NELVIN C. CEPEDA / Union-Tribune Dennis Burton of The Scripps Research Institute will serve as the scientific director of the five-year, 60-member project.

LA JOLLA – A $30 million grant announced yesterday enables The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla to create the world's only center dedicated to the “neutralizing antibody” approach, a promising way to develop an AIDS vaccine. The five-year, 60-member project is funded by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, a large philanthropy in New York.

Supporters of the state agency in charge of protecting the San Diego River are enjoying a new lease on life and projecting big things over the next decade. The San Diego River Conservancy's charter was extended to 2020 by legislation from state Sen. Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill over the weekend.

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Jerry Sanders has been the largest recipient of campaign funds from City Hall lobbyists – people who paid more than $245,000 so far this year to influence elected leaders and high-ranking officials.

TIJUANA – Authorities are investigating the deaths of two men whose bodies were found near a Tijuana water-utility tank early yesterday and whether human remains may be inside three barrels found outside a restaurant.

Repairs started Monday on a rough railroad track crossing in National City that has long rattled motorists' teeth and nerves. As Just Fix It first wrote in February, the tracks on Bay Marina Drive near Marina Way belong to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.