🌱 A Place For Homeless In Balboa Park + Citizens Can Sponsor Refugees

Hi, all! It's Bettyann Pernice, your host of the San Diego Patch newsletter. Enjoy your morning coffee/tea, crunch that toast and jam, and read on to find out what's happening in town today:

• Should San Diego convert a corner of Balboa Park into a place for the homeless?
• Did you know that citizens can sponsor refugees?
• Student filmmakers offer the public a glimpse at their creations.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine.🌞High: 71, Low: 44.

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

1. San Diego is overwhelmed with homelessness. Now, a city council member proposed a new homeless site location, along with a new city law requiring homeless people to go there. At the same time, the City of San Diego is evaluating whether Inspiration Point in Balboa Park could be used as a campsite for the homeless. The plan would enable unhoused people to set up tents at that location, removing them from city streets. (Voice of San Diego)
2. A new Biden Administration program will allow San Diegans to sponsor needy refugees fleeing their countries and seeking asylum here. It’s called Welcome Corps, and it’s a collaboration of state and local nonprofits, whose goal is to help resettle newcomers. Private citizens can help acclimate individuals to our country, learn our language, get help with everyday living, and gain employment. (CBS News 8)
3. SDSU student filmmakers created more than 15 short films in various genres, including comedy, drama, horror, romance and science fiction, which they screened at a black-tie event at the Aztec Student Union theater last month. For students, the film festival is an outlet for talented artists to express themselves and share their talents with the community. Follow upcoming events at Kolorhouse.sdsu instagram. (Daily Aztec)
4. Love is in the air! So, come out and enjoy the City Heights Festival of Love ’23, a free, family friendly event promoting diversity, solidarity and love. Enjoy performances by Drummers Without Borders, San Diego Ballet, Fern Street Circus, Majesty in Motion youth dancers, Chanh Kien Lion Dancers and more. You can visit over 25 booths, showcasing the services of nonprofit partners, such as the La Maestra Clinic and Ocean Discovery Institute. Look for surprises along the way! (KPBS)

Today in San Diego:

• Music and Motion — MountainView/Beckwourth Branch Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• Digital Literacy: Word Series — San Diego Public Library - Central Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• CHAIR YOGA — Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa Branch Library. (11:45 a.m.)
• Fun & Games for Seniors — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (12:30 p.m)
• Don't Downsize, Rightsize! — OASIS San Diego. (1 p.m.)
• DO YOUR HOMEWORK @ THE LIBRARY — Linda Vista Branch Library. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• First avian release: "2023 has really taken flight with our Ramona Wildlife Center's first avian release of the year! This red-shouldered hawk was found on the ground after likely striking a car window, and was brought to our Ramona Campus for evaluation. After a week of close monitoring by our Project Wildlife team, the bird was cleared to return to its natural habitat." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Latest recommended reads: "Go Behind the Desk at San Diego Public Library and take a look at our latest Recommended Reads published in The San Diego Union-Tribune. This week's Recommended Read comes from Yvette Jackson, Library Assistant II at the North University Library." (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• Become our marketing & events manager: "Are you passionate about helping people? Are you a creative that loves to write and plan events? Our featured job opening is our Marketing & Events Manager. This position serves as a key member of the Development team and provides marketing, communications, copywriting, public relations, and events support to the Director of Marketing." (San Diego Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• Complicated pregnancies and miracle babies: "Join us this Thursday, February 9 at 9:30-10:30 AM via zoom OR IN PERSON as we connect with others to discuss topics from complicated pregnancies to NICU journeys. Those attending in person will be treated to breakfast with an opportunity to shop in our baby boutique." (Miracle Babies via Facebook)

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• San Diego Reverse Mortgage Myth or Fact Dinner. (Feb. 9)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Bettyann Pernice

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