CHARGERS MOURN PASSING OF MINORITY OWNER GEORGE PERNICANO
For more sports stories, visit ECM’s sports section Source: Chargers news release October 6, 2016 (El Cajon) – San Diego Chargers minority owner George Pernicano passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home in El Cajon, California early Thursday. He was 98. Pernicano was one of the five original San Diego Chargers minority owners who purchased interest in the team in 1963. He helped Jack Murphy and other prominent San Diegans convince Barron Hilton, the owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, to bring the team to San Diego in 1961. “George was more than a Chargers icon; he was a San Diego institution,” said Chargers Owner-Chairman Dean Spanos. “Everyone in NFL circles loved George and he loved being around the team and the players. He was always upbeat and fiercely proud of this team and his handle-bar mustache was famous as his calling card around the NFL. “Our hearts go out to his family and everyone that had the good fortune to know George. He will be missed.” He was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame on Sept 8, 1996. While his health permitted, he attended every game except for two road games. Born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, into an Italian family of 11 boys and one girl, he served in the Army Air Corps during World War II before he and his wife Belle moved to San Diego in 1946 and opened their first of what would soon become a San Diego institution: Pernicano’s Restaurants and his famous pizza. Services are pending. Printer-friendly version
PASSAGES: DEBORAH MCELRAVY, FORMER PRESIDENT, GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT
East County News Service October 3, 2016 (La Mesa) — Deborah McElravy, former board member and president of the Grossmont Healthcare District, passed away on September 19, 2016. A native of Glassport, Penn., McElravy graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. She spent 40 years in the healthcare industry as a practicing pharmacist and over a decade on the Grossmont Healthcare District board of directors, working improve healthcare for the community. As President, she initiated the renewal lease agreement with Sharp, which was approved by voters with an overwhelming 86.7% vote. She also initiated a free flu clinic at the district’s annual Kid’s Care Fest. But she was most proud of her successful efforts to keep the pediatric unit open at Grossmont Hospital. McElravy was also known to many in the community as the long-time companion of former La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid. Printer-friendly version
RIDER DIES AFTER HORSE FALLS AT LAKESIDE PARADE GROUNDS
By Miriam Raftery Photo courtesy Billy Ortiz April 24, 2016 (Lakeside) – Yesterday morning’s Western Days Parade in Lakeside was marred by tragedy. Diana Cavender, an experienced horse trainer and member of the Escondido Mounted Posse, has died of head injuries suffered in a fall that occurred when her horse spooked while she was riding to a staging area after the parade. Al Pfeltz, a founder of the organization, told KNSD that Cavender’s horse spooked and began to spin, then fell on the pavement despite her efforts to bring the horse under control. The horse landed on its side, knocking off Cavender, who struck her head. Cavender died six hours after being admitted to Sharp Memorial Hospital. Printer-friendly version