The suspect in the Berlin truck rampage turned from a troubled youngster to alleged terrorist in a matter of years, according to officials and media reports, NBC Reported.

Anis Amri, 24, was at the center of an international manhunt Thursday after authorities found his personal documents inside the vehicle that plowed through the Christmas market on Monday. Twelve people were killed and almost 50 others injured in the attack that has since been claimed by ISIS.

Amri's apparent journey is a well-trodden path familiar to experts: a youngster gets in trouble with the law, goes to jail and finally winds up on the path of extremism.

Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from San Diego’s food and drink scene, including word on a Hello Kitty pop-up café rolling into town next month, plus a new waffle bar cookin’ in Del Mar.

Hello Kitty Café Truck Rolls in Next Month
Prepare for maximum cuteness. The Hello Kitty Café Truck will make a return appearance at Fashion Valley next month, bringing special treats and goodies featuring the popular character, including Hello Kitty mini cakes, macaroons, T-shirts and mugs. 

Broken Yolk Café to Launch Weekend Waffle Bar
The Broken Yolk Café’s Del Mar branch will extend its weekend evening hours in January for a new waffle bar concept. Featuring a menu of Belgian liege waffles with sweet and savory toppings, the counter service-style waffle bar will be open on Friday and Saturday nights.

Trust Restaurant to Open New Cocktail Concept
Trust, of 2016's most acclaimed new restaurants, announced plans to open a new cocktail bar with food on Park Boulevard. Scheduled for a spring 2017 debut, the bar will feature boozy milkshakes, craft cocktails, and boilermakers – shots paired with a beer chaser.

Tip Top Meats Expands Into New Seafood Market & Eatery
Carlsbad fixture Tip Top Meats, which offers a European-style deli, restaurant and butchery, is planning to launch an adjacent fish market and restaurant, Top Choice Fish Market and Eatery, which will retail fresh local catch and serve a straightforward seafood menu. 

New Cider House Taps Scripps Ranch Tasting Room
Newtopia Cyder encompasses a cider-making facility and tasting room in Scripps Ranch specializing in artisan ciders including a variety made with pineapple, cardamom, and Belgian spices. Its grand opening is next month; it will be open daily for tastings and growler fills.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly -- and don’t forget the Bieber.

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, members of the EastLake Church (2355 Otay Lakes Road) worship team took aim at the difficult-to-shop-for people of the world with a video mixing the music of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” single with lyrics derived from rather lackluster gift-giving experiences. 

While it’s tempting to take the video seriously (after all, who hasn’t had to buy a gift for the person who returns everything?) -- the group’s comical breakdown halfway through the song (and the guys wearing bizarre holiday decorations in the background) proves it’s all in good fun.

While the talented team tackles the not-so-serious subject matter with lyrics like “No, you didn’t seem impressed at all / When you tore off the wrapping paper / And you saw what I bought / Didn’t like what you got” -- it should be noted that later lyrics prove that the offended gift-buyer knew he could’ve done a bit better too: “I guess the dollar store is way below your style / I missed the Santa mark by more than a mile.” Guess it takes two to tango, eh? (Also, we’re probably putting way more effort into analyzing these lyrics than we should.)

The moral of this Bieber holiday classic? Don’t be one of those people perpetually ungrateful for the gifts you receive. Better yet -- focus instead on the ‘giving’ part of the whole thing. That’s what it’s all about anyway.

And hey, if you can’t do that -- maybe you should go and re-gift yourself.

Once you've gone through the presents and taken photos in front of the tree, what do you do with that tree?

Residents of San Diego have several options when it comes to recycling their Christmas trees.

Below, find a list of residential drop-off site locations for your live tree, courtesy of the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department. More information is available by calling the department at (858) 694-7000.

