​🌱 Gaslamp Promenade Plaza Reviewed + Poverty Plagues Student Grades

Morning, everyone! Sip that cappuccino/Chai tea, crunch those pastries, and read on for what's happening in San Diego today:

• Gaslamp Promenade proposed for pedestrians.
• In the San Diego Unified School District, poverty plagues student grades.
• The San Marcos Spring Fling is back!

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun.⛅High: 65, Low: 51.

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

1. A city council committee voted to approve a pedestrian promenade plaza on 5th Avenue extending between Broadway and K Street in the Gaslamp District. The promenade would welcome walkers, bikers and scooters, but cars would be banned. The plaza would include a 20-foot-wide emergency access for emergency vehicles. The proposal will be put on the agenda for the approval of the full city council. (CBS News 8)
2. Research shows a strong correlation between a family’s income and a child’s performance at school. In the year since the Covid-19 pandemic, the relationship between the two was reinforced. Teachers agree that to improve a child’s success at school, tutoring, enrichment activities, music, arts and books are the factors that make a difference. Such advantages are not available to poverty-level families. (Voice of San Diego)
3. Free on Sunday? Get out and enjoy the San Marcos Spring Fling, now celebrating its 31st year! The 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. event, which attracts up to 15,000 guests each year, offers 200+ vendor booths, along with a kids' fun zone, a food court, craft beers, wines and San Diego musicians on two stages. (San Marcos Chamber)
4. Take a walk through a garden this Sunday and learn how native plants support the biodiversity around us. Natives attract pollinators that help spread their pollen around to other plants. They can be found in coastal gardens, in urban neighborhoods, and on country hillsides. The tour highlights 30 gardens and parks, including one garden designed by KPBS TV host Nan Sturman of “A Growing Passion.” (San Diego Reader)

Today in San Diego:

• AARP Tax Preparation - College Rolando Branch Library (11:30 AM)
• Music and Motion - MountainView/Beckwourth Branch Library (11:30 AM)
• Mind-Body Fitness for Older Adults - Riford/La Jolla Branch Library (11:30 AM)
• Baby Play & Learn - Ocean Beach Branch Library (12:00 PM)
• Fun & Games for Seniors - Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (12:30 PM)
• Study and Chill - Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Bistro restaurant donates: "Who doesn't love a lunch that not only satisfies your hunger but also saves lives? Well, hold onto your taste buds because California Culinary Arts Institute Bistro restaurant is donating 100% of their proceeds to San Diego Humane Society and Solutions for Change!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Protect your pets: "As pet owners, a top priority is to ensure the health, happiness, and safety of our beloved animals. One crucial step in achieving this goal is to vaccinate your pets to protect them, as well as other pets and people. This National Pet Vaccination Month, we have teamed up with our partners at Petco Love to show off your pet health pride! And if you've fallen behind on your pet's vaccination schedule, don't worry! You can book an appointment for pet vaccinations at sdhumane.org/vaccine."
• Book recommendation: "Our latest recommended read comes from Cora Lee Womble-Miesner, Library Assistant III at the College-Rolando Library. She recommends Lisa Taddeo's 2021 novel, 'Animal.' Taddeo's latest novel comes after her 2019 bestseller, 'Three Women....'" (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• New resident lives in a chandelier: "Have you spotted our newest resident living in a chandelier in the Conservatory? You can spot her flying around enjoying the variety of orchids on displays, picking the perfect time to set up her home! Next time you visit our World of Orchids exhibition, listen for her chirps and see if you can spot her making her way from plant to plant." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)

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That's it 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