🌱 $81.7M To Reduce Homelessness + Got Pink Eye? It May Be COVID

Hello, everyone! It's a new day, so sip that coffee/tea, munch on that bacon cheese quiche, and read on for news of what's happening today in San Diego:

• Mayor's budget proposal earmarks $81.7 million to reduce homelessness.
• It's red, dripping and crusty — It's pink eye, and it may be COVID.
• El Cajon company creates affordable prosthetic devices.

But first, today's weather:

Areas of low clouds, then sun.⛅ High: 70, Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in San Diego today:

1. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria presented his proposed budget of $5.12 billion, of which $81.7 million would go to assisting the homeless. Plans would include $24.5 million for maintaining and expanding shelter-bed capacity, $2.3 million for rental assistance, and over $1 million to remove trash from encampments. Gloria's plan met with kudos from the CEO of Father Joe's Villages. (ABC10 News)
2. It’s red, it’s oozing, it feels like sand in your eye. Yes, it’s conjunctivitis (pink eye), and it may be caused by a new COVID-19 Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.16, a.k.a “Arcturus.” Dr. Abisola Olulade, of San Diego's Sharp Rees-Stealy, reported that studies confirm some patients who tested positive for COVID-19, also had pink eye. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to monitor the disease around the country. (ABC10 News)
3. The San Diego Angel Conference awarded its top $200,000 prize to LIMBER Prosthetics and Orthotics of La Mesa. Beginning with a scan of the amputee’s limbs, LIMBER takes an engineering approach to the design. LIMBER then uses a 3D printer to create the custom prosthetics at one-tenth the cost of comparable products. (San Diego Metropolitan)
4. With fresh and saltwater marshes, riparian forests, upland coastal sage scrub and chaparral plants, the San Dieguito Lagoon is home to over 200 species of birds. The park includes a trailside classroom, used for research. When not in use, visitors and trail users can rest, relax, watch the birds, meet friends and enjoy the lagoon. (Cool San Diego Sights!)

Today in San Diego:

• Qi Gong: Recharging Body & Mind - Riford/La Jolla Branch Library (9:30 AM)
• Family and Tiny Tots Storytime - Carmel Valley Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Preschool Storytime - Mission Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Dance Pants Party - Mission Valley Library (10:30 AM)
• Library for All for Adults with Disabilities - Rancho Bernardo Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Apple Maps App Workshop - OASIS San Diego (Noon)

From my notebook:

• Walk for animals: "Hold onto your tail ends, friends, because we're giving a four alarm shoutout to some of the folks blazing a trail for animals in need! With just weeks to go, the Walk for Animals – San Diego leaderboard is on fire thanks to these pawsome supporters." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Experience the Celtic Wheel: "Join Shannon Nicole, Mandala Artist & Wonder Guide of wildheartpilgrimage.com, on Monday May 1st as she leads the community through an awe-inspiring experience of the Celtic Wheel. The Celtic Wheel is a calendar that was used by the Gaelic peoples of Ireland, Scotland and beyond that is deeply connected to the rhythms of nature and the interconnectedness of all things." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Arts, culture, creativity: "As we celebrate Arts, Culture & Creativity Month, we look back at Park Social, the citywide initiative that introduced social-specific public art into the City's park system. Park Social engaged with a broad and constantly shifting audience of parkgoers, intervening and interacting in the social spheres of public parks and exploring topics ranging from environmental justice to belonging and social cohesion through responsive artistic projects." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• SDUSD summer enrichment programs: "Summer is approaching quickly. Is your student enrolled in our summer learning programs⁉️ The Level Up Enrichment call center is a great resource for families to ask questions. The call center is open through April 27. Beginning Monday, May 1, you can call a member of our Extended Learning Opportunities Department for support: Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m." (San Diego Unified School District via Facebook)
• Stand united against banning books: "✋ Today and every day, San Diego Public Library stands united against banning books. ✋🏾⁠ ⁠ This year a record-breaking amount of books have been challenged. Learn more about #RightToReadDay check out what titles took the top spot in 2022 on our website: sandiego.gov/bannedbooksweek #NationalLibraryWeek" (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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