A man slain in San Diego’s Rolando community last week was killed with a machete, and the suspected killer was arrested in Arizona Thursday afternoon, officials confirmed.

On Nov. 5, at around 10 p.m., victim Vincente Carrera was killed at a home in the 6800 block of Waite Drive. One week later, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) confirmed investigators had recovered the murder weapon – a machete – and said they had honed in on a suspect in the slaying.

On Thursday, SDPD officials said they were looking for 22-year-old Vincent Garza Salas, who also goes by the nickname, “Chente,” as the suspect in Carrera’s killing.

According to police, Salas is a heavy methamphetamine user with a violent streak. Police did not believe he was carrying firearms, but said Salas is known to carry knives and is considered armed and dangerous. Police released a photo of Salas Thursday, along with a brief description of him, asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to immediately contact authorities.

The SDPD confirmed very early Friday morning that Salas had been taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. Thursday by U.S. Marshals from the West Valley Violent Offender Task Force in Phoenix, Ariz.

U.S. Marshal Deputy Matt Hersey in Phoenix told NBC 7 Salas was booked into Maricopa County Jail. SDPD officials said he will eventually be extradited to San Diego to face charges on suspicion of murder, which could take days or even weeks.

Hersey said authorities developed information that led them to believe Salas was hiding out in Phoenix. U.S. Marshals set up surveillance in the areas where they believed the suspect was staying. Officials spotted Salas leaving a house on a skateboard and, after identifying him as the homicide suspect, were able to arrest him, Hersey said.

NBC 7 spoke with Salas’ brother and aunt on Thursday who said they were shocked to hear Salas is a suspect in Carrera’s killing.

They said Salas and Carrera were close friends and ran errands together on Nov. 5 -- the very day police believe Carrera was killed. The suspect's brother and aunt said they had not spoken to Salas since that day, and had no information on a possible motive.

The aunt and brother told NBC 7 they feel terrible for Carrera’s family, especially since they also know the victim's family very well.

“We were like family and for his family, just keep your heads up and I’m sorry this had to happen,” said the suspect's aunt, Misty, who declined to give her last name.

Misty said Carrera recently welcomed a new grandchild, so she knows his family must be grieving.

“We love him a lot. We are all hurting,” Misty told NBC 7. “He’s my nephew and the other one, we’ve known him almost 20 years and he’s like family too. You just want justice and whoever did it, you don’t want someone to get blamed that [doesn’t] need to get blamed for it."

Carrera’s lifeless body was discovered on Nov. 6 among clutter on the back patio of the home on Waite Drive, buried beneath clothing and boxes. The police department launched a homicide investigation following the grisly discovery.

SDPD Lt. Paul Rorrison said the victim had suffered blunt force trauma and it appeared some sort of weapon had been used in the homicide.

Several people were inside the home when police arrived. Those people were interviewed, but no arrests were made. Lt. Rorrison said Carrera did not live at the house in Rolando but was someone who was known to “frequent” the residence.

Residents said they had seen many people coming in and out of the house, and one neighbor told NBC 7 he heard screams coming from the home before police arrived.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information on this case should contact the SDPD’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
 

Howard University is continuing increased security on campus and at nearby Metro stations on Friday, after officials learned of an online threat to harm people on campus.

The threat was made against the university and its students, Howard officials said Thursday. 

The threat was posted on the website 4Chan, which allows users to post anonymously. The post spewed racial slurs and threatened to harm anyone still on campus after 10 on Thursday. Users of the site have a history of posting incendiary comments or threats, many of which turn out to be bogus.

While officials are taking the threat seriously, they said late Thursday night that the threat was "not followed by any additional threats or suspicious activity." Nonetheless, increased security will continue.

"We strongly denounce the sentiment expressed in the online threat becaise it speaks against the very freedoms that Howard University and our community stand for," the officials said.

Students, faculty and owners of surrounding businesses say they're staying vigilant.

The owner of the poplar family-owned Howard Delicatessen, located across the street from campus, said he's proud of how the Howard community has handled the threat.

Owner Kenny Gilmore said people who post online threats "get gratification from seeing us scared or reacting."

Howard students also held a rally on campus Thursday night for a similar purpose.

One student said it was painful to hear about the threat made to the community.

"It's hurtful, just knowing that this is an HBCU [historically black college or university]," she said. "People take pride in this school."

Howard officials said security has been increased out of an "abundance of caution." Students were not penalized if they chose to skip classes on Thursday because they were concerned, officials said.

Howard asked anyone who sees something suspicious to call the Howard University Department of Public Safety at 202-806-1100 or D.C. police at 202-727-9099.

The FBI is taking the lead in the investigation into the threat.

