🌱 Acting On Climate Change + Loss Of Calfresh=7.7M Meals Lost Monthly

Hey, neighbors! I'm back today with your Friday edition of the San Diego Patch newsletter. Sip that coffee, crunch that Belgian waffle, and read on for news of what's happening in our community today:

• The city needs $30 million and a plan to combat climate change.
• The loss of CalFresh translates into the loss of 7.7 million meals each month.
• County takes thousands of dollars from orphans' Social Security funds.

But first, today's weather:

Occasional afternoon rain.☔High: 62, Low: 58.

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

1. The City of San Diego needs to find $30 million to reduce its carbon footprint by eliminating 11 million metric tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. That would be equivalent to removing 2.2 million gas-powered vehicles from the road. City staff explained its Climate Action Implementation Plan to the City Council, while the city's Independent Budget Analysts Office explained a new scoring system to weigh each action by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it reduces. Mayor Todd Gloria’s goal is to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035. (Voice of San Diego)
2. With the end of emergency food benefits from CalFresh, San Diego County residents will lose 7.7 million meals each month, according to the San Diego Hunger Coalition. With the last of emergency allotments due to be deposited on March 26, the EBT benefits are ending at a difficult time for families faced with inflation. According to the coalition, households will see a reduction of $95 – $250 in their CalFresh benefits. Nutritional insecurity rates are highest in communities of color, Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods and indigenous populations. (KUSI)
3. San Diego County is accused of taking $50,000 in orphans’ Social Security benefits and depositing the money into its general fund. A lawsuit to recover the funds on behalf of two sisters was filed by the University of San Diego's Children's Advocacy Institute. The suit seeks to mandate that the funds be returned to the girls’ trust account to be accessed when the girls turn 18 and leave the foster system. Meanwhile, Assembly Bill 1512 was introduced to put an end to the practice. (CBS News 8)
4. The Wildhaven Ranch in the San Bernardino Mountains is struggling to feed animals in its care on the 35-acre property. Entombed in 5–9 feet of snow, the sanctuary called for help, and the San Diego Humane Society drove up food and supplies to assist. It is feared that the atmospheric river coming this weekend will make the situation even worse. The San Diego Humane Society will be on standby in case any animals need to be evacuated. Learn how to help: wildhavenranch.org (CBS News 8)

Today in San Diego:

• Aging Successfully Lectures: Dementia 101 — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10:00 AM)
• Signing Storytime — College Rolando Branch Library. (10:00 AM)
• Healthy and Fit Adults — Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library. (11:00 AM)
• Take it Easel ... Coloring for Adults — Oak Park Branch Library. (12:00 PM)
• Lego Builders' Club — Mira Mesa Branch Library. (3:00 PM)
• Fleet Friday: Sensational Solar System — Riford/La Jolla Branch Library. (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Women in SDPD: "It's National Women's History Month! We are kicking it off to celebrate women across the department by showcasing some of the first women pioneering into the San Diego Police Department and the unique uniforms from which they were issued." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Boo-Boos: "Toys aren't the only thing Boo-Boos the house hippo has been tugging on ... he's got us by our heartstrings, too! This lovable goofball and handsome hunk of a pittie is also a lifesaver, having stepped up to donate when a fellow shelter pup recently needed a blood transfusion." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Challenge Accepted: "We challenge you to watch this YouTube video, 'I Tried Garbage Collection,' and not laugh, cry and be amazed. The latest installment of the Michelle Khare 'Challenge Accepted' series shares a day in the life of City of San Diego Sanitation Drivers. Much Respect! https://bit.ly/3STMoXe" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Women in construction: "Today, Mayor Todd Gloria met with women from the Engineering and Capital Projects Department to celebrate Women in Construction Week. These amazing staffers oversee projects ranging from road repairs to renovations like the Balboa Park Botanical Building. Here's to you!" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Treating everyone with dignity: "'I approach this and everything I do with heart because I’ve been in the welfare line. I’ve been a single mom. I’ve been an addict. I approach it without judgment, and I insist that everyone who volunteers treats everyone with dignity. I’m here because there’s a need, and it’s my privilege to give back to the community.' — Regina Gamboa, Project 1:1" (Feeding San Diego via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. 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