Before you can shop ‘til you drop on Black Friday, you have to find a parking spot.

In San Diego, that’s no small task, so it helps to have a strategy.

Chris Lane, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Fashion Valley, says the best times to find parking are from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Lane recommends using mall entrances other than the main entrance. For Fashion Valley, that includes the JCPenney entrance off Fashion Valley Road and the back entrance from Camino de la Reina. Both avoid traffic backup on Friars Road.

After entering the mall, Lane suggests starting with the A, B, and C parking garages behind Macy’s.

“Check the lower levels of the parking structures, as they may have more spots available and have easier in and out access,” he said, adding that valet parking is also available.

Another way to avoid the hassle is to use public transit. All MTS buses and trolleys will run on their normal schedules Friday, with the exception of the Rapid bus. Some malls have their own designated trolley stops, but all are accessible by public transit. (Click here for a complete list of bus and trolley service to San Diego shopping centers.)

If you do venture out by car, the International Parking Institute offers the following parking lot tips:

1. Exercise caution when backing out. Twenty-five percent of parking lot accidents are caused by backing moves.

2. Obey the law.

3. Keep your headlights on (even in the daytime.)

4. Park further away from the building for less hassle.

5. Follow etiquette basics. When waiting for a spot, do not block other parking space seekers. Also, remember to return shopping carts to designated cart corral areas.

6. Be a mindful pedestrian. Don’t text while walking or jaywalk.

7. Watch for small children.

8. Buckle up and be patient. Even low speed collisions can result in injuries. Resist the temptation to honk the horn

9. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Park in well-lit areas and always make sure you've rolled up your car windows and locked your doors. Have your keys out and ready when returning to your car.

10. Set an alarm if you’re parked in a metered spot.

Friday Mall Hours (Department stores may operate on different hours.)

Westfield Camino Real (Carlsbad): 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets: 12 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Westfield North County (Escondido): 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Westfield UTC (La Jolla): 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Fashion Valley (Mission Valley) : 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Westfield Mission Valley: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Parkway Plaza (El Cajon): 12 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Grossmont Center (La Mesa): 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Westfield Horton Plaza (downtown): 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Westfield Plaza Bonita (National City): 12 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Chula Vista Center: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Otay Ranch Town Center (Chula Vista): 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Las Americas Premium Outlets (San Ysidro): 12 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Two members of San Diego's congressional delegation sent a letter Tuesday to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, urging the agency to implement new rules after an NBC7 Investigates series about a teacher's aide border arrest.

Garrett Anthony Clifton, a San Diego Unified special education aide, continued working in the classroom nearly a year after he was arrested at the border with more than $500,000 worth of cocaine and methamphetamine in his possession.

NBC 7 Investigates learned there were no federal laws mandating school notifications of federal arrests. In Clifton's case, the federal government never notified the school district of the charges against him.

The former teacher's aide was sentenced to 37 months on Oct. 10, after telling the federal court he thought the drugs in his car were just marijuana. Before that, he attended nearly a dozen court appearances, and he pleaded guilty to importation of meth and cocaine on July 25, all while maintaining employment with the San Diego Unified School District.

Read more about the story here. Clifton could not be reached for comment about this latest update.

U.S. Reps. Scott Peters and Susan Davis, in a letter dated Nov. 25, asked Secretary Johnson whether the Department of Homeland Security, in failing to notify the school district, was following its own internal procedures after the arrest of an educator for drug, sexual or violent crimes.

"We strongy urge the Department of Homeland Security to implement reciprocal rules compelling law enforcement agents to comply with state laws designed to protect children from sexual and narcotic criminals," their letter states. "We also call on the Department of Homeland Security to implement rules and regulations directing DHS law enforcement agents to notify school districts and other childcare facilities when their employees have been arrested and convicted of crimes that may endanger children."

