City News Service

Starting Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol will intensify its policing of San Diego-area freeways and rural roads as part of its annual effort to nab intoxicated motorists and crack down on other types of dangerous driving over the long Fourth of July holiday period.

City government offices in San Diego will be closed for Independence Day Thursday and most services will be unavailable, although police and emergency crews will still be on duty.

Firefighters gained ground on the 1,362-acre wildfire in southeast San Diego County, now 50% contained, after it sparked from a car crash near Jacumba Hot Springs.

On Sunday, the county said the Coronado beach area was closed due to excessive bacteria levels. Late Monday afternoon, DEHQ officials said that samples met state health standards.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect until at least 8 p.m. Friday, with dangerously hot conditions and highs between 110 and 118 degrees in the desert.

The blaze erupted about 3:30 p.m. Monday on the westbound side of the freeway, near McCain Valley Road in Jacumba, according to Cal Fire.

Hundreds of people lined the street Monday at an Allied Gardens gas station waiting to get free gas.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning urging people to be prepared for dangerous road conditions on passes and mountain roads.

Mayor Todd Gloria and City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera Wednesday announced an update to San Diego's climate action initiative.