Category: San Diego

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The federal government narrowly avoided a shutdown Friday night by passing a short-term funding bill that includes an additional $250 million to expand the South Bay International Water Treatment Plant. This funding would double the facility’s capacity to 50 million gallons a day. For now, it’s business as usual in Imperial Beach. “It’s definitely a slow day,” said Jonathan Stanley, the barista at Babycakes Bake Shop in Imperial Beach. He says it’s been slower than usual with the season and the smell. “When I come in and you can smell the sewage in the air, it definitely seems like it’s slower for us,” he said. In the last five years, more than 100 billion gallons of toxic sewage, trash, and unmanaged waste water has flown into the Tijuana River Valley. “I’ve frankly been incredibly frustrated that it’s taken this long,” 49th District Representative Mike Levin said. The current wastewater treatment infrastructure on both sides of the border lack the capacity to treat the sewage released from the Tijuana River, according to the California Coastal Commission. “No more excuses and

The Senate in the early hours of Saturday passed a stopgap funding package, avoiding a government shutdown that would have furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers and bringing a tumultuous week in Congress to a close. Senators voted 85-11 to approve a continuing resolution (CR) that extends funding at current levels until March 14, provides more than $100 billion in disaster assistance to areas ravaged by hurricanes and other storms and includes economic assistance for farmers. The bill, which passed the House 366-34-1 earlier Friday, will now head to President Biden’s desk for his signature ahead of a midnight deadline. “Tonight, the Senate delivers more good news for America. There will be no government shutdown right before Christmas,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the Senate floor ahead of final passage. “This is a good bill. It’ll keep the government open … and helps Americans affected by hurricanes and natural disasters, helps our farmers and avoid harmful cuts.” “After a chaotic few days in the House, it’s good news that the bipartisan approach in the end prevailed. It’s a good lesson for

After a seemingly endless stretch of bleak homelessness headlines, San Diego County is ending the year on a high note. New data show that more homeless residents were connected to housing last month than the number of people who lost a place to stay, meaning the crisis contracted for the first time in more than two-and-a-half years, according to the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. Nine hundred and fifty individuals got a stable home in November compared to the 894 who became newly homeless. The last time this happened was March 2022. The region is “housing more people and that’s encouraging for a lot of reasons,” Tamera Kohler, the task force’s CEO, said in a statement. “We obviously want to see these trend lines continue in 2025, but I’ll say this again: we need more housing across the board, and we need a dedicated funding source to help our most vulnerable.” The good news comes with a number of questions. For one, it’s unclear whether the trend can hold. There have been only two other similar months since late 2021, when the task force began

The San Diego Police Department improperly deployed surveillance equipment such as automated license plate readers and smart streetlights at Comic-Con and the city’s Pride parade, a lawsuit filed this week alleges. The suit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court against the city on behalf of Lilly Irani, Seth Hall and Mat Wahlstrom, alleges that the Police Department did not receive proper approval from the City Council to place surveillance equipment at those events. Per the city ordinance regarding use of the equipment, the City Council must vote to approve any additional locations or uses that hadn’t been previously approved. But in early July, prior to the Pride Parade on July 20, Police Chief Scott Wahl publicly announced that he would be placing equipment in the Hillcrest neighborhood due to an increase in hate crimes. The use would be allowed under an “exigent circumstances” clause in the ordinance that allows equipment to be deployed without City Council approval, Wahl said. As defined in the ordinance, exigent circumstances “means an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to any individual, or imminent danger of

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln made a joyous holiday-season return to San Diego on Friday, ending a deployment in which its escort destroyers had to repel missile and drone attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Middle East. The aerial assault came last month while the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group was in the Red Sea, helping to protect Israel from a possible strike by Iran. Israel had recently killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The Navy described the Houthis’ attack as one of the boldest swipes at American warships since World War II. None of the strike group’s vessels were hit. But the face-off caused anxiety among family and friends in Navy towns like San Diego, due to false reports by international news media that the Lincoln had been badly damaged. Any lingering anxieties lifted Friday morning as the Abe, as the 35-year-old carrier is known, emerged from a dense fog bank and docked at Lima Pier on North Island, where more than 500 friends and families — many in Christmas finery — gathered to welcome the ship home. Sailors on board the USS Abraham Lincoln

