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Bolts' Counsel Gives Realities Of Stadium Gamesmanship

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NBC 7's Gene Cubbison offers this analysis on the latest developments behind the Chargers stadium scramble.

For civic leaders focused on keeping the Chargers in San Diego, there’s a big disconnect with the team's point man in its quest for a new stadium.

Since February, when news broke about the Bolts’ plans in the city of Carson, Mark Fabiani has offered increasingly blunt perspective on where the franchise is coming from, and why it might wind up elsewhere.

Forget about football being a "contact sport".

As a virtual monopoly business enterprise, the NFL plays a collision sport – and the notion of collaboration between the Chargers and city has been sitting on the bench lately.

But Fabiani, special counsel to team president Dean Spanos since 2003, says Spanos isn't looking for mere riches in the Los Angeles market.

It's about the economic survival of the franchise.

"We were approached by the people who sold their land to (St. Louis Rams owner) Stan Kroenke in Inglewood,” Fabiani noted in a Friday recording session for this weekend’s edition of NBC 7’s “Politically Speaking” program.

“We've had multiple opportunities to move the team; Dean hasn't wanted to do it,” Fabiani continued. “But at some point, after 14 years, with other teams threatening to take away the LA, Orange County markets -- if this were your business, you wouldn't sit by and let that happen."

The latest development in the long-running melodrama is new renderings of the Chargers/Raiders joint-use stadium project in the city of Carson.

Fabiani said the teams are now closing escrow on an outright purchase of the 168-acre former dumpsite, since the proposal was approved by Carson’s city council on Tuesday.

He emphasized that all financial risks are being assumed by the team, with guidance from investment bankers at Goldman Sachs.

In the eyes of his many detractors, Fabiani has been playing both ends against the middle between here and the L.A. market -- sacrificing good will, if not dealing in bad faith, and ignoring polls that suggest the Bolts will flop if they leave for a fan base seemingly more partial to the Rams and Raiders.

"(The polls) do not match the scientific research we've done,” he countered. “And again, we're taking the risk here. If we're wrong about this, it's the team that will be hurt financially. So we have to be one thousand percent confident, and we are."

Fabiani shrugged off suspicions that the Chargers' game plan in Carson is a decoy -- that a second berth in an Inglewood stadium complex is the way out of San Diego, if need be.

"People are free to think what they want; we're not in a position to talk them out of what they think,” he said. “ There's only one group of people that really matters here."

Reality check for Bolts-backers fanatic about their blue and gold-clad heroes of the gridiron?

"The team has more than satisfied the (NFL’s) relocation guidelines,” Fabiani pointed out. “And that's the only thing we care about in the end -- what do they owners think of what you've done?"

Fabiani wouldn't pre-judge whether the Mission Valley financing plan being developed by the mayor's stadium advisers would work.

The group is due to release its report on May 20th.

He hedged, however, with this cautionary note: "We've hired the best experts in the world; we couldn't figure it out in Mission Valley. Now that doesn't mean that a brand-new set of eyes can't come into this and figure it out in a different way. If they do, we'll be the happiest people in the world."

As for how much money the Chargers have invested in Carson, Fabiani wouldn’t say -- calling the numbers “propriety” information that the team would rather not be known to Kroenke.

He was asked if Spanos is ready to risk the bitter legacy that other NFL owners have reaped in cities they moved their teams out of.

"Nobody wants that,” Fabiani replied, quickly adding that he and Spanos – and their families -- “love it here".

The clear upshot?

It’s about business, plain and simple.

This isn’t the National Friendship League.
 



Photo Credit: MANICA Architecture

Geyser Erupts From Damaged Hydrant

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A  huge fountain of water exploded from a damaged hydrant in Carlsbad Friday afternoon.

Officials say vehicles crashed at Calle Barcelona and Rancho Santa Fe Road at 4:20 p.m.

The collision sent one vehicle off the road, clipping a fire hydrant.

Gushing water was sent flying into the air.

No one was injured in the crash.

The Carlsbad Fire and Water departments were called in to stop the water flow and the flooding.

Prescription Database Law Could Cut Painkiller Deaths

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A proposed law could reduce accidental deaths and suicides from prescription painkillers.

Supporters of the controversial measure include two San Diegans who were featured in an NBC 7 Investigates story about prescription drug overdoses. Those residents are flying to the state Capitol to testify Monday on behalf of the legislation.

More than 1,000 Californians die every year from accidental or purposeful abuse of controlled substances. Those victims include Kristin Greene, a Lakeside resident who killed herself in November, 2013, with a toxic cocktail of painkillers and sedatives.

