Today’s newsletter is presented by Discover PB.
Good morning, San Diego ☁️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- Could a bike lane be a looming liability? One church says yes.
- Pollen allergies acting up extra this year? Here’s why.
- Let us know what you think of this newsletter.
— Jennifer Vigil, news editor
Top story
No charges filed yet in mass Julian animal rescue, but investigation continues
Leaders call the rescue “unprecedented.” And it might end up being groundbreaking too, if the status quo changes because of it.
The San Diego Humane Society, along with county animal services, found well over 400 animals living in jam-packed conditions at a Julian sanctuary, some with untreated injuries and serious ailments.
Though there had long been complaints about Villa Chardonnay, it took a bankruptcy to crack the case so authorities could access the sprawling property, they explained at a Tuesday news conference.
And that isn’t right, according to Humane Society officials, who said they will try to persuade lawmakers to create a state regulatory agency to oversee private sanctuaries. The hope? To prevent another Villa Chardonnay from happening.
The situation is not only terribly sad – hundreds of animals suffered and a few had to be euthanized – it also seriously taxes already strained animal rescue resources. And one investigator noted “the amount of evidence and the amount of history” that remains for them to examine before charges, if any, can be filed.
Pet lovers out there might be asking, “How can I help?” Easy – by adopting other animals being cared for at the Humane Society and county animal shelters, officials say. That will make room for the huge influx from Julian, giving the medical teams time and space to guide the neglected cats, horses and more back to good health.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Stories you should know about
🛝 New playground at Fanuel Park among several Mission Bay improvements: The project is among several others financed through the Mission Bay Park Improvement Fund.
🐊 Gator by the Bay is thriving: The Bayou bash featuring over 100 live performances adds a free kickoff, late-night party in its 23rd year.
⚾️ The baseball gods might be mad at Fernando Tatis Jr. After all, he has yet to hit a homer this season.
🔥 California seeking penalties from State Farm over slowed wildlife investigations, underpaid claims: Regulators may also temporarily suspend the company’s license, effectively prohibiting the insurer from writing new policies for a year.
☔️ Opinion: San Diego can’t afford another flood disaster.
What else we’re reading
🏁 The June NASCAR race at Naval Base Coronado will be dubbed “Qualcomm Circuit” after the San Dieg0-based tech giant purchased naming rights. It will be the first-ever NASCAR race on an active military base. (Union-Tribune)
💰 The contest to replace Councilmember Vivian Moreno in District 8 just got a big shake up, after a statewide committee dropped a $100,000 for Gerardo Ramirez, Moreno’s chief of staff. (inewsource)
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Mid-Week News Quiz (Wed)
Have you kept up with Times of San Diego this week? Let’s see!
🧐 Close to how many Americans are consuming water with high levels of nitrates?
A) 15 percent
B) 20 percent
C) 25 percent
D) 30 percent
Reply first with the correct answer to earn a shoutout in tomorrow’s newsletter.