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POTUS 45: Self-Made Magnet for Nonstop Media Coverage

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Whether he’s pushing domestic issues, foreign policy or ‘hot buttons’, the new resident of the White House has become a daily newsmaking machine.

Sometimes, hourly.

Coming from reality TV and a "Look at Me!" career in business, President Donald Trump's need to create nonstop news is being met with coverage that no President has really gotten since Richard Nixon, during the Watergate era. 

Even when the president’s surrogates are sent out to deliver his messages, the last word might well be his.

Delivering something else.

"You used to be able to hear what the White House's position was on something,” says Scott Lewis, editor of Voice of San Diego. “But we're seeing right now is the President saying a bunch of things that completely contradict the White House's view."

We're also seeing him in news clips wearing a tuxedo, squiring the First Lady around on the rare occasions she's with him these days.

He’s frequently at the "dateline" location of Mar a Lago, Florida -- one of his far-flung resorts -- and taking many weekend getaways that critics note are costing the taxpayers $3 million a pop.

The POTUS' postings on Twitter often become story pegs for the news media, which he makes no secret of hating.

And while he might hope his "Fake News!" accusations hurt the media's credibility, that actually may be helping their finances.

"He is, I think, an enormous annoyance,” says Tony Perry, retired San Diego bureau chief of the "Los Angeles Times."  "But I don't think he's going to sink the 'New York Times' or NBC or 'Voice of San Diego.'  He's just not going to do that. In fact, if anything, he's probably sent more people to subscribe."

That seems to be true.

Subscriptions, online readership and television news viewership numbers are way up.

Coincidence?

Doubtful, all the attention that this president commands.

Note: For more on this topic, see NBC 7’s “Politically Speaking at 9 a.m. this Sunday.


Engineer Charged in Deadly Amtrak Derailment

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The engineer operating Amtrak 188 when it careened off the tracks in Northeast Philadelphia two years ago has been charged criminally in the derailment, Pennsylvania's attorney general announced Friday.

Brandon Bostian, 33, was charged shortly after 5 p.m. Friday, a mere seven hours before the statute of limitations was set to expire in the case.

Amtrak 188 was traveling 106 mph when it jumped the tracks negotiating a large curve at Frankford Junction on May 12, 2015. Several cars overturned and one was crushed like a aluminum can. The curve's speed limit was set at 50 mph.

Eight passengers were killed and 200 were injured. Bostian told investigators he blacked out and couldn't remember the moments leading up to the crash.

Bostian faces eight counts of involuntary manslaughter, one count of causing or risking a catastrophe and numerous counts of reckless endangerment.

The case was transferred to the Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office earlier this week after a Philadelphia judge ordered a private criminal complaint could move forward. Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams previously declined to file charges against Bostian.

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.


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6-Year-Old Boy Injured in Hit-and-Run Recovering: Family

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A 6-year-old boy is slowly recovering in the hospital, after suffering serious injuries, including a skull fracture in a hit-and-run in San Ysidro.

“He doesn’t remember, thankfully. He just asked why he wasn’t doing so well,” said Lennox's father, Benjamin Lake on Tuesday.

Lake said they told Lennox the true that the family had been in an accident and his son's first question was if his mom was okay.

Lennox was injured in hit-and-run crash at Camino De La Plaza and Dairy Mart Road around 10:30 p.m Saturday night. The family was returning from a trip to Disneyland when the crash happened.

Constantino Banda, 38, collided into the rear passenger area on driver's side of the car. That's where Lennox was strapped into his car seat, the family said.

Lennox was taken to Rady Children's Hospital with a skull fracture, bleeding in his ears and nose.

“[Lennox] is everything to me. He’s the reason I get up and go to work," said Lake. "I see him fighting so hard and I just want to get him to hopefully the best I can get him. I’m just thankful he’s still with us.”

Lake said Lennox's doctors found two infections, including a recent on in his skull. But he is expected to recover and hopefully go home next week.

