As the sun peeked through the clouds Saturday in Balboa Park, thousands of went for a run, together, united in one effort: to remember a Poway teenager whose vibrant life was tragically cut short, and to spread love and light to the community.

At 7:30 a.m., thousands began running in the 7th annual Finish Chelsea’s Run, a community 5K walk/run in memory of Chelsea King, and the run she was never able to finish.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Chelsea’s Light Foundation, a non-profit organization created by Chelsea's parents, Brent and Kelly King, in memory of their beloved daughter. The foundation aims to support youth and spread positive change in the community.

Saturday's 5K raised money for the organization’s Sunflower Scholarship Fund, which will help award 10 scholarships to college-bound teens who embody “service over self” traits. NBC 7 was the television media partner for the event; our NBC 7 team was there to support participants and Chelsea’s loved ones at the run.

In a high-profile case that sent shock waves through San Diego County, Chelsea, only 17, was kidnapped on Feb. 25, 2010, while out on a run at Rancho Bernardo Community Park, by sexual predator John Albert Gardner III.The Poway High School senior’s body was found five days later in the Lake Hodges area.

On May 15, 2010, Gardner was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the rape and murder of Chelsea, as well as that of Escondido teenager Amber Dubois, 14, who vanished in a similar, disturbing case in February 2009.

The following year, the King family worked to pass Chelsea’s Law in California, which enhances criminal sentences for violent sexual offenders who commit crimes against children.

Earlier this week, Brent and Kelly stopped by NBC 7 to talk about Chelsea's Law and what it has done, since its implementation, to improve safety for children.

The Kings said they are proud of what the law has been able to achieve thus far, but said their work is far from done.

"What we’ve been able to accomplish here in California and in San Diego is what we want to accomplish across the country, so that is a never ending challenge," said Kelly. "We welcome it with open arms, but it’s a long hard road, but we’re not about to stop until we make sure the kids not just in California but across the country are as safe as the kids are here."

The couple are working on taking Chelsea's Law to other states and encouraging lawmakers to adopt all or part of it. They are also working with the state of California to ensure the law stays strong. 

"It's working exceptionally well," Brent said. 

But, Brent said, there are still flaws in the way in which sex offenders are categorized.

"We still categorize every sex offender the same," Brent said. "We don’t separate them out, and there’s real value separating them out because the ones that are extremely violent – we need to make sure we manage them in that form that best protects us. We can’t just group them all together."

Last Saturday, the Kings reflected on the 7th anniversary of their daughter's killing by posting a heartfelt message to the Chelsea’s Light Foundation Facebook page. 

The message read, in part:

“Unspeakable sadness. Immeasurable love,” the message began. “These are some of the emotions that coarse through our hearts today. It’s been 7 years since we last saw our little girl. Chelsea radiated joy, and believed in the good in all people. We have learned that no amount of evil can diminish the compassion, conviction and beauty we witness daily. Nothing can separate us from Chelsea. You taught us that. We will never forget the gift you have given us.”

The post included a touching tribute video with snippets of home videos of Chelsea as a toddler, child and teen – and her loved ones talking about what made her so special.

“Everything about her – was light. She was one of those girls that would just light up a room,” Chelsea’s brother, Tyler King, said in the video tribute.

On Feb. 25, those with the Chelsea's Light Foundation spread the light by putting sunflowers -- Chelsea's favorite flower -- on the windshields of cars parked at a shopping center in Rancho Bernardo. Each flower had a short, positive message tied to its stem.

Saturday's race was also filled with sunflowers, a little reminder of Chelsea's presence.

Live music from some heavy-hitters, plus art, food and festivals fill the calendar as we enjoy another memorable weekend in San Diego. Make your plans and enjoy the ride.

Thursday, March 2

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (season runs through May 14), Carlsbad Ranch
It’s here! The famous Flower Fields in Carlsbad Ranch officially opened for the season on March 1, offering visitors spectacular views of bright blooms in all of their gorgeous glory. The fields are open daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through May 14. Patrons will enjoy nearly 50 acres of colorful displays of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, which are in bloom for six to eight weeks. The famous fields also include roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, petunias and poinsettias. Keep checking the Flower Fields website, too, because the venue hosts special events throughout the bloom season.

Robert Egger Senior Recreation Center Carnival
5 p.m., Robert Egger Senior Recreation Center
Guests of all ages can enjoy food, fun and rides Thursday at this carnival at the Robert Egger Senior Recreation Center’s carnival. Guests of all ages can enjoy food, fun, and rides.

