🌱Company Buys Affordable Housing, Hiking Up Rent + CBD Outlet Meeting

Hey, San Diego. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on...

• Company charged in buying affordable housing and hiking up rent.
• CBD outlet meeting in Rancho Bernardo.
• America's finest community is the capital of craft.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny.🌞 High: 70, Low: 47.

Business owners and marketers in San Diego: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

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

1. According to a tenants union, America’s largest landlord, Blackstone, purchased thousands of affordable housing units in 2021 and, as renters moved out, raised rents in some units by 43 – 64 percent. Blackstone denied the charges, saying that the tenants’ complaints are inaccurate. They retorted that they operate in accordance with California’s rent stabilization laws. (NBC San Diego)
2. For several years, Urban Leaf has petitioned to open a Cannabis dispensary in Rancho Bernardo at the former location of the El Torito restaurant. However, some residents say that the dispensary should be located at one of the business parks, or corporate areas, rather than located so close to a church, nursery school, child-oriented business, or homes. At 9 a.m., April 6, concerned individuals can join in the public hearing using the Zoom platform link: https://sandiego.zoomgov.com/s... (SanDiego.gov)
3. With over 150 breweries throughout the county, San Diego has been dubbed “The Capital of Craft.” At this year’s 2023 Brewers Cup of California, San Diego breweries won 13 gold medals, 8 silver medals, and 16 bronze medals. The Brewers Cup is presented by Sacramento Brewers Guild along with other brewers guilds in the state. A full list of all 2023 winners can be found here. (Fox5 San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• FREE Tax Preparation with AARP - Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library (11:30 AM)
• DYH@L: KinderCamp - Mira Mesa Branch Library (12:00 PM)
• Mindful Meditation - Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (1:00 PM)
• DYH@L: Greater Green Camp - Logan Heights Branch Library (1:00 PM)
• Rummikub at the RB Library - Rancho Bernardo Branch Library (2:00 PM)
• Paws to Read - Serra Mesa -Kearny Mesa Branch Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Effect of rain on our gardens: "Our fruit trees are loving this weather! If you're from San Diego you'll know that our water can get pretty salty, rain water helps wash away all that salt, lowering the pH levels of the soil. If you haven't, make sure to leave your plants out for some refreshing rain this week and take a break from your normal watering!" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Vote for your fave March Meowness CHAMP!: "Unbelievably adorable matchups have kept us on the edge of our seats, and now there are just eight purrfectly precious players still in the running to become the March Meowness CHAMP! Now is your chance to help your favorites advance to the Final Four by voting at sdhumane.org/contest."
• Pure Water: "It’s #EarthHour today! Spend some time doing something positive for the planet. Pick up trash at the beach, or recycle plastic bottles. Everything helps. Pure Water is committed to the earth by providing a local, sustainable water supply. Learn more purewatersd.org
• Today's libraries offer so much more!: "Our favorite question! Today’s libraries are SO much more than books 📚. From 3D printers and STEM programming to music studios and free online courses, libraries are a safe space for all to learn, grow, and find equitable opportunities." (Library Foundation SD via Facebook)
• Bringing “Lost in Translation” to life: "Did getting up close and personal with the work in our newest exhibition 'Lost in Translation" leave you with burning questions for the creatives behind the show? 🤔 Well you are in luck! 💥Tuesday April 4 from 6-8 p.m.💥 we are hosting an Artist Panel that will be discussing the year-long process of bringing an exhibition like “Lost in Translation” to life. Register here to reserve your spot today: mysdpl.org/artistpanel #sdplgallery"

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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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at sandiego@patch.com