Downtown San Diego DUI Checkpoint Nets Twelve Arrests
On Jan. 27, 2012 the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) conducted a DUI checkpoint in the 1500 block of First Avenue Downtown. The checkpoint was operational from just after 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and 1,901 vehicles passed through the checkpoint; 1,213 of the vehicles were contacted by officers; 22 motorists were detained for a further evaluation of their sobriety. Twelve arrests were made for DUI, and eleven vehicle impounds were conducted at the checkpoint. Two additional vehicles were impounded for violations that occurred adjacent to the checkpoint, and one citation was issued for a driver operating on a suspended license. For statewide and local Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign Enforcement Schedules for the county and Daily DUI Arrest/Fatal Stats for the county and region, visit Californiaavoid.org.
City launches long-term “wise water-use” contest
Students are filming, drawing and designing their way to enter three contests now underway that focus on using water wisely and creating a more sustainable community. The contests attracting these artistic talents are the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department’s Water Conservation Poster Contest and Film Contest. The Poster Contest is open to children in first through sixth grades and all submission must be postmarked by March 30. The Film Contest is open to 11th and 12th graders and all submission must be postmarked by April 6. For more information about the Annual Poster and Film Contests, as well as entry forms, visit wastenowater.org or call the poster and film contest coordinator, Rebekah Hook, at (619) 232-2112 ext. 104.
City Council contributes $45,000 to Water Man Check-In
San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria announced on Jan. 31 a $45,000 contribution to keep the homeless storage facility open through June 30, 2012. In an effort coordinated by Councilmember Gloria, City Councilmembers allocated enough Community Projects, Programs and Services (CPPS) funds to keep what is known as the Water Man Check-in Center open through the end of the Fiscal Year. “The Check-in Center keeps the possessions of our homeless neighbors safe, while helping keep San Diego’s streets clean,” said Councilmember Gloria, who allocated $10,000 to the cause. Since opening early in 2011, the Check-in Center has been credited for improved conditions on San Diego’s streets and applauded by homeless people and advocates for helping solve this longstanding challenge. ?The San Diego Housing Commission will start accepting monetary donations from the public next week so the Check-in Center’s future can be ensured beyond June.
City Council approves changes in agriculture regulations
The San Diego City Council approved changes to local urban agriculture regulations on Jan. 31. The changes make it possible for increased access to locally produced food. District 3 Councilmember Todd Gloria championed many changes. In a press release, Gloria said, “I am incredibly proud that the common-sense measures we passed today will allow more San Diegans to keep small numbers of animals on their property and strengthen their connection to their food.” Major changes include allowing roosters, chickens, miniature goats and bee colonies in designated urban areas. Five to twenty-five chickens will now be allowed, depending on zone restrictions, and up to two beehives will also be allowed. Other changes include allowing daily Farmers’ Market stands in all commercial zones and allowing community gardens to sell produce in residential zones one day per week. Most of the changes are expected to go into effect March 2012 pending Coastal Commission approval.
San Diego mayoral candidate Bob Filner to attend Occupy San Diego strategic meeting
Mayoral candidate and Congressman Bob Filner is scheduled to attend the Occupy San Diego County Summit 2012 on Saturday, Feb. 4. Along with author and lawyer Marjorie Cohn, Filner and other organizations have been invited to participate in the strategic planning meeting by giving speeches and teach-ins. Filner will be debating the issue of electoral politics and the Occupy movement. Cohn will be the keynote speaker, presenting the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Occupy movement. Other discussions include The Costs of War, Occupy 2.0 and Rescind NDAA and the Patriot Act, among others. The Summit takes place at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Multi-level expansion announced for Little Italy eatery
Consortium Holdings announced plans for a multi-level expansion and creation of a Japanese whiskey bar for Little Italy restaurant UnderBelly. The Japanese ramen house-inspired restaurant and bar is the fifth venture by Consortium Holdings and plans include the addition of more than 1,000 square feet. A 30-person patio is planned for the new second floor, increasing UnderBelly’s capacity three-fold. Along with the physical changes, UnderBelly owners plan to introduce the City’s first Japanese whisky bar with an array of imported selections and hard-to-find American favorites. UnderBelly is located at 750 West Fir St. Completion on the project is expected to occur by Summer 2012.
Cortez Hell residents displaced by apartment fire
San Diego Fire Department crews responded to a fire in the 1300 block of 7th Avenue in Cortez Hill on Jan. 19 at approximately 8 p.m. The fire consumed the third floor of the Potter Apartments before spreading to other parts of the building, which houses 27 units. The building owner said a grease fire started the blaze on the second floor. Approximately 20 residents were evacuated; four were taken to the hospital for potential injuries. A Fire Department spokesperson estimated building damages at $1.5 to $2 million.
