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Recalled Toys May be Available Online: US PIRG

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Consumers should keep an eye on what they purchase this holiday season, as recalled toys may still be available in online stores, a new report says.

In its annual "Trouble in Toyland" report, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund alerts consumers to recalled toys from January 2015 to October 2016 that may still be in their home, or available for sale online.

"We should be able to trust that the toys we buy are safe. However, until that’s the case, consumers should understand two things: first, not all recalls may be well-publicized so you should check your house for previously recalled toys and second, some toys that are recalled may still be available online," said Dev Gowda with U.S. PIRG in a statement. 

Some of the toys included on the list that are available online include a toy glockenspiel recalled due to high lead levels in the paint; a remote controlled-flying toy with a USB charging cord that can overheat and a pencil case containing two magnets that can detach from the case’s lid. Each of the items is said to pose health risks for children.

In a statement, the Toy Industry Association refuted the PIRG’s report, saying many of the items are juvenile products like hoverboards and children's jewelry and are not toys.

"U.S. PIRG calls their annual report "Trouble in Toyland" – but their 2016 report doesn’t indicate any trouble at all," the group said.

The inclusion of things like pacifier clips and other products "in a supposed 'toy' safety report undermines the toy industry’s deep and ongoing commitment to ensuring that toys are among the safest consumer product categories found in the home."

The group cited U.S. toy safety requirements as "among the strictest in the world, with more than 100+ standards and tests in place to ensure that all toys found on store shelves are safe."

The Trouble in Toyland list has been published for over 30 years, and has led to over 150 recalls and other enforcement actions, according to a press release from U.S. PIRG. The research group says that it has notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission about potential sales of recalled products, which it says is illegal under the CPSC’s rules. It also urges consumers to remain aware of recalled toys that may still be in their homes. 

In their statement, the Toy Industry Association urged consumers to “always shop at reputable stores and online retailers that they know and trust, and exercise caution when buying toys at flea markets, garage sales, second-hand / thrift stores, etc., as these vendors may not be monitoring for recalled products. Families are also encouraged to stay up-to-date on toy recalls to ensure that all recalled products are kept out of their homes – and out of children’s hands.”



Photo Credit: U.S. PIRG

Verdict Reached in Trial of Tierrasanta Hit-and-Run Driver

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A jury has reached a verdict for a Tierrasanta woman implicated in a February hit-and-run crash that killed one girl and seriously injured another.

The verdict will be read in court on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

On Tuesday a new piece of evidence was shown in court before the closing arguments-- a 9-1-1 recording by a woman who witnessed at least one of the victims get injured. The woman spoke with a police officer on the phone while another man was able to get the license plate of Julianne Little.

Little, age 30, faces gross vehicular manslaughter hit-and-run charges along with serious injury charges for the death of 10-year-old Raquel Rosete and the injury of Rosete's friend, 12-year-old Mekayla Lee.

According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), Little swerved off the road and hit the girls as they were walking along the sidewalk off Santo Road near Shields Street. She originally left but returned shortly after the crash. Little's defense attorney said she fell asleep behind the wheel.

Although the prosecutor suggested she may have been texting when she struck the girls, Little's defense attorney contested the claim, saying there was no supporting evidence. 

The defense attorney also said that Little was not grossly negligent as there was no evidence of texting or impairment, but did agree that she was guilty of hit and run. The defense claims that she fell asleep, woke up upon impact and drove away without knowing what she hit.

Little pleaded not guilty back in February, and if convicted could face up to 11 years and eight months in prison.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Boyfriend Charged with Murder in Strangulation of Girlfriend

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A man has been charged with murder in the strangulation death of his girlfriend in unincorporated Vista, north of San Diego, San Diego County Sheriff's officials (SDSO) said. 

Nathan Carmello Rivera, 42, of Vista, was arrested in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Donna Hixon, 49, of Vista, found dead inside a mobile home on Friday. 

Deputies initially responded to a report of assault with a deadly weapon at approximately 11 a.m. on the 1000 block of La Rueda Drive. 

Hixon was discovered inside a mobile home on the property in what investigators initially called suspicious. At first, because of the position of her body, her injuries were not, deputies said. 

Deputies spent hours at the scene of the crime, first waiting for a search warrant and then collecting evidence. 

The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office completed their autopsy and ruled the death a homicide. 

