🌱 Smart Streetlights Surveillance Tech + New Virus, Or Cold, Hits SD

Hi all! I'm back with your new copy of the San Diego Patch newsletter. It's weekend! So, sip that coffee/tea and relax, munch on that blueberry muffin, and read on to find out what's happening in our community today:

• SDPD wants to utilize Smart Streetlights Surveillance Technology to stop crime.
• New virus, or cold, hits SD hard.
• Workforce Partnership: over 2,000 San Diegans found jobs.

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds and fog breaking😶‍🌫️. High: 60, Low: 47.

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

1. The City of San Diego has invited the community to express their thoughts about Smart Streetlights surveillance technology, which is already in place in the city, but has not been used since 2020. The SDPD wants to utilize images and data obtained from the technology to investigate felony crimes, locate missing at-risk persons, and to respond to other incidents. Public meetings will begin March 6, find out more. (FOX 5 San Diego)
2. How are you feeling? If you're not well, you're not alone. San Diegans report symptoms such as runny nose, sore or itchy throat, coughing, gastrointestinal symptoms, and more. Some viruses can lead to secondary bacterial infections as well. Doctors urge patients to seek medical help if their illness lasts for more than several days. (CBS News 8)
3. In 2022, 9,444 job seekers found jobs through the San Diego Workforce Partnership. More than 1,800 residents received training, placement into internships, as well as other career opportunities. Working with legislators, employers, and nonprofits, the partnership came together to help job seekers help themselves. Of those job seekers who utilized the program, 62% self-identified as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color; 47% were women, and 15% had no high school diploma or equivalent. Through the program 342 credentials, certifications, and diplomas were awarded, paving the way to future employment. (Times of San Diego)
4. Love live theatre? In March, you can enjoy performances for as low as $15-$45 during San Diego Theatre Month. See such classics as The Cherry Orchard, Xanadu, Tosca, and Casino Royale, as well as shows such as Birds of North America, Company, The Roommate, and many others. Enjoy now, while there are so many plays in town to enjoy — and bring the whole family! (Times of San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• 'The Great Junk Hunt' Vintage Flea Market 2023 — Fairgrounds, Del Mar. (9:00 AM)
• Bird Walk — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center (10:00 AM)
• Gardening Exchange — Rancho Peñasquitos Library (10:00 AM)
• Tech Help — Skyline Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Community Job Fair — Pacific Beach - Earl and Birdie Taylor Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Dance Pants Bash! — Mission Hills Branch Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Fearful felines: "Learning a new language can change your life for the better ... especially if you're looking for pointers on communicating with your cautious kitty! Whether your feline expresses fear-based or "shy" behaviors rarely or on a regular basis, our Shy Cat class can help." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Seussian trek: "Dr. Seuss was not only a San Diego resident but also used influences from the city to inspire his works! 😱 This #DrSuessDay take a Seussian trek all over town." (Visit San Diego via Facebook)
• City's climate action plan: "Check out the newly released Climate Action Implementation Plan draft. It guides the implementation of the measures laid out in San Diego’s landmark 2022 Climate Action Plan. See how we're planning a more sustainable future for all San Diegans! https://bit.ly/3J4qsoV" (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Fossils, archeology, geology: "⛏️ Dig into STEAM programs at San Diego Public Library! We're holding FREE programs at all our library locations for kids ages 9-12 focused on fossils, archeology and geology. We are partnering with local science experts and organizations to create a truly unique educational experience both in-person and virtually March - May. Learn more: sandiego.gov/STEAM" (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• Read Across America: "Celebrating #readacrossamerica day at Bonita-Sunnyside Branch Library with Supervisor Nora Vargas during #bilingual story time! What are you reading today?" (San Diego County Library via Facebook)
• We're hiring! "The Downtown Partnership is hiring! We are looking for a full-time HR Manager to lead and direct routine functions of the HR department including hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits, and leave, enforcing company policies and practices, and more. Interested in joining our team? Learn more and apply at downtownsandiego.org/careers." (Downtown San Diego Partnership via Facebook)

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• Screen You Gut - Save Your Butt 5K Challenge (March 4)
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• Memorial Fundraiser for beloved French Valley Veteran. (Details)
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• Open House - Sat, Mar 4 11:00 a to 3:00 p - 1647 Shire Avenue, Oceanside (Details)
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That's it 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