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Volunteers fan out to count how many San Diegans experience homelessness

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Volunteers fan out to count how many San Diegans experience homelessness


Hundreds of volunteers and county staff will hit the streets Thursday morning for this year’s annual Point-in-Time Count, a one-day snapshot of the region’s homeless population.

Around 300 county employees volunteer for the pre-dawn count each year, but it takes more — around 1,700 — total volunteers to be effective in the count, which runs from 4-8 a.m.

“It’s so important that we come together as a region to take part in an effort, like Point-in-Time Count, that guides where we direct resources and how we advocate for funding to support our unhoused neighbors,” said County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “I remain committed to being a steadfast presence and partner in meeting the unique needs of our downtown neighborhoods and across the county of San Diego as we continue addressing the region’s homelessness crisis. Insights from this count will help guide these shared efforts.”

The annual Point-in-Time Count is coordinated by San Diego’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness and provides a one-day total of the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County, including those in emergency shelters and safe parking lots.

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“The Point-in-Time Count is a vital tool that helps us understand homelessness in our community and shape how we approach solutions,” said Dijana Beck, director of the County Office of Homeless Solutions. “Every volunteer plays a critical role in ensuring we have accurate data to secure resources and create programs that make a real difference. We encourage county residents to join us in this effort.”

Last year, the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County dropped by 7%, and dropped by about 14% in the city of San Diego, according to the data. The volunteers found no fewer than 9,905 people experiencing homelessness throughout the county, down from 10,605 in 2024. Last year’s data showed 5,714 unsheltered San Diegans and 4,191 individuals in shelters and transitional housing.

“This annual event represents a perfect opportunity for members of the community to truly listen, see and connect with our neighbors in need,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of homelessness-focused nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages. “When we survey neighbors face to face, we can get a better understanding of their exact needs and connect them to life-changing resources and services that have the power to end homelessness for good.”

The RTFH organizes and trains the volunteers. Those who have signed up will go out in small groups to help conduct a brief survey and do a headcount of people they encounter living outside.

The information collected is used to apply for federal and state funding to help people experiencing homelessness.

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Following the count, Serving Seniors will host the CARE Senior Resource Fair at its Serving Seniors Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center at 1525 4th Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will pass out information about the resource fair during the PITC.

Older adults who attend the event can get legal help, health and dental care, access to resources including MediCal and Cal-Fresh, low-cost meals, street medicine and harm reduction.



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San Diego, CA

Gas prices soar nearly another dime overnight

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Gas prices soar nearly another dime overnight


On Thursday, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County recorded its largest increase since Sept. 28, 2023, rising 8.7 cents to $4.894, its highest amount since Nov. 13.

The average price has increased 15 consecutive days, rising 28.7 cents, including 7 cents on Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 22.4 cents more than one week ago, 38.6 cents higher than one month ago and 14.5 cents greater than one year ago.

The average price has dropped $1.541 since rising to a record $6.435 on Oct. 5, 2022.

“Gas prices are rising primarily due to a recent surge in crude oil following strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel,” Kandace Redd, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s senior public affairs specialist, told City News Service. “Any conflict with Iran can send oil prices higher, as Iran is a major oil producer and about a fifth of the oil consumed globally travels through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman.

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“Gas prices are increasing because of seasonal factors too. Refineries are beginning the switch to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and demand is picking up as we head into the spring break season with more people on the road.”

The national average price rose 5.3 cents to $3.251, its highest amount since Sept. 11, 2024. It has risen five consecutive days, increasing 26.9 cents, including 8.9 cents on Wednesday.

The national average price is 26.8 cents more than one week ago, 36 cents higher than one month ago and 14.4 cents greater than one year ago. It has dropped $1.765 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.



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UNLV faces San Diego State after Hamilton’s 24-point performance

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UNLV faces San Diego State after Hamilton’s 24-point performance


UNLV Rebels (16-14, 11-8 MWC) at San Diego State Aztecs (19-10, 13-6 MWC)

San Diego; Friday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: UNLV faces San Diego State after Kimani Hamilton scored 24 points in UNLV’s 92-65 victory over the Utah State Aggies.

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The Aztecs have gone 13-2 in home games. San Diego State is eighth in the MWC with 9.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Miles Heide averaging 2.0.

The Rebels have gone 11-8 against MWC opponents. UNLV ranks eighth in the MWC shooting 34.4% from 3-point range.

San Diego State averages 79.1 points per game, 0.6 more points than the 78.5 UNLV gives up. UNLV averages 7.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.9 fewer made shots on average than the 9.1 per game San Diego State allows.

The teams play for the second time in conference play this season. San Diego State won the last meeting 82-71 on Jan. 24. Miles Byrd scored 23 points points to help lead the Aztecs to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Reese Dixon-Waters is shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc with 1.6 made 3-pointers per game for the Aztecs, while averaging 13 points. Byrd is averaging 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds over the past 10 games.

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Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is shooting 50.9% and averaging 20.6 points for the Rebels. Hamilton is averaging 1.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Aztecs: 5-5, averaging 74.9 points, 28.9 rebounds, 13.7 assists, 6.9 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.0 points per game.

Rebels: 6-4, averaging 84.1 points, 32.3 rebounds, 14.7 assists, 6.4 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.8 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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San Diego, CA

Military bases in San Diego County increase security following Iran attacks

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Military bases in San Diego County increase security following Iran attacks


SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Military bases in San Diego County and nationwide have increased security measures due to last weekend’s U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, prompting traffic delays near base entrances, enhanced ID checks and access restrictions.

The Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado ports three aircraft carriers, including the San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln, which led some of the first-wave attacks on Saturday.

Naval Base Coronado warned motorists of possible traffic delays at all base entry points due to the increased security measures.

Targets included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites and military airfields.

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The U.S. operation, dubbed “Epic Fury,” and Israeli operation, “Raging Lion,” began striking targets at 1:15 a.m. Eastern Time Saturday.

As of Tuesday, at least six U.S. service members had been killed in action.

The strikes also killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, who had been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, making him the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East.

Iran’s offensive forces claimed to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles, but according to an X post from U.S central Command, “The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.”

Those with concerns regarding the heightened security can contact San Diego County’s Office of Emergency Services at 858-565-3490 or oes@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.





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