🌱New 'Stealth' Omicron + Black Heritage Exhibit ​+ MTS' Security

Bettyann Pernice
Updated ·4 min read

Morning, people of San Diego! Bettyann Pernice here with the Friday copy of the San Diego Daily.

First, today's weather:

Nice with variable cloudiness, Santa Ana winds, increased fire threat. High: 74, Low: 47.

Here are the three top stories today in San Diego:

  1. Beware! There is a new COVID-19 omicron subvariant in the world and it is being called "Stealth omicron." The new strain BA.2 has been detected in at least 40 countries, and California has so far reported a dozen cases, several in San Diego. Doctors advise that everyone should take the same precautions: get vaccinated, wear masks, avoid crowds, stay home when you are sick. The new strain is a reminder that the pandemic is not over. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (NBC San Diego)

  2. San Diego has a new Black heritage exhibit that offers an interactive experience to its visitors. Since the exhibit is crowdsourced, individuals can add milestones or events to the timeline, and nominate local Black heroes. “We have a set of names that we think about in the Black community, but this exhibition really gave everybody an opportunity to nominate a person who impacted them, and it may not be a name that we recognize but we need to,” said Shelby Gordon, the History Center’s marketing manager. Gordon wants visitors in person or online to understand the great pride of Black San Diegans. To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (CBS News 8)

  3. The MTS expects to have 190 private security officers on trolleys, buses, and on MTS properties by late January. "The safety of our riders and employees is a top priority at MTS," said Monica Montgomery Steppe, chairperson of the MTS Public Security Committee and San Diego City Council President Pro Tem. "We are confident Inter-Con officers will be a great addition to our security teams.” To learn more: Click into parenthesis, then click the link. (NBC San Diego)

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Today in San Diego:

  • Blades on Ice: How to Watch Ice Skating From The Judge's Seat (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (10 a.m.)

  • Friday Reflections with Peter Bolland (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (10 a.m.)

  • The Essentials of Chinese Herbology (Online) — San Diego Oasis. (1 p.m.)

  • SD Nights Online: Scavenger Hunt Escape Room — SD County Parks & Rec. (5 p.m.)

  • Hops on the Harbor With Modern Times Beer — Flagship Cruises. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • San Diego Humane Society: "We’re live at the Pilar & Chuck Bahde Wildlife Center for an inside look at the work done by our Project Wildlife team! Babies are already arriving at San Diego Humane Society, and right now, you can help provide second chances for thousands of wild animal babies." (Facebook)

  • San Diego Zoo: "It can be hard to see the more skittish members of our kopje habitat, so here's a quick rundown:Klipspringers are a species of dwarf antelope that makes its home in rock formations. Their hooves are only about the diameter of a dime, so they can easily perch in precarious positions." (Instagram)

  • City of San Diego: "We're hiring! New positions posted this week include electrician, street sweeper operator, literacy tutor/learner coordinator, and park designer. Check out all our openings in the City of San Diego." (Facebook)

  • San Diego Botanic Garden: "With Valentine's Day right around the corner, now is good time to remember that San Diego Botanic Garden is at the top of the list for places in San Diego to swoon your boo on a date. 'Nothing beats a good stroll with your crush, especially when you're surrounded by gorgeous flora.'" (Facebook)

  • San Diego Central Library: "Have plans this weekend? We are counting down the days before our Lunar New Year and Korean American Heritage celebration at Central begins! It's happening this Saturday, Jan. 29 at noon, and we invite everyone to join in on the fun." Register now. (Facebook)

  • Old Town San Diego: "Get to see the spooky sides of San Diego! Old Town Trolley Tours offers the Ghosts & Gravestones San Diego Tours where you get to experience the darker side of America's Finest City. Tickets available." (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Bettyann Pernice

This article originally appeared on the San Diego Patch