Rivera was identified as a suspect and arrested. Rivera will be re-booked into the Vista Detention Facility for a single count of murder; he is currently in custody on other charges. 

No other information was immediately available. The homicide is under investigation. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321 or after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Border Patrol Discovers Vehicle Posing as County Truck

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El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents caught a driver in a fake Imperial Irrigation District (IID) truck, that was possibly used for smuggling illegal immigrants, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

They made the discovery of the cloned IID truck near the Calexico East Port of Entry Monday night, a city in Imperial County about 122 miles east of San Diego.

The driver of the truck, an 18-year-old United States citizen, was taken into the Calexico Border Patrol Station for further investigation and questioning, according to CBP. Shortly after detaining the driver, the agents arrested six illegal immigrants suspected of being involved with the cloned vehicle.

“The vigilance that our Border Patrol Agents display is vital in defeating criminal organizations and their astute smuggling tactics,” said Chief Patrol Agent Rodney S. Scott, in a statement.

Border Patrol agents received an internal radio notification at about 7:37 p.m. that a group of individuals entered the U.S. through one of IID's hydro-electric plants stationed across the All-American Canal, an 80-mile long aqueduct.

When agents arrived at the scene, they observed a truck donning IID logos parked near the location where the suspected illegal immigrants were found, according to BBP. A brief investigation revealed that the truck was a cloned IID and the decals were counterfeit.

The driver of the cloned vehicle spoke with agents, and admitted to being involved in an immigrant smuggling scheme. Border Patrol agents then alerted the Imperial County Sheriff's Office, who sent an officer to impound the truck for displaying a fictitious license plate.



Photo Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol

Family Files Federal Suit in SDPD Shooting of Pet

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A family whose dog was shot and killed by a San Diego police officer filed a lawsuit in federal court Tuesday. 

The lawsuit alleges that when officers went knocking after midnight Feb. 22 at the Fuentes home, the family said police ignored two things — the "Beware of Dog" signs posted on the fence and their better judgment.

Owner Alfredo Fuentes said their 7-year-old mixed-breed dog Grizzly was shot three times by SDPD Officer Robert Meiselmen.

"Grizzly was a member of our family and he's very special to us," said Alfredo Fuentes Sr.

Fuentes said he and and his wife were jolted awake by the knocking, then gunshots. It took 40 minutes for the husky-pit bull mix to bleed to death, the family said.

The officer wasn't responding to a call for help, but rather canvassing the neighborhood for information about an assault and stolen car case.

"He had a Taser. He had pepper spray and he had a gun. He pulled his gun and repeatedly shot this dog," said family friend and advocate Sundi Sage.

San Diego police called animal control, but help did not come, Sage said. A police lieutenant later apologized to the dog owners.

"An apology is not acceptable. They killed a family member and you apologize: 'Oops sorry, we shot your dog three times,'" Sage said.

Sage helped the family file four formal complaints with the department in March.

The Fuentes are demanding $200,000 for their grief. According to the family's attorney, Jule Kerans, they intend to use the money to cover whatever costs they might incur convincing the state legislature to create a law that holds police accountable for killing pets. 

Kearns said the family wants “to implement mandatory training for police officers to avoid such unnecessary and violent incidents.”

"The family has no interest in money. They just want justice. They want to make sure this does not happen to another animal another family," Sage also told NBC 7.

In response to the claim, SDPD Lieutenant Scott Wahl said the department could not comment on the specifics of the incident because it is pending litigation. 

"However, the San Diego Police Department provides training to all of its Police Officer’s on de-escalating encounters with animals, specifically dogs. Per Department policy, officers have the authority to use their firearm if they reasonably believe an animal posses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to them or another person," the statement on behalf of SDPD read, in part.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Need is Year Round for One in Eight San Diegans

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This Thanksgiving, many organizations will provide holiday meals for those in need.

It’s a great gesture during the holidays - but there’s a year round need. Every day of the year, one in eight people here in San Diego County faces food insecurity.

Life Christian Center in Chula Vista is just one of hundreds of places that help to feed the more than 423,000 San Diegans who don't know where their next meal is coming from.

"We don't know what's going on in their lives but we know when they come here, they're going to be loved so they can leave happy," Life Christian center volunteer Raechelle Ellis told NBC 7 San Diego.  
 
