Shortly after the announcement of the death of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, there was a loud cheer from the streets of Miami's Cuban neighborhoods.

Hundreds of Cuban Americans crowded to the roads in Hialeah and Little Havana to celebrate the demise of the father of communism.

MORE: Cuban-Americans react with cheers, song, and dance as news spreads about Fidel Castro's death. @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/OSg70qdtfD

— Jamie Guirola (@jamieNBC6) November 26, 2016

People waved Cuba's flag and banged on pots and pans along Bird Road and southwest 87th street.

At one point, it appeared a firecracker was lit in the middle of the road.

For more than five decades, thousands of Cubans have been escaping the communist island to gain freedom in the United States and elsewhere.

Many South Florida Cubans told NBC 6 Fidel's death is symbolic and may pave the way for true change in Cuba.

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who had vocally opposed the Castro regime, said the crowds were not celebrating death, instead they were celebrating "an opportunity to begin a new chapter of freedom".

After so many decades of oppression the tyrant #Castro is dead and a new beginning can finally dawn on #Cuba and its people @nbc6

— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) November 26, 2016

The mayors of City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, who are both Cuban American, also reacted to the death of Castro. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, described his death as a "victory", while Miami-Dade Carlos Gimenez said the announcement was "something that we've been waiting for".

A South San Francisco police officer who was left in critical condition Thursday after being hit in the head by a suspect's skateboard was identified Friday, police said.

The violent attack started around 2:20 p.m. Thursday near the 300 block of Grand Avenue when officer Robby Chon, a 12-year veteran of the force, attempted to approach a suspect reportedly disturbing the peace at a local business, police said. The suspect, who was later identified as Luis Alberto Ramos-Coreas, a 28-year-old resident of South Francisco, did not yield to the officer's commands, prompting Chon to call for backup.

When a second officer arrived, Ramos-Coreas took off from the scene on foot, according to police. During a subsequent chase, Ramos-Coreas immediately came to a screeching halt, pivoted and smacked Chon in the head with the skateboard.

Chon, who is married with two children, was transported to a local hospital with a "major head injury" and taken into the operating room, police said.

"The officer underwent emergency surgery for traumatic head injuries," police said in a press conference Friday. "He remains hospitalized in critical condition at this time."

The second officer on scene was able to detain Ramos-Coreas after another brief foot pursuit, police said. Ramos-Coreas was booked on suspicion of numerous felony charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

Ramos-Coreas does have a history of "criminal contacts" with police, but the specifics of those run-ins were not detailed by officials.

South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego said Friday that this attack is unacceptable.

"This city will not tolerate violence of any nature directed against its police forces," he said.

Since the assault, a GoFundMe campaign to support Chon and his family gathered over $20,000 in just three hours. That donation number is expected to grow.

Officials are currently investigating the attack. Anyone with information is asked to contact the South San Francisco Police Department at (650) 877-8900 or the anonymous tip line at (650) 952-2244.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

World leaders, U.S. politicians and notable Cuban figures are reacting to the news that Fidel Castro, Cuba's longtime president and leader of its Communist revolution, passed away on Friday at the age of 90.

Current president Raul Castro announced his brother's death in a televised statement Friday night prompting Cuban-Americans in Miami to take to the streets in celebration. Online, responses to the iconic leader's death—a mix of praise and condemnation—reflected the divisiveness he stirred throughout his life. 

WORLD LEADERS: 

Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro, a strong ally of the Castro family, tweeted that he called Cuban president Raul Castro to send his solidarity and love to the Cuban people. He also shared iconic photos of Fidel Castro from the early days of the Cuban revolution, along with the revolutionary slogan, "toward victory, always."

A 60 años de la partida del Granma de México parte Fidel hacia la Inmortalidad de los que luchan toda la Vida...Hasta la Victoria Siempre... pic.twitter.com/wjLS9ngzA5

— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) November 26, 2016

El Salvador's president Salvador Sanchez lamented the passing of "our dear friend and eternal companion," while Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto expressed his regret for the passing of an "emblematic" figure of the 20th Century.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called Castro "one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th Century" and said India stands in support of the Cuban government and people.

