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2 Arrested for Prostitution at Massage Parlors in Fallbrook

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Two women were arrested for alleged prostitution on Friday at separate massage parlors in Fallbrook.

Both women were employed at the businesses as masseuses, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO).

Detectives from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, San Diego Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted a prostitution enforcement detail at the massage parlors.

Lu Quiying, 61, was arrested on a prostitution charge at Jasmine Massage, located on the 400 block of South Main Avenue in Fallbrook.  Xzhang Ling, 48, was arrested on a similar prostitution charge at Coco Massage, located on the 1000 block of South Mission Road in Fallbrook.

Both women were taken to the Vista Detention Facility and booked into custody, according to SDSO. Their bail has been listed at $2,000.

There is no previous record of these women in California, according to the DMV.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Young Students Work Grown up Jobs at Mission Gorge's BizTown

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Dozens of students from Morning Creek Elementary spent Friday at Junior Achievement’s BizTown in Mission Gorge – a 10,000 square-foot mini city where kids work jobs, run businesses, pay bills and taxes.

NBC 7’s Monica Dean volunteered at BizTown’s NBC 7 News Studio, overseeing students produce their own newscast that streamed throughout the facility throughout the day. While putting the show together the kids learned about the news gathering process, interviewing and working as a team.

“I'll kind of know how hard they have to work to earn money to keep the family running,” a BizTown student said in answer to a student reporter’s question about whether she’ll have a better appreciation of what her parents do.

The kids work in one of 21 different businesses, including the Humane Society, Banks, restaurants, SeaWorld, utilities and even an airport. They make personal financial decisions for their business, hold business meetings and donate to charity.





Photo Credit: NBC 7

Bike Maintenance Stations Added Along Coronado Bikeway

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The City of Coronado has added a new amenity for cyclists along the Bayshore Bikeway.

Two bicycle repair stations called "Bike Fixtations", which give cyclists access to tools and a pump to make quick repairs right off the path, have been installed along the popular Class I bikeway.

One is located near Glorietta Boulevard and Fourth Street near the Golf Course. The other is located near Fiddler’s Cove.

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The stations will include a stand to hold a bike by the seat post while maintenance is performed, as well as basic tools such as a screwdriver, Allen wrenches, tire levers, and an air pump with a gauge securely attached.

Next time you are riding your bike in Coronado and realize you need a tool to make a quick fix, you can thank the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee for the free access to tools, as they were the driving force behind the initiative of the repair stations.



Photo Credit: NBC 7
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Fragile TJ Sewage Facilities Targeted for Major Upgrades

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It'll cost more than $400 million to fix what's been spilling raw sewage from Mexico into the ocean at Imperial Beach.

That’s the estimate of State Department experts who met with angry residents at a gathering near the border Thursday night.

They said the first really rainy season in six years had a disastrous domino effect on Tijuana's aging sewage system.

After decades of problems, critics say major upgrades can be put off no longer.

Engineers trace the breakdown that sent nearly 30 million gallons of wastewater flowing into the Tijuana River in early February to the collapse of a 48-inch diameter pipe.

A huge sinkhole developed, and more pipes that couldn’t handle the volume fell apart or were blocked as emergency repairs got under way.

Three dozen pipelines in several other areas were found to be in critical condition.

Beaches were closed in Coronado and Rosarito, Mexico as well as in Imperial Beach

The Border Patrol and Navy SEALS suspended operations in the area, to avoid health risks.

San Diego's Congressional delegation and California's U.S. senators weighed in with federal officials and their Mexican counterparts.

The International Boundary and Water Commission, as part of a remedial program, has ordered the installation of new emergency pumps and creation of so-called "retention basins”.

"They've submitted the funding for it; they assure me these infrastructure upgrades will start as early as this year,” says Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. “ So we're going to hold them to that. We continue to push. This is a regional issue, a national security issue. And we're going to make sure we fix the problem."

"Border Patrol agents are literally freaking out,” Dedina noted during Friday’s recording session for the next edition of NBC 7’s “Politically Speaking” program, which will air Sunday at 5 p.m.

