🌱 Hepatitis A Cases Increase + Trauma Facing Teens + Uptick In Mold

Morning, neighbors! It's Bettyann Pernice, your host of today's San Diego Patch newsletter. Sip that coffee/tea, chomp on that lox and bagel, and read on for news of what's happening around town today:

• Physicians are seeing more Hepatitis A cases in San Diego.
• Teens face greater trauma and violence than ever before.
• Recent rains led to an uptick in the growth of mold.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny.🌞 High: 60, Low: 34.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in San Diego? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

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

1. Between Jan. 10 and Feb. 6, San Diego confirmed five cases and one death from Hepatitis A. The disease is transmitted by touching objects, by eating food touched by a person with the illness, or through sex with an infected person. While this is not considered an epidemic, healthcare professionals are being asked to look for signs of Hepatitis A among their patients. The disease is 100 percent preventable. (City News Service)
2. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. According to the San Diego Unified School District’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, San Diego teens are experiencing more trauma than ever before. Many experienced emotional violence in a relationship, or sexual violence within an intimate relationship. Peer pressure and social media add to the problem. Young girls are most in danger of experiencing anxiety, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). For help, call the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988.(NBC San Diego)
3. Recent rains resulted in an uptick of mold here in San Diego. With leaks in homes, and crawl spaces flooding, higher moisture levels may create mold in spaces that are not well-ventilated. Mold can begin to grow on clothing, furniture, carpeting and other household items. While some types of mold are harmless, other kinds can produce toxins that make people ill. If you find mold, get an inspection as soon as possible. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
4. These cars are called lowriders. They bounce, they buckle, they make a statement, and they are a passion for some Black enthusiasts here. It all began when aircraft hydraulics were introduced into cars right here in southeast San Diego in the early '60s. Today, lowrider car clubs work to educate and change negative stereotypes, and they host events to boost the morale of the lowrider community. Lowriders say that no ethnicity or race exists behind the wheel — it's all one culture. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)

Today in San Diego:

• AARP Tax Preparation — College Rolando Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Storytime — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• STEM Learning & Black History Month Storytime with author Neil Thompson — San Ysidro Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Preschool Story Time — Rancho Bernardo Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Ikebana Japanese Floral Design — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (12:30 p.m.)
• Mah Jong Club — Carmel Valley Branch Library. (1 p.m.)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
• Cable Pipe & Leak Detection — (Visit Website)
• Warm Embrace (Gift Boxes, Shipping Nationwide!) — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Circus Vargas. (Feb. 17)
• Lovers & Lighters Infused Dinner + Dessert. (Feb. 19)
• One Night on The Town - The Marcus Syndicate Dance Band Live. (Mar. 4)
• Add your event

For sale:

• Cool Boss Evaporative Cooler. (Details)
• Add your item

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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