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Body Cam Video Released in Violent Attack in Del Cerro Home

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Police body cam video was released Friday in a violent home invasion robbery attack in Del Cerro last year.

The video was released during a preliminary hearing for Eduardo Torres, accused of breaking into a home, stabbing one woman and sexually assaulting the other.

It shows the moment when San Diego police rushed into a room to find the two victims and the suspect inside.

On June 12, 2016, Torres tried to break into a home on Mill Peak Road around 11:30 p.m. but he was chased away by neighbors.

That's when he smashed a glass door and broke into a different home nearby. A 74-year-old and 50-year-old were inside the home at the time and locked themselves in separate rooms.

Torres allegedly broke down the elder woman's door, held her at knifepoint, put her in a choke hold and then dragged her to the other room where the younger woman was hiding.

Then, he allegedly stabbed the 74-year-old to death and sexually assaulted the other.

Torres had previously pleaded not guilty to charges of muder assault and torture.

He will be formally arraigned on March 22.


Reported Flu Deaths in San Diego County at 61

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Four more flu-related deaths were reported in San Diego County last week, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency (HSSA).

The total number of deaths this season is 61, officials said.

“The number of lab-confirmed influenza cases reported last week was almost identical to the previous week,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.

Last week, health officials reported eight flu-related deaths.

According to the HSSA, people aged 31 to 98 years old have died from the flu. With the exception of three of them, all had underlying medical conditions and most were over the age of 65.

Still, health officials recommend a yearly flu shot which takes two weeks for immunity to develop.

The vaccination is especially recommended for those at high-risk of experiencing complications with the flu, including people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and people age 65 and older.

The HHSA’s latest “Influenza Watch” report, from the week ending on March 4 says three percent of all emergency department visits in San Diego were patients experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Flu season in the U.S. occurs between December and May.

For a list of county public health centers where you can get a flu shot, click here or call 211.

Park in Southcrest May Hold Evidence in Officer's Killing

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Metal detectors and evidence markers in hand, investigators searched a park in Southcrest Friday, following up on possible leads related to the shooting death of San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Officer Jonathan “JD” De Guzman.

At 8:45 a.m., several police vehicles were parked near the Southcrest Recreation Center at South 40th and Alpha streets. Investigators cordoned certain sections of the park, including some grassy areas, and used metal detectors. They placed small flags in certain areas and took notes.

The park is located just a few blocks from Acacia Grove Way, the street where De Guzman and his partner SDPD Officer Wade Irwin were gunned down while on duty on July 28, 2016.

San Diego Deputy District Attorney Michael Runyon told NBC 7 that investigators from the SDPD Homicide Unit, along with evidence collection specialists, were at the park following up on leads and possible evidence that may be related to the ongoing investigation of the shooting of De Guzman and Irwin.

Runyon said the work would likely take all day.

“[They’re] documenting certain items of potential interest,” he explained.

Runyon said he could not elaborate on what those items might be or what investigators were looking for, as the investigation is ongoing.

The deadly shooting of De Guzman and Irwin last summer shook San Diego to its core. The city has rallied time and time again to support the fallen officer's family.

Irwin survived the shooting, but was seriously injured.

The SDPD officers were shot when they stopped suspect Jesse Michael Gomez, 52, and asked if he lived in the area.

Gomez opened fire at point-blank range at both officers, shooting Irwin in the throat and hitting De Guzman with multiple bullets. The attack happened so quickly, prosecutors said De Guzman never even had a chance to draw his service weapon.

De Guzman was a 16-year veteran of the SDPD, beloved by his colleagues and family. In 2003, the officer survived a stabbing while on duty, and was awarded a Purple Heart by the department for his valor. Zimmerman said that even after that incident, De Guzman eagerly returned to the force and his passion to protect the public never wavered.

Since his killing, De Guzman has been memorialized in many ways around San Diego. Just this past Monday, the U.S. Post Office in the Eastlake community of Chula Vista, California, was named in honor of the fallen officer.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

OSHA Completes SDG&E Investigation

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A San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) worker’s accidental fall that left him without an arm could have been prevented, according to the completed investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The fall happened on August 15, 2016 when the worker, Scott Crummy, made contact with an electrical line. The shock sent him to the hospital.

