In August of 2001, Monica zech made the biggest and most rewarding career change of her life!  She chose to leave a 30-year career in broadcasting to become the Public Information Officer and Safety Educator for the El Cajon Fire Department.  On July 18th, 2005, Monica was then promoted to become the Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon, and still provide safety education on behalf of the El Cajon Police & Fire Departments.  She also writes articles on safety and appears on local television news segments giving valuable safety advice.  She continues what she loves doing most – providing safety lectures in the community.  It‘s obvious to her audiences that “safety/injury prevention” is Monica’s passion!

Monica has been involved in broadcasting for more than thirty-five years. Her broadcasting career highlights; in 1971, at the age of 16, she became the first female broadcast intern at KGTV, Ch. 10, from Crawford High School. She went on to work for a variety of radio stations as a news reporter/anchor. In January of 1984 she became San Diego’s first female airborne traffic reporter, and soon after – San Diego’s first television traffic reporter for both the NBC and ABC local affiliates and heard on ten radio stations.   Since 1984 Monica has been delivering lectures on safety throughout San Diego, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties.  Since 1984 to the present, she has received numerous news, safety and community service awards. (See her awards section)  Although Monica enjoyed her work as a reporter, she most enjoyed her research and lectures in the community on traffic safety and overall injury prevention.  Since the beginning, she has delivered these lectures on her own time, after work, evenings and weekends – and would often use all her vacation and sick leave hours to deliver her safety messages.  By representing the City of El Cajon, Police & Fire Departments, she is now able provide safety education as a full-time career. But, due to her passion for safety – she still uses her off hours and vacation hours to lecture outside the city of El Cajon.

It was during her first year as a traffic reporter in 1984, while conducting research and working with local emergency agencies, trauma room doctors and various transportation and safety organizations, that Monica saw the “crucial” need to add safety education advice to her traffic reports – and to lecture on traffic safety in the community.

But, after twelve years of safety lecturing, Monica’s work in traffic safety took on an even deeper meaning, when on June 5th, 1992; her own father was struck and killed by a DUI driver.

The Tragedy; On June 5th, 1992, at about 6:15pm, Monica’s father was crossing at the corner of El Cajon Boulevard at Jessie Avenue in La Mesa. The investigation showed a vehicle stopped to allow Mr. Pacheco to cross. As he started to cross it was the next approaching vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old DUI driver, that began go around and pass the stopped vehicle into the next lane. In court testimony the DUI driver claimed he saw a man crossing the street but thought this man would stop walking to allow him to continue to drive through. But Monica’s father was already in that second lane and the DUI driver, who should have stopped, instead – struck and killed Monica’s 63 year-old father “John G. Pacheco.”  It was soon found this 23-year-old driver had a blood alcohol level of .16, twice over the legal limit…so his thinking and judgment was slowed due to his intoxication – it was also discovered this was the driver’s 4th DUI arrest!  It took my father to stop him – but it also took his life to do it.  In the picture below is the vehicle that struck and killed Monica’s father. The damage to the front windshield was caused by her father’s head striking the windshield, an indentation to the left front end of the vehicle was where his upper body struck. His body was then thrown some twenty to thirty feet into the air coming down head first into the center median across the street crushing his skull and causing his fatal injuries.

More on the driver that killed Monica’s father. This was the driver’s fourth DUI arrest. Demonstrating a continued lack of respect for the law, he never bothered to go to court to answer for his last two DUI arrests, so there were two misdemeanor arrest warrants pending when he struck Monica’s father. From the first DUI, his license had been suspended and he was driving without driver’s insurance coverage.  Sadly, despite this DUI driver’s previous DUI record, he was sentenced to a mere four years in prison. After serving only about a year and a half of his sentence he was released for good behavior. (But was later thrown back in jail on yet another drug charge a short time later.) But, Monica’s father is still gone and very much missed by Monica and her family – and has become a part of Monica’s lectures.  Although it’s been 19 years since his death, talking about his death is sometimes painful. But it’s important to Monica to take that pain and educate her audiences on how “precious” life is and not to take your love ones for granted.  But, she makes it very clear – she speaks in memory of all those killed and injured in predictable-preventable traffic collisions every day.

