Your Complete Guide to Black Monday

December 31, 2012, 6:16 pm

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There are happier ways to start a new year than finding out you're unemployed, but the NFL schedule makes no concessions for the regular calender. 

The regular season ended on Sunday, which means that NFL teams spent Monday firing underperforming coaches and general managers. They call the day Black Monday and, given the fact that it is New Year's Eve, this one is a little bit blacker than most. 

We'll run through all the major changes here so that you can be sure to know which teams have decided to move in a different direction. We'll do it alphabetically, which means we start out in the desert. 

Arizona Cardinals: Ken Whisenhunt is the most successful coach the Cardinals have ever known, but that wasn't enough to save him after a season that saw the team start four different quarterbacks who were all guilty of being nowhere near good enough to be starters in the NFL. General manager Rod Graves also got the axe as as a result of being the man who handed Whisenhunt those quarterbacks in the first place. 

Buffalo Bills: The Bills gave Chan Gailey his walking papers after a third straight season of double digit losses, a move that's been met with happiness from Bills fans tired of watching Gailey muck around with an offense that needed a lot more C.J. Spiller. Surprisingly, general manager Buddy Nix did not get fired on Monday despite giving Ryan Fitzpatrick one of the worst contract extensions in recent memory.

Chicago Bears: Lovie Smith is done after nine years as the Bears' head coach, a move that seemed inevitable after they missed the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Bears players have not reacted well to the move, blaming it on "false fans" and the media instead of their own underachieving. 

Cleveland Browns: The writing was on the wall when the team was sold to Jimmy Haslam earlier this year and it came to pass on Sunday. Coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert are looking for new jobs, continuing the disappointing saga that is the Browns franchise since their re-entry to the league in 1999. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: General manager Gene Smith was axed after years of diminishing returns, including a bust of a first-round pick in quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Head coach Mike Mularkey hasn't been fired, but could get snipped once they have a new G.M. 

Kansas City Chiefs: General manager Scott Pioli somehow survived a 2-14 season while coach Romeo Crennel was told not to bother coming in for the rest of his life. Crennel is one of the best defensive coaches in the game, but he's now failed miserably twice as a head coach.

New York Jets: Rex Ryan survives to bloviate again while general manager Mike Tannenbaum couldn't do the same after a litany of failures that could be boiled down to a three-way quarterback battle between Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy. Whoever gets the job next would be advised to try finding one guy who doesn't stink. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Andy Reid's 14-year run as the leader of the Eagles ended as expected on Monday. Reid had a terrific run as the team's coach, something that might get lost in the wake of his miserable final year on the job. 

San Diego Chargers: When the season started, it seemed clear that a losing year for the Chargers would cost coach Norv Turner and G.M. A.J. Smith their jobs. The Chargers had a losing year and both guys are now looking for work. 

Josh Alper is also a writer for Pro Football Talk. You can follow him on Twitter.

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Teen Arrested After Fallbrook House Party

December 31, 2012, 3:57 pm

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Authorities arrested a 19-year-old after they arrived to a party with underage drinkers in Fallbrook early Monday morning.

According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Severo Perez, 19, was arrested just after midnight at his parents' home on Rainbow Glen Road. 

Deputies said when they arrived to the home, at least 50 people were fighting and minors were drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. 

A number of the juveniles were "severely intoxicated." Personnel with the North County Fire Department responded to evaluate the juveniles and release them to their parents.

Perez, who is the son of the homeowner, was arrested and faces charges of violating the Social Host Ordinance and contributing to the delinquency of minors. 

 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

2 Wells Fargo Banks Robbed

December 31, 2012, 7:44 pm

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Two San Diego Wells Fargo branches were robbed Monday, and police are asking for the public's help to find the suspects.

The first robbery was reported to police at about 10:45 a.m. Saturday in the Wells Fargo on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in Kearny Mesa. 