His family’s attorney said he lost his arm and was in the hospital for months following the accident.

In its report, OSHA said:

“Prior to and during the course of the inspection, including but not limited to, August 15 2016, two employees of a four man crew were assigned the task of changing out a utility pole from an existing wood to a steel pole. The employer permitted two employees to perform the work from an aerial device between the two energized high voltage conductors installing electrical components on the cross arm of the new pole system… the employer failed to ensure the high voltage conductors within reach were covered with suitable protective equipment… as a result, the employees were exposed an arc flash and one employee was seriously injured.”

OSHA issued a total of three citations for SDG&E, and is proposing a penalty of $41,870.

It is also requiring SDG&E provide insulating equipment, such as rubber hose lines, blankets designed for the voltages that will “be encountered by employees during the work and to ensure the equipment is used for their safety in a contact area.”

Days after the accident, Crummy’s wife issued a statement on behalf of his family, saying he loved his job as a lineman.

“I am thankful for our family, his IBEW Brothers and our friends, who have shown us so much love and support as we sit by Scott’s side,” his wife said.

SDG&E had eight OSHA violations before this case, stemming back from 2012.

In one case from 2012, OSHA said a worker was climbing a pole for training when the pole broke and tipped over, resulting in that worker falling 40 feet to the ground. In another 2013 case, OSHA said an employee fell while climbing an electrical pole, and was hospitalized for “multiple fractures due to the fall.” In both cases, SDG&E reached a settlement.

The family of the lineman is now working on legal action against SDG&E. We reached out to SDG&E and will update this article with a full statement once we receive it. 

Oldest Living Pearl Harbor Vet Celebrates 105th Birthday

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It was a full day for Ray Chavez, the oldest living veteran survivor of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, as he celebrated his 105th birthday with family and friends on Friday.

Chavez’ birthday festivities kicked off at his gym where he keeps in shape. He’s got two more parties planned for the weekend - the big bash takes places Saturday on deck of USS Midway.

Some might choose to skip a workout on their birthday, but not Chavez. On arrival, he got right into his normal routine and, as he put it, earned himself a piece of cake.

Chavez may not agree, but he earned his piece of birthday cake more than 70 years ago serving missions on minesweeper and attack transport ships, responding to Pearl Harbor the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, and aiding in the Liberation of the Philippines and the Battle of Okinawa.

On Friday, His first stop was the stationary bike.

Chavez scooched in and began to pedal with his daughter in the bike next to him. He quickly worked up to a proud pace, saving enough air and energy to have a chat with his friend Jack Scalia, an American actor heavily involved in military appreciation campaigns.

After some time on the bike, Chavez moved to the leg extension machine, made multiple passes through a balance-centric obstacle course and marched out a few sets of high knees.

In between reps he fielded questions about his time on earth from media and enamored party guests. Most simply asked for advice; how he’d made it through 105 years healthy and happy.

“Obey the laws, for one thing,” Chavez said sternly but making friends was also high on his list.

Once his workout was finished, the real party began.

An Elvis impersonator sang “America the Beautiful” and Jeff Senour of Called to Service sang a tune he wrote to honor the nation’s military. The cherry on top was a kiss on the cheek from a woman, and her dog, dressed in a hula skirt.

Finally it was time for cake. Chavez was gracious enough to answer more questions in between bites.

When asked what it feels like to be 105 years old, his reply was short and sweet.

“Good,” said Chavez, with a smile.

As for his birthday wish for the coming year, Chavez had this to say: “Whatever good comes along, I wish everybody would share it.”

When asked why he thought so many people were at the gym for this birthday, the humble veteran simply said, “I really don’t know.”

After so much attention on Chavez’ own advice and words of wisdom, he was asked what the best piece he had ever received was.

“To get as much education as you can and also to be kind to all people, especially the elderly and the less fortunate. That’s what I remember most,” he said.

That advice came from his parents.

