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Another Sex Assault Reported at SDSU: Police

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Police are investigating a sexual assault that happened Saturday at San Diego State University.

The female student reported the assault Sunday evening and said it happened the afternoon before in student housing, San Diego State University police said.

The suspect has been identified by police and is believed to have known the victim. They are both students at SDSU, police said.

No arrests have been made.

This is the third sexual assault to happen at or near SDSU this month.

A female student was reportedly assaulted Sept. 6 at the campus-owned Granada Apartments by a man whom she said tried to befriend her as she was walking home.

On Labor Day, another SDSU student said she was sexually assaulted in a bathroom at an off-campus house party near College Place and College Avenue.


Man Seen Tossing Dog Over Gate

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A man was seen in surveillance video in Ramona tossing a black pit bull puppy over a gate and then abandoning the dog in extreme heat.

The act was captured by some of the 14 active office surveillance cameras operated by Karen Tavares, the vice president of Investigative Science and Engineering, Inc. on D Street in Ramona where the incident happened.

“He was seen in the back alley looking around, looking at the surroundings, looking at the yard. The dog was following him everywhere he went,” Tavares said. “He was contemplating all the vantage points where somebody could see him but never once noticing those or that little eye ball.”

The video shows the man dressed in a red Adidas shirt walking on her property Aug. 28, with the puppy following him. The man is seen stopping by the right side of the building in front of a gate. He then looks around again and then quickly picks up the puppy, tosses her over the gate and leaves, according to surveillance video. The puppy appears unable to get up after the fall.

By chance, Tavares came back to her office a day later to finish paperwork, although she wasn’t supposed to be at work until five days later.

Tavares said the puppy is lucky to be alive. There was no food or water in that yard.

“It was very, very hot. We had temperatures in the high 90s, and it had been like that during the week and through the Labor Day weekend,” she said.

Tavares found the puppy and called San Diego County Animal Services. She gave officers the surveillance video in hopes of catching the man and finding the puppy a loving family.

Dan DeSousa of Animal Services said puppy doesn't appear to be injured. The dog is currently at their Carlsbad animal shelter ready to be adopted.

If identified, the man could face animal cruelty or abandonment charges.

Anyone who recognizes the man in the video is asked to call 760-966-3224.

Woman Dies in Oceanside Mobile Home Fire

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A 71-year-old woman died in an overnight fire inside an Oceanside mobile home, fire officials said Monday morning.

At about 12:45 a.m., firefighters were called to the fire at 200 N. El Camino Real, Space 336. Four engines and three trucks responded to the fire.

The woman's adult nephew managed to exit safely, as were her two dogs, but the woman was trapped in the back bedroom, officials said.

She was freed from the mobile home, but attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful and she died at the scene, according to a news release from the Oceanside Fire Department.

The fire was contained to the mobile home and was brought under control in 20 minutes.

The mobile home was moderately damaged, with the most damage sustained in a back bedroom, fire officials said.

The fire was to believed to have started after the woman was smoking in her bedroom and then fell asleep.

The damage estimate was not immediately known.

On Monday, neighbors were mourning her loss. Neighbor Fred Coburn said he used to help her carry her groceries inside and couldn't believe she was gone.

"You just hate to hear about that," he said. "You should die of old age, not something like this. I hope she didn't suffer because it's pretty bad."

Student Missing After Online Deal

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The family of a 23-year-old Southern California college student continued to search for him Monday, days after he made a deal to sell his car on Craigslist, family members and police said.

Abdullah Abdullatif Alkadi, a student at California State University, Northridge, was last seen Sept. 17 at his home in the 9900 block of Reseda Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Alkadi was planning to sell his Audi to a man he met through Craigslist, LAPD Detective Merrill and family members said.

The man agreed to come to Alkadi's apartment last week to buy the car, Alkadi's cousin Allison Alomair said. The family has since not heard from Alkadi, whose parents live in Saudi Arabia.

Alkadi had another car, which is still at his apartment, Alomair said.

Akadi's brother, Ahmed, who lives in Southern California, said the family has no information about where his brother could be but is hopeful he will return home.

