19 October 2011

Michele Bachmann Campaigns in Pasadena

Michele Bachmann Campaigns in Pasadena

Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann got plenty of Tea Party love Wednesday night during a campaign stop in Pasadena.

The Tea Party never really left Bachmann, popular with the group because of her attacks on big government and big debt.

"We don't have to settle for out candidates," Bachmann told a Pasadena group. "We can put Tea Party candidates up to win for every single office."

The Bachmann campaign has struggled for attention lately, as demonstrated by Tuesday night's GOP debate in Las Vegas, where squabbling between Mitt Romney and Rick Perry attracted the most attention, while Herman Cain's tenuous front runner status gave him whatever focus was left.

Cain may have felt some of the pressure of front runner status Wednesday, backing off his 9-9-9 plan a little bit, saying that there would have to be exemptions for the poor.

Bachmann, for her part, refuses to play the role of fading campaign star.

"We're actively working in Iowa," Bachmann said. "I was the only candidate who won the Iowa Straw Poll."

Now, the Iowa Caucuses are less than three months away.

And in Pasadena, Bachmann stayed aggressive on another signature issue, illegal immigration. She promised to build a fence the entire length of the U.S. border with Mexico, and to make English the official language of the United States.

SEIU Joins Occupy LA Protest

Day after day, out-of-work twenty-somethings, spiritual leaders and people facing foreclosure march through the streets of downtown Los Angeles protesting what they say is corporate greed.

The Service Employees International Union and United Long Term Care Workers, California's largest union, joined the march Wednesday -- echoing Occupy LA's demands and the need to pass the American Jobs Act.

"We saw unfortunately the Senate vote the whole thing down," said Wyatt Closs, SEIU-ULTCW. "But there are many pieces that could get acted on right now that would make a real difference within a very short period of time and get the economy going again."

For Juan Jose Gutierrez of the Full Rights for Immigration Coalition, there is solidarity with an added touch.

"As the movement begins to articulate the actual specific demands that we are going to be working towards resolving, one of the ones we think needs to be on that eventual list is comprehensive immigration reform," said Gutierrez.

If the focus is immigration, then what happens to the common cries of 99 percent and job creation? Gutierrez sees the unification of different voices as a positive for all involved.

"Occupy LA provides the stage to bring together the various sectors of society that has serious issues to deal with," said Gutierrez. "I think it also provides an opportunity for all of us to realize in the end we are all in this together."

There may be no solid end in sight, but Occupy LA protestors say the growing movement is proof that people are tired of talk and yearning for change.

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DEA Rounds Up Suspected FW Gang Members

DEA Rounds Up Suspected FW Gang Members

Federal agents in Fort Worth on Wednesday rounded up suspected gang members with nicknames including "Homicide," "Lump" and "Drop" and accused them of dealing drugs.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested eight men on the city's east side and were searching for others, said Kathy Colvin, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Dallas.

The men were part of a street gang known as the Crips that sold large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, the DEA said. They were scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate Thursday afternoon.

"The arrests made today mark a significant step in the dismantlement of a violent crack cocaine distribution organization that threatened our community," DEA Special Agent in Charge James Capra said in a prepared statement.

Those arrested were identified as Garry Dewayne Carey, 27, also known as "Garee" or "Goree"; Gary Wayne Carey Jr., 27, also known as "G Wayne"; Lewis Lane, 36; Daniel Raechong Carey, 23, also known as "Drop"; Dietrich Von Williams, 28, also known as "Ears"; Christopher Montrell Beasley, 26; Odis Dwayne Johnson, 32, also known as "Lump"; Paul Polty, 28; and Eldon Ray Fobbs, 33, also known as "Homicide."

Bagged Salad Sold at H-E-B, Central Market Recalled

Bagged Salad Sold at H-E-B, Central Market Recalled

Taylor Farms Retail Inc. is voluntarily recalling 3,265 cases of various bagged salad blends that have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.

H-E-B Spinach Spring Mix bagged salad is being recalled, along with some deli salads made with the spinach, sold at H-E-B and Central Market stores in Texas.

Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms Retail Inc. said Wednesday that its action comes after the Washington state Agriculture Department conducted a random test on a finished package of spinach.

No illnesses have been reported.

The bagged salad products include those with "best by" dates ranging from Oct. 18 to 21. They were marketed under the brand names Fresh Selections, H-E-B, Marketside and Taylor Farms.

The items were distributed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Puerto Rico and sold in various retail supermarkets.

Customers who bought the recalled items at H-E-B or Central Market can return them to the store for a full refund.

Shoppers can also call 1-877-323-7374 for more information.

Fleeing Vehicle Kills Lancaster Woman During Police Chase

Fleeing Vehicle Kills Lancaster Woman During Police Chase

A law student from North Texas was killed during a police chase in Houston on Tuesday night when the fleeing driver broadsided her.

Police are still searching for the person who struck 27-year-old Halley Shaw in southeast Houston late Tuesday night.

Shaw, a second-year law student at Texas Southern University, was a 2003 graduate of Lancaster High School.

Lancaster High School ROTC instructor Maj. Eric Mosely remembers Shaw as one of the smartest students he ever taught.

"To hear that Halley died this morning is just a shocker," he said. "I can't believe it."

Mosely said he believes Shaw is the only student of his to be accepted to Harvard University. But she chose to go to Texas A&M, where her parents say she studied environmental science.

Police said Shaw was riding in the backseat of a friend's Nissan Altima when a driver trying to avoid police ran a red light and T-boned the car she was in.

"To hear that she's gone just puts a void in your heart; she was just that kind of person," Mosely said. "Who knows where she could have ended as a citizen, as a leader? The sky was the limit."

TSU's homecoming is this weekend, and some of her law school classmates plan to walk in the parade with a banner with Shaw's name.

The other two people in the vehicle with Shaw were transported to a nearby hospital but are expected to survive.

Hidden Camera Snagging Northwest D.C. Speeders

Speed cameras are common in D.C., but one in particular is causing a stir among drivers.

Positioned next to a tree on Missouri Avenue in Northwest, the camera is hidden from approaching drivers on a stretch of road is notorious for speeding and accidents.

In some cases, speed cameras are accompanied by warning signs, but a spokesperson for the police department was unaware of a legal obligation to post such signs. A complete list of photo enforcement locations is available on the police department website.

The hidden camera looks like a revenue generator to some who spoke to News4. Others said that if you obey the speed limit, speed cameras are a non-issue.

In Queens, a Separate Set of Sex Attack Concerns

In Queens, a Separate Set of Sex Attack Concerns

Dozens of women packed a Laurelton church in Queens Wednesday, concerned over a recent string of sex attacks in the area, including one just a few blocks from where the meeting was held.

"We're really quite concerned," said Veronica Bellan of Laurelton. "I hope that person will be caught soon."

The public safety meeting was organized by Queens city councilman James Sanders, who was critical of police for not solving the cases.

"We need you to find these fellows, and we don't need them found seven victims from now," said Sanders. "You better catch this guy."

Police are investigating at least eight recent sex attacks in Queens, including in Laurelton, Jamaica, and Springfield Gardens. In the Jamaica incident, a woman was raped while threated with a box cutter.

The terrifying reports have set women in the area on edge, with some changing their routines.

"I have to supervise my daughter going to the bus to go to school," said parent Ann Marie Andrews. "Changing routes, transportation, stopping and looking back. And if someone's walking behind me, I let them pass me."

