🌱 Fentanyl Awareness Day + UCSD Scientists Test Quake-Shake Table

Morning, everyone! Let's get started — Sip that cappuccino/Chai tea, crunch that biscotti, and read on to find out what's happening in San Diego today:

• District Attorney Summer Stephan speaks at Fentanyl Awareness Day.
• UCSD Scientists Test Quake-Shake Table.
• Kitten is rescued from truck engine in Escondido.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. ⛅ High: 67, Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in San Diego today:

1. Yesterday was Fentanyl Awareness Day but the crisis continues to threaten all of us every day. District Attorney Summer Stephan reported that fentanyl is the leading cause of death in people ages 18–45. Cartels sell drugs laced with fentanyl on social media to unsuspecting persons seeking Xanax or Percocet. As little as 2 mg of fentanyl can kill. Stephan reported that more than 800 people have died of fentanyl overdose in 2021 in San Diego, while more than 70,000 have died throughout the country. (Fox 5)
2. Scientists at UCSD tested a 10-story building using a Quake-Shake Table to find out if sustainable materials could stand the stress of an earthquake. Researchers learned that the building could stand a 6.7 magnitude earthquake, similar to the one that occurred in Los Angeles, as well as a 7.1 magnitude quake, similar to the one that occurred in Taiwan. The result showed that mass timbers, which are composed of layers of wood bonded together, hold up very well under the stress of earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters. (NBC San Diego)
3. An 8-week-old kitten stuck inside a truck frame was rescued by the San Diego Humane Society earlier this week. Taken to the Escondido Campus for care, the black and white kitten received pain medications, fluids, and antibiotics, along with warming and a meal. The kitten is now doing well and is serving a legal 3-day stray hold at the San Diego Humane Society. (ABC10 News)

Today in San Diego:

• Fun & Games for Seniors — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (10:00 AM)
• Preschool Storytime & Craft — North Park Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Mandarin Chinese Story Time — Mira Mesa Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Kamishibai Storytime — Carmel Mountain Ranch Library (11:00 AM)
• Line Dancing and Beyond (à la carte) — OASIS San Diego (Noon)
• Social Security Seminar at Rancho Bernardo — Glassman Recreation Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Visit San Diego: "Colorful skies make for the best vibes. 💕 📷 IG: lifesinglehandedly" (Visit San Diego via Facebook)
• Check ID before letting someone into your home: "Attention homeowners! Protect yourself from potential scams or dangerous impostors by asking to see a utility worker's ID before allowing them inside your home. Don't take any chances with your safety or the security of your property." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• CicloSDias: "Where should CicloSDias be hosted this year? Fill out the survey to help us choose where to host CicloSDias! CicloSDias is scheduled for Nov. 5." (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition via Facebook)
• Spreading kindness like confetti: "Nothing brings people together like spreading kindness! Our Advisory Board Member, Janet, joined our clients at Arc North County in a heartwarming project, spreading kindness like confetti! Let's all make an effort to spread a little kindness." (The Arc of San Diego via Facebook)
• Teacher Appreciation week: "This week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Is there a music teacher who sparked your passion for making music? Do you know an educator who uses music to inspire students and complement their classroom lessons? Take the time to thank them." (Museum of Making Music via Facebook)
• Brave men and women: "This month is Military Appreciation Month, a time to give extra thanks to the heroes serving our country. The brave men and women who serve should never have to worry about feeding themselves or their families, but unfortunately, it's a reality, particularly for those who are lower enlisted. Our Feeding Heroes program focuses on providing military families and veterans with the food they need to live a healthy life. Thank you to those protecting and serving our country! Resources for our heroes: https://bit.ly/3uaM9Mn"

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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