🌱 Insurance Canceled At SD HOAs + Hospitals Keep Patients In The Dark

Good morning, everyone. I'm here with today's copy of the San Diego Patch newsletter. Sip that coffee/tea, crunch that croissant, and read on to find out what's happening locally:

• Farmers canceled insurance at SD HOAs.
• Hospitals keep patients in the dark with regards to pricing.
• SDG&E or SDCP — Which will you choose?

But first, today's weather:

Areas of fog, then sun.😶‍🌫️ High: 64, Low: 54.

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

1. It’s your worst nightmare – an insurance company cancels your insurance! Due to the risk of wildfires, Traveler’s insurance has dropped many Home Owners Associations (HOAs) in San Diego. Now, California’s FAIR Plan will raise its maximum allowable insurance amount to $20 million, making it possible for condo HOAs to purchase insurance. (CBS News 8)
2. Federal medical bill transparency laws require hospitals to publish pricing information for patients, but hospitals in San Diego are skirting that law, keeping patients in the dark about their prices. Most hospitals in San Diego are not in compliance, according to PatientsRightsAdvocate.Org. Fines for non-compliant hospitals have been raised from $100,000 to $2 million. (NBC San Diego)
3. Want to buy cleaner energy? If so, you may want to stay on San Diego Community Power (SDCP) when your account is switched from SDG&E to SDCP. Of course, you do have the option to switch back to SDG&E, with the most expensive energy prices in the country. On the other hand, 55 percent of SDCP power comes from renewable sources, and SDCP electric rates are 3 percent cheaper than SDG&E. (Gas is still provided by SDG&E) (NBC San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Easter Eggspress: Egg Quest and Story Time Day 2 - San Diego Model Railroad Museum. (9:30 AM)
• Animals on the Bay Day - Living Coast Discovery Center. (10:00 AM)
• San Diego Civic Youth Ballets’ rendition of William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream - Spreckels Organ Pavilion. (2:00 PM)
• Berkley Hart: O Berkley, Where Hart Thou? - Music Box. (7:00 PM)
• Smells Like Nirvana Tribute & Dead Original Live in Concert - Casbah. (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Enjoy it safely and responsibly: "Spring Break is in full swing, and whether you decide to enjoy our beautiful beaches, parks, Gaslamp District, or many of San Diego's other surrounding attractions, we ask that you enjoy it safely and responsibly." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Paving continues: "Wet weather may have delayed some scheduled road repair projects, but our crews were out before the rain arrived to repave a section of Bancroft Street in North Park. We're looking forward to more sunny skies ☀️ so we can continue paving." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• City's zero-waste goals: "There’s no fooling around when it comes to making our community more sustainable. The San Diego Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance takes effect tomorrow, supporting the City’s zero-waste goals and reducing the number of plastics entering the environment." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Walk for animals: "Today is the LAST DAY to snag discounted Early Bird registration for the Walk for Animals - San Diego! By registering right now, you'll be able to join us on May 6 at Liberty Station for just $30 per adults and $15 per child." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Earth Day April 22: "As we head into Earth Month and look forward to Earth Day on April 22, this is a great time of year for gardeners to reflect on our impact on the environment and make small changes to help protect our planet. Follow us throughout the month of April as we share a few things to consider incorporating into your gardening routine to help conserve resources year-round and create a healthy environment for your plants!" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Donate your car to the Garden: "Donating is quick and easy, turn your vehicle into next year's tax break! https://sdbg.org/give-donate/" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Bettyann Pernice

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