Chavez recalled being called to active duty as one of the most important memories of his life.

“War. Being in right in the middle of it,” Chavez said. “It was quite a surprise. I saw everything. Smoke and fire.”

As the oldest living veteran of the attack, Chavez flew to Honolulu to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor last December. He was accompanied by his daughter, a U.S. Navy veteran, and escorted by San Diego firefighter Mitch Mendler and retired New York firefighter Joe Torillo, a survivor of the 9/11 attacks.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Man Struck by Vehicle in Vista Dies

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A man struck by a vehicle in Vista Friday night died from his injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on the 1500 block of S Sante Fe Avenue.

CHP officials said the pedestrian, a 38-year-old man, was jaywalking across the street with another person when he was struck.

"We know that that individual (the pedestrian who was not struck) did knock on the door of one of these businesses and asked them to call 911 for help for this guy who is deceased out here," said CHP Officer Jim Bettencourt.

Bettencourt added that the second person left the scene. 

The driver, a 31-year-old man from Vista, was not suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

No arrested or charges were filed in the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, Bettencourt told NBC 7.

No other information was available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

'Human Library' Comes to Downtown San Diego

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Every library has the obvious key element—books.

But not many can offer "living books."

San Diego's Central Library is now letting patrons "check out" humans instead of books.

On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you have a one-on-one 15 minute conversation with an individual.

According to the library's Facebook event page, "the aim of the Human Library is to challenge stereotypes and build bridges among our diverse populations." 

Among those participating is a veteran, a border activist, a journalist, a refugee and a transgender woman.

The Human Library does have check-out policies: 

 

  • 15-20 minute conversations
  • "human books" can only be renewed once
  • borrower privileges will be revoked for any aggressive or abusive behavior 
  • photos can only be taken with permission from the individual books or library staff
According to the Central Library, the concept originated in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000 as part of an anti-violence movement and since then, has become a global movement.
The Central Library is located at 330 Park Boulevard in Downtown San Diego.

Local Resident Films Close Encounter with Rattlesnake

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A local resident had a terrifying close encounter with a big rattlesnake while hiking in Mission Hills Thursday.

Dave Soko told NBC 7 he filmed the encounter during his hike to North Fortuna to Mission Hills with his dog.

Soko said he noticed the rattlesnake when he heard the hiss.

NBC 7 reached out to the local Animal Control. Laurie Joniaux, Deputy Director said it's typical to see a lot of snakes during this time of the year due to the warmer weather. 

Snakes are usually in hibernation during the winter months and come out looking for food.

They will typically slither into people's backyards looking for food but they can be typically found anywhere.

Joniaux explained that rattlesnakes will not strike, unless it's in self-defense. So, if you spot one, you should leave it alone, she added.



Photo Credit: Dave Soko

Border Patrol Finds Drugs Inside Car's Backseats

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More than 17 pounds of drugs were found inside the cushions of a vehicles backseat on Friday, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Border Patrol officers stopped a 26-year-old woman at the Highway 86 checkpoint around 10 a.m. Friday.

A canine alerted officers to the vehicle and during a search, packages of methamphetamine were discovered inside the cushions of the seats.

The combined street value of the drugs is estimated to be around $57,024.

According to the CBP, the woman, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.

CBP said the El Centro Sector has confiscated more than 500 pounds of methamphetamine since Oct, 2016.



Photo Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Tow Truck Driver's Son Mourns his Death

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The son of a tow truck driver is making an emotional plea with drivers.

The 19-year-old who recently lost his dad said if more drivers took their time, it could give people like his dad more time to live and enjoy their loved ones.

Michael Griffith is the oldest of his three brothers, and he is left to do the speaking for the family after his father was fatally run over by a drunk driver on State Route 52.

“I don’t believe a better person could have been taken out by a worse person,” Griffith told NBC 7.

His dad, 55-year-old Fred Griffith was trying to help a disabled trash truck on the freeway near Mast Boulevard last month. The alleged drunk driver swerved into the shoulder, ending Griffith’s life.

“It is my understanding it was an instant death and he didn’t suffer,” Michael Griffith told NBC 7.