Pakistani politician and former cricket star Imran Khan tweeted that the world lost an “iconic revolutionary leader” who “liberated his nation from all vestiges of imperialism,” reasserting Cuba’s dignity and self worth. 

U.S. LEADERS

Florida Rep. Ilena Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said in a statement, “a tyrant is dead and a new beginning can dawn on the last remaining communist bastion of the Western hemisphere.”

Florida Rep. Carlos Curbelo, the son of Cuban exiles, tweeted in both English and Spanish, "The passing of the dictator marks the end of a long, horrifying chapter in #Cuba's history. The #Cuban people need our solidarity."

CELEBRITIES:

Cuban-American major league baseball star Jose Canseco tweeted that he can't say he feels anything in response to Castro's death. "There is a reason many defected to USA."

I was born in Cuba and Fidel Castro was our leader. Came to the USA because of him.

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) November 26, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving weekend, San Diego! From Thanksgiving morning trots to scenic ice skating and more, it’s sure to be an unforgettable holiday weekend in America’s Finest City that will leave you feeling extra thankful.

Thursday, Nov. 24 (Happy Thanksgiving!)

San Diego Run for the Hungry
7 a.m. & 8:15 a.m., Outside Westfield Horton Plaza
Before you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day feast, head downtown for the annual San Diego Run for the Hungry, benefitting local families in need. The 10K run starts at 7 a.m. outside Westfield Horton Plaza; the 5K starts at 8:15 a.m. Participants should bring canned food and nonperishable items to donate to the San Diego Food Bank, which will then be distributed to hungry San Diegans. A race after-party (http://www.sdrunforthehungry.org/thelocal) is happening from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole on Fourth Avenue.

6th Annual Thank You Run
7:30 a.m., 4S Ranch Community Park
4S Ranch Community Park will host the 6th Annual Thank You Run on Thanksgiving morning, which benefits two local organizations, Helen’s Closet and 4S Ranch-Del Sur Community Foundation. The event includes a 5K and 10K run that is a mix of trails and roads. There’s also a Kids 1K Fun Run. The runs start eastbound on Dove Creek Road.

Fallbrook Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
8 a.m., Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens
Another good way to work off that Thanksgiving meal even before you eat: the Turkey Trot in Fallbrook. This 5K stroll, walk or run makes its way through the Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens (220 Grand Tradition Way) and is open to “trotters” of all levels. Registration is $40.

Waddle & Trot Kids Fun Run
8 a.m., Pathways Community Church in Santee
Let the kids get spend some of that energy early on Thanksgiving Day with the 5th Annual Waddle & Trot 5K and Fun Run at Pathways Community Church in Santee. The fast and flat race starts at 8 a.m., and is open to walkers and runners of all levels. The route starts at the Pathways Center in Santee (9638 Carlton Hills Blvd.) and loops around through Santee Lakes. The quarter-mile fun run for kids takes place at the Pathways Center. All proceeds from this race benefit two local organizations: the Santee Food Bank and Santee Santas.

Skating by the Sea
11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Hotel del Coronado
This season, the Hotel del Coronado will once again host its “Skating by the Sea” ice-skating rink, which opens on Thanksgiving Day and operates through Jan. 2, 2017. The rink is located seaside on Windsor Lawn, offering stunning, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach. Only in Southern California can you ice skate on the beach. Skating times vary; check this website (http://hoteldel.com/activities/skating/) ahead of your visit. Tickets are $25 per person and include ice skate rentals.

San Diego Jazz Fest
Times vary (Thursday through Sunday), Town & Country Resort and Convention Center
The 37th Annual San Diego Jazz Fest will take over the Town & Country Resort in Mission Valley from Nov. 23 through Nov. 27, with live music each day. On Thursday, attendees can enjoy five bands from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Friday, live music goes down from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., on Saturday from 9 a.m. past midnight, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The five-day jazz festival will include bands playing traditional jazz, Dixieland, ragtime, swing and rockabilly, to name some styles. Attendees can enjoy the music in large concert rooms with dance floors, as well as in smaller, more intimate listening rooms.

