By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- We have not seen significant rain in several months. Fuel moisture content is at 0%. We are at what we call 100% probability of ignition. This means the tiniest spark can start a fire.

The Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before you, your family & friends celebrate, make sure everyone knows about Fourth of July safety. Since Fireworks are illegal in San Diego County, there are still safety precautions to provide safety while celebrating.

Source:  Jamul Indian Village

June 25, 2021 (Jamul) - The Jamul Indian Village announced the results of their 2021 Tribal Council elections that were recently concluded.

Chairwoman Erica M. Pinto was re-elected to another four-year term, as were Councilmembers Teresa Cousins and James Cuero III.

East County News Service

File photo: marijuana cultivation

June 25, 2021 (Warner Springs) – Sheriff’s detectives seized 427 marijuana plants worth nearly a half million dollars, along with seven firearms and around $10,000 in cash following a search warrant served yesterday at noon.  

Detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's Narcotics and Gangs Division, along with deputies from the Fallbrook Crime Suppression Team and members of the Special Enforcement Detail served the search warrant in the 38000 block of CA-79 in Warner Springs.

The warrant was part of an investigation by Sheriff's Detectives of illegal marijuana cultivation and sales in San Diego County.  

Experts present insight at virtual fact-gathering workshop ahead of potential regulation, invite public comment

Source: California Department of Toxic Substances

June 24, 2021 (Sacramento) -- California could be among the first states to regulate harmful chemicals in hair straightening products used by millions of people, many of them women of color.

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service (CA)

Photo:  Conservation groups would like more funding to restore wetlands at the site of the former Hamilton Air Force Base in Novato. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

June 24, 2021 (San Francisco) - Sea levels in California are projected to rise up to 55 inches by the end of the century, so climate advocates are calling on Congress to fund coastal restoration projects to mitigate potential flooding. 

More than 100 groups signed a letter calling on lawmakers to include $10 billion for such projects nationwide in the proposed infrastructure bill.

By Mike Allen 

June 24, 2021 (Santee) -- Santee City Council has approved a $50 million operating budget for its 2021-22 fiscal year, including 1.5 percent raises for city staff and the five Council members.

East County News Service

June 23, 2021 (La Mesa) – Location Matters, Inc. has announced sale of a retail building at 8371 in the heart of La  Mesa’s downtown village for $1,850,000.  The buyer is Whissel Realty Group, a family-owned real estate company that plans to move its corporate office to this location. 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Update 10:30 p.m.:  CALFIRE San Diego officials have lifted the evacuation warning for the Mesa Fire and closed temporary evacuation points. State Route 76 is open in both directions. Motorists are reminded to drive with caution due to emergency vehicles which will remain in the area overnight. Fire officials estimate the fire at 350 acres with zero percent containment.

June 23, 2021 (Pala) – A fast-moving brush fire named the #MesaFire has scorched 260 acres and is zero percent contained, per Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire.  State Route 76 is shut down from Horse Creek Ranch to Pala Casino due to the fire which began off highway 76 and Cousier Canyon.

An evacuation warning is in place for those who live near Pala Casino, according to the San Diego sheriff.  The warning is voluntary but be ready to leave when advised to do so.

Temporary evacuation points have been established at Valley Center High School, 31322 Cole Grade Road in Valley Center and at the park and ride at the junction of I-15 and highway 76. (An earlier temporary evacuation location at Pauma Casino is no longer in effect.)

A smoke advisory has been issued.  Smoke impacts are likely in areas near and to the east and northeast of the fire, where fine particulates, or PM2.5 concentrations, may reach unhealthful levels. Winds are expected to remain from the same general direction through Thursday.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Supreme Court building, CC by NC-ND

June 23, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court justices ruled that unless there is an emergency, police cannot force their way into a misdemeanor suspect’s home without first getting a warrant.

The ruling does not apply to felony pursuits. However when pursuing a suspect over a misdemeanor offense, officers can only enter if there is good reason, which Justice Elena Kagan said would include circumstances such as to “prevent imminent harms of violence, destruction of evidence, or escape from the home. But when the officer has time to get a warrant, he must do so – even though the misdemeanant fled,” she added.