🌱 Closing The Gender Pay Gap + App To Assist In Locating Shelter Beds

Hey, everyone! Bettyann Pernice here with your Thursday edition of the San Diego Patch newsletter. Go ahead, sip that coffee/tea, crunch that English muffin with butter through those nooks and crannies, and read on for news of what's happening in our town today:

• Both San Diego and Oceanside are closing the gender pay gap.
• Technology app helps find shelter beds for those in need.
• Police and homeless persons differ on treatment by police.

But first, today's weather:

Some sun returning. ⛅High: 62, Low: 50.

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

1. After decades of trying to end the 85 percent pay gap between what women are paid and what men are paid, the pay statistic remains the same in many cities. According to U.S. Census data, the average gender pay gap is $11,165 annually. Here in America’s Finest City, men in full-time jobs made $9,000 more than women. That’s a step in the right direction, but a large gap still remains. However, in Oceanside, the difference was only $26, the smallest wage gap in the country. (CBS News 8)
2. The hunt to find beds to accommodate the large number of unhoused persons here is frustrating at best. Now the County Board of Supervisors is allocating funds for an app that would quickly find locations for homeless people in need. The app, modeled after one that locates shelter beds for domestic violence victims, will provide data in real time. Those working with the unsheltered could tailor the requests to the particular needs of each client. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
3. Every story has two sides, and where does the truth lie? The SDPD’s story is that officers provide progressive enforcement, offering shelter or services at every encounter. However, according to one community organizer, the SDPD is criminalizing homelessness. San Diego State University researchers see a disconnect, because, they say, shelter is offered only 13 percent of the time. (NBC San Diego)
4. Looking for love from an adorable pup or kitty? A whole new group of adoptable pets is in the San Diego area just hoping to find their forever homes. Perhaps one of these sweet things is perfect for you! Check out these adorable dogs, cats, birds, or bunnies available online from Patch and Petfinder.

Today in San Diego:

• AARP Tax Preparation - College Rolando Branch Library (9:30 AM)
• How to Work a Computer - Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Special Edition! Preschool Storytime: Kamishibai StoryBox Theatre (10:30 AM)
• Preschool Story Time - Rancho Bernardo Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Story Time - Oak Park Branch Library (11:30 AM)
• Ikebana Japanese Floral Design - Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (12:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Twin bear cubs: "Paws for a cub-date: Alba has her paws full with these un-bear-ably cute cubs 🐾 The 3-month-old twins are beginning to venture out of the den to explore their habitat (and their wrestling skills). #AndeanBear #DoubleTheLove #DoubleThe..." (San Diego Zoo via Instagram)
• Old Town's legends: "For Women's history month, come learn about one of Old Town's legends Juana Machado in this temporary exhibit for the month of March! The exhibit is open every day, 10AM-5PM, in the Machado Silvas adobe for the month of March. #castatepa..." (Old Town San Diego State Historic Park via Facebook)
• Mobile pantry: "Feeding San Diego has two new produce pantries in Ranchita and Alpine and a new mobile pantry in Butterfield. These sites are open to any community members in need of resources with no need for registration." (Feeding San Diego via Facebook)
• About Clara Breed: "Former City Librarian Clara Breed fought against injustice, censorship and advocated for the rights of the community. She is remembered by many for her personal actions and professional advocacy on behalf of the Japanese American forcibly removed from their homes into camps by the government during World War II. Breed herself maintained an active correspondence with dozens of Japanese American children, sending them books, personal items, and messages of support and encouragement while professionally, she called on colleagues to send over library materials for the camps." (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• San Diego research archives: "Get the chance to access the Research Archives! They will be open to provide additional access to archival materials. Please note there is limited space available and it is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis." (San Diego History Center via Facebook)
• Neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV): "In partnership with SANDAG, we’re launching a new neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) shuttle service in Pacific Beach this summer. The shuttle will be an all-electric, low-speed mobility option that will support the San Diego region’s climate goals.🌞 🍃 We’re considering names for the shuttle. What do you think of BESS (Beach Electric Shared Shuttle)? Or how about Babs (Balboa and Beach Shuttle)? Let us know if you have any ideas! 💡 " (City of San Diego via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! 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