Friday, Nov. 25

Holidays at LEGOLAND
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., LEGOLAND California Resort
LEGOLAND California Resort kicks off the holiday season with special attractions Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, 2017. The Holidays and LEGOLAND celebration includes music, twinkling lights and nightly “snowfall,” plus photos with a life-sized Santa and reindeer made entirely out of LEGO bricks. The amusement park will also serve seasonal treats during this time, including holiday cookies, peppermint milkshakes, hot chocolate and apple cider. Holiday happenings are included with paid admission into LEGOLAND, which is $65 per person age three and older.

Downtown Chess
2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library
San Diego’s biggest casual chess club, Downtown Chess, meets Friday at the San Diego Central Library for another round of matches. The event is free, and players of all skill levels are welcome to join.

Cirque du Soleil: TORUK - The First Flight
3:30 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Cirque du Soleil presents “TORUK: The First Flight,” a live, immersive, multimedia production inspired by James Cameron’s “AVATAR.” The audience can expect cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and a soaring cinematic score. The show runs through Nov. 27; tickets start at $34.

Tacos & Beer Show Starring Yannis Pappas
7:30 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
Comedy Central funnyman Yannis Pappas will lead this night of laughs at The American Comedy Co. in downtown San Diego. The evening includes food specials like a free taco with each drink purchased and 10% off all plates, and a free bottled free with each shot purchased, plus 10% off specialty cocktails. The Friday night standup show hits the stage two times: 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 per person.

San Diego Musical Theatre: White Christmas
8 p.m., Spreckels Theatre
The classic holiday movie, “White Christmas,” comes to life at the Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego with this musical adaptation on the stage featuring 17 Irving Berlin songs. The production’s opening night is Friday, and the show runs through Dec. 4.

Saturday, Nov. 26

DayBreak
8 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
It can be difficult to wake up early on a Saturday morning. But here’s something to help get you out of bed this Saturday morning: DayBreak at the racetrack. Grab some breakfast while watching morning workouts at the racetrack. Horse racing fanatics will also be able to pick the brain of former jockey and event announcer Jeff Bloom. Bloom will be there answering questions. Tickets cost $10.

Free Tai Chi Class
9 a.m., San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of Tai Chi, now is your chance. This class, at the SDCHM’s Chuang Garden in Downtown San Diego, will teach attendees Tai Chi, an exercise optimized for a healthy mind and body. Attendees must RSVP by emailing info@sdchm.org or calling (619) 338-9888

Thanksgiving Puppet Show in Balboa Park
11 a.m., Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
Bring the whole family to come and help save Christmas! Wanda the witch is going to ruin Christmas in this story and Elfie the Elf and Santa are going to try to save Christmas. Tickets are $5.

Del Mar’s Fall Beer and Cider Fest
11 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
More than 100 of San Diego’s top craft brews, special seasonal beers and ciders will be on tap during this festival at the Del Mar Racetrack. Participants can also buy full sized beers. Admission into the festival area in the Seaside Concert area west of the Grandstand is free with track admission for $6. A $20 ticket will get you five 7 oz. tastings.

Hops and Shop Holiday Market
11 a.m., 32 North Brewing Company
Skip the Black Friday rush and come out to your local brewery on Small Business Saturday! Local handmade vendors from across the County will set up shop at 32 North Brewing Company. The family and dog friendly event will also have complimentary gift wrapping, a children’s corner and beer specials, as well as food trucks for the hungry shoppers! Attendance is free.

Chris D’Elia
7 p.m., The Observatory North Park
Comedian Chris D’Elia, a comedian known for his stand up and his role on NBC’s Undateable, brings his standup act to San Diego this Saturday evening. You must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets start at $20.

