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Feds Send Jesse Jackson Jr. $750,000 Bill

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Imagine getting a bill for $750,000 from the federal government. Former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. got one Thursday, in the form of a forfeiture order from the United States District Court, stemming from the criminal conviction for which he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison last week.

Not only must Jackson come up with $750,000 in cash, which he told the court last week he will be paying in full, but he also must part with dozens of items, some of them almost comical in nature, which prosecutors said were purchased with his ill-gotten gains.

That means more than $10,000 worth of Bruce Lee memorabilia must be turned over immediately to the federal government, along with a $5,000 football signed by American presidents. He will have to fork over Martin Luther King memorabilia valued at more than $15,000, as well as more than $18,000 in Michael Jackson souvenirs (including two of the King of Pop’s famous hats). There’s a $4,000 guitar signed by Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen, Jim Hendrix memorabilia valued at $2,775, and Malcolm X souvenirs priced at $2,200. Also furs, valued at $5,000.

According to the US Attorney’s office in Washington, Jackson has turned over 13 items so far, including nine items of Bruce Lee and Michael Jackson memorabilia, a mink cashmere cape, a mink reversible parka, a black and red cashmere cape, and a black fox reversible jacket. 

He has indicated he hopes to satisfy the money judgment in total by the time he begins serving his prison sentence.

As for what happens to the things Jackson turns over, they go to the US Marshal’s service, which typically holds periodic auctions of ill-gotten property.

Information about the U.S. Marshals Service’s auctions of forfeited items can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov/assets/sales.htm.



Photo Credit: AP

Man Found Guilty of Dragging Marshal Across Freeway

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The man accused of dragging a deputy U.S. marshal more than one hundred yards on a San Diego freeway was found guilty on Thursday.

Matthew Motsenbocker
was convicted on 13 counts including assault with a deadly weapon.

Prosecutors say Motsenbocker drove off when a marshal tried to take the keys from his ignition during a traffic stop in Clairemont in July 2012.

The marshal got trapped on top of the car while Motsenbocker tried to get away and was then thrown from the hood after being dragged 100 yards. The marshal then managed to pull out his weapon and shoot the suspect in the torso, bringing the speeding vehicle to a halt.

The agent later recovered and Motsenbocker suffered minor injuries.

Motsenbocker faces up to 29 years in prison and will be sentenced later this year.

Ex-Senator's Brother in Court for Impersonating Police

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The brother of former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts is not allowed to possess weapons or law enforcement paraphernalia, after he was arrested and charged with impersonating an officer in Old Lyme, Conn.

A judge Thursday ordered Bruce Browne, 47, of Wolcott, to stay away from the Point O' Woods beach community where he is accused of having been found armed and impersonating a police officer.

Old Lyme police and state police troopers had responded to the community just before 6:30 p.m. on August 8 after a caller reported a man was walking on Sea View Drive wearing military-type clothes and carrying a gun. The caller told police the man had been seen earlier in the day driving a "police-type vehicle."

Officers located the vehicle at 32 Sea View Road. According to police, the 2004 blue Ford Crown Victoria was equipped with antennae on the trunk and "hide-away" lights.

After speaking with several people at the home, police determined the car belonged to Browne. They said Browne admitted to walking on Sea View Drive wearing a black, nylon gun belt with a loaded 9mm pistol in a holster.

The chief of police in Wolcott said that Bruce Browne is the brother of the former U.S. senator from Massachusetts.

State police said Browne's identifying documents spelled his last name with an "e."

Scott Brown also addressed the arrest on his Facebook page:

 

For those of you who are asking about the news reports on my estranged half brother, I only know as much as you. I read about it in the news this morning. As you many of you know, my mom and my late father were married and divorced 4 times each. Unfortunately, we were not close as a family. These are serious charges and he will need to answer them. I feel badly for his children and I am thankful that no one was injured.

 

Troopers searched Bruce Browne's car and found three 9mm handguns, a nylon duty belt with two sets of handcuffs and 12 magazines fully loaded with more than 200 bullets, according to police.

A black tactical bullet-proof vest with the word "POLICE" embroidered on the front and back was also found. A silver TSA badge was attached to the vest, police said. Browne was also in possession of an expired Coast Guard ID card from when he was a member of the Coast Guard Reserve, police said.