But, lightning can strike a family twice! On February 10th, 2005, just before 9 p.m., Monica’s then 24 year-old daughter “Victoria,” was struck broadside by a 17-year-old female, unlicensed -DUI driver!  Thanks to her daughter’s alertness and quick action behind the wheel she was able to avoid a direct impact into her driver’s door. The young lady did strike the front end of her car then fled the scene – only to be apprehended a couple blocks away. Victoria did suffer some minor injuries to her neck and back, and her vehicle sustained about $4,000 in damages. But most important, Monica is very thankful her daughter was able to avoid fatal injuries…and that she was able to see her daughter graduate from paramedic school in June of 06′ and marry a month later in July. Monica feels very blessed to have seen her daughter achieve two important dreams – to become a paramedic and to marry.  Some parents are not so fortunate to see their children achieve their dreams.  According to police, the 17 year-old DUI driver that hit Monica’s daughter, may not be able to get her driver’s license until age 21, maybe even until age 25 due to the serious charges against her.

Research shows many drivers, with suspended licenses from a DUI, continue to drive, often repeating the same driving behavior. That’s why it’s crucial we are always 100% alert behind the wheel and as a pedestrian.  Stats also show 40% of motorists drive without insurance, so make sure you have good “un-insured” motorist protection on your driver’s insurance policy.

 As a driver, Monica herself has been a victim.  She was struck by a motorist who was busy talking on his cell phone and had paperwork across his steering wheel as he flew into a parking lot.  Monica was in that parking lot and saw his vehicle coming right at her driver’s door.  She hit the gas and he hit her back door area – avoiding certain death.   Then on August 29th, 2003, Monica was on her way to the CHP office in El Cajon when a motorist ran the STOP sign at the bottom of the ramp from west 8 to East Main Street.  The driver ran the STOP by two car lengths and failed to look left and pulled into Monica’s path.  Monica slammed on her brakes, leaving 22 feet of skid marks, and hit the woman’s back door.  Monica’s quick reaction saved the driver – but caused serious injuries to Monica. Due to her injuries Monica required neck surgery a few months later.  Two surgeons said Monica should have been paralyzed by the crash.   Her experience adds to the impact of her talks.

Buckle-up and be alert! Keep in mind that a DUI driver may run that red light or stop sign, or pop out of a driveway when you least expect it.  Impaired drivers (and pedestrians) are out there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

*For a professional and personal look at what it takes to be a “safe” driver for your school, group, military group or company conference please contact Monica Zech at (619) 843-7218 or email her at monicazech@cox.net.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/06/05/trace.adkins.fire/index.html?iref=allsearch

Her parents started the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation” known as B.U.S.T. – Buckle Up & STOP Texting program.  Click on the following links for more information.

http://www.rememberalexbrownfoundation.org/foundation/index.php

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEiBVfvnR6c

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDKOiMSkLxY

Saving lives!

County Joins Crime Stoppers to Reduce Animal Cruelty

The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (DAS) is now working with San Diego County Crime Stoppers to help stop animal cruelty. DAS has established a reward fund to help pay tipsters who report acts of animal cruelty. A portion of the reward money is being provided by San Diego Animal Advocates.

Currently, DAS spends hundreds of hours each month investigating animal cruelty and neglect cases in San Diego County.

“We hope that this unique partnership will help reduce animal cruelty cases in our County,” said Lieutenant Daniel DeSousa of the Department of Animal Services. “We encourage everyone in our community to be our eyes and ears in the fight against animal cruelty.”

As part of the Crime Stoppers partnership, DAS will post decals on animal control vehicles to promote the program.

“Citizens will have the phone number readily available if they witness any acts of animal cruelty,” DeSousa said. “It also puts offenders on notice that people are watching.”

