Quantcast
Channel: NBC 7 San Diego - Top Stories
Viewing all 60603 articles
Browse latest View live

Pug Reunited With Chula Vista Family

0
0

A Chula Vista family who says their dog was held for ransom is relieved and overjoyed now that their beloved pet is back home safe.

The Willer family had been extremely worried for the safety of their pug, "Teddy Bear."

On Friday, a woman contacted the family to tell them that Teddy Bear was sold to her outside of a school. The woman’s brother had sent her an NBC 7 article about the kidnapped canine.

When she realized her new dog already belonged to a family, she called reached out to the Willers.

The three year- old pug escaped from the Willer’s South Bay home near East Orange and Max avenues on April 16, along with two other pups, Bebe and Lizzie.

The Willers said Bebe learned how to jump up and open the back screen door that leads to the garage door — which was left accidentally cracked open.

A neighbor quickly found Bebe and Lizzie and returned them home to the Willers, although Teddy Bear was still missing.

While the family spent hours looking for their dog, Mrs. Willer received a picture of Teddy Bear’s dog tag from an untraceable number.

The party holding on to Teddy Bear claimed that they wanted $400 in exchange for the safe return of the pug.

Mrs. Willer then texted the number back saying she was contacting police.

“She’s like 'Can we come get the dog' and they're like 'How much is the reward?' And she's like 'What do you mean? It’s our dog! Let us come get our dog,'" Mr. Willer told NBC 7.

With the return of Teddy Bear, the Willer family is overjoyed.


Things to Do This Weekend: April 20-23

0
0

Welcome to your weekend, San Diego. From foodie-friendly tasting events and live music, to a home improvement expo and fun community festivals, there’s plenty going on in America’s Finest City. Make your plans and enjoy the weekend.

Thursday, April 20

American Grown Field to Vase Dinner
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
It can’t get any springier than this: dinner in the middle of a sea of ranunculus at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. The American Grown Field to Vase Dinner will feature an artisan meal while overlooking the Pacific Ocean from The Flower Fields, plus a chance to meet a flower farmer and learn some history about the art of growing beautiful blooms. Seating is limited, so plan ahead to snag your spot and buy your tickets online. Tickets start at $75 per person.

Fermented Pairings Series Volume 16: Donuts & Beer, Part Deux
6 p.m., White Labs Tasting Room
Dream do come true. White Labs will host its 16th installment of its Fermented Pairings series at the White Labs Tasting Room (9495 Candida St.), this time focusing expert pairings of craft brews and doughnuts. The 90-minute tasting session includes treats created by Nomad Donuts executive pastry chef Kristianna Zabala; she and White Labs’ Erik Fowler will walk patrons through each tasting and discuss why certain doughnuts work best with certain beers. Tickets are $25 and include four doughnuts paired with five White Labs beers.

Tequila Fest
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Harbor Float at Coasterra
Tequila tastings with a view, anyone? Coasterra’s new floating event deck, Harbor Float, will host its Tequila Fest Thursday night, where patrons can taste a variety of tequilas and mezcals, plus scrumptious samples whipped up by Cohn Restaurant Group Chef Deborah Scott (C Level’s Lobster Mac n’ Cheese and Indigo Grill’s Pepita & Sesame-Crusted Brie, to name a couple of treats). Tickets cost $59.95 per person and include five tickets for food samples, one signature cocktail and unlimited tastes of agave spirits. Call (619) 814-1300 for more info, and to reserve your spot.

Build-a-Bar Night
7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Eclipse Chocolate
Got a sweet tooth? Head over to renowned Eclipse Chocolate and learn how to craft your own custom chocolate bars at this cool little workshop Thursday at the site’s Umbral Room. For $25, attendees can make two chocolate bars – selecting from more than 30 ingredients to please all palates – and sip on either a glass of house wine, a beer or a café drink. Attendees can come anytime between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Lil’ Wayne: Kloser 2 U Tour
8 p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Rap superstar Lil’ Wayne makes a stop in San Diego on his “Klose 2 U Tour,” taking the stage Thursday night at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Tickets range from $25 to $235.

Lila Downs
8 p.m., Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
American-Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs performs at Humphreys, bringing her unique combination of multiple genres to the stage. Tickets start at $48.

Friday, April 21

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Friday through Sunday, Indio, California
Coachella returns for an encore this weekend, as the final three days of the festival take over Southern California's Empire Polo Club. The musical lineup is vast and includes performances by Radiohead on Friday, then Lady Gaga, Bon Iver, Bastille, Schoolboy Q and Gucci Mane on Saturday, and closers Kendrick Lamar and Lorde on Sunday, to name just a handful of the many, many acts. NBC 7's SoundDiego will keep you posted on what's happening at Coachella with stories, photos and videos of the event.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (season runs through May 14), Carlsbad Ranch
The famous Flower Fields in Carlsbad Ranch continues its vibrant spring run, offering visitors spectacular views of bright blooms in all of their gorgeous glory. The fields are open daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through May 14. Patrons will enjoy nearly 50 acres of colorful displays of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, which are in bloom for six to eight weeks. The famous fields also include roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, petunias and poinsettias. Keep checking the Flower Fields website, too, because the venue hosts special events throughout the bloom season.