During their investigation, authorities learned Browne had commandeered a boat earlier in the day by identifying himself as a police or Coast Guard official, according to state police. He is accused of stopping three boats off the coast of Point O' Woods and asking the operators for their registrations and boater safety certificates.

Investigators contacted both TSA and the Coast Guard and determined Browne was not affiliated with either agency.

He was arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer, breach of peace, interfering with a police officer and possession of a dangerous weapon in a motor vehicle. He was released on a $50,000 bond and appeared in court today.

Browne is due back in court on Oct. 1. 



Photo Credit: State Police and NBCConnecticut.com

Rim Fire Sparks "State of Emergency" Near Yosemite

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With the Rim Fire burning near Yosemite National Park at near lightning speeds, the number of evacuations grew on Thursday, as did the number of acres of forest. The size of the fire nearly tripled in a day's time, sparking an urgent "state of emergency" plea.

Thursday afternoon, California Gov. Jerry Brown issued an emergency proclamation for the Rim Fire in Tuolumne County.

As of 8 p.m. Thursday, the fire's acreage in the Stanislaus National Forest stood at more than 63,000 acres, or 84 square miles, up from 16,000 acres, or 25 square miles, on Wednesday. In other words, the fire is now nearly twice the size of San Francisco.

Also, the containment dropped to 1 percent from 5 percent the day before, and the cost to date to fight it is $2.8 million.

Jessica Cannon of Oakland, who was supposed to have headed up to Camp Tawonga, five miles away from the fire, worried for the camp property. The family camp she has attended for years canceled its program this weekend.

"It's definitely in my mind," Cannon said, referring to the camp she has attended for years. "It's a beautiful place, I hope everything's OK."

Many who live closer to Tuolomne and Mariposa counties, where people have been asked to leave if they live too close to the fire, were praying firefighters would soon get a handle on the flames. The latest voluntary evacuations came Wednesday for the 2,800-person community of Pine Mountain Lake.

“I’m hoping it will stop,” said Robin Temple, who lives nearby. “My grandson is helping fight it.”

Others were trying to put the blaze – and living in the wilderness – in perspective.

"There are things that aren't replacable, but that's the way it is," John Ziomek of Groveland, Calif., told NBC Bay Area. "As long as you get out with your health."

The city of San Francisco officially declared a State of Emergency due to the fire. City officials said the fire damaged power and communications assets owned by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) as part of the Hetch Hetchy Water and Power System.

The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park provides water to 2.6 million Bay Area residents and businesses, as well as hydroelectric power for City services.

“This measure ensures we do everything we can to support those fighting this fire and protect city property," San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said.

City officials said so far there are no impacts to water quality, water delivery, and water supply for the Bay Area.

It is seeking additional power supplies to replace any hydropower plants that have been knocked off line because of the fire.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors held an emergency meeting  saying in a resolution that the fire "is now directly threatening various communities and businesses within the County and is beyond our capabilities," according to the Modesto Bee. 

In addition, 2,500 structures remain threatened because of the hot flames ripping through the tinder-like brush and oak and pine trees. Temperatures have been in the high 80s and low 90s, and the humidity has been about 50 to 60 percent.

Earlier this week, officials closed a four-mile stretch of  Highway 120 into Yosemite National Park, though the park itself remained opened.  Visitors could take a detour into the park using state Routes 140 and 4. Those closures were still in effect on Thursday.

Below is the area impacted by the flames.

On Tuesday, camps frequented by Bay Area residents such as Camp Tawonga, San Jose Family Camp, Berkeley Tuolumne Camp and San Francisco’s Mather Camp were also asked to evacuate and shut down their programs.

Why and how the fire started is still under investigation.

According to an incident command page,  the fire is a bear to fight. The terrain is “inaccessible” and steep, and the smoke within the deep drainage of the Clavey River is a cause of concern for firefighters. The fire is spreading up the Tuolumne River canyon.

More than 1,350 personnel - up from 900 on Wednesday - were braving the fire. Those include several units from the Bay Area, including firefighters from Berkeley, Redwood City, San Francisco, as well as crews from Alameda, Santa Clara, Marin and Contra Costa counties. Teams from the California National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing from Moffett Field in Mountain View have also been dispatched to help.

