Report Shows County Crime Rates Reach 30-Year Low

1. The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors voted Thursday to immediately end its 8 percent cutback in deliveries to its two dozen member water agencies, citing improved supply conditions from the winter rains.

"Thanks to a very wet year and outstanding water-saving efforts by our region's residents, businesses and agricultural community, we can put our drought response tools back in the toolbox -- for now,'' said board Chairman Michael Hogan. "But we cannot forget that ensuring a safe and reliable water supply is a long-term challenge here in semi-arid Southern California.''

2. Crime rates in San Diego County, including for murder, reached 30-year lows in 2010, according to a study released Thursday. The report from the San Diego Association of Governments showed the rate for violent crimes was 3.61 per 1,000 residents last year, down from 4.01 the year before. Violent crimes include murders, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults.

3. The University of San Diego Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate's Index of Leading Economic Indicators for San Diego County, released Thursday, rose in March for the fifth consecutive month. The 1 percent increase was led by an improved employment picture and local consumer confidence, said Professor Alan Gin, who compiles the monthly reports.