Voice of San Diego Podcast

This week we sat down for an in depth interview with San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. He filled us in with some deep water knowledge during this week’s show. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) VOSD: San Diego Council Bashes County Water Authority Over Costs Councilmembers say they want to see steep cuts in spending by the region’s major water buyer. One suggested refusing to pay the city’s water bills. by MacKenzie Elmer January 17, 2025 The Truth About the Cost of Water: Dismantling the Water Authority Would Harm All San Diegans by Jim Madaffer April 28, 2025 Axios: Elo-Rivera to San Diego Water Authority: Lower rates, or else Andrew Keatts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have another guest this week. Hot off her state of the county speech, County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is joining us. Our South Bay reporter did a deep dive into what happened after Chula Vista Mayor John McCann helped secure the release of a woman convicted of fraud several years ago. She’s being sentenced today on another charge. And we had a story this week out of Encinitas where a homeless service provider is being attacked online and blamed for the increasing visibility of homelessness in the beach town. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:00:53 Spring Fundraising Campaign One week left Goal - 100 new members and $150k by April 29 All gifts will be matched up to $10k thanks to a generous anonymous donor. Donate at vosd.org/podpeople and leave a message about why you support Voice. Here’s what our members said about why they donate: Leticia S. wrote, “Your paper has been the only one we as latinos have been able to count on to tell our story on various issues important to our small community of Fallbrook. You don't ignore us and you tell the truth.” Martha D. said, “No one else is focusing on the areas that you do. Also your reporting is succinct, explanatory, and free from rambling opinion. Thank you for continuing to do what you do!” Marjorie W. wrote, “you are increasingly a sane voice in this chaotic world” Thank you to those who have supported our work! You can become a supporter too by going to vosd.org/podpeople. Leave us a message about why you support and we’ll read a few in the next episode. Again, that’s vosd.org/podpeople Brews and News Live Podcast Brews and News Live Podcast is back! It's time to embrace your inner news nerd and talk about the latest scoops with our pod crew on Wednesday, May 7 at Soda Bar. Brews and News Live Podcasts are opportunities to meet our journalists, play audience games, enjoy a beer and listen to San Diego’s most popular public affairs podcast live. If you missed our beer launch party, you can still try our anniversary beer at Brews and News. Plus, every Brews and News attendee will be entered to win one of two baseballs signed by our Padres favorite - Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill. You won’t want to miss out. Buy your tickets now and learn more at vosd.org/livepod. Again that’s v-o-s-d.org back slash l-i-v-e-p-o-d. SEGMENT 2 00:04:54 Banter SEGMENT 3 00:09:14 John McCann Chula Vista Mayor Helped Free a Felon Who’s Going Back to Prison with Her Brother – A Lot Happened in Between SEGMENT 4 00:11:12 County Supervisors: Unvited GOP County Supes: Dem Didn’t Invite Us to State of County Speech SEGMENT 5 00:13:01 DOGE Effects on the County The State of the County Resistance SEGMENT 6 00:25:58 Terra Lawson-Remer on Gloria’s Homeless Critique Politics Report: The ‘Era of Austerity’ Is Here SEGMENT 7 00:28:39 Encinitas Gets Ugly with Homeless Blame Anonymous Account, Neighbors Target Provider as Homelessness Surges in Encinitas SEGMENT 8 00:38:11 Terra’s Activism Past SEGMENT 9 00:44:00 Hot Take: Leave Fire Pits Alone (From the archives) San Diego Council Seeks to Snub Out Some Beach Bonfires San Diego’s City Council wants to clarify that open fires are only allowed in concrete fire pits. Beachgoers could still cook on propane-powered grills. by MacKenzie Elmer May 23, 2022 TRT 00:51:26 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a guest co-host today, Congressman Mike Levin is here with some reports from D.C. where things are normal and not very interesting at all. He was supposed to bring a hot take. Jakob did a story about how some classrooms in local colleges are filled with fake people. We’ll break down how that works and how much it’s costing. And we have more trash talk. The new fee for San Diego homeowners is probably coming but it’s got to go through a big hurdle. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:00:42 VOSD Beer Launch Party Beer Launch Party To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’ve collaborated with 3 Punk Ales to create a limited edition Voice of San Diego beer can. Come enjoy a beer with all our reporters at the official launch party. When: Thursday, April 24 at 5 p.m. Where: 3 Punk Ales – 259 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 SEGMENT 2 00:01:41 Banter SEGMENT 3 00:02:08 Mike Levin SEGMENT 4 00:13:22 Smart Trash San Diegans are set to pay a new fee for trash pickup — but officials dialed down the proposed price for trash pickup by 10 percent. (Union-Tribune) SEGMENT 5 00:21:18 County vs City Sprung Structure Tent Homeless temporary housing SEGMENT 6 00:29:57 Student Aid Fraud How Fraudsters Swindle Community College Financial Aid Community colleges have in recent years been plagued by fraudsters posing as students to swindle financial aid money. Here’s how it works. SEGMENT 7 00:29:57 Mike Levin on DOGE Cuts SEGMENT 7 00:57:37 Hot Takes TRT 01:07:39 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South Bay County Supervisor runoff is set. Two mayors will race for the future of the county. An effort to set aside an area for homeless residents near the airport has hit another snag as the developer of Liberty Station takes the city to court. And the U.S Secretary of Education was in town. Jakob went to see her. All that and another Dear VOSD. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:55:20 VOSD Beer Launch Party https://www.instagram.com/guhsd_parent/https://www.instagram.com/studentsforstaff.guhsd/https://www.instagram.com/sdbikelanes/https://www.instagram.com/sdmts.lovegang/https://www.instagram.com/sdfloodsurvivors/ SEGMENT 2 00:07:17 Dear VOSD: Luis from City Council District 4 What’s the correct number of city council districts? SEGMENT 3 00:17:57 Southbay Election Update Two Mayors Will Battle for Supe Seat SEGMENT 4 00:26:23 Trash Fees San Diegans are set to pay a new fee for trash pickup — but officials dialed down the proposed price for trash pickup by 10 percent. (Union-Tribune) SEGMENT 5 00:33:02 Liberty Station Liberty Station Developer Asks Judge to Halt H Barracks Safe Parking A prominent real estate developer is asking a Superior Court judge to stop the city from opening a safe parking lot for people living in vehicles until a legal battle over the project ends. SEGMENT 6 00:39:39 ASU + GSV Education Summit In San Diego, Education Secretary Insists Cuts Target Bureaucracy, Not Fundingocuments show Renteria donated to Reyes’ school board campaign in 2018. TRT 00:48:15 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday, March 31st, 1985, a group of young Black men drove back to southeastern San Diego after visiting Balboa Park. It was just after 6:00 PM and the sun was retreating into the horizon. As a truck driven by 23-year-old Sagon Penn pulled into a driveway on a quiet street in Encanto, they were followed by two police cars. What happened next would leave one officer dead, another officer and a civilian ride along severely injured, a young man in a years long legal limbo and a city reeling. On the 40th anniversary of the incident, I have author Peter Houlahan in the studio with me. His book, “Reap the Whirlwind: Violence, Race, Justice and the story of Sagon Penn,” is a fascinating deep dive into the case, the compelling figures who drove the story and the impact it all had on San Diego and beyond. SHOW NOTES 10News Story: New book revisits the impact the story of Sagon Penn has had on communities of color in San Diego You can find book from Counterpoint Press here: Reap the Whirlwind Reap the Whirlwind - Violence, Race, Justice, and the Story of Sagon Penn by Peter Houlahan Book Description The bestselling author of Norco ’80 returns with a riveting story of mid-1980s San Diego that placed one young Black man at the center of a whirlwind of crime and punishment that profoundly altered Southern California CREDITS Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on the show, we are in the final stretch of the District 1 County Supervisor race. The mailers are getting SPICY, and one especially pissed off a lot of people. Last month, Mayor Todd Gloria announced he was eliminating the position of chief operating officer and taking over the gig himself. Now, former COO Eric Dargan is suing Gloria and the city for discrimination and for breaking promises in his contract. We’ll break it down. Finally, why are officials at Chula Vista Elementary school trading corruption allegations? Investigative reporter Will Huntsberry joins us this week to explain. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:04:13 Hyperlocal IG Accounts https://www.instagram.com/guhsd_parent/ https://www.instagram.com/studentsforstaff.guhsd/https://www.instagram.com/sdbikelanes/https://www.instagram.com/sdmts.lovegang/https://www.instagram.com/sdfloodsurvivors/ SEGMENT 2 00:19:28 SD COO Sues SD VOSD Mayor’s Office: Ex-COO Alleging Discrimination Was Fired Mayor Todd Gloria’s chief of staff claims former city COO Eric Dargan, whose position was eliminated in February, was ‘terminated for cause’ in response to his lawsuit alleging discrimination and a breached contract. SEGMENT 3 00:25:11 UCSD to Lose Funding VOSD The Learning Curve: UCSD Could Lose Hundreds of Millions from Trump Cuts While many in higher education are sounding the alarm on President Donald Trump’s research slashing, it has been tough to suss out exactly what the impacts will be. An email from UCSD’s Chancellor gives us a ballpark figure. SEGMENT 4 00:32:32 Chula Vista COO Conflict of Interest VOSDChula Vista Superintendent Allegedly Pushed for Work for Builder Who Donated to His Campaign Superintendent Eduardo Reyes previously said he has no personal relationship with Al Renteria. Campaign documents show Renteria donated to Reyes’ school board campaign in 2018. TRT 00:48:58 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Padres are playing their opening game as we record. We’ll explain a new minimum wage increase they are fighting. We’ve got a few updates on what the city is doing to get you to pay for parking. Why San Diego is on the hook for monthly rent payment on an empty homeless shelter. And the historic San Diego Taxpayers Association has no leadership. Also, the hospitals are fighting. Palomar Health is borrowing money from friends and that never goes well. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:01:10 Opening Day at Petco: Padres face Braves, Profar returns SEGMENT 2 00:10:34 Tax Association VOSD Politics Report: Taxpayers ‘Cash Flow Problem’ SEGMENT 3 00:15:13 Homeless Senior Center VOSD San Diego Is on the Hook for Monthly $77,000 Payments of Shuttered Senior Shelter SEGMENT 4 00:19:15 SD CPR Parking Update from Bella KPBS Charging on Sundays? Surge pricing? San Diego eyes reforms to manage parking demand SEGMENT 5 00:27:17 Palomar Health VOSD Palomar Health’s Borrowing Has Ruffled Feathers at Sharp HealthCare Michael Scott I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!!! - The Office US TRT 00:41:52 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve got a Dear VOSD response finally on the city’s history of charging for parking. Grossmont Union School District has had some very tense meetings. We’ll talk about a hot mic moment that went viral. And as part of our 20th anniversary talk, we have reflections from several of the journalists and former writers at Voice of San Diego who made a difference here. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:02:16 First Supervisorial District Special Primary ElectionCounty’s Top Behavioral Health Official ResignsTrump signs order aiming to close the Education DepartmentCity of San Diego announces how much trash pickup will actually cost SEGMENT 2 00:19:23 Dear VOSD: Parking Instagram New fiscal year, same structural budget deficit SEGMENT 3 00:34:55 GUHSD Budget Cuts VOSD Amid Layoff Talks, School Board Member Says Librarians Are Overpaid SEGMENT 4 00:51:34 20th Anniversary Talk with Voices VOSD 20 Years of Impact - At 20 Years Old, We Check In with 20 Former Voicers TRT 01:10:49 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:00 Intro SEGMENT 1 00:01:48 San Diego Football Club opening day drama San Diego FC announces security, messaging measures after homophobic chants SDFC confronts fans' homophobic chant that's plagued soccer for years Homophobic chant at San Diego FC's inaugural home match condemned by coach, sporting director SEGMENT 2 00:13:41 COVID-19 Five Years Later ‘We have ignored lessons’: how Covid continues to affect lives five years laterCOVID-19 shut us down five years ago. Here's how its economic impact continuesRemembering the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in San Diego, five years later SEGMENT 3 00:23:46 Troubled Waters Why It Matters: Why Are San Diego Water Rates About to Soar?Item 331: Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Water Rate Increase not to Exceed 5.5% to pass through increases from San Diego County Water Authority. “Because we are going to be using ...it's ghost water, it's water noone is going to drink.” “I'm not comfortable ...I'll put that on the table.” SEGMENT 4 00:39:01 SD FC & San Diego Padres VOSD Tom Penn, New SD MLS Chief, Sees a Soccer Campus on the Horizon In a Q&A, the former LAFC president talks about the youth academy the new team will build and all the other major projects he has two years to complete. SEGMENT 5 00:53:19 NIL in College Sports California’s college athletes can now make millions off sponsorship deals. Here's a first look at the numbers TRT 01:10:49 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What