The fire was among the nation's top firefighting priorities, according to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.
 
Fifty-one major uncontained wildfires are burning throughout the West, according to the center, including in California, Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. More than 19,000 firefighters were fighting the fires.
 
But the U.S. Forest Service, the nation's top wildfire-fighting agency, said Wednesday that it is running out of money to fight wildfires and is diverting $600 million from timber, recreation and other areas to fill the gap. The agency said it had spent $967 million so far this year and was down to $50 million - typically enough to pay for just a few days of fighting fires when the nation is at its top wildfire preparedness level, which went into effect Tuesday.
 
There have been more than 32,000 fires this year that have burned more than 5,300 square miles.
 
On Wednesday, the National Interagency Fire Center listed two fires in Montana as the nation's number one priority.
 
At least 19 other notable fires were burning across the state, leading Montana Gov. Steve Bullock to declare a state of emergency, which allows the use of National Guard resources ranging from personnel to helicopters.
 
In Oregon, a fire in the Columbia Gorge about 10 miles southwest of The Dalles grew to 13 square miles, forcing evacuations and burning a third home. The fire was 15 percent contained. Strong winds continued to fan the blaze, pushing it into the Mount Hood National Forest.
 
Firefighters in southwestern Oregon braced for a return of lightning storms that started a series of fires last month that continue to burn in rugged timberlands.
 
In Idaho, progress was reported in the fight against the nearly 169-square-mile Beaver Creek fire, which forced the evacuation of 1,250 homes in the resort area of Ketchum and Sun Valley. That fire was 47 percent contained, authorities said.  
 
In Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, officials reopened a 7-mile section of road closed briefly by a wildfire. As of Wednesday, the Alum Fire had burned about 12 square miles and was spreading slowly, leading park officials to make preliminary evacuation plans for a community on the shore of Yellowstone Lake.

NBC Bay Area's Kris Sanchez and Christie Smith, along with AP writers Gozia Wozniacki, Jeff Barnard in Grants Pass, Ore., Matt Volz in Helena, Mont., and Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyo. contributed to this report.


 

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Seller Pulls Gun in Craigslist Deal Gone Awry

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In light of a recent incident involving a Craigslist transaction gone awry, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public to be cautious when buying or selling items online.

Last month, officials say a Craigslist ad for a cell phone lured a male victim to the 10400 block of Reserve Drive in 4S Ranch. The victim planned to meet with a seller to supposedly purchase a cell phone.

Two sellers and the victim gathered at a meeting place just before 6 p.m. There, deputies say one of the sellers pulled out a gun and demanded money from the victim before fleeing the scene.

The victim ran to the 4S Ranch Sheriff’s Substation and reported the incident.

Ultimately, an investigation led detectives to the robbery suspects – Notriga Mandegar, 19, and David Belcher, 18. Both suspects were booked into custody in connection with the Craigslist case. Belcher is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

Officials say this case should serve as a warning to people buying and selling goods on Craigslist or other advertising websites.

Officials say those conducting online transactions should set up appointments during the day at a public meeting place, and consider bringing along a friend. Also, one should never meet a potential buyer or seller while carrying large amounts of cash.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – you are better off passing it up,” said a message released by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. “Trust your gut – always follow your instincts. If anything seems suspicious, out of place or doesn't feel right; if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, just leave.”

Taxi Crash Victim's Parents Hope She Is "On Her Way to Recovery"

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The parents of the woman whose leg was severed when she was hit by a taxi in midtown Manhattan said in a statement Thursday that they hope she is on her way to recovery, and thanked those who helped her after the crash.

Jason and Sonia Green thanked David Justino, the plumber who used his belt as a tourniquet on Sian Green’s leg after she was struck Tuesday, and TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, who was also on scene because his office is nearby.

"We hope Sian will soon be on her way to recovery and will be able to personally thank all the kind people of New York City," the parents said.

Green's left leg was amputated below the knee after the accident, according to Dr. Spiros G. Frangos, director of the the surgical intensive care unit at Bellevue Hospital. Frangos said the leg was too badly damaged for replantation.