Butterfly Jungle
9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (runs through April 23), Safari Park
Experience thousands of winged wonders filling the air around you at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s annual “Butterfly Jungle,” which runs through April 23. As you stroll the Hidden Jungle, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., butterflies will fly around and may even land on you. Admission to Butterfly Jungle is included with paid admission into Safari Park ($52 for adults; $42 for kids ages 3 to 11).

Sculpture in the Garden
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego Botanic Garden
Running through the end of this month at the San Diego Botanic Garden is “Sculpture in the Garden,” a display of 53 sculptures from 32 regional artists set against the backdrop of the lush garden. With a map provided by the Botanic Garden, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the artworks. The exhibit is included with admission into the garden, which costs $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and active military and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Kids 2 and under get in free. On-site parking is $2.

Infinity Cube
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Birch Aquarium
Check out the newest installment at Birch Aquarium, the “Infinity Cube,” an immersive, 8-foot cube that explores bioluminescence, light produced by living organisms in the marine world. Artist Iyvone Khoo worked alongside Scripps Institution of Oceanography marine biologist Michael Latz to bring this project to life, filming more than six hours of footage of single-celled marine organisms called dinoflagellates reacting to various stimulants, such as the human heartbeat, music, water flow and air pressure. The “Infinity Cube” revolves around these videos, which will be projected and reflected into larger-than-life images of bioluminescence accompanied by soundscape, immersing patrons in this interesting world. The exhibit is included with paid admission into Birch Aquarium, which costs $18.50 for adults, $14 for children ages 3 to 17 (kids 2 and under are free), $15.50 for seniors and $15 for students with ID.

Home Show USA
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), Del Mar Fairgrounds
Get all kinds of inspiration for your home improvement dreams at this three-day Home Show at O’Brien Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Check out the latest trends in remodeling, landscaping, decorating and design on the expo floor; the show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free; fairgrounds parking is $13.

Salsa Under the Stars
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Manny Cepeda and his orchestra return to the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport Friday night for another installment of Salsa Under the Stars. Dance the night away as the band performs; no experience or dancing partner necessary for this free event.

Heathers: The Musical
8 p.m., OnStage Playhouse
Chula Vista’s OnStage Playhouse presents San Diego’s first fully-licensed production of “Heathers” The Musical,” based off the cult classic 1988 film starring Winona Ryder and Shannon Doherty. The musical – which debuts Friday night – delves into high school’s classic clique of mean girls and what happens when a misfit decides to shake things up. The production runs through May 27, with 8 p.m. performances; tickets are $25.

San Diego Gem Fair
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (runs through Sunday), Del Mar Fairgrounds
Bling, bling! The Gem Faire returns this weekend to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, running Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With more than 70 exhibitors scheduled for the event, attendees will be able to check out a vast display of jewelry and stones. Admission is $7 for a pass that’s valid all weekend long; it’s free for children age 11 and younger.

Saturday, April 22

Guided Nature Walks: Wrap Yourself in Nature
8:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park: Kumeyaay Lake Campground
Wake up early this Saturday and come explore some of the beautiful Mission Trails Regional Park. This weekend, take a guided walk around the lake and river as you learn more about the various plants and animals in the area. The event is free, and participants are asked to meet by the flag poles.

Pacific Rim Festival
4 p.m., Bayfront Park
The inaugural Pacific Rim Festival sails into the Chula Vista Bayfront Park this Saturday. The new event celebrates Pacific culture with food from around the Pacific, music from Pali Roots Music Crown Roots and cultural dancers. Plus, find art displays and cultural dancers. The event runs until 9 p.m. The event is free for spectators.

Del Mar Plaza Saturday Market
11 a.m., Del Mar Plaza (1555 Camino Del Mar)
More than 30 unique boutiques will showcase artisanal baked goods, fine art, fashionable clothing, handmade products and more at this Saturday market. Additionally, the Mar Dels will provide live entertainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Old Town Showdown: Improv Comedy Show
7 p.m., Old Town Improv Co.
Spend your Saturday night laughing and laughing and laughing at the Old Town Showdown. At this interactive, past-paced show, an ensemble of improvisers will perform short-form comedy based off the audience’s suggestions. All ages welcome. Tickets start at $7.

Spring Walkabout in Kensington
2 p.m., Kensington-Normal Heights Library
Support local businesses in Kensington and Talmadge at the community’s first Spring Walkabout event. Local businesses along Adam Avenues will open their doors and encourage locals to stop by for special treats, discounts, activities and more. Everyone is welcome; there is no admission fee.