The Department of Homeland Security could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but in response to the original story sent the following statement:

“In criminal cases where a defendant is found to have regular contact with children, a variety of factors impact Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) decision as to whether notification of the subject’s employer or other associated parties is warranted or appropriate. Factors include: is there evidence the defendant has previously harmed children; are there indications the defendant is engaged in ongoing abuse of children; and finally, does the subject appear to pose an imminent threat to the safety of the children with whom he or she interacts. HSI is reviewing the matter to determine if appropriate procedures were followed."

Read the letter from Peters and Davis here.

Davis is still exploring legislative options.

"We understand that a legislative fix is possible," said her press secretary.

Santa and his friend the elf came to town early this year, at least for La Jolla residents.

On Tuesday, San Diego Surf Dog Ricochet and an 8-year-old autistic boy surfed in to La Jolla Shores to kick off the sixth annual “Surfin’ Santa Paws, Howliday Book Drive.” The fundraiser aims to promote reading and prevent suicide among bullied teenagers and veterans with PTSD through distributing Ricochet’s book.

"We are probably never going to stop bullying, but we can certainly build confidence in kids so they don't believe what the bullies say," said Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s guardian and the founder of Puppy Prodigies.

Ricochet rode the waves with West, an autistic boy who has been bullied in the past and was the inspiration for the book drive. The event promoted the surf pup’s book, “Ricochet: Riding a Wave of Hope With the Dog Who Inspires Millions."

Ricochet will be collecting cash donations to give to children and schools, as well as collecting copies of the book itself until Jan. 2.

A portion of book sales will be donated to Shelter to Soldier, a San Diego based non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be service dogs for veterans with PTSD.

Thousands of San Diego drivers were delayed Wednesday by a line of protesters who stopped traffic on northbound I-5 in La Jolla.

"I am really enraged," said UC San Diego student and Black Student Coalition Chair Jazzalyn Livingston.

The students wanted to shut down the highway to force everyone to pay attention to the recent grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri, Livingston said.

"People of color, students of color, often times we don't have a voice," she said."This is our way to demand that ya'll listen." 

There have been a number of demonstrations in cities across the U.S. after the grand jury decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.

There were approximately two dozen people wearing black blocking four lanes of highway traffic just south of the Nobel Drive exit just before 7 a.m.

They held signs demanding accountability and proclaiming the message "Hands Up Don't Shoot."

As a result, thousands of cars were stuck stopped with the gridlock reaching several miles south to downtown San Diego.

The frustration was apparent as drivers got out of their vehicles and began taking images and video of those holding up traffic. Some took the red cones put up in front of the line of protesters and threw them to the side of the highway. 

One man appeared to be screaming and threatening several protesters including one holding a bullhorn. He then wrangled the bullhorn away.

As a motorcycle drove past the protest, the rider held up a fist in solidarity.

California Highway Patrol officers arrived approximately 15 minutes after the protest began and intervened between the group and the drivers who were delayed.

After several minutes, the line of protesters walked to the side of the highway and were escorted to the highway off ramp.

By 7:22 a.m. traffic was flowing again northbound. The group continued their protest along Nobel Drive and traveled toward UC San Diego.

No one was arrested or cited.

On Tuesday, two separate protests sent hundreds of people onto the streets and onto a freeway and ended in arrests.

A Sig Alert was issued when the demonstrators moved onto Interstate 15 at University Avenue.

In City Heights, the sign for the Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park was obstructed by a banner that read “Michael Brown Memorial Park.”

Henwood was an SDPD officer who was gunned down while on duty in 2011.

The park was dedicated in February in the memory of the police officer whose final act of kindness - buying cookies for a child at a nearby fast food restaurant  - was shared with millions via social media.

A group of armed robbers who make their victims take off their clothes hit again over the weekend, the latest in a string of robberies all with a similar modus operandi.

In the latest robbery, which targeted a Broward County, Florida, Subway restaurant Monday night, the robbers’ victim was a woman who is eight months pregnant. The robbery was the fifth such crime that had similar circumstances in the last two months. All of the robberies have been caught on camera.

