Spring Valley

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The County-run safe parking site on Magnolia in unincorporated El Cajon, one of two East County sites set up to help homeless people living in their vehicles, is temporarily closed for renovations. The improvements will include picnic and meeting areas, a dog run, improved bath and shower areas, and permanent structures to house staff offices,

“The site is anticipated to reopen in summer 2025,” says Fernando Lopez, group communications officer for San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency. “People experiencing homelessness and their vehicles are currently being served at Bancroft Safe Parking,” which is located in Spring Valley.

The El Cajon site opened in 2022. The Bancroft site opened in August 2024 and has space for 27 cars to park overnight, starting at 5 p.m.  The site has security, along with clean restrooms, hot showers, a small kitchen and a dog run for people with pets. Dinner and breakfast are provided.

The lot is operated by County contractor Dreams for Change.

Those in the program are also paired with a Dreams for Change case worker to help them find housing options.

Gillie and Henry drove their black sedan onto the County’s Bancroft Safe Parking site in Spring Valley in January and since then, they say they have been able to breathe a sigh of relief.  

The couple spent months staying at various shelters or sleeping in their car on the side of the road, after increased rent and a job loss forced them out of their long-term rental apartment and into their vehicle.  

“No matter how we tried to keep our boat afloat, it was impossible,” Gillie explained, County News Services reports. She says being at Bancroft Safe Parking “makes a whole world of difference to know that at five o’clock, we can come here, we get a shower, there’s a heater, there is coffee, oatmeal for the morning. It’s a relief.” 

Gillie and Henry were referred to Bancroft Safe Parking by a County Office of Homeless Solutions outreach worker.

“Safe parking lots provide people with a place to park and sleep for the night, without the risk of being towed or asked to move,” said Dijana Beck, Director of the County Office of Homeless Solutions. “Participants also have support to get things like documents in order, reunifying with family and of course finding a more permanent housing solution.”  

The goal is to help the families, couples, and other people find more stable housing. Pets are welcome, too. On average, residents stay at Bancroft Safe Parking between three to six months.  

For Gillie and Henry, their wait is over as they move into a studio thanks to support from the program.  

The County’s Bancroft and Magnolia Safe Parking sites are part of County’s broader efforts to expand emergency housing options for people experiencing homelessness in the unincorporated communities.  

Next up, the County aims to open Troy Street Sleeping Cabins in Lemon Grove in 2026.

 Learn more about programs and resources on the County’s Office of Homeless Solutions website.  

• Public computers plus laptops for checkout
• High speed internet access and Wi-Fi throughout the branch
• Community Room with after-hours access for community events
• Teen area with study rooms
• Children’s area with early literacy play equipment
• Patio space and a Friends of the Library Bookstore
• Designated parking lot

By Miriam Raftery

February 19, 2025 (Spring Valley) – David Ruiz, 22, was arrested by Sheriff’s deputies today for the murder of his newborn son.

Responding to a 1:20 p.m. report of battery at a home on Sacramento Avenue in Spring Valley, San Miguel Firefighters arrived at 1:26 p.m., followed closely by Sheriff’s deputies from the Rancho San Diego station.  “Firefighters discovered a newborn male infant unconscious on the living room floor, suffering from apparent trauma to his head. Tragically, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh.

The biological father, 22-year-old David Ruiz, was taken into custody and will be charged with the murder of his newborn son.

The motivation and circumstances surrounding this tragic homicide are still unclear. Sheriff's Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the facts of the case.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200.  You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

February 15, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- The Casa de Oro Alliance invites members of the community who have been affected by flooding to a community dialogue to help bring the community together and build resilience.

The event is Tuesday, February 25 at San Diego Youth Services’ auditorium, 3845 Spring Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977, starting with free tacos (for those who RSVP) from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by an interactive discussion and activities from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This event is co-sponsored by the Spring Valley Community Alliance, San Diego Youth Services, and Dr. Allison Brownlee at Stronger Together Community Services.

The event page states, “Are you concerned about flooding, water runoff, or inadequate storm channels in our community? Are you frustrated that “nothing seems to get done”? Let’s come together to build solutions!”

Please RSVP.