The Coast News INLAND EDITION
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VISTA, SAN MARCOS, ESCONDIDO
VOL. 10, N0. 6
MARCH 17, 2023
Razdan receives 26 years to life
CLOWN AROUND
Man fatally stabbed former classmate By Laura Place
Circus Vargas, an all-ages big top event, runs through Monday at North County Mall in Escondido. Story on 11.
dent of Vista Unified School District. “We want to ensure that the decision-making process is inclusive, transparent and collaborative, and that we have a wide range of perspectives represented.” Since 2012, the district’s student population has decreased by more than 6,700, according to VUSD records. Up for consideration
VISTA — Twenty-oneyear-old Kellon Razdan was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison for the murder of 20-year-old Aris Keshishian, whose loved ones recounted the pain of his loss during an emotional hearing on Friday at the Vista Courthouse. Judge Kelly C. Mok handed down the sentence just weeks after Razdan was convicted of the first-degree murder of Keshishian after his February trial. Keshishian died in August 2021 after being stabbed 44 times by Razdan while on a walk with his dog in his San Marcos neighborhood, in what evidence indicated to be a premeditated attack. According to Keshishian’s family, the two young men had been acquaintances since elementary school but had not spoken for years as of the attack. Keshishian’s family members referred to Razdan as a “monster” and said their life has been painful and joyless since his death. He was described as endlessly kind, devoted to his family, funny, talented, hardworking, and caring. “When that monster murdered Aris, it murdered my entire family. We barely speak with each other. There is nothing to say anymore,” said Henrik, Keshishian’s father, speaking through tears. “He was tru-
TURN TO VUSD ON 17
TURN TO PRISON ON 15
VUSD weighs consolidation as enrollment falls By City News Service
San Marcos Unified adding bus routes in fall With state’s help, district to start expansion with 5 elementary schools. 8
VISTA — Citing a decade of declining enrollment, the Vista Unified School District asked community members last week to serve on a new committee tasked with recommending the future of several district schools — including the possibility of consolidation. Those interested in serving on the District Asset Management Advisory Committee may apply online at https://bit.ly/3Tha-
SINCE 2012, the Vista Unified School District’s student population has decreased by more than 6,700, according to district records. Courtesy photo
9Zl, or by stopping by the Operational Service Center at 1222 Arcadia Ave. The application window closes at 5 p.m. on March 24.
The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce 31st annual
SAN MARCOS
SPRING FLING SUNDAY, APRIL 2 • 9AM-5PM All Along Via Vera Cruz
“We encourage members of the community who are interested in serving on this committee to submit their application,” said Matthew Doyle, superinten-
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