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Putin Praises Trump, Denies Meddling in US Election

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, while continuing to deny the Kremlin has sought to meddle in the United States election, praised Donald Trump on Thursday for energizing American voters "tired of the elites," NBC News reported.

"Is America some sort of banana republic? America is a great power. Please correct me if I'm wrong," Putin said at the Valdai Club, an annual gathering of world policy experts. "Does anyone really think that Russia can influence the choice of the American people in any way?"

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security accused the Russian government of hacking the email servers of the Democratic National Committee. Putin denied Russia's involvement. 

Trump has also spoken positively of Putin and indicated his willingness to work with him as president. On Thursday, the Associated Press reported, Trump criticized rival Hillary Clinton at a rally in Ohio for speaking "very badly of Putin, and I don't think that's smart."



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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US Brothers Released After Tunisia Terrorism Probe

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Two American brothers arrested in Tunisia on suspicion of belonging to a terrorist organization were released without charge Thursday, NBC News reported.

Officials interrogated the brothers — both aged in their 30s and originally from Michigan — and searched their laptops, judicial spokesman Sofiene Sliti confirmed to NBC News.

"The preliminary investigation led by the judicial police revealed that the two individuals have no link with any terrorist organization," Sliti earlier told the state-run Tunisia Press Agency.

A senior police official based in Jendoubo, were the two were arrested Tuesday, said he disagreed with the decision by authorities in Tunis to release the pair, citing jihad-relted material found by police who raided the place where they were staying.



Photo Credit: Google Maps

Community Bands Together to Help Find Stolen Bikes

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A neighbor in the right place at the right time in San Diego's Park West area helped find his neighbor's stolen bicycles. 

The victim first reported the stolen property - two "Cervello" bicycles, valued at $46,000 - on Sept. 19. 

He posted on Nextdoor.com, a popular social media site designed specifically for neighborhoods, in hopes that his neighbors would spot the bikes and call police. 

One of his neighbors was walking on Upas Street and 4th Avenue last week when he spotted one of the bicycles. 

The Good Samaritan decided to take action and recovered the bike, which was tied to a tree, before calling police. 

On Monday, the same neighbor saw a second bicycle on the 3000 clock of 4th Avenue. He called police when he saw it. 

In part because of the Good Samaritan's work, investigators were able to identify the theft suspect as Angel Joel Rodriguez-Sierra. 

The investigation is ongoing.

No other information was immediately available.



Photo Credit: San Diego Police Department
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Former CIA Director Speaks at CyberFest2016 in La Jolla

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Professionals and leaders from the cyber industry are leading a one-day conference in San Diego for CyberFest2016, with influential speakers discussing the impact of cyber security.

According to a CyberFest official, the conference is underway at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines venue, from 8 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m. Thursday, with one notable speaker including, R. James Woolsey, the former lead for the U.S. Central Intelligence and director of the CIA.

Touted as a global think tank for the cyber industry, the CyberFest2016 was held following last week's widespread internet attacks that shut down multiple popular websites. CyberFest officials say hackers are inventing new ways to infiltrate technologies as quickly as new inventions are made.

The conference was also presented as an important discussion amid Cyber Security Awareness month and an elections season where cyber security has been a focal point of concern.

Officials say some of the topics that will be covered include Rise of the Robots, One World -- A Level Playing Field, Securing the Internet of Things and Surviving a Cyber Disaster.

Besides former CIA head Woolsey, one of the other influential speakers at the event includes Eric O'Neill, a former FBI counter-terrorism and counterintelligence operative, according to CyberFest. He's known for the role he played in the arrest and sentence of an FBI agent spying on behalf of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation.

The event was produced by Security Our eCity, a San Diego non-profit focused on cyber security, and co-produced by CyberTech.



Photo Credit: Moment Editorial/Getty Images

Fallen SDPD Officer De Guzman's Name Added to Memorial

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Fallen San Diego Police Officer Jonathan "J.D." De Guzman's name will be added to the police memorial in Chula Vista, the officer's hometown, Chula Vista Police confirmed. 

De Guzman, 43, was killed in the line of duty on July 28 when he was shot multiple times point-blank during a traffic stop by a man now charged in his death. 

De Guzman's partner Officer Wade Irwin was injured in the attack.

