​🌱 Struggle To Access Detox + Fleet Science Center 50 Years Of Stem

Hey, San Diego! I'm back with your latest copy of the San Diego Patch newsletter. Sip that coffee, munch on that banana bread, and read on for what's happening in our town today:

• Why is it so hard to access detox beds?
• Fleet Science Center will celebrate 50 Years Of Stem.
• Officials urge public to respect wildlife at La Jolla Cove.

But first, today's weather:

Cool with variable clouds.☁️ High: 60, Low: 46.

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

1. While drug overdoses surge, access to detox beds for Medi-Cal patients is slim — like waiting to win a lottery. The region has about 70 beds under county contract, but that is not nearly enough to handle the load of patients waiting for spots. Providers want to add significantly more beds to meet the need, but they have had difficulties finding places to put clients. In 2022, fewer than 8 percent of the 322 people requesting detox services actually got beds. (Patch)
2. The Fleet Science Center, which has welcomed more than 26 million attendees, will commemorate five decades of STEM in San Diego by offering tickets at its original 1973 ticket price of $2.50. Visitors can experience FLASHBACK, a series of interactives reflecting the 1970s — 2020. The Center has planned a year-long group of community events, including the 50th Anniversary Gala, 50 Scientists Walk into a Bar, a Worst Case Scenario exhibition, and more. For details, visit fleetscience.org/events/50th-anniversary. (Times of San Diego)
3. After a video of a girl stoning a sea lion went viral, officials have implored the public to respect wildlife at La Jolla Cove. Lifeguards and other officials deal with such incidents on a daily basis. The animals which are sleeping and eating have a right to their space at La Jolla Cove. Park rangers encourage visitors to watch and admire the sea lions from afar, and to remember that they are wild animals. Right now, females are six-months pregnant and preparing for the June pupping season. A safe distance is now more important than ever. (CBS News 8)
4. After sustaining injuries from a car accident, an orphaned cougar named Nicholas was rescued, and multiple surgeries were performed to improve his life. Unfortunately, for financial reasons the rescue center, which had helped Nicholas, now needed to resettle him. While he can never be released into the wild due to his special medical needs, Nicholas will now have a safe and happy life at the local big cat and bear sanctuary, Lions Tigers & Bears. The cougar will have access to specialized care, a healthy diet, and a den, as well as enrichment and toys. Welcome to San Diego, Nicholas! (FOX 5 San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Palomar's Floral Design Forum — Rancho Peñasquitos Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• FREE Tax Preparation with AARP — Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• Baby Storytime — Logan Heights Branch Library. (Noon)
• Smart Street Light Cameras & Automated License Plate Readers Community Meeting — Otay Mesa Branch Library. (1 p.m.)
• Study and Chill — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center. (3 p.m.)
• Books'n'Snacks! — Logan Heights Branch Library. (3:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Supporting the grieving process: "The loss of a pet can be devastating, so we at San Diego Humane Society understand how important it is to have support through the healing process. To help you navigate through this challenging time, we provide information and resources on our Pet Loss Support page including options for in-person and virtual support groups. Please visit sdhumane.org/petloss to learn more." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)
• The rarest pines: "Did you know Torrey Pines are the rarest pine in North America, with native trees only found in Coastal San Diego and off the shores of Santa Barbara? Over the past year, our Science & Conservation team has been working in partnership with Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (@sbbotanicgarden) to scout and collect seeds of Torrey Pines, including collecting cones from previously uncollected populations." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Series of community meetings: "Starting Monday, the San Diego Police Department will begin a series of community meetings to inform the public and gather feedback on a proposal to use Smart Streetlight and Automated License Plate Recognition technologies to investigate crimes. The meetings are in accordance with the City’s Surveillance Ordinance that was passed in 2022." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Ribbon cutting: "Join the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Columbia Community Foundation on March 7 for a ribbon-cutting and celebration of a new community space in the Columbia District. Enjoy free coffee, donuts, and live music!" (Downtown San Diego Partnership via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Bettyann Pernice

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