Today’s newsletter is presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- Nonprofit AMALY offers mental health care with licensed therapists — from a Muslim perspective.
- The second most ticketed place for wheel cramping violations: La Jolla Shores Drive.
- And shoutout to reader Mat Wahlstrom, who was the first to correctly guess yesterday’s news quiz. We asked you what is the name of the meteor shower that peaked last night. The answer was Perseid, or C.
Brooke Binkowski
News editor
Top story
Mayor reopens Mission Bay restrooms after complaints of unhealthy and unsanitary conditions
What a relief!
Here’s a positive update for those of you who like both Mission Bay and access to bathrooms: Those 13 restrooms that were shut down by the city of San Diego last month due to budget issues, effectively removing nearly half the bathrooms at the park, have been reopened.
The mayor said Wednesday that a higher-than-expected state grant can now be used to reopen the restrooms along Mission Bay and keep them open through the end of the year, offering some 15 million visitors to the park better access to sweet relief.
The bathrooms were shut down in July — and that decision, predictably, immediately preceded weeks of complaints about public urination, potential public health issues and the fact that closed bathrooms at the beach directly affects children, the elderly, pregnant folks and people with disabilities the most.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria says he understands the concerns, but there are other issues that the city has to grapple with, such as a long-term lack of funding for basic services. The closures were a real gift, however, to his critics and political opponents — particularly those who are considering running for mayor or who have already declared their intentions.
But I know at least two groups that will be very happy about this: A whole lot of people at the water, who now won’t have to make a long haul in the heat — sometimes a mile or more — to go find a bathroom, and a whole lot of people in the water who know that sometimes a quick trip into the waves is a lot more convenient than a long hot walk to find a bathroom.
Happy swimming!
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Stories you should know about
🚢 Sailors are reportedly experiencing poor morale and mental health issues aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln: The San Diego-based warship has been at sea since last November on a grueling Iran deployment.
🏠 ‘I thought the house was coming down’: Cali survivor recounts earthquake as San Diego rallies to help Colombia: A Sherman Heights restaurant mobilizes to offer support. We have a full list of ways to help.
🐳 More than a surf town — some of Cardiff-by-the-Sea’s history might surprise you: Discover surprising facts about San Diego’s hidden history, some of which can still be found, as long as you know where to look.
🎵 Five questions with John Moore: The Vista-based mandolinist is a legend in the bluegrass world.
🔥 Opinion: Who should pay when California utilities’ power lines cause wildfires?
What else we’re reading
⚡️ “Something’s got to give”: Fighting the (high cost of SDG&E’s) power on behalf of ratepayers. (KPBS)
🇲🇽 The Consul General of Mexico in San Diego is turning to local organizations to help them aid immigrants. (Voice of San Diego)
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Locals Only
🍦 What’s the best ice cream spot in the Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights area? Let us know and we’ll shoutout you and your recommendations tomorrow.
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