NBC 7's Gaby Rodriguez reports on the house fire on Minnesota Avenue that has affected two people and two dogs. After the fire was extinguished, the dogs showed their appreciation to the fire crews.

Less than a week after a Tierrasanta teenager was struck and killed by a car on Santo Road, San Diego police investigators have identified the woman arrested in connection with the fatal hit-and-run collision.

Jessica Medsker was arrested Sunday on Ducos Place just after 8:30 a.m., according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).

Medsker is suspected of crashing into 16-year-old Alex M. Funk as he was walking along Santo Road near Antigua Boulevard with a friend just before midnight on March 9.

Funk, a sophomore at Serra High School, was killed in the crash.

His family had a special message for the community.

"We want to thank the police for their due diligence as well as thanking the person that called in," said family friend Ian Kelly. "It took a lot of courage and it's nice to see that level of humanity exists out there."

Medsker's online profile and schoolmates said she graduated from Serra High School in 2014.

A former classmate who didn't want to be identified said, "I don't think she's an evil person. I'm just surprised someone would kill a person and hit and run."

According to police, Medsker was booked into La Colinas Women's Detention Facility for felony hit and run on Wednesday.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call SDPD or Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.

Funk's family is planning his funeral service at the Good Samaritan Church on Saturday, Mar. 25 at 11 a.m.

Three people were arrested and cash, cannabis and seven pounds of marijuana were seized when police served a search warrant on a North Park business this week.

San Diego police said the Sam Coffee Company was operating illegally as a marijuana dispensary.

Officers served a search warrant Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the business on Illinois Street north of El Cajon Boulevard.

Lt. Matt Novak said the SDPD Narcotics Unit, in partnership with the City Attorney’s office, is investigating marijuana dispensaries believed to be operating illegally within the City of San Diego.

NBC 7 has reached out to the Dam Coffee Company to get a response to the arrests and search warrant.

Online, the company describes itself as “San Diego’s premier marijuana collective with a twist.” The company offers memberships and free delivery for orders of what they describe as “award winning” and “hand picked” strains.

“Our Motto: Quality over Quantity,” the website states. The company, which connects itself with Amsterdam in its name offers specials for first-time patients and happy hours including one called “Wake & Bake.”

DAM Coffee Co. was featured on a map designed and published by NBC 7 Investigates showing where licensed and unlicensed marijuana dispensaries are operating in San Diego County. 

After the map was published, the alleged owner of DAM Coffee Co. told NBC 7 Investigates he was not operating a dispensary and asked the station to take his location off of the map. 

To view the map, click here.  

A North County man will serve 10 years behind bars for kidnapping a child on the grounds of her school.

Jack Doshay, a member of an affluent San Diego family, pleaded guilty to  charges of kidnapping at Skyline Elementary School in March 2015.

Doshay walked onto the campus not long after the dismissal bell rang and confronted a girl, then 7 years old, as she walked to her after-school program.

Doshay tried to silence the girl by wrapping tape around her face and started to carry her off.

"I knew that this guy was going to take me," the student said outside court. She's going to be 10 years old in a few weeks.

"I just think I really just knew what to do because my parents weren't with me," she explained.

However, the girl kicked and screamed and drew the attention of staff and parents nearby. They chased Doshay but could not catch him before he drove away.

Doshay was initially charged with eight counts including assault with intent for sexual conduct, child abuse and a variety of false imprisonment charges.

Under a plea agreement, Doshay admitted to assault with intent to commit felony child molest and the allegation that the victim was under 14 years old. Other charges were dismissed under the agreement.

Under the agreement, Doshay will spend 10 years, four months in state prison. He must register as a sex offender.

If he were to be convicted of a future felony, he would serve 25 years to life, the judge advised Doshay before accepting the plea agreement.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 31. 

The student who fought off Doshay said outside court that he messed with the wrong girl.

“He said I wasn’t to see my mom or dad again,” the girl said outside court. “But I’m standing here with my mom and dad and he’s going to prison.”

Doshay’s parents are Glenn and Karen Doshay. Glenn is a minority stakeholder of the San Diego Padres.

Glenn suspected his son may have been involved based on the vehicle description, grand jury transcripts said.

According to the documents, Glenn told investigators he had also looked at his son’s computer and found online search history on how to “tape” someone up using duct tape.

There were also searches on the laptop for the terms “child erotica,” “little girls modeling” and “Japanese schoolgirl teens” under Jack Doshay’s log-in.

