A pedestrian was fatally hit while walking across South Santa Fe Avenue Friday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The 38-year-old man was walking with a friend when he was struck by a 31-year-old driving a SAAB 900S southbound in the 1500 block around 7:45 p.m. The area is poorly lit and there is no crosswalk.

He was killed instantly, officials say. His friend went to a nearby business for help then fled the scene. He has not been located or interviewed as a witness.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. He was interviewed and released. DUI is not a suspected factor in the crash. There are no pending charges on the driver at this time.

The collision remains under investigation.

Joining forces with hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department took part in a Shoulder Tap Operation Saturday to keep kids from getting alcohol in stores. 

After conducting the sweep between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in San Marcos, a decoy pretending to be a minor trying to get alcohol from someone going into a store made 37 contacts with people resulting in three citations. The decoy visited eight stores during the operation.

If convicted of selling or buying alcohol for a minor, a person can spend up to six months in jail and be fined a minimum of $1,000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 4,300 people under 21 die in alcohol-related incidents each year, and in 2015, 31 teenage drivers were killed in DUI crashes, according to the latest Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) statistics.

The program’s goal is to reduce the availability of alcohol for minors. It was conducted with help from a $100,000 grant from ABC. The grant money will also be used to fight alcohol-related crimes and to educate ABC-licensed businesses on how to make communities safer.

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-50th District) greeted a loud, and at times, rowdy crowd inside the Ramona Main Stage Saturday morning, for his first public forum since President Donald Trump took office.

50th congressional district constituents arrived as early as 6 a.m. to secure a seat inside for the 90 minute question and answer session.

The Main Stage, located on Main Street in the heart of Ramona, supports a crowd of only around 300 people, which meant hundreds of people wanting to get inside could not.

Critics and supporters lined the streets outside with signs showing their differences of political opinions leading to numerous arguments, but the event remained peaceful overall according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Hunter took the stage shortly after 10 a.m. immediately praising President Trump.

"I'm ecstatic to have Donald Trump as President" said Hunter prompting a loud mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd.

Conservatives and liberals hoping to hear more about the representative's view on everything from military to immigration submitted questions, which were then dumped into a giant tub and pulled randomly by a volunteer.

Juanita Takeda of Escondido arrived around 6 am to get a front row seat with hopes of getting Hunter's attention on health care.

"Everybody is not going to get covered, they don't know how much it costs yet," she said.

Hunter told the crowd 'everyone who wants coverage will be covered' and bashed Obamacare as a flawed product of big government.

"Frankly, Obamacare is destroying itself" said Hunter. "I would like a full 100% repeal. 100 percent."

Hunter promised to hold another similar town hall in a larger venue, but when pressed by a woman upset with the small venue, would not commit to doing it by summer.

The City of Miami Police Department arrested one of their own officers Saturday.

Officer Jose R. Acosta was arrested following an internal affairs investigation. The investigation began following complaints from witnesses that Acosta allegedly robbed victims during traffic stops.

City of Miami Deputy Chief of Police Luis Cabrera confirmed the arrest on Saturday.

City of Miami Police Department conducted a joint investigation with Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office on Friday which resulted in Acosta's arrest, Chief Cabrera said at a briefing Saturday afternoon.

Acosta was charged with one count of Armed Burglary of a Conveyance and one count of Armed Grand Theft, said Cabrera. Acosta was hired in May 2016; he is now "relieved of duty without pay, pending termination," Cabrera continued.

All participating agencies in the arrest will be holding a full news conference on Monday at 2 p.m.

A search warrant was obtained Saturday for a home in Escondido where a man who threatened officers was fatally shot by an Escondido officer Friday.

Damon Seitz, 40, brandished a 9mm Sig-Sauer handgun at officers who were in the home investigating the death of Seitz’s 70-year-old mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Seitz. 

Fearing for his life, one of the officers fired several shots at Seitz, hitting him several times. He was taken to the hospital but eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Several items were recovered during the search, including the handgun that was in Damon Seitz’s hand at the time of the altercation. It was loaded with six rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber, with the hammer in the cocked position. Officers also removed 20 rifles, 7 shotguns and 8 handguns.

