🌱 SDG&E Rates Scrutinized + Citrus Industry Rattled By HLB Disease

Hello and happy Saturday! I'm back in your inbox this morning with what's happening in San Diego today. Sip that coffee/tea, chomp on that bagel and cream cheese, and read on for the latest news about our neighborhood:

• SDG&E rates are being scrutinized, after consumer complaints.
• Citrus industry takes precautions against Huanglongbing (HLB) disease.
• What the Point-in-Time count revealed about homelessness in North County.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with clouds and sun.🌤️ High: 60, Low: 45.

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

1. SDG&E is being investigated by state auditors to determine why energy rates are so high, and the governor wants the feds to get involved as well. The investigation will determine whether the increase in natural gas prices resulted from market manipulation or anticompetitive behavior among utilities. Protest groups called for a public takeover of the city’s energy grid and asked the city council to probe why SDG&E’s gas prices tripled. (Voice of San Diego)
2. A 95-square-mile quarantine was set up for the area around Rancho Bernardo after a local Huanglongbine (HLB) infection was discovered in a residential yard. Since no cure exists for the disease, which is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, the tree had to be treated and removed from the property. When the disease strikes, it results in misshapen leaves and bitter fruit. San Diego’s citrus industry is taking precautions now to prevent the decimation of citrus groves throughout California. (KPBS)
3. What did the recent point-in-time count in North County tell us? The count doesn't reflect the true number of homeless in a given area — it's merely a snapshot of what's out there. Volunteers interviewed people in parking lots, creeks, canyons and parks, as well as other locations, to help find out why they became homeless. Mental health conditions, the rising cost of living, the cost of medical treatments for diseases such as cancer, or a job loss were often the reasons cited. Most have never gone to a shelter or received any services. (Voice of San Diego)
4. A male bobcat struck by a vehicle was treated by multiple care groups before being taken by the Project Wildlife team to the San Diego Humane Society in Ramona. Radiographs were taken, abrasions were cleaned and soothed, and the cat was given appropriate care for its injuries. The bobcat spent three weeks at the Ramona Wildlife Center until he was able to feed on his own and could be released back into the wild. (Patch)

Today in San Diego:

• Village Quilters — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (9 a.m.)
• Ikebana: Japanese Art of Flower Arranging — Riford/La Jolla Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• DO YOUR HOMEWORK @ THE LIBRARY — San Ysidro Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Book Sale — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• PAWS to Read! — Logan Heights Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Dance Pants Bash! — Mission Hills Branch Library. (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Puppy Bowl! "We're gearing for the big game, one of the biggest sporting events of the year, being watched with bated breath by millions — that’s right, we’re talking about the Puppy Bowl! Erin, an adorable San Diego Humane Society alum, will be participating in the 2023 Puppy Bowl XIX this Sunday, and we can’t wait to see her take the field in hopes of winning the Lombarky trophy!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• GettingItDone: "City crews are #GettingItDone😁 Workers ensure areas heavily impacted by unsheltered residents do not become impacted by trash and debris. Since October 2022, over 265 tons of waste have been collected. Check out the before and after pictures." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Free at the Water Conservation Garden: "🌞 Take advantage of Free Day Friday on Feb. 10 to explore the City-sponsored Water Conservation Garden. Admission is free to stroll the nearly six acres of displays that showcase water conservation through a series of beautiful themed gardens. Learn more here." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Grow Food — End Hunger — Save the Planet: "Did you catch us on @News8 earlier this week? Check out the full segment with @KarleneChavis and @HealthyDayPartners to learn more about our upcoming workshops GROW FOOD - END HUNGER - SAVE THE PLANET on the second Saturday of each month through June. Link to calendar here." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Celebrating Valentines Day: "Valentine's Day is around the corner, and we hear Downtown has plenty of great options to help you celebrate 🤗. Tell us how you're celebrating in the comments below! 📷: Catch Garibaldi" (Downtown San Diego Partnership via Facebook)
• San Diego Black Heritage: "Let's celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth at the San Diego History Center Balboa Park. Immerse yourself in our MUST-SEE exhibitions: - Celebrate San Diego Black History & Heritage - Nathan Harrison: Born Enslaved, Died a San Diego Legend. Get a closer look at the history and heritage of San Diego's Black community and honor the leaders who have helped shape it." (San Diego History Center via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Join The Cast of Shrek the musical JR. (Feb. 11)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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