His name was engraved on the memorial on Thursday, though there was no formal event to announce the addition, CVPD Lt. Fritz Reber confirmed to NBC 7 San Diego.

"A true hero," Chula Vista Police tweeted.

There will be formal public and private events in May 2017, Chula Vista Police said. 



Photo Credit: Chula Vista Police Department/Twitter
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How to Help Family of Fallen Coronado-Based Sailor

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San Diegans looking to give back to the family of the fallen Coronado-based sailor killed in Iraq will have the chance this weekend. 

Chief Petty Officer Jason C. Finan, 34, died last week from injuries suffered by an "improvised explosive device," or roadside bomb, officials said.

Finan was from Anaheim, California, and was serving in Iraq with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 in an advisory capacity, according to the Pentagon. 

The first fundraiser will take place at Boll Weevil Restaurant in Imperial Beach from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Satuturday. For every meal and drink ordered during the alloted time, 20 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Finan's family. To participate, all you have to do is mention the fundraiser when you order. 

The restaurant is located at 695 Saturn Boulevard in the Southland Plaza in Imperial Beach. 

The second fundraiser will take place at the Flesh Skin Grafix Tattoo Parlor in Imperial Beach. From 12 p.m. to midnight, the parlor will offer $40 pre-drawn small tattoos. All proceeds will go directly to Finan's family. 

The parlor is located at 1155 Palm Avenue in Imperial Beach. 

Finan was the first U.S. service member to die in combat since the launch of a massive operation to retake the Islamic State-held city of Mosul last week. 

More than 100 U.S. special operations forces are embedded with Iraqi units, and hundreds more are playing a supporting role in staging bases.

Three other service members have died in Iraq since the U.S.-led coalition began launching airstrikes against IS in August 2014.

Dogs Dress Up in Halloween Costumes to Lift Patients' Moods

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There was a Batman. A Nemo and a Dory. A Woody from Toy Story. An old lady with curlers and many more costumes, costumes on dogs. Therapy dogs.

The 3rd annual Halloween Pet Parade at Sharp Grossmont Hospital was a testament to the power of the pooch because these dressed up dogs paraded through the cancer treatment center, immediately uplifting the spirits of the patients.

“When they come around, they put a boom in everyone’s heart, especially people who are really, really sick,” said cancer patient Jim Warren.

Jeremiah Osbourne, who’s battling stage two testicular cancer said: “It’s really uplifting. Everybody in here has a smile on their face and that’s not usually the case.”

The therapy dogs in all their costume glory parade around, cuddling and comforting the patients.

“People who have cancer here and who are going through chemotherapy really appreciate these wonderful dogs. It brightens our day and our blood pressure even goes down after seeing the dogs. It’s wonderful,” said one cancer patient named Barbara.

Therapy dog handler Liz Reynick says, “We come in and the patients see the dogs and big smiles come on their faces. If we can bring a smile to their face for just a few moments, then it’s all worth it.”

The therapy dogs have names like “Hope” and “Miracle”, and in places like a cancer treatment center where people routinely ponder life and death, those dog names really mean something.

“These dogs mean so much to us” says cancer patient Mike May, “It’s a perfect partnership.”

The power of the pooches, dressed up for Halloween, bringing smiles and hope to a place where those are often lacking.



Photo Credit: Todd Strain

Coast Guard Seizes Nearly Three Tons of Cocaine

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The U.S. Coast Guard seized more than 5,600 pounds of cocaine and arrested five suspected drug smugglers in the Pacific Ocean off the Central American coast. They plan to offload 39,000 pounds of the contraband on Thursday morning in San Diego.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche from Alameda, California, working with the Joint Interagency Task Force South patrol aircraft from the U.S. Navy, intercepted a suspected drug smuggling vessel, carrying more than $73-million worth of cocaine on Sept. 6, Lt. Donnie Brzuska said in a statement. The ships have been out at sea until recently, which is why the Coast Guard announced the arrest on Thursday, more than a month later.

The arrest was made using two Coast Guard boats and an armed helicopter. Law enforcement found the five suspects and took them off the self-propelled, semi-submersible they were riding in, even though they tried to fill the vessel up with water to try and swamp it,  Bruzuska said. But their plans didn't work. Two Alameda-based Coast Guard crew members were able to thwart that attempt and took more than 5,600 pounds of cocaine – nearly three tons- into custody, Brzuska said.