"We haven't received any tips about him. What can we do?" Ahmed Alkadi said. "I have full faith on the legal system here that they will bring my brother back safe."

He begged for the public to be on the lookout and spread the word about their missing loved one.

"Please people, I am sure he is somewhere in the LA area. Give information around you on the street or bus, gas stations, wherever, give us a tip," Ahmed Alkadi said. "It is a great help for us."

A Twitter account with Alkadi's name lists him as an electrical engineering major at CSUN. The most recent tweet is dated Sept. 14.

Members of the university's engineering department declined to comment out of respect for his family.

Alkadi is described as a Middle Eastern man with black hair and brown eyes, 5 feet 3 inches tall and about 110 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans or beige shorts, Los Angeles police said.

The CSUN Police Department is working on the case with the LAPD.

"Anyone who saw him or knows anything that can be helpful, we are all interested in any information," CSUN Police Chief Anne Glavin said.

Police said they could not comment on the investigation any further and could not immediately confirm whether detectives had contacted the buyer of Alkadi's car.

Anyone with information should call LAPD's Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting CRIMES (274637).

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 7 San Diego



Photo Credit: Los Angeles Police Department

McCoy Laments Chargers' Fourth-Quarter Woes

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It’s hard to nitpick a double-digit victory on the road against a previously undefeated team.

But the Chargers’ Mike McCoy wouldn’t be a head coach in the National Football League if he couldn’t find lemons among the lemonade, even after Sunday’s impressive 22-10 win over the Buffalo Bills.

“We need to play consistently for four quarters,” he said on Monday. “Unfortunately, at the end of the game we didn’t finish the way we wanted to, with the three and outs in the fourth quarter.”

He has a point, as the Chargers failed to earn a first down in four full drives and part of a fifth in the final quarter. The Chargers did cling to a 10-point lead heading into the quarter and were in somewhat of a grind-it-out mode to finish the game.

“That’s something we have to do better as an offense, to put teams away when you have the opportunity,” he said.

Donald Brown ran the ball eight times in the quarter for a net gain of zero yards. He finished with a career-high 31 carries for just 62 yards, a 2.0 average. Still, he gained McCoy’s praise filling the void left by the injured Danny Woodhead.

“For what Donald did in the backfield there with the number of touches he had carrying the ball, was outstanding,” McCoy said.

The defense also did its part in salting away the game, shutting out the Bills in the fourth quarter while picking up a safety with just over three minutes left in the game.

That doesn’t take away from McCoy’s disdain for his team’s offensive woes to close out the game.

“When a team knows you’re going to run it, when you’re up the way we were by 10 points, we just gotta do a better job,” he said.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Convicted Killer Faces Sentencing

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The sentencing phase of a South Florida man convicted of murdering two people during a string of Dunkin’ Donuts robberies in 2008 continued Monday, with James Herard again daring a judge to give him the death penalty.

“As far as being this killer and this murderer and all, that’s not who I am,” Herard said. “I honestly don’t feel like you are going to give me the death penalty anyway. I don’t see it happening. I don’t think it’s in you. I don’t feel like you have it in you.”

Herard, 25, was convicted on 18 of 19 counts related to the robberies and murders. The same jury that convicted him recommended the death penalty for Herard.

Herard dared the judge to sentence him to death during the first part of the sentencing hearing on Sept. 12.

“Honestly and truly, I’m not asking you to spare me," Herard said. "Go ahead and do what you gonna do. I pretty much dare you to give me the death sentence, because I’m innocent."

Prosecutors said Herard didn’t pull the trigger in the 2008 murder of 39-year-old Eric Jean-Pierre. But, they say he, along with other members of a gang, were part of a “body count competition” and Herard pushed Tharod Bell to murder Jean-Pierre.

“He’s had every opportunity to present the evidence he presented today to all three juries and chose not to,” prosecutor Stephen Zaccor said. “Quite frankly, I think you are looking at the desperate attempts by a desperate man to save his own life.”

Herard was previously convicted of the murder of 58-year-old Kiem Huynh in 2008. He received sentences of life imprisonment for Huynh’s death. Herard made national news when he barked like a dog during an appearance before Broward Circuit Judge John Hurley after his initial arrest.

