Government news

SANDAG: Crime down

Crime reported in the San Diego region from January to June 2023 was lower when compared to numbers from mid-year 2022, according to a new SANDAG report by the Criminal Justice Research Division, Crime in the San Diego Region Mid-Year 2023 Statistics. 

This is the first report published by SANDAG using the California Incident Based Reporting System (CIBRS)/ National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The new system that replaced the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system, includes additional crime categories and multiple offenses can be included in each incident, not just the highest as it was with UCR.

Crimes against people including homicide and rape, with the exception of aggravated assaults, decreased. 44 homicides and 679 rapes were reported in the first half of 2023, compared to 53 and 949 in the same timeframe the previous year. For the 22 homicides in which a motive could be determined, arguments were the most frequent (50%), followed by gang involvement (23%).

Other notable findings in the SANDAG report include:

• Property crime accounted for 58% of the total crimes committed in the San Diego region
• Robberies across the region decreased 12% from 1,343 to 1,180
• Motor vehicle thefts decreased 4% from 5,992 to 5,753

For a summary of this report, view SANDAG CJ Flash: Crime in the San Diego Region in the First Half of 2023.

Library fights book bans

The San Diego Public Library and Library Foundation SD are launching their participation in Books Unbanned. This new campaign will resist book bans by making challenged titles available to young readers across the U.S.

Through Books Unbanned, young readers can access a collection of frequently banned or challenged titles in e-book or audiobook form. The list of more than 250 titles includes some of the most challenged books in the U.S., such as “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson.According to the American Library Association, the number of book challenges in 2022 nearly doubled from the year before, and almost 50% of those challenges targeted materials in public libraries.    

“The San Diego Public Library’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning through connections to knowledge and each other. The only way to do that is through the free and open exchange of information,” said Library Director Misty Jones.

Books Unbanned was first started by the Brooklyn Public Library in 2021 and was soon joined by a similar campaign by the Seattle Public Library. Now, the San Diego Public Library is being joined by partners such as the Los Angeles County Public Library and Boston Public Library in this effort.

The campaign is 100% philanthropically supported by the generosity of Library Foundation SD supporters. Additionally, for every eBook or eAudiobook checked out by a young reader in regions with a high number of book bans, Library Foundation SD will purchase titles for the home collection.

New garden in City Heights

An overgrown vacant lot in City Heights has been transformed into a garden at the Park de la Cruz Community Center. 

Park de la Cruz Community Center opened in May 2020 with in-person programs commencing in June 2021. The center, a former YMCA building, has been transformed to include several amenities including a public gymnasium, fitness room, recreation room, sensory room, computer lab, multipurpose and community spaces, a kitchen and space for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation and AgeWell Services programs. 

The garden has been a planned addition to the facility since it opened. The garden provides accessible garden beds, benches and shade coverings for older adults, individuals with disabilities and other community volunteers. Participants will be able to learn gardening skills, harvest fruits and vegetables, and enjoy this tranquil outdoor space. To enhance the space further, a mural was also painted on the walls surrounding the garden. The mural was designed by a local artist and community members assisted with the painting.  

City Heights welcomes education campus

One of the largest public investments in City Heights’ history is officially complete, as the George Walker Smith Education Campus was formally dedicated. 

Named after the first African-American elected to office in San Diego County, the George Walker Smith Education Campus houses the completely rebuilt Wilson Middle and Central Elementary Schools. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson welcomed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, the family of the late George Walker Smith, Central and Wilson students, and community members to help celebrate the new schools and their namesake. Students from Hoover High School’s Army JOTC, drumline, mariachi band, and cheer team performed during the festive event

“We dedicate this campus to past, current, and future students, but also to the City Heights community,” said Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson. “We acknowledge Mr. Smith for his devotion to young students and bringing people of all ethnicities together.” 

Victims of USS Pueblo attack advocate for funds

On Thursday, Sept. 14 the crew of the U.S.S. Pueblo, a Navy Intelligence ship, who were captured, held hostage, and tortured by North Korean state-sponsored terrorists in 1968, gathered in San Diego, CA for their final annual reunion. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the victims’ capture.

 In 2021, a U.S. federal judge ruled in favor of the crew and ordered North Korea to pay the men and their families $2.3 billion in damages. Unfortunately, the victims have been largely unable to collect their shares of the judgment.

 The Pueblo victims are eligible to receive payouts from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism (USVSST) Fund, which was created to pay damages to victims in cases such as this one when the defendants are unwilling to pay. However, the fund is now depleted, and the victims and families of the U.S.S. Pueblo have received only a small fraction of the damages they were awarded.

At the reunion, the crewmen were joined by other victims of state sponsored terrorism who are also calling on Congress to pass critical legislation to “Fund the Fund” and ensure victims of other attacks abroad are able to collect the damages they are owed.

