🌱 Governor Pledges 150 Tiny Homes To San Diego + SDPD Staffing Crisis

Good morning, San Diego! I'm back in your inbox today with your copy of the San Diego Patch newsletter. Sip that coffee/tea, crunch that Old Fashioned donut, and read on to find out what's happening in your town today:

• Governor pledges 150 tiny homes to San Diego.
• SDPD staffing crisis expected to last for years.
• Flooding forces evacuations at Vista mobile-home park.

But first, today's weather:

Decreasing clouds.🌥️High: 68, Low: 50.

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

1. San Diego will receive 150 tiny homes from Governor Newsom. It may be just a drop in a very large bucket, but it's welcome nonetheless. The 120-square-foot homes can be assembled in 90 minutes and at a fraction of the cost of permanent housing. Federal courts ruled that homeless encampments cannot be cleared if no shelter beds are available for homeless people. These tiny homes may be the start of something big in San Diego. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
2. With staffing at a new low, the SDPD faces surging overtime spending, and the problem is expected to continue for years to come. The department lost 241 officers last year, and academy graduations aren’t making up the difference. Police Chief David Nisleit proposed that the city hire civilians to take on some of the work. Civilians would handle records requests and reporting mandates now handled by officers. (Voice of San Diego)
3. A dozen families at the Vista mobile-home park were evacuated after flooding from an unknown source coursed through their homes. The Vista Fire Department emergency crews stopped the flooding within 90 minutes. While it's not certain what started the flooding, storm lines or other infrastructure issues might have been involved. The flooding also caused a sinkhole in the 3500 block of Sky Haven Lane, as well as another between Emerald Drive and Sundown Lane. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the 17 residents affected. (Patch)
4. San Diego will come together on Saturday to bike, spin or walk to fight cancer at Padres Pedal the Cause. The goal is to reach a milestone of $20 million for cancer research. The event will include cycling courses from 25 to 75 miles long. Non-cyclists can run or walk a 5K course that ends at Petco Park. Others may join a rooftop spin class atop the Western Metal Supply Co. at Petco Park. Registration starts at $75, with a $50 virtual option available. Children can join for $40. All funds raised will support cancer research at six local research centers. (Times of San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Tech Help - Skyline Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Dance Pants Bash! - Mission Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Hot Air Balloon Family Craft - Rancho Peñasquitos Library (10:30 AM)
• Saturday Story Time in the Park - Kensington/Normal Heights Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Garden Share - Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (11:00 AM)
• Paws to Read - Mira Mesa Branch Library (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• SDUSD art exhibit: "More than 500 pieces of student art were unveiled last night at the San Diego Unified Art Exhibit, featuring some of the best creative visual artwork from every grade level across the city! At the annual @sdusdvapa event, students are able to see their art on display at district headquarters and proudly show off their work to family and friends. #BetterSD" (San Diego Unified School District via Facebook)
• Free dump day: "Think Blue has teamed up with Project Clean Water and Caltrans to help San Diegans beautify their City in a responsible manner. A free dump day will be held on Saturday, March 18 at multiple locations. Visit https://bit.ly/42i8CGF for co..." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Women in the garden: "As part of #WomensHistoryMonth we're spotlighting some of the amazing women who keep the Garden blooming. Get to know Tyler, our Visitor Services Supervisor," (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Library Matchbook service: "📚 March is #NationalReadingMonth! Come celebrate with us at one of the library’s 36 locations. Need help finding a book? Try the library’s Matchbook service and receive a personalized reading list designed just for you!" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• March Meowness tournament: "This competition has gotten too cute to handle! After a fur-ocious opening round with more than 1,400 entrants, the top 64 players for our March Meowness tournament have been decided! Were your favorites selected?" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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