Police said the suspect used a demand note for cash and the teller complied. The suspect then fled in a dark sedan with an out-of-state license plate.

The suspect is described by FBI officials as a man in his late 40s to early 50s about 5'7'' and 180 pounds. He has a husky build and graying facial hair. He was reportedly wearing a red USC cap, rectangular-shaped sunglasses, a brown hooded sweatshirt, black polo shirt, a San Diego Chargers lanyard and black dress shoes. 

 

The second robbery happened just after noon when a man entered the Wells Fargo on Mission Boulevard in Pacific Beach and demanded cash in a note. 

The teller provided the money and the suspect fled on foot, according to a statement from the FBI. 

The suspect is described as a man in his late 20s to early 30s about 5'10'' tall and approximately 180 pounds. He was wearing a dark baseball cap with an SD logo, black long-sleeve jacket and dark pants. 

Police would not say if the two were related. 

NYC Ushers in 2013

December 31, 2012, 10:12 pm

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 1: Fireworks explode at the stroke of midnight in Times Square on January 1, 2013 in New York City. Approximately one million people are expected to ring in the new year in Times Square. (Photo by Monika Graff/Getty Images)

Hit-and-Run Knocks Out Power in Lemon Grove

January 1, 2013, 9:56 am

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A hit-and-run accident in Lemon Grove knocked out power for dozens of residents on Monday night, according to officials.

The incident happened around 11:15 p.m. at 7087 Broadway near a fast food restaurant. Two suspects were inside a white Mitsubishi Eclipse when they lost control of the car, said police. The driver crashed into an electrical box and drove through the front lawn of an El Pollo Loco.

Police said the suspects fled the scene and are still outstanding.

Power was out for more than 400 residents during the night, and there are currently 30 customers with no electricity. Estimated time of restoration is 11 a.m.

‘Fiscal Cliff’ View Scares Local Small Biz Owners

December 31, 2012, 8:12 pm

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Despite some encouraging New Year’s Eve developments involving “the fiscal cliff” negotiations in Washington, D.C. there's still a lot of fiscal uneasiness from coast to coast.

Especially among small business owners and struggling wage-earners.

If tax cuts expire without a compromise in Washington – and aren’t restored sooner than later -- there may be long-term economic pain.

"If we get hit, I'm done -- I have to go back and get a real job,” says Laurie Annett, who operates an equine business called Simon Sires in Carmel Valley, along with the owners of Bluepoint Farm.

They offer horse breeding, training, and rider instruction.

It's a niche business that doesn't always require clients of great wealth.

But in times of tight money, even riders with financial means can feel squeezed by the cost of feed and veterinary medicine, and look to cut back.

Several trainers assist in the operations.

Before the bottom fell out of the economy four years ago, they were working with upwards of a dozen horses at a time.

Now they’re down to around a handful.

And all the talk about the fiscal cliff hasn't helped business.

While Bluepoint Farm’s operations would survive a tumble, says, Annett, "I would disappear. I'm small. My business would be gone if I have to pay any taxes, if I don't have the breaks that I have now."

Other small business owners here are taking a dim view of the future, given the sluggish, contentious proceedings on Capitol Hill.

"At what point does optimism become foolishness?" asks Dan O’Brien, owner of a women’s boutique called Octopus Clothing, a small storefont along the MTS Trolley line on C Street east of Fourth Avenue.

His customers -- mainly workers at City Hall and other downtown offices, and residents of communities not far away -- are many and loyal.

But the fiscal cliff is a top-of-mind issue for them.

"They're all worried about it, says O’Brien. “They don't know if their paychecks are going to be cut, if there's more furlough time. Some unemployment benefits end by January 1st. And within 24 hours, that's going to affect us tremendously."

But with his store’s items retailing for under $20, profit margins are small -- and O’Brien’s access to what he calls "home-run" wholesale merchandise can be spotty.

Never mind that economists say the downside of delays in Washington's deal-making can be mitigated retroactively.

