Government and education

Central Library celebrates 10 years

On Saturday, Sept. 30, the San Diego Public Library celebrated a decade of learning, literacy and community with an all-ages celebration.   

Central Library opened on Sept. 28, 2013. Architect Rob Wellington Quigley designed the nine-story, 497,652-square-foot building with unique features, including the iconic latticed dome and multiple terraces overlooking Downtown San Diego. Nearly 8.3 million people have visited Central Library since it opened. 

The library features the Dr. Seuss-themed Denny Sanford Children’s Library and two floors dedicated to e3 Civic High School, the first high school to be integrated into a metropolitan central library. Other features include a 3,000-square-foot art gallery, the Rare Books Room, IDEA Lab and the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center, the largest baseball research collection outside of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

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.

City College receives $200k for diversity in nursing, cybersecurity

San Diego Foundation announced today that it has awarded $200,000 in workforce development grants to San Diego City College to support the retention and graduation of Black students studying nursing and cybersecurity.

San Diego City College was selected for this program in part due to its recent nursing program rankings. Earlier this year, the program was ranked No. 3 in the nation and No. 2 in California based on the three-year average pass rate for the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam for registered nurses. The college’s 3-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate is 99.50%.

San Diego City College also launched a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity earlier this year. The program allows students to obtain a bachelor’s degree at a much lower cost as compared to a four-year university. In addition to its bachelor’s degree, San Diego City College also offers a certificate and an associate’s degree in cybersecurity.

Port of San Diego to host 2nd annual workshop series

The Port of San Diego is launching its second annual workshop series, How to do Business with the Port. The workshops are geared at helping reduce barriers for local businesses looking for Port business opportunities and ensure local businesses are aware of the types of opportunities available. The first is Oct. 1, 3-5 p.m. at Chula Vista Women’s Club, 357 G St., Chula Vista. The second is Nov. 13, 3-5 p.m., at Aquatic Center, 3300 Pepper Park Place, National City. The third is Dec. 11, 3-5 p.m. at Port Administration Building, 3165 Pacific Highway, San Diego.

San Diego’s NASSCO will build huge Navy ship to be named in honor of abolitionist Harriet Tubman

A Navy fuel ship that’s scheduled to be built in San Diego will bear the name of the abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who helped hundreds of enslaved people escape from the American South in the 1800s along a secret route known as the Underground Railroad.

The decision was announced by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, maintaining the Navy’s practice of naming John Lewis-class fleet oilers after civil rights leaders and social activists.

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.

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. 

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.

Business

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.

Lolita’s in East Village closes

After 15 years in the East Village, Lolita’s at the Park has made the difficult decision not to renew their lease. This location, located at 202 Park Blvd., closed its doors on Sept. 24, 2023, after the last Padres’ home game. Located next to Petco Park, the restaurant was a popular destination for affordable Mexican food before or after games.

Lolita’s still has five location in San Diego and is celebrating 40 years in business in 2024.

Olli introduces the first ‘Salami Hall of Fame’

To encourage more San Diego residents to enjoy salami, Olli is introducing the first-ever “Salami Hall of Fame,” which digitally honors Mona Lisa Italian Foods, at 2061 India St., a family-owned restaurant and deli serving authentic pizza, pasta, and provisions for generations to San Diego locals and businesses. This recognition places Mona Lisa Italian Foods among the five iconic restaurants, delis, and retailers across the United States that are elevating the status of salami through creative menu items and retail offerings.

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.

British Airways to increase flights to London

British Airways announced it will increase its nonstop service with a second daily flight between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) effective April 20, 2024. 

 British Airways has served SAN-LHR daily since June 2011 with one nonstop flight per day. The current flights (BA273 and BA272) will be retimed arriving in San Diego from London at 6:10 p.m. and departing San Diego for London at 8 p.m. The new second flight (BA265 and BA264) will arrive in San Diego at 3:25 p.m. and depart for London at 5:15 p.m. BA 264/BA265 will operate on 272-seat Boeing 777-200 aircraft and BA272/BA273 will operate on 214-seat Boeing 787-8 aircraft. With the additional flight, summer 2024 seat inventory to London will increase 47 percent from summer 2023 levels.

Alaska Airlines adds nonstop service to Atlanta

Alaska Airlines has announced it will offer daily nonstop flights between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Atlanta, Georgia via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ALT) beginning May 16, 2024.

Atlanta will be the 37th nonstop destination Alaska Airlines offers from SAN. The airline currently offers 36 nonstop destinations to cities across the Northwest, Northeast, California, Mexico, Florida and all four major islands in Hawaii from San Diego, which remains the most destinations offered by any airline operating out of SAN.

Alaska Airlines joins three other carriers that provide nonstop service to Atlanta including Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Currently, Atlanta is among the larger transcontinental destinations from SAN with roughly, 450 passengers traveling per day each way between the two cities.

Airport awarded for using renewable diesel fuel

 San Diego International Airport (SAN) has been selected as the 2023 Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Environmental Achievement Award winner in the Mitigation Award Category. 

Earlier this year, SAN introduced renewable diesel for all non-road diesel vehicles and equipment on the airside. The judging panel praised the program, saying it was an effective way to lower emissions until electricity technologies become more available.

