🌱 $8.11 Billion Budget + Not Enough Doctors + 13th Annual Chalk It Up

Good morning, everyone! Let's start our day — sip that espresso con panna/Chai tea, munch on those madeleines, and read on for news of what's happening today in San Diego:

• The county's $8.11 billion budget.
• Why you cannot get an appointment soon.
• Come on out to the 13th Annual Chalk It Up.

But first, today's weather: Periods of sun.⛅ High: 67, Low: 55.

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Here are the top stories today in San Diego:

1. The county released an $8.11 billion investment in community. Earmarked for homelessness, mental health, substance abuse disorder, and improvements to the justice system, the 2023-2024 budget is an investment in citizens. In addition, roads, fire protection, and parks will be funded. Funding for the budget will come from Federal, State, and local sources. (City News Service)
2. Frustrated waiting to see a doctor? Wondering why it takes so long to get an appointment? The short answer is that there are not enough clinicians to care for patients in San Diego. Since 2022, more than 330,000 health care providers have left the profession countrywide. Complicated and frustrating insurance issues have also contributed to the problem. In addition, many who have graduated from medical school cannot get into a residency program since there are not enough programs available. (NBC San Diego)
3. The Rancho Bernardo Community Council invites you to express your artistic talents at the 13th Annual Chalk It Up event on Saturday, May 6, beginning at 8 a.m.–3 p.m. The event will take place in the Rancho Bernardo Community Park (near the recreation center) at 18448 West Bernardo Drive. Chalk will be provided, or you can bring your own, and prizes will be awarded at all category levels. Take a chance on an Opportunity Drawing! It’s an event for all ages and everyone is invited to join in the fun! (Rancho Bernardo News Journal)

Today in San Diego:

• Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival — Water Conservation Garden (9:00 AM)
• Free Comic Book Day at the Library — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (9:30 AM)
• SATURDAY MORNING STORYTIME! — Paradise Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Tech Help — Skyline Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Celebrate Japanese Culture! — Logan Heights Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Pollinator Party — Water Conservation Garden (10:15 AM)

From my notebook:

• Golf for all: "Golf is for everyone! The city hosted its first adaptive golf tournament at Torrey Pines today. The event provided a space for golfers with disabilities and other adaptations to compete and showcase their talents. Visit https://bit.ly/3L..." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Adult high school diploma program: "Ready to earn your diploma? San Diego Public Library is here for you! It's always enrollment season for our Adult High School Diploma Program. With online courses to finish earning an accredited diploma, take a step towards the next phase of your career. Interested? Visit our website: mysdpl.org/graduatehs"
• aCATemy Awards: "In celebration of San Diego Public Library's aCATemy Awards, join Denny Sanford Children's Library on Saturday, May 6 at 1 p.m. for a special stuffed cat show! Bring your stuffed cat, or other favorite stuffie, to compete in a variety of CATagories! Show off your cat's puuurfect style with fun costumes and let them strut their stuff on our "catwalk" or show off their agility in our obstacle course. The day is sure to be the cat's meow! https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/.../acatemy-awards..."
• Wind chimes: "Make Wind chimes with us from 1-2:30 at the Museum of making Music in Carlsbad. #museumofmakingmusic @museumofmakingmusic #communityevent #communityart#localevents #museums #carlsbadmuseum #nonprofitorganization #sharetheart" (Museum of Making Music via Instagram)
• Belly Up supports our mission: "A great show for a great cause. They Might Be Giants has turned their July 15 show at the Belly Up Tavern into a benefit for Feeding San Diego! Net proceeds will go to support our mission to end hunger through food rescue. Buy tickets: https://bit.ly/3AtjLYz" (Feeding San Diego via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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