The City will be hosting their annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program starting Dec. 26, 2015 to Jan. 23, 2016. Drop off locations for residents are:

• Carmel Valley - Carmel Valley Recreation Center, 3777 Townsgate Drive, lower parking lot
• Encanto - Cielo Drive at Woodman Street
• Golden Hill - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive
• La Jolla - Kate Sessions Memorial Park, Soledad Road and Loring Street
• Logan Heights - Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Avenue
• Miramar - The Greenery at the Miramar Landfill, Convoy Street north of Highway 52
• Mission Bay - Sea World Drive at Pacific Highway
• Oak Park - Chollas Lake, 6350 College Grove Drive, in Gloria's Mesa parking lot
• Ocean Beach - Robb Athletic Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon Street
• Otay Mesa/Nestor - Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower-west parking lot)
• Rancho Bernardo - Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive
• Rancho Penasquitos - Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Road
• San Diego State University - Parking Lot 17C off Alvarado Road
• Scripps Ranch - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive
• Tierrasanta - De Portola Middle School, 11010 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
• University City - Swanson Pool, 3585 Governor Drive

Residents with yard waste collection can get curbside collection for their trees.

Manual container customers can use their own bins and place trees on the curb on their regular greenery pickup day. Automated container customers using the large, green 96-gallon bin provided should cut their trees to fit into the container on the designated collection day. 

Before getting rid of your trees, be sure to take off all ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree stands. Then, drop off your tree at the locations or leave it out for the curbside pickup. Flocked trees are also accepted.

Artificial trees will not be accepted.

The Miramar Greenery accepts trees throughout the year at 180 Convoy St., inside the Miramar Landfill, North of Highway 52.

Before you hop on public transit this holiday weekend, remember: the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will operate on a modified holiday schedule.  

On Christmas Eve, all trolley lines and most MTS bus routes will operate on their normal Saturday schedules. 

Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, and all trolley lines and most bus routes will operate on a Saturday service schedule. On Christmas Day, you can bring one friend with you on the bus or trolley for no extra charge, thanks to a special MTS promotion. 

On Christmas Day Observed (Dec. 26), which falls on Monday this year, all trolley lines and most bus routes will operate a Saturday service schedule. 

San Diegans jumping on public transit should also be aware that from Dec. 24 to 26, several routes will not operate:

• MTS Express Routes 50, 60, 110, 870 
• MTS Rapid 237 and Rapid Express Routes 280 and 290
• MTS Rural Routes 888, 891, 892 and 894
• Routes 972,973, 978, 979, including the Sorrento Valley COASTER Connection

San Diego, this probably isn’t a ranking to be proud of.

America’s Finest City happens to be the No. 2 most hungover city in the country, according to a recent ranking by Trulia.

The only city to edge out San Diego from the top spot is also in California: San Francisco.

The Trulia ranking took into account the cities’ number of bars, the number of young people and amount of party suppliers. It also surveyed how many of a city’s residents reported having at least one binge drinking incident in the past month.

“The city with the most party suppliers, young people and binge drinkers scored higher as a place to party,” a Trulia news release said.

Behind San Francisco and San Diego, Austin came in at No. 3, Bellingham, Wash., was ranked No.4 and Charleston, S.C., came in at No. 5.

Even with the holiday festivities, police and sheriff’s deputies want to remind you to stay safe and not drink and drive. And if you party, please take an Uber, Lyft or cab.

A substantial amount of snow is expected to fall beginning Friday in San Diego's East County.

Chains may be required of those people considering a trip to the East County for a snow day.

Also, traffic could be at a standstill along the Sunrise Highway or anywhere near the top of Mount Laguna, Cuyamaca Peak or Palomar Mountain.

On New Year's Day 2015, thousands of people descended on Julian after six inches of snow fell. The high number of visitors backed up roads for miles and caused a traffic nightmare for some.

So, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department wants drivers to think ahead and make sure they have plenty of gas, water and food supplies. 

Also, keep in mind that just because there's snow on the ground, doesn't mean you can trespass.

"Private property is off-limits to the public for recreational snow activities," an SDSO news release warns.

As you plan, you may want to consult this interactive map of Cleveland National Forest for locations of picnic sites and campgrounds. There are some fees associated.

Those who decide not to purchase a recreation pass are risking a hefty fine.

You can inquire about the passes needed at the main Cleveland National Forest office at 10845 Rancho Bernardo Road in San Diego.

For those heading east, the Laguna Mountain Lodge is a good resource.  The owners know the mountain and the places to "legally" go sledding. 

You'll need extra, dry clothing as well, especially socks, shoes or boots; a fully charged phone for emergencies and plenty of trash bags.

If you're looking to take a dip in the ocean this weekend, or even go surfing - not so fast. 

