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Watch: Did Melania Dodge Trump’s Hand Again?

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The swat heard 'round the world appears to have a sequel. 

A day after Melania Trump appeared to rebuff the president's hand as the couple walked down the red carpet on the tarmac at Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport, the first lady appears to have done it again (watch it above).

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This time, it was in Rome. The president and his wife had just landed in Italy Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's planned visit with Pope Francis. They waved to those who arrived to greet them and Donald Trump reached for Melania Trump's hand as the couple prepared to walk down the stairs from Air Force One.

For the second time in 24 hours, the first lady appears to brush off her husband's hand, effortlessly reaching to brush a stray hair from her eye as she starts to walk down the stairs by herself. It wasn't clear if Melania Trump saw the gesture. The president, not seeming flustered by the move, places a hand on her back to support her. 

A CNN digital editor tweeted a GIF of the Rome hand "swat" captioned, "When in Rome," shortly after 12:30 p.m. It was retweeted more than 60 times and liked more than 70 times in about 20 minutes. 

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The video of the rebuff in Israel, posted to Twitter by user @raggapegs, has garnered more than 11,000 retweets and 17,000 favorites since it was posted around 6:15 a.m. Monday. In that video, the couple strolls along as hundreds watch when the first lady, donning a crisp white skirt and jacket, seems to flick away the president's hand as he tried to grip hers in his own. 

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Some speculated Donald Trump only reached for his wife's hand after he noticed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was holding hands with his wife as the two couples walked down the red carpet together. Others suggested Donald Trump simply withdrew his hand before his wife could take it. 

A later photo of the Trumps departing Israel for the Vatican showed the first couple holding hands. 

The White House and representatives for Melania Trump haven't commented on the matter.

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Photo Credit: NBC 4 New York
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Local School Tests Positive for Lead in Water

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Officials confirm there are unusually high levels of lead in one water source at Ira Harbison Elementary School in the National School District.

A sample was collected April 11 from a fountain at the southern exterior of the building, according to the results released by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The sample was collected and tested by the Sweetwater Authority.

As school districts test for lead in their drinking water, they are required by the state to fix problems if they discover levels greater than 15 parts per billion (ppb).

One sample from Ira Harbison showed lead levels at 20 ppb.

Three other samples reported levels at 10 ppb, 7 ppb and 6 ppb. These results do not meet the state guidelines requiring district action.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Leighangela Brady explained the action taken.

"That drinking fountain has been taken out of service and will remain so until the fixture and its exposed connections can be replaced. Water samples will then be taken, retested and certified to be safe by the water district or an independent laboratory before being put back in to service," Brady said.

A fountain on the campus of El Toyon Elementary School was found to have levels of lead measuring 6 ppb. There are more than 500 students in preschool through sixth grade at the campus that is part of the National School District.

On the campus of Kimball Elementary School, a water fountain tested positive for lead with a level of 8 ppb. The school was built in 1941 and serves approximately 400 students.

Other school districts in the county got results from recent tests.

At Cesar Chavez Middle in Oceanside, a water fountain sample collected on April 6 was reported to show lead levels at 12 ppb.

The health center sink at Clair Burgener Academy sampled April 5 was reported to have lead levels at 8 ppb. 

Oceanside Unified School District listed the test results for parents on their website with the following statement:

“Clair Burgener and Chavez Middle School each had one fixture with detectable levels of lead below the federal actionable limit. Although no action is required, these fixtures have been taken out of service indefinitely and are being retested. The new results will be posted on the district website when they become available.”

The drinking fountain used by Kindergartners at Juniper Elementary in Escondido was tested in early May. The levels of lead were found to be at 5.8 ppb.

The testing of lead in the water of local schools has intensified this spring. 

Three schools within the San Diego Unified School District have tested positive for levels of lead above state guidelines.

The schools are Birney Elementary School in University Heights, Emerson Campus of the Emerson/Bandini Elementary School and the Emerson Campus of the San Diego Cooperative Charter School.

