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

Gun Found in Rental Car: SDPD

0
0

San Diego police are investigating the discovery of a handgun under the seat of a rental car.

Officers were called to SeaWorld San Diego just after 11 a.m. after a person reported finding the 9 mm Glock under the seat of the rental car.

Police said the car was rented elsewhere and driven to the theme park just north of downtown San Diego.

The driver called 911 from the parking lot, police said.

Officers said there was never a threat to the park.

It’s not known who owns the gun.



Photo Credit: Monica Garske

Man Pulled From Fiery Car After Plummeting 100 Ft: CVPD

0
0

Officers pulled a limp man out of a fiery car, after he drove off the road and plummeted down a ditch at the end of a chase through Chula Vista early Monday.

Police officers responded to reports of a fight in the 400 block of L Street at around 2:15 a.m, according to the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD). The caller said there was an argument escalating between three people. One of them fled the scene in their vehicle.

While responding to the call, an officer noticed a driver bolting down the street at high speeds. According to CVPD, the car was noticeably damaged. Sparks came shooting up from the ground as it dragged hanging car parts.

The officer took off in pursuit of the driver, joined by two other officers in a chase that reached speeds over 80 mph on L street, said police. The suspect blazed through a red light at Broadway without stopping at any point. He continued driving westbound and drove through an intersection at Bay Boulevard.

That's when the driver struck a guard rail, launching his vehicle through the air. He plummeted roughly 100 feet down into a concrete-lined ditch, where his vehicle caught fire, said CVPD officers.

A few officers rushed down to the crash scene, finding the 19-year-old man unconscious in the back seat of a fiery car. Once they reached the flaming vehicle, the officers each grabbed one of the man's arms and pulled him out.

Seconds later, the burning car burst into flames, fully engulfed in the fire.

Paramedics transported the man to a nearby hospital where he is receiving treatment for a leg fracture and other injuries, said police. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was not immediately arrested.

An investigation is underway from the Chula Vista Traffic Division. Police said possible charges may include driving under the influence and felony police evasion. The 19-year-old is not suspected of any other crimes at this time.

The driver was tested for alcohol consumption. No further information was immediately available. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Fans Travel North for Chargers Training Camp

Dallas Officers Answer Noise Complaint, Join Wedding Party

0
0

Dallas police officers responding to a noise complaint ended up being "guests of honor" at a wedding party, as seen in viral cellphone video.

Telemundo 39 reports officers responded to a call Saturday night about a wedding party that got too loud.

In the video, the officers can be seen dancing with attendants and helping the newly married couple, Gloria and Mario Hernandez, celebrate.

"It is a pleasure that we are united in this world. We are all equal before the eyes of God. Bravo for these policemen, they pulled a 100," Rosa Hernandez wrote on social media.

The hosts said the officers stayed, took pictures and even had some cake.

The video, shared on Facebook by Ana Gomez, has been viewed more than 200,000 times after being shared more than 1,400 times.

Dallas police told NBC 5 Monday that what took place at the Hernandez's wedding is not that unusual of an occurrance.

"Dallas police officers are having positive interactions like this one with the community every day and it’s always great when these moments are captured on video and shared for everyone to see," a department spokesperson said. "Our department takes pride in the strong relationship we have with our community and this moment exemplifies the positive impact of community policing."



Photo Credit: Ana Gomez

Pedestrian Struck on Westbound SR-94 in Lemon Grove

0
0

A pedestrian was struck on the westbound State Route 94 in Lemon Grove Monday afternoon, confirmed California Highway Patrol.

Paramedics are at the scene of the collision, just east of College Avenue on the freeway. CHP said the right lanes have been temporarily blocked off.

The vehicle involved in the collision remained at the scene, and paramedics transported the pedestrian for medical treatment.

The pedestrian's condition was not yet clear.

No other information was immediately available.

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



Photo Credit: NBC 7

'Moochas Gracias': Scaramucci Move Lights Up Twitter

0
0

Anthony Scaramucci's short tenure has given Twitter plenty to talk about.

