Fire dept. says arson cause of Mt. Soledad fire Three Mount Soledad residents awoke early Sunday morning to flames inside a two-story home adjacent to Kate Sessions Park, sending one of the three residents to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, said San Diego Fire Rescue Department (SDFRD) officials. At about 2:30 a.m. Oct. 26, officials at SDFRD sent four engines, one truck and two battalion chiefs to battle the fire engulfing a two-story home at 2181 Harbour Heights Road, said a SDFRD dispatcher. According to Lee Swanson, public information officer with the SDFRD, a hot spot reignited the fire, and firefighters were called a second time to extinguish flames on the roof. Swanson said investigators are treating the case as arson. It was reported that fire investigators believe the fire was started with an accelerant. The fire caused about $800,000 damage to the structure and about $75,000 in property loss. Friends throw fundraiser for student’s medical bills The friends and family of 11-year-old Kate Sessions Elementary student Matt Contreras are getting together for a fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 1, to help pay for Matt’s medical needs to treat a malignant brain tumor. Matt was diagnosed with the tumor in August and his family expects he’ll require at least a year of radiation and chemotherapy treatment. The event will feature food, a yard sale, raffle, silent auction, a bake sale, a live band and kid-friendly entertainment. Organizers are also seeking donations for the raffle and auction. San Diego County Credit Union has also set up a special account for donations. Please make checks out to Matthew Contreras and write “3200” in the memo field to identify Matt’s account. Donations can also be made for Matt’s treatment. The fundraiser will be held at the Linda Vista Recreation Center, 1532 Acheson St. from noon to 6 p.m. Parking and a free shuttle will be available at the San Diego County Board of Education, 6401 Linda Vista Road. For information call (858) 571-3709 or email [email protected]. Mission Bay Park Committee postpones Nov. meeting The Mission Bay Park Committee (MBPC) announced it will not hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting in November because of Election Day Thursday, Nov. 4, and the Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The next MBPC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. The location will be announced.