The judge in the case set a final sentencing date for October 20th when Herard will learn whether he lives or dies.

“I’m actually not scared because I didn’t do these things,” Herard said in court Monday. “So, I’m not going to sit her and put on this sad face and like because I shouldn’t have to.”



Photo Credit: NBC6.com

Teen Raped Teacher at School: Cops

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A South Dade Senior High School student who police say sexually assaulted a teacher at the South Florida school after hours is now facing several charges.

Victor Marshall Nash, 18, was arrested Friday on charges of attempted felony murder, sexual battery, robbery and grand theft of a vehicle.

Nash was arrested by Miami-Dade Schools Police, officials said. He was being held on $62,500 bond Monday, and it's unknown if he has an attorney.

According to an arrest affidavit, two hours after school let out, Nash grabbed the victim, putting his arms around her as she started to cry and tried to push him away.

That affidavit says that Nash body-slammed the victim to the ground, choked her until she lost consciousness and then raped her. He then allegedly put the condom he had used in her personal bag.

Police say Nash then stole the victim's car, which they say he was found driving five hours later in Homestead.

Parents of students at school were informed about the rape over the weekend in a message from the school's principal.

Counselors were at the school Monday as classes were held as usual. Students who spoke to NBC 6 said there were more worried about their own safety than their school work.

"Today, I started hearing kids talk about the buddy system when going to the bathroom," one student said. "We shouldn't have to feel that way in school."

Nash's mother, who did not want to be identified, released a statement asking for privacy.

"Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the victim and her family," she said. "Although the road to resolution is uncertain at this time, we ask that the media respect our privacy and allow our families to get through and heal in this difficult period in our lives."

Victor Nash's father, Victor Nash Sr., is a registered sex offender. He has been charged in the past with crimes ranging from sexual battery to aggravated child abuse.

Teachers' union United Teachers of Dade said in a statement that it was "shocked and dismayed" at the attack. "Our schools should be a place of safety and serenity, not only for students, but the adults who work there as well," it said.

Miami-Dade Schools Police are working with the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office in the investigation.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 7 San Diego



Photo Credit: Miami-Dade Corrections

5 Kids Stuck With Needle: NYPD

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Five third-grade students at a Bronx elementary school were allegedly stuck with a hypodermic needle by another student last week, parents and police say. 

According to a report filed with police by school officials Friday, a girl brought a hypodermic needle to PS 121 on Sept. 15, and another child, a boy, took the needle and stuck five other students. 

But one of the boys who was poked with the needle said it was the girl who wielded the needle.

"She said, 'Do you want to get poked?' I said 'no,' and she poked me anyway," said the 9-year-old boy, who initially thought it was just a game.

The boy's mother, Curtisha Davis, said she took her son to the emergency room as a precaution. So did Evette Rivera, the mother of another boy who was pricked with the needle. The boys were put on anti-viral medication as a precaution.

"They don't know if it was clean, unclean. They don't know what type of needle it was. I don't know what type of needle it was," said Rivera.

The parents said the district did not immediately send the five children to the hospital to be checked out. They are also questioning the delay in reporting the incident to police.

A spokeswoman for the school district said the Office of School Health and the principal at PS 121 are investigating, including how the girl got the needle and why she brought it to school. 

Davis is not satisfied.

"I keep going in every day," she said. "I'm gonna continue until somebody gives me a report or tells me where the needle came from."

Follow Checkey Beckford on Twitter @Checkey4NY


Freeway Fall Survivor ID'd as Navy Man

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The driver who survived a 50-foot drop off a dangerous stretch of San Diego freeway has been identified as a Navy sailor.

Kenneth “Kenny” Freudenvoll remains in serious condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital. He underwent back surgery Sunday night, his wife told NBC 7.

Freudenvoll is a diesel engine mechanic stationed at Naval Base Coronado, according to his family. He has a 5-year-old son, and his wife is currently expecting their second child.

His wife said she’s just thankful her husband is alive after seeing his mangled pickup truck.

The accident happened around 3 p.m. Sunday on the junction from westbound Interstate 8 to northbound Interstate 805 in the Mission Valley area.

