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Home Burns in 1,700-Acre Summit Fire in Calif.

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A wind-driven wildfire that threatened homes in Southern California's Riverside County forced evacuations and road closures Wednesday afternoon, destroying at least one home.

At least 425 firefighters, 46 engine companies, 16 fire crews, six helicopters and six air tankers were sent to control the 1,700-acre two-headed blaze near near Banning, Calif., which sent up thick towers of smoke.

The massive blaze, dubbed the "Summit Fire," was at 0 percent containment as of 4:30 p.m. The fire was still moving quickly on its "right flank," where it was headed toward Cherry Valley and Oak Glen, fire Chief John Hawkins of CAL Fire's Riverside Unit told NBC 4 Southern California.

At least one home burned on Mesa Street at Sunset Avenue (map).

About 500 people had been evacuated, Hawkins said, and had been moved to aid centers.

At least one firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze. Hawkins said the first responder suffered burns to the face.

Regional air quality regulators issued a smoke advisory for the area around Banning, meaning people should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities anywhere smoke can be seen or smelled.

Hawkins said more crews were being called to battle the blaze in the rolling foothills and canyons.

"We are bringing in everything we can to get a hold on this fire," he said, adding that the area had very difficult access.

Hawkins said there are two "heads" to the fire: one north of Banning that is heading west toward an area north of the neighboring city of Beaumont; and another in the rugged foothills headed in the direction of the apple-growing community of Oak Glen.

Winds began to slow down about 6 p.m.

"We're looking a lot better," Hawkins said at the time, adding that the blaze is still "nowhere near contained."

The Banning Police Department evacuated residents on Indian School Lane near Eighth Street. Roads were closed on Wilson Street between San Gorgonio Road and Highland Springs Avenue. Residents in the Highland Springs Mobile Home Park also have been evacuated.

Banning PD asked residents in the Bench area just north of Banning to remain in their homes because surrounding roads were blocked by fire.

Evacuated residents were ordered to go to the Banning Community Center at 789 N. San Gorgonia Avenue. Evacuation centers for animals were set up in nearby San Jacinto and Beaumont.

Crews from Riverside County Fire Department and CAL Fire worked with multiple agencies — including from as far away as Orange County — to control the wildfire that started near North San Gorgonio Avenue and Summit Drive in Banning (map).

The blaze was reported at 12:38 p.m. at 10 acres. By 6 p.m., it had grown to consume at least 1,700 acres.

"We had an abnormally early start (to the fire season)," Hawkins said. "This is very concerning."

Areas of Southern California on Wednesday were under a red flag warning, or increased wildfire danger, which indicates a dangerous combination of high winds, hot temperatures and low humidity.

NBC 4 Southern California's Tony Shin, Jacob Rascon and Melissa Pamer contributed to this article.


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Photo Credit: Jacob Rascon

Police Unveil Guardian Lowrider

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San Diego police officers showed off their latest addition to the fleet on Wednesday morning: A lowrider car.

No, the car won’t be used to track down criminals. Instead, the lowrider will serve as a promotional tool for the San Diego Police Department. The hope is to build trust and relationships with local community groups and spotlight the local lowrider community.

The car was funded by community and business donations, according to SDPD. 

Police Chief William Lansdowne took a turn in the car, and even did a couple tricks for special effect.

“It’s really an experience to do that,” he said. “I’ve been doing this business for 50 years and that’s the first time I’ve actually had control of a lowrider.”

One of the people who helped spearhead the project is Officer Gerardo Serrano.

“We work closely with the lowrider community of San Diego,” he said.

The car also pays tribute to some of the fallen officers of SDPD, including Jeremy Henwood and Christopher Wilson.

“They’ve honored us by making this car part of the memorial and part of their good work here in the southeastern division,” said Lansdowne.

The lowrider will make its first event appearance for Old Town’s Cinco de Mayo celebration this weekend.

