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Lockdown Lifted at School in Chula Vista After Reports of Man With Gun

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A lockdown at Otay Elementary School was lifted after several people reported seeing an armed man near campus, police said.

One suspect was detained that may have been related to the incident, Chula Vista police said. Students are being dismissed through the west side of the campus.

Police said several people reported seeing a man with a gun near Otay Elementary School shortly after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday which in turn prompted a temporary lockdown, police said.

At 12:40 p.m., the department received reports of a man seen walking up a stairway toward the 00 block of Connelly Circle, police said.

The school, west of Hilltop Drive and north of Main Street, went on lockdown as a safety measure while officers searched the area and investigated.

The suspect is described as a 50 to 60 year old man about 5 feet 9 inches with short hair wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Police said the gun was described as a possible “sawed-off” shotgun.



Photo Credit: Sherene Tagharobi

Community Sends Support to Former San Ysidro Supt.

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More than a dozen educators, community members and public officials wrote the court to vouch for former San Ysidro Superintendent Manuel Paul, who was sentenced Tuesday to two months for a misdemeanor corruption charge.

Magistrate Judge William Gallo said he considered the outpouring of support before he handed down his sentence, reading aloud the names of the superintendent's backers in court and referencing the material in his consideration.

The letters stress the drastic increase in test scores at San Ysidro School District under Paul's leadership.

Andrea Skorepa, CEO of Casa Familiar and a well-known advocate for the San Ysidro community, told the court that Paul led the district to new accomplishments, receiving two state Distinguished School awards, six Golden Bell awards and being nominated as a Blue Ribbon District.

Under Paul's leadership, "teacher accountability increased as did administrator's responsibilities. Parents were more actively engaged with their children's education," Skorepa said. All of this was even more notable given the district's situation as a small, border district with limited financial means. 

Other letters detail Paul's strong commitment to the community and love for the San Ysidro School District. Some described instances where Paul provided emotional and personal support to those in need.

Notable supporters of Paul who wrote the court were former San Ysidro trustees Jean Romero and Paul Randolph, former teachers like Ralph Inzunza Sr. and former Principal David Torres.

Those letters can be read by clicking here.

SD 911 Operator Gave Wrong Advice

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An internal investigation has been launched after a San Diego Fire-Rescue dispatcher gave the wrong advice after a man was fatally struck by a motorcycle.

Moments after the man's leg had been severed in the crash, a dispatcher told witnesses to remove a belt that had been put on his leg as a tourniquet — a direction that goes against department policy, according to the agency's medical director.

The 49-year-old victim, who has not yet been identified, was standing in the middle of Palm Avenue Monday when he was struck by a motorcycle.

He had multiple serious wounds, including one leg severed below the knee. A witness to the crash used a belt to create a tourniquet.

Anthony Rabaya did exactly what most of us would hope to in an emergency: keep a cool head and make good decisions.

“I just tried. I didn't think about it. I just reacted,” Rabaya said.

His military training and instinct told him to get the bleeding stopped, but a Fire Rescue dispatcher told him otherwise.

In the 911 recording, a dispatcher can be heard telling the people helping the victim to take off the belt.

Caller: "My boyfriend put a belt around his leg because it's bleeding."
Dispatcher: "OK, all right, so they put a tourniquet on his leg?"
Caller: "Uh, no... uh, a belt. We've got the belt around because his leg is chopped off."
Dispatcher: "OK, we need to take that belt off. We don't want to tourniquet it."
Caller (talking to boyfriend): "Take the belt off, she says. Take it off."

“I didn't agree with taking the tourniquet off. Come on, it's an amputation,” Rabaya said.

City of San Diego EMS Medical Director Dr. Jim Dunford said it's the first such mistake he's heard of in 25 years.

“That does in fact run contrary to the way we teach our dispatchers to handle something like that,”  Dunford said.

His policy has been in place for the last two years. “Leave [the tourniquet] alone until a firefighter can get there and determine whether it should continue to be there,”  Dunford said.

Dunford said responding firefighters reapplied the tourniquet when they arrived. At that time, the victim was still alive.