Every month, Ms. Raechelle, as everyone calls her, helps feed as many as six thousand people. Life Christian Center distributes as much as a ton of food a week.

Elizabeth Prado's family started the ministry a dozen years ago.

"I can easily say that a lot of the families that have opened up their hearts and intimately shared that some of them they just wouldn't have something to eat," Prado said.

Life Christian Center on Imperial Avenue is one of 225 partners working to reach those in need with Feeding San Diego, a non-profit that provides about  21 million meals a year in San Diego County.

"Feeding San Diego has the fresh produce and the nutritious food that is going to allow those families to stretch their budgets. And they're not having to make those difficult choices of paying for electricity or food, or paying for medical bills and getting food on their table for their kids,” said Feeding San Diego Director of Programs Kelcey Ellis.

Despite all that Feeding San Diego and other organizations do, only about half of the need is being met right now in this county. Feeding San Diego is always in need of volunteers and donations.      

In fact, at times, Life Christian Center doesn't have to look farther than its own volunteers to see just how great that need is. Ms. Raechelle sometimes receives the very food she helps hand out.

"There are times when I have needs, my family, and we're so blessed with whatever we need here," Ms. Raechelle said.

Ms. Raechelle said she is like a lot of San Diego County’s working poor.  Although she always had a job, she was homeless for a time. Just recently, she had double hip surgery and her doctor told her she could not work for at least a year.  

But she says she found hope at Life Christian Center, and she found the courage to accept help with an open heart.

"And sometimes I'm guilty of being too proud. Not anymore," she said.

If you need help, you can find Feeding San Diego’s nearest distribution center by entering your address on their website.

"Anyone who needs food can come and get what they need, whether that's on a weekly basis or one time because you just lost your job,” Ellis said.

You don’t need to provide identification and there's no verification process.

If you would like to volunteer or donate, you can visit the Feeding San Diego website, as well. 

For every dollar you donate, Feeding San Diego can get four meals out to the community.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego
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Remodeled, High-Tech Bus Stations Go in Along Broadway

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Eleven revamped bus stations have debuted along Broadway this week in an effort to encourage ridership.

The remodeled bus stations include digital screens showing arrival times at each stop, built-in security cameras and custom-made shelters.

“A lot of the construction work that went into these stations is not just these stations, but improving sidewalks, improving the whole experience along Broadway,” said Muggs Stoll of SANDAG.

The $21 million project, paid for TransNet tax money, is intended to increase the number of bus commuters.

The stops are for MTS Rapid bus lines, which were introduced in June 2014 and connect Escondido, San Diego State University and Rancho Bernardo to San Diego’s downtown corridor.

Will it persuade folks to take the bus instead of driving? Some commuters told NBC 7 it depended on the routes.

“I don’t think I’d be willing to use because I only go to a couple of spots,” said Chula Vista resident Lisa Bernady. “But if they had more stops in my favor then absolutely.

SANDAG is already brainstorming even more ways to revamp the bus system, including adding WiFi to buses.



Photo Credit: Artie Ojeda

Man Sentenced for Running Down SDPD Officer

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A man convicted of murder for running down a San Diego Police officer with a patrol car apologized to the officer he hurt as during his sentencing, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's office. 

William Frank Bogard, 25, was previously convicted of a number of charges, including two counts of murder with personal use of a deadly weapon and personal infliction of great bodily injury, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of residential burglary with a hot prowl allegation, theft of a police car, felony vandalism and resisting an executive officer. 

He plead to four strikes, according to Deputy District Attorney Michael Runyon. 

On Tuesday, he was sentenced to 20 years and four months in state prison at 85 percent. 

In January 2015, Bogard had been "acting strangely" outside a residence in the 3600 block of Main Street in Barrio Logan and the occupants called the police. After leaving for a few minutes, he came back and broke the window of the house, came inside and "threatened to assault and kill" the people inside, they said.

Officer Jeremy Swett was one of the responding officers and was interviewing witnesses when he was struck by his own patrol car, police said.

Prosecutors claim Bogard got into the vehicle and continued accelerating with the officer still on the hood.

The Ford Explorer came to rest suspended partly in the air, hanging from a wire on a power pole.

Swett, a 25-year-veteran officer, fell from the hood of the SUV and suffered what were described as "serious, serious" injuries. 

