Thursday, May 24, 2007

Covert Canyon isn't so covert anymore

News 8, the CBS affiliate in San Diego, ran a story today on another, lesser known military training facility. This time in the community of Alpine. I couldn't find a text version of the story, and I can't embed their video, but if you go to their website, and scroll through the videos to the one that reads, "News 8 Exclusive: Secret "Covert Canyon" Training Camp Operating in Alpine.

What's particularly interesting in this story is that the county didn't even know it existed. When the reporter talked to the Dept of Land Use and Planning, they were pretty surprised to know there's a shooting range and an airstrip out there!

I think the response by the neighbors is particularly telling. It's noisy. It's inappropriate land use. And as they said, they're Vietnam Veterans and sure never asked for this to be a part of their retirement.

Does anyone else think it's kind of weird that the owner bragged to a reporter with a camera about how secret his facility is?

Not anymore it's not.

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5 Comments:

Blogger Terry said...

Possibly. He does brag about his "friends" at Blackwater. That said, he's sure not done them any favors from a PR point of view by creating a place that has similarities to what they want to build in Potrero and it's now being reported that it IS disruptive to the community AND he flouts all the laws about land use. For one, you have to have a major land use permit to do what he's doing out there, and he doesn't. You also have to have special permits for firing ranges and he doesn't. There should be an EIR done for a business of that nature, and I sincerely doubt that it was since the County of San Diego didn't know anything about it.

It makes me wonder if the military is doing official business with him or if people know he's there and sign up as individuals.

5/25/2007 09:53:00 AM  
Blogger nunya said...

What if they want this guy out because Blackwater will bring more cash, compaign contrubutions, and government contracts? Blackwater has a lot more money and power on it's side than this dude. I don't trust Diane Jacobs as far as I can throw her. Both facilities are in her district. Reich-wing nutjob.

I think a lot of stuff goes on in this city under the radar ( under the guise of National Security), or with a wink and a nod, UNTIL it hits some sort of media outlet.

I learn all kind of things by listening to this show. This issue has been covered daily, podcasts are downloadable, and it can be streamed online.

5/25/2007 10:29:00 AM  
Blogger Terry said...

>I think a lot of stuff goes on in this city under the radar ( under the guise of National Security), or with a wink and a nod, UNTIL it hits some sort of media outlet.

Oh yeah. Of course.

Nice to know Stacy Taylor is covering this well, and that they have the show on podcast now. He's on at a time where I usually can't listen.

5/25/2007 10:55:00 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

One would ask why does any branch of the military need a firing range or that mater a police agency need one ant base has a range any police agency has access to Duffy town the sheriff training range. unless thy are firing weapons that are not registered in this state as assault weapons, some people did not register after the law was passed on assault weapons to keep the government from knowing who has what I would guess there some because if you want to fire one at a private or public range you have to fill out forms and disclosures. As for the county don't pat Diane J on the back just yet she and the county new of Halcon at the time Halcon turned in his neighbor for what the county found as a code compliance issue for what the county now figures as junk and what was actually agricultural supply's when the county acted on halcon's complainant they likely noticed the air strip and the gun ranges. wonder how a small time gun store firing range owner can afford 1.8 mill for the land. or do I smell IRAN Contra

6/11/2007 07:56:00 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

None of u know Marc Halcon personally. I do he is a good man and his neighbors are liars.
They are evil people i have personnaly meet them. I am very close to Marc and he is a good man. The purpose of Colvert Canyon is to give Law enforcment the proper training they need. For the record Marc is in no way whatsoever affiliated with Blackwater. SD law enforcment needs CC.

12/14/2008 04:30:00 PM  

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