Brooke Ruth

Many California cities have turned to law and order policies as the homelessness crisis spins out of control. National City, however, is trying a different approach: Instead of police, experienced caseworkers provide outreach to people experiencing homelessness. Plus, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced his pick for the next San Diego Police chief — Assistant Police Chief Scott Wahl. The City Council will meet in the coming weeks to interview Wahl for the job. And ambulance company AMR has introduced a new training program aimed at hiring more female emergency technicians.

A recent supreme court decision says officials can be sued for blocking their critics on social media. The case involves a lawsuit filed against two elected officials in Poway. In other news, San Diegans impacted by the severe January storms now have until Friday to apply for disaster CalFresh benefits. Plus, we learn about the high-tech ways the San Diego County Water Authority is keeping the water flowing to the county’s nearly 3.5 million people.

The city of San Diego is launching a program to fast-track housing permits for projects that are part of a program that prioritizes development near public transit. Then, the Department of Veteran Affairs aims to place at least 851 veterans experiencing homelessness into permanent housing in 2024. Plus, SDG&E bills are going up. The utility company is raising rates a month after reporting profits.

State Farm has the green light to raise the rates it charges California homeowners by 20-percent. Then, Surf Sports Park in Del Mar is caught up in controversy, and a lawsuit, for events happening on its fields. Plus, researchers from San Diego State University and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are using new technology to study snakes.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria discusses how the city is trying to address the high cost of housing. In other news, San Diego County is developing an affordable housing complex in Chollas View. Plus, San Diego and National City have been selected for a state grant to help reconnect communities that were divided by freeways.

For more than 50 years, the California Coastal Commission has been tasked with protecting the state's coastline from unchecked development, but critics say the commission has gotten too powerful and is working against the state's housing and climate goals. In other news, a running club by and for women of color has taken off in south San Diego. Plus, the Clippers minor league is coming to San Diego.

The executive chef of the Marine Room in La Jolla shares some dinner, dessert and drink recipes for a Valentine's Day dinner at home.