Fire Scorches City Heights Canyon

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Fire scorched a City Heights canyon Wednesday, briefly threatening a cul-de-sac of homes. 

The fire was reported at 49th Street and University Avenue just before 2 p.m.

The fire sent a large amount of smoke into the sky according to an employee at nearby Colina Park Golf Course. 

Folks at the golf course originally thought it was smog but soon realized the smoke was from a brush fire.

No injuries were reported. No homes were damaged and families told NBC 7 they are happy they were spared.

Firefighters said they are currently mopping up the area and could be in the area for the next two to three hours.

The message from SDFD: Cut back tall weeds and brush that are near your home. When it's dry and windy like this, it could save your family.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Bank Robbing Suspect Leads Police on Chase

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Police chased a bank robbing suspect through the streets of San Diego on Wednesday.

The high speed incident started around 12:30 p.m. on southbound Interstate 15 and Aero Drive.

Police said the female suspect robbed a Navy Federal Credit Union at 10645 Tierrasanta Blvd. using a note that mentioned she had a weapon. The teller then gave the woman an undisclosed amount of money and left the bank in a gray Audi A6.

During the chase, a police car crashed into a van because it ran through the intersection (show below). The police vehicle had its lights and sirens on when it struck the van, flipping it over. People inside the van were extricated, according to police. The officer injured his wrist in the crash and the driver was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

The suspect exited off El Cajon Boulevard in City Heights where officers were able to follow her to 4200 Corinth Dr.

As police were setting up a perimeter, the female suspect emerged from the side of the house where the vehicle was parked. Police officers identified her here on the scene and a witness from the bank also positively identified her. The suspect was then taken into custody.



Photo Credit: Steven Luke

Summit Fire Grows to 3K Acres; Destroys Home, Injures Firefighter

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A wind-driven wildfire that threatened homes near Banning in Riverside County that forced evacuations and destroyed at least one home continued to grow Wednesday evening, scorching nearly 3,000 acres.

At least 425 firefighters, 46 engine companies, 16 fire crews, six helicopters and six air tankers were sent to control the 3,000-acre two-headed blaze, which sent up thick towers of smoke.

The massive blaze, dubbed the Summit Fire, was at 30 percent containment as of 7:30 p.m. The fire was 35 percent contained by 9 p.m. and had a "slow rate of spread," according to Riverside County Fire Department's online incident report.

The blaze was reported at 12:38 p.m. at 10 acres. By 6 p.m., it had grown to consume at least 1,700 acres.

At least one home burned on Mesa Street at Sunset Avenue (map), and about 700 people had been evacuated and moved to aid centers. All evacuations were lifted by 8 p.m., according to Riverside County Fire officials.

At least one firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze. Fire Chief John Hawkins of CAL Fire's Riverside Unit said the first responder suffered burns to the face.

Regional air quality regulators issued a smoke advisory for the area around Banning, meaning people should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities anywhere smoke can be seen or smelled.

Hawkins said crews from outside Riverside County were called to battle the blaze in the rolling foothills and canyons.

"We are bringing in everything we can to get a hold on this fire," he said, adding that the area had very difficult access.

Hawkins said there are two "heads" to the fire: one north of Banning that is heading west toward an area north of the neighboring city of Beaumont; and another in the rugged foothills headed in the direction of the apple-growing community of Oak Glen.

Winds began to slow down about 6 p.m.

"We're looking a lot better," Hawkins said at the time, adding that the blaze is still "nowhere near contained."

The Banning Police Department evacuated residents on Indian School Lane near Eighth Street. Roads were closed on Wilson Street between San Gorgonio Road and Highland Springs Avenue.

More than 200 families in the Highland Springs Mobile Home Park were also evacuated. Those orders were lifted at 8 p.m.

Banning PD asked residents in the Bench area just north of Banning to remain in their homes because surrounding roads were blocked by fire.

