The Smithsonian's National Zoo says it will review and work to improve its safety procedures following a shooting just outside its gates Monday afternoon.

"We are very concerned about the incidents yesterday on Connecticut Ave. People-- of all ages --come to the zoo to see the animals and enjoy the festivities," said National Zoo spokeswoman Annalisa Meyer. "Our number one priority is safety. We’re going to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our visitors."

The shooting was reported around 5:17 p.m. on a busy stretch of Connecticut Avenue in northwest D.C. According to D.C. police, a large group of between 30 to 50 people was traveling southbound on Connecticut Avenue when shots rang out.

Police are reviewing security camera footage from businesses near the zoo, in hopes of finding the gunman.

"We have no indication that there was an argument that precipitated the shooting," D.C. Police Cmdr. Michael Reese said during a news conference about an hour after the shooting.

Jim Battagliese with WTOP-103.5 FM said he heard two shots and saw parents diving to the ground to protect their children.

One victim was shot in the hand, and the other was shot in the arm. Both injuries are non-life threatening, and no suspect information has been released. Additional police presence spread to neighboring Metro stations immediately after the shooting.

The zoo hosted Easter Monday: A Washington Family Tradition event throughout the day, with family-friendly activities and live entertainment.

"We were scared because we do have our kids out here," a mother who was at the zoo at the time told News4.

"We were not expecting [a shooting] but we had a heavy police presence up here," Reese said. "We had multiple agencies... this is a very festive event. Numerous times nothing happened up here, but it's important for us to show a force and that's what we did."

On Easter Monday in 2011, a 16-year-old stabbed a 14-year-old at the zoo. Mshairi Alkebular received an 82-month sentence after pleading guilty in that stabbing.

On Easter Monday in 2000, a 16-year-old shot seven people near the zoo entrance. That teen was sentenced to 25 years in jail.

2600 block of Conn. NW ambulance arriving for possible 2nd victim of #NationalZoo incident @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/D7CFy5M0v9

— Jackie Bensen (@jackiebensen) April 21, 2014

 San Diego's long-understaffed police department is now ticket for reinforcements and extra pay -- but it may take more than what's on the table to reverse an exodus of officers

The situation is a huge concern at City Hall, even as the "thin blue line" has done an outsized job, tamping down the city's crime rate.

But half the force – which has been maintained well below its “budgeted” number of positions -- could join a surge of retirees over the next four years.

And hiring isn't keeping pace with departures, as many younger officers leave for better-paying agencies.

"The other agencies can now cherry-pick from our department and not have to pay the investment of having to send someone to the Police Academy -- getting them trained up,” said Brian Marvel, president of the 1,800-member San Diego Police Officers Association.

"We anticipate by the time the sheriff's contract is in full effect by FY 18 -- our contract ends in fiscal year 2018 -- the difference between a 'top-step' deputy and a P-O 2 will be about $17,000," Marvel added.

That won't be easy for officers with a few years on the force to ignore.

The Sheriff's Department and Chula Vista P-D offer $5,000 signing bonuses for "lateral transfers."

SDPD officers could be sorely tempted, having seen compensation reductions last year, never mind a restoration of working-holiday overtime pay, called for in Mayor Faulconer's budget for the new fiscal year July 1.

"The city hasn't made the investment that it needs to in the police department, and we're changing that,” Faulconer said in an interview Monday. “We're putting the focus on both recruiting, upping our academies, to make sure we get the best and brightest men and women possible. But also on the retention of them to make sure we train them, invest those dollars, so they stay in SDPD."

While new academy classes will take 172 recruits a year – a bonanza compared to many years in the recent past – the washout rate has been 27 percent.

It’s not a trend guaranteed to make up losses such as 130 officers this fiscal year, as projected by the SDPOA.

“This is a crisis,” said Marti Emerald, chair of the City Council’s Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee. “We have got to be effective now in bringing new officers on and paying a competitive wage so that they can take paychecks home that are comparable to the paychecks of law enforcement in other agencies. We must do this.”

Over the years, law enforcement salary surveys statewide show San Diego in the bottom tier of major-agency listings.

Another one is expected to be completed by August.

