🌱 Omicron Impacts Eateries + Charging Electric Cars + Need Blood

Bettyann Pernice
Updated ·4 min read

Hello, people of San Diego! Bettyann Pernice here with a fresh San Diego Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice, Santa Ana winds. High: 66, Low: 44.

Here are the top stories in San Diego today:

  1. Local restaurants are suffering as a result of the omicron variant surge. According to the Independent Restaurant Coalition, 58 percent of businesses saw a decrease in sales during December 2021. Restaurants are also being impacted by a staff shortage and COVID-19. Restauranteurs are hoping that restaurant declines can be offset by take-out orders. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (10News)

  2. There are more and more clean energy electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. Electric vehicle charging stations, not so much. Now, federal funding has been allocated to build more EV charging stations. San Diego will receive federal dollars for funding that will come through President Joe Biden's trillion-dollar infrastructure bill. "This bill was historic, and it will be transformational," said Congressman Scott Peters (D-52nd Congressional District). To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (CBS News 8)

  3. The American Red Cross is calling it the "worst blood shortage in over a decade." Our blood supply is dangerously low, and the American Red Cross is asking for your help. Find a donation site near you and give blood during this National Blood Donor Month. To sweeten the deal for you, Krispy Kreme will give you a free dozen doughnuts. From Jan. 24-31, simply donate blood and bring proof of your donation to a participating Krispy Kreme location. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (Newsbreak)

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Today in San Diego:

  • PAC Fundraiser at the Farmers Open — San Diego Chamber. (8:30 a.m.)

  • Crossover Composers, Part 1 (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (10 a.m.)

  • Toddler and Preschool Storytime — Mission Valley Library. (10:30 a.m.)

  • Grief Support Group (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (10:30 a.m.)

  • The Great Escape (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (1 p.m.)

  • Program Cabinet — Boy Scouts of America San Diego-Imperial Council. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • San Diego Humane Society: "San Diego Humane Society is seeking compassionate individuals to join our Humane Law Enforcement team! Humane Officers make a meaningful impact in the animal welfare movement by enforcing state and local laws and protecting animals from cruelty and neglect." (Facebook)

  • City of San Diego: "It’s happening! Initial preparations are underway for the major renovation of the historic Botanical Building in Balboa Park! The $21 million Phase I project ($13 million in City funding and $8 million in state funding), will restore and revitalize this iconic structure, built as part of the original 1915 Panama California Exposition." (Facebook)

  • San Diego Police Department: "Gun crimes affect far too many San Diegans, and your police department is doing something about it. Check out this video from the @TodayShow featuring the San Diego Police Department's Ghost Gun Team, one of the first in the nation. Find out what a ghost gun is and how it impacts our neighborhoods." (Facebook)

  • San Diego County Library: "Partner Spotlight: KPBS and the San Diego Public Library invite you to hear Author Annette Bay Pimentel and disability rights activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins discuss their picture book collaboration, 'All The Way To The Top.'" (Facebook)

  • San Diego Rescue Mission: "Because of you, lives are being transformed from homeless to hopeful. Look at the many ways your support is making a difference in the lives of men, women and children experiencing homelessness! Check out our 2021 Impact Report for all the ways you made a difference!" (Facebook)

  • Free smoke alarms for Seniors — The Burn Institute. (Burn Institute)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Bettyann Pernice

This article originally appeared on the San Diego Patch