"We are aware of the online threat, and have made appropriate notifications..." the FBI said in a statement. "We urge anyone with information on the threat to contact the D.C. police department or the FBI."

Although the post was anonymous, former FBI criminal profiler Clint Van Zandt said the FBI usually can track down the person responsible.

"Everything has a date/time stamp on it, so as soon as the authorities identify the device that it came from and the date and time, then they do the normal shoe-leather type of investigation," he said. 

Thousands of businesses in San Diego belong to special districts that provide improvements beyond city infrastructure and services.

They tax themselves through assessments that help cover those costs.

But all too many are kicking in nothing at all.

"I don't know if I can get in the minds of other business people, but there are a lot of costs associated with running a business,” says Steven Galasso, proprietor of Caffe Italia in Little Italy. “ And that's probably one that they feel they can get away with for a certain period of time before the city catches up with them."

Galasso pays $300 a year to the Little Italy Business Improvement District Association, one of the city oldest improvement districts, which has become a dining, shopping and nightlife “destination” for tourists and locals alike.

He and his neighboring establishments are said to be among the city’s most diligent in contributing their fair share for the extra benefits they enjoy

But up to six out of ten businesses in private-sector and county databases aren't on the city's paid assessment list in 11 districts that city auditors focused on.

That's a lot to fall between the cracks -- or, knowingly lay low until they're discovered to be delinquents.

So how does the city go about rolling up the freeloaders?

By cross-checking beyond business licenses.

“We identified a data source from the county and then a private-sector database, and we provided that information to the treasurer's office,” says deputy city auditor Matt Helm. “Our recommendation was that in addition to what they do, they incorporate these other parts as an added development to their efforts."

By now, treasurer's deputies have been catching up with about 400 businesses that -- for whatever reason -- weren't in compliance with assessment payments.

That's going back as far as three years.

Bills have been sent out, and money owed is coming in.

Even so, is there any way to be certain that everybody who should be paying is doing so?

“I don’t think you’ll ever get to 100 percent compliance,” Helm told NBC 7 in an interview Thursday. “But what we’re saying is just round out the efforts to the maximum extent that we can.”

For Caffe Italia’s Galasso, the key to business owners maintaining a low delinquency rate is feeling a sense of community, and confidence in their districts’ ability to deliver.

“The rate in Little Italy is very low, and basically I think that's because people know what kind of services they get,” he says. “People are seeing what they're paying for."
 

Coronado detectives arrested a man for indecent exposure Thursday.

Nicholas William Smith, 24, was charged with two counts of indecent exposure after exposing himself to two women last month and following a 15-year-old Coronado girl home from school around the same time.

Detectives identified Smith as a suspect but were unable to arrest him because the accusations were misdemeanors.

The case was turned over to the District Attorney's office and an arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday.

He has been booked into San Diego Central Jail on $20,000 bail.
 

A passerby in Otay Mesa heard the cries of two puppies coming from a dumpster Thursday morning. Huddled inside a box in the dumpster were two mixed breed terriers.

The good Samaritan called animal control and the puppies are now recovering at the county’s animal care facility in Bonita.

“It is illegal to abandon an animal, and it is also repugnant,” said Animal Services Deputy Director Dan DeSousa. “If a person cannot care for an animal, they can reach out to various rescue groups or contact the department, either for assistance or to take the animals.”

The 4-month-old female puppies were dirty but appeared healthy and well treated. Animal services is required to hold the dogs until next Tuesday to give their owner a chance to claim them.

There is a possibility the puppies were stolen and abandoned. If the owner does not claim them they will be available for adoption next Wednesday.
 

Two people were "incinerated" in a U.S. airstrike targeting the notorious terrorist known as "Jihadi John," and a military spokesman said Friday officials are "reasonably certain" he was one of them, NBC News reported.

"It will take time to definitively declare whether we had success," Col. Steve Warren, spokesman for the U.S. military operation against ISIS, told reporters during a briefing.

The U.S. has video showing an individual believed to be Mohammed Emwazi exiting a building in the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa and getting into a vehicle, the official said. A U.S.-operated MQ-9 Reaper drone, one of three that had been tracking Emwazi, then struck the car, a senior military official told NBC News.

Warren could not comment on the existence of the video, but said the presumed death of Emwazi is a "significant blow" to ISIS' image.

The masked Emwazi, a Kuwait-born British citizen, has participated in numerous videos showing the killings of Westerners, including American journalists and American and British aid workers, officials said.

You can hear Bri Escobar’s proud, playful voice celebrating her daughter's accomplishment, on cell phone video, as she sits up on the couch at home just two weeks ago.

“Sadie bell! That’s such a big girl sitting up!” Bri exclaimed.

