July 29, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal Fire warns of a high risk of flash floods and debris flow in areas burned by the Eagle Fire tonight through Sunday. Rob Balfour, National Weather Service Incident Meteorologist assigned to the Eagle Fire, forecasts a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms over the burned area. An estimated 0.15 to 0.68 inches of rain could occur all at once, or in several episodes. Intense rainfall is most likely late Saturday afternoon/evening and again on Sunday.

Rainfall rates as low as 0.15 inches in a 20 minute period are capable of producing debris flows and flash floods in recently burned drainage basins, which include popular camping areas in Anza-Borrego.

Areas at risk of flooding or debris flows include:

July 29, 2011 (Lakeside) –Thanks to Mike and Cathy Sears for sending in this photo of a surprising visitor in the birdbath outside their home on Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside.

“It’s one of two red shouldered hawks in the area,” Mike said. “The hawks will even in get in and splash around in the bird bath.”

July 29, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Three boys told La Mesa Police they were assaulted and robbed at gunpoint by a group of teens on July 26 around 9:38 p.m. near the Amaya Trolley Station on Amaya Drive.

July 29, 2011 (Sacramento) – Implementation began July 1st for AB 2058, legislation authored by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) and recently signed into law. The bill expands training and education options that unemployed workers can receive without losing their unemployment insurance benefits.

 Photos by Daren Sefcik

New:  View videos by Daren Sefcik

July 29, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –Full containment is expected tomorrow on the Eagle Fire, which has now charred 14,100 acres. Cal Fire has determined that arson caused the fire, but has not disclosed details pending completion of an investigation.

The Borrego Palm Canyon Campground in Anza Borrego Des ert State Park and the Lost Valley Boy Scout Camp re-open today.

July 28, 2011 (Pine Valley) - Former Cal Fire Captain Scott Mackellar pled guilty on July 26 to fraudulent appropriation by a public officer of public funds. A Cal Fire internal investigation found that Mackellar misappropriated $7099.36 worth of purchases on fuel and credit cards belonging to Cal Fire while employed in the community of Pine Valley.

July 28, 2011 (Ramona) – It’s opening day at the Ramona Country Fair, where admission is free! This four-day event includes live entertainment including musical bands and the Ramona Idol contest, animals, livestock auction, crafts, food, and carnival rides.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Tragedy elicits sharp criticism of AT&T from backcountry residents who share horror stories of outages, poorly maintained lines, and service hassles

CPUC encourages residents with phone land-line complaints to email public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

July 27, 2011 (Lyons Valley) – Llama rancher John Klacka knew he had to get help fast when he found his prized stud llama, Muneco, had been bitten by a rattlesnake on July 7. “He was foaming at the mouth and having trouble breathing,” he recalled. “I ran into the house and tried to call the vet—and my phone was dead. I thought `This can’t be happening.’”

By Jeremy Los

July 28, 2011 – A community information meeting held by Helix Water District last week turned into a discussion of employee benefits and pensions amid public outcry over raising water rates.

July 28, 2011 (Tecate)—Yesterday, Jesus Arteaga Garcia was extradited to San Diego from Mexico to face murder charges stemming from the fatal stabbing of his estranged wife, Maribel Arteaga, who was two months pregnant.She was stabbed to death in front of her children on December 9, 2009, at her apartment in Chula Vista. She was a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer who served at the Tecate Port of Entry.

Sanctuary Founder Makes Desperate Visit to Save Bears Headed for Game Farm

By Miriam Raftery

July 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal Fire investigators have determined that arson is the cause of the Eagle Fire, which has thus far burned 14,100 acres and injured 14 firefighters.

Who set the blaze, and what was the motive? Cal-Fire has not disclosed details on how the fire was started, or if there are any suspects. If caught, the perpetrator could face not only jail time, but a hefty bill--since firefighting costs now exceed $11.6 million.

Whooping Cough Cases On Track To Hit 300 for Region

July 27, 2011 (San Diego)—Under a new law, middle and high school students have to show proof they’ve received a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis( also known as whooping cough) in order to enroll in school.

July 27, 211 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police seek witnesses to a violent assault which has left a 43-year-old man hospitalized with serious head injuries. The attack occurred Saturday, July 23rd around 1:55 a.m. in the 5500 hundred block of Jackson Drive, near Rigoberto’s Taco Shop.

Cutting government spending doesn't create jobs--it increases unemployment and is bad for our economy

By Carol Guerrero, Spring Valley

July 26, 2011 (Spring Valley)--As the debate on the debt ceiling continues, I am distressed to hear the Republicans continue to use propaganda techniques to obscure clear economic analysis. Although there are many possible examples, I will use one from the House Speaker’s response to President Obama’s address to the nation last night. He repeated, as have his Republican colleagues over and over again, that lowering government spending will create jobs and help the economy.

As any macroeconomic class teaches, this statement is false in the short run and probably in the long run as well.