Michael Gilbert Gray, 48, allegedly continued driving after the crash, until an off-duty officer stopped him about a mile away. Gray had a half-finished open bottle of vodka in the car with him, Griffith said, and a law enforcement source confirmed to NBC 7.

Griffith said he believes most drivers would not be as reckless and heartless as Gray but he said the majority of drivers are dangerously unaware of the rules of the road when it comes to tow truck drivers.

The tow operators are also considered first responders, often arriving at traffic hazards and crash scenes before police and fire.

Drivers need to slow down and change lanes when it is safe to do so to give tow truck drivers room to operate, according to Griffith and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

“He was where he should have been. He wasn’t doing anything. He wasn’t sticking out in a lane,” said CHP Officer Jake Sanchez

Griffith said his mom and his 14 and 17 year old brothers lost a wonderful father and husband, and San Diego lost a good man.

“As a father, he was incredibly caring, and he was always interested in what you had to say,” Griffith remembered.

Griffith said his father had a special gift for lending a listening ear to those contemplating suicide, often convincing them that life was worth living.

“He did that many times,” Griffith said. “Unfortunately the final time he had a chance to do it, the person jumped before my dad had the chance to get through traffic on the other side. My dad always told me that really tore him up on the inside. Because the last thing he did was look into his eyes.”

Griffith urged drivers, in memory of his dad, to study the rules of the road around tow truck drivers.

“Many lives have been lost. And people just need to be more aware of how just a simple lane change can save someone’s life,” Griffith said.

According to accident data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, injury and fatality rates among emergency responders – including tow truck drivers – are more than twice the national average for all industries.

“It’s 10 minutes max that you could be late to your job. What’s worse? 10 minutes late or someone dying?” Griffith said.

On Saturday morning, more than 100 tow truck and flatbed carriers from across San Diego County will come together honor his father. The procession will roll out from RoadOne Towing on Chesapeake Drive around 11:30 a.m.

Click here if you would like to donate to the family.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

April the Giraffe Demands Tasty 'Toll' From Vet, NY Zoo Says

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April, the giraffe who's captivated millions of fans around the globe as they monitor her fourth pregnancy, will allow her caretakers to enter her pen, but at a price, the upstate New York zoo live-streaming her pen said.

Given her raging appetite, the mom-to-be demands a crunchy carrot before every vet visit as a "toll" to enter her stall for an exam.

"Appetites have been strong!" The Harpursville Animal Adventure Park posted on Facebook late Thursday. "When our Vet stopped in today...Apil demands a "toll" before entering her stall for an exam!"

Due to the extreme cold covering the tri-state this weekend, the giraffes will remain inside, but the zoo encouraged followers to sit tight, stay warm and relax.

We may not have to wait much longer for the birth of her calf. The zoo said Friday morning that April's handlers were "elated to have captured the calf kicking out!" 

"April continues to have us all on edge; when will it be - we just don't know!" the zoo wrote. "All physical signs show we are ready for 'launch sequence.' So, we continue to patiently wait."

Keepers felt baby kicks, and viewers noticed an increase in tail-raising due to pressure from an unknown source. The long-necked beauty gave followers a special 18-inch message Friday — she playfully stuck out her purple and blue tongue for the camera.

Tens of millions of fans across the world have been hooked to the live stream for weeks now as they wait for April to deliver. The mama giraffe “continues to progress,” the zoo said — though a winter storm and more “baby kicks” may make April a bit anxious in the coming days. 

Watch the live stream below.

April has had periods of edginess in recent weeks brought on by stretches of cold weather and her active calf, which was busy kicking away Thursday night, the zoo said. The zoo noted viewers may have noticed “increased tail raising” from April, likely due to the pressure of her growing baby.

Nevertheless, April is in “great physical and mental condition,” and the vets who have been monitoring her say they’re pleased with her progression. 

April's pregnancy was catapulted into global headlines late last month after YouTube briefly yanked the zoo's stream following complaints by animal activists that it violated the site's policies concerning "nudity and sexual content." Thousands upon thousands of commenters voiced their frustration on Facebook and YouTube, and the stream was restored within an hour or so.

