Sen. Atkins: Diverse legislature will bring solutions despite budget woes

I am deeply humbled that my colleagues have again entrusted me with the responsibility and honor to lead as the President pro Tempore of the Senate. As I reflect on my combined 12 years in the Assembly and Senate, I’m struck by how much the California Legislature has changed and grown to truly reflect the 40 million people who call our state home. After the swearing in of members of both houses last month, the Legislature is the most diverse the state has ever seen – including historic numbers of women, Latinx and LGBTQ people. That diversity will be our strength as we go about the People’s business.Over the last few years, we have worked hard to find solutions to some of our state’s biggest problems: from wildfires to housing and health care. We have made great strides on getting real relief to families struggling to make rent, and keep up with rising costs at the gas pump and in the grocery store. As we begin a new two-year session, we still have our work cut out for us. Climate change is a daily threat, homelessness persists, and we face a challenging financial future. In years past, the recent report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office forecasting budget deficits would have kick-started talks of painful cuts and middle class tax increases – not anymore. We have prepared for this moment. Over the past decade, California’s leaders have turned our state’s fiscal condition around and made responsible budgeting our top priority. We built our reserves to record highs, paid down debts, and avoided committing one-time resources to ongoing purposes, while also making historic progress with new commitments that strengthen the middle class, assist struggling Californians, and fight climate change.Thanks to our responsible approach, we are confident that we can protect our progress and craft a state budget without ongoing cuts to schools and other core programs or taxing middle class families. We will be continuing our historic work on climate and wildfires, homelessness and affordable housing, and access to important services, such as health care and metal health – all issues of equity laid bare by the pandemic.As the new year begins, I feel a sense of increasing hope, optimism, and resolve. There are still great challenges ahead, from growing extremism, to climate, to housing, but I’m noticing more of a willingness among reasonable people and elected officials to come together when it matters.I remain grateful for the privilege of representing you, and I wish each of you a happy and prosperous 2023.The post Sen. Atkins: Diverse legislature will bring solutions despite budget woes appeared first on SDNews.com.

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Arroyo Canyon—a secret trail under historic ‘wiggly’ bridge

Our exploration of urban canyons in Uptown neighborhoods this time around is Arroyo Canyon,Shadows of pedestrians on the floor canyon from Spruce Street Bridgea small trail tucked behind a private residential area. After enjoying a lunch of enchiladas and a couple cups of cinnamon-infused Café Olla at Jimmy Carter’s, we went for a walk. Going west on Spruce Street to the corner of Front Street, we saw the Spruce Street swinging bridge, called the “wiggly bridge” when it was built in 1912.The view of Arroyo Canyon from atop Spruce Street Suspension Bridge (Photos by Cynthia G. Robertson)It takes a bit of an adventuresome spirit to master the art of walking the first time on the 375-foot long pedestrian bridge. Supported by cables embedded in concrete slabs beneath the soil, the bridge suspends over Arroyo Canyon. A strong wind, a rowdy bunch of people, or just walking a bit unsteadily can make it swing just enough to cause a bit of vertigo for people even with the best balance. But it should be on everyone’s bucket list of things to do in San Diego. Engineered by Edwin Capps, the footbridge was initially designed to provide pedestrians a passage across the canyon in order to get between the streetcar trolley lines on Fourth and Fifth Avenue. It has stayed in place ever since— long after the trolley was removed from Uptown’s cityscape. Now the bridge is still a best-kept secret to many San Diegans. After we had ventured across and back the swinging bridge, gazing down at the Arroyo Canyon trail meandering underneath, we made it our mission to explore the trail.The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge requires a bit of adventuresome spirit to walk across for it is swinging 70 feet above Arroyo Canyon.We drove to Laurel Street, heading down the steep-banked hill to State Street. There we turned right and turned a couple of blocks down at Arroyo Street. At the corner of Arroyo and Dove streets, we bore left where Arroyo turns into North Arroyo Street. This is where it got tricky. At the end of North Arroyo Street is a driveway with a sign announcing Arroyo Canyon Private Residences. Fortunately, we came across another walker; she was familiar with the neighborhood. She told us to park along that long block and then walk up the long blacktop driveway until we came the first major right hand turn. That is where we turned. It is always amazing how quiet and sheltered these urban canyons can be. It is no different for Arroyo Canyon. “It’s like a private forest in here,” said the woman who helped us find it.Eucalyptus trees tower above Arroyo Canyon Trail.Indeed, it is. Eucalyptus trees reach up to forever. A dry stream bed filled with river rocks runs alongside the trail. Laurel Sumac, Lemonade Berry and Castor Bean abound. About halfway down the trail, you’ll encounter the swinging Spruce Street Bridge seventy feet above. The vertigo-inducing bridge is quite a spectacle from beneath, invoking a new respect for yourself and others who walk across the bridge. A cool breeze sifts along the canyon’s quarter-mile run. At the trail’s end, you will find a padlocked metal fence protecting a private property. The native Lemonade Berry flourishes alongside the Arroyo Canyon Trail After gazing upward at the eucalyptus tree castles and taking in a full breath of the perfumed air, it is time to turn around and follow the trail back down. It is a perfect time to reflect on the vision of San Diego city planners—as well as volunteers—to conserve these canyons as an important part of San Diego enrichment. More than 200 canyons in San Diego are available as open, hikeable space to the public under San Diego’s Open Space Division. These canyons are all part of the watershed system delivering water from the mountains and urban landscape to the oceans. They are just as beneficial for community recreational use as they are for water quality filtration. Through the help of dedicated volunteers, formerly trashed-out canyons are transformed into areas for sustainable use. Local non-profit groups collaborate their efforts with San Diego Parks and Recreation. Some of these groups include: San Diego Canyonlands; I Love a Clean San Diego; San Diego Audubon Society and Sierra Club San Diego Chapter. Next time, we will explore a trail in Mission Hills near a historic park. The post Arroyo Canyon—a secret trail under historic ‘wiggly’ bridge appeared first on SDNews.com.

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Dogs parade in outlandish holiday wear

Bailey the Yorkie from Poway won best float. She was also one of the Grand Marshalls this year. (Photos by Diana Cavagnaro)The 14th Annual Gaslamp Pet Parade returned to the Gaslamp on Dec. 17 with dogs in all shapes and sizes. This is a wonderful family event with dog owners coming in matching costumes with their furry friends. Some decorated floats, wagons, buggies, and bicycles all in the holiday theme. The parade began on 5th and L streets under the Gaslamp arch. The streets were lined with spectators on both sides cheering on the groups of canine friends and owners. The winners of the 2021 Best in Show, Bailey the Poway Yorkie and Derby California, led the parade as Grand Marshalls. The parade route finished at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and continued from 2 to 5 p.m. with the Pups in the Pub Party.The first award given was the Stella Award. This was in memory of Taylor Kahle who worked at McFarlane Promotion and was a Gaslamp Quarter team member. Taylor Kahle was a devoted dog lover who adopted the pups Roo and Stella. In recognition of Taylor, the Stella Award was presented to Babs Fry of A Way Home For Dogs. Fry offers a free service to reunite owners with their lost dogs. If you ever lose your dog be sure to contact her at awayhomefordogs.com. The afternoon continued with more prizes. The honor for the Best Parade Float went to Bailey the Yorkie from Poway along with owner Mary Salinas Caraway. They demonstrated the Best Parade float costume. Best Matching Costume went to Riley and owner who were the most AWWW-inspiring. The Best Christmas Spirit went to Doodle and owner Barb Ayers who rode a float with a dog beach surfboard.The Most Outrageous Costume went to the most all-around creative and elaborate costume which was Roo who was dressed like Mariah Carey singing “All I Want For Christmas Is You” inside a snow globe. The Cutest Pet was handed out to Yoshi, a one-eyed chihuahua. and the Best Group went to Darvi. The Best Group is awarded to groups of three or more and it is fun to see whole families involved. This year, Darvi won. The Best in the Show was a replica of Snoopy’s dog house. It was on a wagon that was pulled by a couple dressed up as Charlie Brown and Lucy. One of their dogs was dressed as the Red Baron and the other dog was all yellow for Woodstock. The winners of this special honor will get to be the grand Marshals for next year’s 15th Annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in 2023. They were chosen as the best of the best with their absolute show-stopping costume.The afternoon continued with craft beers, live music, pups and peeps games— and a whole lot of fun in the Gaslamp Quarter. To stay tuned in for next year’s event follow gaslamp.org.Upcoming events:Bridal Bazaar with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2023. Three shows presented during the day. For more info: 760-334-5500The post Dogs parade in outlandish holiday wear appeared first on SDNews.com.

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