Jazz on Tap at Quartyard 
5 p.m., Quartyard on Market Street in Downtown San Diego
Step into a smooth night of jazz at Quartyard this Saturday, presented by Avista Technologies, KSDS and Jazz 88.3.As you enjoy taps from local brewers and listen to great music, get to known some of the musicians behind the music. Monette Marino World Jazz Ensemble, Matt Smith New Jazz Trio and more will bring their music to the Quartyard stage, live. Tickets cost $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. All proceeds go to Water for People.

San Diego Sights and Sips
5:30 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and Events
Sunshine, sailing and cocktails come together on this Hornblower cocktail cruise. Hope on board for a two hour cruise with champagne, light Hors d’oeuves and more as you enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay during sunset. The boat leaves at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $37.50 per person.

Sunday, April 23

Earth Day Fair
10 a.m., Balboa Park
Stop by the annual EarthFair in Balboa Park this Sunday – the 28th annual event! The festival is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. More than 60,000 people come out each year to peruse the more than 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, Food Pavilion, Children’s Activity Area and more. The event is free.

42nd Annual San Diego Wedding Party Expo
12 p.m., Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Resort
Planning a wedding? This expo may be able to help you out. More than 25,000 square feet of space at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Resort will be covered from top to bottom in wedding ideas, styles and planning resources, from venues to caterers to florists to DJs to photographers to gown designers. Tickets start at $11.

First Date: A New Musical Comedy
2 p.m., Horton Grand Theatre
A blind first date transforms into a hilarious dinner when blind date newbie Aaron meets Casey, a serial dater. Watch as the pair - and their friends, restaurant patrons and more - sing and dance their way through a high stakes evening as each takes a chance on finding love. The San Diego Musical Theatre production plays at the Horton Grand until May 7. Tickets start at $40, though discounts are available for seniors, children, students and groups. Find more theater spring picks here.

The Who’s Tommy
2 p.m., OB Playhouse
The Who fans will not want to miss this musical production playing at the OB Playhouse. The five-time Tony Award-winning musical is based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album and shares a story of hope, healing and human spirit. Tickets start at $29.

Red Velvet
2 p.m., The Old Globe
Fall back to the turbulent backstage world of London’s Theatre Royal in the early 1800s in “Red Velvet”, a play at The Old Globe until April 30. Lolita Chakrabarti’s award-winning play follows a young American actor who steps into the role of Othello after one of the era’s most treasured actors can’t go on – but the role has never been played by a black man before. Tickets start at $34.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Times and locations vary

Looking to save some, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.

https://www.showclix.com/event/yoga-in-the-rotunda-march-2


Photo Credit: Monica Garske

Young Man's 2015 Disappearance Still a Mystery

0
0

It’s been nearly two years since the mysterious disappearance of a young San Diego resident. This weekend, his case will get in front of a national audience as it's profiled on television.

Elijah "Bear" Diaz, 20, vanished without a trace. According to investigators, he was last seen on Aug. 29, 2015, at around 10 p.m. That night, Diaz’s mother, Lelanie Thompson, dropped him off at his home on Joey Avenue in the East County.

That was the last time she saw him.

The next day, at around 4 p.m., Diaz’s mother stopped by his home to bring him dinner. He was nowhere to be found. Immediately, she reported him missing.

As the investigation unfolded, detectives with the El Cajon Police Department (ECPD) discovered that Diaz’s 50-inch television was missing from his bedroom, along with his bed sheets and the contents of a safe he kept in his room. 

Detectives also found that Diaz's phone was turned off on Aug. 30, 2015, and never turned back on. The young man also stopped using social media immediately after he vanished. There has also been no activity on Diaz’s bank account.

Diaz is diabetic and, at the time he vanished, was using crutches to move around due to an injury to his left foot. A backpack containing his diabetes medicine was also gone from his room.

As the days have turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Diaz's family has grown more concerned. They have had zero contact with him since he disappeared.

His grandfather, Charles "Beaver" Curo, spoke with NBC 7 on Friday and said the family believes someone took Diaz and harmed him.

"Somebody took him. Something was there – one, two, three – I don’t know how many people," said Curo. "I just hope one of them, or someone who knows them, sees this, and maybe will step forward and say something."

Because Diaz was on crutches, Curo said he had limited mobility.

"He didn't drive away. Somebody drove him away," he said. "It's puzzling."

Today, the grandfather said he's looking for closure -- in any form. He does not think Diaz is alive.

“I’m hopeful that we can find his remains,” said Curo. “I’m sure my daughter’s holding out hope that she can find him some day.”

Back in January 2016, the ECPD said investigators weren't sure if Diaz was "voluntarily missing" or if he had been a "victim of foul play."

Despite no answers, Diaz's family has pressed on in their search for him.

In 2016, a billboard about his case was displayed in Lakeside, on southbound State Route 67 at Mapleview Street; a banner reading "Bring Bear Home" was also on display outside Diaz's home.

At one point, Diaz’s family, friends and even volunteers went door-to-door around El Cajon trying to remind the public that he was still missing. The man's family also hired a private investigator who said last year that the case was highly suspicious. 