In the most recent test results released by San Diego Unified School District, unusually high levels of lead were found in eight schools. In each case, the levels measured were below state guidelines requiring the district to take action.

The California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics maintain there is no safe level of lead in drinking water provided to children.

In 2009, California’s health department, OEHHA, set the public health goal for lead in drinking water at 0.2 parts per billion.

Lead poisoning in children can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and hearing or speech problems to learning and behavioral problems or damage to the brain and nervous system.

San Diego Unified School District is publishing test results for each school here.

NBC 7 is mapping the schools and the results. Parents can view how the testing is going and click on each location for updates and links to test results.

NBC 7 is gathering our coverage of concerns regarding drinking water in our special section "Safe to Drink?' here.

The potential for lead contamination in the water supply is greater in buildings built before 1986, according to health, water and city experts.

There are 447 schools across San Diego County built before 1986.

See our map of schools where the risk is greater here.

Ira Harbison Elementary is located on E 8th Street in National City and includes grades Transitional Kindergarten to sixth grade with 575 students.

Ex-CBP Officer Looked the Other Way for Cash, Sexual Favors

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A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will spend five years in federal prison for taking sexual favors and cash in exchange for looking the other way when smugglers brought undocumented immigrants through his lane at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Jose Luis Cota, 51, was a 15-year veteran with CBP and worked at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. In September 2016, his career ended when it was discovered he was helping to smuggle illegal immigrants into the U.S.

Cota charged up to $15,000 per person as part of the smuggling scheme that ran from November 2015 to September 2016.

At times he would receive sexual favors for allowing vehicles with undocumented immigrants through his vehicle inspection lane.

When he was sentenced in federal court Monday, Cota was ordered to turn over two vehicles and $63,000.

“It feeds the popular narrative that there is corruption in government at some levels," U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Miller told the defendant. "There is a spot of rot in government. When this happens, it affects us all.”

Miriam Juarez-Herrera and Gilberto Aguilar-Martinez, both 32 years old and Mexican nationals, were part of the scheme.

Aguilar-Martinez was sentenced Monday to three years in prison. He is a two-time convicted felon and was previously deported as an undocumented immigrant. He will be deported again after completing his sentence.

His wife, Juarez-Herrera, will be sentenced on June 19.

Cota resigned from the CBP on January 10 when he accepted the plea agreement with federal prosecutors. He was ordered to report to prison on June 14.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

30 Sail-Shaped Kiosks Coming to San Diego Waterfront

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Thirty Interactive Kiosks shaped in the form of a sail will be installed on the San Diego waterfront in 2018, according to the Port of San Diego.

"Interactive Kiosks along the San Diego waterfront will encourage exploration and discovery of attractions, special events, restaurants and entertainment; while also serving as meeting points," said Port Chairman Robert "Dukie" Valderrama, in a statement.

The kiosks will use smart technology to help visitors navigate the waterfront, said Port of San Diego officials. An Interactive Kiosk Program was started by the Port of San Diego to spearhead the project.

Officials say they plan to install the kiosks in the Centre City/Embarcadero area along Harbor Drive, between Laurel Street and the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal in San Diego.

On May 16, the Board of Port Commissioners selected IKE Smart City to create and install the 11-foot-tall Interactive Kiosks, which were chosen from a pool of competitive proposals.

The kiosks include turn-by-turn directions which can be sent directly to visitors' cell phones or tablets. That includes real-time information on public transportation, ride sharing services, bike sharing and a photo booth feature allowing for easy posts on social media, according to the Port of San Diego.

Other features include details on events, attractions, shopping, dining, points of interest, weather updates, public safety announcements and general information about the Port.

The public will give feedback about the kiosks through polls, questions of the week and other interactive activities, said Port of San Diego officials.

Multiple languages will be included in the kiosks, along with an adjustable screen for people with disabilities.