About 70,000 people were watching the YouTube stream by 8 a.m. Friday as April once again slinked over to her mate Oliver's pen, necking with him coyishly over the top as she swished her tail. 

Jordan Patch, owner of the Animal Adventure Park, says the natural curiosity surrounding giraffes and their birthing process has been a huge factor in drawing crowds. 

"I think the fact that she's a giraffe and she's a neat species that people are interested in, that's fostered a lot of the attention," he said. "The fact that you're gonna get to witness the miracle of birth from an animal that you really don't get to see give birth — that's neat."

He added that April's pregnancy is not just live entertainment, but a teachable moment and source for education.

Giraffe pregnancies last up to 15 months. Labor lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The calf, which will be the first born at Animal Adventure Park, will be about 150 pounds and 6 feet tall at birth and up and walking in about an hour.

The zoo said it will hold an online competition to name the baby giraffe once it's born.


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Truck Tips Over After Collision With Plane at Logan Airport; 1 Hurt

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A de-icing truck tipped over after a collision with a plane at Logan International Airport Friday, injuring one person, according to the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Alaskan Airlines says the bucket from the truck "came into contact with the left wing of AS Flight 769." The employee in the truck, according to the airline, was hospitalized.

No one on the plane was injured, and the airlines canceled a flight from Boston to San Diego Friday night.

"We're deeply sorry for the inconvenience this has caused our guests and we're working to fly a spare aircraft to Boston tomorrow morning to fly the 181 passengers to San Diego," the airline said in a statement.



Photo Credit: NBC Boston
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PD: Man Stabbed Outside Gaslamp Club

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A man walking out of the Fluxx Nightclub was stabbed just after 2 a.m. Saturday, San Diego police said.

Officers were called to the corner of 7th Avenue and Market Street just as the bars were closing in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The victim, described by police as 24 years old, told officers he bumped into two men and exchanged words with them. One of the men punched the victim in the stomach, police said. Soon after, the victim realized he had been stabbed.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he received treatment. Officers said he’s expected to survive the wound to his right abdomen.

No arrests have been made.

Watch the Chicago River Being Dyed Green in 15 Seconds

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The Chicago River was dyed green Saturday to kick off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across the city.

Now in its 55th year, the annual tradition draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to downtown Chicago ahead of the city's St. Patrick's Day parade. 

The event began at 9 a.m., when members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers union started to dump a secret concoction off the sides of their boats.

It takes more than 45 pounds of the environmentally friendly vegetable dye to color the water, using a powdered formula that begins orange before it mixes with the water to turn the river bright green. 

Legend has it that the green water connects Chicago to Ireland, as it flows into the Illinois River, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, all the way into the Irish Sea.

The dye typically lasts about five hours before fading away, meaning it will stay bright green for the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which steps off at 12 p.m. on the corner of Columbus Drive and Balbo before continuing north to Monroe. 



Photo Credit: NBC Chicago

ACLU Sues Over Initial Hearings for Detained Immigrants

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The American Civil Liberties Union sued the federal government to limit the amount of time that people can be held before seeing an immigration judge, saying many are held for months while waiting for an initial appearance.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court on behalf of three Mexicans at a San Diego immigration detention center, but the ACLU asks to represent all people who are held on immigration violations along California's border with Mexico who are held for more than 48 hours.

People "routinely languish in detention for two months or longer before they see a judge," according to lawsuit, calling the wait excessive and a violation of constitutional rights for people in custody.

"The first hearing before an immigration judge, like first appearance in criminal court, is critical to ensuring due process," it says.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration detention facilities, declined to comment on pending litigation, as did the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a part of the U.S. Justice Department that oversees immigration judges.

The lawsuit comes as President Donald Trump moves to significantly expand border and immigration enforcement, which will further strain already stretched detention centers and courts unless Congress provides more money.

Under a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court decision, immigrants who are ordered deported cannot be held indefinitely. The government must come up with a special reason for holding people longer than six months if their countries are unlikely to take them back in the `'reasonably foreseeable future."

