The Navy is investigating a decorated SEAL who moonlights as a porn actor.

The Naval Special Warfare Command wants to know whether Chief Special Warfare Officer Joseph Schmidt III properly obtained permission from his commanders for outside work and whether they condoned his acting career, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Friday.

“There are very clear regulations which govern outside employment … as well as prohibitions on behavior that is discrediting to the service,” said Capt. Jason Salata, a SEALs spokesman.

Schmidt, 42, has spent 23 years in the military and holds numerous medals, including a citation of valor for combat overseas. He has appeared in recruiting campaigns, even serving as the face of the SEAL program on its website, the Union-Tribune said.

He has appeared under the name Jay Voom in at least 29 sex films over seven years with titles such as “Apple Smashing Lap Dance” to “Strippers Come Home Horny from the Club,” the paper said.

Many feature his wife, porn star Jewels Jade.

Schmidt declined to comment to the newspaper, but his wife said many of his fellow SEALs at the Coronado base in Southern California watched the videos online.

“They knew about it at work,” Jade said. “He got called in and they said, ‘Look, keep it on the low, don’t mention the SEAL name and blah, blah, blah.’ “

“He was always pretty open about it with the command,” she said. “I mean, honestly, all of his buddies knew about it. Everybody knew about it.”

Jade first appeared in porn films in 2001, but she left the industry by 2003 to become a wife and mother and help run a real estate firm the couple founded in 2005 while Schmidt was assigned to Virginia.

The business foundered, and the couple filed for bankruptcy after running up nearly $2 million in debt, the Union-Tribune said.

As business losses deepened, Jade turned to stripping to make ends meet and then returned to making porn films.

“It’s helped our family. It got us out of a lot of financial issues we were going through,” Jade said. “I could take care of the child. I could try to get us out of financial debt.”

Jade said she has tried to obtain other work. But her fame, with millions of fans worldwide, made it difficult.

She sought a management job at a San Diego luxury hotel last year but was recognized before she finished her employment interview. “Once you’re recognized and you build a brand and you’ve got your fans who know who you are, when you go to try to find a job, you can’t get another job,” she said.

Schmidt was transferred to Coronado in 2009. Jade said she recruited her husband as an unpaid performer to cut the costs of making films for her website and film-distribution service.

The military has taken a dim view of its members engaging in racy pursuits.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michelle Manhart, a training instructor, was reprimanded and demoted after she posed nude for Playboy in 2007. The Navy discharged or otherwise disciplined about a dozen servicemen and servicewomen in 1980 for posing in Playboy or Playgirl.

A water main break reported in El Cajon Friday was impacting traffic, the El Cajon Police Department (ECPD) said.

The break is at the 200 block of Chambers Street near W Main Street. It is unknown what time the incident occurred.

Police said residents in the area may be experiencing outages due to the break.

According to the Helix Water District, a 6-inch cast-iron pipeline broke and is affecting three customers. Crews are on scene to make repairs.

No other information was available.

A student who was wounded in the shooting at a San Bernardino elementary school earlier this week is now home and recovering, a school district spokesperson said Friday.

Nolan Brandy was shot when Cedric Anderson, the estranged husband of his teacher, walked in to North Park Elementary School Monday and opened fire, killing his wife, Karen Smith.

Anderson also shot another student, 8-year-old Jonathan Martinez, before turning the gun on himself.

Leon and Rachel Brandy, Nolan’s parents, released a statement Wednesday thanking the community "for the outpouring of prayers and support."

They said Nolan is recovering very well, adding that they are "grateful."

A day after the shooting officials said the boy was in stable condition, watching cartoons and expected to recover.

"Please continue to pray for him and also for Jonathan Martinez’s and Karen Smith's families," the Brandy family said.

United Airlines issued an updated policy Friday in the wake of criticism sparked by a video showing a doctor being dragged off a plane at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. 

The new policy says crews traveling on United aircraft must be booked at least 60 minutes before a flight's scheduled departure. 

"This ensures situations like flight 3411 never happen again," the company's statement read. "This is one of our initial steps in a review of our policies in order to deliver the best customer experience."

The move comes one day after attorneys for Dr. David Dao said the Kentucky man, who was dragged from the United Express flight, suffered a significant concussion, broken nose and lost his two front teeth in the ordeal. 

After he was dragged down the aisle of the jet, video shows him standing in the aisle with blood on his face and saying quietly, "I want to go home, I want to go home."

Dao’s lawyer criticized the flight’s crew for standing by idle as police used “violent” force to remove a 69-year-old from the plane, noting that Dao was not a threat to passengers or United employees.

In a statement issued Thursday, United said it "cannot stress enough that we remain steadfast in our commitment to make this right."

"This horrible situation has provided a harsh learning experience from which we will take immediate, concrete action," the statement read. "We have committed to our customers and our employees that we are going to fix what’s broken so this never happens again."

"No one should ever be mistreated this way," United CEO Oscar Munoz said in a statement earlier this week, his most contrite apology yet as details emerged about the incident. 

Munoz also pledged to conduct a wide-ranging review of company policies.

On Thursday, United added that it will not ask law enforcement officers to remove passengers unless it is a "matter of safety and security."  

The event stemmed from a common air travel issue — a full flight. United was trying to make room for four employees of a partner airline, meaning four people had to get off.

At first, the airline asked for volunteers, offering $400 and then when that did not work, $800 per passenger to relinquish a seat. When no one voluntarily came forward, United selected four passengers at random.

Three people got off the flight, but Dao said he was a doctor and needed to get home to treat patients on Monday. He refused to leave.

