The Oscars are almost here. Here’s what to know and how to watch

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a winter barrage of award shows — the Emmys, the Golden Globes, the Grammys — the grandaddy of them all, the Academy Awards, are around the corner. The 96th Oscars may be a coronation for “Oppenheimer,” which comes in with a leading 13 nominations, though other films, including “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Poor Things” are in the mix. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s show: WHEN ARE THE OSCARS? The Oscars will be held Sunday, March 10, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony is set to begin at 7 p.m. EDT — one hour earlier than usual — and will broadcast live on ABC. A preshow will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT. This is your early reminder to set your clocks accordingly — it’s the first day of daylight saving time in the U.S. ARE THE OSCARS STREAMING? The show will be available to stream via ABC.com and the ABC app with a cable subscription. You can also watch through services including Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV. WHO’S

Mountain lion spotted in downtown Oceanside suspected dead

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A mountain lion seen strolling through downtown Oceanside earlier this week is suspected to be dead. The animal was caught on surveillance footage roaming through the local parking garage and the plaza area Tuesday. A janitor at the downtown Regal Cinemas also spotted the mountain lion peering through the glass doors of the building after hours. Wildflower map: Pro tips to finding blooms at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park On Saturday morning, officials from the San Diego Humane Society told FOX 5 that they got word from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) of a mountain lion that had been struck by a vehicle in Oceanside Friday night. “Unfortunately, it was deceased by the time the police arrived,” the humane society official stated. “CDFW suspects it’s the Oceanside cat that we’ve been following.” Lt. Michael Provence with the Oceanside Police Department confirmed the traffic collision took place around 7:25 p.m. in the area of North River Road and Wilshire Road. Only one vehicle was involved and no injuries were reported. Though it’s not definitively confirmed that this is the same mountain

Wildflower map: Pro tips to finding blooms at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — California’s wildflower bloom is in motion, with native buds already opening in colors at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Thousands of visitors flock to the barren wilderness of northeastern San Diego County each year to see for themselves the parallel of desert sand and radiant blossoms. According to the Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF), there are hundreds of flowering species amongst Southern California’s desert lands, meaning there is a variety of flora to be discovered. So far this year, officials have reported wildflowers like primrose, phacelia and wooly sunflower. RELATED: California’s wildflower bloom is beginning: What to expect this season ABF supports education, research, and conservation programs for the desert, while encouraging responsible bloom viewing. For those planning an adventure out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, here are some suggested guidelines to follow while chasing those delicate aromas of nature: — Stay on designated trails whenever possible. Tread lightly in the desert to avoid trampling the wildflowers. — When viewing the blooms, take only pictures. Flower picking is strictly prohibited. Respect the desert’s eyeshot offering. — Help keep the landscapes pristine, leaving it

Historic La Playa Piers face uncertain future as community rallies for preservation

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Nestled against the picturesque Point Loma waterfront, the iconic La Playa Piers have stood as a silent witness to a century of maritime history, playing a vital role in shaping a community built on the pillars of sailing, fishing and breathtaking sunsets. For many, these five piers are not just structures; they are a defining element of the local identity. “The piers sort of give it a sense of place. You’re not just anywhere in San Diego at the beach. You know where you are when you’re here,” remarked Bill Bocken, a longtime resident who, like many others, sees the piers as an integral part of the neighborhood. However, the tranquility surrounding these historic landmarks was disrupted when the Port and Coastal Commission announced plans to remove the private piers, leaving locals in disbelief. Major sewage spill closes portion of Pacific Beach “They don’t bother anybody; they’ve been here longer than all of us. So, what’s the problem,” expressed Bill Pollock, a lifetime resident whose sentiment echoed the concerns of many in the community. In a last-minute development, the pier

San Diego CalFresh recipients impacted by January flooding can buy hot food this month

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — SNAP/CalFresh recipients in San Diego County impacted by the flooding in late January 2024 are getting some added benefits. San Diegans impacted by the Jan. 22 severe storms and flooding can use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot food through April 3, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). San Diegans impacted by Jan. 22 floods can now apply for FEMA assistance The USDA approved the temporary waiver this week, allowing retail stores in San Diego County to temporarily accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot food. This move follows the approval of Disaster SNAP benefits to help households with food loss or damage caused by the natural disaster. D-SNAP coming to eligible San Diegans impacted by late January flooding The USDA emphasized the importance of the new approval as most San Diego residents that had to be evacuated to shelters or temporary housing aren’t able to store or cook food. For more information about California SNAP, visit cdss.ca.gov/food nutrition/calfresh. Residents can call 211 for more information on available aid.

