🌱 SDG&E Monopoly Ends + Firefighting Helicopter + Celebrate Mom's Day

Morning, San Diego! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Fog, then sun. High: 70, Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories in San Diego today:

1. SDG&E controlled our power for about a century. Now there is a new kid in town. It is called Community Power, and it will now supply power in San Diego and Chula Vista. SDG&E will still supply the infrastructure needed to supply power. However, the power itself will be provided by Community Power. Customers will be automatically enrolled in the new program and can stay or opt out of it. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV)
2. Thanks to our San Diego County Board of Supervisors, the County of San Diego is in the market for a firefighting helicopter. The Department of Purchasing and Contracting director will negotiate the purchase of a Bell 412 EPX Helicopter. The new twin-engine helicopter will replace the old single-engine helicopters from the 1960s-'70s, which cannot fly at night, and cannot carry the amount of water needed. The new helicopter will advance us into the 21st century. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (NBC San Diego)
3. Looking for ways to honor your mom this Mother's Day? Here are some innovative ideas for you! While flowers, candy, and other treats are still classic, there are some new ideas to explore. A weekend retreat? A day at the spa? Explore the many options for mom. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (There San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Rapid COVID-19 Testing — Skyline Hills Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Mandarin Chinese Story Time — Mira Mesa Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Graffiti Art — San Diego Oasis. (1 p.m.)
• DO YOUR HOMEWORK @ THE LIBRARY — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center. (3 p.m.)
• Villa Música Violin — Logan Heights Branch Library. (3:30 p.m.)
• Create-It Thursday — Skyline Hills Branch Library. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• San Diego Central Library: "In a hurry? Are the kiddos looking for something to do? If you can’t join us for our scheduled programming, the Denny Sandford Children’s Library has a fun take-and-make paleta craft for our little patrons to take home! Stop by the children’s section and pick up a kit or two at the desk." (Facebook)
• San Diego Rescue Mission: "Imagine the stress of living on the streets and trying to find a way out. Stuck. Creating solutions is a community effort. In an attempt to change the state of homelessness in San Diego, we started a year-long faith based residential program. One of the five goals for completion is to experience recovery. We use a holistic approach to rehabilitation and address the mind, body and soul. The first semester teaches students to overcome issues they cannot change and utilize healthy ways to combat the stress and traumas that happen in life." (Facebook)
• San Diego County Library: "We have new, expanded hours of operation at all branches! Visit https://sdcl.bibliocommons.com... for details on your branch! #libraries #SDCL #books" (Facebook)
• San Diego County Bicycle Coalition: "🚨 ADVOCACY ALERT 🚨 https://mobile.twitter.com/sdb... status/1518712751966724096" (Facebook)

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Events:

• Cheez Whiz Ultimate Live 80s Music At Ebullition Brew Works & Live Music. (April 29)
• FightersRep 13. (April 30)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (May 2)
• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List. (May 8)
• Live from La Costa: Summer Concert Series. (May 14)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Bettyann Pernice