Evacuated residents were ordered to go to the Banning Community Center at 789 N. San Gorgonia Avenue.

An evacuation center for small animals has been set up at San Jacinto Valley Animal Services located at 581 S. Grand Ave. in San Jacinto. A large-animal evacuation center is located at Noble Creek Park, 390 Oak Valley Parkway in Beaumont.

Crews from Riverside County Fire Department and CAL Fire worked with multiple agencies  -- including from as far away as Orange County -- to control the wildfire that started near North San Gorgonio Avenue and Summit Drive in Banning (map).

"We had an abnormally early start (to the fire season)," Hawkins said. "This is very concerning."

Areas of Southern California on Wednesday were under a red flag warning, or increased wildfire danger, which indicates a dangerous combination of high winds, hot temperatures and low humidity.

NBC4's Tony Shin, Jacob Rascon and Melissa Pamer contributed to this article.


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Photo Credit: Jacob Rascon

Red Flag Warning Issued for SD

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A red flag warning, indicating increased wildfire danger, is in effect Thursday and Friday as hot, dry and windy conditions move into San Diego.

Severe Weather Warnings

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday with increased temperatures and winds expected. The coast could see a high of 80 degrees with 100 degree temperatures in the desert.

Winds up to 60 mph could be seen in the mountains and valley areas.

Check our weather page for the latest updates

There is also high surf and above average rip currents expected for the coasts, according to National Weather Service.

Students Suspended Over Twerking Video

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Dozens of San Diego area high school students have been suspended and banned from prom or commencement because of a twerking video according to one parent.

The video, created recently by students in a journalism class at Scripps Ranch High School, shows teenaged girls twerking while doing handstands to a YG song.

Thirty-two students danced and one student used school property to videotape the group outside class during 6th period.

Later, the student used school editing equipment to add music and post the clip to YouTube.

As a result, all 33 students were suspended as of Tuesday through the end of the week the parent told NBC 7.

For those unfamiliar with the trend, twerking involves popping of the hips in a suggestive dance move. Singer Miley Cyrus recently posted a twerking video and talked about the move with Ryan Seacrest. 

San Diego Unified School District spokesperson Jack Brandais refused to comment on the suspension saying the district will not discuss student discipline.

Brandais forwarded the specific section of the district website regarding the suspension appeal process.

One Scripps Ranch HS student posted an update via Twitter, “Suspended, banned from prom, and prevented from walking at graduation all because of an awesome twerk video. I don't understand.”

NBC 7 San Diego spoke to one of the teenagers disciplined because of the video and he told us that may not be the case.

“The seniors involved are on senior review and have to ask for their prom and graduation back in front of a panel,” the teenager told NBC 7.

On Tuesday, another student posted on Twitter, "To show support for everybody getting suspended, we should all twerk at once at lunch #freethetwerkteam."

The Scripps Ranch HS student handbook specifically outlines its sexual harassment policy prohibiting “verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the educational setting.”

Students must sign a page in the handbook that states: “At Scripps Ranch High school there is zero tolerance for students who cause major disruptions at school or school activities. Any student who causes a major disruption will receive a five (5) day suspension, a possible new school placement and may be arrested.”

Seniors may be denied attendance at prom or walking at graduation if they have committed a “zero tolerance infraction” the guide states.

The parent who spoke with NBC 7 San Diego felt the school was not uniform in handing out punishment.

The mother said the school should have used this as a teaching moment to remind students that when a person is videotaped, he/she never knows where it’s going to go.

Judge Allows Ill. Teen Terror Suspect to Await Trial at Home

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A judge on Thursday granted a request for release from a suburban Chicago teenager accused of trying to join an al-Qaida-affiliated group.

Abdella Tounisi will await trial outside jail under home confinement and electronic monitoring, the judge said. Tounisi's father must be his third-party custodian.

