🌱Less Stops, More Racial Disparity +​ Escondido Budget Takes Its Toll

Hey, San Diego! Let's get started today — sip that coffee/tea, munch that waffle and chicken, and read on to find out what's happening today:

• Fewer stops, more racial disparity continues at SDPD.
• Escondido budget takes its toll on the city.
• Beginning May 5, Cinco de Mayo celebrations will be happening around town.

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy and cool.🌥️ High: 65, Low: 55.

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories today in San Diego:

1. According to Voice of San Diego, SDPD is making fewer police stops. but with more racial disparities. The ongoing staff shortage, the rise of citizens filming police encounters, and a backing away from some duties in a soft strike may be the reason for the change. San Diego’s police chief committed to the elimination of saturation stops, which occur in neighborhoods where crime is perceived to be the highest, but this is not the only reason for the drop. (Patch)
2. Escondido currently spends more dollars than it collects from taxes, and this unsustainable budget is hurting the city. In recent years the city tried to close its shortfalls by using COVID-19 relief funds, with loan repayments, and by tapping the pension trust fund. The long-term budget overspending will result in a deficit of almost $23 million by 2036. (Voice of San Diego)
3. Cinco de Mayo parties will be happening all over San Diego beginning this Friday, May 5. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s win over France in 1862 in the Battle of Puebla. Events are planned at the Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo, Viva La Musica, Cinco de Mayo Party Cruise, Tacos and Beer Fest, Cinco de Mayo Festival, and Cinco de Mayo. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
4. Chula Vista has created a village of 66 tiny houses to help get homeless individuals off the streets and onto a new pathway to independence. The village will include two multipurpose rooms, restrooms, showers, and laundry rooms. With wraparound services, the residents can learn job skills, and get back on the road to rejoining the larger community. (NBC San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Kamishibai Storytime — Carmel Valley Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Mind/Body Fitness for Older Adults — San Carlos Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Technology 101/Tecnologia 101 — Logan Heights Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Dance Pants Party — Mission Valley Library (10:30 AM)
• Online Volunteer Orientation — ElderHelp of San Diego (11:00 AM)
• Storytime with Ms. Debbie — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Gift of the Garden: "This Mother’s Day, ditch the bouquet and give Mom the whole Garden! When you purchase a gift membership from May 6-15, you’ll receive two extra guest passes to enjoy the Garden together or as a family. This offer is valid for on-site and in-person gift memberships only." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Fentanyl awareness: "Join us on May 9 for National Fentanyl Awareness Day at the Carlsbad Library, 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Learn about the county and nationwide crisis of fentanyl and the threat it poses on social media. Drug traffickers use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube to market, sell, buy, and deliver deadly drugs. Don't be fooled by code words and emojis; one pill can kill." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Support small businesses: "📣📣📣calling all small business supporters and social impact junkies!! Join us for a night of celebration as we showcase some of the most determined local entrepreneurs who have been working tirelessly to establish a path to financial sustainability with Mission Edge CFOs at the Impact Lab." (Mission Edge via Facebook)
• San Diego Botanic Garden: "Celebrate spring in bloom with a lineup of classes in May! With May 6 being jam packed with programs throughout the day, from wellness and yoga classes to jewelry making with plants and helping keep your garden pest free workshops." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Cable Pipe & Leak Detection — (Visit website)
• The Au Pair Expert — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 4)
• Heartland Coin Club Coin Show (May 6)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! 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