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Minnesota Officers in Fatal Shooting of Philando Castile Identified

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The St. Anthony, Minn., police officer who shot and killed Philando Castile was identified Thursday night as Jeronimo Yanez, a four-year veteran of the department.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Yanez and Officer Joseph Kauser, also a four-year veteran of the St. Anthony force, were placed on administrative leave.

Yanez and Kauser stopped Castile's car about 9:05 p.m. (10:05 p.m. ET) Wednesday for a traffic-related violation in Falcon Heights, the state agency said. According to investigators, Yanez approached the car from the driver's side, while Kauser approached it from the passenger side.

"At one point during the interaction, Officer Yanez discharged his weapon, striking Castile multiple times. No one else was injured. A gun was recovered at the scene," the BCA said.



Photo Credit: AP

'I'm Innocent': Man Charged in Series of Homeless Killings

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A man arrested in a series of violent homeless killings told NBC 7 San Diego he is innocent. 

"I look like that person, I'm innocent," said Anthony Alexander Padgett, 36, of Chula Vista, from the back of a police patrol car. 

San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Homicide Division Capt. David Nisleit announced Thursday that authorities had arrested Padgett on allegations of murder and attempted murder in a series of violent killings against homeless San Diegans. 

“At this time, we have probable cause to arrest Mr. Padgett for these heinous crimes,” Nisleit said.

But as the patrol car carrying Padgett in the back pulled up at the jail, Padgett fought back. 

When asked how he would be defending himself, Padgett yelled back, "innocent," as the car drove off. 

Padgett was arrested around 10 a.m. Thursday near Broadway and H Street in Chula Vista. Nisleit said police believe Padgett is responsible for killing two homeless men and critically injuring two others, leaving them with significant trauma to their upper bodies. 

Read more about the attacks here. 

A source confirmed Padgett was arrested in 2010 for setting a homeless man on fire. 

Nisleit said investigators believe Padgett is the same man spotted on surveillance footage buying gasoline minutes before a homeless man was set on fire Sunday, the first in the series of killings. 

Police will not release further details of the crimes as the investigation is ongoing. 

No motive has been assigned to the attacks. Nisleit would not elaborate on any potential motive or statement made. 

No other information was immediately available.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego
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A Look at Recent Shootings That Targeted Police

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Officials in Texas late Thursday said snipers fired at law enforcement officers at a Dallas rally where thousands gathered to protest two recent police shootings of black men. 

It was not the first time people in uniform were targeted by gunmen.

In New York, Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were killed on Dec. 20, 2014.

The two officers were shot at point-blank range through their cruiser window. The gunman then killed himself with the same weapon. He had posted on Instagram that he wanted to put "wings on pigs" and referenced Eric Garner, whose police chokehold death led to protests against the New York Police Department.

On March 3, 2015, two police officers in Florida were shot after being drawn there by a 911 call.

"(The suspect) called us and lured us to come to his house," Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez told reporters. "As soon as we arrived, he started shooting."

Both officers survived.

On Aug. 28, 2015, Harris County, Texas, Deputy Sheriff Darren Goforth was shot 15 times as he filled up his patrol car at a suburban Houston gas station. Court documents indicate Goforth was targeted because he was a law enforcement officer.

In Philadelphia, Officer Jesse Hartnett was shot by a gunman on Jan. 7 in an ambush attack while he was sitting inside his patrol car. Struck in the arm and bleeding heavily, he chased after the suspect and returned fire. The suspect was captured a few blocks away.

In Maryland, on March 13, Jacai Colson, a four-year veteran of the Prince George's County Police Department, was shot to death. Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said Colson was killed in an "unprovoked attack" on the District III police station about 4:30 p.m. when one man started firing a gun at officers.

"It wasn't about anything. This man launched an attack on a police station and engaged several Prince George's County police officers in a gun fight, to which they responded -- heroically."

The suspect was arrested at a nearby fast food restaurant. 



Photo Credit: Prince George's County Police Department

Padres Get Shutout Victory over Dodgers

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Thursday was Andy Green’s birthday and I had no idea what to get him as a gift. Thankfully the Padres players knew a shutout victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers was a good way to go. The Padres started the first of a four game series against LA at Dodgers Stadium and they were solid from the start.