County Emergency Services earns re-accreditation

San Diego County’s Office of Emergency Services earned re-accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. The honor was announced this week. After a comprehensive and rigorous review of 66 standards of excellence in emergency management programs and capabilities, the Emergency Management Accreditation Program granted San Diego County the five-year re-accreditation.

County Assessor Jordan Marks receives 2023 Emerging Professional Award

Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, is a recipient of the International Association of Assessing Officers’ (IAAO) 2023 Emerging Professional award. The award is presented to an IAAO member who, comparatively early in his or her career, has made a significant contribution by demonstrating leadership in the organization, participating in various IAAO activities, assisting other members and working toward IAAO’s mission.

County receives updated COVID-19 vaccine

The County of San Diego has received the new updated COVID-19 vaccine and joins the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recommending all Californians stay up to date on this and all their vaccinations. People can schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or contacting their local pharmacy or health care provider.

San Diego’s urban forest to benefit from $10 million federal grant

The City of San Diego has been awarded $10 million from the federal government for planting trees in communities throughout the City, part of an ongoing effort to grow and improve San Diego’s urban forest. 

The grant, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, was among $1 billion in funding to be distributed to cities across the nation. The grants are intended to be used to plant and maintain trees, to aid in combating extreme heat and climate change. The Forest Service selected 385 grant proposals from all 50 states to fund projects working to increase equitable access to trees and nature. 

This grant funding will be used for the City’s “Ready, Set, Grow San Diego” program, which seeks to address climate action goals and promote tree equity. The city plans to conduct extensive community outreach to engage residents in planning and participation in the project. Grant-funded activities will include planting trees, and preserving trees through well expansions and removal of tree grates.  

City of San Diego hourly minimum wage jumps to $16.85 on Jan. 1, 2024

Many San Diegans will soon see an increase in their pay when the City’s minimum wage goes up. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, employees who perform at least two hours of work in one or more calendar weeks of the year within the geographic boundaries of the City of San Diego will receive a minimum wage increase from $16.30 to $16.85 an hour. The change is in accordance with the city’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, approved in 2016. 

Business, nonprofit, regional updates

Region’s fastest-growing jobs don’t need college degree

Despite challenges like high living costs, San Diego County’s economy has bounced back from the pandemic with increased job opportunities, particularly in tourism and biotech. The region’s job growth, which has outpaced both California and the national average with a 31 percent increase since 2000, offers diverse occupations from health care to construction. However, it’s worth noting that many of the fastest-growing professions in the county, such as cooks in restaurants (projected growth of 79.7 percent), nurse practitioners (79.3 percent), and ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers (75.5 percent), typically require no more than a high school diploma. Despite lower wages in some sectors, the overall job market in San Diego County is on the rise, with growing industries and increasing wages in various sectors.

Free microchipping at SD Humane Society

To protect furry family members and help them return home if they become lost, San Diego Humane Society is offering free microchips and registration all October through their “Chip n’ Treat” campaign at shelter vaccine clinics.

Statistics show one out of every three pets will become lost during their lifetime, and only one in 10 will be reclaimed by their owners. In addition to having your pets wear a collar with a tag displaying your contact information, a microchip provides permanent, secure protection. If your pet is found, they can be taken to a veterinarian or shelter — and sometimes even a local fire station or library — where they can be easily scanned and you will be contacted.

Make an appointment online or a $15 walk-in fee will be charged.

MAAC gives big boost to Early Childhood Education salaries

MAAC, one of San Diego’s largest nonprofit organizations, said it will increase Early Childhood Program pay rates for teachers and key support staff by an average of 24 percent, an action that will impact 224 positions.

MAAC estimates the total number of children served through their programs will be 35 percent higher than last year. Salary increases are expected to help fill 42 current teacher vacancies, which will result in 21 additional classrooms opening.

San Diego Foundation gave away $131 million

San Diego Foundation announced a near-record $131.1 million in grants to mostly San Diego-based nonprofits for the 2023 fiscal year, including a record $45 million to health and human services causes to address basic needs like housing and food.

This past year, San Diego Foundation awarded 8,925 grants to 2,577 nonprofits. San Diego County nonprofits accounted for $109.5 million in local grants or 83.5% of grant funding. Of the total $131.1 million granted, $45,780,692 went to Health & Human Services nonprofit organizations, including those that provide affordable housing, emergency food and shelter, food and nutrition services, youth and child development programs, and workforce training, among other services.

October is Firefighter Appreciation Month

The California Fire Foundation, the California-based non-profit that assists families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect, has proclaimed October as California Firefighter Appreciation Month (FFAM). In concert with state legislature initiatives, the California Fire Foundation will launch statewide programs and events to celebrate local firefighters, honor the fallen, and prepare Californians for fire season.