Another mother, Reba Perry, said she was also keeping a closer eye on her teenage daughters and their friends.

"They walk in twos, and if they can't, they know to get in a cab," she said.

Separately, in Brooklyn, police are investigating a string of up to 20 sex attacks. One man, 26-year-old Adolfo Martinez, was arrested last week in a groping incident. And police Tuesday arrested a 32-year-old man believed to be connected to a May 7 assault, but the charges were dropped Wednesday when the victim who had picked him out of a lineup changed her mind.

Police do not believe the sexual assaults in the two boroughs are related.

Burbank Woman Turns 107 Years Old

Burbank Woman Turns 107 Years Old

Reaching a milestone very few do, A Burbank woman celebrated her 107th birthday Wednesday.

Friends gathered to mark Faye Allen’s 107 years of life at Burbank assisted-living facility Le Bleu Chateau, where she has resided the last 13 years.

“Faye has been a feisty, wonderful woman,” Le Bleu Chateau administrator Cristina Gutierrez said.

The assisted-living home brought in entertainment for the intimate event that included cake and flowers.

Allen has no relatives in the area, however, Gutierrez said the assisted-living staff has filled that void.

“Her family is the staff and they take very good care of her and love her as she is one of theirs,” she said.

In attendance at the event was Ethel Nowlin, Allen’s friend of about 30 years.

The two met through their sons. After Allen’s husband and son died, Nowlin began helping her frun errands including grocery shopping.

They have been friends ever since.

Nowlin mentioned that though Allen has lived a good life, she is weak, which was evident at the birthday celebration.

“She kept her head way down and seemed to be sleeping through the whole thing,” Nowlin, 81, said. “I felt like her days are coming.”

“She is much quieter now as she is on hospice, but she is comfortable,” said Gutierrez.

Friends say Allen grew up in Texas with two siblings and played basketball in her youth.

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Anti-Depressant Use on The Rise

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control says the use of prescription Anti-Depressant drugs in America is on the rise.

The CDC report  covered anti-depressant use by Americans age 12 and up between 2005 and 2008.

Among the report's findings:

Women between the ages of 40 and 59 are most likely to use anti-depressants.

Unlike older age groups, there is little difference between male and female anti-depressant use for teenagers.

Most people who take anti-depressants have not seen a doctor for at least one year.

Garland Loses Sales Tax Dollars to Neighboring Cities

The city of Garland is pushing for incentives to attract business after losing sales tax revenue to neighboring cities such as Dallas and Mesquite.

Councilman Larry Jeffus said the less in sales tax the city generates, the less revenue it has to work with for its budget -- which is already shrinking.

"Sales tax is an integral part of our budget," he said. "And right now, the Metroplex is kind of trending upward, but Garland is flat; it's been actually volatile."

Sales tax dollars in Garland have fluctuated between $19 million and $20 million per year since the recession hit in 2007.

The city generated $21.9 million in sales tax in fiscal year 2007-2008, according to city records. But in 2010-2011, Garland only generated $20.2 million.

Angelica Torres said she shops in Mesquite because Garland doesn't have a mall near her home and a nearby Target store shut down.

"They do have shopping centers, but not like Mesquite has," she said. "Mesquite has the mall, then they have the restaurants around ... and Garland doesn't have that."

In Jeffus's district, a Target store closed and the Mervyns department store chain went out of business, leaving Goodwill and Walmart as the options for clothing shopping.

Councilwoman Lori Barnett Dodson she said her district does not have any general grocery stores, so residents buy food in Dallas or Richardson.

"District 6 actually touches Richardson and Dallas, so a lot of the citizens in my district can get to dining shopping options a lot quicker leaving the city," she said.

Dodson said her district has ideal locations for new development, and Jeffus said the city needs to figure out how to bring in new businesses faster.

"It's kind of a double-edged sword, because if you don't have the sales tax revenue, you don't have the offerings. If you don't have the offerings, it's difficult to bring other things in," Jeffus said.

The city has even gone all the way to Taiwan in effort to attract investors.

Toddler's Amazing Recovery After Losing Eye in Gun Battle

Toddler's Amazing Recovery After Losing Eye in Gun Battle

Toddler Samyah Bailey suffered a devastating trauma last month when she was shot in the face while sitting in her stroller outside her home in Staten Island.

But Wednesday evening, it was clear that 22-month-old Samyah has made an amazing recovery.

"To be shot in the skull and having it come out through the eye, and be as good as she is right now -- it's a miracle," neurosurgeon Dr. John Shiau said at a fundraiser for the Bailey family at The Roadhouse Restaurant in Staten Island Wednesday.

On Sept. 14, Samyah was caught in the crossfire of a gun battle inside the courtyard of the Arlington Apartments complex.

She was rushed to Richmond University Medical Center, where surgeons operated on her brain for hours.

"My worst fear was her losing her life or brain damage," said Stephanie Bailey, Samyah's mother.

Amazingly, Samyah suffered no brain damage, but she lost her left eye. And now the bills from treating the toddler's gunshot wound are piling up fast.

"I'm still ducking from those," admitted Stephanie Bailey.

Local leaders in the Baileys' community, recognizing the costs of treating the trauma, organized a fundraiser to help the family deal with the mountain of medical bills.

Neighbors came out in force to meet the spirited Samyah and to help her family. Stephanie Bailey had to leave her job as a home attendant to take her daughter to many doctor's appointments. Money is tight, and they can't bear to stay at the Arlington apartments, so they've been living with Samyah's grandmother.

The community's response was heartening: more than $2,000 was raised at the event Wednesday, and organizers say more is on the way. Stokke, a manufacturer of luxury baby products, has donated a stroller and a high chair.

A prosethetic eye, and the surgery to implant it, have also been donated to Samya.

It's all a great help for the Bailey family.

"Life is hard," said Samyah's father Michael Bailey, "but my baby's alive and strong."

If you would like to donate and help the Bailey family, please reach out to The Road House Restaurant at 1400 Clove Road in Sunnyside, Staten Island. 718-447-0033

Montgomery Co. Police Seek Help Finding Missing Man

Montgomery Co. Police Seek Help Finding Missing Man

Police in Montgomery County, Md., are asking for help locating a missing Gaithersburg man. 

Ronald Joseph Abbate, 64, was last seen on Pepperwood Lane in Gaithersburg more than a week ago, investigators said.

Abbate's family says he suffers from dementia.

He's described as a white male, 5'10, about 230 pounds, with very long gray hair and a long gray beard. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the 5th District Investigative Section at 240-773-6237 or the Montgomery County police at their non-emergency number, 301-279-8000.

Fullerton Homeless Task Force to Begin Work

Fullerton Homeless Task Force to Begin Work

The Fullerton Homeless Task Force, created after a homeless man died following a confrontation with police, will begin its work in the city Thursday.

The task force is beginning as two Fullerton police officers are facing felony charges of murder and using excessive force in the alleged beating of Kelly Thomas.

Special Section: The Kelly Thomas Case

Rusty Kennedy will chair the task force. He says, as a city, Fullerton is reaching out to the homeless.

Police in Fullerton say they have been trained to regard homeless men and women as members of three categories: the "have nots," "cannots" and "will nots." Under the definitions that have been in place up to now, beating victim Kelly Thomas may have fit into all three categories.

"It can happen again, depending on the emotions and who is involved," said the victim's father, Ron Thomas, who has waged a crusade against the Fullerton Police Department since his son's death. "We have to educate the officers and the public."