As Glenn pieced things together, he hired high-profile defense attorney Paul Pfingst to represent his son, according to documents filed in the case.

Jack Doshay had been accepted into a university 10 days prior to the 2015 attempted kidnapping.

Concerned about a rise in impaired driving with the legalization of marijuana, the San Diego Police Department will be using a new tool to help officers detect drugged driving.

The device, the Drager 5000, will use a sample of saliva to detect drugs in a person's system. SDPD will be the first law enforcement agency to use the devices in San Diego County.

"The message we are sending is simply this: do not drive while impaired by alcohol, impaired by drugs or a combination of both," San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said. "And if you choose to make the wrong decision to drive while under the influence and impaired by drugs, this technology is another tool we will use to find you, arrest you and prevent you from endangering our community." 

It can detect illegal and prescribed drugs as well.

“It allows for a quick roadside screening,” Zimmerman said. 

The detection devices will be only one step in determining if someone is driving impaired, and will be used in conjunction with evaluation by officers at the scene as well as blood tests when warranted.

DUI Defense Attorney Vik Monder said the test is voluntary. Also, he said because there is not set limitations on the amount of marijuana a person can legally consume before becomming intoxicated, drugged driving cases are difficult to prosecute. He said the evidence often relies on an officer making a subjective decision about how impaired a driver is or is not.

Two units cost $12,000 total, Zimmerman added, and were paid for by the San Diego Police Foundation. The plan is to use them at checkpoints, but Zimmerman said they are easily mobile and may be used in the field when checkpoints are not being conducted.

Los Angeles Police has used the machines for several years, the chief said, and there is a pilot program going on in Denver, Colorado.

Deputy City Attorney Taylor Garrot said there has not been a legal test for the case in San Diego because the equipment has not been available but he believes, based on other cases in other cities, the evidence will be admissible in court.

It is highly unlikely someone who smoked marijuana days prior to the test would register a result, according to an officer demonstrating the machine.

A center dedicated to San Diego Comic-Con International will take over a space at Balboa Park currently occupied by the Breitbard Hall of Fame.

Founded by Bob Breitbard, the Hall of Fame at the Federal Building recognizes achievements by local athletes. There are 153 inductee plaques in the Breitbard Hall of Fame.

It will soon be moving to Petco Park, leaving behind its space for the Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture.

"My father would be thrilled with this opportunity to move the Breitbard Hall of Fame to Petco Park to usher in the next phase of the Hall of Champions,” said Gayle Klusky, Bob’s daughter and Hall board member.

The Hall of Fame will be moved to the Western Metal Supply Co. Building in Petco Park. 

Construction is expected to finish this year, during the San Diego Padres' season.

According to a Comic-Con spokesperson, the new center, "will provide a year round interactive celebration of the innumerable aspects of popular art."

Comic-Con, started in 1970 in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel, has grown into one of San Diego's biggest events. Every year, fans dressed in elaborate costumes take over the Convention Center in downtown.

A man said adrenaline kicked in after he was awakened to find three burglars inside his Escondido home.

The man, in his 60's, said an intruder in a hoodie was watching him sleep.

It happened just after 1 a.m. Thursday on Thomas Way, off El Norte Parkway, according to the Escondido Police Department.

The homeowner said it was his quick thinking that made the three men dash for the back door. The burglars didn't have time to take anything from the home.

“I just jumped out of bed went after him and said, 'Mom, grab the gun,'" he told NBC 7, adding that he yelled loud enough for the intruders to hear.

“They all took off running out the back door,” he said.

After the three burglars ran out of the home, he tackled one of them but they got away.

“I chased them out of the side of the house and then they took off down the street,” said the homeowner. “I was chasing them down the street and I realized they were a lot younger than me and they were out running me. So I came back and jumped in my truck and went after them.”

Escondido police arrested three juveniles just hours after the attempted burglary.

The victim said although he's relieved no one was seriously hurt, the incident did shake him up.

“It feels like you’ve been violated, I mean this our house this is where you live you are not supposed to come into it.”

A man who repeatedly beat a woman with a hammer in Koreatown in a horrific caught-on-camera attack has been charged with attempted murder and a hate crime enhancement, authorities said Thursday.

"I just hear somebody was screaming outside saying, 'Stop! Stop!'" witness Karen Orellana said.

Orellana was working at an insurance company office just a few doors down when she heard the screams.