Freudenvoll's truck was on the I-8 West ramp when a tan vehicle clipped him, causing him to spin out, according to the California Highway Patrol. The truck tumbled over the guardrail, hit the Dave and Buster's building and then crashed to the ground.

NBC 7 spoke to drivers who take that transition on a regular basis. They said it's not only dangerous, but that it was just a matter of time until something like this happened.

“If you're trying to merge, what would one do if there's not enough room? There's not enough space. There's not enough forewarning for some,” Joe Green said.

“You have to look not only in the mirror, you have to look over your left, over your right, and sometimes you catch yourself merging with three or four vehicles at the same time,” Danny Bata said.

CHP is still looking for the driver of the other vehicle. Witnesses described it as a tan truck or SUV with a camper shell. CHP is trying to confirm that vehicle made contact with the victim’s truck.

CHP said Freudenvoll had no fault in the accident.



Photo Credit: Facebook/NBC 7

Bombing Suspect's Friend in Court

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On Tuesday, the Robel Phillipos was not present at his pretrial hearing when the judge swiftly denied the defense motion filed Monday asking the court to change the venue of his trial to Springfield, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, or Portland, Maine.

It was the second time Phillipos' defense had requested a change of venue and the judge essentially chastised them for asking again, especially on what he called "the eve of the trial."

Phillipos' defense attorneys argued pretrial publicity makes it impossible for Phillipos to receive a fair trial, but the judge cited the trial of his co-defendant, Azamat Tazhayakov, and said they were able to impanel a fair and impartial jury with far fewer jurors than they originally anticipated.

Tazhayakov was found guilty of obstruction of justice and conspiracy for taking a backpack and laptop from marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's dorm room. He faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced next month.

Another co-defendant, Dias Kadyrbayev, pleaded guilty to similar charges and faces up to seven years in prison when sentenced.

Phillipos is charged with lying to investigators about being in Tsarnaev's dorm room. The defense denies he was there.

Phillipos's trial is scheduled to begin next Monday, Sept. 29 with jury selection.Opening arguments are scheduled for October 6.

The prosecution anticipates its case-in-chief to last about one week.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 7 San Diego



Photo Credit: YouTube/Robel Phillipos

Local Reaction to Airstrikes in Syria

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NBC 7's Elena Gomez gets reaction from San Diegans about the U.S. airstrikes in Syria against ISIS on Sept. 23, 2014.

Photo Credit: AP

Pilot: Scout Training Saved Me

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A Bay Area pilot says his training as an Eagle Scout helped him survive a crash landing in a remote part of the Sierra Nevada.

Tim Cassell, 65, described the harrowing moments to reporters on Monday after the propeller broke off his plane at 13,000 feet last week, forcing him to crash land in the middle of nowhere.

The man from suburban Saratoga was flying the single-engine Piper PA-28 from San Jose to his family’s resort in Lone Pine, east of Fresno, when the plane went down.

“I remember looking at my vertical speed indicator, and it said somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 feet per minute, descending,” Cassell said. “And I remember looking at my airspeed as I was coming down at this field of huge rocks and it was down around 65 mph.”

Less than a minute later, he crash landed in a remote canyon in Sequoia National Park. He crawled out of his plane with three broken ribs, a broken ankle and facial fractures.

For the next 18 hours, Cassell put his Eagle Scout training to the test, setting the plane’s beacon and wrapping himself in the plane’s cover to survive the frigid overnight temperatures. A pair of rangers eventually found him.

Cassel said while training was critical, he also believes that “God was his co-pilot.”

Cassel has been flying for seven years. When asked whether he plans to fly again, he said, “You bet.”



Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area

Wife Details Graphic Abuse Before Shooting Husband

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For the first time, a woman on trial for murder took the stand in her own defense Monday, detailing a graphic pattern of alleged abuse by her husband before she shot him to death.

Julie Harper, 41, faces first-degree murder charges in the death of her husband, Carlsbad High School teacher Jason Harper, 39, whose body was found in a pile of blankets, pillows and boxes inside their Carlsbad home on Aug. 7, 2012.