Fermented Pairings Series, Vol. 15: Truffles & Beer
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., White Labs San Diego Tasting Room
Beer really does go with everything. At this tasting event, Andrea Davis – of Andrea’s Truffles – will pair with Erik Fowler, of White Labs, to expertly match five truffles with five brews. This class, held at the White Labs Tasting Room (9495 Candida St.) will include a discussion on the production of chocolate and all things truffles, too. Tickets cost $25 per person; seats are limited, so it’s best to reserve your spot ahead of time.

Stevie Nicks with The Pretenders
7 p.m., Viejas Arena
Legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks will play the Viejas Arena at San Diego State University Thursday night with special guests, The Pretenders. Tickets are still available, starting at the $69 price point.

Jazz at the Athenaeum: Ralph Tower
7 p.m., Athenaeum Music and Arts Library
The Athenaeum jazz series concludes Thursday at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla. Guitarist Ralph Tower will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $21.

Circus Vargas
7:30 p.m., Westfield North County
Circus Vargas continues its San Diego run, bringing the big top’s newest show, “Steam Cirque,” inspired by the worlds of steampunk and science-fiction, to Westfield North County in Escondido. The show runs at this venue through March 13 before packing up and heading to Promenade Temecula (March 16-27). Tickets start at $22; arrive 45 minutes before show time and the kids can partake in an interactive pre-show where they can practice hands-on circus skills like juggling and balancing alongside the pros.

The Wood Brothers with Shook Twins
8 p.m., Observatory North Park
Folk-band The Wood Brothers, with the Shook Twins, take over the Observatory North Park Thursday night. Tickets are still available and start at $25.

Jacob Sirof
8 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
Funnyman Jacob Sirof – known for his appearances on NBC, Comedy Central and E!, brings his bit to The American Comedy Co. in downtown San Diego Thursday night. Tickets start at $10.

Camelot in Concert
8 p.m., Old Town Temecula Community Theater
Up north in Temecula, the Barn Stage Company will close out a concert Series with the classic musical, “Camelot in Concert.” The show is based on the T.H. White novel The Once & Future King. Tickets are still available and start at $30.

Friday, March 3

#Golf4Warriors Battle Bogey Tournament
10 a.m., Admiral Baker Golf Course
Help raise money for wounded veterans at this year’s #Golf4Warriors Battle Bogey Tournament. Hosted by the Admiral Baker Golf Course, all proceeds go to the Us4Warriors Foundation. After the tourney, attendees can enjoy an awards dinner and auction.

Pure Water Facility: Public Tour
12 p.m., North City Water Reclamation Plant
The City of San Diego invites San Diegans to the North City Water Reclamation Plant to test purified water. Attendees can see how water is recycled and reused. Admission for this tour is free.

Del Mar Gem Faire
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.(runs through Sunday), Del Mar Fairgrounds
Bling, bling! The Gem Faire returns this weekend to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, running Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With more than 70 exhibitors scheduled for the event, attendees will be able to check out a vast display of jewelry and stones. Admission is $7 for a pass that’s valid all weekend long; it’s free for children age 11 and younger.

Sparks Gallery: 2 Year Anniversary Celebration
6 p.m., The Sparks Gallery
The Sparks Gallery in downtown San Diego celebrates its two-year anniversary with this free party Friday night. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, live music and, of course, art.

San Diego Gulls vs. Tucson Roadrunners
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Ice-cold action hits Valley View Casino Center Friday when the San Diego Gulls host the Tuscon Roadrunners. Puck drop is 7 p.m.

Masters of Hawaiian Music
7:30 p.m., California Center for the Arts Escondido
Feel those island vibes as four-time Grammy winner George Kahumoko Jr. – known as Hawaii’s Renaissance Man – leads a night of Hawaiian music at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. He’ll be joined by slack key guitarist Kawika Kahiapo and instrumentalist Nathan Aweau, and together they will perform Hawaiian style tunes, along with light-hearted stories. Tickets range from $32 to $42.

Dave Attell
7:30 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
Comic and host Dave Attell (of “Insomniac” and “Comedy Central Presents Dave Attell” fame) will deliver his stand-up act at The American Comedy Co. in downtown San Diego Friday with two shows – one at 7:30 p.m. and the other at 9:30 p.m. Attell takes the stage again at the same times Saturday, and one more time at 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 per person.

Shostakovich & Beethoven: A Jacobs Masterworks Concert
8 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall
The San Diego Symphony presents a concert featuring a pairing of the world’s most popular symphony work and one of the 20th century’s most passionate violin concertos. The show features violin star Augustin Hadelich and guest conductor Marcus Stenz. Tickets range from $25 to $72.