All items recovered were impounded at the Escondido Police Department for proper disposal. The County Medical Examiner is conducting autopsies on both Seitzs and results are pending at this time.

One person has been shot in Lincoln Park, according to San Diego police. Officers responded to a report of a victim shot in the leg around 7:13 p.m. at Gloria Street and Franklin Avenue Saturday.

The victim, who has been transported to the hospital, has injuries that do not appear to be life threatening.

San Diego police officers are investigating.

A 22-year-old man has been taken to the hospital after after he was shot in the head in the 5500 block of Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in Clairemont, according to San Diego police. 

Officers initially responded to a 911 call from the Pleasant Inn. The caller was in the room when the victim was shot around 7:13 p.m, according to officers. 

A woman has been detained, and police are looking for a possible third person. 

"We're just trying to sort out whether or not there were any other parties involved. One of the people who summoned us was one of the parties in the room," an officer told NBC 7. "We just trying to kind of put the pieces together and figure out what roles people played." 

Guests of the motel say police didn't allow them to leave for several hours while they were doing interviews. 

"I don't want to take my granddaughters back in there and stay the night," guest Aretha Valentin said. "I am seriously considered going to get our things and packing up and heading out, at least finding out somewhere else to stay."

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The man is expected to survive, but his injuries are serious. 

San Diego police are investigating.

No other information was available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news.

A 60-year-old man has been taken to the hospital after being struck by a hit-and-run driver Saturday night, San Diego police say.

He was either walking, crossing or standing in the roadway at 1300 Knoxville Street when a car pulled out of a nearby trailer park and hit him. 

The crash happened at Knoxville St. and Morena Blvd around 6:41 p.m.

The driver initially stopped, then fled the scene, according to police.

The suspect car is described as a possible silver or gray 2003 Nissan Altima with possible damage to the front right side. The license plate may be 6PBX536.

The suspect is described as in his 20s, 5 foot 6, thin, black hair and wearing a dark blue baseball cap and white t-shirt.

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The victim suffered life-threatening injuries including a fractured skull.

No other information was available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news. 

Ray Chavez was the main attraction at the U.S.S. Midway Saturday afternoon. He is the oldest surviving veteran of the Pearl Harbor Attacks during World War II. This week, he turned 105 years old.

“He's just an incredible man,” said actor and master of ceremonies Jack Scalia. “I mean the Wright brothers were still putting the plane up in the air back when he was born.”

Mr. Chavez still gets around well. He uses a cane, but still manages to go to the gym.

All Saturday afternoon, he was thoroughly recognized with speeches, songs and medals.

He even received a letter from President George H.W. Bush.

“I think the most exciting thing is getting to look at Ray's face and wonder what's going through his head,” said retired FDNY Lt. Joe Torillo. “Did he ever think at any point in his life that he'd garner so much attention?”

That’s a good question. Mr. Chavez enjoyed himself today, but his words were soft and few. When asked what he liked most about the celebration, this was his reply:

“Meeting the family that I haven't seen for some time. and the people being so friendly and helpful.”

The Illinois House adopted a resolution last month designating October of this year as “Zombie Preparedness Month.” 

The living-dead-legislation, sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, encourages Illinoisans to learn about natural disasters and take steps toward stockpiling three days worth of emergency rations. 

“I am told that if you are prepared for zombies, then you would be prepared to deal with a natural disaster like tornadoes, blizzards, natural disasters of any kind,” Welch said on the House floor in February. “You would have proper food storage, you would’ve identified a place where you would go for shelter and you’d be prepared for a natural disaster.” 

Before opening the floor up to other lawmakers, Rep. Lou Lang noted that the resolution “awakened various zombies in the chamber.” 

State Rep. Steven Andersson jokingly asked Welch which zombies the state is defending against, citing monsters from a pair of television shows. Andersson noted that zombies from “Z Nation” are fast and smart, while zombies from “The Walking Dead” are slow, but overpowering. 

“I’m talking about preparation for all zombies,” Welch responded. “If you’re prepared for all zombies, you’re prepared for a natural disaster."

Rep. Grant Wehrli, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said he appreciates the resolution's good humor and aim, noting that the measure is a “good thing.”

