🌱 CHP Holiday Enforcement + NORAD Tracks Santa + Dec. 24 Events

Hi, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with what's happening in town these days. Sip that coffee/tea, munch on that banana bread, and let's get started:

• Better drive carefully and follow speed limits — CHP is watching for you!
• NORAD tracks Santa with help from a local company.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant🌞. High: 73, Low: 51.

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

1. Hitting the roads this holiday? The goal is to stay safe so you can spend time with your family and friends. CHP Officer Jesse Mattias advises that maximum enforcement will start this evening at 6 p.m., until midnight on Sunday. Last year the statistics were grim: 1,100 citations, 340 DUI arrests and 28 fatalities. Office Mattias recommends that drivers plan ahead, leave early, accept that traffic will be everywhere, don’t speed or drive under the influence, and designate a sober individual to do the driving. Be a safe driver and spend happy holidays with family and friends. (KUSI)
2. In case you didn't know, a current shortage of eggs was caused by the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. According to the USDA, the virus has affected 57 million birds. So, where can one buy eggs if none are available at local stores? If you don't mind the drive to Lakeside, you can visit Hilliker’s Ranch and pick up some fresh eggs. Owner Frank Hilliker said his 30,000 chickens are producing eggs steadily, and he's seeing a big increase in customers. (CBS News 8)
3. Ever wonder how non-English speakers can still track Santa? A San Diego company called Interpreters Unlimited is helping Santa be more inclusive by translating tracking information into seven different languages. NORAD and Interpreters Unlimited hope to expand to even more languages in the future. Meanwhile, with the help of volunteers, you can track Santa here. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
4. Want to do something special with your family on Christmas Eve? Well, you're in luck! Fun events are happening all around our town. Theatre events, festivals, skating, light shows, snow, and cruises are right here in San Diego. Festive Christmas Eve dinners are offered by neighborhood restaurants. Churches will also have services on Christmas Eve. Here are just some of the events taking place: (San Diego Reader)

• 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Old Globe — Shiley Stage
• 11 a.m. Feliz Navidad, Fiesta del Reyes
• Noon Glice Skating, Fairmont Grand Del Mar
• 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, Old Globe — White
• 2 p.m. A Christmas Story, San Diego Musical Theatre
• 4 p.m. Winter Wonders & Holiday Lights, Wild Wonders
• 4:30 p.m. The Festive Forest, Banner Ranch Julian
• 4:30 p.m. Lightscape, San Diego Botanic Garden
• 5 p.m. Snow & S’mores, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
• 5 p.m. Jingle Belle Family Cruise, Bahia Resort Hotel
• 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise, Flagship Cruises & Events
• 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Carol, Cygnet Theatre
• 7:30 p.m. Lamb’s Festival of Christmas: A Christmas Carol, Lamb’s Players Theatre
• 8 p.m. A Christmas Story, San Diego Musical Theatre

Today in San Diego:

• SATURDAY MORNING STORYTIME! — Paradise Hills Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Dance Pants Bash! — Mission Hills Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Saturday Story Time in the Park w/ Ms. Jennifer — Kensington/Normal Heights Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Saturday Morning Craft Time — Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• People Enjoying Poetry — San Carlos Branch Library. (4 p.m.)
• Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise — Flagship Cruises. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Want to work in media? "Know of any teens or young adults looking to get FREE training and PAID experience working in media? Working with Media Arts Center San Diego, we’ve got an exciting opportunity coming up this January—a new 6 week training session (complete with a $550 stipend) has opened up, and we are currently accepting applications to join this cohort of students." (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• Pampering pups: "'Tis the season for spreading joy and pampering pups! That's exactly what our amazing volunteers did when they treated five of our longest-term dogs –– Valhalla, Bubba, Zeus, Robert and Sugar –– to a special doggie spa day!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Need a face-lift? "Does your storefront need a face-lift? The City of San Diego’s StoreH Program offers 10 hours of design time with a licensed professional and reimbursement of half the project cost up to $8,000." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Keeping pets safe: "With the holiday season upon us, we'd like to share a few tips on how to keep your pets safe and healthy! 🐾Many holiday items can be hazardous to our furry friends, including ornaments, tinsel, electrical cords, candles and festive plants like amaryllis and mistletoe! Protect your pets by keeping these items out of reach." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Feeding San Diego will close Dec. 23 - 26: "Feeding San Diego will be closed starting Friday, December 23 through Monday, December 26. We will reopen on Tuesday, December 27. Some food distributions have been rescheduled due to the holiday weekend. Please check our find food map for updated days and times: https://feedingsandiego.org/find-food/" (Feeding San Diego via Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

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Events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (Jan. 21)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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