“I would be very surprised this brief interval of two or three minutes was responsible for the person's passing,” Dunford said.

Thousands of times a day, 911 operators provide the voice of reason in emergencies, but when they're wrong, who else is there to call?

Dunford says he hasn't spoken with the dispatcher to determine how or why she made that
decision, but she will remain on duty while the incident is investigated.

All dispatchers will be reminded during in-service training about the tourniquet policy.

On Tuesday, San Diego Fire Chief Javier Mainar said his department is reviewing the case.

"The Fire Dispatch Center handles 125,000 calls a year. As the Fire Chief, I have confidence in the ability of our dispatchers to handle emergencies efficiently, professionally and appropriately and I want the public to be assured you can have that same confidence," Mainar said.



Photo Credit: NBC 7
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Best Soups to Savor in San Diego This Winter

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This San Diego “winter,” get warm (OK, warmer) sipping savory soups about town. It may be the perfect temperature out, but you’ll feel even more cozy with these seasonal and local restaurant offerings.

Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen, Carlsbad

Homemade soup options, like creamy celery, lentil or tomato bisque are found by the bowlful at this delicious café tucked in a shopping center off El Camino Real. Slurp a generous portion all by itself or add it to the side of your salad or sandwich. It’s the perfect seasonal meal from a business committed to green practices and sourcing local ingredients.

Lordes, Escondido

The chicken soup here is more than good for your soul. San Diegans claim that the concoction walks on water and can cure the common cold. Beyond remedies, it’s also delicious! The combination of flavors is simple; you’ll find Spanish rice, chicken, cilantro, onion, avocado, some citrus but there is a bit of magic there: Try it and see if you agree.

Spike Africa, Downtown

It’s all about the Clam Chowder. Creamy and traditional, it’s chock full of sea clams and russets and served up in positively cozy manner. We suggest it as a starter for dinner or make it your lunch hour. It’s available gluten free and to top off a warm, comfort food evening, order the sea salt caramel and rum butterscotch pudding afterward for dessert.

Lotus Café & Juice Bar, Encinitas

The all-natural soups are fresh, homemade and change daily. There is always one Vegan option, usually also Gluten free, on the menu. It always comes with a side of yummy bread (again, GF options are available), and if the flavors available are not to your liking, the eatery also has a fantastic hearty chili that’s a local favorite.

San Diego Soup Shoppe, El Cajon Boulevard

Options abound and overflow at this joint. Choose from a flavorful New England clam chowder, Italian wedding soup, mushroom and Brie or a roasted red pepper and Gouda concoction. That’s not all! There’s marvelous lobster bisque with sherry and you can get any of them in a bread bowl for just $2 more.

Bread & Cie, Hillcrest

There is a daily special soup made from scratch, so ask about it when you arrive. Still, no matter what day of the week, you’ll find their famous creamy tomato, seasoned with onions, carrots, garlic and basil. You can add a cup to selected items for $2.95. We suggest combining it with the decadent Fontina grilled cheese sandwich on a Parmesan-crusted sourdough.

Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Threat at Oceanside High Prompted Temporary Lockdown

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Oceanside High School was put on lockdown after a bomb threat was phoned in to the school Wednesday afternoon.

Oceanside Police said the voice on the phone seemed to be automated and computer generated and said a truck loaded with explosives was going to drive into their building, though the caller did not mention the school of anyone by name.

Police said the school had let out at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday for a scheduled staff meeting and few students were on campus at the time the threat came in.

The lockdown was lifted shortly before 3:30 p.m.

Two other schools received threats Wednesday that prompted official action.

A lockdown at Otay Elementary School was lifted after several people reported seeing an armed man near campus, police said.

One suspect was detained that may have been related to the incident, Chula Vista police said. Students are being dismissed through the west side of the campus.

Police said several people reported seeing a man with a gun near Otay Elementary School shortly after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday which in turn prompted a temporary lockdown, police said.

Students at San Ysidro High School were also evacuated to the football field after the school received a bomb threat Wednesday morning.