Following a period of heavy rainfall, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a General Advisory to warn county residents about high bacteria levels in San Diego's beaches from urban runoff and Tijuana river flows.

Swimmers, surfers and other beach goers are warned that the level of hazardous bacteria can rise significantly after rainfall, according to the DEH. The urban runoff contains high amounts of bacteria from a breadth of places, ranging from animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation.

Due to sewage-contaminated flows entering the United States from Tijuana, a water contact closure was also issued for the ocean shoreline at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field State Park. The closure extends from the beach-line at the south end of Seacoast Drive to the International Border.

Although there are metal warning signs permanently posted at many coastal storm drains, beach goers should keep in mind that many beaches lacking signs for general advisories are still at risk of high bacteria levels.

DEH officials recommend temporarily avoiding activities such as swimming, surfing and diving in the coastal waters for at least 72 hours after the storm, to minimize exposure to bacteria.

The advisory extends to all coastal beaches, including all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, according to the DEH. How long the elevated bacteria levels last will depend on the intensity and possible continuation of the storm.

Officials have also extended the existing water contact closure area at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge north to include all of Imperial Beach. 

Part of the Border Field State Park and access roads to Friendship Park should be avoided until ocean samples indicate it it safe for beach goers, said DEH officials. 

Need a Santa for a holiday party?

There’s an array of Saint Nicholases in San Diego County, 300 to be exact. We’ll call them “Santa helpers.”

Santa Joe Mystic is part of a special group of Father Christmases, who are part of the Fraternal Order of Real-Bearded Santas (FORBS for short.)

And it appears that business is booming for this brotherhood. Mystic said that in addition to all his December gigs, he’s received hundreds of calls in the last few weeks from kids just wanting to talk with Old Saint Nick.

So what's it take to be a Santa? Mystic has had a real beard for decades, but said the demand for real bearded Santas skyrocketed over the last decade.

A quick look online shows you have myriad options of Santas. You can rate, review and book Santas with real beards. There’s even a Santa who performs magic tricks.

Mystic said he’s been playing Santa for 24 years and it’s the reaction that makes the masquerading worth it.

“I was doing a party for Century 21 and they were having an event for families. I walked into that room and about four, five, six kids ran directly over to me and grabbed me by the leg and just hugged me,” he said. “That’s pretty special.”

The White House has named the City of San Diego a TechHire city, recognizing the city for its successful workforce development program in the technology industry. 

San Diego is one of a select few cities across the nation to participate in the TechHire initiative, launched by President Obama in 2015. 

The nation-wide $100 million campaign looks to expand tech sectors across the country by growing and connecting talent across the nation. San Diego first became involved in the program last year. 

By naming San Diego a TechHire city, the city and its partners will be looking to help an additional 1,000 youth and young adults - including 150 veterans - start their careers in information technology and other related fields. 

“San Diegans should be the first in line for good-paying jobs in our rapidly-growing tech sector and the City is making it easier than ever for people to learn the skills they need to qualify for these rewarding careers,” Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer said in a statement. “This recognition will give us the opportunity to expand these efforts to train our local workforce to compete for the high-tech jobs of the future.”

The initiative has already helped some San Diegans get careers in the fast-growing industry. 

Tomoree Randall, 22, of San Diego, was working in retail when he enrolled in a fast-track information technology training program, created by the City through the initiative. 

Through the program, he was able to pass certification tests and landed a full-time job as a software and hardware specialist. 

“San Diego’s innovation economy is rapidly creating new software development job opportunities,” said Erik Caldwell, Director of the City’s Economic Development Department, in a statement. “We are pleased to see the city’s efforts to help all San Diegans access these opportunities gaining national recognition. These efforts underscore Mayor Faulconer’s One San Diego initiative to provide opportunities for all San Diegans.”

San Diego has additional workforce development programs available for residents, including Career Online High School and One San Diego 100. 

Since the initiative started, the program has expanded to more than 70 communities nationwide with more than 1,500 employer partners. 

Children made up a large number of rape victims compared to other victims, according to a new report released by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).

The report released Thursday highlights the characteristics of victims and suspects involved in specific violent crimes, including gender, ethnicity and age.

According to the findings, victims and suspects of crime were more likely to be 39 years old or younger.

Women were also 96 percent likely to be killed by someone they knew compared to the 59 percent of men. In 2015, it was the first time male victims had been included in rape crimes.

