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3 More Arrested in Viral McDonald's Gang Assault

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Police say they have arrested three more girls in a vicious gang assault on a girl inside a Brooklyn McDonald's that sparked public outrage when cellphone video of the attack went viral, and a fourth has been apprehended in Atlanta. 

A 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl were arrested in Brooklyn Friday on robbery and gang assault charges after they turned themselves in to police, according to the NYPD.

Another 16-year-old girl turned herself in on Saturday morning to face the same charges. She's expected to be charged as an adult. 

A fourth teen was taken into custody in Atlanta at the airport Friday as she sat on a plane that was set to head to Jamaica, a law enforcement official told NBC 4 New York. The NYPD alerted local authorities there, and they were able to take the girl off the plane before it departed.

She's expected to be charged once she's brought back to New York, police said.

Cops arrested the alleged ringleader in the Monday brawl, 16-year-old Aniah Ferguson, earlier in the week. She was arraigned Friday on charges of robbery and gang assault, and is being charged as an adult. 

Ferguson has been arrested half a dozen times since September on various offenses, including for allegedly attacking a pregnant woman in an emergency room and her own grandmother, records show. 

In court Thursday, Ferguson's public defender said the teen has been attending counseling once a week for the past year in an effort to "better her life." Prosecutors allege she was the ringleader in the McDonald's beatdown and stole the victim's bag, makeup and phone after the attack.

They also allege she is part of the Young Savages gang, a violent group known to be involved in patterns of violence and credit card scams.

Ferguson, who lives with her mother and grandmother she has been accused of attacking, was ordered held on $500,000 bail. She also has a 1-year-old daughter. None of the three attended her arraignment Friday.

Video of the McDonald's attack, which was posted on Facebook, shows four girls, all believed to be Erasmus Hall High School students, repeatedly punching and kicking another teen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt while throngs of bystanders shout in the background.

The larger group continues to attack the teen in the blue sweatshirt, even pulling out her hair extensions, until the girl huddles underneath a table with her hands over her head. At one point, one of the girls in the group stomps on the victim's head. The victim suffered a concussion, bruises and contusions, according to a criminal complaint.

At several points during the fight, bystanders can be heard saying, "She’s dead," and, "You murdered her."

The video ends with several students picking the girl up off the ground and putting her on a bench.

Police initially said the investigation had been hampered by a lack of cooperating witnesses, including the girl in the blue sweatshirt in her mother, but NBC 4 New York learned Friday that the victim had come forward to file a police report.

The Department of Education, meanwhile, called the actions seen in the video "abhorrent."



Photo Credit: NBC 4 New York

World Record-Holding SoCal Cat Turns 27

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A cat living in San Diego turned 27 years old Friday, upholding her Guinness World Records title as the oldest cat currently living.

“Tiffany Two,” a short-haired black and orange tortoiseshell cat was born on March 13, 1988, in San Diego. Resident Sharon Voorhees bought the pet for $10 when the kitten was just six weeks old, according to Guinness World Records, and refers her purchase as the “best money ever spent.”

Last month, Guinness World Records confirmed that Tiffany Two is now the new holder of the record for oldest cat currently living.

The cat’s latest birthday means she has lived the equivalent of 125 human years.

Guinness World Records reports that despite her age, the mature cat still has good hearing and eyesight. Her owner told Guinness that though not feeble the cat is “still able to go up and down stairs.” She lives indoors but also goes outside as she pleases.

With age also comes a little feline feistiness.

"She's not afraid of anything or anyone. She walks right past the dogs," Voorhees told Guinness World Records, adding that Tiffany Two also enjoys being petted.

Tiffany Two was named after another tortoiseshell cat Voorhees owned in the 1970s.

Before the San Diego-based cat took the title, a cat named Poppy who was born in 1990 was the oldest cat living, according to Guinness World Records.

In order to eventually become the oldest cat ever, Tiffany Two has some big paws to fill.

The Guinness World Record for the oldest cat ever is currently held by “Crème Puff,” a feline from Texas who lived to be 38 years and three days old. He died in August 2005.
 



