June 29, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Expect traffic delays if you are traveling on I-8 through east County this afternoon. A two-car rollover on I-8 east at Pine Valley Road sparked a brush fire, forcing 150 cars to be turned around at Sunrise Highway and diverted onto Old Highway 80. The U.S. Forest Service is currently mopping up that blaze.
 

In addition, on I-8 near Crestwood Drive, further east, a vehicle has rolled three times and is on its side in the center divider, according to the San Diego SIG Alerts website.

June 29, 2011 (Sacramento) -- Last week, the Senate Education Committee approved three bills authored by Assembly Higher Education Chair Marty Block (AD-78) aimed at improving the student experience at California’s public colleges and universities. This series of bills includes AB 620 aimed at creating safe college campus environments for LGBT students,AB 670 to establish clear appeals procedures for California State University (CSU) admissions decisions, and AB 743that creates a system-wide assessment tool to better place community college students.

Poll shows strong public support for plan; Rep. Hunter visits Afghanistan to meet with military officers

By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2011 (San Diego) – A Gallup Poll shows 72% of Americans support President Barack Obama’s plan announced last week to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from Afghanistan this year. Just 23% opposed the troop drawdown plan, and some want to see an even faster troop withdrawal.

Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon), a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars and member of the House Armed Services Committee, visited Afghanistan this week and met with General David Petraeus. He has voiced support for troop withdrawals, citing erosion of public support. But he called for a shift in focus toward counter-terrorism utilizing special operations forces, intelligence gathering capability and air assets.

Update 2:55 p.m.:  The fire is now 5-10 acres, burning at Otay Truck Trail.

June 29, 2011 (Otay Mesa) – A brush fire that originated in Mexico has burned three to five acres in Otay Mesa along Alta Road, Cal Fire reports. Currently one air tanker, one helicopter, one air attack plane, three engines and two handcrews are at the scene.

"...The ACPG bent rules with both the Powerlink and High School Ad Hoc subcommittees that cost our community dearly."

By Lou Russo, Alpine Planning Group Member

June 28, 2011 (La Presa) -- A near fatal mistake on June 15, 2011 put the lives of seven family members in danger. Sheer luck in the actions of a 13 year old girl saves them all from death. 

Conservation and Demand-Response Programs Still Key 

June 28, 2011 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced it has secured adequate electricity supplies and required reserves to meet customers’ expected energy needs this summer, barring extreme weather conditions. 


The California Independent Systems Operator (Cal-ISO), the agency responsible for managing the statewide power grid, has issued its 2011 Summer Assessment confirming adequate supplies to meet the projected electricity demand across the state – even if hotter-than-average temperatures occur. 

June 27, 2011 (Sacramento) – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today issued an update to its preliminary incident report on two 16,000 pound Sunrise Powerlink towers dropped by an air crane earlier this month.

According to the updated report, a new air crane has been provided by the manufacturer, Erickson. The new helicopter has undergone test  transporting and lifting heavy loads, and has now been approved to resume construction activities in East County.

June 27, 2011 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police detectives today arrested Derek Patterson, 22, for the armed robbery of Zales Jewelry in Grossmont Center. The robbery occurred on June 14th, when the suspect stole 19 rings valued at nearly $77,000 from a display case, according to La Mesa Police.

June 25, 2011 (El Cajon) --Whether you're looking for swim lessons, youth sports, instructional classes or an exciting summer camp, El Cajon Recreation has it all! Log onto the website at www.elcajonrec.org to secure a spot for your child. Forgot your password? Just click on the "eRecreation" icon then "Forgot My Password".

Late Registration began June 6 which means registrations are accepted online, by mail or by walking into one of our Recreation centers during operation hours. For more information on instructional programs and general registration questions, call (619) 441-1516. For information on aquatics, call (619) 441-1672; and for information on youth sports, call (619) 441-1678. Our professional and dedicated Recreation Department staff will be happy to assist you. 

June 27, 2011 (La Mesa)  A 16-year-old boy was shot in the head early this morning at 1:49 a.m. after being robbed in front of 7366 El Cajon Boulevard. The victim is from Paradise Valley, Arizona, and was staying at a local La Mesa motel with his family.

The boy was riding his skateboard when the robbery and shooting occurred. The suspects took a personal item and a small amount of cash during the robbery.

by Shirley Clukey

June 24, 2011 (san Diego County) -- Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy in Alpine has room for six more ambulatory children between the ages of five and thirteen for its weekly therapeutic lesson program. Therapy pony Treasure takes children under 10 who weigh 100 pounds or less, especially younger children. She is also available for beginning riding lessons for able-bodied young children. Therapy pony Sailor can take children up to 13 who weigh less than 140 pounds.