The program is simple. A tipster can call in anonymously to report an animal related crime. If an arrest is made and a reward has been authorized, the tipster is given directions on how to collect his or her reward.

Over the past 26 years, San Diego County Crime Stoppers has paid out more than a half million dollars to people whose tips closed more than 4,000 cases and led to the arrests of more than 2,800 people.

Anyone with information about animal cruelty can contact Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous web and text messages can be sent via SDCrimeStoppers.com. 

Crime Stoppers is offering rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in felony animal cruelty cases. 

*But not all car seats fit all cars. You may have to try out different models to fit your vehicle. In San Diego County many of the California Highway Patrol Offices,and some police departments have a designated officer to help install your car seat. Check the list below for the nearest office.

• For some immediate help visit: www.carseat.org - great for recall information. Check it regularly for any changes or alerts.

and/or:

• Safety Council On Line

Resources For Safety Carseat Installations…

Here in San Diego County – to check and see if your carseat is installed correctly, several people have been trained to help install safety car seats to better protect your children. There are several resources to turn to for help.

Here are some of the Law Enforcement sources trained in Safety Car Seat installations – these are by appointment only:

Call ahead – subject to change!

CHP Offices -
El Cajon CHP – 619-401-2000 – Officer Brian Pennings
Pacific Highway CHP 619-220-5492
Oceanside CHP 760-757-1675
Temecula CHP 951-506-2000

Lemon Grove Sheriff 619-337-2000
Escondido Police 760-839-4707
Encinitas Sheriff 760-966-3587
Bonita Fire Department 619-479-2346
Solana Beach Fire Department 858-720-4411
Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department 858-756-5971

Safety Car Seat Events & Classes

Pacific Safety Council 858-621-2313 x116

La Mesa Police 619-667-1400

***************************************************************************
Please call ahead – information is subject to change.

Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Sub Station
3240 Main Street
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
(619) 337-2000

Escondido Police Department
700 West Grand Avenue
Escondido, Ca. 92025
For A Child Car Seat Inspection Call – 760-839-4707

*Additional resources that can help:

• San Diego Safe Kids Coalition will check car seats and the number to reach a tech is 858-576-1700 x5096.Please visit www.safetycouncilonline.com for once a month car seat check up events at local retail stores throughout the community.Or, if you still have questions? Please contact:The EXPERT In Safety Car Seats In San Diego!
• Call the Safety Car Seat information from Rady’s Children’s Hospital – the San Diego Safe Kids Coalition hotline at 858-576-1700, ext-5096, this is a recorded message with all of the locations that one can go to have their seats checked for proper installation. It lists all the locations that are current and active.
• Or write:
  Safety Belt Safe U.S.A
  PO BOx 552
  Altadena, CA 91003
  Or call: 310-222-6860Call the Pacific Safety Council at (858) 621-2313 ext. 15, or ex. 16 or call 858-573-5089. Otherwise NHTSA’s website www.nhtsa.dot.gov has an option to search by city or zip code to locate the closest fitting station.
• Check this next site often for recalls or possible problems with safety car seats:Recalls On Products? As your family begins to use items received as holiday gifts, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign encourages you to visitwww.recalls.gov to keep up with all the latest product recalls.First – know the Law!!!Children 6 years old or 60 pounds must be in a child passenger safety seat.Infants should ride in rear-facing safety seats as long as possible, until they are 12 months old and weigh 20 pounds. Children, who are at least 1 year old, weigh 20 to 40 pounds, and can no longer ride rear-facing should ride in forward-facing child safety seats.

  Children over 40 pounds should be correctly secured in belt-positioning boosters or other appropriate child restraints or safety car seat until the adult lap and shoulder belts fit correctly (usually around age 8). Once the vehicle safety belts fit children, both lap and shoulder belts should be correctly used.

  All children ages 12 and under should always be properly restrained in the back seat every time, no matter how short the trip.

  All safety seats must be installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual. READ YOUR MANUALS! You will be surprised at the information that is available to you.

• Contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Auto Safety Hotline, (888) 327-4236, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (800) 638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov, to inquire about any recalls or safety notices on child safety seats. When you purchase a new safety seat, return the product registration form provided to the manufacturer to ensure that you will be notified of any recalls.
• Fines? Legislation (AB 1625), authored by Assemblyman John Benoit, allows penalty assessments and court costs to be added on top of a base fine. In essence, what previously cost $22.50 on a first offense will now run more than three times that amount. Drivers will also face penalties if passengers are not safely buckled.There are several exemptions, including cases where:*There are other children in the back seat
  *A restraint system cannot properly be installed
  *There is no rear seat
  *The rear seat is rear-facing or side-facingInfants less than one year of age or weighing less than 20 pounds must ride in the back, no exceptions, if there is an active passenger air bag in the front seat. A first offense is punishable by a fine of $100; second offenses will cost $250 (Vehicle Code: section 27360.5). Remember – the life of your child is priceless!
• It’s simple – “Buckle-UP – it’s a snap!!!” Research shows if you buckle-up yourchildren will buckle-up! As emergency agencies, almost daily we see how wearing a seat restraint increases your chances of survival in a car collision. It’s being prepared for the “un-expected”! And it’s the LAW! A law that’s saving lives! Possibly your life or that of a love one.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) would like to take this opportunity to remind pediatricians and parents of the AAP recommendations for safe transportation of children.Infants should ride in rear-facing child safety seats until they have reached both 20 pounds AND one year of age. The AAP recommends keeping children rear-facing to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in front of an air bag.Children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats should ride in forward-facing car safety seats for as long as the child fits well (eg, ears below the top of the back of the seat and shoulders below the seat strap slots).Children who have outgrown their child safety seats but are too small to wear seat belts properly should ride in booster seats. For more information about safe transportation of children who have outgrown their car safety seats, please see the February 5, 1999 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

  Seat belts fit properly when they can be worn with the lap portion of the belt low and tight across the hips, and the shoulder portion across the shoulders without cutting across the face and neck.

  Remember that all children are safest in the back seat.

  Additional Contact Information:
  The Pacific Safety Council
  9880 Via Pasar #F
  San Diego, CA 92126
  Or call directly: (888) 846-4200- toll-free
  (858) 689-0040 Fax

  

  Are you and your family riding safely? Are you buying a new vehicle? Please check this Web Site first: www.safercar.gov from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This site includes crash tests and roll-over ratings, defects and recalls, and FAQs about air bags (including side air bags). Check this site regularly!

  My question – “Are you and your family buckled up safely???”

• For immediate information to help on safety carseat installations, scroll down to “The Resources”… following this are the laws and general information regarding safety carseats.

  Note: As a parent – are you always buckled up correctly? If you wear your seat belt – so will your child! But, is your child’s safety car seat installed correctly?

  Unfortunately studies show over 90% of the safety car seats in use are not installed correctly! So the fatality rate is very high for children involved in car collisions.

  *Another fact – not all safety car seats fit all cars!

• When buying a new safety car seat “always” send in the warranty cards in case of recalls. Don’t scrimp on your child’s safety – never buy a car seat from a garage sale or thrift store, or as a hand me down from a friend. -0-
  Facts about Safety Seats:Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injuries and death for children.When used correctly, child safety seats can reduce fatal injuries in cars by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for children from age 1-4.More than 97 percent of child safety seats are NOT used correctly.

  Safety Seat Guide

  Infants must ride in rear-facing (facing toward the back of the car) safety seats until they are at least 1 year AND weigh 20 pounds.

  Toddlers that are over 1 year and over 20 pounds should ride in a forward-facing child safety seat.

  Young children that are over 40-60 pounds should ride in a forward-facing, belt positioning booster seat.

  The best place to put your child is in the back seat of your car. All children age 12 and under should ALWAYS ride in the back seat.

