North County Times - North San Diego and Southwest Riverside County News - NCTimes.com

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court struck down California's sentencing law Monday, reaffirming limits on judges' discretion and presaging shorter sentences for thousands of state prisoners.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Determined not to budge under pressure, Iran announced new tests of short-range missiles Sunday, and hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed criticism that the country's economy has been hurt by U.N. sanctions imposed for its suspect nuclear program.

PALM DESERT ---- Charley Hoffman is the proverbial overnight sensation who was years in the making. After winning the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic on Sunday with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff against John Rollins, Hoffman bears the distinction of becoming the first player in 21 years to make the Hope his first PGA Tour victory. And he did it in memorable fashion.

NEEDLES, Calif. (AP) -- An Army Ranger who went absent without leave was found alone and uninjured on a mountaintop in the Mojave Desert, authorities said.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Wall Street faces another busy week with a passel of major earnings reports, and investors will also be watching for any surprises that might unfold in Tuesday's State of the Union address.

The 'Firebreakers' award - A rose to the quick-thinking firefighters who saved Chin's Szechwan Restaurant on Thursday afternoon as the biggest structure fire in Escondido history ravaged an under-construction condo complex. The stunningly fast fire consumed a series of unfinished four-story buildings in moments, with flames stretching skyward and smoke sniffing into Escondido homes and offices, including our own. 9 comment(s)

San Diego County is famous for its diverse Southern California landscape. From our world-class observatory on Mount Palomar, to our beaches and lagoons, to the wilderness of the Anza-Borrego State Park, San Diego County is an environmental gem. In fact, this county has more endangered plant and animal species than any other county in the United States. Is it any wonder that we are also home to the only remaining intact Mexican land grant in the state, Rancho Guejito?

Say you're a woman who wants to have fertility treatment but can't afford the $5,000 to $6,000 cost.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) -- An elderly man who wrote in a letter to the editor about Saddam Hussein's execution that "they hanged the wrong man" got a visit from Secret Service agents concerned he was threatening President Bush.

A mound of coins decorates the counter near Marny Fischer's bathroom sink. Strands of knitting wool are taped to the top of a wooden TV tray in her Vista living room. Piles of laundry wait to be folded on the guest bedroom pull-out couch.

If you're like most people, chances are you did some entertaining during the holiday season. Though the decorations are down and the candy, cookies and treats devoured, there are probably telltale signs that have left your home looking a little worse for the wear.