The California Fire Foundation invites residents to prepare for wildfires and natural disasters at FirefightersOnYourSide.org.

Hunger increasing

The number of Americans who didn’t have enough to eat over a one-week period increased by 52% – from 18 million to 27 million – between August 2021 and August 2023, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey.

Mama’s Kitchen needs volunteers

As the largest nonprofit provider of home-delivered meals in San Diego and the sole provider of medically tailored meals, Mama’s Kitchen is issuing an urgent community-wide call for volunteers ahead of the busy holiday season. Currently, the organization needs volunteer help in three main areas: meal delivery, kitchen/staging, and phone/office support. The urgent need for volunteers is a result of a continuing surge in demand for medically tailored meals for individuals experiencing a health complication that leaves them homebound.

While the Hunger Coalition reports that San Diego’s hunger rates have receded to pre-pandemic rates, Mama’s Kitchen continues to see sky-rocketing need from the critically ill population. The long-term impacts of the pandemic have resulted in rising rates of chronic illness, and Mama’s Kitchen now receives close to 400 new referrals each month. As the nonprofit closed out its 2022-2023 fiscal year in June, Mama’s Kitchen was shocked to find that they delivered a record-breaking 816,920 medically tailored meals, which is a 22% increase over the prior year.

Individuals and families are encouraged to apply. Youth volunteers ages 13+ must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For questions about volunteer opportunities, visit www.mamaskitchen.org/volunteer/opportunities/ or contact Mama’s Kitchen Director of Volunteer Engagement Philip Chao at [email protected] or 619-233-6262.

2023 Momentum award winners

Circulate San Diego, a local nonprofit organization, recognized outstanding individuals and public agencies at its annual Momentum Awards. The event, which took place at the San Diego National History Museum in Balboa Park, brought together over 350 attendees, including regional elected officials, representatives from SANDAG, MTS, and professionals from the transportation and land use sectors.

The Momentum Awards spotlighted and celebrated the accomplishments of leaders who have made significant contributions to enhancing public transit, improving street safety, and fostering sustainable growth throughout San Diego County.

The Walk-The-Walk Award is given to local and statewide leaders who are actively advancing mobility choices and sustainable growth. This year’s honorees included Attorney General Rob Bonta, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and environmental justice advocate Diane Takvorian. For the community nominated awards, OTTA United, La Semilla, MacKenzie Elmer, and Terrence Morrissey were honored.

Local breweries win at Great American Beer Fest

San Diego County breweries won five Gold Medals and 18 medals overall at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) over the weekend. The nation’s largest professional brewing competition is commonly referred to as “The Oscars” of the craft beer industry, and it takes place annually in Denver, Colo.

The five Golds and 18 medals overall eclipsed last year’s totals of three and 15, respectively.

The Gold Medal-winning breweries are Ballast Point Brewing Company – Little Italy for Barometer Drop in the “Strong Porter” category, Belching Beaver Brewery – Oceanside Brewhouse for Tropical Terps IPA in the “Experimental IPA” category, Santee’s BNS Brewing and Distilling for Gatling Gun in the “Imperial Stout” category, East Village Brewing Company for IZOLA Kvass in the “Historical Beer” category, and North Park’s TapRoom Beer Company for PB Haze in the “Juicy or Hazy Strong Pale Ale” category.

Events

Academy of Our Lady of Peace to host fourth annual Hackathon

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace will host the fourth annual Hackathon on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hackathon is open to girls from all San Diego County schools, in 6th through 12th grade. 

A hackathon is a meeting of the minds to challenge current notions, problem-solve, create, and collaborate. OLP’s Engineering Projects in Community Service Club (EPICS), the hosts of the annual Hackathon, focus on how STEM can solve global issues using science, technology, engineering, and math. Students identify specific problems in the world and formulate systematic and realistic solutions to them through researching, analyzing data, and communicating with a group of workers. This is a friendly competition, and the teams will be presenting their solutions to a panel of judges. Teams in first, second, and third place will receive prizes. 

Kids’ free admission at museums

From October 1 to 31, children ages 12 and under can enjoy free admission to dozens of museums and other family-friendly attractions throughout San Diego County. Last year, 85,000 children and adults participated in the Kids Free program.

 Kids Free aims to give more families access to the wide range of fun and enriching museum experiences offered in San Diego. With more than 50 participating locations all over the county, there is something for every age and interest, including art, science, history, cultural heritage, nature, wildlife, trains, ships and much more. A list of participating museums can be found on the San Diego Museum Council website.

Other major local attractions participating in Kids Free include the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, Belmont Park and Sesame Place.

 Junior Theatre presents “The Sound of Music”

San Diego Junior Theatre, the nation’s longest-running youth theatre program, kicks off its 76th Season with a return of the beloved classic, “The Sound of Music” from Oct. 27 to Nov. 12. Once again, “The Sound of Music” will enchant Junior Theatre audiences with its timeless story and captivating melodies.

Directed by new Producing Artistic Director (and JT alum), Joey Price, families are guaranteed to enjoy this epic story that brings to life the timeless tale of love, courage and the power of music. 

 Joining Price on the creative team is first-time Junior Theatre Music Director, Ben Read, and frequent JT Choreographer, Ricardo Valenzuela.

All Junior Theatre productions are performed in Balboa Park’s historic Casa del Prado Theatre, 1600 Village Place, at the corner of Old Globe Way and Village Place. Tickets are $18 – $20. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. For tickets and more information, visit juniortheatre.com or call the box office at 619-239-8355.

Theater companies to invest in SD talent

The San Diego Black Artist Collective is proud to announce The Audition Lab, an event aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the local theater community. Hosted at MOXIE Theatre on Oct. 8, 2023 at 10 a.m., this groundbreaking initiative seeks to address historical inequalities within American theater by investing in the San Diego area Talent of Color. The Audition Lab aims to attract Black performers of all experience levels to provide a fresh perspective on industry techniques and current practices, a space for feedback and questions to improve one’s skills, and ultimately, a communal space for networking and connection.

No registration is required; participants can attend as few or as many workshops as they wish. This is a free event with a suggested donation of $20. 

Breast cast exhibit at Fall Brewing

The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB) is hosting its 2023 Breast Cast Exhibition and virtual auction in San Diego, celebrating Breast Cancer Prevention Month. The event, held at Fall Brewing Company on October 7 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., features 20 unique breast sculptures created by breast cancer survivors, local artists, and community members. The opening night and virtual auction commence on October 7th, with the auction taking place on Instagram via @brewbiesfest, a long-time supporter of KAB.

All proceeds from the exhibition support KAB’s youth-focused advocacy and prevention programs, including its breast self-check mobile app and grants for BIPOC women breast cancer survivors. KAB aims to raise $25,000 through this exhibition, continuing its mission to reduce breast cancer risk globally.

Fall Brewing Co. will also be debuting a limited-edition pink lager dubbed “Check Yourself” after KAB’s popular call-to-action phrase. Survivors, artists and creatives will be in attendance and a food truck will also be available at the event.

Modern Home Tour returns after hiatus

For just one day a year, the Modern Architecture + Design Society hosts a celebration of residential modern architecture and design. Finally returning to southern California after a 4-year absence, come see the inside and out of some of San Diego’s most unique and awe-inspiring modern homes; meet the local architects, designers, and builders that created the homes; and find some inspiration or a partner for your next project.

Visit five homes, three at one location in Mission Hills, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 14. Tickets at https://mads.media/2023-san-diego-modern-home-tour/.

Nightmare on Normal Street

Hillcrest’s haunted Halloween all-ages dance party and costume competition is back on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 5-11 p.m. With late night live entertainment, a costume competition runway, outdoor bars, delicious food, and the best people watching in all of San Diego, this is a popular Halloween event.

Nightmare on Normal Street will take over Pride Flag Plaza (at Normal Street and University Ave.) for this community fundraising event benefiting the San Diego LGBT Community Center and the Hillcrest Business Association. 

Pre-sale general admission tickets are now available for only $20. Eat, drink and be scary with our VIP pass for $50, which includes two cocktails, food credit, private restrooms and a private lounge. Ticket prices will increase to $30 for General Admission and $60 for VIP on the week of the event. Visit fabuloushillcrest.com to buy tickets.

Funko halloween party

Funko, Inc., a leading pop culture and lifestyle brand, and Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park have teamed up for the third time to celebrate “Mask-O-Raid 2023.” Hosted by Funko founder Mike Becker, the festive Halloween party will take place on two nights this year, Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Comic-Con Museum (2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101) with proceeds benefiting Comic-Con Museum and its Education Center.

Tickets for $125 will go on sale to the public on Monday, October 2 at 10 a.m. through a link on Comic-Con Museum’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter) and are expected to sell out.

Each ticket includes access to the party, exhibit, party favors, food, and one drink ticket, as well as opportunities to view the presentations (seating in the theater is limited), purchase collectibles, participate in the raffle, and more. Costumes encouraged. All ages welcome.

Taste of University Heights and art event

Stroll through the quaint neighborhood sampling delicacies from University Heights diverse restaurants and enjoy a free self guided tour of the arts.
Free shuttle tour of restaurants and artist studios/venues on Sunday, Nov. 12. Visit UHCDC.org with questions.