News

Pala Today News – 4/15/26

Written by John Fox on April 15, 2026

by John Fox – The following items are part of the award-winning “Pala Today” newscast heard this day at noon on PALA REZ RADIO™ 91.3 FM in Pala and worldwide online … click here to listen live. Listen on a smart speaker by asking it to “play KPRI”. Some portions of today’s newscast are only available in the live broadcast and not included in this transcript which is also available an hour or two after broadcast at www.RezRadio.FM . In any emergency, knowledge is power. Use our resources to leverage your family’s safety. Email 91.3@palatribe.com to subscribe to our daily M-F e-newsletter. Follow us at www.facebook.com/rezradio and www.twitter.com/rezradioFM . Additional resources at Palatribe.com

LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS

Former chairwoman of the La Jolla tribe, Norma Contreras has declared her candidacy for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat in the June 2 primary. She is the first Native American woman to run for office in the county. District 5 includes about 700k residents in the cities of Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and unincorporated areas including Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, Palomar Mountain, Warner Springs, Valley Center, Pauma Valley and Pala. The district is currently represented by Jim Desmond. https://www.valleycenter.com/articles/la-jolla-resident-norma-contreras-declares-for-district-5-supervisor-race/

The CEO of the Del Mar Fairgrounds has been fired by the 22^nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors. The closed-door session yesterday resulted in an 8-1 vote to immediately remove Carlene Moore after five years leadership at the Fairgrounds. The board also unanimously voted to appoint Chairman Sam Nejabat as interim CEO for ten days. First coming to Del Mar as deputy general manager from the Napa County Fairgrounds in 2019, Moore served during the difficult pandemic years, slowly bringing back the cancelled San Diego County Fair and creating new revenue streams. She was at the center of several expensive legal disputes including a bid-rigging lawsuit with carnival operator Talley Amusements and the refund of a $5.6m loan the US Attorney’s office said was illegal. Former HR employees have complained to the board about a negative work environment under Moore. https://thecoastnews.com/del-mar-fairgrounds-board-fires-ceo-carlene-moore/

A major crash on southbound I-5 north of Harbor Drive in Oceanside caused major delays, backing up traffic as far as Las Pulgas Road during the evening commute yesterday. All lanes reopened by about 6:15p. https://www.newsbreak.com/fox-5-san-diego-1589916/4592441198347-major-injury-crash-slows-southbound-i-5-traffic-near-oceanside

A minor accident on southbound I-15 near Highway 76 around 3a this morning resulted in minor injuries and temporary lane disruptions that were cleared up before the morning commute. Two vehicles were involved. Authorities noted that one individual was uncooperative. Investigators were awaiting video evidence related to the crash before releasing details. https://www.villagenews.com/story/2026/04/09/news/minor-injury-crash-on-i-15-near-state-route-76-causes-lane-disruptions/81656.html

An early morning gas leak led to a major road closure in Menifee this morning. At 5:49a, a gas line coming from the back of the Better Buzz Coffee Shop in Menifee experienced a gas leak. The shopping center and the coffee shop were evacuated as officials waited for SoCalGas to begin repairs. Menifee Police blocked Northbound Haun Road at Marketplace for the duration of the incident. https://patch.com/california/murrieta/gas-leak-menifee-coffee-shop-leads-road-closures

Power was restored to Pala at 5:18a this morning following last night’s 7-hour planned SDG&E outage.

Three Oceanside beaches are on the county’s advisory list for high bacteria levels. They include the City Pier, Buccaneer Beach and Buena Vista Lagoon outlet. And $8.2m has been allocated for a second fall dredging of Oceanside Harbor this year. www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Temperatures in Pala will be very comfortable for the next week with warmup to the mid-80s this weekend, then back to more Spring-like 70s next week. The full forecast is coming up. (below)

SPORTS

In the NBA – In yesterday’s play-in games, Charlotte edged Miami 127-126 in overtime. LaMelo Ball scored 30 points including what became a game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in OT. He also avoided a foul call on what Miami coach Erik Spoelstra says was a blatant trip of Heat center Bam Adabayo, taking him out of the game. Portland topped Phoenix 114-110. Tonight, it’s Orlando at Philadelphia at 4:30p and the Clippers hosting Golden State at 7p, both on Prime Video. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48489290/heat-bam-adebayo-limps-tumble-lamelo-ball

In the NHL – Last night’s winners were Boston, Carolina, Philadelphia, Washington, Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, St. Louis, and Vancouver over the visiting Kings 4-2 in overtime. Six games tonight. Six more tomorrow, and that’s it for the regular season.