Drew Pomeranz toed the rubber for San Diego against Dodgers lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu who made his first major league start in two years after undergoing shoulder surgery. Pomeranz was looking to seal his third consecutive win. The Padres were up to bat first and Melvin Upton Jr. got the game rolling in the right direction with a home run to right center. In the bottom of the second inning Pomeranz helped himself on the other side of the plate. The starting pitcher singled to center to bring in Alex Dickerson which gave the Padres the 2-0 lead.

The Padres offense had a great night. In the fifth inning Yangervis Solarte doubled to left to plate Matt Kemp. Ryu then intentionally walked Derek Norris which proved to be a very bad move. The next batter up to the plate was Dickerson and he tripled to deep right field to bring in Solarte and Norris. The Padres took a 6-0 lead and that was the end of the game for Ryu who was relieved by Casey Fien.

The Padres held the Dodgers the rest of the way and took game one in Los Angeles with a final score of 6-0. Pomeranz pitched 7 innings, only allowed two hits and notched six strike outs. We have yet to hear back on whether Green let Pomeranz have the first slice of his birthday cake for the great performance on the mound. The series continues Friday night in Los Angeles with game two. This is the last series for both teams before heading into the All-Star break.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Who Is Myers Up Against In The Home Run Derby?

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NBC 7’s Ben Rosehart takes a closer look at the eight entrants who will be competing in the T-Mobile All-Star Home Run Derby Monday in this commentary.

An added bonus for local baseball fans is that Padres first baseman Wil Myers will double-dip in the two main events of MLB All-Star Week.  

One day before he represents the Padres in the Midsummer Classic, Myers will have his first opportunity to wow fans as one of eight participants in the Home Run Derby. 

The first baseman stated Thursday that he plans to have his younger brother, Bo Myers, be his pitcher for the event.

Myers enters Friday leading the Padres with 19 dingers while also holding a solid .291 batting average. 

He will be matched up against Reds outfielder Adam Duvall in the bracket. 

Duvall has already smacked 22 homers and will be looking to give Cincinnati back-to-back winners in the event. 

Former Reds slugger Todd Frazier (who now plays for the White Sox) is back to defend his title after winning last summer at Grand American Park.

Frazier will be matched up with Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez in the first round. “Cargo” has been blasting homers for years – even when not in the high altitude of Coors Field.

Along with Frazier, Robinson Cano of the Mariners returns with a little bit of experience in this event. 

Cano won in 2011 when he was still wearing Yankees pinstripes at Chase Field in Arizona.

Cano will face off with Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton who is originally from Southern California.

Stanton cooled off after a hot start, but recently crushed a pair of homers in back-to-back games against the Mets to raise his season-total to 19.

The top-seeded entrant is Baltimore’s Mark Trumbo who leads the majors with 26 homers (entering Friday).

Trumbo will bat against young Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager who is only 22 but has already hit 17 bombs.

Seager will become only the 7th rookie selected to compete in the derby. That list includes current Padres bench coach Mark McGwire (1987) and former USD star Kris Bryant (2015).

How cool would it to be see Myers send a bunch of screamers into the San Diego air to the delight of the hometown fans? 

Don’t be surprised if he ends up making the final.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Slain Cop Was 'Great Officer'

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One of five officers killed in a sniper ambush during a peaceful protest in Dallas against police-involved shootings was "a great officer" and had recently married, according to his chief.

Brent Thompson, 43, was an officer with Dallas Area Rapid Transit and had joined the department in 2009, according to a statement released by DART. He's the first officer in the 27-year history of the department to be killed in the line of duty.

Thompson and four other officers died when two snipers opened fire on police during Thursday night's protest. Seven officers and at least two civilians were wounded, authorities said.

"Brent was a great officer," DART Chief James Spiller told MSNBC on Friday morning. "He has served admirably during his time here at DART."

Thompson was a newlywed, Spiller told NBC's "Today" show.

"He was recently married in the last two weeks, so this is very heartbreaking," Spiller told "Today."