After announcing his surprise ruling, the otherwise soft-spoken U.S. magistrate judge leaned forward on his bench Thursday and raised his voice, telling the teenager he should take the allegations seriously.

"This is no game, Mr. Tounisi. OK?" Judge Daniel Martin told him.

The slight, short Tounisi stood before the judge in orange jail garb and slippers, flanked by U.S. marshals. Some 30 friends and relatives sat on spectator benches; several cried after the judge ruled.

After ruling, the judge stayed his own order for 24 hours to give prosecutors a chance to appeal, which they announced later Friday they would do. A hearing in the matter was set for Friday.

Prosecutor William Ridgway had argued that Tounisi posed a threat to the community, saying he sought to hook up with the al-Qaida-linked group in Syria even after his friend Daoud's arrest.

"One would think that would be a wake-up call," Ridgway said about the arrest. "But it didn't deter him."

Tounisi persisted even as family and friends warned him not to get involved with extremists, Ridgway said. He quoted a friend as saying about Tounisi in a wiretap, "He will not die a martyr. He will die like road kill."

The prosecutor said Tounisi also is a flight risk, noting how he had managed to secure a U.S. passport on short notice and to scrape together money for a plane ticket.

"He's very resourceful," Ridgway told the judge.

But Tounisi's attorney, Molly Armour, said Tounisi came from a caring home and had no prior criminal record. She also said a terrorist-related charge shouldn't automatically deny release.

"The word 'terrorism' is a word that tends to taint everything," she told the court.

She also gestured to the back of the courtroom, where dozens of members of his community sat, assuring the judge they would also watch over Tounisi and see that he stays out of trouble.

"They are committed to being part of his life," she said. "That offers a backstop to the family."

Judge Martin said repeatedly that his decision to grant Tounisi release was a close call. He told Tounisi's father, Ahmad Tounisi, that a landline must be installed in the Aurora family home before his son could be released — to comply with home confinement and electronic monitoring.

The judge told Tounisi's father that he will be obliged to contact authorities immediately if his son takes "one step out of the house." The elder Tounisi said he understood and would comply.

Federal authorities said Tounisi is a threat and should remain behind bars, but the 18-year-old's family has said they believe he is innocent.

Tounisi faces one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a felony. He is accused of planning to join an al-Qaida group in Syria and was living with his family in Aurora when he was arrested last month at O'Hare International Airport.

According to the FBI, Tounisi was discovered through a sham website claiming to connect users with extremist groups. Prosecutors also allege he is friends with Adel Daoud, charged with trying to detonate what he thought was a bomb outside a Chicago bar last year.

Speaking with Tounisi's father after the arrest, he said he believes his son was looking for an escape and wouldn't hurt anyone.

Tounisi has yet to enter a plea. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The Associated Press' Michael Tarm contributed to this report.


Banning Fire Latest May 2, 6 a.m. Update

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Reporter Tena Ezzeddine updates the battle against the Summit Fire in Banning California at 6 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2013.

Free Coffee to Say Thank You

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To say thank you for waking up with us in the morning, NBC 7 San Diego News in the Morning is giving away free coffee, tea and small Lattes.

Join us at Lestat's Coffee House at 4496 Park Blvd from 6-8am on May 2. The first 200 cups are free so come early.

We will also have some giveaways including Padres tickets and 2 tickets to Ellen.

You can also pick up one of our coffee sleeves at any of these locations:

