Photo via Wikimedia Commons Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad was among five California educational institutions named Friday as U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School honorees. The recognition honors schools or districts “for conserving resources while promoting health and environmental literacy.” Five honorees were chosen in California, ranking among 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions and one early learning center across the country. “This year’s U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools are leading school transformation in states that will help ensur ..read more

An Alaska Airlines jet on the tarmac. Courtesy of the company Alaska Airlines is expanding service from San Diego to Las Vegas, along with new routes and additional capacity at other West Coast destinations. The Las Vegas route will become the airline’s 39th nonstop destination from San Diego and depart four times daily. Booking is open now with service beginning Oct. 1. Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority said the new nonstop route to Las Vegas gives both Southern Californians and Nevadans “easy access” to shuttle between t ..read more

A firefighting boat sprays water on the burning restaurant building on the Oceanside Pier. Gilberto Gonzalez/SoCal News Outlet Firefighters Friday continued dousing smoldering hot spots on the fire-ravaged Oceanside Pier, a day after flames engulfed the western end of the historic seafront landmark in the northwestern corner of San Diego County. Late Friday morning, city officials announced that firefighters were able to save 90% of the iconic 1,950-foot-long wooden structure, though the blaze gutted several businesses atop  it — the Brine Box seafood restaurant, a bait shop and a sh ..read more

The clubhouse and pool at Junipers, a community for those 55 and over in Rancho Peñasquitos. Photo credit: Courtesy, Lennar Lennar has opened sales for three new home collections within Junipers, a master-planned community for active adults in Rancho Peñasquitos. On-site amenities for homeowners at the 55-and-up gated community include a recreation center with a clubhouse, pool, gathering room, outdoor barbeque areas, fitness room, fire pit and dog park as well as bocce ball and pickleball courts. Junipers also offers a trail system around the community. The new home collections at Junipe ..read more

Bags of fentanyl pills. Courtesy Drug Enforcement Administration  A 63-year-old man who distributed fentanyl that led to the overdose deaths of two people in North Park has been charged by federal prosecutors, it was announced Thursday. Scott Anthony Sargent is accused of providing fentanyl that killed two victims on Nov. 10, 2022, described in court records only as Z.W. and M.L. First responders found the two dead victims inside a bedroom, along with Sargent and another person who also overdosed, but recovered. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the drugs Sargent allegedly bought and distri ..read more

The Trojan statue at the University of Southern California. Courtesy USC Athletics The USC campus remained closed to the general public Friday but classes were continuing as scheduled — two days after nearly 100 people were arrested as police cleared an “occupation” by pro-Palestinian protesters, and one day after the school canceled its upcoming “main stage” commencement amid ongoing security concerns. According to the USC Department of Public Safety, the campus was operating Friday with “controlled access,” with exit and entry available only through the McCarthy, McClintock and Watt Way gate ..read more

The famed Universal Studios Hollywood backlot tram tour took a step back in time Friday as the attraction marks its 60th anniversary, and for a limited time it will include a chance for people to step off the tram and wander onto a movie set and snap photos with some iconic props. “The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood and celebrating its 60-year milestone pays homage to its indelible impact,” Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Studios Hollywood, said in a statement earlier this month announcing plans for the anni ..read more

A DUI checkpoint sign. Photo via @KMPHFOX26 X The Escondido Police Department will be out Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence. “Impaired driving is preventable,” Chief of Police Ed Varso said. “It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taken drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.” The Escondido Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the- counter drugs may interfere with dri ..read more

Photo via Pexels San Diego’s Parks and Recreation department will host a special water safety class for people recovering from brain injuries Friday. The class, designed for those 16 and up who have experienced a brain attack — stroke, brain injury or illness — and caretakers, is scheduled at Swanson Memorial Pool in University City. “Since its inception over 50 years ago, Therapeutic Recreation Services has provided a variety of sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to community members with physical, mental and emotional disabilities,” said Kristi Fenick, district manager of Ther ..read more

Rep. Sara Jacobs speaks on the House floor this week. Screenshot from video Two-term San Diego Rep. Sara Jacobs has been attacked by some members of the local Jewish community for supposedly not being sufficiently pro-Israel. The criticism is unfair — and at odds with Jewish principles. She’s been criticized for calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for opposing an Israeli invasion of Rafa. But her remarks last Saturday — after voting for $26 billion in military aid to Israel and humanitarian assistance to Gaza — were the last straw for some. “While I’m deeply concerned about further ..read more