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Fire at Chicago's Hancock Building

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Five people were injured, including a Chicago Police officer, in a two-alarm fire Saturday afternoon at Chicago's iconic John Hancock Building.

The fire broke out at approximately 2:30 p.m. inside an apartment bedroom on the 50th floor of the high-rise building, Chicago Fire Department officials said. Investigators have not determined what caused the fire, but said it was accidental.

Fire officials said the flames gutted the apartment, and the residents on the 50th floor would be displaced.

The five people who were hurt all suffered minor injuries, according to officials. Two people were listed in good condition, and three were listed as stable.

Investigators say the apartment where the fire broke out was occupied by one person. That individual was able to get out safely. 

At least six ambulances were called to the scene, and police closed traffic on North Michigan Avenue.

Video of the scene showed flames and smoke shooting from the side of the building.

The Hancock Building's security staff said the building wasn't immediately being evacuated, but they moved people away from the affected floors. Fire officials asked occupants to remain in their units but indicated that many residents chose to leave the building. 

Chicago Fire officials said the fire was officially struck out by 4:00 p.m.


El Nino Preps: What's a Wattle?

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As San Diego prepares for a forecasted, powerful El Nino, some local homeowners are protecting their properties with different means, including tools known as “wattles.”

A wattle is a long, lightweight, tubular product made by weaving thin branches or natural fibers such as straw between stakes to form a woven lattice. Wattles absorb excess water and filter out sediment, which helps to prevent runoff on hillsides. They help with drainage and pollution and are often used at construction sites by transportation crews. They’re also sometimes used after a wildfire.

Lakeside resident Bob Robeson uses wattles to prevent erosion when it rains. His house sits on a hillside, so for him, the tool is quite valuable.

“When I bought this house 30 years ago I knew I had a problem. The first big rain we had, the water would come up here and go straight down into the back of my house, and into my patio," he said.

Robeson solved his landscaping problem by building walkways and putting in wattles.

“They're very easy to deal with. You just flop them down, kick them around a little bit and there you go. It's in place,” Roberson explained. “If you've got a real steep bank, you can put a stake in them, a wooden stake, and that'll hold it from a big gush of water that would wash it out of place.”

During wildfire season, Robeson clears away the brush on his property to create defensible space, so he's left with a lot of dirt heading into the rainy season.

“The bad thing is I don't have the grass here anymore until another month when it grows back, then I'll have the erosion control with my natural grass,” said Robeson.

Robeson even builds wattles right onto his landscape.

“They're easy to move around, being only 25 feet long. You just pick it up, drag it around and point it where you want. Two people can drag it up a little slope,” he added. “Sandbags are more difficult because you have to get the bags and the sand, and somehow get it through."

Robeson isn’t the only person with wattles on deck.

At Alpine Rock and Block in El Cajon, demand for wattles has increased with the expected El Nino conditions forecasted for our region.

A 25-foot wattle that's 9-inches in diameter sells for $29. Lately, they have been selling left and right.

“We're getting a lot more people asking about it. It's something that sat on the shelf, dust on it, for the longest time,” Tim Ostrom, an Alpine Rock and Block employee, told NBC 7.

Wattles usually last between three to five years and can be used on any slope that's in jeopardy of erosion. Landscapers say if erosion gets close to your home, it can undermine the foundation.

Because wattles contain sediment, they will also save you a lot of time on cleanup after a storm – perfect tools to combat El Nino.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

New Orleans Medical Student Shot While Trying to Stop Attack

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 New Orleans police are searching for a man who was caught on video shooting a medical student who was trying to stop the suspect from allegedly attacking a woman.

Surveillance video released by the New Orleans Police Department shows a hooded man dragging a staggering woman around 4:30 a.m. Friday. Moments later, a car stops and another man, identified as Peter Gold, 25, gets out while appearing to make a call on his cellphone.

"The victim drove up and attempted to assist the woman at which point the suspect pointed a gun at him and demanded money," New Orleans Police said in a statement.

"The victim explained to the suspect repeatedly that he did not have any cash. The suspect became enraged and shot the victim once in the stomach," the statement said.