In November, a seemingly divided Supreme Court heard arguments on whether people who are awaiting a decision on whether to be deported can be held indefinitely. It can often take years for a court to decide.

The latest case, filed in federal court in San Diego, deals only with the initial appearance.

Bardis Vakili, an attorney for the ACLU, said immigrants in San Diego and Imperial counties tend to wait one to three months for a hearing, which he says is longer than other parts of the country. An estimated 1,500 people are held at the area's detention facilities on any given day.


Hunter Holds Town Hall in Ramona

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U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter is holding a town hall event in Ramona Saturday.

The event got underway at 10 a.m. and the first thing Hunter told the crowd was how impressed he is with President Donald Trump.

Amid rising tensions at local town halls, three local representatives - one Democrat and two Republicans - are coming home to San Diego to speak with their constituents. 

U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R- 49th District), U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D- 53rd District) and Hunter will hold separate town hall events in San Diego County Saturday. 

The Representatives are expected to discuss health care reform, local legislative priorities and other issues important to constituents. San Diegans will also have opportunities to speak directly with their Representatives to ask questions and share input.

Hunter's town hall is taking place at Mainstage Ramona, located at 626 Main St. 

Issa will hold morning and afternoon sessions at the Junior Seau Recreation Center in Oceanside. 

Davis will live stream her town hall starting at 10 a.m. because the venue reached capacity. 



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Chula Vista to Hold Re-Imagine F Street Pop-Up Event

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The Chula Vista Planning Department (CCVPD) is holding a Re-Imagine F Street workshop to review and welcome feedback on two preliminary design concepts for the F Street Promenade.

The CCVPD is working on plans to transform F Street into a “complete” street, which would incorporate walking and biking paths to improve mobile access.

NBC 7 spoke with Chula Vista Development Services Director Kelly Broughton, who says that F Street was selected for a reason.

“F Street was an ideal roadway to make a complete street to improve mobile access to Third Avenue and Bayside Park,” Broughton told NBC 7.

The City received a transportation grant from San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to come up with designs that the community can support.

Public surveys were sent out to gather feedback on design concepts, and what needs walkers and bikers would have while using the new improvements on F Street.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 11 at F Street, between Fourth Avenue and Fire Station 1.

The pop-up event is meant to discuss with locals about the two design concepts that were created based on public survey responses.

Broughton says he hopes for a good turnout for the event, considering the public’s positive responses to the surveys.

Feedback from this workshop will be taken into consideration to create a final design concept. Another pop-up workshop will be held to discuss the final result.



Photo Credit: NBCSanDiego

US Army Specialist Chase Simmons Laid to Rest in Ramona

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It was a somber morning Saturday for the friends and family of U.S. Army Specialist Chase Simmons, who was laid to rest in Ramona.

Simmons, 23, suffered major injuries from a gruesome accident in December of 2015, when Simmons’ car collided with a semi-truck on State Route 67. He took the full impact of the crash to his head.

Simmons was home visiting from working in Seoul, South Korea. He was an Army behavior specialist who worked with soldiers suffering from PTSD.

His mother, Vicki Simmons, recalled how her son's death happened in the middle of his holiday leave.

Emotions turned quickly - from the joy of celebrating the holidays with her son to rushing by his side at the hospital.

“You get really excited. You want family time, you want to enjoy every second of every day,” she told NBC 7.

Vicki Simmons said she was on Facebook when she first saw reports of the crash on SR-67.

“I was calling him and texting him to tell him not to drive home on the 67 because I knew he would get caught up in it,” she said.

Vicki Simmons then recalled getting the phone call that every parent fears.

“A woman called my phone and I didn’t know who she was so I didn’t respond. Then, Chase’s [picture] came up on my phone. I knew it was him. The same woman used Chase’s phone to call me,” she said. "That’s the ultimate, worst phone call you could ever get in your life.”

Simmons was transported to the hospital where doctors told the family he would only have 48 hours to live. That’s when his mother said she put her foot down and prepared to fight for her son’s life.

