🌱 $206K Needed For Median-Priced Home in SD + Prevent Child Abuse

Good morning, everyone! It's going to be a beautiful Friday, so let's get started. Sip that coffee/tea, munch that jelly doughnut, and read on for what's happening in San Diego today:

• What does it take to buy a home in San Diego?
• Wear blue today to stand up against child abuse.
• Vote on sewer rate increase rescheduled for May 3.

But first, today's weather:

Areas of low clouds, then sun.⛅ High: 67, Low: 52.

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Here are four of the top stories in San Diego today:

1. In 2022, the median home price in San Diego was $911,000. Aside from the 20 percent down payment needed to purchase a home, an annual income of $206,800 or more would be needed to cover the monthly payments. With principal, interest, taxes and insurance on the 30-year, fixed-rate loan, the monthly payment would be $5,170 per month. Unfortunately, many people of black, Hispanic and Asian ethnic groups, as well as many Caucasians, cannot afford to buy a home here in San Diego. (NBC San Diego)
2. In April, in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, San Diego County Child Welfare Services (CWS) is partnering to raise awareness through activities that support child abuse prevention. You can show support by wearing blue today and by posting photos with #WearBlueForKids. (County News Center)
3. The County Board of Supervisors considered public comments this week on a proposed sewer system rate increase of 5.75% to be applied to Alpine, Campo, East Otay Mesa, Julian, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Spring Valley and Winter Gardens. On May 3, the board will decide whether to pass the rate increase, which will be applied over the next five years. The county handles sewer service for District 1, 2, and 4, which covers more than 37,000 customers. (NBC San Diego)
4. Brunch was made for Easter Sunday, and, luckily, so many brunch venues are here in San Diego, it will be difficult to choose one. Along with yummy foods, some restaurants are offering Easter egg hunts, visits with the Easter Bunny, teas and Easter egg cake pops. Check out the complete list of offerings here.

Today in San Diego:

• Living a Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle 101 — OASIS San Diego. (10:00 AM)
• Signing Storytime - College Rolando Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Take it Easel...(Adult Coloring) - Oak Park Branch Library (12:00 PM)
• Silver Age Yoga - Carmel Valley Branch Library (1:00 PM)
• Anime Club - San Diego Public Library - Central Library (3:45 PM)
• Spring into STEAM: Dig In! - Riford/La Jolla Branch Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Search Dogs: "San Diego has many resources available to the San Diego Police Department to help keep the city safe. One of those significant resources is the Southwest Search Dogs (SWSD), a volunteer K-9 Search and Rescue group that is a resource to San Diego Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, Carlsbad Police Department, and the Chula Vista Police Department. SWSD offers professional K-9 teams certified in trailing, area search, and human remains discovery at no cost to the requesting agency. Response time in the greater San Diego area is typically under 40 minutes, and initial teams are usually deployed within one hour." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Piglet-puppy playtime: "Oh, y’know, just a typical day around here! Seriously though, please take a moment to treat yourself to thirty seconds of some adorable piglet-puppy-playtime! This very unique playdate was coordinated by our Community Engagement team for a youth group that visited our San Diego Campus to learn more about us and the different careers at an animal shelter!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Last chance to see World of Orchids: "It's our last week of World of Orchids! Closing April 9, our last batch of orchids were brought in yesterday with Artist-in-Residence, René van Rems rearranging the entire display to create a new experience before we close. Be sure to visit the Garden and experience it for yourself, and stop by this weekend to shop our vendor market and add to your own collection at home!" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Bike Month is coming up: "Attention San Diego cyclists! May is coming up fast which means it's almost officially Bike Month, and there's no better time to hit the road and enjoy all that our city has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and celebrate the joy of cycling. From group rides to educational events, Bike Month has something for everyone." (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• A Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the lodge at Torrey Pines State Reserve (April 8)
• Reef Sample Sale & Pint Night Fundraiser (April 15)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Bettyann Pernice

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming San Diego Patch newsletter? Contact me at sandiego@patch.com