Renewable diesel is a sustainable fuel that reduces fuel emissions by up to 75 percent compared to petroleum diesel. It is made from vegetable oil, animal fats, and agricultural waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Nonprofits

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.

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.

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.

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 sitio web.

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

Eventos

Bella Vita Festival coming to Little Italy

October is Italian Heritage month, and to celebrate San Diego’s Little Italy Association will host the inaugural Bella Vita Festival over the weekend of Oct. 21-22. From the producers of Festa and ArtWalk San Diego events, this new Italian festival celebrates the tradition of street painting that began in 16th century Italy where traveling artists, known as Madonnari, would re-create famous paintings onto the pavement. The ticketed event will also feature Italian music, food vendors selling Italian specialties, and wine tastings. Tickets to Bella Vita Fest are disponible en linea.

San Diego Italian Film Fest underway

El Festival de Cine Italiano de San Diego (SDIFF) returns this October with in-person and online screenings of movies with the theme of “Forward” as the organization continues to reimagine its offerings for a growing and evolving audience and community.

This year’s feStivale, which runs from Oct. 3-14, will screen the films at Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park as well as at La Paloma in Encinitas and the Digital Gym located at UC San Diego’s Park & Market. 

The lineup includes romantic comedies, independent films, dramas, documentaries, and other Italian films—many of which are being screened in San Diego for the first time. The fun-filled feSta, a celebration that will feature award-winning Italian food, Italian wine and live music, will be on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Museum of Photographic Arts and will feature the Fifth Annual Ristretto Awards, SDIFF’s short films competition, which features submissions from around the world that explore the themes of Italian culture and identity.

This is the second year that the San Diego Film Festival will be held without its founder and former president, Victor Laruccia, who passed away in March 2021. 

Antonio Iannotta, SDIFF’s artistic director, said the goal of this year’s feStivale is to continue Laruccia’s legacy while expanding the film festival’s reach with a diverse offering of films and locations so that more people will be able to enjoy not just cutting-edge Italian cinema but also an Italian perspective.

Rooftop Cinema Club for Halloween

The October schedule at San Diego’s iconic outdoor cinema is loaded with Halloween flicks that run the gamut from funny to downright frightening. It’s a killer lineup that features titles like “Halloween,” “Hocus Pocus,” “The Sixth Sense,” “American Psycho,” “Practical Magic” and more.  

All month long, the Rooftop will be dressed up in spooky Halloween décor. It will feature costume contests, candy giveaways and other special events.

Also starting in October, Rooftop Cinema Club is launching a brand-new Tuesday Social Hour. Each Tuesday for two hours before the first film of the night, San Diegans are welcome to come out to the Rooftop for food, cocktails, live music, lawn and table games, and of course, gorgeous skyline views. Admission to the Tuesday Social Hour is just $9 and it includes a drink from the Rooftop Cinema bar. Guests can also opt for a $29 combo ticket that includes all the Social Hour perks, plus a seat for the film.

October’s grand finale features two Halloween parties on Tuesday, Oct. 31, giving guests the choice of “Hocus Pocus” or “Halloween” (1978) and a night complete with music, a costume contest and 360-degree selfies. Halloween party tickets are $45 and include the first drink from the bar, 21+ only. The complete Rooftop Cinema Club Halloween month lineup and more information about the Tuesday Social Hours is available online at rooftopcinemaclub.com/embarcadero.
NYC Ballet principal dancer brings show to SD

On Nov. 1, 2023, the award-winning Principal Dancer of New York City Ballet, Tiler Peck, will bring her new show, “Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends,” to San Diego for its local premiere, at the Civic Theatre downtown for one night only, presented by Sociedad de Música de La Jolla.

In this exciting show Tiler embraces the role of director, turning up the heat with innovative, handpicked repertoire performed by some of today’s most exciting dance talent, including fellow NYCB dancers and the reigning diva of tap dance, Michelle Dorrance. 

The virtuosic program includes “Thousandth Orange,” set to live music composed by Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw; an electric pas de deux choreographed by Alonzo King; and a dynamic finale reflecting Peck’s creative partnership with choreographer William Forsythe, set to music by James Blake.

This show sold out multiple times in New York and London, and now Tiler is bringing it to her home state of California. 

NPR host Peter Sagal at Balboa Theatre

Peter Sagal has been the guiding voice behind “Wait, Wait…” for listeners across the nation, and now he’s coming to San Diego for an evening of hilarious stories and insights about his writing, career, and the funniest show on radio. The show is on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp. Tickts at sandiegotheatres.org.

Gaslamp Pet Parade date announced

The pitter-patter of paws will fill the Gaslamp Quarter with holiday delight this December 16. Tis the season for San Diego’s favorite feel-good parade, the Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub Party! Dogs, cats and other pets with their companions are encouraged to dress up in costume and compete for prizes and awards. Attendees are sure to see Santa Paws, plenty of creative holiday pet costumes, and unique floats with intricate detailing and matching ensembles.

 The festivities commence at 1 p.m. as the parade takes off under the Gaslamp Quarter Archway and through the Gaslamp Quarter. After the parade, participants will reconvene at Island between 4th and 5th where a panel of judges will announce award winners for “Best Christmas Spirit”, “Best Matching Costumes”, and “Best in Show” among others.

 After the parade, guests are invited to stroll to the second annual Pups in the Pub Party from 2-5 p.m. following the parade.