SAN DIEGO

State says power lines caused Witch fire

California's state fire agency said Friday that sparking power lines ignited the largest of the wildfires that ravaged Southern California last month, another potential setback for San Diego's dominant utility.

The Witch fire, which blew into the heart of north San Diego from chaparral-covered canyons to the east, killed two people, burned nearly 200,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 homes. Along the way, it merged with the smaller Guejito fire, which was also caused by power line sparks, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The Witch and Guejito fires are in the service area of San Diego Gas & Electric Co., which serves 3.4 million customers in San Diego and Orange counties.

Two families who lost homes in the Witch and Rice Canyon fires have filed suit in state court against SDG&E, saying the utility failed to clear brush around its power poles and did not insulate power lines to prevent them from sparking. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action certification.

SANTA ANA

Injunction approved for two rival gangs

An Orange County Superior Court judge approved a preliminary injunction Friday against more than 220 alleged members of two rival gangs, including one in the historic mission town of San Juan Capistrano.

The injunctions, approved by Judge DanielJ. Didier, mean that alleged members of the Varrio Viejo and Varrio Chico gangs will be arrested if they are seen associating with one another, wearing gang clothing or making gang handsigns.

The Varrio Viejo gang restrictions apply to a 1.5-square-mile area in San Juan Capistrano and Mission Viejo; Varrio Chico restrictions apply to a 2.2-square-mile area in San Clemente.

LOS ANGELES

Suit against Mexican cardinal dismissed

A judge dismissed a lawsuit Friday that accused Mexico City Cardinal Norberto Rivera of conspiring with Roman Catholic officials in the United States to shelter an accused pedophile priest.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ralph Dau issued his ruling at a brief hearing, said Steve Selsberg, a U.S.-based attorney for Rivera.

It marked the second time a Los Angeles judge has dismissed a civil suit filed against the Mexican cardinal by a Mexican citizen.

"We think justice was served," said Selsberg. "The case had no business being filed in state court in Los Angeles."

Santa cruz

Dozens sickened after staying at hotel

Santa Cruz County health officials are warning about 1,000 recent hotel patrons that they were exposed to an intestinal virus that has already sickened dozens of people.

The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency is not naming the hotel where the exposure occurred over the last week. The affected customers attended a variety of events there, and those who fell sick experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the agency said Friday.

SANTA BARBARA

No damage reported after small quake

A magnitude 3.4 earthquake shook portions of the Central Coast on Friday.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the 6:45 p.m. quake was centered about three miles southeast of downtown Santa Barbara.

A Santa Barbara police spokesman said there were no reports of damages or injuries.

— From wire reports