But now her bundle of joy, 4-month-old Sadie, is barely moving. She’s at Rady Children's hospital suffering from Infant Botulism – a rare illness that causes paralysis.

“I was worried at first it was affecting her brain because it’s like paralyzing her,” Escobar said. “It doesn’t affect her brain, just her muscles.”

Escobar said at her daughter’s worst point, she could only open her eyes.

“It was really scary definitely scary," she explained.

Botulism is so rare the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note only approximately 145 cases are reported yearly – 65% of those are infant botulism.

Here in San Diego, the county's latest stats show 3 cases from 2009-2013. While people are familiar with honey containing the bacteria for infant botulism, Bri was surprised to find her daughter may have contracted the bacteria when her father unknowingly brought dirt home from his construction job.

“Spores grow in the ground and when a baby under 6 months inhales or ingest it their intestines are like a good area for that botulism toxin to grow,” Escobar explained.

She’s not a doctor, but after a week at Rady Children’s Hospital, she's had to learn a lot about what's ailing her daughter.

She said her daughter is slowly starting to regain the movement she lost a week ago and getting her personality back.

“We’re very excited to get our happy, silly, baby back,” she told NBC7.
 

A San Diego man believed to be armed and dangerous and on the run after the killing of a brother and sister in Mountain View was cornered by SDPD officers for hours before being arrested early Friday.

After a high-speed freeway pursuit, officers said a man suspected in the double homicide was involved in a SWAT standoff in City Heights, refusing to get out of his vehicle.

At about 9:30 p.m., an SDPD officer spotted a man driving in the 1000 block of South 43rd Street. The officer tried to pull the suspect over, but Vega fled.

Police then started chasing the driver through the city, driving on Interstate 15, Interstate 805 and Interstate 5 at different points. Amid the pursuit, the man threw a handgun out of the window of his car, police confirmed.

The chase ended in the 3500 block of Van Dyke Avenue, where a SWAT team was called in, nearby houses and apartments were evacuated.

The man inside the green Oldsmobile was Felipe DeJesus Vega, 39, the man accused of killing brother and sister Alexis Velarde, 22, and Arline Iribe, 20, on Nov. 8 behind a home in the 1100 block of South 43rd Street.

When the SWAT team arrived, they drove their BearCat armored vehicle into the back of Vega's car. The scene was near at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Van Dyke, close to Joyner Elementary School. For several hours, police called out the name "Felipe," telling him in Spanish to come out.

Tear gas was deployed toward the suspect at least twice, but the standoff continued for more than two hours. A K-9 officer was also deployed on Vega.

Then, the sound of multiple shots fired led to the end of the standoff at approximately 12:35 a.m.

According to the SDPD, Vega exited his car and allegedly reached for his waistband while turning toward officers and emergency negotiators.

There was a struggle between the officers and the suspect that lasted several seconds. One officer -- an 11-year veteran of the police department -- fired one round at Vega, striking him in his upper torso.

Vega was handcuffed and loaded into an ambulance which transported him to a local hospital. SDPD officials said the suspect is in stable condition.

No officers were injured in this standoff and shooting, the SDPD said.

The bodies of Alexis and Arline were found on the driveway at Vega's Mountain View home Sunday, and police have been searching for the suspect since.

Family of the victims described Vega was a close family friend. Police say Alexis tried to shield his sister from the gunfire before he died.

Check back here for more on this breaking news story.

Disgraced former Subway pitchman Jared Fogle is "profoundly sorry" and will ask for leniency when he is sentenced next week on child pornography and sex crime charges, his attorneys said in a filing Friday, NBC News reported.

Attorneys for Fogle want the federal judge in Indianapolis to give him a five-year prison term — less than the 12 years and seven months that federal prosecutors are seeking. In addition, the government wants the 38-year-old father of two to get a lifetime of supervision following his release.

Fogle agreed in August to plead guilty to possession of child pornography and traveling to pay for sex with minors — a stunning admission that brought disgrace to the sandwich pitchman.

Subway severed its relationship with Fogle after the allegations surfaced. 

A 22-year-old California woman is accused of posing as a Disney employee, complete with bogus Mickey Mouse business cards, and selling fake tickets to more than a dozen people.

Jennifer Anne Cardema, who used to live in San Jose and now lives in Pacifica, was charged Friday with grand theft, identity theft, and aggravated white collar crime enhancements, according to Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Deng.

Cardema is being represented by a public defender, but she did not enter a plea on Friday and neither commented about the case. Her bail was set at $332,000 for one set of charges, including the Disney-related counts, and $150,000 for another set of charges.

According to prosecutors, her scam lasted more than two years, and investigators tracked down at least 14 acquaintances or friends of acquaintances who were targeted.