Three Aviation Department police officers got on the plane. Two officers tried to reason with the man before a third came aboard and pointed at the man "basically saying, 'Sir, you have to get off the plane,'" said Tyler Bridges, a passenger whose wife, Audra D. Bridges, posted a video on Facebook.

One of the officers could be seen grabbing the screaming man from his window seat, across the armrest and dragging him down the aisle by his arms.

Other passengers on Flight 3411 are heard saying, "Please, my God," ''What are you doing?" ''This is wrong," ''Look at what you did to him" and "Busted his lip."

United Airlines has since announced that all passengers on Flight 3411 will receive refunds for their tickets.

On Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the way Dao was treated "completely unacceptable" and praised Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans for taking "swift action." He promised that a city investigation would "ensure nothing like this ever happens again."

Dao’s lawyer said he doesn’t believe the incident was racially motivated and that it appears that airlines don’t have standard procedures for kicking people off plane.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it is reviewing Sunday's events to see if United violated rules on overselling flights.

A combined reward of $56,000 is being offered for answers, an arrest and a conviction in the unsolved murder case of a San Diego City College student killed in his own home nearly 17 years ago.

On Sept. 8, 2000, Andrew Moore, 26, was murdered in his apartment on 8th Avenue in San Diego. As part of the crime, the victim's 1994 Suzuki Katana motorcycle was stolen. About six weeks later, on Oct. 17, 2000, San Diego Police Department (SDPD) detectives found Moore's motorcycle in the 1300 block of 24th Street.

Nearly 17 years have passed since Moore’s murder; today, his killer remains at large. There is currently a $56,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest in this cold case: $1,000 from San Diego Crime Stoppers, $5,000 from the victim’s family and $50,000 from the Governor’s Office, officials confirmed on Friday.

At the time of his slaying, Moore’s goal was to earn a degree in International Business.

His family and friends established the Andrew Tan Tai Moore Scholarship at San Diego City College, which encourages applications from adoptees from Vietnam or other Asian countries, as well as any other re-entry students.

Every year, Moore’s parents fly from Pennsylvania to San Diego to present a student at San Diego City College with the scholarship in their son’s name.

Moore's parents, Dick and Rita Moore, spoke to reporters Friday about their son's cold case in hopes of getting fresh leads. 

Rita said "Andy," as she lovingly called her son, moved to California from Pennsylvania. He started school in San Diego, got a job and was living a happy life at the time of his murder.

Although many years have passed since their son was killed, Rita said the pain of losing him lingers.

"We've been reeling from this for 16-and-a-half years now," she said, holding back tears. "This is his birthday month. And so, it's strange how it always coincides that we're out here on Andy's birthday, celebrating -- but he's not here."

Dick comforted Rita as she wiped away tears. Rita said they have full trust in the SDPD that, one day, her son's killer will be brought to justice.

"We hope that someone out there who knows something about Andy's case will finally come forth and give us the information that we need, so that the police can solve his case," the victim's mother added. "We think Andy deserves justice. He's missed out on -- we can't begin to tell you how much he's missed out on, as our family grows. We miss him terribly."

Anyone with information on this case can call the SDPD Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

After more than 20 years, there will not be a nightly fireworks show launched from SeaWorld San Diego over Mission Bay.

Officials with Seaworld San Diego said the summertime tradition will be "on hiatus" as the park rolls out a new nighttime feature that will include laser lights and an illuminated parade.

There will still be fireworks on three-day holiday weekends in the summer and a few other events, park officials told NBC 7 Friday. The park denies the decision was made in response to a petition filed by local residents demanding an end to the nightly fireworks displays.

"I would like to see [fireworks] continue. I don't know why you wouldn't. If SeaWorld wants to put it on, seems like a great idea to me," said Michael Truesdall, an Ocean Beach resident.

"It's more of a pollution problem in general. We have to look out for the city and the bay that we swim, eat fish out of and play in," said Thomas, who works in the Bay Park area.

“All Day Orca Play”, which invites visitors to watch the killer whales interact with trainers and encourages visitors to ask questions, recently launched. The program will lead up to the park’s new show, “Orca Encounter,” where guests will see how orcas eat and communicate.

At night, the park is planning a new feature with "bioluminescent-like lighting" to entertain guests.

The show will be similar to the Cirque de la Mer show but will take place at night and will be called Cirque Electrique.

The park will also unveil a "new nighttime show featuring overhead laser lights and an interactive RFID experience, acrobats and live musicians and an illuminated parade," said David Koontz, Director of Communications.

"We’ve decided that this illuminating nighttime experience will be a focus of our new end-of-day spectacle event as opposed to having firework displays," he said.

SeaWorld has seen attendance fall since the release of the highly controversial documentary, “Blackfish,” which criticized conditions of the park’s captive killer whales. The film focused on Tilikum, an orca that killed a SeaWorld trainer during a show in Orlando in 2010. Tilikum, who had been seriously ill, died this past January.

Days after Tilikum’s death, SeaWorld San Diego announced it would end its long-running, theatrical killer whale show, making way for a new orca show billed as a more educational experience into the lives of killer whales.

Recently SeaWorld San Diego announced two limited-time ticket offers a single-day, $55 ticket, valid on weekdays now through June 16, and a new “any-day” ticket, valid now through June 11, for $69.

The ticket must be purchased in advance either online or by calling (619) 222-4SEA; the offer is not available in person at the park.

One more deal is the $87 “Fun Card,” which offers unlimited admission to the park now through Dec. 30. Again, it must be purchased in advance, as the offer is not available at the park.