Police officers say curtailing crime, while dealing with the mentally ill, is a balancing act. Since the Thomas beating in July, most of the department's 220 members have been retrained on a variety of homeless issues.

"Our officers are trained," said Sgt. Andrew Goodrich. "They try to use compassion, but we have to enforce the law, and there are complaints we are responding to."

But the effort isn't satisfying everyone. There is political finger pointing underway, with critics trying to recall Mayor Richard Jones, Councilman Don Bankhead and County Member Pat McKinley.

"None of the council members know how to work with the police," said Ron Thomas. "They don’t work together."

"We have to do something now," said Kennedy. "We can’t let this political conflict get in the way. We have to ask what can we do together."

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Halloween Economy

Halloween Economy

At Cinema Secrets, Halloween Headquarters, founder Maurice Stein says sales are scary good, after two down years.

"This year we really expected it to take a climb, but I wasn't really ready for the climb that it's already taken," according to Stein. "We're about, almost two weeks ahead of ourselves in sales."

The National Retail Federation reports overall spending on Halloween is up this year, to a record high average of $72 per person. That comes to $6.86 billion nationally.

For costumes, in 2007 people reported spending an average of $38.50, that went down to just below $35 in 2009. But this year spending on costumes is expected to be over $40.

And on candy? People who spent $20.94 in 2007, dipped down to below $20 in 2009, but now they are expecting to spend about $22.

Something to feel good about, on a holiday that's all about feeling good.

"It's good to be enjoying time, and Halloween's all about being ridiculous," according to Halloween shopper, Casey Kimble.

FDA Cites Dirty Equipment in Cantaloupe Listeria

FDA Cites Dirty Equipment in Cantaloupe Listeria

The cantaloupe listeria outbreak that has killed dozens and sickened more was probably caused by pools of water on the floor and old, hard-to-clean packing equipment at a Colorado farm, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

A Maryland man’s death is one of 25 linked to the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak sickened 123 others.

Contamination at the packing facility at Jensen Farms is likely to blame for the outbreak that killed 25 people in a dozen states, according to the FDA. Investigators found positive listeria samples on equipment and fruit there.

Jensen Farms had recently purchased used equipment that was corroded and hard to clean. The agency said the way the cantaloupes were cooled after coming off the fields may have also contributed to listeria growth, the FDA said.

Fullerton Recall Petition Sparks Community Debate

Fullerton Recall Petition Sparks Community Debate

On Wednesday, Fullerton residents broadcast their grievances against elected officials at a petition signing event at city hall on KFI’s "John and Ken Show."

Special Section: The Kelly Thomas Case

The petitions are part of the recall effort directed toward Mayor Pro Tem Don Bankhead, Councilmember Pat McKinley and Mayor Richard Jones.

The organizers of Fullerton Recall stand “in opposition to the closed government policies exhibited by the City of Fullerton and the Fullerton PD," according to their website.

The petitions advocate that these officials need to be held accountable for corrupt government practices and they were unable to do their job effectively in the wake of Kelly Thomas’ death on July 5.

"I think the primary failing is the lack of leadership in controlling the behaviors of the Fullerton police department and remaining virtually silent in the wake of the Kelly Thomas incident," said Chris Thompson, spokesperson for the blog Friends of Fullerton’s Future. "It took a month to pull these officers off the street.”

Larry Bennett, Fullerton Planning Commissioner and spokesman for Protect Fullerton – Recall No, says that the lack of leadership claims will dissipate as people begin to look at the issues with cooler heads.

Bankhead, McKinley, and Jones were following the law in regards to the Kelly Thomas case, despite allegations that they were participating in a cover up, said Bennett.

“The Kelly Thomas case is now the DA’s case, and it’s now criminal to divulge any information that would be in that police investigative report to anyone other than the DA, the grand jury and the attorney general,” said Bennett. 

Thompson was critical of the three politicians for leading campaigns through endorsements by the Fullerton Police Department.

"I don’t know of any espoused political party that states, 'We like to waste money, we like to spend more than we receive, we like to empower police to do whatever they want, and we like our elected leaders to protect police and go dead silent in the wake of police breaking the laws,'" said Thompson.

Bennett said that the recall is born out of political opportunism.

“In a moment when a horrific, tragic accident occurred, it just became an easier thing. ‘Let’s allege this cover up.’ Well, that goes away when people start realizing that the DA took this case on seriously," Bennett said.

City of Fullerton Public Information Officer Sylvia Palmer Mudrick said that the city does not have a comment on petition signings at city hall.

"The city has only one role, and that is to certify the signatures when they come in, and if necessary, to schedule the election," Mudrick said.

Residents began recall efforts over two months ago, when three official petitions were brought to city hall on Aug. 12. All three petitions were approved by city clerk Lucinda Williams on Sept. 9.

In order for the petitions to be implemented, they each require a minimum of 10,554 signatures, 15 percent of registered Fullerton voters. Signatures are due by Feb. 16, 2012.

Petition signings have been held at supermarkets across Fullerton. Supporters tabled at Ralphs, Albertson, and Stater Bros locations in the Fullerton area to rally support for the recall.

Thompson said while he wasn’t giving out specific numbers to gauge the recall’s progress, he said petitioners are on a track that allows them to accomplish their goals in a fraction of the time given.

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Man Shot in Strip Club Fight.

Man Shot in Strip Club Fight.

One man is under arrest and another was wounded after an argument inside a strip club led to gun violence outside.

Police said it happened at the Cove Gentlemen's Club on the 3100 block of Richmond Street in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia.

It all started as an argument inside the club. Then, police said, the men went outside and one of them shot the other in the arm.

The gunman was arrested.

The gunshot victim is in stable condition at Temple University Hospital.

 

Norv Turner Fires Back at Rex Ryan

Norv Turner Fires Back at Rex Ryan

At first, San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner seemed content to let the opportunity pass.

Hours earlier Wednesday afternoon, Jets coach Rex Ryan told San Diego media that if he had become the team's coach in 2007, the franchise would have two Super Bowl rings by now.

Turner, the man given the job, had his usual carefree smile while standing at the podium. He confirmed that Ryan called him earlier, reportedly to clarify that the comments were not meant as a slight to Turner.

"It really was between he and I," Turner said of the conversation. "I think we've had enough coaching drama in the league the last few days. We don't need anymore."

Then — shoot, why not? — Turner stirred the pot with the boisterous Jets coach.

"I hadn't seen the quote; I was a little surprised when he called," Turner said. "And then, after I saw the quote, I didn't have a chance to ask him this, but I was wondering if he had those rings with the ones he's guaranteed the past couple of years."

Around the locker room, players were unanimous, if a little careful with their words, when asked about Ryan's comments.

"Because he's a confident guy, if that's his opinion, then great," outside linebacker Shaun Phillips said. "But that's not the case. He didn't get the job, so there's really nothing negative to say about it. Everyone's allowed to have an opinion, and I can't get mad about the guy for having an opinion.

"Do we stand behind our coach? Yes. Do we love Norv as a coach? Yes. Would we want another coach? No. Bottom line is I have no problem with what he said because of the fact he is allowed to have an opinion."

Fullback Jacob Hester said Ryan's Super Bowl comment "doesn't make much sense."

"He doesn't have any Super Bowl rings there, either," Hester said. "You can't get into stuff like that. Obviously, Norv is here for a reason. Norv has done a hell of a job here. We're not worried about stuff like that."