SAN DIGEO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A military helicopter that caught fire made an emergency landing Friday in the Camp Pendleton area. Around 4:11 p.m., a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing experienced an engine fire in-flight, the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI. The crew aboard the aircraft safely landed the aircraft at a landing zone on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. According to California Highway Patrol’s log, the landing occurred between Interstate 5 and Stuart Mesa Road. All four crewmembers were able to escape the fire with no injuries, military officials said. Authorities responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. San Diego International Airport sees over 200 delays: how to check flight status “We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we respond to this situation. For now, we urge the community to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to do their work safely,” 3d Marine Aircraft Wing said. Black smoke and flames could be seen shooting out of the aircraft in a viewer video obtained by FOX 5/KUSI. It is unknown what

Just as the holiday travel season gets underway, daily dense fog here has played havoc with passengers’ flight plans in and out of San Diego International Airport. And the potential for more disruption remains in play. Over the past three days, nearly 800 flights coming into and leaving the airport were delayed, according to the flight tracking service, FlightAware. While the National Weather Service is seeing signs that lowered visibility from fog may be moving inland, there still remains the possibility of a late night advisory. “We think closer to the Interstate15 corridor we may see areas of dense fog tonight, but there’s still the question of when it becomes widespread enough for it to be an issue,” said Casey Oswant, a lead forecaster with the National Weather Service, on Friday. “The fog can be kind of finicky, but now most of the dense fog has dissipated from the coast, so we need to see dense fog observed along the coast before we pull the trigger on an advisory.” By early evening, there were only low clouds emerging near the coast, although dense fog could

The Senate on Friday narrowly confirmed federal Magistrate Judge Benjamin Cheeks as a U.S. district judge in San Diego, with Democrats using potentially their last day as the majority party to secure his appointment. Once Cheeks takes his oath for the life-tenure position, the former prosecutor and defense attorney will fill a seat that’s been vacant since District Judge Gonzalo Curiel went on senior status and took on a lighter caseload in September 2023. “We are absolutely delighted to learn that … (Cheeks) will be joining our bench as a district judge,” Dana Sabraw, the chief district judge in the Southern District of California, said in a statement. “He was a skilled trial lawyer, and he brings a wealth of experience, having served for more than 21 years as a state and federal prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and United States Magistrate Judge.” Cheeks was nominated by President Joe Biden in October, just three months after he was sworn in as a magistrate judge, a position which does not require Senate confirmation. But within weeks of his nomination, he became something of a political pawn following Donald Trump’s

SAN DIGEO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A helicopter that caught fire made an emergency landing Friday in the Camp Pendleton area. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. between Interstate 5 and Stuart Mesa Road, according to California Highway Patrol’s log. Cal Fire San Diego video obtained by FOX 5/KUSI shows black smoke and flames shooting out of the aircraft. San Diego International Airport sees over 200 delays: how to check flight status It is unknown if there were any injuries or the cause of the fire. The Oceanside CHP Area Office advises to use caution and expect delays in the area. Check back for updates on this developing story.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego police officer who was severely injured in a deadly crash in August returned to duty Friday, according to a social media post. According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Sgt. Jared Wilson, the director of the San Diego Police Officer Association, Friday was the first day back on patrol for Officer Zachary Martinez. “His recovery is truly a miracle,” Wilson wrote in the post. PREVIOUS: Officer Martinez’ parents speak on his recovery at home after fiery pursuit crash On Aug. 26, 27-year-old Martinez and his partner, 30-year-old Officer Austin Machitar, were involved in a fiery crash in the area of 5200 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. just after 11:30 p.m. Officer Zach Martinez, who was injured in a fiery crash that killed his partner, Officer Austin Machitar, returned to duty on Dec. 20, 2024. (SDPOA) The crash happened after a high-speed pursuit along Clairemont Mesa Boulevard that was called off after the suspect vehicle, driven by 16-year-old Edgar Giovanny Oviedo, did not pull over for nearby patrols who were trying to conduct a traffic stop. Machitar succumbed