  From Buckle Up San Diego – When going to a Child Safety Seat Checkup:

  Your child is precious cargo! Custom safety seat checks are very thorough and require time. Trained checkers teams require a minimum of 30-45 minutes per seat. We suggest that you come early and be prepared for a wait. We distribute numbers when you check in due to the time required. Plan to let us know how many seats and children you want checked. Many children arrive in seat belts that should be in belt positioning boosters. We will provide guidance on correct fit criteria for children who have outgrown child safety seats.

  When you come to a checkup, please bring your safety seat instruction booklet and the vehicle owners’ manual if possible.

  *Not every child safety seat is appropriate for every child, works correctly in every vehicle or seating position or with the many types of seat belts and retractors.

  Basic information about correct installation and use of child safety seats including boosters, seat belts, air bags and more can be sent to you, if you provide some important information. Every situation, child, vehicle, belt system are different so we need to know the following:

  Your name (spell it please if calling)
  Mailing address
  Age and weight of all children involved
  Due date if pregnant

  From each car seat/booster: Manufacturer name, model name, mftr model number, mftr date. The mftr model number and mftr date are found on a stamped sticker on the back, bottom, or side of each car seat.

  Vehicle make, model, year, 2 or 4 door, air bags…driver/passenger/side-impact.

• Remember to provide all the necessary information. These details can make a difference in your child’s life!!! Don’t forget to always wear your seat belt and be a good safety role model for your children…in everything you do.
• Sadly – An example of what can happen if you or your child is not buckled up or buckled up correctly:
  

  Holiday Highway Crash – LAST UPDATE: 7/5/2004 7:27:02 PM

  An unrestrained baby boy who was thrown from an SUV in a crash in Chula Vista died Monday, and his aunt, also ejected from the vehicle, was hospitalized, along with the boy’s sister and mother, who were also injured in the accident.

  The crash on northbound Interstate 805, south of state Route 54, happened just before 8 last night, California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Gregg said.

  The family members, from Inglewood, were headed home from the Tijuana Airport, where they picked up a family member, Gregg said. The driver drifted off the road, over-corrected and lost control of the 2003 Ford Expedition, he said.

  “All I remember was the car zig-zagging,” said Esmeralda Ramos, 26, who suffered a broken arm in the crash.

  Her baby, four-month-old Wilbert Ramos died at Children’s Hospital about 1:25 a.m., medical examiner Investigator Michael Ellano said.

  He and his mother were sitting in the middle row of the SUV, he said.

  Ramos said the child was restrained in a car seat, which she said was tied down.

  Ramos said she had to be extricated from the SUV.

  “My head hurts and my hands and I feel very tired and sleepy,” Ramos said in a telephone interview.

  Ramos’ daughter — five-year-old Valerie — broke both her legs in the crash and was taken to Children’s Hospital, Ramos said.

  “They told me she’s being released today,” Ramos said from her hospital bed.

  “She’s coming to see me before she goes home,” Ramos added.

  Ramos’ sister, Maritza Felix, 27, was thrown out the back window, said Ramos.

  Felix suffered a broken shoulder and had internal bleeding, according to Ramos.

  Felix was listed in fair condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

  The other passengers in the vehicle suffered minor to moderate injuries, Gregg said. Alcohol was not suspected in the crash, he said.

  The family was headed to pick up Felix’s mother-in-law, Ramos said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYCHpZ13l-E&NR=1

http://ots.ca.gov/Media_and_Research/Campaigns/2010_December_DUI_Crackdown/Public_Information/Non-Alcoholic_Drink_Recipes.asp

Drowsy Drivers A Factor In Nearly 17% of Fatal Crashes

Washington, D.C. ・ Two out of every five drivers (41 percent) admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel at some point, with one in ten saying they・ve done so in the past year, according to a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study. More than a quarter of those surveyed admitted they drove despite being so tired that they had difficulty keeping their eyes open in the previous month.

