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UC San Diego to Run Off Battery-Like System

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One of the largest battery-based energy storage systems in the U.S., capable of running 2,500 homes, will soon be powering up UC San Diego.

In spring 2015, the environmentally friendly system will be added to the school’s microgrid, which is responsible for 92 percent of the electricity used on campus every year, according to UC San Diego officials.

“Energy storage has the potential to transform the global energy landscape,” said Gary C. Matthews, vice chancellor for Resource Management and Planning, in a release. “It can help make renewable energy sources more reliable and is critical to a resilient, efficient, clean and cost-effective grid. We are proud to help advance this technology.”

The university says its microgrid, one of the most advanced in the world, and is a scaled-down version of a larger grid that controls energy from clean and conventional sources.

Adding the 2.5 megawatt, 5 megawatt-hour storage system will help keep intermittent renewable energy like solar power on hand for when it is needed, making the grid more reliable and resilient.

Officials say the storage system comes from rechargeable battery supplier BYD and does not contain any toxic electrolytes and heavy metals.

Once installed, UC San Diego will be eligible for up to $3.25 million in financial incentives through the state’s Self-Generation Incentive Program – a rebate system aimed to encourage clean and efficient technologies.

The new storage effort falls in line with the California Public Utilities Commission’s goal to have 1.3 gigawatts of energy storage installed by the state’s three investor-owned utilities by 2024.


Fire Hydrant Spews Water in Mission Valley

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A delivery truck driver ran over a fire hydrant in a Mission Valley parking lot on Monday, causing a gush of wire to shoot in the air for about 30 minutes.

The incident happened just before 2 p.m. outside an office complex in the 3700 block of Camino Del Rio South.

San Diego firefighters and San Diego police officers responded, but the water wasn’t shut off until 30 minutes later, when a city work arrived to turn it off.

It wasn’t known what caused the delivery motorist to run over the fire hydrant.

Local Doctors Back Teens' Use of IUDs

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Local health officials are backing the nation’s most influential pediatricians group, which said Monday that IUDs are the most effective form of birth control for teenage girls.

“Unfortunately, over 80 percent of pregnancies of adolescents are unplanned,” said Dr. Bruce Kahn, a gynecologist at a Scripps Clinic in Carmel Valley. “And the long-acting form of (this) contraceptive does a great job of that.”

In an updated policy, the American Academy of Pediatrics says teen girls who have sex should use IUDs or hormonal implants — long-acting birth control methods that are effective, safe and easy to use.

Doctors in Carmel Valley said about 20 percent of their teenage patients use long-acting birth control methods and they expect to see this percentage grow.

Among the reasons: IUDs, which are small, T-shaped rods inserted into the uterus, are low maintenance, and don't require teens to remember to take a pill once a day. They also have fewer side effects.

IUDs are safe to use, despite a scare in the 1970s when an early version of the device called the Dalkon Shield was pulled off the market because it was linked to infections and infertility.

Health officials emphasize that abstinence is still the best method of birth control. Teens can get an IUD at any age and are recommended to get one as soon as they become sexually active.

They’re also encouraged to still wear condoms to prevent STDs.

"As a parent, it's important to have these conversations with your children, it's important to keep open lines of communication and the bottom line is an unintended pregnancy can be such a disruption to life, so talking about pregnancy and preventing a pregnancy before it happens is something to be considered,” said Leigh Cataldo, a nurse practitioner in Carmel Valley.

Man Shot Multiple Times in Escondido Neighborhood

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A man was rushed to the hospital after a shooting on an Escondido street Monday.

Escondido police were called to West Fifteenth Avenue near Escondido Boulevard at 1 p.m. after gunshots were reported.

“I just heard like five or six shots. When I came out, there was a guy laying out on the sidewalk over there,” neighbor Charles Ansley said.

The injured man was transported to nearby Palomar Hospital where he underwent surgery Monday evening. His name and condition have not been released.