India’s Festival of Colors: Holi Hai
9 p.m., Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center
Bollywood entertainer Prashant will host Holi Hai, the Indian Festival of Colors, at Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center (3925 Ohio St.) Friday night. The party is a celebration of the coming of spring, friendship and equality. The itinerary includes music, Henna, photo opps and lots and lots of dancing. At 10 p.m., a Bollywood dance lesson goes down; a Holi dance performance and color throw is scheduled for 11 p.m. People from all backgrounds and cultures are invited to the celebration; tickets start at $12.

Saturday, March 4

Travel & Adventure Show
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego Convention Center
Feeling that wanderlust? Discover your next vacation at the Travel & Adventure Show, taking over the San Diego Convention Center this weekend. Explore destinations around the world and talk with travel experts about how to make that trip happen. The expo will also include giveaways and activities – so bring the family. The Travel & Adventure Show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; tickets cost $11 per adult (or $18 for a two-day pass); kids 16 and under get in free. 

Intro to Homebrewing
10 a.m., The Homebrewer
Want to learn to brew your own beer at home? In this introductory class at The Homebrewer in North Park (2911 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 2), brewing beginners will learn about the key ingredients for making craft beer and how different brew styles are made, plus other basics of the brewing process. The class costs $20 per person.

Seaport Village Busker Festival
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday), Seaport Village
The quirky annual Busker Festival returns to Seaport Village Saturday showcasing street performers with cool, bizarre talents – from sword swallowing to juggling while unicycling. The two-day fest runs Saturday and Sunday and is free to attend. When the sun goes down, Buskers After Dark, will take over Seaport Village, an untamed 18+ show in which buskers light the night with fire tricks, stunts and more. The late-night show is also free, and includes a DJ, plus food and drink specials.

Trek with the Trackers
8:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park – Visitor’s Center
The Tracking Team at Mission Trails Regional Park takes you on an adventure this Saturday. Follow tracks and other critter evidence as you track lesser-seen animals in the park. The team recommends you wear long pants to enable you to get up close. The trek is free.

30th Annual Koi Show
9 a.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
More than 300 Koi will be on display in competition in this festival at the Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday. Learn how to build your own Koi pond and waterfall, or how to turn your backyard into a Koi home. Vendors will also be selling Koi food, patio furnishings, solar power, water garden plants and more. The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Biocom Institute Festival of Science and Engineering: San Diego’s Expo Day
10 a.m., Petco Park
Take a look at some of the innovation and technology to come at local businesses, schools, libraries and museums across San Diego this weekend. This special Expo Day features interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, speakers and more on science, technology, engineering and math education. The day is free.

Bridal Show
11 a.m., Lakehouse Hotel and Resort in San Marcos
Planning your wedding? Stop by the Bridal Show this weekend in San Marcos. Some of San Diego’s best wedding vendors will help inspire you and give you endless ideas for your ceremony. Plus, enjoy complimentary Bites and Bubbles from the Lakehouse Hotel and Resort catering team. The event is free.

Sunday, March 5

San Diego Theatre Week
Times and locations vary.
Theater lovers across San Diego will love this exciting week of performances across the County. The special week, which runs from Fe.b 26 to march 5, highlights the variety of shows across the performing arts community in San Diego. Participating groups will offer special promotions, including ticket discounts, concession offers and cast talk-backs. This Sunday, see a comedy show at the National Comedy Theatre, or get a special two-show package ticket at The Old Globe. See a line up of events here.

Buskers After Dark at Seaport Village
7 p.m., Seaport Village
Visit Seaport Village after dark Sunday evening as street performers take over for the annual Buskers After Dark festival. From fire breathers to sword swallowers, there will be no shortage of awe-inspiring and amazing sights for visitors. The show will feature a DJ as well as food and drink special. The acts are best suited for those over 18. The event is free.

Disney’s Freaky Friday The Musical
2 p.m. or 7 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
Don’t miss the West Coast premiere of Disney’s "Freaky Friday”, based on the hit Disney movie. With a book by Bridget Carpenter ("Parenthood", "Friday Night Lights") and music by Tom Kitt ("Next to Normal", "If/Then") and lyrics by Brian Yorkey ("Next to Normal", "If/Then"), recipients of multiple Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, the show promises to be a delightful and polished production with two close friends playing the lead mother-daughter duo. It runs through March 19. You can buy tickets here.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Times and locations vary

Is your wallet hurting from the holidays? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.