Bogard suffered a single non-life threatening gunshot wound to the waist by a second officer on the scene. A canine officer helped take Bogard into custody and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

As to how the suspect gained access to the patrol SUV, an official statement said Swett had gotten out of the patrol vehicle and "stayed near the vehicle as he assisted with the investigation."

He was also ordered to pay $304,576.12 restitution to the City of San Diego for the officer's medical bills and the damage to the two police cars. 


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Chargers Sign Former Aztec Hillman

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The Chargers roster revolving door continues.

Tuesday the Bolts officially announced nose tackle Brandon Mebane is out for the season and they’ve added cornerback Trovon Reed and running back Ronnie Hillman.

Last year Hillman led the Super Bowl Champions in rushing with a career-high 863 yards and seven touchdowns. Denver surprised many by releasing the 25-year old before the season started this year. The Chargers claimed Hillman off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings.

At SDSU, Hillman was the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2010 and the following year earned first-team All-MWC honors. He left the Aztecs with 3,243 yards after two seasons.

To make room for Hillman, the Chargers released wide receiver Griff Whalen.

Before hitting the Reserve-Injured list with a biceps injury, Mebane led the team’s linemen in tackles with 35 total, 15 pressures and six quarterback hits. He also recorded four tackles for loss, a sack and got his first career interception.

Taking Mebane’s spot on the roster is cornerback Trovon Reed from the practice squad.

Reed spent parts of last season with the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins and Rams practice squads and saw action in three preseason games with Seattle this year. The Chargers signed him to their practice squad in October.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Wanted Felon Involved in 6-Hour Standoff Arraigned

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A wanted felon involved in a six-hour Serra Mesa standoff pleaded not guilty to a felony child abuse charge stemming from the standoff.

Joseph Curtis Caldwell, initially wanted on felony warrants for domestic violence, burglary, auto theft, and false impersonation, appeared in court to face charges related to the Thursday, Nov. 17 standoff

He pleaded not guilty to a felony child abuse charge; bail was set at $100,000. 

The standoff began Thursday when San Diego County Sheriff's Department Fugitive Task Force spotted Curtis at one of his relative's homes. 

Caldwell holed himself up in the home around 4:42 p.m. on the 8600 block of Hurlbut Street just south of Aero Drive, near Montgomery Field.

At one point, the man had his five-year-old niece with him, but released her through a second-story window, officials said. 

Throughout the standoff, officers fired less-lethal rounds to try to coax the suspect out. He surrendered peacefully just before 11 p.m. 

If convicted, he could face eight years in prison. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Pie Fundraiser Helps San Diegans Battling AIDS, Cancer

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The pies will fly this week in San Diego as volunteers with the Mama’s Kitchen organization prepare for sweet annual fundraiser that will help locals living with AIDS and cancer.

For the past 26 years, Mama’s Kitchen has prepared and delivered free, healthy meals every day to men, women and children around San Diego County affected by AIDS or cancer.

Each year around Thanksgiving, the City Heights-based organization hosts its Mama’s Pie in the Sky Bake Sale, which raises funds for Mama’s Kitchen to keep fulfilling its goals. The pies are donated by local restaurants, bakeries caterers and include pumpkin, traditional apple, Dutch apple and pecan flavors. The pies are sold for $25 a pop to San Diegans who support Mama’s Kitchen.

This year, Mama’s Kitchen hopes to raise $120,000 through the bake sale, which will help provide more than 32,000 meals to San Diegans struggling with illness. Each pie sold helps fund more than seven home-delivered meals to a person too ill to grocery shop or cook.

“Our clients are affected by AIDS and cancer, and are vulnerable to hunger,” said Anne Garger, executive chef for Mama’s Kitchen. “If we didn't provide the meals, they are too sick or unable to shop. When you buy pie, that money goes back to us and that's money we use -- we buy food throughout the year.”

The pie preps were in full swing Tuesday as volunteers sorted thousands of pies for delivery by name, flavor and location. Some eateries donated 10 pies to the cause, others 100. This year, about 60 percent of the pies were donated by Sycuan Casino.

On Wednesday, the pies will be distributed from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. by dozens of volunteers to more than 20 Wells Fargo locations throughout the county. Those who bought the pies can pick them up later that morning at those locations – just in time to enjoy the sweet treats on Thanksgiving.

