San Diego officials upbeat

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San Diego:

At a late-afternoon press conference, local officials were upbeat. The shift in wind, additional firefighters, and more air tankers have blunted the fires’ growth and are smothering it, slowly but relentlessly.

‘Today I can finally say: It’s a good afternoon,’ said county Sheriff Bill Kolender.

Supervisor Ron Roberts, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, had what he called several key pieces of good news:

• A major electrical transmission line has been repaired.
• Evacuation orders are being lifted for a growing number of communities.
• ‘One-stop’ centers are being opened for burned-out residents to meet with city, county, state and federal officials to seek assistance, along with insurance company representatives and charitable groups.

One of the first centers is in Rancho Bernardo, one of the hardest-hit communities, with the loss of nearly 300 homes. The center will be open seven days a week.

‘The vast majority of San Diego is open for repopulation,’ said Mayor Jerry Sanders.

Councilman Brian Mainschein, who represents Rancho Bernardo, predicted a quick rebuilding effort.

‘We will rebuild Rancho Bernardo, and we will do it in a way that makes the city and the entire region proud,’ he said.

Rick Hutchinson, assistant fire commander, said that the fires were no longer devouring acreage. ‘We are actively pursuing the fire,’ he said.

-- Tony Perry