“They're on the front lines of this issue and watching as sewage flows under the border fence through the Tijuana River,” Dedina continued.

“They've really been working with Secretary Kelley, the Homeland Security director and the Trump White House to really push on this issue as well as Congressman (Darrell) Issa and Congressman (Duncan) Hunter."

Dedina said he’ll be meeting with the governor of Baja California and Mexico's environment minister in Tijuana on Monday.









Photo Credit: NBC 7

200 Meet Rep. Issa for Impromptu Town Hall

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About 200 people attended an impromptu town hall meeting with Congressman Darrell Issa outside his office in Vista Friday.

Most of the constituents joined the event with just a few hours notice, after receiving an email invite this morning.

The top of the agenda was President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate accord. Issa said he advised the President against that decision at the town hall.

Congressman Issa was pressed by a Republican constituent who criticised the Party for not uniting behind President Trump.

While responding to concerns about the President's competence, Issa stated that he has faith in members of the cabinet like Rex Tillerson and Wilbur Ross and hoped to help them do their job and avoid "unreasonable interference from the President."

Some constituents raised concerns about White House Advisor and President Trump's Son-in-Law Jared Kushner, after reports that he tried to open secret communications with the Russian government.

"We deal in fact and not allegations," Issa replied.

The Congressman also said he was looking forward to hearing testimony from former FBI Director James Comey next week.

Issa answered questions in the hot sun for about an hour and a half, before going to his office where he said the Consul-General of Mexico was waiting for a meeting.

On Saturday morning, Issa will hold a town hall meeting in San Juan Capistrano in Orange County. He will answer the public's questions, discuss health care reform and talk about his legislative goals.

Issa appears to have chosen San Juan Capistrano because the area is Republican-tilting and he will likely face a friendlier crowd, the Associated Press reported. 

Last Tuesday, Issa was seen standing on the roof of his San Diego County office, looking out into a sea of agitated constituents. He explained that he wanted to take a quick photo of the crowd.

One of his political opponents, Mike Levin, who plans to run against Issa for re-election, accused him of hiding on the roof to avoid facing the public's criticism.



Photo Credit: NBC 7
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Vista Traffic Collision Leaves 1 Dead, At Least 1 Injured

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One passenger has died and at least one other passenger is being taken to the hospital after a traffic collision in Vista.

The collision happened at around 6:28 p.m. on S. Melrose Drive and Shadowridge Drive, according to the North County Dispatch.

San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO) deputies and North County firefighters are one scene.

The circumstances of the crash are unknown at this time.

No other information was available.

Please refresh this page for updates on this story. Details may change as more information becomes available.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Mueller Taking Close Control of Russia Investigation

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Special Counsel Robert Mueller is already closely managing the Russian election meddling investigation he was appointed to oversee, receiving daily briefings and weighing in on investigative tactics, a spokesman told NBC News.

Mueller was appointed May 17 after the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, took himself out of overseeing the Russia investigation.

Members of Congress called for a special counsel after President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, a decision that Rosenstein fully supported.

Since Mueller is only the second special counsel appointed under rules drafted nearly two decades ago, there were few precedents to guide how he would oversee the investigation.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Scientist Explains: Worst-Case Scenario From Paris Withdrawl

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President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement, which aims to curb greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to combat climate chance.

The move set off a wave of outrage from environmental groups, international allies and business leaders, while garnering support from conservatives.

But what does it mean for the planet?

NBC News reached out to Dr. Ben Sanderson, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, who researches the effects of climate change, for some answers.



Photo Credit: AP Images

Will Trump Get The Wall Built?

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The Trump administration has a lot on its plate right now. There’s the Russian investigation, repealing and replacing Obamacare and pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, making immigration less of a priority.

The prototypes and designs for Trump’s border wall will be laid out in San Diego, and while there’s a lot of talk, there’s been no bipartisan discussion or reform. Cracking down on immigration is a cornerstone of the administration, and while they have made some strides in that effort, Congress as a whole has not addressed the issue.