Photo Credit: Family of Peter Gold
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12 Musicians With San Diego Ties

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Let's face it: San Diego rules. We don't get the America’s Finest City nickname for no reason. Whether you grew up here, transplanted here or simply visited for a minute, few leave without wanting to come back, and those who stay know they have it pretty good. So it’s no surprise that people of all walks of life -- including some pretty big-name musicians -- either soak up the SD sun or did at one time. In fact, while we were digging around, we found a few musical artists that you may not realize share your same love of everything San Diego. Everyone knows about Eddie Vedder and Jewel (we’re reminded pretty much every day), so here are 12 musicians with San Diego ties that may have flown a bit under the proverbial radar. If we forgot anyone, let us know in the comments!

  • Matt Cameron: Vedder may get all the love, but folks don’t realize the guy straddling two grunge powerhouses as the drummer for both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam was born and raised in San Diego -- he went to Bonita Vista High School -- before moving to Seattle in 1983.

  • Eric Clapton: There’s a reason why Clapton’s 2006 collaborative album with J.J. Cale is titled “The Road to Escondido” -- both of 'em lived in North County at one time or another. J.J. Cale’s hometown is Valley Center, while Clapton owned a mansion in Escondido in the '80s and '90s. “Clapton is God”? Nah, he probably just felt like it after eating a Peterson’s donut (dude, check 'em out for real).

  • Ace Frehley: “Spaceman” lives in San Diego! For the past few years, the famed former guitarist (and founding member) of Kiss has been masquerading (sans makeup) around town and popping up unannounced at gigs now and then -- he most recently performed at the Casbah for Steve Rodriguez’s "Welcome to Heaven" memorial show. Let’s hang out, Ace!

  • Janet Jackson: Yup, you read that right: Janet (Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty) lived in Rancho Santa Fe from 1990 to 1997 in a $4.5-million, 10,000-square-foot mansion that perhaps inspired her best work (ahem, “Janet”).

  • Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan: Everyone’s favorite can’t-we-all-get-along tune, “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” was co-written by Jordan and his band War. Jordan was born in San Diego in 1948.

  • Jim Morrison: Yes indeed, the Doors' good ol’ Lizard King spent some of his childhood living in San Diego while his father was in the U.S. Navy. Our beautiful city must've been the inspiration for “Hello, I Love You,” right?

  • Linda Perry: Perry spent a large part of her teenage years living in San Diego, trying (unsuccessfully) to start several different bands. Apparently, it took her making a move to San Francisco to snag it with 4 Non Blondes. It’s been all world domination ever since: Perry’s responsible for some of the biggest hits of the last two decades, writing or co-writing songs for Pink, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Courtney Love, Alicia Keys and others.

  • Steve Perry: Journey’s ex-lead vocalist lives in Del Mar. So if you ever wanted to meet the man behind the songs “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms” and “Faithfully,” don’t stop believin’. He could be the guy standing in line next to you at Whole Foods buying a ton of cheese.

  • Scott Weiland: Yoyeah, Weiland’s a San Diegan. Dude founded a local band called the Magnificent Bastards in 1995 with drummer Victor Indrizzo before rejoining a little band you may have heard of called Stone Temple Pilots for their “Tiny Music… Songs From the Vatican Gift Shop” album.

  • Ann Wilson: When you’ve got pipes like Heart’s Wilson (who "Hit Parader" named as one of the Top Heavy Metal Vocalists of All Time in 2006), does it really matter where you’re from? Well, to us it does. Wilson was born in San Diego in 1950, when her father was a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. She joined Heart (who was called White Heart before she joined), and “Crazy on You” followed soon thereafter. The rest, as they say, is history.

  • Eric Wilson: When he’s not busy practicing santeria, Wilson is the original founding bassist for your favorite skate/punk/reggae band, Sublime -- and now, Sublime With Rome. Dude lives in town, but we’re not saying where (so don’t ask).

  • Patrick Wilson: Beverly Hills? Nah, Weezer’s drummer extraordinaire is a resident of Poway, California. Say it ain't so! Wonder if he actually plays “In the Garage”?

Here are a few other lists we’ve put together.