SDPOA's rank-and-file anticipate the same results -- hoping they'll lead to early bargaining talks with the city about further incentives.

“If the city wants to work to continue on this, we’ll be there with them,” says Marvel. “We want to make this happen, we want the best people to come to our agency and be the best they possibly can, to make this the best city in the state.”

Said Emerald: “I think this mayor understands what’s at stake. He recognizes the importance of what we’re trying to do … and I believe that once that compensation information comes in, that he and his staff will be willing to sit down early.”

A 10-year-old boy remains hospitalized at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth after police in Forest Hill say he was shot by his own father.

Byron Nesbitt, 32, was arrested and charged with shooting his son in the course of an argument with his wife.

Investigators said Nesbitt's wife called 911 shortly after midnight early Sunday morning, when he arrived home intoxicated.

There was an argument and according to police, Nesbitt's wife piled their kids and others into a van, about six of them in all, and tried to drive away.

"As she was fleeing, the husband attacked, beating on the windshield with a handgun, and as she was leaving, he fired several shots at the van," said Forest Hill Police Capt. Jerry Cosby. "At least one of the bullets had penetrated the van and came through and struck the 10-year-old in the hip."

Nesbitt already faces some serious charges and possibly more after the case is filed with the district attorney's office.

Forest Hill police said the boy is expected to make a full recovery. Nesbitt posted $75,000 bond and was released from jail at 6 p.m. Monday.

 The California Highway Patrol has released the name of the alleged drunk driver who caused an Old Town crash that killed a cab driver.

Officials said 42-year-old Amy Marie St. John-Smith of Phoenix, Arizona, was driving the wrong way on Interstate 5 when she collided head-on with a taxi early Saturday morning.

The driver of that cab, 42-year-old Anteneh Minassie, then got out of his vehicle and was struck multiple times by oncoming traffic.

In the midst of the chaos, the CHP said St. John-Smith made a U-turn on the freeway and drove off.

• READ: "I Can't Comprehend It": Brother, Family Mourn Cab Driver

She was arrested a few hours later, but authorities have not released details about how she was found. At the time, she was driving a rental car.

On Monday, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that St. John-Smith got out of jail on a $100,000 bond. She faces three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, felony DUI causing injury and fleeing the scene of an accident causing injury or death.

Officer Jake Sanchez, spokesperson for the CHP, said the charges may not have been as severe if she had stayed put.

"If you're in an accident or traffic crash, we want you to stay behind and talk to us. Let us do our job. Leaving someone on the side of the road or in the middle of the street and taking off is just a horrible thing to do,” said Sanchez.

• READ: Suspect Escapes from SD Central Jail

Investigators are still trying to determine how many times Minassie was struck by various vehicles. They are searching for other witnesses to the incident.

The victim leaves behind three children and a wife, and his family is still making memorial service arraignments.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a true carnivore, there’s definitely something to whet your palate.

Thursday, April 24

National Spa Week
Various locations across the county
What’s better than a massage? Getting a massage without paying full price. Salons around San Diego are offering $50 treatment specials as part of National Spa Week. Ahhhh.

Andaz MBA
6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the Andaz San Diego Hotel downtown
Get your MBA (Music Beer Art) at this swanky rooftop soiree. Proceeds benefit students at the Monarch School.

San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase
6:30 p.m. in Mission Valley
For the final night of the Spring Showcase, check out “Like Father, Like Son.” The switched-at-birth story shines a light on Asian parenting styles.

Terraplane Sun, Little Daylight and Flagship
7 p.m. at the House of Blues
All three of these indie rock bands are poised to break out – and being able to see them all on the same night is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.

• More from SoundDiego

Friday, April 25

San Diego Magazine Best of North County Party
6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad
Sip and savor the best North County has to offer at this California cocktail party.

The Gaslamp Comedy Show
7:30 p.m. at the Tipsy Crow
Add some laughs to your Friday night bar crawl. After the show, stay and play some old-school board games.

Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra
8:30 p.m. at the Casbah
This strangely named post-rock collective from Montreal, Quebec will be hypnotizing concert-goers at the Casbah come Friday night.