A secretary received the call at 10:12 a.m. It was a recorded message that stated a bomb could go off in a few minutes, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Officials placed the school on lockdown and sent students to the football field, according to the Sweetwater Union High School District.

In 2013, an elementary school was placed on lockdown after receiving a report of a threat.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
 

Wanted Felon Tips Agents Off About Himself

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Border Patrols agents arrested a man on a commercial bus who tipped himself off to them at a checkpoint, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials said.

At approximately midnight, a westbound commercial bus stopped at a checkpoint on Interstate 8 and was referred to a secondary immigration inspection.

During the inspection, agents boarded the bus and asked passengers about their citizenship. A 55-year-old man verified as officials approached that he was a U.S. citizen. Then, he blurted out to the agent, “I bet I won’t leave this bus with all these warrants I got.” Officials took the man off the bus for further questioning.

A records check revealed that Scott Gothier had criminal history. He had a history of burglary and assault with attempt to rape as well as an outstanding felony warrant out of Sacramento.

He will be handed over to the San Diego Sheriff’s Office pending extradition.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

San Diego Airport Rolls Out Passport Kiosks

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San Diego International Airport on Wednesday rolled out eight automated passport control kiosks in an effort to reduce traveler wait times.

San Diego’s airport joins 30 other airports worldwide that use self-service kiosks, which officials estimate will reduce processing times by 25 to 40 percent and, in some cases, 50 percent.

This is “certainly another way for us to be on the leading edge of technology and customer service for people who travel,” said Thella Bowens, president of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

An estimated 30,000 passengers pass through San Diego’s airport in a month. Bill Snyder, director of the Port of San Diego, said the new kiosks will help officers keep up with “an ever-growing volume of international travelers."

The kiosks are located in the airport’s Federal Inspection Services area. They allow travelers to submit their customs declarations and personal information electronically and don’t require any pre-registration or membership.

The kiosks will prompt travelers to scan their passport, then allow the kiosk to take their photo and answer customs declaration questions on a touch screen.

The kiosks will then print a receipt, which travelers will show to an officer; that process takes about a minute, Snyder said.

Fla. Cops Don't Have to Get Tasered

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Miami Beach police officers will no longer be required to be shocked by a Taser in order to carry one on patrol.

Chief Daniel Oates told the department in an email Wednesday that he had learned that morning of the "long-standing practice" that officers must be shocked with the weapon in training to carry one on patrol.

"I don’t agree with this rule. I have been shocked by the Taser, and it is extremely unpleasant," Oates wrote. "I don’t believe an officer needs to go through that experience in order to be well trained in how to use the weapon."

Oates, who was named Miami Beach's police chief last June, said any officer who wants to volunteer to experience the Taser can still do so.

The use of the Taser among Miami Beach police caused controversy in August 2013 after graffiti artist Israel "Reefa" Hernandez died after being shocked with one of the weapons.

Police said Hernandez ran after they spotted him spray-painting the wall of a fast-food restaurant and he ignored their orders to stop and was shocked once with the Taser in the chest. He later died at a hospital.

Hernandez's family have demanded the arrest of the officer involved.



Photo Credit: NBC 6 South Florida

Cop Acquitted of Brutality in Video

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A Bridgeport officer was acquitted of police brutality charges Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office.

Officer Clive Higgins had been charged with violating the civil rights of suspect Orlando Lopez-Soto in 2011, after video surfaced showing officers using a stun gun on Lopez-Soto, then kicking and stomping him as he lay motionless.

A federal jury found Higgins not guilty. A conviction would have sent him to prison for as many as 10 years.

"We respect the jury's verdict and the criminal justice process," Tom Carson, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office, said in a statement Wednesday evening. "Our office will continue to prioritize civil rights investigations. We thank the FBI and the prosecutors for their hard work on this case."

Higgins was one of three Bridgeport officers at the center of an internal investigation after an officer was shown on video using a stun gun on Lopez-Soto during an arrest at Beardsley Park in 2011.

