The largest pop culture convention in the world kicked off today in downtown San Diego. I spent the afternoon watching the crowds and costumes at Comic-Con. I saw zombies, protesters, and combed the streets searching for David Hasselhoff. Check out the photo gallery!

Costumed convention-goers crowded downtown San Diego Thursday for the first day of this year’s Comic-Con event. About 125,000 pop culture enthusiasts will flock to the convention center throughout the weekend. The event has come a long way since 1970.

Beneath New York City’s Maritime Hotel, under the paper lanterns and vaulted ceilings of the Japanese-themed Hiro Ballroom, British neo-soul star Corinne Bailey Rae gave her fans a special treat: an intimate performance showcasing her new hit album, "The Sea," seven weeks before its release.

The scheduled closure of the office of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing in San Diego has caused advocacy groups to criticize the department, but the budget cuts may not have as big an impact on the region as they originally thought.

San Diego-based Qualcomm saw its stock prices jump today after reporting higher-than-expected earnings for the second quarter of this year. The company may have smartphones to thank.

The San Diego region is poised to come up with goals for reducing greenhouse gases over the next 25 years. Regional leaders will give it their best shot tomorrow; they have to decide targets for cutting carbon emissions by 2035.

The federal government today announced $15 million in grants for five communities near military installations around the country, including San Diego, for programs that provide housing assistance and supportive services to prevent homelessness among veterans.

My colleague, Ken Kramer, characterized the KPBS television auction of the 70’s and 80’s as an “everything went” event. For 7 nights, we sold the most unimaginable to the most exquisite items in a wild, no-holds-barred preview of QVC. In fact, QVC was born the year we bid adieu to the KPBS auction after a 12 year tumultuous and often emotional ride.

There are plenty of Comic-Con parties to choose from this weekend, along with some good music and a children's film festival.

This week, Comic-Con International, the largest comics and pop culture convention in the world, begins at the San Diego Convention Center. Back in the early 70s, Comic-Con was a much more focused and intimate affair, started by San Diegans who love comic books and science fiction. We'll talk with three of the original founders of Comic-Con.

One of my best memories was when Tom Karlo and I went up to Los Angeles to have lunch with Huell Howser, producer and host of "California’s Gold" and "Road Trip with Huell Howser". “I have this GREAT place I want to take you to.” Huell says in his signature way and Southern accent. He drives us across town providing colorful commentary along the way. Upon arriving at our destination and getting out of the car, we hear gun fire.

As cities and government agencies in San Diego continue to face shrinking revenues and cutbacks like fire station brownouts, the effort to get a fair share of any kind of tax becomes deadly serious.

Did you know that the quirky masterminds behind one of the funniest exhibits at MCASD's "Here Not There" were neighbors - and B.F.F.'s? Neither did we. Culture Lust Contributor Meredith Hattam sits down with artist Jason Sherry and filmmaker Matt Hoyt to talk about their installation, which chronicles a, uh, garbage man in Antarctica. You know you're curious.

How are fire station "brownouts" affecting the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's ability to respond to life-threatening emergencies? We speak to reporter Alison St. John about how the "brownouts" might have played a role in the death of a Mira Mesa toddler.

California’s Air Resources Board is scheduled to decide next month on a cap for carbon emissions in San Diego over the next 25 years. There’s a struggle between those who want to see aggressive goals, and those who fear that would harm the economy.

Even if you didn't get a pass for this year's sold-out Comic-Con convention, you can still party like a storm trooper. If pop culture fandom is not your thing, we have plenty of other options for you.

Despite the economic downturn, the desire to work and live in the U.S. continues to drive migrants north. As part of our Envision series “Crossing the Line: Border Stories,” we bring you the story of one man who understands that desire well.

It has been five months since UC San Diego was rocked by a series of racially charged incidents stemming from the so-called "Compton Cookout" party. The university has been trying to repair its image since then. They're hoping a few Compton teenagers may help the school.

Well Comic-Con is now in full swing. Preview night was packed and Thursday has a promising line up of events.