Sunday, Nov. 27

Who Dunnit? Seaport Village Scavenger Hunt
1 p.m., Seaport Village
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a detective, today is your day to shine. Seaport Village’s Murder Mystery Adventure, a scavenger hunt style game, will take you through the iconic seaside destination in a two-hour adventure as you solve a murder mystery. Tickets cost $25.

Taste of the Turf Club
11 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
The opening weekend of the Del Mar Racetrack’s fall season is filled with goodies and fun activities! This Sunday, take a taste of a special menu as you dine at the exclusive Turf Club in Del Mar. Chef Brian Malarkey, one of the city’s most celebrated chefs, will prepare the menu for the morning. Tables are limited. Your $100 ticket will get you turf club admission for the day, a choice of an appetizer, entrée, dessert and bottomless mimosas or champagne. Attendees must comply with Turf Club Dress Code.

Miss You Like Hell
2 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
More than five years of writing, composing and creating will come to fruition when the curtain raises on the highly anticipated "Miss You Like Hell" at the La Jolla Playhouse this month. The musical, commissioned by the La Jolla Playhouse, follows a smart and creative teenager who agrees to take a road trip across the country with her free-spirited Latina mother as a custody battle unfurls. The book and lyrics are written by Pulitzer-prize winning Quiara Alegria Hudes; music and lyrics by Erin McKeown. Read more about the musical's five year journey to production here. Tickets start at $25, the musical runs through Dec. 4. 

Big Bear Mountain became the first ski resort in Southern California to open up for visitors. 

The lifts, chairs No. 7 and 9, took the first skiers for a ride on Friday.

Snowfall arrived in November, just in time for the opening day and more snow was in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday.

According to officials, the roads to the resort were cleared by snow plows for drivers.

A woman texting in the driver’s seat of her parked car was forced out of her vehicle Thursday night by two men who then stole her car, police confirmed.

The carjacking happened just before 8 p.m. in the 6500 block of Reflection Way in San Diego’s Grantville area. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said 23-year-old woman was texting in the driver’s seat of her silver 2006 Nissan Altima when an unknown man approached her door and pulled her out of the car.

A second man then jumped into the passenger side and the suspects drove away in the woman’s car. The stolen car was last spotted traveling onto northbound Interstate 15 from Friars Road, police said. The Altima has this California license plate: 7KDZ957.

The SDPD said both suspects were described as being between 18 and 25 years old, both wearing dark hoodies. One was 5-foot-8 and around 150 pounds; the other 6-foot-1 and about 170 pounds.

The victim was not injured. The incident is under investigation.

San Diego County Sheriff’s (SDSO) deputies arrested a man in possession of a loaded sawed-off shotgun on Thanksgiving in Spring Valley.

Rancho San Diego Station deputies received calls of an armed suspicious person near 3600 Bancroft Drive at approximately 8:48 p.m. Thursday after reports came in of an African-American man brandishing a shotgun in the area.

A deputy was traveling northbound on Bancroft Drive at around 9:20 p.m. when he spotted the suspect near a taco shop. As the deputy made a U-turn and continued in the suspect’s direction, the man started in the opposite direction and attempted to hide behind a dumpster.

According to the SDSO, two deputies were approaching the dumpster when they heard the distinct sound of a shotgun slide being pulled and a round being loaded into the weapon.

The deputies took cover and began giving the suspect orders to drop the shotgun when they heard what they believed was the sound of the gun being thrown inside of the dumpster. The suspect then stepped out from his hiding spot and began walking in the opposite direction of the deputies with his hands up.

Despite commands to stop, the suspect continued walking away, prompting the deputies to chase after the man and tackle him to the ground. After the suspect was taken into custody, deputies recovered a loaded shotgun, with a round chambered, from the dumpster.

The suspect was later identified as 26-year-old Dontel Wallace, a convicted felon.

Wallace was booked into the San Diego Central Jail and charged with Felon in possession of a weapon, possession of a short-barreled shotgun, resisting an officer and other related charges.

People living in El Cajon now have an upscale option for hosting family and friends and it only took about 100 years.

The framing is nearly complete on El Cajon’s first hotel, which sits just off Main Street in the heart of downtown.

