Authorities have identified a 37-year-old man who was fatally stabbed last week near the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. The victim, Michael Cramp, a resident of San Diego, was found mortally wounded in the area of Front and C streets around 1 a.m.
on June 15, according to police. Patrol officers responded to a report of an assault and discovered Cramp suffering from critical injuries.
Paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A surveillance camera captured images of the suspected assailant walking east from the stabbing scene, said San Diego police Lieutenant Tien. Later that day, shortly after 8 a.m., transit security personnel reported making contact with a man matching the suspect's description at the 12th & Imperial Transit Center, near Petco Park.
Officers responded to the depot and arrested the individual, later identified as Conrad Waldron, 22.
Police have not disclosed a suspected motive for the deadly assault. However, Waldron is also suspected of carrying out a robbery and a non-fatal stabbing near the same area approximately one hour before Cramp was killed, Tien added.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Source: sandiegouniontribune.com

Source: sandiegouniontribune.com
San Diego police officers were forced to open fire after a suspect barricaded themselves inside a downtown apartment and then set the unit ablaze, authorities reported. The incident unfolded early in the afternoon on the 1600 block of 6th Avenue, a densely populated area of the city.
According to the San Diego Police Department, officers responded to a call about a barricaded suspect. Upon arrival, they discovered that the individual had not only refused to surrender but had also started a fire inside the apartment.
In response, officers made a forced entry into the residence. During the entry, police discharged their weapons.
At this time, it remains unclear whether the suspect or any other individual was struck by the gunfire. No official statement on injuries or casualties has been released.
The incident is under active investigation, and further details are expected as the situation develops. The fire was brought under control by emergency services, but the building sustained significant damage.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Source: 10news.com

Engineers and physicians at the University of California San Diego have been awarded a prestigious grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to create a point-of-care diagnostic test that can rapidly assess oxygen levels in a fetus during labor. The project, based in San Diego, aims to address one of the leading causes of birth complications: inadequate fetal oxygenation, which can lead to brain injury or stillbirth if not detected early.
The research team, composed of biomedical engineers and obstetric specialists, plans to develop a non-invasive sensor that would provide real-time, continuous monitoring of fetal oxygen saturation. Current methods rely on intermittent fetal heart rate monitoring or invasive scalp sampling, which can miss critical changes or pose risks.
The proposed device, anticipated to be about the size of a smartphone, would use near-infrared spectroscopy to measure oxygen levels through the mother's abdomen. The team expects to begin clinical trials within two years, with a goal of making the test widely available in hospitals and birthing centers across the country.
The award is part of a broader ARPA-H initiative to reduce maternal and infant mortality, particularly in underserved communities. Researchers emphasized that the technology could be especially impactful in rural areas where access to advanced obstetric care is limited.
The project also includes community engagement efforts to ensure the device meets the needs of diverse populations.
Source: today.ucsd.edu

On June 19, the Waterford Terrace Retirement Community in San Diego hosted its annual Senior Prom, a beloved tradition for over a decade. The event, usually held on the rooftop, was relocated to the third floor this year due to weather or other considerations.
Dozens of residents dressed in their finest attire for a night of dancing, refreshments, and the crowning of the prom king and queen.
Debbie Cox, a resident, met her husband while dancing. Although she can no longer dance, she remembers the feeling well.
"I danced all my life, and I can't dance now, but I remember what it felt like," said Cox, wearing her best leggings and blue blouse. She noted that her favorite style is the West Coast swing.
A spokesperson for Waterford Retirement Community emphasized that the annual gala fosters joy and connection among older adults, some of whom are over 100 years old. The dance promotes healthy aging and is a highlight residents look forward to each year.
This year's prom featured a DJ spinning hits from past decades, adding to the festive atmosphere as seniors sipped refreshments and reminisced about their youth.
Resident Niola Melucci shared why she attended: "It reminds me of when I was younger." Janice Farr added, "I love to dance. I love the music.
It was a highlight [for me] growing up." The night concluded with the crowning of the prom king and queen, Connie and Larry Morse, who were surprised by the honor. "Words can't express how we feel right now," Morse said after being crowned queen.
Source: timesofsandiego.com

A researcher at the University of California San Diego has been awarded a prestigious $5.6 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) Avant Garde Award to develop innovative artificial intelligence tools aimed at preventing HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and overdose among people who use drugs across the United States. The project, centered in San Diego County, will leverage AI-powered "digital twins"—virtual replicas of individuals and communities—to help public health agencies model and improve prevention strategies.
By simulating real-world scenarios, the digital twins can predict how interventions might reduce transmission rates and overdose deaths. The award underscores the growing role of AI in public health, particularly for marginalized populations.
The initiative will focus on data from San Diego and other regions, with plans to scale nationally. Researchers hope the tools will enable more targeted and effective responses, ultimately saving lives and reducing health disparities.
The project is expected to run for five years, with community input guiding its development. This award is part of the NIH's broader effort to support high-risk, high-reward research that tackles pressing public health challenges.
Source: today.ucsd.edu

The Ocean Beach Street Fair, a beloved annual event that draws crowds to Newport Avenue, is often perceived as a self-running celebration fueled by sunshine and community spirit. However, behind the vibrant booths and lively atmosphere lies an extensive operation involving countless tasks and a dedicated team of volunteers who make it all possible.
Denny Knox, director of Ocean Beach MainStreet, emphasized the indispensable role of volunteers. “We couldn’t do it without them,” Knox stated.
“We’ll have over 100 volunteers on the day, and we are very grateful to them for their help and enthusiasm.”
Recruiting volunteers has become slightly more challenging in recent years, as many long-time supporters who have contributed for decades are aging and unable to participate as actively. Knox noted that these veterans cherish the sense of community the fair fosters.
“You get to know people. If you don’t know a lot of people in Ocean Beach, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the town,” she added.
Michael Head, music booker for the 92107 Stage, views volunteering as a form of giving back. “I love Ocean Beach,” Head said.
“If I can help promote and take care of the area by pitching in, I’m happy to do it. Plus, I really like to be able to support local artists and businesses.
It’s win-win all around.”
Among the standout volunteers this year, Knox quickly highlighted Laurie Bollander, who works on community murals and sponsors the fair’s trolley. “She has a phenomenal take-charge attitude.
Not only does she volunteer out here, but we also have committee meetings that start in February of each year. And she’s been to every single one.
She’s a huge participant in our activities,” Knox remarked.
Kristen Keltner, street fair events manager, echoed this praise, noting Bollander’s innovative ideas, such as the family passport stamp. “She also has a son who’s 12 or 13, who’s adorable.
So, I feel like she has her finger on the pulse of the community and has an idea of what they want, especially from a family aspect. So, I think that’s why she makes a really good volunteer, she’s somebody who lives it,” Keltner said.
Head encourages local residents to consider volunteering next year. “It’s on my permanent schedule, as long as they’ll have me,” he commented.
“Anyone looking for a sense of community and the warm feeling of helping your neighborhood will be richly rewarded.”
Source: timesofsandiego.com
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