Photo Credit: Guinness World Records
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San Diego Breaks 20-Year-Old Heat Record

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Consider a 20-year-old heat record for this day shattered.

On Friday, the temperature at 1 p.m. at San Diego International Airport was 89 degrees, surpassing the record of 87 degrees, set in 1994.

More records could shatters across San Diego County this weekend. The forecast calls for a high of 84 degrees. Slightly higher temperatures are expected for Saturday and Sunday.

Inland regions will spend nearly four days in the 90s.

“With Santa Ana winds warming our area tremendously this weekend, it is likely areas will break heat records,” said NBC 7 Meteorologist Jodi Kodesh. “We are twenty to twenty five degrees above average.”

San Diego’s average temperature for this time in March is 65 degrees.

On the flip side, the coldest we’ve even been, on this date, is 40 degrees. That record was set in 1917.

While temperatures will remain hot through the weekend, a return to San Diego’s average 70s will occur next Tuesday.

Beware of Burglars Claiming to be SDG&E Workers

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San Diegans are being encouraged to be aware of impostors claiming to be SDG&E employees to burglarize a home.

SDG&E officials said two people recently posed as utility workers and asked to enter a customer’s home. One impostor then claimed to perform “routine inspections” while the other impostor burglarized the home.

In a news release, SDG&E officials said all utility workers carry proper identification and residents should verify the employee is wearing a uniform and ID badge before letting them into your home.

Officials also recommend customers ask to see an employee’s company ID card, ensure they’re driving a SDG&E-marked company vehicle and never leave your house if asked by a supposed utility worker.

If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to work for SDG&E, officials also recommend you don’t provide credit card information over the phone or any other financial information.

If you are suspicious of anyone at your house or any phone call you’ve received, call SDG&E directly at 800-411-7343.

Teen's Mother Testifies in Cocos Fire Trial

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A San Marcos teenager admitted to starting fires with a lighter the week a devastating wildfire swept across San Diego’s North County according to her mother’s testimony in court Friday.

The defendant’s mother said she and her daughter were crying when the now-14 year old made the statement in an interview with sheriff's department investigators.

It is NBC 7’s policy not to identify juvenile defendants. We are not identifying family members to conceal the defendant’s identity.

Prosecutors claim the teenage girl set two fires in her family’s backyard on May 13 and May 14. One of those fires, prosecutors say, left behind an ember that floated away to cause the Cocos Fire.

Under cross-examination, the mother said she did not believe her daughter could have set the Cocos Fire that occurred on May 14.

That fire prompted the evacuation of a large area of San Marcos and ultimately destroyed 36 homes and caused $10.4 million in damage.

The girl faces four felony charges, including two counts of arson of an inhabited structure or property in which multiple structures were burned and two counts of arson of a structure or forest land in a reckless manner. She also faces a misdemeanor of unlawfully allowing a fire to escape from one’s control.

Previous testimony from a sister alleged that the defendant laughed about setting the fires.

A neighbor also told the court what happened when the fire broke out in the girl's backyard.

Defense attorneys argued earlier this week that a so-called "phantom ember" from the girl's backyard could not have traveled the distance prosecutors have alleged.

Prosecutors told NBC 7 the family rejected a plea agreement offer in the weeks before trial began.

The girl's mother testified Friday that she never considered her daughter could be the person responsible for the fires.

“There was no reason for us to even think that one of the children did that,” the defendant’s mother testified.

Download the free NBC 7 mobile app to stay updated on trial developments.
 

Man Dies After Canoe Capsizes in Mission Bay

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A 52-year-old man has died after his canoe capsized in Mission Bay Friday morning, sending him and two others into the water, officials said.

The boating accident happened around 11:45 a.m. near the Ski Beach Boat Launch.

Rich Stropky, San Diego Lifeguard Marine Safety Lieutenant, said three people were aboard the canoe when they ran into trouble at the buoy line about 25 yards from the boat ramp. As they redistributed their weight on the canoe, it capsized.

Stropky said all three people fell into the water. Two were wearing life vests and swam to safety. The third person was not wearing a life vest, and the wind blew the device out of his reach as he hit the water.