Maybe nose tackle Antonio Garay said it best.

He quietly sat on the stool in front of his locker, raised his right hand and then slowly brushed it over the top of his face. He then exhaled with a low sigh.

"Write that down," Garay said.

Done.

No Federal Aid for Louisa Co. Earthquake Victims

No Federal Aid for Louisa Co. Earthquake Victims

Homeowners in Louisa County, Va., are still struggling to pay the bills for damage caused by the Aug. 23 5.8-magnitude earthquake.

Their financial problems are now being heightened by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s denial of financial aid.

The county’s plea for help was recently rejected and few homes and businesses had insurance.

Gov. Bob McDonnell said he will appeal FEMA’s decision. He’s even invited President Barack Obama to visit Louisa County and survey the damage himself.

In the meantime, residents are relying on county tax relief to cover the $18 million in damages. They’re also holding fundraisers to help their cash-strapped neighbors make ends meet.

County Attorney Dale Mullen is calling these efforts “a very small drop in a very large bucket.” He and others are calling for the same federal aid that other states receive for similar disasters.

Manhattan Beach Gets Tough on RV Parking

Manhattan Beach Gets Tough on RV Parking

Owners of RVs and oversized vehicles will have a tougher time parking in Manhattan Beach thanks to new restrictions, but the rules are not as strict as those passed by several neighboring beach communities.

Despite opposition from homeless advocates and some RV owners, the Manhattan Beach City Council unanimously approved a law Tuesday that prohibits RV and oversized vehicle parking next to schools, community centers and parks, according to Manhattan Beach Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Powell.

Visibility was the council’s biggest concern, Powell said.

“Kids tend to dart out without being able to see oncoming traffic,” Powell said. “We’ve had a couple near misses where children have almost been run over.”

The city has been working on the RV ordinance since the spring.  

Police will start enforcing the new parking rules in February.

The new law is a compromise reached between city leaders and at least two-dozen RV owners who urged city leaders not to pass some of the more restrictive proposals that were being considered, and that had already passed in other cities including neighboring Redondo Beach.

Parking enforcement officers in Redondo Beach began enforcing a new RV parking rule in June that prohibits oversized vehicles not registered within the city limits from parking in any public area between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

RV owners who are residents of Redondo Beach can park their oversized vehicles on the street during those hours, according to city law, so long as they pay $20 to $30 for an overnight permit Tuesday through Friday.

The changes come after several cities said they received complaints about oversized vehicles taking up parking spaces, blocking traffic visibility and creating visual blight.

But RV owners who do not want to pay for a permit to park their vehicles and some RV dwellers protested the new regulations.

Tensions between RV owners and other residents have been running high in LA's beach communities. A meeting in Venice earlier this year became especially heated.

“This is segregation,” yelled one audience member at a committee meeting held in Venice Beach in January. “You are facilitating segregation in Venice, the rich and the poor.”

Venice Beach decided on an ordinance that allows RV dwellers to park overnight at designated lots in Venice, but only if they participated in a pilot program that seeks to provide them with housing.

Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Rancho Palos Verdes, Hawthorne, Culver City and Santa Monica are among 30 LA County cities that have passed RV parking restrictions. 

The restrictions range from prohibiting parking of oversized vehicles next to schools to more wide-ranging limits including a complete prohibition on parking without a permit.

Manhattan Beach also passed an ordinance that prohibits detached trailers from being parked anywhere, at any time within city limits.

Police are also planning to more strictly enforce an existing state law that says any vehicle cannot be parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours, including oversized vehicles and RVs.

“In six months, we’re going to come back and review how things are working," Powell said. "If it’s still a perceived problem, we’ll have to do something about it.”

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L.I. Campaign Worker Caught on Video Making Racist Remarks

A Long Island politician wants one of his former campaign volunteers fired from his day job.

Nassau County legislator John Ciotti says Vincent M. Prisco should be fired from his position at a sanitation facility.

Prisco is seen on a video outside the office of the man opposing Ciotti for re-election. On the video, made by the candidate's sister, Prisco is heard making a derogatory remark about blacks. Prisco and Ciotti are white. His opponent, Carrie Solages, is black.

Ciotti also says Prisco is no longer a volunteer.

A Nassau prosecutor is investigating. The U.S. Attorney's spokesman declined comment Wednesday on a civil rights attorney's call for a federal investigation. A sanitation facility official declined comment, citing the DA's investigation.

There was no answer at a number for Prisco.

Perry Calls for Flat Tax

Perry Calls for Flat Tax

Working to distinguish himself from rival Mitt Romney, Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday that he wants to scrap America's current tax laws and impose a flat tax.

Perry told the Western Republican Leadership Conference he plans to explain the tax proposal when he unveils his broad economic plan in a speech next week.

He called the plan "an economic growth package that will create jobs, create growth and create investor confidence in America again."

"It starts with scrapping the three million words of the current tax code, and starting over with something much simpler: a flat tax," Perry said.

"I want to make the tax code so simple that even Timothy Geithner can file his taxes on time," he joked, referring to the Treasury Secretary and his late payment of $34,000 in payroll taxes last decade.

Perry's proposal is dramatically different from Romney's tax plan. Romney would lower the corporate tax rate and lower taxes on savings and investment income. He says his long term goal is to "pursue a flatter, fairer, simpler structure."

A flat tax applies the same tax rate to income at every level. The current tax code is progressive, taxing higher incomes at higher rates and lower incomes at lower rates.

Critics across the political spectrum complain that the current tax code is too complex and riddled with loopholes that allow specific groups to pay less. Many conservatives argue a flat tax would be simpler and fairer because everyone would be taxed at the same rate. Liberals and many moderates say a flat tax would make the tax system more regressive, giving big tax breaks to the wealthy while making low- and middle-income families pay more.

Perry didn't provide any more details for his flat tax proposal. In his book, "Fed Up!" he suggests the flat tax as a possible policy prescription but doesn't elaborate.

"One option would be to totally scrap the current tax code in favor of a flat tax, and thereby make taxation much simpler, easier to follow and harder to manipulate," Perry writes in his book. "Another option would be to repeal the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution (which authorizes the taxation of income) altogether, and then pursue an alternative model of taxation such as a national sales tax or the Fair Tax."


For the latest on Rick Perry's run for the White House, click here to see our special Tracking Rick Perry section. View videos, photos, and stories on the Texas governor's presidential run.

Wife Describes Fiery Car Bomb Attack, Affair

Wife Describes Fiery Car Bomb Attack, Affair

The wife of a man accused of booby-trapping her truck with a pipe bomb in an attempt to kill her testified Wednesday about the day of the explosion and a confession during her hospital stay of an affair he was having with another woman.

“Kaboom. A very loud explosion” Connie Hoagland testified Wednesday. “My legs hurt, there was smoke filling up. My ears were ringing. It was so loud. And the screaming.”

Lawrence Gerald "Larry" Hoagland, 49, is charged with attempted murder in the Sept. 23, 2010 attack on his wife, Connie Hoagland. The explosion shook a Rancho San Diego neighborhood. Hoagland was arrested five days after the attack.

Connie Hoagland testified Wednesday that she left home early on Sept. 23 to take her son to school and then drove to her work, a daycare in Rancho San Diego.

“I remember the morning of that day, when I got in the car to take [my son] to school, I noticed a wire hanging from the dashboard. I just told [him], ‘oh, remind me to tell your dad about that later,” said Hoagland.

