🌱 State Of The City Address + Predator Placements Near Home Schools

Hello, San Diego! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on what's happening in town. Enjoy your breakfast and coffee/tea, and read on:

• So, what did the mayor have to say in his State of the City Address?
• Predator placement near home schools is now restricted.
• Homelessness is growing, while the number of apartments are dropping.

But first, today's weather:

Times of sun and clouds.⛅ High: 65, Low: 52.

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

1. In his third State of the City Address, Mayor Todd Gloria focused on the city’s homelessness/housing crisis. While the city has created over 600 beds for unhoused individuals, the number of homeless people has increased substantially. Mayor Gloria initiated 18 policy reforms to make it possible to build affordable housing and invested city funds into 10 affordable housing projects. (NBC San Diego)
2. In a unanimous 4-0 vote, county supervisors voted to support state legislation to restrict the placement of sexually violent predators (SVP) near home-schooling sites. The motion was made by supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond. Action will be taken against any proposed court-ordered placement of an SVP near a home, private or public school. (KUSI)
3. UCSD’s EyeMobile hit the streets to provide eye care to children in low-income families around town. Funded by a gift from a former patient, the 33-foot-long recreational vehicle has two exam rooms, a waiting area, a TV and a selection of eyeglass frames. The program includes vision screening, dilated eye exams and a free pair of glasses, if needed. The Eyemobile will visit 250 preschools in underserved neighborhoods, providing a critical service to families. (KUSI)
4. The mural, "100 Million" was created by the New Zealand artist Cinzah. The artist painted the wall for the 2016 Sea Walls Festival, to increase awareness of the killing of whales for their fins. Around 100 million sharks are killed every year for their fins, sharply reducing their numbers. The mural can be seen from the Park Boulevard sidewalk, half a block south of Monroe Avenue in University Heights. (Cool San Diego Sights!)

Today in San Diego:

• Signing Storytime — College Rolando Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Healthy and Fit Adults — Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library. (11:15 a.m.)
• Digital Navigator — Logan Heights Branch Library. (Noon)
• How to Decrease Your Risk of Stroke — OASIS San Diego. (1 p.m.)
• Anime Club — San Diego Public Library/Central Library. (3:45 p.m.)
• Teen Advisory Board — College Rolando Branch Library. (4:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A sneak peek at Puppy Bowl: "Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at the Puppy Bowl? Well, you’re in luck! This year, we are incredibly excited to be a part of this adorable event and want to give you a sneak peek of all the fun!" (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• OB Pier closure: "To ensure public safety, the Ocean Beach Pier will remain closed until further notice. 🚧 Heavy surf and high tides from recent storms have caused damage, and additional storms are expected this weekend." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Nature or forest bathing: "Enjoy natural tea and local fruits in the herb as part of our monthly 2-hour excursion in the Garden at our Forest/Nature Bathing class. Nature or Forest Bathing is the practice of connecting with the natural world through personal experience." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Winter reading challenge: "Take your love of reading to a deeper level by signing up for the San Diego Public Library's 2023 Winter Reading Challenge: All the Feels 💛💙. Sign up today at: sandiego.gov/winterreading (readers of all ages are welcome)!" (Library Foundation SD via Facebook)
• Libraries closed Monday: "All San Diego County Library branches will be closed on Monday, January 16th. Please visit our online catalog at sdcl.org Todas las sucursales de la Biblioteca del Condado de San Diego estarán cerradas el lunes 16 de enero." (San Diego County Library via Facebook)
• Earn your diploma online! "The new year is a great time to earn your high school diploma online! Online, on your time. sdcl.org/libraryhighschool #libraryhighschool #sdcountylibrary #sdcl #highschooldiploma" (San Diego County Library via Facebook)

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Events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (Jan. 21)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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