Documents obtained by NBC 7 Investigates reveal that Kristin had obtained more than 60 prescriptions from nine medical professionals and several pharmacies in the five years before her death.

Her story — and her family’s effort to prevent more prescription drug deaths — was the focus of an NBC 7 Investigates report in February.

Kristin’s sister, Lisa Bond, said Kristin might still be alive if doctors were required to check the state's narcotics database, called CURES (the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System), before they prescribe controlled substances for new patients.

Senate Bill 482, authored by State Senator Ricardo Lara, of Bell Gardens, would require doctors to use the CURES database or be subject to discipline.

Bond and her husband are flying to Sacramento Sunday to prepare for Monday’s Senate committee hearing on the proposed law. They’ll be joined at the Capitol hearing by Clark Smith, M.D., a San Diego psychiatrist and addiction expert who also supports the mandatory use of the CURES database.

“I think if CURES were used on a regular basis, we would see tremendous progress in cutting back prescription drug dependence,” Smith told NBC 7 Investigates.

Supporters say it will prevent “doctor shopping” by drug addicted patients, like Kristin.

Her sister said if one of Kristin’s doctors had refused to write her a prescription, Kristin might have sought help for her addiction.

"Maybe at that point she would have said, 'Hey, listen, I have a problem. I need to get in rehab again,'” said Bond. “Because she can't get the drug. What's she going to do? She needs to take care of that situation. Maybe then she would reach out and say, 'I need to get rehab’, or anything. But she wouldn't be able to get all those drugs.”

The California Narcotics Officers’ Association, the California College and University Police Chiefs Association and several consumer groups, including Consumer Watchdog, also support SB 482.

Opponents include CVS Health and Rite Aid stores and the California Medical Association (CMA).

The CMA says “the premature and overly-broad mandatory check” required by the proposed law would “negatively impact patient care” and “will discourage even appropriate prescribing of controlled substances.”

The CMA advocates a more “balanced” approach to the problem of prescription drug abuse: “This bill doesn’t achieve that balance and patients with legitimate medical (needs) will be the ones who are disproportionately impacted.”

Navy Offers Jet Crash Victims Fraction of Lost Items' Worth

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An Army veteran whose home was destroyed by a fiery Navy jet crash said he was shocked to learn the U.S. government planned to pay him under $5,000 -- even though officials told him they'd cover "whatever it costs" to replace his family's lost possessions.

Jesus and Shady Valenzuela lost everything on June 4, 2014, when an AV-8B Harrier jet from the Third Marine Aircraft Wing malfunctioned and crashed into the Imperial, California, house they were renting.

In an interview Thursday, Jesus told NBC 7 military personnel were extremely helpful after the incident, telling the family to go shopping for necessities like pajamas and toothbrushes. A military official from Washington D.C. even flew to Imperial to meet with them about the recovery process and how to get everything replaced.

"’Just write it down and we'll take care of it. We're going to pay you whatever it costs to pay you to buy it now to replace it,’” Jesus said, quoting the official.

The couple wrote a three-page inventory, cataloging everything they could think of, and submitted the claim to the military. In all, their lost possessions totaled $115,000, they estimated.

Jesus told NBC 7 he trusted the military would help them get their lives back to normal because he is an Army veteran and served for his country.

“I was loyal to my country. I'm loyal to my community. I'm a law enforcement officer,” said Jesus, who is now a sergeant at a state prison. “I've served my community for 22 years, so I believed him."

While waiting for the claim, the Valenzuelas were able to borrow money from their local church and community members. The couple thought they were on the right track to rebuilding their home -- until they got an initial settlement offer from the U.S. government.

The amount offered was $4,460.

"We opened the letter and I was like, I, I was just -- I wasn't mad. I was disappointed," Jesus said.

Jesus called the attorney representing the military for an explanation. When asked how they came up with that figure, the lawyer said, “It’s depreciation.”

The Valenzuelas plan to refuse the offer since they say it will only make a small dent in what it has cost them to start rebuilding.

"It's really put us in a stressful situation because now we're seeing that they're not going to want to pay us,” said Jesus. “And we owe money to people that they're depending on the government as well so we can pay them back."

The Valenzuelas told NBC 7 they are also in the process of helping Shady’s mother and father, who lived with them in their Imperial home. The parents were inside at the time of the crash, but they were not physically hurt.