For more information about this fundraiser and how to donate to Mama’s Kitchen, click here.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/StockFood
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NBC 7 Responds Helps Smooth Pot Holes For San Diego Resident

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A Lincoln Park resident told NBC 7 Responds he’s been trying to get the owners of his apartment complex to repave the entrance road for over a year. 

“I just kind of slipped and fell into it and my ankle went down like this,” Lance Sheely said. 

Lance is talking about the potholes on the street leading into and out of his Lincoln Park apartment complex. The Euclid Terrace Apartments is primarily a low-income complex. 

“There are senior citizens, those with disabilities, people walking with canes and walkers,” Lance said. People Lance says who could be slowed down, stuck or injured by the poor condition of the street. 

The street was filled with obvious cracks, loose asphalt, sudden dips and potholes. 

“It is a huge safety hazard,” Lance said. 

With his attempts to get the road fixed unsuccessful; Lance turned to NBC 7 Responds for help. 

“I just want somebody to get it fixed,” Lance said. 

NBC 7 Responds first had to track down who owned the street. After checking with parcel ownership records with the city of San Diego, NBC 7 Responds learned the road itself is held in a family trust. 

Spending decisions for the road are shared by the Euclid Terrace apartment complex, the strip mall and a property management company. 

It took four months for all of the parties involved to agree to fix the street and another two months for the repair work to get done. 

The locals say they are thrilled with the work done. 

“I’ve been over here for 21 years and this street has been a mess,” Euclid Terrace apartment resident Mary Barnes said. “They’re fixing it now and I’m so glad that they are fixing it.”

100 MPH Pursuit Ends With Crash into Civic Center: CVPD

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A driver lead police on a rapid pursuit reaching speeds up to 100 mph that ended in his crash into the Civic Center in Chula Vista, confirmed California Highway Patrol (CHP).

It happened at about 1:30 a.m. early Tuesday morning, said CHP officers. The collision happened right across the street from the police station.

CHP officers say they originally tried to pull the driver over, on a suspected DUI charge. Once a patrol car began flashing its lights, the suspect sped away near Highland and State-Route 54 in a high-speed pursuit.

The chase only lasted about a minute before the driver collided with the wall of the Civic Center, according to CHP.

There is visible damage at the scene of the Chula Vista Civic Center with scraped walls and bushes torn out.

The suspect was taken to the UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest, said CHP officers. It was not clear what the extent of his injuries were.

Police arrested him on DUI charges.

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Hanging Up on Phone Cancellation Confusion

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A San Marcos woman called NBC 7 Responds after she said she was receiving bills for a cell phone she returned months prior. 

Ursula Fitts said she thought her old cell phone was a goner. She said it was acting up and not working right. 

“The battery went kind of low and I thought, it’s time for a new phone,” Ursula said. 

So, Ursula went to a nearby T-Mobile store and bought a new phone. Days after buying it, something unexpected happened. 

“I was in the kitchen and my other phone started ringing and I thought where is this coming from? It was my old phone. I thought it was dead but it came back to life,” Ursula said. 

So Ursula decided to return the new phone. It had only been a week since she made the purchase and T-Mobile staff had mentioned she had up to 14 days to return the phone if needed. 

“They told me there would be a restocking fee,” Ursula said, agreeing that she was fine paying it. 

Then another bill arrived in Ursula’s mail. 

“The bill said I was passed due, $65-$70, something like that,” Ursula said. 

When Ursula returned the phone the store did not automatically cancel her contract. Ursula tried to explain the mishap to T-Mobile staff but the next month, another bill arrived for $141.46. 

Ursula tried calling T-Mobile a second time to fix the problem but the error wasn’t corrected. So she called NBC 7 Responds. 

NBC 7 Responds contacted T-Mobile and within days, Ursula received a call that she would no longer be on the hook for the amounts she was billed for. 

In an email, a representative from T-Mobile saidt, "T-Mobile's Customer Service team has resolved this issue with Ms. Fitts...we encourage you to follow up with Ms. Fitts as we believe she is now satisfied."

Witnesses Sought in Brutal Gaslamp Attack

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The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) released nearly a dozen photos Tuesday of several people who witnessed the brutal attack of a man in the Gaslamp Quarter – an attack that left the victim paralyzed.