The party is over for a US retailer that for decades bedazzled birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and weddings. Party City Holdco’s chief executive told corporate employees on Friday that the company is shuttering all stores, according to a report by CNN. The nation’s largest retailer of party supplies has been dogged by lagging sales, putting pressure on the company to pay its rent at some 800 locations. Exterior view of a Party City store on January 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) People shop in a Party City store on January 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Items line the shelves in a Party City store on January 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Carts sit in a Party City store on January 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Show Caption 1 of 4 Exterior view of a Party City store on January 18, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Expand “That is without question the most difficult message that I’ve ever had to deliver,” Barry Litwin

MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — A car plowed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others in what authorities called a deliberate attack. The driver was arrested at the scene shortly after the car barreled into the market at around 7 p.m., when it was teeming with holiday shoppers looking forward to the weekend. Verified bystander footage distributed by the German news agency dpa showed the suspect’s arrest on a walkway in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone. Other officers soon arrived to take the man into custody. The two people confirmed dead were an adult and a toddler, but officials said additional deaths couldn’t be ruled out because 15 people had been seriously injured. The violence shocked the city, bringing its mayor to the verge of tears and marring a festive event that’s part of a centuries-old German tradition. It also prompted several other German towns to cancel their weekend Christmas

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Not only has the weekend arrived, but the Christmas holiday is only days away. With family and friends arriving in town for many, San Diegans may looking for some fun activities and events to attend. As expected, there are several holiday-themed happenings taking places across the region. Will it be a ride on the Polar Express or a holiday gondola cruise? Here’s a breakdown of events taking places this weekend: How would a government shutdown impact holiday travel? Ramona Holiday Wine Trail You don’t need to travel all the way to Northern California’s Wine Country for tastings this December. Participating wineries in Ramona, 17 to be exact, will be offering three tastings for $5, with some holding special holiday events. Check individual winery hours and offerings here. City Lights: An Immersive Art and Dining Experience Head to Quartyard, located in the East Village, Friday or Sunday evening to enjoy digital art and interactive installations, including lasers, reactive video, LED sculpture, projection mapping and more. There will also be an elevated cocktail lounge serving El Comal tapas-style menu and holiday inspired drinks.

(NEXSTAR) – Party City, once among the top names in party-supply retailers, is going out of business, according to an announcement from CEO Barry Litwin that was viewed by CNN. Litwin, during a conference call with employees, broke the news Friday, the outlet reported. “Unfortunately, it’s necessary to commence a winddown process immediately,” Litwin reportedly said. Big Lots: ‘Going out of business’ sales to begin at all locations Bloomberg reported earlier this month that Party City was exploring a second bankruptcy filing amid financial troubles stemming from slow sales. Party City Holdings, Inc., had previously filed for bankruptcy in early January 2023, but emerged from Chapter 11 in September of that year after plans to reorganize were approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. At the time, Party City’s then-CEO Brad Weston called approval “an important milestone in completing our financial restructuring and successfully positioning PCHI for the future.” Litwin, who took over in August 2024, said he planned to focus on the company’s financials to support continued operations. In a LinkedIn post, he also suggested that money issues were significant. “Our

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — With a potential government shutdown looming Friday, the federal workers and services that would be impacted will include the Transportation Security Administration — which, in turn, would affect millions of holiday travel plans in and out of the San Diego International Airport. Flights in and out of SAN were already faced with delays Friday morning, just five days away from Christmas, due to a Dense Fog Advisory issued Thursday. San Diego International Airport sees over 200 delays: how to check flight status A TSA spokeswoman told FOX 5/KUSI that people traveling by airplane could expect to wait a little longer to reach their destination, should a government shutdown occur. “At the Transportation Security Administration, part of the Department of Homeland Security, 59,000 of the agency’s 62,000+ employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay in the event of a shutdown,” she stated. “We expect to screen 40 million people over the holidays and through January 2. While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure the security of our transportation systems, an extended shutdown

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — After a five-month deployment, Sailors aboard a guided-missile destroyer assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group have returned to San Diego. The servicemembers arrived to their Friday, just in time for the holidays. The crew has been out at sea on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance, with Naval Base San Diego serving as their homeport. They departed back in July and were deployed to the 7th and 5th fleet area of operations. “The Spruance crew continues to impress – there is no other team that I would rather be a part of. I am immensely proud of all that the team has accomplished and will continue to accomplish. This deployment was a test of our readiness and our Sailors exceeded every expectation,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, Spruance. The Sailors have been in the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability. Their presence, according to Navy officials, was to reassure U.S. allies and partners of the Navy’s unwavering commitment. “Facing advanced missile threats and attack drones in a high-stakes environment, they demonstrated exceptional tactical precision