Green's right leg was also wounded deeply in several places, said Frangos. The cuts were cleaned and repaired, and Green "will likely regain most functionality with time and physical therapy."

Witnesses told NBC 4 New York that 24-year-old Mohammad Himon’s cab swerved to avoid a bike messenger when it ran up on the curb at 49th Street and Sixth Avenue on Tuesday and hit Green, who had just arrived in New York City for vacation. 

Justino and other people nearby jumped into action after the crash in the busy plaza. A halal food vendor put the 23-year-old’s severed leg on ice in a cooler. Oz arrived on the scene after Justino applied the tourniquet. 

"They saved her life," Oz said. 

Himon said Wednesday he felt "very, very" bad after the horrific crash.

"I feel sorry about that," said Himon, who immigrated to the U.S. from Bangladesh five years ago. "I always pray for her to God."

The cabbie wouldn't go into details of the crash, which he said happened “very, very quickly.”

Investigators are probing whether the bike messenger may have startled Himon by banging on his trunk, and when he turned around, he hit the gas pedal instead of the brake.

Police are looking for video and sending technicians to determine what happened in the crash, including how fast the driver was going, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Wednesday..

"These collisions and accidents take some time to reconstruct, so that investigation is still going forward," he said. The driver has received summonses not related to the crash, and the investigation "is certainly not closed as of yet," Kelly said.

The driver and the bicyclist, who suffered minor injuries, were given alcohol breath tests at the scene and neither tested positive, a law enforcement official told NBC 4 New York.



Photo Credit: NBC 4 New York/Instagram

Quake Rattles North County

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An earthquake was recorded early Thursday just outside of Fallbrook California.

The quake, initially reported as a 3.6 magnitude temblor, was located 5 miles southeast of Temecula and 9 miles northeast of Fallbrook.

It struck at 6:29 a.m. Thursday.

According to USGS, residents as far away as La Jolla and Carlsbad reported feeling the rumble of the quake.

 



Photo Credit: USGS

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner to Resign

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San Diego Mayor Bob Filner has agreed to resign as part of a deal reached this week with city officials, NBC 7 News has learned.

Filner, spotted leaving City Hall with packing boxes Wednesday night, will formally vacate the office following a closed session of City Council Friday, according to several sources.

Filner's attorney has a letter of resignation drafted for his signature upon approval of the tentative settlement by councilmembers.

The mayor said goodbye to his staff Wednesday before he left his office at City Hall in his security detail’s SUV. Sources say the packing boxes in the backseat contained Filner's office effects.

City officials announced just before 7 p.m. Wednesday a proposed solution had been reached in the scandal that has consumed the city of San Diego since it first broke July 10.

The firm Payne & Fears issued a statement on behalf of Filner Thursday afternoon: "Due to the confidential nature of mediation and settlement discussions, we are unable to comment or make statements about any of the terms."  Read the full statement here

A public announcement will occur following the closed session according to Filner's attorneys but they don't identify who will make the statement.

“I would encourage people to refer back to the City Attorney’s comments yesterday that much of the speculation cannot be confirmed until the Council is able to meet,” said City Council President Todd Gloria.

“This is a legal settlement we’re considering,” Gloria said.

In the last six weeks, more than a dozen women have come forward with tales of alleged sexual harassment and unwanted sexual advances.

Filner has admitted to disrespecting and at times intimidating women, saying that he needed help. He announced he would enter a treatment program for an undisclosed disorder or illness.

Under investigation for alleged “pay to play” schemes with developers, Filner disappeared from public view for three weeks and surfaced Monday in time for a mediation session with city officials.

Over three days of negotiations in the downtown San Diego high-rise located just blocks from City Hall, officials reached a deal.

U.S. Rep. Scott Peters speculated the agreement involves picking up Filner's legal fees. “The hard thing for the City Council is going to be, he’s not going to leave for free,” Peters said Thursday.

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents the mayor's former communication director Irene McCormack Jackson, described an agreement that would exchange payment of legal fees for Filner's resignation as “callous and unholy.”

“There should be no payoff for Mayor Filner,” Allred said.

"If the deal required that the city council pays him one dollar, then I for one think they should vote against it."

Councilmember Scott Sherman said he'll need to see the details of the deal before making a decision.