Their car, which was in the driveway at the time of the crash, was destroyed along with a motorized scooter, their bedroom furniture and clothes. They too have received an initial settlement offer in the amount of $1,330.

The owner of the home also reached out to NBC 7 because his settlement offer from the military was less than half of the value of the home, which is surrounded by a chain link fence until it can be demolished and rebuilt again.

In a statement emailed to NBC 7 Friday, Navy Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Zeldis said the Navy is committed to resolve claims related to the plane crash in a “fair and timely matter.”

“While we cannot discuss the status of individual claims for privacy reasons, those claims not resolved are in various stages of the process. The Department of the Navy takes this matter seriously and will continue to monitor the progress of these claims,” her statement said.

Zeldis explained once a claim is received, the Federal Tort Claims Act allows the Navy six months to make a decision on it. If no decision is made after that time, the victims can file a lawsuit or wait for a final decision.

If a claim is denied, the victims have the right to file a suit within the next six months.



Photo Credit: Nadia Arredondo/Facebook

CHP Chases Semi From Temecula to San Diego

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A semi-truck driver trying to escape California Highway Patrol officers sped from Temecula to San Diego County Friday night, with law enforcement trailing close behind.

The chase started just after 8 p.m. on southbound Interstate 15 when the driver refused to pull over, according to San Diego County Sheriff's officials.

The semi hit speeds of at least 84 mph as he crossed the county line.

Officers had to use two separate spike strips to bring the truck to a halt.

The driver was taken into custody nearly an hour later at Pomerado Road in Rancho Bernardo.

He told NBC 7 crews at the scene that he had been drinking and apologized.

K-9 units helped to clear the semi truck.

Dealing With Dog Barking Problem? What You Can Do

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If you're baffled on how to deal with a persistently barking dog, here's information on how cities in San Diego County deal with complaints.

San Diego

San Diego Municipal Code states long continued noise (including from animals) causing annoyance is unlawful. Cases that have the necessary support may be referred to mediation or the City may issue administrative fines. Code Enforcement can only take action when the city receives signed statements from two or more residents living in difference households. Other enforcement remedies are also available for severe cases. For more, click here.

Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad contracts for animal control services through the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services. For a dog that is barking because it is suffering or is in distress, call the Department of Animal Services North County emergency number at 760-438-1460. Complaints about noise associated with barking dogs can be reported to the non-emergency number at 760-438-2312. For more, click here.

Chula Vista

Chula Vista Municipal Code 6.24.040 addresses barking dogs, enforcement procedure and nuisance. If you deal with this problem, click on “Barking Dog Complaints,” fill out and submit the form. The City of Chula Vista must receive complaint forms from two or more separate households within 100 feet of the property boundary line where the barking dog is located. Call 619-691-5123 with any additional questions. For more, click here.

Oceanside

You can call Oceanside Police Department dispatch at 760-435-4900. The city’s website indicates, “Due to constrained resources barking dog complaints are not considered a priority and will be addressed as resources permit. Individuals may consult an attorney to evaluate possible civil remedies.” For more, click here.

Escondido

Depending on the circumstances, the Escondido Humane Society or the Escondido Police Department may address the public disturbance. Code Enforcement can only regulate the number of dogs on the property. Contact Escondido Humane Society at 760-888-BARK or call the Escondido Police Non-Emergency Line at 760-839-4722. For more, click here.

Encinitas

Barking dog complaints can be submitted to the Code Enforcement office. Staff will send the property owner and/or tenant a notification of the complaint, requesting that they control the dog(s) within one week. Should the violation continue, the complainant is required to confer with another neighbor and each keep a noise log for at least three days. The City then works with the Sheriff’s department in order to gain compliance. For more, click here.

El Cajon

The El Cajon Police Department’s website states, “Animal Control recommends talking with the owner of the barking dog to make them aware of the problem. Many times, owners don’t realize their pet is creating a disturbance in their absence.” If that doesn’t work, there is a three-step process to get law enforcement involved. 1) Send a the El Cajon Animal Shelter a letter or visit the shelter to make a complaint. They send a letter to the owner stating a complaint was made. 2) If Step 1 doesn’t solve the problem, fill out a questionnaire. That becomes the second complaint. You’ll need to log the barking and submit your log. 3) Log is the third complaint. Your complaint is no longer confidential at this point and you must be willing to sign a complaint and appear in court if needed. An Animal Control Officer (ACO) will be assigned to your case and will contact you, the owner, and neighbors in the area. Prosecution is an option. For more, click here.