The "mother of all bombs" that the U.S. military dropped in Afghanistan Thursday is so big it has to be pushed out of a cargo plane with a parachute attached, NBC News reported.

The largest non-nuclear bomb the military has ever dropped, weighing 21,000 pounds, the GBU-43 creates a mushroom cloud visible up to 20 miles away. And it's notable that it wasn't used in current flashpoints like Syria or even North Korea.

"Afghanistan was not really on the agenda during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, but ISIS was," explained Emily Winterbotham, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank.

The militant group is attempting to establish a foothold along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan, even though it's more than 1,500 miles from their stronghold in Iraq and Syria.

An Oceanside Police Department (OPD) officer was arrested earlier this week for alleged domestic battery.

Captain Thomas Aguigui, a 29-year veteran of the department, was arrested by San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) deputies on Wednesday morning.

According to OPD, Aguigui was placed on leave, but it is unclear if it is paid or unpaid leave.

OPD said that the Sheriff’s office is conducting the investigation and will forward to the District Attorney’s office which may file formal charges. A parallel investigation will be conducted by OPD to determine “if any policies have been violated,” the department said.

Aguigui will be placed on restrictive duty within the police department.

According to Aguigui’s bio page on the City of Oceanside website, he was sworn in in April of 1988 after serving eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. and is currently assigned to the Investigations Division.

It’s Easter weekend and San Diego is hoppin’. From interesting art and live music, to the Red Bull Air Race World Championships and Easter egg hunts and brunches, it’s going to be another fun, busy weekend in America’s Finest City.

Thursday, April 13

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (season runs through May 14), Carlsbad Ranch
The famous Flower Fields in Carlsbad Ranch continues its vibrant spring run, 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.

Butterfly Jungle
9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (runs through April 23), Safari Park
Experience thousands of winged wonders filling the air around you at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s annual “Butterfly Jungle,” which runs through April 23. As you stroll the Hidden Jungle, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., butterflies will fly around and may even land on you. Admission to Butterfly Jungle is included with paid admission into Safari Park ($52 for adults; $42 for kids ages 3 to 11).

Sculpture in the Garden
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego Botanic Garden
Running through the end of this month at the San Diego Botanic Garden is “Sculpture in the Garden,” a display of 53 sculptures from 32 regional artists set against the backdrop of the lush garden. With a map provided by the Botanic Garden, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the artworks. The exhibit is included with admission into the garden, which costs $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and active military and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Kids 2 and under get in free. On-site parking is $2.

Infinity Cube
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Birch Aquarium
Last weekend, Birch Aquarium launched its newest installation: the “Infinity Cube,” an immersive, 8-foot cube that explores bioluminescence, light produced by living organisms in the marine world. Artist Iyvone Khoo worked alongside Scripps Institution of Oceanography marine biologist Michael Latz to bring this project to life, filming more than six hours of footage of single-celled marine organisms called dinoflagellates reacting to various stimulants, such as the human heartbeat, music, water flow and air pressure. The “Infinity Cube” revolves around these videos, which will be projected and reflected into larger-than-life images of bioluminescence accompanied by soundscape, immersing patrons in this interesting world. The exhibit is included with paid admission into Birch Aquarium, which costs $18.50 for adults, $14 for children ages 3 to 17 (kids 2 and under are free), $15.50 for seniors and $15 for students with ID.

Banks
7:30 p.m., Humphreys Concerts By the Bay
Singer-songwriter Jillian Rose Banks – known as simply as Banks – takes the stage at Humphreys By the Bay in San Diego Thursday night. This concert is standing room only; general admission tickets are $45 per person.

Friday, April 14

Annual Good Friday Walk With the Suffering
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Downtown San Diego
Starting at 120 Elm St. in downtown San Diego, this Good Friday walk will proceed along downtown streets, stopping at various public institutions. At each station, Biblical verses and prayers will be read by speakers and costumed actors depicting Jesus’ journey to Calvary.

Easter Bunny Teas
2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), The Westgate
Downtown landmark hotel, The Westgate, will host some kid-friendly tea sessions this Easter weekend, as well as egg hunts. The Easter Bunny Teas are from 2:30 p.m. from 5 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and include mini pastries and kid-approved petit-fours paired with traditional European afternoon tea. An Easter egg hunt is set to take place on the Riviera Terrace, and kids can even meet the Easter Bunny. The tea sessions cost $50 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under, plus tax and gratuity.

Cinema Under the Stars: Hidden Figures
8 p.m., Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills
The Oscar-nominated film about women on a mission – three key but unsung members of a NASA team – heads to Mission Hills’ outdoor movie theater this weekend, Cinema Under the Stars. The flick – which stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, among others – plays at 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $17 per person.

Margin of Error
8 p.m., Lyceum Theatre
The world premiere of this production, “The Roustabouts Present Margin of Error,” is Thursday at the Lyceum Theatre in downtown San Diego’s Horton Plaza. The drama is about two couples, who over the course of an evening, confront each other and themselves, all while caught in a margin of error. They play is by Will Cooper and directed by Rosina Reynolds; it runs at the Lyceum through May 7. Tickets are $20 for students; $38 for military and seniors; $42 for adults.

The Last Waltz: 40th Anniversary Tour
9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort SoCal
This concert – created by Keith Wotman and led by Grammy Award-winning artists Warren Haynes and Don Was – celebrates the 40th anniversary of “The Last Waltz,” and pays tribute to the band’s 1976 farewell concert. Tickets start at $65.

Saturday, April 15

CETC US Open Powerlifting Championships
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday), Del Mar Fairgrounds
Watch the strongest of the strong compete this weekend at these Powerlifting Championships at the Del Mar Fairgrounds activity center. More than $200,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs as contestants flex their skills. Tickets are $25 per day or $35 for both days; parking is $13.