A kayaker in the area saw the capsized canoe and rushed over to help. The kayaker noticed the victim face down in the water and turned him over, pulling him to the shore. He was not breathing and had no pulse, Stropky said.

Lifeguards arrived on scene less than five minutes later and administered aid to the victim. He was taken to UCSD Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Stropky said the incident should serve as a safety warning for those visiting the bay and beaches on this very hot, record-breaking weekend.

“This could’ve been prevented by proper use of a personal flotation device,” said Stropky. “There are a lot of rules out there and for good reason.”
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Stray Puppy Swallows 6-Inch Corn Dog Stick

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A three-month-old stray puppy is recovering from surgery after veterinarians in San Diego found the pup had swallowed a six-inch corn dog stick.

According to County Animal Services, the puppy was spotted by some kids in the College Area who noticed he was chewing on a stick. The kids’ father saw that the dog appeared to be sick and called animal control officers.

The chocolate Labrador mix was taken to a shelter on Gaines Street and X-rayed. Though nothing appeared on the X-rays, vets could feel something in the pooch’s stomach and could see the dog was in pain.

He was sent into surgery and during the operation veterinarians found and removed a corn dog stick swallowed whole by the puppy.

Animal Services Deputy Director Dan DeSousa said the discovery came as a shock to officials, but the surgery likely saved the puppy’s life.

"We're lucky this dog survived. This stick could've easily punctured the stomach; punctured the intestines," said DeSousa.

The pup – who doesn’t have tags, a license or a microchip – returned to County Animal Services Thursday where he will stay until a foster home takes him for a recuperation period.

DeSousa said the puppy’s recovery will take about two weeks. He should become available for adoption next month. He's been nicknamed "Corndog," or "Corny," for short.

County officials said the dog’s medical expenses were covered with the department’s Spirit Fund, a donation-driven program that uses its funds to help care for orphaned pets in county animal shelters.
 



Photo Credit: San Diego County Animal Services
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Driver Slams Into Freeway Guardrail

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A driver slammed into the guardrail on Interstate 8 in the La Mesa area Saturday morning, shutting down parts of the freeway, officials said.

The accident happened just before 7 a.m. at eastbound I-8 and the Jackson Drive exit. California High Patrol reported that one vehicle was involved in the crash and at least one person had sustained major injuries.

Officials blocked off two lanes of the freeway for more than an hour as crews worked to clear the site of the wreck.

The victim’s condition is unknown.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Lifeguards Brace for Crowds and Record Heat

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Record heat in San Diego this weekend is bound to attract big crowds and lifeguards are bracing themselves for more potential rescues than usual.

On Friday, one man died in a canoeing accident on Mission Bay. Lifeguards were also called out to two other search and rescue operations.

Due to the possibility of massive crowds, San Diego Lifeguards said they’re staffing accordingly.

While the summer-like conditions are extremely enjoyable, the local bays and beaches present seasonal dangers people may not be thinking of, said Lifeguard Lt. Rick Stropky.

“This is an unprecedented March,” he said.

The short winter was not short enough to retain basic beach safety for some watercraft enthusiasts and swimmers.

Lt. Stropky said a 52-year-old man was unable to swim to safety after his canoe capsized on Mission Bay. He was not wearing a flotation device.

A teenager swam to shore after falling off the make of a jet ski in the bay. Lt. Stropky said he too wasn't wearing a floatation device, but made it back to shore on his own.

“We had a lot of calls [on Friday]. We were making a lot of rescues at all our beaches. There were crowds everywhere,” he explained.

These may be unseasonal temperatures but the rip currents are unchanged.

“This time of year in the spring you get some shifting of the sandbar and the swell direction so they are very strong,” Lt. Stropky said.

The conditions are not for the novice swimmer. Officials are prepared for whatever the record temps may bring.

Seasonal towers will be manned a week early. In addition, 20 extra lifeguards are patrolling the beaches this weekend.

Still, Lt. Stropky says only two bay beaches will be staffed.

“We don't want people to swim in unguarded areas period. Go to a beach that has lifeguards,” he said.