She says her husband called her around 4 p.m. that afternoon and something felt “weird.”

“He asked if I was leaving yet and I said, ‘yes, I’m leaving. I’m almost about to leave,’ and then he said ‘well I should be home about 5.30,” she testified. “It was just odd to me… because he rarely came home that early and I usually had to call him and ask ‘when are you going to be home?’”

When she went to leave work that day, she says her car was already unlocked.

“I thought wow, I know I locked that,” she testified. “I opened the door, threw my purse in and got in the truck, closed the door, put my key in the ignition, turned it over… and then kaboom!”

Connie says the pain was excruciating.

“I just thought, I got to get out of here and as I turned to look out the truck window, it was starting to move and then I just pushed it open and there was somebody there to catch me and lay me in the street at that time,” she testified.

As she lay there, she says her feet were extremely painful.

“I didn’t look at them. I felt like my toes were blown off,” she said. “Another dad who was in the daycare, he’s a policeman, I talked to him and asked him if my toes were still on my feet and he said ‘yes’.”

Connie was in hospital for 35 days. She suffered broken bones and burns.

“My tibia had a big old gash in it. Shrapnel in the feet… bones were put together, a lot of staples in my feet, they put a rod in my foot with screws and later I had surgery, they took a muscle from my stomach and placed it on the top of my left foot,” she testified.

During her hospital stay, Connie says it felt like her husband wasn’t there very often.

“Maybe at the foot of the bed. I was in and out of it too,” she said. “Once I remember he would bring in the iPad and kind of go over what people were saying, maybe people who were supporting. Not that many conversations.”

Then one day her daughter came into her room and handed her the phone. Her husband was at the other end.

“Larry said ‘I just want you to know, before it gets out, that I’ve been having an affair. And it was like ‘ding.’ And then he said, but I’ve been dedicated to you since Thursday, the day of the explosion, and then he said ‘I didn’t do it’ and I just remember hanging up and a lot of thoughts went through my mind at that time,” she said.

Connie says he didn’t tell her who the woman was, but she had an idea.

“A few years earlier we had talked about it, I had accused him of having an affair with this person and he denied it… He would throw it back in my face, ‘no!’ And I said, well what do you want to do? And he says ‘I’m not going anywhere’,” she testified.

Prosecutors say the couple had "financial stress" and "relationship issues."

Connies says the couple had started the bankruptcy process in January 2010, but it was not finalized. She says there was no talk of divorce or separation.

“We were together. Married. Just trying to push on, getting the kids going. Just living life,” she said.

Prosecutor Danielle Hickman says the defendant had visited websites on how to make a bomb before the attack.

Hoagland pleaded not guilty at an arraignment last year. He’s charged with felony counts of attempted murder, explosion of a destructive device with intent to murder and explosion of a destructive device causing mayhem or great bodily injury. He faces life in prison if convicted.

 

Sanders Pitches Regional Stadium Concept

Sanders Pitches Regional Stadium Concept

If it takes a village to raise a child, will it take a region to build a stadium?

That premise may wind up on a countywide ballot in November of next year.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders sees the project as too costly for his city to bankroll alone.

Noting that only one out of four Chargers season ticketholders lives in San Diego, he's looking for leverage from throughout the region.

But the region is just as financially strapped as San Diego.

While there's nothing like teamwork to overcome challenges, getting a new stadium built in East Village, near Petco Park, is shaping up as a monumental challenge.

It's one thing for dreamers to offer grand designs.

It's another to find the dollars to pay for them, without breaking the bank.

"There is not a way to go to the taxpayers right now and say, 'Are you willing to fund this stadium?'" Sanders said at a Wednesday luncheon forum of regional mayors, hosted by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. 

"Because we know people are still unemployed or underemployed.  We know that's something that's just not going to happen."

Sanders touted a 'joint powers' approach to stadium-building, along the lines of the effort that got voter approval for what's become Qualcomm Stadium in the mid-Sixties.

Carlsbad Mayor Matt embraced the concept.

"Obviously, it's an economic engine," he said.  "Sam Abed in Escondido is trying to bring a baseball team to North County, the Triple-A team.  I think those have a place."

Then, turning toward Sanders, he added: "I'm just happy that you're doing this, and I will help you any way I can, Jerry."

But San Diego's sister bayfront cities in the Port District that helped build the Convention Center, now targeted for expansion, didn't reap what they expected from it.

As for a new stadium?

"I think this is going to be a regional economic driver, but it's got to be played out between the leaders," cautioned National City Mayor Ron Morrison.

"The region as a whole can help, but I think we need to learn the lessons from the original convention center also."

Public financing for the project is a $400 million question.

The Chargers want a stadium that can double as a multi-purpose venue.

Sanders says that would undercut an expanded Convention Center.

"You can't lure conventions to San Diego if you have another facility that's six blocks away, and half the year you can't plan on when it's available because you have football," he said.  "And football and conventions really don't mix."

Sanders figures if he can enlist county supervisors and fellow mayors in problem-solving, the process of 'heavy lifting' may be a lighter load.

More Than 200 Area Bridges "Structurally Deficient"

More Than 200 Area Bridges

Every second, dozens of motorists in the D.C. area drive over what the Federal Highway Administration calls a "structurally deficient bridge" -- a problem one advocacy group said is only likely to get worse.

"Structurally deficient" technically does not mean unsafe, but it does mean a bridge is in dire need of repair or replacement. 

Almost 6 percent of the D.C. region's bridges fall into this class, which is better than the worst major city -- Pittsburgh -- in a report on the nation's failing transportation infrastructures. Thirty percent of Pittsburgh bridges fall in that category.

"It's a little bit like getting a C on your report card when there are a bunch of Ds," said James Corless, with Transportation for America, the group that released the report.  "It's no reason to pat ourselves on the back. The fact of the matter is that there are 215 deficient bridges in the region."

Key Bridge and the 14th Street Bridge are among those rated structurally deficient.

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the backlog of potentially dangerous bridges would cost $70.9 billion to eliminate, while the federal outlay for bridges amounts to slightly more than $5 billion per year. Transportation for America is pushing Congress to pass a comprehensive infrastructure funding bill to address the national problem.

County Discloses First Confirmed Flu Cases of the Season

County Discloses First Confirmed Flu Cases of the Season

Three adults and one child in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles are the first confirmed Los Angeles County flu cases this season, the county’s Public Health Department said. The afflicted have all since recovered.

“These confirmed cases mark the beginning of a flu season that can stretch from now until May of next year,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, the department’s director, in a statement. “The earlier you get your personal flu vaccine, the sooner you will be protected from the flu.”

Three of the individuals were infected with Influenza A H3N2, and one person was infected with H1N1, according to the statement.

This year’s flu vaccine covers both strains of the virus that infected residents. It also covers the Influenza B strain.

Everyone inflicted with the flu will have a fever, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Other symptoms include a cough, sore throat, runny nose and body aches.

Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and individuals with medical conditions are among those at greater risk of acquiring seasonal influenza, according to new vaccine guidelines.

The CDC recommends any person six months of age or older get the flu vaccine every year.

“Flu is a serious illness and should be treated as such,” Fielding said. “Ample vaccine is already available in LA County in a variety of locations, including pharmacies, supermarkets, community clinics and doctor’s offices.”