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Many air travelers seeking to fly in and out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) Friday morning were faced with flight delays. The setbacks came amid a Dense Fog Advisory, which began Thursday. This type of weather advisory is issued by the National Weather Service when widespread dense fog develops. During these instances, visibility can drop to one-quarter miles or less, which makes for tricky conditions for travel — both air and ground. The advisory is expected to remain in place until 10 a.m. Friday. RELATED: How to prepare for holiday travel at San Diego International Airport Despite the weather, SAN appeared to be very busy during the morning hours as travelers set out for their holiday destinations, just five days out from Christmas Day. The fog was grey and dense as flyers were dropped of by the dozens, with airport traffic also appearing heavy. Some of those travelers may be faced with the harsh realities that tend to come with holiday travel — delays and cancelations. According to FlightAware, a real-time flight tracking platform, there were over 200 delays

California’s seemingly lofty paychecks look relatively run-of-the-mill when considering the state’s costly lifestyle and tax burdens. The annual “price parity” report from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis gives us a snapshot of relative differences among the 50 states in costs and incomes. My trusty spreadsheet reviewed the latest stats for 2023, which detail how expenses squeeze California’s incomes. Look, it comes as zero surprise that California is the priciest place to live. The state’s cost of living is 11.2% higher than the national norm, according to BEA math. After California came New Jersey at 8.2% above average, followed by Hawaii and Washington state at 7.9% and Massachusetts at 7.6%. Arkansas is the nation’s bargain spot, with life costing 15.6% less than the typical American’s. Mississippi is next, at 14.5% below average, South Dakota is at 13.5%, and Louisiana and Oklahoma are at 13.3%. And how do California’s big economic rivals fare by this cost metric? Florida was 11th most expensive, 3.4% above average. Texas had the 21st highest costs at 2.9% cheaper than the norm. But this cost-of-living score is just one slice of

By LISA MASCARO, FARNOUSH AMIRI and MATT BROWN, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Hours before the start of a federal government shutdown, President-elect Donald Trump doubled-down Friday on his insistence that a debt ceiling increase be included in any deal — and if not, let the closures “start now.” Trump, who is not yet even sworn into the White House, issued his latest demand as House Speaker Mike Johnson arrived early at the Capitol, instantly holing up with some of the most conservative Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus who helped sink Trump’s bill in a spectacular Thursday evening flop. The clock is now racing toward the midnight deadline to fund government operations. “ff there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now,” Trump posted on social media. Trump does not fear government shutdowns the way Johnson and the lawmakers see federal closures as political losers that harm the livelihoods of Americans. The incoming Trump administration vows to slash the federal budget and fire thousands of employees. Trump himself sparked the longest government shutdown in history in his first term at the White House, the monthlong closures over the 2018-19 Christmas

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A serious traffic collision prompted a road closure in Mira Mesa Friday morning, officials with the San Diego Police Department confirmed. The incident, which involved a vehicle and a pedestrian, occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. on Black Mountain Road at Gemini Avenue. Police initially said the pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, though a later update confirmed the victim’s death. Their identity has not been released at this time. Authorities said Black Mountain Road will be closed from Galvin Avenue to Mira Mesa Boulevard for roughly three hours as the scene is investigated and cleaned up. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes. No further details were immediately provided regarding the circumstances leading up to the fatal collision. This is a developing story. Please check back for more details.

WARNING: The contents of this article discusses mental health issues and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the San Diego Access & Crisis Line at (ACL) 1-888-724-7240. CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — More information has been confirmed regarding the Carlsbad man who federal agents say had been communicating with the teenager who went on a shooting rampage at a Christian school in Wisconsin earlier this week. According to a Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order, 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf was in contact with Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, 15, and may have been planning a separate attack. RELATED: Carlsbad man faces ‘Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order’: What this means FBI agents say Paffendorf told Rupnow that he would target a government building by arming himself with explosives and a gun. He allegedly confessed those details to authorities on Monday. The day after, officers swarmed his family’s home in Carlsbad in search of weapons. “Eventually they got the garage open and they started raiding the garage,” a neighbor told FOX 5/KUSI. Other neighbors said that officers appeared to find a large gun case. However