Deaths in California from influenza virus rose to 318 people under 65 years from the beginning of the year to last week, according to the California Department of Public Health. Six of these deaths were children. Another 26 deaths are still under investigation. The 12 deaths last week were the fewest flu-related deaths since the…

Last week, the Riverside County District Attorney’s office announced the launch of its new, revamped website at www.rivcoda.org. The re-design has been in the works for more than a year. “A website can be one of the best ways for this office to communicate with the public,” said District Attorney Paul Zellerbach in a press…

Randy Voepel, longtime Santee mayor and insurance underwriter and broker, is analytical by nature. “I call myself a manly nerd,” he said. “I like analysis and problem solving. As mayor of Santee, I’ve worked hard to implement a conservative, limited-government vision for Santee.” Voepel has been mayor of Santee, a San Diego suburb of just…

After more than 66,000 annual parcel inspections, the Riverside County Fire Department Hazard Reduction Office has issued about 9,500 Notices of Violation and Order to Abate to vacant-parcel owners within recurring targeted unincorporated areas in Riverside County. Supported by Riverside County Ordinance 695.4, those parcel owners that received a NOV are required to clear their…

The 2012 race for the 36th Congressional District is heating up. At least, the candidates — Rep. Mary Bono Mack and her Democratic challenger, Dr. Raul Ruiz — were beneficial recipients of donors’ largesse during the fourth quarter of 2011. Ruiz raised $100,000 in individual contributions during the latest reporting period. From July 1 through…

Riverside County received a $100 million grant to expand its jail system, only one of three California counties to receive the maximum grant from the California Corrections Standards Authority. The grant will be used for construction, not staffing, and requires the county to come up with a 10 percent or $10 million match in cash…