Picasso At The Lapin Agile
2 p.m. or 7 p.m., The Old Globe
Don't miss the third piece in comedian and playwright Steve Martin's collaboration with San Diego's iconic Old Globe Theatre. The play, written by Martin and directed by Barry Edelstein, opens on The Lapin Agile in Paris 1904, where struggling artists (Pablo Picasso, for one) and one-day geniuses (picture: young Albert Einstein) come together for an extraordinary, witty night. The show runs from Feb. 4 to March 12.  If you’re looking for other theater shows in San Diego this year, check out this roundup of new and upcoming local productions. 

NBC7’s Derek Togerson looks at the Chargers trying to sell tickets in Los Angeles in this commentary

Throughout the process of moving to Los Angeles the Chargers earned the reputation that they just don’t “get it.”

The franchise came across as being tone deaf when it comes to things like dealing with the fans that supported them for five and a half decades; or making a marketing splash with a rebrand and a logo that was not designed in a preschool finger painting class; or basic common sense. You know; things you would expect a multibillion dollar business would be conscious of.

But the Bolts have bungled things at every turn so why would anyone expect the way they try to sell tickets to be any different?

This week the Chargers sent a letter to fans they hope will be buying tickets to their games at the StubHub center in Carson. In it are your typical bits of propaganda touting the “intimate and exclusive capacity,” which is really a way of saying the place we’re playing in for the next two years is small.

Then you get to one particular part and really kind of have to do a double-take. Here’s the direct quote from the letter:

“The Chargers reserve the right to enforce a policy that all season tickets should be used primarily by Season Ticket Members and their personal guests.”

What that means is the Chargers are going to try and make people who buy season tickets use all their tickets (of which they can purchase a maximum of four because of the “intimate and exclusive capacity”) for themselves and not sell them to fans of other teams.

This, of course, tells us that the Chargers are TERRIFIED that they will be playing in front of an “intimate and exclusive” crowd that consists of basically none of their own fans. This is one of the very few things that the Chargers leadership has gotten right.

If the Bolts don’t try and keep fans from other teams from getting their hands on tickets then pretty much every game at the “intimate and exclusive” Center they’re calling a temporary home is going to be a road game like the one they played at Qualcomm Stadium against the Raiders in December when the Q turned in to South Oakland.

However did they think this one all the way through? (Hint: probably not)

How would you enforce such a policy? They could go high-tech on the product by printing each season ticket holder’s face on the physical ticket. But that takes more money and, well … Dean Spanos.

More likely they would have to check the ID of all the people entering with tickets to make sure it matches the name on the ticket. But that is going to require more staff at the gates (again, $$$) and add a whole lot of time to the process of getting in to the facility, even if it is a “intimate and exclusive capacity” that will not have the massive crowds of most NFL games.

If there’s another more efficient and effective way I can’t think of it right now. Also it doesn't answer the question of who the season ticket holder's guests can be. Can someone who buys four seats sell three of them to Raiders fans and then escort them to the stadium, get them in and go watch the game at a bar?

I’d be shocked if the Chargers have even thought about this aspect of the policy they intend to develop yet so it might never even come to fruition.

Of course there is one more thing about this that shows how little the Chargers think about the peripheral elements of a situation or what it might lead to. The irony here is StubHub … the company that has its name on the stadium where the Chargers will be playing … specializes in 2nd-hand ticket sales and the Chargers are trying to outlaw the sale of 2nd-hand tickets.

Sometimes the jokes just write themselves, especially when the Chargers are involved.

Ellie is a typical 15-year-old girl. She's just starting high school in her rural Pacific Northwest town, where the entire freshman class is only about 30 students. At school, she and her friends chat in the girls' bathroom like all teen girls do, and when she's at home, she talks with her friends online, NBC News reported.

Ellie is not transgender. But if she were subjected to a school policy that mandated students use the restroom that matched their biological sex at birth, Ellie might be forced to use a bathroom with the boys at her school. That's because she's genetically "male."

Just about a year ago, Ellie's mom (who asked that her last name not be published) took her to the doctor to find out why she wasn't experiencing certain symptoms of puberty. That's when the family found out that Ellie is intersex; she was born with Swyer Syndrome, which means she has XY chromosomes like those typically found in boys. Girls with Swyer Syndrome have unformed sex glands where other girls have ovaries; they need hormone replacement in order to encourage puberty and usually cannot become pregnant without an egg donor.

Strategically lined up, side-by-side, anti-Trump demonstrators gathered in Ocean Beach Saturday with one mission: to spell out the word "IMPEACH" on the sand.

At the "March 4 Impeach," the group stood on Dog Beach in OB, in a human formation that spelled out the word. The message was directed at President Donald Trump.

The demonstration was inpispired by a recent, similar gathering at a beach in San Francisco where demonstrators spelled out "RESIST!!" on the sand.

