🌱 Battling A Poison Pill + December Nights Returns To Balboa Park

Hey, everybody! It's Saturday in San Diego and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town, including news on:

• San Diego battles a poison pill: fentanyl.
• December Nights returns to Balboa Park again today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy.☁️High: 67, Low: 54.

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

1. It’s a "poison pill," literally. Nearly 60 percent of fentanyl comes into the country at the U.S./Mexico border. Fentanyl overdoses have risen 2,375 percent since 2016. It's the leading cause of death among those 18–45 years of age. Everyone needs to be educated about fentanyl and about Narcan, which can save lives. For 24/7 help and information in over 200 languages, contact the San Diego Access & Crisis Line (1-888-724-7240). (NBC San Diego)
2. Missed last night’s December Nights festival? Good news: the festival is back today 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. The event includes shows on four stages, food and retail vendors, dance floor, games for kids and more. You can relax at the International Spirits Garden or at the Plaza de Panama beer and cocktail garden. In this giving season, visitors are asked to donate a pair of new socks for those in need. (City News Service)
3. In December, police will partner with children from local schools for an annual event called Shop with a Cop. The program is sponsored by SeaWorld, Target and STAR/PAL, as well as local law enforcement, to provide kids with school gear and to foster positive relationships with police officers. The event will include a $200 shopping spree. This year the event will be sponsored by Escondido Police Department. (KUSI)
4. At 15 feet tall, it’s a beautiful tree made entirely of poinsettia plants, and you can see it at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. The poinsettia plant was brought here from Mexico and was later hybridized in the early 1900s by the Ecke family. Today, it's a much-gifted house plant during the holiday season. You can see the poinsettia tree throughout December. It’s free, and a great spot for a photo-op. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)

Today in San Diego:

• Encinitas PetSmart Adoption Event — Second Chance Dog Rescue. (9 a.m.)
• Guns for Gift Cards — East County. (9 a.m.)
• Live Interactive Video 2nd/3rd Grade Storytime with Mr. Luan — Linda Vista Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• SATURDAY MORNING STORYTIME! — Paradise Hills Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Gardening Exchange — Rancho Peñasquitos Library. (10 a.m.)
• Physics of Fidget Spinners — Pacific Beach/Earl and Birdie Taylor Branch Library. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Join police at December Nights: "Join us on Dec. 2nd & 3rd for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park, #DecemberNights. The family-friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Love and cherish Boxer: "We'd like to introduce you to Robert! Keep reading, because this 4-year-old Boxer mix is really something special. Robert has so much love to give, and we cannot wait for him to find a family who will love and cherish him the way he deserves." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Enjoy three months free: "Put a little extra happiness in your holidays with 3 months free! Starting today through 31st, all NEW Basic Level Memberships* will receive 15 months of membership for the price of 12– just like that! As a Member, you will enjoy 37 acres of serenity and beauty at San Diego Botanic Garden and receive reciprocal privileges at over 300 additional gardens nationwide through the American Horticulture Society reciprocal program." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Wanted: funding application review panelists: "Apply now to be a funding application review panelist for the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture! 🎨 The City is seeking applications from artists, cultural practitioners and art professionals from all disciplines and backgrounds to review and rank proposals from nonprofit organizations." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Ugly sweater contest: "San Diego temps in the mid 50s? Finally sweater weather. Today marks the first December Managers Meeting that’s back in the building! With it comes the return of our annual ugly sweater contest. Librarians from all over #SDPL are going for it—but who will take home the glory?" (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• Free bike seminar: "📖 FREE BIKE CLASS 🚲 Join us for a FREE bicycle/E-bike education seminar and skills training course. December 6th 6pm - 8pm Torrey Pines High School RSVP your spot TODAY! https://forms.office.com/r/bp0... Scripps Health Super73 Rad Power Bikes." (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
• Blossom & Bloom — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Ramona Valley Winery Holiday Wine Trail. (Dec. 3)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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