Free flu vaccine clinics operated by the LA County Public Health Department are scheduled to open next week throughout the county for those without health insurance or those with healthcare providers that do not cover flu shots.

Residents can also visit > to locate other low-cost flu vaccination sites.

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Economy, Flood Combine to Close Virginia Food Pantry

Economy, Flood Combine to Close Virginia Food Pantry

In Dumfries, Va., an emergency food pantry closed its doors as the weak economy coupled with families hit hard by flooding depleted supplies of donated food.

The empty shelves shocked the 4,000 people who rely on the ACTS pantry for monthly groceries, but the pantry noted a 40 percent increase in demand in recent months, and that was before Tropical Storm Lee flooded Woodbridge residents out of their homes.

Hopefully the closure is brief. Word spread fast, and residents have been dropping off bags and boxes of food. Others are writing checks.

Staffers hope the outpouring of support will allow them to reopen before November and their big Thanksgiving food drive kicks off next month.

MTV Casting Looks for Occupy Wall Street Protesters

MTV Casting Looks for Occupy Wall Street Protesters

MTV says it is searching within the Occupy Wall Street movement for potential cast members in an upcoming season of "The Real World." 

The New York Observer first reported Tuesday a Craigslist ad purporting to be from production company Bunim/Murray was looking for members of Occupy Wall Street to try out for the 27th season of the MTV reality show "The Real World."

The ad read:

MTV’s Real World is seeking cast members to tell their unique stories on our show. If you are over the age of 20 and appear to be between the ages of 20-24, and the description below sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

Are you a part of the OCCUPY WALL STREET movement?

If so, please contact realworldcasting@bunim-murray.com. Your subject heading should be YOUR NAME and WALL STREET.

Please attach 3 RECENT PHOTOS and a brief BIO, including your full NAME, DATE OF BIRTH (for ID purposes only) as well as your CONTACT INFORMATION including PHONE #.



A representative for Bunim/Murray Productions confirmed Wednesday to NBC New York that the company posted the ad, and said it was looking for "young passionate people" for the season.

The Occupy Wall Street gatherings have attracted protesters of all ages, but people in their 20s and 30s have appeared to be the most visible and the most vocal. Photos and video of the marches, arrests and meetings depict young adults sharing stories of being buried in student loan debt or being unable to find jobs.

They're also part of a generation steeped in technology and social media, and have used their savvy to organize protests and communicate with one another.

It wasn't clear when the season begins production.

Plano Parents React to Redistricting Plan

After Tuesday night's Board of Trustees decision to realign enrollment in the Plano Independent School District, parents say they're ready to move on from the debate.

"There were days it felt ugly, and the communications that were going around felt ugly," said Steven Kravit, a father of two PISD students.

Kravit and other parents call the realignment decision an acceptable bargain.

The new plan will change the district’s feeder path to prevent enrollment at Plano West Senior High School from ballooning close to 3,500 students in the next decade.

“Am I 100 percent satisfied? No,” said Janice LaRue, who also has two children enrolled in Plano. “But I believe the compromise is an excellent one.”

Kravit said he would have liked to have seen better district balancing, but is very happy this decision is moving forward.

While the parents admit some discussions turned to property values and competition in the classroom, they were most fearful of what they call a “mega school”, where student population growth would outpace other resources.

"For example, my daughter tried out for cheerleading and there were only 10 spots available," said Kravit. "Ten spots at Shepton in a school that big makes it very difficult to make that team."

Moving forward, they hope parents on both sides of the debate can compromise.

"I think it is time that our community can come together, move forward, and focus on other things," said Dawn Gall.

In the meantime, parents are beginning to see heated talks and disagreements turn to talking about the future.

"At the end of the day, it was about our kids," said LaRue. "We want what is best for our children."

Teen Accused of Using Cell Phone While Driving Not Guilty of Manslaughter in Fatal Crash

A teen accused of using her cell phone while driving was found not guilty of manslaughter in Prince George’s County Wednesday.

Brittany Sadosky, 19, was on her cell phone when she crashed into a car driven by 52-year-old Douglas Callahan in Upper Marlboro, Md., in May 2010, prosecutors said. Callahan died.

His wife, who suffered serious injuries in the crash, said she was disappointed with the verdict.

Sadosky was found guilty of negligent driving and disobeying a stop sign. She received a point on her driving record and must pay a $500 fine.

She also suffered critical injuries in the crash.

Santa Catalina Island Eagle Soars to Stardom With a Stop in Washington

Santa Catalina Island Eagle Soars to Stardom With a Stop in Washington

Only Avalon the eagle really knows why she decided to fly 1,000 miles from the paradise of Santa Catalina Island to the Pacific Northwest in the cold of winter earlier this year.

The difficult journey resulted in a broken wing, and in the end the eagle who soared to fame on her wings and a webcam wound up back in Southern California. But this time, the wildlife starlet is getting ready for a new role.

She is being trained as an Ambassador Eagle at Ojai Raptor Center (ORC). Eventually, she will become part of the center's educational programs.

"It's pretty amazing, these instincts these birds have," said ORC director Kim Stroud. "They will just take off and go. Some go to Colorado, some to Washington, some go back to Alaska. They have that instinctual flight pattern, but both of her parents have been on Catalina for 25 years."

The injured Avalon was rescued from a muddy field near Duvall, Wash. and brought to Sarvey Wildlife Care Center. Avalon's tags -- she is eagle K04 -- and radio transmitter indicated the she was being tracked by researchers, so Sarvey clinic director Leslie Henry and her team knew someone would be interested in the eagle's location.

She soon found out, a lot of people were interested.

"I can definitely say we were all surprised at the Facebook following and the constant care and concern for her," said Henry.

As of Wednesday, Avalon had 200 friends on Facebook. Many of her friends have watched Avalon and other Santa Catalina Island eagles hatch, grow and fledge on the Institute for Wildlife Studies eagle nest webcams.

Avalon picked up a few more eaglecam fans during her stay in Washington, Henry said.

The once-spirited eagle, part of the Two Harbors nest in 2010, was emaciated and lethargic when she arrived at Sarvey Wildlife Care Center. Her left wing fracture was fragmented into pieces, which had already healed in place.

The wing injury suggests she flew into a powerline or was struck by a vehicle.

 

"That explains why she was so thin," said Henry. "She progressed much faster than we had initially hoped, gaining weight and becoming more active and lively. Unfortunately, the wing was shortened at the humerus and we were saddened when it became obvious that she would not be released due to the wing injury."

Stroud learned of Avalon's rescue through a network of wildlife care centers, and she was already familiar with Henry's facility. Stroud placed two birds at the Sarvey clinic two years ago.

"I found out she was from Catalina, so this is home," Stroud said.

Arrangements were made for a flight home, this time on an airplane. The Ambassador Eagle training process will require a significant time investment from volunteers at the raptor center, just part of a long-term committment for the non-profit facility -- eagles typically live up to 60 years in captivity.

"She is very wild -- she's not tame at all," said Stroud, adding that Avalon was simply left alone for two weeks so she could settle in to her new home, a 30-foot aviary. "We got her in August, and she's settling down now. But for a while she was jumping into netting."

The center's goal is rehabilitation and release of wild animals. About 1,500 animals are brought to the facility annually and 60 percent are released back into the wild.

But Avalon's injured wing means she cannot fly the long distances covered by eagles in the wild. She will work with Stroud and volunteer Mike McLellan, who can enter the cage, sit with Avalon and approach her with food -- fish are a large part of the diet, but Avalon seems partial to rats and quail.