On the one hand, he'd like to see the voters voices be heard through the recall process but it's not guaranteed the recall effort will be successful, he said.

“If we’re looking at a small bit of attorney’s fees and maybe a payout to a couple of these victims and we’re absolved of everything else then yeah, I’d much rather have the mayor out that way,” Sherman told NBC 7 News.

As with any negotiations, until the agreement is approved and signed, it’s still tentative.

At several times during his time as mayor, Filner has come to terms with an opponent only to change his mind.

For example, Filner agreed to a deal with the Tourism Marketing District then refused to adhere to the terms.

He also pulled permits for a remodeling project by Jack-in-the-Box in North Park and meddled in the development of a multi-unit complex called CentrePointe.

Once the agreement is approved by Council and Filner resigns, San Diego city government will enter a period of interim leadership.

Council President Todd Gloria will take on the role of acting mayor under the city charter. According to the charter, Gloria would not give up his position on the Council during this time.

Read the city charter here

There could be at least one primary special election within 60 to 90 days.

Filner, a Democrat, was asked by his own party chairperson to resign amid allegations of inappropriate behavior with women. Earlier this week, The Democratic National Convention leadership announced its members would vote on a resolution regarding Filner Friday at their meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.

On Friday evening San Diego Councilmember Kevin Faulconer released the following statement regarding Friday's closed meeting:

“Protecting taxpayers has always been my top priority. This case is no different. I joined these mediation discussions to ensure the City gets the best deal possible for taxpayers. We must put this civic dysfunction behind us and return to providing City services to San Diegans.”

Read Related Stories:

 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 News/Getty Images

Bus Crash: Company Had Safety Violations

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The Da Zhen bus company, whose tour bus rolled off a Southern California freeway on Thursday, is on "Alert Status" with the federal government, the NBC4 Los Angeles I-Team found while reviewing the company’s federal safety inspections.

Dozens Injured in Southern California Tour Bus Crash

"Alert Status" means the company has been flagged for its poor performance record and could be subject to more frequent surprise inspections, transportation experts tell the I-Team.

"It’s a poor safety record," says Paul Hedlund, an engineer and lawyer who litigates transportation accidents. "It’s not horrible, but it should be better."

The I-Team found that the Da Zhen bus company had three violations for "unsafe driving" during inspections this year, conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Two violations were for speeding, one was for following too close behind other cars.

"There’s no excuse for a tour bus speeding like this," Hedlund said.

In the "Unsafe Driving" category, the feds gave Da Zhen a score of 56.3 percent, meaning that the company is worse than the majority of other tour bus operators. If a company scores over 50% in that category, the FMCSA puts them on "Alert Status."

In terms of the maintenance of its buses, the I-Team found that Da Zhen has had 28 inspections in the last two years, with 11 of those inspections resulting in 25 violations. In two cases in 2012, the company’s buses were put out of service.

The company has passed all of its driver fitness inspections, including drug and alcohol tests. In one inspection in 2012, a driver was cited for "falsely reporting drivers record of duty status."
The I-Team found that before Thursday's crash, Da Zhen has had no history of crashes in the last two years.

The I-Team called Da Zhen for comment about it’s safety record, but a woman named "Tiffany" who answered the phone said no one was around to speak.

More Southern California Stories:

Horses Nursed Back to Health, Ready for Adoption

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More than two dozen horses seized from a ranch in Ramona last month have been nursed back to health and are ready to be adopted into caring, loving homes.

On Jul. 22, the County Department of Animal Services (DAS) seized 22 undernourished horses from a property belonging to Ramona resident Lori Patton because the animals were being neglected and were not receiving proper nutrition and care.

Just two months before that, the DAS took 10 horses from Patton’s Ramona ranch after the animals were found near the roadway along State Route 78, undernourished and without food and water.

Now, nearly one month later, the 22 horses are healthy once again thanks to help from some local horse ranches and animal control officials.

“These horses were in need of immediate care so they were seized and provided that care and we've basically been treating them and getting them back to health," said DAS Lt. Laura Ward.

The recovery of the horses has taken a lot of work, and quite a few loving hands. The animals were either underweight, needed dental work, suffered from hoof problems -- or all three issues – officials said.