Easter Egg Hunts Across the County
Times and locations vary
Grab a basket and the family and head to some free or cheap Easter egg hunts around San Diego. We've picked a dozen egg hunts in this guide that span the county.

Take Flight Yoga
11:30 a.m., Karl Strauss Tasting Room
Head over to the Karl Strauss Tasting Room on Santa Fe Street for this Saturday morning one-hour yoga session presented by Take Flight Yoga. After class, enjoy a flight or pint, of course. The class costs $20 per person.

Feeding San Diego: Pairings With a Purpose
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Bobby Riggs Tennis Club & Museum
Feeding San Diego will host this foodie-friendly fundraiser in Encinitas dubbed “Pairings With a Purpose.” The event – part culinary competition, part tasting – will feature more than 35 chefs, breweries and wineries serving from San Diego and Guadalupe Valley including “Top Chef” stars like Javier Plascencia, Chad White and Jeremy Ford, to name a few culinary masters. Each chef and beverage company will collaborate to create a special pairing of food and drinks; guests will vote for their favorite. The fundraiser includes music, games and other contests. Tickets are $75; proceeds will benefit Feeding San Diego and its hunger-relief and nutrition programs that help locals in need. Last year’s event raised enough money to cover 150,000 meals.

Red Bull Air Race World Championship
12 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park South
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship returns to San Diego this weekend after an eight-year hiatus. The first part of the championship will take place in San Diego this Saturday and Sunday and the second part will be in Indianapolis in October. Some of the world’s best race pilots will blend speed, precision and skill as they navigate a low-level aerial track in agile and lightweight racing planes over the San Diego Bay. A wide range of tickets are available, from general admission to Aviator Club and Sky Lounge. Tickets start at $20.

San Diego Sights and Sips
5:30 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and Events
Sunshine, sailing and cocktails come together on this Hornblower cocktail cruise. Hope on board for a two hour cruise with champagne, light Hors d’oeuves and more as you enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay during sunset. The boat leaves at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $37.50 per person.

Wing Fest San Diego Showcast Series
2 p.m., Jol’n Joe’s on 4th Street in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego’s tastiest wings come together at this Saturday showcase. Locations across San Diego will battle it out for Best Wing. Plus, enter the wing eating competition. In addition, there will be DJs, a VIP tasting area, vendors with drink samples, and more. Tickets start at $30.

Seafood and Cinema
5:30 p.m., Hotel Del Coronado
Family Movie Night meets the California Clambake at this ultimate movie experience. Come out Saturday night and enjoy a beach bonfire with s’mores on a Del Beach daybed with your family as you watch Zootopia under the stars. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance, or call 1-619-522-8490 for reservations. Tickets start at $125.

San Diego Gulls v.s Ontario Reign
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Hockey season continues as the San Diego Gulls take on the Ontario Reign at the Valley View Casino Center on Sports Arena Blvd. Tickets start at $18 per person.

Spring Eggstravaganza
9 a.m., Santee Lakes
Bring the whole family out to Santee Lakes this Saturday for the 14th Annual Eggstravaganza. The community event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features continuous egg hunts for kids eight and younger, plus – carnival rides, pony rides, crafts, Primo DJ and more fun for the entire family. The event is free.

Wanderlust 108
7:30 a.m., Preble Field
The world’s first and only mindful triathalon comes to San Diego this Saturday. The event consists of a 5K run, a large-scale outdoor yoga class and a guided meditation. Some of the world’s best yoga teachers – MC Yogi and Mary Beth LaRue – will be teaching during the event. Plus, yogis interested in doing more can add extra classes, like Acro Oya or Walking Meditation, to their schedule. Tickets start at $45.

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.

Sunday, April 16 – Happy Easter!

Easter Brunch at San Diego Landmarks
Times and locations vary
Happy Easter! San Diego’s most recognizable restaurants – from dining at the Hotel Del Coronado to The Prado in Balboa Park – will offer special Easter brunch menus on Sunday. Check out our guide to holiday dining at local landmarks.

Point Loma Kiwanis Easter Sunrise Service
6:30 a.m., Cabrillo National Monument
The Kiwanis Club of Point Loma will host an ecumenical Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at Cabrillo National Monument this Sunday. The service will be held in the lower parking lot, so those who attend will be able to see all of the San Diego Harbor and Downtown San Diego as they mark the occasion. The event is free.

Belmont Park’s Easter Bash
9 a.m., Belmont Park
One of the city’s largest Easter Egg bashes returns this Sunday for its fifth incarnation with even more eggs and event more Easter fun! More than 12,000 eggs will be hidden across the sands in front of Belmont Park. Kids will be let out in waves to hunt for the colorful eggs, filled with candy, vouchers for single rides, and other park goodies. Following the egg hunt, enjoy a San Diego-style beach brunch with your family on the sand, or head over to the WaveHouse for a buffet or to Draft. The egg hunt will start at 9 a.m. and costs $5 per child. Children must be registered in advance. Find all the details here.

Easter Champagne Brunch Cruises
12 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and Events
Enjoy your Easter aboard a Hornblower cruise this Sunday. As you take in views of the San Diego Bay, enjoy sweet and savory brunch options as well as a carving station and plenty of tasty desserts and free-flowing champagne. The two-hour cruise includes a private, reserved table, full brunch buffet, a dessert buffet, and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. Tickets start at $66.95.