It's a ritual that required hundreds of hours before Avalon became comfortable with McLellan. The team is looking forward to the day that Avalon, without a hood, sits on a gloved hand.

"That means trust and comfortableness with the handler, establishing a trust relationship so they know they're safe with whoever they're with," Stroud said.

As the training progresses, Avalon will be introduced to other humans, dogs, a transport crate and other things she might encounter outside the raptor center, including wide-eyed stares from people who are meeting an eagle for the first time.

"They're just in awe," Stroud said. "To be that close to an eagle, it's pretty spectacular."

An open house is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m., Nov. 5 at the Ojai Raptor Center. Visit the center's website for information.

Avalon and her nest-mates are part of a larger story on Santa Catalina Island. Pesticides, primarily DDT, dumped in the ocean nearby the Channel Islands from the late 1940s until the early 1960s are directly linked to the  decline of animals inhabiting the region.

Since 2007, six pairs of bald eagles have produced an average of two hatchlings a year without outside help on Santa Catalina Island. It was only until recently that eggs on the island had to be removed from the mother and artificially incubated.

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A Queens Family Waits and Prays for Egypt to Release Ilan Grapel

A Queens Family Waits and Prays for Egypt to Release Ilan Grapel

“We simply are waiting and hoping – and praying very hard.”

The mother of a young Queens man imprisoned in Egypt summed up the situation this way.

Irene Grapel is the mother of 28-year-old Ilan Grapel of Oakland Gardens, who has been held by the Egyptian government since June. He was accused of espionage, charges strongly denied by both the young man and his parents.

With Israelis focused on the release of Gilad Shalit, a prisoner of the militant Palestinian organization Hamas for five years, the plight of Ilan Grapel has received less attention. But his mother, father and sister have been watching and waiting -- and praying.

Irene Grapel told me about her son: “He’s a boy who always wanted to do good for the world. He learned Arabic at Johns Hopkins. He went to Egypt to help in the re-settlement of people from Arab countries who were displaced. Ilan is a young man who wanted to see all sides of every issue. “

Ilan, she said, had an ardent interest in helping people. A few years ago, he went to Israel to serve in the Israeli Army. He has dual citizenship.

Congressman Gary Ackerman has been trying hard to secure Grapel’s release. The young man was arrested, the Democratic lawmaker said, after he had somebody take a picture of him in his old Israeli uniform in Tahrir Square and posted it on Facebook. Ackerman asserted: “He certainly was not a spy. He did what college kids do .. posted a picture of himself on Facebook.”

Ackerman, through his work in Washington, knows many Arab diplomats. He’s seeking help in getting the young man released. “We’re hoping,” the lawmaker told me, “to give his parents an early Mother’s Day or Father’s Day present.”

Gilad Shalit , an Israeli soldier, was released Tuesday after five years of imprisonment. He was swapped for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Many Israelis cheered for Shalit. But others, especially those who have lost loved ones to terrorists in recent years, deplored the release of the prisoners, many of whom were accused of acts of terror.

If 1,000 to 1 seems like a lopsided ratio, it should be noted that the Talmud, a book of Jewish philosophy, says: “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.”

The Issues Mayoral Candidates CanĂ¢€™t Avoid at WednesdayĂ¢€™s Debate

Wednesday night, two of San Diego’s mayoral candidates will duke it out at the Balboa Theatre – bringing to the surface a few issues brewing in San Diego’s political cauldron.

NBC7 San Diego’s political reporter Gene Cubbison chimed in with Voice of San Diego political experts Liam Dillon and Scott Lewis on the top three issues bound to come up at the debate. Republican Congressman Bob Filner and State Assemblyman and Democrat Nathan Fletcher will take the stage at the debate, which is partially put on by A Better San Diego, a group of about 40 labor, faith and community groups.

Pensions

City employees’ pension fund presents a major gap in what the employees were promised and how much money is actually in the fund. The gap has already been a major issue for the candidates and will likely be a hot topic at Wednesday’s debate, Cubbison said.

Fletcher has supported a ballot measure that would end promised pensions for new city hires except for police officers – opting for a 401-(k) plan instead. The plan would also put a five-year freeze on pensionable pay.

Filner opposes this measure and plans to cap pensions at a certain amount every year – but he hasn’t said whether he’ll raise taxes to support pensions.

Infrastructure

Roads in San Diego are a mess – and one that everyone can see. Fletcher has addressed the issue, and produced a report for how he would fix it. Filner has not spelled out a plan for how the city might infrastructure improvements, Dillon said.

“The backlog of streets, buildings and storm drain repairs totals $840 million and the size of the entire problem could be billions of dollars more,” states Dillon in a recent story.

The two candidates at the debate Wednesday may have different ideas on how to fund the problem.

Stadium and Convention Center

Though many would like a new Chargers stadium, funding for the stadium may be hard to come by. Paying for one might require taxpayer dollars, Lewis said. Neither Filner nor Fletcher appear too eager to raise taxes to support the stadium.

Currently, Mayor Jerry Sanders has proposed a joint-powers authority that would put the new stadium project and a way to finance it on a county-wide ballot.

“The key is creating an economic engine to cover the $38 million in annual payments on $400 million worth of borrowing in the bond market – about half the stadium’s cost,” Cubbison said.

Land Use

Candidates may have to take a stance on how waterfront land should be used – for industrial purposes or recreation and housing. In Barrio Logan, for instance, upcoming plans will either favor new residences or industrial business owners.

Using the area for industrial purposes may benefit the labor market – but some may prioritize affordable housing.

The debate will start at 6:30 p.m. and doors open at 5:45 p.m. at the Balboa Theater on 868 4th Ave. in San Diego.

Special Education Teacher Accused of Soliciting Minors Online

Special Education Teacher Accused of Soliciting Minors Online

A special education teacher from Montgomery County is facing charges of soliciting minors online.

Jeremy Brown, 28, of Germantown, Md., was arrested Tuesday, according to police. He teaches children with autism at Meadow Hall Elementary School in Rockville.

Between July and December of 2010, Brown went into Internet chat rooms and solicited several out-of-state detectives who were posing as 14-year-old girls, investigators said. Brown also invited the undercover detectives to view his webcam, where he appeared naked and performing sex acts, police said.

Several computers and thumb drives containing images of young, nude females were seized from Brown's home, according to police.

Brown faces three counts of soliciting a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. He was released from jail Tuesday after posting a $50,000 bond.

Brother of 'Dungeon' Suspect Tells of Tortured Childhood

Brother of 'Dungeon' Suspect Tells of Tortured Childhood

In an NBC10 exclusive interview, a brother of the alleged ringleader in the disabled captives case in Philadelphia said he and his siblings were abused at the hands of their sister when they were children.

That sister, 51-year old Linda Weston, is accused along with two other suspects of locking up four mentally challenged adults in a tiny Tacony basement allegedly to collect their social security benefits.

   

Weston's brother tells a shocking story of how he and his siblings were treated when they were children. He sat down for an exclusive interview with NBC10's Harry Hairston.

The brother, who wanted to keep his face and voice hidden, said, "She's this monster that you were to see her and not know her, you'd think she's a very nice person. But underneath it's like Satan in disguise."

The brother points to his mother's death when he was 7-years old and his sister Linda was 15 as the turning point for his sister. "It seemed like when my mom died, she just lost her mind. I mean just lost it," he said.

