A homeowner living near the so-called "Bomb Factory" in unincorporated Escondido received a reverse 911 call from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department informing her of a community meeting to discuss what officials plan to do with the dangerous stockpile of explosive material found inside a home two weeks ago.
The message asks residents to attend a "very important public safety meeting" Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Woodland Park Middle School. The school is located 1270 Rock Springs Road near the corner of Woodland Parkway and Rock Springs Road in San Marcos.
"At this meeting, local state and federal experts will answer questions about the disposal of explosive material and hazardous chemicals at the affected residence," the recording states. "The experts will also provide critical safety personal information regarding the planned disposal and the method by which they intend to render the affected property and surrounding neighborhood safe."
An explosion in the backyard of a home in the 1950-block of Via Scott in severely injured landscaper Mario Garcia, 49, on Nov. 18.
The man who rented the home, George Jakubec, 54, was arrested on charges of possession of destructive material and unlawful possession of explosives.
Jakubec pleaded not guilty to 28 criminal counts, most related to possession of explosives connected to what’s believed to be the largest stockpile of a highly explosive material -- hexamethylene triperoxide diamine, or HMTD, -- ever discovered in the U.S.
Nine completed detonators, 13 homemade unfilled grenades and 9-12 pounds of explosive materials were found in initial searches around the property. Then, days into the investigation, bomb techs entered the living room inside the home and found several large containers of the homemade explosive powder.
Local
Because of the instability of HMTD, deputies have reached out to local, state and federal authorities asking for input, suggestions and advice.
Among those expected to speak and answer questions are Sheriff Bill Gore, Escondido Fire Chief Michael Lowry, San Marcos Fire Chief Todd Newman, County Public Health Officer Eric McDonald as well as representatives from the sheriff's bomb squad, county hazmat and Office of Emergency Services staff members.