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“Our Coast Guardsmen face significant risks posed by dangerous criminal organizations,” Capt. James Passarelli, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche said in a statement. “Our crew preserved valuable evidence and kept millions of dollars of illicit narcotics off America’s streets.”

This year alone, the Coast Guard has stopped six similar vessels, which authorities say are specifically constructed for illicit trafficking with a mostly submerged hull; a cockpit and exhaust pipe are visible just above the water. These types of vessels are extremely difficult to detect and interdict because of their low profile, Brzuska said.

In 2015 and 2016, the Coast Guard removed more than 416,600 pounds of cocaine.

The September bust marks nearly 86,000 pounds of cocaine, worth more than $1.5 billion, that have been intercepted by Alameda-based Coast Guardsmen this year.



Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area
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Science Explains Why Fear Can Be Fun

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Every year around Halloween, millions of people all across the country pay to have other people scare the living daylights out of them, leading us to ask one very important question: Why?

Photo Credit: NBC News

Developing Darkroom Dilemma

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A San Diego man said he has had nothing but trouble after he received a larger air conditioner unit than what he had ordered.  After his calls were going unanswered, he turned to NBC 7 Responds for help. 

“It makes the environment comfortable, it makes you comfortable and makes you want to stay here longer,” Don Blanchard said from his photography darkroom. 

Don said he needed an air conditioner for the darkroom he built to create his black and white artwork. 

“It gets really hot out there, like today,” Don said. 

Too hot for Don to develop his negatives and print his photographs. 

Don ordered what's called a Mini Split air conditioner unit from Sears to both cool and heat the room. But when the crew came to put it in, they installed a larger one than he ordered. 

“We looked at the order sheet that said 15 amps,” Don said. “And then this thing saying 30 amps. Well that’s not right, that’s not being efficient and will double my electric bill.” 

When Don called Sears to replace the unit, he says he had trouble getting anyone to return his calls. 

NBC 7 Responds reached out to Sears who promised to investigate and in a matter of days, Don received a call that Sears would be replacing the AC unit. 

In an email, Sears’ Public Relations Director Larry Costello told us “"At Sears, our priority is ensuring the satisfaction of our members...We regret the error and inconvenience to Mr. Blanchard and hope he remains a loyal Sears customer and Shop Your Way member."

Chula Vista Neighborhood Sprayed to Prevent Zika Spreading

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County health officials sprayed a section of the Chula Vista neighborhood to prevent the spread of mosquitoes at risk of carrying Zika virus on Thursday morning.

The spray was prompted by the return of a Chula Vista resident who traveled to a country where tropical, mosquito-borne illnesses are active and contracted the Zika virus. A type of mosquito that can carry the virus were also found in an area near the patient's home.

County Vector Control technicians hand sprayed pesticide around residential homes in the neighborhood bordered by D street, 5th Avenue, Flower Street and Broadway. 

Residents in the South Bay neighborhood told NBC 7 they were concerned both by the possible spread of Zika virus as well as the potential negative health consequences of pesticides.

"I get concerned because I have a senior at home and there's a lot of children that come by here," said Lynne Robinson, a local resident living in the neighborhood. "But if it has to be done, it has to be done."

The pesticide used in the spray, Pyrenone, is derived from chrysanthemums, dissipates within half an hour and is considered low risk to humans and pets, according to county health officials.

This Chula Vista neighborhood was the first area to be sprayed in several weeks, although it was the seventh neighborhood sprayed this year.

Authorities notified residents about the spraying on Tuesday.



Photo Credit: LatinContent/Getty Images

Firefighters Spot Smoke, Discover Apartment Fire

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An Oceanside Fire engine was out in the neighborhood early Thursday when its crew noticed an unusual amount of smoke in the air. They decided to "check it out" and stumbled on a fire spreading through a number of garages.

There was smoke and fire inside a row of connected garages at a single-story apartment complex on Oceanside Boulevard, near the intersection with Canyon Drive, east of Interstate 5.

They quickly realized it was more than usual smoke from a dryer or other source, said Battalion Chief Greg DeAvila.

They opened a garage door and found five units involved in the fire with one vehicle parked inside, he said.

So the crew immediately called the fire in at 8:37 a.m.