Outside, a 22-year-old man police now have identified as Jae Yang, a Korean national, takes just 16 seconds to beat a 24-year-old woman 24 times with a hammer.

The attack occurred about 6 p.m. Friday outside a business in the 1000 block of South Vermont Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A security guard saw what was happening and stopped the attack, which was captured on surveillance video, and, along with a witness, held the suspect until police arrived and arrested him, LAPD Capt. David Kowalski said.

The woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she received treatment and was released, Kowalski said.

Yang targeted the woman because she was female and Korean, Kowalski said. Police said he asked her if she was Korean and went after her after she answered yes.

Yang was charged on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted murder with allegations that he inflicted great bodily injury, that he used a hammer as a deadly and dangerous weapon and a hate crime allegation, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

He is due back in court on March 27 for the setting of a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial, Santiago said.

Yang is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles in lieu of $1.075 million bail.

Shots were fired Thursday night in a Mission Bay neighborhood during what police believe was a drug deal gone bad.

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said an 18-year-old man was at a house party on Riviera and Edge Cliff drives when he decided to leave to allegedly go buy marijuana.

Just after 10:20 p.m., as the young man walked toward La Cima Drive, he was shot once in the back and once in the arm, police said.

Police said the victim was able to walk back to the party to get help.

His wounds were not life-threatening. At this point, SDPD has not released a detailed description of the shooting suspect. The suspect may have fled the scene in a car.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

It took over four hours but the Dominican Republic got the job done. It was a crucial game for both the Dominican Republic and Venezuela as both clubs were fighting to take control of their fate in round two of the World Baseball Classic and escape the brink of elimination.

A name we could hear this April as a Padres pitcher, Jhoulys Chacin was on the hill for Venezuela Thursday night. The righty faced a lineup that looked more like an all-star team. Chacin handled it well giving up just one run in 4 1/3 innings, but it was a big one. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Dominican Republic's Gregory Polanco hit a solo shot to right center field to give his team a one run advantage.

In the top of the seventh inning Padres infielder Yangervis Solarte made an appearance for Venezuela. Solarte got his first hit of the tournament with a single to right field and advanced to second on a passed ball.

Up 2-0 in the eighth, Nelson Cruz was back at it for the Dominicans. He hit a solo home run, his third of the tournament, and gave the defending champs a 3-0 lead.

Venezuela tried to rally late in the ninth. Mets’ righty Jeurys Familia struck out the side leaving runners stranded in the corners. Team Dominican Republic shut out Venezuela 3-0 and is back in the running to advance to the semifinals.

Team USA takes on Puerto Rico Friday night at 7:00 p.m.

A San Antonio pet shop is helping a goldfish with a problem and now the story is going viral.

The goldfish has a defective swim bladder which makes floating difficult.

According to employee Taylor Dean, the goldfish was brought in by his previous owner who didn't know what to do with him.

So Dean and Dereck Burnett worked together to fashion a "goldfish wheelchair."

Using a counterbalance on the bottom of the device, they found a way to allow the fish to swim around.

"He seems to be much happier now than he used to be so, it's been a life changing experience for him, for sure," said Burnett, who created the wheelchair. "He's a tough little guy. I mean, he refused to give up."

"With all the stuff going on everywhere, it's just a good story, no matter who you are it just makes you smile," said Dean, who helped create the wheelchair.

Thousands of revelers and marchers descended on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue for the 256th New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade Friday, turning the iconic street into a sea of festive green. 

Revelers braved the crisp morning winds to watch acclaimed Irish violinist Greg Harrington begin the procession with a serene rendition of "The Parting Glass," a popular Scottish parting tune sung in Ireland. Little girls with green shamrocks painted on their cheeks excitedly bounced behind the barricade, waiting for marching bands to stroll by.

Dressed in traditional olive green camouflage, the 69th regiment of New York led the parade for the 165th time, waving American flags as company bag piper Joe Brady played and marched alongside soldiers. The "Fighting 69th" infantry was originally organized as a militia unit for Irish immigrants in New York. 

The company marched ahead of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College Regimental Band. Wrapped in cadet grey jackets, snare drummers played in harmony with bass saxophonists. Not even the breeze could make the red tassles sway atop their black and gold hats as they marched up Fifth Avenue.

The Grand Marshall aides were all smiles in chic black suits and black top hats. They lined the street, delicately holding the Irish flag satin sash draped over their right shoulders as the crowd clapped and cheered.

