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SD Businesses in Solidarity With 'Day Without Immigrants'

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A number of San Diego businesses closed up shop on Thursday in solidarity with the nationwide “Day Without Immigrants” protests.

In North Park, a chiropractor’s office was noticeably shuttered, as was a café.

But compared to the movement in other major U.S. cities, the protests in San Diego were small and not felt at a large scale.

The movement was intended to show how important immigrants are to America's economy and its way of life, and many businesses with immigrant owners and workers closed in solidarity.

The protests even reached the Pentagon in Washington D.C., where a number of fast food joints were among the shops that stayed closed.

The protests were in response to President Trump’s immigration policies and statements, such as plans to build a wall on the southern border of the U.S. as well as his plans for increased deportation.

In San Diego, a rally was planned for Chicano Park in Barrio Logan for 6 p.m. Thursday. A Facebook event showed that just shy of 70 people planned to attend and another 80 people were interested in attending.



Photo Credit: Katia Lopez-Hodoyan

San Diego's Unsolved Cold Cases

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Years, or even decades, may have passed, but police continue to search for leads in unsolved local cases that have grown cold. Here's a look at those compelling cases waiting to be cracked. If you have any information on any of these cases, contact the SDPD at (619) 531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.

Photo Credit: SDPD

Ahead of Storm, Aztecs and Toreros Adjust Game Times

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Rain delays aren’t typical in San Diego sports, but this weekend we could see just that.

Both the University of San Diego (USD) and San Diego State University (SDSU) are adjusting their baseball schedules ahead of the potential inclement weather.

The Toreros have moved up their second game against number six, Vanderbilt University, this Friday February 17 at Fowler Park. That game will now start at 2:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m.

Game three on Saturday February 18th is still set for a 6:00 p.m. start time.

Similarly, the SDSU baseball team has adjusted their start times against the Pacific Tigers on Friday and Saturday at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Friday’s season opener has been moved up to 2:00 p.m. from its 6:00pm original start time.

Saturday’s game has been pushed back to 6:00 p.m. It was originally scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.

There is no change to Sunday’s contest. That game is still scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. start time.

Victim, Suspect in CSUSM Sex Assault Used Kik Messenger: PD

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The victim and suspect in a California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) sex assault that occured in broad daylight last month communicated through the popular instant messaging app Kik, police say. 

The sex assault happened on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at approximately 11 a.m. in Lot B on campus, according to an advisory sent to students. 

The pair met and communicated on Kik for an unknown period of time before meeting on campus, where the suspect drove the victim to Lot B and raped her, according to CSUSM Police Department Sgt. Ray Derouin. 

The suspect then drove the victim back to Craven Circle, where he let her go. The victim notified University police shortly after. 

Derouin said the department had to subpoena Kik, a Canadian company instant messaging company, to get access to some of the communications between the suspect and victim, since the application is anonymous.

In a statement to NBC 7, Kik said the company takes online safety very seriously and is constantly working to imrpvoe safety measures:

"There are two ways we do this. One is through technology and constant improvements to the product itself. We recently launched a proprietary SafePhoto technology as an enhancement to Microsoft’s PhotoDNA that detects, reports, and deletes known child exploitation images sent on our platform. We also upgraded our users’ ability to filter unknown senders and report content or contact that violates our terms of service. We believe it is possible to both protect user privacy and get rid of bad actors on our platform, using a combination of technology and human effort to remove users who violate our terms of service or harass other users."

"The other is through education and partnerships with organizations that help adults and teens understand the challenges of today’s online landscape and how to avoid bad situations. For years, we’ve had teams dedicated to this, and we will continue to invest in those types of tools, provide resources to parents, and strengthen relationships with law enforcement and safety-focused organizations."

"This is a priority for us. We want all users to be safe on Kik and will continue to make Kik a safe, positive and productive place for our users to interact."

Derouin said students using apps like Kik should be cautious when communicating with people.

"The use of the automatic, anonymous deleting application makes it hard for us to track and use as evidence if in fact something illegal occurs," he said.