Saturday, April 26

31th Annual Encinitas Street Fair
9 a.m.- 5 p.m. in Encinitas
From rides for the kids to a beer garden for the adults, there’s something for everyone at this unique event.

Mission Federal ArtWalk
11 a.m.- 6 p.m. in Little Italy
Little Italy will transform into an outdoor museum during the 30th Annual ArtWalk. Besides 17 blocks of original artwork, the event will feature music and dance performances and hands-on activities for the kids.

Adams Avenue Unplugged
12 p.m.- 10 p.m. on Adams Avenue
More than 150 bands will take the stage bars, restaurants, cafes and galleries up and down Adams Avenue.

Language Creation 101
3 p.m.- 5 p.m. at UCSD
David Peterson, who created Dothraki for “Games of Thrones,” will teach you how to create a language all your own. It’s part of the Filmatic Festival, which runs Thursday through Sunday. For a complete list of workshops and film screenings, click here.

Dillinger Escape Plan with Trash Talk and Retox
8 p.m. at Porter’s Pub in La Jolla
Are you a fan of punk, moshing and/or headbanging? If you answered “yes” to any of those, you simply need to be at this show. These three bands are some of the most brutal around – with Dillinger Escape Plan near-legends at this point.

Sunday, April 27

2014 San Diego Earth Fair
10 a.m.- 5 p.m. in Balboa Park
What better way to spend Earth Day than at Balboa Park? Enjoy vegetarian fare and artwork made from recyclable materials.

Hanamatsuri Festival
12 p.m.- 6 p.m. in Vista
There’s nothing quite as exciting as Japanese Taiko drummers. Check them out, along with a tea ceremony and other Buddhist traditions, for a true cultural experience.

Sunday Suppers of the Farm
5:30 p.m. at Coral Tree Farm in Encinitas
After touring Coral Tree Farm, you’ll devour a five-course meal made completely with farm-grown ingredients.

Augustana and Twin Forks
7:30 p.m. at SOMA
This all-ages show will be perfect to introduce your young ones to the alt-country rock of Augustana and the indie folk leanings of Twin Forks (which is fronted by Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba.)

One out of five women and one out of 100 men have been a victim of sexual trauma in the military, according to Department of Veterans Affairs, and victims who are part of the "Clothesline Project" say it is time to take action to put it to a stop.

To call attention to the issue, more than a 100 t-shirts with a message designed by survivors of sexual trauma are on display at the VA Medical Center in La Jolla.

“It's breaking the silence because for many of us, we couldn't really say it while we were in the military,” said Purity Wanjohi, a peer-to-peer counselor for the program.

It's part of therapy for veterans in the military sexual trauma and interpersonal trauma program at the VA.

“It can help shed some of the shame some of the self-blame that a lot of survivors feel," said program director  Dr. Carolyn Allard. 

Veteran Tracey Henderson, who came to hang his t-shirt, said while going to battle was tough, facing it is nothing compared to confronting sexual trauma.

“We'd rather do that, than explain what happened to us,” said Henderson.

This program also helps veterans move along the road to recovery -- as they like to say, "Take control of that bus," no matter how difficult the ride.

“You can have these events that happen to you and these episodes that you go through but you don't have to stop the bus -you can reach your goals,” said Henderson.

Organizers also say it is important to remember that military sexual trauma is also one of the leading causes of post-traumatic stress in the military. 

Police are looking for the man they say kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in Chollas View Monday. 

The girl was forced into a vehicle at gunpoint by the man in the 4700 block of F Street, according to San Diego Police. 

The suspect sexually assaulted the girl nearby, police said. 

During the incident, the man wore a black mask, black shirt and black pants. He's described as a dark-skinned man betwee 40 and 50 years old.

He was carrying a handgun and was driving an older black SUV or van.

If you have any information about this incident, call the SDPD. 

A woman who said she is the older sister of the 15-year-old boy who hid in the wheel well of a plane and flew from San Jose to Hawaii unharmed denied reports that he had an argument with his family before he decided to become an overseas stowaway.

