Iconic restaurant Chez Panisse, the California brainchild of renowned chef and local food guru Alice Waters, caught fire early Friday, shocking fans and foodies nationwide.

The fire at the Berkeley, Calif. restaurant was reported just after 3 a.m. local time, when someone spotted flames and called 911. It likely started a couple hours before that.

They don't have an immediate cause, but Berkeley Fire Department Acting Chief Avery Webb said investigators are looking at the electrical system to see if that sparked the fire, which appears as though it may have started under the porch. A sprinkler inside the building helped quell the damage, he said. Early estimates indicate the damage may be about $200,000. 

And despite the outside of the wooden building looking burned to the core, Webb said that inside, the "damage didn't look too bad, there's not even that much smoke damage." The main beams of the restaurant are still strong, and the main dining room, the kitchen and upstairs café were spared.

Owner Alice Waters, a major force behind the local and organic food movement, said she hoped the café section of the restaurant would be open for next weekend.

The fire at the beloved, trend-setting restaurant quickly drew the attention of news agencies spanning from the Los Angeles Times to the New York Times.

Waters showed up on scene about 6 a.m. local time and hugged her general manager. She was obviously shocked. And she said she was glad she didn't listen to her first instincts about not putting in a downstairs sprinkler.

With tears choking her words, she told a group of reporters that she was swimming in a sea of emotions.

"I'm sad, very sad," she said, before quickly switching gears. "Right now I just feel lucky," she added. (To see some of her interview, click here.)

The chef and activist opened Chez Panisse in 1971, and she remembers another fire in 1982.

Since then, Waters has worked beyond the restaurant to promote cooking and eating healthy, locally grown food. She often works with schools to promote good eating with young children.

The menus at Chez Panisse are always changing. Her current one boasts delicacies like six Hog Island Sweetwater oysters on the half-shell with mignonette sauce ($16) in her moderately priced café.

Friday's fixed-price dinner was going for $100. The main dish would have been Becker Lane Farm pork loin grilled with cumin, artichokes, rapini and white beans azafran.

Waters is one of the most influential figures on the American food scene. And people from near and far flock to Chez Panisse for special occasions. Chez Panisse was recognized as the best restaurant in America by the late Gourmet magazine in 2000 and since then has won several more awards.

When the restaurant will re-open is unclear, though Waters told a group of reporters that it certainly will. In fact, she said she was thinking about possibly using this opportunity to expand.

"It's really important that we rebuild," she said. "I'm sure we will have the complete support of the insurance company."

To see some of Alice Waters' raw video this morning, click here:
 

Contact Lisa Fernandez at 408-432-4758 or lisa.fernandez@nbcuni.com.
 

Three of the four candidates vying to fill  Congressman Juan Vargas' vacant state Senate seat debated mainly about jobs Friday.

Assemblyman Ben Hueso has a good chance of winning the seat in the heavily Democratic district, and pushing Senate Democrats back into a two-thirds majority.

Running against him are Hector Gastelum, a conservative Republican businessman from Chula Vista; Democrat Anna Nevenic, a nurse and author; and Dr. Xanthi Gionis, a conservative professor and businesswoman.

The district takes in all of Imperial County, parts of Riverside County and a large portion of south San Diego County, including parts of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Bonita, Coronado and Otay Mesa.

A special election will be held Tuesday for the seat, and if no candidate wins a simple majority of the vote, the race will advance to a May 14 run-off.

Gionis, who has recently come under heavy criticism from teachers and students of her for profit Aristotle University, did not attend the debate, hosted at Southwestern College and moderated by politics professor Phil Saenz.

The three other candidates sparred over how to best bring jobs into the community, with Gastelum criticizing his main opponent Hueso and fellow Democrats for raising taxes and hurting small businesses.

"We need to create jobs by making it easier on folks to do business here," Gastelum said. "Because when they are doing business here, they are hiring. That way we have less of the weak link. They are weak because they have no jobs. We need to fix that."

Eastern Chula Vista is largely a "bedroom community" with many residents commuting north for work; while Imperial County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state between 25 and 30 percent.

Hueso touted the bipartisan support of his bill urging the federal government to fully fund infrastructure upgrades to the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico ports of entry to encourage bi-national commerce.