Local Katie Murphy trains horses, and she wants to help one of the horses named “Pastel.”

“We’ve got pasture, we’ve got space for them and we've got some older retirees, so we could put something out and just let them be a horse if that's what they need,” said Murphy.

On Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., the county’s Animal Care Center in Bonita located at 5821 Sweetwater Road, will accept silent bids for the horses. There are 22 horses up for adoption, and four of them are babies who will need to stay with their mothers as a pair.

Bidding starts at $100 per horse, but Lt. Ward says there are some requirements for prospective owners.

"We look at everybody's history we try to screen everybody very carefully. We’re looking to make sure these horses get in a forever home,” said Ward.

Those who may be interested in adopting one of the horses must submit an application online prior to Saturday’s adoption event by visiting this website.

The Animal Care Center is also open Friday for those who’d like to meet the horses in person prior to the auction. The horses can also be viewed Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.

In the meantime, the investigation into Patton, the original owner of the horses, is ongoing.

DAS officials say the 10 horses seized from Patton’s ranch earlier prior to this incident have all since been adopted.
 

Mayor Filner Scandal Timeline

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With Mayor Bob Filner's expected resignation on the horizon, the last 6 weeks have been a whirlwind for the City of San Diego. How did the scandal surrounding the mayor get this far? NBC 7's Gene Cubbison breaks down a timeline of Filner's rocky term as mayor.

Photo Credit: AP

No Refunds for Filner Recall Supporters

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The people who donated to the recall effort against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner will not see a refund even though the mayor is planning to resign this week.

Special Section: Mayor Under Fire


Recall organizer Rachel Laing said nobody will get money back if they donated to recall and The $100,000 collected has been used for volunteer infrastructure.

“There's no pot of money laying around,” Laing said.

She also said volunteers will continue collecting signatures in case there’s a chance Filner chooses to go against the agreement he made with city leaders and not resign.

Filner was accused of sexually harassing multiple women in early July, and later attended a two-week intensive therapy program followed by a personal week off. Once he returned, he met with city leaders and eventually reached a deal with them to resign, pending approval from the city council.

Recall efforts sparked almost moments
after Filner was publicly accused of treating women inappropriately. Recall leaders Michael Pallamary, Elisa Brent, Stampp Corbin and John Cox worked to gather dozens of volunteers to collect signatures for the petition.

Organizers were joined by congressional candidate Carl DeMaio, who asked city leaders to join him in the recall effort.

A recall can be difficult to organize. Funding is also needed to support signature gathering and at least 101,000 signatures were needed by Sept. 26 to qualify for the ballot.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Brush Fire Burns on Camp Pendleton

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A brush fire was reported on Camp Pendleton in Oceanside Thursday. 

The vegetation fire started around 2:20 p.m. in the Whiskey Impact Area of the base officials said.

White smoke could be seen as far away as Cannon Road and Carlsbad Boulevard in Carlsbad.

There were no threats to personnel or structures on base officials said.
 

Allred: 'No Pay-Off for Filner in Deal'

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With embattled San Diego Mayor Bob Filner’s resignation on the horizon, some of the women leading the charge say they don't want Filner's resignation to come at the expense of San Diego taxpayers.

Filner has agreed to resign as part of a deal reached this week in mediation with city officials, NBC 7 News learned on Thursday.

The deal requires approval of the City Council in closed session Friday, which has some speculating the city may be asked to pay Filner’s defense fees in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former employee, Irene McCormack Jackson.

Her attorney Gloria Allred said Thursday she and her clients – which include Filner accusers Peggy Shannon, Michelle Tyler and Katherine Ragazzino – want to see Filner resign without conditions.

“We do not think the city should help the mayor fund the fight against McCormack Jackson,” said Allred, “The mayor’s resignation should not be bought at the expense of his victims.”

SPECIAL SECTION: Mayor Under Fire

On Thursday afternoon, Allred held a press conference alongside Filner’s former fiancée, Bronwyn Ingram. The women both urged Filner to resign as part of the deal.

“The City Council should stand firm and resolve to make the mayor pay his own legal fees,” Allred continued. “There should be no pay-off for Mayor Filner.”