In a short interview from her Santa Clara home on Monday, the woman spoke off camera with NBC Bay Area in halting English, and in a calm tone that didn't reveal her brother's harrowing tale: That the teenager scaled a fence at San Jose International Airport on Sunday morning, hid in the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines flight, and survived the flight across the Pacific Ocean, despite being unconscious for the 5 1/2-hour trip. All the while, authorities said the temperature sank to below minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

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The Department of Human Services in Hawaii said on Monday that the teen was in the care of Child Welfare Services, and the agency is doing what needs to be done to "ensure the child's safe return to his home in California."

The sister also denied reports that her brother got in a fight with family at home before he took off on his journey, which has raised questions about airport security. She spoke only briefly, and answered with a simple "no," when asked whether her brother ran away because of an argument. The sister also said her brother was "OK" physically after the trip. She declined to say any more.

Outside the family's home, family members arrived - without the teen - in a taxi, which pulled into the garage. Relatives did not want to speak and they closed the door. A neighbor called them "perfectly nice."

The sister's response seems to be in stark opposition to the story that emerged on Sunday, which was  investigated by the FBI.

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In a phone interview on Monday from Hawaii, FBI Special Agent Tom Simon said that agents interviewed the boy, corroborated his story, and turned the teen over to child services in Hawaii until he could be reunited with his family.

"We're done," he told NBC Bay Area. "There's no case here."

Simon added that the boy did not commit any crimes in Hawaii and will not be charged by the FBI there. Simon said it is not his agency's jurisdiction to determine whether the teen committed any other crimes by allegedly hopping the fence in San Jose.

Back in California, San Jose Police Sgt. Heather Randol said the "event was documented" and was "will be reviewed" by the District Attorney for any pending charges.

As for the teen's journey -  flying at an altitude of 38,000 feet with no oxygen and coming out unscathed - Simon said: "Clearly, it's amazing."

• "Exceptionally Lucky" 15-Year-Old Survives 5-Hour Flight in Jet's Wheel Wheel

The Associated Press reported that security footage from the San Jose airport verified that the Santa Clara teen hopped a fence to get to Hawaiian Airlines Flight 45 on Sunday at 7:55 a.m.

Simon said when the flight landed in Maui at 10:25 a.m. Hawaii time, the boy hopped down from the wheel well and started wandering around the airport grounds.

"He was unconscious for the lion's share of the flight," Simon said. 

According to the FAA, the last known survivor of a stowaway incident was in August 2013 on a domestic flight within Nigeria, Africa. Since 1947, the FAA has recorded 94 stowaway incidents involving 105 people. Of those, only 25 survived.

The teen's misadventure -- including scaling a six-foot high barbed wire fence at the airport -- immediately raised security questions. A Congressman who serves on the Homeland Security committee wondered how the teen could have snuck onto the airfield at San Jose unnoticed.

• Boy Shot in Foot for Cutting Line for "Yeezy" Sneakers: Police

"I have long been concerned about security at our airport perimeters. #Stowaway teen demonstrates vulnerabilities that need to be addressed," tweeted Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat who represents the San Francisco Bay Area's eastern cities and suburbs.

Rosemary Barnes, a spokeswoman for Mineta San Jose International Airport, said airport police were working with the FBI, San Jose police, and the Transportation Security Agency to review security at the facility as part of an investigation. A TSA spokeswoman on Monday, however, said the breach is not a TSA matter.

San Jose's airport issued a statement saying "SJC's security program meets and exceeds all federal requirements and we have an excellent track record...Despite this, no system is 100 percent and it is possible to scale an airport fenceline, especially under cover of darkness and remain undetected."

 NBC Bay Area's Chase Cain and Oskar Garcia from the Associated Press contributed to this report.

A box of Chinese cabbage carrying a tiny but formidable threat to California agriculture was stopped at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry Thursday, federal officials said.

A non-native snail known to be destructive to farmers was found in the package of false pak choi during the inspection process.

The snail was found inside a cargo truck carrying a shipment of mixed produce from Mexico, agents said.

An agriculture specialist working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent the snail off to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Experts said it was a Calcisuccinea aff. luteola (Gould), a mollusk that has been stopped at U.S. borders before but only a handful of times.

Agents denied the cargo truck entry and sent the shipment of produce back to Mexico.