The report also found that Black victims were overrepresented in all categories of crime.

You can see the full report here.

A suspect accused of opening fire on San Diego police, punching two officers in the face and attempting to choke a police dog in a SWAT standoff pleaded not guilty to three attempted murder charges on a peace officer. 

Hayden Gerson wore a jail uniform and appeared to have a number of bruises on his head when he faced a judge at the San Diego County Courthouse.

Gerson was formally charged with three counts of attempted murder of a police officer performing his duties, one count of resisting an executive officer and one count of harm to or interference with a police dog causing great bodily injury, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's office. Two of those three charges have allegations of using a firearm in the commission of the crime. 

He faces an maximum of 44 years to life. 

Gerson was arrested Monday after a standoff in Clairemont that began with a domestic-violence call and quickly escalated.

“At some point, he started to become agitated and make delusional statements towards the officers,” SDPD Capt. Brian Ahearn said of the defendant.

Police said two SDPD officers were punched and choked by the suspect, as bomb squad and swat members were positioned outside Gerson’s house. Officers then called for backup, leading to an hours long standoff where rounds of gunfire were exchanged.

The two SDPD officers have been identified as Officer Brandon Gibson, a 5-year veteran of the department, and Officer Justic Tennebaum, a 9-year veteran of the department. 

Dozens of homes were evacuated from the neighborhood. Officers had previously attempted to use a taser and other non-lethal weapons which proved ineffective. After they deployed a K-9 to take Gerson into custody, the suspect allegedly started to bite and choke the dog.

Following the SWAT standoff, Gerson was hospitalized for injuries from the police dog. Two police officers were also taken to local hospitals for treatment of scrapes and bruises.

He will next appear in court on Feb. 22. 

Stormy weather in San Diego just before Christmas Day brought rain, wind and cold temperatures.

On Thursday, the City of San Diego opened up shelters for the homeless community due to inclement weather.

People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) and St. Vincent de Paul Village opened up their doors for people in Downtown San Diego. The shelters will be open through Mon. Dec. 26, the city said.

More information on shelters can be found here.

It only costs $6 to see one of the San Diego Chargers’ final games of the season.

That’s not a typo. Yes, an NFL game costs only one digit to attend if you purchase the ticket on Stubhub.

That’s likely because the outdoor game is in frigid Cleveland on Christmas Eve and matches up the dead-last Browns with the Bolts.

Still, when you compare that to other prices of NFL games this weekend -- the Arizona Cardinals at the Seattle Seahawks costs $125 and the New York Jets at the New England Patriots go for $157 – it’s laughable.

Heck, even tickets to the game between the struggling Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers costs at least $30.

Since the ticket vendor Stubhub’s prices are constantly changing and there’s no public archive of ticket prices, it’s tough to tell if that price is one of the all-time lows. Still, it’s noteworthy.

We thought it would be fun to compile a list of activities that cost more than this Chargers game (assuming you would want to hop on a plane to Cleveland).

• The San Diego Gulls’ next game the day after Christmas costs $13.

• A movie at AMC costs $13.69.

• Stand-up paddle board rentals at Mission Bay cost $15.

• Harbor tours around San Diego’s bay cost $12.

• A footlong roast beef Subway sandwich costs $7.75.

• A cocktail at most restaurants and bars costs more than $6.

What else are we missing? What costs more than the next Chargers game? Let us know in the comments below.

U.S. Marshals are searching for a U.S. Army solider - considered a deserter - wanted for allegedly killing his estranged wife in South Carolina. Authorities say he may be traveling along the West Coast through parts of Southern California. 

John Tufton Blauvelt, 28, is facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to the Simpsonville Police Department in South Carolina.

Officials say he is considered armed and dangerous. 

U.S. Marshals say Blauvelt may be traveling south through California, staying close to the Coast. However, he may also be anywhere along the West Coast or within the Country, U.S. Marshals say. 

He is reportedly traveling with a military-style green camouflage backpack. Blauvelt is known to camp in local parks or areas known to be frequented by the homeless, Marshals say. 

He has several known alias': John Bluefields, Vincent Mendoza and Victor Saccheti. 

