California flood victims can get state help.

They only have days to apply

By Justo Robles | CalMatters

Almost three months after a January storm and flash floods killed several people and displaced hundreds of San Diego-area residents, the state is offering one-time Disaster CalFresh benefits to help families recover.

To be eligible for disaster food benefits, people must have lived or worked in storm-impacted areas on Jan. 21, the day record rainfall swelled creeks and rivers, deluging neighborhoods. About 600 people sought emergency shelter.

California’s Department of Social Services said it will provide 30 days of food benefits to families who qualify. A family of four, for instance, could get $973 if they have a monthly income of up to $3,380.

Eligible households also must have lost food or income or incurred such evacuation expenses as hotel or transportation charges.

But time is running out to apply. The application window that opened March 7 closes on March 15. Applicants can call the county’s social services office by calling 877-847-3663 (FOOD) or submit an online pre-registration application.

Top Photo: Gregory Montoya in his garage where he stores antique items that were severely damaged by recent floods in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego. March 8, 2024. (Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters)

Read more

_________________________________________

New leadership announced for the Workforce Development Board

The San Diego Workforce Partnership has named a new slate of officers to its board of directors for the Workforce Development Board. They include chair of the board Kurling Robinson, vice chair Dr. Ricky Shabazz, treasurer Veronica Dela Rosa, and secretary Carol Kim.

Ricky Shabazz is president of San Diego City College. Veronica Dela Rosa is executive vice president of operations, San Ysidro Health. Carol Kim is CEO of the San Diego County Building & Construction Trades.

The new Board Chair, Kurling Robinson, is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in software development and startups. His diverse career spans arts, automotive, technology, and energy sectors, including tenures at companies like Getty, Toyota, NetZero, and IFS.

_________________________________________

Superior Court Judge Keri G. Katz retires

San Diego Superior Court Judge Keri G. Katz announced her retirement on March 8 after nearly 40 years of civil service to the community. Katz, who began her legal career in 1986 as a deputy city attorney with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, handled the defense and prosecution of civil lawsuits until 2007.

While serving as deputy city attorney, she was promoted to several leadership positions, including head deputy city attorney of the city’s public works division and assistant city attorney in charge of the city’s civil division. Katz also served as the mayor and San Diego City Council’s chief legal adviser, providing legal guidance and support.

Katz was appointed as a Superior Court judge by former Gov. Jerry Brown in February 2014.

_________________________________________

California launches first-of-its-kind

council to create thousands of more jobs

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the creation of the California Jobs First Council and operational plan focused on streamlining the state’s economic and workforce development programs to create more jobs, faster. The Council and operational plan will guide the state’s investments in economic and workforce development to create more family-supporting jobs and prioritize industry sectors for future growth.

The Council will coordinate the development of a statewide industrial strategy that includes a statewide economic snapshot and identification of priority sectors, a statewide projects portfolio, a business expansion, attraction, and retention strategy, and a workforce development strategy. The California Jobs First Council will also support the regional Jobs First Collaboratives to expand industry and create jobs locally.

_________________________________________

Healable cathode could unlock potential

solid-state lithium-sulfer batteries

By Liezel Labios | UC San Diego

Researchers have moved one step closer to making solid-state batteries from lithium and sulfur a practical reality. A team led by engineers at the University of California San Diego developed a new cathode material for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries that is electrically conductive and structurally healable—features that overcome the limitations of these batteries’ current cathodes.

The work was published in the journal Nature on March 6.

Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries are a type of rechargeable battery consisting of a solid electrolyte, an anode made of lithium metal and a cathode made of sulfur. These batteries hold promise as a superior alternative to current lithium-ion batteries as they offer increased energy density and lower costs.

Read more

_________________________________________

Frontwave Arena opening to feature Simone Biles

North County’s new multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena will kick off its Sept. 17 opening day with a show starring the most decorated American gymnast in history. Frontwave Arena will be the first stop along the Gold Over America Tour, which will feature two-time Olympian and seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles. The tour will travel to more than 30 arenas nationwide and feature a family-friendly show that celebrates American gymnastics and showcases the athletic talent of Biles and a select squad of team members.