Del Mar

Information not found

San Marcos

The City of San Marcos contracts animal control services with the Escondido Humane Society. For questions, please call (760) 888-BARK between 10 am and 6 pm, seven days a week or visit www.escondidohumanesociety.org. In San Marcos, noise at any time of the day is illegal if it is considered a nuisance by your neighbors and could result in fines. San Marcos quiet hours are between 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekday and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekends. For more, click here.

Coronado

Coronado Animal Services responds to barking dog complaints in Coronado. For more, click here.

Vista

Barking dog complaints are handled by Animal Control Officers with the San Diego Humane Society within the city limits of Vista. Many times after an Animal Control Officer has contacted the dog owner the problem is solved. However, if the problem continues, residents have other options including: mediation, calling the Sheriff’s Office, notifying the Home Owners Association or contacting a civil attorney. The organization, North County Lifeline provides free mediation/ counseling service to the public. To arrange a mediation session between yourself and the dog owner, call 760-726-4900. For more, click here.

La Mesa

If talking with your neighbor does not solve the problem, the City of La Mesa suggests you turn in a Barking Dog Questionnaire. You can also pick it up at City Hall or their police department. The form helps Animal Control pinpoint barking problems when talking to the owner. For more, click here.

Poway

The City of Poway has a noise ordinance that governs this issue. You can report barking dog complaints by submitting a service request to the Humane Society or by calling (760) 888-2236 to leave a message. The Humane Society will respond within 48 hours. For more, click here.

Solana Beach

Information not found

Santee

On the City of Santee’s website, it indicates its residents should contact the Sheriff’s Department at 858-565-5200 with dog barking complaints. For more, click here.

National City

National City’s Field Services investigates complaints of animal neglect or nuisance. For more, click here.
 



Photo Credit: Getty Images

USS Midway Marks Vietnam War Anniversary

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Vietnam veterans from around the country are in San Diego to mark the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam War on April 30.

On Friday,  many took private tours of USS Midway and were able to see locations that are off limits to the general public.

Veteran Pete Dunn, who is making his first return to the ship since the war, said the experience took them back to 1975.

“It just brought back so many memories of being in that hot fire room," he said. The minimum temperature was like 120.”

On Sunday, a commemorative event will be held to mark 40 years since Operation Frequent Wind: the evacuation of Saigon.

About 125,000 Vietnamese were transported by helicopter to several Navy ships off the countries coast — USS Midway among them.

“It was chaotic; helicopters flying everywhere. Everybody wanted to just get out of there," said Jim Perttula, who is in San Diego from Cincinnati.

The flight deck has ribbons tied to it in remembrance of those lost in the war.

The Wall that Heals will be on display 24 hours a day and open to the public for free beginning Saturday, with a ceremony at 11 a.m. that day.

The ship also has displays about Vietnam in addition to regular museum exhibits.

Tickets for events and tours are available through USS Midway Museum website.



Photo Credit: Patrick Shipley

Standoff With Man Believed to Have Pipe Bombs

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A suspect, who police believe is armed with pipe bombs, has prompted an hours-long standoff with officers.

At about 4:15 p.m., Chula Vista police were called to the home in the 300 block of Anita Street.

More than three hours later, they responded again and talked with a man locked in a room, saying he will not come out.

They say the suspect is known to have several pipe bombs.

Police are asking people to avoid the area, though there is no word on if they are asking for evacuations.

Check back here for details on this breaking news story.



Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Vietnam Memorial to Temporarily Open at USS Midway

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Local Vietnam veterans will get a special opportunity in the next several days to view a temporary memorial at the U.S.S. Midway Museum.

The memorial, called “The Wall that Heals,” is a half-sized replica of the original Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It stands 125 feet tall and bears 58,300 names.

It will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and be open until 5 p.m. Thursday. Standing at the top of the U.S. Midway Museum deck, it will also have a mobile education center a deck below showing more historical information on the Vietnam War.

The “Wall that Heals” has been traveling 30 to 40 cities a year through the nation for more than a decade. On Friday, veterans on motorcycles rode alongside the memorial as it arrived at the U.S.S. Midway.

Some Vietnam veterans told NBC 7 that they never had the chance to see the memorial in D.C. and believe this memorial will be just as emotional to see.

“It’s going to close some chapters for me,” said veteran Tom Reddecliff. “It’s going to close some chapters for me. I got some friends on the wall and it’s going to be the first time I look at it.”

Fellow veteran Charles Dudley also said the memorial could help bring closure.

“My wife keeps telling me I need to bring closure to this,” he said.