“Oh I’m excited because I know with a nice hotel, it’ll bring in nice businesses,” said Monica Zech, the City of El Cajon's Public Information Officer.

El Cajon has plenty of smaller motels, but the 4-star, 120-room Courtyard Marriott symbolizes the city’s recent revitalization.

“It’s going to be a really high-end hotel for them. It’s going to be a beautiful hotel,” said Danny Alvaraz, the project’s construction superintendent.

The hotel fills a huge hospitality gap along the county’s inland I-8 corridor. There are no hotels between Mission Valley and the Viejas Indian Reservation east of Alpine.

Whether it’s a wedding, funeral, or major holiday the hotel now gives people in El Cajon their first local option for upscale lodging.

But, Zech says the real driver might be some of El Cajon’s growing businesses who have needed a nearby place to host visiting clients and contractors.

“Just a lot of manufacturers people don’t realize are here in this huge industrial area between El Cajon and Gillespie Field and the airport area,” said Zech.

The Courtyard Marriott might be the city’s first hotel, but it won’t be the last.

Plans are already underway for a Hampton Inn which will be located near Parkway Plaza at the site of the city’s old police station.

A 22-year old man died in a rollover crash in Chula Vista that snarled traffic Friday.

At around 11:50 a.m., officers with the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) were called to a serious crash in the 700 block of Olympic Parkway.

Police say a car traveling at a high rate of speed, westbound on Olympic Parkway, just west of Heritage Road rear-ended an SUV, causing it to spin out. The car then struck the SUV a second time, veered off the road and crashed into a palm tree. 

The car split into two pieces and crashed into a ditch near the road.

According to CVPD, the 22-year old driver, a Chula Vista resident, was ejected from the car and pinned underneath it.

He was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital with major injuries and later died.

No one from the SUV was injured, police said.

Officers at the scene reported a smell of marijuana coming from the car but police said it is unknown if it is related to the crash.

Police shut down all westbound traffic on Olympic Parkway and Heritage Road. The road closures lasted several hours while officials collected evidence from the crash and worked to clear the scene.

The road was reopened as of 4:57 p.m., according to CVPD.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CVPD at (619)691-5151.

A man walking in a Lake Murray neighborhood early Saturday was struck by a hit-and-run driver, found later by a passerby badly injured and lying in a gutter, authorities confirmed.

The victim was out walking just after 6 a.m. near the intersection of Jackson and Blue Lake drives. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said an unknown driver was traveling southbound in the 6200 block of Jackson Drive, making a left turn onto the 8400 block of Blue Lake Drive when the driver hit the pedestrian, who was crossing northbound in an unmarked crosswalk.

The driver didn’t stop, leaving behind the injured victim, described by police as a man in his 50s. A passerby later found the victim lying in a gutter, suffering from injuries and called 911.

The SDPD said the victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening head injuries. As of 11 a.m., his condition was unknown.

The hit-and-run suspect remains at large. The investigation is ongoing.

Communities in San Diego, including North Park and Little Italy, urged locals to shop small on Saturday and support tiny, independently-owned businesses.

As Small Business Saturday began, many of the shops along 30th Street in North Park planned to offer deals on unique merchandise and extend their hours of operation.

Noel Paris, owner of the Torque Moto Café in North Park, said Small Business Saturday is meant as a day to get people to explore the small business options their communities have to offer. For her, shopping small means you get to shop in a much more relaxed fashion.

“I avoid the malls, because the malls create stress and the holidays should be a feeling of family and love and happiness and peace,” Paris told NBC 7. “Small business, you can go in, you can browse. You have that relaxed feeling instead of that crowded tension.”

Patric Stillman, owner of The Studio Door in North Park, said his shop looks forward to Small Business Saturday all year.

“We have over 80 local artists in the gallery right now, for Shop Small Saturday. We call it our ‘Holiday Art Market,’” Stillman explained. “Shop small is about your neighborhood and supporting your local businesses. And I think that individuals, like myself, who own a small business really need the local support to keep going.”