More units arrived and help keep the fire from spreading to nearby residential units.

No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.



Photo Credit: Mark Sackett, NBC 7

Woman Dies After Being Hit by Car While Crossing Santee Road

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A 67-year-old woman was killed Thursday morning after being hit by a car while crossing a street in Santee.

The woman was crossing Mission Gorge Road from the northeast corner of Mission Gorge Road and 1st Street, a three-way intersection with no traffic signal or pedestrian crosswalk, just after 9:31 a.m. when she was struck in the middle lane by a 2006 Cadillac CTS.

Santee Paramedics worked on the victim in the roadway until they transported her to Sharp Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

The driver, an 82-year-old woman, suffered no injuries.

Drugs, alcohol or speed do not appear to be a factor in the accident, according to San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Westbound Mission Gorge Road from Magnolia Avenue to Edgemoor Drive was closed for several hours while the investigation as underway, but has since reopened.



Photo Credit: San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.

Mario Lopez Endorses Measure C Despite Critical Tweets

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Mario Lopez seems to have had a change of heart on whether San Diego should get a new Chargers stadium.

Earlier this month, as the Bolts skidded to a 1-4 start to the season, blowing a string of fourth quarter leads, the celebrity made a snarky comment on Twitter, questioning the team’s proposal for a new home here.

“And they want a new stadium. Yeah, good luck with that,” the celebrity, who hails from Chula Vista, tweeted.

He also tweeted about the frustrations surrounding the Chargers' losing streak.

But this week, the Chargers have rolled out ads with Lopez urging voters to pass Measure C to pay for a downtown San Diego stadium.

“I think San Diego deserves a world class stadium because it’s a world class city,” Lopez says in the ad.

So what gives, Mario?

We sent him a tweet on Thursday afternoon asking him, but have not yet heard back.

Meanwhile, other celebrities have already chimed in on the topic of a newly publicly funded Chargers stadium.

Famous skateboarder Tony Hawk took part in HBO’s “Any Given Sunday” earlier this month to challenge Measure C.

“I love the Chargers. But if they go, we still have the beach, the zoo, Blink 182, Mexico, the sunshine, Nick Cannon, Comic Con and me, Tony Hawk,” he says in the video.



Photo Credit: Chargers/YouTube
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Body Found in Bay Park, Homicide Detectives Investigating

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Homicide detectives are investigating a possible suspicious death in the Bay Park neighborhood of San Diego after a woman's body was found Thursday afternoon.

San Diego Police (SDPD) received a call around 1 p.m. of an unresponsive person in the east alley of the 1900 block of Morena Boulevard. When officers arrived on scene, the woman was pronounced dead.

SDPD Homicide detectives were called to the scene and are investigating this as a suspicious death.

Anyone with information is asked to call SDPD or Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 



Photo Credit: Getty Images/File

Effort to Toughen Up Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals

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There's a new effort to toughen up controversial short-term rentals in San Diego. 

In San Diego, thousands of rentals around the city are available through sites like AirBnB.com. 

City Council President Sherry Lightner wants to toughen up rules that could eventually ban rental stays for less than 30 days.

City officials and local community leaders will gather Friday to announce a proposal to address short-term vacation rentals in San Diego, particularily in single-family neighborhoods. 

Depending on who you ask, the city municipal code does not clearly define a short term rental.

Lightner says current Municipal Code states the zones were where visitor accomodations - a type of commercial use - are permitted and not permitted. 

The proposal set to be put forward would recommend minor edits to the code to better clarify what exactly a visitor accommodation means - and add short-term vacation rentals to the description, Lightner and city leaders claim. Such changes would help with enforcement, city officials claim. 

Lightner's plan would fine violators a maximum $250,000 per parcel of land.

Opponnents say many renters throw loud parties and trash the neighborhoods they are in. 

Pacific Beach homeowner Ronan Gray, who leads the Save San Diego Neighborhood group, says current laws are not being enforced.

He lives right next door to a home that has been rented out for 16 months.

The property owner lives out of state.

Gray has video and pictures of loud parties and the aftermath, and says enough is enough - there needs to be a change.

"People are buying homes in our residential zones purely to run them as mini hotels and commercial business. They never live there, never intend to live there," Gray said.

But Rancho Bernardo homeowner Susan Adams has rented out her townhome since 2013.

