🌱 TransNet $$$ + WaterSmart Gardens Contest + Tijuana River Rise

Happy Friday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Rain and thunderstorms. High: 64, Low: 55.

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

1. The County of San Diego Board of Supervisors voted to spend $142.9 million in 2023 TransNet funds for street projects in Lakeside, Valley Center, Ramona, and Vista. The County government utilizes TransNet funding for roadway safety facilities and smart growth development, as well as transit infrastructure. Read about the list of projects slated and when they are scheduled to begin. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (Patch City News Service)
2. Because more than half of residential water use occurs outdoors on landscape irrigation, the Otay Water District encourages homeowners to improve the water-use efficiency of their outdoor gardens. The district has launched a WaterSmart Landscape contest in an effort to save water. To participate, residents must fill out an application, submit before and after photos of their landscape, submit a plant list, and a description of their landscape’s transformation. Nominations are welcome. See contest rules, get tips to improve your application, see photos of past winners, and enter your garden submission before May 13. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (San Diego Metropolitan)
3. Since Feb. 15, water from a mini storm still gushes through the Tijuana River. Over 1.34 billion gallons of stormwater (often mixed with raw sewage that makes its way into the river) has emptied into the Pacific Ocean since that storm. With more rain falling, the Tijuana River will swell again with rain, mud, and debris. Yet, a key pump in Tijuana, (which diverts some of that untreated river water and trash from spoiling the U.S. beaches with sewage) will be switched off by Mexican authorities. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (Voice of San Diego)

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Today in San Diego:

• AARP Tax Assistance — Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Friday Reflections with Peter Bolland (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (10 a.m.)
• Live Interactive Video Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime with Mr. Luan (Online) — Linda Vista Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Friends of the Library's Used Book Sale — Tierrasanta Branch Library. (11:30 a.m.)
• The Hammered Dulcimer: Enchanting, Mystical and Lovely (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (3 p.m.)
• "The Jungle Book" at San Diego Junior Theatre — Balboa Park. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• San Diego Police Department: "We’re on the beat in Northern Division. Officers responded to a swatting call. A swatting call is someone who calls in a false emergency to illicit a significant police response. (In this case, it was a shooting) Swatting calls are illegal." (Facebook)
• City of San Diego: "Does your neighborhood need better streets, sidewalks, libraries or community centers? #BuildBetterSD is a new initiative to construct and expand public infrastructure projects faster and more efficiently. The initiative will replace outdated and inequitable planning policies with a new citywide funding program." (Facebook)
• San Diego Botanic Garden: "Lots of kids explored our three children's gardens and on-hands learning activities during February's Museum Month. We continue to have new and interesting things for youngsters to explore every day in March. Check out this review by mom, Danielle Deery, describing the fun her 7 year old and 5 year old had during their recent visit." (Facebook)
• San Diego County Bicycle Coalition: "It's Bike Theft Awareness Month!! Join us all month long with videos and events throughout San Diego. Each week is a new topic!" (Facebook)
• Museum of Making Music: "🎸 Thursday @ 2 p.m., join us for a live, online discussion with Robin Sassi and Kimberly Deverell of San Diego Music Studio. We'll learn about their careers, the award-winning local music store they've established in Southern California, and the impact they're having on their community and the music products industry." (Facebook)
• Downtown San Diego Partnership: "With reliably sunny weather, a multitude of beaches, and distinctive neighborhoods to explore, it's no surprise that San Diego is one of the best spring break destinations for families. As the city's urban core, Downtown is a standout location with its unique live/work/play lifestyle and everything you need within reach." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• CBD Philman .com — (Visit website)
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Events:

• ALL NEW FREE Biz Owners Profits Workshop Live Q&A binar. (March 4)
• Powerhouse vocalist Jazzmine “Jazzy” Farol at Ebullition Brew Works. (March 4)
• Spring Kick-off featuring "Lucky Tongue." (March 4)
• Advocate for Foster Youth! Voices for Children CASA Volunteer Information Session. (March 5)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 7)
• San Diego Area Real Estate & Economic Update Free Webinar. (March 8)
• Small Business Lunch Bites. (March 16)
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For sale:

• New Electric Bike. (Details)
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Loving the San Diego Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business featured in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at sandiego@patch.com

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Bettyann Pernice