Photo Credit: Redferns

Agent Assault Suspect Has Ties to Sinaloa Cartel: BP

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The man accused of throwing a softball-sized rock at a U.S. Border Patrol agent may have ties to a leader in the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.

Border Patrol is searching for Mexican national Martel Valencia-Cortez, 39, after he allegedly tried to smuggle 14 people into the U.S. and hit an agent with a rock while running from him, Border Patrol officials say.

On Friday, authorities say information received from the public shows Valencia-Cortez is associated with a transnational crime organization headed by a person known as “El Tigre.” The suspect is a lieutenant in the Sinaloa Cartel and runs many smuggling routes starting between Tijuana and Mexicali, the Border Patrol says.

The incident involving Valencia-Cortez and Border Patrol agents took place Nov. 15 near Jacumba. According to authorities, agents encountered Valencia-Cortez and 14 others in the remote terrain on Carries Mountain.

As Valencia-Cortez fled toward higher ground, he grabbed a rock and hurled it at pursuing agents, striking one in the face, the Border Patrol says.

The agent fired his government-issued handgun at Valencia-Cortez, but officials do not believe the suspect was hit.

Valencia-Cortez escaped on foot into Mexico, while the 14 people allegedly being smuggled were arrested.

Imperial County Sheriff’s Department, Customs and Border Protection Office of Internal Affairs, and the U.S. Border Patrol are investigating the incident.
Officials have issued a federal arrest warrant for Valencia-Cortez, who is described as 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities said he has a tattoo on his right shoulder.

Agents said Valencia-Cortez has been involved in numerous human smuggling incidents dating back to 1997. He was involved in at least one manhunt as a result, NBC7 previously reported. Court records describe Valencia-Cortez as a "known foot guide, load vehicle driver and alien smuggling facilitator." He has more than 35 prior apprehensions by Border Patrol agents and was convicted of human smuggling in Mexico.

Agents said Valencia-Cortez has been known to carry a firearm during smuggling attempts and consider him to be armed and dangerous. In the past, agents said, he has been known to resort to violence and evade arrests. He was released from federal custody in September after serving a three-year sentence for alien smuggling.
 



Photo Credit: U.S. Border Patrol

14-Year-Old Shot, Left to Die on Sidewalk ID'd

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Deputies are investigating the death of a 14-year-old boy left mortally wounded on a sidewalk in San Marcos Friday night after bystanders reported sounds of gunfire, authorities confirmed.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) said the victim – identified as 14-year-old Brandon Gonzalez – was discovered unconscious, lying on a sidewalk in the 3500 block of De Leone Road around 10:50 p.m. when deputies rushed to the area to investigate reports of multiple gunshots heard near the intersection of De Leone and Hollencrest roads.

Investigators said Gonzalez was mortally wounded, suffering from traumatic injuries. Deputies performed CPR on him and he was taken to a local hospital.

The life-saving measures weren’t enough, however, and the teen died at the hospital, the SDSO said.

Gonzalez’s death is being investigated as a homicide, though further details were not immediately released, including any information on possible suspects.

The victim's family told NBC 7 on Saturday that the teen was gunned down just a few blocks away from his home.

One neighbor told NBC 7 she heard four or five shots before authorities arrived on the street, but she wasn’t sure what led up to the shooting.

As investigators processed the scene of the deadly shooting, a bullet casing remained on the road – the final remnants of the incident.

The Medical Examiner's office ruled the teen's cause of death a gunshot wound to his upper torso, and his manner of death ruled a homicide. 

Deputies believe several rounds were fired and at least one round struck the teen. Gonzalez then stumbled his way down De Leone Road before collapsing on the sidewalk, officials said.

Neighbors were understandably shaken by the violent event in an otherwise tranquil area.

“It happened in front of my house,” one resident said. “It’s pretty crazy. What if I was outside?”

“It’s scary. Police say don’t go out. Close the door and don’t go out,” another neighbor added. “I don’t know what to say about this. I’ve lived here for seven years and nothing like this ever happened.”

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office (ME) will release the victim's identity, as well as the cause and manner of death in this case at a later time.