  • Cafe Adesso, 1140 Tavern Rd Alpine
  • Cafe Elysa, 3076 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad
  • Vega Caffe, 891 Showroom Pl, Chula Vista
  • Coronado Cupcakery, 1201 First St, Coronado
  • Surinder's Coffee Shack, Naval Air Station North, Coronado
  • Java Express, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, l Cajon
  • Brownstone Coffee, 325 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas
  • Cappuccino Cottage, 1500 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas
  • Issabelle Briens French Pastry, 127 N El Camino Real, Encinitas
  • Prescription for Java, 477 N El Camino Real, Encinitas
  • Quick Fix Blackgold, 144 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas
  • Shell, 510 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas
  • The Quick Fix 1552 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas
  • Shell, 780 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido
  • Cliff Hanger Cafe, 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr La Jolla
  • Coffee Cup, 1109 Wall St, La Jolla
  • Espresso Roma, 9500 Gilman DrLa Jolla
  • Helena's Cafe, 9850 Genesee Ave, La Jolla
  • Cafecito, 1114 West St, Oceanside
  • Hill Street Coffee House, 524 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside
  • Pier View Coffee Company, 300 Pier View Way, Oceanside
  • Packard's Coffee Shop, 680 Main St, Ramona
  • Caffe Vicino, 2621 Denver St, San Diego
  • Coffee & Art, 777 6th Ave, San Diego
  • Golden Bagel Cafe, 6765 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego
  • Incredible Cheesecake Co, 3161 Adams Ave, San Diego
  • Lestat's Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave, San Diego
  • Living Room Coffeehouse, 1018 Rosecrans St, San Diego
  • Newbreak Coffee & Cafe, 1959 Abbott St,  San Diego
  • Newbreak Coffee and Cafe - Downtown, 290 1st Ave
  • Rum Jungle, 4150 Mission Blvd, San Diego
  • Stephanie's Breakfast Place, 1501 India St, San Diego
  • Third Alarm Coffee, 16691 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego
  • Village Cafe, 10415 San Diego Mission Rd #BSan Diego
  • Solana Beach Coffee Co., 437 S Highway 101, Solana Beach
  • Shell, 400 Sycamore DrVista
  • The Coffee Grounds, 2654 Jamacha Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019

 

Calif. Hiker Rescued After Massive, $160K Search Charged with Drug Possession

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One of two teen hikers who got lost in the wilderness in Southern California, prompting a massive five-day search effort that cost more than $160,000, has been charged with the possession of methamphetamine found during the hike.

Authorities found an illegal substance in the car in which Nicolas Cendoya, 19, had traveled to the trailhead in the Trabuco Canyon area of Cleveland National Forest, Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Gail Krause said Wednesday.

A felony charge of possession of a controlled substance was filed against Cendoya on Tuesday, according to Farrah Emami, a spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney's office.

The substance was 497 milligrams of methamphetamine, which was found in his car April 2, when sheriff's deputies were looking for information on him, Emami said.

That amount of methamphetamine is likely to be a supply rather that a dosage that could be consumed at one time, according to NBC4 Los Angeles' Dr. Bruce Hensel.

Authorities had said that they could only attempt to recover the $160,000 cost for the massive search for Cendoya and his companion, 18-year-old Kyndall Jack, if a criminal charge was filed against the hikers.

The cost of the multiagency search was released Tuesday and included the services of six agencies.

Cendoya, who spoke to NBC4 on Tuesday and said he would help pay back the cost of the search if needed, was not being held, Emami said. Cendoya said he didn't want his parents to be burdened with the search costs, which he called "insane."

Asked on Tuesday if he was on drugs during the hike, Cendoya said "absolutely not."

Cendoya and Jack, both of Costa Mesa, had headed onto the popular trails of Holy Jim Canyon in the Cleveland National Forest on Easter only to get separated at night. They had entered the wilderness with a single water bottle and no warm clothing.

Lost for several days, the two were found separately by rescuers in dense brush on April 3 and April 4.

A reserve deputy was seriously injured during Kyndall's rescue after he fell 60 feet and hit his head.

Both Jack and Kyndall were found dehydrated, disoriented and covered in cuts and bruises -- but they suffered no major injuries. Each said they had hallucinated through much of their time in the steep canyon area.

"I was in lucid dreams and hallucinations for days. I could see the helicopters flying over me every day. When the firefighters came up to me, I couldn't even believe it," Cendoya said after his ordeal. "We weren't meant to die."

