CAL-FIRE SUSPENDS BURNING PERMITS & OPEN FIRES
Printer-friendly version OFFICIALCITE FIRE DANGER, DEPLOYMENT OF LOCAL FIREFIGHTING RESOURCES TO BATTLE BLAZES ELSEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA August 27, 2009 (San Diego County) – No roasting marshmallows in your backyard BBQ pit–for now. Mike Bratton, division chief of CAL-FIRE’s San Diego union, yesterday issued orders to suspend burning permits and other uses of open fire in all areas within San Diego and Imperial Counties for which Cal-Fire is responsible. Incorporated cities are exempted from the order. The order was issued “due to the extreme menace of destruction by fire to life, improved property, or natural resources caused by critical fire weather and acute dryness of vegetation,” Bratton’s proclamation states. In addition, he noted, local fire suppression forces are heavily committed to control fires in other regions currently. Use of campfires is restricted to established campfire facilities in campgrounds open to the public. State rangers or other authorized agents of the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection may issue restricted temporary burning permits if it can be shown that burning or use of open fire is essential for reasons of public health, safety or welfare. The order takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Printer-friendly version
CA VETERANS TO GET FULL GI BENEFIT
Printer-friendly version Agreement between State of California and VA Will Result in Dramatic Increase in Benefits for Yellow Ribbon Program August 27, 2009 (Washington, D.C.) – A recent agreement between the State of California and the Veterans Administration will result in a dramatic increase in benefits for the Yellow Ribbon program, which helps veterans afford tuition and fee costs at colleges and universities. “The new G.I. Bill provides tuition to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars based on the cost of the most expensive four year public university in the state,” announced Cogressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. “ In California, public schools traditionally do not charge tuition, but have relatively high fees. As a result, veterans attending private school in California would receive much less of a basic tuition benefit, he noted. “I am pleased that leaders in California were able to determine a better way to define tuition and that VA is able to consider this new interpretation for the purposes of calculating the state’s maximum payments,” Filner said. “Now the maximum basic benefit VA can pay in California will increase and provide California veterans with the same opportunities to attend private schools as veterans in other states. This agreement will go into effect immediately, allowing Fall 2009 student veterans to receive this benefit increase.” He added, “Returning veterans have shown their commitment to our country by their service and it is important to provide to our most dedicated citizens an opportunity to receive the education and training they missed while serving in the military. I am confident that the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill will help make our veterans part of the economic recovery, much like the veterans of World War II. ” Printer-friendly version