For Grand Marshall Michael Dowling, the celebrations gave him an appreciation for the life he created in the United States from the hardships he endured during his childhood in a rogue Irish farming village.

"Just proves that's what the United States is all about," he said, grinning ear to ear. "No matter how you began, the United States gives opportunities that exist no other place in the world. To be in New York, to be in the United States, to be Irish on a beautiful day like this on St. Patrick's Day -- what could be better?"

Two FDNY officers led a wave of members down Fifth Avenue with a banner of Yadira Arroyo, complete with a poised photo of the late EMT who was killed Thursday after she was brutally run over by a man who hijacked the ambulance she was riding in.

Mayor de Blasio said the celebration honors not just the contributions of the Irish in New York, but throughout the country. 

"It's a moment to reflect on," he told News 4. "We would not be New York City if it weren't for what the Irish-Americans have done for us."

NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill fully embraced his Irish heritage during his first march as commissioner in the parade. He thanked the men and women on the force for their daily hard work and said he was "so proud" to serve as commissioner.

NYPD officers dresed in their signature navy blue uniforms steadied golden flag poles against their shoulders as they regally marched to rounds of applause from the crowd. Four flags -- American, Irish, New York State and NYPD -- whipped against the wind. 

This year's parade is dedicated to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York and to the New York State Police. Both organizations turn 100 years old this year.

Gov. Cuomo announced police will be cracking down on drunken driving as well as underage drinking at the parade. The law enforcement campaign will include sobriety checkpoints, and ID inspections at bars. 

Alcohol is banned from Metro-North and LIRR trains. MTA police will enforce the ban on Friday through 5 a.m. Saturday, the agency said. MTA service changes are also in effect.

There's been a scramble to clear streets this week after a nor'easter dumped rain and snow on the tri-state area, which froze over as temperatures lingered below freezing for days. The Department of Sanitation was moving glacial snow mounds from Fifth Avenue and other parts of midtown on Thursday. 

April the giraffe is keeping vets on their toes, they say, hinting the pregnant creature is finally nearing a now globally anticipated meeting with her fourth calf.

According to the most recent Facebook post by Animal Adventure Park, the zoo live-streaming April's pregnancy, a keeper reports increased swelling in the pregnant giraffe's backend and "significant baby kicks from within."

As for when she'll deliver, only time will tell, the zoo says.

"Vet reports all is well and no reason for concern," the Thursday night post said. "April is posturing quite a bit which is keeping us on our toes! We will see what the weekend brings." 

Watch the live stream below (NOTE: weather conditions may cause intermittent disruptions).

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The zoo said most of the day Thursday was spent digging paths for keepers to access exhibits, for animals to access watering stations and more yard space, and clearing roadways for fuel deliveries.

More than 65,000 people were watching April as the sun rose Friday morning, illuminating her hay-laden pen with streaky golden rays. Her 5-year-old mate, Oliver, was seen sitting calmly in his pen across the way as April peered in some unseen direction, her back to the camera.

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April has had periods of edginess in recent weeks brought on by stretches of cold weather and her active calf. Nevertheless, April is in “great physical and mental condition,” and the vets who have been monitoring her say they’re pleased with her progress.

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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.

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.

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"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.

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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.

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As one of President Donald Trump's favorite news sources, Breitbart News has been called a lot of names, including "Trumpbart," a "platform for the alt-right," and anti-Semitic, NBC News reported.

But in an exclusive interview, editor-in-chief Alex Marlow said that the site has been misunderstood.

"There's a lot of Americans out there who I think would love to read our content," Marlow told NBC News' Stephanie Gosk. "And they haven't been told that it's OK to do so. It's OK to check us out. We're not a hate site."

Critics of Breitbart point to articles on the right-wing website like "Hoist It High and Proud: The Confederate Flag Proclaims A Glorious Heritage," and its promulgation of fringe, often evidence-free theories — including the accusation that former President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump's phones.

One afternoon this past autumn, Michigan State University gymnastics coach Kathie Klages asked her young athletes to sign a card to the team doctor, Larry Nassar, NBC News reported.

Nassar wasn't recuperating from an illness or celebrating a milestone. Instead, he had been publicly accused of molesting former patients and was the target of a fast-growing police investigation.