“When people go out on a shop small Saturday and support local businesses, they’re really helping to bring a flavor into the neighborhood that is unique and authentic,” he added.

Businesses at the center of San Diego’s Little Italy community did the same Saturday, offering deals in support of the nationwide day designed to shine the spotlight on small, local businesses. There, shoppers could grab a Little Italy “passport” that mapped out all of the shops participating in Small Business Saturday including boutiques, art galleries and food markets.

The Mediterranean-inspired Azzurra Capri Boutique, for example, offered 15 percent off regular priced items and 50 percent of sale items. The shop, located at the Cottages on Fir Street, sells clothing, swimwear, accessories and handmade Italian shoes.

Meanwhile, Caffe Italia – an espresso bar on India Street – offered 15 percent all sandwiches and salads until 3 p.m. to refuel hungry Small Business Saturday shoppers. The Meyer Fine Art gallery had this discount: 10 percent off select artwork from its current exhibition, “Art Social.” Some proceeds from the art sales in this exhibition will help fund Little Italy’s newest piazza, Piazza Giannini.

Other Little Italy businesses offering deals on Saturday included Power Keg Athletics on Kettner Boulevard, R.D. Alchemy Natural Products and Studio Europa, Inc. / LEICHT San Diego. For a full list of Little Italy businesses offering specials on Saturday, click here.

Jenn Caffrey was among the shoppers browsing businesses in North Park Saturday. She was happy to lend her support to the shop small movement.

“Small businesses are everything. We have these dreams that we want to own our own businesses and we want to be successful and we want to all the things we always wanted to do,” she told NBC 7. “I feel like whenever you shop small, you get a better quality product because it’s coming from someone; it’s made with love; it’s made with time. You’re supporting someone’s wellbeing.”

North Park resident Autumn Colley also came out to support Small Business Saturday.

“You can have fun shopping instead of being stressed out at a store, waiting in line, camping out for a TV or something,” she said. “You’re going to enjoy your time shopping around, walking and eating at new restaurants and buying one-of-a-kind gifts that are made from local artists as well.”

“We really appreciate all the hard work the businesses put into our community,” said North Park resident Jessica Langley-Degroot. “A lot of the businesses here support the local schools, so we’re happy to use our patronage to better our own community.”

San Diego Councilmember Todd Gloria also touted the importance of Small Business Saturday and what it means locally.

“Our small businesses are over 90 percent of our employers in San Diego,” said Gloria. “They employ your neighbors, they keep their money local, and they are vital to the economic vitality of neighborhoods like North Park.”

“It’s more than just the gift that you buy,” Gloria added. “You end up supporting the overall San Diego economy.”

Thousands of San Diegans will gather in Balboa Park for the kick-off of the annual December Nights event, formerly known as Christmas on the Prado.

From 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec. 2 and noon to 11 p.m. on Dec. 3, families enjoy walking through the park and seeing the sights and sounds of the holidays.

One of the perks of the event: Balboa Park museums are open with no admission both nights, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Inside the Fleet Science Center, festival goers can have a picture taken with Einstein or for just $5, make a unique snowflake.

Stop by the San Diego Automotive Museum for a photo with Santa in a classic car.

There are also free arts and crafts offered for children at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which is open free from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. both days.

Also, admission to the Japanese Friendship Garden is free on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Parking can be a challenge so you will want to carpool or plan on using a free shuttle to get from the nearby lots to the heart of Balboa Park. Check the map for parking information. The last shuttle departs for the park at 8:30 p.m. so organizers suggest you get to the parking lot to pick up the shuttle no later than 7 p.m. Get shuttle information here.

Event organizers have also partnered with Lyft. Use the code BPDN2016 for 20 percent off up to two rides, with up to $5 off per ride. Rides must be to and from Balboa Park. Valid only the weekend of the event.

Before you head over to the park, take a moment to peruse the listing of food options so you can be strategic in your snacking. Vendors are offering everything from lobster rolls and lasagna on a stick to cannoli and beignets.