First Date: A New Musical Comedy
2 p.m., Horton Grand Theatre
A blind first date transforms into a hilarious dinner when blind date newbie Aaron meets Casey, a serial dater. Watch as the pair - and their friends, restaurant patrons and more - sing and dance their way through a high stakes evening as each takes a chance on finding love. The San Diego Musical Theatre production plays at the Horton Grand until May 7. Tickets start at $40, though discounts are available for seniors, children, students and groups. Find more theater spring picks here.

The Who’s Tommy
2 p.m., OB Playhouse
The Who fans will not want to miss this musical production playing at the OB Playhouse. The five-time Tony Award-winning musical is based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album and shares a story of hope, healing and human spirit. Tickets start at $29.

Red Velvet
2 p.m., The Old Globe
Fall back to the turbulent backstage world of London’s Theatre Royal in the early 1800s in “Red Velvet”, a play at The Old Globe until April 30. Lolita Chakrabarti’s award-winning play follows a young American actor who steps into the role of Othello after one of the era’s most treasured actors can’t go on – but the role has never been played by a black man before. Tickets start at $34.

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

Looking to save some, but still enjoy the city? 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.

Drivers who curse when they hit bad freeway stretches may do the same at the gas pumps later this year.

Not only is the state's gas tax going way up, but so are vehicle fees.

The money will be spent on fixing highways, roads and bridges, and mass transit needs.

Democratic super-majorities in both houses of the Legislature barely got the required two-thirds vote to push Senate Bill 1 through last week.

“This is pay as you go, this is fiscal discipline,” says Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-78th District), a co-author of the legislation.

It's been 23 years since lawmakers boosted gas taxes and vehicle fees.

Now, California's backlog of transportation repairs and replacement costs is pegged at $130 billion dollars.

SB-1 is projected to raise $52 billion over ten years, a figure Gloria says felt more “comfortable” for Gov. Brown and the Democrats to go for right now.

As it is, all but one of the Republicans in the Legislature were opposed – as was the farm industry.

They warned about the impact on small businesses and low-income families.

The gas tax will jump from 12 cents, to 30 cents a gallon.

There'll be a new annual vehicle fee of up to $175 for high-end cars.

Electric cars will now be charged a $100 annual fee.

SB-1's backers say an average of $760 a year is spent on vehicle wear and tear caused by neglected roadways.

"If we did not act now, the need for an increase would only grow with time,” Gloria said during Friday’s recording session for Sunday’s edition of NBC 7’s “Politically Speaking” program, which will air at 9 a.m.

“The fixes and the repairs that are necessary only grow more expensive. It's a good thing that we acted now. To wait any longer only would have cost taxpayers far more."

The gas tax hikes go into effect November 1st; higher vehicle fees, January 1st.

Another note to drivers?

There’ll be annual increases for inflation.

A woman parked on Montezuma Road, near San Diego State University (SDSU) was sitting in her vehicle preparing to leave around noontime on Wednesday, April 12, when a male suspect opened her front passenger door and sat in her vehicle.

That's when he grabbed the woman and then immediately started touching her inappropriately.

The suspect fled when pedestrians nearby were approaching the parked vehicle. He was last seen running westbound on Montezuma Rd. towards University Towers.

The victim received minor injuries from the suspect. She is a non-SDSU student.

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is calling the incident assault with the intent to rape.

SDPD describes the suspect as a Caucasian male in his 40’s and being six feet tall. He has wavy brown hair and a full beard with grey in it. He was wearing a black t-shirt with white writing on it.

SDPD is asking anyone with information to contact the department at (619) 531-2000 or by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Retired Admiral Bruce F. Loveless appeared Friday in federal court to face a judge in the ongoing U.S. Navy bribery scandal.

Loveless, who prosecutors say played a pivotal role in the so-called "Fat" Leonard bribery scheme, was one of four defendants who appeared in court for a status conference on the case.

A federal judge denied the request by one defendant to return to his home in England while awaiting his trial.

Donald Hornbeck's attorney said his client needs to return to England to maintain his business and be close to his British wife and ailing mother-in-law.

But federal prosecutors said Hornbeck's strong foreign ties could tempt him to remain in England, or travel from there to another country, to avoid prosecution in the wide-ranging navy supply scandal.

Five other defendants were represented by their attorneys, but with the court's permission did not appear themselves.

The judge approved a six month continuance in the case because there is so much evidence for defense attorneys to review.

The defendants face criminal charges in a scandal involving a Navy contractor named Leonard Francis who bribed high-ranking naval officers with gifts, dinners and prostitutes.

Francis pleaded guilty to bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery and defrauding the U.S. government.

In return, they would direct Navy ships to ports run by those contractors, sending millions of dollars in contracts to the company owned by Francis.

The naval officers referred to their group as "the Cool Kids," "the Band of Brothers," "the Brotherhood," "the Wolfpack," or the "familia," federal prosecutors state in court documents.

A woman who pleaded guilty to killing a U.S. Navy service member in a road rage incident in San Diego broke down in tears in court after learning her punishment Friday, nearly two years after the deadly crash.

Darla Jackson, 27, was sentenced to six years in prison for the death of Navy Chief Petty Officer Zachary Buob, 39. She was facing between three to 11 years in prison but the judge gave her a midterm.

Jackson has already spent two years in jail, which will be counted into her total sentence.

Upon hearing her sentence, Jackson began crying.

"No, no. Oh God no. Oh God no," she said, crying as she was taken out of the courtroom.

Buob's parents spoke with media outside of the courtroom after the sentencing.

Gary Buob said he was not happy with the verdict and had hoped Jackson would get longer prison time.

