🌱 Ooey, Gooey Creatures! + Looming Water Cutbacks? + SD Rents Rising

Good morning, everyone! It's Friday in San Diego and I'm back in your inbox with what's happening in our community today. Enjoy your eggs and bacon, sip on your French roast or Chai tea, and read on:

• Creatures on the beach are a delicacy for some.
• San Diego may need to cut back on water.
• Despite a nationwide drop in prices, rents continue to rise here in San Diego.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to sun.🌤️ High: 67, Low: 42.

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

1. They're ooey-gooey creatures known as pink "spoon worms," and they are freaking out Coronado beachgoers. They're slimy relatives of earthworms that live in water and burrow into sand. Although they look yucky, they actually are environmentally friendly. They clean the water by eating sediment, and are also considered a tasty snack — by leopard sharks. (CBS 8)
2. The Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District has declared a drought emergency. The resolution passed on Tuesday states that water agencies must immediately reduce imported supplies of water. So, what does that mean for San Diegans? That the district may begin allocating our water, which is imported from the Colorado River. Everyone here will be affected. (Patch)
3. While rents are dropping around the nation, rents are not dropping here. Demand for housing here is still high, despite the high cost of living. San Diego is an attractive destination for people who choose to leave the Bay Area. San Diego is short of low- and moderate-income rentals. The median asking rent in San Diego in November was $3,334. (Times of San Diego)
4. The County Board of Supervisors is cracking down on wage theft. Janitorial, landscaping and security workers are often the victims of this crime. Wage theft is an age-old crime, with claims totaling more than $338 million in California alone. The creation of an Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement will help to ensure a fair deal for contracted employees. (Voice of San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Aging Successfully Lectures — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• Your Digital Afterlife — OASIS San Diego. (10 a.m.)
• Picture This: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) — Pacific Beach/Earl and Birdie Taylor Branch Library. (1 p.m.)
• Blue Christmas: When your holiday is neither merry nor bright — OASIS San Diego. (1 p.m.)
• Snow Day at Lindo Lake — City of San Diego Parks & Recreation. (2 p.m.)
• Science Club — Weingart City Heights Library. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Meet with adoptable furry friends: "Join us for some festive fun at Kearny Mesa Subaru on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., where you'll have the chance to meet some adoptable furry friends, snap a few family holiday photos, and pick up a FREE personal pet ID tag for your four-legged friend!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Meet Officer Knox: "Looks like we have a new recruit in the San Diego Police Department: Officer Knox! This little guy was caught red-pawed, sitting in the driver's seat of one of our patrol cars. Don't worry; we’re pretty sure he doesn't have a license (or opposable thumbs)" (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• 60 tons removed: "In late October, City crews began a new effort to remove waste around areas heavily impacted by unsheltered residents. They have collected over 60 tons of waste in just one month. SD crews are getting it done!" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Paint a PAW-trait of your pet: "Feeling crafty this season? Make your holiday event memorable by scheduling it with Lovejoy Creations! Paint a PAW-trait of your pet, or a fun step-by-step option with your friends and family. The best part? Mention SDHS when you order and 15% of your purchase will be donated back to support animals in our care!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Colored flowers popping up: "Not everything is dormant during winter time! There are so many plants in bloom this time of year at the Garden, with brightly colored flowers popping up all around. We aren't the only ones enjoying them, you can see pollinators of all kind hopping from flower to flower all throughout the Garden." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Donations doubled: "Don’t miss your chance to help twice as many animals! When you donate on Facebook before Dec. 31, your gift will be doubled, up to $500,000, thanks to the Resource Partners Foundation. That means your impact for vulnerable animals like Freddie Mercury will be bigger than ever!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
• Blossom & Bloom — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Oak Gallery — Artist Holiday Reception Event. (Dec. 18)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Dec. 19)
• San Diego's Largest Networking Event. (Jan. 11)
• Add your event

Other classifieds:

• Open House 12/10/2022 1/4 (Details)
• Add your classified

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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