The memorial’s next stop is Omaha, Nebraska.

Driver in Cycling Crash Competent for Trial

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A woman accused of slamming into a group of cyclists on Fiesta Island last summer was ruled mentally competent to stand trial, a judge decided on Friday.

Theresa Owens, 49, was undergoing a trial this week to determine if she understands the charges against her and can assist in her defense. She faces charges of felony DUI and possession of a controlled substance.

A judge ruled on Friday afternoon, after hearing testimony from psychiatrists, that Owens was fit to stand trial.

Police say she was under the influence of methamphetamine on Aug. 12 when she drove the wrong way on the Mission Bay island and hit about 10 cyclists. During her arrest, a bag of meth was found in her vagina, prosecutors allege.

The psychiatrist who evaluated Owens had earlier said she had bipolar disorder marked by persistent delusions about her mother and boyfriend.

He said she was having a hallucination that her boyfriend “appeared and disappeared” during the crash.

However, a psychiatrist for the prosecution testified Owens met the legal standard for mental competency.

Ten people were injured in the Fiesta Island crash in August, including La Jolla father Juan Carlos Vinolo, who is now paralyzed.

The crash prompted the city of San Diego to improve signs and road safety in the area to prevent another incident.

$250K Payout Recommended for Alleged Victim of Ex-SDPD Cop

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A woman who says a former San Diego police officer groped her in a patrol car while he took her to Las Colinas Detention Facility will be paid a quarter of a million dollars, if the San Diego City Council approves the City Attorney's recommendation Tuesday.

The City Attorney's office has recommended the settlement payment to an alleged victim of former Officer Donald V. Moncrief.

Moncrief, a 6-year veteran of the police department, was never arrested or charged with the February 2013 incident. The victim was a suspect arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border in a gang-related auto theft.

In a federal lawsuit filed against the city, the woman alleges Moncrief touched her inappropriately while she was handcuffed in the back of his patrol car.

The woman's attorney, Dan Gilleon, said this case was difficult because unlike other SDPD misconduct cases, his client was the only alleged victim of Moncrief. Similar to the other cases, though, she does have a criminal background.

"She grew up in a very gang-infested area, and there are certainly some issues with prior drug abuse, and the people she would hang out with were very questionable characters," Gilleon said.

Gilleon claims Moncrief chose his victim because he didn't think anyone would believe her because of her extensive criminal history and drug problems.

"It's difficult sometimes when these officers are savvy and they are selective in who they hurt," Gilleon said. "I think Moncrief knew he could get away with it because if she ever says 'Hey, you won't believe what this guy did to me.' He's going to say, 'Who are you going to believe? Me or her?'"

The District Attorney's office declined to file charges against Moncrief because investigators had insufficient evidence.

"As with any case, whether it is a police officer or not, we can only file charges when we believe we can prove them beyond a reasonable doubt," said DA Public Affairs Officer Tanya Sierra.

In late April 2014, Moncrief filed a claim against the city seeking damages for defamation, among other things. That claim has not yet been settled.

Gilleon said his client passed a lie detector test, while Moncrief did not take one.

Moncrief could not be reached for comment. Messages left with his attorney were not returned. The City Attorney and the San Diego Police Officer's Association declined to comment.

A SDPD spokesman did not return a request for comment.

Two victims of another ex-SDPD officer convicted of misconduct on the job – including assault, battery and illegally detaining several women – will be paid more than $1.3 million.

That officer, Christopher Hays, pleaded guilty to felony false imprisonment as well as misdemeanor counts of assault and battery under the color of authority by a peace officer on Aug. 22, 2014.

Hays’ case put the SDPD under fire, further marring the department’s image, which has faced a wave of public scrutiny for quite some time.

When news broke of the alleged sexual misconduct crimes, then-Chief William Lansdowne ordered an outside audit of the police department from the U.S. Department of Justice. Lansdowne’s successor, Chief Shelley Zimmerman, supported the audit.

“We are not going to tolerate this misconduct and betrayal of our badge and our profession,” Zimmerman said in March 2014.

Former San Diego police officer Anthony Arevalos is currently serving prison time for multiple felony counts of sexual battery, assault and asking for bribes while in uniform as a police officer patrolling the Gaslamp from 2009 to 2011.

On Sept. 25, 2014 attorneys and city officials announced that a San Diego woman who was victimized by Arevalos will receive $5.9 million in a legal settlement negotiated between the victim and the City of San Diego.