He also fired back against Gastelum, hinting at the fiscal conservative's recent financial troubles.

"I am a small business owner," Hueso said. "I am a successful small business owner."

The discussion also included the topic of women's rights. Gastelum said he does not support Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court decision on abortion. He added he thinks many young women purposely choose lower paying and lesser jobs so they have more energy for their children.

To that, Hueso later responded: "I think my values are more in line with the values of the people of this Senate district."

The South County district has about 48 percent Democrat voters, and a heavy portion of Latino or Hispanic residents. Voter turnout is expected to be low in this special election, but nearly 40,000 mail-in ballots are already in.

If Hueso wins outright on Tuesday, it opens the door for a new 80th Assembly District campaign, which is already in full-swing with labor leader Lorena Gonzalez and former Chula Vista Councilman Steve Castaneda battling to fill Hueso's seat.

San Jose police arrested the girlfriend of an elderly man with dementia who had been missing for a month and was found Thursday morning in his own apartment, stabbed to death under a pile of linens and blankets.

Sgt. Jason Dwyer on Friday said investigators believe Stanley Jacobson, 69,  had been dead for about a month, and they arrested his girlfriend, Regina Butler, 47, on charges of murder.

She had been wanted for questioning in a financial fraud investigation. And Dwyer said she possibly had been trying to defraud Jacobson of some insurance money.

Jacobson was last seen on Feb. 5,  and reported missing by his granddaughter on Feb. 18.  The public appeal on Feb. 26 was that he had dementia and was at risk. Police were seeking Butler at that time, too.

Dwyer said the grandaughter had visited Jacobson's Hilltop Manor Senior Apartments complex on Ironwood Drive several times in the last month, but hadn't found him. Even the police department's missing unit investigators went inside the apartment as late as Feb. 22 and took pictures inside, never realizing that the man's body was there, under a heap of blankets and laundry.

Then on Thursday, Jacobson's granddaughter stopped by the apartment again and spotted Butler there. She called police. Butler stayed and talked to detectives, who arrested her about 11:30 a.m.

Dwyer added that the pile of laundry and linens was so high inside the apartment that the material seemed to have masked any odor from the decaying body, which may have been there since either Feb. 5 or 8.

Jacobson is San Jose's eighth homicide of the year. Last year at this time there were six.

Jacobson had been known to his friends as "the Magician," and were shocked to learn that their buddy had not been missing, he had been dead.

"We've been looking everywhere for him for the last three to four weeks," Mike Christian, Jacobson's friend and neighbor said on Thursday night. "So this is a shock. I mean just total shock that this happened."

Related stories:

San Jose Police Investigate Homicide by Church on the Hill

SJPD Make Arrest in Missing-Man-Turned-Homicide

NBC Bay Area's George Kiriyama contributed to this report.


 

San Diego police are searching for two men accused of beating up another man at a Taco Bell fast food restaurant in Serra Mesa.

Police say the violent attack happened on Jan. 30 around noon at the Taco Bell located at 9800 Aero Drive.

The victim was inside when he heard two other male patrons allegedly making loud, vulgar remarks.

Police say the victim asked the two unknown men to curtail their comments because there were children present in the restaurant. That’s when one of the suspects challenged the victim and they walked out front.

Once outside, investigators say a young woman who was with the suspects said something that distracted the victim, causing him to turn his head toward her.

At that point, the victim was allegedly attacked by one of the suspects and knocked to the ground. Once on the ground, the victim was repeatedly punched and kicked in the head and face by the two men.

Police say the victim sustained several wounds, cuts and abrasions to the face, hands, arms and groin in the brutal beating.

Eventually, the suspects stopped attacking and drove away from the Taco Bell in a silver sedan – possibly a Honda -- along with their female companion.

Investigators describe the suspects as two white men in their mid-20s. They were caught on surveillance video inside the restaurant minutes before the attack (see video below).

The primary aggressor is 6-foot-1 with a medium build, short red hair and a red beard. He wore a black T-shirt with a large white logo, baggy black basketball shorts and a baseball cap. He also had a white bandage or wrap on his right hand and forearm.

