Author: CNN Newsource

By Aaron Parseghian

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    MASSACHUETTS (WBZ) — Sunday was the third day of spring, but it didn’t exactly feel like beach weather. That didn’t stop police officers from several Merrimack Valley-area departments from running straight into the cold water at Short Beach in Nahant.

The event marked the culmination of a fundraising effort that included selling custom patches, helping departments raise thousands of dollars for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“It took a little bit of buy-in, a little bit of selling, but for Make-A-Wish, I think we’re going to brave the waters for this great cause and organization,” said Lt. Brian Gendron of the Westford Police Department.

Westford among eight departments taking part, including Billerica, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Nahant, Stoneham, Tyngsborough, and Tewksbury.

Organizers say the money raised plays a critical role in supporting children facing serious illnesses and their families.

“It raises money that is critical to helping us achieve our mission of granting wishes for children with life-threatening critical illnesses, but also as a show of support for the families that we serve, for these families who are going through so much,” said Kara Walker with Make-A-Wish.

Among those families is the LeConti family. Brianna LeConti’s younger brother Bryce had a wish granted in 2010, an experience that left a lasting impact.

“It was very healing, we got to be together as a family, something that was very rare as he spent most of my childhood in the hospital,” LeConti explained. “Just heal together and be together and be what we would say a typical family.”

Back on the beach, officers sprinted across the sand and into the cold Atlantic Ocean, drawing cheers as they showed their support.

“We have a long-standing culture of community involvement, and if you have a happy police department, you have happy communities, so that’s the most important thing,” said Dep. Chief Gary Hannagan of Chelmsford Police.

The chattering teeth-filled smiles told the story as officers shouted “Make-A-Wish” after emerging from the water.

The fundraising push comes just ahead of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island granting its 11,000th wish to a 4-year-old in Marblehead next weekend.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Anahita Jafary

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    STOCKTON, California (KCRA) — Stockton 99 Speedway owner Tony Noceti made a triumphant return to the racetrack for the first time since surviving a head-on car crash, where he was met with an emotional surprise reunion with the couple who helped save his life.

Noceti, who has been recovering for months, expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his recovery. “My biggest challenge has been not being able to get in there hands on and do it. I have to delegate,” Noceti said.

“This is the 77th opener of the Stockton 99 Speedway and we’re giving tribute to Norman David number 77. He raced here for many years,” he added.

“This is the first time I’ve made it out here, so I’ve got my walker going. Thank you all so much for all the prayers, ladies and gentlemen, for helping me and my wife out. We appreciate that,” Noceti added.

In an emotional surprise, the couple who pulled over to help Noceti and his wife the night of the crash were also present at the event. “We’ve never met them other than that night,” said Scott Bollengier, who helped save the Nocetis.

“My dad doesn’t know, but the people who saved his life are also here,” said Noceti’s daughter, adding to the emotional atmosphere of the day.

Sheila Bollengier, who is an RN, recalled her immediate response upon arriving at the scene. “I was there first thing [and what] I had to come up [with] in my mind is I have to make sure they’re okay,” she said.

Scott Bollengier described the situation they encountered. “One of them was wedged under the steering wheel. The other one was in a lot of pain on the passenger side, we released the steering wheel. [Sheila] climbed in the truck with them, and we just kept them awake. We kept them going,” he said.

While Noceti acknowledged that healing has not been easy, relying on his walker, family, and friends made the opening day memorable. “31 days I was in the hospital. I went upstairs and the big boy upstairs pushed the button to send me back down here and said, ‘you’re not done yet’ and it’s been a little tough on me watching everybody do the work around here. But you, the fans, are the ones that make me happy,” Noceti said.

The owner also mentioned looking forward to the 40th Annual San Joaquin Asparagus Festival scheduled for April 24–26.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Jacquelyn Quinones

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    SANTA CRUZ, California (KSBW) — A historic radio station building on Portola Drive in Santa Cruz is now up for sale after its previous owner, Michael Zwerling, decided to sell it following decades of ownership.

“That opportunity came 24 years after January 4, 1967, on January 31, 1991, when I became the owner of this property,” Zwerling said.

Once Zwerling became the owner, KSCO also became his radio station, and at 74 years old, he is finally ready to retire.

“Still love the place, still love the idea of being a voice for everyone who chooses to use it, but it’s time to pass the baton,” Zwerling said.

The property includes several amenities, such as a lagoon and a crashing surf, which Zwerling affectionately calls KSCO beach, though it is technically known as Cochrane Beach or Santa Maria Beach. Additionally, there is a bomb shelter built in the mid-1950s to early 60s.

“It’s so unique, it has coastal character, it has coastal convenience, and it has amazing architectural design so bit century, nearly 5,000 square feet of building, nearly 7 acres of lagoon and ocean front obstructed views,” Zwerling said.

According to the listing agent, the property offers a unique opportunity for various uses, including business or residential.

“It’s a real unique opportunity for someone to come in whether it’s residential or business. This property can be separated to sell just the business or just the property and the building,” the listing agent said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Jane Kim

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    SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A 100-year-old Escondido man who received the Medal of Honor for his service during the Korean War was honored Saturday with his own day in San Diego.

Fighter jets flew over the USS Midway as Royce Williams looked on. March 21st will now be known as Captain Royce Williams Day in San Diego.

“I want to tell you that I’m not here just because I did it by myself. I’ve had so many wonderful people dedicating hard efforts going. It’s unbelievable effort and use of their time on my behalf,” Williams said.

In late February, Williams was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor at the president’s State of the Union.

ABC 10News previously spoke with Williams about his 1952 battle during the Korean War, where he faced seven Soviet pilots alone.

“But I could see clearly because of their contrails that there were seven and as they flew over me, I could see that they were MiG-15s, a superior fighter airplane,” Williams said.

Williams shot down four of them before returning to his aircraft carrier.

Saturday’s ceremony paid tribute to Williams for his bravery and going beyond the call of duty for his nation. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria awarded Williams with his honorary day.

“I am proclaiming today, March 21st, to be Captain Royce Williams Day throughout the city of San Diego in recognition of all that you’ve done for us, sir. We honor you, we respect you, we are proud of you, and we’re grateful to all you are amazing,” Gloria said.

The day honors an incredible legacy for a man who sacrificed so much for his country.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGTV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Yasmeen Ludy

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    SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A San Diego community garden is cutting ties with Cesar Chavez following recent allegations against him, choosing instead to honor his United Farm Workers co-founder, Dolores Huerta.

Volunteers are reimagining the Mount Hope Community Garden by weeding, turning soil, and building rows. The garden is run by Project New Village, an organization dedicated to growing local food and supporting neighbors through produce boxes and a mobile farmers market.

“We saw interesting news of late on, uh, Cesar Chavez, so we’re just lifting up the legacy of Dolores Huerta, her with the farm worker union, right, and the work that she’s done there we’re doing that by gathering and trying to be good stewards,” Diane Moss, CEO of Project New Village, said.

Organizers say following the allegations made about Chavez, it is time to start uplifting other activists like Huerta who also played a key role in the movement.

“I know her as an organizer of people in spaces, and as an organizer in this space, I get a lot of inspiration for courage and do the right thing every time,” Moss said.

“If the allegations are true and I believe the Dolores Huerta, then we shouldn’t lift him up as an icon because your behavior, uh, all the time counts.” Moss said.

While honoring Huerta, the garden’s staff is also focused on expanding their impact in the neighborhood.

“So right now we’re trying to increase production here at the garden… this whole area will be production for the community,” Rowan Wadsworth, farm manager, said.

“Our main goal is to ramp up our production so that we can, um, feed more of our community,” Ian Moreland, garden manager, said.

Mount Hope Community Garden is not the only one cutting ties with Chavez. It is just the latest on a list of organizations across San Diego County that are also removing his name from landmarks.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGTV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Marc Monroy

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    TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — Dozens of community members gathered at Mission Manor Park on Sunday to support 14-year-old Ruben Perez, a high school student with cerebral palsy who was beaten earlier this month, and to take a stand against youth violence.

I spoke with the organizers and the Perez family on the South Side to see what the continued support means to them.

According to Isabel Perez, Ruben’s mother, a social media video that has since been taken down showed a couple of teens punching, kicking and dragging Ruben on the ground.

Tucson police say two teens have since been charged in connection to the attack, facing assault and robbery charges. Because the suspects are minors, their names are not being released.

“I feel nice and relaxed because I know justice is being served for my son,” Isabel said.

Ruben had a neurological exam last week, and the results were concerning. He will now undergo therapy to address his head injuries.

“It came out a bit negative but he’s going to go to therapy,” Isabel said.

Ruben is continuing to recover and goes back to school on Tuesday.

The video of the attack moved Lupita Martinez and Yesenia Tracy to act. They organized a rally earlier this month where hundreds lined the streets. Dozens more answered the call again this Sunday, bringing bikes and a DJ to the park.

“We want to make sure that we’re increasing awareness,” Martinez said.

“The community needs to be better; it’s not just a law enforcement issue, it starts in the home. Parents need to monitor behavior and engage in conversation with their kids,” Martinez said.

