Community Corner
Spring Valley Residents Enjoy 'Comfort' of Home at Local Hot Spot During Blackout
San Diego County experienced one of the worst power outages in its history on Thursday afternoon, which lasted well into the late evening.
Ironically taking place on one of the hottest days of the year, Spring Valley and all of San Diego County suffered one of the worst power outages in its history Thursday.
The first outages were reported around 3:30 p.m., and San Diego Gas & Electric Company quickly held a press conference, explaining that the outage included all of San Diego County, parts of Baja California, and Imperial County. SDG&E claims that an “event” took place somewhere between San Diego and Arizona, which caused a chain reaction of outages for scores of miles.
For many, the blackout tested the emergency plans of both families and businesses alike. Many found themselves without batteries, food, and another valuable commodity in the triple digit heat: ice. At the at 9831 Campo Road in Casa de Oro, dozens of people lined up outside the doors for a quick chance to get in and purchase some essentials. The store allowed small groups of customers to get what they needed until about 7:30 p.m.
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While traffic was heavily congested at the beginning of the outage, it thinned out after several hours. But because most of the traffic lights were not working, many intersections remained dangerous.
Not allowing the blackout to dampen their spirits, nor stop them from watching the first game of the NFL season, dozens of patrons flocked to the . 8910 Troy St. in Spring Valley, where generators illuminated the bar and powered the television set. Burgers were also being served
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“We fired up the grill, backyard barbecue style,” said Cali Comfort co-owner Shawn Walchef. “People are hungry, and there’s nowhere to go to eat.”
59-year-old Joelyn Pabst of Spring Valley stopped in to join the party immediately following an epidural at Grossmont Hospital for back pain.
“I think that terrorists did it,” said Pabst of the blackout. “The fact that Obama was speaking tonight, the first NFL football game, what better time to hit?”
However, Special Agent Darrel Foxworth, of the FBI San Diego bureau said that there is no indication that the power outage was related to any act of terrorism.
Power was restored to the Casa de Oro and Spring Valley area around 10:30 p.m. An investigation into the cause of the blackout is underway, but according to Arizona Public Service, it was caused by human error.
