​ ​🌱 Council Bans Wood Bonfires + Ambulance Provider Changes Planned

Hi all! I'm back in your inbox this morning with what's happening in San Diego. Enjoy that bagel & Nova, sip that coffee/tea, and tune in:

• City Council's new policy on bonfires
• City will contract with other ambulance contractors to do the job.
• Rates for natural gas are rising sharply.

But first, today's weather:

Periods of sun.⛅ High: 61, Low: 48.

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

1. The San Diego City Council passed a new ordinance banning wood bonfires on the beach, unless the fire is in a designated pit. Fires fueled by portable propane "are still permitted outside the city’s rings." The ordinance will make beaches safer, reduce hospitalizations and reduce charcoal ash debris, improving air quality. (CBS 8)
2. Ambulance provider Falck failed to meet its goals. In fact, the company now faces roughly $900,000 in fines for failing to provide better response times. Now, San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell plans to alter Falck’s contract with the city. Stowell will bring in additional companies to do the job. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
3. Expect SDG&E natural gas bills to be sharply higher in December and January. The rise in prices is due to high demand this time of year, lower temperatures, high prices on the commodity markets and the war in Ukraine. SDG&E urged customers to have an energy audit of their homes, wash clothes in cold water and lower the temperature of gas-powered hot water heaters. (KPBS)
4. Good news for adult dogs seeking a forever home: Thanks to a $10,000 donation from a local animal lover, the SD Humane Society waived its fees through the New Year. All dogs are spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Now is the time to bring love into your home with an adult dog. To view dogs currently available for adoption visit sdhumane.org/adopt. (Times of San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Storytime — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• Fun and Games for Seniors — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• Preschool Storytime — Rancho Bernardo Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Ikebana Japanese Floral Design — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (12:30 p.m.)
• Craft Circle — San Carlos Branch Library. (2 p.m.)
• DO YOUR HOMEWORK @ THE LIBRARY — San Ysidro Branch Library. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• SDPD and SDFD escort Santa: "What a magical day at the Winter Wonderfest at Montgomery Waller Park! We at SDPD had so much fun escorting Santa and racing down the snow hill against our friends at San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. The trucked-in snow was a hit with all of the kids and families, and we loved seeing everyone's festive smiles." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Guidelines set for Capital Improvement Program: "Neighborhood development projects will now be funded more equitably and efficiently! On Monday, the City Council adopted updates to Council Policy 800-14, which sets the guidelines for how Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects are prioritized and funded." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Traditional sit-down dinner: "YOU’RE INVITED! We’re celebrating the season and hosting a Christmas Outreach Dinner this weekend! This Saturday, December 17 from 1pm – 4pm, the Rescue Mission is hosting a traditional indoor sit-down meal experience. Join us for roasted pork loin, cheesy potatoes and all the trimmings." (San Diego Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• Biking to raise funds: "FUNDRAISER THIS THURSDAY! Join Andy Hanshaw as he bikes to raise $5k in donations for the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition! We will be streaming LIVE on Youtube and Facebook so you can follow Andy's journey. How far do you think he will bike?" (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition via Facebook)
• Get your flu vaccine and enjoy the holidays: "Protect yourself with a flu vaccine so you don't miss out on things with your family and friends." (San Diego County Library via Facebook)

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Events:

• Oak Gallery - Artist Holiday Reception Event. (Dec. 18)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Dec. 19)
• San Diego's Largest Networking Event. (Jan. 11)
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• Open House 12/10/2022 1/4 (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! 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