“It seems to be that is their strategy, to take their clothes off,” said Keyla Concepcion of the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

On November 9th at the Rite Way Food Market in Pompano Beach, a customer and clerk were ordered to the back of the store, at gunpoint, where they were both forced to take off their pants. On October 31, a victim at a Pompano Beach convenience store was hit with a gun and shot in the leg.

October 28th, a Tamarac Subway was hit around 10:30 p.m. where employees were robbed at gunpoint before being dragged to the back of the store and ordered to strip. On October 7th, an employee of a GameStop in Plantation was ordered to drive the robbers around before dropping them off in Lauderhill.

Investigators haven’t said if all of the crimes are related, but said all of them are similar in their actions during the robberies.

If you have any information about the string of robberies, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

First the good news: If they playoffs started today, the Chargers would make the six-team field in the AFC. Because of a series of tie-breakers, their 7-4 mark is better than three other teams with an identical record.

The problem is that the season doesn’t end for another month – another brutal month on the schedule that sees the Bolts playing five playoff contenders with nary a cupcake to be found.

“We feel like we’re in playoff mode right now, because every team we’re playing the rest of the season, feels like they can’t lose a game to keep their playoff hopes alive,” said safety Brandon Flowers. “I guess it’s good in a sense. We don’t have any so-called trap games. We gotta give everybody our best shot and we’re going to get everybody’s best shot.”

He’s not kidding.

It seems the later we go in the season, the closer the standings get. In fact, the conference No. 2 and No. 9 are separated by just one game. That includes both of the Chargers’ AFC West rivals – Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. Needless to say, there’s no margin for error from here on out.

1. Patriots – 9-2 (East leader)
2. Broncos – 8-3 (West leader)
3. Bengals – 7-3-1 (North leader)
4. Colts – 7-4 (South leader)
5. Chiefs – 7-4
6. Chargers – 7-4
7. Ravens – 7-4
8. Steelers – 7-4
9. Browns – 7-4
10. Dolphins – 6-5
11. Bills – 6-5

So, who are Chargers fans rooting for? Well, as the Bolts head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens on Sunday at 10 a.m., you can see how big a win would be. Any time you can separate from any of the teams above, it will be huge come playoff time.

But we already knew we’re rooting for the Bolts. Let’s take a look at the rest of the schedule as it pertains to the Chargers.

In the marquee division game, the Chiefs host the Broncos in the Sunday Night Football game on NBC. It would be in the Chargers’ best interest for Kansas City to win. If they do and the Bolts get a victory, we would have a three-way tie atop the West.

The Chargers play both these teams coming up. Needless to say, this thing would be a long way from over.

Even if the Broncos win, it’s not the worst thing. That would put the Bolts a notch ahead of the Chiefs in the wild card race.

Either way, it should be an entertaining game.

Two major anomalies in the league stick out. First, every team in the AFC North has at least seven wins – the only time at this point in the season that’s happened. Also, no team in the NFC South has a better record than 4-7 – also a first.

This becomes important because two big games involve these teams. The New Orleans Saints head to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the North-leading Cincinnati Bengals. If one or both of these underachieving NFC teams could pull an upset, that would be huge. Don’t hold your breath.

In other games, Cleveland heads to Buffalo in a game we’d love to see the Bills win and the Jets look to upset Miami in the Monday Night game.

In what should be the best game of the week, Green Bay hosts New England in a battle of the league's two best teams -- and also a possible Super Bowl preview. It probably won't matter much, but Chargers fans would like to see a Packers win just to keep the Pats within striking distance of the rest of the conference.

Strangely enough, no AFC teams play in any of the three Thanksgiving Day games. That means Chargers fans can relax, enjoy some football, family, food … and get ready for a battle on Sunday.

So, to sum up, Chargers fans should root for:

Bills over Browns (10 a.m.)
Redskins over Colts (10 a.m.)
Saints over Steelers (10 a.m.)
Bucs over Bengals (10 a.m.)
Packers over Patriots (1:25 p.m.)
Chiefs over Broncos (5:30 p.m.)
Jets over Dolphins (5:30 p.m. Monday)

A San Ysidro High School student has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease, according to the to San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA.)