“It’s not when things go well that we need a plan, it’s when things go off the rails,” Wehrli said.

Additionally, Rep. William Davis asked why the state was equating natural disasters to a zombie apocalypse, which typically means a cataclysmic, “end of the world” event. He pressed the resolution's sponsor on whether this was a fair comparison. 

In response, Welch said the goal was to use the allusion to grab and direct Illinoisans' attention to a worthy cause. 

Meanwhile, Rep. Jeanne Ives slammed members of the Illinois House for focusing on “fun and games,” instead of the state’s ongoing budget impasse.

“This bill is incredibly misplaced at a time when our budget is in such dire straits,” Ives said, pointing to the state’s struggling economy. 

“This may sound like fun, but if you’re really concerned about disaster, the natural disaster that’s happening in Illinois is all economic and it’s all our doing," she added. “And actually with the right policies in places, we can change this disaster into a real benefit. So let’s get to work on the real stuff instead of bills like this." 

At the end of the floor debate, Welch also called for budget action, stressing the importance of his resolution. 

“If we need to do something like Zombie Preparedness Month to get people’s attention to an important issue like preparing for a natural disaster, then so be it,” he said.

Donald Trump Jr. said he has had virtually no contact with his father since the real estate tycoon and reality star became president and ceded control of his business empire to his oldest sons, NBC News reported.

"I basically have zero contact with him at this point," the younger Trump said in a speech at a GOP fundraiser in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday.

In January, Donald Trump Jr. and his younger brother Eric took the reins at the family's eponymous businesses, after their father resigned his position while maintaining his financial interest. At the time, government ethics officials said the president's move did not go far enough to address concerns about conflicts of interest.

April the giraffe and her long-necked lover, Oliver, shared a touching moment this morning as the two longingly gazed at one another from above their pens.

The mom-to-be and fan favorite of millions around the globe is "in great condition" despite the blistering cold spell gripping the tri-state this weekend, the upstate New York zoo live-streaming her pen said.

A photo posted by the Harpursville Animal Adventure Park shows dark, rough-looking spots, or wax caps, decorating April's under belly. The wax caps seal colostrum in the udder to ensure that there will be enough for the calf's first nursing, according to the zoo.

"Wax caps are what develops on the teats of the udder to keep colostrum in the udder, to ensure that it is [sic] there for baby's first nursing," the zoo wrote. "Caps are shed just prior or during delivery, or can be removed by the suckle of the baby."

April's restless calf was at it again early Sunday morning from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. and again around 7 a.m., her keepers said.

The hungry giant demands a crunchy carrot before every vet visit as a "toll" to enter her stall for an exam, the zoo said Friday.

"Appetites have been strong!" The Harpursville Animal Adventure Park posted on Facebook late Thursday. "When our Vet stopped in today...Apil demands a "toll" before entering her stall for an exam!"

Due to the extreme cold, the giraffes will remain inside, but the zoo encouraged followers to sit tight, stay warm and relax.

The weather also interrupted the zoo's popular livestream. High winds interrupted the signal, but the zoo started another live video (available below).

We may not have to wait much longer for the birth of her calf. The zoo said Friday morning that April's handlers were "elated to have captured the calf kicking out!" 

"April continues to have us all on edge; when will it be - we just don't know!" the zoo wrote. "All physical signs show we are ready for 'launch sequence.' So, we continue to patiently wait."

Keepers felt baby kicks, and viewers noticed an increase in tail-raising due to pressure from an unknown source. The long-necked beauty gave followers a special 18-inch message Friday — she playfully stuck out her purple and blue tongue for the camera.

Tens of millions of fans across the world have been hooked to the live stream for weeks now as they wait for April to deliver. The mama giraffe “continues to progress,” the zoo said — though a winter storm and more “baby kicks” may make April a bit anxious in the coming days. 

Watch the live stream below.

April has had periods of edginess in recent weeks brought on by stretches of cold weather and her active calf, which was busy kicking away Thursday night, the zoo said. The zoo noted viewers may have noticed “increased tail raising” from April, likely due to the pressure of her growing baby.

Nevertheless, April is in “great physical and mental condition,” and the vets who have been monitoring her say they’re pleased with her progression. 

