DRA Says SDG&E’s cost of capital request is out of line with today’s market and unfair to customers

August 7, 2012 (San Francisco) – The Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), the independent consumer advocate within the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), on Monday presented evidence in the CPUC’s proceeding on Cost of Capital. DRA found that San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s (SDG&E) request for an 11.0% Return on Equity far exceeds both the company’s revenue needs and market standards.

DRA recommends that the appropriate Return on Equity (“ROE,” or the revenue that shareholders can expect to earn on their investment) should be 8.5%, which would result in a $50 million annual savings to SDG&E’s customers. [See Cost of Capital Comparison Chart]

August 5, 2012 (Alpine) – The topic for the September 11 Alpine Chamber of Commerce Hot Topic Breakfast will be Anit-Bullying/Cyber Bullying.  The guest speakers are Jihan Yacoub,Deputy District Attorney and Jesse Navarro, S.D. County D.A. Office. The breakfast will be at Wells Fargo Bank from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

The cost to attend is $15 per person.  RSVP to Chamber.Kelly@att.net.  Visit www.Alpinechamber.com for more information.

August 7, 2012 (Ramona) – Hacienda de las Rosas Winery is hosting its annual Grape Stomp on September 3 at its ranch and winery in Ramona.  This year’s proceeds will be given to Wounded Warrior Homes, Inc, a local organization that will provide transitional housing to single service members who are being medically discharged with Traumatic Brain Injury.

The event is private and open only to members of the Winery’s Club.  Join the Club by August 10 and you will be able to attend the event.  Festivities will include a live band, huge buffet, wine tasting and grape stomping.

Click here to join the Club.

July 29, 2012 (Campo) – The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum is celebrating the 100 th birthday of Southern Pacific Co. Steam Locomotive & Tender #2353 that was built in 1912 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia that was featured in the movie “Pearl Harbor”.  The event is August 11 at the Museum, State Route 94 and Forrest Gate Road, Campo, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Free hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks and birthday cake will be available.

August 6, 2012 (La Mesa)—A 12-year-old boy shot his sister in the shoulder in what police believe is an accidental shooting  La Mesa Police responded to a 911 call from the boy at 9:44 a.m. today at the family’s home in the 8800 block of Jefferson Avenue in La Mesa.

Aging facilities, technology needs behind new facilities bond proposal

Independent survey of likely November voters shows Filner leads by 8 points

August 6, 2012 (San Diego)--A poll of San Diego voters shows Bob Filner with a significant 8-point lead in the race for San Diego Mayor.

 In a survey of 400 likely November voters in the City of San Diego, 40 percent of respondents said they support or lean toward Filner in the Mayor’s race. Thirty-two percent of respondents said they support San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio and 29 percent were undecided.

August 6, 2012 (Santee)--A mountain lion has been reported in the 10700 block of Princess Arlene, a residential neighborhood in Santee.  Incident Page Network indicates that San Diego Sheriff and animal control officers are conducting a search of the area.

A mountain lion was also spotted days ago in an Alpine residential neighborhood.  Mountain lions are native to our region, though the normally shy animals are rarely seen.  Shooting a mountain lion is illegal in California, except in cases where a permit is obtained such as to address livestock predation.  Violators have faced stiff penalties.

August 5, 2012 (Otay)—A vehicle has plunged into the Otay Lake reservoir, multiple sources confirm. Divers assisted in rescuing people trapped inside, including two juveniles.  The children were in CPR status, IPN reported, but were later taken to a hospital by medical helicopter. Their condition has not been released.

August 4, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – The Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson Squad is investigating a fire tht was “incendiary in nature,” according to Heartland Fire.  The blaze began outside Mariscos Negro Durazo restaurant on Federal Boulevard near Broadway in Lemon Grove shortly before 3:15 a.m.