The former White House communications director’s sudden departure after his short stint in the position has left journalists, politicians and meme-enthusiasts looking for a way to respond. From his profanity-laced tirade in an interview with The New Yorker to his air kiss after his first press briefing, the Mooch made his mark in the public eye.

As the news broke, the internet blew up with commentary.




Photo Credit: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

2 Homes Evacuated After Gas Line Ruptures in Fallbrook

0
0

A gas line between two homes ruptured in Fallbrook Monday afternoon, forcing residents to evacuate, confirmed deputies.

North Comm Fire crews said they are working to fix the leak on the 900 block of Buena Suerte. The gas line broke just after 1 p.m.

This is an active incident, according to fire crews. There are no reports of injuries at this time.

No other information was immediately available.

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

Xtreme Eating Awards: 2017's Calorie-Filled Recipients

0
0

Most people won't consider eating five bacon double cheeseburgers from Burger King, but that's the calorie equivalent of one Buffalo Wild Wings Cheese Curd Bacon Burger with fries.

That's just one of the "nutritional nightmares" the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest has called out in its latest Xtreme Eating Awards.

The annual awards "dishonors" chain restaurant meals that exceed the recommended daily allowances of calories (2,000), sodium (2,300 mg), saturated fats (20 g) and added sugar (50 g).

"These meals are extreme, but even the typical dishes served at restaurants are a threat to Americans' health because they increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and more," CSPI Senior Nutritionist Lindsay Moyer said in a statement.

The 2010 Affordable Care Act included provisions requiring calorie counts on the menus and menu boards of chains with 20 or more outlets. The Food and Drug Administration had scheduled the rules to go into effect on May 5 of this year. But less than a week before that deadline, lobbyists for pizza chains, supermarkets, and convenience stores convinced the Trump administration to delay the implementation date.

The decision prompted the CSPI to confer its first-ever Xtreme Putting Profits Before Public Health Award to Domino’s Pizza — the loudest industry voice opposing calorie labeling.

"Who cares about the obesity and diabetes epidemics, as long as the cash keeps rolling in to one of the nation’s premier purveyors of white flour and cheese?" the group said in a news release.

From the belt-busting Carnivore Pizzadilla to the caloric Flying Gorilla cocktail milkshake, here are some of the worst offenders of 2017.

Worst Cheese in a Leading Role: Buffalo Wild Wings' Cheese Curd Bacon Burger

A regular burger with deep fried cheese curds, bacon, American cheese, and something called “cool heat sauce,” Buffalo Wild Wings’ cheese curd bacon burger comes with a side of fries and contains 53 g of saturated fat and 1,950 calories, according to CSPI.

Worst Visceral Effects: Chili’s Ultimate Smokehouse Combo

A sort of create-your-own-adventure meal, Chili’s Ultimate Smokehouse Combo contains a little bit of everything. Diners choose three meat from a list that includes BBQ chicken breast, jalapeño-cheddar smoked sausage, battered Chicken Crispers, or a half rack of baby back ribs, plus four sides.  That's 2,440 calories, 41 g of saturated fat and a ridiculous 7,610 mg of sodium. While CSPI notes that this meal contains enough sodium for nearly four days, it is also possible that the sheer quantity of this meal could last for the same amount of time. 

Least Original Breakfast: IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette With Pankcakes

IHOP’s cheeseburger omelette is loaded with chunks of ground beef, hash browns, tomatoes, onions, American cheese, and topped with ketchup, mustard and pickles and comes with a stack of buttermilk pancakes on the side. The meal contains just about an entire day's worth of calories (1,900) and added sugar (44 g), plus double the amount of saturated fat (45 g) and sodium (4,580 mg), and a whopping three-days worth of cholesterol (1,005 mg). As CSPI notes, “it’s the equivalent of eating four McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffins drizzled with two tablespoons of syrup.”

In a statement, an IHOP spokesperson said that while it applauds the CSPI's efforts, "it's misleading to single out the highest meal combinations without informing people of the wide range of choices offered at our restaurants that meet a variety of dietary needs. Our commitment is to offer guests flavorful, inventive all-day breakfast dishes that can be enjoyed as they see fit - whether it's every day or occasionally depending on how they choose to live a balanced lifestyle."