April's pregnancy was catapulted into global headlines late last month after YouTube briefly yanked the zoo's stream following complaints by animal activists that it violated the site's policies concerning "nudity and sexual content." Thousands upon thousands of commenters voiced their frustration on Facebook and YouTube, and the stream was restored within an hour or so.

About 70,000 people were watching the YouTube stream by 8 a.m. Friday as April once again slinked over to her mate Oliver's pen, necking with him coyishly over the top as she swished her tail. 

Jordan Patch, owner of the Animal Adventure Park, says the natural curiosity surrounding giraffes and their birthing process has been a huge factor in drawing crowds. 

"I think the fact that she's a giraffe and she's a neat species that people are interested in, that's fostered a lot of the attention," he said. "The fact that you're gonna get to witness the miracle of birth from an animal that you really don't get to see give birth — that's neat."

He added that April's pregnancy is not just live entertainment, but a teachable moment and source for education.

Giraffe pregnancies last up to 15 months. Labor lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The calf, which will be the first born at Animal Adventure Park, will be about 150 pounds and 6 feet tall at birth and up and walking in about an hour.

The zoo said it will hold an online competition to name the baby giraffe once it's born.

Alec Baldwin returned to "Saturday Night Live" this week to play President Donald Trump (though he may not continue to do so for much longer, according to his recent announcement.) And as usual, the show opened with a skewering of the commander in chief's latest governing hiccups and persistent personality quirks.

But this week's most pointed political commentary went beyond the cold open, which featured Trump (Baldwin) reluctantly leading a war against extraterrestrial invaders.

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Rather, it was the short, pre-taped commercial spoof for a fictional women's fragrance hocked by first daughter Ivanka Trump (played by fifth-time "SNL" host Scarlett Johansson).

"All eyes are on her. She's...Ivanka," a voiceover purrs over b-roll of the elegantly dressed first daughter sauntering through fancy social environs. "And a woman like her deserves a fragrance all her own. A scent made just for her. Because she's beautiful. She's powerful. She's...Complicit."

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Ivanka is a woman who "knows what she wants" and "knows what she's doing," the ad continues.

"She doesn't crave the spotlight, but, we see her," we hear as Ivanka turns her gaze toward a full-length mirror to apply lipstick. Cut to a view of the mirror, and who is reflected back to the world but the president (Baldwin) himself. Because, can someone in Ivanka's unique position remain publicly reticent without effectively becoming a mouthpiece for her father?

Earlier this season, "SNL" portrayed Ivanka, along with Melania, top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway and former "Apprentice" star Omarosa, as a somewhat reluctant, or at least self-reflective, participant in the Trump campaign. But this latest sketch appears to send a message that the show won't be letting her off the hook any longer.

"A feminist. An advocate. A champion for women," we hear as Ivanka tosses her shimmering blond hair. Cut to the group of three confused-looking women standing nearby: "Like, how?"

"Also," the increasingly critical voiceover continues, "I bet when she watches 'Titanic,' she thinks she's Rose. Sorry girl — you're Billy Zane."

And of course, Complicit is also available as a cologne "for Jared," Ivanka's husband and top Trump aide Jared Kushner. 

Later in the episode, "Weekend Update" anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che welcomed fellow cast member Pete Davidson, who recently returned to social media after a hiatus to announce that he is "happy and sober" for the first time in eight years, to give his first impressions of the Trump administration.

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The show also welcomed the return of Attorney General Jeff Sessions (Kate McKinnon, with impressive hair, makeup and wardrobe) after last week's Forrest Gump-inspired cold open featured the former Alabama senator on a bus stop bench, peppering his life musings with confessions that he'd concealed his relationships with Russian officials. In this week's appearance, Sessions and Democratic Sen. (and IRL "SNL" alum) Al Franken (played by Alex Moffat) revisit their exchange that took place during the attorney general's confirmation hearing.

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This past Wednesday was designated by activists as a "Day Without a Woman," a call for women to demonstrate their economic importance by not working for a day. While many women instead wore red to work in solidarity, rather than risk their employment status by not showing up, apparently two of the male "SNL" writers took it upon themselves to give their female coworkers a break and take on writing a "Day Without a Woman" sketch for all the women in the cast.