According to the March 4 Impeach event page on Facebook, the gathering was meant to call attention to the possibility of impeaching Trump.

Sandy Goble, who walked in the Women’s March in January, attended the gathering in Ocean Beach. She told NBC 7 she is frustrated with the current administration for a number of reasons, and that she doesn’t know where to begin to list them all.

“I’ve been quiet and very upset with what’s going on,” Goble said. “The Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for not doing more to investigate the obvious Russian ties.”

Frank Gormlie, a long-time Ocean Beach local and business owner, shared the same sentiments as Goble.

“We’re calling for an investigation into Trump’s violations of the Constitution and his Russian connections. We think that by spelling out the word impeach, that people are willing to come out and demand that action,” he explained.

“We don’t believe in the ban, we don’t believe in the wall, and we support equal rights for everyone -- regardless of gender, race, religion,” said Jessica Jones, another demonstrator. “We’re here to show each other, and the world, that there are like-minded people out here who don’t support what’s going on."

Lori Saward, Founder of Indivisable San Diego, said the idea to spell the word "Impeach" originally started out as an art project for the anti-Trump group, OB Resist. Indivisible San Diego Central wanted to help, so they joined in the efforts.

“We’re a border city. We stand with our immigrants, and we stand as a city that is inclusive,” Saward told NBC 7. “That’s why we came together to show that solidarity. We are for all people.”

In stark contrast to the impeachment movement in Ocean Beach, two pro-Trump rallies also happened in San Diego on Saturday.

Elizabeth Torphy, from Orange County, drove to San Diego for the pro-Trump event downtown.

Wearing a shirt that read "Make America Great Again," she told NBC 7 that, as a Trump supporter, she wants her voice heard.

“There are so many pro-Trump supporters out there, and we need to be heard. I want our voices to be heard," said Torphy. "I say, ‘My vote, my voice.’ And that’s what I mean, my voice counts.”

“That just shows you that the resist movement is so sweeping and huge that people are unhappy and feel that the country is going in the wrong direction,” Lori Saward said in response to the pro-Trump rallies.

“If they feel the need to have a Trump rally, when they already have the Presidency, the House and the Senate, then I don’t understand why they need to rally,” she said. “They’re obviously feeling the pressure from so many Americans that are shocked still that [President Trump] won the election.”

The strong women who serve America’s Finest City came together Saturday to empower the next generation and inspire them to some day work in professions like firefighting.

An all-day training camp for girls was organized by women of the San Diego Fire Department (SDFD) and San Diego Lifeguard Services on a mission to show young girls that a career as a firefighter, lifeguard, paramedic or military member is an option for them.

[[415397813,C]]

The girls learned skills such as becoming CPR certified, how to conduct search and rescues, how to use firefighting tools and equipment and how to do an aerial ladder climb -- just like the pros.

[[415400253,C]]

Registration closed quickly, as full capacity for the event was reached, with 100 girls signing up.

[[415397893,C]]

The camp came at no cost to the girls, with generous sponsors providing the equipment and food. SDFD hopes they can put on the camp again next year.

A closing ceremony will be held for the campers Sunday evening.

The eastbound Genesee Avenue on-ramp to southbound State Route 163 will be closed for the weekend due to a collapsed pipe that had caused a sinkhole to form below the ramp.

Caltrans San Diego said SR-163 will be closed through 5 a.m. Monday. Signs will detour motorists on eastbound Genesee to take the northbound SR-163 to Mesa College Drive west, and then onto the SR-163 south.

Work will include clearing out the sinkhole, removing and replacing the collapsed pipe, filling the hole and repaving the on-ramp, said Caltrans.

[[415402693,C]]

Caltrans warns nearby residents and motorists to expect construction and equipment noises throughout the construction period, and light towers at night. Drivers are cautioned to slow down or move over when flashing amber lights and workers are present around construction zones.

Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered Saturday in downtown San Diego for a march aimed at showing solidarity with the POTUS. 

The March 4 Trump: San Diego event was held at Ruocco Park in downtown San Diego. Trump supporters wore patriotic red, white and blue clothing and waved American flags and "Trump" banners.

“Let’s support our president and stop the hate!” organizers of the march said in a press release, adding that the event was an effort to unite citizens of the U.S.

"USA! USA! USA!" the group chanted as their event got underway.

Point Loma real estate agent Dawn Mayo was among those who marched in support of Trump. She said she appreciates the way in which Trump carries himself and handles business.

“I love Trump. He’s the perfect man, the perfect President and I believe in every single thing he says and does,” said Mayo. “He’s a businessman and he just has it. He’s just got it going on. He says it the way it is.”

Elizabeth Torphy, from Orange County, drove to San Diego for the event.

