The hiring of the National Institute of Ethics comes in the wake of four sex-related accusations involving teachers and students during the past 18 months.

The governing board approved the contract yesterday and the consultant will begin work next month.

The latest incident became public last week when La Mesa police said they are recommending misdemeanor child-molestation charges be filed against Jeff Wenham, 46, of La Mesa. Wenham, who had been the school's student body adviser and business teacher, resigned June 13.

Wenham has not been arrested or charged with any crime. The District Attorney's Office has yet to receive the complaint for review, a spokesman said.– L.S.

Reforming health care remains governor's goal

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO: Speaking before a friendly audience in downtown San Diego yesterday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vowed to continue his push for health care reform during the final 2½ years of his tenure.

He told more than 1,000 people gathered for the Catholic Health Association's national convention that he will do whatever is needed to pass legislation to extend health insurance coverage to most Californians.

“Even if it takes praying 20 rosaries, every day I will be on my knees praying the 20 rosaries. . . . We are going to get the job done,” he said, drawing laughs and applause from the crowd.

The governor's initial proposal for health care reform died in the Legislature in January. Yesterday, Schwarzenegger did not give details about what he might pitch in the coming months.– K.D.

Temporary traffic circle to be put up in Coronado

CORONADO: The City Council has agreed to set up a temporary traffic circle at Adella Avenue and Seventh Street where they cross at Pomona Avenue to see if it helps make the skewed four-legged intersection safer.

Based on the results of an undetermined review period by city engineers, council members will then decide whether the city should spend up to $1 million on a permanent roundabout.

After nearly a dozen residents spoke in favor of a roundabout, including one who presented a petition with the signatures of 100 residents favoring that option, the council voted last week to install long plastic tubes to outline the path then monitor traffic.

Traffic circles often are placed in the middle of large or oddly-shaped intersections to force vehicles to slow down to drive around them. They usually have a landscaped center.

A recent study, accepted by the city last week, analyzed the intersection and recommended six options, the roundabout being the most popular with residents. Locals say the intersection is dangerous for pedestrians, especially children.–J.Z.

Some Escondido blocks closed for Toyota ad shoot

ESCONDIDO: A few blocks of downtown Escondido were opened to only some select cars yesterday morning.

Grand Avenue between Maple and Juniper streets was closed during a commercial shoot for Toyota's 2009 models, said Robin Bettin, the city's assistant director of community services.

The three blocks were shut down from 5 a.m. to a little after 11 a.m. while Carson-based Damon Live Action, a production company, shot the ad, Escondido police Lt. David Mankin said.

Workers on the shoot refused to answer questions about the ad.

The commercial entertained some employees downtown, but it was a nuisance for others. Arcade Barber Shop owner Art Provencio said it kept customers away all morning.

Debra Rosen, CEO of the Downtown Business Association of Escondido, said it was an opportunity to showcase downtown. –A.L.

Dumanis will be speaker at San Ysidro breakfast

SAN YSIDRO: District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis will be the featured guest speaker at the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce June membership breakfast at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Early registration is $10. Cost at the door is $15. The breakfast will be at the Hometown Buffet, 930 Dennery Road in Otay Mesa.

To RSVP, call Antonio Quiroga at (619) 428-1281.–J.Z.

Technologies inspired by nature topic of speech

BALBOA PARK: A free lecture, “Learning From Nature's Best Technologies: An Introduction to Biomimicry,” will be held tonight at the San Diego Zoo.

Dayna Baumeister, co-founder of The Biomimicry Guild based in Montana, will demonstrate technological and commercial designs inspired by nature. The lecture will provide real-life examples of how biodiversity has changed the way things are designed.

The lecture is from 6 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP by sending name, affiliation and number of attendees to kbade@sandiegozoo.org. For more information, visit zooconservation.org. –H.G.

Staff writers Leonel Sanchez, Keith Darcé, Janine Zúñiga, Angela Lau and Helen Gao contributed to this report.