‘Serious concerns remain’: Questions raised about safety of Osprey as military lifts grounding

Concerns are being raised about the US military’s decision to unground the V-22 Osprey aircraft, which has a troubled safety record. SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Osprey aircraft could soon be spotted flying above San Diego again. The US military has ungrounded the helicopter-airplane hybrid, which had been ordered to stand down last December following a fatal mishap a month prior in Japan that killed eight service members.  “The safety of our pilots, aircrew and surrounding communities remains of paramount importance,” said a spokesperson at Commander, Naval Air Forces Friday. The V-22 Osprey is made by Bell Boeing and credited with changing how wars are fought. It can take off like a helicopter and fly fast like a plane with its jet engines. Since 1992, 61 Americans have been killed in Osprey mishaps and the aircraft has been plagued with issues since its creation. ‘Not being transparent’: Attorney Attorney Timothy Loranger said he’s concerned about the aircraft going back in the air. “The concern that I have is that they are not being transparent with what they have found in their investigation,” he said in

Helicopter carrying National Guardsmen and Border Patrol agent crashes in Texas, killing 3

LA GRULLA, Texas (AP) — A helicopter flying over the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas crashed Friday, killing two National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent, the military said. Another soldier on board was injured. The UH-72 Lakota helicopter was assigned to the federal government’s border security mission when it went down near Rio Grande City, according to a statement released by Joint Task Force North. The cause was under investigation. The crash happened mid-afternoon Friday while the helicopter was conducting aviation operations, according to the statement. No other details were provided. Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, the county’s top official, said those on board included one woman and three men. He said the person who was injured was in critical condition. The names of those killed were not immediately released. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard Bureau, in a post on X, sent his condolences to the families, loved ones, friends and colleagues of the three people killed, and prayers for the injured soldier’s speedy recovery. “We mourn these heartbreaking deaths,” Hokanson’s post said. “They are a tragic loss beyond words. All

Man accused of murdering Cathedral Catholic HS teacher awaits verdict from jury

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Deliberations are underway in the case against 33-year-old Jesse Alvarez, who is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s fiancé. “When you put together all of the evidence that you’ve heard in these last two weeks, it undoubtedly gets you to first-degree murder,” said Deputy District Attorney Ramona McCarthy during closing arguments. Mother testifies as son faces life in prison, accused of killing Cathedral Catholic teacher Prosecutors say Alvarez gunned down Cathedral Catholic High School teacher Mario Fierro as he was leaving his North Park home to go to work on February 1, 2021. During testimony, prosecutors said Alvarez killed Fierro out of jealousy, after the victim got engaged to Alvarez’s ex-girlfriend, Amy Gembara, also a Cathedral Catholic teacher. Alvarez even testified he had an “unhealthy obsession” following the breakup of a 3.5 year relationship. Prosecutors say Alvarez stalked his ex who then moved, changed her number and tried to get a restraining order. Man accused of killing beloved Cathedral Catholic teacher to stand trial Prosecutors say less than two months before the killing, Alvarez started plotting after learning his ex and

Major sewage spill closes portion of Pacific Beach

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Tens of thousands of gallons of sewage has spilled into the ocean in Pacific Beach, temporarily closing the area to swimming and surfing. According to San Diego County’s Beach Beach and Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program, there are five current water closures in the county, including in Pacific Beach where 25,000 gallons of sewage was reported to have entered the ocean. Cabrillo National Monument tidepools back open after sewage spill There is a water closure in place as of Friday, March 8 from the shoreline at Missouri Street in Pacific Beach, north to Loring Street and south to Hornblend Street. The county says sewage contamination signs are posted in the areas that are impacted. Pacific Beach shoreline after sewage spill (Photo: SkyFOX) Crystal Pier Pacific Beach (Photo: SkyFOX) Just recently, the water around the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma was closed in late February after a sewage spill. There are also currently closures in place in South Bay at the Imperial Beach shoreline, Tijuana Slough shoreline, Silver Strand shoreline and the Coronado shoreline. Sewage in Tijuana River Valley is the

Senate sends $460B bill to avert shutdown to Biden’s desk just hours before deadline

Senators on Friday passed a bill to fund a slew of government agencies for the rest of fiscal year 2024, sending the measure to President Biden’s desk hours before a shutdown deadline after Congress has struggled for months to approve its full-year spending bills. The Senate voted 75-22 to pass the six-bill, $460 billion package on Friday evening, approving full-year funding for the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Interior, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Commerce and Energy, among other offices. Biden is expected to sign the bill Saturday, per the White House. The Office of Management and Budget ceased shutdown preparations Friday evening after the Senate advanced the legislation, and said agencies will continue their normal operations. The Senate’s approval caps off weeks of tough bipartisan, bicameral funding talks, which began to pick up at the start of the year, only after a months-long stalemate over how to fund the government for fiscal 2024.  But the package marks just the first of two batches of spending bills Congress is working to pass this month. Lawmakers are also staring down a March 22 deadline for the

Magnitude 3.3 earthquake strikes off La Jolla coast

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A preliminary magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck off the coast of La Jolla Friday afternoon, rattling communities across San Diego County. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit just after 1:09 p.m. roughly 11 miles off the coast. It was recorded at a depth of about 10 miles below the surface. San Diegans from downtown to Escondido reported light to moderate shaking to USGS’ “Did You Feel It Survey?” No damage or injuries were recorded. The last earthquakes to hit of the coast of San Diego County — a magnitude 1.2 and 2.1 —were recorded at the end of February, according to USGS. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.