Thompson was among 12 officers shot during Thursday's attack. Four Dallas Police Department officers were also killed. 

Three DART officers were wounded in the attack. The agency identified the injured officers as Officer Omar Cannon, 44, who joined the department in July 2009; Officer Misty McBride, 32, who joined DART in March 2010; and Officer Jesus Retana, 39, who joined DART in April 2006. All three are expected to recover.

Two civilians were also injured, the Dallas mayor said Friday morning.

DART addressed the attack in the following statement:

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit family is grieving the loss of police officer Brent Thompson, 43, who was killed during Thursday night’s protest in Downtown Dallas. Officer Thompson is the first officer killed in the line of duty since DART formed a police department in 1989. He joined the DART Police Department in 2009.

As you can imagine, our hearts are broken. This is something that touches every part of our organization. We have received countless expressions of support and sympathy from around the world through the evening. We are grateful for every message. Thank you.

We are grateful to report the three other DART police officers shot during the protest are expected to recover from their injuries. No other DART employees working in Downtown during the protest or shooting were injured.

We also extend our sympathies to our colleagues at the Dallas Police Department in the loss of their five officers.

DART services in downtown Dallas were suspended following the shooting. We are evaluating our operating plans for Friday morning. Updates will be posted to DART.org and made available via Twitter @dartmedia or by our email update service at www.DART.org/rideralerts.



    Photo Credit: LinkedIn

    Uptick in Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus: Vector Control

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    More batches of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes have been collected by San Diego County’s vector control program by the second week of July than all of 2015, according to San Diego County's vector control program. 

    While no one in the state of California has tested positive for West Nile virus this year, County environmental health officials remind people to be vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquitoes and the virus, based on the sheer numbers that have been collected.

    Officials have already collected 53 batches of mosquitoes with the virus in July, compared to 49 in all of 2015.

    Last year in San Diego County, 44 people tested positive for West Nile virus and six died. Statewide, 753 people tested positive and 53 people died.

    The increased number of mosquito batches collected this year might be skewed slightly higher because vector control conducted several repeat tests in May of an outbreak at Peñasquitos Lagoon, County officials said.

    In addition to the mosquito batches, 132 dead birds and a horse have also tested positive for the virus, vector control reported.

    While there is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, there is one for horses. County officials urged horse owners to ask their veterinarians about getting their animals vaccinated.

    County officials asked people to prevent mosquito breeding sites by dumping out and cleaning containers that hold water inside and outside homes; to protect themselves by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent and making sure window screens are secure; and to report if they are bitten by a mosquito during daylight hours or if they find mosquitoes that fit the description of the yellow-fever or Asian tiger mosquito.

    People can contact the Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888 or at vector@sdcounty.gov.



    Photo Credit: County News Center

    'We Don't Feel Much Support Most Days': Dallas Police Chief

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    Dallas Police Chief David Brown asks the public to support police officers following the deadly attack on officers in his city on July 7, 2016.

    Fallbrook Man Fires Gun at Deputies

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    A Fallbrook man walked out of his home Thursday and fired several rounds at San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputies who had responded to a domestic disturbance, deputies said.

    The man was shot and critically injured when deputies returned fire outside the home on Huffstatler Street, east of Interstate 15 and north of Rainbow Valley Boulevard.

    A standoff began just after 9:30 a.m. when deputies arrived to the home.

    Jose Armando Garcia, 47, was believed to be suicidal with a gun, deputies said. A negotiator began talks with Garcia that lasted several hours.

    At around 2:30 p.m., Garcia left the home and fired a handgun, deputies said. Deputies returned fire, striking Garcia.

    The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was said to be in critical condition. He may face weapons and assault charges, deputies said.

    Investigators say Garcia threatened his wife and teenage daughter prior to the standoff with deputies.

    Babysitter Filmed Boyfriend Molesting Kids in Her Care: PD

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    A woman hired to babysit two 7-year-old girls is accused of filming her boyfriend allegedly molesting the children, Carlsbad Police said Thursday.

    Investigators with Carlsbad Police Department began looking into the case on July 5 after a tip. After serving search warrants, police arrested Brittney Lyon, 22, of Escondido, and Samuel Cabrera Jr., 22, for the crimes. 