Wearing a shirt that read "Make America Great Again," she told NBC 7 that, as a Trump supporter, she wants her voice heard.

“There are so many pro-Trump supporters out there, and we need to be heard. I want our voices to be heard," said Torphy. "I say, ‘My vote, my voice.’ And that’s what I mean, my voice counts.”

She said events like March 4 Trump make her feel as if the pro-Trump movement is gaining ground.

“We’re getting louder. We’ve been drowned out for so long,” she added, saying that it's time to focus on positivity.

“I’m proud to be American – and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think it’s a wonderful thing to be proud to be American," Torphy said.

Kerry Lewis was also happy to have his voice heard.

"We’re the silent majority," he said, referring to Trump supporters. "Trump went after the electoral vote – he won it."

Lewis said he believes Trump is exactly what the U.S. needs at the moment.

“Trump is a businessman. This country needs a businessman to run it,” he told NBC 7.

The San Diego march was among many happening nationwide, as the March 4 Trump movement unfolded across other states Saturday, too.

At noon, another separate pro-Trump event – the “Spirit of America Rally” – was scheduled downtown, at the Embarcadero Marina Park South near the San Diego Convention Center.

“Bring your families, friends and Trump supporters for a day of sharing American values with everyday people,” organizers of that event said in a press release. “Feel free to bring chairs, picnic items, and your positive American Spirit to celebrate and support our president.”

While the pro-Trump rallies happened in downtown San Diego, another group – those against Trump – rallied in Ocean Beach.

The “March 4 Impeachment” gathering included demonstrators spelling out the word “IMPEACH” by standing in a formation on the beach, replicating a similar demonstration recently held at a beach in San Francisco when people spelled out "RESIST!!" on the sand.

“The ‘March 4 Impeachment’ is just one of thousands of events to promote the efforts to resist the Trump agenda. We resist his misogynistic, xenophobic, and climate denial policies to name a few,” organizers of this rally said in a press release.

The FBI has arrested a Long Island, New York man who allegedly tried to join ISIS in Syria.

Elvis Redzepagic was arrested Friday at his parents' home in Commack, NBC New York has learned. He faces charges of attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS and appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Saturday, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York announced.

On at least two occasions, Redzepagic traveled from New York overseas and attempted to enter Syria to try and join ISIS fighters there, investigators said.

"Mr. Redzepagic is an American citizen who has been fully cooperative with the government's investigation," his attorney Mildred Whalen told NBC New York. "We will work with Mr. Redzepagic's family to convince the court and the government that Mr. Redzepagic needs treatment and care, not imprisonment."

Redzepagic allegedly tried to enter Syria in 2015 and again last year, but failed after authorities stopped him in Turkey and Jordan, then subsequently deported him. His alleged ties to terror were discovered in early February after Suffolk County police picked him up on an unrelated violation.

He also had other ISIS-related materials on his computer and social media. In Facebook messages from October 2015, Redzepagic explicitly stated that he traveled to Turkey to "perform Jihad and join Jabhat Al-Nusra."

"This defendant made numerous attempts to travel to Syria to wage violent jihad," said U.S. Attorney Robert Capers. "We will continue to track down and prosecute individuals like the defendant before they are able to become foreign fighters or harm the United States and its allies."

In subsequent interviews with law enforcement, he allegedly admitted that he was prepared to strap a bomb to himself during the time he attempted to enter Syria from Turkey.

Redzepagic and his accomplices knowingly and intentionally attempted to provide material support to ISIS and al-Nusrah Front, an official Syrian branch of the al-Qaeda terrorist group, between July 2015 and October 2016, according to a criminal complaint.

Authorities say the 26-year-old boasted about having a cousin who fights alongside jihadists in Syria and pointed to photos online purportedly of his relative. It's unclear whether the claim has been verified.

Not your average race attire: hundreds of San Diegans trekked around De Anza Cove in Mission Bay in their skivvies Saturday on a mission to raise awareness for colon cancer.

The 2017 Undy Run/Walk, hosted by the Colon Cancer Alliance, is held nationally in select cities, and has raised more than $9 million since it began eight years ago. It's a light-hearted way to move past the sometimes difficult discussions surrounding colon cancer.

The event’s mission is to bring awareness to colorectal screening. It was fitting that the Undy Run/Walk took place this month, as March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

For Christy Pagel, a Stage 2 colon cancer survivor, the Undy Run/Walk is a great way to spread the word about cancer screenings.

“I was 39 years old, three kids, pretty healthy, started to have symptoms, didn’t think much of it,” she told NBC 7. “The colonoscopy is what found [the cancer] and I’m here today because I got tested. Early diagnosis is the road to recovery, for sure. Don’t ignore any kind of signs."