It's the uncertainty of when there'll be agreement, and what's involved, that's hanging up planning for the future among businesses both large and small.

"What do you prepare for?” O’Brien wonders. “Is it going to be a week, a month, a year? Is it permanent? Like everyone, no business knows how long it's going to be -- whether it's Walmart, whether it's a small mom-and-pop business like us -- no one can prepare, because it's uncertain. We don't know what's going to happen."

Whatever the outcome of the fiscal cliff maneuvering, O'Brien thinks the whole process reflects "another failure of our politicians", and he's not expecting much else from them.

“Congress has a 15 percent approval rating, yet there’s a 94r percent re-election rating,” O’Brien points out. “Why would they change when we keep voting them in? It’s our fault we keep voting them in. They keep failing us time and time again.”

Photo Credit: AP

Top 10 Baby Names for 2012

January 1, 2013, 9:37 am

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Did you name your newborn Sophia or Noah? If so, you're not alone.

Sharp Mary Birch Hospital released its top 10 baby names that San Diegans chose this year and familiar favorites such as Isabella and Jacob continued to be popular. There were also a few wild cards, such as Sebastian and Liam, that joined the list for the first time.

Here’s what made the top ten list in 2012:

Girls Names

1. Sophia
2. Isabella
3. Emily
4. Olivia
5. Sofia
6. Ava
7. Mia
8. Emma
9. Charlotte
10. Chloe

Boys Names

1. Noah
2. Jacob
3. Liam
4. Andrew
5. Alexander
6. Lucas
7. David
8. Ethan
9. Sebastian
10. Benjamin
    
    

Do you like any of these names? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Golden Pixels LLC/Shutterstock

Locals Ring in the New Year

January 1, 2013, 11:24 am

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San Diego resident Alison Kruger tells NBC 7 reporter Diana Guevera what her New Year's resolutions are.

Photo Credit: AP

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Imperial Beach Closed for Contamination

January 1, 2013, 11:48 am

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Weather conditions have prompted the San Diego Department of Environmental Health to close Imperial Beach.

Water flowing north from the Tijuana River mouth contains sewage runoff and contamination.

"Signs warning of sewage contaminated water will remain in place until field measurements indicate the ocean water is safe for recreational use," said a statement from the health department.

Beaches affected are south of Carnation Avenue to the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

Check back for updates on this story. 

Photo Credit: Steven Luke

High Surf for New Year's Day

January 1, 2013, 12:13 pm

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A high surf advisory has been issued for San Diego County until Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Wave height up to 8 feet is expected today, with occasional 9-foot waves at west-facing beaches.

Larger wave sets may cause water to flow over jetties and coastal flooding, warned NWS. Swimmers are also urged to watch out for strong rip currents.

Surfers should avoid beaches south of Carnation Avenue, as a water contamination closure has been issued.

The surf advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Water Shut Off After Car Hits Hydrant

January 1, 2013, 2:51 pm

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Water in some parts of Mission Valley was shut off Monday after a car crashed into a fire hydrant.

The impact of the crash broke the hydrant in the 1400 block of Camino De La Reina just before 2 p.m., according to officials on the scene. 

A large geyser sent water flooding through the nearby roadway. 

The person who was driving was reportedly cut off by another car and swerved to hit the hydrant. 

 

Sinkhole Prompts Traffic in College Area

January 1, 2013, 12:11 pm

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A sinkhole in College Area is forcing police to conduct traffic control.

The sinkhole formed at College Avenue and Lindo Paseo Drive around 11 a.m.

Cars are having difficulty traveling through the area.

Check back for updates on this story.

Panda Rings in the New Year With a Treat

January 1, 2013, 3:33 pm

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The newborn panda cub at San Diego Zoo born July 29 has been making healthy progress.

Car Crashes into PB Home

January 1, 2013, 10:32 am

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A suspected drunk driver lost control and crashed into a home in Pacific Beach home on Monday night, according to police.