She says renting to 'responsible' tenants helps supplement her income and any changes would destroy her financially.

"We're not those bad guys at the beach that are creating havoc, having parties because my guests, for the most part, are families coming in to see families here in town," says Adams.

Both sides are passionate about the issue and plan to sound off at a City Council meeting next Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Holden Hall. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

DMV Makes 'Significant Progress' With Most Locations Open

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The vast majority of Department of Motor Vehicles offices in Southern California were open for business again Thursday, following a computer outage that knocked out service since Monday, but several local offices were still affected.

DMV officials said repair crews made "significant progress overnight" getting offices back online.

"Our staff has been working around the clock to correct this computer hardware failure, which was caused by the loss of several hard discs in a primary and backup system," a spokesperson for the DMV said in a statement. "The DMV system was not compromised by any outside entity."

Over a dozen offices statewide were still out of service. Local offices still affected included Inglewood, Los Angeles Metro Business Service Center, Fontana Commercial Driving Test Center, Redlands, and the Winnetka Industry Business Center.

The office in Compton was one of the offices affected Thursday morning, but was back up and running later in the day.

Most of the residents who arrived at the Compton office Thursday came because it was not initially on the list of affected offices.

Yet, minutes after lining up, people were told the office would not be able to fully process any documents because their printers were affected by the glitch. The office was only able to complete appointments for driving tests.

Customers were redirected to other offices in the area, but many were frustrated the office was not up and running.

"You come in with a plan ... I expect to be at the DMV a certain amount of time, so at the end of the day ... I'm there a couple hours extra, it throws off my whole schedule," said Luis Ceja, one customer at the Compton office.

Updates about local offices were being updated constantly on the DMV's website and social media accounts Thursday, according to the DMV. They believed all offices would be back up and running by the end of the day Thursday.

Annette Arreola contributed to this report.

California's Ballot: 17 Propositions Explained

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This November, Californians will vote on 17 different propositions.

Use this guide for a quick explanation of each one.

Proposition 51: Bonds for School Facilities

Proposition 51 allows California to borrow $9 billion in bonds. The money would go to K-12 public schools and community colleges to help fund construction projects.

Cost: $17.6 billion, paid over 35 years in yearly amounts of about $500 million, less than half of one percent of the current General Fund budget.

Pro

  • Many schools need repairs to make them safer and meet health standards.
  • Proposition 51 will improve education overall.
  • Proposition 51 will expand community colleges and allow more students to attend.

Con

  • Proposition 51 would add to the state's debt.
  • Bond measures should be under local community control, not state.
  • Larger, wealthier districts would receive more funding because they have resources to quickly apply for it.

Proposition 52: Private Hospital Fees for Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal provides health care services to low-income Californians. Private hospitals are required to pay to help cover the cost of Medi-Cal. Proposition 52 would make the fee that private hospitals pay permanent and more difficult to change.

Pro

  • It guarantees funding for Medi-Cal, helping low-income families.
  • Proposition 52 stops state lawmakers from using this money for something else.

Con

  • Proposition 52 gives money to hospitals without guaranteeing that it will go toward helping patients.
  • It gives more money to hospital corporations rather than low-income Californians.

Proposition 53: Public Vote on Revenue Bonds

Revenue bonds are often used to pay for major construction projects: the state pays back the bonds by using money gained from the completed project. Proposition 53 would require revenue bonds for a state project greater than $2 billion to be approved by voters.

Pro

  • States should have voter approval on expensive projects.
  • Proposition 53 gives voters more of a voice and demands accountability from the state.
  • Proposition 53 will discourage spending that adds to state debt.

Con

  • Waiting for a statewide vote could make it harder to respond to emergencies.
  • Statewide voters should not make decisions about projects that affect a specific community.
  • Proposition 53 could prevent or delay fixing pressing infrastructure issues.

Proposition 54: Changes to the Legislative Process

Proposition 54 would require the state Legislature to post bills online three days before a vote. The governor could declare an emergency to make a bill exempt from this requirement. Public meetings of the Legislature would also be recorded and posted online within a day, and anyone will be allowed to record public meetings. Recorded videos could be used in political campaigns.

Pro

  • This makes it easier for Californians to see what lawmakers are doing – more transparency.
  • Proposition 54 would give the public time to read new laws before they are passed.