Enhanced Landscape Management acquires Holmes Landscape Company

Enhanced Landscape Management (ELM), a subsidiary of Landscape Development Inc. (LDI) has completed the purchase of Holmes Landscape Company (HLC), which was founded by Larry Holmes in 1974. Larry Holmes will remain with the company through the integration process and HLC Vice President Lee Frank will continue to oversee the local operations as part of the ELM management team.

Kyra Seay named a vice president of California Coast Credit Union

California Coast Credit Union, the longest serving financial institution based in San Diego, with over $3.5 billion in assets, has named Kyra Seay as vice president of community relations and  business development. Seay will oversee community relations and business development, and participate in enterprise-wide strategic planning within the organization. She will join the board of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation, a nonprofit started by the credit union in 2015 that provides student scholarships and educator grants.

 Rady Children’s Field officially opened

The San Diego Seals lacrosse team and the Ryan Family YMCA in Point Loma held a ribbon cutting marking the official opening of Rady Children’s Field on Feb. 22 at 4425 Valeta St. Rady Children’s Field is a collaboration between the Seals, Rady Children’s, and the YMCA to create a new practice field for the Seals and a new asset for the community. It is located adjacent to Bill Cleator Park, directly below the Ryan Family YMCA

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego to locate Downtown

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego has signed a lease at 1001 Kettner Blvd. in Downtown San Diego to build a museum to honor the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy SEALs. This location was formerly utilized by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Scheduled to open in late 2024, the 10,000-square-foot NSMSD will be within walking distance of the San Diego bayfront and serve as the preview of a larger, world-class museum to be built in the coming years.

Council approves $1 million Marston House restoration project

The San Diego City Council recently approved the Marston House $1 million exterior restoration project. The funding, provided by the state, is part of a $68.5 million grant for 19 different projects citywide. The Marston House hasn’t undergone regular and necessary maintenance since the 1990s, with the 2017 roof replacement being the last major repair. Save Our Heritage Organisation, has requested with increasing urgency that its restoration be addressed.

New Children’s Museum premiers Octavia E. Butler exhibit

The New Children’s Museum of San Diego is premiering “Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures,” the first-ever exhibit for youth and multi-generational audiences focused on the life and work of American science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006). Visitors will explore a large-scale installation inspired by Butler’s childhood influences, experiences growing up in Southern California, and features murals by collaborating artist Mithsuca Berry.

SeaWorld San Diego to bring back Seven Seas Food Festival

SeaWorld San Diego’s popular Seven Seas Food Festival returns in 2024 with an array of all-new flavors for guests to sip and savor. The event runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, now through April 28. Guests will taste flavors from around the world while strolling between award-winning attractions and  animal presentations. With over 100 food and drink options inspired by global cuisine, food enthusiasts and families will discover a gastronomic journey at food locations scattered throughout the park.

Bench International enters into alliance with Ashton Tweed

Bench International, a leading global executive search firm, announces a “first of its kind” strategic alliance with Ashton Tweed, the East Coast-based life sciences leader in interim talent placement and retained search. This strategic alliance is a unique symbiotic relationship that brings additional resources and service offerings to each company’s client base. Bench International is a woman-founded executive search firm with a 49-year history serving the Life Science and Healthcare sectors.

Valley Farm Market and The Cottage coming to Del Mar Plaza

The Del Mar Plaza will be home to two new tenants in the coming year as Valley Farm Market and La Jolla-based brunch spot The Cottage prepare to move into the storefront space on Camino Del Mar. Both businesses plan to open on the ground floor of the plaza sometime in 2024: Valley Farm in the former storefront of Banana Republic and The Cottage in the former space of Chinese restaurant Del Mar Rendezvous.