Before the border wall plans can move forward Congress has to approve funding for the project, which could cost around $67 billion, according to a projection from Senate Democrats.

San Diego State University police science professor James Ingram says if Trump plans to build the wall now is the time to do it.

“What few accomplishments presidents do seem to get done is usually within that first year in office,” he tells NBC 7.

He says the administration needs to set priorities to start moving his agenda forward.

“You have to really be organized as an administration if you really want to try and accomplish something,” Ingram says. “It seems like [they] are in disarray because one minute this iron is on the fire and the next minute, this iron is on the fire.”

Republican Congressman Darrell Issa says, immigration is still a priority for the Republican Party, but Ingram says with so many policies up in the air, the administration needs to narrow things down to push them through.

“[If you] waste your political capital by throwing it to the four winds, then you can't get anything done,” he says.





Photo Credit: NBC 5 News

Family Honors Beloved Father Through Meaningful Message

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Family and friends are honoring the life of a beloved father killed on a busy street in Mira Mesa.  Mohamad Krichati, 50, was killed instantly when he crashed into a tree on Mercy Road. His car started on fire. Police said he was speeding at the time of the crash.

His daughter, Reema Krichati is truly following in her father's footsteps. "As a kid I told him I would never be an engineer. Never, ever, ever. And because of him, I am an engineer," she said.  Reema will graduate college in just a couple of weeks.  Her father, Mohamad, originally from Syria, graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in engineering. 

His best friend told NBC 7 he was a man who always put his family first and was a father of five.  "He dedicates his life to his wife and kids, and he does a very good job. Everyone around him likes him," said Marwan Hammouri.

"For two days we couldn't see him and we couldn't make the connection that he was really gone. So, for a while I was just waiting by the door waiting for him to come home because he never misses out on dinner," added his daughter, Reema.

His family is devastated by the loss but also finding strength through his memory. "Truthfully if we stayed sad it wouldn't be fair to him.  It would be a wrong way to remember him, and I don't think he would like that either," Reema said. She added that she now wants to share this important message with others. "Tell your parents no matter how much you don't agree, to tell them that you love them because you really don't know when the last time is going to be goodbye," she said.

Mohamad was known in the community for his involvement in Syrian refugee support groups.  A gofundme page has been created to help support his wife and children. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

El Cajon Police on the Lookout for Bike Shop Burglar

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An El Cajon Bike shop is burglarized.

The thief shot his way through a plate glass window to gain entry and escaped with an arm load of merchandise just before nine Thursday night.

The whole thing was recorded on multiple security cameras.

El Cajon Police and the shop owners are asking for your help to catch this thief.

The burglar used what the store manager thinks is a pellet gun to shoot out this side window near the front of the store.

Inky's Bicycle & Pro Scooters may look like an easy target with all the store front windows, but the intruder didn't exactly get away scot-free.

He is now the star of a six camera security video.

"When I walked around I seen all the glass on the floor,” Manager Matt White said. White was the first to discover the break-in Friday morning. “I was freak-in out. I didn't know what to do really,” White said.

The burglar dressed in a white facemask and hoody, and is seen on security camera in the dim headlights of passing traffic.

On the video he takes aim with a pistol then fires through the plate glass window.

"It’s a bummer. It’s a shock. We come here every day. This is our home away from home,” White said.

The burglar bypassed the most expensive inventory. "There is a four thousand dollar bike.  There is another one,” White pointed out.

The suspect ran straight for the “Sachem” brand pro scooters. "Definitely knew what he was looking for," White said. He grabbed two scooters right off the display wall. Scooters are more popular among some in the skater community. “Kids do tricks with these. That's what they are made for," White said. You can take apart a $300 scooter and make it worth 500. The parts are also in high demand. 60 dollars per wheel, $180 for the deck. "That's just a clamp and its 50 bucks," White said.

The suspect escaped the way he came with both scooters slung over this shoulder. He was in the store a total of 28 seconds. It was scooter stunt never before performed at Inky's. An arrest is a fitting finale.