It appears there was a fight in the street. After the victim was knocked to the ground, there were multiple shots fired, police said.

The suspect fled in a gray pickup truck with a black ladder, likely a Dodge made between 1998 and 2000, officials said.

Police remained on the scene into the evening Monday collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.




Photo Credit: NBC 7

Window Washing System Swings Off High-Rise Roof

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Firefighters worked quickly Monday to remove scaffolding hanging ominously from a downtown high-rise building.

A window washing system arm came crashing down at about 3:45 p.m. atop the Mark Condos in the 800 block of Market Street, according to San Diego Fire officials.

The equipment shattered a window below, leaving the arm dangling above the main downtown thoroughfare.

Police closed down the street in front of the condos in case the scaffolding tumbled onto people or cars below.

Firefighters removed the system before it could fall. No one was injured or trapped in the incident.

Enterovirus May Have Caused SD Child's Paralysis

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A strain of enterovirus could be to blame for a mysterious paralysis taking over a San Diego boy’s arm.

Will Baker, 8, was hospitalized late last month for what doctors initially thought was pneumonia, though one big symptom suggested it was not just a respiratory illness.

He developed pain in the back of his neck, head and arm, his father Christopher told NBC 7 in an exclusive interview.

When a regimen of antibiotics did nothing, Will’s parent took him back to the emergency room as paralysis set in to his right arm.

“After some time, he lost all the ability to move his arm. He's still in the hospital at that time, and they suspected it was a polio-like virus,” said Christopher.

Tests revealed Will had contracted enterovirus, but doctors say the disease left his body before they could confirm if it was the strain D68, which has sickened children across 22 states.

Christopher said San Diego County health officials are investigating whether enterovirus caused the polio-like symptoms that have left Will unable to move more than his right hand.

Will’s case is similar to ten others reported in Colorado, where patients have either weakness or paralysis in arms or legs. Four of them have tested positive for EV-68.

While doctors prescribed physical therapy as a possible cure, the recovery rate for Will’s paralysis is very low, according to Christopher.

"The long term prognosis is not great. It's not encouraging. But at the same time, I am hopeful, and we're going to do all we can as far as physical therapy and whatever else we can think of,” he said. The family has opened a support fund to raise money for Will's treatment.

Will’s mother told NBC 7 she hopes other cases will be diagnosed much quicker. She thinks doctors should run tests right away when a child complains of stiffness in the neck or headaches.

Will, a baseball and piano player, is remaining positive and has begun homeschooling while he recovers.

"And he's determined to use his left hand, his left arm, writing with his hand, throwing with his left hand,” Christopher said.

The father said he wants other parents to be aware of head and neck pain in their own children, as do public health officials. They are asking emergency rooms and pediatricians across the U.S. to watch for paralysis or weakness in patients and report it to local health departments.

In the past, EV-71 was the strain known to cause paralysis, not EV-68. Doctors explained to Christopher that like polio, many people are infected with enterovirus without ever developing symptoms. Only random cases could progress into severe respiratory problems or paralysis.

Three children from San Diego County and one visiting from Ventura tested positive for EV-68, the first cases reported in California this year.



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Mental Health of Jailed U.S. Marine Evaluated in Mexican Court

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A U.S. Marine who has been locked up in Mexico for six months will undergo a mental evaluation that will be reviewed by the judge in the case later this week.

Two psychiatrists will evaluate the state of Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi’s post-traumatic stress disorder and present their reports to a federal judge, according to defense attorney Fernando Benitez.

Weapons charges against Tahmooressi, a 25-year-old Florida resident, are pending after he crossed the San Ysidro Port of Entry in April with three U.S.-registered guns in his truck.

When he was arrested, Tahmooressi was getting treatment for PTSD, his attorney says.

Benitez claims under Mexican sentencing laws, prisoners are jailed to receive rehabilitation in order to be productive members of society upon their release.