"She said, 'You don't have to sign this if you don't want to, but it's for Larry and it would be appreciated if we could let him know that we're thinking about him,'" said gymnast Lindsey Lemke, 21, who recalls that some team members did sign.

Employees of a Miami-Dade McDonald's who jumped in to help an off-duty officer who was having a medical emergency in the restaurant's drive-thru line were honored by the county's mayor and police director at a ceremony Friday.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Police Director Juan Perez honored Pedro Viloria and his co-workers at the 10 a.m. ceremony.

"A whole team effort to save the life of one of our sergeants," Perez said.

Viloria, 22, was working his shift at the restaurant Tuesday and was serving the female officer and her two children at the drive-thru window when he noticed something was wrong.

"I see she hardly breathing and I thought that's not normal," Viloria said.

Viloria said the woman's car started rolling forward, so he jumped through the window to help stop it. A curb stopped the car from going into traffic, and a second McDonald's worker helped with CPR.

The officer was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was still recovering Friday. Her name and exact condition haven't been released.

"Unfortunately she's still in the hospital, still in recovery mode and we still need thoughts and prayers to help her get out of that," Perez said.

Viloria now says he's thinking about becoming a police officer or firefighter.

With one in every four people affected in some way by mental illness either personally or through a family member in the U.S., it would be easy to assume there is vast, shared knowledge about mental illness.

But that is not the case.

Stigma and fear of judgment, even discrimination prompts many suffering from mental health problems along with their families to stay quiet while they desperately scramble for information and resources, not always knowing where to turn.

NAMI San Diego (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is out to change that.

The non-profit organization which offers support, mental health education and advocacy to clients and their families has created a smart phone app designed to get help fast to those who need it.

“Fifty percent of all cases of mental illness start at the age of 14 but the actual time frame between the onset of symptoms and getting help for those symptoms is 8-10 years,” said NAMI CEO Shannon Jaccard. “The point of the app is to provide information, resources, what to do next and where to go.”

In fact, the app has a section where users can push a digital button to display information about what to know and do before, during and after a mental health crisis in San Diego county.

It includes everything from psychiatric walk-in center addresses and hours to education about various types of mental illness, from emergency housing assistance to spa music to sooth the mind.

NAMI Communication Specialist Julie Benn said having a clear guide for clients and families to navigate through a crisis is invaluable.

“It sets people up for success on their journey and points them in the right direction for recovery," Benn said.

The Oscer (Organized Support Companion in an Emergency) app is free. Nami also runs a telephone help line at 1-800-523-5933.

If you would like to support NAMI’s innovative efforts, the non-profit hosts an April 5k Walk/Run. You can register here. 

NAMI is one of three San Diego non-profits awarded a $25k grant by NBC 7 and the NBC Universal Foundation which recognizes organizations implementing new and innovative ways to move the community forward.

Nature is putting on a show in the Southern California desert that may go down as one of the best in years. 

The contrast of colorful wildflowers popping up out of desert sand only lasts a few weeks every year, and this year, the magnitude of it is impressing even the experts.

"It's just a garden of eden," says Betsy Knaak whose been with the Anza Borrego Natural History Association since 1984. "I would put it in the excellent category."

The winter rain is being credited for the super bloom. While Borrego Springs is only slightly above normal for the season, the most recent rain, right before the bloom, may have done the trick. Last month, the desert saw 1.68" of rain, making it the rainiest February since 2005.

"More rain means water is able to soak deeper into our sandy soil where the native wildflower seeds are, and so that creates additional germination," says Knaak.

She estimates the crowds coming to see the flowers this year are about five times the number during a normal year.

"The mood is like, 'This is the place to be,'" she says. "The word is spreading all over country."

In the association's gift shop, Kathy DeMunck says the phone has been ringing nonstop.

"The first 22 minutes we were here [today], we had 22 phone calls," said DeMunck. "So, this is important to the well being of this town."

NBC 7 made the two-hour drive to the desert to go talk to people who did the same.

"I just thought it's a great opportunity.  We may not be able to see this again for another 20 years," said Chris King who drove out from Fallbrook.

Hotels are booked and day travelers have found weekend traffic jams on what would normally be quiet backcountry roads.

The San Diego County Sheriffs Department put out an advisory reminding people to park legally and not to trespass.

The bloom only lasts a few weeks. In the meantime, the businesses of Borrego Springs will soak up every last drop of tourism before the long hot summer sets in.

