Daily Dose: Friday!

Last day for Division Chief Brett Eldridge

Division Chief Brett Eldridge is retiring after 28 years with the Santee Fire Department, even acting as the city's fire marshal at a time.

According to the Santee Review (read a great profile here), his last day is Friday, Sept. 16.

“I will miss his sense of humor, big smile and calm demeanor,” said Fire Chief in the Review blog.  “Additionally, he always provided input that demonstrated an organizational perspective.”

Thanks for the great work Brett!

Pedestrian hit-and-run

Three pedestrians were struck by a hit-and-run driver in Lakeside Thursday morning, including one who was seriously injured, authorities said.

The pedestrians were struck on Channel Road at Woodside Avenue in the Winter Gardens neighborhood shortly after midnight, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Las Colinas Expansion

County officials today inked a $221.5 million contract with Barnhart Balfour Beatty to be the general contractor for the of the in Santee.   

The 478,000-square-foot project will replace the old and cramped women's jail near the center of town, with construction on the 45-acre site scheduled to begin next year and be finished in late 2015.

In-store pickpocket

The Sheriff's Department is seeking the public's help in identifying a woman who on at least three occasions stole a shopper's wallet and immediately went on a spending spree with the victim's credit cards.

She has hit stores from San Marcos to La Mesa, not in Santee, but the next crime could occur anywhere in the region.

Authorities describe the suspect as black, 50 to 55 years old, 5 feet 3 to 5 feet 6 and heavy set, about 180-220 pounds. Her hair is shoulder-length and graying, authorities said. She has also been described as having four large front teeth with gaps between each tooth.   

The accomplice in the July 6 theft is black, 45 to 55 years old and also heavy set, authorities said.   

Anyone with information about the case was urged to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous emails and text messages can be sent to www.sdcrimestoppers.com.

City News Service contributed to these reports.

Events

Yesterday's stories of note