Authorities said the driver of a black Mercedes told them he was reaching for a lighter when he hit another vehicle. He then went barreling into the home.

The car hit with such force, it went nearly halfway into the home.

There was at least one person inside during the accident, but police said they were not injured.

The suspect was arrested on DUI charges.

Snow Traps Motorists at Palomar Mountain

January 1, 2013, 3:34 pm

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Approximately 100 cars were stuck near Palomar Mountain Tuesday afternoon due to icy conditions on the roads, CHP officials said.

Traffic along South Grade Road and Canfield Drive was backed up all the way to the observatory at about 1:30 p.m. as officials worked to clear the roads.

Some tow trucks were requested to assist in clearing the road.

One traffic collision was reported on the road at about 2:15 p.m. 

Weather in the area was relatively cold on Tuesday, with daytime temperatures in the low 40s and nighttime temperatures dipping to freezing levels overnight.  

 

Photo Credit: Kris Dietmeyer

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Woman Fatally Struck in Vista

January 1, 2013, 11:07 am

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A woman was fatally struck by a car in Vista on New Year's Eve, according to officials.

Medics arrived to the scene at the intersection of N. Melrose Drive and Ascot Drive at about 8 p.m. Monday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

The woman was in CPR status, and was transported to the hospital via helicopter. She later died as a result of her injuries.

The Medical Examiner's office identified the woman as 66-year-old Wanda Adamov of Oceanside. Adamov was having car troubles and had to pull over to the side of the road when her vehicle became disabled. While waiting for a tow truck and family to arrive, she attempted to cross the road mid-block and was struck by an oncoming sports utility vehicle.

The driver was not arrested nor suspect of any illegal activity, according to the sheriff's department.

Officials are investigating the incident.

Photo Credit: NBC

Firefighters Respond Second Time to House Fire

January 1, 2013, 2:30 pm

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Firefighters were called to a familiar scene Tuesday afternoon when rubble from an earlier Bay Terraces house fire began emitting smoke.

The first fire at the home in the 500 block of Palmwood Drive started at about 7 a.m., according to the San Diego Fire Department. 

Firefighters quickly knocked the fire down after arriving. 

Then, at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, rubble inside the home started smoking. Firefighters returned to the home to put out the smoke. 

 

Car Smashes Into South Park House

January 1, 2013, 2:22 pm

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A car crashed through the front yard of a South Park home New Years Day and immediately fled the scene, police said. 

The driver of the car lost control near Cedar and Felton at about 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Much of the home's front wall was destroyed by the force of the car.

The driver of the car took off on foot after the crash, but the car was towed shortly after.

 

 

San Diego Welcomes First Baby of 2013

January 1, 2013, 3:20 pm

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A San Diego woman gave birth to San Diego's first baby of 2013 at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day.

Eun Ryu and Miji Lee welcomed baby boy Nathan Ryu into the world exactly at midnight, according to Scripps Hospital La Jolla.

Ryu and Miji are first-time parents and did not expect him to be born this early.

The due date for Nathan was Jan. 5, but he decided to come a little early. He is a healthy 6 pounds and 20 inches.

Dozens Brave Chilly La Jolla Waters in 'Polar Bear Plunge'

January 1, 2013, 6:11 pm

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 Some hearty souls began their 2013 by taking a swim in the cold Pacific.

The annual La Jolla Cove Swim Club's Polar Bear plunge kicked off this morning at La Jolla Shores.
Dozens of people braved the chilly water.

Participants said it only took a few minutes to warm up in the water, but their motto was "know your limits, health and safety come first." 

"It's a little nippy today," said participant Jim Fitzpatrick. "You could tell, start talking and you're slurring your words a little bit. When you stop you get colder."

People around the country got their New Year off to an icy start. About 500 people ran into the Atlantic for the 10th annual Sons of Ireland plunge in Asbury Park, New Jersey. They donated money for Hurricane Sandy relief.