1958: Wild Police Chase Ends in Spring Valley Avocado Grove

According to the Spring Valley Bulletin, here's what was happening in the Spring Valley area, this week in 1958:

– A wanted fugitive was captured in Spring Valley after a 70 mph chase with police. La Vern Speer, 33, escaped from custody in Riverside, CA on Nov. 2. He was wanted on car theft and hold orders. The chase with police started in La Mesa after Speer allegedly stole a car. It ended at 8905 Campo Road after Speer jumped from the moving vehicle, which hurdled over a four-foot fence and veered into an avocado grove owned by Carl Nelson.

More than 100 spectators witnessed the crash. Police said that Speer evaded their capture one night before, after they surrounded his hotel room, filling it with tear gas. Speer escaped before officers found nine pistols in the room.

– A war for a new courtroom in East County continued, as it was previously held up by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Judge R. Fenton Garfield was upset with the board for not considering a new courtroom in the El Cajon area, instead of using the Council chambers at the county's downtown courtroom. Garfield suggested a second courtroom, and said that it could be anywhere, but that El Cajon is recommended. The controversy has been brewing for more than a year.

– Alex Mendoza Herrera, 22, a handyman in Spring Valley, pleaded guilty after being charged with killing his employer and benefactress, Mrs. Florence Wymann. The victim was found dead at her home on Lamar Street on Oct. 7. Herrera, an ex-convict, claimed that he "blacked out" at the scene, but psychiatrists said his claim was baseless. He will be sentenced Dec. 17.