Eighty-five percent of drivers surveyed felt it was ―completely unacceptable‖for someone to drive if they are so tired they are having trouble keeping their eyes open. Unfortunately, drivers may not always be aware of the effects of fatigue resulting from a lack of sleep. In recognition of this week・s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® hosted by the National Sleep Foundation, AAA wants all drivers to recognize the seriousness of this dangerous, yet underestimated, driving practice.

―When you are behind the wheel of a car, being sleepy is very dangerous. Sleepiness decreases awareness, slows reaction time, and impairs judgment, just like drugs or alcohol, contributing to the possibility of a crash,‖said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. ―We need to change the culture so that not only will drivers recognize the dangers of driving while drowsy but will stop doing it.‖

A new analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash data estimates that about one in six (16.5 percent) deadly crashes, one in eight crashes resulting in occupant hospitalization and one in fourteen crashes in which a vehicle was towed involve a driver who is drowsy. These percentages are substantially higher than most previous estimates, suggesting that the contribution of drowsy driving to motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths has not been fully appreciated.

“Many of us tend to underestimate the negative effects associated with fatigue and sleep deprivation and, conversely, overestimate our abilities to overcome them while driving,” said Kathleen Marvaso, vice president, AAA Public Affairs. “This data underscores the importance of educating drivers on the simple, yet effective steps they can take to prevent a possible tragedy. Unfortunately, too many drivers have adopted the ‘I’m tired, but I can make it・ mentality, often to their own peril or to the peril of others.”

David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation, added, ―It is shocking to consider that one quarter of drivers admit to operating a vehicle in the last month in an incapacitated state.‖The National Sleep Foundation has been championing better drowsy driving awareness and education since 1991. Cloud adds, ―We applaud AAA・s work to elevate this issue for public scrutiny and action.

Take the test:  http://www.aaafoundation.org/quizzes/index.cfm?button=drowsyquiz

Since leaving the world of traffic reporting, I rarely hear any traffic reporter give “alternate routes”…or, they’ll say “it’s the usual slowdown” with no detailed information! The following web sites can give you the full picture on traffic, weather – even earthquake activity!

Please get in the habit of checking these traffic sites before heading out the door, so you’ll know what’s really happening out there – and most important – the areas to avoid. Good planning can save you time – and reduce tragedies! Always buckle-up and follow laws made for our safety!

Note: On this site, you’ll also find where’s the cheapest gas, a good car buying site and other helpful information.

TRAFFIC Information & more!

• Traffic Speeds! Click here to see the estimated speeds of traffic on our local freeways: Current San Diego Freeway Speeds – great to check before leaving for your destination or work – be your own traffic reporter! “Know before you go!“
• CHP Traffic Info? Check here for major freeway, and some surface street problems click here: CHP Commute Problem Information - in the upper left hand corner make sure it’s the city you need…but if you’re traveling out of San Diego, you can check other cities as well.
• You can also call 5-1-1 for traffic information.
• Caltrans web site to help you calculate your travel time and the best route to take – Travel Time Calculator the icon is in the upper right corner.
• Weather? Latest weather information – click here: San Diego Weather Forecast
• More weather information from the Local Weather from National Weather Service
• Traveling? National Weather Service – - click here: Nat’l Wx Service
• Need Gas? Looking for the cheapest gas?
  Fueltracker
• Looking to buy a fuel efficient vehicle? Check here: Fuel Economic Buying
• Alternate forms of transportation. To reduce congestion and stress, check this site: San Diego Transit Commute Information
• Power Outage Information from S.D.G.& E. and other useful information.
• Problems In Dealing With Stress? At Home, at work, on the road or in life: Stress Management
• Looking for certain health or disaster help organizations, especially following firestorm or earthquake – call 2-1-1.

*Make it a SAFE ride – no cell phone use behind the wheel – unless it’s an emergency!

Earthquake?

• Did we just have an earthquake? Click here: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqscanv/
  • SanDag – San Diego Association of Governments – SAN DAG -This group watches over San Diego’s growth and design.