “would start shooting” if she didn’t get it, according to court records. She kept her hand in a bag and was given the money. She pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw and could be ordered to pay restitution at her sentencing. The maximum sentence is 20 years, but federal sentencing guidelines suggest a much lower sentence, depending on prior records and other factors. Samuels remains in custody without bail. —Neal Putnam
Another Peninsula Blockbuster video store now shuttered It’s a wrap for two more local movie rental stores. After nearly 15 years in Point Loma, Blockbuster video closed its location at 1930 Rosecrans St. for good on July 13. The Blockbuster video store at 3980 West Point Loma Blvd. has also closed.   Rumors had surrounded the status of the two locations following Dish Network’s purchase of the chain in April. According to an employee who wished not to be identified, the real cause of the closures was because of “greedy landlords” who panned Blockbuster’s lease renewals for more valuable suitors like “a bank or a workout gym.” The employee said there were lots of hugs and a few tears from customers who were returning rented tapes for the last time on July 13. The latest shuttering brings the total to three such closures in the Peninsula area, including Paladin video on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. — Mike Ryan
Man simulates weapon in Ralph’s robbery Police investigators are probing a robbery of the Ralph’s supermarket at 3515 Sports Arena Blvd. at around 11:15 a.m. on July 23. Investigators said a man entered the store and walked to the pharmacy counter, where he simulated a weapon. The suspect made a demand before fleeing the store northbound toward the Koby’s Swap Meet. The suspect was described as a white male in his late 40s, standing about 5’8.” Witnesses said the man had a thin build and was wearing a white T-shirt with a green-and-black design, and black hat, possibly a fedora. Coastkeeper names new executive director  San Diego Coastkeeper announced this month the hire of Gale Filter as the water watchdog group’s new executive director. Filter joined the organization July 18. He comes to San Diego from his role as deputy director of enforcement and emergency response for the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Department of Toxic Substances Control. Filter’s previous work experience includes time as the deputy executive director for consumer, environmental and legal services at the California District Attorney’s Association, as a deputy district attorney in Imperial County and as an instructor at Joliet Junior College. Interim Executive Director Gabriel Solmer, who stepped into the position in late 2010 to guide Coastkeeper through its transition, will continue her role as legal director, leading the organization’s Environmental Law & Policy Clinic. Local to take part in Google teacher academy A Point Loma High School English teacher has been selected to participate in a cutting-edge technology seminar being conducted by Google. Jennifer Roberts will attend the Google Teacher Academy today, July 28, in Seattle, Wash. The academy is a free professional development experience designed to help K-12 educational leaders get the most from innovative technologies. Each academy is an intensive, one-day event where participants get hands-on experience with Google’s products and technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies and receive resources to share with colleagues. Upon completion, participants become Google-certified teachers who share what they learn with other K-12 educators in their local regions and beyond. “I am so honored to have been selected,” Roberts said. “The caliber of the other teachers invited is so impressive. I look forward to sharing my experience and new knowledge with the students and teachers at PLHS and other educators in San Diego.” The Google-certified teacher program was launched in 2006 with the first academy held at Google headquarters in Mountain View. The program has since presented several academies around the world. — Scott Hopkins
Cancer Society shop to host new sales event The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, located at 3609 Midway Drive, Suite C in Point Loma, is set to host a “Touch of the Orient” sales event on Friday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saurday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured will be exotic items of home decor, clothing and more, said Cancer Society officials. All proceeds from the shop go to supporting cancer research and education. Volunteers and donations are always welcome. For more information, call (619) 224-4336.