The woman, known only as “Jane Doe,” filed a claim of police misconduct after an interaction with then-officer Arevalos inside a 7-Eleven store bathroom on March 8, 2011.

According to prosecutors, the corrupt cop conducted a routine traffic stop on Jane Doe and then suggested the two of them go into the nearby convenience store. The two entered the restroom with the agreement that she would give him her panties, and in exchange he would not charge her for a DUI.

Jane Doe's lawsuit was one of 13 filed by victims of Arevalos, who was convicted in November 2011.

The payments to Hays’ victims were approved in closed session meetings last month.

The City Council is set to consider the payment to Moncrief's alleged victim on Tuesday.
 

One Paseo Heading Back to City Council

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Petitioners learned Friday they gathered enough signatures to send the One Paseo Project proposal back to the San Diego City Council.

The County Registrar of Voters told the city clerk that opponents of the development turned in the 34,000 signatures required.

The city council, which approved One Paseo 7-2 in late February, must now decide whether to overturn their initial decision or take the issue to the voters as a ballot item.

"Our hope is the city council members will change their vote and deny the project if they rescind their vote," said Jeff Powers with Protect San Diego's Neighborhoods, a group against the project. "If they decide to keep their vote the way it is and send it back to the ballot, we're confident we will win that as well."

The next city council hearing on One Paseo is set for May 18.

The $750 million, 1.4 million square-foot One Paseo Project includes the construction of stores and eateries, the expansion of a movie theater and the addition of more than 600 family apartments and a parking structure in Carmel Valley. Sixty of those apartment units will be affordable housing, the city council mandated.

According to opponents, the council disregarded the voice of community planning groups and thousands of locals who don't want the project to move forward.

They believe it is too big for the Carmel Valley area and will create a traffic nightmare.

But supporters, including the developer Kilroy Realty, say it will bring 1,600 new jobs, 600 new homes and $630 million to the local economy.

Kilroy released the following statement about Friday's developments: 

"Kilroy worked constructively with Carmel Valley community members for nearly seven years to refine One Paseo, ultimately earning the support of a bipartisan supermajority of the City Council. We're disappointed the project now faces further delay resulting from a campaign of misinformation paid for by an Orange County-based corporation bent on smothering competition. We'll work hard over the next year to educate voters on the merits of what will be San Diego's most environmentally sustainable project and the many economic and community benefits One Paseo offers."

Multiple groups banded together to file two separate lawsuits against the project, hoping to block its development in the courts. 

Man Arrested in 2 Road Rage Crashes

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A San Diego driver intentionally rammed his truck into cars in at least two road rage incidents, California Highway Patrol investigators say, and there may be more victims.

CHP officers arrested John Albert Young, 42, on Thursday on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. 

Investigators say it's lucky no one was hurt when Young drove his full-sized Ford F-350 truck into two cars. He is accused of hitting the cars Thursday on northbound Interstate 805 just north of Governor Drive and on southbound State Route 163 just north of Friars Road.

Officers have not released details about what led to the suspected road rage, but they say Young created a dangerous sitaution.

"I don't know what was going through this individual's mind," said CHP Officer Jake Sanchez. "All we know is that he used his vehicle as a weapon to hit other vehicles and we're talking at freeway speeds, striking other vehicles on the highway." 

They suspect Young has done this to others in the last two to three months. 

The CHP released pictures of Young's truck Friday, hoping more victims may come forward. It had raised and oversided tires.

If a truck like this has hit your car on county highways, CHP asks that you call Investigator B. Clinkscales at 858-637-3800.

Sanchez said these types of aggressive incidents are happening more often, and the CHP wants to halt them.

"What we're seeing is more people getting more upset and going to more extreme measures in these incidents and what we're trying to do is get the message out: calm down, relax, get to your destination safely, get home safely," said Sanchez.
 



Photo Credit: CHP

Thousands Lose Power in Tex. Storms

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Strong thunderstorms packing powerful winds carved a trail of damage across North Texas Friday evening, causing widespread power outages and downing numerous trees down in southern Tarrant County.

Wind gusts of 70 to 90 mph were reported in the storms, with the most wind damage reported in Comanche, Erath, Johnson and Tarrant counties.

Oncor reported more than 25,000 customers without electricity early Saturday morning, down from their initial report of 52,000. Power companies across Texas reported that over 48,00 people across the state were without power.

Travelers huddled in a storm shelter at Dallas Love Field as severe storms flights grounded. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport also reported hundreds of flights delayed or canceled by the storms.