exactly happened at City Council this week? We have one of them here, Councilmember Henry Foster joins us to talk about housing, ADUs, land use, the city’s deficit and more. SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:00 Intro SEGMENT 1 00:02:09 San Diego Football Club opening day drama SDFC confronts fans' homophobic chant that's plagued soccer for years Homophobic chant at San Diego FC's inaugural home match condemned by coach, sporting director SEGMENT 2 00:11:13 San Diego County’s First Supervisorial District County Workers Back Imperial Beach Mayor in Supervisor Bid Morning Report: Housing and the Supe Race Morning Report: Deep Cuts Coming to City SEGMENT 3 00:24:05 Morning Report: Council Spares ADU Bonus Program Morning Report: Mayor Cans COOMarch 4, 2025 City Council Meeting Audio Clip: “Under the current rules … slave quarters or camps … is needed.” Audio Clip: 00:49:45 CM Marni Von Wilpert “Under existing regulations … when it lacks sidewalks .. does that mean the city is required to deny … very interesting.” TRT 01:06:13 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:00 Intro Parent’s Guide on Instagram! SEGMENT 1 00:00:57 Parent’s Guide on Instagram! The wait is OVER This year’s A Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools is here and ready to help answer all your local education questions! The Guide explains school choice opportunities and enrollment deadlines, what’s available for after-school care, school performance data in an easy-to-use format and much more — all for FREE!!! Donor Thank You’s Ways to Give Women Leading The Conversation San Diego’s most influential women leaders. Thursday, March 20, 2025 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Farmer & Seahorse, Illumina Theatre 10996 Torreyana Rd., San Diego, CA SD 101 Video and Washington Post Tik-Tok Dave Jorgenson on Blue Sky Bella Ross on Blue Sky SEGMENT 2 00:13:42 South County Endorsements From La Prensa Story Friends Clash in County Special Election (2/3/2025) By Arturo Castañares Editor-at-Large SEGMENT 3 00:21:36 Cannabis: How a Barber Became the Unwitting Owner of a Cannabis Company SEGMENT 4 00:36:25 CARE Court: San Diego’s CARE Court Isn’t Forcing Treatment Governor Newsom Unveils Plan to Care for Californians Struggling with Behavioral Health Challenges TRT 00:49:34 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you listened last week, you were set up for the big news this week. The mayor is flexing his muscles. We’ll explain the difference between eliminating a position and firing someone and what happened to the now former top bureaucrat at the city. And the parents guide is coming out. Jakob and Andrea here have been working hard on it. We’ll talk. SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:00 Intro What our supporters have to say. SEGMENT 1 00:03:00 The Reader and Alt Weeklies KPBS: San Diego Reader ends print edition after 52 years The Union-Tribune: A cultural shift you can’t deny’: San Diego Reader ceases printing and goes fully digital The Times of San Diego: San Diego Reader Ends 52-Year Print Run, But Will Keep the Alt-Press Faith Online The Reader Instagram account: Not ended, but changed. The San Diego Reader is now SanDiegoReader.com! SEGMENT 2 00:13:15 The Chula Vista School Board Drama VOSD: Why a Chula Vista School Board Member Ran for a Seat He Already Held Chula Vista Elementary School District trustees Francisco Tamayo and Lucy Ugarte allegedly ‘conspired’ to take control of the district’s school board by ousting a Democratic board member they disliked and replacing her with an ally. The maneuver resulted in a Republican being appointed to the board. Now, Tamayo and Ugarte face a possible censure from their political party. by Jim Hinch SEGMENT 3 00:19:12 Strong Mayor Gloria YouTube: Mayor Gloria to Announce Operational Efficiencies, Reductions for City Budget 2/18/2025 VOSD:Mayor Gloria Tries to Save the Strong Mayor by Scott Lewis VOSD: Mayor Dismisses Embattled COO and Takes Reins of City Management Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan is out and department executives will now report directly to the mayor. by Will Huntsberry YouTube: “Bueller?” SEGMENT 4 00:40:09 The 2025 edition of A Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools (7th Edition) VOSD: The Learning Curve: The Schools Guide Has Arrived The 2025 edition of A Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools comes packed with all of the data you’ve come to rely on, plus two new exclusive metrics to help parents make sense of local schools. VOSD: A Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools (download or order a hardcopy) Voice of San Diego’s 2025 Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools helps