The family included 13 siblings and they lived on the 1500 block of Swain Street in Philadelphia, a place the brother called a "house of horrors."

The brother told NBC10's Harry Hairston that he remembers being beaten or tied up by Linda when he was a boy because he wanted to eat or go outside.

He said he and his brothers and sisters endured not just the beatings but incest. He said "I remember walking in one room and seeing her having sex with my older brother and yes, got hit for that."

The brother also said Linda Weston often ordered siblings to have sex with each other.

He told Hairston his sister should never be allowed to walk the streets again.

SD Police Officers Association Endorses Nathan Fletcher

SD Police Officers Association Endorses Nathan Fletcher

The San Diego Police Officers Association endorsed Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher for mayor Wednesday afternoon.

The endorsement from the major police union came as a surprise to many expecting the association to back District Attorney and candidate Bonnie Dumanis.

The association lauded Fletcher for his “leadership and commitment” to restoring the city’s finances, said Brian R. Marvel, president of the association, in a statement.

Fletcher, a republican, supports a proposed ballot measure that would end promised pensions for new city hires, with the exception of police officers. The police union opposes the ballot initiative.

The association acknowledged this disparity, but said that they will look beyond his stance on one issue to his more favorable characteristics.

“Choosing a mayor is about more than agreeing on issues,” Marvel said. “It's about electing someone who can lead our city back to financial stability and toward a more prosperous future.”

Dumanis said she wasn’t seeking the association’s endorsement anyway.

“I stated publicly months ago that I would not be seeking the endorsement of any organizations involved in labor negotiations for the City of San Diego, including the San Diego Police Officers Association,” Dumanis said in a statement.

She pointed to criminal cases pending against police officers as another reason she was not seeking the endorsement.

Other front runner candidates include City Councilman Carl DeMaio and Congressman Bob Filner.

 

Donations Pour In for Seal Beach Victims

Donations Pour In for Seal Beach Victims

At least $83,000 has been collected to help the families of the victims in a salon mass shooting that left eight people dead and shook a quiet seaside community to its core, according to a city spokesman Wednesday.

Seal Beach Massacre: Fundraising Scam, Galleries, 911 Calls

The donation total is from the “Seal Beach Victims’ Fund,” an account established by city leaders, and does not yet include money from other fundraising efforts, like the Salon Meritage Memorial Fund, a separate account which was established by family members and friends of Randy Fannin, the salon owner who was among those killed.

The money from that memorial fund will be transferred to the city’s victims’ fund this week, all of which will be given to the families of the victims, according to Mark Perisco, a city spokesperson.

The donations are a testament to the community, Perisco said.

“I think in terms of early response, it’s been fantastic,” said Perisco. “We didn’t have an amount in mind at first, but I think it’s safe to say the community has shown an outpouring of support.”

The $83,000 includes $25,000 matched by Vons-Safeway, which held its own fundraiser at two different store locations the weekend after the shooting.

City leaders last week had warned about scammers who may be using this tragedy to benefit themselves.

“We heard rumors of someone walking down Main Street saying they were the family of the victims,” said Perisco. “But we were never able to confirm that.”

Donations to the “Seal Beach Victims’ Fund” can be made through the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce website or mailed or delivered in person to its office, or at the Bank of America on 208 Main St. in Seal Beach.

Del. Brothers Charged for 44 Burglaries in Three Months

Del. Brothers Charged for 44 Burglaries in Three Months

Delaware State Police have charged two brothers with more than 400 offenses in 44 burglaries in Millsboro over the past three months.

Nineteen-year-old Travis Cosbey and 25-year-old Joel Cosbey, both of Millsboro, are being held on $23,500 secured bond each.

Troopers say the burglaries have occurred since August in Pot-Nets, Long Neck Village and Leisure Point. Police say the burglars would forcibly enter through locked doors and steal televisions, video games, electronics, jewelry and tools.

Missing Boy Wanders Out of Burbank Airport

Missing Boy Wanders Out of Burbank Airport

Authorities are searching for a 14-year-old autistic boy who wandered out of Bob Hope Airport after his flight was delayed.

Cameron James Smith's parents took him to the airport and made sure the teen boarded his Delta Airlines flight, scheduled to take off at 10:30 a.m.

However, mechanical issues forced a delay. The plane returned to the gate and passengers deplaned, said airport spokesman Victor Gill.

The unaccompanied minor wandered out of the airport and boarded a parking lot shuttle, said Gill. Smith was last seen exiting the shuttle alone near the intersection of Hollywood Way and Thornton Avenue.

ort police were notified of the incident shortly before noon, and a search has been in progress since, according to a statement from the airport.

Smith was described as a white boy, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 118 pounds, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a white, long-sleeve sweater with the initials "C.S." on it, brown loafers with no socks, blue jeans, a silver band ring and a silver chain necklace.

Anyone with information can contact Burbank police at 818-238-3000.

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Projected Fiscal Outlook Bleak for SD

Projected Fiscal Outlook Bleak for SD

The city of San Diego will not have a projected budget surplus for five years, according to a financial outlook given Wednesday to the City Council's Budget Committee.

San Diego’s projected budget deficit for next year has dropped from $41.0 million to $31.8 million mainly because of projected increases in sales and hotel tax revenues, according to Communications Direction Darren Pudgil.

Pudgil expects the deficit to be even lower after the city calculates the savings from reform measures such as managed competition, which allows the private sector to compete for the right to provide city services.

The projected budget means city council members and the mayor will have to find ways to cut spending and increase revenue for the next five fiscal years. Actual revenues will depend on the economy, which could fluctuate at any time.

Md. House OKs Congressional Redistricting Plan

Md. House OKs Congressional Redistricting Plan

The Maryland House of Delegates approved Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley's congressional redistricting map Wednesday, the third day of a special session to redraw the districts of the state's eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The map, which Republicans decried as gerrymandering to oust a GOP congressman, is identical to a bill already passed by the Senate, except for some minor typographical errors. The Senate will have to approve those small technical changes to the bill before it goes to the governor for his signature.

The map reflects population growth in the suburbs of the nation's capital and up the Interstate 270 corridor, Democrats said. Delegate Adrienne Jones, D-Baltimore County, said 70 percent of the state's residents will reside in the same districts as under the current map.

“It was done very carefully, not willy-nilly,” Jones said. “It was done within the letter of the law, within the Voting Rights Act. It was done in consultation with the state attorney general who is the lawyer for the state.”

But Republicans said the map is designed to oust 10-term Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett in western Maryland.

Republican Delegate Anthony O'Donnell, the House minority leader, also said Democratic incumbents had too much influence on telling state lawmakers how they wanted their districts drawn.

“This state is for the citizens of Maryland, not some individuals who are incumbents who want vanity districts drawn for them,” O'Donnell, R-Calvert, said.

The state's congressional districts are being redrawn in response to the 2010 census, which found suburban Maryland counties had the state's biggest population growth over the last decade. All of the state's population gain resulted from increases in minorities, according to the census.

Maryland currently has two congressional districts represented by African-Americans. Growth in the state's minority population prompted some, including Republicans, to seek a third majority-minority district in the state. The House rejected a Republican amendment that would have created a third majority-minority district.

"The redistricting plan passed in the Maryland House today is not the best approach for minority voters or for all Marylanders," said Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Prince George's, Montgomery. "Nonetheless, the legislative process in the General Assembly has run its course."