Marine safety officials also recommend staying hydrated this weekend.

Also, if you are visiting the beaches familiarize yourself with the rules. Check with the lifeguards for the safe and unsafe places to go in the water.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Group Takes in Pit Bull That Survived 30-Foot Fall

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Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for a dog that survived a jump from a Lemon Grove bridge.

Hope, a 5-year-old pit bull, has been taken in by the It’s the Pits Dog Rescue, which plans to nurse her to full health and find her a forever home.

Last month, Hope ran across State Route 94 and Expressway 125 before leaping from a bridge’s edge, falling 30 to 40 feet. The dog fractured her leg and had air escaping from her lungs into her chest cavity when she was rescued by the county’s Animal Services.

She underwent surgery there and is now on the road to recovery.

“When I bring her home, I’m going to assess her medical situation and get her well and rehab her,” said Beth Gruff with It’s the Pits Dog Rescue.

If Hope has lasting stress or fear from the incident, Gruff said they have a dog behaviorist to help get her ready for new owners.

The pit bull’s $5,000 vet bills were paid for by the Animal Service’s donation-driven “Spirit Fund.”
 



Photo Credit: County News Center

shamROCK to Turn Gaslamp Quarter Green

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The sound of Irish drinking songs will lure thousands to the Gaslamp Quarter Saturday, where the green beer will flow for shamROCK 2015.

In traditional St. Patrick’s Day fashion, the drinking starts early to ramp up for the main event on Tuesday.

From 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, three stages – dubbed the Pub, the Luck of the Irish and the Clover – will be a changing turntable of DJs and bands performing rock, punk rock and other favorites with an Irish bent.

Guests, 21 years and up, will get their car bombs and beer from a 150-foot Irish pub built along Fifth Avenue and F Street, where they can watch River Dancers doing their traditional jigs.

The event is closing down traffic to make way for 80,000 square-feet of Astroturf turning the streets green. F Street between 5th and 7th avenues will be closed down, as will 6th Avenue between E and G streets. The green carpet will be rolled out at the main entrance at 5th Avenue and G Street.

Restaurants and bars throughout downtown will offer specials for the event, like no cover charge or drink discounts.

Tickets start at $40, and VIP passes run $80. Proceeds go to the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation.

To save the presumably drunken crowds from trying their luck finding a taxi, MTS is adding some late-night routes to its trolleys.

The last Green Line trolley to SDSU leaves the Gaslamp Quarter Station at 12:23 a.m., the last Blue Line to San Ysidro departs the 5th Avenue Station at 12:23 a.m., and the last Orange Line to El Cajon will set off from the 5th Avenue Station at 12:25 a.m.
 

Telemarketing Calls Not Going Away

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Wendy Platt says sometimes, she's not sure why she picks up her home phone when it rings.

"Most of the calls I get on the landline are from telemarketers or recorded messages," said Platt.

When Nancy Collins hears her phone ring, she almost hates to pick it up.

"Fifty percent of those crazy calls I get are just computerized," said Collins.

Even with the long standing Do Not Call list, calls from telemarketers may be getting even worse. Lois Greisman with the Federal Trade Commission said complaints are skyrocketing.

The FTC gets anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 complaints every month with more than 60 percent about computerized robocalls.

Christina Waddell says 80 percent of the calls she gets on her home phone are unwanted.

"We have two geriatrics that live with us and my mom has been scammed," said Waddell. " These guys are good."

Paul Greenwood with the San Diego District Attorney's Office works elderly abuse cases. He said telemarketers often target seniors.

"It's not just an annoying situation," said Greenwood, "it can be very abusive and intrusive and scary at the same time."

So if the calls are illegal, why do they keep calling? Experts say today's telemarketers are almost impossible to stop.

By making calls over internet connections, telemarketers can be calling from anywhere in the world. They often "spoof" their numbers, which means they can hide behind any phone number they choose.

Susan Grant with Consumer Federation of America said, "If this were a disease, it would be an epidemic."

But Paul Greenwood said, "Unfortunately we don't have a cure for the epidemic."

He said he'd like to see more attempts at law enforcement, even if the people behind the calls are outside the United States.