Investigators say the second suspect is 5-foot-9 with a medium build and neck-length brown hair. He wore a red T-shirt, dark pants and a baseball cap during the beating.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this assault should contact SDPD Det. Dean Way or Det. Joe Volker at (858) 495-7900 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
 

A 22-year-old man was killed Thursday after crashing his car into a tree in a San Marcos roadway, deputies confirmed.

The single-vehicle fatal collision happened in the 1000 block of East Mission Road at around 2:40 p.m.

Deputies say a white Scion TC was traveling through a curve in the road when the driver – now identified by the county medical examiner as San Marcos resident Gerardo Ali Gabriel Valerio – lost traction and slid sideways off the road.

The car hopped the curb of East Mission Road, continued sliding and struck a tree. After hitting that first tree, the Scion was redirected into another tree, causing major damage to the driver’s side.

Valerio was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s department said. A report later released by the medical examiner’s office said Valerio died from craniocerebral blunt force injuries sustained in the crash.

Witnesses told deputies the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash. Several witnesses said the driver could have possibly been street racing with another dark-colored vehicle.

The deadly collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200.

There could soon be a new way to sell medical marijuana in San Diego.

A company called MedBox Inc. is hoping to sell up to 30 marijuana dispensing machines, if the city council relaxes current restrictions on medical marijuana.

But these machines are heavily protected, and customers won’t have access to them.

"This is not a vending machine,” said Bruce Bedrick with MedBox. “It sits behind the counter in dispensaries and pharmacies and is operated by employees and staff of the dispensary and or pharmacy.”

The company sells the $150,000 marijuana dispensing machines in other parts of the U.S. and around the world. They're programmed with detailed information about each patient, and the details of their doctor's prescription. A card-reader or fingerprint scanner confirms the patient's identity, and dispenses the drug to the clerk, who gives it to patient.

The machines can only be used inside a legal storefront, said Bedrick. Customers will go inside, use their card, but will not directly interact with the machine. Only the store clerk will operate the MedBox.

"Nothing replaces the patient-to-patient interaction and the overall well-being that happens in a collective," said Eugene Davidovich with San Diegans for Safe Access. "Folks can talk to other patients, have that interaction."

Mayor Bob Filner he has an open mind about medical marijuana, and has said patients who need the drug, should be able to buy it.

"When the Mayor said that he was going to kind of reverse the attack on dispensaries, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to help the community,” said Bedrick.

Twelve San Diego storefronts have placed a deposit for the machine with MedBox. The company says robberies and assaults will drop at dispensaries that use its machines thanks to its weight and protection.

“Not one of our clients has had any crime at their facility,” said Bedrick. “Our particular machine is roughly 800 pounds and it is armor plated."

Exactly one month after the massive manhunt for ex-LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner, time has not done much to heal the wounds of the two Torrance women caught in the crossfire as they delivered newspapers Feb. 7.

Glen Jonas, the attorney for 71-year-old Emma Hernandez and her daughter Maggie Carranza, paid a visit back to the neighborhood Thursday where the pair was mistakenly shot at by eight LAPD officers, who based on information received that morning, believed Dorner to be in the area.

The two women were in a blue Toyota pick-up truck police believed was similar to the one Dorner had been driving. Hernandez was shot in the back and has been in and out of the hospital since that morning, according to Jonas.

"I'm sorry to say that they're not doing well," said Jonas, who said he is working on an agreement with the LAPD. "They live in fear every day that they wake up and think they might get shot again."

There were 102 bullet holes in the truck, according to Jonas, who said the women still have not received a replacement truck promised by the LAPD.

"I guess there's some hiccups in the process of how you do such a donation," Jonas said.

Hernandez's family has been without a primary vehicle since the shooting, which has proven to be difficult for the family.

"They're under a major financial burden, because they're unable to work," said Jonas. "(Emma) is having a very rough time. She's got extreme fatigue, is having difficulty eating, walking, just doing anything," said Jonas. "Every day there's a concern that they're going to lose their grandmother and they're having a rough time with it."

The LAPD is continuing its internal investigation into the shooting. The officers involved are on non-field duties.

Dozens gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember a woman killed while riding her motorcycle near Tecate.