The alarm did alert the owner of the shop by phone but because there was trouble with the system in the past, it appeared at a false alarm.

Police say some residential burglaries were reported recently but this is the first store robbery of its kind in the area.








Photo Credit: NBC 7

Supreme Court Is Trump’s Best Hope for Reviving Travel Ban

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The Trump administration is hoping that the U.S. Supreme Court will grant what the lower courts have so far denied — permission to begin enforcing the president's executive order on travel.

The government filed papers late Thursday asking the justices to take up its appeal and, in the meantime, to let it enforce the travel ban while the court decides whether to hear a full argument later on the legal aspects of the case.

The government has some reasons for optimism, NBC News reported.

The current Supreme Court, back to full strength with the arrival of Neil Gorsuch, is ideologically the most conservative body to consider the issue so far. And it generally, though by no means always, tends to defer to presidents on national security issues.



Photo Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

90-Year-Old Man Attacked With Cane in NYC: Police

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A 90-year-old man was attacked with a cane as he walked on the sidewalk in Manhattan, police said Saturday. 

The victim suffered cuts to his ear and head in the attack late Friday afternoon in Inwood, police said. 

Video shows a young man holding a cane and walking down Broadway. When he reaches the elderly man, he kicks the victim's shopping cart and hits him on the side of the head with a cane, police said. 

Good Samaritans intervened to stop the attack, police said. 

The elderly man was taken to a hospital where he was in serious but stable condition, police said. 

Police are looking for the attacker. He was described as 20 to 30 years old, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing headphones, a blue baseball cap, a black shirt, a gray long-sleeved shirt, blue pants with checker box print and black sneakers, police said. 

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).



Photo Credit: NYPD

In US Exile, Kremlin Watcher Sees Russia Draw Closer

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A Russian analyst and journalist scrutinizing her home country from thousands of miles away, Kseniya Kirillova works out of an impersonal Oakland apartment that she deliberately keeps bare of mementos, except for a stuffed teddy bear memorializing another Russian opposition journalist who died doing the same kind of work.

These days, the 34-year-old's work has drawn closer to her new home, the United States, where she awaits a decision on her application for asylum.

As Congress and a special counsel appointed by the U.S. Justice Department investigate alleged Russian interference in this country's 2016 presidential race, Russian state tactics such as amplifying "fake news" have moved to the center of U.S. political discussion.

Kirillova's work examining alleged Russian actions in other countries helps in understanding such events in the United States, according to several American analysts of Russia who often cite her work.

Americans can be "naive about foreign policy, about Russian propaganda," says Kirillova, who contributes to news outlets in Europe, including the U.S. government-funded Radio Liberty broadcast news organization, which also provides global news in the Middle East and Asia.

Kirillova says growing up in Russia, she saw the tactics used to undermine American society and government.

"They really tried to destroy American institutions. They really consider the United States as their main enemy," she said.

In the Cold War, the Soviets called the kind of tactics Kirillova monitors "active measures" — covert efforts by both Moscow and Washington, D.C., to exploit divisions, sway public opinion, and influence events in rival countries and blocs.

The FBI and CIA say Americans experienced those tactics in 2016 when hackers allegedly allied with Putin's administration obtained the emails of Democratic officials, and Russian state media outlets spread leaked and made-up news to influence the U.S. election.

Putin denies his government interfered, although he suggested last week that "patriotically minded" Russian hackers could be going after Russia's critics on their own.

Kirillova's network of Eastern and Western security sources and her grounding in Eastern European cultures, politics and languages make her unique among U.S.-based journalists, said John Sipher, a 28-year U.S. intelligence veteran who now works as a Russia analyst in Washington, D.C. Her ability to tease out clues and point to patterns "has added to the depth and breadth of what's going on," Sipher said.

For instance, he said, Kirillova tracked down photos showing Russian officials were acquainted with people and groups Interpol had sought as suspects in an alleged coup attempt last year in Montenegro, a former Yugoslav republic that has angered Russia by becoming the newest member of the NATO Western military alliance. Russia denies involvement in the alleged plot.

"Nobody else that I've seen in the U.S. is doing that," Sipher said.

The kind of Russia-monitoring Kirillova is doing from the United States could be extremely important for Americans, says Alya Shandra, managing editor of Euromaidan Press, an English-language news site based in Ukraine. A war with Russia in Ukraine is blamed for the deaths of nearly 9,500 people, and the displacement of millions since 2014, the United Nations says.

Americans greatly underestimate the danger they face from Russia, and it's "very hard for us in Ukraine" getting that across, Shandra said.

Raised in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, Kirillova came to the United States in 2014 when her husband landed contracts with tech companies. She says Russian authorities began moving against the online news site and bank accounts of her-then colleague Alexander Shchetinin, who worked with her covering Russian actions in Ukraine.

The U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists says it does not track the number of foreign journalists seeking asylum in the United States, which can be a yearslong process.

Recent instances that have come to public notice include a Mexican journalist who tangled with drug cartels in Mexico and sought asylum in the U.S. He returned home after losing his bid for parole while his case played out. A teenage blogger from Singapore sought asylum in the U.S. after mocking the government in his home country, and he is fighting with the federal government over his case.

Kirillova says contacts warned her and Shchetinin that Russian security agencies were scrutinizing them. At least 36 journalists have been killed in Russia in retaliation for their reporting since 1992, the Committee to Protect Journalists says.

The teddy bear Kirillova keeps with her was Shchetinin's. It wears a cheerful red sweater bearing a Ukrainian flag, a token of their work covering Ukraine, she said.

At one point, he sent her and her husband a selfie from Moscow, cheekily posed with the Ukrainian teddy bear in front of Russia's old KGB headquarters. To show "we shouldn't fear them," she says.

In August, after Russia succeeded in stifling his news operation, Shchetinin was found dead of a gunshot wound in his apartment in Ukraine's capital, a gun beside him. Authorities said they were investigating the possibilities of both murder and suicide.

A friend retrieved the teddy bear from his apartment and sent it to Kirillova in the United States.



Photo Credit: AP

Cattle Parade Through Downtown San Diego

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"Moo-ve" over, San Diego – cattle comin' through!

In a rare event, at least for San Diego, 200 cattle paraded through downtown's Gaslamp Quarter Saturday. Why, you ask? 

The cattle drive was held to promote the opening weekend of the 2017 San Diego County Fair. This year, the theme of the fair is "Where the West is Fun," a nod to all things cowboy and the wild west.

The four-legged herd took its place at 7:30 a.m. at Ruocco Park. Led by 45 cowboys riding horses and eight dogs, they headed down Harbor Drive then up Fifth Avenue. Then, they marched down Market Street and made a lap back up to Harbor Drive.

The cattle drive also helped celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Jeremy Gorman, a rider who kept up with the cattle, said he was excited to participate in this unusual, once-in-a-lifetime event.

“It takes a lot of support from the riders and the dogs to do this,” Gorman told NBC 7. “If something takes off, [the dogs and riders] put them straight back to the herd.”

Locals gathered, in awe, to watch the procession, including Gary Coumbe and his family who couldn’t believe that they were seeing.

“It was really cool to see the cows running around and the cowboys chasing them down,” he said.

Ingrid Sanchez, who hails from Germany, is no stranger to cattle. But, seeing them in the streets of downtown San Diego was pretty surprising for her. She loved it.

“These cows know how to behave. It was a beautiful event and safe for everyone,” Sanchez said. “I just came back from Germany and went to the Alps. I watched big milk cows, so it’s nice to see these kinds of cows now.”

The San Diego County Fair opened Friday night and runs through July 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Check out our deals guide on how to save money a the fair this year. Also, here are some tips on what to eat at the fair (the fried, the weird and the tasty), and which bands will be headlining at the fair.


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9 Hedgehogs Rescued from Ocean Beach Trash Can

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Nine hedgehogs are recovering, in the care of County Animal Services (CAS) after they were rescued from a trash can in San Diego's Ocean Beach community.

A call about the critters came into CAS on Thursday. When an officer went to the area in Ocean Beach suggested by the caller, the officer discovered several hedgehogs loose inside a trash can.

The officer then noticed a bag moving in the trash can. The officer tore open the bag and found more of the animals inside. Five hedgehogs inside the bag were dead.

Of the ones that survived in that trash can, CAS said veterinary staff had to euthanize one because it was in poor health and was suffering.

The nine surviving hedgehogs are in good condition, according to CAS.

“Hedgehogs are very shy, timid creatures and for someone to tie them up in trash bags and throw them away is unconscionable,” said CAS Director Dan DeSousa in a press release. “Someone needs to come forward with information so we can hold whoever did this cruel act accountable.”

It is illegal to possess hedgehogs in California, so the animals will not be available for adoption.

CAS said it will try to place the hedgehogs with people who already have permits to possess the animals, or they will be transferred out of the state.

Any criminal charges will be determined once CAS completes its investigation. The charges could include animal abandonment and felony animal cruelty.

County Animal Services is asking anyone with information to call them at (619) 767-2740.



Photo Credit: Department of Animal Services

3 Kindergarteners, in Same Class, Conquer Cancer Together

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In a kindergarten classroom in Carlsbad, the letter “C” stands for "conquering cancer." There, you’ll find three students all dealing first-hand with the disease, finding comfort in one another, and in their campus community.

Charlotte Bejarano, a kindergarten teacher at Carrillo Elementary School in San Diego’s North County, has 22 students in her class. Three of those children – Micah, Avery and Brooks – were all diagnosed with cancer.

The statistics are unheard of and, as Bejarano puts it, “profound.” In her 17 years of teaching, she’s never experienced a year in the classroom quite like this one.

Micah is dealing with neuroblastoma; Avery with leukemia; Brooks with a brain tumor.

With support from their school, the kindergarten students are finding the strength to move past their diseases and forge a new bond: having bright futures, free of cancer.

With a rare occurrence such as this, it’s natural to wonder if the children shared something else in common; if something in their shared environment caused the cancers.

Turns out, all were diagnosed before starting kindergarten in their Carlsbad classroom. After exhausting all possible links, their families and doctors determined this was just all horrible coincidence.

Today, Micah, Avery and Brooks are all back together in their class, finishing the school year strong.

The little ones are eager to share their stories with anyone who will listen.

Sitting side by side, the kids were asked by NBC 7 if cancer is scary.

“No! Yes. No!” they chimed in all at once.

“Kinda. In the middle – kinda,” they all agreed.

“What do your parents tell you guys?” NBC 7 asked them.

“My parents say, ‘Don’t grow up,’” said Avery.

“Be brave,” said Brooks.

“My parents say, ‘Keep away cancer, and if it comes back, fight it away quickly,’” said Micah.

Together, the trio smiled.

Watching her students fight back from cancer wasn’t enough for Bejarano. She knew the school had to do something to help.

Which brings us to Friday; a special kindergarten awards ceremony was held on the blacktop at the campus, attended by the entire school.

The event was the culmination of a fundraising drive to benefit the nonprofit, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research.

With nonstop cheering from students and faculty, the elementary school honored their three little survivors and then watched as, one by one, dozens of participants including fellow classmates, teachers and parents stepped up to a barstool to get their head shaved as a show of support for Micah, Avery and Brooks.

Bejarano said she’s touched by the support from her school – but not the least bit surprised.

Seven years ago, she beat breast cancer herself, with a strong support system pushing her along the way.

“That’s how I got through my cancer – here I am, a survivor,” she said.

Her story and theirs, part of an unforgettable year in kindergarten where the lessons learned will carry far beyond the classroom.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego
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Demonstrators 'March for Truth' in San Diego

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Demonstrators gathered in San Diego Saturday to "March for Truth," a nationwide effort to demand an impartial investigation into the allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election.