Today, a website, Bring Bear Home, continues to try to spread the word and, as the website states, "Pray that the truth is revealed.”

For now, Diaz's case remains unsolved. But the man's family, Curo, said still feels his presence daily.

“I think he’s still with us, somehow, on the other side,” he told NBC 7.

Curo hopes to someday be able to properly say goodbye to his grandson.

“There’s no marking for him. We’re just hopeful we can find something and give him a proper burial, and then mark the place,” he added.

Diaz is Native American and a member of the Barona Indian Tribe. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and despite his big nickname, his family describes him as 5-foot-10 and 110 pounds.

"He wasn't much of a bear," Curo said, smiling as he remembered his grandson.

Anyone with information on Diaz should contact the ECPD’s Crimes of Violence Unit at (619) 441-5530 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Diaz's case will be highlighted in an in-depth segment on the Investigation Discovery network's series, "Disappeared," airing Sunday evening. The show recreated the events in the case using actors.



Photo Credit: ECPD/Diaz Family

Refugee Children Play Soccer Game in Vista

0
0

“Win or lose…we are having fun,” Jonathan Fayiah says with a smile on his face. He’s getting ready for a soccer game in Vista with children like himself from all over the world.

The Liberian refugee says he started playing soccer in his home country at the age of five. The sport is his first love and he plays every day.

“Coming here is good cause this country’s good,” Fayiah says of America. “We have a lot of fun together like playing together, like going to school together and I love it here.”

Saturday’s game was set up by the Soccer Unity Project, a nonprofit that gets children involved in the community through the game. Players from the International Rescue Project faced off against YALLA, which works with refugee and immigrant youth.

“We want to teach these kids that it doesn’t really matter what you look like or where you come from, we want to welcome these people , welcome them home and treat them with mutual respect” Spencer Lalk who helped start the Soccer Unity Project tells NBC 7.

“I love soccer because you get to have fun,” the fourth grader from El Cajon says. “You get to meet new friends, new people from around the world and you get to have fun with them and be friends with them.”

Fayiah says when he grows up he wants to be a robotic engineer, but for now he’ll settle for being a soccer star.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Suspect Robs Linda Vista Minit Mart Market

0
0

A suspect robbed the Minit Mart Market in the 2300 block of Ulric Street just before 5 p.m. Saturday.

The suspect took an unknown amount of money from the clerk at gunpoint and walked out the front door. He was seen heading toward the back of the business.

He is described as a darker skinned man with a partial afro and dreadlocks. He is 5-foot 9 to 6 feet and approximately 250 pounds.

He was wearing a navy blue jacket, black and white zebra style sweatpants and a dark shirt.

San Diego Police Robbery Detectives are investigating. 

Trafficking Survivor Speaks on Nearly Being Sold to Cartel

0
0

Sex trafficking along the southern border is once again the focus of law enforcement. In his visit to the Tijuana border, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says drug cartels and street gangs are one of the main factors that are to blame for human trafficking.

34-year-old Marjorie Saylor is a human trafficking survivor and says the issue hits close to home.

When she was 16 years old, “I’m laying on the on the floor in the room just curled up in a ball,” said Saylor as she recounts the time she came face to face with a Mexican Drug Cartel more than a decade ago. At the time she was living with her much older boyfriend and his family. She didn’t know at first the home she had agreed to move into was a drug house.

One day a group of men walked in demanding a large sum of money Saylor’s boyfriend’s brother-in-law owed the cartel. Saylor’s boyfriend’s sister offered Saylor up as an exchange for the owed money so the family could call it even.

“She goes why don't we keep the money and just give her … Marjorie because they already agreed to that,” recounted Saylor. Her boyfriend’s brother in law thought about it, “and then he said no, we can’t do that she’s our babysitter.” Saylor says that day was a close call.

But the abuse didn’t begin at the age of 16. It started as early as five years old. “First when I was five it was his stepfather,” Saylor revealed. Saylor was first sexually abused by her stepfather’s stepfather. It continued several years and at the age of 12, “When I started to develop and mature my stepfather started to be in on the abuse.”

Her mother left her stepfather when Saylor turned 14. The family moved to Orange County but a year later she was raped by a teenager in her new neighborhood. That is when she decided to run away.

The abuse continued at 21 when she was trafficked at a strip club in Orange County. “They were arranging for people for me to sleep with,” said Saylor. “They would make it so I couldn’t get lap dances, and I would need to do this at the end of the night.”

That abuse continued for several years. She managed to escape but at 29, and met her last abuser. He sexually abused her and forced Saylor to become a domestic slave. They traveled from Southern California all the way to Kansas City in the time span of two years. 

In that time period, Saylor had a daughter. She says her daughter was the strength she needed to survive and escape. When her daughter was 11 months old, Saylor left and never looked back.

“I made a promise to her. I said I will never let anybody hurt you,” said Saylor.

She hopes her story, will help “every other girl out there that is still struggling… I'll be that voice, even if it saves one.”

