Update 5:30 p.m. --There are multiple fires in the Vallecito Lightning Complex, the largest of these fires per Cal Fire are:

 Vallecito Fire: 350 acres 0% contained South East of Julian, cause lightning

Wilson Fire: 600 acres 0% contained near Scissors crossing North East of Julian, cause lightning

Stewart Fire: 50 acres 0% contained near Scissors crossing North East of Julian, cause lightning

A reader advises that Pinyon Ridge is on fire between Shelter Valley and Ranchita (photo above, shot from Shelter Valley, shows Sentanec Cienega where Higwhay 78 enters Sentanec Canyon.

August 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –  The Chihuahua Fire is 100% contained, after burning 2,007 acres according to Cal Fire’s final update.

Multiple new brush fires are burning in East County. Largest of these is the Vallecito Lightning Complex  fire, which has charred 220 degrees and remains 0% contained. No structures are threatened.  

By Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Revelations that six wildfires in the past six weeks have been caused by recreational shooting in East County has caused a firestorm of controversy.  

Cal-Fire, joined by residents of  Dulzura, Potrero and other areas bordering the Otay Wilderness area have asked the federal Bureau of Land Management to ban shooting on its properties within San Diego County for the duration of this year’s expected severe fire season.  

March 25, 2012 (Otay) A brush fire that began in a canyon at 5353 Airway Road in the Otay area is being fed by heavy winds, Incident Page Network reports.  A helicopter has been requested to aid with water drops at 4:56 p.m.

December 27, 2011 (Otay) – San Diego Police seek help to locate Josephina Yolanda Lopez, 58.  “The San Diego Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit has been called out to look for Lopez,” said Lt. Andra Brown.

October 14, 2011 (Chula Vista) -- Residents in Otay and Chula Vista are gearing up for the celebration of a century.  The City of Chula Vista is celebrating its 100th birthday with a citywide party at the U.S. Olympic Training Center this Saturday, October 15 from 12 noon to 9:30 p.m.

Update 2:30 p.m. - The Dog Fire is now 70% contained and full containment is expected within the hour.

July 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Three small brush fires have burned into one at Doghouse Junction and Otay Truck Trail (Thomas Brothers Map 1353 H11) along the U.S./Mexico border. The fire was reported at 5:40 a.m. and cause is under investigation.

Two air tankers have been added to the incident and fire crews are beginning to be flown to the fire scene, Roxanne Provaznik has informed East County Magazine.

July 14, 2011 (Otay) -- San Diego County Crime Stoppers and Chula Vista Police Department investigators seek help  to identify suspects in arson fires which recently occurred at an elementary school and nearby canyons in the Otay and Chula Vista areas.

Update 2:55 p.m.:  The fire is now 5-10 acres, burning at Otay Truck Trail.

June 29, 2011 (Otay Mesa) – A brush fire that originated in Mexico has burned three to five acres in Otay Mesa along Alta Road, Cal Fire reports. Currently one air tanker, one helicopter, one air attack plane, three engines and two handcrews are at the scene.

May 24, 2011 (Spring Valley)– The Otay Water District’s (the District) Board of Directors has approved its budget for fiscal year 2011-2012. The budget adopted by the District includes a rate increase of 7.7 percent for water service and a 7.5 percent rate increase for sewer effective January, 2012.

"The $78.1 million operating budget and $22.6 million Capital Improvements Projects (CIP) budget reflect the District’s ongoing efforts to lessen the impact of higher water costs on customers," a press release issued by the district stated.

April 5, 2011 (Otay) -- The suspect killed in yesterday's early morning robbery and shootout at the Apple store in the Otay Ranch Mall  has been identified at Alex Somphonh Choulamontry, age 23. According to Chula Vista Police, Choulamontry was a documented gang member and on active California State parole. Choulamontry had convictions for theft, possession of controlled substances, driving under the influence and false identification to a peace officer.

April 4, 2011 (Otay Mesa)—Schools near the Otay Ranch Town Center were placed in lockdown briefly following a shooting at the mall. According to multiple sources, three people smashed a window at the Apple Store shortly before 6:45 a.m.

Chula Vista Police report that 40 rounds were fired in a shootout between a security guard and the suspects.

January 31, 2011 (Otay)— Otay Lakes Road is closed in both directions due to an accident at Otay Lakes and Wueste Road at the Divider Creek bridge. CHP reports the accident is a possible fatality; Mercy Air is landing as of 11:30 a.m.

November 16, 2010 (Otay Mesa) – San Diego Police are investigating two armed robberies on Sunday, November 14 of gas stations in Otay Mesa. The first occurred at 10:56 p.m. at the Chevron Gas Station, 3302 Palm Ave. The second robbery was at 11:35 p.m. at the Unocal Gas Station, 4360 Palm Avenue. In both cases, the suspect pointed a possible shotgun wrapped in a white cloth or white T-shirt at the clerk, then fled on cash with the cash.