Banda, who has previously been deported 15 times in more than a decade, is facing charges of driving under the influence, driving without a license and felony hit and run. He was arrested by Border Patrol agents after he took off from the scene of the crash.

Lake added that he is upset after learning of Banda's history, but their family is focused on Lennox at the moment.

“I just wanna bring him home," Lake said.

Banda pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday. His bail was set at $23,000.


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Surfers Still Chasing Waves Despite Recent Shark Sightings

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A 48-hour shark warning for San Onofre State Beach was lifted Friday afternoon.

However, lifeguards are advising swimmers and surfers to stay aware of their surroundings.

The warning was put into effect on Thursday after a surfer reported a shark making an “aggressive” move. That same day, an Orange County sheriff’s helicopter was heard warning surfers of two, more than 12-foot long, sharks seen in the area. That same day sharks were seen in waters from Capistrano to Long Beach.

Lifeguards are on duty at the San Onofre beach near Camp Pendleton from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. However, after Sunday, lifeguard hours will make a seasonal change and guards will stay on duty until 7 p.m.

“They will remain keeping a vigilant eye on the waters while working with state partners to our north to determine what type of dangers are present in the water,” said 1st Lt. Abigail Peterson, Strategic Communication Officer with Camp Pendleton.

Meanwhile, surfers continued to stay in the water despite the presence of the sharks.

“I go every day rain or shine, big surf or small surf. Sharks, whales, crocodiles, dolphins, I'm out there. Went out there every day this week,” said Chris Prussak of San Clemente.

As a seasoned surfer, Prussak was willing to offer a little insight as to why the sightings and warnings might have picked up, but he reiterated that it’s not something that he’s worried about.

“Maybe there’s more sightings because there’s more people in the water, maybe they’re making a comeback, I‘m not sure,” Prussak added. “That’s, like, not a big concern for a person that’s surfing all the time.”



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Homicides Climb to New Heights in Tijuana

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A gruesome discovery south-of-the-border is highlighting a spike in homicides in Tijuana.

The details may be graphic for some.

On Thursday afternoon, authorities found a severed head outside a kindergarten in the Infonavit Lomas Verdes neighborhood.

That murder was one of five homicides reported in a single day in Tijuana, where at least 509 people have been murdered this year.

So far in May, there have been 60 killings, according to the Baja California Attorney General’s office.

That number puts Tijuana on pace to exceed last year’s homicide tally of 910 murders.

For comparison, 201 murders were recorded in San Diego County during a more than two-year period from January 2015 to March, 2017.

Ev Meade, director of the Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego (USD) said homicides have increased steadily in Tijuana since 2015. Many of those homicides are the work of international drug cartels, said Meade.

But he also noted that smaller, fragmented crime groups and gangs are doing the killing, as they fight for control of the domestic drug trade, in and around Tijuana.

“This is something that wasn't true in 2008,2009,” said Meade, who’s an expert in crime, violence and drug trafficking south-of-the-border. “It was all about the international market, all about the border. Now that's changed, and it has changed all over Mexico, but Tijuana is one of the places (domestic drug violence) is really showing up.”

Meade said the areas visited most often by tourists, including the busy downtown streets close to the border, the Rio shopping areas, and the Caliente race track. Those locations are still quite safe, for both tourists and Tijuana residents, he added.

The Baja Attorney General reports that most of the murders are taking place deep in the city, well south of the border, in neighborhoods like Lomas Verdes, tres de Octubre and Sanchez Taboada.

Meade says violent street gangs in those areas practice what he calls “strategic terror”.

“They’re trying to send a message to the population that they will not tolerate any kind of dissent,” Meade explained. “That means if they’re collecting protection money, you pay it.”

Meade said the victims of those murders often include shop owners and professionals, who have nothing to do with drug use or trafficking.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

San Diego Surf Film Festival Flows Into Weekend

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Surfers, swimmers and art-lovers alike are gearing up for a special celebration continuing until Saturday.