Click here for a gallery of viewers super bloom pictures, or share your pictures on Instagram using the hastag #NBC7.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend, San Diego! We certainly feel lucky to live here. From a stroll in the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch and the San Diego Latino Film Festival, to ShamROCK in the Gaslamp and other St. Paddy’s parties – cheers to another memorable weekend in America’s Finest City.

Thursday, March 16

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.

Garden Tapestries Art Show
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego Botanic Garden
The “Garden Tapestries” art show continues its run in the Ecke Building at the San Diego Botanic Garden. The exhibit includes garden-themed tapestries from the Rameses Wissa Wassef Art Center in Giza, Egypt, which feature vivid flowers of the desert, villages and Nile River. The tapestries are available for purchase. Admission to this show is included with admission to the Botanic Garden. The art show runs through March 31.

San Diego Latino Film Festival
Times vary (March 16-26), AMC Fashion Valley 18
The 24th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off Thursday, running through March 26 at AMC Fashion Valley 18 in Fashion Valley mall. Explore the best of the best in Latino cinema, including short films and features, documentaries and more. The film festival will also feature panels with film experts, Q&A sessions and workshops. The first film (“Entonces Nosotros”) screens at 5:15 p.m. Thursday; click here for the full schedule of films. You can buy a single ticket for one screening, or packages, including a 5-film pass for $45.

Public Tours of USS John P. Murtha
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Friday) and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday), B Street Pier
The USS John P. Murtha – one of only 10 ships in the United States that can accommodate both water and air landings – is hosting public tours this weekend at the B Street Pier on North Harbor Drive. Those who are interested in checking out the ship can do so on Friday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. While touring the ship, visitors will also have a chance to speak with sailors. The amphibious transport dock ship arrived in San Diego from its maiden voyage in November 2016. It was named after Vietnam veteran John P. Murtha, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 41 years.

Walkabout Wine Dinner
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Decoy Dockside Dining
Decoy Dockside Dining at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort in San Marcos continues its series of Walkabout Wine Dinners Thursday night, this time showcasing DAOU Vineyards & Winery, with sommelier Daniel Brunner. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by Decoy’s executive chef, David Warner, each course paired with wines. The chef and featured sommelier will offer their expertise on each course and pairing, and guests can mix, mingle and ask questions throughout the Walkabout. The dinner is priced at $65 per person; guests can reserve their spot any time between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. by calling (760) 744-0120.

Circus Vargas
7:30 p.m., Promenade Temecula
Circus Vargas continues its run of its newest big top spectacular, “Steam Cirque,” inspired by the worlds of steampunk and science-fiction. The show has moved all over San Diego County for the last couple of months and now it’s headed up north to Promenade Temecula, where it runs from March 16 through March 27. Tickets start at $17; arrive 30 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 17 (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!)

San Diego ShamROCK in the Gaslamp
6 p.m. to Midnight, Gaslamp Quarter
Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter will be a sea of green Friday night as the 23rd annual ShamROCK block party rolls in. Each year, about 20,000 people flock to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which includes three stages, non-stop live music and lots of green beer. More than 50,000 square feet of Astroturf is rolled out for the occasion, too, adding some serious green to the festive scene. General admission is $45.

St. Patrick’s Day Hard Rock Hotel Bash
8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Hard Rock Hotel
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this 21+ party at the Hard Rock Hotel’s 207 Nightclub. The night includes DJ’s spinning tunes, drink special and party favors.

St. Patty’s Beer Fest
9 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Beer Company
Everyone must wear green to this St. Patty’s party at The Beer Company Friday night. The 21+ event includes drink specials, DJs and more. Admission on the day-of the event is $20 per person.

Saturday, March 18

Anza-Borrego State Desert Park: Super Bloom
Daytime, Anza-Borrego
The winter rain has brought forth a historic, gorgeous Desert Bloom season for Southern California. Make the trek to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this weekend to see the wildflowers up close; the bloom season doesn't last long so go while the breathtaking sights last. Here's a guide on what to see when you get there.

San Diego Homebrew Festival & Competition
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., North Park Mini Park
Sample your way through 35 homebrewed beers and sips from nine San Diego craft breweries at this festival and competition Saturday going down at the mini park site (2896 North Park Way) behind The Observatory. Vendors will be selling food and beer pros will be chatting with attendees about the art of brewing. Tickets cost $40 per person; proceeds will help support the neighborhood non-profit, Friends of Jefferson.

