🌱 County Funds Affordable Housing + Navy Pier To Become Freedom Park

Hello again, everyone! It's Monday in San Diego, so let's start the week off right. Drink your coffee/tea, enjoy the taste of that French toast with maple syrup, and read your copy of today's Patch newsletter to find out what's happening in our community today:

• County to spend millions to fund affordable housing.
• Coastal Commission permits navy pier to become Freedom Park.
• Two outside companies hired to clear the backlog of building permits.

But first, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun.⛅High: 61 Low: 52.

Check out what our local sponsor can do for you:

Want to help with local homelessness but don't know where to begin? giv4 homelessness San Diego is a fundraising collaborative that supports 12 vetted local nonprofits with a focus on prevention, immediate action, and policy change. With giv4 homelessness, your donation makes a direct and meaningful impact. 100% of funds received go directly to the 12 organizations, each of which is making a difference in the homelessness crisis in San Diego. Visit giv4 to learn more and to make a donation.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

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

1. After a County Board of Supervisors vote, the County can now leverage millions of dollars in state funding for the development of affordable housing. The County has provided funds to build housing for seniors, families, veterans, as well as those experiencing homelessness. It is part of the County’s plan to create 10,000 units by 2030 under its framework for ending homelessness. (County News Center)
2. The California Coastal Commission agreed to a conversion of a Navy Pier into a public park at the North Embarcadero location. The Freedom Park project is a venture of the Port of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum. Structural improvements will be made to the pier, followed by construction of the park, scheduled to open in 2028. The park will be a tribute to the service and sacrifices of our military veterans. (NBC San Diego)
3. If you live in the City of San Diego and have been stalled by the permit process required to build, you know that the building department is severely understaffed. The current delays have caused the city to be way behind in meeting housing production goals. The lack of personnel at the building department has resulted in delays in housing at all income levels and has contributed to the higher cost of housing in our area, due to fewer units and high demand. Now, the city plans to hire two outside companies to help clear the backlog and get things caught up over the next two years. (Times of San Diego)
4. Fretting because you did not plan a romantic Valentine’s Day for your beloved? All is not lost! Local chefs are all about romance and have created delectable prix-fixe dinners for two, tempting tasting menus, and wine pairings as a tribute to love on this special day. Want something a little off the grid? You can find heart-shaped pizzas, donuts, and even heart-shaped lasagna at local restaurants for both eat in and takeout. What’s not to love? Check it out here. Happy Valentine’s Day from Patch! (Patch)

Today in San Diego:

• FREE Tax Preparation with AARP — Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• Baby Storytime — Logan Heights Branch Library. (Noon)
• Mindful Meditation — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (1 p.m.)
• Basic Computer Series: Email II| Identify Spam — San Ysidro Branch Library. (2 p.m.)
• Paws to Read — Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa Branch Library. (3 p.m.)
• Study and Chill — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Pigeons as pets: "We COO-ld not resist introducing you to our feathery friend, Scottsdale (844515), who's hoping to fly into your heart and fill your home with fun! Pigeons are smart and social, and can create special bonds with their humans or other birds." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Refurbished conservatory: "Our conservatory is open to the public again and looking better than ever. Our staff have been hard at work rejuvenating our living wall and chandeliers and found a few orchids blooming in anticipation for our World of Orchids exhibition." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• City wants your input: "We want to hear from you, San Diego! The Office of the Independent Budget Analyst is hosting a virtual forum Thursday, Feb.16, at 3 p.m. to gather public input on how to prioritize the implementation of the City’s 2022 Climate Action Plan." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Books to keep you company: "You are never alone when you share your time with a book. #ilovebooks #bookish #shelflove" (San Diego County Library via Facebook)
• History center celebrates Black History Month: "During #BlackHistoryMonth we honor and celebrate our Local Heroes! Nominate a #LocalBlackHero by visiting the link in bio. #HistoryAndHeritage #HonorTheLeaders #CelebrateLeaders" (San Diego History Center via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
• Cable Pipe & Leak Detection — (Visit Website)
• Warm Embrace (Gift Boxes, Shipping Nationwide!) — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Scottish Rite Center of San Diego. (Feb. 16)
• One Night on The Town - The Marcus Syndicate Dance Band Live. (Mar. 4)
• Add your event

For sale:

• Cool Boss Evaporative Cooler. (Details)
• Add your item

Featured gigs & services:

• Don't overpay the high natural gas prices! (Details)
• Add your gig or service

You're all caught up 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