The 17-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital Saturday and is recovering, health officials said.

The teen may have exposed others to the potentially deadly disease between Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. Family members and others who were in close contact with the boy have been notified, according to HHSA. Those individuals can receive antibiotics to prevent infection.

Meningococcal disease is spread through close contact – like sharing cups or kissing – but not through casual contact, according to County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H.

"Therefore, the risk to those who were not in close, direct contact is minimal,” Wooten said in a news release.” She does not recommend preventive antibiotics for people who did not have close contact with the patient and are not showing symptoms.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease include fever, intense headache, lethargy, stiff neck and rash. Symptoms will appear between two and 10 days after exposure.

Eight cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in San Diego County this year, according to health officials. Over the last five years, there has been an average of 10 cases a year in the county.

In October, San Diego State University freshman Sara Stelzer, 18, died after contracting Neisseria meningitidis, the same bacteria detected in the latest case.

Patrick Henry High School student Jewelean Pimentel, 14, also died in February from meningococcal disease.

A vaccine that prevents certain strains of the disease is recommended for children 11 to 18. Health officials advice students who received their first dose before age 15 should get a booster before going to college.

A Carlsbad woman whose cluttered home caught fire Tuesday evening has died.

The flames sparked at a condominium complex in the 2300 block of Caringa Way, just before 8 p.m., forcing residents next door to run from their home.

Firefighters say clutter blocked their entrance into the home and, once inside, made it difficult for them to maneuver.

The woman in her late 70s was found unresponsive on the first floor. 

Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the home.

Neighbor Arlene Cooperson told NBC 7 she warned the victim to clean her home or bear the consequences.

"She's a hoarder," she said. "Things have to be done; they can't avoid them."

The 2-alarm fire damaged four of the adjoining units. Firefighters say the residents won't be allowed to return until Wednesday.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

A street race ended violently Wednesday with one car nearly wrapped around a tree along a main route through Chula Vista, officials said.

Two cars collided while racing along East H Street just east of Interstate 805 around 3:20 a.m., witnesses told police.

An adult female was driving the car that crashed into a tree in the center media near the Terra Nova Plaza Shopping Center. Emergency crews had to free the woman from the wreckage. She suffered two broken legs and was air lifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition, polices said.

A second driver behind the wheel of a white sports car stopped near the crash scene. He taken into custody and may face charges of driving under the influence, officers said. His car sustained minor damage.

Eastbound lanes of East H Street were closed from I-805 to Hidden Vista Drive. Drivers may want to avoid the area until approximately 11 a.m., officials said.
 

More than 60,000 travelers were expected to pass through the San Diego International Airport on Wednesday, making it one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Still, several people who spoke to NBC 7 said traveling through the airport seemed relatively smooth.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be,” said Rachel De La Cruz, who flew to San Diego from San Jose.

It was pretty “stress-free traveling,” echoed Pilar De La Cruz, also flying in from San Jose.

The eve of Thanksgiving is considered one of the busiest times for airports, and while San Diego’s airport wasn’t reporting any issues, officials were still recommending travelers give themselves extra time before their flight.

Rebecca Bloomfield, spokeswoman for San Diego’s airport, said travelers were being encouraged to arrive an hour and a half early for domestic flights and two and half hours early for international flights.

Inclement weather on the East Coast was delaying or forcing the cancellation of some flights. Even if San Diego travelers weren’t heading east, they were still being encouraged to check their flight status, since some planes and flight crews were coming from the East Coast.

One positive with Thanksgiving travel: The San Diego airport was offering a $2 discount on parking in the economy lot. Details are here.

Lewisville police are investigating an officer involved shooting on Wednesday afternoon.

Investigators said the shooting happened after a series of events.

They said a suspect stole a car from Highland Village, and then went to the Cracker Barrel on Interstate 35 and Fox Avenue, where he apparently had a road rage altercation.