The video shows Lopez-Soto lying on the ground motionless as two officer kicked and stomped on him. The footage was upload to YouTube two years later and quickly went viral.

Two of the three officers captured in the video pleaded guilty in June to depriving Lopez-Soto of his civil rights. Higgins pleaded not guilty. His name was cleared Wednesday in federal court.

Meanwhile, Lopez-Soto is serving five years in prison after pleading guilty to drug and gun-related charges in 2012.



Photo Credit: YouTube

Officials Looking for Man Who Stole 6K Worth of Apple Products

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Officials are looking for the public’s help in finding and identifying a man who stole three laptops from the Apple Store at the UTC mall in La Jolla, they said.

The San Diego County Crime Stoppers are offering up to $1,000 for information that would lead to the arrest of the man, who took approximately $9,000 worth of products from the store.

The suspect, described as a 20 to 30 year old man approximately 175 pounds and 6 feet 2 inches tall, was wearing a dark colored ski cap, a long-sleeved gray shirt, white pants and red shoes when he entered the Apple Store at 6:42 p.m. on January 4.

He ordered three laptops from an employee. When the employee brought them, he distracted the employee and then walked out of the store with the products.

Anyone with information on the identity or location of the suspect is asked to call the SDPD’s Northern Division at (858) 552-1700 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.

Rushdie: Free Speech Is Inviolate

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In a visit to the University of Vermont, novelist Salman Rushdie defended freedom of speech as something that should have no limits placed on it. The comments came in the wake of last week's attack on a Paris satire journal that left 12 dead.

"The moment you limit free speech, it's not free speech," Rushdie told the crowd at an event presented by the Vermont Humanities Council and UVM. "The point about it is it's free."

Rushdie, whose 1988 novel "The Satanic Verses" drew death threats after Iranian religious leaders labeled it blasphemous, told the crowd it is the job of artists to push boundaries and challenge institutions that don't want to hear what writers, painters, performers, illustrators, or others have to say.

In the wake of the attack on the satire journal Charlie Hebdo, there have been debates in Europe over whether free speech has limits, especially when dealing with sensitive religious topics. Known for its blistering criticism of many varied institutions, Charlie Hebdo published cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, which many Muslims would consider provocative, sacrilegious, or distasteful. The extremists behind the massacre that killed 12 reportedly were trying to avenge Muhammad.

Rushdie called it "disgraceful" for anyone to imply the satirists killed in last week's terror attack in Paris were racist or went too far for exercising their freedom of speech.

The author said there should be no conditions placed on free speech; anyone who does, he referred to as the “but brigade.” "The minute I hear someone say, 'Yes, I believe in free speech, but...' I stop listening," Rushdie said, drawing a round of applause.

Rushdie noted that people, of course, may be opposed to the content of Charlie Hebdo or other boundary-pushing creative efforts. "You can dislike Charlie Hebdo. Not all their drawings were funny," the writer said. "The fact that you dislike them has got nothing to do with their right to speak. The fact you dislike them certainly doesn't in any way excuse their murder."

During the Burlington event, Rushdie did not speak in any detail of the time he spent with death threats hanging over his head. He did say there is a long history of writers and other thinkers who have been targeted for their work, but whose work ended up standing up to the test of time.

There was a police presence at Rushdie's presentation, which had been scheduled well before the attack in Paris. Security personnel were also checking bags as people entered the Ira Allen Chapel on the UVM campus. A university spokesman told New England Cable News such measures are routine for high-profile speakers at the University of Vermont.



Photo Credit: Jack Thurston/NECN

San Diego Named Host Town for 2015 Special Olympics

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San Diego will be a host town for 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles, officials announced on Wednesday.

At a news conference, Point Loma Nazarene University officials made the announcement and said that the university will host more than 100 delegates from around the world.

Between July 21 and 24, those athletes will stay and train at Point Loma.

The World Games kick off in Los Angeles on July 25 and runs through Aug. 2. It will draw 7,000 athletes from 177 countries.

In December, El Cajon was also chosen as one of the 100 Southern California communities that will be a host town for the games.