Police also had a phone call between the suspect and her attacker, which they traced back to the suspect, Derouin said. 

The suspect is a 28-year-old man not affiliated with the university, and police have not released his name yet, though he was interviewed by police and gave a statement, according to CSUSM officials.

The man is not a San Diego County resident and was in the process of moving home at the time of the incident. 

Authorities say there is still pending forensic evidence in the case. Derouin said police do not believe there are further victims. 

The case has been sent to the San Diego County District Attorney's office to determine whether they will proceed with an arrest. 

University police are asking anyone with information to call them at (760) 750-4567, or use the University’s SAFE hotline at (760) 750-SAFE. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.



Photo Credit: Google Maps

Local Rep. Pushing for Food Assistance for Military Families

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A bill that could open access to food supplements for military families was reintroduced to Congress by a local representative on Tuesday.

The Military Hunger Prevention Act (H.R. 1078) aims to prevent military housing allowances from being considered when determining a family’s eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Housing allowance is currently considered as income for military families for the purpose of determining their eligibility.

“Those who make great personal sacrifices in service to our country should not have to struggle to provide regular, nutritious meals for their families,” said Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego). “Unfortunately, an unintended policy barrier prevents military families struggling with food insecurity from getting help from available federal nutrition assistance programs. This is a simple, common sense solution to ensuring that we properly care for our men and women in uniform and their families”

Representatives Lynn Jenkins (R-Kansas), Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts), Don Young (R-Arkansas) and Tim Walz (D-Minnesota) joined Davis as cosponsors of the bill.



Photo Credit: Cpl Brittany A. James

Suspect Arraigned in Fatal National City Hit-And-Run

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A man accused of striking an 80-year-old pedestrian in a fatal National City hit-and-run pleaded not guilty to the crime. 

Efrain Black, 20, was charged with hit-and-run causing death at his Thursday arraignment. Black pleaded not guilty through an attorney. He is being held on $100,000 bail. 

The crash happened Monday evening at 4th and V Avenues in National City, police said. 

The victim, who has not been identified by the Medical Examiner, was crossing the street in front of his home when a dark colored sedan hit him, police said.

"He was thrown into a parked vehicle about roughly 20 feet," Sgt. Dennis Leach said. "It would be tough for a 20-year-old to survive that kind of crash, let alone an 80-year-old."

The victim succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning. 

The driver initially fled the scene, but Black later turned himself in to police.

Black faces a maximum of five years in prison if convicted. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Firearms, Ammunition and Drugs Found in College Area Raid

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Drug paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition were found inside a College Area home after the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) served a search warrant on Thursday.

The drug raid took place around 4:30 a.m. at a home on the 5000 block of College Avenue. 

Deputies from the Sheriff's Alpine Station raided the home in which residents were believed to be armed with firearms and selling drugs.

During the raid, firearms, heroin, drug paraphernalia, illegal pharmaceuticals, money and jewelry were discovered inside the home.

Zachary Bryant, Brandon Varquez, Marie Bright and Summer Dougherty were arrested and booked into SDSO custody.

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

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to a felony arrest.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

SD's 9 Dams, Reservoirs Are in 'Good Working Condition'

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San Diego county’s nine dams and reservoirs are all in “good working condition," according to the director of the City of San Diego's Public Utilities Department.

In light of the damaged spillway at the Oroville Dam, City officials gave a tour at Miramar Lake to discuss the state of local dams Thursday. 

San Diego's nine dams and reservoirs are inspected weekly by ground and by boat.

“We’re out here looking at property erosion and we’re also looking for saturation, things that are not normal,” said Maile Guerrero, Assistant Reservoir Keeper for Miramar.

Currently, Lake Miramar is at 80 percent capacity. The lake’s spillway is located at it's southwest edge. The public utilities director said the spillway has never been used.

“The likelihood of spilling is very close to zero," said director Halla Razak. "So there are no concerns. The reason we have a spillway is in case of a major earthquake or something catastrophic happening."

By way of comparison, the lower Otay reservoir is at 91 percent capacity. Razak says any overflow caused by rainfall would spill into a natural creek.