During several scenarios, Cardema allegedly pretended she was a Disney employee who had the ability to sell discounted annual passes and hotel reservations. She tricked her customers, prosecutors said, by creating a fake LinkedIn page, Disneyland passes, Disneyland emails and business cards decorated with pictures of Mickey Mouse and Elsa, the main character in the hit film "Frozen."

Deng said several families in Silicon Valley traveled to Anaheim, California; or Orlando, Florida; only to find that their Disney passes were not valid and their rooms were not booked. One victim called Santa Clara police, several people called San Jose police, and one person contacted the District Attorney, Deng said. During the investigation, more victims were discovered.

Cardema conned other victims, Deng said, by leading them to believe she was hiring them at Intel or YouTube so they would provide personal information in job applications. A few days later, Cardema would allegedly open credit cards under their names and go on shopping sprees, according to prosecutors.

When many of the victims demanded their money back, Cardema would send them checks which were returned for insufficient funds, prosecutors said.

This Disney scam is not the first.

In February, Mountain View police arrested 25-year-old David Kao of San Francisco on charges of selling Park Hopper tickets to Disneyland for $500 on Craiglist. When the family showed up at the Anaheim theme park, they presented their tickets at the counter only to find out they were fake, authorities said.

NBC Bay Area's Robert Handa contributed to this report.

San Diego port district officials have issued a request for proposals to develop a restaurant at the end of the Imperial Beach Pier, in the spot currently occupied by Tin Fish.

In a statement, the Unified Port of San Diego said the district, in partnership with the city of Imperial Beach, is looking to redevelop the coastal restaurant site at 910 Seacoast Drive. Locally based Tin Fish Restaurants leases the space from the port district, under an agreement that expires April 30, 2016.

Port officials said a reconfiguration of the existing building is “highly encouraged,” to best utilize space, attract customers and enhance operations and revenue. The port district may also offer the future operator a location at the foot of the pier, to set up a food cart.

Responses are due by 1 p.m. Dec. 15, with a tenant expected to be chosen in January. Information is on the Port of San Diego’s portal at PlanetBids.com.

The Imperial Beach action follows previous moves by the port district to consider new development proposals for the current site of Anthony’s Fish Grotto in downtown San Diego and rental car lots being vacated at Harbor Island. Officials are seeking to maximize port revenue derived from long-term commercial leases of prime waterfront property.

Port officials are expected this month to select from three developer proposals for the Anthony’s site.
 

A rare pygmy hippo calf was born at the San Diego Zoo on Wednesday—the first surviving hippo birth at the zoo in over a decade. 

The little hippo weighs about 12 pounds and was born to its mother, Francesca.

The significant birth adds to the world's smallest species of hippo which is currently on the endangered species list. There are approximately 2,000 pygmy hippos left in the world, according to the San Diego Zoo. 

"Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the mission of San Diego Zoo Global," the zoo said in a press release. 

As of now the sex and name of the calf is unknown. Francesca and her baby will be alone in a private barn until the calf is ready to swim in the larger pool on exhibit, the zoo said. 

Ben Carson dismissed the "gratuitous attack" leveled against him by presidential rival Donald Trump, who likened the former neurosurgeon to a child molester, NBC News reported.

Trump delivered a blistering critique of Carson during a campaign rally in Iowa on Thursday in which he said the former neurosurgeon has a "pathological disease" that cannot be cured.

"If you're a child molester, there is no cure. They can't stop you." Trump said. "Pathological, there is no cure."

Carson fired back at the media while talking to reporters in South Carolina Friday, saying he does not believe Trump called him a child molester.

“I always find it amusing what people in the press like to say,” Carson responded. “You compare this, therefore you said this. I don’t buy all that stuff.”

On Friday, Trump released an Instagram video again calling into question Carson's story about attempting to stab a friend in his adolescence.

An educational Happy Hour, a ski and snowboard expo and more sweet San Diego Beer Week events will make this weekend a fun one in San Diego. Explore. Eat. Cheers. Repeat.

Thursday, Nov. 12

Throwback Thursday: Happy Hour at San Diego History Center
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., San Diego History Center at Balboa Park
Arguably the most educational Happy Hour in San Diego, this event at Balboa Park’s San Diego History Center (SDHC) will throw it back to the Mexican Revolutionary War era, examining the 1911 Magonista Revolt as well as the center’s new exhibition, “The Border: The Line That Divides,” a photographic time-lapse of changes over time at the U.S.-Mexico border crossing in San Ysidro. The evening includes light bites and border-themed beer and cocktails, live music, dancing and a presentation from Tijuana College professor Lawrence Taylor. General admission is $25 or $20 for SDHC members. Cheers!