The defense claims Harper shot her husband out of self-defense, and a good portion of Monday’s testimony was devoted to supporting that argument.

As she took the stand, Harper detailed her relationship with Jason leading up to the day he died. She claimed their loud, demeaning arguments would sometimes turn violent.

Harper described one fight in which Jason allegedly forced her to have sex.

"He slammed me up against the wall face first and...um forcibly entered me from behind. I said, ‘Stop, stop, what are you doing? Stop!’” Harper testified.

She said Jason raped her on multiple occasions.

While the defendant sat on the stand, her attorneys played two recorded arguments between Harper and Jason, the first from the night before their tenth wedding anniversary. It is peppered with foul and disparaging language.

“I don’t give a sh** about our tenth anniversary,” Jason is recorded saying. “I've already said our marriage sucks a**. I'd want a divorce if it wasn't for the kids. God, what world do you f***ing live in? I am only here for the kids."

He went on to call her several names.

Harper told the jury this argument was mild compared to others during which she claimed her husband would yell so loud she was afraid the entire neighborhood could hear.

The name calling and emotional abuse started early in their marriage when she was pregnant with their first child, Harper stated.

She said her husband told her how “disgustingly fat” she had gotten. When she explained it’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy, Jason allegedly responded, “It’s not that you just have a belly. You’re fat all over. Even your arms have cellulite.”

After about three hours of testimony, Harper had not yet started describing the day of the shooting, when Jason was killed while their three children sat in a room downstairs.

Prosecutors say just days before, Harper had filed for divorce, citing abuse in the court documents.

Last week, Harper’s father John Cihak testified that she came to his Normal Heights office on Aug. 7, 2012 to tell him Jason was dead and she shot him out of self-defense.

Inside a bag she gave Cihak before her arrest, police found $39,000 in cash, a gun, prescription pill bottles, jewelry and the family's passports.

Harper will continue her testimony Tuesday. If convicted of first-degree murder, she could be sentenced to up to 50 years to life in prison.

Protecting Yourself After Data Breach

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Chris Von Olnhausen walked out of a Home Depot store in Mira Mesa, fully aware of the data breach that exposed the debit and credit card information of as many as 56 million customers.

But that hasn't stopped him from shopping at the popular hardware store.

"I'm continuing to monitor my credit and I'm continuing to shop at all the locations," said Von Olnhausen.

He's not alone, but Pauline McKinney admits she's taking a closer look at her credit card receipt every month.

"I've always checked my credit card bills," said McKinney, "made sure that what was on there I really purchased."

That is good advice for shoppers these days. Whether it's a big retail stores like Home Depot and Target or a neighborhood market, consumers need to take an active roll in checking their financial information.

"Certainly you want to be checking any of your payment cards and your bank account," said Eva Velasquez with Identity Theft Resource Center.

Velasquez helps victims of theft but says people need to be aware of problems in their accounts.

Big data breaches may occur for months before they are announced to the public. That gives identity thieves plenty of time to take advantage of consumers.

Instead, Velasquez says people need to check their card and bank statements on at least a weekly basis, and they need to check their credit report multiple times a year.

But what about new credit cards with computer chips that promise to be safe, or smart phones that will allow purchases at markets and department stores?

"We invent new technology, new safeguards," said Velasquez. "They (scam artists) find vulnerabilities and they exploit them."



Photo Credit: Consumer Bob

Weekend Events Sept. 25-28

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The first weekend of fall is the perfect time to fall in love with San Diego. Here are some colorful suggestions to (pumpkin) spice up your weekend.

Thursday, Sept. 25

Adventure Run Carlsbad
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Road Runner Sports in Carlsbad
Making a fashion statement could win you free running gear Thursday in Carlsbad. From neon to leopard print, wear your craziest pants to this free fun run, sponsored by Road Runner Sports. After the race, join other fitness fashionistas for a cold one inside the beer garden.

Friday, Sept. 26

Last Day of San Diego Restaurant Week
Various locations across the county
It’s your last chance to enjoy the best of the San Diego County dining scene at a discounted price ($10-$20 for a two-course lunch and $25-$45 for a three-course dinner.) Click here for a list of more than 200 participating restaurants.