"Bring them back," said Greenwood. "Make a show case out of it because we've got to get the message out there."



Photo Credit: Consumer Bob

Chargers Sign Pt. Loma HS Grad With Amazing Story

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The Chargers signed former Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson to a 2-year contract on Friday. Smith, a graduate of Point Loma High School, is not the biggest name on the free agent market.

But he might have the most unbelievable life story of anybody out there.

Wilson spent the last four years in Miami, where he started 21 of the 60 games he has played, recording 153 tackles, 16 passes defensed, four interceptions and two sacks while playing both safety and cornerback. Before that, he was an All-American candidate for the Montana Grizzlies from 2004 to 2010. Yes, that's seven years, but he was not at school the entire time.

For one of those years, Wilson was a construction worker. For the other two, he was a resident of a Los Angeles County jail, fighting a murder charge.

In June of 2007, before going to Montana for his senior season, Wilson stopped in Lancaster, CA, to see his grandmother. His aunt, who lived nearby, called in tears, saying her boyfriend had gotten drunk and beaten her. Wilson volunteered to go pick her up. A short time later the boyfriend, Kevin Smoot, was dead from a gunshot wound. Jimmy Wilson was the main suspect.

Wilson pleaded not guilty based on self-defense, claiming Smoot had pulled a gun on him. Wilson says there was a struggle and the gun went off, killing Smoot. The district attorney's office claims the gun (which was not found) was Wilson's and he acted in cold-blooded vengeance, payback for his family member.

The first trial ended in a mistrial with 11 of the 12 jurors wanting to acquit Wilson. Prosecutors still thought they could get a conviction, so Wilson spent another six months in jail awaiting a second trial. This time it took the jury less than a day to find him not guilty.

That was when he spent a year as a construction worker because his NCAA eligibility window had expired. But, University of Montana officials successfully petitioned to get Wilson reinstated. After three years away from football, he got to play his senior season and showed enough ability to be drafted in the 7th round of the 2011 Draft by the Dolphins.

In 2014 as he started 13 of 14 games while setting a career high with 58 tackles. 

Now, he's back in California, a professional football player for his home town team. He'll play safety and possibly nickel cornerback ... basically, wherever the team asks him to. When you go through what Jimmy Wilson has been through, you're just happy to be on the football field.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Waterfront Park Music Fest to Draw 15K People

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A two-day electronic music festival at downtown San Diego’s Waterfront Park this weekend has some residents worried about vandalism, noise and traffic.

The park that sits on the Embarcadero is popular among those seeking the free fountains, lawn and playground.

On Friday, much of the park was already closed as stage crews hung lights and plug in speakers, preparing for the CRSSD Electronic Music Festival. The event is expected to draw a 21-and-over crowd of nearly 15,000 people on Saturday and Sunday.

But officials say the event will be a boon for the county, as the park is being rented for $33,000, nearly one-third of the revenue officials hope to generate this year through private events.

But some locals worry the park will be trashed.

“The aftermath: Is there going to be trash everywhere? (And) the cleanliness of the water if there’s a big concert,” said resident Desiree Jacobs.

County officials say that organizers will pay for any damage and any plants that could get trampled.

CRSSD CEO Johnny Shockey said his crews will lay plywood under the heavy stages and equipment. Plus, security guards will be on guards and there will also be plenty of porta potties.

The park will reopen to the public on Monday.

Man Attacked With Hammer: Police

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A man is in the hospital after someone attacked him with a hammer, police said.

The incident happened at approximately 11:49 p.m. Friday on the 900 block of Euclid Avenue in Emerald Hills, the San Diego Police Department said.

When police arrived, they found an injured man. He was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. 

Police said they have no suspects at this time and have no one in custody.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Teachers Remember Former Student Found Dead in Suitcase

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The people that knew a young Lakeside woman found dead in a suitcase say the circumstances of her death should not dictate how she is remembered.

Brooke Macbeth’s body was found after deputies served an eviction notice at her mother’s Lakeside apartment on March 3. The mother told deputies there was a body in her home and when deputies went inside, they found her body.

