NEWS
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THURSDAY · NOVEMBER 15, 2012 LA JOLLA VILLAGE NEWS
Trial continues in Berki murder, verdict may come back soon BY NEAL PUTNAM | VILLAGE NEWS Jury deliberations continued this week in the murder trial of three young men accused of killing Garrett Berki, the 2010 La Jolla High graduate who was shot to death last year when he answered a Craigslist ad for a computer. The seven-woman, five-man jury began deliberations on Nov. 9 after a day and a half of closing arguments before Judge Kerry Wells.
Deputy District Attorney Kristian Trocha urged a guilty verdict of firstdegree murder and robbery of Berki, 18, and his girlfriend, Alejandra Foudoa, on May 11, 2011 in Paradise Hills, where Berki drove to answer the ad. Trocha also asked jurors to convict all three men of committing the crimes as part of a criminal street gang. The gang allegation would increase sentences if they are convicted, but all three defense lawyers said
they were not gang members. Berki and Foudoa were robbed of more than $600 and their cell phones on Casey Street around dusk. Berki followed the men to try and get their license-plate number, and both cars ended up in a cul-de-sac where the shooting occurred. Attorney Kate Coyne, who represents the alleged gunman, Rashon Jay Abernathy, 18, asked for a guilty verdict for involuntary manslaughter. Coyne argued that Abernathy, who
was seated in the back seat of the stolen car the three had driven to meet Berki, accidentally shot the victim when the driver of the car suddenly hit the brakes. “This is a tragedy, but it is not a premeditated act,” argued Coyne. Attorneys for Shaquille Kasiya Jordan and Seandell Lee Jones, both 19, urged the jury to acquit the men of murder and only convict them of two robberies. Both attorneys said the robbery of Berki had concluded minutes
earlier, and he was shot when he drove after them to get a license-plate number. Aber nathy, who lived in GARRETT BERKI Paradise Hills just blocks away from the shooting, testified Nov. 5 and 6, saying the shooting was accidental. Abernathy said Berki was swerving
Coast Blvd. upgrade gets a price tag BY MARIKO LAMB | VILLAGE NEWS One year ago, La Jolla Parks & Beaches (LJPB) treasurer and Beautification Committee chairwoman Phyllis Minick embarked on an endeavor to restore the scenic — but long-neglected — walkway at Coast Boulevard near the Children’s Pool in La Jolla Cove. Since then, Minick has solicited community input for its design, enlisted the expertise of volunteer landscape architect Jim Neri and set forth a plan for funding the $250,000 project. “This plan includes a wider sidewalk, a turnout with more viewing space, new seating with cobblestone, double-sided seating benches [and] planting areas along the walls so kids can’t climb over the wall and slide down the bluff, which is badly deteriorating,” she said at the La Jolla Town Council’s Nov. 8 meeting. The plan also includes teardrop landscape structures that will help channel traffic in the area, which is prone to pedestrian traffic congestion during busy summer months and weekends.
“This is one of the most-visited sites in the world and certainly one of the most beautiful,” she said. “Unfortunately, the city does not have the funding to do this.” The one-time $250,000 price tag to restore the area is only valid if construction of the walkway coincides with construction of the city-funded lifeguard tower project, which is expected to begin next May. “Only if we proceed immediately can we take advantage of sharing [the city’s] construction team and using their contractors,” she said, adding that permitting for the project has also been waived should the projects overlap. In a revised attempt to solicit funds for the project, Minick has completed a grant proposal form that she urges residents to distribute, along with a personal letter of recommendation among grant-giving foundations to help raise funds for the beautification effort. “What I’m asking of you is not a donation of money. There’s nobody in this room, including me, who doesn’t know people who have foundations,” she
SEE BERKI, Page 7 A rendering of proposed upgrades to Coast Boulevard overlooking the Children’s Pool shows plans to restore the scenic walkway. Courtesy of
said. “What I’m asking you for is to finish filling this out, put a name on it with a personal letter saying, ‘La Jolla Parks & Beaches is a legitimate organization, I have personally viewed this plan and it is legitimate, and it is something that will greatly improve our environment.’” A donation in the full amount will be recognized with a commemorative sign Peter Manno at the site, while donors of $35,000 or more will be honored with name plaques and donors of $5,000 and above will be nity together, express our pride in our or for assistance drafting, call Minick at recognized with names on cobblestones. community in this way and get this side- (858) 459-5939 or email minickphyllis@gmail.com. “We need to fix this,” Minick said. “It’s walk built.” To obtain a grant proposal brochure probably the most awful-looking spot in our entire community.” The beautification plan, which is has been named LJPB’s top priority, has SAN DIEGO, If you've tried to sell been prepared especially for home received a wealth of support from La your home yourself, you know that sellers like you. You'll find that sellJolla’s community organizations, includthe minute you put the "For Sale by ing your home by yourself is entireing the Town Council, La Jolla CommuOwner" sign up, the phone will start ly possible once you understand the nity Planning Association, lifeguards to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, process. and the community’s joint subcommitmost calls aren't from prospective Inside the report, you'll find 10 tees. buyers, but rather from every real inside tips to selling your home by “This area is a disaster and something estate agent in town who will start yourself which will help you sell for that we cannot be proud of,” she said. “I to hound you for your listing. the best price in the shortest really hope that we can get our commuAfter all, with the proper infor- amount of time. You'll find out what mation, selling a home isn't easy. real estate agents don't want you to Perhaps, you've had your home on know. the market for several months with To hear a brief recorded message no offers from qualified buyers. This about how to order your FREE copy can be a very frustrating time, and of this report, call toll-free 1-800many homeowners have given up 276-0763 and enter 1017. You their dreams of selling their homes can call any time. 24 hours a day, 7 themselves. But don't give up until days a week. Get your free special you've read a new report entitled report NOW to learn how you real"Sell Your Own Home" which has ly can sell your home yourself.
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