Donuts & Beer
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Local Eatery and Drinking Hole
Part of San Diego Beer Week 2015, this event at The Local Eatery in downtown San Diego pairs donuts and craft beer for a match made in sweet, sudsy heaven. Each session (seating is at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) includes four specially-selected donuts from Donut Bar paired with four local craft brews: one from Stone Brewing Co., one from Coronado Brewing Company, one from Ballast Point. The last participating brewery is being kept secret until the event. Tickets cost $30 per person, and space is limited, so hop on this early.

Chocolate & Beer Tasting
6:30 p.m., Dallmann Fine Chocolates at The Headquarters
Yes, all of your wildest dreams are coming true: a tasting event featuring chocolate AND beer. This educational event at Dallmann Fine Chocolates, located at The Headquarters at Seaport, pairs truffles with specially-selected draft brews – from stouts to ales, sweet to savory. The icing on the cake: tickets are only $15 per person.

SoundDiego Suggestion:
AA Bondy
9 p.m., the Hideout
Mu-sic THING! Mu-sic THING! The San Diego Music Thing is upon us beginning Nov. 12, which means 100+ bands across 12 stages at nine venues all around San Diego, putting on excellent (and superbly affordable) shows. Make sure to support some local talent, who you'll see headlining and opening throughout the weekend. On Thursday at the Hideout, the sweet musical musings of AA Bondy make lovers out of listeners. A far cry from his grunge beginnings, Bondy’s solo work lives in the dance of traditional folk, stripped clean but not bare. Added bonus: San Diego’s own Old Tiger (featuring SoundDiego's Dustin Lothspeich strumming and crooning) swoon with pleading dreamscapes of soul, an ode to crooners past while inhabiting the present.

Friday, Nov. 13

SnowJam Ski & Snowboard Show
Times vary, Nov. 13-15, Del Mar Fairgrounds
Like to shred in fresh powder? This three-day snowboarding expo in Del Mar will get you prepped for the ski and snowboard season. The show features lift ticket giveaways and deals, plus loads of vendors offering deep discounts on top-brand snowboarding clothing, gear and accessories. The Burton Riglet Park zone will get the little one psyched for the snow season too: it’s a free playground for kids (age 3-6) where instructors from Big Bear Resorts will show them everything they need to know to get started on the slopes. This expo runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $16 if purchased in advance online.

San Diego Gulls vs. San Jose Barracuda
7:05 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
In this hockey home game, the San Diego Gulls take on the San Jose Barracuda. Catch the fast-paced action on the ice at the Valley View Casino Center on Sports Arena Boulevard.

Brewery Olympics: Total Tap Takeover
6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Coin Op North Park
Another San Diego Beer Week event, this first-ever “Brewery Olympics” is described as a “video game-style” tournament that pits local breweries against one another for ultimate beer bragging rights. Of course, the video game element is fitting given the location: Coin Op North Park is both a bar and arcade gameroom, or “barcade,” if you will. The competition will boast rare releases from San Diego-based breweries such as Stone, Mother Earth, Pizza Port, The Lost Abbey and Modern Times, among others.

SoundDiego Suggestion:
Matthew Logan Vasquez
7 p.m., the Irenic
Remember how good Delta Spirit’s “Ode to Sunshine” was? Man, when they broke with that in 2007, it felt like the indie gods were speaking directly through Matthew Logan Vasquez & Co. They’ve got a strong pop lean these days, but Vasquez is breaking away -- as he’s done before, when he teamed up with the frontmen of Dawes and Deer Tick to form Middle Brother (P.S. Come back, please) -- for a solo stint that’s fuzzy and loud and big and fun. “The Austin EP” dropped Nov. 3, so listen up before the SDMT show!

Saturday, Nov. 14

DogFest Walk ‘N’ Roll 
8 a.m., NTC Park at Liberty Station
If you’ve got a furry friend you love, bring him or her out to this dog-friendly fundraiser, where money benefits Canine Companions. Canine Companions provides highly trained assistance dogs free of charge to veterans, adults and children. Activities for both kids and dogs will be available throughout the day. Admission to the event is free.

San Diego Cheese and Beer Festival 
1 p.m., Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens at Liberty Station
The San Diego Cheese and Beer Festival, part of San Diego Beer Week, will bring the best of both tasty worlds together at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station. Attendees will be treated to a selection of Stone’s high-quality brews paired an array of artisan cheeses. Live music and games will round out this event.

Chula Vista Bayfront Band Review and Festival 
10 a.m., Bayside Park in Chula Vista
Bands throughout Southern California will come out to honor military veterans at this large community parade. Musicians from Chula Vista to Burbank to the Imperial Valley and more travel to this bayside spot to attend this festival. The event is free and is the largest of its kind in Southern California.