In the minors – The San Diego Gulls next game is at home against Tucson tonight.

In Major League Baseball – The Padres beat the visiting Mariners 4-1. Xander Bogaerts had three hits and three RBIs. Michael King got the win for his 6 innings pitched giving up the only run in the 2^nd inning. Mason Miller pitched a perfect 9^th inning for the save. The Padres have won nine of their last ten games. The Dodgers handed the Mets their seventh-straight loss 2-1 in Los Angeles. That’s the current longest losing streak in MLB now that the Astros have broken their eight-game streak with a 7-6 win over Colorado. The Angels topped the Yankees in New York 7-1. Mike Trout homered for the third time in the past two games. All series continue today.

The Detroit Tigers have signed rookie Kevin McGonigle to an 8-year, $150m contract. The 21-year old infielder had four hits in his Major League debut on March 26. He’ll get at $14m signing bonus, and annual salaries increasing from $1m next year increasing yearly to $23m for each of the three final years. He’ll get a $5m assigning bonus each time he’s traded. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48494449/detroit-tigers-rookie-kevin-mcgonigle-agree-8-year-extension

In the minors – The Lake Elsinore Storm opened their series at Stockton with a 5-4 loss. Game 2 of 6 is tonight.

In Major League Soccer – San Diego FC and the Galaxy are on the road this Saturday. LAFC hosts San Jose Sunday.

In lacrosse – The San Diego Seals next game is Friday hosting Las Vegas.

Local High School Sports –

Bonsall – boys’ volleyball at Bayfront Charter at 3:45p

Great Oak – track & field hosting Murrieta Mesa at 3:15p; softball hosting Chaparral at 3:30p; baseball at Temecula Valley at 3:30p; swimming & diving at Murrieta Mesa at 4p

Fallbrook – baseball at Westview at 4p; swimming hosting Valley Center at 4p; girls’ lacrosse hosting Rancho Bernardo at 5:45p

Valley Center – baseball against Vista at 4p, JV hosting, varsity away

BUSINE$$

As of midday trading on Wall Street, stocks were mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell a half percent. The S&P 500 was up a half. And the Nasdaq is on pace for its best 11-day stretch in history – up 1 ¼%. Gold fell $20.90 on the Comex at $4,829.60 an ounce. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures were up 90 cents to $92.18 a barrel.

Today is Tax Day – the deadline to file your income tax returns or an extension. The Trump administration say as many as 53m filers used new tax breaks under the massive new Republican tax and spending law enacted last year. That includes no tax on tips or overtime, exemptions on interest for certain car loans, deductions for some seniors, and “Trump Accounts” for children’s savings. Back in January, the White House boasted that average refunds would rise by at least $1k this time. According to the latest IRS data, the average refund this year is $3,462. That’s about $350 more than last year. Despite the new law, according to a recent poll, 7 in 10 Americans still think their taxes are too high. Treasury has since shifted its message, now saying that the number of refunds are up 24% compared with the four-year average before Trump took office. https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-season-treasury-irs-7d092d9314382797acc1559f901cc684

If you want to file for a six-month extension, you can do that with tax preparation software, the IRS Free File online tool, or by mail postmarked no later than today. You’ll still have to pay your estimated tax amount today to avoid penalties and interest. If you’re expecting a refund, you’ll still get that when you file your return. Those in the military and people who live and work outside the U.S. get an automatic two-month extension to file their Form 1040. But most payments are still due today. https://apnews.com/article/tax-day-irs-deadline-extension-355317fc55ebb297a3997201dbfabb26