Worst Adapted Pasta: The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Napoletana

The Cheesecake Factory, which has appeared on the list every year since it began in 2007, is on the list this time twice: for worst cocktail for its Flying Gorilla, and worst pasta dish for the Pasta Napoletana.

How do you turn a meat lover’s pizza into a pasta? Start with a mountain of spaghetti, then heap it with Italian sausage, pepperoni, meatballs, bacon, butter and cream, of course. The Cheesecake Factory's Pasta Napoletana is like eating a Pizza Hut Meat Lover's Personal Pan Pizza, but with an additional cup of pasta and a cup of heavy cream,  the CSPI says.

"With more than 250 menu items, The Cheesecake Factory has always been about choices," said spokeswoman Aletha Rowe, in a statement to NBC. "Many of our guests come in and want to celebrate and not be concerned with calories. Others want to share their dish - and we love it when guests share - that's a great sign that our portions are generous - and a large percentage of our guests take home leftovers for lunch the next day."

"For our calorie conscious guests we have our award-winning SkinnyLicious menu featuring nearly 50 delicious choices with 590 calories or less - which is actually larger than many restaurants entire menus," Rowe added.

Worst Original Appetizer: Dave & Buster’s Carnivore Pizzadilla

What’s the most calorie-dense portmanteau of a food item imaginable? The award goes to Dave & Buster’s Carnivore Pizzadilla. The 12-inch pizza quesadilla hybrid with cheese, pepperoni, and Italian sausage. The dish packs 67 grams of saturated fat and 4,700 mg of sodium, the equivalent of 100 slices of pepperoni layered atop two Taco Bell Cheese Quesadillas or half a stick of butter melted over three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with Cheese, the CSPI said.

Most Damage From Supporting Vegetable: Texas Roadhouse Prime Rib, Loaded Sweet Potato, Ceasar Salad

The Texas Roadhouse’s Loaded Sweet Potato was voted worst side at (770) and comes covered in marshmallows and caramel sauce. It's one of two sides diners can get with the 16 oz prime rib (1,570). Add a Caesar salad as your second side, and it’s like eating two of the chain’s 12 oz. New York strip steak dinners, according to the CSPI.

"We are proud of our made-from-scratch food and the vast menu options that we offer our guests," a Texas Roadhouse spokesperson said in a statement to NBC. "We also list calories on our menu and online, which allows our guests to choose what they feel is best for them."

Most Ridiculous Ending: Uno Pizzeria & Grill Ridiculously Awesome, Insanely Large Chocolate Cake

Truly both awesome in the literal sense of the word and insane in the colloquial one, a slice of Uno Pizzeria’s “Ridiculously Awesome, Insanely Large Chocolate Cake” weighs over a pound and contains an estimated 168g of sugar and 1,740 calories, according to CSPI. And while it may be appealing to hard core chocolate lovers, this confection is not for the faint of heart, literally.

NBC's Danielle Abreu contributed to this story.



Photo Credit: Courtesy Chilli's

Small Fire Sparks Near I-15 and SR-78 Connector in Escondido

0
0

A small brush fire sparked near Interstate 15 and State Route 78 in Escondido Monday.

One lane of eastbound SR-78 is closed due to the fire, according to Caltrans. A Sig Alert was issued at about 2:30 p.m.

Traffic is backed up to Sycamore Avenue, according to Sig Alert.

No further information was immediately available.

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



Photo Credit: Monica Garske

Rivers, Gates Will Not Attend LT Hall of Fame Induction

0
0

NBC 7’s Derek Togerson looks at the Chargers and their star players in this commentary

The Chargers organization is not known for its people skills. We got another example of why on Monday.

On Saturday, Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson will be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. The ceremony starts at 4:00 p.m. San Diego time. That night the Bolts are scheduled to hold a dual practice with the Los Angeles Rams at the StubHub Center, the first real practice they’ll have in their new temporary home stadium.