Allred said that if the city helps Filner financially as part of his resignation deal, it will be an insult to her clients.

“It would be a slap in the face to his many victims to see him get anything from city of San Diego. His parting gift should be good riddance, instead of a handout,” she said.

“I think it’s not appropriate for the City of San Diego to provide a gift of public funds to the sexual harasser -- that is the mayor -- to help him fight the victim in the sexual harassment lawsuit that we filed.”

Allred said Filner has not offered an apology directly to her client, McCormack Jackson. However, Allred said her clients will be one step closer to justice if Filner steps down on Friday, as expected.

TIMELINE: Filner's Term as Mayor

“Justice requires that the mayor resign, but there should also be justice for the mayor’s victims,” said Allred. “If the city pays his fees, then the city is siding with Filner and not the victim.”

Allred also said her client Peggy Shannon, a 67-year-old great-grandmother who claims she was victim to many unwanted advances from Filner, has filed a claim with the city and asked for an EEO investigation by the city.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, McCormack Jackson’s brother, Mike McCormack, told NBC 7 he had personally collected more than 500 signatures for the current recall campaign against Filner.

When asked what his sister’s reaction has been to the mayor’s impending resignation, McCormack said: “Her interest is injustice done to her, not the politics of driving him from office.”

Filner – who was spotted leaving City Hall with packing boxes Wednesday night -- is expected to formally vacate the mayor’s office following a closed session of City Council Friday, according to several sources.

Filner's attorney has a letter of resignation drafted for his signature upon approval of the tentative settlement by councilmembers.

On Friday, his attorney sent the following statement on behalf of Filner:

“Mayor Filner returned to work in his office at City Hall on Wednesday, August 21, 2013. At the conclusion of three days of mediation before the Hon. Lawrence Irving (Ret.), Mayor Filner and representatives of the City of San Diego reached a tentative agreement. Due to the confidential nature of mediation and settlement discussions, we are unable to comment or make statements about any of the terms. A meeting of the City Council is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013, at which time it is expected that the City Council will vote on the tentative agreement. A public announcement will be made following the vote.”

At Thursday’s press conference, Filner’s ex-fiancée, Ingram, also asked for Filner’s resignation.

“I’m hopeful that the settlement agreement between Bob and the City of San Diego will include resignation and begin to bring closure to this painful chapter for all those involved. I’m hopeful that tomorrow will begin a healing process and that attention will return to the needs and concerns of the people of San Diego,” said Ingram.



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Mayor's Ex-Fiancee Urges Filner to Resign

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The woman once called the First Lady of San Diego called for Mayor Bob Filner to resign without conditions.

Mayor Bob Filner's former fiancée, Bronwyn Ingram, appeared in front of the media Thursday at the Los Angeles law office of attorney Gloria Allred.

Because in the past, he’s had a great deal of respect for her opinion, Ingram was hoping her voice will help him make the right decision, Allred said.

"I’m hopeful that tomorrow will begin a healing process," Ingram said in a brief statement.

Allred said Ingram never witnessed the sexual harassment of any employee of the city of San Diego.

When asked by a reporter if she witnessed the sexual harassment of anyone else, Ingram silently shook her head no.

Ingram, who stood by Filner’s side throughout his campaign, at his first news conference as mayor-elect and at his swearing in ceremony, broke off their engagement in July. Read Ingram's letter

The 48-year-old Ingram was in a three-year relationship with the 70-year-old former Congressman and planning for an October wedding when she called it off.

Here is Ingram's complete statement:

“I’m hopeful that the settlement agreement between Bob and the City of San Diego will include resignation and begin to bring closure to this painful chapter for all those involved.

I’m hopeful that tomorrow will begin a healing process and that attention will return to the needs and concerns of the people of San Diego.

I’m hopeful that the ideas and the vision that captured the imagination and votes of San Diegans last November will continue to move forward through new leadership.

San Diego is filled with great people, brilliant in their ideas and filled with a strong sense of community.

That platform that Bob and I campaigned on with an emphasis of empowering neighborhoods can and should move forward if that is still the will of the voters.

On a personal note, having spent all of last year involved in a grueling campaign, I also want to urge all the candidates in a new election process to conduct fair and respectful campaigns.