SoundDiego Suggestion:
Modern Baseball
7 p.m., Lamppost Warehouse
The next best thing to supporting local music is supporting small, local venues like the newly opened all-ages camp Lamppost Warehouse. Modern Baseball steps up to give the kids a taste of rad indie-rock with a punk bounce that resonates with younger crowds. But the band itself is growing up, even if they're not grown up just yet. Last month they released an EP, surprising fans and critics alike, and co-frontman Brendan Lukens recently opened up about his struggle with anxiety and depression and how that finds its way into the music he writes -- all the more to identify with.

Sunday, Nov. 15

San Diego Homebrew Festival and Competition 
12 p.m., North Park Theater Parking Lot
This first-ever festival will bring together brewers from North Park and 30 homebrewers from across San Diego to take part in discussions, tasting and even a small competition. The event benefits Jefferson Elementary School in North Park. Admission costs $35 and with that ticket price, you get unlimited tastes from area breweries and homebrewers.

Silver Strand Half Marathon 
All day, Coronado Island
Wake up early and be active by participating in this half marathon and 5K Sunday. You’ll run next to the ocean and next to the bay all in the same run. If you don’t feel up to running, a variety of races are open to walkers, skaters and roller bladers as well. Tickets start at $30.

For the third time in 11 months, Paris was ripped apart by gunfire and bloodshed, and the city was held in the grips of terror.

Friday's attacks — explosions near a soccer stadium, Stade de France, a shooting at a restaurant and scores killed at a concert hall where an American band was playing — killed 127 people and wounded 200. French President Francois Hollande vowed a "merciless" response, as ISIS claimed responsibility for the worst violence in France since World War II.

"We will work alongside our allies to fight this terrorist menace," Hollande said. "France is strong and even if she is wounded she will get up always and nothing will hold her down, even if we are feeling the grief now."

The carnage came at the end of a year that began with terrorist attacks on the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, and later at a kosher grocery store.  Over those three bloody days in January, 17 people were killed.

On Jan. 7, masked gunmen armed with AK-47s and shouting “Allahu Akbar” stormed the magazine’s offices, leaving 12 people dead, including the paper’s editor, Stephane Charbonnier, known as Charb. Charbonnier was on an al Qaeda hit list.

The assailants, two French-born brothers of Algerian descent, Cherif, 32, and Said Kouachi, 34, were killed three days later at a printing plant where they were holding a hostage.

The younger brother had been sentenced to prison in 2008 for helping to funnel fighters to Iraq. The older of the brothers had traveled to Yemen and gotten training from al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, U.S. counterterrorism officials told NBC News.

Meanwhile an associate, Amedy Coulibaly, who was also born in France, booby-trapped a kosher supermarket and killed four of his hostages. He was demanding the release of the Kouachi brothers before being killed.

President Francois Hollande called that week’s violence the worst terrorism in France since the Algerian War from 1954 until 1962 and denounced the attack on the store for its anti-Semitism.

The magazine was known for its religious barbs; for example, it published the Danish cartoons of Muhammad that sparked riots in the Middle East in 2005. Its offices were firebombed in 2011. 

An attempted attack on an Amsterdam-to-Paris train was foiled in August, when a gunman was overpowered by a group of passengers that included three Americans. The suspect, Ayoub El Khazzani, opened fire in a carriage of the train, according to French officials. They said the Moroccan man might have links to radical Islam, but his lawyer said he was merely trying to rob the train.

Airbnb employees and hosts tweeted from Paris about the deadly attacks during the hospitality company's first conference ever held outside of San Francisco.

They described the chaos and the horror, including how many of them were barricaded in restaurants, some lying on the floor.

The company canceled all events for tomorrow, according to a tweet from Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO and co-founder. "We are heartbroken and our thoughts are with the people of Paris, the victims of this terrible attack and their families," Chesky wrote.

More than 6,000 attendees from over 100 countries are at Parc dela Villete, the third largest park in Paris from Nov. 12 to 14 as Airbnb announces new features and services for hosts. Airbnb is working to account for all employees and event attendees who are in Paris right now. The company did not immediately return calls requesting comment.

Airbnb employee and occasional Airbnb host Scott Raymond rushed back to his apartment in the 10th arrondissement in the middle of all the chaos.

“I was at dinner with my wife near Place Sainte-Catherine and got a text from a co-worker,” Raymond told NBC Bay Area from Paris. “Uber was unavailable — a taxi told us he could not take us past a blockade. We took the Metro through Republique — without stopping — and got back to our listing safely.”

Raymond said he could hear sirens in the distance everywhere. “Some Metro stations around Republique were not allowing stops as we came home,” he said.

Raymond describe the situation as tense: “Everyone in our small restaurant was suddenly staring at their phones as the news began to break. The subways were fairly empty and sober/determined."