“They need to grow up and also be held responsible for their actions, bottom line,” Tracy said.

“I want to give a big thanks to everybody who has supported us and may god bless you all,” Isabel said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGUN verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Richard Butler

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    NIWOT, Colorado (KMGH) — Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults found themselves facing the new challenge of isolation. Three Denver7 Everyday Heroes in Niwot saw that problem firsthand and decided to do something about it. Now, their idea is bringing hundreds of people together every month.

Inside Niwot Hall, the sound of laughter and conversation fills the room. It’s a reflection of what the Niwot Community Connection has become.

“It’s a group of people who come together for social interaction, because after COVID, so many people were isolated,” Pat Murphy, a co-founder of the organization, said.

Murphy, along with Dawn Server and Eve Lempriere, launched the Niwot Community Connection about five years ago to create opportunities for people 50 years and older to meet, learn, volunteer and build relationships.

In an unincorporated town without a senior center or gathering space, Server said the need was clear.

“It solved the problem of there being no gathering for people our age,” Server said.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a thriving network with more than 600 members and dozens of interest groups, ranging from card games to hiking and social outings.

“We have had a canasta group, Mahjong, all types of groups and if people have an interest and we don’t have that group, they can start it,” Server said.

For Lempriere, the goal was always about connection.

“It was an idea. We want to help people get connected, and that’s really what it’s done,” Lempriere said.

Members say the impact goes far beyond activities, helping turn strangers into friends.

“They didn’t know anyone, and now they have friends galore,” Murphy said.

Kathy Koehler, a member of the group and former Denver7 Everyday Hero, described the organization as central to the community.

“This organization is like a heart and soul in Niwot,” Koehler said.

Hallie Pasko, another former Denver7 Everyday Hero, helped nominate the three women. Pasko said the group plays a critical role in keeping people engaged.

“It really is important for the socialization of seniors, to have a place to go, to meet people and to have interaction, it breaks the isolation,” Pasko said.

During a recent gathering, the three women were surprised with the recognition of Denver7 Everyday Hero.

“It’s always a joy to meet new people, and it couldn’t happen without everybody in this room,” Lempriere said.

In the small town of Niwot, Pasko said the success of the group is something truly special.

“Niwot is just a special community,” Pasko said. “To bring the seniors together is the best part.”

What began as a response to isolation has grown into something much more — a community built on connection, friendship and support.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Maggie Bryan

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    BOULDER, Colorado (KMGH) — Five years after the mass shooting at a King Soopers grocery story in Boulder, family and friends of victims gathered for a remembrance memorial on Sunday to honor the lives of their loved ones.

Ten people were killed in the shooting at the Table Mesa King Soopers on March 22, 2021.

Family members, first responders, elected officials and Boulder residents packed The Museum of Boulder to share memories of the victims and to reflect on the community’s outpouring of support in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Erika Mahoney’s father, Kevin Mahoney, was killed in the shooting as he was shopping at the grocery store. She said the pain of losing her father has not gone away over the past five years, but she has learned how to cope with her grief.

“I’ve learned how to connect with my dad in different ways. I ask for little signs, his favorite song will come on, or I’ll make his favorite meal,” Erika Mahoney said. “I still feel like he’s watching over me. In fact, I feel like I have 10 guardian angels.”

Robert Olds lost his niece, Rikki Olds, who was a manager at the King Soopers. He said he continues to share stories about her to keep her memory alive and relies on his faith to get through each day.

“For the last five years, I haven’t been able to make any new memories with her,” Robert Olds said. “Believe in your faith, and you will get through. Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not, but the sun will come up tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, it’s going to come up the next day.”

During the memorial, Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn shared words from the family of Officer Eric Talley, who was killed while responding to the shooting. In an interview with Denver7 before the memorial, the police chief said his department is still dealing with the impacts of the tragedy.

“We have committed that we’ll never forget Eric. We’ll never forget his bravery and sacrifice, but we’re never going to forget the people that were just going about their day, that day, either working or shopping, and for no reason, were murdered,” Chief Redfearn said.

Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, who was a city council member at the time of the shooting, reflected on the community’s immediate response to the shooting.

“The response was overwhelming. It was so positive. If you remember, the fences around King Soopers were absolutely covered in memorials and flowers and gifts, and people were there every day, offering their respects. The way that the community came together was truly extraordinary,” Brockett said.

While families said they will never make sense of the tragedy, many said the loss gave them a renewed purpose in life.

“We can’t make sense of the senseless,” Mahoney said. “Loss is the teacher that you never ask for, but it does teach you so many things. I feel fearless. I feel like we have this one beautiful life, and we should go and live it.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.