He is set to be arraigned in Santa Ana Superior Court on May 22, Emami said.

NBC4's Ryan Bourgard and Vikki Vargas contributed to this article.

Dozens of High School Students Suspended Over Twerking Video

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Dozens of San Diego area high school students have been suspended and banned from prom or commencement because of a video showing them twerking, according to one parent.

The video, created recently by students in a media class at Scripps Ranch High School, shows teenaged girls performing the dance move while doing handstands to a YG song.

Thirty-two students danced and one student used school property to videotape the group outside class during 6th period.

Later, the student used school editing equipment to add music and post the clip to YouTube.

As a result, all 33 students were suspended as of Tuesday through the end of the week, the parent told NBC 7 San Diego.

For those unfamiliar with the trend, twerking involves popping of the hips in a suggestive dance move. Singer Miley Cyrus recently posted a twerking video and talked about the move with Ryan Seacrest. 

San Diego Unified School District spokesperson Jack Brandais refused to comment on the suspension saying the district will not discuss student discipline.

Brandais forwarded the specific section of the district website regarding the suspension appeal process.

One Scripps Ranch HS student posted an update via Twitter, “Suspended, banned from prom, and prevented from walking at graduation all because of an awesome twerk video. I don't understand.”

NBC 7 San Diego spoke to one of the teenagers disciplined because of the video and he told us that may not be the case.

“The seniors involved are on senior review and have to ask for their prom and graduation back in front of a panel,” the teenager told NBC 7.

On Tuesday, another student posted on Twitter, "To show support for everybody getting suspended, we should all twerk at once at lunch #freethetwerkteam."

The Scripps Ranch HS student handbook specifically outlines its sexual harassment policy prohibiting “verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the educational setting.”

Students must sign a page in the handbook that states: “At Scripps Ranch High school there is zero tolerance for students who cause major disruptions at school or school activities. Any student who causes a major disruption will receive a five (5) day suspension, a possible new school placement and may be arrested.”

Seniors may be denied attendance at prom or walking at graduation if they have committed a “zero tolerance infraction” the guide states.

The parent who spoke with NBC 7 San Diego felt the school was not uniform in handing out punishment.

The mother said the school should have used this as a teaching moment to remind students that when a person is videotaped, he or she never knows where it’s going to go.

Local to Run 700 Miles Across State

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In just days, a San Diego man will begin a 700-mile run across the state of California for a charity that is close to his heart.

Some may embrace this story as one of hope and determination. Others may think it sounds crazy. If you find yourself in the latter, you’re not alone.

“I said ’You’re out of your mind, please don’t do that,’” Diane Nares told NBC 7 San Diego, recalling the moment her husband, Richard, announced his plans.

Richard Nares has challenged himself to run 700 miles starting in San Francisco and running about 30 miles a day for almost a month until he gets to Rady Children’s hospital in San Diego.

The run will begin Saturday, May 4 in honor of the Emilio Nares Foundation. He hopes to raise $75,000 through donations. Click for a map

Richard has run 200 miles in years past to raise money for the non-profit founded two years after their son’s death.

“The great love of our life. He was amazing. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 3 years old and he passed away just before his 6th birthday and he brought his so much joy,” explained Diane.

The foundation provides support to families dealing with childhood leukemia and cancer

“When you go through that no one can really understand it but once you go through it, you’re a part of that club that no one wants to belong to,” said Richard.

Richard and Diane Nares say what seems like a big challenge, is really nothing compared to what those they are helping go through.

“If he can just run and get through it like they got through their treatments, he can keep going,” said Diane.

“That’s my primary inspiration,” Richard said. “That is motivation is to think about all the kids that we work with every day but as parents I think about the moms and dads too because we were one of those.”

For more information on the run and how you can help the project, check out the foundation’s website.

