July 10, 2010 (Julian) – The Creek Fire, a grass fire that began at Highway 78 and Old Julian Highway near the community of Witch Creek at 3:28 p.m. today has been contained. The fire’s spread was stopped at less than two acres and Cal Fire’s incident commander has released all firefighting aircraft.

East County News Service

July 10, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Fault lines in and near East County have become more active since the Easter earthquake in Mexico.  Both the San Jacinto and Elsinore faults have potential for a quake measuring 7.0 or higher, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Fortunately, planning and identifying  hazards ahead of time can reduce risk of serious harm before an earthquake hits.

For example, repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lights to the ceiling, and upgrading to meet local seismic building standards help reduce the impact of a quake. Creating an emergency supply kit and a family evacuation plan are also important.  Below are earthquake safety tips providing by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that you can take now—before a major quake hits our region.

Note: An earlier version of this story stated that two media outlets reported Salas the victor today. However one of those, the Riverside Press Enterprise, has since issued a correction and indicated that Vargas won.  The Riverside Registrar's office is closed until Monday, when a certified count will be sent to the Secretary of State.

July 10, 2010 (San Diego) – This morning, Riverside County’s Registrar of Voters completed counting 12,563 previously uncounted mail-in ballots,including the 40th State Senate Democratic primary race which includes portions of Riverside, Imperial and San Diego Counties. The count was ordered to begin yesterday by superior Court Judge Mac R. Fisher.

Jacob, Gore proposal would make safety program mandatory at troublesome spots; vote set July 13

Nobel Laureate to join historians and musicians honoring legendary So-Cal artist, a former San Diego Art Guild member

Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing

By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
 

President, Blue Summit Wealth Management

July 9, 2010 (La Mesa) -- We have just received notification that two of our top-rated carriers, John Hancock & Metlife, will be raising rates for new policies. If you have already secured your long term care policy, CONGRATULATIONS…you made a great decision! If you have been considering taking out a long term care insurance policy, please contact an independent Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI) agent right away for quotes. (See below for tips on what to look for.)

Update on Tax Deductible Premiums:

By Miriam Raftery

July 9, 2010 (San Diego's East County)  -  What are the odds of a big quake striking your community?  Now there's a website where you can type in your zip code and learn the probability of a major quake striking in the near or distant future.

I typed in my own zip code (91941 La Mesa) and was startled to learn that the odds of a 6.0 magnitude quake or greater striking within the next 10 years is 50%--and in some nearby towns the chances are even greater. 

What should you do to stay safe when an earthquake strikes?

July 9, 2010 (Escondido) – Escondido Police seek the public’s help to find a man suspected of raping a 16-year-old girl. The suspect reportedly attacked the teen at gunpoint and raped her shortly before 8:30 this morning on the flood control bike path near North Beech Street and East Valley Parkway.

July 9, 2010 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Highway Lions Club is hosting a fundraiser on all “to go” orders placed July 12-14 at Mario’s Restorante Italiano, 12440 Woodside Avenue in Lakeside. Mention the Lakeside Skatepark and the restaurant will donate 20% of proceeds to help build a premier skatepark where skaters can exercise in a clean, safe environment.

July 9, 2010 (San Diego) – East County Magazine added another award to its growing list of honors last night at the Society of Professional Journalists awards banquet at the Bali Hai restaurant in San Diego. SPJ-San Diego presented ECM with a first-place award for investigative reporting in the daily news reporting category.

July 9, 2010 (Sacramento ) State Controller John Chiang has filed a lawsuit in Superior Court to block Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s order that would reduce state workers’ pay to the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. The decision could determine whether 200,000 state workers ranging from DMV employee workers to Cal-Trans highway workers will face pay cuts of two-thirds or more of their salaries in some cases.

By Sylvia Hampton

July 9, 2010 (San Diego) -- One of our most prized regional achievements and treasures in San Diego County is the San Dieguito River Park, located in our back yard. When Mayor Sander’s budget was approved by the San Diego City Council recently it included cutting $254,000 annual contribution to the river park, which is 36% of the park’s budget.

By Ann Menasche

The 2010 election cycle is demonstrating beyond a shadow of a doubt that California’s proposition process is undemocratic, corrupt, and irreparably broken. It’s time to reform the process to eliminate moneyed interests and return decision making power to the voters.

July 9, 2010 (El Cajon) --The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation wants to notify residents to leave the alcohol at home when visiting Hilton Head County Park, which features an aquatic center with a pirate-themed water-spray for children.