Investigators said Brooke could have died up to six months to a year prior to the discovery of her body.

Macbeth's intellectual and physical disabilities, which left her a paraplegic, prevented her from forming words, but she engaged the world through a variety of expressions.

But at a vigil Friday evening, those that knew Brooke came together to share their memories of her, even though many had not seen her in years. 

Former teachers said Brooke had a strong voice, a beautiful long ponytail and an infectious smile. At the vigil, they wanted to change the conversation about Brooke and her death.

When one former teacher found out about Brooke's death, she said she was devastated. 

"I think I went to the bathroom and dropped to the ground," said Erica Russel, a former one-on-one teacher aide for Brooke. "Heartbroken."

Russel said she has known the family for a long time. At the school’s special education program, it was typical for a teacher to work with a student for several years.

She said she is just as heartbroken for the mother, Bonnie.

“I would like to tell Bonnie that we don't know the circumstances she went through and I just hope Brooke passed with natural causes and Bonnie just didn't know what to do,” Russel said. “I’m hoping and I feel. . .I don’t feel Bonnie would have ever hurt her child.”

Sheriff’s investigators said they are still waiting for the results of Brooke’s autopsy. Her mother is being treated at a local hospital.

"I Almost Didn't Get a Tomorrow:" Survivor

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A young Oceanside man who survived a deadly shooting at a park two years ago is proud of how far his community has come and is committed to making the most of his second chance at life.

“Before I got shot I was talking about what I was going to do tomorrow, and I almost didn’t get a tomorrow,” said David Garcia, recounting that horrific day exactly two years ago.

On the night of March 13, 2013, David Garcia was one of four teenagers gunned down at Libby Lake Park in the 500 block of Calle Montecito.

Garcia and one other teen survived the attack but the two other victims – Edgar Sanchez Rios, 16, and Melanie Virgen, 13 – died at the scene.

A few weeks later, several suspects were arrested in connection with the deadly park shooting, charged with murder, attempted murder and participation in a criminal street gang.

The March 2013 shooting was near the site of another fatal shooting that happened in Libby Lake Park just two years before that. On May 3, 2011, the bodies of teens Fernando Felix Solano, 16, and Sandra Salgado, 14, were found shot to death near the park.

Today, the Oceanside community continues rebuild after the tragic violence, promoting a better life for youth through mentoring programs such as the Vista Community Clinic’s Project REACH.

On Friday, two years to the date of the deadly shooting, the City of Oceanside and Project REACH hosted THE 2nd annual “Celebration of Life” event at the park, bringing residents together to remember those who died and encourage the bright futures of teens who still live in the area.

Nowadays Libby Lake Park is starkly different from the one people feared just two years ago. Instead of darkness hanging over the park, there is hope.

“We’re the peacekeepers here – we really are,” Garcia said. “We can strive for more.”

Garcia was shot six times that fateful night – twice in the head. He said the shooting not only changed his life, but his community.

Now a student at Mira Costa College, Garcia said the shooting made him realize that making his community a safer and better place is possible.

Project REACH helped him and now, in turn, he helps mentor youth through the program.

Jimmy Figueroa with Project REACH said the program and events like Friday’s celebration are living proof of the change that has transpired in the community.

“You live in this community where, yes, tragedy has happened, but you’re saying, ‘That might have been the past but it’s not going to be my reality. It’s not my expectations that I have for my community and myself,’” he explained.

Over the past couple of years, Figueroa said he’s seen local youth go from being sad and frustrated to channeling their emotions into creating positive change through the common goal of inspiring and influencing younger generations.

Now, Libby Lake Park is packed with kids and teens playing instead of living in fear.

“It’s their park now, and they’re enjoying it,” said Figueroa.

Many teens like Garcia have rallied together through the Project REACH after-school program. They've done Public Service Announcements aimed at keeping teens away from drugs and violence.

Oceanside Police Department Lt. Leonard Cosby said the youth should be extremely proud of the work they’re doing and the difference they are making in the area.

“Our crime rate this year is down over 9 percent and our gang-related crime rate is down over 30 percent,” said Lt. Cosby. “For the community, it’s a great thing.”