No tornadoes have been confirmed by the National Weather Service, but straight-line winds toppled trees and power lines in several communities.

A large, mature tree was no match for the winds that hit Lipscomb Street in Fort Worth.

Haven Zametz said she was inside her house when the storm's winds began to howl, and she said her house began to shake as if it was in an earthquake.

She didn't realize it was because the tree fell on top of her home until her neighbor called.

"My neighbor called and said, 'Are you OK?' And I said, 'Yeah, I'm fine.' And he said, 'No, a tree has fallen on your house!' So I walked out onto the porch and this is what I saw," said Zametz.

The tree smashed the roof of the front porch, but did not damage the home. No one was hurt.

Areas of flash flooding were also reported, with at least one water rescue from a vehicle in Irving.

The American Red Cross said the damage in the Metroplex appeared to be minor, and no shelters would be needed. Still, teams would remain on call to assist families in need.

The NBC 5 Weather Experts say Saturday will be sunny and warm, and a chance of thunderstorms returns to the forecast for Sunday afternoon and evening.

NBC 5's Bianca Castro contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: NBC 5 News
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Oceanside Man Stabbed to Death Found by Babysitter

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An Oceanside man stabbed to death was found by his two and four year old children's babysitter, police said. 

The incident happened at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday near the 1400 block of Santa Rosa Street in Oceanside, when police said suspect David Strouth, in his 40s, stabbed a man identified by police as 55 year-old Dennis Alan Bertram of San Diego.

Police said a babysitter was watching the Bertram’s two children when the incident happened at a residence on the 2800 block of 46th Street. The woman found the father of two covered in blood and the suspect as well.

She rushed across the street for help and neighbors came over, police said. They tried to give the victim CPR but it was too late.

The victim died after suffering several stab wounds, police said. Investigators say the suspect also had several stab wounds, though officials believe they were self-inflicted.

Strouth was airlifted to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Once he recovers, officers plan to arrest him on murder chargers.

The investigation is ongoing. 


Mattel Dumps "SeaWorld Trainer Barbie"

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“SeaWorld Trainer Barbie” is going to need to freshen up her resume.

A Mattel spokesperson has confirmed that the company has ceased production of the doll and the rest of its SeaWorld-related merchandise.

"We're not making the doll anymore," Alex Clark told NBC News. "Consumers may find it on retail shelves but we are not shipping and not producing the doll."

Clark didn’t name a specific motivation behind the move.

"A number of factors go into a decision like that," he said. "Their licensing deal expired and we've elected not to renew it."

However, Mattel’s decision follows a growing backlash against the aquatic theme park over its treatment of orcas and the safety of its trainers.

In 2010, park guests witnessed a SeaWorld trainer get drowned by an orca. In 2013, a documentary called “Blackfish” also sparked public outcry over allegations that the captive whales were being mistreated.

Animal activist groups praised the move by Mattel.

"It is very fitting that Mattel would dump Sea World Trainer Barbie," PETA spokeswoman Stephanie Shaw said to NBC News. "She's now able to maintain her animal-friendly image."

Back in November, the company announced that attendance and revenue continued to decline in the fourth quarter of 2014.

“Clearly, 2014 has been a challenging year, but I am confident we are taking the necessary steps to address our near term challenges and position the company to deliver value over the long term,” SeaWorld CEO Jim Atchison said at the time in a statement on the park’s website.



Photo Credit: MATTEL

Pursuit Begins After Man Drives Wrong Way Toward Officer

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A suspect involved in a minor hit-and-run that became a police pursuit died after he was taken to the hospital, police said.

The 26-year-old male was involved in a minor hit-and-run at approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday.

The suspect fled the scene and was driving the wrong way on Cedar Street when a California Highway Patrol officer spotted the suspect driving straight toward him.

The man made a U-turn in front of the cop and the officer pursued him until he ultimately made a left turn on Juniper Street and ran into a retaining wall near the 2300 block of 1st Avenue in Banker’s Hill. 

The suspect was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The San Diego Police Traffic Division is investigating.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Simple Surgery Leads to Amputation for San Diego Man

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One Southern California man is suing a San Diego doctor's office after his simple orthopaedic surgery went wrong and resulted in an amputation. 

San Diego resident Mike Szabo said it all started with a throbbing pain he felt in his pinky finger after playing a game of hurling. 

He initially ignored the pain, and by the time he went to see Dr. Drew Peterson at California Orthopaedic Institute, the doctor told him he would require a simple surgery.

