🌱 ​Fund Water Projects + UCSD Black History Month + SD Olympians

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know going on in town today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. Santa Ana Wind Advisory to noon Friday. High: 70, Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories today in San Diego:

1. Our population has grown substantially. Without a water storage project, water will be scarce, and farmers will be unable to produce our food supply. The cost of water will skyrocket. California needs to plan for our drought conditions. Now is the time to use our current budget surplus to help alleviate the problem. That is why our State Senate is introducing SB 890, according to a guest commentary in CalMatters. To learn more: To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (CalMatters)
2. UCSD celebrates its 20th annual Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of Black students, staff, and faculty. The entire campus community joins in to celebrate “Black Health and Wellness: UC San Diego Honors Medical Pioneers and Community Healers.” Festivities range from film screenings and music performances to exhibits and lectures. To learn more: To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (UC San Diego Health)
3. The XXIV Olympics in Beijing starts Friday with three competitors from the San Diego area shooting for gold. The opening ceremony is today, and competitions begin on Wednesday. The three SD athletes, one male and two females, will wear full Ralph Lauren-designed gear while waving the American flag. The events are bobsled and snowboarding. To learn more: To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (San Diego Patch)

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Today in San Diego:

• Tai Chi Chuan: Early Risers (In Person, Escondido) — San Diego Oasis. (7:30 a.m.)
• AARP Tax Assistance, Serra Mesa — Kearny Mesa Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Dr. Greenthumb's x San Diego Blood Bank Blood Drive — San Diego Blood Bank. (10 a.m.)
• Live Interactive Video Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime with Mr. Luan — Linda Vista Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Used Book Sale! — Friends of the Tierrasanta Branch Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• San Diego Tết Festival — Mira Mesa Community Park. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of San Diego: "The City's latest project is officially under construction! Yesterday, Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilmember Vivian Moreno broke ground on Riviera del Sol Neighborhood Park in Otay Mesa. This $9.5 million project will transform an empty open space into a beautiful 4.8-acre park featuring a basketball court, fitness equipment and two playgrounds." (Facebook)
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: "This week we are back to having Hidden History Talks three times over the weekend (Friday through Sunday)! This week's talks will focus on lots of fun topics, such as the discovery of gold in San Diego County, the Printing Press, and coming to San Diego by sea." (Facebook)
• San Diego Botanic Garden: "Come see how the Garden and the art world come together to form a new reality that is invisible to the naked eye. Seeing the invisible blends technology and nature to create a new experience for guests to see through the screens on their phones." (Facebook)
• Downtown San Diego Partnership: "The first Friday each February, American Heart Month, the nation comes together, igniting a wave of red from coast to coast. Join the American Heart Association to help turn San Diego red for National Wear Red Day on Feb. 4. From landmarks to online communities, neighborhoods to news anchors, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke. Together we can help all San Diegans live longer, healthier lives!" (Facebook)
• San Diego County Library: "This year, celebrate Black History Month with authors who made history! Bell hooks began her academic career in 1976 as an English professor and senior lecturer in ethnic studies at the University of Southern California. During her life, hooks published around 40 books, including works that ranged from essays and poetry to children's titles. She was inducted into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame in 2018." (Facebook)
• San Diego County Library: "Partner Spotlight: The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. This program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward the internet for eligible households and up to $75 per month for homes on qualifying Tribal lands." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• CBD Philman .com — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• San Diego Tết Festival. (Feb. 5)
• San Diego Tết Festival. (Feb. 6)
• Winter Chamber Heat Participants Concert. (Feb. 6)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 7)
• 5 Ways to Manage Your Debt Online. (Feb. 10)
• Valentines | Still Ill Tribute To The Smiths & Morrissey + SM Familia Reggae Quartet + Beta 7 Ska. (Feb. 12)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 15)
• 41st Annual CARSplus Convention: Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
• The Cheez Whiz Ultimate 80’s Cover Band. (Feb. 25)
• Add your event

Housing:

• Coachella rental, 3Br/2Ba condo in prestigious Palm Valley CC. (Details)
• Add your listing

Loving the San Diego Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business showcased in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at sandiego@patch.com

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Bettyann Pernice