And to truly put the fate of the city and its people first.

In this great American Democracy, we expect and deserve our government and its representatives to serve the citizens and the community in a respectful, intelligent and fair manner.

Let us all pull together, work together and help each other return San Diego to its rightful designation as America’s Finest City."

 


Woman Accused of Biting Off Another Woman's Nose

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A woman from Chicago's south side bit the nose off of another woman during a heated argument earlier this month, Cook County prosecutors said Thursday.

Damika Robinson, 39, bit the victim’s face several times on Aug. 4 at the victim’s home on the 7000 block of South Rockwell Street, authorities said.

One of the bites took off the woman’s nose, authorities said in a report. The 38-year-old victim suffered "several bite marks to her face including her nose being bit off," the police report said.

Robinson, of the 1500 block of East 61st, was arrested Tuesday. She was ordered held on a $225,000 bond after being charged with aggravated battery.

Window Washer in Stable After 7-Floor Fall From High-Rise

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A window washer has survived a seven-floor fall from a Rittenhouse Square high-rise.

One day after the fall, he's recovering at Hahnemann University Hospital in stable condition.

Witnesses tell NBC10 three men were washing windows at the Rittenhouse Claridge apartment building at 201 S. 18th Street when one fell from the face of the building around 2 p.m. Thursday.

Philadelphia Police at the scene said the man was hanging from a suspension cable when he fell from outside the building's eighth floor.

"I looked up and saw something coming down and I thought it was a big bag of trash or something and it hit the thing, hit the bottom," said Tracey Downey, witness. "I ran over there and the guy said call 911, it was a human."

The window washer landed on a second floor roof, which is over the apartment building's lobby.

Firefighters could be seen putting the man onto a stretcher as they took him into the building through a window.

Police said the man was awake and talking as paramedics loaded him into an ambulance.

Philadelphia Fire Department officials said the city's Department of Licenses & Inspections were dispatched to inspect the window washing equipment.

The Rittenhouse Claridge is across the street from Philadelphia's swanky Rittenhouse Square. The building stands 26 stories tall and has a TD Bank branch and the popular restaurant Rouge taking up residence on street level.



Photo Credit: NBC10- George Spencer

Strip Club a Hub for Prostitution, Drugs: Deputies

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San Diego County sheriff's deputies served a search warrant Thursday at a local strip club under investigation for an alleged drug and prostitution ring.

Dancers and employees of a Lemon Grove strip club allegedly sold illegal drugs to undercover detectives, officials said.

Law enforcement officers taking part in the 8-month undercover operation claim they were solicited for sexual acts for money or witnessed similar transactions.

Detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and narcotics task force worked together to investigating the activities at the Little Darlings Strip Club on Broadway Avenue.

Authorities entered the club just before 11 p.m. Thursday and served a search warrant and four arrest warrants.

Inside the strip club, authorities recovered drugs and arrested 3 individuals.

Officials say complaints from community members spurred the undercover operation.

Allegations of prostitution and illegal drug sales were tied to a Lemon Grove strip club officials said.

Because of evidence that was seized, officials say they anticipate more warrants and make more arrests in this case.

Little Darlings remained open for business Friday.
 

Intruder Shot at Scripps Ranch Homeowner

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San Diego police were searching for the man who broke into a Scripps Ranch home early Friday and fired shots at the homeowner.

The shooting happened in the 11400-block of Olive Knoll Court in the Stonebridge Estates Community just after 1:30 a.m.

Once the homeowner found the intruder in their garage, officers say the intruder fired a handgun at the homeowner, missing him.

The suspect was last seen running toward Old Creek Road. He was described by police as a white male, 5-feet 9-inches tall, medium build, wearing dark blue shirt & blue jeans.
 

People Trapped Inside Car Crashed into Building

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Multiple people were struck in a car after it drove into a building on Friday morning, according to officials.

The incident happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. on the 2200-block of El Camino Real in Oceanside near the Camino Town and Country shopping center.

A BMW crashed into a hair salon, crashing the windows and knocking over stations.

Medics arrived to the scene and transported one person by helicopter to a hospital. Two others were sent to trauma centers.

The salon owner said she will be working throughout the day to clean the area.



Photo Credit: Todd Strain
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