Cities are chosen based on their lodging accommodations, sports practice facilities and recreation and entertainment options.

Doctors Advise Knowing Measles Symptoms

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With the measles scare in Disneyland earlier this week, doctors have pointed out that the illness is on the rise all over California and the rest of the U.S., but are also quick to say the increase in cases does not mean a widespread outbreak is likely.

There is no danger at Disneyland now from the cases reported in December, but Californians should know the warning signs that someone may be infected with measles.

In any case there's no danger of this case causing an epidemic; but if you are exposed to this virus you need to know the facts because the measles is very contagious and it’s possible to catch it four days before symptoms come on.

Anyone who finds out they were exposed to the measles should ask their doctor about the vaccine.

The good news is that everyone born before 1957 had the measles and is immune for life. All others can get a simple blood test to see if they need the vaccine.

Although a red rash on the face and chest is what most people think of as the prominent indications of measles, it’s rarely the first symptom.

The first symptoms are usually cough, fever, a sore throat and sensitive eyes. Eyes are so sensitive most people don’t like to open them because the light hurts. The throat is so sore that swallowing is almost impossible.

Measles is a much more serious disease than chicken pox, but the good news is that if someone born before 1957 is exposed to the virus, they likely don’t need a vaccine. Most of the rest of the population would just need a booster shot.

Dr. Bruce’s advice: If you were close to and exposed to the infected people at Disneyland you need a vaccine unless you were born before 1957. If you were not exposed don’t worry, it’s not spreading widely.

But, do get tested next time you see a doctor and see if you need a booster. That should be a guideline for all childhood vaccines, which may not last a lifetime.



Photo Credit: AP

Bank Robber Sought in La Jolla

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Police were looking for a man who robbed a bank in La Jolla Wednesday afternoon.

The robbery happened at Regents Bank at 875 Prospect Avenue just after 4 p.m. Police said a man in a black ski mask with no visible weapon is responsible and was last seen running toward Silverado Street.

The suspect was described by police as 6 feet tall, white and wearing a black ski mask, faded blue jeans, a black hoodie with an "R" on the left front side and brown work boots.

As of this report, a police helicopter was in the air making announcements.



Photo Credit: DJ Miller via Twitter

Water Rushes Down Streets in Little Italy

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Muddy water rushed down the streets of Little Italy Wednesday after a water main was broken in a construction mishap.

An NBC 7 news crew captured images and video of the break that happened just after 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of West Date and India streets, the area where a new public plaza is being built.

A private contractor struck the 15-inch diameter pipe, according to the City of San Diego Water Department.

Water gushed for about an hour before the main was shut off at 9:35 a.m. However, problems continued long after that.

Water seeped under doors and inside businesses. Restaurant owner Daniel Moceri wasn't sure if he would be able to open his doors Wednesday.

“There’s no way to wash dishes or glasses or anything like that. We might offer pizza on a paper plate. That’s the best we can do today,” Moceri said.

People on India between Cedar and Fir and on West Date between Kettner and Columbia are currently without water, according to the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department. Service expected to be restored to all customers by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

San Diego MTS alerted its customers that trolley service between Santa Fe Depot and Middletown was suspended due to flooding from water main break.

The transit service posted to Twitter that there will be substitute bus service set up for passengers.


Man Tried to Save DC Metro Victim

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The family of a 61-year-old Alexandria woman who was killed in a smoky Metro tunnel earlier this week is eternally grateful to a man who tried to save her life.

Dozens of people were trapped for more than 40 minutes as smoke filled the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station tunnel just before rush hour Monday. Video from those aboard shows passengers coughing and lying on the ground, searching for fresh air. 

One of those riders was Carol Inman Glover, who had slumped to the floor unconscious. Fellow passenger Jonathan Rogers, 31, and two other passengers tried in vain for 20 minutes to revive Glover.

"We know you do chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth, so that's what we did," Rogers said. "Nothing was happening, and she was laying there unconscious. Somebody took her pulse and said they couldn't feel a pulse."

Rogers said a man scooped the woman up in his arms and carried her through the cars toward the back of the train.

