News 8: Special Assignment

How Would You Vote If The Election Was Today?

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 18:06:58 -0700

If the elections were held today, who would you vote for? News 8 took this question downtown and asked local voters in an unscientific poll.

Asbestos Halts Demolition At Stonegate Development

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 18:23:21 -0700

Demolition at a North County housing development has been halted after asbestos was discovered in several old buildings. It wasn't until neighbors complained that the hazardous contamination came to light.

Where To Go For Loans When The Banks Refuse

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 18:21:34 -0700

Homeowners are not the only ones being squeezed in the current economic turmoil. Those who run small businesses are feeling the harsh effects as well. Some business owners are taking steps in order to keep their doors open.

Latino Voters Could Decide Presidential Election

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 10:13:16 -0700

This is Hispanic Heritage Month, but the presidential campaigns are looking at the nation's largest minority for another reason. Latino voters could decide who wins the White House in November. But the question is - will Latinos go to the polls and vote?

Local Inventor Creates New Three-Wheel Scooter

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 18:53:24 -0700

Imagine an electric scooter with one wheel on the front and two wheels in the back? A local man has invented just that, and his creation is giving the two-wheel Segway some competition, and for half the price.

New CBS Show "The Ex List" Has Strong San Diego Connections

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 18:50:22 -0700

Friday night you may have watched the premiere of the new CBS show "The Ex List" here on Channel 8. You may have also been doing a double-take on some of the show's scenery.

The Tricks And Tactics Of Attack Ads

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 19:25:53 -0700

With the race for president coming down to the wire, the Obama and McCain camps are trading punches. In the election's final weeks, the political ads are growing nasty and negative. News 8's Jeff Zevely speaks to an advertising expert about why these commercials can be so effective.

Fallbrook Family Shows Off Fire Resistant Home

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 17:57:29 -0700

As we approach the one year anniversary of the wildfires that devastated San Diego County, many fire victims are still in the rebuilding process. We went inside the second home to be rebuilt in Fallbrook, where the owners had fire safety and energy conservation on their mind.

All-In-One Personal Care Kits Pass The TSA Test

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:31:03 -0700

Packing for a flight these days may have just gotten a whole lot easier. Instead of agonizing over which carry-on toiletries to take, one company has simplified the packing process with the MySmartPac.

San Diego's Dating Coach Reveals Worst Pick-Up Tactics

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:49:52 -0700

Next week is National Singles' Week, so we figured this would be a good time to brief men on the do's and don'ts of pick-up lines. And ladies, how do you gracefully fend off a callous come-on? News 8's Jeff Zevely received some tactful tips from San Diego's Dating Coach.

Cops Writing Tickets For Wearing Headphones On Bikes

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:56:42 -0700

First there was the cell phone law. Now police are writing tickets for people riding bicycles with iPods. A viewer contacted News 8 after a co-worker got busted for listening to music on his bike.

Red & Blue Battleground Areas In San Diego County

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:32:22 -0700

Red and blue battleground states across the country could decide who will be the next president. But what about here in San Diego County? Are you surrounded by Democrats, or Republicans?

News 8's Natasha Stenbock Earns Pilot's License

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:25:54 -0700

A big congratulation goes out to Natasha Stenbock who received her pilot's license Wednesday.

Keep Criminals Away With Pepper Powder

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:11:49 -0700

PepperBalls are potent but non-lethal. They contain powdered chemicals that are designed to help subdue an attacker. It's commonly used in law enforcement, but now it's available to the public.

Property Owners Fighting New Wind Farms In East County

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:18:10 -0700

It may soon be getting easier for energy corporations to build wind farms in the East County. Several firms are already offering landowners money for the rights to build huge wind turbines on private property. Now, the energy companies are taking their fights to the County Board of Supervisors.

Clinic Cares For Golden Eagle With Kidney Problem

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:33:51 -0700

A La Mesa veterinary clinic is taking care of a special patient today. A golden eagle is being treated for kidney problems after being found on the Viejas Indian Reservation.

Economic Woes Cause Construction Delays

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:19:45 -0700

During this uncertain economy, many homeowners are pulling money out of their home equity lines to make improvements. But the economic woes have caused some construction delays, because the money may not be there.

City Of Vista Fines Business Owner For Flying U.S. Flags

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:21:19 -0700

A North County business owner has been fined for flying the American flag on the outside of his store. The store owner says it's all about the red, white and blue, but the City of Vista says the issue is more black and white.

Historic Old Town Business Is Now History Itself

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:27:30 -0700

After 16 years, one of San Diego's premier lodgings is closing its doors. The county served a 30-day notice to the operators of the award-winning Heritage Park Bed & Breakfast Inn to vacate the property. They have to be out by Oct. 1 to make way for re-development at the historic site.

Video Tests Your Power Of Perception

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:27:39 -0700

Do you consider yourself an observant person? An online video aims to prove you might not be quite as perceptive as you think you are.

Whip Up Some Bachelor Food Using Gadgets For Guys

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:12:35 -0700

So you are a man who is challenged in the kitchen? Who says that means you haven't earned the right to wear the apron?

Local Man Turns His Home Into A Turtle Sanctuary

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:24:23 -0700

The mortgage crisis is affecting people and pets in all sorts of unexpected ways. The San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society is seeing an increase in the number of turtles abandoned by struggling homeowners.

Monarch Butterflies Showing Up Along San Diego Coast

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:15:18 -0700

It's the time of year when a beautiful sight is showing up in San Diego's coastal communities. Monarch butterflies are starting to make their way out of the inland areas for their annual migration.

Uncovering The Mysterious World Of Great Whites

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:02:24 -0700

The great white shark is one of the most fearsome creatures on our planet. It's also one of the most misunderstood. But one California aquarium has been making huge strides in learning more about great whites.

Mom And Pop Bat Co. Making Mark In Major Leagues

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:12:34 -0700

In a small industrial warehouse, a mom and pop bat company is stepping into the box against the big boys.

Motorcycle Course Lets You Hit The Road, Safely

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:21:00 -0700

We've been reporting a lot on the growing number of people turning to motorcycles to fight high gas prices, and how many of them aren't taking proper precautions. Getting the right training and using the right equipment can pay off on the road.

Equine Expressionist Paintings Are Selling

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:26:09 -0700

Every morning when the sun hits this sprawling 10-acre ranch in Winchester, the thoroughbreds are walked, but their running days are over. No more training, no more winner's circle. They've come off the track.

Lagoon Explodes With Life, Mystifies Scientists

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 13:50:06 -0700

A big environmental project along Interstate 5 in Del Mar is having some surprising results. Workers are reshaping more than 400 acres of land around the San Dieguito River in hopes of revitalizing the wetlands. Now scientists say the fish population has sky-rocketed after the lagoon was opened to the ocean.

Video Games Could Lead Children To High Paying Jobs

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 18:51:49 -0700

Summer vacation has ended, and the kids may be back in school, but parents might not want to put away those video games just yet. Today's gamer may become tomorrow's top surgeon.

A Bird's Eye View Of Fire Danger Zones

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 17:15:17 -0700

The recent wave of hot, dry weather has both firefighters and the sheriff's department on alert for possible brush fires. News 8 photojournalist Bill Tracey took a ride with sheriff's deputies on one of their helicopters to check out some of the danger areas along the 94 corridor.