San Diego is just one of the 135 cities nationwide that participated in the demonstration, which includes a coalition of organizers, activists, and progressives demanding more action to be taken on looking into the alleged Trump-Russia collusion.

Organizers say they're demanding an independent commission and the release of President Trump’s tax returns to show potential Russia entanglements. Demonstrators also want as much information made available to the public on the hot-button topic, as soon as it becomes available.

Supporters of the March for Truth include longer-established progressive groups like MoveOn and the Working Families Party, along with newer ones founded in response to Trump's election like Swing Left, Flippable and the TownHall project.

"Across the country, constituents have flooded town halls to let their representatives know that they want impartial investigations into Russian interference in our elections," said Jimmy Dahman, executive director of Town Hall Project. "Transparency is critical to the democratic process, and we are proud to partner with the #MarchForTruth in holding Congress accountable to the people that elected them."

The San Diego March for Truth Rally took place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at East Mission Bay Drive.

Concert Protesting Trump's Border Wall Held at Border

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More than 100 musicians from Mexico, the U.S., Guatemala, and Europe performed a concert at the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego Saturday in an effort to oppose President Donald Trump's plans for a border wall.

A German orchestra called Dresdner Sinfoniker, or Dresden Symphony Orchestra, headlined the so-called "Tear Down That Wall!" concert. International musicians helped. The title of the show was inspired, 30 years later, by former President Ronald Reagan’s famous call to Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

The concert was originally planned to take place at Friendship Park on the U.S. side of the border. Dresdner Sinfoniker called on American artists and musicians to get involved with the protest concert by sharing their own initiatives or projects at the border.

However, U.S. authorities denied permission for the event to take place on the U.S. side. Instead, the symphony moved the concert to Tijuana, on the Mexico side of the border, playing until 4 p.m. Saturday.

Keith James, an anti-Trump demonstrator at the concert said building that border wall will only hurt families.

“It’s outrage because we know in the sights of Trump and Pence and this regime to deport millions and millions of immigrants, to discriminate against them, to detain them, to separate their families,” said James. “We cannot wait. We have to get out in the street in our millions and we’ve got to do it now. “

Saturday's concert was certainly met with opposition.

A group of Trump supporters held their own rally on the San Diego side of the border, chanting "USA! USA! USA!" while holding signs that read, "Yes, Yes, Build the Wall."

Trump supporter Robin Havidston was among that group.

“As Trump supporters, we decided to come out and make a statement that we support our president, and we support border security and we also support building the wall,” Havidston said. “I feel disappointed that the issue of just upholding our laws is not more prominent.”

Loretta Sanchez also said she was there in support of the POTUS and to combat “lawlessness.”

“We want law and order, we want our Constitution enforced, immigration law enforced and we’re not willing to sacrifice our laws, our children’s future for lawlessness,” she said.



Photo Credit: Ramon Galindo/NBC 7
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Runner With Cerebral Palsy Will Start Half-Marathon at 3AM

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Before most Rock 'n' Roll San Diego runners even wake up Sunday morning, Jamie Watts will already be on the course heading towards the finish line.

Watts is the first runner of Sunday's half-marathon, set to leave the starting line at 3 a.m. She has cerebral palsy, which makes routine tasks more like routine challenges.

But, with the help of friends who accompany her along the course, 13.1 miles is well within reach.

It just takes her a little longer.

While typical runners average right around a 10-minute mile, Watts clocks in closer to 30 minutes per mile, which is why she starts so early.

Watts says the roads aren't always closed at the beginning of her race, so she often runs on a "parallel path" using sidewalks next to the road until the course is completely blocked off.

While she has already completed more than 100 races, mostly 5Ks, this will be just her third half-marathon.

She is aiming for a finish time between seven and eight hours -- "hopefully closer to seven," she says.

Watts started training for races primarily just to stay healthy but says if the inspires others with disabilities to try new things it's a wonderful added bonus.

"If what I do changes the way that one person thinks about what it's like to live with a disability, or interact with someone living with a disability, that's a fantastic thing," she said.

On your marks.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego
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