Dozens died Friday in shootings and explosions across Paris, French officials said. The city’s deputy mayor said more than 100 people died in the attacks, which come just 10 months after the Charlie Hebdo carnage.

French police had control of the hostage situation at a Paris concert hall, which was scheduled to play host to a band from California on Friday night. Officials described “carnage” inside the building.

Michael Endelman, who does content strategy for Airbnb was also tweeting updates.

“In #paris, terrorist incidents around the city, hostages at Eagles of death metal concert, bombs at a bar, more tk,” he tweeted at 1:54 p.m. PST.

Then a few minutes later: “Hunkered down with fellow #airbnb coworkers, hope that the 4k @airbnb in the city this week are safe.”

His last tweet was at 2:17 p.m. PST which described the scene: “Police cars everywhere, many @airbnb friends barricaded in restos, some lying on the floor. Word is 35 dead @EODMofficial show #Paris”[[347990661, C]]

If you are concerned about a US citizen in Paris you can call 1-888-407-4747 (from the US) or 202-501-4444 (from overseas) for assistance.

World leaders expressed shock after a series of attacks rocked Paris, where at least 120 people were killed at six locations.

President Barack Obama vowed to stand by France in the midst of this "heartbreaking situation."

"Once again we've seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians," Obama said. "This is an attack not just on Paris; it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share. We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and people of France need to respond. 

"France is our oldest ally. The French people have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States time and again. And we want to be very clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism. Paris itself represents the timeless values of human progress. Those who think that they can terrorize the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong. The American people draw strength from the French people's commitment to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she is "deeply shaken by the news and pictures that are reaching us from Paris." The German leader issued a statement that said her thoughts are with the victims of the "apparent terrorist attack."

Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary-General of the NATO alliance, said he is "deeply shocked by horrific Paris attacks," and wrote on Twitter that "We stand together with the people of #France. Terrorism will never defeat democracy."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned "the despicable terrorist attacks" in Paris.

Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the terrorist attacks in Paris:

“I’m following the terrorist attacks in Paris closely. These attacks are diabolical; an effort to kill perfectly innocent people in different locations and situations. There’s no question these are terrorist attacks. The United States stands with France and we’ll do whatever we can to help.”

Pope Francis shared a message of solidarity and condemned the "homicidal hatred" of the attack, writing:

"Here in the Vatican we are following the terrible news from Paris. We are shocked by this new manifestation of maddening, terrorist violence and hatred which we condemn in the most radical way together with the pope and all those who love peace. We pray for the victims and the wounded, and for all the French people. This is an attack on peace for all humanity, and it requires a decisive, supportive response on the part of all of us as we counter the spread the homicidal hatred in all of its forms."

Secretary of State John Kerry echoed President Obama, and said: "We stand with the French people tonight, as our peoples have always stood together in our darkest hours."

He condemned the taking of hostages as "heinous, evil, vile acts," calling for "those of us who can must do everything in our power to fight back against what can only be considered an assault on our common humanity."

Kerry also noted that the U.S. embassy in Paris is making every effort to account for the welfare of American citizens in the city and stood ready to provide whatever support the French government may require in the days ahead.

Vice President Biden expressed his condolences, calling the attacks "savagery" and calling for the U.S. to stand alongside the people of France:
 
"I join President Obama in offering my deepest condolences to all those wounded and to the families who lost loved ones in today’s terrorist attacks in Paris.  It’s heartbreaking. Outrageous. The American people understand and share the pain the people of Paris are going through. As these tragic events unfold, the investigation continues, and we learn all of the details of what’s happened, the United States stands ready to support the French government and the people of Paris.  And, as we’ve done before, in the face of dangers and threats, we will look out for one another. We will stand together. We will never bow. We will never break. That’s the character of our two nations. We are bound by timeless democratic values that the cowardice and perverse ideologues of extremist networks can never match, wherever they are. Such savagery can  never threaten who we are. We will respond. We will overcome. We will endure."

Other politicians and celebrities went to Twitter to express their sympathies and thoughts.

World Leaders:

François Fillon, Former Prime Minister of France

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David Cameron, British Prime Minister

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Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EU Commmission

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Presidential Candidates:

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Officials have long envisioned a blueprint for San Diego centered on public transportation. So-called transit-oriented development is included in all of San Diego’s planning documents, imagining a future where homes, businesses and infrastructure are built around public transit stations.

The thought is: The more stuff there is near bus stops and trolley stations, the more people will use it. And the environment would ultimately benefit since that would mean fewer people driving cars.

Last month, SANDAG approved a regional plan to encourage more transit-oriented development, but critics say the strategy actually does little to ensure that kind of development happens.