Neysa Ornelas, 31, was remembered by family and friends for her fearless attitude and adventurous spirit.

A truck turned in front of Ornelas as she was riding her motorcycle on State Route 94 on Sunday, March 3.

Now, her 7-year-old son is coping with the loss of his mother.

“We didn't tell him until two days later. It was very hard,” said Neysa’s sister Marcie Ornelas. “Now he cries every day that he wants his mom. He misses his mom. It's very hard.”

Dozens gathered along Mission Bay Thursday night to remember the woman who rode for Southbay Motorsports.

Her family says she was passionate about riding and wanted to be on the road constantly.

“That was Neysa. You couldn't stop her. She was amazing,” said boyfriend Xander Phoenix.

Fellow bikers say her enthusiasm was contagious.

Ornelas’ sister had a message for other drivers who share the road with bikers.

“I know they sometimes drive by fast, but they're people too,” she said. “ They have families. They have parents, sisters, friends. Just be careful and watch out for them.”

Hundreds of bikers are planning a memorial ride on St. Patrick's Day to raise money for her son. Get more information through this Tumblr.

 

Friday’s wet weather caused hundreds of car accidents along San Diego roadways, according to statistics released by the California Highway Patrol.

According to the CHP, a total of 343 accidents were reported in CHP jurisdictions Friday from midnight through 5:59 p.m.

CHP stats show that 101 crashes happened during the early rainy Friday hours before 6 a.m., followed by 125 accidents through noon.

From noon through 5:59 p.m. an additional 117 crashes were reported to CHP officers.

CHP officials say that on a normal, “good weather” day, there about 50 to 75 traffic collisions reported in the county.
 

A police pursuit ended in a crash in La Mesa Friday night, police confirmed.

It all began around 6:30 p.m. when an officer attempted to pull over a car near the College Area.

The driver did not stop for the officer, and instead fled onto eastbound Interstate 8. A police pursuit followed.

After a few minutes, police say the driver exited the freeway at 70th Street and Alvarado Road and crashed on a surface street.

Police took several people into custody following the crash, and may still be looking for one possible outstanding subject.

Medics were called to the scene to treat two patients for minor injuries, police said.

No other injuries were reported.

Check back for updates on this developing story.
 

During the funeral for two Santa Cruz, Calif., police officers killed in the line of duty, former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta did something unexpected: He dove into the killer's background — and gave commentary on the problem of sexual assault in the military.

"We do know that he had a history of sexual violence both in and out of the military, and for whatever reason, people somehow always look the other way," Panetta said Thursday.

Jeremy Goulet, who was killed in a gun battle with police after he fatally shot two Santa Cruz police officers, was accused of raping two military officers in 2006 while in the army. A plea bargain allowed him to walk away with a less than honorable discharge.

"At some point, somebody pays a price," Panetta said.

While the former Pentagon chief never said it outright, many believe Panetta implied that that dismissed case so many years ago may have ultimately led to the death of the two Santa Cruz police officers last Tuesday.

The problem of sexual assault in the military has been well-documented and was an issue Panetta spent much of his time at the Defense Department addressing.

"I thought Secretary Panetta was responding from his heart as a human being in responding to a crisis and a tragedy really in terms of how well we’ve taken care of the problem of sexual assault in the military and how both the victims and the perpetrators of those crimes haven’t been managed appropriately in past years," said Beth Hillman, a professor of law at the University of California – Hastings and the president of the National Institute for Military Justice.

Experts estimate that as many as 19,000 military women and men are sexually assaulted every year, but only 13 percent ever report the attacks.

Many believe that is because the current system for prosecuting the cases gives too much power to commanding officers.

"I think it’s time to take this problem away from our military leaders and put it in the hands of independent prosecutors and investigators who can manage this without worrying about the impact or the reputation of the military," Hillman said.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) agrees. "The commanding officer is the judge and the jury. The commanding officer when you report a rape can decide not to pursue it, not to have it investigated," she said in a statement.

The congresswoman has introduced three bills in hopes of creating an environment that better protects victims and reduces what many call a "good ol’ boys" network that in some cases protects predators.

