By Dianne Jacob

Ratepayer rip-off: In the latest outrage from SDG&E, the utility giant wants to stick customers with the cost of wildfires it caused. SDG&E recently said it will seek state approval to bill ratepayers about $367 million for expenses tied to the region’s catastrophic 2007 wildfires.

This is an outrageous proposal. It must be especially offensive to those who lost their homes and even loved ones in the firestorms and are now being asked to help pay for SDG&E’s mistakes. State regulators need to just say no!

Fire protection: The Board of Supervisors is asking the Obama administration to overturn a U.S. Forest Service decision to not operate its newest air tankers out of Ramona Air Attack Base. The Forest Service claims the Ramona base is unable to safely handle the tankers, but Cal Fire tested the same type of aircraft in Ramona recently and reported no problems.

We need to make it loud and clear to the federal government that these tankers could save lives and protect property come the next major wildfire. We’re going into the most dangerous stretch of the year and it’s critical we have the latest and best tools available to protect our region.

Helping families: We’re making real progress in our efforts to help families deal with Alzheimer’s disease, the region’s third-leading cause of death.

A group of local institutions, led by SDSU and the county, was recently awarded a $2.5 million federal grant to train geriatric workers, doctors and others who work with those with dementia. The effort grows out of the work of The Alzheimer’s Project, the county-led initiative to find a cure and help those with Alzheimer’s, along with their caregivers.

For more District 2 news, go to www.diannejacob.com or follow me on Facebook and Twitter. If I can assist with a county issue, please call my office at 619-531-5522 or email [email protected].

—Dianne Jacob represents La Mesa and the rest of District 2 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.