Update 6 p.m. - The Chihuahua Fire is now in the Warner Springs area, threatening to jump firelines, Cal Fire reports. The blaze is 125 acres.

August 9, 2012 – A major brush fire at  Highway 79 and Chihuahua Valley Road in the Poway area is now more than 100 acres.  The likely cause was a lightning strike, Cal Fire reports.  Traffic control is in effect with access limited to residents only.

A second fire just south of the Chihuahua Fire is now 25 acres in size, spreading rapidly. Additional strike teams and crews have been dispatched to the scene.

In addition,  a brush fire at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside is burning in a heavy stand of trees, with smoke affecting traffic on I-5.

Six SDSU alumni are part of the Mars Science Laboratory team that landed the Mars Rover "Curiosity" on the planet.

By Gina Jacobs
 
August 9, 2012 (San Diego)--At approximately 10:31 p.m. PDT on Sunday, Aug. 5, the Mars Rover “Curiosity” touched down on Mars where it began a long-term exploration mission of the red planet.

• Sikh temple shooting to be probed as domestic terror (CNN)
• Sikh temple shooter tied to hate groups (Washington Post)
• Despite Supreme Court ruling, many minors may stay in prison for life (Pro Publica)
• CDC warns about reemergence of swine flu (NPR)
• Firefighters battling wildfires in Sequoia national forest (Los Angeles Times)
• At least 18 blazes scorch Oklahoma; one  nears record size (Los Angeles Times)

• Santorum, Jeb, Ron Paul get convention speaking spots (Politico)
• ‘Romneyhood’: Obama derides Mitt’s tax plan (RawStory)
• Romney campaign on fundraising winning streak (USA Today)
• Reid puts Romney in a bind over taxes (CNN)
• The massive policy gap between Obama and Romney (Washington Post)

• Syria’s prime minister leaves regime (CNN)
• Floods paralyze Philipine capitol, Manila (BBC)
• Suicide bombers attack as Somali delegates approve new constitution (ABC)
• Islamists kill 15 Egyptians, Israel strikes attackers (Reuters)
• Chemo may make cancer stronger (iScienceTimes and BBC) 

August 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – SDG&E has called a ‘Reduce Your Use’ event day today due to hotter-than-average temperatures.

While SDG&E has adequate electricity resources to meet the demand, customers can help reduce strain on the electric grid by reducing their electricity use today between 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. By doing so, they will be eligible to earn a bill credit of $0.75 per kilowatt hour saved.

Cool Zones Open Throughout Region

Company ties, history of fires and failures, raises troubling questions

By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – After researching problems with Gamesa wind turbines and blades, ECM asked Iberdrola PR representative Michelle Sinning whether Iberdrola plans to use Gamesa products at the Tule Wind site in McCain Valley. 

“I haven’t  heard anything about Gamesa,” Sinning said.  She indicated she would obtain a statement and get back to us by tonight's deadline (she didn't), but added that Iberdrola will not make a decision on which suppliers to use until after contracts are signed  in order to have flexibility to take advantage of the best “pricing and innovations” on the market.

Perhaps Ms. Sinning should do her homework.

By Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine In House Fire Chief

August 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--As spring and summer time calls people and snakes alike to the outdoors, encounters with snakes become inevitable. California has a variety of snakes, most of which are benign. The exception is California’s only native venomous snake - the rattlesnake.

Contact all supervisors through the links below

Supervisors' hearing 9 am Wed., 1600 Pacific Coast Highway downtown

By Miriam Raftery, Editor

August 7, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Please join me today in taking action to preserve the character of our communities, the beauty of our region, and the safety of people across San Diego County who may be imperiled by another horrific wildfire.

August 7, 2012 (Alpine) – The Viejas Outlet Center has plenty of summer activities to entertain one and all at 5000 Willows Road, Alpine.  Activities include everything from mini golf to free movies in the Show Court.  Following is a schedule of events:

August 7, 2012 (San Diego) – Run Women Run, along with 20 Partner Organizations, is presenting a screening of the documentary “Miss Representation” on August 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Irwin M. Jacobs Hall, 5775 Morehouse Dr., San Diego to commemorate Women’s Equality Day.  The documentary, by Jennifer Siebel Newsome, explores how the media’s misrepresentations of women have led to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence.

Update 2:40 p.m. The fire is holding at 7 acres.

August 7, 2012 (San Diego's East County) - The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the south central portions of San Diego including but not limited to Pine Valley, Descanso and Morena Village.  

In addition, a flash flood watch is in effect for East County's mountains and high desert areas. Hundreds of low water crossings are potentially dangerous in heavy rains, the NWS warns; do not attempt to drive through flooded roads as even a few inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a vehicle away.