​🌱 'Prohousing' City + Natural Gas $ Rise + Stressed? Pet A Dog!

Hello all. It's me, Bettyann Pernice, your host of the Daily. Crunch on that toast and jam, sip your latte or tea, and let's find out what's happening around town:

• The City of San Diego has been designated a 'Prohousing' City.
• Natural gas prices are rising — Get ready to pay more!
• Stressed? Pet this dog!

But first, today's weather:

Variable cloudiness.☁️ High: 64, Low: 48.

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

1. The City of San Diego has stepped up to implement policies that eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that delay the construction of new housing. Now, the state has designated the city one of six to earn the state’s Prohousing Designation for removing these barriers. The state also launched the Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program to reward these cities with additional funding. Congratulations to the City of San Diego! (NBC San Diego)
2. World prices for natural gas are soaring, and consumers will soon feel the pinch of higher prices. According to SDG&E, customers who use natural gas in their homes will pay at least $20 more in January. Even SDG&E customers who do not have gas hookups will see an increase. Consumers can keep costs down by keeping their furnace clean, washing clothes in cold water, and lowering the thermostat on their water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (Rancho Santa Fe Review)
3. You’re at the airport and you’ve been waiting in line — too long! The holidays have you stressed! Now, you can destress by petting a therapy dog while waiting for your flight. You can identify a genuine therapy dog by its vest that says ‘I’M FRIENDLY. PLEASE PET ME.’ Go ahead, pet the dog, relax, take a breath, and enjoy the moment. Therapy dogs also volunteer at other places, such as hospitals and libraries. (NBC San Diego)
4. Get in the holiday spirit! Get out and visit a Hanukkah or Christmas festival. From menorah lightings to holiday light shows, to concerts and Santa Ops, to ice skating and parades, there are so many events throughout the County through New Year's Day. Take a look and find an holiday event near you! (San Diego Patch)

Today in San Diego:

• Meditation — San Carlos Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Dance Pants Bash! — Mission Hills Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Paws to Read — Mira Mesa Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Dealing Holiday Doldrums Online Seminar — Family Past & Unpleasant. (11 a.m.)
• Wynnter Wonderland Fundraiser for The Burn Institute — Wynton’s Ice Cream Co. (1 p.m.)
• San Diego Oasis presents A Renaissance Christmas — Tierrasanta Branch Library. (2 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• To Serve & Protect: "The finest of the fine, always ready to serve and protect. #SWAT #SDPDSWAT #SanDiegoPD" (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Responding to requests: "We're #GettingItDone! City crews recently responded to these requests across the City. Report illegal dumping in your neighborhood, download the Get It Done app today: sandiego.gov/get-it-done" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Bike riders can contribute: "Donate at sdbikecoalition.org/donate" (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition via Facebook)
• Those in need: "We met James, a retired cook, at a Mobile Pantry recently. He shared with us how difficult it has been to provide for his family in the face of inflation. “I’ve been coming here about a year. There are six people in my household. Four grown-ups and two babies, my grandchildren, twins." (Feeding San Diego via Facebook)
• SD ranked top 20: "Grab your smartphone and get ready to hit the green! San Diego was ranked as one of the top 20 most innovative cities in America, with special call-outs for our work in telecomm (👋 to our members at Cox Communications) and golf manufacturing." (Downtown San Diego Partnership via Facebook)
• Native plants & ecosystems: "The Garden’s commitment to conservation education has grown, as we expand our role in restoration projects throughout San Diego County and educate our community on the ways you can help our native plants and ecosystems. Your support today will help the Garden expand these efforts in 2023." (San Diego Botanic Garden 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

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! 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