Tax professionals say they’re seeing an increasing number of filers willing to fudge their numbers, hoping the IRS is too understaffed to catch them. While the IRS started 2025 with 102k employees, it only had 74k at the end of last year. The White House has also cancelled $54b of the promised $79b from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to enforce the tax code over the next ten years. Audits have already been declining for over a decade. The IRS completed an historic-low 497k audits last year, down from an average of 1.7m per year a dozen years ago. IRS budget cuts may have saved $46b in federal spending. But the Budget Lab at Yale University says it could lead to a loss of $643b in tax revenue. www.morningbrew.com

A survey by the American Farm Bureau reveals that almost 60% of U.S. farmers say their finances are getting worse. They’re being squeezed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz because only 19% pre-ordered fertilizer with shipments from the main source in the Middle East at a standstill. 78% say they can’t afford what it takes to grow their normal crops at normal levels. Many are scaling back plantings and shifting crops. Rice, cotton, and peanuts will be the most susceptible to reduced yields this season. Many farmers are shifting to soybeans, which tend to need less nitrogen. Almost half of Southern farmers can’t afford fertilizer and nitrogen that’s jumped from $139 per acre last year to $217 this season. Two thirds of farmers in other regions say the high cost of planting and growing will force them to cut back this year. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/15/us-farmers-struggling-to-afford-fertilizer-amid-iran-war.html

7-Eleven is planning to close 645 underperforming North American stores this year while opening 205 new ones. The chain’s Japan-based parent company noted that the closures include converting some to wholesale fuel stores. It currently has about 900 of those. The North American division of 7-Eleven oversees 13k locations in the U.S. and Canada. https://apnews.com/article/7eleven-convenience-store-closure-fuel-economy-fb1907af5336d0a17e6a82bdb0c97772

LIFESTYLE / GREEN LIVING

Powerball is going international in an effort to boost jackpot sizes. Beginning this summer, people in England, Scotland and the rest of the UK can play as the UK National Lottery teams with the US-based Multi-State Lottery Association. For players in the U.S., nothing is changing. The odds remain the same and tickets are still $2. The largest Powerball payout so far has been just over $2b from a ticket bought in California four years ago. The biggest EuroMillions jackpot was $265m, also four years ago. All UK Powerball jackpots will be paid over 30 years. US winners still have the choice between payments from an annuity or cash. Most chose cash. Powerball is currently played in 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. https://abc7.com/post/powerball-going-international-effort-build-larger-jackpots-executives-say-higher-grow-more-people-play/18891142/

Restaurant chains are hoping you’ll spend your tax refund with them today. Subway is offering Sub Club members a free footlong sub with the purchase of another footlong using the promo code “FLBOGO”. 1,040 customers will get a surprise coupon deposited into their account as a refund, making both sandwiches free. This deal is good through April 28. Today only, Wendy’s is offering a free 6-piece chicken nuggets with any $5 purchase through their app. Krispy Kreme customers who purchase any dozen doughnuts at regular price get a second Original Glazed dozen for free. Pizza Hut has large 3-topping pizzas for $10. Olive Garden has brought back its Buy One, Take One promotion now through May 3. Del Taco is offering a free Snack Taco with $5 purchase, a BOGO deal on Crispy Fish tacos and a $1 Grilled Chicken taco today only. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2026/04/14/tax-day-food-deals-2026/89531009007/