"Rapes will continue in the military, sexual assaults, sexual harassment unless we take dramatic steps to change it," Speier said.

The SPRINTER light rail train service in San Diego’s North County has been temporarily suspended due to brake problems, the North County Transit District (NCTD) announced Friday.

Starting at midnight, the SPRINTER will stop running due to maintenance issues affecting one of the 24 braking systems on the light rail train.

NCTD officials say repairs will take an undetermined amount of time to complete, and SPRINTER service will likely be suspended for two to four months.

In place of the train, the NCTD will offer a special express bus service that will operate every half an hour between Oceanside and Escondido this Saturday and Sunday. The bus stops at Vista Transit Center, Palomar College and Cal State San Marcos, too.

Moving forward, NCTD is finalizing a bus replacement service that will begin Monday. To get the latest service information, visit this website.

NCTD officials say safety is their top priority, so pulling SPRINTER service was necessary at this point. Officials say an “exhaustive investigation to identify the root causes of the issue” with the train is underway.

A New Jersey high school senior faces assault charges after he allegedly broke a school nurse’s hip while in a drunken rage.

Since Wednesday was an exam day, seniors were allowed to arrive to Pennsville Memorial High School late.

Pennsville Township Police told NBC10’s Chris Cato that the 17-year-old and his friend Manpreet Singh, 18, used the opportunity to get drunk.

The 17-year-old, who wasn’t identified because he is a minor, began to act belligerent in class.

"They took him from the classroom and took him to the principal's office," said police Lt. A.J. Cummings.

Sources told Cato that when the boy was confronted with a Breathalyzer test that he went nuts and shoved the principal. He then allegedly burst out the office door, knocking down school nurse Marilyn English.

English, 68, suffered a broken hip and remained in South Jersey Healthcare – Elmer Hospital tonight. Cato spoke to her by phone.

"I'm doing as well as can be expected for the type of injury it is," English said.

She told Cato that the boy never stopped. Police sources say he kept going right out of the building. Police say they later picked him up around 11:20 a.m. but not before he kicked an officer.

The 17-year-old faces three assault charges, disorderly conduct and alcohol charges while Singh, who police say supplied the alcohol, faces an alcohol charge.

The Pennsville School District had no comment on what discipline both teens could face.

Neither teens' parents wanted to talk to NBC10. The minor’s mother slammed the door on Cato and Singh’s mother had no comment.

As for the school nurse hurt during the teen’s alleged rage, English told Cato that she hopes the action of a couple students doesn’t reflect on the majority of students saying this was an "isolated" and "abnormal" incident.

Two people were arrested at a Carlsbad home Friday after police discovered 55 marijuana plants in an elaborate indoor growing operation.

After serving a search warrant at a residence in the 2200 block of Nob Hill Drive around noon, detectives discovered the dozens of pot plants, as well as approximately six pounds of processed marijuana and more than $6,000 in cash.

Detectives believe the money was proceeds from the sale of marijuana.

Residents Daniel Gregg, 46, and Dana Trapsi, 44, were arrested on suspicion of cultivating and packaging marijuana for sales.

The 55 plants and processed pot were seized by narcotics detectives.
 

A scout ranger who was carjacked by an ex-LAPD officer wanted in a series of revenge killings is seeking some of the more than $1 million reward money offered for information leading to the ex-officer’s arrest.

Rick Heltebrake filed a claim against the city of Los Angeles on Feb. 19, according to the Los Angeles City Clerk’s Office.

Complete Coverage: Manifesto for Murder

He’s seeking reward money that the city announced it was offering for information leading to the capture of Christopher Dorner.

Dorner was accused of killing four people — including two police officers — in a rampage over his 2008 firing from the Los Angeles Police Department.

In an online manifesto, Dorner vowed revenge against several former LAPD colleagues whom he blamed for ending his career. He was fired after he allegedly falsified a report about an officer involved in a use of force incident.

Dorner took his own life while he was hiding out in a cabin on Feb. 15.

Heltebrake was carjacked by Dorner on Feb. 12 as Dorner tried to elude police in the San Bernardino Mountain ski resort area of Big Bear. The 61-year-old ranger at Camp Tahquitz said that a man resembling Dorner approached him with a rifle and demanded his pickup truck.