The black and white and color photos, captured on surveillance cameras belonging to surrounding businesses, are fuzzy but show several men and women recording the attack on their cell phones.

The SDPD said the people in the pictures are not considered suspects, only witnesses who could have key evidence or details that could help investigators working this case. Police are hoping to identify these witnesses and are asking them to come forward with any information or videos they may have.

The images were captured on Aug. 27 at around 2 a.m. near the intersection of 4th Avenue and Market Street in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. According to police, a 29-year-old man and his friend tried to break up a fight on the street between several people.

As the man intervened, a group involved in the fight attacked the victim, kicking and hitting him on the head while he was on the ground, investigators said. The victim suffered major injuries. SDPD Lt. Martha Sainz said the man is now a paraplegic as a result of the attack.

"The family has been impacted by this -- they're devastated," the lieutenant told NBC 7. "It's been a life-changing event for the victim."

The Gaslamp Quarter assault is under investigation. The SDPD said any witnesses can come forward and provide details to investigators by calling (619) 744-9534.

"We are seeking justice," said Sainz. "We want to find additional people that saw what happened. We know that there's cellphone footage out there."



Photo Credit: San Diego Police Department

Petition: 'Sanctuary' for Undocumented UCSD Students, Staff

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Hundreds of students and staff at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have signed a petition urging the administration to take steps to ensure the safety of all students, staff, workers and their families.

The call comes after the divisive rhetoric in the presidential election in which President-elect Donald Trump called for the deportation of undocumented citizens and ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

According to the petition, the UCSD Administration is being asked to create a “sanctuary” for undocumented students, staff, contract workers and their families that would be affected by President-elect Trump’s policies.

Some of the requests outlined in the petition are as follows:

 

  • Reaffirm the university's commitment to support and protect all students and workers, regardless of their citizenship status, religion, ethnicity, or national origin
  • Reaffirm current admission and financial aid policies regarding undocumented students;
  • Reaffirm UCSD's policy to not cooperate with federal ICE authorities regarding deportations or immigration raids
  • Provide and expand legal services for undocumented students, staff, workers, and their families, following in the steps of UCLA, UC Irvine, and UC Berkeley who now fund full time, on-campus immigration attorneys
You can read the full petition here.

 

On Tuesday, Becky Petitt, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion emailed all staff and students at UCSD, denouncing hate speech on campus and reaffirming the university’s commitment to equality.

Petitt stated that the UCSD Police Department is investigating an incident where graffiti was found near a campus bus stop.

The statement in part read:

“To members of our campus community who may feel fear or uncertainty at this moment in time, I remind you: You belong here. You matter. Your dignity matters. And you are loved. At UC San Diego, we are unwavering in our commitment to create and maintain a welcoming and vibrant teaching and learning environment. On behalf of the UC San Diego Administration, I condemn, in the strongest terms, what appears to be attempts to create an atmosphere of intimidation and fear among members of our campus community. I reaffirm our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourage our community of scholars to exemplify our academic mission of engaging difficult issues intellectually and remaining open to hearing and learning from differing perspectives.”

DoD to Allow Concealed Firearms on Military Bases

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This week, the Pentagon released guideline for members of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense to carry privately owned concealed firearms on bases and a number of other Department of Defense locations across the nation.

The policy change was sent out by the Pentagon after several deadly attacks on the U.S. Military on American soil.

In November, 2009, 13 people were killed at Fort Hood by an Army psychiatrist. Three years ago, 12 people died after a government contractor opened fire inside the Washington D.C. Navy Yard. In 2014, an Iraq War veteran opened fire, killing three people before killing himself on the very same base. A Navy Sailor and four Marines were killed by a gunman with ties to the Middle East in Chattanooga, Tennessee in July, 2015.

Navy veteran Paul Rodriguez says he gets emotional thinking about the members of the military that became victims in a place where they should feel safe.

“Anywhere, on any base, especially American base when somebody comes in and starts shooting, and our American guys—I'm sorry that they don't have a chance to shoot back. It's just not right," Rodriguez said.

According to the guidelines, these are a number of procedures that will need to be developed on bases and the policy will also be adapted to state and federal regulations. At this point, the policy is in the early stages and work will be done at facilities across the U.S. to implement it.

NBC 7 spoke wiht dozens of members of the military who told us they approved of the change.