Con

  • Proposition 54 would make passing bills harder because even small changes to a bill would mean lawmakers have to wait before voting.
  • Groups in positions of power would have more time to block or change a bill.

Proposition 55: Extend Tax on High Income

This initiative would extend income tax rates on income above $250,000 a year through 2030. Money from these taxes would go toward schools and community colleges as well as the Medi-Cal program. The income tax rate is right now set to expire in 2018 (under Proposition 30, approved in 2012).

Pro

  • It would only affect those who can afford to pay higher taxes.
  • Proposition 55 would provide billions to schools and community colleges.
  • Proposition 55 has accountability requirements that will make sure money reaches schools.

Con

  • Supporters of Proposition 30 in 2012 were promised temporary increases, not permanent.
  • Proposition 55 will hurt small businesses and kill jobs.
  • It will take hard-earned money away from people.

Proposition 56: Tobacco Tax

Proposition 56 would raise taxes on cigarettes by $2 a pack. It would also raise taxes on other tobacco products and e-cigarettes containing nicotine. Revenue from the tax would go toward healthcare and tobacco education programs.

Pro

  • Raising tobacco taxes will prevent people from smoking.
  • Proposition 56 would provide millions for healthcare programs.
  • Tobacco users will help offset tobacco-related healthcare costs that taxpayers pay for.

Con

  • Only 13 percent of new tobacco tax money will go toward treating smokers or preventing smoking.
  • Proposition 56 would spend too much money enforcing the tax.
  • It diverts more money to health insurance companies for treating the same patients.

Proposition 57: Parole, Sentencing and Court Procedures

Under Proposition 57, inmates convicted of nonviolent felonies could be granted parole after serving time for their main crime. They also would have more chances to reduce their sentences through good behavior and educational activities. Finally, this initiative would require a juvenile court judge to decide whether youth ages 14 to 17 could be tried in adult court.

Pro

  • This would make prisons less crowded and save money.
  • Proposition 57 would encourage rehabilitation and education of inmates.

Con

  • Proposition 57 would release more convicted felons and weaken crime laws.
  • Proposition 57 does not define what classifies as a “nonviolent” felony. The vague language could be used to apply it to crimes that most people would consider violent.

Proposition 58: English Language Education

Current state law limits the use of bilingual education programs, requiring schools to teach mostly in English. Proposition 58 would remove that requirement and allow schools to use bilingual programs. School districts and county offices of education would make the final decision.

Pro

  • This gives parents and school districts more control over education and more flexibility.
  • English learners should be taught in ways that best meet their needs.

Con

  • Test scores have improved since the state required teaching in English.
  • Being surrounded by English leads to learning English faster. Proposition 58 could create classrooms primarily taught in Spanish, which could hinder learning English.

Proposition 59: Political Spending Advisory Question

Proposition 59 asks voters whether California’s officials should Propositionose and ratify an amendment to the U.S. constitution overturning the Citizens United decision. The 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that political spending by corporations and unions could not be completely limited. This initiative does not guarantee that lawmakers will try to amend the Constitution.

Pro

  • This would send the message that California opposes the Citizens United decision.
  • Corporations should not be able to spend unlimited money on political campaigns.

Con

  • Proposition 59 is a waste of time because it will not change the law.
  • Proposition 59 does not reduce campaign spending or inform people about political donations.

Proposition 60: Condoms in Adult Films

Proposition 60 would require adult film producers to make sure condoms are used while filming sex. This requirement would apply to film studios as well as individual performers or couples. Californians would also be allowed to sue producers for violating the requirement.

Pro

  • The current law requiring condoms is not being followed.
  • This would protect performers from sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Proposition 60 is supported by medical and public health organizations.

Con

  • Married couples who film in their home could be sued.
  • Proposition 60 allows any California resident to directly sue film producers and distributors.
  • Proposition 60 is opposed by civil rights and public health organizations and business leaders.

Proposition 61: Prescription Drug Costs

This initiative limits how much the state can pay for prescription drugs. State agencies could not pay more than the Department of Veterans Affairs for any medication. California’s “managed care system,” covering 75 percent of people on Medi-Cal, is exempt.

Pro

  • Proposition 61 would prevent price gouging and high prices for prescription drugs.
  • Proposition 61 would save money in healthcare costs.