The run came just days after the American Cancer Society released results of a new study showing colorectal cancer rates are rising for much younger adults.

Compared to people born around 1950 -- those born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer, and quadruple the risk of developing rectal cancer.

The reasons why are unclear, but obesity is one likely factor.

Dr. Stonewall Anderson is President of the Board of Directors of C4, and a staff gastroenterologist at Kaiser Permanente. He says instances of colon cancer in young adults remains very small.

“The curve starts going up rapidly at age 50," said Anderson.

“The question is whether we need to start screening earlier,” he said. “But we still recommend screenings at 50.”

Anderson said the most recent national figures show there were 136,830 colon cancer cases diagnosed in 2014, and 50,310 colon cancer deaths. In 2013, there were 1,188 San Diegans who developed colon cancer; 428 San Diegans died of the disease.

“There’s at least 2 good screening methods” said Anderson. “You can do a colonoscopy, you have to do that every 10 years, or you can do the home fecal test and mail it in, you have to do that every year. They’re equally effective."

A portion of the proceeds from the Undy Run helps C4 grant funding to San Diego healthcare providers to increase screening rates. Colorectal cancer patients and survivors were granted free admission to the race.

Sharp HealthCare discovered a suspected theft of a computer and memory device containing the protected health information (PHI) of 757 outpatients, according to a statement by Sharp.

The devices were discovered missing from a locked cabinet in an access-controlled area at Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion on Health Center Drive the morning of Feb. 16.

Sharp notified the San Diego Police Department, and both organizations are actively searching for the missing devices. So far, investigations have led Sharp to believe both devices were stolen, according to Sharp.

The devices held patient wellness information for outpatients in blood and/or cardiac health studies. Each study may have recorded information on names, dates of birth, ages, medications and family histories of those patients.

Affected patients have been notified of the situation, as have the California Department of Public health and the Office for Civil Rights, Sharp said.

“It was not any social security or financial information that was taken, which is what identity thieves would need in order to access that kind of information,” said Sharp Representative John Cihomsky.

Cihomsky said Sharp is unable to state how the theft occurred or what new security measures are being taken in an effort to not tip their hand in the ongoing investigation, but they hope to have the suspect or missing devices found as soon as possible.

Sharp said it plans to review current safeguards and implement new ones to keep the incident from happening again, and patients with questions related to the incident can call 1-800-263-0217.

Sharp put out a statement that read in part:

“Sharp apologizes for any inconvenience this situation may cause our patients, and we are conducting a review of our security practices and moving forward with additional safeguards to prevent this incident from occurring again.”

Foreigners aiming for temporary jobs at high-tech U.S. companies will undergo a longer visa approval process after the Trump administration announced it will temporarily suspend expedited applications for H-1B visas, Reuters reported.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Friday that starting April 3 it will suspend "premium processing" for up to six months. Under this expedited procedure, applicants can be eligible for visa approvals within 15 days, instead of a regular review period that can last for up to a few months.

The H-1B non-immigrant visa allows U.S. companies to employ graduate-level workers in several specialized fields, including information technology, medicine, engineering and mathematics.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign a revised immigration order Monday, two senior administration officials told NBC News.

A water contact closure has been lifted for the Coronado shoreline, according to the Department of Environmental Health.

Recent water quality testing confirmed the Tijuana River flows are no longer polluting the beaches. The area was closed due to sewage-contaminated flows from the river entering the U.S.

Beaches from the international border to the north end of the Silver Strand will remain closed until sampling confirms the water is safe for contact.

The Transportation Security Administration has rolled out changes to pat-downs at airports, which some travelers said resulted in more invasive screenings at airports, NBC News reported.

Seasoned traveler Joel Stratte-McClure said when he was catching a flight from Redding Municipal Airport to Egypt on Thursday the agent warned him the new procedure "would involve a more intense horizontal and vertical pat down" to look for concealed weapons that people typically hide in their pants.

"This was the most intriguing, intense and invasive pat down I've had by the TSA since they came into existence," Stratte-MCClure said in an email to NBC News.

Department of Homeland Security spokesman Bruce Anderson said the new pat-downs will continue to use enhanced security measures implemented several months ago.

It’s going to be a windy weekend in San Diego’s mountains.

The National Weather Service *NWS) has issued a wind advisory for San Diego County’s mountains, in effect until 12 p.m. Sunday. After that, a high wind warning will be in effect from 12 p.m. Sunday until 2 a.m. Monday.