Deputies said the shooting may be gang-related, but the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information should contact the SDSO Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321 or (858) 565-5200, or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in this case.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Why Arrests in Deadly Hit-and-Runs May Take Time

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For families of victims killed in hit-and-run crashes, knowing a suspect is still on the streets is a source of constant pain. However, San Diego police say throwing a suspect in jail too fast could ultimately compromise their case.

Such is the situation for the family of 15-year-old Jonathan Cortez, who was hit and killed while skateboarding on Oct. 9 -- just two days before his 16th birthday.

Furious friends took to the streets chanting “We want justice,” calling for an arrest after San Diego police impounded a Dodge Caravan suspected of being used in the hit-and-run. Officers seized the vehicle three days after Cortez’s death.

Though a man called to turn himself in, police did not make an arrest. The detective on the case told NBC 7, “The crime lab is backlogged with other cases and if they made an arrest last night, they would have to put together all the evidence and present it before the court within 72 hours of the arrest."

San Diego Police Department (SDPD) spokesman Lt. Scott Wahl said one of the most difficult parts of hit-and-run investigations is putting the driver behind the wheel of the car at the time of the incident.

That is one reason why investigators can't rush to a judgment or arrests.

“Any criminal arrest, you're on the clock to present your evidence in court, so rushing that arrest when you don’t have all the evidence to move forward in court, it could certainly jeopardize your case,” Wahl explained.

A month after her son's death, that's little consolation to Cortez’s mom, Veronica.

“It’s very frustrating. I haven't heard from the detectives at all. Last time I heard from them was three weeks ago,” she said.

According to Wahl, investigators understand and empathize with the family’s pain. “That's what motivates us,” he said.

Wahl walked NBC 7 through part of the traffic investigation process, showing the DNA kits traffic detectives use to swab suspects and vehicles.

The kits are then logged into evidence at the police department's 6th-floor crime lab downtown. There, lab techs also have to process kits from homicide, robbery and other police units.

“It’s all done on a priority basis depending on the crime," explained Wahl. He said felony crimes take precedence over misdemeanors, and sometimes the line for kits to be processed can be fast or get bottlenecked.

According to Wahl, it can be as random as a checkout line at a grocery store.

Cases affecting families who've lost loved ones are anxious for justice.

"It's due process which I don’t understand how that works. I figure if someone turns themselves in I figure they'd get arrested. I don’t understand that part. This is frustrating," Veronica said.

Police said they need the public’s help in Cortez’s case. They’re still looking for one or two other cars that may have been involved in the deadly hit-and-run.
 

Missing College Student With Gun Found Dead

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The search for a missing college student ended in tragedy Saturday.

Police found the body of 19-year-old Jacob Marberger in Albany Township in Berks County. Marberger was found inside a green Land Rover parked in the picnic area of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on Hawk Mountain Road at 2:51 p.m. Officials say he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Marberger went missing early Monday after he made the two-hour drive from Washington College in Maryland, where he studied, to his parents' home in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. He arrived after 3 a.m. Monday but was gone by 4 a.m., taking a rifle case with him. His parents said they were unsure whether a gun was inside.

His disappearance prompted alerts at both Washington College and his former school, Cheltenham High School in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, which went into lockout mode Tuesday.

Jacob's father, Dr. Jon Marberger, told NBC10 the trouble began on Oct. 7 when his son was the victim of a prank that left him hurt and humiliated by his fellow students at Washington College.

"Someone had placed a trash can full of water against his dorm room door, so when he opened the door, the water came into his room,” said Washington College public safety director Jerry Roderick. "He felt very hurt by that and he saw this as (people) reaching out to ridicule him in some way. In speaking to Jacob, he did feel persecuted by several students on campus."

Two days later, Jacob Marberger, who began collecting unique guns about a year ago, brandished an unloaded, antique rifle in front of some other students while intoxicated, according to officials.

"He’s not a kid who got high or drank regularly and then you do foolish things when you’re drunk, especially the first time," Jon Marberger said.

About two weeks later, Jacob Marberger was suspended after police found the antique weapon at a house off campus. He returned to school only recently, after a forensic psychologist cleared him and determined he wasn’t a threat.

