​🌱Start Of Holiday Rush + Nursing Shortage + New Rules Coming In 2023

Hi, all! It's Bettyann Pernice, your host of the Daily. Sip on your coffee/tea, nibble on that donut/muffin, and read on to find out what's happening here in San Diego:

• Travel tips: Get to the airport early! If driving, be courteous, observe speed limits, and don't drive under the influence!
• Is there a nursing shortage at your hospital?
• As Bob Dylan once said, "The times, they are a-changin" — How will new state rules in 2023 affect San Diegans?

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny.🌞High: 64, Low: 44.

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

1. San Diego will be a top destination for many travelers this holiday season, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday being the busiest flight days. Drivers should expect busy highways with 8.1 million people on the roads. Those flying out for the holidays should arrive at the airport 3 hours before flight time. If you're planning a road trip, observe the speed limit and practice courtesy to other drivers. Above all, don’t drink and drive. (CBS News 8)
2. According to the unions, hospitals are violating state patient-nurse ratios, putting patients at risk. Hospitals systems are offering pay incentives to cover shifts, but staffing remains low at some hospitals. Meanwhile, patients are waiting many hours to be treated at emergency rooms. Most hospitals are averaging 70 percent staffing. However, at least one hospital dipped below 30 percent. (Del Mar Times)
3. We're experiencing the highest flu hospitalization rate in more than 10 years. Though influenza does not discriminate, seniors are particularly at risk. Physicians urge seniors to get vaccinated with the “senior flu vaccine,” a high-dose vaccine approved for people aged 65 and older. What should you do if you get the flu? Treat it with rest and fluids, along with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications. If your case is severe, consult your doctor. (Times of San Diego)
4. Hundreds of new laws will go into effect in the new year. Changes concern climate, environment, public safety, reproductive rights, housing and jaywalking. In addition, the "pink tax" which discriminates against people by gender will be banned. Food vendor protections will also be implemented. Employers will be required to post pay ranges on job postings. To learn more, read on. (NBC San Diego)

San Diego Santa Sightings

Today in San Diego:

• Toddler Storytime — Riford/La Jolla Branch Library. (Noon)
• Fun & Games for Seniors — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (12:30 p.m.)
• Storytime for All Ages — Carmel Valley Branch Library. (4 p.m.)
• Karaoke — San Diego Elks Lodge #168. (5 p.m.)
• Let's Taco 'Bout It (Virtual) — San Diego Youth & Community Services. (5 p.m.)
• Foster Parent Information Session (Virtual) — San Diego Youth & Community Services. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Police find drugs and BB guns: "Officers with our Neighborhood Policing Division responded to a 'Get It Done' complaint in a homeless encampment last week. The officers found drugs and BB guns inside a tent that was encroaching on the public right-of-way. One person was cited, and another was arrested during the encounter." (San Diego Police Department via Facebook)
• Adoptable pups at the mall: "Save the date for a paw-sitively dazzling event! Join San Diego Humane Society and Kendra Scott Jewelry Co at Fashion Valley Mall on Dec. 22, from 12p.m. - 2 p.m. to meet some absolutely adorable adoptable pups while shopping for a perfect gift for that special someone!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• Chaparral & coastal sage scrub: "SDBG is located in Encinitas, California, within a mile of the Pacific coast. We have 11 acres of natural areas and restored natural areas. The local southern maritime chaparral and coastal sage scrub plant communities are some of the nation’s most endangered vegetation types, as they are small and restricted to coastal areas." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Walk with me: "Do you enjoy cultivating relationships? Do you thrive in a team atmosphere and have strong communication skills? We may have the job for you! The Walk With Me Coordinator will be passionate about seeing the lives of those experiencing homelessness transformed. They will provide administrative support, event coordination, and engage in the recruitment, training, and pairing process for the people involved in the Walk With Me program." (San Diego Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• Find DIY gift books: "Avoid crowds and inclement weather and stay in and knit! Or bake! Or decorate! Find out how with a DIY gifts book from our collection. Available on our e-library https://sdcl.overdrive.com/collection/1395177" (San Diego County Library via Facebook)
• County libraries to close Dec. 25-26: "Please note and plan accordingly. All SDCL branch libraries will be closed on Sunday, December 25 and Monday, December 26. Please visit us online at sdcl.org" (San Diego County Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
• Blossom & Bloom — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• San Diego's Largest Networking Event. (Jan. 11)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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