Oktoberfest at Hotel del Coronado
12 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Coronado
Eat, drink and be merry at one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks. Guests will enjoy authentic German bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, schnitzel and, of course, beer. Oktoberfest at the Del runs through Sunday.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Marine Corps Boot Camp Challenge
9 a.m. at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot
What does it take to be a U.S. Marine? Find out as participants run, climb and crawl through a 3-mile obstacle course, all while being yelled at by 60 drill instructors. Oorah! The annual boot camp challenge is part of Fleet Week 2014.

Bear Mountain’s 11th Annual Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails
Starts at 9 a.m. on Bear Mountain
For snowboarders, the first weekend of fall means we’re one step closer to winter. Make the trek to Bear Mountain for this snowboarding season kickoff party. More than 40 of snowboarding royalty will compete, and you’ll have a chance to score deals on season passes.

Catoberfest
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in El Cajon
Calling all cat lovers! Catoberfest is a one-stop-shop for all things feline. The free event features a kitty boutique, prizes, kitten races (squeal!) and tours of the Friends of Cats facility. The no-kill organization has been saving homeless cats in San Diego County for over 80 years.

San Diego OktoberFest PubCrawl
2 p.m. in the Gaslamp District
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? You just might after this celebration of Germany’s favorite drink: Bier! Start at Taste and Thirst where you’ll receive a map of participating bars offering $2 draft beer, BOGO mixed drinks and $4 shots.

Sunday, Sept. 28

11th Annual Spirits of Mexico Festival
3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Del Mar Fairgrounds
Is tequila your drink of choice? Then you won’t want to miss the Spirits of Mexico Festival, the largest tasting event of its kind in North America. This year, the fiesta is moving from Old Town to the Del Mar Fairgrounds.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Red Cross Offers Easy Fire Safety Tips

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As part of October's National Fire Prevention Month, American Red Cross is reminding folks of the best ways to safeguard against the devastating effects of wildfires.

Wildfires are something familiar to San Diego. Red Cross officials say there are things to do well before those fires spark.

Officials say all San Diegans should do this:

  • Clear a defensible space by clearing brush away from your home.
  • Use fire-resistant landscaping and “harden” your home with fire-safe construction measures.
  • Have emergency supplies in belongings in one, safe place.
  • Ensure you have escape routes set up.
  • If you feel threatened by fire, don’t wait for an official evacuation order. Just go!

Here’s a look at that preparedness plan in three easy steps:

  • Make an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food and water, copies of important documents, family and pet medications and cellphone laptops and chargers.
  • Have a plan about where you and your family will go in the event of a fire, as well as your pets.
  • Stay informed on where and when fire flare ups are happening by tuning to local news and radio stations.

In addition, it’s also important to ensure you have working smoke detectors, as they can cut the risk of death in half.

Make sure:

  • You have smoke alarms on every level of your home.
  • Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year.

For more details on fire safety tips, check out preparesandiego.org, redcross.org/sandiego or sandiego.gov/fire.
 



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Local Economy Not Too Shaken by Defense Cuts: Report

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A report released Tuesday shows that while there is a decline in defense dollars coming into San Diego, the military spending cuts did not have as large of an impact on the local economy as expected in 2014.

The 6th Annual Military Economic Impact Study was released by the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), showing the economic impacts the military and defense community contribute to the San Diego region.

The report shows the military brought about $25.2 billion dollars in defense spending to San Diego this fiscal year – down just a bit from previous years.

Still, defense-related activities and spending will generate an estimated $38.7 billion of gross regional product (GRP) for the county, which represents about 20 percent of the total local economy.

The report also states the military sector accounts for 317,000 of the region’s total jobs in 2014 – or approximately 22 percent of all jobs in San Diego County.

The jobs created as a result of defense spending span a wide range, including engineering, food services, information technology, cyber security, construction, shipbuilding, health care, real estate and retailing.

However, due to budget cuts, defense contracts did drop sharply, and those effects continue to ripple into 2014.

In fiscal 2014, the 56 military ships home-ported in San Diego will see direct spending of about $2.8 billion that will equate to a total economic impact of $4.5 billion in GRP. The two aircraft carriers based here will each add about $500 million to the economy.