Now if two players on the team can afford to miss one training camp practice you would think it’s Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers. Those two guys have been with the team since 2003 and 2004, respectively. They could wake up out of a three month coma and run everything in the playbook.

Both of those men played with Tomlinson from their rookie years through the 2009 season and won five AFC West division championships. They also have both expressed interest in watching their former teammate and lifelong friend in person that night.

New Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn put an end to that possibility.

“I’ve talked to Philip, I’ve talked to Antonio, I’ve even talked to LT. We’re all on the same page. At the end of the day we’re going to make the best decision for our football team and that’s it,” Lynn told Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.

That is the kind of non-committal talking point response that we’ve come to expect from this franchise and it’s one of the things that infuriates people, both the media and the fan base, about them. Although Lynn and Rivers both denied the team outright blocked the team leaders from missing practice, the coach strongly suggested that the players do not miss a snap during this training camp. And that is sadly pathetic.

Traditionally, most NFL teams have allowed their veteran players who spent time with a Hall of Fame-worthy teammate to attend the induction ceremony. The Saints are even going to allow Drew Brees, who was in LT’s draft class with the Chargers, to go to Canton for the proceedings.

I understand every rep is important for a team, especially one with a new head coach. But there are some moments that go beyond the field. Showing veteran players that you care enough about them as people to let them support one of the greatest players in franchise history on the biggest night of his professional life would go a long way to winning support from those players and the rest of the locker room, and that can help those players fully buy in to their new head coach to create a more cohesive locker room.

I mean, come on. They have feelings, too, right Deano?

Find Disaster Risk, by Location, Across San Diego County

0
0

A new tool will help residents across San Diego County learn the potential hazards they may face in locations they frequent. 

The "Know Your Hazard" tool, developed by the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, lets residents enter the address of an important place for them, like their home or work address, and learn about the possible hazards in the area. 

Then, the tool makes suggestions for how residents can improve their preparedness in the case of an emergency. 

“This is an innovative approach to getting ahead of emergencies, and the timing couldn’t be better, as we move into peak wildfire season,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

Many times, Holly Crawford, San Diego County Office of Emergency Services Director said, there are simple actions people can take to prepare. 

"The emergencies that you can face at your home, you may have less than 15 minutes to evacuate," Crawford said.

Even if the location is not in a noted risk area, that does not mean that disaster will not occur in the area. 

"There are numerous factors that go into determining that data but it doesn’t mean you’re completely immune to these hazards if you’re outside of that zone," Crawford said. "(The map) is simply an indicator of the probability of that disaster occurring."

The app focuses on wildfire, flooding, earthquake and tsunami hazard preparedness. 

"Wildfires have hit the region hard, but we’re also vulnerable to many other threats," Jacob said. "Flooding, earthquakes or even a tsunami can do just as much damage and anything we can do to prepare our homes and families in advance makes a really big difference."

California is already seeing historic levels of wildfire activity, said County Fire Authority and Cal Fire San Diego Unit Chief Tony Mecham said. 

"We need to prepare before the wildfire gets there," Mecham said. Though Cal Fire and County Fire officials have increased staffing, first responders make up only one percent of the people in San Diego. 

Residents need to do what they can to prepare for fires and other dangers, Mecham said. 

Another important part of the service is signing up for AlertSanDiego. Once San Diegans sign up, they can receive emergency alerts on their cell phones. Anyone who signs up before Aug. 14 will receive a coupon for a free Rubio's taco. 

To learn more, find the Know Your Hazard tool here. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

CVFD Receives Federal Grant to Hire More Firefighters

0
0

The Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) has been awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security that will be dedicated to adding more firefighters.

According to the Chula Vista Firefighters Local 2180, the department has consistently failed to meet the national response time goal for six years.

The union had been asking the Chula Vista City Council for more hands on deck for years. 

On June 6, the council approved funds to add 12 more firefighters on four additional engines in the department, regardless of whether the city received the federal grant or not.

Monday, the city was awarded the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.