The 6th Annual San Diego Surf Film Festival is still happening in La Jolla this weekend, until May 13th.

The festival this year features 30 films depicting surf culture from all over the world including: Tahiti, France and Germany.

The event also features art, including painted surf boards put together on the ceiling of one of the rooms at the event. Organizers said they are giving it the unofficial title of the "Sistine Chapel of Rad-ness."



New Program Helping Green Card Holders Obtain Citizenship

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Becoming a U.S citizen is now easier for hundreds of San Diegans.

A program offered through the New American Workforce Program partners with local businesses to help their green card employees become citizens.

On Friday, the City of San Diego and Lindbergh Field joined in to help some of their employees.

"This will give hard working San Diegans the opportunity to become full fledged Americans," said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer.

The program was launched in San Diego about three years ago. So far, about 1,000 people have been led through the citizenship process.

"Our partners in San Diego range from healthcare to hospitality to manufacturing and technology," said Ali Noorani from the National Immigration Forum.

Ana Godinez is a Cleaning Services Manager at The Bahia Resort Hotel. For 19 years, she worked for the company with her green card.

Last year, she became a U.S citizen with the help of this program.

"I can't put into words just how proud I am to be an American. It's a sense of accomplishment," said Godinez.

With President Trump's hard line on immigration, the program is gaining popularity.

"I do think the immigrant community is worried," said Noorani. "But I also think the immigrant community is more excited than ever to become united states citizens."

Nation wide, eight other cities have developed partnerships with this program.

Becoming a U.S citizen costs about $800 per person but the lawyer fees can run into the thousands.

This program helps offset some of those costs.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Vehicle Crashes Into Hydrant, Knocks it Over in East Village

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A vehicle collided into a water hydrant in the East Village area of San Diego Friday night, knocking it over, according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).

The crash occurred around 7:54 p.m. on the 1000 block of Island Avenue.

Police said the collision caused approximately a 100 foot geyser. 

The driver was not injured.

Shops and businesses in the area were being notified, police said.

At this point, it is unknown what led up to the crash.

No other information was available.



Diaper Bank Program Launched in San Diego

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The San Diego Food Bank has launched a Diaper Bank to help low-income families that are struggling to make ends meet.

They teamed up with San Diego State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher for the program.

“Our goal is to lift people out of poverty," said James Floros, President and CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.

According to Floros, there are around 467,000 families living in food insecurity in San Diego. The San Diego Food Bank reaches out to approximately 300,000 of those local families each month.

But many low-income families also struggle to provide diapers for babies, which Floros added, can be quite expensive.

Disposable diapers can cost $70 to $80 per month for a baby.

Parents, especially single working mothers, who cannot afford to provide diaper for their babies often have to miss work because daycare's will not accept the child without extra disposable diapers.

“If you don’t have a clean diaper for your child, you cannot drop your child off at daycare—if you don’t have an adequate supply," Fletcher said.

Fletcher said they heard stories from many parents who were forced to reuse diapers for their babies.

She added that this issue can perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

Employees from San Diego Gas & Electric were the first donations--giving thousands of diapers to the San Diego Food Bank.

“Something as simple as a diaper could make the difference in somebody’s life,” Floros said.

The Diaper Bank Program will provide donated diapers to low-income families with infants and toddlers through the San Diego Food Bank.

For more information, click here.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Carlsbad Woman Claims TSA Agent Groped Her at Airport

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A Carlsbad woman claims she was inappropriately touched while being screened by a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

NBC 7 reached out to TSA and a Public Affairs Manager explained they have changed their standard pat down procedures in the last couple of months to achieve the highest level of transportation security.

But Kursten Riede said a TSA agent at SFO went too far.

She told NBC 7, she was on her way back to her Carlsbad on March 11 when the incident happened.