Port of San Diego officials say they will negotiate with the company to reach a 10-year agreement.

City officials and representatives for Cleantech San Diego and San Diego Downtown Partnership attended the meeting and spoke in support of the program.



Photo Credit: Port of San Diego

'Movies in the Park' Return to San Diego This Summer

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Summer Movies in the Park Return for 2017 Season

The free outdoor movie series runs through October across many county and city parks, with most screenings on Friday and Saturday evenings

Flicks al fresco? Yes, please.

San Diego’s beloved “Summer Movies in the Park” is back: a series of free, outdoor movie screenings at county and city parks now through the end of October.

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The movies typically screen on Friday and Saturday evenings. Participating parks span the county – from big locations like Waterfront Park along the downtown Harbor (May 26, playing “Moana”) and Presidio Park in Old Town (July 8, playing “The LEGO Batman Movie”) to community parks in uptown, Chula Vista, the East County and the North County.

This year, the lineup of family-friendly flicks are mostly PG-rated. They include classics like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “The Sandlot,” as well as newer movies like “The Jungle Book,” “Sing” and “Trolls.” Movies vary by location; check this master list here to see what’s playing and where throughout the summer.

The movies usually begin at dusk, with the event wrapping up around 10 p.m.

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Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy games and activities before the movie starts and to bring blankets and low-back chairs to make their spot on the grass extra comfortable. In some cases, concessions from food trucks or other vendors will be available for purchase during the event. Leashed dogs are also allowed at most parks. 

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The Summer Movies in the Park series began in 2007 as a "take back our parks"initiative, giving local residents a reason to visit county and city parks. The movie series aims to help locals build a sense of community.

The series is a collaborative effort between the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, the Cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, Vista and the USS Midway Museum.

For more information about Summer Movies in the Park, including exact showtimes and locations, visit this website.

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Photo Credit: Summer Movies in the Park

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego

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You don't need to spend a fortune to have fun in this city.

Photo Credit: San Diego Museum of Art/Bauman Photographers

Senate Committee to Subpoena 2 of Flynn's Businesses

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The Senate intelligence committee says it will subpoena two of former national security adviser Michael Flynn's businesses.

The committee has already subpoenaed Flynn for documents regarding his contacts with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign. Flynn has refused to hand over that information.

The committee also sent a letter to Flynn's attorney Tuesday questioning the legal basis of Flynn's decision to invoke his Fifth Amendment right over a request for documents rather than testimony.

Committee Chairman Richard Burr says senators will wait for Flynn's response to Tuesday's requests before they decide the next course of action, including the possibility of a contempt of Congress citation. 

The committee is investigating Russia's campaign meddling and possible ties to President Donald Trump's associates.




Photo Credit: The Washington Post/Getty Images

Local Students Abroad in England Reported Safe

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All UC San Diego students studying abroad in England have been reported safe Tuesday, after a suicide bomber set off an explosive device in Manchester, confirmed school officials.

There are 10 UCSD students studying abroad in England through various programs at the moment, said Christine Clark, a UCSD representative.

Fortunately, nine of the students were reported safe in London and one in Bristol.

While the students study abroad in England, the British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced the security threat level in the U.K is now raised to "critical," in a televised statement.

That indicates another security threat is expected "imminently."

Twenty-two people were killed in the suicide attack and more than 200 were injured at an Ariana Grande concert at Britain's Manchester Arena.



Photo Credit: UC San Diego/Facebook

May: UK Threat Level Raised to Critical

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Prime Minister Theresa May announced the United Kingdom's threat level has been raised from severe to critical, its highest level, on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, a day after a suicide bombing in Manchester left 22 dead and 59 wounded.

Mega Millions Ticket Worth $3M Sold in Chula Vista

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Someone who recently shopped at a liquor store in Chula Vista is very lucky: that person bought a Mega Millions lottery ticket that’s now worth more than $3 million.

According to California Lottery officials, the prize-winning ticket was sold at Southbay Liquor located at 1355 Broadway #L & M.

