🌱 Money To End Homelessness + Don't Let Scammers Steal Your Refund

Hello everyone! I'm back today with the latest copy of the San Diego Patch Newsletter. Sip that coffee/tea/hot cocoa, munch on that blueberry muffin, and read on for the latest local news of the day:

• Mayor Todd Gloria asks state for money to end homelessness.
• Don't let scammers steal your refund!
• $16 million to help customers with energy bills.

But first, today's weather:

Windy and cool with rain.☔ High: 54, Low: 39.

Big love to our local sponsor. We couldn’t keep the community informed without you!

Want to help with local homelessness but don't know where to begin? giv4 homelessness San Diego is a fundraising collaborative that supports 12 vetted local nonprofits with a focus on prevention, immediate action, and policy change. With giv4 homelessness, your donation makes a direct and meaningful impact. 100% of funds received go directly to the 12 organizations, each of which is making a difference in the homelessness crisis in San Diego. Visit giv4 to learn more and to make a donation.

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

1. Mayor Todd Gloria testified before the State Assembly budget subcommittee regarding funds needed to solve the growing homeless crisis. With 4,800 unhoused persons in San Diego, the mayor sees homelessness as the city’s top priority. Although the state approved funds back in June 2021, the $22 million was only received by San Diego last month. Mayor Gloria stated that the state needs to commit to permanent funding, allowing cities to move people off the streets and into shelters, and to help prevent people from falling into homeless in the future. Big City Mayors Coalition asks the state for $1-$2 billion, every year. (inewsource)
2. Due to the recent storm, San Diego County residents have until Oct. 16 to file federal tax returns, May 15 for state taxes this year. While this may be good news, filers need to know that the earlier taxes are filed, the less likely thieves will steal their refund. Warning: If you receive text or email messages, or receive messages on social media, do not respond. The IRS does not communicate except by postal mail. Also, make sure your preparer is not a phantom or ghost preparer. Check them out on the IRS list here. (NBC San Diego)
3. SDG&E will provide funds to help customers struggling to pay utility bills. SDG&E will seek proposals for support programs to help vulnerable and lower-income residents and seniors. It will also provide $6 million for a Neighbor-to-Neighbor program to be funded by shareholders. Customers can find out about the program and other SDG&E assistance programs here. (NBC San Diego)
4. On Saturday, Mar. 4, Cal State San Marcos will host the Women’s Leadership Symposium, where student can learn about women’s leadership and empowerment. The event is free, and it will be held in the USU Ballroom, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Students will participate in networking, team-building, leadership styles and diversity experiences. Visit the symposium website.

Today in San Diego:

• Online Volunteer Orientation — ElderHelp of San Diego. (9 a.m.)
• Storytime — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• Mind/Body Fitness for Older Adults — San Carlos Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Preschool Storytime — Mission Hills Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Grief Support Group (Hybrid) — OASIS San Diego. (10:30 a.m.)
• Storytime with Ms. Debbie — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center. (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• New restrictions on plastics: "As part of the City’s continued effort to reach its Zero Waste goals, a Single Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance will take effect April 1. The new Ordinance prohibits the sale and distribution of most polystyrene foam products including food service ware, such as bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids, egg cartons and meat trays. Also, single-use plastic (and bio-plastic) straws and utensils may only be provided upon request, or they can be provided at self-service stations." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Black Panther Party: "TONIGHT 🙌🏿 come see the first feature-length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to the broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for black people, and the painful lessons wrought when a movement derails." (Library Foundation SD via Facebook)
• Musical performance: "Join us for this #MusicalPerformance and #Lecture! For the first time in nearly a century hear the music of one of San Diego’s most respected yet little-known women composers in a musical recital and lecture that brings the past to the present!" (San Diego History Center via Facebook)
• Donate your unneeded vehicle: "Is the garage on your spring cleaning list? We have the purrfect solution: jump start your tidying efforts by donating your unneeded vehicle. Working or not, your old ride can give a new life to animals in need! Give us a call at 877-540-7387 to donate your car, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle to San Diego Humane Society from anywhere in the U.S." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Social Security Seminar at Rancho Bernardo Glassman Recreation Center. (March 2)
• Screen You Gut - Save Your Butt 5K Challenge. (March 4)
• One Night on The Town - The Marcus Syndicate Dance Band Live. (March 4)
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Featured housing:

• Open House - Sat, Mar 4 11:00 a to 3:00 p - 1647 Shire Avenue, Oceanside (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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