“I was very ill," Riede said. "I was at the airport that day and I was so focused on getting back home."

“Somebody let me get ahead of them in line because I was running late,” she explained.

When it was her turn to go through TSA inspection, the machine detected something, Meade said. She believes it was her shirt.

“By instruction, I had my legs apart, I had my arms up and I think the first place she was first touching me was my ankles,” Riede said.

She said the woman got too close to her groin, and inappropriately touched her.

“I kind of jumped because I’m not expecting that.”

Reide told NBC 7, she complained to supervisors and she was told to contact TSA to file a report.

A spokesperson for TSA told NBC 7 they are aware of the incident and have reviewed the surveillance footage.

They explained that safety is their top priority and as of March 2, TSA changed their standardized pat down procedure. The agency insists the pat down was not inappropriate.

In a statement, the spokesperson said: “TSA continues to adjust and refine our systems and procedures to meet the evolving threat and to achieve the highest levels of transportation security."

Bad Repairs Caused $4M Damage to Air Force One Oxygen System

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One of the president's Air Force One planes was put at risk when mechanics used contaminated tools during "heavy maintenance" last April, resulting in roughly $4 million in damages, according to the Air Force.

The contamination occurred while Barack Obama was still president, NBC News reported. The unsafe cleaning procedures increased risk of fire breaking out on the plane.

Boeing repaired the damages at its own expense. 

Before taking office, Trump threatened to cancel an order with Boeing for two updated 747's that would join the Air Force One fleet.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mission Valley Connector Road Gets Support From Neighbors

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The North Park Public Facilities Committee voted in favor this week of a hotly contested connector road in Mission Valley between the Civita development to Interstate 805.

Civita is a 230-acre urban village in the middle of Mission Valley, filled with apartments, condos, a plaza and dog parks.

Currently, one of the only entrances to the development is off of Texas Street, which heads south into North Park.

The proposed connector road would go right through a part of Serra Mesa and widen Phyllis Place to four lanes. 

Nearby residents argue they are concerned about the increased traffic and noise the road would bring.

"The traffic is coming from Civita right in the middle of that vacant lot and then they'll get on I-805," said resident Ray Sanehi.

Residents in North Park are worried about increased traffic on the already busy Texas Street.

Paul Gianola told NBC 7, he travels on Texas Street daily and the traffic at times can be unbearable.

"Sometimes Howard's closed, sometimes there's one lane, so it's really a box of tricks," Gianola said.

The North Park Public Facilities Committee voted in favor of supporting the connector road in Serra Mesa on Wednesday.

They cited that another exit would be important if there were to be a natural disaster, like an earthquake, or flooding--which has happened several times in Mission Valley.

Environmental impact studies have been going on for quite some time, which have also stalled the project.

Although the North Park Public Facilities Committee has voted in favor of the project, another committee, the North Park Planning Committee, has to pass the measure next week.

Then, members will write a letter to the City of San Diego, documenting North Park's support in favor of the project.

Cell Phone Video Catches Hit-and-Run Driver in East Village

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A 40-year-old woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was run over in an East Village parking lot. The driver then took off.

The suspect was recorded on a cell phone by a passenger on a nearby bus, leaving the scene.

It happened Friday afternoon near the MTS Transit Center at 12th Street and Imperial Avenue, San Diego police (SDPD) said.

While asleep on the ground in the ACE parking lot, the woman was run over by a gray Jeep.

Witness Angela Davis recorded the aftermath of the incident on her cell phone.

"I would like to see if someone is able to identify the vehicle or the man, and bring them to justice,” Davis said.

Video appears to show the suspect actually getting out of the Jeep to see the woman before driving off from the scene.

“He fled not realizing it was going to make it worse for him,” Davis said.

Police are searching for the driver and possibly a second person.

The video appears to show a woman attempting to get in the front seat of the Jeep as it turns to leave the parking lot. She was wearing a blue cap, a green shirt, carrying a coat and bag.

