A director at a local school for kids experiencing homelessness and a U.S. Navy veteran impacted by the Tijuana River sewage crisis were among the guests of San Diego's congressional delegation for President Biden's State of the Union address last night.

Why it matters: Their attendance at the nationally televised event highlights San Diego's most pressing issues and the human impact of federal government policies.

Zoom in: Erika Malone, guest of Democratic U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs, directs the Monarch School in Barrio Logan, where trauma-informed staff daily serve about 300 students who are unhoused.

• "[Compared to traditional schools,] what we can do to partner with families and impact the cycle of poverty is so much greater," Malone told Axios.
• The school offers robust arts and athletics programs, along with onsite physical and mental health care, as well as temporary and long-term housing support for families. It also operates a clothing store, organizes and pays for college visits and provides students with reliable technology.
• Homelessness remains a top concern for San Diegans, and more than 16,650 homeless students were enrolled in San Diego County schools in the 2022-23 school year, according to the state, and .

U.S. Navy SEAL Capt. (Ret.) Dan'l Steward, guest of Democratic congressman Scott Peters, trained in San Diego's sewage-contaminated waters and is now an activist focused on cross-border water pollution that threatens the health of local residents' and military members.

• The crisis — and pressure from local lawmakers — prompted Biden's $310 million request last fall for emergency funding to upgrade the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, a resolution that Congress is still considering.

Other guests invited by San Diego delegates:

• Coral Briseno — guest of Republican U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa — whose son, Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, was one of 13 U.S. service members killed by a suicide bomber at the Kabul airport during the American-led evacuation of Afghanistan in 2021.
• Dr. Brian Acacio — guest of Democratic congressman Mike Levin — head of a Laguna Niguel fertility clinic, who was invited in the wake of recent Alabama Supreme Court IVF rulings.

Go deeper

Democrat Adam Schiff secured an easy path to being California's next senator by propping up a Republican opponent, and that has left his party deeply divided.

Why it matters: Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey topped the open primary field for Senate this week, all but assuring a Schiff win in November's general election.

Friction point: Schiff and outside groups flooded the state with ads attacking Garvey, hoping to elevate the Republican over other Democrats to give Schiff a smoother victory in the Nov. 5 general election.

• Two candidates who lean left of Schiff — Katie Porter and Barbara Lee — are now criticizing the presumptive next senator from California for the tactic, Andy reports along with Axios' Stephen Neukam.

What they're saying: "I wouldn't do something like that because, to me, it lacks integrity," Lee told Axios.

• Porter said during a primary election-night speech that Schiff spent "more to boost the Republican" than to promote his own campaign.

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⛺Former Mayor Kevin Faulconer, now running for county supervisor, is a leading opponent of the city's plan to build a temporary homeless shelter in Point Loma, near his home. His opponent, incumbent county supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, said she's undecided. (Voice of San Diego)

🐼 Mayor Todd Gloria twice met with Chinese officials ahead of the announcement last month that their country will loan two giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo. (Union-Tribune)

🇯🇵 The chef of celebrated Japanese restaurant Yakitori Hino is leaving to open a new omakase-style restaurant named Yakitori Tsuta in Kearny Mesa. (Eater)

San Diego Mojo coach Tayyiba Haneef-Park, a former Olympic volleyball player, spoke on the power of professional women's sports leagues after the team's home game last weekend.

"There is power in our voice. There is power in who we are. There is power in the way that we play. So, we get to be an avenue and be something that's possible for young girls to aspire to. If you make space for us, we are going to triumph in that space and we are going to make it even better."

Why it matters: As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's important to recognize the impact of the growth and investment in professional women's sports.

• This new team playing in a new league puts San Diego at the forefront of the women's volleyball boom in the U.S.

There's something for everyone this weekend in San Diego.

Friday

🌸 Cherry Blossom Festival

See the seasonal bloom during a festival featuring performances, a children's area, and a beer and saki garden.

🎙️ Free Fallin: The Tom Petty Concert Experience

Sing along to the memory of the man who couldn't help but write a hit.

Saturday

🌮🍺West Coast Taco and Beer Festival

Drink and eat at an outdoor party with live music, DJs and mini golf.

🥕Vegan food pop-up

Enjoy vegan food from 60 vendors with a DJ in the heart of North Park.

Sunday

⚽ Concacaf W Gold Cup Final

Watch the U.S. Women's National Team take on Brazil for the inaugural women's Gold Cup.

🎶 Real Estate

See the aughts-era, indie-pop stars, but don't miss opening country-rock band, Florry.

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