The federal grant and city funding will provide $3.7 million for staffing for CVFD for the next three years, according to the city.

"Staffing our fire engines with a four-person crew has been proven to accomplish the 22 essential firefighting functions 25 percent faster than an engine company staffed with three. The fourth firefighter allows the Chula Vista Fire Department to quickly begin firefighting and medical emergency operations when they arrive on scene," said Fire Chief Jim Geering in a statement. 

Doctors Say Heart Attacks Decreasing in San Diego

0
0

Doctors said at a local health summit Monday that although heart attack is the lead cause of death in San Diego County and in the nation, the number of heart attacks in the county are dropping significantly.

Experts believe it is due to a collaborative effort of healthcare providers throughout San Diego such as Scripps, Kaiser, and community health clinics. Physicians have agreed to aggressively treat patients, keeping them on a strict medication routine and recommending diet and exercise as well.

Dr. Anthony DeMaria is a cardiologist with the Judith and Jack White Cardiology program at University of California, San Diego, and the chair of the Be There San Diego Health Collaborative, which initiated the program.

"Hospitalizations for heart attacks dropped 20% from 2011-2016 in San Diego County, saving $95 million in hospital healthcare expenditures," said Dr. DeMaria.

DeMaria said many doctors in San Diego have teamed up with health coaches that help to keep patients on track.

"They send them reminders by calling or texting them and ask the patients what is keeping them from getting their medication," explained Dr. Demaria. "Perhaps they don't have transportation to the doctor's office. We set them up with social services that can help them with that barrier."

Risks factors for heart attack include high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes and high blood cholesterol, added Dr. DeMaria.




Photo Credit: Getty Images

3rd Suspect in Burlington Coat Factory Shooting Pleads Not G

0
0

A man accused of robbing and killing another man outside a Burlington Coat Factory in La Mesa nearly two weeks ago pleaded not guilty Monday.

Derrick Eli Henderson, 30, was one of three suspects arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.

Kathryn Williams, 24, of San Diego, Teishia Miller-Johnson, 32, of San Diego were also arrested last Tuesday evening after a short pursuit.

Both pleaded not guilty of murder and robbery murder Friday.

The incident occurred on July 20 at 6:47 p.m. in the parking lot of the Burlington Coat Factory on El Cajon Boulevard. 

La Mesa Police Department (LMPD) officers responded to a report of a verbal altercation in the parking lot. The caller reported seeing an altercation and then hearing a gunshot, police said.

Travis Lewis, 30, collapsed in the parking lot. Police later determined Lewis had been shot during a robbery.

Witnesses told police they saw two people run from the scene - a man and a woman.

Lewis was a father of two.

On Tuesday evening, LMPD officers and San Diego police officers worked together to arrest Williams and Miller-Johnson in connection with the homicide.

Later that evening, detectives arrested Henderson. He is believed to be the suspected shooter in the homicide.

According to Deputy District Attorney Kristian Trocha, Henderson has been in trouble with the law before.

"I don't know much about that case--I know he was convicted of armed robbery which was charged on the complaint as a felony prior," Trocha said.

Henderson was convicted in that robbery case in 2006.

Monday, he pleaded not guilty to murder, robbery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

His bail was set at $1.5 million.

"It'sappropriatee for the crimes and his criminal history," Trocha said, speaking of the bail amount.

Henderson, Williams, and Miller-Johnson as due back in court on Aug. 3.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Man Sentenced for Role in Violent Gambling Organization

0
0

A man was sentenced Monday for his role as an enforcer in a violent gambling organization run by a former University of Southern California football player.

Jack Rissell, 51, was convicted of extortion and sentenced to 24 months in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. A USC football player, Owen Hanson, was in charge of the organization.

After pleading guilty to Hobbs Act extortion on Dec. 15, Rissell admitted he was hired by Hanson to travel from California to collect a gambling debt from the victim in Minneapolis. Rissel would be paid a "contact fee," which is a premium or bonus for assaulting the victim, stated U.S. Attorneys.

Once Rissell found the victim at his apartment, he struck his face and demanded he repay the gambling debt owed to Hanson.