The safety and integrity of dams has been top of mind recently.

“Last year, in February, we’ve gotten into a contract that is going to last for five years to do thorough examinations of all our nine dams,” said Razak.

City officials say they will work proactively with inspectors and consultants, but they’re also calling on the public to inform them if they spot any problem areas.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Sinkhole Closes Lane in Rancho San Diego

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A sinkhole large enough for a tire to get stuck in has closed one lane of Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials said. 

The sinkhole was reported at approximately 12:55 Thursday on southbound Jamacha Road at Brabham Street, in San Diego's Rancho San Diego neighborhood, CHP officers said. 

The sinkhole is on the number three lane, which doubles as the bike lane. 

One CHP officers described the sinkhole as a hole big enough for a tire to get stuck in. 

Officials said they expect the lane to be closed for repairs through Friday at least. 

No other information was available.

Guiterrez: Hispanic Dems Barred From Meeting With ICE Director

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Rep. Luis Gutierrez was among a group of Hispanic congressmen barred from a meeting Thursday with a top federal immigration enforcement official.

According to Gutierrez, a Democrat from Illinois, he and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus were scheduled to meet Tuesday with acting Immigration and Custom Enforcement Director Thomas Homan to discuss President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order on deportation.

The meeting was cancelled at the last minute and rescheduled for Thursday, at which point, Gutierrez said, it was transformed into an invitation-only, Republican-led affair. The congressman was ultimately asked to leave by an aide to House Speaker Paul Ryan, who wasn’t on hand. Several other members of the CHC were also excluded.

“In 20-plus years, I have never heard of the Republicans controlling what meetings Democrats can have with officials of the Executive Branch and never had a staffer ask me to leave a meeting to which I am entitled to attend,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for Ryan told Politico Thursday that the speaker’s office organized the bipartisan meeting at the request of the DHS, limiting attendance to “members with jurisdictional interests in immigration enforcement,” including certain members of the Democratic caucus.

Last week, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began carrying out Trump’s deportation order, arresting more than 680 individuals in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and San Antonio.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly insisted Monday that the order only affects “convicted criminal aliens and gang members” and “individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws,” although some continue to question the scope of the enforcement.

"My constituents have questions about who is being targeted by ICE, which DREAMers with DACA they are targeting for deportation, which victims of domestic violence ICE is deporting, which immigrants at church shelters are being targeted,” Gutierrez said.

“We know the statements by Trump about targeting criminals is a lie, but we were hoping someone could give us the truth or any information at all,” he added.

A group of Democratic senators, including Illinois Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, introduced legislation Thursday to rescind the measure.

“It’s time for Congress to stand up and make it clear that we will not be intimidated by the President’s bullying,” Durbin said in a statement. “This legislation would end the Administration’s mass deportation scheme and begin to lay the groundwork for a smarter, fairer immigration approach."

Trump extolled the virtues of his divisive order during a White House press conference Thursday, 

"We've begun a nationwide effort to remove criminal aliens, gang members, drug dealers and others who pose a threat to public safety," he told reporters. "We are saving American lives. Court system has not made it easy for us."

Outlining his vision for bolstering the country's borders, Trump detailed plans for a "great wall" on the Mexican border and a crackdown on sanctuary cities, like Chicago. In addition, the president was unable to give a clear answer Thursday about how his administration would handle DACA students, who came to the country as young children and applied for deferred action, a form of relief from deportation.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Video Shows Whales Jumping in the Water in Carlsbad

President Trump to Announce New Immigration Ban Next Week

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During his first solo press conference in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, President Donald Trump announced plans for a new immigration executive action. It could come as early as next week.

This new order comes on the heels of his previous ban getting struck down by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously.

One of the issues the court had was the ban's broad scope.

For example, the original wording even included some lawful permanent residents. That was later clarified by the White House.

President Trump said this new executive action will be "tailored" to that court's ruling, which means it will likely be much more narrow in scope.