Police started chasing him, and said he then crashed into a car on East Round Grove Road and Rockbrook.

Drivers went over to help the woman whose car was hit, and she had to be taken to the hospital.

Police said the suspect ran from the crash into the parking lot at a RaceTrac gas station, carrying a shotgun.

He allegedly tried unsuccessfully to take one car, and then got into another one, owned by Erica Montes. She had just finished pumping her gas, saw him coming with the gun and hid behind her car.

“I was very scared. I didn’t know if he was going to shoot at me or grab me because the police had already surrounded him,” said Montes.

Other drivers were ducking for cover.

“At one point I was down in my car because I did see him running around with a shot gun, and I didn’t know which way he was going to go,” said Katy Gallagher.

That’s when shots were fired.

Police said the suspect fired, and they shot back. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

The name of the suspect has not been released.

Black smoke from a building fire filled the air south of San Diego State University Wednesday.

The fire shot from the roof of a building at University Avenue and 58th Street just before 3 p.m. An hour later, firefighters had knocked down the fire.

Firefighters arrived and immediately crawled into what appeared to be an abandoned building through a side window. They performed a sweep of the two-story building, but found no one inside.

An assisted care facility, high school and an apartment complex are located nearby.

San Diego Police arrived and shut down traffic along this section of University Avenue between 54th and 58th streets.

The search for Jessica Padgett, a missing mother and newlywed from Northampton County, came to a stunning end the day before Thanksgiving when investigators announced she'd been murdered by her stepfather.

District Attorney John Morganelli said Gregory Graf admitted he shot Padgett in his home and disposed of her body. The motive appears to be sexual assault, Morganelli said.

Padgett, a mother of three, was last seen Friday when she left her job at the Duck Duck Goose day care center in Northampton. She told co-workers she was going to run errands, but never returned.

The 33-year-old woman's car was found less than a mile away in the parking lot of a Dollar General store. Her cellphone and keys were inside.

"I just want my sister found," said Jeremy Graf, sobbing just hours before being told her body had been found on their parents' property on Covered Bridge Road in Allen Township.

Padgett had a second job working for Graf's company, Distinctive Fence, located on the same property where he and Padgett’s mother live. Investigators believe Padgett went there Friday to use the fax machine.

"During an interview with the investigators he [Graf] did admit that he intentionally and knowingly caused the death of the victim at his home," Morganelli said, adding the crime may have been premeditated. Surveillance video shows a man prosecutors believe is Graf, dropping his truck off in the Dollar General parking lot Friday morning. Later in the day, Morganelli said Graf returned to the parking lot in Padgett's SUV, parked it and drove off again in his truck.

Family and friends had launched an intense search effort for Padgett, and started a Help Find Jessica Padgett on Facebook which had close to 7-thousand followers on Wednesday. The victim's sister, Kristi Davis, posted this message:

"We are devastated by the loss of Jessica. she was a beautiful, vibrant young woman who was beloved by her family and friends. The world shines less bright today." 

Greg Graf was one of the 7-thousand people following that Facebook page.

The 53-year-old man was in police custody Wednesday night, facing murder charges.

San Diego County Sheriff's deputies arrested two males in connection with the armed robbery of a gas station in Vista. One of the suspects was a 16-year-old.

According to the Sheriff's Department, the two suspects entered the Chevron at the 1500 block of S. Melrose Drive in Vista Tuesday morning and demanded cash while pointing a gun at the store clerk. They removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register before fleeing the business.

Drew Viramontes, 18, and another 16-year-old male were arrested several blocks away and face charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime. Viramontes was also charged with committing a felony while out on bail and the juvenile suspect was charged for carrying a switchblade knife.

A BB-style gun mocking the look of a real gun was located during a follow-up investigation by Vista authorities and the investigation is ongoing.

Be the best guest this holiday. Instead of showing up empty handed, stop and shop for a bite, bottle or trinket to bring to your host at one of these San Diego County businesses. Santa would be proud! Yelp knows the local place to find a few generous gifts this season.