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Musical guest Lorde performed her songs "Green Light" and "Liability."

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"Access Hollywood" is owned and distributed by NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News, MSNBC, and this station.

Crews are working to tow a car found almost completely submerged in the water off Fiesta Island, in San Diego's Mission Bay, Sunday morning. 

San Diego Lifeguards first responded to the scene at around 9:45 a.m. Sunday and found a car submerged in water. 

The owner is out of the water and uninjured, lifeguards said. 

Lifeguards did not have additional information on the car or how it got into the water. 

Crews will now tow the car out. 

No other information was available.

Welcome to your weekend, San Diego. From gorgeous spring blooms to musicals, the circus and a country music superstar, there’s a lot to do this weekend in America’s Finest City.

Thursday, March 9

FIRST Robotics Competition
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
Robotics. It’s been called the “varsity sport for the mind.” On Thursday, check out robotics in action at the San Diego FIRST Robotics Competition at the Del Mar Arena at the fairgrounds. The event showcases teams of professionals and young people brought together to solve engineering design problems in a competitive, exciting way. Under strict rules and time limits, teams of 25+ students must raise funds, design a team brand, work together and build and program a robot to perform tasks. The event is free; parking is $13. The competition continues Friday and Saturday, same time, same place.

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.

ZD Wine Dinner
6 p.m., Hotel Del Coronado’s 1500 OCEAN
Winos, treat yourself. Part of the 2017 Winemaker Dinner Series at the Hotel Del Coronado comes the ZD Wine Dinner Thursday night, an intimate, multi-course dinner at the Del’s 1500 OCEAN restaurant. Each course on the special, seasonal menu will be expertly paired with limited release wines from around the world, and patrons will have a chance to mix and mingle with winemakers, this time from ZD Wines. Tickets are $150 per person. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Kinky Boots
7:30 p.m.(Thursday through Sunday), San Diego Civic Theatre
Broadway hit “Kinky Boots” makes its way to San Diego this weekend, running through Sunday. The joyous musical includes songs by Grammy and Tony award-winning artist, Cyndi Lauper. The storyline is inspired by true events – from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the catwalks of Milan. Tickets to opening night on Thursday start at $22.50 per person. The musical hits the stage again Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Circus Vargas
7 p.m., Westfield North County
Circus Vargas continues its San Diego run at Westfield North County in Escondido, bringing the big top’s newest show, “Steam Cirque,” inspired by the worlds of steampunk and science-fiction. 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.

Friday, March 10

San Diego Gulls vs. Tucson Roadrunners
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
The San Diego Gulls bring the heat to the ice Friday as they take on the Tucson Roadrunners at the Valley View Casino Center. Tickets start at $19.

Stars at Mission Trails
7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mission Trails Regional Park
The San Diego Astronomy Association, totes its telescopes to Mission Trails Regional Park for its monthly, free stargazing session Friday night. Weather permitting, the group plans to gather at the east end of the Kumeyaay Lake Campground’s day use parking lot. From there, it’s a 3-hour escape, viewing the stars and planets of space.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
7:30 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), California Center for the Arts Escondido
This is THE year for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The California Center for the Arts in Escondido will present a stage production of the beloved tale (as old as time) based on the animated film, as told by youth theatre group, Center Stage Productions. The musical’s opening night is Friday, with a 7:30 p.m. show. There will be two performances on Saturday (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and another on Sunday (2 p.m.). Tickets are $20.

Finesse Mitchell
7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
“Saturday Night Live” alum Finesse Mitchell will perform his stand-up act this weekend The American Comedy Co. The actor and funnyman takes the stage for two shows Friday night, two on Saturday, and a final performance Sunday. Pre-sale tickets start at $9.

Around the World Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting
8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Vin de Syrah
Downtown San Diego’s Vin de Syrah will partner with local chocolatier Sweet Petite Confections for this tasting event, which goes down at a communal table at the center of the dining room. Patrons will sip on four distinct whiskeys – from Kentucky, Tennessee, Ireland and Scotland – each paired with chocolates, as the experts guide each tasting. Tickets are $45 per person; reserve your spot in advance by calling (858) 437-3985.