Dan Eaton, an attorney here in San Diego, said that likely means three things: It will probably exclude lawful permanent residents, exclude non-citizens who have previously been admitted and wish to travel to and from the United States. Finally, Eaton said you can expect it to exclude non-citizens who have an interest in coming to the United States.

Eaton also said regardless of the verbiage used in this new order, expect a legal fight.

"No matter what executive order Donald Trump issues next week, there will be a legal challenge to it," he said.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Man Pulled Out of Water at Border Field State Park

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A conscious and breathing man pulled from the water at Border Field State Park has been taken to the hospital. 

Border Patrol Agents and San Diego Fire-Rescue (SDFD) officials responded to the state park at approximately 6:17 p.m. Thursday. 

A 36-year-old man, possibly suffering from hypothermia, was taken to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest, officials said. 

No other information was available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news.

Encinitas' Struggling Ag Industry Could Get Boost From Pot

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In a 4-1 vote, the Encinitas City Council has started the process to allow commercial marijuana growing in their city.

Encinitas, dubbed the flower capital of the world, sees an opportunity to keep their agricultural business alive.

The area, known for the poinsettia, has seen many flower and plant growers abandon their local greenhouses and take their businesses to Mexico and Costa Rica.

Many of the growers NBC 7 spoke to Thursday said they have had to evolve from growing their own plants to buying them from distributors.

But though times are tough, at least one business owner said she wouldn’t turn to growing pot.

“I spoke to my partner about that, and we came to the conclusion that we don't want to promote marijuana," said Linda Fox, owner of Glorious Gardens.

The push to create marijuana regulations comes after 65 percent of Encinitas residents voted "yes" on Prop 64--the largest percentage in San Diego County.

City council member Tasha Boerner Horvath said she conducted a survey of her own and 67 percent of residents want a store front or delivery service of some kind for marijuana.

Cities and counties across the state have a deadline to implement their own marijuana regulations, or risk living by the state’s rules.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

At Risk Man, 70, with Alzheimer's Missing from La Jolla Home

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A Missing Person at Risk alert has been issued for a 70-year-old Israeli man missing from a family member’s La Jolla home.

Police say Shmuel Rezmovitch was last seen at approximately 5 p.m. at 8866 Caminito Primavera before he left the house in search of olive oil with no money, wallet or cell phone on his person.

Rezmovitch suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and is unfamiliar with the area. He speaks Hebrew, Yiddish and Russian and will respond to his first name, according to the San Diego police Department.

He is 5 foot 8 inches tall, with brown eyes and gray and black hair. He is wearing a black yarmulke, black short sleeve shirt, black pants and black shoes.

If you spot Rezmovitch, please call 911 immediately.

Check back for updates on this breaking news.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Florida Man Charged With Plotting to Put Explosives in Target Stores

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A Florida man is accused of plotting to blow up Target stores along the East Coast.

Federal prosecutors say Mark Barnett, 48, paid a man $10,000 to put at least 10 explosive devices, disguised as food items, in Target stores from Florida to New York.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Ocala, Barnett was charged with "possession of a firearm (destructive device) affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon."

"Barnett theorized that the company's stock value would plunge after the explosions, allowing him to cheaply acquire shares of Target stock before an eventual rebound in prices," the complaint said.

Barnett's plan was ruined after the man he paid to assist him surrendered the explosive devices over to police.

NBC News reports that Barnett — a registered sex offender on probation for multiple felony kidnapping, sexual battery and grand theft counts — made the bombs at home and gave them to the individual, along with a bag of gloves, a mask and a license-plate cover, to complete the job, authorities alleged.

Barnett is currently in custody at the Marion County Jail.



Photo Credit: Marion County Jail

FBI Seeks Help in Identifying 'The Short Fuse Bandit'

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The FBI and San Diego Police (SDPD) are looking for the public's help in finding "The Short Fuse Bandit", responsible for three armed robberies across San Diego County. 

The bandit used a semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun to rob three different liquor stores in 2017: Perry Liquor on the 4700 block of Federal Blvd. on Jan. 11, Par Liquor on the 5000 block of Federal Blvd. on Jan. 11 and Green Cat Liquor on the 5100 block of Imperial Blvd. on Jan. 11., according to the FBI. 

