🌱 SD Needs More Health Care Workers + Tech Talent Still In Demand

Welcome back, San Diego! Sip that coffee/tea, munch on that Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream, and read on for what's happening here today:

• Despite all the layoffs, tech talent is still in demand.
• SD hospitals need more health care workers, especially nurses.
• What's up with Lake Hodges dam?

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cool. 🌞 High: 61, Low: 45.

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

1. San Diego hospitals need nurses and other health care workers. UCSD Health has 200 open nursing positions, as well as open positions for occupational therapists, surgical technicians, food service workers and custodians. Rady Children’s Hospital needs respiratory therapists and laboratory staff, as well as nursing staff. According to the American Hospital Association, a surge in retirements, pandemic burnout and an aging workforce are factors driving the shortage. (KPBS)
2. Is your high school student dreaming of a tech career, but you're wondering if tech is still the way to go? Here's the good news: According to Albert P. Pisano, dean of UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, the number of available tech professionals isn't enough to meet current demand. Pisano explained that we are an “engineering debtor state,” and despite recent layoffs, tech workers will continue to be in high demand in the future. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate the need for tech engineers will exceed 1.2 million by 2026. (Patch)
3. What's happening at Lake Hodges Dam? The dam, which is more than 100 years old, was downgraded to unsatisfactory condition. With recent rains, the water level is monitored daily and will be kept at the 280-foot level during repairs. According to the public works department for the City of San Diego, the dam needs to either undergo major improvements or be replaced. The estimated replacement date is 2034. (CBS News 8)
4. Looking for a job? The Internet makes job hunting easier, but also allows scammers to target unsuspecting users. How do you spot imposters? Never pay to get a job. Do your own research. Don’t give out personal information until you’ve confirmed that the job is real. If you’ve been scammed, immediately report it to the Federal Trade Commission. (NBC San Diego)

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Today in San Diego:

• Tech Help - Skyline Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• City Cycling Class - Pacific Beach/Earl and Birdie Taylor Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Ramadan Storytime - San Diego Public Library/Central Library (10:30 AM)
• Signing Storytime - North Park Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Admit One: SAT Test Prep - Skyline Hills Branch Library (1:00 PM)
• Publications, Communications and Writers Group-Virtual Meeting - San Diego Genealogical Society. (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• SDHS rescues trapped coyote: "When our HLE officers responded to a call about an injured coyote, they found the poor animal hanging from a fence with her paw caught in an illegal steel jaw trap. Exhausted and injured both from the trap and from her frantic attempts to free herself, our officers had to act quickly! She was rushed to our Ramona Wildlife Center, where our dedicated wildlife specialists worked tirelessly to provide her with medical attention." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Check out your local recreation center: "🐰 Hop on over to your local recreation center to participate in one of the spring-themed events happening through April 22! Nearly 50 events, including egg hunts, scavenger hunts, Earth Day Celebrations, and more are planned." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Riding to the Velodrome: "JOIN THE PARTY RIDE TO THE VELODROME! Join us Tuesday, April 4th for a group party ride to the San Diego Velodrome for opening night at the track! We are meeting up at 5 p.m. and planning on rolling out by 5:30 p.m. This is a mellow party-paced ride with one hill in the middle of the route. We will regroup in a few sections for those who need a break. Make sure to bring your lights, a snack, and some warm clothes because it get cold!" (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition via Facebook)
• Violin concert: "Iryna Krechkovsky, violinist for Trio Céleste, returns to the Central Library stage with violist Myung for a solo and duo program featuring works by Mozart, Barkauskas, Telemann, and Handel. Central Library Concert Series programs are FREE and open to the public with first come, first served seating." (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. 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