    Investigators say Lyon took the two young girls she was babysitting to a home where her boyfriend was waiting on the 6300 block of Greenhaven Drive. Once at the home, Cabrera reportedly sexually molested the children as Lyon filmed the acts, police said. 

    "We had a seven year old female report to her mother that she didn’t want to go to the babysitter’s, because the babysitters used to bring her over to Sam’s house," Carlsbad Police Lt. Marc Reno said.

    At this time investigators say the 22-year-old couples' victims included two 7-year-old girls, both from the North County; one of the victims is special needs.

    Investigators say Cabrera's relatives aren't suspects and weren't aware of the crime.

    Lyon advertised her services on Sitter.com, saying she was taking college classes online and had two years experience as a special needs sitter.

    “We are equally disturbed and outraged that adults would victimize children in this way,” said Police Chief Neil Gallucci in a statement. “The safety and welfare of children are our top priority and we are committed to presenting a comprehensive case to the District Attorney’s Office.”

    Lyon and Cabrera are facing multiple felony counts, including conspiracy and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under the age of fourteen. 

    Investigators believe there may be more victims. Anyone who has further information is asked to call the Police Hotline at (760) 931-2293.

    Both have been booked into Vista Detention Facility. Bail for Lyon was set at $100,000 and bail for Cabrera was set at $2.3 million. 

    No other information was immediately available.

    Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 



    Photo Credit: Carlsbad Police Department

    Petco to Remodel Local Store, Open 5 More

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    Petco Animal Services Inc. this month will open five new locations and remodel and reopen one of its San Diego stores as its latest step in a plan to “significantly expand” the company’s national footprint by year’s end, the company announced Wednesday.

    The company this year has already opened 26 new Petco stores and one new Unleashed by Petco, a scaled-down version of its traditional store with more “natural” products, according to a company statement.

    The Petco store on Sports Arena Boulevard will be remodeled ahead of a grand reopening slated for July 22-24, the company said.

    Two of the new stores Petco said it will open this month are in Massachusetts; the others are in Connecticut, Maryland and South Carolina.

    Petco is also remodeling 12 of its Seattle stores and in Ohio, it is expanding one store and relocating another, according to the company.

    The continued expansion comes roughly seven months after private equity firm CVC Capital Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board struck a $4.6 billion acquisition deal with Petco’s holding company.

    Shortly before the acquisition, Petco opened new multimillion-dollar corporate headquarters in Rancho Bernardo.

    The company is the second largest of two major players in the U.S. pet store industry, with about 23 percent of the market, according to an April 2016 report by Los Angeles-based market research firm IBISWorld.

    Its largest competitor is the Phoenix-based retailer PetSmart Inc., which controls about 37 percent of the market.



    Photo Credit: Google Maps
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    Fire Station Temporary Site Raises Alarms

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    A fire station rebuilding project in Hillcrest has people in two different neighborhoods concerned.

    While Station 5 is being replaced, its crews will operate out of temporary quarters a mile away.

    Residents in both neighborhoods agree Station 5 is long overdue for reconstruction – a project that will cost upwards of $9 million.

    But during that process, expected to get under way late this year, its current neighbors worry about longer response times.

    Folks who live near the temporary station site say that particular location poses logistical problems, never mind the siren noise they’ll eventually be exposed to.

    "I'm concerned, on Third Avenue, that there's going to be an issue of 'egress' when they have an emergency,” one Third Avenue homeowner who didn’t want to be identified told NBC 7 on Thursday. “There's trash trucks in the middle of the street. We can't even back out of the driveway sometimes, because of the traffic."

    He's not alone in fretting that Station 5's crews will be based for an estimated two years -- while the original firehouse at 9th and University will be rebuilt -- in unoccupied space on property encompassing the Scripps Home Healthcare Services facility at 4311 Third Avenue, overlooking Mission Valley.

    The reconstruction site is nearly a mile and five minutes away in busy mid-day traffic, as NBC 7 clocked it, for crews to reach the neighborhoods the current station has served since the 1950s.

    Nearby residents have mixed feelings, anticipating longer response times than they’ve been used to.