Jon Marberger said his son then spent a difficult week back on campus. He was kicked out of his fraternity, faced an Honor Board hearing and was confronted Sunday night by members of his student government group, according to his father. Jacob Marberger then resigned his elected position as speaker of the senate.

"Just because he’s made so few mistakes in his life, I don’t think he knows how to deal with that, the shame he feels when one lets themselves down," Jon Marberger said.

After his cellphone was pinged, Jacob Marberger was spotted on surveillance video around 7 a.m. Monday buying five rounds of ammunition at a Wal-Mart in Hamburg, Berks County. It was the last time anyone saw him alive, investigators said.

High school classmates described Jacob as honest, outspoken, intelligent and ethically conscious.

"He has a very goofy, individual sense of humor," Josiah Harmer said, remembering a conversation he had over the summer with Marberger, who "was really happy about his college experience and seemed to be doing really well."

Harmer said Marberger had different interests than most teens and in high school it took time for him to find a good group of friends.

"When kids are doing typical high school stuff and you're reading foreign policy journals, it can be hard to relate," Harmer said.

Washington College released a statement on Marberger's death Saturday night:

It is with great sorrow that we must inform you this evening of the passing of sophomore Jacob Marberger. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Marberger family in their time of unimaginable grief.

This is a terrible blow to our community, and the outpouring of compassion and support we have shown each other will help us through this difficult time. We need to continue to be supportive of each other as we mourn individually and as a community.

We will have counseling services on-hand when students return to campus; more details will be forthcoming.

If you need to speak to someone to help you through this process immediately, please contact your local crisis services.
 


SUICIDE PREVENTION: If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.


Local Burmese Refugees Receive Thanksgiving Food

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The San Diego Police Department and the San Diego Asian Youth Organization passed out bags of rice to needy families Saturday for the sixth annual Thanksgiving Rice Drive.

The rice was distributed to Burmese refugees from the SDPD Multi-Cultural Community Relations Office on University Avenue.

The Karen people have been fighting a brutal civil war with the Myanmar government for decades.

The refugees, who have finally settled in San Diego, left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Last year the S.D.A.Y.O. donated nearly 2,500 pounds of rice to more than 56 families and seniors locally.
 



Photo Credit: Ruth Ransom, Faculty, WBA-L

13 Arrested at Mission Bay DUI Checkpoint

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SDPD arrested 13 people during a DUI checkpoint in the 4200 block of Mission Bay Drive.

Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. Friday night 744 drivers were screened by officers, and 14 drivers were detained to evaluate their sobriety further.

“The message is simple, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’. Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Officer Mark McCullough.

The checkpoint was made possible by a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) ‘STEP Grant.’

The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is led by OTS and NHTSA with the California Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign. It combines high-visibility enforcement and heightened public awareness through publicity.
 



Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons

North Park's Heaven Sent Desserts Makes Mini Move

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A popular dessert shop in San Diego’s uptown area has made a move from its longstanding location – scooting two doors down, to be exact.

Heaven Sent Desserts – formerly located on the corner of 30th Street and University Avenue in the heart of hip North Park – has now set up shop at a smaller, more intimate space at 3011 University Ave. Prior to this mini move, the dessert shop had been at its original location for 10 years.

Another change is also in the mix for the bakery: the new location has added a new pastry chef, Belgium native Chef Jean Marie Verhoeven, who has more than 40 years of experience under his belt. Most recently, Verhoeven was the executive pastry chef at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa and Pechanga Resort & Casino.

In addition to the new shop and new chef, Heaven Sent Desserts has also opened a 3,500-square-foot, off-site kitchen that’s three times larger than the one at their previous shop. This kitchen will allow the bakery to accept more custom, special occasion orders and catering gigs. Desserts are now baked fresh at the off-site kitchen and delivered daily to the new shop.

The North Park bakery is open Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and 11 a.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday.

Founded in 2005 by owner Lachlan Oliver, Heaven Sent Desserts is a favorite among foodies with a sweet tooth. The bakery’s artistic, hand-crafted desserts are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and range from cupcakes to crème brulee, and everything in between.