Con

  • Proposition 61 would not apply to 88 percent of residents.
  • This would remove discounts on prescription drugs that California currently receives, which would increase prescription costs.

Proposition 62: Repealing the Death Penalty

Proposition 62 would repeal the death penalty. Existing death row sentences would change to life imprisonment without parole.

Pro

  • Repealing the death penalty would save the state $150 million a year.
  • Removing the death penalty would make sure innocent people are not executed.
  • Victims’ families will get closure because the long process of death penalty trials and appeals will end.

Con

  • The most serious crimes deserve the strongest possible punishment.
  • The money that inmates would put toward victims’ families cannot make up for the families’ loss.
  • Proposition 62 threatens public safety and denies justice for victims’ families.

Proposition 63: Gun and Ammunition Sales

Proposition 63 would ban gun magazines that hold a large number of bullets. It would also require background checks for buying ammunition and impose new felony charges for gun theft. Proposition 63 would set up a new court process to keep guns away from felons and other people disqualified from owning firearms.

Pro

  • This makes sure violent criminals and the mentally ill cannot have guns.
  • It strengthens gun laws and stops dangerous people from buying ammunition.

Con

  • This makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to buy ammunition.
  • The costs of Proposition 63 could be better spent on law enforcement.

Proposition 64: Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

This initiative would legalize growing, possessing or using non-medical marijuana for adults, ages 21 and over. Taxes would be set for retail and on growers. Revenue from these taxes would go toward law enforcement and other programs like drug education.

Pro

  • Proposition 64 sets up a safe system of marijuana use.
  • Proposition 64 would bring in more than $1 billion in revenue and lower law enforcement costs.

Con

  • Proposition 64 would increase driving accidents because it has no DUI standard for marijuana.
  • Marijuana would be allowed to be grown near schools.
  • Proposition 64 would allow felons with meth and heroin convictions to sell marijuana.

Proposition 65: Money From Carry-Out Bags

The initiative would redirect money charged by stores for paper carry-out bags. Instead of keeping the money, stores would put it into a state account to be used for environmental projects.

Pro

  • Stores should not be allowed to profit from the sale of reusable bags.
  • Proposition 65 ensures that the money will go to helping the environment.

Con

  • Proposition 65 will not make much money for the state.
  • Proposition 65 distracts from the real issue, getting rid of plastic bags completely.

Proposition 66: Death Penalty Court Procedures

This initiative would speed up the death penalty legal process by setting a five-year time limit on challenging death sentences. It would also limit successive appeals. Death row inmates would work and pay victim restitution.

Pro

  • Speeding up the process could save tens of millions of dollars a year.
  • The appeals process should be quicker and less complicated.

Con

  • Proposition 66 would cost millions of dollars in legal and lawyer fees.
  • Shortening the appeals process increases the risk of executing innocent people.

Proposition 67: Plastic Bag Ban

Proposition 67 would uphold a 2014 law that prohibits stores from selling plastic and paper bags across the state. Stores can sell recycled paper or reusable bags.

Pro

  • Voting “Yes” would reduce litter and protect wildlife and the environment.
  • Many communities have already banned plastic bags.

Cons

  • A plastic bag ban would reduce manufacturing jobs.
  • Consumers would have to pay for reusable bags and grocery stores could keep the money.

Source: Voter's Edge



Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area

SDSU Grad Launches Trump Dog Chew Toy Business

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This election has gone to the dogs.

It started when the local entrepreneur noticed his dog, Cody, barking every time the Republican presidential candidate came on TV.

An idea was formed: How about a Donald Trump chew toy?

“We’re just trying to make pets great again,” Josh Morse quipped.

The recent San Diego State University graduate created a design and ordered his first batch of 1,000 Trump toys earlier this fall.

They sold out in a few weeks.

With no formal marketing plan, Morse took the toys to events around San Diego, like the Pride Parade and the Ocean Beach Street Fair. Dog owners loved them, and not just because of their political persuasion.

Their pups loved them, too.

“Once people see them, they go crazy for them. They laugh,” he said. “I’ve had Republicans. I’ve had conservatives and people across the political spectrum by them.”

Today, Morse, in his first year of law school, has 10,000 toys stacked up in a shop in Ocean Beach. He has a website, Chompachump.com (his name for the parody dog toy business), where you can order your own one for $10.