However, the government does not have the resources to treat PTSD, the lawyer says.

A psychiatrist for the defense has already evaluated Tahmooressi. The prosecution’s psychiatrist was sworn in as an expert witness Monday and was expected to meet with the Marine the same day at El Hongo State Penitentiary.

Meanwhile, a U.S. congressional subcommittee hearing will take up the issue of Tahmooressi's detention on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

During the hearing titled "Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi" Our Marine in Mexican Custody," Tahmooressi's mother Jill is expected to testify, as well as veterans advocate Navy Lt. Cmdr. Montel Williams, Pete Hegseth with Concerned Veterans for America and Marine Sgt. Robert Buchanan, who served with Tahmooressi.

Benitez filed the mental health motion earlier this month in federal court and in the appeals court, trying to get Tahmooressi’s case thrown out.

His family says Tahmooressi accidentally made a wrong turn into Mexico while three firearms sat in his truck: a 12-gauge loaded shotgun, a 5.56-caliber loaded rifle and a .45-caliber loaded pistol.

Mexican officials claim the Marine knew the crossing well, citing information from U.S. authorities that shows he entered the San Ysidro Port on three prior occasions.

The veteran of two tours of Afghanistan who is now in the reserves was in San Diego in March to receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The defense wants to prove that Tahmooressi was not given an interpreter or legal representation while in custody for the eight hours before he was presented to a Mexican federal prosecutor.

Benitez alleges the evidence will show how the suspect’s rights were violated by the customs agents who arrested him.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 7 San Diego



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Michael Phelps Arrested for DUI in Maryland

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Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps was arrested and charged with DUI and other charges in Maryland early Tuesday morning.

Tuesday afternoon, Phelps pleaded for forgiveness on Twitter, writing, "I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility... I am deeply sorry."

Police say Phelps was clocked driving 84 mph in a 45 mph zone on southbound Interstate 395 leaving Baltimore.

An officer then followed Phelps' white 2014 Land Rover through the Fort McHenry Tunnel on northbound Interstate 95, said Maryland Transportation Authority Police.

Phelps was speeding and crossing double lines in the tunnel, they said.

The officer stopped Phelps just beyond the tunnel’s toll plaza. Authorities say he appeared to be under the influence and failed a series of field sobriety tests. Phelps was cooperative during the process, they said.

Phelps was arrested around 1:40 a.m., TMZ first reported. He was charged with DUI, excessive speed and crossing double lane lines, and was later released.

The swimmer posted a series of tweets Tuesday afternoon, apologizing for the incident. "I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility," he said in part. "I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down."

Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete in history with 22 medals: 18 gold, two silver and two bronze. He won an unprecedented eight gold medals in eight events at the Beijing Games in 2008, and returned to win four more golds at the London Games in 2012.

The swimmer said after the London Games that he was finished with competitive swimming. But he recently returned to the pool, competing in significant championship events this summer. He has not yet confirmed his plans for the Summer Games in Rio in 2016.

Phelps has been charged with DUI previously. In November 2004, he was stopped by state troopers in Salisbury, Maryland, after failing to stop for a stop sign. He was 19 at the time.

In that case, Phelps pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. He was fined $250 and was ordered to serve 18 months probation.

During an interview with Matt Lauer on "Today," Phelps called the event an isolated incident and said he had "let myself down and my family down... I think I let a lot of people in the country down."

Phelps faced further controversy when a photograph surfaced in February 2009 showing him with a water pipe used to smoke tobacco or marijuana.

Phelps publicly apologized and admitted that the image, taken at a student party at the University of South Carolina, was authentic. The brouhaha surrounding the photo resulted in the swimmer losing Kellogg's as a sponsor and a three-month suspension from USA Swimming.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 7 San Diego



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California Gun Restriction Bill Signed Into Law

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California will become the first state that allows family members to ask a judge to remove firearms from a relative who appears to pose a threat, under legislation Gov. Jerry Brown said Tuesday he had signed.

