September 3, 2009 (Alpine) – A man plunged 200 feet to his death from a viewpoint off Eastbound I-8 east of Willows Road in Alpine this afternoon. U.S. Forest Service and Border Patrol officials responded at 12:30 p.m., when a technical rescue was attempted. However the patient was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

PERIPHERAL CANAL & DELTA PUMPING AMONG KEY POINTS OF CONTENTION

By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2009 (Santee)--After striking another vehicle near I-125 and SR-52 in Santee at 3:47 p.m. this afternoon, a car plunged into the San Diego River in Santee. The car burst into flames, igniting a brush fire.  A call to 911 reported a stuck accelerator pedal. 

 Agreement between State of California and VA Will Result in Dramatic Increase in Benefits for Yellow Ribbon Program

August 27, 2009 (Washington, D.C.) – A recent agreement between the State of California and the Veterans Administration will result in a dramatic increase in benefits for the Yellow Ribbon program, which helps veterans afford tuition and fee costs at colleges and universities.

August 21, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted 3-2 to issue a restraining order temporarily halting SDG&E from shutting off power to thousands of East County residents.

2 CONFLICTING RECOMMENDATIONS MADE TO CPUC 

 by Miriam Raftery

August 10, 2009 (El Cajon) The historic Mother Goose Parade is in jeopardy of going dark this year--unless organizers can plump up their nest egg fast.

August 6, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)1:45 p.m. – Two brush fires in Lakeside and Poway have been quickly contained.

By Miriam Raftery

July 30, 2009 (Sacramento)—Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently told the New York Times that he felt “perfectly fine” and said that no matter what happens with California’s budget crisis, he would still " sit down in my Jacuzzi tonight” and “lay back with a stogie.”

PLAN INCLUDES DEEP CUTS IN EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE PROGRAMS, ELIMINATION OF SOME AGENCIES & SALE OF PROPERTIES; MOST STATE PARKS SPARED CLOSURE

By Miriam Raftery
 

By Miriam Raftery

July 20, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm and flash flood warning for most of San Diego County including inland valleys, mountains, deserts and coastal areas. Orange, Riverside and San Bernadino Counties are also affected.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CAL-FIRE Battalion Chief Nick Schuler

July 17, 2009 (Pine Valley) – A car plunged off eastbound I-8 one mile west of the Pine Valley bridge, rolling 200 feet over the side late this afternoon.  The accident trapped inside the four-door, champagne-colored vehicle.  

July 17, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Over a thousand letters poured into the office of Assemblyman Joel Anderson in just three days. The letters came from concerned citizens, mostly in the Borrego Springs community, in response to a state budget proposal that would close almost all state parks, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, as a cost-saving measure.