Areas impacted by the strong gusts include Julian and Pine Valley, plus other Southern California spots like Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake, Apple Valley and Desert Hot Springs. Motorists on Interstate 8 may be affected.

The NWS said the strongest winds are expected Sunday afternoon and night, with southwest to west winds of 25 to 35 mph, with possible gusts up to 50 to 75 mph. The hardest hit areas will likely be the desert slopes of the mountains.

The winds will make driving in the mountains challenging; the NWS said drivers should use extra caution and remain alert for blowing sand and dust, and fallen trees or other debris in the roads.

Get weather updates from NBC 7 here. 

It is that time of the year again. The Electronic Music Festival, CRSSD brings in thousands of fans to Waterfront Park. The event happens twice a year and Little Italy residents say the crowds, the noise and the substance abuse from festival-goers can be a problem.

Christy Spinella works for one of the local restaurants near Waterfront Park. “We definitely prepare our staff for an influx of reasons - a different clientele than we’re used to,” said Spinella. She prepped the waiters for a week. ”We tell them in the restaurant, ‘Make sure you’re carding every person who walks in the door. Make sure you’re aware of how much you’re serving, because you don’t know what they were doing before they got here.”

This year’s line-up is bringing in 50 artists and DJ’s to the heart of Waterfront Park on March 4th and 5th. It is the fourth year event organizers have rented out the park. Back in 2015, the county of San Diego reported the damage from the festival was estimated at about 64,000 dollars.

Event organizers paid the cost of the repairs. The group rented out the park for 33,000 dollars- that is nearly a third of the revenue the county makes a year through private events at the park.

Anthony Ciacciarelli says the event is good for business in Little Italy. “I was just going to Rite Aid for example,” said Ciacciarelli. “I literally walked out of Rite Aid because I didn’t want to wait in line, right? Because the line was so long.”

Brian Myers who works at the Ariel Luxury Apartments explained the noise is concerning. “I have PTSD,” said Myers. “I don’t really like the noise, I need peace and quiet.”

The U.S. Post Office will dedicate the Kuhn Drive post office in Chula Vista in honor of fallen San Diego police officer Jonathan “J.D.” De Guzman.

De Guzman was fatally shot in while conducting a routine traffic stop in Southcrest last July. His partner, Wade Irwin, was also shot but survived.

An immigrant from the Philippines, De Guzman joined the force in 2000. He served on the department’s elite gang suppression team and on the SWAT Team.

In 2003, the De Guzman survived a stabbing while on duty, and was awarded a Purple Heart by the department for his valor. Zimmerman said that even after that incident, De Guzman eagerly returned to the force and his passion to protect the public never wavered.

Congresswoman Susan Davis proposed the legislation to designate the post office to De Guzman in September and was signed in to law in December.

The ceremony will take place on Monday and the building will then be known as the “Jonathan ‘J.D.’ De Guzman Post Office Building.” Congresswoman Susan Davis and San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman both plan to attend the event.

De Guzman was a husband and father of two.

Alec Baldwin's absence didn't keep "Saturday Night Live" from getting political in this week's cold open sketch. Since much of the news cycle this week focused on President Donald Trump-appointed attorney general Jeff Sessions' possible contact with a Russian ambassador prior to the November election, it made sense that SNL set its sights on Sessions as well.

In what was both an homage to Academy Award-winning film "Forrest Gump" and a straightforward takedown of Sessions' flip-flopping on whether he'd taken meetings with Russian officials, Kate McKinnon presented a hapless, racially insensitive version of the attorney general trying to explain himself to largely uninterested strangers. The sketch takes us to a familiar place: a bus stop bench where sits a friendly Southern man offering chocolate to strangers.

Real-life Sessions recused himself Thursday from leading the investigation into the Trump team's Russia contacts after it was revealed he had met with a Russian ambassador twice prior to the November election. Sessions had denied in a Senate hearing that he had interacted with Russian officials prior to the election.

As NBC News reports, Sessions has agreed to submit amended testimony and respond to senators' questions over his contacts with Russia's ambassador.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham faced rowdy constituents in Greenville, South Carolina, Saturday as questions continued to surround the Trump campaign's communications with Russia and the plans for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

As NBC News reports, Graham has made himself known as one of the few prominent Republicans willing to publicly criticize the actions of the president and his administration. Still, at the senator's town hall meeting Saturday, a mostly anti-Trump crowd about 1,000 people strong bombarded him with heated questions and jeered as he defended his vote to confirm Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and his potential support for a forthcoming ACA repeal-and-replace plan.

His rancorous town hall came one week after four fellow Republican senators visited their home districts for events and received similarly feisty responses.

"I didn't know there were this many liberals in South Carolina," Graham quipped.