August 17, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police have issued a warning that a man in a “beat up” white small or medium pickup truck attempted to lure a 16-year-old female student into his vehicle. The girl was walking to Helix High School at 8 a.m. today in the 7500 block of University Ave. when the suspect pulled up next to her, got out of his truck and told her, “Hey, get in my car.” 

By Miriam Raftery

August 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Amid blistering heat and wildfires blazing across our region, here’s news that may inspire a chill down your spine. 

A recent issue  of Al Qaeda’s publication, Inspire, has surfaced on jihad forums inspiring Western terrorists to start forest fires in the U.S. 

August 16, 2012 (San Diego) --  Little Saigon Foundation presents San Diego Lantern Festival 2012 August 17- 19 at Hoover High School, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego.  The event is from 5 – 11 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  The multicultural event features a display of 6,000 lanterns and brings neighbors, businesses and community groups together.

The event includes carnival rides and games, a kids talent contest, Chinese chess competitions, Lion dance and martial arts performances and more.  The 2nd annual Miss Asia San Diego Pageant will also be held.

August 16, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa resident Dorothy Stephens, 85, was walking in a crosswalk with a friend on August 13 around 7:30 p.m. when they were struck by an oncoming truck.

Despite efforts by paramedics to revive her, she died before a medical helicopter arrived. Cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.
 

August 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A thunderstorm capable of producing flash floods, deadly lightning and wind gusts to 60 mph has been spotted near Dulzura, moving south, the National Weather Service warns.  The storm is northeast of Tecate; Otay is also under a warning for the severe weather.

 “This is a dangerous storm,” the NWS warns. If you are in its path, immediately move indoors, preferably in a strong building away from windows.  Do not drive through flooded roadways. “Turn around…don’t drown,” the NWS advises.

In addition, a strong thunderstorm has been spotted 9 miles west of Palomar Mountain and 11 miles southeast of Temecula, moving west, capable of 50 mph gusts and heavy rain.

By Brian Lafferty

Update August 16, 2012 8 a.m. - The fires are now 60% contained; acreage remains at 15,525.  Moderate fire growth will continue today and a return to monsoonal flow will begin this morning, says Roxanne Provaznik with Cal Fire. Direct fireline tactics remain difficult due to terrain. Three firefighters have been injured; cost to suppress the fire is up to $3,870,000.  Evacuations  and road closures remain in effect.

Update Augusut 15, 2012 9 p.m. -- Fires have scorned 15,525 acre and are 35% contained.  The two largest blazes are the Wilson Fire (8,000 acres and 50% contained) and the Stewart Fire (7,000 acres and 40% contained). 

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

August 15, 2012 (Ranchita)-- The mood was tense as firefighters made a stand on Old Wilson Road and Montezuma Road this afternoon. Hand crews were about to do what Public Information Officer for Cal- Fire Tom Piranio called "burning the fuel back to the main fire."

 Note: organizers assure that the fires are nowhere close to Julian, and burning away from the town. 

August 16, 2012 (Juian) – The San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) and the town of Julian bring Starfest to Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Lane, Julian,  August 16 – 19. 

The three day event will include numerous speakers, vendors, a Swap Meet and food.  The stars will be the highlight come nightfall and telescopes will be set up throughout the viewing area.

August 15, 2012 (Riverside)--The Buck Fire in Riverside County, meanwhile, has scorched 3,000 acres and is still only 5% contained.  Two civilians and three firefighters suffered injuries in the Buck Fire, including one major injury to a civilian.

Dozens of homes have been evacuated and hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze in the Aguanga area about 15 miles from the San Diego County Line.

August 15, 2012 (Alpine) -- In a collaborative effort to increase high school sports media coverage in the East County of San Diego, the Grossmont Union High School District, in cooperation with the San Diego Section of the CIF, has awarded the live sports broadcast rights to media entity MY 1079 FM. The station will provide live broadcasts of a "Game-of-the-Week" for the Grossmont District schools.

Aug. 15, 2012 (Miramar Naval Air Station) – Today, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) has been requested by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to assist with the wildfires burning in eastern San Diego County."

August 14, 2012 (La Mesa) – O’Dunn Fine Art is showing a select group of paintings from 20^th Century postwar America on August 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the gallery, 8325 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa.  The event features fresh-to-the-market pieces by modernist Gideon Sandelin and works by listed artists Ilya Bolotowsky, William Joseph Rakocy and Ray Vinella.  Sandelin’s son, Raul, will be on hand to talk about his father’s art and paintings.

Sandelin’s son, Raul, will be on hand to talk about his father’s art and paintings.
This hosted event is open to the public.  Visit www.odunnfineart.com for more information.

August 14, 2012 (Alpine) – In response to the alarming teen fatality trend the Alpine Sheriff’s Station is hosting “Start Smart” for parents and teens (ages 15- 20) on August 23 at 7 p.m. at the Viejas Training Center, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine. The goal of the program is to reduce the number teen driving related injuries due to drunk and distracted driving.