One unnamed sailor, who said he is part of base security, told us that he can’t be everywhere at one time so he likes the idea that his fellow sailors will be armed. Another said they have to constantly load and unload their weapon when they go on base.

Members of the military acknowledged that with the policy comes the issue that a fellow member could potentially use the weapon to cause harm, but added that the benefits outweigh the risk.

Joanne Elleh, who is not in the military added: “I think you'd find the least number of crazy people on a base and they're trained.”

Still some people were concerned about more guns in the hands of people on a military base or otherwise.

Nancy Parra’s dad served in World War II and says there are plenty of people on base that are armed to protect others on base.

“I think there's security personnel who—it’s specifically their job to train and the use of guns in this country is getting out of hand," Parra said.

NBC 7 spoke to people outside of the Navy Region Southwest building near Downtown San Diego who were in support of the policy.

“I'm all for it,” said Marine Corps Veteran Perry Young.

Navy Veteran Drew Meyers said: “If they have proper training I think it's a deterrent.”



Photo Credit: NBC7

Registered Sex Offender Barred from Child's Campus Sues

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A parent and registered sex offender is suing the Grossmont Union School District because he says he is not allowed on campus to take part in his child's education. 

The father told the district he is a registered sex offender, but the district would not give him the written permission he needs to go on campus, denying him what he and his lawyer, Janice Bellucci, say is his right to take part in his child's education. 

According to the civil suit, filed Friday, the principal suggested the father drop off and pick up his child at a shopping center separated from the school. He can pick up his child at school for disciplinary reasons and for medical or family emergencies, the suit alleges. 

A spokesperson from the district said no one was available to comment on the suit Tuesday. 

The father denied an on-camera interview with NBC 7 San Diego, but spoke by phone about the lawsuit.

"There are monitors. There are teachers and other staff everywhere on campus and at events," the father said. "I completely understand vetting people who have direct and unsupervised contact with children. I don't see the risk of picking up my child on campus or meeting with the child's teacher. There are ways parents can be involved on a volunteer basis that does not involve contact with students."

The suit does not name the school in question.

Bellucci says the district is citing one law that says a registered sex offender is not supposed to go on campus without a lawful purpose and without written permission.

Bellucci says her client does have a lawful purpose -- to take part in his child's education.

In not giving him written permission, the father's lawyer says the district is ignoring other laws and expert recommendations. She says school officials can not categorically deny a sex offender's access to school grounds. 

The father says when his child was younger, other school districts did give him written permission to go on campus to pick up and drop off his child or to attend parent-teacher conferences. In addition, he said he would like to volunteer, though he understands chaperoning a bus trip would not be appropriate.

Bellucci, who filed this civil suit against Grossmont Union, is also involved in another suit filed on behalf of all sex offenders against the Fontana School District, east of Los Angeles.



Photo Credit: Shutterstock / maroke

Tamir Rice's Mom Demands Justice on Anniversary of Killing

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On the second anniversary of her son's death, Samaria Rice stood on the steps of the police headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio and read out a list of demands, NBC News reports. 

First, she said, fire the police officers who killed her 12-year-old son, Tamir. 

"These two years have felt like hell and many sleepless nights, when I close my eyes to try to get some rest all I can see is my son getting shot," Rice said, later adding, "Our tax dollars are paying these killer p*gs." 

Tamir Rice was shot and killed by police officers on Nov. 22, 2014. Video of the incident shows a police cruiser racing to the front of a recreation center and pulling up alongside the boy. One of the officers quickly fires two shots and the child crumples to the ground and dies.



Photo Credit: AP Photo/Courtesy Richardson & Kucharski Co., L.P.A.

Curry Visits Boy Battling Leukemia

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Two-time reigning NBA MVP and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry continues to dazzle this season and leave fans in awe with his play on the court.

But it is also what he is doing off the court that is making a difference. Curry on Sunday visited a 7-year-old boy battling leukemia in Indiana. The Warriors were in town to play the Pacers. The boy, Brody Stephens, recently received a bone marrow transplant.

"The situation yesterday keeps everything in perspective in what we do for a living," Curry said to reporters on Monday. "(Brody) spent 91 straight days in the hospital battling leukemia and all he does is support our team and myself. It's amazing and humbling to have what we do on the floor be an inspiration to him to keep fighting."



Photo Credit: Monte Poole
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