The Curious Fork, Del Mar

For true coffee lovers, a well-crafted brew isn’t just a luxury -- it’s a daily necessity. So any self-respecting coffee connoisseur would love you forever if you gifted them with a bag of coveted Blue Bottle Coffee Beans. The Curious Fork is the only place South of LA to snag these Oakland-based, hipster coffee roasters whose reverence for the craft has built them a loyal following since its 2004 inception. This gluten-free heaven stocks gifts and gadgets to please any chef, too.

Solo, Solana Beach

Modern interior design products, stunning stationary and a range of collections are among the trinkets stocked in this urban warehouse of South Cedros. Here you will discover the perfect item to wow any party you attend. You’ll find 14-hour dripless candles, European soaps from Lafco and Lepi de Provence as well as much more at this one-stop shop for gifts. This place even has holiday cards and fine wrapping papers to give your present full festive flair.

Pizza Port Bottle Shop, Carlsbad

Chances are your party planner loves a local craft brew, and the go to spot to snag a San Diego label is this location in the village. Yelpers report the selection is extensive: but don’t be overwhelmed by the over 600 bottle choices. Brad Vint, the shop manager, will hop to help you and provide plenty of assistance and recommendations. If your event is a casual one, why not place an order next door for their famous pizza to bring along to your event as well!

Polite Provisions, University Heights

Provide the drink lover in your life a bartending must-have from one of the nation’s leading libation experts. Earlier this year, cocktail guru Erick Castro of Polite Provisions; recently named ‘Best American High-Volume Cocktail Bar’ in worldwide cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail; unveiled a highly anticipated retail store. It’s a one-stop-shop for all bar-keeping needs, Castro went to great lengths to handpick and source an assortment of quality bar tools, bitters and books.

Venissimo Cheese, Downtown, Mission Hills, Del Mar

Your host will adore you if you pick up extra nibbles to nosh on, and you can’t go wrong with cheeses from Venissimo. Bring a party platter or gift basket -- both are available with a 24-hour notice. This shop also designed a fantastic collection of boxes from all over the world by price, style, wine pairing and country of origin in mind. If you’d rather select a non-food item, grab the gift of supplies: You’ll find a selection of cheese knife sets, boards and accessories.

San Diego Wine Company, Miramar

Be the guest that makes your host merry by picking up a bottle of wine here! Owners Matt and Jonette Francke are San Diego natives and their wine shop is a great chance to shop a small business. Their team tastes each wine before they decide to sell it, so they can assure your chosen bottle will be a party hit. They stock their location full of hundreds of moderately-priced bottles on wine, and they host tastings every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you can try possible purchases for yourself.

Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.

An emotional ceremony at Camp Pendleton awarded a Navy corpsman with the Navy Cross and two killed Marines with the Bronze Star for their brave actions in Afghanistan.

In September 2011, the service members were serving overseas in the First Marine Special Operations Battalion when their courage was tested.

They were clearing an Afghan police checkpoint when not one, but two improvised explosive devices went off.

After suffering injuries to his chest and face, Petty Officer 1st Class Justin Wilson reacted without regard for his own personal safety to treat those injured.

He moved one of his wounded teammates out of the kill zone and gave him aid until he died.

Wilson also found two other Marines killed in action before he finally allowed other members of the patrol to treat his injuries.

For those brave actions, Wilson received the Navy Cross Tuesday.

“I only saw one thing in their eyes: it's courage. The love of a brother and the desire bring him home,” said Wilson during the ceremony.

Camp Pendleton officials also presented two posthumous Bronze Stars to the families of Staff Sgts. Christopher Diaz and Nicholas Sprovtsoff.

When the IED that injured Wilson exploded, they selflessly put themselves between their team and the explosive to safe their fellow service members.

Diaz’ son Jeremy and his father Salvador Diaz Jr. accepted the medal in his honor at the ceremony.

“Three young men brave men lost their lives. They went to God; they went to fulfill their duties up in heaven to watch over us,” said Salvador.
 