    “It's concerning, a little bit,” says Veronika Sufleta, who lives less than a block away from Station 5. “But (the rebuilt facility) is going to be wonderful, when they are done, and they move back here to this station … which will be

    two years. I hope we don't need them, as an emergency. But yes, it is a little bit farther."

    NBC 7 has passed these concerns along to fire officials and city facilities planners; so far, no response.

    Councilwoman Marti Emerald, who chairs the Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee, summed the situation this way in a Thursday telephone conversation: “That’s a tough one.”

    Meantime, NBC 7 has learned that because of “unanticipated costs” during funding delays, the project’s architectural tab increased by $220,000 over the original bid from a prominent design firms -- and overall costs may as well.

    Ex-Congressman Under Fire for 'Watch Out Obama' Tweet

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    Former Illinois Tea Party Rep. Joe Walsh came under fire Thursday night for an inflammatory tweet that included the phrase "watch out Obama" after multiple Dallas police officers were shot, five fatally, by two snipers at the end of a protest against nationwide officer-involved shootings.

    "3 Dallas Cops killed, 7 wounded," Walsh posted. "This is now war. Watch out Obama. Watch out black lives matter punks. Real America is coming after you."

    Walsh served one term in Illinois as the representative for the state's 8th District before being defeated by Rep. Tammy Duckworth in 2012. He went on to become the host of a conservative radio show on WIND-AM 560.

    The tweet was deleted, but not before a firestorm erupted on the platform that included singer John Legend calling for Walsh to be arrested.

    "Joe Walsh needs to be arrested for threatening our President," Legend tweeted.

    Walsh later tweeted that he "wasn't calling for violence, against Obama or anyone."

    "Obama's words & BLM's deeds have gotten cops killed," he wrote. "Time for us to defend our cops." 

    Five officers were killed and several others wounded Thursday in what was believed by Dallas Police to be a coordinated shooting.

    "We believe that these suspects were positioning themselves to triangulate on our officers and planned to injure and kill as many law enforcement officers as they could," Police Chief David Brown said.

    This isn't the first time Walsh has drawn controversy.

    He infamously said in 2012 that his then-Congressional opponent Duckworth, who lost both legs when her Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Iraq, wasn't a "true hero."

    He made national news when he said “true heroes” don’t boast about their military records, as he accused Duckworth of doing. Duckworth won, with 55 percent of the vote.



    Photo Credit: AP
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    Gun Makers Rally After Dallas

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    Shares of gunmakers rallied Friday, with Smith & Wesson hitting an all-time high in the wake of the murder of five Dallas police officers.

    The rally repeats a familiar pattern of recent years: demand for firearms rises after mass shootings as people fear increased gun control.

    Such demand is inevitably good for the bottom lines of manufacturers like S&W and Sturm Ruger, which was also sharply higher.

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    Smith & Wesson shares rose as much as 4.8 percent to $29.65 in early trading, above their all-time closing high. Ruger shares rose more than 3 percent as well, and Taser rose more than 5 percent.

    Combined they generated gains of well over $120 million for shareholders.

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    Shares in both companies rallied sharply last month as well after the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. 

    Smith & Wesson, in a conference call with financial analysts shortly after the Orlando attack, said it did not plan for shooting-related surges in demand.

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    "Basically, all we can do as a business is focus on the things we know, and delivering and execute our strategy. With regard to what happened, any impact on demand is unknown and therefore is not included in our guidance," Chief Financial Officer Jeff Buchanan said. 



    Photo Credit: AP

    MLB All-Star Week 2016 in San Diego

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    MLB All-Star Week 2016 will bring lots of action to downtown San Diego and Petco Park. The fun kicks off July 7, culminating with the 87th MLB All-Star Game on July 12.

    Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

    Clinton, Trump Cancel Events After Dallas Attack

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    Presumptive Presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have put their campaigning on hold Friday as Americans woke up to learn of an ambush shooting of police officers in Dallas.

    Dallas police identified Micah Xavier Johnson, of Mesquite, Texas, as a gunman responsible for shootings at a Dallas protest that left five police officers dead and seven more injured. It was the deadliest attack for the country's law enforcement since the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. 

