Update 10:32 a.m. - The fire is holding at 3 acres and aircraft have been dismissed, according to Cal Fire.

June 24, 2012 (Dulzura) – Cal Fire reports at 9:51 a.m.  that a 2 to 3 acre brush fire is burning  in Dulzura. The fire started near Marron Valley Road in terrain difficult for ground crews to access. Additional air power has been ordered to the scene. 

June 23, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Center Summer Concerts in the Park begin on July 1 with the Marine Corps Band.  The free concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. at Alpine Community Center Park, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine.  Food is available at the concerts.

June 23, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police and El Cajon Police with assistance from San Diego Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter are currently involved in a police activity in the Fletcher Parkway/Dallas vicinity.. The public is advised to avoid the area.  Officers are looking for a stolen vehicle, silver Nissan Pickup Plate 8V91560

If you see this vehicle do not approach, contact 911.

June 22, 2012 (Deer Springs) – Cal Fire and San Diego Fire have stopped a two-acre brush fire that started midmorning near Circle R Drive in the Deer Springs area. Cause of the blaze is under investigation. No structures were threatened or lost.

Firefighters remain on scene mopping up hot spots. Approximately 75 firefighters responded to the blaze.

By Miriam Raftery

Sierra Robinson also contributed to this report

June 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – it sounds like a vision out of Utopia. Imagine driving on highways and streets made of glass—12-x12 foot solar panels that produce electricity and ultimately, recharge your solar-powered car as you drive. 

No need for power lines or power plants anymore, since roads and driveways will actually deliver electricity straight to your doorstep.

Sound impossible? Think again.  The Federal Highway Administration issued a contract to Solar Roadways, brainchild of Idaho electrical engineer Scott Brusaw, to build the first ever solar Road Panel prototype in 2009. In 2011, a contract to build a solar parking lot was issued--with completion due this September

But a solar roadway can do much more than produce power--and the potential is enlightening.

117-mile, 500,000-volt transmission line improves electricity reliability, but increases concerns over fire safety for region

 June 21, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)  announced June 18 that it had completed and put into service Sunrise Powerlink, a 500,000-volt transmission line linking San Diego to Imperial Valley.  

“Putting the Sunrise Powerlink into service is the final milestone in a complex and challenging energy project that ranks among the largest and most significant in the history of San Diego Gas & Electric,” said Jessie J. Knight, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of SDG&E.

June 21, 2012 (La Mesa) – Biz Center Art, the gallery in residence at the La Mesa Biz Center, 7317 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa, is holding an opening reception for Nowhere on June 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The reception will feature the artists and their art.  “Nowhere” is a small image show featuring works of art no larger than 12” x 14” and costing no more than $100.

• White House threatens veto on GOP energy bill (The Hill)
• U.S. trafficking report reports ‘modern slavery’ toll (BBC)
• Biotech leader covered up animal deaths from GM corn (RSN)
• Could the Supreme Court’s healthcare ruling kill patient safety reforms? (Pro Publica)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership:  leaked  trade document reveals corporate interests favored over public interest (OB Rag) 

• Ousted Egyptian leader Mubarak close to death (BBC)
• Japanese authorities sat on data showing radiation spread (Reuters)