🌱 ​Catalytic Converter Theft + Trash Strike + Skyrocketing Rents

Good morning, neighbors! It's me again, Bettyann Pernice, your host of the San Diego Daily.

First, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Mostly cloudy. High: 70, Low: 55.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 69, Low: 56.
• Monday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 67, Low: 53.

Here are the top stories in San Diego today:

1. It's happening all over San Diego. In the middle of the night someone steals your car's catalytic converter. What's the draw? Catalytic converters are made of precious metals: platinum, rhodium and palladium, and they can fetch a precious sum. Learn what police are doing to crack down on thefts. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (inewsource)
2. What's that stink? You guessed it! It's the trash in Chula Vista. Weeks after the trash workers strike began on Jan. 11, Chula Vista leaders say they will declare a state of emergency. However, due to the wording in the contract signed with Republic Services back in 2014, the City has less leverage over the dispute. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (Voice of San Diego)
3. Looking for an apartment in San Diego? You probably know that prices have skyrocketed. According to apartmentlist.com, median rent prices in San Diego are $1,850 for a one-bedroom and $2,450 for two-bedrooms. You might find lower prices in the South Bay or in East County. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (CBS News 8)

This weekend in San Diego:

Saturday, January 15

• Clean & Green Clean-up — Estuary, Mission Valley Preserve. (9 a.m.)
• Oceanside PetSmart Adoption Event — Second Chance Dog Rescue. (10 a.m.)
• Antiques + Art + Design Show 2022 — Del Mar Fairgrounds. (11 a.m.)
• North America Group — San Diego Genealogical Society. (1 p.m.)
• Exploration for a Sustainable World — Mission Valley Library. (2 p.m.)
• Build-A-Bowl — Soup & Salad Class. (3:30 p.m.)

Sunday, January 16

• Margaret's Couture Bridal Services — Winter Bridal Bazaar. (9:30 a.m.)
• Coastal Roots Farm — Annual Tu B’Shvat Food Forest Festival. (10 a.m.)
• Monster Jam Roars Back Into San Diego — Petco Park. (3 p.m.)

Monday, January 17

• Animal Tracking – Family Event — Mission Valley Preserve. (10 a.m.)
• Get Fit Walking — San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. (11 a.m.)
• Legal Assistance — Rancho Bernardo Senior Services. (Noon)

From my notebook:

• City of San Diego: "Check out this neighborhood improvement! This damaged storm drain in Kensington on East Bedford Drive was at high risk of becoming a sinkhole. The City’s repair team worked hard, even through stormy weather, to remove the heavily corroded pipe and replace it with a new one that will service the community for many years to come. Great work Stormwater Department!" (Facebook)
• San Diego Humane Society: "Join us for a rad ride with our friends at Rad Power Bikes this Saturday, Jan. 15! Stop by 353 Florence St., Ste. 100 in Imperial Beach from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. to meet adoptable pups and help support even more animals in need!" (Facebook)
• San Diego Botanic Garden: "This flower is very eye catching due to its massive size and unique look. Golden chalice vine, 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘢, bloom heavily during the winter bringing a pop of color and beauty the colder months." (Facebook)
• Old Town San Diego: "America's Most Haunted is open! The Whaley House San Diego is back from the grave... and the spirits are waiting for you to cross over. Self-Guided and Guided Tours are available every day. Get your tickets at the museum or go online." (Facebook)
• San Diego Rescue Mission: "Give back with a click! Shopping on Smile.Amazon.com is a simple way to benefit the San Diego Rescue Mission. The shopping experience is exactly the same, only Amazon will donate a portion of proceeds to the charity of your choice." (Facebook)
• The Arc of San Diego: "Front desk means front and center of our mission! Join our team at The Arc of San Diego by being the cheerful face that greets our guests, clients, and staff as they arrive to our centers. We are seeking front desk assistant volunteers for our Administrative Headquarters in San Diego." (Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Bettyann Pernice