Teacher Shortage And Substitute Teacher Shortage

Welcome back, San Diego! Let's get this Friday started. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around San Diego today.

First, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 70, Low: 47.

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

1. In addition to experiencing a teacher shortage, school districts are experiencing a substitute teacher shortage. Typically, all substitute teacher credential applications go through the state, which takes a minimum of 50 days. To speed up the process, the County took over approvals. The County Office of Education turns them around in 2-3 weeks. Substitute teacher applicants need a bachelor's degree and must satisfy other basic skills. The County Office of Education offers workshops to help applicants complete the paperwork and answer the questions. They hope it can encourage more people to apply. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (10News)
2. Like to walk your dog off leash? Did you know that off-leash dog walking is illegal? Now there is a new patrol in town ticketing dog owners for breaking the law. Recently, a dog owner who was walking her pit bull off leash was issued a ticket, which could end up costing her almost $300. The patrol is part of the San Diego Humane Society which runs animal control for the city of San Diego. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (KPBS)
3. A San Diego mom made it her mission to remove an Instagram account which encouraged kids at O’Farrell Charter Schools to bully other kids. Janin Coleman learned of the account on Instagram when her daughter was targeted by other students at the school. "My daughter came home asking. 'Can we change schools?'" Coleman said. "It hurts my heart, I mean, it's a pain that you can't describe because you're powerless, you know? You want to protect your child as much as possible. I fear for all the children. She wasn't the only one on the page." To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (NBC San Diego)

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Today in San Diego:

• Holiday — San Diego Unified Closed. (All Day)
• New Student 2022-23 Open Enrollment: Feb. 18-March 28. (8 a.m.)
• AARP Tax Assistance, Serra Mesa (By Appointment) — Kearny Mesa Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Blood Drive - Pacific Beach — Earl and Birdie Taylor Branch Library (10 a.m.)
• Live Interactive Video Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime with Mr. Luan — Linda Vista Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Breaking the Color Barrier: Black Firsts (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (2 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• San Diego Humane Society: "Some of the first patients of this wildlife season are already hopping back to their wild homes! This young desert cottontail had been disturbed in their nest and needed a little assistance from our wildlife caregivers and time to grow strong." (Facebook)
• San Diego Police Department: "In 1992, the San Diego Police Department developed a partnership with retired citizens from our communities. The focus of this program is to extend community-based services throughout the City of San Diego and to assist police officers. We will be creating a Facebook 'Group' page to give you information, updates, qualifications, and duties. If you are interested follow the 'SD Retired Senior Volunteers' group page for details." (Facebook)
• City of San Diego: "We know that with rain comes potholes! Our pothole crews are on the job and working as quickly as possible to respond to all pothole reports. If you see a pothole in your neighborhood, or on your commute, report it to the Get It Done app so our crews can get them filled!" (Facebook)
• San Diego Central Library: "Come get your shots! Today's vaccination event is at 10 a.m. this morning. Anyone is welcome to stop by; no appointments needed. We teamed up with Global Communities U.S. and Champions For Health to provide this opportunity to all of San Diego." (Facebook)
• San Diego Botanic Garden: "How far would you go to get a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti? What is it? It’s currently the hottest plant in the rare plant market and people are paying more than $14,000 to score one. They’re also stealing them from greenhouses, and even the 'sacred ground' of the San Diego Botanic Garden. What is it about rare plants that is attracting collectors — and thieves?" (Facebook)
• San Diego History Center: "Celebrate San Diego: Black History & Heritage 1924: The San Diego Race Relations Society is founded by Dennis V. Allen. The San Diego Race Relations Society sought to end prejudice against racial, national, and religious groups." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Pawliday Vegan Charity Market. (Feb. 19)
• La Mesa Depot Museum open for tours. (Feb. 19)
• San Diego Symphony Music Connects Cardiff — Free Concert in Encinitas/Cardiff. (Feb. 20)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (Feb. 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Feb. 23)
• 41st Annual CARSplus Convention: Networking for Success and Best Practices. (Feb. 25)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Feb. 25)
• The Cheez Whiz Ultimate 80’s Cover Band. (Feb. 25)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month. (Feb. 28)
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Announcements:

• Free self-guided, goal-setting worksheet for 2022. (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Bettyann Pernice