Saturday, March 11

Yoga in the Rotunda
8:30 a.m., San Diego Museum of Man
Start your morning off with a peaceful, all-levels flow class at the San Diego Museum of Man this Saturday, courtesy of Yoga One. The class will have modifications so everyone can go at their own pace. Participants are asked to bring their own mat, water and towel to class. The event is $5 to $10.

22nd Annual Youth Fitness Expo and Family Fun Day
12:30 p.m., Balboa Park: Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Join Calrifornia Fitness Fun and Heartlight San Diego for the 22nd fun day. Browse through education exhibits, participate in fitness activities, play in carnival games and more. Plus, more than 100 San Diego County elementary schools will perform. The event is free.

Best Coast Beer Fest
1 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park South
More than 100 of the best breweries on the West Coast will come together at this extensive beer festival, where every ticket sold will benefit the charity Cancer for College, which helps a cancer survivor realize their dream of going to college. There’s more than just extensive beer tastings here, though – there will also be live music and a food truck alley. Tickets start at $35.

Taste of Bressi
2 p.m., Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad
Beer fans, winos and foodies will love this annual Taste of Bressi festival, where craft beer, premium wines, live music and food come together for an afternoon of tasting and sipping. Dozens of restaurants, breweries and wineries will participate. Local bands Fetchez La Vache and Naked Saturdays Band will play at the event. Al all-access pass costs $48. The event is for those 21 years and older.

HerStory
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mosaic San Diego
Divas Dance Company will perform Saturday night at Mosaic San Diego (205 16th St.), in “HerStory,” a show that celebrates the stories of three brave women. It’s produced by Fusion D. and features a mix of rhythms and styles. Tickets range from $15 to $20. 

Old Town Showdown: Improv Comedy Show
7 p.m., Old Town Improv Co.
Spend your Saturday night laughing and laughing and laughing at the Old Town Showdown. At this interactive, past-paced show, an ensemble of improvisers will perform short-form comedy based off the audience’s suggestions. All ages welcome. Tickets start at $7.

Blake Shelton
7:30 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Country music star and NBC’s “The Voice” coach Blake Shelton takes the stage in San Diego Saturday night, playing the Valley View Casino Center. Tickets start at $42.50; the opening act is Raelynn. Now, the real question is, will Gwen Stefani be in the audience cheering on her man?

Sunday, March 12

International Mariachi Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pepper Park in National City
National City will host its 5th annual International Mariachi Festival at Pepper Park (3299 Tidelands Ave.), a community event celebrating Mexican music and heritage in San Diego. The fest includes performances from mariachi groups from both Mexico and the U.S., plus traditional ballet folklorico dancing and other arts. There will be activities for the kids, too, and a beverage garden for the 21+ crowd. When you get hungry, check out the food booths which will be serving everything from Mexican street tacos to sushi burritos. Entry to the festival is free; parking is $10.

Salk Science and Music Series
4 p.m., Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla
Come see the merge of music and science at the Salk Institute this weekend. One of China’s most celebrated artists, Chen, will play for the first time in San Diego; she will be performing preludes from Claude Debussy and Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B minor. Additionally, Salk neurobiologist Greg Lemke will give a talk. The Salk Science and Music Series merges music and science in a beautiful mix. Tickets start at $55 for individual performances, or $275 for the full series. Proceeds support the institute’s research.

Festa Della Donna
4 p.m., Cucina Enoteca
Celebrate Italy’s iteration of International Woman’s Day with eight of San Diego’s most celebrated female chefs as they collaborate with winemakers, brewers and distillers. This one-of-a-kind night blends woman’s empowerment with eight different pairing stations and mixed drinks. Tickets start at $68.

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 - on its final Sunday! 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. If you’re looking for other theater shows in San Diego this year, check out this roundup of new and upcoming local productions. 

What intrepid inventor out there will dream up an amazing device that desert-loving Californians very much need but don't yet possess?

Let's lay out the specs for you: We desire a cute flower-shaped device that sits on our kitchen counters and beeps, insistently, when a particular stretch of typically arid landscape finally dons its annual, late-winter coat of flowers. 