His one-man business is still informal. He ships them all himself, all over the world. One of his orders came from Orsay, France.

“What I do is I pack them up, grab my skateboard and skate down to the post office and drop them off,” he said.

It’s an unconventional approach for a guy with a unique story. During part of his childhood, Morse lived homeless. But he valued education, so he attended Point Loma High School, enrolled at San Diego State and became the university’s student president in 2013.

Now, he’s using the Chompa Chump business to help pay for law school.

For every Trump toy sold, he will donate one to an animal shelter. So be prepared to see a lot of squeaky, miniature Trumps around town.

And if you think it’s a politically biased business, Morse said he’s developing a Hillary Clinton dog toy. So there’s plenty of politically charged gnawing to go around.

“My hope is if this takes off, I’ll be excited. I’m not going to say no,” he said. “Other people have made their fortune off of even crazier stuff. Why can’t I make it off a Donald Trump parody dog chew toy?”



Photo Credit: Steven Luke

Graphic Testimony in Case of Pacific Beach Rape, Kidnapping

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A student studying in San Diego who was raped at knife point in Pacific Beach pocket dialed her father in Germany during the assault, who heard part of the assault as his daughter pleaded for her life, a police officer testified in court Thursday. 

Suspect Jacob Skorniak, 49, has pleaded not guilty to charges of forcible rape and kidnap for rape, with allegations that he used a knife during the rape and moved the victim to a place of increased harm.

According to Deputy District Attorney Marisa DiTillio, the 21-year-old victim, who is from Germany, told officials she had spent New Year’s Eve with friends and was returning to the Pacific Beach home where she was staying when she encountered Skorniak.

She got out of her taxi, and the next thing she remembers is riding in Skorniak’s truck as he held her at knife point.

"She said one of the first things she recalled was seeing a person with a knife in his hand holding the steering wheel," testified San Diego Police Department Sargent Rich Forsey.

DiTillio said the suspect pulled down a dark street, parked and used the knife to tear off some of the victim’s clothes.

He then forcibly raped her as she begged him not to hurt her, according to the prosecutor. As the assault was happening, the victim pocket dialed her father, in Germany, who heard a portion of the assault on the live phone line. 

He said he heard (the victim) say something to the effect of, take what you want, leave me alive," Forsey testified. "She said it a couple of times, she was distressed. He heard a lot of sounds like she was being assaulted."

That family member called police while Skorniak drove to a gas station, where he was seen on surveillance video paying for gas inside, prosecutors allege.

DiTillio said the victim was too scared to run, but she motioned to someone at the gas station, indicating that she was in danger.

The bystander wrote down the truck’s license plate number, which was registered to Skorniak’s father. The prosecution confirmed the truck was in Skorniak’s possession at the time, according to DiTillio.

The suspect then drove the victim back to the area of her home, but soon saw police surrounding the house, investigating the relative’s call. Skorniak allegedly continued to drive away with the victim still in the truck.

The victim was finally able to convince the suspect to release her, and he dropped her off several blocks from her home. Her clothing ripped - allegedly from the knife Skorniak used to cut them - she ran to police. 

After getting the victim's description of the suspect and his truck, investigators identified the rape suspect as Skorniak. A statewide manhunt ensued, and Skorniak was arrested on Jan. 22, 2015 in Santa Barbara, with the same truck in his possession.

Forsey testified that at the time of his arrest, memory cards were found inside Skorniak’s truck. On one there were travel shots, and pictures of girls in bikinis on San Diego beaches. On another, there was a short video. Forsey says it shows a woman being sexually assaulted.

“Then the image panned up and showed the female was not wearing any upper clothing her breasts were exposed,” Forsey said. “It appeared to be (the victim)…She seemed like she was pretty much passed out. She was moaning, but pretty much passed out.”

Investigating Officer Forsey testified the victim identified Skorniak in a photo line up.

According to police, Skorniak, a Colorado resident, has served two decades in prison for robbing a bank in Colorado and was on federal parole at the time of the alleged rape. DiTillio said his criminal history dates back to the 1980s, including burglary with an escape and a robbery in 1995.

A judge ruled the case will go to trail. 

Skorniak faces 65 years to life if convicted.

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