Some unique, decadent items from the menu include the New Orleans Croissant Cake, which combines buttery croissants with cinnamon nutmeg, eggs, milk, cream and bourbon, and Cake in a Jar, a selection of the bakery’s best cakes layered together in a jar, including butterscotch, cheesecake, chocolate cake and more.

Heaven Sent Desserts also whips up signature drinks, including something dubbed the Volcanic Chai, which mixes chai powder, caramel Monin and steamed milk, topped with caramel drizzle and sprinkled with black lava sea salt.
 



Photo Credit: Heaven Sent Desserts/Facebook

Boat That Caught Fire Off Calif.

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Five people including a 4-month-old baby aboard a 40-foot yacht off the coast of Marina Del Rey were able to escape when the vessel caught fire Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles County Fire said. 

"Within a minute, the boat was fully engulfed and we realized this was going to be quite a boat fire," said Jon Vanduinwyk, LA County Lifeguard.

Lifeguards were able to get out to the yacht quickly to help those aboard.

They said the passengers on the yacht were still on the bow as the lifeguards approached. 

The vessel was approximately 200 yards off of the coast, LA County Fire said. 

"We were screaming at them to jump off, and then we realized one of the women was holding a baby," Vanduinwyk said.

The fire moved so fast, authorities said the family didn't know what to do.

"They were petrified," Vanduinwyk said. "They didn't even have life jackets because the fire moved so fast."

As the occupants began jumping off, the mother and child fell five or six feet off the bow, plunging underwater, Vanduinwyk said. 

Vanduinwyk grabbed the baby right away and let the family know he was a lifeguard. 

Once he swam "as fast as he could" to the lifeguard's boat and handed off the child, he went back to help the rest of the passengers in the water.

No one was injured on the yacht, but paramedics were checking the occupants for smoke inhalation.

The fire was knocked down by 4:15 on the yacht. It was unknown what caused the blaze to ignite around 3:25 p.m.

"The baby seems fine," Vanduinwyk said. 

Authorities suggested in this type of situation to always be aware of where the fire extinguisher is located on one's boat, to put on life jackets quickly, and swim away from the boat if the fire gets out of control.



Photo Credit: Ray Pages

4-Alarm Fire Rages in Boston

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Five residents and two firefighters were hospitalized after a 4-alarm blaze broke out in Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood.

The fire tore through the apartments of 9 Greenwood Ave., trapping four people, including two young children. Firefighters were able to pull those people out through windows.

"The guys did a great job plucking them out," said John Walsh, Boston Fire's chief of operations.

Officials say the fire was fed by gas in the basement. Flames shot through the roof, which partially collapsed. Firefighters were ordered to remain 100 feet from the building.

The gas company responded to the scene to shut down the gas line.

Ten people who lived in the home are left homeless.

"We lost everything," said Neil Jhurilal, who lived on the first floor. "What I have on is what, basically, I own right now."

"We just lost my dad a couple months ago. His ashes are in there, all his pictures, I mean, we lost everything," said Patricia Jhurilal. "But we're grateful that everybody's safe."

It's not clear just yet how serious the injuries are. In all, five people who lived in the home and two firefighters were taken to area hospitals.

Officials have stimated that the fire caused about $850,000 in damage.



Photo Credit: Boston Fire

TSA Confiscates Buzz Lightyear Toy from Boy

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A boy’s souvenir from Walt Disney World was confiscated after the Transportation Security Administration deemed the toy was a replica of a firearm.

According to NBC affiliate WESH, the toy looked like a rifle that Buzz Lightyear would use. It was confiscated at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.

The 5-year-old boy’s father said his son Levi Zilka, had tears streaming down his face when he realized that TSA agents weren’t going to return the toy.

“We understand that things are scary out there right now. But taking a toy from a 5-year-old doesn’t enhance national security,” said David Zilka.

NBC 6 reached out to TSA and they released a statement, saying in part, “TSA officers are charged with protecting passengers and making final judgments on which items are permitted on aircraft. In our review of this situation, the officer’s decision complied with approved procedures. We recently reinforced that training on the procedures with every front line TSA officer. TSA officers have the discretion to deny passage of an item if they cannot definitively rule out that the item could be used as a weapon, or perceived to be a weapon, including replica weapons."

