🌱 Mental Health Crisis 988 + SD COVID Concerns + SD's Best Ice Cream

Hey, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this summer morning with all the most important things happening these days in San Diego.

First, today's weather:

Patchy fog, then sun. High: 76, Low: 65.

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

1. Need help? San Diego County has launched 988, a new health care crisis line serving those experiencing a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or a suicide crisis. “Anyone struggling with a substance use, or mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, suicide, loss, or anger, can call the Access and Crisis Line to speak to a representative,” said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of Behavioral Health Services at the County Health and Human Services Agency. “ACL clinicians are trained to respond to behavioral health-related questions and crisis situations and can provide compassionate and knowledgeable support to callers.” The 988-dialing code does not replace the Access and Crisis Line, which is already a partner of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (NBC San Diego)
2. San Diego County has entered the red zone, the high transmission zone for COVID-19 cases. Now, with the San Diego Pride Parade and other Pride events taking place this weekend, and with Comic-Con beginning on Thursday, there is concern about a steep spike in the number of cases and hospitalizations. “We have a lot of exciting things going on, and we’re not telling people not to have fun,” said Dr. Ghazala Sharieff, chief medical officer for acute care operations at Scripps Health. “That’s the last thing we want to tell people after 2 1/2 years of being in this phase. We are just asking for extra caution. Do what you want to do in a safe way.” Pride events are outdoors, and masks are not required. However, Comic-Con requires masks and proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (FOX 5 San Diego)
3. We love the way it feels on our tongue. That deliciousness, cool and sweet, is so pleasing on the palate. If you are on the hunt to find the best ice cream, here are 13 locally owned shops in San Diego. Check out this listing to find a great ice cream shop in your neighborhood. A great taste experience awaits. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (There San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• SD Pride Parade, 5K & Weekend Festival 2022: San Diego — SD Pride. (8 a.m.)
• Live Interactive Video 2nd/3rd Grade Storytime with Mr. Luan — Linda Vista Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Gardening Exchange — Rancho Peñasquitos Library. (10 a.m.)
• Saturday Storytime In the Park — Kensington/Normal Heights Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Paws to Read — Mira Mesa Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Introduction to Mindfulness and Stress Management — Kensington/Normal Heights Branch Library. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• San Diego Humane Society: We want every pet to be entered in our Photo Fundraiser. See the beautiful pets who are already in the running for model-of-the-month in our 2023 calendar. (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• City of San Diego: Pick up a Pride library card at any San Diego Public Library location! This limited-edition library card features an illustration of Marsha P. Johnson, gay and trans rights activist. (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• San Diego Police Department: Don't wait! There’s still an opportunity to have some fun. Park and Recreation centers throughout San Diego have activities for kids, ages 12-17. (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Downtown San Diego Partnership: Comic-Con International returns to the San Diego Convention Center for the first time since 2019! (Downtown San Diego Partnership via Facebook)
• San Diego County Library: The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program gives a discount on #broadband service and connected devices. Find out how to apply here: AffordableConnectivity.gov (San Diego County Library via Facebook)
• San Diego History Center: We can now offer a free additional camp week to SDUSD students, even if they've registered elsewhere! Space is still available in all four of our August camps for ages 11-14. Contact k12programs@sandiegohistory.org (San Diego History Center via Facebook)

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Events:

• Bywater Skanks Live Louisiana Style Jazz & Blues Music at Ebullition Brew Works and Live Music. (July 16)
• Essential San Diego Area Real Estate & Economic Update Free Educational Webinar. (July 18)
• Online Webinar with experts on rental charter boats in San Diego. (July 25)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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