Slugs and snails can attack a crop by eating seeds, stems or leaves and could create a large economic hardship for farmers across the state.

The University of California lists the native and non-native snails at nearly 300 and estimates the most damaging among them have arrived into to the U.S. through imports.

An 8-year-old girl bitten by two or three pit bulls while visiting a residence in Santa Monica was recovering at home Monday, while the dogs were under quarantine, police said.

The dog attack occurred in the 1800 block of 21st Street about 8 p.m. Sunday, said Santa Monica police Sgt. Jay Moroso.

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The dogs are being quarantined, but police say they will be released to their owners.

The little girl and her mother are angry nothing more is being done.

L’kenjha Murp has bites on her legs, arms and backside and despite all the pain, she is in good spirits.

But her mother, Danielle Mitchell, wants to know why the dogs that attacked her daughter will be released in 10 days.

"I definitely think the dogs should be put down or either taken out of their care because nobody is really safe, because the dog just flipped out, even on the owner," Mitchell said.

L’kenjha can’t move much as she lays on her family couch. She has nearly a dozen bites across the left side of her body, from her feet all the way to her shoulder.

"It hurted (sic) because he has long teeth," the girl said.

She was spending Easter Sunday with friends who live in a back house when she says the dogs rushed out of the front house and attacked.

"It was very, very hard just seeing your child suffering, screaming," Mitchell said. "Her shoulder just ripped almost off, bleeding from everywhere."

One of the dog’s owners was also bitten by her own dog has she tried to pull it off L’kenjha, police said.

That dog and the two others were being cared for at the house. All three were pit bulls and taken into quarantine, being checked for rabies. They’ll likely be released in 10 days because there is no record of the dogs attacking before.

L’kenjha’s mother says she learned the dogs did attack before but it was not reported.

 The defense for a man accused of drunkenly murdering a San Diego architect argued Monday that the defendant was not fully responsible for his actions because he was “blackout drunk.”

Higinio Salgado, 32, faces murder charges for the beating death of his boss Graham Downes, who was found fatally injured outside his Bankers Hill home right next to an intoxicated Salgado in April 2013.

As the murder trial entered its second week, a psychiatrist took the stand on behalf of the defense.

The witness, who served as an expert on alcoholism, testified that after examining Salgado’s case, he believes the defendant was hypothetically blackout drunk the night Downes died.

• READ: Teen Survives 5-Hour Flight in Jet's Wheel Well

The psychiatrist based his opinion on a blood alcohol content scale. If a 320 pound man like Salgado started drinking around 6 p.m., had his last drink around 1 a.m. and then still had a BAC of 0.15 around 5:20 a.m., that person would have an estimated BAC of 0.22 to 0.24 around 1 a.m.

Those were the circumstances leading up to the moment –around 1 a.m. – when Salgado allegedly got into a fight with Downes and slammed the victim’s head into the pavement over and over again.

The San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the architect died from 17 to 21 blunt wounds.

At issue is whether Salgado should be convicted of murder, or if his altered mental state that night means that he should not be held fully responsible for his actions.

Monday’s witness testified that being “blackout drunk” means the person is virtually unconscious, a word the prosecutor took issue with a legal term.

The psychiatrist went on to clarify that he believes one’s ability to exercise free will is impaired in a blackout state. People can still make decisions, but they cannot consider the consequences in the same way as if they are sober, he testified.

• READ: San Diego Teen Carjacks 3 Kids, Puppy

The prosecutor highlighted that blackout drunks are still able to make decisions on their own.

An intoxication defense could not completely excuse Salgado of the crime; however the murder charge implies that Salgado had the specific intent to kill Downes that night.

The legal defense of voluntary intoxication can help defendants show they didn’t have the intent necessary to be convicted of “specific intent” crimes like murder, according to the Shouse California Law Group.

The jury could find that Salgado is not guilty of murder because of his intoxicated state, or they could decide that he intended to kill Downes, regardless of his mental state.

 A suspect is on the loose in downtown San Diego after he escaped from police custody while being transferred to the central jail. 

According to San Diego Police, officers with the La Mesa Police Department were booking the suspect into the jail around 3:20 p.m. at 1173 Front Street. 

