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.

Veterans, service members and families marked the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, with a ceremony at the museum Thursday.

A brush fire blackened scores of open acres in the area of Barnett Ranch County Preserve.

The lawsuit comes days after Fletcher announced he is taking a medical leave due to trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse.