Brown Appoints San Diego County Woman to Law Commission

California Law Revision Commission Appointment

A San Diego woman was appointed to the California Law Revision Commission Friday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Patricia Cowett, 64, has been a mediator at Alternative Dispute Resolution Services since 2009. The UC Davis School of Law graduate was previously a judge for 20 years.

The Democrat will serve on a panel that examines California's laws and recommends reforms to the governor and Legislature.

The position requires Senate confirmation. Compensation is $50 per diem.

Embarcadero Marina Daredevils

Daredevils riding a motorcycle and a snowmobile will attempt Saturday night to jump the 300-foot opening that takes boaters from the Embarcadero Marina to San Diego Bay.

Motorcycle rider Robbie Maddison and snowmobiler Levi LaVallee hope to soar in tandem in the "Red Bull: New Year. No Limits." televised event.

LaVallee, a Minnesota resident, hoped to try the jump last year but crashed during testing in Fontana, suffering a fractured pelvis, broken ribs and lung injuries.

LaVallee and Maddison plan to fly off a ramp on Embarcadero Marina Park's north side to a landing area on the south side. A foam safety bag will be set up under the beginning of the landing ramp in case they fall short.

"From top to bottom, it's one of the scariest things I've ever done," LaVallee said while looking at the ramp.

The event is scheduled to be televised on ESPN and espn3.com beginning at 8 p.m.

Recovered Watches

Police recovered more than $1 million in watches Friday believed to be from a statewide series of robberies, including a September heist where armed suspects drove through a walkway at the Fashion Valley Mall.

Detectives received information that a large quantity of Rolex watches were being stored at a Park West apartment, according to San Diego police Lt. Andra Brown.

Investigators determined the cache was from robberies that took place took place between August and October in Costa Mesa, San Jose, Palm Desert and locally, Brown said.

In each incident, Ryan McKnight, 34, and Robert Chavira, 40, used sledge hammers to smash jewelry cases then scooped up high-end watches, Brown said.

In the San Diego case, McKnight and Chavira allegedly drove a vehicle through the walkway of the Friars Road shopping center before smashing a display case at the Ben Bridge store.

The two parolees were also believed to be involved in an armed robbery at the Barona Casino in November in which $60,000-$70,000 was taken.

McKnight and Chavira were arrested Nov. 9.

-City News Service