On this day in music history – April 15,

In 1957, the Jerry Lee Lewis single “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” was released by Sun Records. It was a cover version of the Curlee Williams song first recorded by Big Maybelle. The Killer’s version topped out at #3 on the Billboard pop chart and #1 on the country chart.
In 1964, The Beatles were in the midst of filming “A Hard Day’s Night” on the streets of London. It would be released that summer, just as they were beginning their first full U.S. concert tour.
In 1967, Nancy Sinatra and her dad, Frank began the first of four weeks at #1 with the duet, “Something Stupid”. They were the first father-daughter act ever to top the Hot 100.
In 1972, Roberta Flack began the first of six weeks at #1 with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. Written in 1957 by British political singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl, Flack recorded her version in 1969 for her first album. It didn’t become popular until two and a half years later when Clint Eastwood used it in his film “Play Misty For Me”.
In 1982, Billy Joel was reported to be in good condition after major surgery on his left wrist as a result of hitting a car ridding his Harley on Long Island.
In 1989, The Bangles were at #1 in the U.S., England and Australia with “Eternal Flame”.
In 1996, the rest of Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia’s ashes were scattered near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. A small portion had been scattered in the Ganges River in India 11 days earlier.
In 1999, the body of country music star Tammy Wynette was exhumed for a new autopsy after three of her daughters filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her doctor, her husband and her manager claiming they were responsible for the singer’s death a year earlier.
In 2001, punk music pioneers The Ramones’ lead singer Joey Ramone died of lymph cancer at the age of 49.

Born on this day …

In 1894, American blues singer Bessie Smith
In 1932, country music singer and musician Roy Clark, best known for hosting the syndicated television show “Hee-Haw” along with Buck Owens.
In 1934, Tim Field from the British folk trio The Springfields where Dusty Springfield got her start
In 1944, Welsh singer Dave Edmunds who had the 1970 hit, “I Hear You Knocking”
In 1965, Linda Perry, lead singer for 4 Non Blondes who had the 1993 hit, “What’s Up”
In 1968, guitarist from Radiohead, Edward John O’Brien.
In 1980, Patrick Carney, drummer for The Black Keys

https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/search/?keyword=&date=15&month=4

Other celebrities with birthdays or birthday anniversaries today …

Actress Emma Watson from the Harry Potter series is 36
Actor Seth Rogen is 44
Thomas F. Wilson who played Biff on the Back to the Future movies is 67.
Among those who’ve passed, actor and comedian Hans Conried who appears in a lot of our Old Time Radio Shows at midnight on Rez Radio and was on many early TV shows including “The Danny Thomas Show”, “Our Miss Brooks” and “Burns & Allen” was born in 1917.
Marian Jordan who played Molly to real-life husband Jim Jordan’s character, Fibber McGee – also heard here on the Old Time Radio Hour was born in 1898. You can hear Fibber McGee & Molly Wednesdays at midnight and Sundays at 3:30p here on Rez Radio.

http://www.dementeddatebook.com/2080-date0415.htm

Programming on Rez Radio 91.3 is made possible in part by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and donations from listeners like you. Call 760 742 4200 or email 91.3@palatribe.com for details on contributing to community radio in Pala.

Call the Pala Fire Department at 760 742 1632 before starting any open fires to get the day’s Cal Fire and APCD recommendations. Fire Department permits are required for any burning on Pala tribal land.

Pala seniors’ lunch menu for tomorrow (4/16) – hot dogs, French fries and dessert

The Pala Band of Mission Indians has employment opportunities including full time and part time. For a list, go to the Palatribe dot com website.

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WEATHER

Pala Weather – sunny with a high of 77 this afternoon and winds gusting up to 20 miles an hour today through Friday … mostly cloudy and 76 tomorrow … sunny and 80 Friday … 85 Saturday … 84 Sunday … 79 Monday … 78 Tuesday … overnight lows, about 45 tonight and tomorrow night … about 47 Friday and Saturday night … back to 45 Sunday and Monday night

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

The Community Events and Casino Corner portions of this newsletter can be heard three times daily Mon-Sun on Rez Radio, at 7:25a, 12:25p (in Pala Today M-F), and at 5:25p as the “Pala Community Calendar”. Submit items for the calendar to 91.3@palatribe.com at least a week before the event.

You can view the events on the Calendar page.

SHOWS

You can find a wide-range of Pala Rez Radio programming on our Shows page.

RESOURCES

The Pala Band of Mission Indians and Rez Radio gathered this list of resources as a courtesy and offers no guarantee of accuracy. Please contact us if you find an error or if any link needs to be updated.

Check out the list of information on our Resources page.