In a May 19 drawing, the ticket matched five out of six winning numbers – 1-4-5-24-30, missing only the Mega Number, 1.

With that hot streak, the ticket won a whopping $3,116,434. Had the ticket matched all six numbers in the drawing, it would’ve won the $43 million jackpot.

California Lottery Officials said the liquor store that sold the ticket will also cash in, winning a retail bonus of one-half of 1 percent of the prize, or about $15,582.

The winner has yet to come forward. Per lottery rules, Mega Millions winners have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim their prize.

Mega Millions draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m. PT.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Bi-Cast Leather Couch Peeling Apart

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“The leather comes off in little pieces that peel off,” Marianne Ash said. 

Marianne said there’s less and less of her couch to sit on every day because the surface of the couch is peeling and falling onto her living room carpet. 

“It was right in the door when you walked into the store,” Marianne said. 

Marianne said she fell in love with the couch when she first saw it at Plummer’s Furniture in San Marcos. She said she was looking for a chair and a couch in a nice wool or leather. 

“They told me it was leather and I’ve never had a leather sofa before,” Marianne said. 

Within two years of owning the furniture, she said her leather chair started peeling. So she said she gave it away and started using the couch. Two years after that, she says the couch started doing the same thing. 

“I’ve been using it but I had to put a cover over it to help minimize the peeling,” Marianne said. 

Marianne said when she looked at her original receipt, she saw the couch was made of what’s called “bi-cast leather”, a term she said she had never heard before. 

Bi-cast is similar to bonded leather and is created using a process where real leather scraps are mixed with a polyurethane top coat. Marianne said she contacted NBC 7 Responds after seeing stories showing examples of other consumers’ having similar problems with their furniture made of bi-cast or bonded leather. 

“You were on TV with another person having the same problem and I felt so sorry for that man because I knew what he was going through,” Marianne said. 

NBC 7 Responds learned Plummer’s Furniture changed its name to Scandinavian Designs in San Marcos. Art Gonzalez, the store manager told us he would look into Marianne’s complaint and two weeks later, Marianne got a call. 

“Real leather, genuine leather, he says he has one himself,” Marianne said. 

Gonzalez agreed to replace Marianne’s couch and arranged for her to come to their store and pick out a similar product, this time made with real leather. Gonzalez also agreed to pick up Marianne’s old couch and deliver the new furniture at no extra charge. 

In an email, Gonzalez said, “Scandinavian Designs is pleased to have satisfied our customer in this matter. We make our best effort to meet all of our customers' needs during every stage of the buying process, and beyond.” 

NBC 7 Responds has solved several consumer cases involving “bonded leather” products before. To learn more about genuine vs bonded leather, click here

Trump to Retain Private Attorney in Russia Probes

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President Donald Trump is expected to retain Marc Kasowitz as his private attorney during the investigations into possible ties between his campaign and Russia, sources told NBC News.

Kasowitz has represented Trump a number of times in the past and has a long relationship with the president, Business Insider reported.

He is a partner at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman in New York and has represented Trump in numerous cases, including on his divorce records, real estate transactions and allegations of fraud at Trump University, The Washington Post reported.

He also has represented the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the New York Jets.



Photo Credit: Evan Vucci/AP (File)

Donald Trump’s Budget Breaks These 7 Campaign Promises

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The White House took pains to insist that the 2018 budget blueprint is keeping campaign promises, NBC News reported.

Budget Director Mick Mulvaney said that the president is making good on his vow to save government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. 

However, the budget outlines deep cuts to many aspects of the American safety net that suggest Mulvaney made a false assessment of the blueprint.

NBC News found seven campaign promises that the preliminary budget would break to Trump voters and supporters.


2 CHP Officers Honored For Saving Suicidal Woman

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California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers from Oceanside received the Medal of Valor Tuesday in West Sacramento for preventing a suicidal woman from jumping off a freeway bridge, according to CHP.

