🌱SDPD Clears Homeless Encampment + SDGE Donates Gas Detectors To SDFD

Good morning, everyone! Sip that coffee/tea, munch that French toast, and read on for news of what's happening today in San Diego:

• SDPD clears homeless encampment after proof of crimes.
• SDGE donates gas detectors to firefighters.
• Rescue Jr. opening soon at SeaWorld.

But first, today's weather: Areas of fog, then sun. 😶‍🌫️🌞 High: 69 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories in San Diego today:

1. With 1,958 unhoused individuals currently living in downtown San Diego, there have been a greater number of criminal acts committed in the area. Drug deals, guns, brandishing of large knives, public urination and defecation have occurred. While some citizens want encampments to be dismantled, others ask for a more humane solution. (KUSI)
2. Thanks to a donation from SDG&E, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will receive a new tool to keep the public safe. Multi-gas detectors will be used in all city fire vehicles in all department stations to detect natural gas, carbon monoxide, and other toxic vapors. Fire units here respond to nearly 1,400 natural gas-related calls each year, and gases can be a danger to firefighters as well as others in the area. (Times of San Diego)
3. At Rescue Jr. at SeaWorld, children will become the heroes of the park, while learning about animal rescue and rehabilitation through hands-on active experiences. The park also contains a splash pad, along with climbing structures and rides. A portion of ticket proceeds will be used to fund rescue and rehabilitation. (InPark Magazine)

Today in San Diego:

• Aging Successfully Lectures: Driving and Memory Loss — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (10:00 AM)
• Signing Storytime — College Rolando Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Better Balance: Free from Falls (à la carte) — OASIS San Diego. (10:45 AM)
• Silver Age Yoga — Carmel Valley Branch Library (1:00 PM)
• STEAM Discovery Hour — College Rolando Branch Library (3:30 PM)
• Fleet Friday: Fantastic Forces — Riford/La Jolla Branch Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• An apple for a teacher: "Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Teachers are like gardeners: they plant the seeds of knowledge, nurture growth, and help their students to bloom. Thank you to all teachers and educators here at the Garden and across the globe — your hard work and dedication each and every day is inspiring. You don't just deserve one apple, you deserve the whole tree!" (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Picture-perfect pets: "Do you scroll through your camera roll thinking, 'My fur baby should be a supermodel?' Now's their chance to shine! Enter your picture-perfect pet in this year's Photo Fundraiser at sdhumane.org/photocontest and they'll have a chance to win a full month-spread in our 2024 calendar!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Media arts: "Did you know that SDPL has been working with Media Arts Center San Diego to develop A/V skills among young adults in the city? Let's give a hand to the current and former graduates of this six-week training program!" 🙌 ⁠ (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• How-To festival: "The How-To Festival is BACK and searching for presenters! Like sharing your know-how with others? Whether or not it's something big, small, crafty, tasty, useful or interesting—the list goes on—we want to hear from you! Apply by Thursday, May 11: mysdpl.org/h2f"
• History, conversation, and culture: "Join us for an exclusive evening of history, conversation, and culture as we celebrate the San Diego History Center's newest exhibit, 'The Sensuous Environment - Sim Bruce Richards, Architect.'" (San Diego History Center via Facebook)
• Love a good mystery? "Do you love Mysteries and Thrillers? This collection is for you! Here are our staff's favorites. The collection can be found here: https://sdcl.overdrive.com/collection/1442286"

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Featured events:

• Shrek Jr. the musical (May 13)
• Social Security Seminar at Carmel Mountain Ranch Branch Library (May 16)
• San Diego Backgammon Club Weekly Tournament (May 17)
• Exclusive Webinar: 5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Business - May 18th (May 18)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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