City News Service

As the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to surge, San Diego County health officials Friday reported another 1,495 COVID-19 cases, seven deaths and 75 hospitalizations.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a recall election on Sept. 14 which could have political ramifications both in the state and across the nation, the off-cycle nature of the election could lead to low voter turnout, which may favor recall, according to UC San Diego research announced Friday.

Scripps Health announced Friday that it is facing "significant" workforce shortages amid a surge of COVID-19 cases, with more open positions available than before the beginning of the pandemic.

Phase 1 of the city's Pure Water program started Friday, intended to provide nearly 50% of the city's drinking water by 2035 and reduce the need for imported water.

The unemployment rate in San Diego County decreased to 6.9% in July, up from a revised 7% in June but still well below the year-ago estimate of 12.3% — according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

San Diego County public health officials Thursday reported 1,400 new COVID-19 cases, five deaths and 104 new hospitalizations — discouraging news as the Delta variant continues to surge.

The announcement comes after a judge struck down San Diego's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, saying only the state can make that a requirement.

Earlier this month, supervisors unanimously voted to oppose any further placements of sexually violent predators until local jurisdictions are able to fully participate in the placement process, including having full veto authority.