"I can't tell you how that does so much for me to have had him be there for her and do what he did. It restores my faith in humanity. It really does," Glover's brother Tracy Inman said.

Before his sister's death, Jan. 12 was already a tragic day for Inman and Glover: Their father died that day 33 years prior, in 1982, of smoke inhalation in a D.C. house fire.

Carol Glover was a mother of two sons and a grandmother to three. She had worked at DKW Communications Inc. in downtown D.C. for the past 18 months, commuting on Metro daily. She grew up in Northeast D.C. with two brothers and a sister.

"When I saw it on the news, I spoke out, and there was some compassion that came over me. And I didn't know who the person was, and I said, 'Wow, someone's family member will not be coming home to them tonight," Glover's sister Donna Perry said.

Glover's mother told News4 her daughter suffered from asthma, but always carried her inhaler. She's adamant Glover's death had nothing to do with the asthma. 

"The smoke [killed her]," Corrine Inman said, adding she believes her daughter's death will lead to safety improvements for Metro. "[Carol's] purpose was to make a change somewhere in somebody else's life. This is the change. Change is coming."

Jan. 12 was already a sad reminder for the Inman family of what happened 33 years prior to the day -- Carol Glover's father died of smoke inhalation in a D.C. house fire. 

SDPD Seeks Volunteers for Crisis, Trauma Victims

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The San Diego Police Department Crisis Intervention program is seeking new volunteers to join their team starting in March.

The program, which started 28 years ago, offers emotional support, referrals and resources to people in the City of San Diego who have recently dealt with trauma or potentially traumatic events, including crime, according to the department.

Those critical incidents include natural deaths, homicides, suicides, robberies, SWAT incidents, missing children, kidnappings, accidents and natural disasters, such as fires and earthquakes.

The department said Crisis Intervention volunteers responded to more than 500 calls last year.

"I think that the work our interventionists do is amazing," said Officer Rick Kirchhoff of SDPD Volunteer Services. "They make themselves available all day every day to help those in need. It is an amazing group of individuals who give so freely of themselves with no expectation of publicity or reward."

Volunteers from all backgrounds undergo an intensive three-month long training to be equipped to provide the support necessary to help victims and witnesses of such incidents. The next training session starts in March.

Volunteers must be able to commit to 20 "on-call" hours and one meeting each month for at least one year. Volunteers must also be able to pass a police background check, have no felonies and not currently be on probation.

Interested city of San Diego residents with a valid California driver's license can contact Kirchhoff at 619-446-1014 or email crisis@pd.sandiego.gov. Additional qualification information is available by clicking here.



Photo Credit: San Diego Police Dept.

Mayor Vows to Have Chargers Stadium Plan by Fall

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In his first State of the City address Wednesday, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer laid out an ambitious vision for the city, vowing to create a plan for a new Chargers football stadium by this fall and to finish 1,000 miles of road repairs in the next five years.

During Faulconer’s first ten months in office, speculation over the Chargers’ future has become widespread, especially as Los Angeles shops around for its own NFL team.

The mayor is determined to keep the team in America’s Finest City, and he made his intentions clear in his speech at the Balboa Theatre downtown.

“It’s time for us, as a community, to come together to decide the future of the Chargers in San Diego,” said Faulconer. “This decision will be made on my watch as mayor.”

He announced he will collect a group of civic leaders who will explore ways to finance the project and find a viable space. Two options will be on the table: building a stadium in the current Mission Valley location, or building a stadium in conjunction with an expanded convention center downtown.

The group will be tasked with finding a solution that is a “good and fair deal” for local taxpayers by this fall, when the plan will be made public.

“Both the stadium and convention center are vital to San Diego, and together or separate, we can get both done,” said Faulconer.

Wherever the big project will be, Faulconer also addressed how most will get there: on San Diego’s crumbling roads. For decades, he said, money to fill potholes was diverted to pension benefits. Now, the mayor is making street repair the city’s highest infrastructure priority.

