🌱 Flu Ramps Up + 1st Latina Police Chief + 'Greenest' City in America

Hello and happy Sunday! I'm back in your inbox this morning with what's happening these days in San Diego:

• Flu season is here. Get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster today.
• First Latina Police Chief wants to inspire a new generation.
• We made it to the top. San Diego is the Greenest City in America.

But first, today's weather:

Pleasant with periods of sun.⛅High: 73, Low: 63.

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

1. It's the start of the flu season, and the San Diego County Health Agency has recommended that we get both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations now. “Vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe outcomes and death from COVID-19,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, county deputy public health officer. “We are especially encouraging those eligible to get the new bivalent booster, as it is specifically designed to protect individuals from the virus variants currently circulating in our community. These variants and their relatives are expected to be with us into the holidays.” The death rate for those who did not get the vaccines was five times higher than those who completed all the vaccinations and boosters. (Patch)
2. It was a man’s world, but Magda Fernandez did not let that stop her. After 22 years with the police department, Fernandez was promoted to Police Chief of the San Diego Harbor Police Department. “It means the world to me,” said Fernandez. “I have a huge sense of accomplishment” “There were a lot of challenges being female but also being a Hispanic female,” said Fernandez. “You compete a lot with the men, and it felt at the time, I know times have changed, but that you had to work harder, you had to prove yourself more.” Fernandez wants to change the perception of law enforcement in the Latino community. “It’s getting out there and letting the community know, ‘Hey we’re out here for you, and it’s not because you did something wrong,” said Fernandez. She hopes to inspire the next generation of Latino police officers. (Digital California News)
3. We have clean energy, we practice recycling, as well as urban agriculture, and now San Diego has been designated the ‘Greenest City in America.’ With 28 metrics from greenhouse-gas emissions per capita, to number of smart-energy policies and initiatives, to green job opportunities to rank the cities, the study ranked San Diego #1. According to experts, public commitment is what makes San Diego so special. (Times of San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Life-to-Eagle Workshop — Boy Scouts of America San Diego, Imperial Council. (All Day)
• Autumn Festival — San Diego Zoo Safari Park. (9 a.m.)
• Not So Scary Eco Festival — City of San Diego Parks & Recreation. (10 a.m.)
• Family Day — San Diego History Center. (Noon)
• Modern Food Preservation — San Diego Craft Collective. (1 p.m.)
• Settembre (September) — San Diego Italian Film Festival. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Go Nuts with Bears: "We have a bear-y special request for you, friends! The bears in care at our Ramona Wildlife Center go NUTS over… well, nuts! Our wildlife care team has been providing tons of acorns, walnuts, pecans, almonds and peanuts to keep them nourished. If you have extra nuts to share, we (and the bears) would be incredibly grateful for the donation!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Raising Chickens in SD: "Today is World Egg Day! 🥚 🐣 Did you know the City allows residents to raise chickens? Generally, most single-family homes in the city of San Diego would be allowed up to five chickens, depending on how far the chicken coop is from your property lines." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Beautiful Blooms: "These beautiful flowers are currently in bloom right by our front entrance! Just on the other side of our Conservatory, you can find multiple Hibiscus schizopetalus, or Spider hibiscus, swigging in the wind. Looking like little lanterns, this plant is often grown for its unique shape and bright, vibrant coloring" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• We Want Animal Lovers: "Do you have a friend who has to stop and say hello to every animal they see, has a passion for giving back and a drive to make a difference? Turn their Friday into a Fri-YAY by helping them on the path to a fulfilling new career! Tag a friend who you think would be a perfect fit to join our team at San Diego Humane Society." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Kids On the Hunt: "Become one of our #DirtDetectives! Enjoy hands-on, kid-friendly, fun-filled activities like mock excavations and artifact investigations. *Young historians can win a prize for exploring the Presidio grounds with our way-finding map. #KidsFree (San Diego History Center via Facebook)

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• Live Country Music & Rockabilly Halloween Costume Party w The Sons of Johnny Cash & Rip Carson (October 16)
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Alrighty, 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 Daily? Contact me at sandiego@patch.com