So, on a day that could’ve been full of grief, the community and Garcia chose to focus on just how far they've come and what lies ahead in the future – a future Garcia is so grateful to have.

“I want for my future to be successful. Every day that you live you have to do something new, otherwise you’re not living,” he said.

Eventually, Garcia plans to transfer from Mira Costa College to UC Los Angeles, UC Berkeley or Pepperdine University. He said he wants to become a lawyer so he can help people in his community.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Last Show for the Che?

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It's a little bit funny that on the debut weekend of our Coachella-like Festival, the Fingers CRSSD Festival, we get Coachella-worthy weather. It's going to be a scorcher, but an all-weekend festival by the bay sounds like a pretty OK way to enjoy the sunshine. I only hope they leave the wading fountains on so we can cool down. Be sure to catch LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, and don't miss Empire of the Sun, both major festival highlights wherever they perform. However, if you're not willing to fork over the big money for a festival pass, head up to UCSD to support the historic Che Cafe at Che Fest 2015. There are a ton of awesome bands and, of course, this is a last-ditch effort to keep the cafe alive -- at $10, it can't be beat. By night, the Cambodian pop band Dengue Fever return to the Casbah, singer/songwriters Jackie Greene and Lauren Shera perform at the Observatory North Park, and the buzz-band Wand performs at Soda Bar.

Saturday, March 14:

  • CRSSD Festival: Empire of the Sun, Hot Natured, Classixx, Strfkr, Damian Lazarus & the Ancient Moons, Goldroom, Slow Magi, Jason Bentley, James Murphy, Lee Burridge, Pete Tong, DJ Harvey, Infinity Ink, Amtrac, Kill Frenzy, Nina Las Vegas, Lee K, Kaytranada, Thomas Jack, Breakbot, Giraffage, Aeroplane, Klangkarussell, Treasure Fingers, Carmada, Wa Motif, Klatch @ County Waterfront Park
  • Che Fest 2015: Big Bad Buffalo, PSO, Inspired and the Sleep, Left Astray, Coolside, Shady Francos, Debt Ritual, Drug Control, Haruka, Malinchista, Nerve Control, Plastic City Pariah, Cuddle Weather, VRIL, Fist Benders, All My Wishes, DNLL, Texas 1976 @ Che Cafe (12 p.m. to 12 a.m., $10/free to UCSD Students)
  • Dengue Fever, California Bleeding @ Casbah
  • Jackie Greene, Lauren Shera @ Observatory North Park
  • Wand, Walter TV, Gooch Palms, Death Valley Girls @ Soda Bar
  • Quiet Life @ Seven Grand
  • Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México @ Symphony Hall
  • The Milkcrates DJ @ Bar Pink
  • Tommy Castro & the Painkillers, the 44s @ Belly Up
  • Flakes, Lady Low, Focke Wolves @ Black Cat
  • The Australian Bee Gees Show @ Balboa Theatre
  • Shadmehr Aghili @ Spreckels Theatre
  • Hawai'i: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow @ California Center for the Arts, Escondido
  • Irish Festival in Balboa Park 2015, featuring Lexington Field, the Fooks, Shawn Rohlf & the 7th Day Buskers @ Balboa Park
  • ShamROCK Festival 2015 @ Gaslamp District
  • Naomi Punk, PC Worship, Subtropics @ Tower Bar
  • Fred Benedetti & George Svoboda @ Dizzy's
  • Glamor Kills Spring Break '15, featuring Set It off Against the Current, As It Is, Roam, With Age @ Epicentre
  • Ringo Starr & His All Star Band @ Pala Casino
  • Paper Days, Lobster Party, Splavender, Huj, Adult Films @ SOMA
  • TV Girl @ The Hideout
  • La Banda el Recodo and Ezequiel Pena @ Del Mar Fairgrounds
  • Pete Tong, Thomas Jack @ The Hornblower
  • Damage Inc., Ozzmania @ House of Blues
  • Andre Nickatina @ Porter's Pub
  • Black Market III, the Sickstring Outlaws, Scott Mathiasen & the Shifty Eyed Dogs, the Whiskey Circle @ Brick By Brick
  • Trent Hancock @ Wine Lover
  • Justin Young, Josh Damigo, Sophia Bacino @ Lestat's
  • Damian Lazarus @ Bang Bang
  • Dmitri & Rob Moran @ Whistle Stop
  • Bailey, the Invaderz @ The Merrow
  • Deadbeat Debauchery, Baby Coyote, Crossmoon Supercult, Centurion Weild @ The Bancroft
  • DJ Ayla Simone @ U-31
  • Mark Fisher @ Croce's Park West (12 p.m.)
  • Berkley Hart Selis Twang @ Croce's Park West (7 p.m.)
  • The Fabulous Ulratones @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5 p.m.)
  • Beta Maxx @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (9 p.m.)
  • Lust for Life @ Winston's (5-8 p.m.)
  • Restoration One, Royal Heart and Destructo Bunny @ Winston's
  • Helsott, Santa Claus, Madrost, Orphan Crippler @ Til-Two Club
  • Sid Vicious @ Fluxx
  • Max Vangeli @ Bassmnt
  • Serious Guise @ Tio Leo's
  • Simpler Times @ Kava Lounge
  • Crown Roots, DJ Chelu @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
  • Revival @ Boar Cross'n
  • Irie Love, Pali Roots, True Press, KL Noise Maker @ 710 Beach Club
  • DJ E & Yoday @ Henry's Pub

Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah and writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.



Photo Credit: Michael Klayman

3 Rescued, 1 Dead, as Tugboat Sinks

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The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three survivors from a sunken tugboat Saturday in the icy Atlantic Ocean, but reported that one crew member had died and his body was recovered.

The three survivors were treated for hypothermia and reported in fair condition. 

Donald Maloney, the on-duty captain, was unable to put on his survival suit, Suffolk County police said. His crewmates - Lars Vetland, Jason Reimer and Rainer Bendixen - were able to get into their suits.

The 65-foot tugboat Sea Bear was traveling from Shinnecock to New York City when the crew called a vessel traffic service to report that the tug was taking on water, said Coast Guard Command Duty Officer Mark Averill. The vessel service notified the Coast Guard in New Haven, Conn., at about 2:50 p.m. and rescue boats and a helicopter were dispatched to the location.

As Coast Guard rescuers approached, the tugboat's emergency transmission died. The vessel sank one mile off the coast of Fire Island Pines.

Despite a thick blanket of fog, a Coast Guard boat from Fire Island reached the location in about 45 minutes and found the three survivors wearing emergency immersion suits, Averill said. They were huddled together in the water.

The water temperature was 37 degrees, Averill said.

The Coast Guard searched and at about 5 p.m. found Maloney's body near the spot where the vessel sank.

Catholic Group Wants "St. Patrick" Taken Out of Boston Parade

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With a second LGBT group being allowed to march in the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, a Catholic group is urging parade organizers to remove the saint's name.

The Catholic Action League said Saturday that it wants the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council to change the parade's name after LGBT rights group Boston Pride was admitted.

OutVets, an LGBT veterans group, was told late last year that it would be allowed to march.

"In Catholic tradition, 'the sin of impurity against nature' is one of four sins 'which cry out to heaven [sic] for vengeance,'" the Catholic Action League wrote in a statement. "As homosexual groups enter the parade, Catholic organizations, which is to say people who belong to the religion of Saint Patrick, have been pulling out."

The Immaculate Heart of Mary School and the Knights of Columbus have decided not to participate following the decision to allow LGBT groups to march.

"The saint's venerable name should not be cheaply misappropriated by nominally Catholic politicians and anti-Catholic organizations with a same sex agenda," said Catholic Action League Executive Director C.J. Doyle in the statement. "Call it whatever you want, but don't debase the name of Saint Patrick by associating it with the tawdry circus that will take place on Broadway tomorrow."

You can watch the St. Patrick's Day Breakfast and the parade live Sunday on necn and necn.com. Coverage begins at 9 a.m.



Photo Credit: necn
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