    Both the Clinton and Trump campaigns announced that events scheduled for Friday were canceled in light of the attack.

    Clinton postponed her first campaign event with Vice President Joe Biden in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, while Trump was scheduled to campaign in Miami.

    Clinton was still expected to address the shootings of the past week later Friday at the African Methodist Episcopal Convention in Philadelphia, the AP reported.

    Both candidates took to Twitter to express their condolences to the city of Dallas and the victims of the attack.

    "I mourn for the officers shot while doing their sacred duty to protect peaceful protesters, for their families, and all who serve with them," Clinton wrote.

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    This is the second time the democratic candidate has canceled a campaign event in the wake of violence. Last month Clinton canceled an event with President Obama after 49 people died from the terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

    Trump also issued a written statement on Facebook, addressing the "senseless, tragic deaths" of Sterling and Castile, and calling last night's events "an attack on our country."

    "Our nation has become too divided," he wrote. "Too many Americans feel like they’ve lost hope. Crime is harming too many citizens. Racial tensions have gotten worse, not better. This isn’t the American Dream we all want for our children."

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    Obama, speaking from the NATO summit in Poland, condemned the attack Friday morning.

    "There is no possible justification for these kinds of attacks or any violence against law enforcement," Obama said. "Anyone involved in the senseless murders will be held fully accountable. Justice will be done."

    He said Friday should be dedicated to honoring the victims and their families.

    Other politicians echoed these sympathies on Twitter as well, including former Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, who praised the bravery of the police.

    "Men & women of law enforcement selflessly run into harm's way to save the lives of others," he wrote. "May God protect them and bring peace upon Dallas."

    Senate Minority Leader and Nevada Senator Harry Reid also issued a statement about the attacks Friday morning, calling for those responsible for the attack to "be brought to justice and held accountable for these horrific crimes."

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    Police Departments Tweet Support for Dallas Police

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    Police departments across the country and internationally are showing their support over social media after a sniper ambush left five officers dead following a peaceful protest Thursday in Dallas.

    The police department in Orlando, which recently suffered the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, said it is "heartbroken" for Dallas.

    Chicago police, one of the largest departments in the country, sent its "thoughts & prayers to Dallas officers and their families."

    There was also international support from the French national police agency, Police Nationale, which created a small tribute for Dallas.



    Photo Credit: Chief Charlie Beck/@LAPDChiefBeck
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    Prayer Service for Dallas Victims

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    A prayer service was held at Thanks-Giving Square Friday for the victims of shootings at a protest in Dallas and their families.

    Officials said they held the service because many community members are in shock and need an outlet where they can get together with others, deal with some of those emotions and show their support.

    Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings requested the interfaith service and asked people across the country to stop and pray.

    "I would ask if you are at home or in your home or in your school to join us at noon in that spirit of prayer to bring our city together and our country together," he said. "To heal wounds, not to create them."

    Several religious leaders attended and spoke.

    Rawlings, Dallas Police Chief David Brown, State Sen. Royce West and Bishop T.D. Jakes were among those who spoke.



    Photo Credit: NBC 5 News

    Uber Teams Up With MTS for Major Events in San Diego

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    MTS San Diego is teaming up with Uber for a couple of major, world-class events with a ride-sharing discount this July.

    A special promotion will offer UberPOOL riders a convenient way to arrive at and depart from the MTS Transit Centers. With upcoming events such as the MLB All-Star Game and Comic-Con International expected to attract huge crowds, many people will use public transportation to avoid traffic and parking hassles.

    The partnership will feature a one-time $5 discount for Uber carpool rides to or from MTS Transit Centers. The aim is to make it more cost-effective than taking independent rides, as UberPOOL riders split the ride fare.

    Riders planning to use the MTS Trolley and Rapid services can take advantage of Uber’s promotional offer. This deal will allow people to leave their cars at home, so they don’t have to worry about parking.

    “UberPOOL can be used as critical first-mile service to break down one of the barriers for people to access transit,” said Paul Jablonski, chief executive officer of MTS, in a statement.

    In order to get the discount, riders enter the code MTSUBER into the Uber app. There are 20 MTS Transit Centers throughout San Diego that can be used as pick up and drop off spots for UberPOOL.