An injured man became stuck on a La Jolla cliff early Wednesday and was in need of rescue. San Diego lifeguards said.

The unidentified man was with a woman when he suffered a cut to his leg and couldn’t not climb up off the cliff below the Torrey Pines Glider Port.

San Diego Lifeguards were called to the section of beach just north of La Jolla around 4:40 a.m.

The man, described by officials as in his 20s, was with a woman when the pair became stuck on the cliff.

Lifeguards said they were putting together a rope system to lower the woman to the beach below and then return for the man.

Officials aren’t sure why the couple was on the ledge. There’s a slight path on the cliff but not much to follow.
 

Two separate protests sent hundreds of people onto the streets and onto a freeway of San Diego Tuesday night, leading to arrests the evening after a grand jury decided not to indict white Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of black teen Michael Brown.

Traffic came to a halt as crowds set out from the City Heights Performance Annex to march around the San Diego Police Department’s Mid City division. They chanted "Hands up, don't shoot," the phrase that has come to represent all rallies held in Brown's honor.

"It's showing community participation within this context of showing outrage against violence against people of color," said protester Chase Fite.

About an hour an a half in, protesters marched onto Interstate 15 at University Avenue, forcing California Highway Patrol to issue a Sig Alert. Police and CHP quickly herded the crowd back onto surface streets, but off- and on-ramps to University Ave. were closed.

Police soon formed a blockade about 35 officers-wide, systematically pushing people back in an effort to regain control of the area.

SDPD says some arrests have been made from the group that went onto the interstate, but they did not release details about what those charges were.

One man in a camouflage shirt was seen being hauled away by officers, who were carrying him by his arms and legs.

At their meeting place, protesters covered the sign for the Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park with a banner that made it read “Michael Brown Memorial Park.” Henwood was an SDPD officer who was gunned down in City Heights while on duty in 2011.

The SDPD told NBC 7 the protest was supposed to be confined to the park, which sits near the Mid City police division, but excitement sparked other plans.

Still, many San Diegans in the crowd advocated for peace across the nation.

"Hold on babies. Don't tear up your place. We're behind you. The world is behind you," one person told NBC 7.

A second protest originated at the Federal Building, where people listened to speeches before weaving their way through downtown streets.

Chanting "Peace through revolution. Touch one, touch all," the demonstrators held signs that read "No justice, no peace" and "Jail the killer cop." 

At San Diego State University Tuesday, students also stood in solidarity with the Ferguson protesters. Some held their arms in a "hands up" position.

The local activists’ movements are similar dozens of demonstrations across the country that have now entered their second day — though San Diego’s protests have been far more peaceful.

In Ferguson itself, Gov. Jay Nixon has called in over 2,200 National Guardsmen after rioting, looting and fires broke out when the grand jury’s decision was initially announced. The Associated Press reports 61 people were arrested in the St. Louis suburb Monday night.

More than 200 protesters gathered in Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon, forcing road closures. The night before, marches had briefly stopped traffic on Interstate 10.

In Oakland, 40 people were arrested for a variety of crimes Monday night, and more protests are expected.

Ed. Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified the group responsible for covering the sign at Henwood Memorial Park. We regret the error.

A small group of protesters blocked lanes of traffic on the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles Wednesday morning, California Highway Patrol said.

Less than a dozen people shut down the freeway at 9:20 a.m. near the Alvarado Street exit in the Rampart area by sitting in lanes, Officer Kerri Rivas said.

The protesters spray painted foul language on the freeway, directed at police officers.

LAPD officers responded to assist CHP. The protesters initially blocked the entire freeway before they were moved to the bus lane, where they could be seen being arrested by LAPD officers.

Traffic was snarled for miles toward the Cahuenga Pass.

Eight people were reportedly arrested.

LAPD is on a modified tactical alert citywide after two nights of demonstrations in the wake of a Missouri grand jury's decision not to indict a police officer in the shooting death of an unarmed black teen ignited tensions in the city of Ferguson.