The two Navy hospitals in San Diego employ about 8,000 individuals and bring in nearly $1 billion of defense dollars directly into the region. After accounting for all of the ripple effects, this translates into a $1.86 billion contribution to the region’s GRP, according to the SDMAC report.

With the Navy concentrating on the Pacific Rim, the report said more military spending should come our way. In 2015, San Diego is poised to benefit from the needs of the military.

“The impact of the military through its bases and personnel located here, defense contracts awarded to local firms, and the income and other benefits accruing to retirees and veterans will continue to play a major role in San Diego’s economy in the period ahead,” the report states. “Nevertheless, the region can be expected to see effects of the military’s downsizing and spending cutbacks going forward.”

Kelly Cunningham, senior fellow and economist with the National University System Institute for Policy Research, said the military will continue to play a major role in the local economy.

“The military is still a very vital big part of our economy. It makes well over 20 to 25 percent of our economy directly and we think it helped our economy stay stronger that it would have been through the recession,” Cunningham explained.

“The combination of San Diego’s military community and defense cluster remains San Diego’s most important economic driver. In fact, new data in the study reinforces even more that San Diego’s military community and defense cluster is vital to our region’s economy,” said Jamie Moraga, president of SDMAC.

“Our region benefits considerably from defense-related spending and military presence. It means billions of dollars in direct spending right here in San Diego -- and hundreds of thousands of jobs for San Diegans. We must never take this for granted,” Moraga added.

13 Arrested in South Bay Riverbed Encampment Raid

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Thirteen people were arrested in an illegal riverbed encampment that police say poses a threat to South Bay residents nearby.

Officers, deputies and agents raided the Sweetwater Riverbed, near 3000 Plaza Bonita Road, Monday morning to break up the illicit camping and to catch potential crimes.

They took 13 people into custody on outstanding warrants or drug-related charges. National City Police say others were issued warnings or contacted by members of the San Diego Dream Center Community Outreach organization for help.

Since the start of the year, at least ten brush fires were started in illegal encampments like the one in the Sweetwater Riverbed, which stretches from National City into San Diego County and Chula Vista, NCPD officials say.

A woman was killed in one of those brush fires, and her death is still under investigation.

The NCPD officials are also concerned that transients living in the camps leave behind large amounts of trash and debris.

Duct-Taped Woman Found in Car Trunk

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A woman who told authorities she had been kidnapped was found with duct tape on her face in the trunk of a car that was stopped on a freeway on-ramp Monday night, officials said.

The California Highway Patrol received a 911 call around 11 p.m. from a woman who said she was tied up in the trunk of her car.

Officers arrived at the Dudley Street offramp from the eastbound 10 Freeway in Pomona. The inside of the car was empty, but when they opened the trunk, they found the woman tied up with duct tape covering her face.

She was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital with minor injuries.

Police confirmed that the woman knew her attackers.

Drowned Kayaker Was "Novice Swimmer": Autopsy

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An exchange student from Ghana who fell into Mission Bay while kayaking drowned because he was a “novice swimmer,” a Medical Examiner’s Office report finds.

Abdul Razak Shanun, 17, had just finished his junior year at Balboa City School, where he was recruited to play basketball on a student visa. His dream was to stay in the United States to play for the NBA until on Aug. 23, he and his friends decided to rent kayaks at Sail Bay.

Riding in a single-person kayak, Shanun somehow fell overboard near Santa Clara Point. Witnesses say the teenage had his life jacket in his hand, but he lost his grip and quickly sank after screaming for help.

His friends and good Samaritans rushed to save him, but they could not reach him in time, the ME’s report says.

It was not until the next morning that divers recovered his body. Sonar equipment helped detect Shanun in roughly 20 feet of water.

During an interview with investigators, the victim’s housemother described Shanun as a “novice swimmer,” which aligned with the ME’s findings.

An autopsy did not reveal any drugs or alcohol in his system, and “there was no evidence of significant acute trauma or natural disease identified,” it says.

The ME determined Shanun’s cause of death was drowning, and the manner was an accident.

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