The largest collection of food options can be found in the Cascade and Pallisade sections of the event. The San Diego Art Institute will be offering roasted chestnuts while Panama 66’s the go-to for craft beer.

Eugenie King, president of the House of Pacific Relations of Balboa Park’s International Cottages, said all of the cottages will be open on December Nights, showcasing the food, drinks, music and customs of the countries that they represent.

“We will have lots of food tents along the side,” she told NBC 7. “It’s an opportunity to taste food from around the world. It is going to be great.”

King said the International Cottages will also host a spirits and beer garden for the 21+ crowd behind the House of Finland and the House of the United States. This area will feature drinks from around the globe, including cocktails from about two dozen nations.

Suzy Hegstrom, member and recording secretary for the House of Sweden, said her cottage will serve traditional Swedish treats on December Nights including meatballs, lingonberries, brown bread and cucumber salad.

In the spirits garden, the Hegstrom said the House of Sweden will serve homemade Glogg, a traditional Swedish drink that consists of hot, mulled wine with spices, port and brandy.

Speaking from experience attending and participating in many December Nights, King said visitors to the big event should make their transit plans in advance, as Balboa Park parking lots get filled to capacity.

King suggested taking a shuttle or bus, or parking outside of Balboa Park and walking in.

By this time next year, King said the International Cottages area will likely look a little different, as the House of Pacific Relations works to add new houses for member countries, set to be up and running by December Nights 2017.

A few other December Nights highlights will be the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet performing excerpts of The Nutcracker Baller and the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus. However, it may be a great opportunity to enjoy a little folklorico, some zydecho or yuletide tuba.

Check out the long list of entertainment options here.

When you’ve had your fill of museums, food and music, be sure to stop by the Botanical Building for pictures of the annual display of poinsettias. For those who love plants and holiday decorations, the San Diego Floral Association is putting together 30 decorated Christmas trees in the Casa del Prado. Authentic mistletoe will be sold by the Museum Canyoneers at theNAT: San Diego Natural History Museum.

Another great experience is the Santa Lucia procession with a cup of warm Glogg in the California Quadrangle.

Make a note - The California Tower Tours is not open during free admission 5 to 9 p.m.

At Andre's Cuban restaurant, hugs and laughs are shared. After knowing years of pain under Fidel Castro, Daniel Mera was relieved to hear of the Cuban dictator’s death.

“It's hard to rejoice when somebody dies, but when someone has caused so much harm, he's had an iron grip on the people and the island for so long,” Mera tells NBC 7.

During the Cuban revolution in 1959, Mera says his grandfather told his grandmother to leave Cuba and stay in the U.S. for safety. When Castro came into power, they never saw each other again.

“It separated my grandmother and grandfather for life,"Mera says.

Congressman Darrell Issa released a statement saying in part: "Fidel Castro was a tyrant, murderer, liar, and evil despot. History will remember him as nothing more."

Still others around the world shed tears. For mourners in Havana, Castro's death marks an end - but for Mera and his family it’s a new beginning.

“We will hope now there's hope. Hope, that’s a good thing to have,” he adds.

Castro's brother Raul remains president, but he has said he will retire in 2018.

After the City Council’s the defeat of an affordable veterans’ housing project earlier this month in Poway, veterans held a rally Saturday to protest the decision.

The City Council,  including Poway’s mayor Steve Vaus, voted three to two against the project, citing concerns about traffic and money.

Vaus put out a statement in reaction to the rally that read: “Poway's commitment to veterans is unwavering. I'm looking forward to the meeting I've scheduled with a preeminent developer of affordable housing for veterans. I'm confident we'll be able to find a site suitable for such a project and Poway will continue its proud tradition of honoring our heroes.”

The city's planning staff had recommended the 22-unit complex be approved for a two-acre property along Twin Peaks road, and now protesters are demanding a re-vote.

Congressman Scott Peters, Poway Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham and former State Assemblyman and veteran Nathan Fletcher all spoke at the rally.