Such a thingamabob would be such a welcome addition to desert lovers' homes. For trying to predict just when desert wildflowers will arrive, and how "blanket-y" they'll be, and where they'll be, and if recent rainfall might have helped, and, and... Someone please invent a blinky, beepy desert wildflower clock, pronto.

But first: Take the second weekend of March, and the days before St. Patrick's Day, and make for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where the whole wildflower scene is ultra-super going to town, big time. 

Or not "town" but "desert," rather.

"The magic is here!" proclaimed the Borrego Springs Chamber & Visitor's Bureau in a particularly effervescent Facebook post on the afternoon of Friday, March 10. "Green everywhere and wildflower fields abound! The blooming ocotillo are a wow!"

If you need some wow and magic and bounty in your world, first pick up your map and guide at the bureau's office at 786 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.

Get tips. Ask questions. Make a new friend.

There's more information, too, on the official Anza-Borrego Desert State Park page, including wildflower locations, where to go, what to bring, and all of the seriously important stuff you need to know before trekking around the desert.

Read it, love it, learn it, happy high fives.

As for the poppy situation in the Antelope Valley? "The first poppies are starting to bloom on Antelope Butte Vista Point trail!" reported the Poppy Reserve's Facebook page on March 9.

But green, not orange, continues to be the dominant hue throughout the hills, so if you want to see a few poppies hither and yon, they're there, though not plentiful as of yet.

That plentitude could come, keyword: could, so stay tuned, and continue to wish all of your poppy-fervent wishes for a notable bloom.

And wish also for a flower-shaped, kitchen-counter invention that tells us, to the second, with a beep, when and where California's famous wildflowers are making an all-too-brief showing.

Ten people have been displaced after a fire broke out at a two-story Paradise Hills home, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Monica Munoz said. 

The fire broke out Sunday morning just before 9 a.m. on the 3000 block of Dardaina Drive.

Fire officials do not have details on how the fire started.

Three adults and seven kids were displaced. 

No one was injured other than smoke inhalation. The people refused transport to the hospital. 

There is no damage estimate yet. 

An investigation is underway. 

No other information was available.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers are searching for the person(s) who fired five rounds at a car driving along Interstate 8 and fled. 

The shooting happened at approximately 4 a.m. Sunday when a 20-year-old from San Diego was driving a 2005 Infiniti Q45 heading eastbound on I-8, near Fletcher Parkway. 

The driver had been parked at the Denny's Restaurant off of 70th Street as he attempted to fix the right rear window, which was stuck, according to officers. 

In the car with the driver was a 23-year-old woman from San Diego, a 20-year-old from Lancaster and a 20-year-old from El Cajon. 

As the driver headed down the freeway, an unknown car pulled up alongside him and an occupant or occupants opened fire on the Infiniti, firing five rounds at the car, according to officers. 

The driver, struck by gunfire, swerved to the left and struck the center divider wall. No one else was struck by gunfire. 

The victim was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego with non-life threatening injuries. 

Several lanes of Interstate 8 were shut down as officers investigated. They have since been reopened. 

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the CHP El Cajon Area Office at 619-401-2000.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) has issued a traffic advisory for Borrego Springs, with concerns the blooming of wildflowers in the region will cause vehicle congestion in the area.

A statement from the Sheriff's Department said the bloom has not been this vibrant in years, which has already led to problems on roadways in the area. The department said to expect delays for the coming weeks.

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The Sheriff’s Department’s Rural Command said those delays can be up to several hours, and advise people to visit during the weekdays when there is less traffic.

The department reminds visitors not to stop vehicles along roadways and respect private property of residents.

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For more information on the Anza-Borrego bloom, click here. 

No one will be adversely affected by the Republicans' new health care bill once its enacted, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, NBC News reported.

"I firmly believe that nobody will be worse off financially in the process that we're going through," Price insisted when pressed by NBC's Chuck Todd during Sunday's "Meet The Press." "They'll have choices that they can select the kind of coverage that they want for themselves and for their family, not the government forces them to buy."

"There's cost that needs to come down, and we believe we're going to be able to do that through this system," he added. "There's coverage that's going to go up."