The bill was proposed by several Democrats and responds to a deadly rampage in May near the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Supporters had said such a measure could have prevented the attacks, winning out over critics who said it would erode gun rights.

Law enforcement authorities in Connecticut, Indiana and Texas can seek a judge's order allowing them to seize guns from people they deem to be a danger.

The new California law gives law enforcement the same option and extends it to family members.

It continues California's efforts to lead the nation in preventing firearm injury and death, said Amanda Wilcox, an advocate for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, whose daughter was a victim of gun violence.

The greatest effect might be in preventing suicides or intervening where there is a history of domestic violence, she said.

"It's hard to know how much it will be used or how much it will prevent," Wilcox said. "It only takes avoiding one loss for this to be worth it."

Lawmakers approved the bill by Democratic Assembly members Nancy Skinner of Berkeley and Das Williams of Santa Barbara amid pleas that they act after the May 23 attack in which six people were fatally stabbed or shot and 13 others wounded in the community of Isla Vista.

Relatives of the victims and other supporters of the bill said the parents of 22-year-old Elliot Rodger were thwarted in their attempts to seek help for their troubled son before the rampage.

Weeks earlier, his parents had his therapist contact Santa Barbara County mental health officials. Sheriff's deputies talked to Rodger but never entered his apartment or checked to see if he owned guns.

They decided he was not a threat to himself or others and took no further action.

Rodger later wrote that had deputies searched his room, they might have found guns that police said he used to shoot three people after stabbing to death three others. Rodger killed himself while being pursued by police.

Under the California bill, whoever seeks the restraining order would have to sign an affidavit under oath. If they lie, they could be charged with a misdemeanor.

A court hearing would be held within 14 days after the restraining order is granted to give the gun owner a chance to argue there is no danger.

Republican lawmakers and some Democrats voted against the measure, known as AB1014.

In Rodger's case, there is no evidence his parents or anyone treating him knew he had weapons. That prompted Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, to introduce a related bill that would require law enforcement agencies to develop policies that encourage officers to search the state's database of gun purchases as part of routine welfare checks. That bill, SB505, also was signed by the governor.

Brown's signing of the bills "helped to honor the life of my son, Christopher, and so many others killed by senseless gun violence," said Richard Martinez, father of Isla Vista shooting victim Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez and an advocate for the group Everytown for Gun Safety.

"Nothing we can do will bring back Christopher, but I'm confident this new law will help save lives and prevent other families from experiencing this same kind of tragedy. States around the country should be exploring this life-saving measure," he said in a statement about the restraining order legislation.

Currently in California, authorities can seize legally purchased guns only from people convicted of a felony or a violent misdemeanor, those subject to a domestic violence restraining order, or those who are determined to be mentally unstable.

The National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups opposed the restraining order legislation.

"Our concern is not so much what they intended to do; our concern is with the method they put in place to address people with mental or emotional issues," said Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California. "We think this just misses the mark and may create a situation where law-abiding gun owners are put in jeopardy."



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Mandatory Cuts on Water Use Proposed

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San Diego's voluntary water restrictions could soon become mandatory as temperatures again start to climb toward the triple digits.

Monday night, two city councilmembers said the city has to do more to conserve water or suffer the consequences.

"The state is looking to conserve 20 percent of our water. We're not really hitting the mark there,” said Councilman David Alvarez.

He said with a voluntary water use restrictions already in place, the city of San Diego is only conserving about 4 percent of water. It is the main reason why Alvarez and Councilman Ed Harris want to make the voluntary restriction into a mandatory one.

"It's really dry and we need the rain, so I understand that it's tough out there,” said homeowner Russell Berkley.

His family has already made changes by cutting down watering from ten minutes to six, explaining "during the summer you need at least six minutes or your grass turns brown and then it's not worth watering at all.”