If you know anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse or sex trafficking, there is confidential help by texting HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Family Who Lost Son in 2015 Fire Finally Return Home

0
0

A Mount Hope family struck by tragedy got a chance at a fresh start Saturday. Juanita Vasquez and her three children returned to their home.

In November of 2015, a fire ripped through their home on J street. Three of her children were inside at the time. Responding firefighters tried to pull them to safety. Esmeralda and Luis, called Junior, were pulled to safety. Rescue workers were unable to save Vasquez's oldest son, Fernando.

Saturday, two of the responding firefighters were on hand to welcome the family.

"When I walked in there I kind of had that feeling of this is where I was that night. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up," said fire engineer Joe Zakar. "You get those goose bumps. It's just one of those feelings. This room's familiar to me."

The family’s insurance helped rebuild the house. Non-profits and about 30 volunteers stepped up to help furnish it. Jeanne met Juanita at the UCSD Burn Unit.

"This is a unique environment for us to be able to see this family's worst day," said fire engineer Dallas Higgins. "Now a year-and-a-half later, to watch them circle and have this amazing restart to their lives."

The family still has a battle ahead. Esme is recovering from burns on 60 percent of her body. Junior had burns on 90 percent of his. He will start his reconstructive surgery next month. Saturday was a big first step. Juanita choose not to leave because this was her parents home. Her family often held gatherings here. Now, they're getting some of that back.

Her sister said, "I always tell people tragedies can either break you apart or bring you together. And that was one of the things that I felt right after the fire. Our family not only got closer, but our family kind of grew."



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Your #SanDiegoGram Photos

0
0

We want to show off your Instagram pictures. Just include the hashtag #SanDiegoGram.

Photo Credit: Instagram/@ChelseaPaynePhotos

'We're Helping My Sister Feel Better': Walk For Wishes

0
0

Dozens upon dozens of families laced up their sneakers and hit the pavement Saturday for the 8th annual Walk For Wishes in San Diego, in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The event began bright and early at Embarcadero Marina Park South. All proceeds from the walk support granting wishes for children in San Diego with life-threatening medical conditions.

Nadine Bill, 7, and her parents and little sister, Kaylee, were among the families walking side-by-side.

“We’re helping my sister feel better,” Nadine told NBC 7.

The girls' mother, Marilyn Garcia, said Kaylee, now 6 years old, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 3. Through Make-A-Wish, the little girl's dream came true: to go to Disneyworld.

Kaylee is in remission now; Make-A-Wish continues to stay close to her family's heart, which is why they walked on Saturday.

"We want to give back," said Garcia, adding that she hopes other kids get their wishes granted just like her daughter.

On the route, NBC 7 also caught up with Stephanie Kozak and Wendy Woodburn, walking on behalf of AMN Healthcare to support Make-A-Wish.

Kozak said the energy of the event felt incredibly empowering. Woodburn agreed that the walk really puts things in perspective.

"When you see a lot of children walking with their families, with masks, it just really touches your heart and shows you the power of community and makes you just want to do everything you can," Woodburn told NBC 7. "You have to stay involved. You have to be part of a community. You can’t just sit idle.”

NBC 7's Monica Dean served as emcee of the event. She spoke with Layla, another Make-A-Wish child who recently had her wish granted: a trip to Hawaii.

Layla, 4, said her favorite part of visiting Hawaii was learning to swim and getting to meet Mickey Mouse.

"I kissed him a lot," Layla said.

Layla is suffering from an inoperable brain tumor that has not responded to chemotherapy. She is one of the wish Ambassadors and is investing time paying it forward. At the event, the little girl set up a lemonade stand to raise money for fellow Wish Kids.

"I hope they get their wishes," she added.

The event was followed by activities for kids, and a special visit from LEGOLAND and San Diego Star Wars Society characters. The Padres' Friar mascot was also there, giving out high-fives with the Padres pride team, the Pad Squad.

Since its inception in 1983, the San Diego chapter of Make-A-Wish has granted over 3,900 wishes to local children.


This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Charleston Shooter Moved to Death Row at Indiana Prison

0
0

Convicted church shooter Dylann Roof has been transferred to death row at Terre Haute Federal Prison in Indiana — the facility that houses male inmates awaiting execution under the federal government, NBC News reported. 

Roof, the first person to be convicted of a federal hate crime and sentenced to the death penalty, was removed from custody in Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday and transferred to Terre Haute, prison records show. 

Terre Haute, a medium-security prison where inmates are put to death by lethal injection, currently houses 1,338 inmates. 

In January, a jury sentenced the self-proclaimed white supremacist to death for killing nine black worshipers in June 2015 at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston during a Bible study. The 23-year-old told FBI agents that he was trying to start a race war.



Photo Credit: AP

Students Paint Mural to Promote Acceptance & Diversity

0
0

Paintbrushes in hand, students from two Carlsbad-area schools united Saturday for an important art project: creating a mural that promotes acceptance and diversity.