She walked east across 14th Street.

Meanwhile, police said the suspect fled north on 14th Street toward Imperial Avenue.

Several bystanders stayed with the victim until help arrived.

“In three or four minutes, I saw the best of our citizenry at work and the worst in one person," Davis said.

According to police, the victim suffered life threatening injuries was hospitalized.

Investigators have followed up with Angela Davis to obtain the video.

Padres Take First Game Against White Sox

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A new city made a huge difference for the Padres. The Friars won their first of three games against the Chicago White Sox Friday night 6-3 at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Matt Szczur, the newest Padre, had a night of firsts. In the first inning, off of the first pitch by White Sox starter Miguel Gonzalez, Szczur sent a solo shot to left field and put the Padres on the board 1-0. That was also his first home run of the season with San Diego.

Austin Hedges had a stellar night at the plate. In the third inning the Padres catcher doubled to left field and brought in Cory Spangenberg and Yangerivis Solarte. His RBI double gave the Friars a 3-0 lead. The White Sox got on the board later that inning when outfielder Leury Garcia sent a two run homer to right field. Hedges answered that call with a solo shot in the fifth inning and helped San Diego keep their lead 4-2, marked his eight home run of the year.

The Padres were still up by two runs in the ninth inning, but first baseman Wil Myers wanted to make sure they had some insurance with a 403 foot home run to center field, his ninth of the season. The Friars broke their three game skid with a 6-3 victory over the White Sox.

The second game between the two teams is set for 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 at Guaranteed Rate Field.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Gymnastics Doctor Faces Sex-Abuse Accusers in Court

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A high-profile gymnastics doctor who allegedly molested dozens of patients, including an Olympic medalist, faced two of his accusers Friday in a Michigan courtroom, NBC News reported.

The women testified at a preliminary hearing that will determine if there's enough evidence for Dr. Larry Nassar to stand trial on sexual assault charges. Both accusers described his "degrading" treatments.

A 22-year-old woman who competed through a local club recounted how Nassar repeatedly penetrated her with ungloved hands while treating her in the basement of her home, starting when she was about 13 years old.

She said she knew he did the same to other gymnasts.



Photo Credit: David Eggert/AP Photo

This Week in Our Scene & Small Business Spotlight

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From a new live music venue planned for the Del Mar Fairgrounds, to the 25th birthday of an Ocean Beach staple, here’s a look at some of the stories that shaped our Local Business Spotlight and San Diego Scene this week.

New Live Music Venue Planned for Del Mar Fairgrounds
The owners and operators of the Del Mar Fairgrounds have hired an architecture/planning firm, Bastien and Associates, to design a new, 1,900-seat venue to be used for live music. The plans call for an extensive remodel and renovations to the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ existing Surfside Race Place.

USCIS Honors Olympian Meb Keflezighi as ‘Outstanding American by Choice’
Olympic medalist, marathon legend and San Diego resident Meb Keflezighi earned a honor close to his heart this week: the “Outstanding American by Choice” award from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Keflezighi and his family, originally from Eritrea, came to the U.S. in the late 1980s. The moved changed the course of the famed runner’s life, and afforded him opportunities for which he will forever be grateful.

Ocean Beach Farmers Market Turns 25
They grow up so fast. The free-spirited, quirky Ocean Beach Farmers Market turns 25 this year. The weekly market along Newport Avenue, between Cable and Bacon streets, is a lively gathering where you can snag everything from fresh, local produce to quirky homemade crafts, all while listening to live music from local bands.

2 New Nonstop Flights, From San Diego to Europe
Flying to Europe from San Diego this summer just got easier, with two European airlines offering nonstop flights to Germany and Switzerland. While travelers will enjoy direct service, the new flights may also bring a big boost to San Diego’s economy. 