The San Diego County Water Authority is already under a "Drought Alert" which mandates 20 percent conservation. Among the measures currently in place for businesses within the county area: offering table water to patrons only on request, offering hotel guests the option of not laundering towels and linens daily, watering only during the late evening or early morning hours and repairing all leaks within 72 hours.

Alvarez said they've been warned by the Metropolitan Water District, which supplies half of the city's water, that they might have to go to a rationing system if changes are not made soon.

Right now, the City of San Diego is at a Level 1 "Drought Watch," meaning residents are asked to water their yards before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., use automatic shut-off nozzles on hoses and not to wash sidewalks and driveways unless necessary.

Moving into a Level 2 "Drought Alert," residents would be forced to abide by Level 1 restrictions, could only irrigate three days a week and would have to stop fountains unless recycled water is used.

At Spot Free Rinse, a carwash in Pacific Beach, people are constantly using water. They understand the sacrifice.

“I think keeping my car clean is not a top priority. I think the situation we're in with drought and water shortage should come first,” said Victor Park

“Every little bit makes a difference. So it all adds up, We're ready, willing and able to do our own part,” said James Clarkston.

Alvarez said the last time San Diego had mandatory water use restrictions in place, residents saved 14 percent of their water.

This is just a recommendation, so it will go to the Environment Committee next week. If it passes there, the proposal will go to the city council.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Brothers Free After 1989 Cold Case Dismissed: DA

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In a stunning development, Santa Clara County prosecutors have dropped the 1989 cold case homicide against two brothers charged with strangling one of the men's wives whose body was found wrapped in a patchwork quilt, the District Attorney announced Tuesday.

In a statement, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said there are two reasons the case against David Zimmer of Half Moon Bay and Robert Zimmer of Santa Clara are being dismissed: One, because the prosecutor originally assigned to the case had an "undisclosed and improper relationship with the case's criminalist." And two, the prosecutor failed to provide evidence to the defense in a "timely fashion," Rosen added.

The district attorney offered his "deepest apologies" to Cathy Zimmer's family, but he said the "integrity of the case" had been prejudiced. Rosen kept open the possibility that he may refile the charges, saying prosecutors are now going to "reassess" the case.

David Zimmer's attorney, Michael Cardoza, said the case should have been thrown out in the first place, not based on a technicality, but because the evidence against his client and his brother was so weak.

"David is an engineer," Cardoza said in a phone interview. "He's analytical and people misinterpret how he speaks, as though he didn't act appropriately after his wife's death. David just wasn't one of their (police officers') favorite people."

David Zimmer's incarceration had a "devastating" effect on his client, who Cardoza said is "innocent of this murder."

As for who might have killed Cathy Zimmer, Cardoza said: "I have no idea. That's not my job."

Steve Defilippis, who represents Robert Zimmer, was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday.

In September, the Mercury News was the first to report that Deputy District Attorney Ted Kajani was taken off the case for having a "physical and emotional" relationship with crime lab technician Amanda Cardenas, whom he put on the stand twice to testify about DNA tests.

At the time, the DA's office told the Mercury News the revelations did not undermine the DNA results, which had been reviewed by two other crime lab analysts.

David Zimmer, 66, and his brother Robert, 70, were arrested in March in connection with strangling David's then-38-year-old wife Cathy, whose body was found wrapped in a quilt in the back of her car parked at San Jose International Airport on March 10, 1989. Two days earlier, she was last seen at San Jose State University, where the mother of two was taking business courses. NBC Bay Area was the first to report that the cold case was being reopened after 25 years.

Kajani had previously said that David Zimmer had a financial motive to kill his estranged wife and that DNA evidence, as well as statements, implicated Robert Zimmer.

Prosecutors contended that David Zimmer collected $409,000 from the sale of his and Cathy's house on Venice Way in San Jose and two life insurance policies covering Cathy at the time of her death. David and Cathy Zimmer separated in November 1988 after David started a relationship with a female co-worker that July, court documents show.