During the process, the man ran out of the building -- hands cuffed behind them -- when another officer opened the jail's bay door. 

He is described as a dark-skinned man in his 20s, 6-foot-4-inches, weighing about 174 pounds. He has curly hair and was wearing a white tank top, red hooded sweatshirt, khaki pants, dark tennis shoes and bright yellow laces. 

He was being booked into jail on suspicion of strongarm robbery. 

Police are searching the area for him from the ground and via helicopter. A last reported sighting of the suspect was in the Gaslamp District near 6th Avenue and K Street. 

A homeowners association for Piazza Palermo downtown in the area sent out an email alert, warning residents to watch for a man matching the suspect's description.

If you have any information about his whereabouts, call San Diego Police or La Mesa Police.

From toothpaste to wedding dresses, shoppers across the U.S. now have no trouble finding products that claim to be good for the environment.

But the popularity of buying with the environment in mind — and lack of clear marketing guidelines — has made it "much harder for a consumer to figure out which of these green products is really green," according to Northwestern University associate professor Brayden King, an expert on corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

As Earth Day kicks off, here's a look at the latest trends in the "green industry" and how consumers can make the most out of their environmentally-conscious purchases.

What kind of "green" products are available?

A better question might be what products aren't. It's rare to find a product or industry that doesn't offer a "green" option. Seventh Generation, an early leader in green cleaning products and baby items, reported more than $200 million in retail sales in 2012, according to The Wall Street Journal. Household brands are embracing the trend, too. Nike recently unveiled a new facility featuring technology aimed at cutting back at water use in the textile dying process, while Proctor & Gamble Company began in recent years to incorporate plastic made from sugarcane into packaging for some beauty products. "Environmental sustainability" ranked third among culinary trends for 2014 identified in a survey of chefs by the National Restaurant Association. And it's not just farm-to-table bistros greening menus. McDonald's recently vowed to source its Big Macs from "sustainable beef" by 2016, though it's not yet clear how the company will achieve that goal.

How "green' are green products?

It varies. Upwards of 400 separate "eco-label" systems or ratings now exist, according to King, the associate professor of management and organizations at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. But a rise in "sustainable" products doesn't necessarily mean more items that are good for the environment. “Putting labels on things that say this is organic or this is environmental friendly has given consumers options," King said. "The downside of this is it has become very easy for companies to put those labels on and consumers are not always savvy enough to know if they’re buying something that is really good at the environment or buying something that just has the label." The Federal Trade Commission also urges caution, saying that many green marketing claims "sound great, but are too vague to be meaningful." So what's a consumer to do? The FTC recommends looking for specific labels or certifications "that tell you what makes the product environmentally friendly," such as disclosures saying the product is "free of" a certain substance or chemical. The agency has posted a consumer guide to shopping green that includes definitions of commonly used promotions.

Who buys "green"?

Most of us, it seems. More than 80 percent of respondents to a 2011 Gallup survey said they make an effort to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors, with 60 percent saying they either bought a product because it was environmentally friendly or plan to do so in the next year. The segment of consumers interested in stocking their shelves and pantries with "green" products extends beyond "the granola type," as one report commissioned by the Grocery Manufacturers' Association put it. The 2009 analysis by Deloitte found that people buying green "are diversely spread along all income ranges, age brackets, education levels and various household sizes."

What incentives do companies have to go green? 

Green ones — in more than one sense. Coming off as environmentally conscious can be a good sell with consumers. Research by DeLoitte found that "green shoppers" represent a "high value segment who buy more products on each trip, visit the store more regularly, and demonstrate more brand and retailer loyalty in their purchasing behavior." Major corporations, such as WalMart, have also instituted "green" measures such as recycling programs and energy conservation policies at corporate headquarters that shave operating costs while boosting the corporation's image with consumers, according to King. Being perceived as anti-environment has costs as well.  "If a company is continually being boycotted by activist groups or you see these protests outside company headquarters or you have shareholder activists who are submitting proposals every year to require the company to be more environmentally friendly, this kind of continual pressure can start to influence a company and damage its reputation," King said. 

Meb Keflezighi’s parents and sister huddled around a small computer screen inside their Chula Vista home.

