City News Service

Despite the hot, dry heat wave currently gripping much of California, San Diego County officials Wednesday cautioned that a hurricane off the coast of Mexico could bring high winds with potentially heavy rain to the county this weekend.

With electricity demand reaching record levels due to a drawn-out heat wave, Southern California and the whole state avoided rolling power blackouts as the manager of the power grid called for maximum conservation efforts by residents.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose Wednesday for the fifth consecutive day.

The California Independent System Operator has now issued an Energy Emergency Alert 3, in effect from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Last year, California ranked first in the nation in pedestrian rail-trespass accidents, according to North County Transit District.

The wildfire that spread to more than 4,400 acres northwest of Tecate, destroyed three houses and injured six people was fully contained authorities said Tuesday, and hundreds of displaced residents have returned to their homes.

There were no reports of any damage or public threats related to the quake.

The plan calls for a permanent center that migrants and asylum seekers can use while they finalize travel arrangements to other parts of the country.

There have been 16 earthquakes reported near El Centro and Imperial since midnight.