In each instance, the robber verbally demanded money from a store employee and fired a round from his handgun. 

Once a store employee gave the man cash, he would flee on foot. 

The man wore a dark, long-sleeved sweatshirt or Pendleton-style shirt, a blue bandanna covering his face below the eyes, black sunglasses and a glove on his right hand at the time of the robberies.

He should be considered armed and dangerous, officials said. 

A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of "The Short Fuse Bandit." Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force at (858) 320-1800, the San Diego Police Department, Robbery Unit, at (619) 531-2299, or Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at (888) 580-8477.



Photo Credit: FBI/San Diego Police

Tattoo Removal Company Abruptly Shuts Its Doors

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A tattoo removal company abruptly shut its doors, including locations in Southern California, leaving clients with half removed tattoos and out of a lot of money.

Some of the clients have lost thousands of dollars, and they are still stuck with their unwanted tattoos.

The closest Dr. Tattoff locations are in Los Angeles and Orange County--locations that several people from San Diego would frequent as well.

San Diego resident Laila Dexter got tattoos on her arms and wrists when she was just 21-years-old. She told NBC 7 she’s been going to Dr. Tattoff in the L.A. area for the past couple of years.

But on Feb. 6, every location suddenly closed down.

"Nobody knows anything. They just kind of closed us out," Dexter said.

Dexter said her tattoos still need some work. She was in the middle of her sessions and still had five more to use, paying $2,000 for the package.

"I would just like to know, what is going on? How do you just close a business and shut everybody out?" she added.

Dr. Tattoff and its operations seemed to have disappeared into thin air. The phones at every location are disconnected and the website shows a letter to customers, only listing nearby removal providers.

But the letter said nothing about a refund.

One San Diego company wants to help after hearing the news.

"Patients were showing up to locked doors. Nurses got a text in the morning telling them to not come into work, so game over, they're done," said Holly Della Vedova, owner of Evolve Tattoo Removal.

For anyone who can prove they purchased a package with Dr. Tattoff and still had sessions to use, Evolve is offering the first visit free and 50 percent off sessions after that.

NBC 7 attempted to reach out to Dr. Tattoff for a response, but all contact information for the company has been removed.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Woman Killed, Husband Injured in Mira Mesa Collision

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Residents in a Mira Mesa neighborhood said the collision that took the life of a 59-year old woman and injured her husband Thursday morning is the not the first crash to occur in the area.

"I say there an accident at least once a year," neighbor Stephanie told NBC 7. She did not wish to reveal her last name.

Around 6 a.m., a driver failed to stop at a red light and crashed into two people crossing Mira Mesa Boulevard at Marbury Avenue.

The woman died in the collision and her 64-year old husband was rushed to a nearby hospital with a broken bone and head injuries, San Diego Police said.

The driver, identified only as a 26-year-old man, stayed at the scene.

Several people stopped by to help the victims, including a nurse and an officer with the academy.

Stepanie told NBC 7, Thursday's crash was one too many.

"Before we moved in, we didn't know but we found out later that there was a car crash where the car ran directly into of this house," she said.

She added that speeding is an issue on Mira Mesa Boulevard.

"We could really kind of use a big protective wall," she said.

Officials May Propose Sending More Troops to Syria

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Putting a number of conventional U.S. military forces into Syria is one of the options expected to be presented to President Donald Trump later this month as part of the effort to accelerate the defeat of ISIS, two senior U.S. defense officials told NBC News on Thursday.

The troops would be sent in to serve as enablers, force protection and engineering advisers — similar to the way the United States has worked alongside the Iraqi Security Forces in Iraq. 

The United States does already have conventional forces operating in Syria. However, under the Obama administration, the rules for how many troops are allowed in the country have been very specific and set by the White House. For example, the last increase allowed 203 more troops to operate in Syria.

The possible proposal could mean that most of the forces who typically rotate in and out for short durations would stay in country and build out an operating location or forward operating base.



Photo Credit: AP
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