🌱 Higher Utility Rate Ahead + It's Wild Weather + Still Middle Class?

Hello everyone! It's Bettyann Pernice, your host of the San Diego Daily. Crunch on that Old Fashioned donut, sip that French brew/tea, and read on to find out what's happening here today:

• Beware! Higher utility rate ahead.
• Wild weather! That's what San Diego is experiencing this week.
• Still middle class? Maybe, maybe not!

But first, today's weather:

Cool with rain and wind.🌧️ High: 62, Low: 49.

Are you a business owner or marketer in San Diego who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

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

1. Higher prices for utilities are coming in 2023. In addition to a rate increase as part of SB846, residents will face an SDG&E increase of more than $34 per month/$400 per year. SDG&E claims that the rise in the price of natural gas has resulted in the higher rates for the consumer. The utility recommends that residents go to sdge.com/assistance to find out if they're eligible for financial aid. (CBS News 8)
2. The National Weather Service issued a wind and rain warning through today at 4 p.m. Mountain areas will see winds of 20 - 30 mph, gusting up to 40 mph. At the coast, high surf warnings and a coastal flood advisory are in effect until 6 p.m. Friday. Large breaking waves 10 - 16 ft. are expected. Dry weather will return Friday night through Saturday. However, more precipitation will arrive late Saturday night into Sunday. (Patch)
3. With the high cost of living here in San Diego, you may be wondering: Am I still considered middle-class? According to Pew Research, definitions of what constitutes "middle class" are arguable. Pew defines middle class as those who earn between two-thirds and twice the median American household income. If you live in San Diego, Chula Vista or Carlsbad, and you earn between $61K - $182K, you are considered middle class. To find out how other cities would rank you, search here. (NBC 7 San Diego)
4. The City of San Diego’s old library building has been empty since 2013, but recently a Superior Court decision freed up the city to consider the "best use" for the building. The old library will become home to 26 unhoused residents later this month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness San Diego will operate the shelter under contract with the city. (Voice of San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Storytime — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• Fun & Games for Seniors — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• Storybox Theatre for toddlers & preschoolers — San Ysidro Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• San Diego Blood Bank Mobile Drive (Parking Lot) — Skyline Hills Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Mah Jong Club — Carmel Valley Branch Library. (1 p.m.)
• DO YOUR HOMEWORK @ THE LIBRARY — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• K9 gets a bath: "K9 Ace from the San Diego Police Gets a bath, oh how nice He shakes and he splashes As the water quickly dashes But soon he'll be clean And his coat will gleam He'll be ready for duty Protecting the city, so mighty So let's give a round ..." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Infrastructure improvement: "The City is committed to prioritizing critical infrastructure! As we begin 2023, we’re highlighting some of the exciting infrastructure projects underway. From roads to water facilities, we’re working to build a better future for all of ..." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Winter Reading Challenge: "Start the new year with a new book! 📚 The Winter Reading Challenge is currently underway at the San Diego Public Library. Readers of all ages can earn prizes by completing a combination of five books, five hours of reading or literacy-b..." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Visit Lightscape! "There's still time to see Lightscape before it closes for the season on 1/8! Following a successful debut year and sold-out shows, tickets are still available for our last weekend run January 6-8. Whether you're looking for a fun date ni..." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Volunteer with us! "New year, new chances to give back! When it comes to New Years' Resolutions, we recommend resolving to give back to your community. Volunteering at Feeding San Diego is not only fun, it allows you make a tangible impact on people facing ..." (Feeding San Diego via Facebook)
• Access to free ABCmouse: "It's never too early to learn! ABCmouse allows you to have home lessons for your children in a fun way! With SDCL, you have access for FREE to ABCmouse where your children will learn by using games, puzzles and other fun activities! Reco..." (San Diego County Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Open House. (Jan. 7)
• Le Salon de Musiques: Schubert - Winterreise for Baritone & Piano. (Jan. 8)
• Well+Fest 2023. (Jan. 21)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (Jan. 21)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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