They watched Meb take a big lead in one of the world’s premiere running events, the Boston Marathon, only to see it dwindle down to a gut-wrenching eight seconds approaching the last mile. The family prayed hard enough to be felt 2,500 miles away from the San Diego County city.

“My heart was beating and oh God, oh God, help him, help him,” said Meb’s father Russom. “I was praying and when he made it, I was excited.”

At his home in Scripps Ranch, Meb’s brother AK also watched and prayed.

“I was kneeling down, praying, sending him positive energy,” said AK Keflezighi. “'God, help him push that last mile because I know he deserves it. I know he wants it. Nobody works harder than he does.'”

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Born in Eritrea, Keflezighi became a U.S. citizen in 1998 after his family fled war to establish a new home in San Diego in 1987.

The San Diego High School and UCLA alum has won four NCAA titles, the New York City marathon in 2009, and an Olympic silver medal in 2004

Even with his record of past wins, the family knew very well the symbolic meaning of Monday’s Boston Marathon. It was more than just a race. It was a chance for America to ease the pain of last year’s tragic bombing.

“He’s a humble guy. I’m sure he was thinking of the victims that lost their lives last year,” said AK Keflezighi, Meb’s brother.

AK said that his brother wrote on his bib the names of the three victims who lost their lives near the finish line, and also the name of the security guard killed as police closed in on the bombing suspects.

“It was absolutely a glorious day. He was fantastic. From early on, I knew it was going to be special,” AK said.

Family members and law enforcement colleagues from around the United States gathered in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday morning to remember a 51-year-old Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle officer -- described as a good man with a big heart -- who was killed earlier this month when he was struck by a driver at a San Fernando Valley stoplight.

Officer Chris Cortijo, a 26-year veteran and former Marine, was struck by the driver of a Chevrolet Blazer April 5 as he waited on his patrol motorcycle at a red light at Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street. He died four days later.

Los Angeles Roman Catholic Archbishop Jose Gomez conducted the funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels after Cortijo's casket was escorted into the Cathedral by his LAPD motorcycle colleagues. A funeral procession to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills and graveside burial service will follow the church service.

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The life-long Southern California resident was born in Torrance and raised in Simi Valley and North Hollywood. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was a member of Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment and served as a member of the Military Police.

He joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1987 and became a motorcycle officer in 1992. He was assigned to the Valley Traffic Division in 1995 and worked on the DUI Task Force. 

Cortijo was twice named officer of the year, most recently in 2013 when he made 171 DUI arrests.

"All the drunk drivers he put in jail -- I've heard 3,000," said Sgt. Larry Jones. "That's what he did. He showed up to work and he did his job."

He is survived by his partner, Lillie Price, his son Jonathan  Cortijo, his daughter Christina Beal, and his brother.

"It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to a brother, described by his friends and family as a good man with a big heart, who selflessly dedicated his life to protecting others and saving lives," the department said in a statement. "Those who knew him, will always remember that proud and distinct smile he wore when speaking about his son."

The 3,000-seat Cathedral will be at full capacity for Tuesday's service with law enforcement officers from around the country in attendance, police said. The California Highway Patrol expects a significant number of people to attend the officer’s funeral and the subsequent procession to the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.

CHP and LAPD will close the northbound Ventura (101) Freeway between the Harbor (110) Freeway and Barham Boulevard from 10:30 a.m. to noon for the procession.

A Pacoima woman accused of striking the officer pleaded not guilty to charges of driving under the influence of a drug and possession of cocaine. Cortijo was trapped between the woman's sport utility vehicle and a Honda Accord that was stopped in front of his motorcycle.

• Read: Memorial Service Road Closures

The suspect's next court appearance is scheduled for May 30.

Cortijo was the second LAPD officer to die in the past seven weeks. On March 7, Los Angeles police Officer Nicholas Choung Lee, 40, was killed when an  out-of-control truck on steep Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills struck his  patrol car head-on.

An investigation has been launched after the discovery of a man’s body in San Diego’s East Village.

Homicide investigators are looking into the death of a 51-year-old homeless man who was found unconscious.

Emergency crews were called to the area of 17th Street and Imperial Avenue around 9 p.m. Monday.

