🌱 Standoff In RB + Man Vs. SDG&E + Sheriff's Microchip Reader

Happy Tuesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in town.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and very warm. High: 80, Low: 48.

Here are three of the top stories today in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranch:

1. The standoff in RB Saturday morning was shocking to the residents of the quiet neighborhood of Westwood. A man locked himself inside the garage, fired two gunshots, and was threatening to kill himself. Police told residents to stay inside. Nearby residents were evacuated by police. "Today I'm happy to say we did not have injury and we have the subject in our custody and will get them the help, the resources they need," said Capt. Mike Holden with the San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (10News)
2. Yes, it’s true. San Diego has the highest electric rates in the country. Customers have been complaining about the high bills but now one man is trying to do something about it. A Rancho Bernardo man is frustrated with SDG&E and plans to sue in Small Claims Court. “Over the last five years, my average bill has gone up 117 percent,” said Kevin Kilpatrick. “There is a claim to be made against San Diego Gas and Electric. I applaud that ratepayer for doing something in small claims court,” said Maria Severson, taxpayer attorney. “You're talking about a company that has really unlimited resources to fight something like this. And you have one brave customer who's going to small claims court.” To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (CBS News 8)
3. Maybe it has happened to you. You call your pet and soon realize that they are gone. Now, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department can help bring those lost animals home. Thanks to a generous donation from County Animal Services, deputies can scan lost pets for microchips and restore them to their owners. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (Patch Press Release Desk)

Today in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranch:

• Free Tax Preparation (By Appointment) — RB Senior Services. (9 a.m.)
• Estate Planning (Online) — CECRB. (10 a.m.)
• The Importance of Water and Fiber to Prevent Chronic Disease (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (10 a.m.)
• Letter From Birmingham Jail – MLK’s Manifesto on Morality, Politics, and Social Justice (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (10 a.m.)
• 10 Ways to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (Hybrid) — San Diego Oasis. (1 p.m.)
• High Conflict Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting Class (Online)— North San Diego Business Chamber. (6:45 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Rancho Bernardo Branch Library: "San Diego Public Library's signature lecture series with the University of San Diego Copley Library is back for Black History Month! We're proud to present notable author and thinker Heather McGhee for our Feb. 28 virtual event." (Facebook)
• North San Diego Business Chamber: "Thank you to NOVA Home Loans for its generous donation to Operation Connect. With this, we will be able to further help transitioning veterans in San Diego. Know a transitioning service member? Invite them to attend the free Operation Connect Workshop on April 1." (Facebook)
• Free smoke alarms for seniors are available through The Burn Institute. (Burn Institute)
• 45+ Museums, 28 days, 50 Percent Off tickets available at the library. (Facebook)
• Ed Brown Center offers exercise classes, watercolor magic, needlework, and more! (Ed Brown Center)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Secrets to Selling Your Home for Top Dollar. (Feb. 9)
• 5 Ways to Manage Your Debt Online. (Feb. 10)
• Ask the Divorce Experts — Vesta San Diego, California Hub. (Feb.10)
• Valentine’s Day at Mellano Farm Stand. (Feb. 12)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 15)
• New Balance Store In Encinitas Village Opens Feb. 10. (Feb. 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Add your event

Loving the Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranch Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at RanchoBernardo@Patch.com

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Bettyann Pernice