Monday, July 29, 2013

Filner Feeling the Heat

And not because of the fires:

"San Diego mayor to get counseling" Associated Press, July 27, 2013

SAN DIEGO — Declaring he ‘‘must become a better person,’’ Mayor Bob Filner announced Friday he will undergo two weeks of counseling after a series of women came forward and said the former Democratic congressman made unwanted sexual advances that included touching, kissing, and offensive comments.

‘‘Words alone are not enough,’’ Filner said at a nationally televised news conference. “I am responsible for my conduct and I must take responsibility for my conduct so that such conduct does not ever happen again.’’

Filner said he will receive twice-a-day briefings about city operations while taking part in two weeks of what he described as ‘‘intensive therapy’’ beginning Aug. 5.

Filner is 70 and divorced.

The sexual harassment allegations resulted in widespread calls for him to resign, plunging the nation’s eighth-largest city into political turmoil. He is less than eight months into a four-year term.

Filner is San Diego’s first Democratic mayor in 20 years.

US Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, on Friday joined those calling for Filner to step down.

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Did you know Filner was Jewish?

Related: Democrats Defend Filner 

That's why they are so disappointing.

"Thousands flee wildfire in Calif." Associated Press, July 19, 2013

IDYLLWILD, Calif. — More than 6,000 residents and tourists were told to evacuate the mountain community of Idyllwild about 100 miles from Los Angeles as a wildfire grew to more than 35 square miles Thursday, wreathing a ridge about 2 to 3 miles from town, fire officials said....

Fire officials said the blaze was just 15 percent contained and had been growing in an atypical mannernot responding to weather changes between night and day....

Like it has a life of its own.

Authorities said the fire was ‘‘human-caused’’ but would not say whether it was accidental or intentional. There have been no reports of any injuries.

It's called scapegoating.

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"Calif. wildfire prompts more evacuations" Associated Press,  July 20, 2013

IDYLLWILD, Calif. — Residents of another 700 homes were advised to retreat to safety on Friday as crews fighting a wildfire in the mountains above Palm Springs grew increasingly concerned about the possibility of unstable weather and erratic winds....

The blaze in the San Jacinto Mountains has expanded....

A storm front headed toward the region could provide some relief with cooler weather and a chance of rainbut it might make the situation much more volatile, fire spokesman Captain Mike Lindbery said.

Campgrounds, hiking trails, and a 30-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs from the Mexican border to Canada, remained closed.

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Related: Firefighters make gains on Calif. wildfire; evacuations lifted

"Storms bring new wildfire worries to Calif.

IDYLLWILD — The threat of weekend thunderstorms could bring much-needed moisture to a huge wildfire in the Southern California mountains near Palm Springs, but it could also bring wind, lightning, and other volatile conditions that could make a tough fire fight worse. Lower temperatures helped firefighters make progress on the fire’s northern and southern flanks on Saturday. The blaze in the San Jacinto Mountains had expanded to roughly 42 square miles and was 25 percent contained (AP)." 

Globe coverage petered out after that.