LJ Sunrise Rotary to host Litchfield Swim, paddle The 18th annual La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Litchfield Swim and (second annual) Paddlefest will be held Saturday morning, Aug. 22. The swim and paddlefest benefits San Pasqual Academy, the nation’s only residential school for foster teens. Named after longtime La Jolla resident and swimmer Bob Litchfield, the race will once again be based at La Jolla Shores. Unlike prior years, though, participants will meet at La Jolla Shores’ Kellogg Park, where they will sign in and be transported to La Jolla Cove.  Once they’ve completed their event, participants will be treated to a nutritious hot breakfast. Shortly thereafter winners will be announced and trophies awarded. All entrants will receive T-shirts, swim caps and wristbands. In addition, local merchants have donated several items for swimmers and paddlers that will be awarded through a random drawing. Other items will be offered to attendees in a silent auction to be held adjacent to the finish line the day of the event. Cost to participants is $50 for those who have pre-registered or $55 for those who register the day of the event. All entry fees and donations are tax deductible.  For further information or entry forms, contact Rotarian Lauren Pickard, (619) 322-7686. Officials told to close flu-affected schools School officials must close campuses when flu-related absentee levels reach 30 percent, according to the county’s public health administrator. Dr. Wilma Wooten said that, while she recognizes the inconvenience school closures cause, the public safety impact is the priority consideration. She added that the precaution is prudent amid a threat of a flu outbreak this fall. Last spring, the county conformed to the national strategy for containing the flu outbreak – shutting down for two weeks schools with probable or confirmed cases of swine flu. In a recent meeting on preparations and reactions to a possible flu outbreak this fall, Wooten also asked school officials to consider giving the county authority to administer vaccinations from the federal government at more than 700 local public schools this fall. Campuses would then face the task of securing permission from the parents of nearly 500,000 students. County schools Superintendent Randy Ward was scheduled to hold a meeting with superintendents to discuss whether to undertake an on-campus vaccination campaign. Midnight Madness Fun Bicycle Ride set Aug. 15 Registration continues for the 36th annual Midnight Madness Fun Bicycle Ride that takes place Friday, Aug. 15. More than 1,600 bicyclists will line up at midnight for the family-friendly ride. The primarily flat 20-mile route starts at the county administration building and winds through Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Old Town and downtown San Diego. Riders can join this bicycling tradition for $30 pre-registration or $35 the night of the event. For information or to register, visit www.active.com or www.san diegomidnightmadness.org.