The pair of officers represented two out of 22 state employees honored with the Medal of Valor Award for acts of heroism at the CHP Academy. They were recognized at a ceremony held at 1:30 p.m., according to the California Department of Human Resources (CAL HR).

Last year on April 26, CHP officers Kerry Comphel and Jason Hughes rescued a suicidal woman leaning off an overcrossing on Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, said CHP Officer Jim Bettencourt.

Officers Comphel and Hughes managed to catch the woman as she attempted to jump off the edge, said Officer Bettencourt. While her body dangled over the overpass, they pulled her to safety with a valiant effort.

During the ceremony, there were half a dozen other CHP personnel honored with medals. That included employees from the state departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Fish and Wildlife, Forestry and Fire Protection, Parks and Recreation, Military and Transportation.



Photo Credit: CHP

Bicyclist Killed in Suspected DUI Crash Near Fallbrook

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A 59-year-old man was struck and killed by a suspected DUI driver in the middle of the afternoon Tuesday near Fallbrook, confirmed California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Sulem Garcia, 19, was arrested on felony charges including DUI and vehicular manslaughter, according to CHP.

Garcia was driving on Old Highway 395, south of Pala Mesa Drive at an unknown speed when she began to veer to the right.

Her car hit the man from Fallbrook as he was riding his bicycle on the right shoulder at about 3 p.m., said CHP officers.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Garcia was not injured in the crash, according to CHP. She was arrested at the scene and will be booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

CHP officers said the collision remains under investigation.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Oceanside Mayor on Medical Leave Until August

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The mayor of Oceanside will be on medical leave until August, according to city officials.

Mayor Jim Wood is currently hospitalized and will be having a medical procedure done next week. His condition is improving every day.

City officials said the mayor's office will remain fully staffed during his leave. Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery will fill in until Wood returns.

Wood will be on medical leave through the City Council meeting of Aug. 9, according to the city.



Photo Credit: City of Oceanside

Runaway Bull Goes Rogue in Ramona

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A rogue bull running down the middle of the street?

It's probably not something you see everyday...but for some residents and drivers in Ramona, that was the case Tuesday morning.

A runaway bull put up quite the show for one driver who caught the scene on video.

At 9:04 p.m. Tuesday, San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) was called to assist the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after a black bull was reported to be running around the street at the 257000 block of Bellemore Drive.

SDSO said the bull was a traffic hazard and Animal Control was dispatched to the area.

Phil Demartimprey said he was going to meet some people down the street when he saw the bull in a family's yard. He pulled over to the side and captured the scene on video.

Demartimprey said it appeared that someone had roped the bull but it had managed to escape.

His video appears to show two men on horses, attempting to round up the bull. They eventually lasso the bull and pull it to the side of the street near a field.

Demartimprey said one of the men brought a trailer and they loaded the bull into it.



Photo Credit: Phil Demartimprey

Moores, SDSU Not Developing Plan for Qualcomm Stadium

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Rumors that San Diego State University (SDSU) and a former owner of the Padres have a plan to develop the Qualcomm Stadium site are not based in fact.

The only detailed vision for the 166-acre property is still "SoccerCity", which has qualified for a City Council decision to adopt it or put it before the voters.

With Council members having reservations about holding a special election in November, talk has been rampant that John Moores and his JMI corporation, builders of Petco Park, are teaming up with SDSU to develop the land the Chargers have left in Mission Valley.

Under the billion-dollar SoccerCity plan, private investors are proposing a stadium for pro soccer and SDSU football, offices, retail, thousands of housing units and 55 acres of parks.

It's gotten enough petition signatures to be approved by the Council or city voters, if they choose.

While the Moores/JMI/SDSU speculation has offered hope among SoccerCity critics of a competing vision, NBC 7 has learned from sources close to Moores and and JMI that no such plan is, quote, "imminent."

