June 24, 2012 (San Diego) -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) this week approved San Diego Gas & Electric's (SDG&E) East County (ECO) Substation Project, a development that involves two electric substations along SDG&E's Southwest Powerlink transmission line.

 Update 10:32 a.m. - The fire is holding at 3 acres and aircraft have been dismissed, according to Cal Fire.

June 24, 2012 (Dulzura) – Cal Fire reports at 9:51 a.m.  that a 2 to 3 acre brush fire is burning  in Dulzura. The fire started near Marron Valley Road in terrain difficult for ground crews to access. Additional air power has been ordered to the scene. 

By Miriam Raftery

June 23, 2012 (La Mesa)—Manual Morales Rodriguez, 28, is under arrest after turning himself into the Chula Police headquarters Friday night. Rodriguez told officers that he was wanted for the murder of Jesse Nader, 26.  Nader, a resident of Spring Valley, was stabbed to death in the 4200 block of Mars Way in Rancho San Diego on June 17.

June 23, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Center Summer Concerts in the Park begin on July 1 with the Marine Corps Band.  The free concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. at Alpine Community Center Park, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine.  Food is available at the concerts.

June 23, 2012 (Alpine) – Viejas Outlets is hosting free movies in the Show Court every Wednesday through August 29.  The movies begin at 8:00 p.m.  It is recommended to arrive early and bring a blanket.

June 23, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police and El Cajon Police with assistance from San Diego Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter are currently involved in a police activity in the Fletcher Parkway/Dallas vicinity.. The public is advised to avoid the area.  Officers are looking for a stolen vehicle, silver Nissan Pickup Plate 8V91560

If you see this vehicle do not approach, contact 911.

Curfew and social host ordinance sweeps to continue this weekend
 

June 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – During the past two nights, the Santee Sheriff’s station conducted a sweep in Santee, Lakeside and unincorporated areas of El Cajon. Deputies arrested 13 juveniles for violating curfew after 10 p.m. They also looked for social host violations (adults providing alcohol to minors) but no social host arrests were made.

June 22, 2012 (Deer Springs) – Cal Fire and San Diego Fire have stopped a two-acre brush fire that started midmorning near Circle R Drive in the Deer Springs area. Cause of the blaze is under investigation. No structures were threatened or lost.

By Miriam Raftery

Sierra Robinson also contributed to this report

June 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – it sounds like a vision out of Utopia. Imagine driving on highways and streets made of glass—12-x12 foot solar panels that produce electricity and ultimately, recharge your solar-powered car as you drive. 

No need for power lines or power plants anymore, since roads and driveways will actually deliver electricity straight to your doorstep.

Sound impossible? Think again.  The Federal Highway Administration issued a contract to Solar Roadways, brainchild of Idaho electrical engineer Scott Brusaw, to build the first ever solar Road Panel prototype in 2009. In 2011, a contract to build a solar parking lot was issued--with completion due this September

But a solar roadway can do much more than produce power--and the potential is enlightening.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

East County Magazine “In - House Fire Chief”

June 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--Don't assume that someone else has already called. Describe the location of the fire, speak slowly and clearly, and answer any questions asked by the dispatcher.

Here are additional tips to take to protect your home and your family: 

117-mile, 500,000-volt transmission line improves electricity reliability, but increases concerns over fire safety for region

 June 21, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)  announced June 18 that it had completed and put into service Sunrise Powerlink, a 500,000-volt transmission line linking San Diego to Imperial Valley.  

“Putting the Sunrise Powerlink into service is the final milestone in a complex and challenging energy project that ranks among the largest and most significant in the history of San Diego Gas & Electric,” said Jessie J. Knight, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of SDG&E.

By Serena Scaglione 

June 20, 2012 (Ramona)—There are more than 60 wineries and vineyards (and counting!) within the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association. What better way to showcase Ramona—which was designated as an American Viticulture Area in 2006—as an up and coming wine region than through a new magazine designed to educate readers about award-winning wines and the people behind the process?  

June 21, 2012 (La Mesa) – Biz Center Art, the gallery in residence at the La Mesa Biz Center, 7317 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa, is holding an opening reception for Nowhere on June 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The reception will feature the artists and their art.  “Nowhere” is a small image show featuring works of art no larger than 12” x 14” and costing no more than $100.

June 21, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey is serving up some summer specials Gingham restaurant in La Mesa.  Dubbed the first “urban cowboy diner”, Gingham features weekly themed events and specials, fun for couples, friends and families including movies and dining deals. Also, in conjunction with the La Mesa Car Show, Gingham will be offering some to-go food that will be cooked on the grill out back, perfect for anyone who wants to grab a quick lunch and go back to the festivities.

• White House threatens veto on GOP energy bill (The Hill)
• U.S. trafficking report reports ‘modern slavery’ toll (BBC)
• Biotech leader covered up animal deaths from GM corn (RSN)
• Could the Supreme Court’s healthcare ruling kill patient safety reforms? (Pro Publica)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership:  leaked  trade document reveals corporate interests favored over public interest (OB Rag) 

• Ousted Egyptian leader Mubarak close to death (BBC)
• Japanese authorities sat on data showing radiation spread (Reuters)