U.S. Attorneys said the victim's son was present in the apartment, during the violent confrontation. 

Later, Rissell described the attack in an email to Hanson, stating, "He went down like a bag of potatoes."

Judge Hayes said the premium payment was "cold blooded" and called Rissell's behavior with Hanson "egregious conduct" that terrorized the victim, said U.S. Attorneys.

Out of 22 defendants charged for their involvement in the gambling organization, 21 have pleaded guilty in court. 

Hanson was first indicted and arrested on Sept. 9 in 2015, after he arranged the delivery of five kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of methamphetamine, according to the U.S Attorney's office.

A joint investigation by the FBI's office based in San Diego and the Australian Police Force lead law enforcement to discover the criminal organization.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Local Doctor Accused of 'Groping' Female Patient

0
0

A local psychiatrist accused of groping and having "sexual contact" with a female patient had his license suspended by an administrative law judge who said the doctor is a danger "to public health, safety, and welfare."

Doctor Leon Fajerman was educated in Argentina and has practiced medicine in San Diego for almost 40 years but last October.

According to the state medical board, Dr. Fajerman violated one of his profession’s most important rules of conduct.

According to the suspension order, at the end of an appointment, Fajerman allegedly sexually assaulted a patient, identified by the initials "S.D." to protect her privacy. Court records show the alleged victim was a patient of Fajerman's for almost ten years.

The woman reportedly told Fajerman what he did was "not right and she needed to leave". According to the document, Fajerman told the patient to "return next week, when no one was in the office in order to have sex."

Investigators said the woman contacted law enforcement and agreed to record two phone conversations with Fajerman, on December 22, 2016, and January 6.

A transcript of those conversations, cited in the judge’s order, reveals Fajerman "...admitted that he engaged in sexual misconduct with S.D." and told her that "when you like something, you go for it." But Fajerman also allegedly told the woman "... it was not like someone attacked her, or (that) he made her engage in the conduct with him."

The administrative law judge heard the evidence July 27 and issued the interim suspension order the next day.

NBC 7 Investigates has learned these suspensions are rare.

According to statistics gathered by the Medical Board of California, only 37 of the state’s 111,000 physicians were ordered to immediately stop practice in fiscal year 2015-16. By comparison, 299 doctors were allowed to keep working, while allegations of negligence or wrongdoing against them worked their way through the legal system.

Neither Fajerman nor his attorney replied to requests for comment on the allegations and the judge's actions.

Another hearing related to the suspension order is scheduled for Aug. 14, at the state office of administrative hearings. The state court website does not show any felony criminal charges against Fajerman, but it is unclear whether or not the doctor is facing misdemeanor or other criminal charges.

NBC 7 Investigates is reporting on medical professionals accused by the public and the California Medical Board of wrongdoing in order to bring information to the public and increase transparency of medical practices in the San Diego region. Currently, this information is reported by the Medical Board on its website.

Medical professionals are not required to disclose this information to their patients.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/OJO Images RF

8 Methods to Prevent Zika When Traveling: County

0
0

With summer vacations underway, many San Diegans may visit Zika-affected areas and should take steps to protect themselves from the virus.

County officials have recommended eight tips to follow before, during and after your trip to an area impacted by Zika.

Before your trip, consider the following recommendations. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, county officials would advise you to avoid areas that have been impacted by the virus and discuss travel plans with your doctor or health care provider.

All travelers should regularly check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date information on the virus and travel recommendations.

Use insect repellent and wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from mosquito bites, said county officials. Keep mosquitoes out and stay in places with air conditioning. Try to stay in places with air conditioning along with windows and door screens.

It's also helpful to use a bed net if air conditioning or screen rooms are not available, or if you're sleeping outdoors, said county officials.

If sexually active, use condoms or abstain from sexual activities entirely, according to the county.

Be sure to see your doctor, if you develop symptoms of Zika and you've traveled to an area impacted by the virus.



