🌱COVID-19 Causes Rise In Hospitalizations + Month Of A Million Meals

Hello, everyone! It's me, Bettyann Pernice, your host of the San Diego Daily — here with what's happening in town today. Go ahead, sip that coffee/tea/cocoa, chomp on that bagel and cream cheese, and read on:

• Think we are done with COVID-19? Think again!
• Help San Diegans in need during Month Of A Million Meals.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant.🌞 High: 74 Low: 52.

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

1. COVID-19 and the flu are still with us. Over 400 San Diegans have been hospitalized, and more than 40 are being treated in the ICU. County Public Health Officer, Dr. Wilma Wooten, has urged residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated. Wooten also recommended washing hands often, masking when in public, and staying home when sick. With January soon upon us, COVID-19 cases will spike once again. Protect yourself – get vaccinated today. (Times of San Diego)
2. During what is known as the Month of a Million Meals, Compass San Diego has joined Feeding San Diego to help those experiencing food insecurity. One in four San Diegans (one in three children) are food insecure. Compass has committed to raising $20,000 to help these families in need. You can help too. Go to Feeding San Diego and make your contribution today. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
3. Off this week? Wondering what to do with your free time? Check out a Kwanzaa celebration, or stop by an art exhibition. Visit Lightscape or watch Polar Express in IMAX. Take advantage of the great weather we are having, and get out and visit San Diego. Exciting experiences await you. (San Diego Reader)

Today in San Diego:

• Baby Storytime — Logan Heights Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Beginning Genealogy — Mira Mesa Branch Library. (1:30 p.m.)
• LEGO Power Hour — Mission Hills Branch Library. (3:30 p.m.)
• Maker Mondays — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center. (4 p.m.)
• Logan Heights Movie Night — Logan Heights Branch Library. (4 p.m.)
• 42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration “Tribute to the Ancestors.” — World Beat Cultural Center. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Spreading cheer: "The San Diego Police Department's Gang Intervention Unit (GIU) had a great time spreading holiday cheer across the city this season! Our officers visited neighborhoods and gave out toys to children who could use a little something extra." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Does your pet love a holiday movie? "We're not sure we love anything as much as Ella specifically loves the Benedict Cumberbatch version of The Grinch. Does your pet have a favorite holiday movie? #BenedictCumberbatch #TheGrinch #ReadtoMax" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Lightscape: "Happy Holidays from the Garden! We will be open during normal hours and Lightscape on New Years Eve and day!" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• New holiday tradition: "Interested in starting a new holiday tradition at home, perfect for little readers? Now introducing: JolaBokaFlod! College - Rolando Library Manager Trevor shares the details of the Icelandic tradition of gifting books in this throwback episode of Read More." (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• Gifts for NICU babies & siblings: "Thank you to our volunteers, and all who donated to Santa's Workshop! We were able to provide over 70 children 300+ gifts this holiday season. NICU families were invited to our office to select gifts for their baby and siblings." (Miracle Babies via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. I'll see you soon!

— Bettyann Pernice

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