They transported the man to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

According to police, the victim suffered some physical trauma. They did not go into details about the cause of death.

The man’s identity was not released pending notification of family.
 

San Diego's quality of life is on the rise, according to a new survey.

The report by Equinox Center examined 13 economic and environmental indicators in San Diego, including air quality, economic prosperity and water consumption.

For the first time, the study also tracked electric vehicle ownership.

In most categories, San Diego has shown positive trends in economic and environmental health.

However, Lani Lutar, Executive Director of Equinox Center, said there is one area, we need to improve on.

"Unfortunately in the region what we're seeing is an increased use of water and this is not good news especially when we're in a time of drought," Lutar said.

Some 32 local, state and national agencies were consulted to collect and analyze the data.

Read the complete report here.
 

San Diego city officials are looking into improved regulations on marijuana products, many known as “edibles,” after two deaths in Denver, Colorado were linked to marijuana-use.

The city’s Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee recently reviewed current medical marijuana regulations and passed numerous amendments except one regarding edibles.

“I wanted some regulations so we could offer the public some reassurance, some regulatory entity to make sure it's safe for consumption,” said Councilmember Marti Emerald of District 9. “My colleagues on the committee said 'Well let's take a closer look at that.’"

Currently, San Diego Municipal Code spells out basic regulations on "Edible Products and Concentrates." They must be labeled with the patient's name, dispensing date, name and address of the co-op, a warning label and the source.

NBC 7 spoke to University Heights resident Erin Andrews who takes edibles to help with stomach pains.

“I saw lemon bars for sale that had weed in them, they had the ingredients, the percentage of THC in them and all that stuff and I think it should be required,” Andrews said.

Adding to the concern, two deaths out of Colorado were recently tied to edibles. The investigations are still on going, officials said one man jumped to his death after eating a cookie with marijuana and another man allegedly shot and killed his wife after eating marijuana candy. Studies are still mixed about any sort of connection between marijuana and violent behavior.

Still, Councilmember Emerald says it's imperative San Diego takes a proactive approach.

“This industry is here to stay, which means it's only going to get bigger. More consumers are going to make their decisions on their perception that somebody’s watching the store or well-being,” she said.

The committee is working with the City Attorney’s office to continue research on edibles. Their next meeting is in July.

San Diego residents may soon have the ability to pay for super-fast Internet services under a new expansion plan announced by AT&T.

The company reported plans to cover as many as 100 municipalities in 25 metropolitan areas with its service, called GigaPower.

The new Internet service has a 1 gigabit per second speed that is about 100 times what U.S. consumers typically get with broadband.

That means faster video downloads and the ability for more devices to connect to the network without congestion.

AT&T currently has such speeds in Austin, Texas, and has committed to offer the service in Dallas.

The company is also in advanced talks to bring GigaPower to two additional markets, Raleigh-Durham and Winston-Salem, N.C.

The new metropolitan areas targeted by AT&T are: Atlanta, Augusta, Ga., Charlotte, N.C., Chicago, Cleveland, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Fort Worth, Texas, Greensboro, N.C., Jacksonville, Fla., Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Tenn., Oakland, Calif., Orlando, Fla., St. Louis, San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose, Calif.

AT&T Inc. said Monday that the specific number of markets beyond its initial four will depend on discussions with local officials and assessments of potential demand. The company said it may start building some of the new networks by the end of the year.

In many of these markets, only certain cities and towns will get the service. All told, AT&T is targeting about 100 municipalities.

AT&T didn't announce prices. In Austin, the service costs $70, or $120 when bundled with television service.

A rival offering from Google Inc., known as Google Fiber, is available in Kansas City and is coming soon to Austin and Provo, Utah.

Smaller companies and public utilities offer or plan such speeds in a handful of other markets throughout the U.S.

Verizon said that although it hasn't seen widespread demand for a 1 gigabit service yet, the rival offerings are indicative of growing demand for super-fast Internet.

Cable Internet services typically cost less, but deliver slower speeds. And with most cable services, sending data is typically slower than receiving content, making online backups and video sharing impractical or painfully slow. AT&T's service is symmetrical, so uploads and downloads are comparable.