Whiskey! A Grain & Oak Festival
2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Hiatus Lounge at Hotel La Jolla
In time for St. Patrick’s Day weekend comes Whiskey! A Grain & Oak Festival at Hiatus, the poolside lounge at Hotel La Jolla. The spirit fest will flow from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, pouring whiskeys and cocktails – from straight and blended to scotch and Irish in honor of the holiday. Hiatus will also offer a special tasting menu during the festival that will complement the notes in the whiskeys. Tickets are $15 person.

She’s Got That Swing: Women in Jazz
8 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall
In honor of Women’s History Month, the San Diego Symphony will present this toe-tapping show dedicated to the women in jazz. Performers include: program curator Holly Hofmann on the flute; Regina Carter on violin; Katie Thiroux on bass; Grace Kelly on alto saxophone; Tina Raymond on percussion; Dena DeRose on jazz vocals. Local trip Besos de Coco will open the concert. Tickets range from $20 to $65.

San Diego Cake Show
10 a.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
Hundreds and hundreds of beautiful cakes will be on display at this cake show. This year’s theme? Comic Cake! The show will include celebrity appearances from the stops of TV baking competitions, clases taught by world-renowed teachers and free demonstrations. Don’t miss the display of incredible cakes from Food Network’s Cake Wars. The festival runs through Sunday. Tickets are $10. 

The San Diego Bridal Show’s Spring Wedding Event 
10 a.m., Westin San Diego
Brides looking for a little extra inspiration for their upcoming wedding can find extra help and new ideas at this Saturday event Downtown. Couples can walk through displays, watch fashion shows, taste cake, win prizes and meet wedding professionals. Tickets start at $7, though members of the military and veterans receive free admission.

Guided Nature Walk: Perfumes of Nature
9:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park – Visitor’s Center
It’s spring, and what better time to stop and smell the freshly bloomed flowers. But there are more than just flowers at Mission Trails Regional Park. There’s also sage, flowering shrubs and other exotic aromas. A trail guide will lead the group through the park and give insights on the many scents of Spring. The walk is free.

Del Mar Plaza Saturday Market
11 a.m., Del Mar Plaza (1555 Camino Del Mar)
More than 30 unique boutiques will showcase artisanal baked goods, fine art, fashionable clothing, handmade products and more at this Saturday market. Additionally, the Mar Dels will provide live entertainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

South Oceanside Car, Bike and Boat Show
9 a.m., South Oceanside Elementary
More than 200 cars, motorcycles and boats will be on display at this family-friendly event on Saturday. Plus, vendors will be selling everything from food to trinkets to car gadgets. Local school children will perform at the event as well.

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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.

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Sunday, March 19

BarkHappy San Diego: Lucky Pup Pawty
2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Renaissance San Diego Hotel
Bring your furry friend to this pup “pawty” Sunday at downtown’s Renaissance San Diego Hotel. A $15 ticket includes doggy treats, goody bags for your pup and a gift card for a free pet bath, pet boarding or wellness exam up to a $50 at the Imperial Beach Pet Hospital from Elivelife.com. Activities include a free dog tattoo station, a dog treat eating contest, a musical chairs-inspired sitting game for dogs, food and drink specials and a selfie station. The event benefits the charity, The Animal Pad.

Willy Wonka Jr.
1 p.m., Lawrence Family JCC
Follow along live as Charlie Bucket visits Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory on stage. The musical, adapted from Ronald Dahl’s tale, features music from the enchanting songs from the 1971 film. Tickets start at $17. The show runs from March 10 to March 26.

The Blameless
2 p.m., Old Globe Theater
Take a look at the power of moving and compassionate look at the power of familial bonds in trying times. The original play was developed in The Old Globe’s 2016 New Voices Festival. The world-premiere play follows the Garcia family as they struggle to recover from a painful event in their past. Tickets start at $34.

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 - in its final weekend. 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
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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.

Citizens Bank customers said they were experiencing delays in deposits to their accounts on Friday morning.

"Customers are seeing a delay in transactions posting to their accounts, due to a vendor processing issue," Citizens Bank said on Twitter. "This issue is affecting multiple financial institutions. We appreciate the patience of our customers as we work to resolve this issue."

Friday is a regular payday for many companies. Many Citizens Bank customers said on Twitter that paychecks set up for direct deposit had not gone through.

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It isn't clear what other financial institutions might have been affected.

The issue appeared to have been resolved as of 10 a.m.