DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CAN GET HEALTHY WITH SCRIPPS

Joining forces with Downtown San Diego Partnership (DSDP), Scripps Health will launch “Healthy Living in the City,” an initiative aimed to help people stay healthy while living in and exploring the urban spaces of Downtown. “‘Healthy Living in the City’ will enrich the Downtown experience and help Downtown workers, residents and visitors see that wellness is around every corner,” stated Kris Michell, president and CEO of DSDP in a press release. Starting on July 10 and lasting for an entire year, Scripps will host free health-conscious cooking classes, lunchtime strolls and yoga open to the public. “Scripps has a well-known commitment to wellness and health, so they are the perfect organization to partner with on this initiative,” Michell said in the release. All events will be held in iconic Downtown locations like the USS Midway Museum, Horton Plaza and Gaslamp Quarter. For a full calendar of events and locations visit downtownsandiego.org/healthyscripps.

NIGHTTIME ZOO RETURNS, DINE WITH TIGERS AT SAFARI PARK

Zoo-goers and tiger lovers can now enjoy breakfast with the largest of cat species during a new dining experience offered by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Every Saturday until Aug.1, attendees can get an up close view of the Park’s six Sumatran tigers and learn about their daily activities from a tiger keeper, all while eating a traditional hot American breakfast from 8 – 9 a.m. After the breakfast, participants are welcome to explore Tiger Trail and the rest of the Safari Park before it opens to the public. Tickets are $45 and park admission is sold separately. Breakfast with Tigers will be held on Saturdays through Aug. 16. As of July 1, the San Diego Zoo’s annual Nighttime Zoo kicked off, bringing the Australian Outback into focus with a theme of “Koalafornia.” The park’s hours will be extended  to 9 p.m. through Sept. 1, offering an alternative environment in which to see the exhibits, new shows such as “Australiana II, Return to the Outback,” “Dr. Zoolittle Explores Australia,” “Kangaroo Crossing,” a trampoline act, and a parade along Front Street called “The Walkabout.” In addition, the new mountain lion habitat will launch just in time for this summertime event. For more information on Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo visit sdzsafaripark.com or sandiegozoo.org/nighttimezoo.

SANDAG OFFERS TELEWORK PROGRAMS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has launched a new pilot project called “TeleworkSD” to offer free consultative services to employers in the region who are interested in implementing telework programs into their business. Telework programs allow employees to work from home or a remote location one or more days out of the week. There have been proven benefits seen from Telework-style environments, including increased productivity, reduced demand for parking and office space, reduced stress associated with commuting and improved job satisfaction. TeleworkSD will select 10 employers to receive guidance on implementing the program. Those interested can attend a free webinar on July 8 from 11 – 11:30 a.m. To register, contact [email protected] or call 619-699-4814. Applications to participate in the TeleworkSD pilot are due July 18. Visit TeleworkSD.com for more information.

CITY CHALLENGES SAN DIEGANS TO GET FIT

The City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department is hosting a new free summer program aimed at getting San Diegans excited about exercising in local public spaces. Starting on Monday, July 14, participants will be challenged to walk 30 miles in 30 days at one of the city’s 340 parks. Swimmers have also been challenged to complete 20 miles in a City pool. “We hope [the program] encourages our residents to get out and visit our park sites and take advantage of the unique opportunities our parks provide,” City Park and Recreation Director Herman Parker stated in a press release. “Let’s get fit San Diego!” City staff will lead walks and track participant progress, as well as reward finishers with complimentary t-shirts. Those interested can sign up for the program between July 14 and August 1 at any City recreation center. For more information or to find a park near you, visit sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation and click on the Recreation Centers and Pools or My Park button.

OVER THE LINE RETURNS FOR 61ST YEAR

Though a lawsuit almost caused cancellation of the longstanding tradition last year, the City approved the permit for the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC)’s Over The Line (OTL) permit for 2014. The event, which takes place at Fiesta Island and has every year for six decades, will be held July 12 – 13 and July 19 – 20. Last year’s lawsuit caused OMBAC to consider modified restrictions on the sale of alcohol, but the permit submitted and approved was based on their traditional operations. Mayor Kevin Faulconer, City Attorney Jan Goldsmith and various other City representatives announced the permit approval on Wednesday. “For the past six decades, Over The Line has become part of the fabric of San Diego,” Faulconer said. “This announcement means thousands of San Diegans and visitors from across the world will be playing Over The Line on the sands of Fiesta Island just like they have since 1954.” Goldsmith echoed the mayor’s sentiments and addressed the legal issues. “There was no legal basis for last year’s lawsuit seeking to cancel OTL and we are prepared to defend the City’s permission for the event, again, if necessary,” he said. San Diego Police Chief Shelly Zimmerman said the police department has had a “long standing, collaborative and successful” relationship with the organization. “We appreciate everything OMBAC has done to ensure the Over The Line tournament is enjoyable and safe for all,” she said. For more information visit ombac.org/over-the-line.

FUNDS INCREASED FOR YOUNG VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

Starting July 1, children who have been victims of sexual trafficking now have more access to welfare services like housing, healthcare and mental health services under a provision of the 2014 – 2015 state budget. “Too often, these children do not get the help they need,” stated House Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) in a press release. “We have a responsibility to help these children overcome their traumatic experiences and move forward with their lives.” San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles remain the three major hubs where the sexual exploitation of children occurs at alarming rates and serve as gateways to other regions of the United States. The additional funding, which issues $5 million to welfare agencies in the first year and $14 million more in future years, will provide children with much needed treatment and services.