"They thought he had sold his house a little too soon," Cardoza said.

In 2012, the district attorney's crime lab reported that Robert Zimmer was a possible contributor to a mixture of DNA from a swab taken from the zipper and button of pants worn by Cathy when her body was discovered wrapped inside a colorful quilt. But in a statement last January to an investigator, Robert Zimmer said he did not recall ever being alone with Cathy in her car.

Before the improper relationship was disclosed, Cardoza began poking holes in the case. Cardoza said the prosecutor was using emotion and misleading DNA evidence against his client.

Cardoza added in a previous interview that the DNA found on Cathy's pants was indirect "transferred DNA" that she could have picked up after touching something Robert Zimmer had and was not evidence that he touched her himself.

David Zimmer had bail set at $1 million but has been out of  custody. A hearing was set on Tuesday afternoon to free Robert Zimmer from custody.

Bay City News contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: AP

Accused W.H. Intruder Indicted

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The man accused of scaling a security fence and getting into the White House with a knife was indicted on federal and local charges Tuesday, according to federal prosecutors.

Omar J. Gonzalez, 42, of Copperas Cove, Texas, is set to appear in federal court Wednesday in Washington.

He was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury after they say he scaled the White House's north perimeter fence, ran across the lawn and entered the presidential mansion on Sept. 19 before agents stopped him.

A District of Columbia grand jury also returned a three-count indictment against Gonzalez Tuesday for unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds while carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon, as well as violating two District of Columbia laws: carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business and unlawful possession of ammunition.

After Gonzalez was arrested incident the White House, the U.S. Attorney's Office says he gave consent to search his vehicle, which contained hundreds of rounds of ammunition, two hatchets and a machete.

The federal charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison. The D.C. charge of carrying a dangerous weapon carries a maximum of five years, and the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition carries up to one year.

President Barack Obama and his family were away at the time of the incident on Sept. 19.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 7 San Diego



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Dad Seeks Answers in Woman's Border Patrol Shooting

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A man whose daughter was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Chula Vista two years ago continues to seek answers in her death while advocating the use of body cameras by agents.

On Sept. 28, 2012, San Diego mother of five Valeria Tachiquin-Alvarado was fatally shot 10 times by a plainclothes Border Patrol agent on Moss Street.

According to a report released by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office and obtained by NBC 7 later that year, Tachiquin allegedly tried to flee from an agent conducting an enforcement operation on someone else.

She allegedly disobeyed orders from officials and hit the agent with her car, trying to drive away with him clinging to the hood of the car, according to the report.

While holding onto her car, the agent drew his service weapon and fired 10 shots into Tachiquin’s vehicle. She was struck in the right hand, arm, abdomen and chest, and died from bullet wounds to her heart, aorta, lungs and other vital organs, the report confirmed. The medical examiner found Tachiquin had a methamphetamine level of .10 in her blood at the time of the incident.

On Tuesday – two years after Tachiquin’s death – her father, Valentin Tachiquin, spoke at the Alliance San Diego office about his ongoing fight for justice and answers.

Valentin – who’s been advocating for lapel body cameras for Border Patrol agents since his daughter’s death, as well as more training and accountability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers – said he still doesn’t understand why his daughter was killed.

“It’s been a lengthy two years. Me and my family are waiting for an answer,” said Valentin. “Going back to that day – it’s frustrating.”

Valentin said that to this day, he still doesn’t know much about the agent who fired at Tachiquin, including whether or not that agent is still working and carrying a gun, and whether he’ll face charges.

“We have been looking for justice since the first day and we will continue seeking justice. We want to know the answers. Why? What happened? What made this officer trigger? Why did he kill her? Was he properly trained?” the father said.

Though time has passed and Valentin continues to push for changes with U.S. Border Patrol, he said one thing remains the same.

“Regardless of what I do and I say, my daughter will never be back with me, with us, with her kids,” he lamented.

