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When a police officer is found dead in her home with a bullet between her eyes, who investigates?

Both Ciara Estrada and her boyfriend were San Diego police officers. They went with friends to a New Year’s Eve party. Pictures from that night show the smiling couple. The next day, Ciara was dead … discovered on her bathroom floor with her gun in her lap.

Her own department investigated the death and quickly ruled it a suicide. Investigators, who were her colleagues, made no arrests. Identified no suspects.

But her family says there’s more to her story – tragic circumstances that should have prompted a more thorough investigation. They don’t think the police dug deep enough into the death of one of their own.

First, county employees get $1,000 bonuses despite financial challenges to come –we explain why. Last week the Trump administration designated most of the US-Mexico border in California as a militarized zone. Then, the fight over a data center in the Imperial Valley is now heading to the courts. Followed by, the San Dieguito Union High School District passed new rules following a pair of controversies. Lastly, we interview Jake Gotta for our weekly segment ‘The Pod Behind The Package.’

After a decade of development, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a beautiful but befuddling game full of misguided design decisions and annoying sidekicks.

Join us for a festive floral arranging workshop at Moniker! In this hands-on class, you’ll design your own holiday-inspired arrangement using farm fresh, seasonal blooms. Our expert florists will guide you step-by-step through building your arrangement, sharing helpful techniques and tips along the way. Your ticket includes all florals, a vase, and the supplies you’ll need to create a beautiful arrangement to take home or gift. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with food, will be available for purchase from Moniker’s coffee bar and bar during the event. Come enjoy a cozy, festive afternoon and leave with a stunning arrangement ready to brighten your home for the holidays! Whether you’re celebrating the season or wanting to learn basic floral design skills, this workshop is perfect for all experience levels. Please note: Photos and/or videos may be taken at this event for marketing purposes. By attending, you agree to allow The Bouqs Company to use images of you in promotional materials. The Bouqs Company on Facebook / Instagram

We are delighted to invite you to a truly special celebration—the VRD San Diego Hometown Debut & Holiday Brunch, hosted personally by designer and gemologist Vickie Riggs at her private home, workshop, and serene backyard studio space. This intimate, one-day-only gathering offers you a rare opportunity to step inside Vickie’s creative world, experience her newest fine jewelry pieces, and enjoy a morning designed to honor artistry, community, and connection. This event is reserved for those closest to Vickie—her friends, family, neighbors, and local supporters who have been part of her journey. We would be honored to have you join us. Event Highlights • First Look at new VRD fine jewelry and signature designs • Private Shopping with exclusive, one-day-only pricing • Holiday Brunch beautifully catered by Thyme To Go • Seasonal Florals curated by The Coronado Flower Lady • Live Entertainment by Ole • Gifts for Attendees + a peaceful, welcoming backyard setting • Meet Vickie and explore her workshop to see where each piece begins • Giveback: A portion of proceeds will be donated to Nile Sisters, supporting refugee women and families overcoming economic barriers Event Details VRD San Diego Hometown Debut & Holiday Brunch Saturday, December 13, 2025 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (come and go as you wish) Location: 8646 Anrol Ave, San Diego, CA 92123 Explore the collection at www.vickieriggsdesigns.com or follow Vickie on Instagram at @VickieRiggsDesigns We cannot wait to share this beautiful morning with you—celebrating artistry, nature, and the extraordinary creativity that defines Vickie’s work.

Trump already declared the drug cartels terrorist organizations and ordered military strikes against suspected drug boats. Now he's declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. Experts are skeptical.

Designated by the United Nations, World Meditation Day honors meditation as a powerful tool for mental well-being and inner peace. Join us for a guided 30-minute sunset meditation on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. on Preuss Tide Pool Plaza, to celebrate World Meditation Day in conjunction with Birch Aquarium’s recently opened exhibition "Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base." During the session, you’ll be gently guided to bring awareness to your surroundings, your body, thoughts and feelings, gradually arriving at a place of calm and balance. The practice will be seated in chairs, ideally with your eyes closed. This activity is included in aquarium admission. Birch Aquarium at Scripps on Facebook / Instagram

Up-Cycling + Sustainable Fashion // Ideal for ages 8-12 Over the course of 6 weeks, young creators dive into the world of sustainable fashion and learn how to design with the planet in mind! This course introduces kids to the basics of eco-friendly fashion, showing them how to transform old or outgrown clothing into fresh, original pieces through up-cycling and thoughtful design. Each week brings a new theme—such as sketching and planning, simple stitching skills, creative mending, embellishment techniques, and building a final wearable project. Students will practice customizing a tote bag, refreshing denim, creating patches from scrap fabrics, and reimagining garments through their own personal style. Along the way, kids learn why sustainability matters in fashion, gaining awareness of waste, reuse, and conscious creativity. The class encourages problem-solving, confidence, and self-expression while giving students real design experience in a fun, supportive environment. By the end of the six weeks, every young designer will have a mini portfolio, several up-cycled creations, and a final wearable piece they’ve re-imagined and made themselves. No previous sewing or design experience required—just curiosity, creativity, and clothes ready for a second life! Parents are welcome to drop off their child for class or stay in our space during the class while students create. Feel free to choose what works best for you! Sample Class Format Week 1: Intro to Sustainable Fashion & Design Basics Week 2: Fabric Exploration & Simple Sewing Skills Week 3: T-Shirt Transformation Project Week 4: Denim Revival: Reinventing Jeans & Jackets Week 5: Final Project Design & Creation Week 6: Finishing Touches & Fashion Showcase! ArtReach San Diego on Facebook / Instagram

For Museum A Month, we visit the San Diego Botanic Garden. At 55 years old, it's still growing and shining bright for the holidays.

A university report found a sharp rise in first-year students lacking high school math proficiency. At UCSD, where more than half of undergraduate students are pursuing STEM degrees requiring math coursework, that's a problem.