TSA also told NBC 6 that they will be returning the toy to the boy.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Man Arrested for Ramona Bank Robbery

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A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a bank robbery in Ramona.

On Thursday Timothy Graham, 64, armed with a handgun, robbed the Bank of America located at 1407 Main Street in Ramona.

Wearing a hat and sun glasses as a disguise he gave the teller a ransom note and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Sheriff’s deputies, with the help of the FBI, arrested Graham near the 1400 block of Hanson Lane Saturday.

He was arrested without incident and immediately booked in the San Diego Central Jail.

The Sheriff’s Department at the Ramona Station partnered with the FBI on the investigation.

San Diego Crime Stoppers received a number of tips after bank surveillance photographs of the robbery were shown on several news stations and newspapers websites, which advanced the case quickly.

Graham remains in custody until his arraignment before a State Superior Court Judge.



Photo Credit: FBI

Family Displaced After House Fire in Oceanside

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A family of three has been displaced after a fire engulfed their garage.

Oceanside Fire and PD responded to the incident around 5:30 pm Saturday at the 2300 block of Seasons Road in Oceanside. 

It took fire crews thirty minutes to put out the fire that eventually spread to the attic.

The Red Cross is currently looking for a place for the family to stay.

No word on what caused the fire.

Check back on this story for updates.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Experienced Hiker Found Safe Near San Miguel Summit

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Authorities located an experienced hiker that was missing Saturday morning near the San Miguel summit. 

The 77-year-old woman was seen at approximately 8 a.m. and was not spotted by 3 p.m., Chula Vista Police and Border Patrol Search and Rescue said. 

Crews searched for the missing hiker, but found her further up the trail than expected. She was found safe. 

No further information was immediately available. 



Photo Credit: Toronto Star via Getty Images/File

Firefighters Help Save Horse from Mud

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 Firefighters came to the rescue of one unlucky horse Friday.

When Oceanside Fire Department's Engine 2115 responded to a call for an animal rescue, they found Dakota the horse stuck in mud.

The horse had been stuck in a drying irrigation pond overnight and needed to be rescued.

Firefighters quickly lent a helping hand and secured the horse using a rope and mechanical advantage rope system to help get the horse out of the mud.

Dakota is a healthy horse now and her owners are happy she’s out of the mud.



Photo Credit: Oceanside Firefighters Association 3736

City, SDPD Hold Block Party in Webster

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SDPD and the City of San Diego hosted the second in a series of block parties meant to help officials get to know the residents of Southeast San Diego Saturday.

The holiday themed party included food, entertainment and a turkey giveaway for Thanksgiving. A street mural designed by Webster Elementary School students was also painted by parents and kids during the event as a way to beautify the neighborhood.

The block party is part of an effort by City officials to change the dialogue between police and residents.

A predominately Latino and African American neighborhood, some Webster residents told NBC7 they had rarely interacted with police officers in such a positive way before.

Jahron Mitchell, a young Webster resident, said the event has changed his mind about the police somewhat.

“It’s about coming together as a Webster community and having fun,” Jahron told NBC7. “They can come to events like this and teach kids to be responsible.”

The party was part of a national effort to ease tensions between communities of color and the officers who serve them after a series of officer-involved shootings such as Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri gained national attention in the last year.

“We are very aware of the tensions between African American communities and the police,” Al Banks, a resident of Webster said at the block party. “The best we can do is try to live our lives in such a way that we don’t come into contact with police in a negative way. You know, I just shook a policeman’s hand right now.”

Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman took photos with residents and even busted some moves at the event.

“It should not matter who you are or where you live to feel safe,” Police chief Zimmerman told the residents of Webster.

Neighbors say parties like the one Saturday may not fix everything, but its’ a good start.

The next block party will be held in Lincoln Park in February.
 



Photo Credit: NBC7

Chargers Star: LaDainian Tomlinson

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Images of the Chargers super star on and off the field. LT's No. 21 jersey will be officially retired by the Bolts on Nov. 22, 2015.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
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