🌱 SD County In Crisis + Workplace Rights + Tribal-Owned Radio Station

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the San Diego Patch newsletter. Sip that coffee/tea, munch on that chocolate croissant, and read on to find out what's happening in our town today:

• SD County is facing a crisis, with too many people dying from fentanyl.
• Workers have rights covered by law.
• After the 2007 wildfires, a tribal-owned radio station was born.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cool.🌞 High: 59, Low: 44.

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

1. Fentanyl is a killer, and it's at crisis-level usage in San Diego County. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and nearly 100 times more potent than morphine, caused the deaths of over 1,770 San Diegans since 2019. This stunning statistic from the County Medical Examiner's Office affects the entire county and almost every community. The statistics include victims ranging in age from under 18 to over 65. (CBS News 8)
2. Despite the despicable prevalence of wage theft in San Diego, workers are covered by some of the strongest laws protecting them. In most cases, workers can choose to be an employee, rather than an independent contractor; they are entitled to breaks; they must be paid what they are owed; and more. Even those who are undocumented have workplace rights, and employers may not retaliate against them based on immigration status. Find out more about workplace rights at Department of Industrial Relations website. (KPBS)
3. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Rez Radio 91.3 FM was born after the 2007 wildfires surrounded the Pala Indian Reservation. San Diego area stations weren't covering the reservation, which was devastated by the fires. Rez Radio, the only Southern California tribal-owned radio station broadcasting from tribal land, has since won awards for its focus on local issues. This year, the unique radio station celebrated its 12th anniversary and is still going strong. (NBC San Diego)
4. For 17 years, the One Book, One San Diego program has built community by engaging people to read and discuss the same book. This week, titles are being accepted for the annual reading program. Selections for adults, teens, children and Spanish-language readers are welcome. Nominations can be made online at kpbs.org or on paper forms available at libraries and bookstores. Check out the criteria required, here. The deadline for submissions is April 24. (pacificsandiego.com)

Today in San Diego:

• Get Your Steps In: San Diego Oasis Mall Walkers — OASIS San Diego. (9 a.m.)
• Sign Language Storytime — North Clairemont Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Preschool Storytime — Mission Hills Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Digital Literacy Training, Designed for Seniors: Using Your Smart Phone! — Tierrasanta Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Bilingual Storytime: Tagalog (Oras ng Kwento sa Bilingguwal: Tagalog) — Riford/La Jolla Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Manzanar: The Relocation of 120,000 Japanese Americans During WWII — OASIS San Diego. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Photography exposes social issues: "📷 "Exposure" is San Diego's first municipal photo fellowship program designed to provide a platform for artists to explore the civic and social issues facing San Diego through photography. Apply today! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3T0LGHF" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Kids can submit comic-book themed art: "Do you know a
  child or teen who loves to draw? 🖍 They could win a cash prize, ranging from $500 to $1,000! We invite all local children and their parents or guardians to submit comic-book themed art entries that include a #financialliteracy or money management message. Entries must be received by Friday, March 31, 2023." (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• Poodle Palooza extravaganza: "The Poodle Palooza Extravaganza fundraiser, May 20, begins daytime with 30+ vendors, a parade of poodles, contests, demonstrations, portrait opportunity, CGC testing opportunity, games with the poodles as your partner, and tons of opportunity drawing items. (Pre-order a yummy boxed lunch). Saturday evening: Yappy hour and game night (poodles can definitely attend)! Great prizes, lots of appetizers, desserts and drinks, special treats for the pups! Click here for event registration form:" https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSf5q0qUEtK.../viewform... (4 Paws of Love via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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