SANTA BARBARA FIRE UPDATE: Investigators have traced the blaze’s beginning to power tools used to clear vegetation along the Jesusita Trail in the foothills above the city. As of today, 70% containment has been reached, and thousands returned to their homes after mass evacuations. I again express my gratitude to the courageous firefighters who risked life and limb amidst swirling winds to quench this devastating display from Mother Nature.

A Palmdale sheriff’s deputy investigating a burglary wounded a 15-year-old boy last night. According to reports, the boy, equipped with a black squirt gun, was playing cops and robbers with friends and was shot when he refused to lower it after twice receiving a warning. The boy is expected to fully recover. A thought: how many 15-year-olds do you know who still play “cops and robbers” with squirt guns?