Officials rescribe him as 5 feet 8 inches, approximately 185 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his left and right arms as well as a tattoo on his chest and left wrist. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the U.S. Marshals tip line at 1 (800)336-0102 or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.

Authorities are offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading directly to Blauvelt's capture. 

Two more people in San Diego have died from complications linked to the flu this month, county health officials said Thursday.

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) said this brings the season’s total flu-related deaths to three so far. The two people who died were an 83-year-old man and 89-year-old woman, both of whom had underlying medical conditions.

At this same time last year, there were also a total of three influenza-related deaths reported in San Diego.

HHSA officials say locals should be sure to get their flu vaccination, as it is considered the best protection against the illness. Health officials recommend an annual flu shot; after the vaccination, it takes two weeks for immunity to develop, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The vaccination is especially recommended for those at high-risk of experiencing complications with the flu, including people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and people age 65 and older.

The HHSA’s latest “Influenza Watch” report, from Dec. 17, says 2 percent of all emergency department visits in San Diego were patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. There were 125 lab-confirmed cases of influenza for the week – a 61 percent spike from the week prior.

To date, there have been 417 lab-confirmed cases of the flu in San Diego. Last year at this time, there were 200. Flu season in the U.S. occurs between December and May.

For a list of county public health centers where you can get a fly shot, click here or call 211.

'Tis the season to give.

But many shoppers are finding themselves scrambling to buy the most sought-after toys of the season.

Some of the toys topping the list this year are Hatchimals which are sold out at most locations.

According to an employee at a Toys R Us in Morena, Hatchimals are usually sold out in about 10 to 15 minutes of being on the shelves. New deliveries of the toy are also made randomly. 

Hatchimals are so popular, some people have been selling them online for more than $100—the regular price is $70-$80.

But last minute shoppers told NBC 7, they are comparing prices between local stores and online.

“I was just driving home after I went to Target and WalMart looking for what I was trying to get and I couldn't even find it on the internet," said shopper Aaron Dexheimer.

He said Toys R Us had been his last hope of finding the item and he got lucky.

"I walked in and I asked the lady. She said, 'there's one right behind you,' and I got it,” Dexheimer said.

Some other popular toys this season are the new line for Star Wars and the Nintendo NES Classic.

As the search continues for the driver who hit a man with autism, Escondido Police wanted to brighten his spirits, just in time for Christmas.

Like all police departments, Escondido Police officers have the training to solve crimes, help find justice for victims and keep the community safe.

But once a year, they're given the power to make Christmas wishes come true through the city's Secret Santa Program.

This year, Officer Mike Nelson wished Bobby Walker a Merry Christmas on Thursday, with his hand full of three $100 bills.

"It’s nice. It’s good to see a smile and hopefully they have a better holiday as a result,” Nelson said.

Walker, has autism, but works hard to live independently, his mom told NBC 7.

On Dec. 8, he was struck by a driver as he crossed S Juniper Street on his way to the bus stop. He needed surgery to repair damage to his arm and suffered several bruises and cuts from the crash.

The driver did not stop, police said.

Nelson is the officer investigating the hit-and-run.

"It’s the holiday season so I thought it would be really nice for him to be able to have that little extra something to bring his spirits up a bit,” Nelson said.

The gift comes from a pool of money raised through the Escondido Charitable Foundation. It funds the police department's three-year old secret Santa program. 

According to Lt. Ed Varso, the program has one goal, to "go out and make a positive difference."

Varso told NBC 7 that most times, officers meet community members at their worst moment. But Secret Santa gifting is usually the best moment, for both.

“The police officer walks away and there is something really incredible about feeling like I just made a really nice difference in this person’s life,” Varso said.

It’s certainly made a difference in Walker's holiday.

“I was okay with the 300 dollars,” he said.

Walker is still recovering but is doing well.

Witnesses describe the car that hit Walker as an older model, silver, four door Nissan Sentra or Maxima with clear taillight covers.

So far, police have few leads but hope the community can help.

President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia had nuclear warheads that could penetrate any missile defense system, NBC News reported. 

"We've advanced in improving the systems ... including [those that have] to do with overcoming missile defenses," he said during his annual press conference in Moscow. "Today, this system is more efficient than the [U.S.] missile defense."

"It's not us who have been speeding up the arms race," Putin also said.

On Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump stunned nuclear experts when he said "the United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes."