​🌱 Vaccine Targets Opioids + Improving SD Streets + Utility Scammers

Hello and happy Thursday! Go right ahead and dunk that biscotti into your hot cappuccino, and let's find out what's happening in San Diego today:

• San Diego scientists create vaccine that targets opioids.
• Mayor wants to improve San Diego streets by amending the Street Preservation Ordinance.
• SDGE warns customers not to fall for utility scammers.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant.🌞High: 75, Low: 48.

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

1. Opioids are deadly drugs that have hit San Diego hard. Now, there's a new way to fight off the effects of opioids, thanks to a team at Scripps Research in La Jolla: a vaccine that helps the immune system recognize heroin and fentanyl, and fight off the drugs before they reach pleasure sensors in the brain. The vaccine could help those trying to kick the habit, as well as overdose victims. (NBC San Diego)
2. “San Diegans deserve better streets,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “We’re holding utilities — both public and private — accountable.” Gloria proposed updates to the Street Preservation Ordinance that would make utilities provide full restoration of streets to communities. The Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the City Council will consider changes to the current street preservation law. (Times of San Diego)
3. Scammers posing as SDG&E representatives may phone you, threatening to shut off your power if you don’t pay them. Although the calls come from outside the U.S., the scammers use caller ID spoofing to make it look like the call is coming from SDGE customer service. Perpetrators will often ask that you pay them by Zelle, Bitcoin, or other methods that SDGE does not use. Victims most targeted are the elderly, limited-English speakers, and small businesses. (San Diego Patch)
4. It’s called Elephant Valley and it's the newest addition to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The 2½-acre savanna will be a new home for a family of elephants and the epicenter of elephant conservation efforts. There will be shaded rest areas for people to relax and "live" among the elephants. With elephants just a few feet away, visitors can make eye contact and create a powerful connection with these gentle giants. Large tents, picnic tables and classrooms will be located there as well. The world needs elephants and elephants need you – donate today! (San Diego Safari Park)

Today in San Diego:

• Jungle Safari with Dance to Evolve — North Park Branch Library. (10 a.m.)
• Thursday Story Time — Oak Park Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Preschool Storytime — Rancho Bernardo Branch Library. (11 a.m.)
• Basics of Worm Composting — Food2Soil Composting Collective. (Noon)
• Regain Your Youthful Memory (Zoom) — OASIS San Diego. (1 p.m.)
• Tai Chi/Qigong — Ed Brown Center for Active Adults. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• SD United Against Hate Week: "There is no room for hate in our community. Together we can make a difference. #SDUnitedAgainstHateWeek #UnitedAgainstHateWeek" (San Diego County Library via Facebook)
• Kimchi Day: "👨‍🍳Celebrate Kimchi Day with Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles this Friday! Chef Kim will explain the traditional culture of Kimchi and the process of preparing and preserving Kimchi called 'Kim Jang.' After the demonstration, registered participants will get to make kimchi and take some home with them, but all are welcome to view the demonstration. Register today." (San Diego Central Library via Facebook)
• Money for high school seniors: "Did you know? If you’re a high school senior, money is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans to use for things like tuition, housing, and meals. Don’t miss the deadlines or you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. The sooner your fill out the application, the sooner you can start planning and dreaming of your future!" (San Diego Unified School District via Facebook)
• Glowing luminaries: "Join Denise McMurtrie each month to learn and experiment with new artistic techniques! Transform your own watercolor painting into a glowing luminary to share with your loved ones during the holidays. Add a personal artistic touch to your dinner table or give as a gift. We will take inspiration from fall foliage, as well as discuss how you can use something as simple as vegetables to make prints. So easy and fun to create! Please register by November 17." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• Color and sound: "San Diego Botanical Garden presents our new event, Lightscape! From November 18 to January 1, the Garden will be transformed with spectacular art installations coming to life after dusk with color, imagination and sound." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Sip & Learn at Free Real Estate Educational Seminar. (Nov. 17)
• Lights at the Lakes Holiday Light Show. (Nov. 25)
• FREE 4-Week Active Enlightenment Workshop. (Nov. 29)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "HOLIDAY IN." (Dec. 1)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Bettyann Pernice

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