NELVIN C. CEPEDA / Union-Tribune Rosarito Beach Police Chief Jorge Montero arrived in Tijuana and was escorted to a meeting amid heightened security.

TIJUANA – The battle against organized crime brought Mexico's top federal law enforcement officials to Baja California yesterday, vowing new strategies and intensified efforts against kidnapping rings that have plagued the state in recent months. The presence of five members of President Felipe Calderón's Cabinet – the attorney general and the secretaries of defense, public safety, navy and interior – was seen as a critical show of support for state and local authorities struggling to gain control over criminal groups operating in Baja California.

The San Diego Minutemen asked a federal judge yesterday to allow the group to reclaim a piece of Interstate 5 as its assigned spot in Caltrans' Adopt-A-Highway litter cleanup program and to restore the state road sign with the group's name.

The San Diego Ethics Commission will hold a probable cause hearing July 25 on whether City Attorney Michael Aguirre illegally solicited campaign contributions from city employees.

The county is being hit from all sides as it puts together a proposed $5.15 billion budget for fiscal 2008-09 in a turbulent financial climate. Don Steuer, San Diego County's chief financial officer, said the county is “weathering the storm” as it faces possible state budget cuts, reduced property values and lower-than-expected sales tax revenue.

2008 VOTE: CITY COUNCIL

When Marti Emerald campaigned door to door recently in Allied Gardens for the District 7 City Council seat, many residents recognized her name, if not her face, when she introduced herself.

When 50 San Diego County mothers are feted today at a Mother's Day luncheon, some might wonder why Chuck Warren is among them. It's because his son, Brady, a fifth-grader at Dingeman Elementary in Scripps Ranch, entered him in a “Best Moms” contest – and Chuck was chosen one of 50 finalist honorees.