 

Warren Buffett's New Twitter Account Is "in the House"

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Warren Buffett — known for investing in traditional media — has finally joined the ranks of new media.

The billionaire unveiled his new Twitter handle on Thursday during a speech. Buffett posted his first tweet at 12:20 p.m. ET and had amassed over 75,000 followers by Thursday afternoon.

The business mogul has shied away from investing in technology companies because he says he can't predict the future of those businesses the way he can with insurance or manufacturing companies.

Buffett says even though he may not understand Twitter well, he knows it can't be all bad because one of the company's co-founders is from his home state of Nebraska.

Twerking Suspensions Reaction

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Students and parents respond to the Scripps Ranch High School scandal involving a twerking video shot and edited on school grounds and school equipment. NBC 7's Nicole Gonzales reports.

Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Feldman Befuddles Padres

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Scott Feldman out-pitched Padres starter Andrew Cashner in a big way.

Feldman(2-3) threw a gem, striking out 18 and allowing just 3 hits in the Cubs 6-2 win.

At one point Feldman retired 18 straight in his first ever complete game. Cashner (1-2) struggled against the team that made him their first pick in the 2008 draft.

He lasted just four innings, giving up four earned runs.

One of the few bright spots for the Padres was Jedd Gyorko. The rookie infielder hit the first home run of his major league career in the eighth inning, one of the rare mistakes Feldman made. Chase Headley added a home run in the ninth.

The final game of the series is Thursday morning at Wrigley Field.



Photo Credit: AP

Aquatica Water Park Set to Open

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Fresh water turtles will be part of the new park scheduled to open June 1. Mike Price, Supervisor of Aquariums, talks with NBC 7's Whitney Southwick about the upcoming opening.

Plan to Rename Jerry Garcia Amphitheater Saddens Deadheads

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The music would play, and it would play for free.

But at a cost -- to the legend of Jerry Garcia.

A plan to bring 50 free concerts to an under-utilized venue in San Francisco's low-profile McLaren Park is angering some fans of the Grateful Dead, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The late Grateful Dead guitarist Garcia, who was born in the city's Excelsior neighborhood, has an amphitheater named for him not too far from his boyhood home. There's an annual "Jerry Day" festival there -- but not a whole lot else.

Seeking ways to use the space, the Recreation and Park Department is mulling a deal that would bring 50 shows to the space -- free of charge to the public who would attend. The catch is that the deal is with Levitt Pavilions, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that rehabs venues -- and the amphitheater would be renamed.

The stage, currently the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, would be renamed "The Levitt Pavilion San Francisco at Jerry Garcia Meadows." The song remains the same? Not quite, according to fans of the Dead, who have submitted a petition with more than 1,000 signatures opposing the name change.

 

 



Photo Credit: FilmMagic

Pause Before You Pucker: Lipstick May Contain Toxins

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Watch out, ladies — before you pucker up, make sure your lips aren't covered in poison.

A new analysis at the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Public Health tested 32 different lipsticks and lip glosses used by young Asian women commonly found in drugstores and department stores.

The results were troubling: They detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals, some of which were found at levels that could raise potential health concerns. Their findings were published online Thursday in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Earlier studies also have found metals in cosmetics.

But the Cal researchers estimated risk by analyzing the concentration of the metals detected and consumers’ potential daily intake of the metals, and then comparing this intake  with existing health guidelines, according to UC Berkeley's News Center.

"Just finding these metals isn’t the issue; it’s the levels that matter," said study principal investigator S. Katharine Hammond, professor of environmental health sciences. "Some of the toxic metals are occurring at levels that could possibly have an effect in the long term."

Lipstick and lip gloss are of special concern because when they are not being blotted on tissue or left as kiss marks, they are ingested or absorbed, bit by bit, by the individual wearing them, the study authors said.

For most women, there is no reason to toss the lip gloss in the trash, the study authors said.