The permanent mural, painted by students from Pacific Ridge School and Calavera Hills Middle School, will be displayed on a wall at Calavera Hills Middle School. The mural's concept and message was created in collaboration with artists at the Muramid Mural Museum.

More than a dozen students from Pacific Ridge are part of the non-profit group Hands of Peace, an interfaith organization that empowers Israeli, Palestinian and American teenagers to join together in the pursuit of peace. The mural was a collaborative effort between Hands of Peace and the schools.

Pacific Ridge teacher and Hands of Peace faculty adviser Scott Silk said the students wanted to do something in San Diego to promote inclusivity and acceptance, as many felt strong feelings of political division after last November's election.

“We, as a community and as a society in general, need visual reminders of what makes us great and what the power of diversity really is. We hope this will be that sort of a reminder for all the students that pass through the halls at Calavera Hills Middle School," Silk said.



Photo Credit: Scott Silk

March for Science Lets Anyone Join in — Even From Home

0
0

Saturday's March for Science is open to anyone – and you don't even have to show up in person. 

Besides the main march in Washington, D.C, and the 605 satellite marches planned on April 22, there will be a virtual march too. People can join in from their home computers, according to the march’s official website.

The virtual march will be live-streamed during the event, and people who are unable to attend are invited to submit photos and stories online to be shared on the March for Science website.

But it's about more than just people who can't attend. The March's website specifically points to virtual marching as a way for people with disabilities to be involved if they are physically unable to march. 

Making the march accessible for people with disabilities is a key goal for the organizers, according to the site. Prioritized accessibility will be offered at the D.C. march, and organizers have been encouraging satellite march organizers to make their marches "as accessible as possible," the site says.

"In addition, there will be a virtual march live-streamed during the event," the website says. "People who are unable to attend a local march will be able to register their attendance at the virtual march and we encourage everyone to submit photos and stories to be shared on our site on April 22."

Organizers of the march did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The march is being held to express the need for "robustly funded and publicly communicated science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity," the group's website says.

Virtual accessibility was a key part of the Women's March in January, too. The Disability March, the virtual contingent of the Women's March, counted 3,014 marchers for the event.

"The disabled community is endangered because much able activism is difficult to access, and that needs to change," the Disability March's site says. "We need to be visible, to be leading and forming alliances, to be counted as activists and as members of our communities."



Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Thousands March for Science Downtown

0
0

San Diego joined rallies across the country and even outside of the U.S. in supporting science Saturday. An estimated 15,000 people braved the hot weather and crowded streets of downtown to support environmentalism, medicine and other scientific research as well as concerns over the Trump administration’s stance on science.

[[420166833,C]]

“I think you’re probably going to see more stuff like this,” Scripps Research Institute graduate student Colby Sendate tells NBC 7 while holding a sign that says ‘Like facts and black lives science matters.’ “Just kind of like more demonstrations and more scientists speaking their mind about their disapproval of where the current administration is going.”

[[420167443,C]]

Stephanie Gaines, who also participated in the Women’s March in January, says “it’s important to have our voices heard. This is how we let of representatives know what’s important to us as constituents. So we came out today to support science.”

Her sign read ‘Make earth great again,’ a parody of Trump’s famous campaign slogan. “We think American is already great, she says “We could do more to help the earth though.”

She says locally we should make good choices regarding the environmental and let California lawmakers know that supporting science and research is important to the community.

“But what the administration can do is not diminish the funding for important departments like the [Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)], [National Institute of Health] funding , any sort of science –based funding,” Gaines says. “We got where we are today because of science, so it’s important that we keep those funds going and we keep that research going as well.”

President Trump nominated Scott Pruitt as head of the EPA in December. Pruitt has been a vocal critic of the agency, as has sued them multiple times. In March, he said he does not believe carbon dioxide is a primary factor in global warming, a view which is at odds with almost all climate scientists.

Trump has also voiced doubts over the legitimacy of climate change, suggests via Tweet that “the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese.” He has also embraced the discredited theory that vaccines cause autism. Medical experts overwhelmingly reject the idea, saying not immunizing children endangers public safety.

[[420165643,C]]

Trump’s first budget request to Congress asked to cut the NIH by 20 percent, the Department of Energy’s Department of Science by 20 percent, as well as cuts to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the EPA, NASA and the National parks Service.

“I would expect to hear from more of us,” Sendate adds.



Photo Credit: NBC 7
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Mixed Emotions Mark Chicano Park Day

0
0

A celebration Saturday at San Diego’s iconic Chicano Park brought forth mixed emotions as people paid tribute to lives recently lost there, and to the legacy of a beloved Chicano icon.

While there was much to celebrate at the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day in Barrio Logan, it was also a time to reflect.

The event was dedicated to local musician and activist, Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez, who died last October. Sanchez had deep-roots with the park; in late 1970, the Chicano activist wrote a song about it – “Chicano Park Samba” – in which he sang about the culture, spirit and struggle of Chicanos in their fight for the creation of Chicano Park. The song became an anthem for the park and Barrio Logan.

