By Billie Jo Jannen

July 13, 2011 (Campo)--I can vividly describe every one of the four fires that has burned through my property over the past 25 years. Notably, every one was started by someone who doesn’t live here. Causes include burning objects thrown from passing cars and trains, illegal fireworks by drunk Navy men, and border smugglers intent on their own agendas.

Also notable is that my family’s home survived every fire because of our personal efforts -- both costly and time-consuming -- to plan and execute our own defenses. Not a single fire department, including CalFire, has ever managed to arrive at my house before the fires did; the distances are simply too great and the fires too unpredictable.

 Proposal that could halt Alpine high school construction will also be heard by board

July 11, 2011 (El Cajon) – The Boundary Committee for the Grossmont Union High School District has adopted recommendations for shifting high school boundaries throughout the distirct.  The recommendations will be presented Thursday, to the GUHSD Boardat 6 p.m. in the East County Regional Education Center, 924 East Main Street in El Cajon.

Lines will be changing across East County. For example, on Mt. Helix many students now in the Grossmont High School district are proposed to shift to Monte Vista, a school with a far poorer academic record, to ease overcrowding at Grossmont. In Blossom Valley, proposed new lines would similarly shift some students to a poorer performing school, in Lakeside sparking protests from parents.

July 12, 2011 (Sacramento) – The stakes are high.

SB 40, the Gambling Control Act introduced by Senator Lou Correa of Orange County, seeks to legalize intrastate Internet poker while cracking down on illegal online poker operations. Supporters say the bill would created a new source of revenues and jobs in California to ease budget deficits and high unemployment. But opponents contend it would undermine Indian tribal gaming operations and hurt tribal economic development.

By Matt Butler

July 12, 2011 (San Diego) – The hilarious comics from Brew Ha Ha will present a rollicking comedy show tonight, Tuesday July 12 at 7 p.m. feature top comic Albert Linton. The show is at San Diego Desserts & Bistro, 5987 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego 92115.

Half the proceeds will benefit Haitian charities. Donations are suggested; No cover charge.

By Cate Sacks

July 11, 2011 (Blossom Valley)--This wonderful 1 year old pure Rhodesian Ridgeback female is loving and sweet.  She loves to play with other dogs, and bonds closely to her family.  She is safe with dogs and people she does not know.  Comes when called, sleeps happily in a crate at night.  She loves both big and small dogs, and doesn't have aggression towards people or pets.  She has not been cat tested.

July 11, 2011 (San Diego) -- San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives have arrested two suspects for the October, 2010 shooting death of Aaron Robinson inside his 54^th Street apartment.

“$40 billion has been stolen. Let’s get it back.” – Mike Aguirre

Plaintiffs ask public to urge Senators to press Dept. of Justice to join suit; say federal government should recover bailout funds to reduce deficit instead of slashing Medicare and Social Security

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

July 7, 2011 (San Diego) – Derek Casady, former editor of the Daily Californian newspaper in East County and his wife, Nancy, have filed a lawsuit against several of the world’s biggest financial institutions alleging that AIG and others engaged in fraudulent practices and misled the federal government to get bail-outs. The suit documents fraudulent practices alleged in detail. It also seeks return of bailout monies paid for with taxpayers’ money—plus triple damages and a jury trial.

July 8, 2011 (Alpine) -- Come enjoy the performers at the Viejas Outlet Centers Live Music in the Park on Saturday and Sunday nights in July. The acts range from jazz to country, to flamenco and more. The list of performances is below; for more on acts performing, check our calendar.