But they hoped their study – and discovery of metals in the makeup – would prompt more oversight by health regulators. There are currently no U.S. standards for metal content in cosmetics. The authors note that the European Union considers cadmium, chromium and lead to be unacceptable ingredients – at any level – in cosmetic products.

"I believe that the FDA should pay attention to this," said study lead author Sa Liu, a UC Berkeley researcher in environmental health sciences. "Our study was small, using lip products that had been identified by young Asian women in Oakland. But the lipsticks and lip glosses in our study are common brands available in stores everywhere. Based upon our findings, a larger, more thorough survey of lip products – and cosmetics in general – is warranted."

Using acceptable daily intakes derived from this study, average use of some lipsticks and lip glosses would result in excessive exposure to chromium, a carcinogen linked to stomach tumors. High use of these makeup products could result in potential overexposure to aluminum, cadmium and manganese as well. Over time, exposure to high concentrations of manganese has been linked to toxicity in the nervous system.

Average use was defined as a daily ingestion of 24 milligrams of lipstick a day. Those who slather on the lip color and reapply it repeatedly could fall into the high use category of 87 milligrams ingested per day.

Lead was detected in 24 products, but at a concentration that was generally lower than the acceptable daily intake level. However, the lead levels still raised concerns for young children, who sometimes play with makeup, since no level of lead exposure is considered safe for them, the researchers said.

Ann Rojas-Cheatham, director of research and training at the Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice in Oakland, co-authored the study. The National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Education Research Center helped support this research.



Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area

Gov't to Appeal Ill. Teen Terror Suspect's Release

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The government said Thursday it will fight a federal judge’s decision to release a suburban Chicago teenager, accused of attempting to link up with what he thought was an al-Qaida-backed terror group in Syria.

Abdella Tounisi of Aurora, Ill. is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terror organization.

Tounisi has been on the government radar since last summer, when he and a friend, Adel Daoud, allegedly discussed bombing a west suburban restaurant. An FBI affidavit says Tounisi "recommended certain attack techniques, offered ideas about targeting, and researched locations online to analyze their feasibility," but eventually backed out of the planned attack, in part, because he believed a third party with whom Daoud was associating was an undercover law enforcement agent.

After Daoud was arrested in September, Tounisi was visited by FBI agents, who said he admitted assisting Daoud in "target selection." But they said in spite of that visit he continued doing "extensive online research" on violent jihad, centering on Syria and an Al Qaeda-backed terror group there.

Unbeknownst to Tounisi, the website he visited was actually an undercover front maintained by the FBI. When he sent emails asking for assistance in joining the Syrian group, officials said, his messages were being read by the federal agents.

On Thursday in court, prosecutor Bill Ridgeway begged Judge Daniel Martin to keep Tounisi behind bars.

"This is someone who has expressed an interest in dying as a martyr," Ridgeway warned, noting that when he was interviewed by the FBI, Tounisi admitted his "interest in engaging in jihad overseas."

Prosecutors revealed they had been listening in to the family’s phone conversations for months, and had heard a Tounisi relative pleading with the boy, "You will not die a martyr…you will die like road kill!"

Defense attorney Molly Armour insisted Tounisi posed no danger.

"He’s charged with attempting to leave the community, not harm it," she said. "The word terrorist is a word that tends to taint everything it touches."

The judge said he felt a need to protect the community but would allow Tounisi to be transferred to home confinement. Still, he delivered an angry lecture to the suspect.

"This is no game, Mr. Tounisi," Martin scolded. "You’ve got an entire law enforcement wing concerned that you could do some terrible things."

The judge indicated he felt comfortable putting Tounisi’s father in charge of his confinement, despite the fact that prosecutors had submitted evidence that the family had been overheard saying they were powerless to stop the young man’s jihadi ways.

Tounisi stayed in custody Thursday as his parents scrambled to have a land-line phone installed to transmit data from the home monitoring device. Prosecutors said they would go before a different judge Friday morning to keep him behind bars.

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