    The Trolley Transit Centers include:

    • Iris Ave., H Street, 8th Street, Barrio Logan, Euclid, Lemon Grove, Santee, El Cajon, Grossmont Center, 70th Street, SDSU, Mission San Diego, Mission Valley Center, Fashion Valley and Old Town.

    The Rapid Transit Stations include:

    • Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Sabre Springs, Miramar College and City Heights Transit Plaza.

    “Our goal in San Diego is for UberPOOL to serve as a complement to public transportation, connecting riders to work, school and the places they love,” said Brian Hughes, Uber San Diego General Manager, in a press release.

    Any effort to reduce traffic gridlock and parking hassles through carpooling is well-appreciated in San Diego, especially with the MLB All-Star Game and Comic-Con International coming up soon.



    Photo Credit: Getty Images

    ‘Spunky’ Calf Eager for Bottles at SD Zoo

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    They grow up so fast. A six-week-old takin calf – described by zookeepers as “playful” and “spunky” – is growing by the day as keepers at the San Diego Zoo feed her bottles and the herd looks after her.

    Hsi Hsi – pronounced “Cee-Cee” – was born at the San Diego Zoo on May 22 to first-time mother, Duli. After the birth, San Diego Zoo Senior Keeper Joanne Mills said Duli wasn’t feeling well. Hsi Hsi wasn’t nursing, so Mills said zookeepers stepped in to bottle-feed the baby animal.

    Zookeepers began bottle-feeding the calf several times each day and, like a well-fed baby, she sprouted.

    Mills said Hsi Hsi – who weighed 12 pounds at birth – is now closer to 50 pounds. She is bottle-fed three times a day and, while she’s often sleepy like a human baby, she perks right up for her bottle.

    “She’s very eager to eat that bottle,” said Mills.

    At her current feeding pace, the San Diego Zoo said the calf is gaining an average of 500 grams in weight every day – and almost seven pounds per week.

    Mills said the bottle-feedings for Hsi Hsi will likely continue until September, when she’s 13 or 14 weeks old, though she may wean early, as every calf is different.

    As she grows, Hsi Hsi is also starting to sample solid foods, including pellets, hay and browse.

    “She loves to lick the salt box,” Mills added. “And she loves water, too.”

    Though fed by keepers, the calf remains with her herd. Her two aunties, Mei and Eve, are constantly looking after the newborn, teaching her social skills that will help her down the road.

    Mills said Hsi Hsi can often be seen following Mei and Eve around their habitat, or sleeping next to her mother or aunties. Sometimes, her aunties will nudge her toward keepers when they spot a bottle being brought to the calf.

    Hsi Hsi’s name means “playful monkey” in Chinese and Mills said the calf certainly lives up to her name.

    “She very playful; very spunky,” the keeper said. “She loves to head-butt her browse, the rocks and the walls of her enclosure – and yes, even her aunties from time to time.”

    The calf is also a very agile climber and enjoys standing in the water in her enclosure and soaking her hooves.

    “She’s doing all of the behaviors the adult takins do, just in a little package,” Mills explained.

    Mills said keepers have loved every minute of watching Hsi Hsi grow in the last few weeks.

    “She’s the cutest baby ever,” Mills said, smiling proudly. “She’s growing up so fast.”

    The San Diego Zoo said takins are native to the Sichuan province in China and are listed as vulnerable in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) status Appendix II, due to overhunting and habitat loss.

    Baby takins are born with a coat that is darker than the adults and have a distinctive white patch of fur above the forehead that resembles a little unibrow. As they get older, their fur lightens. Takins are known for their climbing skills, aided by their split hooves, which helps them move around in rocky habitats.

    The birth of Hsi Hsi marks the 67th takin born at the San Diego Zoo, which has the most successful breeding program of Sichuan takins in the United States. The San Diego Zoo was also the first zoo to exhibit Sichuan takins to the public.

    Today, visitors can admire the zoo’s takin herd in the Panda Trek area. It’s fitting that the takins live next to the pandas at the San Diego Zoo, as the animals share the same habitat in China.



    Photo Credit: Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo
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