Karl Rove draws crowd with mixed opinions to La Jolla book-signing

Karl Rove, longtime Bush administration adviser and strategist, signed his new book Wednesday night at Warwick’s as protestors outside quietly let passersby and those waiting for signatures know their feelings.

Rove served as deputy chief of staff and campaign strategist for George Bush and now is a Fox News commentator. His book is called “Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight.”

Del Mar school board votes to release Superintendent McClain

Staff Report

After hearing nearly an hour and a half of public comments — mostly from angry parents — and nearly two hours in closed session, the Del Mar Union School District Board of Trustees voted to release Superintendent Sharon McClain from her contract.

The board voted 3-1, with Steven McDowell abstaining, for the motion to let the superintendent go. Board President Comischell Rodriguez cast the lone “no” vote.

Staff members from Grand Del Mar help restore Los Peñasquitos Preserve

For the second year in a row, The Grand Del Mar staff members gave a little something back to the canyon they call home. On a sunny March 24 afternoon, 23 employees ventured down into the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve to complete a restoration project, planting 250 native species.

For many, it was their first time visiting the canyon that provides their resort with its spectacular setting and views.

No action on losing-bettor proposal

CHRB asks for more information

A proposal to create a lottery for losing horseracing bets was heard by the California Horseracing Board, with no endorsement or reportable action.

The idea, generated by longtime trainer Darrell Vienna, is part of an effort to increase attendance by casual racing fans. In essence, a lottery between all losing bettors would be held at the end of each racing week, with the requirement being an entrant has to be present to win the prize. The more dollars lost, the more entries one gets in the pool.

Storm due in on Wednesday night

A Pacific Storm was expected to bring rain, snow and possibly thunderstorms to San Diego County Wednesday.

The National Weather Service said the wet weather would mainly occur into the night through Thursday, and rainfall amounts would be between a quarter and a half-inch from the mountains to the coast and less than a quarter of an inch in the deserts.

Assemblyman, King family air call for changes in sex offender laws at forum

A community forum seeking support in the campaign for stricter sex offender legislation and explanations in dealing with offenders was held Tuesday night in 4S Ranch.

Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, R-San Diego, and the King family want to enact “Chelsea’s Law,” which would mandate stricter sentencing for violent sex offenders and more intensive monitoring of those who are released from prison.

Government offices closed for Cesar Chavez Day

State, county and city offices are closed today in honor of Cesar Chavez Day. The holiday honors the late co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association.

Suspected smugglers’ boat washes ashore at Torrey Pines

A boat believed to have been used to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States washed ashore in Torrey Pines early Wednesday, authorities said.

The boat washed ashore at the state beach around midnight, according to San Diego Lifeguard Services.

‘War Machine’ jailed after bar fight

A mixed martial arts fighter who appeared on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter was in custody Wednesday in San Diego following an altercation at a Pacific Beach bar, police said.

Twenty-eight-year-old “War Machine” — formerly known as Jon Koppenhaver — was arrested late Tuesday night on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to San Diego police Sgt. Ray Battrick. Police did not immediately make clear if the alleged weapon was the man’s fists or an object.

San Diego fighting to keep Comic-Con

Organizers of Comic-Con were taking longer than expected to decide where to hold the huge and lucrative gathering when its contract with the San Diego runs out in two years, the show’s spokesman said
Tuesday.

Both Anaheim and Los Angeles have made proposals to lure Comic-Con
beginning in 2013, while San Diego submitted a three-year proposal to keep it where it started 40 years ago.