“You throw a dog out a window; you get 11 years in prison. You stab a firefighter in the shoulder—not kill him, just stab him, you get nine years in prison," he said. "But you run over a member of the military on a motorcycle and you get six years. Justice, to me, was not served to the full extent.”

“We’ll never get to see him again," said his mother, Kathy Buob, in tears.

She added that their family was thankful for the support from the community, motorcycle groups and the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Sobbing, Buob's sister had this to say to reporters at the courthouse:

"He was my big brother; he was my protector," she cried. "He taught me so much. He’s gone, and I missed him."

Emotions, on both sides, were high during the sentencing hearing. Jackson sighed deeply and also held back tears as she heard others speak in court. She also had a chance to address the court.

"I'm not that person I'm made out to be," she sobbed. "I did make mistakes that day, and I take full responsibility for all of them."

"Please, believe me when I say, I did not intend to harm your loved one," Jackson added, speaking to Buob's family. "Please accept my heartfelt apology."

On May 28, 2015, Buob – a motorcycle and dirt bike enthusiast – was riding his red Ducati motorcycle on northbound Interstate 5 near E Street in Chula Vista.

As he moved into the fast lane, witnesses testified that Jackson, driving her Nissan Altima, sped up and cut Buob off, maneuvering in front of him in the same lane. Witnesses said Jackson veered onto the left shoulder of the freeway to do this.

According to Jackson and witnesses, as Jackson and Buob interacted on the freeway,Buob kicked the passenger side door of Jackson’s car and darted off. Jackson chased him to get his license plate number but wound up hitting and killing him with her car.

Prosecutors said the crash was a deadly case of road rage.

On Friday, Deputy District Attorney Laura Evans called Jackson "dangerous" and hoped she would get the help she needed.

“I think it’s going to be difficult for the family but I think justice was served as best as it could be today," Evans said. "Nothing is going to bring Zack back but I think justice was served and [Jackson's] going to be punished appropriately.”

At Jackson’s tearful preliminary hearing in November 2015, witnesses said Buob reacted to being cut off by Jackson by shaking his head and shaking his pointer finger at her in a “scolding manner.” One witness said Jackson swerved on the freeway to hit Buob several times as each motorist sped up to one another.

As Buob approached the off-ramp to eastbound State Route 54, he cut across all lanes. Jackson followed closely behind. Moments later, after passing National City Boulevard on SR-54, Jackson crashed into Buob.

According to investigators, Jackson was driving at 95 mph six seconds before the crash. When she hit Buob’s motorcycle, she was traveling at 81 mph.

One witness testified that all he could see at the crash site that day was brake lights and “a big dust cloud.” Buob was thrown off his motorcycle, onto the ground.

He died an hour later at a San Diego-area hospital.

Initially, Jackson was charged with murder as prosecutors argued that she intentionally hit Buob. In January 2017, Jackson pleaded guilty to a lesser charge – voluntary manslaughter – and the count of murder was dropped.

At that time, Jackson’s defense attorney, Stephen Cline, said his client was “concerned whether she could get a jury that could look at the real facts of this case.”

“She decided she couldn’t do it,” Cline added.

Her attorney said that prior to the deadly collision, Jackson had no criminal record. He said Jackson was diagnosed with severe Complex Trauma Disorder following the crash. Cline also said that Jackson chased Buob after he kicked her car so she could get his information because “he had done substantial damage to her car door.”

He later added that Jackson will most likely spend time at a women's correctional facility up north and will not see her 5-year-old daughter. He argued that she would not be getting the help needs in prison.

Jackson's mother has said that the fatal crash was an accident.

Buob spent 20 years as a U.S. service member, serving as a Gunner’s Mate on USS Antietam before joining Navy Special Warfare Command. He served many tours throughout his military career and his loved ones have said that it deeply hurts that he was ultimately killed in his home country.

In June 2015 Buob's mother, Kathy Buob, shared some personal details about her beloved son, calling him a man who truly enjoyed life.

"He had a quick wit, fun personality and was so friendly that it was hard not to be his friend," said Kathy. "He had a great laugh that you could hear as he enjoyed life."

The rape and brutal murder of an elderly woman found stabbed to death in her home in San Diego, California, 25 years ago has finally been solved, thanks to cutting-edge DNA testing.

San Diego law enforcement announced the major break Friday in the quarter-century-old cold case killing of Angela Kleinsorge, 84. Her killer was Jeffrey Falls, a man who lived across the street from the victim, according to DNA testing and investigators.

"To learn that it had been a neighbor -- it was just horrifying to us," said the victim's daughter, Hedy Kleinsorge, at a press conference Friday.

Falls is no longer alive; he was killed in a 2006 crash. However, a rare procedure known as familial DNA testing helped San Diego law enforcement zero in on him as the killer.

The cold case finally began to crack in July 2016 when this type of advanced science came into the equation, according to authorities.

At that time last summer, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office submitted the cold case to the Department of Justice with a request for familial DNA testing, a process that allows investigators to widen their scope when searching offender databases.

Through the process, investigators may be able to identify people who are likely to be close relatives of a person who may have committed a crime.

The familial DNA results from this case matched a convicted offender who was dead, according to the DA’s office. The results showed there was a high likelihood that a brother of that convict was the man who killed Kleinsorge.

As investigators researched this break in the case, they discovered the convict had two brothers: one who was alive, and another -- Falls, 42 -- who was killed in a 2006 motorcycle accident.

SDPD detectives were able to give the living brother a DNA test and he was eliminated as a suspect in the cold case. After that, it was time to test Falls.

