​🌱 SD Minimum Wage Now $16.30 per hour + SDCCU Hosts Blood Drives

Good morning everyone — and happy New Year 2023!

I'm back with your new edition of the San Diego Daily. Let's start the 2023 off right with a quick guide to what's going on in town these days. Take a sip of that coffee/tea, crunch those rice krispies, and let's get started:

• Hear ye! Hear ye! The minimum wage in San Diego is now $16.30 per hour
• SDCCU will host seven blood drives around town this week.
• Things to do on Jan.1, 2023 — Go out and enjoy San Diego!

But first, today's weather:

A couple of showers.☔ High: 60, Low: 49.

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

1. Today, San Diegans will begin earning the new minimum wage of $16.30 per hour. Will it affect businesses? Maybe not. With the current shortage of labor in San Diego, many employers already pay many dollars above that amount to retain help. Other businesses will adjust their budgets to accommodate the new rate of pay. (NBC 7 San Diego)
2. The San Diego Blood Bank is experiencing 'an extremely low inventory of blood' due to the pandemic. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 4, San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) will host a series of seven blood drives around San Diego. Starting at 10 a.m. — 3 p.m., San Diegans can donate blood at these locations. Start 2023 right! Give blood! (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
3. Looking for some fun things to do today? Check out the following events happening today in San Diego: Cars & Coffee in Escondido, Farmers’ Markets, Meditation, Brunch Cruises, as well as Lightscape at the Botanic Garden. If you’d like to see a show, Annie the Musical is at the San Diego Civic Theater, or the Light My Fire Tribute to the Doors is at the Light Box Theater. Find out more. (San Diego Reader)

Today in San Diego:

• New Years Day Brunch — Crushed! (8 a.m.)
• San Diego Scenic Tour — San Diego Ride & Tours. (9:30 a.m.)
• New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles Watch Party — Tavern & Bowl. (10 a.m.)
• Sunday Morning Yoga — Yoga Jawn. (11 a.m.)
• One Team Scavenger Hunt — Balboa Park. (11 a.m.)
• Lakehouse Winter Wonderland — Lakehouse Resort. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• To Serve & Protect: "As 2022 comes to a close, we are proud of all that we have accomplished this year. From pursuing wanted suspects to being there in times of crisis. We have worked tirelessly to serve and protect our community." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Help homeless dogs: "It's never too late to celebrate because the best present of all is love! For this evening's #AdoptionHappyHour, Kate shares how her pup, Duke, keeps the gifting going year round by helping homeless dogs awaiting families of their own." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Walk the trails: "The Garden and Lightscape will be open New Years day! Start the New Year walking the trails and taking in our very own urban oasis." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Balboa Theatre: "Did you know Downtown is home to 90+ arts and culture institutions like this one? Balboa Theatre was built in 1924 and continues to be a hub for local, national, and international performances. 📷: vegancam" (Downtown San Diego Partnership via Facebook)
• Thanking our donors: "As the year ends, we want to thank our donors, corporate sponsors, community partners, and volunteers who have supported us through this past year. Your support enables us to continue making a difference for our Miracle Babies families." (Miracle Babies via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Well+Fest 2023 (Jan. 21)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (Jan. 21)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. I'll see you soon!

— Bettyann Pernice

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