“This spring, I will ask the city council to approve my five-year plan to double our street repair efforts,” he said. “We will repair 1,000 miles of streets.”

In his “One San Diego” budget, Faulconer pledged nearly $100 million to go to infrastructure over the next five years.

But City Councilmembers Todd Gloria and David Alvarez said he missed an opportunity to give a solution for the city’s entire $3 billion infrastructure problem.

“On the same day of these State of the City promises, the Independent Budget Analyst released a report stating that the city will be $96.4 million behind the amount the Mayor has proposed for infrastructure expenditures,” said a joint statement from Alvarez and Gloria. “This should be a wake-up call for all San Diegans. City streets won’t get fixed and fire stations, parks and libraries will be further delayed without a more significant commitment from this administration.”

In his address, Faulconer said he also plans to reform the way repairs are made, allowing contractors to bid for city projects online and eliminating red tape.

Faulconer wants to streamline how private and public sectors compete for neighborhood services. As it stands, the bidding process takes an average of nearly 30 months to complete and implement a winner. The mayor wants to cut down the process to make it faster and open it up to more competition.

Why Do Police Leave Cruisers Running?

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Leaving a running police cruiser empty would seem like an invitation for trouble, but former San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne says there is strategy behind the move.

The issue has gained scrutiny after the third, high-profile case of a stolen law enforcement vehicle played out Tuesday night. A suspect jumped into an SDPD patrol vehicle and rammed into Officer Jeffrey Swett in Barrio Logan, sending him to the hospital with serious injuries.

In August, a woman stole an SDPD patrol car in the East Village and led police on a pursuit to Oceanside. Three months later, another woman – this one handcuffed – managed to jump over the back seat of a California Highway Patrol car and drive off in it.

In all the instances, the vehicles were left running.

“I know it angers some people when they see that, but sometimes that's the cost of doing business for public safety,” said Lansdowne.

When seconds matter, the former chief said leaving a patrol cruiser ready to ride helps quality policing in fluid situations, like racing to a call for help or chasing down a suspect.

“Officers, as they get out of the car, are always worried they're going to get a runner,” he said.
“Someone is going to try and get away, so you've got to have quick access to the car. You don’t have time to start the car in the process."

Plus, running engines are needed to power cars that have become like mobile offices: computers with database access need cooling, and K-9s and suspects must be kept comfortable inside.

Lansdowne told NBC 7 at one time, the department considered implementing kill switches in the SDPD’s fleet, but cost and security turned them off the idea. Some were concerned that a person may be able to hack into the system and shut down all the patrol cars in the city.

Because there was no policy for locking cars while he was chief, Lansdowne said all officers are asked to stay constantly vigilant.

"There is no real policy other than common sense,” said Lansdowne. “They're asked to park safely when they can, lock the car when they can. That's not always the options when you’re actively working."



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Cancer Patient's Memorial Plaque Missing

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The tight-knit community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea is asking for the public’s help to find a bronze plaque belonging to a beloved resident.

Max Spartacus Kleckner -- known as “Mighty Max” -- died Christmas Eve 2012. The young cancer patient touched a lot of lives in Cardiff during his short life, so a plaque was placed at Spartacus Point in his honor.

On Jan. 2, the plaque went missing.

Max was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma when he was just 4 years old. He first noticed a pain in his ear and then his eyes. The pain turned out to be a tumor.

“Max used to love to go to the beach,” his father Mark Kleckner said. The family named a small portion of the Cardiff beach Spartacus Point because Spartacus was Max’s middle name.

Max got the nickname “Mighty Max” because of his bravery.

“They used to give him a bead at the hospital any time he had a procedure. A shot, radiation, chemo, surgery, anything they did to him. By time they were done, he had over 700 beads,” Mark said.

During Max’s long fight with the disease, the people of Cardiff came together to help raise money to pay for his medical bills. Now, just two years after his death, they’re banding together again, this time to find the missing plaque.

“I don’t know why anybody would take it. It’s not worth very much,” Mark said.

He’s asking anyone who has the plaque to anonymously return it to Seaside Market in Cardiff.
 

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