The DA’s office said the coroner gave tissue samples from Falls to SDPD Lab Criminalist Adam Dutra. The crime lab obtained a partial DNA profile from Falls’ tissue.

At this point, the breakthrough nearly 25 years in the making unfolded.

The DA’s office said Falls’ DNA matched a sample collected at the scene of Kleinsorge’s slaying, pointing to him as her killer.

“The likelihood ratio for kinship between the crime scene sample and Falls is in the quadrillions,” San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said at the news conference.

Finally, the case had been solved.

The Crime:

On Feb. 29, 1992, Kleinsorge was found dead in her home at 5600 Gaines Street, near Linda Vista Road.

Hedy, who called her mother every day to check on her, had spoken to her the day before the murder. On the morning of Feb. 29, Hedy called her mother three times, but got no answer.

"She knew something was wrong," said SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman.

Hedy rushed over to her mother's home. Immediately, she noticed something was amiss when she saw the garage light on and the blinds shuttered.

When Hedy went inside the house, she made the grisly discovery: her mother's body lay lifeless, on the floor, beside her bed.

Kleinsorge had been sexually assaulted and stabbed several times on her neck. According to investigators, the killer entered Kleinsorge’s home through a window and attacked her.

For decades, Kleinsorge’s murder remained unsolved. At the time, authorities said regular DNA testing did not match anyone in a statewide offender database.

Closure for the Kleinsorge Family:

District Attorney Dumanis and SDPD Chief Zimmerman led Friday's press conference, joined by a slew of other top-level homicide investigators, cold case detectives and forensics experts.

Zimmerman praised the tireless work of cold case investigators, including now retired Reserve Detective Holly Erwin.

“This case, sat idle for over two decades. It would still be unsolved if it wasn’t for the tenacious and persistent efforts of now retired detective, Holly Erwin, who became a reserve detective in order to continue working this case and also from our crime lab, Adam Dutra,” said Zimmerman.

“Their relentless pursuit of justice will now allow the Kleinsorge family to close a very painful, yet important chapter in their family history,” the chief continued.

Dumanis said the familial DNA testing results have brought a “measure of closure” to the Kleinsorge family. Although a rare procedure, Dumanis touted the science “as a way to propel an investigation forward and solve more crimes.”

Kleinsorge’s surviving daughter, Hedy, and son, Roland Kleinsorge, attended Friday's announcement.

Hedy spoke about what this means for her family, pained for so long by her mother's murder.

"When you lose a loved one to a brutal and violent act, and there’s no one charged with the crime, you often wonder if the criminal wakes up in the morning, thinks that he got away with murder or if he even gives it a second thought," said Hedy. "After 25 years, we have our answer. While we have only partial closure, at least we know Mr. Falls no longer thinks he got away with the rape and murder of our mother."

She thanked law enforcement for their work, especially Det. Erwin.

“It is through her dedication to solve my mother’s case that we are here today. Thank you, Holly,” she added.

Who Was Angela Kleinsorge?

According to the police chief, Kleinsorge was born in Germany in 1907. She immigrated to the United States, where she met her husband, Paul.

The couple moved to California, started a landscaping business and raised their family in a modest home in the quiet San Diego suburb of Linda Vista. The couple lived the American Dream, and tried to give back to their community.

The Kleinsorges were founding members of the House of Germany at the International Cottages in Balboa Park.

“They took tremendous pride in their German-American heritage,” the police chief said.

Paul died in 1971. Angela Kleinsorge continued to live at the family's home, where, as she grew older, she settled into a quiet life.

She had a daily routine that included waking up at 6 a.m. for coffee and breakfast, watching soap operas and working in her garden.

She was beloved by her children, family and friends.

Familial DNA Testing in California:

According to the DA’s office, familial search requests filed with the California DOJ’s Familial Search Committee are evaluated on a case-by-case basis following a rigorous protocol. Approval is limited to cases involving major violent crimes with serious public safety risk – and if all other investigative leads have been exhausted.

The DA’s office said that since 2008, the California DOJ has received 134 cases for familial searching, conducted 172 searched and identified eight familial search hits.

The technique – described by San Diego authorities as “a frontier in the evolving world of forensice science” – was pioneered in the United Kingdom, helping with the first conviction using the technique in 2002. California was the first U.S. state to authorize the testing in 2008, followed by Colorado in 2009. It has since been used across at least eight other states, the DA’s office said.

Famously, in February 2016, familial searching was used to solve the decades-old “Grim Sleeper” serial killings case out of Los Angeles. In that case, Lonnie David Franklin Jr. was charged with killing nine young women and a teenager and dumping their bodies in alleys and trash bins.

Franklin was identified as the killer when investigators matched crime scene DNA to DNA of Franklin’s son, which had been collected after a felony arrest and put into an offender database.

The DNA of Franklin’s son had similarities to genetic material left on the bodies of many of Franklin’s victims.

Franklin was sentenced to death in August 2016. Detectives believe he could have killed as many as 25 women from the late 1970s until his arrest in 2010. This includes the 14-year stretch from 1988 to 2002 when it is believed he took a break from serial killings, earning the nickname the “Grim Sleeper.”

“Familial DNA Searching represents a significant advancement in forensic investigative tools available to law enforcement,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra in a press release Friday. “It can play a critical role in solving crimes, especially decades-old cold cases that could not be solved by the forensic techniques employed at that time. This technology goes a long way to giving victim’s families the closure they deserve.”

Contaminated water was found in the KQ Ranch water system in Julan, prompting a Boil Water Order and Public Notification, effective immediately on Friday.

According to the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH), E. Coli and total coliform bacteria in the drinking water system--indicating the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.