According to witnesses and family members, Tachiquin was backing up – not driving forward – when the agent fired at her. They also say the agent was not on the hood of her car, but was standing when he opened fire.

With discrepancies between witnesses and what officials have reported, Valentin continues to seek a final report of what actually happened that day leading to the shooting of his daughter.

As he awaits resolution, Valentin has heard that the Border Patrol’s investigation of the case has been completed and is now with the U.S. Attorney’s office, but has heard no further details.

“I’m waiting for a response. I need somebody to say something. I don’t want to be in limbo. Am I going to wait another two years?” he said. “Are they going to drag it on and continue on until everybody forgets?”

NBC 7 reached out to U.S. Border Patrol officials who said they could not comment on the case but did say future Border Patrol academy classes will be using body cameras to train – but not in the field.

“[I want] better training for their officers in the field and for no people to die, especially. I’m waiting for the truth,” he added.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Chargers Tickets Need to be Sold to Avoid Blackout

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Three-thousand tickets are still available for Sunday’s Chargers-Jets game, and if they’re not sold, the game could be blacked out.

The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday targeted the sports blackout rule, voting 5-0 to eliminate the longtime rule that prevents home sports game from being aired if the game isn’t sold out.

That doesn’t mean the blackouts will be gone for good, though, as the NFL has long backed them as a way to maintain robust ticket sales. Plus, they could still occur locally under existing contracts between the NFL and broadcasters, according to Politico.

Last Sunday’s Chargers-Jacksonville game was nearly blacked out until the last several thousand tickets were bought by a handful of local businesses.

If this Sunday’s tickets aren’t sold by Thursday, the game will be blacked out.

Last year, the only two NFL games were blacked out in local markets, including the Bengals against the Charges in San Diego on Dec. 1.

The FCC’s chairman said it’s time sports fans are able to watch the games they want.

“For 40 years, these teams have hidden behind the rule of the FCC,” FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said. “No more.”

An NFL spokesman said Tuesday the league is reviewing the rule change.

The spokesman said the league will work to “find new ways to bring more people to the game and bring the game to more people.”



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Wife Shoots SoCal Mayor Dead: Cops

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The mayor of Bell Gardens was fatally shot by his wife during a fight at their home Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

Mayor Daniel Crespo, 45, punched the couple’s 19-year-old son, Daniel Jr., in the face when the teen tried to intervene during the dispute, investigators said. The wife then grabbed a gun and allegedly shot the mayor multiple times in his upper body.

Crespo was pronounced dead at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood.

Crespo’s wife, 43-year-old Levette, was detained and questioned at the Bell Gardens police station, sheriff's officials said. Daniel Jr. was also at the station.

The domestic dispute was reported at 2:30 p.m. in the 6300 block of East Gage Avenue in Bell Gardens (map).

According to the city’s website, Crespo was a Brooklyn, New York, native who had been married to his high school sweetheart since 1986. After moving to Bell Gardens, he worked as a Los Angeles County deputy probation officer for 15 years. He was elected to the Bell Gardens City Council in 2001.

California state Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) released the following joint statement in response to Crespo's death:

"As representatives and residents of Bell Gardens, today's tragic news about the passing of our dear friend, Bell Gardens Mayor Daniel Crespo, is shocking and a tremendous loss for our close knit community. Mayor Crespo was a respected public servant who dedicated his life to protecting and helping others in Southeast Los Angeles and throughout the region. Our hearts are heavy with grief today; and our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We ask that the public respect the privacy of his family during the impending investigation."

Bell Gardens is a suburb of about 43,000 residents. It's located roughly 18 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.



Photo Credit: BellGardens.org

SDSU Student Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash

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A San Diego State University student was found critically injured in the middle of the road near campus and the driver believed to be responsible turned himself into police.

The 19-year-old man was found in the intersection at Montezuma Road and Campanile Drive with a head injury and a broken leg at 11 p.m. Monday.

