​🌱 Bus Is Too Slow! + How Much Rain Fell On Your House?

Hello again, everyone! It's Bettyann Pernice, your host of the San Diego Daily. Take a deep breath, relax, sip your cup 'o joe, and read on to find out what's happening here today:

• How to entice more riders to our bus system — what riders say.
• Will recent rain end the drought problem? Or is it just a drop in the bucket?

But first, today's weather:

Sun and some clouds.🌤️ High: 61, Low: 42.

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

1. San Diegans need to get to work fast! Many say the bus is just too slow, doubling the time it takes to get downtown. What can be done? About 30 percent of people interviewed said more bus routes or stops are needed, to reach more destinations. Another 5 percent wanted fewer bus stops so that the bus would be express to their destinations. Others said increased safety for riders, additional bike racks, lower cost or free transportation is needed. (Voice of San Diego)
2. The recent storm brought rain to some, snow to others, but how much? Was it enough to halt our drought? Hardly! Mesa Grande received 2.47 inches, while Chula Vista had only .31 inches. In National City, small hail called graupel fell like sleet. Isolated thunderstorms were reported in some neighborhoods. Wondering how much rain/snow fell in your neck of the woods? Click here to find out.
3. Does it seem like more rats are in San Diego than ever before? Rats are becoming harder to exterminate since the super-toxic rat poisons were banned in California. However, the city’s vector control department reports that there has been no change. Officials point out that in winter months people may see more rats as they seek warm and dry locations. What can residents do to keep the population down? Plug those small openings around homes, keep garage doors closed, contain trash, and don’t leave pet foods outside. Have concerns? Get a free inspection from the vector program here. (CBS News 8)
4. What's a holiday party without toys for the kids? Local veterans and their families who were previously homeless need your help, to make sure Christmas isn’t canceled this year. On Monday, Dec. 19, a party will be held for the 86 children at the Vista del Puente development – "but there are no toys!" Organizers need help from the community to make the party a success. If you can contribute a toy, contact the group at 619-493-8354. (CBS News 8)

Today in San Diego:

• Qi Gong: Recharging Body and Mind — Riford/La Jolla Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Storytime! — Ocean Beach Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Kamishibai Storytime — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center. (11 a.m.)
• Cloud Services Workshop — OASIS San Diego. (Noon)
• CalFresh Workshop — Skyline Hills Branch Library. (12:30 p.m.)
• Storytime with Write Out Loud — Weingart City Heights Library. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Good news! Police officer is recovering: "**UPDATE** The San Diego Police Department would like to thank our community and partner agencies for your support today. We are pleased to share that a San Diego police officer is recovering and in stable condition after he was shot during an overnight pursuit." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Ninety-five animals find forever homes: "We'd like to give a BIG thank you to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria for helping adult animals find homes during the #Gloria100 adoption promotion this past weekend! 95 deserving animals were adopted." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Redistricting map: "New council district boundaries go into effect today! Every 10 years, the City goes through a redistricting process to update council district boundaries. To view the new map, visit: https://bit.ly/3PjcZLm" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Rain is good news in the garden: "Nothing like light showers to bring out the best of the Garden. Our garden truly shines best after being washed and the sun begins to peek through. Stop by our Coffee Cart on your walk through and bundle up to start your week off at SDBG!" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Fighting against hunger: "This holiday season, for every new limited-edition 'Guinness Gives Back’ 8-pack purchase made, $1 is being donated to charitable organizations, including Feeding San Diego, in the fight against hunger." (Feeding San Diego via Facebook)
• Poinsettia tree: "San Diego History Center featured on 10NEWS! @abc10news Last month, the San Diego History Center debuted at #BalboaPark a new exhibit. An enormous tree made entirely of poinsettia plants." (San Diego History Center 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:

• San Diego's Largest Networking Event. (Jan. 11)
• Add your event

Other classifieds:

• Open House 12/10/2022 1/4 (Details)
• Add your classified

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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