Photo Credit: LatinContent/Getty Images

$20M Project to Replace Aging Library

0
0

A $20 million new library shared between San Diego's Mission Hills and Hillcrest neighborhoods is on its way completion. 

The 14,000-square-foot, state of the art building is anticipated to be completed by 2019, according to a statement from the City of San Diego.

The library will be named the Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Harley and Bessie Knox Branch Library after Harley and Bessie Knox, two leaders and philanthropists in the San Diego community, according to a statement.

Amenities include a community gathering area, study rooms, computer, teen and child areas. It will also have an underground parking garage, drought tolerant landscape and is expected to earn the highest level of water and energy efficient certification, according to the City of San Diego.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the new library will help the community grow. It is the second one built since he took office in 2014.

“This project has been a long time coming and I am thrilled that the residents of Mission Hills, Hillcrest and all of Uptown can now see dirt turned and more progress made on their new library,” said Assemblymember Todd Gloria.

Construction costs are covered through a $10 million grant and memorial fund to The San Diego Foundation, and the City of San Diego will provide another $10 million, according to the City of San Diego.

The San Diego Library is raising another $3 million through its Campaign for Excellence.

“It’s an exciting time for the San Diego Public Library because with each new branch location opened, we experience higher attendance at our programs and see an increase in circulation numbers,” said Misty Jones, director of the San Diego Public Library.

The San Diego Library expects its newest addition to serve over 350,000 San Diegans a year, according to a statement.

Local Doctor Accused of 'Groping' Female Patient

0
0

A local psychiatrist accused of groping and having "sexual contact" with a female patient had his license suspended by an administrative law judge who said the doctor is a danger "to public health, safety, and welfare."

Doctor Leon Fajerman was educated in Argentina and has practiced medicine in San Diego for almost 40 years but last October.

According to the state medical board, Dr. Fajerman violated one of his profession’s most important rules of conduct.

According to the suspension order, at the end of an appointment, Fajerman allegedly sexually assaulted a patient, identified by the initials "S.D." to protect her privacy. Court records show the alleged victim was a patient of Fajerman's for almost ten years.

The woman reportedly told Fajerman what he did was "not right and she needed to leave". According to the document, Fajerman told the patient to "return next week, when no one was in the office in order to have sex."

Investigators said the woman contacted law enforcement and agreed to record two phone conversations with Fajerman, on December 22, 2016, and January 6.

A transcript of those conversations, cited in the judge’s order, reveals Fajerman "...admitted that he engaged in sexual misconduct with S.D." and told her that "when you like something, you go for it." But Fajerman also allegedly told the woman "... it was not like someone attacked her, or (that) he made her engage in the conduct with him."

The administrative law judge heard the evidence July 27 and issued the interim suspension order the next day.

NBC 7 Investigates has learned these suspensions are rare.

According to statistics gathered by the Medical Board of California, only 37 of the state’s 111,000 physicians were ordered to immediately stop practice in fiscal year 2015-16. By comparison, 299 doctors were allowed to keep working, while allegations of negligence or wrongdoing against them worked their way through the legal system.

Neither Fajerman nor his attorney replied to requests for comment on the allegations and the judge's actions.

Another hearing related to the suspension order is scheduled for Aug. 14, at the state office of administrative hearings. The state court website does not show any felony criminal charges against Fajerman, but it is unclear whether or not the doctor is facing misdemeanor or other criminal charges.

NBC 7 Investigates is reporting on medical professionals accused by the public and the California Medical Board of wrongdoing in order to bring information to the public and increase transparency of medical practices in the San Diego region. Currently, this information is reported by the Medical Board on its website.

Medical professionals are not required to disclose this information to their patients.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/OJO Images RF

4-Year-Old Falls From Second Story Window in Vista

0
0

A 4-year-old was airlifted to the hospital after he fell from the second story window of a building in Vista Monday evening.

The incident occurred at 6:37 p.m. on the 900 block of Postal Way near S Santa Fe Avenue, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO).

The child was airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital in critical condition, according to a hospital spokesperson.

No other information was available.

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

Viewing all 60603 articles
Browse latest View live


Latest Images