The gathering also paid tribute to the four victims killed in a horrific crash at the park on Oct. 15, 2016: Cruz Elias Contreras, 52; AnnaMarie Contreras, 50; Andre Christopher Banks, 49; Francine Denise Jimenez, 46.

That day, U.S. Navy sailor Richard Anthony Sepolio, 25, was behind the wheel of his truck when his vehicle plunged 60 feet off the Coronado Bridge transition ramp, landing on a large crowd below in Chicano Park that had gathered there for the La Raza Ride motorcycle festival.

On Saturday, the Dahlila Jimenez, the 11-year-old daughter of one of those crash victims, Francine Jimenez, was at Chicano Park, remembering her mother.

“It was very unfair the way they had to pass away,” the girl told NBC 7. “If you’re part of the Navy, you’re not supposed to be setting an example, not setting a bad example for other people.”

Dahlila said Francine will forever be remembered for her caring nature.

“She was just a loving person. She was open to everyone. She was just amazing,” the girl said.

Loved ones of the crash victims traveled from as far as Arizona to pay their respects once more. Attendees at the festival kneeled in front of a memorial, lit candles and left flowers in honor of the victims.

At times, people hugged one another in front of the memorial and cried. Though time has passed, the pain of what transpired there is palpable.

While none of the victims were from San Diego, the community of Barrio Logan has learned to mourn with them as if they were family.

“All these people are kind and open-hearted and I’m thankful for them, that they think it’s necessary to come and pay their respects,” Dahlila added.

While those tributes were a somber but important part of Saturday’s event, there was also much to celebrate.

Chicano Park was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Interior Department this year.

The park is a beloved part of Barrio Logan and a sense of pride for the community. Locals know the park for its vast collection of colorful murals dedicated to the cultural heritage of the predominantly Mexican-American community that makes up Barrio Logan. Much of the artwork represents the struggle of the Chicano movement.

Chicano Park Day celebrated how far the park has come. There were dance performances and live bands. Dozens of classic cars lined the streets next to the historic park.

“I'm loving the cars, I'm loving the balet folkloriko, and of course I'm loving the art,” said Christina Caro, who is visiting from Chandler, Arizona.

“It’s totally awesome, it’s a good place to be," said longtime San Diego resident Ray Aguilar. "The food’s wonderful. You have great food. You can see the playground for the kids. It’s a family oriented place."

Sepolio was due in court earlier this week, but legal proceedings were postponed. He's scheduled to appear again in court in June. He has pleaded not guilty but, if convicted, could face a maximum sentence of 23 years and eight months in prison.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Majority Give Trump Low Marks for First 100 Days: Poll

0
0

About two-thirds of Americans give President Donald Trump poor or middling marks for his first 100 days in office, including a plurality who say he's off to a "poor start," according to results from a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

Forty-five percent of respondents in the survey believe Trump is off to a poor start, with 19 percent saying it's been "only a fair start," NBC News reported. That's compared to a combined 35 percent who think the president's first three months in office have been either "good" or "great."

Trump's overall job-approval rating stands at 40 percent—down four points from February. It's the lowest job-approval rating for a new president at this 100-day stage in the history of the NBC/WSJ poll.

The NBC/WSJ poll was conducted April 17-20 of 900 adults, including more than 400 who were interviewed by cell phone. The poll's overall margin of error is plus-minus 3.3 percentage points.



Photo Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images, File

Suspect Bites Sheriff's Deputy in Hostile Confrontation:SDSO

0
0

A San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy was bitten by a man suspected of being under the influence of drugs in a hostile confrontation between the suspect and deputies early Sunday morning, officials confirmed. 

The incident began at approximately 4 a.m. when a suspect, later identified as Casey Clason, entered a 7-11 on E. Vista Way and Vale Terrace and emptied a two liter bottle of soda onto his head, throwing it at the store window before walking out, SDSO Captain Charles Cinnamo said. 

The man was visibly distraught, deputies said, so the employees at the store called 911 for help. 

Deputies responded to the scene and found Clason in the parking lot of a nearby church, with his hands wrapped around a flag pole. 

His face had blood on it, Cinnamo said, though deputies did not know why. 

Despite commands, Clason ignored the deputies and walked away. 

"Based on the clerk's statements and Clason's behavior, deputies believed Clason was possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol and clearly a danger to himself or others and attempted to detain him," Cinnamo said in a statement to the press.

When the deputies tried to detain him, Clason became violent right away and tried to kick deputies while on his back. 

Deputies deployed their Taser devices and pepper sprayed the suspect, but it appeared to have no impact, Cinnamo said.

"The escalation of force also had to ensue in order to free the deputy and put Mr. Clason into custody," Cinnamo added.

As a deputy attempted to put Clason in handcuffs, Clason grabbed one of the deputies by the leg and bit him. 

In response, deputies used hand and impact weapon strikes to the suspect's upper arm to make him release his jaw, still on the deputy's leg, Cinnamo said. 