San Diego consistently ranks near the bottom when it comes to transit evaluations. In fact, San Diego County’s Gillespie Field trolley station was ranked the worst in the state when it comes to the development around it.

On this week’s San Diego Explained, Voice of San Diego’s Maya Srikrishnan and NBC 7’s Monica Dean visit the county’s worst trolley station and dive deeper into what transit-oriented development is and why it’s important.

The future of the Anthony’s Fish Grotto site on San Diego’s Embarcadero could be decided next week.

On Tuesday, the Board of Port Commissioners will consider a staff recommendation to choose the Brigantine, Inc. as the restaurant group to redevelop the prime piece of bayfront real estate.

The restaurant at 1360 North Harbor Drive is now run by Anthony’s Fish Grotto of La Mesa, but the business’s 52-year lease expired Jan. 31, 2017.

In May, the Port’s board asked for bids from companies interested in revitalizing the iconic site that sits right on the water.

Six responses were received, and they were soon narrowed down to three contenders: The Brigantine, Sunroad Enterprises and Fish Market Restaurants (a joint venture with Anthony’s).

In their recommended resolution, Port staff said they believe “Brigantine demonstrates the best balance of activating the Location through increased public access as well as maximizing revenues to the District...”

The company was the only one to propose “dock-and-dine” improvements by expanding the dining facility and creating a dock; it also plans to build out a public viewing deck.

The Brigantine provided the highest proposed rent to the district. Port officials say the Brigantine’s proposal projects $1.6 million more in revenue value over the first 10 years than the second highest proposal.

Under the plan, the site would be dubbed the “Portside Pier,” with the space divided into four concepts on two levels:

• Brigantine on the Bay would serve up surf and turf, an oyster bar and a lounge with “exhibition cooking.”
• Miguel’s Cocina would offer Mexican food.
• Ketch Grill & Taps would be a casual walk-up and take-out grill with pub food and craft beers and spirits.
• Portside Gelato & Coffee – this delicious concept speaks for itself, serving up drinks from local roaster Café Moto.

The public viewing deck would be above the Miguel’s restaurant.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Board of Port Commissioners can accept, modify or reject its staff’s recommendation.

New Yorkers are expressing their grief over the deadly attacks in Paris that have killed at least 120 people and elected leaders are showing their solidarity with France by directing the city's tallest building to light up in the country's colors. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed One World Trade Center to light up in blue, white and red "as we stand in solemn solidarity with the people of France, just as they have done for us in our own times of tragedy," he said in a statement. 

"We join them in mourning those who were killed, and in praying for those who were injured or lost loved ones. And we continue to stand side by side with them in our commitment to a free and peaceful world," Cuomo said.

The 408-foot spire on top of the building – constructed after a terror attack leveled the twin towers on September 11, 2011 – was lit up in the colors of the French flag Friday night, and will stay that way in the nights ahead.

The Empire State Building, meanwhile, went dark at 10 p.m. Friday in sympathy with Paris. Other landmarks across the conteninent glowed blue, white and red Friday night, including San Francisco City Hall, the Omni Hotel in Dallas and Toronto's CN Tower, for decades the tallest freestanding structure in the world.

At New York's Union Square Park Friday night, dozens gathered to hold a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Paris attacks. They gathered in a circle around a sign drawn on the ground, symbolizing both the peace sign and the Eiffel Tower, holding candles and the French flag. 

Photos of the vigil were posted to social media with hashtags like #prayers4paris and #newyork4paris. 

At the French Consulate on the Upper East Side, workers lowered the French flag outside the building as extra police kept watch. People stopped by to leave flowers; one woman was overcome with tears as she lit a candle to leave on the doorstep. 

"First it gripped me. Now I'm angry and saddened and I want to pay homage to the French people, all the lives lost senselessly," said Theresa Thomas, who lives on the Upper East Side. 

Mayor de Blasio also released a statement saying: “The people of New York City are heartbroken to see our sister city of Paris shaken again by these thoughtless acts of violence, and we stand in solidarity with the residents of Paris and with Mayor Hidalgo during this tragic time."

Eight attackers targeted at least six locations in the French capital, authorities said. Police said they killed one of the terrorists and the others blew themselves up.

Dozens of people were killed inside a Paris concert hall called Le Bataclan where an American rock band was playing, and more were killed in shootings and explosions at other sites across the city. 

Americans were among the 200 wounded, the State Department said on Saturday.

"These were cowardly acts of evil by people who have inexplicably chosen to believe in radical hatred above all else," Cuomo said. "We reject that kind of extremism – choosing instead the bonds of liberty, equality and fraternity that bring us together." 

French President Francois Hollande vowed a "merciless" response against the perpetrators, as ISIS claimed responsibility.