We're told that JMI "has no business interest" in the Q site, and has "made no effort to influence" a decision on the site's future, or "intention to do so."

SoccerCity has the endorsement of Mayor Faulconer, but he can't put it on the ballot himself.

As for San Diego State, it's walked away from bargaining with SoccerCity's investors.

The university wants to expand in Mission Valley, and has called on the city to invite other proposals.

The Council will take up the issues in June.

Meantime, there's talk of a plan, soon to be released by developer Doug Manchester, to "revamp" Qualcomm Stadium.

Manchester is President Trump's nominee for ambassador to the Bahamas.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Hundreds of Lemon Grove Students Kept Home From School

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Hundreds of elementary school students in Lemon Grove stayed home as a safety precaution Tuesday, after parents were informed of an anonymous shooting threat.

On Monday, the principal at Mount Vernon elementary school received an alarming email around 6 p.m., that alluded to a potential shooting at the school.

"It is a concern, it is a worry as [a] parent for myself, Saolotoga Iosua Tiauli, a parent of a six-year-old at the school told NBC 7. "I have four little ones, and that is my older daughter at this school."

After reading the email, the school immediately began working with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) to ensure public safety and weigh the credibility of the threat.

School leaders sent out a note to parents, as well as an emergency auto-call at 6 a.m. Tuesday. When parents dropped off their kids at school, they were handed emergency notes warning of the threat.

The email was linked to a server in the LA region but the exact origin could not be traced, said school officials.

"The voicemail was not panicking or anything like that," said Iosua Tiauli. "As a parent I was calm. I wasn't worried or anything. It's just another day and thank god for that."

Parents were even given permission to keep their children at home, while the threat was investigated.

"When we talked with our child's teacher, she did give us the option of taking him out for the day," said Greg Shibley, another parent who has a child attending the school.

"But then the more she talked about it, the more I got the sense that it didn't seem necessary at this point."

An investigation from the SDSO deputies is ongoing. Deputies remained on campus until every student at the school was picked up.

The superintendent has encouraged parents to talk to their children about speaking up if they see anything suspicious on campus. School officials say they will continue to be vigilant to maintain campus security.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Chiropractor Accused of Sexual Battery Cannot See Patients

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Three weeks after several women came forward to accuse a San Marcos chiropractor of inappropriately touching them, a judge ordered him not to see patients.

The Board of Chiropractic Examiners began its investigation in early May, when detectives for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) learned of allegations that Dr. John Michals had inappropriately touched several women who were his clients.

In March, a woman in her mid-30s told deputies she was touched inappropriately during an appointment with Michals.

“Stuff that wouldn’t normally be classified during a chiropractic exam,” Deese said.

Detective Michael Tingley with the SDSO San Marcos substation told NBC 7, the investigation was complete as of Friday, and he had a total of 10 women come forward.

In late April, sheriff’s deputies secured an arrest warrant. On April 25, Michals was arrested at his private practice on East San Marcos Boulevard, north of State Route 78. 

However, deputies said Michals also practiced at North County Health Services at 150 Valpreda Street.

The incidents took place at the North County location, Deese said.

A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s office told NBC 7, Michals was charged two days after his arrest on April 27, for one misdemeanor count of sexual battery.

He posted a $25,000 bail the same day he was arrested.

NBC 7 since learned he was back in custody and booked on Tuesday. The Chiropractic Board also received a restrictive order from a judge the same day. 

In the restrictive order, the judge said Michals is "prohibited from performing any activities for which a chiropractic license is required." 

On May 9, James Boyd, Defense Attorney for Michals sent NBC 7 a statement, which read, "Mr. Michals maintains his innocence. He is adamant that he has done nothing wrong or inappropriate.”

NBC 7 reached out to James Boyd by phone and email and is still waiting on a response. 

Investigators say anyone with information on this case, or additional cases of sexual battery, can contact Det. Tingley at the San Marcos Sheriff's Station at (760)510-5200.



Photo Credit: NBC 7
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