Symptoms include crams, nausea, headaches or diarrhea.

DEH said E.Coli can be especially risky for infants, young children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system. 

The Boil Water Order will remain in effect until lab results indicate no presence of the bacteria. 

The water system is located at 449 KQ Ranch Road in Julian and serves the KQ Ranch Campground.

After a successful fundraiser, Honor Flight San Diego announced Friday they will have a fall trip to Washington, DC for WWII veterans.

Honor Flight San Diego, founded in 2010 by Dave Smith, is a non-profit organization that takes WWII and terminally ill senior veterans on a trip to Washington, DC to see war memorials.

But the organization canceled their spring trip this year due to lack of funding.

With the help of several donations and fundraisers, the organization has enough money for a "Tour of Honor" trip in the fall.

The three-day trip includes visits to several war memorials, including National World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force.

According to the organization, 100 WWII veterans from Southern California are on the waiting list. They are asking any WWII currently not on the list to contact them.

After the "Tour of Honor," Honor Flight San Diego hopes to honor Korean War veterans.

An arrest has been made in connection with the case of murdered jogger Vanessa Marcotte after investigators matched the suspect's DNA to evidence found at the scene, authorities announced Saturday.

Authorities confirmed Worcester resident Angelo Colon Ortiz, 31, was taken into police custody in connection with the case Friday night. He was charged with aggravated assault and battery and assault with attempt to rape. He is currently being held at Massachusetts State Police barracks in Millbury on $10 million bail.

"We got him," Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said Saturday afternoon during authorities' official announcement. Sources confirmed the arrest earlier in the day.

The DNA match linking Ortiz to the Marcotte case came back Friday afternoon. DA Early said an alert state trooper in Worcester saw a man and a car that matched the Marcotte murder suspect's description, and did a cheek DNA swab test that eventually led to Ortiz's arrest.

Although Ortiz has not been formally charged with murder yet, Early said he anticipates a murder charge soon, and referenced Ortiz as Marcotte's "killer." He also said Ortiz worked in the area and "had been for some time."

Marcotte, a 27-year-old former Google employee, was killed while jogging near her mother's house on Aug. 7, 2016. She lived in New York City but was in Princeton, Massachusetts, visiting her family for the weekend.

She left her mother's home on Brooks Station Road to go for a run but never returned.

Her body was found in a remote, wooded area a half mile away later that evening. Police said her body was naked and partially burned. There were also signs that she had struggled with her attacker.

State police detectives and local police previously said they received more than 1,300 tips in the case.

Meanwhile, Princeton residents said they're relieved to hear a suspect has been arrested in the case.

"I think everyone just wants justice for her, so maybe that can start and a little bit of healing can start maybe," one woman said.

The Marcotte family released the following statement after learning of Ortiz's arrest, "We'd like to thank DA Joseph Early and the Worcester District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Princeton Police Department, and the entire community for their help that led to the arrest of the suspect in Vanessa's case. After eight long months, we're able to take the first step toward justice for Vanessa. She was a beautiful, intelligent, and generous young woman whose passion for giving back to the community will always be remembered. As we move forward, her spirit will live on through The Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation that strives to empower women to live boldly and fearlessly."

Ortiz is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday in Leominster District Court.

The City of Poway will soon be unveiling a statue of their most famous citizen --baseball legend Tony Gwynn, also known as Mr. Padre.

A bronze statue, designed by Texas artist Seth Vandable, will be unveiled on May 9, which was Gwynn's birthday.

Poway broke ground on the Tony Gwynn Memorial in July, 2016.

The city hosted a benefit concert last year to kick off a fundraiser for the project. 

A donor wall will accompany the statue with recognizing those who donated at least $250. 

The unveiling and dedication will start at 10:30 a.m. on May 9 in Poway, San Diego County.

 A police officer's arm got caught on a fence while he tried to chase down a potential suspect in the Bronx, severely injuring him, police said Saturday.

The plainclothes officer witnessed a drug transaction inside the Mitchel housing project near 138th Street and Willis Avenue in Mott Haven, according to authorities.

As he chased down the suspect Friday night, he got caught on a fence and severely injured his arm, the NYPD said. He suffered a severe cut to his right bicep and artery, police said. 

The officer was taken to Lincoln Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remained in stable condition Saturday morning.

There were no arrests. Police said they were still looking for Naquan Smith, 20, of the Bronx. 

Former Palm Beach Gardens middle school teacher Corey Perry, who shot himself in a Nashville hotel room today, has died. Multiple sources confirmed his identity to NBC 6 affiliate, WPTV.

A federal arrest warrant was issued March 28 for Perry, 33, for the production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and enticement.

Nashville Metro Police confirmed that they responded to a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Delux Inn at 3:40 p.m. Friday. The FBI suspected that Perry might be in Nashville, where he has relatives.

The FBI released the following statement:

During the investigation of this matter in the Nashville, TN, area this afternoon, FBI agents approached an individual for questioning when the individual took his own life. No law enforcement personnel were injured. Until local authorities make a positive identification of the deceased and notify next of kin, no further information is available.

Earlier this week, the FBI posted a reward up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the former H.L. Watkins Middle School teacher and coach.

He was last seen in Fort Lauderdale on March 26 around 2:45 p.m., according to the FBI.

His rental vehicle was found in Fort Lauderdale with the doors unlocked and the keys in the ignition on April 7, the FBI said.

Perry was a teacher and coached basketball at H. L. Watkins Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens. He also is credited with launching the Robotics and Engineering Academy at the school where he was even recognized by the governor for his efforts.

This story is courtesy of our news partner WPTV.