“I’m a fighter, his dad is a fighter, and we’re fighting. We fought for a year and two months to get him back on his feet,” she says. “I got another year with my son. I was by his bedside almost every day – never left his side.”

While Simmons’ bodily injuries were healing, his brain was deteriorating. He died March 2.

The loss of Chase Simmons was deeply felt by the San Diego community, who supported and prayed for him during his recovery.

His memory will live on through the lives he impacted. According to his mother, there were many.

“He was just one of those guys who didn’t follow a crowd, he liked everybody and he was nice to everybody. He accepted everybody, and just his heart weighed everything,” Vicki Simmons told NBC 7.

“The part of him that always wanted to serve, protect, and care for other people was one of the most amazing things that I loved about my son. I’m very honored to call him mine,” she said.

Tow Truck Procession Honors Driver Killed in Crash

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More than 100 tow truck and flatbed carriers from across San Diego County came together Saturday to honor a beloved fellow tow truck driver, killed when a suspected drunk driver struck him on the side of a highway. 

Fred Griffith, 55, an employee of RoadOne San Diego, was struck and killed on the side of State Route 52 on Feb. 23.

The suspected drunk driverMichael Gilbert Gray, 48, is facing multiple charges in his death. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. After Gray struck Griffith, he fled the scene, prosecutors say, but an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer saw the crash and pulled him over. 

On Saturday morning, a tow truck and emergency vehicle procession started from RoadOne Towing on Chesapeake Drive to honor Griffith.

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Trucks rolled out of the lot with headlights, four-way flashers and amber lights on as they headed down Ruffin Road toward State Route 52 eastbound. 

The procession will continue up over the Mission Trails Summit, past the crash site, and mid-way up the summit between Santos Road and Mast Boulevard. 

Gray, a single father of three boys and beloved tow truck driver, was loved by many in the community during his more than 20 years in the industry. 

Organizers of the event say Griffith was known throughout Southern California as a safety instructor who taught tow truck safety to fellow drivers.

They hope the procession will help raise awareness for California's "Slow Down, Move Over" law. According to the Federal National Traffic Incident Management Program, a tow operator's job is listed as being one of the nation's deadliest.

"His death underlines the dangers that tow operators face every day," said a statement from event organizers. "We’re asking that San Diego’s motorists’ slow-down and move-over so to give towers and all first responders the room to help motorists in peril."

Those who see the procession on the roads are asked to be alert and patient, as the procession will be slow moving. 

Those who would like to donate to the family can do so by clicking here. 

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Issa Holds Town Hall in Oceanside

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U.S. Darrell Issa (R- 49th District) held a town hall Saturday in Oceanside to meet with constituents over rising concerns regarding immigration and health care.

Hundreds of people packed Junior Seau Recreation Center in Oceanside to hear Issa answer questions.

Questions were selected by raffle. Most of the questions involved health care coverage and the GOP's aim to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act known as "ObamaCare."

Halley Lewis of Rancho Santa Fe told the crowd she turns out at his Vista office on Tuesday morning and that she's not a paid protestor. She wanted to know where Issa stands on building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

"A wall doesn't work nearly as well as two fences that the Border Patrol is able to drive in between," Issa said, adding that a fence around his own home provides some protection.

Ultimate, Issa said, "We need to work with Mexico." He also suggested we work with the Department of Homeland Security to give them the tools they need to secure our borders.

Issa received applause from the crowd when he said he doesn't support defunding the EPA and when he said he supports an investigation into meddling in the presidential election.

U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D- 53rd District) and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R - 50th District) planned separate town hall events Saturday. 

Recently, Issa faced protesters outside his Vista office who were upset with the GOP's plan to replace the Affordable Care Act.

During a joint town hall, Davis and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D - 52nd District) faced angry residents, demanding more outrage from their lawmakers amid happenings in our nation's capitol under the new President and GOP-led Congress. 

This Saturday, town hall events for Davis, Issa and Hunter are either completely booked or are expected to fill up quickly. 

Issa will hold two sessions at the Junior Seau Recreation Center in Oceanside.


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