Today’s newsletter is presented by Evans Hotels/Catamaran/Oceana.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- The 2026 results are in for San Diego County and there are big drops in homelessness in some communities, especially in East County – but there are troubling signs for seniors.
- Unemployment is down in the county, besting California’s rate.
- If you haven’t done so, let us know what you think about this newsletter.
— Jennifer Vigil, news editor; Tessa Balc, audience engagement producer
Top story
Annual homeless count shows progress in suburbs and for vets. But for seniors, results are a ‘flashing red light’
Each winter, hundreds of volunteers fan out throughout the county to attempt a census of people living in streets, shelters or cars in their communities. Overall in this year’s count, homelessness stayed almost level, with the total only falling by 1% after a 7% drop in 2025.
Positive developments can be found within the data, particularly regarding the numbers of unsheltered homeless people who have found their way off the streets, but the results are alarming for those aged 55 and up. Our Thomas Murphy has more.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Stories you should know about
🎨 Maka Uddin’s art is inspired by her Afghan-Georgian heritage and the Uddin family’s life as transplants to the U.S. The UCSD grad’s first solo show is filled with work that ”leans into nostalgic memory, energy and atmosphere.”
🫏 The San Diego Humane Society started what it called a “mass rescue” in Julian, of animals of all varieties, including many farm animals.
🇺🇸 Jewish groups this week joined a regular San Diego protest against the Trump administration’s anti-immigration push.
✍️ Redistricting battles among states have reshaped the U.S. House map ahead of midterms: Florida was the latest to change its maps, Louisiana could be next.
🗑️ Here’s how to get help paying your San Diego trash fee: Some households could receive financial assistance as long as they apply by April 30.
What else we’re reading
🏗️ A bill looking to help make Midway Rising possible has been rewritten to override the coastal height limit. The new language also allows the law to be used for other specific infill developments. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
🚔 Chula Vista is now allowing police to buy military equipment without council approval in “rare and exigent circumstances.” (KPBS)
💰 Up to $150 million in city services will be on the line if voters repeal San Diego’s trash fee, city leaders say. (with corrected link from yesterday’s newsletter and apologies to Voice of San Diego)
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
What to do this weekend
Need weekend plans? We’ve got you. ⭐ = free
🍅 North Park Salsa Fest (Today, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) ⭐️
🛥️ San Diego Yacht Rock Festival (Today, 4 p.m.)
🍓 Carlsbad Spring Village Faire (Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) ⭐️