Eventually, deputies were able to take Clason into custody.

Clason was taken to Tri-City Medical Center for evaluation and then booked into Vista Detention Facility on two counts of felony assault on a deputy, being under the influence of a controlled substance and violating the terms of his probation.

Three deputies were treated for injuries to their extremities. They are expected to recover. The deputy who was bitten is now recovering at home. 

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Diego Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.

No further information was available. 



Photo Credit: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

Pelosi: Border Wall Is ‘Immoral, Expensive, Unwise’

0
0

A deal to fund the federal government this week won't necessarily include all the funds needed for a border wall, but White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus on Sunday said there will be "enough to get going" — even as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called it "immoral," NBC News reported.

Asked by "Meet the Press" host Chuck Todd in an exclusive interview whether the Trump administration would push a government shutdown if border wall funding is not included in a bill to fund the government this week, Priebus said, "it will be enough in the negotiation for us to either move forward with either the construction or the planning or enough to get going with the border wall."

Pelosi said she and the Democrats will stand firmly against construction of a border wall. 

"The wall is, in my view, immoral, expensive, unwise, and when the president says, 'Well, I promised a wall during my campaign.' I don't think he said he was going to pass billions of dollars of cost of the wall on to the taxpayer," she said.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Victoria’s Mexican Grill in Nestor Robbed: SDPD

0
0

Police are looking for two men who robbed Victoria’s Mexican Grill in Nestor Saturday night.

The incident happened around 9 p.m. on the 1900 block of Coronado Avenue, San Diego Police (SDPD) said.

The men came in and demanded cash from the employees, police said. Then, they grabbed the register and till from the counter, according to Sergeant Michael Tansey.

One man carried a semi-automatic hand gun and the other simulated a gun underneath his clothing, Tansey said. 

They fled on foot before jumping into an older dark colored van, which was parked nearby.

Police do not have clear descriptions of the suspects. The two male suspects are being described being in the late teens or early 20s and were wearing dark hoodies at the time of the crime.

SDPD Robbery Detectives are investigating the scene.

If you have any more information on the crime, contact the San Diego Police Department.



Photo Credit: Monica Garske

'A Terrible, Sad Time': 3 Kids, 2 Adults Die in NYC Fire: Officials

0
0

A fire at a house in Queens killed five people on Sunday, including three children, officials said. The youngest victim was about 2 years old. 

One adult tumbled out of a second-floor window and onto a porch of the house in Queens Village, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. He was the only survivor. 

"This is a terrible, sad time for this block, for this community, and for this city," Nigro said. 

The house was reported on fire shortly after 2:30 p.m. and firefighters arrived four minutes later. Witnesses said they saw flames on the first floor, climbing to the second floor. 

Only a blackened and charred structure remained of the house on 208th Street in Queens Village.

The youngest child and another person were in the attic, which Nigro said was a very difficult place for firefighters to reach in the burning inferno. 

"We had people in the attic, which for our firefighters is a superhuman task in these conditions," Nigro said. "They did bring a two-year-old and I believe someone else from that level where they were trapped."

Video shows firefighters carrying two bodies out of the house. One of them appeared to be a child. 

"It's an incredibly difficult moment to see a family literally destroyed before their very eyes," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "This is a very, very painful day."

The names of those killed have not been released. Firefighters said the youngest appeared to be about 2 and the oldest about 21. 

One adult was taken to Queens General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the FDNY said.

Four firefighters went to the hospital to get checked out, but they are all expected to be OK, according to the FDNY. 

"I am heartbroken by the news of the house fire in Queens Village," Sen. Leroy Comrie said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and all of those who were affected by this tragedy." 

De Blasio said fire marshals are getting to work to determine how the fire sparked. 

"There’s a lot we need to know about what happened here especially the fact that this happened in the middle of a afternoon on a day when the weather was good," he said. "How could something like this have happened?"

For neighbors, those answers won't remove the graphic images they saw Sunday. 

"At first I was like everybody else taking pictures of the fire," Foster Mcphee said. "Then when he started bringing out the people, I just had to turn it off and walk away from it for a minute and get myself together and then come back."



Photo Credit: @FDNY/Twitter

Lifeguards Rescue Man From Base of Cliffs Near Black's Beach

0
0

First responders rescued a man stuck at the base of the cliffs near Black's Beach early Sunday morning, the second such rescue in one week. 

The incident happened at approximately 4:24 a.m. Sunday at Torrey Pines Gliderpoint, a popular viewing spot for tourists and locals alike right above Black's Beach. 

The person who called 911 said they heard a man screaming, saying he could not move. 

Rescuers were able to reach the man at the base of the cliffs within 45 minutes. 

The man was bleeding from his head. The extent of his injuries is unknown. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

No further information was available. 

This was the second such rescue this week. Just before midnight on Wednesday,  a man died and a woman was injured when they fell hundreds of feet down a cliff in the same area. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego
Viewing all 60603 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images