families make informed decisions for their child’s education. The Guide explains school choice opportunities and enrollment deadlines, what’s available for after-school care, school performance data in an easy-to-use format and much more. The Guide is generously supported by The Girard Foundation, David and Annie Malcolm, Girl Scouts San Diego, Nordson Corporation, Brian Connelly & Associates, Carmel Valley Test Prep, and all of our members. TRT 00:50:57 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member Benefits Join today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the 20th anniversary of the launch of Voice of San Diego, the greatest nonprofit news organization go live in 2005. We launched before YouTube. We’ll reminisce a bit with a sort of special guest. The city of San Diego’s budget deficit has provoked some tense conversations. A City Council budget committee hearing last week had some great clips. And where are the kids? San Diego Unified School District is going to have to deal with another drop in enrollment. SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:00 Intro SEGMENT 1 00:00:00 “Dear VOSD” Jim from University Heights - When it comes to parking, why is La Jolla an exception? Parking and RIP Donald Shoup Donald Shoup, distinguished professor emeritus whose decades of teaching and scholarship at UCLA greatly influenced the field of land-use planning as well as generations of scholars, students and urban planners, died Feb. 6, 2025, at age 86. Shoup was a titan in the fields of urban planning and specifically parking reform, and his landmark book, “The High Cost of Free Parking,” resulted in the adoption of many of his parking reform ideas in cities around the nation and world. SEGMENT 2 00:11:47 San Diego’s Budget Deficit City of San Diego Budget and Government Efficiency Committee Michael Zucchet, San Diego Municipal Employees Association General Manager critiques San Diego’s budget handling. 1:03:31 - 1:03:55 1:04:00 - 1:04:13 1:08:06 - 1:08:10 1:09:25 - 1:10:02 Council Member Mike Lee 1:39:35 - 1:39:45 “Bueller?” YouTube clip SEGMENT 3 00:33:32 San Diego City Unnecessary Travel Mayor has much still to reveal about his secret trip to the Philippines San Diego Union Tribune San Diego Unified Has Lost Nearly 12,000 Students in Past Decade VOSD SEGMENT 4 00:43:04 20 Years! of VOSD 20 Years of Impactful Journalism 20 Years of Voice Impact: The Investigation into SEDC Our investigation into the Southeastern Economic Development Corp. put us on the map and taught us invaluable lessons. Lessons After 20 Years of Voice of San Diego TRT 01:13:16 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on the show today, a special interview with San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez. She is ready to talk about deaths in county jails, local law enforcement’s relationship with federal immigration agents and more. SHOW NOTES 2017 California Senate Bill 54, commonly referred to as "SB 54" and also known as the "California Values Act" is a 2017 California state law that prevents state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources on behalf of federal immigration enforcement agencies AG Says Sheriff Must Find Solution to Jail Deaths – Or Face Consequences If death rates in San Diego jails don’t come down, Attorney General Rob Bonta said he could pursue multiple legal remedies. by Will Huntsberry October 10, 2023 Border Report: Understanding San Diego’s Stricter ‘Sanctuary’ Policy by Kate Morrissey January 6, 2025 Proposition 36 Has Already Led to Hundreds of Arrests in San Diego by Jakob McWhinney February 5, 2025 Become a Member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it the end of San Diego’s decidedly pro-housing majority? There was an earthquake at City Hall this week about ADUs At the same time, Poway City Council has reached a telenovela level of drama, we’ll break it down. SHOW NOTES 00:00:00 Opening 00:04:15 Controversial Encanto ADU Policy From KPBS San Diego City Council repeals controversial footnote targeting Southeastern neighborhoods Encanto neighbors say their infrastructure can’t support the ‘granny towers’ coming to backyards Gloria 'exploring options' after surprise City Council vote seeking repeal of landmark housing program San Diego City Council Meeting Cue to: 3:51:00 - 3:55:00 00:29:22 Poway Telenovela Poway City Attorney Accuses Councilmember of Harassment, Intimidation Poway City Attorney Alan Fenstermacher accused Councilmember Tony Blain during a contentious City Council meeting of harassment, intimidation, bullying and retaliation. