🌱What Is That Mysterious Shaking? + $15M In Drugs Hidden In Clay Pots

Hey, friends! It's Sunday in San Diego so let's get this day started right. Sip your coffee/tea, munch on your berries and cereal, and read up on what's happening in town today:

• There's been a whole lot of shakin' going on in San Diego.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection canines sniff out $15 million in drugs.
• San Diegans show their generosity with donations for pets in war torn areas.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and cool. High: 58, Low: 45.

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

1. If you felt the earth move under your feet Friday morning, you are not alone! Was it an earthquake? A sonic boom? Sounds of freedom? There was no seismic activity in the area that would have caused the shaking. U.S. Military agencies say they could not confirm the noise or its cause. However, on Friday live-fire training with high explosives were being conducted at MCAS Camp Pendleton. It’s possible that these explosions were amplified by weather conditions in the area. (NBC San Diego)
2. With the aid of trained canines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently discovered $15 million worth of drugs hidden in clay pots, jicama, and furniture in trucks at the border. More than 1,287 packages of methamphetamine, three packages of fentanyl, two packages of cocaine, and 132 packages of marijuana were seized as evidence. Customs and Border Protection reported more than 100 smuggling attempts in one month. (FOX 5 San Diego)
3. After seeing photos and footage of Ukrainians fleeing the war zone with their pets, the Helen Woodward Animal Center pledged a donation of $50,000 to help pets in war torn areas. However, the generosity of San Diegans went above and beyond expectations. With help from the local community, the animal center was able to raise $356,000 for the cause. Food and veterinary supplies were sent, as well as a rescue van to deliver the goods. (Times of San Diego)
4. Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park was voted the Best Pop Culture Museum in the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest. The contest featured museums from the U.S, and winners were determined through a popular vote from members of the general public. The museum currently features exhibits from their Animation Academy, as well as an exhibit of the history of five decades of Comic-Con. (Times of San Diego)

Today in San Diego:

• Birds of North America (ASL Interpreted Performance) — Moxie Theater. (2 p.m.)
• Angels' Angels Winter Musicale — San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. (3 p.m.)
• Pierre-Laurent Aimard — La Jolla Music Society. (7:30 p.m.)
• One Drop Redemption: The Bob Marley Experience! ft. Josh David Barrett w/ Doah's Daydream — Music Box. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Slurry seal: "While all this rainy weather tends to throw some bumps in our Slurry Seal schedule, 33rd Street in North Park is looking smooth as ever. This is between Laurel and Maple streets. We'll be back out there resurfacing roads across the City." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Welcoming black sage: "Black sage is starting to make it's way back in the Garden! Shooting out larger leaves during the rainy season of the year, they are just starting to wake up." (San Diego Botanic Garden via Facebook)
• City/County partners: "United for a cause. The City partners with the County of San Diego and other local agencies to provide immediate, on-the-spot services and access to shelter and other resources to people living on the streets." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Helping others get back on their feet: "🛑 Essentials needed NOW! Help struggling men, women, and children get the life-changing care they need to get back on their feet. Your support will help provide critical medical supplies, job training resources, utilities to keep lights on, and other program essentials for our residents in recovery." (San Diego Rescue Mission via Facebook)
• San Diego's rich history: "Discover the secrets to uncovering San Diego's rich history with Dr. Tina Zarpour on our YouTube channel! Learn the tips and tricks to search the San Diego History Center’s Collections and access online historical resources available through sandiegohistory.org." (San Diego History Center via Facebook)
• River crossing close: "Heads Up! In preparation for
  heavy rains, the City is closing river crossings in Mission Valley starting at 9 p.m. tonight. Flooding typically occurs in low-lying areas around the San Diego River. Drivers and pedestrians should avoid attempting to cross flooded roads." (City of San Diego via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Bettyann Pernice

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