"I offer a lot to my community,” veteran Ben Holmes tells NBC 7. “Veterans bring a lot to the table and I benefit from affordable housing. Extending an opportunity to other veterans to live here in Poway and allow them the opportunity to benefit this community I think is something Poway should definitely take advantage of."

The housing development was a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and would have cost the city $800,000.

A hateful and Islamophobia-laden letter was delivered to a South Bay Muslim community Thursday, prompting law enforcement authorities to commence an investigation.

Copies of the same letter were also delivered to two Islamic Centers in southern California, the Los Angeles chapter of the Center for American-Islamic Relations said Friday. Long Beach and Pomona police have not yet responded to requests for confirmation.

The short hand-written letter, which was mailed to the Evergreen Islamic Center in San Jose and addressed to the "Children of Satan," called Muslims a "vile and filthy people" and urged them to "pack your bags and get out of dodge."

The note also made reference to Donald Trump and said that the president-elect is "going to cleanse America and it make it shine again. And, he's going to start with you Muslims."

In the final paragraph, the message read, "This is a great time for patriotic Americans. Long live President Trump and God bless the U.S.A."

Faisal Yazadi, Chairman of the Board at the Evergreen Islamic Center, was baffled by the letter, but not surprised based on the recent tension brewing in the United State following a divisive election season.

The Islamic center warned parishioners to remain alert and keep an eye out for potential violence, but it is not planning to add visible security to watch over the mosque at this time.

Yazadi is still pleased that the San Jose Police Department is taking the message seriously.

"Within minutes of letting them know, I had three cop cars pulled up our our property," he said.

Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese was alarmed by the behavior displayed in his jurisdiction.

"It's threatening," he said. "It's obviously threatening. It indicates a state of mind you would hope doesn't exist in Santa Clara County."

The Council of American-Islamic Relations issued a statement Friday clamoring that police and government leaders step up and protect local mosques.

"We urge local law enforcement authorities to work with Muslim community leaders to ensure the safety of all houses of worship," Zahra Billoo, the Executive Director for the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of CAIR, wrote. "Our state's political and religious leaders need to speak out against the mainstreaming of Islamophobia that we are witnessing in California and nationwide."

In a similar fashion, CAIR's Los Angeles chapter called for "stepped-up police protection of local mosques" in response to the letters.  

Less than two weeks ago, an anti-Muslim note was left on a woman's car in Milpitas.

Anyone with information regarding the recent letter is asked to contact the San Jose Police Department's Assaults Unit, which is responsible for handling hate-related incidents, at (408) 277-4161. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-7867.

Three hikers are being rescued in a remote area of Beaver Hollow Valley near Dehesa Saturday evening, according to the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff's deputies must hike in because they can't fly a helicopter in the stormy weather. 

One of the hikers has head and arm injuries, while the other two are reportedly unhurt.

They rescue is still underway. 

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 

Rain pummeled San Diego Saturday night. It caused back-ups and a sea of endless brake lights on the roads. A home in Clairemont experienced the storm's force, a tree uprooted and fell on the family's van.

"We came out to find our neighbor's tree had fallen directly across our van and it was laying on top of our van. Branches everywhere," said homeowner Martin Bacich.

The family said the storm was quick but left its mark. "I heard this big slam and my mom's like, ‘the tree fell over!’ So we all ran outside and I see this giant tree laying across the driveway," said Thomas Bacich. The whole family went into clean up mode. "We all came out and tried to help as we could. In the beginning it was still raining pretty heavily, so there wasn't much we could do," said Lucy Bacich.

Luckily, the van only had minor damage. Martin Bacich added, "there's some scratches but the poor little ginkgo tree took the brunt of it." They said the rain is a welcoming sight, and they're even hoping for more. Cecilia Bacich added, "we hope there's more constant rain that's not so crazy."

A General Rain Advisory is in effect for the coastal waters of San Diego County due to contamination by rain runoff, according to the Department of Environmental Health.

Levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff.

Swimming, surfing and other water contact should be avoided for 72 hours after the rain.

The advisory applies to beaches from San Onofre State Beach to Border Field.