Quartyard’s New Lease on Life
Quartyard, the hip urban park situated on a 28,000-square-foot, city-owned parking lot on Market Street in downtown San Diego, is planning to relocate – but it’s not going too far. The new version of Quartyard still plans to host everything locals have grown to love about the urban park, from live music to beer gardens.



Photo Credit: Troy Orem Photography

DHS Wants Criminal Histories of Displaced Haitians in US

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Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly asked his staff for the criminal history of thousands of Haitians living in the United States on protected immigration status as he mulls the decision of whether to extend the program set to expire in July, NBC News reported. 

The Trump administration must soon decide whether to renew "Temporary Protected Status" for some 50,000 Haitians currently living in the U.S. 

In 2010, the Obama administration granted the status to Haiti after a massive earthquake struck the country, killing an estimated 220,000 and displacing 1.5 million. 

The move has raised concerns among immigration advocates who worry about how the information will be used given the administration's more hardline positions on immigration.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Poway Hosts Emergency Survival Fair

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In response to the 2008 fires that destroyed homes in Poway, residents are taking action by staying informed on what to do in case of another emergency.

The Emergency Survival Fair was held on Saturday at Old Poway Park, an event aimed at connecting residents with public and private organizations to better prepare Poway in case of an emergency.

The event is hosted by one of the largest local emergency programs in San Diego County, Poway Neighborhood Emergency Corps (PNEC). PNEC is an all-volunteer group that helps the City of Poway Emergency Plan by forming a grass roots communication network of neighbors.

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The fair featured more than 20 booths staffed by organizations that provide emergency planning and assistance to Poway residents, including San Diego Gas and Electric, the Red Cross, Poway Fire Safe Council, San Diego Crime Prevention and more, all ready to share their tips and information with locals.

The fair also included members of the Poway Amateur Communications Team (PACT) conducting simulated emergency exercises. Poway's Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement Services  were also at the community event.



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Locals Line Up for Lawn Mower Trade-In

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Bright and early Saturday morning, locals lined up in front of Qualcomm Stadium hoping to get their hands on a deal: an electric lawn mower for just under $100.

It was all part of the 18th Annual Mowing Down Pollution, which lets San Diego residents trade in their gas-powered lawn mowers for an electric one for $99.99.

Normally, electric lawn mowers retail from $200 to $300.

The county-sponsored event aims to combat pollution. According to the county, trading gas lawn mower for an electric one helps lower emissions by 2-and-a-half tons per year.

District 4 County Supervisor Ron Roberts, who hosted the event, says that having the opportunity to trade in gas powered equipment is just one of the ways San Diegans can help contribute to keeping our air clean.

“[Emissions from] gasoline mowers are equivalent to 25 automobiles,” Roberts told NBC 7. “They are heavy pollutants.”

Linsey Tarr, who has lived in San Diego for over a decade, never heard of the lawn mower trade-in event before, but is happy to help lower air pollution.

“I’m proud of this city for having this event,” she said.

While helping the air quality in San Diego is a major environmental plus for locals, the great deal was another bonus for their wallets.

Roger Duval arrived at the event at 4:30 a.m. and couldn't wait to go home and test his new electric mower out.

“It’s a great deal for the amount I paid, it’s fabulous. I couldn’t ask for anything better,” said Duval. “That’s why there are so many people around here doing the same thing.”

Residents were also able to trade in their gas-powered chainsaws, hedge trimmers, or line trimmers at Saturday's event for $80 a pop. There were around 100 of each of those pieces of equipment available; it's all part of the county's continued efforts to rid residents of their gas-powered tools in exchange for electric ones.

Since 1999, the county says that residents have exchanged nearly 8,500 mowers.

Saturday's event lasted until noon. Those looking trade in their mowers were asked to bring photo ID and proof that they live in San Diego County.



Photo Credit: Consumer Reports

Your #SanDiegoGram Photos

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

Photo Credit: Instagram/@pac_beachsd
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