That sinking feeling SEAN M. HAFFEY / Union-Tribune Chargers defensive end Igor Olshansky trudged off Pittsburgh's Heinz Field after yesterday's loss to the Steelers. Click for larger image

What's Inside Photo: That sinking feeling Tough climb for Ann Curry Conservative magazine left to pick up the pieces after losses This day in history Most e-mailed U-T stories If automaker fails, broad impact likely Supplies for U.S. troops begin moving though pass University presidents' salaries up last year More News

CHULA VISTA – During the first half of the decade, when home prices were soaring, the Rev. Carl Dreves watched in amazement as new neighborhoods took shape in sprawling Otay Ranch.

DIAMOND BAR – More residents of Southern California were urged to leave their homes yesterday despite calming winds that allowed a major aerial attack on wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and blanketed the region in smoke.

Now that taxpayers have received rebates, banks have gotten bailouts and the auto industry is lobbying for help, unemployed construction workers are hoping Uncle Sam dusts off an old standby to boost jobs and the economy – public works.

SACRAMENTO – Will the world's economic meltdown stall initiatives to curb global warming? World leaders in the campaign to address climate change will confront that question as they gather in Beverly Hills tomorrow and Wednesday to shape policies aimed at responding to the mounting threats to food production, public health and the environment.

• State air board to consider new rules on emissions

BAGHDAD – Iraq's Cabinet overwhelmingly approved a security pact with the United States yesterday, ending prolonged negotiations to allow U.S. forces to remain for three more years in the country they first occupied in 2003.