The teenager was struck by a charcoal grey Toyota Four Runner SUV while walking in the crosswalk, police said.

There were some witnesses who said the driver had a green light, police said.

The driver behind the wheel of the SUV initially left the scene with the pedestrian in the road.

Then, at approximately 3 a.m., a 17-year-old driver turned himself into police along with his SUV for evidence, officials said.

The location of the crash is near student housing and approximately two blocks south of the heart of the SDSU campus. 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Captain of USS Boxer Relieved of Duty

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The captain of San Diego-based USS Boxer has been relieved of duty, just three months after assuming command, according to the U.S. Navy.

Capt. Wayne R. Brown has been relieved of his role as commanding officer, the Navy announced Tuesday. Brown took command of the amphibious assault ship in July.

In a news release, the Navy did not explain why Brown was fired, but cited “equal opportunity concerns…not tied to a specific event.”

Capt. Keith Moore, Deputy Commodore of Amphibious Squadron 1, will temporarily take over as CO. Brown has been reassigned to Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, according to the release.

The Boxer returned from her last deployment in April.
 



Photo Credit: U.S. Navy

Man Jumped on Way to Morning Prayer Service

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A man was robbed and beaten on his way to morning prayers at a church in the Midway District early Tuesday.

The 72-year-old man, identified by fellow church members as Elder Chu, was jumped by two men along North Evergreen Street just after 5 a.m., San Diego police said.

Chu was on his way to a morning prayer service at the Korean United Presbyterian Church at the time of the attack.

San Diego police were investigating the attack. Officer said the victim suffered an injury to his lip and lost his car keys, wallet and a bag in the robbery. 

Members of the church said Chu lost some teeth and needed stitches.

The suspects fled the area in a black sedan, police said.

Pastor Paul Kang said Elder Chu would routinely open the church's door for the 5:30 a.m. prayer service.

"It's very sad," Kang said. "We are living in society where even coming to church you have to look around and street."



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Arrest After Miami Mass Shooting

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The manager of a Miami restaurant where 15 people, including children, were shot during a party last weekend was arrested and given a notice to appear in court for allegedly selling liquor without a license.

Agents with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, in coordination with Miami Police, conducted an inspection of The Spot on Monday and found three bottles of liquor behind the bar, officials said. The restaurant only has a license to sell beer and wine.

That prompted the arrest of The Spot's manager, Tiffany Johnson, 31, and notice to appear in court.

Fifteen people were injured, the youngest just 11 years old, in a mass shooting Sunday morning at The Spot, which initially was reported to be a nightclub but is actually licensed as a restaurant.

Neighbors said the adult club had recently started hosting a teen night that was drawing large crowds.

Of the 15 wounded, one student named Trayvon was reported to be in critical but stable condition Monday. The other victims remaining in the hospital were in good condition. Some victims have been released from the hospital.

Lataara Ingram was one of the students who were shot. Friends told NBC 6 that she is a cheerleader at Booker T. Washington High School.

"Every time you see her, she kept to herself," said fellow student Briana Hines. "She doesn't cause any problems. So when I heard she was shot, it was unbelievable. Little Lataara. Innocent Lataara? Wow."

Police said it’s not immediately clear how many shooters were involved or what prompted the violence.

If you have any information about the mass shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).



Photo Credit: Miami-Dade Corrections

Teen Injured in Fall Off 3-Story Balcony

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A teenager was hospitalized Monday night after falling off a third-story balcony in Carlsbad, police said.

The incident – which investigators determined was an accident – happened around 9:45 p.m. in the 2300 block of Altisma Way. When police officers arrived on scene they found a 14-year-old girl lying on the ground underneath a balcony.

The teen was conscious and breathing, and was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital with unspecified injuries.

No further details were released, including how the teen fell in the first place, but police said the fall appeared to be accidental. The victim’s name was not released.
 



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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