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/01/22/poway-city-attorney-accuses-councilmember-of-harassment-intimidation/ Poway council member threatened recall effort against colleague based on how he voted Councilmember Tony Blain was accused of trying to bribe and extort his colleague Peter De Hoff in emails. Poway City Council Meeting where drama unfolded Become a Member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our annual Parents Guide to San Diego Schools is almost done. We have added a new metric this year and it reveals how well schools recovered, or didn’t, from COVID. Jakob here took it and turned it into a story. It’s a bit of a downer. Another local government is promising to protect people from Trump’s immigration action. We’ll review the supposed protections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria gave his state of the city speech. If last year was the everything is awesome speech, this year was the everything is definitely not awesome speech. This was the tough conversations speech. The we can do hard things speech. The dynamic PowerPoint that went with included such rousing lists like refocus, reimagine, revisit and re-evaluate… SHOW NOTES 00:00:00 Opening January 28th Event: Meet the Beat: South County January 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Free Have you met our newest journalist Jim Hinch yet? Have refreshments and get to know the face behind Voice’s South County Report. This event is open to the public. 00:06:14 State of the City Part I 2025 State of the City Livestream Mayor: Steep Budget Cuts Are Coming San Diego by Will Huntsberry and Lisa Halverstadt 00:16:43 State of the City Part II 2024 State of the City Livestream 00:32:45 State of the City Part III Morning Report: Deep Cuts Coming to City 00:37:48 County Update San Diego Is Less Blue Public Matters Public Matters is led by KPBS, inewsource and Voice of San Diego. These three independent, nonprofit news organizations are partnering to share content, conversation, and events that ensure all San Diegans understand their opportunity to participate in the democratic process and that it means more than voting in an election. The initiative provides news stories on politics and governance including the areas of housing affordability, public safety, neighborhood improvements and social justice; facilitated, in-person discussions around important issues that often divide us; and resources to help you make a difference in your community. At its core, it is about reminding us that we have a shared humanity, and together we are empowered to make positive change. Become a Member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are going to go through some updates to stories but we’ve got a special co-host today, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo. We’ve got some questions for him and he said he’s come up with a contribution to our hot takes segment at the end. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 00:02:15 Updates 00:06:28 Fletcher Nathan Fletcher’s Accuser Drops Sexual Assault Claim — for Now 00:08:13 Vargas South County Report: Supervisor Race Takes Shape Segment 2 00:11:17 She Said What? County Supervisor Candidates Have No Love for New Immigration Policy New San Diego Council President Wants to End SeaWorld Fireworks 00:23:55 Padres Matthew Seidler denies allegations of wrongdoing from wife of late Padres owner Peter Seidler (Associated Press) Matt Seidler responds to Sheel Seidler’s lawsuit, says Padres not going anywhere (Union Tribune) Segment 3 00:30:27 Raul Campillo Interview 00:55:21 Do you want to run for mayor? Segment 4 01:00:57 Hot Takes Andrea: The County’s Sanctuary City Statement Raul: The Future of Balboa Park Scott: SDGE’s Fire Safety Policy Jakob: No hot take (!?) January 28th Event: Meet the Beat: South County January 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Free Have you met our newest journalist Jim Hinch yet? Have refreshments and get to know the face behind Voice’s South County Report. This event is open to the public. Become a Member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is our first show of 2025 and it is already starting with some huge news: We finally will discuss the incredible news that County Supervisor Nora Vargas will not be taking the oath of office for her re-election. The balance of power in the county is once again up for grabs, right as the county braces for thousands more people being forced into treatment. What’s going to happen? Who’s going to run? We’ll get into everything plus an update about stunning news from the San Diego Housing Commission: It has decided it no longer has the resources to dole out vouchers to specific low-income housing projects. IT’s a move that could have major implications for the Sports Arena project and other efforts to provide housing. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 0:05:21 - 0:11:28 The Libby App (app that Scott uses to read books) The Power Broker (book) Segment 2 0:11:33 - 0:19:26 Politics Report: Another County Supe Down by Scott Lewis, December 21, 2024 Locate Your District (San Diego County site) Segment 3 0:19:39 - 0:40:56 Morning Report: Another Scandal Ends in a Resignation by Voice of San Diego, April 5, 2023 Segment 4 0:41:01 - 1:05:12 In 2025, San Diego Can’t Look Away from the Screaming by Scott Lewis, January 1, 2025 City’s Housing Agency Won’t Issue Vouchers for New Housing Projects The San Diego Housing Commission has decided it no longer has the resources to dole out vouchers to specific low-income housing projects, a move expected to slow the pace of new homeless housing. by Lisa Halverstadt, January 2, 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the last episode of 2024 and we have a super mega roundtable for you. I am in studio with the core four – Lopez, Jakob, Bella – and we have one open seat so we’re going to bring in one reporter at a time. We’ll ask them each what’s going to happen. What’s one thing they want to know "What’s going to happen?" I think that’s the core compelling ingredient of media of all kinds. If a piece of content makes you wonder “What’s going to happen?” you’re hooked. So prepare to be hooked. Show Outline and Notes You can show your support for our podcast today by going to vosd.org/podpeople. 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:56 Segment 1 What’s Going to Happen to TikTok? Bella Ross - Social Media Producer Pew Research on TikTok Book: Infinite Just What’s Going to Happen to Forces of Gentrification on the South Bay? Jim Hinch - South County Reporter Gentrification Is Coming for South San Diego County South County leaders have made it a goal to catch up to wealthier North County cities. But the race to the top risks leaving some residents behind. Port of San Diego: Chula Vista Bayfront Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center 00:29:12 Segment 2 What’s Going to Happen to Nathan Fletcher and His Accuser? Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, Managing Editor, Daily News Who Is Nathan Fletcher? San Diego Explained Fletcher Resigns as MTS Chair as Former Agency Employee Accuses Him of Sexual Harassment and Assault in Lawsuit Morning Report: MTS to Release Fletcher Investigation What’s Going to Happen to Del Mar Housing? Tigist Layne - North County Reporter Morning Report: The Builder’s Remedy Prevailed in an LA Court. Will the Same Happen in Del Mar? 00:36:46 Segment 3 What’s Going to Happen to AI in San Diego Schools? Jakob McWhinney - Education Reporter The Learning Curve: San Diego Unified’s AI Future Is Now San Diego Unified paid $83,000 to integrate its high school English curriculum into an online platform and got access to an AI tool as well. Now, some teachers are using it to grade student work. The Progress Report: AI Is in Use at San Diego Unified – But the District Doesn’t Have its Own Plan The rise of AI-supported education technology caught San Diego Unified without a policy. Now, as teachers and students within the district have begun to use AI products in the classroom, district leaders are creating one. What’s Going to Happen to Federal Funding and the Impact on Environmental Projects? MacKenzie Elmer - Environment Reporter Officials Fear Nightmare Flooding from New Tijuana River Border Wall A lifting gate structure could impede the Tijuana River’s flow if it fails to rise during heavy rains like San Diego just experienced. Time to Evacuate the Tijuana River Valley? County officials said the pollution problem is far from triggering a mandatory mass exodus from South Bay, but it’s not totally outside the realm of possibilities. 00:50:43 Segment 4 What’s Going to Happen to the City of San Diego in an “Era of Austerity”? Scott Lewis - Editor in Chief County Supe Slams San Diego Mayor’s Budget City Council budget hearings will begin next week. The City Council has until June 30 to approve the budget. Cup of Chisme: Cuts Hit Different What’s Going to Happen to the Mega Shelter? Lisa Halverstadt - Homelessness What We Know About the Mayor’s Mega Shelter Pitch Mayor Todd Gloria unveiled a plan to convert a large warehouse near downtown into a 1,000-bed homeless shelter. Four Big Disputes Dogging the City’s Quest to Open Its Biggest Shelter Yet The City Council is set to vote Monday on a proposed 1,000-bed shelter and there are lots of questions and disagreements over the city’s plans. Morning Report: Mega-Shelter Monday July 22, 2024 The 30-year lease agreement for the Middletown warehouse the city wants to turn into the city’s largest long-term homeless campus – and the concept itself – have spawned major questions: What’s the value of the building? Can the city count on the site and its potential...