Heltebrake complied and called 911.

Heltebrake claims he is owed at least part of the $1.2 million because his call led authorities to Dorner.

Neither he nor his attorney were available for comment.

Numerous local, state and federal entities are involved in determining the distribution of the reward, said Peter Sanders, a spokesman for LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

"As you can imagine, this is a complex process and one that is often lengthy," he said.

The Oceanside Police Department and the City of Oceanside have dedicated a memorial bridge to a local police officer who died in the line of duty six years ago.

On Friday evening a memorial bridge dedication ceremony was held at the Pacific Street Bridge, near the intersection of North Coast Village Bay and North Pacific Street, in honor of fallen Oceanside police Officer Dan Bessant, who was killed during a routine traffic stop near Camp Pendleton on December 20, 2006.

Bessant, 25, was shot to death by two teenagers, documented gang members Penifoti “PJ” Taeotui and Meki Gaono.

Taeotui was just 16 years old at the time of Officer Bessant’s murder, while Gaono was 17. The teens, who were playing basketball, drinking and messing around with guns before the shooting, were ultimately tried and found guilty of killing the officer.

Taeotui was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in late 2008 and early 2009, respectively, for his role in the crime.

Gaono, whom prosecutors said fired the fatal shot that actually killed Bessant, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2009.

During Gaono’s trial, jurors listened to portions of interrogation tapes where Gaono admitted to shooting Bessant using a rifle with a scope.

Authorities concluded the killing was done for no other reason than it presented a chance for young, documented gang members to gain respect, however warped, for shooting at police.

Steve Bessant, Officer Bessant’s father, was present at both trials. In emotional courtroom moments, he told both Taeotui and Gaono that he forgave them for killing his son before asking the judge to hand down the maximum penalty for both.

Officer Bessant had served with the Oceanside Police Department for six years at the time of his fatal shooting. He left behind a wife, Katelyn, and a son, Wyatt, who was two-months-old when his father was killed.

On Friday, Oceanside police, city officials and Officer Bessant’s family gathered to witness the bridge dedication ceremony. Officer Bessant’s son, who’s now seven years old, was among the attendees.

Oceanside police say the bridge is a fitting way to forever pay tribute to their fallen colleague.

 

A roof collapsed in a Coronado drugstore on Friday morning.

Police said the Rite Aid at 836 Orange Ave. was temporarily close because the ceiling fell on half the store aisles.

Officials said the roof collapsed because of a leak in the roof, making the ceiling heavy. The store flooded as a result.

Crews are working to fix the problem and the store has reopened, with a portion of it covered in plastic.

Check back for updates on this story.

Wedding bells will be ringing this Sunday at Sharp Memorial Hospital as a local heart transplant patient marries his fiancée in a very special in-hospital ceremony.

When patient Manuel Francisco, 46, was told by his doctors it might take as long as three months to receive a prescribed heart transplant, Francisco made a vow to marry his fiancée, Diane Sobreo, at Sharp Memorial Hospital as he awaited his new heart.

Sharp representatives say Francisco was diagnosed with a viral cardiomyopathy in August 2012, a disorder caused by a viral attack on the cardiac muscles of the heart.

Francisco’s condition continued to worsen and after two weeks at the hospital, he was placed on a transplant list on Feb. 8. He remained in intensive care on IV medication that helped sustain his heart function as he waited for his new heart to become available.

Fortunately, that lifeline came much sooner than expected.

Sharp representatives say Francisco received his new heart on Feb. 26 and has been recovering at the hospital ever since.

With a new lease on life, Francisco has decided to continue to focus on his heart – in other ways -- by marrying the woman he loves.

He’s decided to tie the knot, as promised, in a heartwarming, in-hospital wedding complete with caregivers in attendance who have become like family during his time at the hospital.

That being said, a wedding is in the works for this Sunday.

Erica Carlson of Sharp Memorial told NBC 7 the ceremony will be held on the fifth floor waiting area of the hospital, by the windows, so the couple can enjoy a nice view as they exchange their vows.

Francisco and Sobreo will wed at 1 p.m., undoubtedly sending hearts aflutter on their big day.