"He said that it was dislocated and I small fracture in the joint and because it had been dislocated and because it had been dislocated for 8 weeks it would require a simple surgery,” Szabo said. 

Szabo had the surgery, but he says soon after he got the feeling something wasn't right.

"I started having this throbbing, burning pain,” said Szabo. 

He called the doctor's office to complain, but says he didn't speak to the doctor but someone else who told him not to worry.

"I asked her should I remove the bandage because I feel like it's too tight and she said no don't remove the bandage because it could risk infection,” Szabo said. 

He says the pain persisted and even got worse. He called the office again and was told the same thing. It wasn't until nearly two weeks later at his post-operation appointment that he knew the pain was serious.

"They removed the bandage and my finger was just jet black, like a lump of charcoal,” Szabo said. "He didn't give me much advice or explanation of what was going on. He just said we'll monitor it.”

Szabo decided to get a second opinion and found his black finger was an infection.

"They said it was dry gangrene, so it basically had died from lack of blood supply,” said Szabo.
Szabo had to have his pinky finger amputated from the joint up.

Szabo has now filed suit against the Doctor's office and the doctor claiming negligence.

NBC 7 reached out to the doctor's office. The office's attorney, Kyle Cruse, said in a statement, “This case is a prime example of a frivolous lawsuit. All the medical professionals complied with the standard of care and treated the patient appropriately."

Otay Ranch Man Deals With Dog Barking Problem

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Mike Landie says he doesn’t know what else to do.

He reached out to NBC 7 after, he says, he’s had to live with constant dog barking coming from his neighbor’s home for years now. He says he’s reached out to police, animal services and his homeowner’s association but the problem is still ongoing.

“At night, I’ve had the dogs wake me up at 11, 12, 3 and 5 a.m.,” said Landie, who lives in Otay Ranch.

His neighbor lives up a grassy hill from his home and when our NBC 7 camera was there, two or three dogs could be heard barking.

“We’ve gone through the routine of doing what you have to do to fix the problem. Nothing’s been fixed,” said Landie.

Landie says he reached out to the Chula Vista Police Department who referred him to the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility. He filed a complaint with the facility and ultimately received a letter from the city stating, “unless and until a second person who lives at a separate address within 100 feet of [neighbor’s address] submits a completed and signed Barking Dog Complaint Form, the City may not issue a barking dog citation to the dog owner.”

In the City of Chula Vista, dog owners may be issued citations if he or she violates municipal code section 6.24.040, Barking Dogs, Enforcement Procedure & Nuisance. It requires that two people who are disturbed by the barking dog and who resides in Chula Vista at separate addresses submit completed and signed complaint forms.

“Yes, [my neighbors] did from both sides of me. Both neighbors, signed complaints as well,” said Landie. NBC 7 spoke to one of Landie’s next door neighbors and he said he did submit a signed complaint.

City officials maintain they have one complaint. The letter goes on to state Chula Vista staff members have met with the dogs’ owner several times.

After our e-mails, Landie’s homeowner association said it will contact the dogs’ owner. NBC 7 reached out to the owner, but has not received a response.

Most areas of the county have laws to stop and prevent frequent or long continued noise, including from animals. Each jurisdiction has its own way of dealing with the issue. In San Diego, residents must contact the city’s Noise Abatement Office. Code enforcement officers respond to complaints, although there must be more than one formal complaint from different households before action by the City is taken.

If you are dealing with a dog barking problem, click here to see how your city handles complaints.



Photo Credit: clipart.com

Violent Crime Leaves One Dead, Another Hospitalized

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Police are investigating what appears to be a domestic dispute between two partners that resulted in one death and another hospitalization. 

The crime occurred on the 2000 block of Lee Avenue in Escondido near Paula Street after a call came in from a relative in Portland telling police there may have been a crime of violence at the home, Escondido Police Lt. Neal Griffin said. 

When police arrived, they found a male suspect they idenitied as Ehren Lee Dragt, 35, of Escondido, on the steps.

When police swept the home, they found a man, dead, inside one of the bedrooms.

The cause of death is unknown as of last check, though police said they believed it was an act of violence based on the scene and the statements they received. Griffin said the incident appears to be a domestic dispute.

The suspect has been taken to the hospital after he had difficulty breathing and police have detained him. Police said they would not elaborate on what they saw at the scene, though they said it was suspicious, Griffin said. 

Griffin said they believed the ultimate cause of death would be homicide. 

Police said they will be at the scene of the crime collecting evidence and processing the scene. 



Photo Credit: Escondido Police Facebook
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