Earlier this month "Fast and Furious" scored a surprising hit at the box office bringing in $72 million in three days. What's also surprising is that at the helm of this $80 million dollar Hollywood sequel is one time indie film darling Justin Lin. Today, "17 Again" -- the new film with Disney star Zac Efron -- opens, and in the director's chair is another independent filmmaker, Burr Steers.

President Barack Obama is in Latin America and the Caribbean this weekend to meet with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and to participate in the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. Earlier in the week, President Obama tapped former San Diego school superintendent and airport authority chairman Alan Bersin to serve as U.S. border czar. Plus, the San Diego City Council unanimously voted to impose new labor contracts on the police officers and blue collar workers. And, California will hold a special election on May 19 where voters will be asked to decide on six budget-related ballot measures.

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Two San Diego congressmen are hosting big fundraisers over their spring break recess -- one in Florida... and one on Mission Bay. Some critics say these events shut out voters in favor of wealthy donors who are buying access to power.

San Diego State University students are spending time and their own money on campus environmental projects.

UCSD and UC Davis are working together to expand solar energy development in California.

San Diego’s firefighters union ratified a labor contract with the city today. The union president says the deal is bittersweet.

Try dropping the words "statistical sampling" while in conversation with a Republican politician and watch the sizzle. Why does such a nerdy blending of adjective and noun inflame GOP lawmakers like House Minority Leader John Boehner and Vista's conservative Congressman Darrell Issa? Issa is the top Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.