Bonus · Thu, January 11, 2024

Moscow

Reporting dire news out of America and at home, Russian news anchor Viktor Antonov attempts to guide his audience through what may be the beginning of the end. Everywhere is a battlefield. ‘SIGN OFF’ is a branded podcast from LA Times Studios paid for by Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment in support of the film ‘I.S.S.’ only in theaters January 19th.

Bonus · Thu, January 11, 2024

Minot

Following a wave of cyber attacks against the U.S., news anchor Maria Mason finds herself at the center of an escalating crisis where the International Space Station emerges as a strategic foothold. ‘SIGN OFF’ is a scripted, branded podcast from LA Times Studios paid for by Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment in support of the film ‘I.S.S.’ only in theaters January 19th.

Bonus · Sun, May 07, 2023

The Backstory: The reasons why prosecutors opted not to file criminal charges in SDSU rape case

Rarely, if ever, is the public made aware of the reasoning behind a District Attorney’s Office’s decision not to file charges in a case. The Union-Tribune obtained an audio recording of a meeting between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the 18-year-old woman who said she was raped by three now-former San Diego State University football players. The recording provides insight into why the DA’s Office decided not to file criminal charges. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, public safety reporter Teri Figueroa, public safety reporter and Saturday editor Lyndsay Winkley, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the latest developments in the case.

Bonus · Sun, April 30, 2023

The Backstory: The Poway case being heard by the Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will take up a case from Poway Unified School District that tackles a contentious area of social media — when, and if, public officials can block people from their Facebook, Twitter or other social media accounts. The case concerns a former Poway school district trustee, T.J. Zane, and a current member, Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff, and their Facebook and Twitter pages. At issue: whether public officials with social media pages where they discuss public business can block individuals, or if doing so violates the First Amendment. Union-Tribune criminal justice and legal affairs reporter Greg Moran, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the case.

Bonus · Sun, April 23, 2023

The Backstory: The Union-Tribune’s Community Voices Project

The Union-Tribune’s Community Voices Project is an online platform for civil discourse about news of the day and matters of the community. It brings dozens of thought leaders together with the goal of sharing diverse points of view to move toward a stronger, more inclusive San Diego region. Union-Tribune editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall, deputy editorial and opinion editor Laura Castañeda, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the origins and goals of the Community Voices Project.

Bonus · Sun, April 16, 2023

The Backstory: Behind the Union-Tribune’s 72 Hours project

San Diego County, like many places nationwide, faces a mental health crisis. For three days last year, nearly two dozen journalists with The San Diego Union-Tribune followed patients, police, clinicians, dispatchers and a host of others struggling for help to create a minute-by-minute account of our overwhelmed system. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, communities editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss this in-depth multi-media special report.

Bonus · Sun, March 19, 2023

The Backstory: Customers are steamed over SDG&E’s rate-hike proposal

San Diego Gas & Electric is making a case before the California Public Utilities Commission to increase rates starting next year. SDG&E says it needs money for critical projects, like wildfire safety and pursuing clean energy goals. But many San Diegans are frustrated with rising gas and electric bills. The average price for electricity in the San Diego metropolitan area is currently higher than anywhere else in the country. Given that tension, could asking for higher rates right now backfire? Union-Tribune money reporter Roxana Popescu, topic editor Dan Beucke, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss some of the challenges of reporting on this story.

Bonus · Wed, March 01, 2023

The Backstory: The San Diego Union-Tribune stops running ‘Dilbert’

Hundreds of newspapers across the country – including The San Diego Union-Tribune – have either stopped or will stop running the “Dilbert” comic strip after its creator made racist comments during a YouTube livestream Feb. 22. Angela deJoseph, founder of Women of Color Roar, a nonpartisan multimedia organization that supports, nurtures and encourages Black women to seek careers in public service and run for political office; Michael Cavna, visual artists and comic art writer at The Washington Post; Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the offensive remarks and the decision to stop running the “Dilbert” comic strip.

Bonus · Sun, February 26, 2023

The Backstory: What determines where a story runs in the newspaper?

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at a couple of recent stories that had a lot of people talking. First, allegations that Padres beat writer Kevin Acee misquoted Padres pitcher Nick Martinez in one of his stories. (Spoiler alert: Acee did not misquote Martinez). The other story involves a longtime Del Mar Union school board member who resigned after officials announced he had been arrested in Florida on suspicion of soliciting prostitution. Union-Tribune sports editor Ryan Finley, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the the flap over the Nick Martinez story and what determines where stories run in the newspaper.

Bonus · Sun, February 19, 2023

The Backstory: How the deaths of three sisters affected those making humanitarian water and supply drops in San Diego County

The number of migrants who have died or gone missing trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border has sharply increased in recent year from an estimated 371 in 2020, to nearly 600 in 2021, to more than that last year. Humanitarian water and supply drops along the border have taken on a new urgency in the wake of the spike. Union-Tribune federal courts and law enforcement reporter Alex Riggins, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how the deaths of three sisters in particular has affected the efforts of border aid groups.

Bonus · Sun, February 12, 2023

The Backstory: The controversy surrounding Scripps Mercy’s new chief of staff

Scripps Health announced last month that physicians at Scripps Mercy Hospital named a new chief of staff. The announcement of Dr. James Grisolia’s selection praises the neurologist’s accomplishments and notes that he is a nearly 40-year veteran of Mercy’s medical staff. Union-Tribune health care reporter Paul Sisson, communities editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss why some are calling the announcement very controversial.

Bonus · Sun, January 29, 2023

The Backstory: Santee residents debate transgender policy

Protests have taken place in Santee over the last couple of weeks after a 17-year-old girl complained about seeing a transgender woman in the women’s locker room at the Cameron Family YMCA. The incident and the protests have garnered national attention. Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the U-T’s coverage of the protests and some of the decisions the newsroom has had to make while covering this ongoing story.

Sun, January 22, 2023

Farewell from the San Diego News Fix

Hi everyone, Kristy from the News Fix here. Yesterday was our last official episode, but today I just wanted to come on and say thank you for listening. I've been honored to host this podcast, bringing you the news directly from the Union-Tribune writers who report it. It's also been incredible to learn more about our region from the people who make it so great. The Backstory will continue to publish on our website at sandiegouniontribune.com, and if you're wondering what I'm up to, you can find me on Twitter at @kristy_tea. Thanks again for listening, everyone. It's been a blast.

Bonus · Sun, January 22, 2023

The Backstory: The real cost of child care in California

California has several subsidized child care programs that help families pay for child care and fund many of the state’s tens of thousands of child care providers. But that aid reaches only a small fraction of families who need it – and many providers say they aren’t paid enough to cover their costs. Union-Tribune education reporter Kristen Taketa, government and watchdog editor Sam Schulz, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how the system is falling short, and who is paying the price.

Fri, January 20, 2023

Meet Captain Liz Clark — surfer, sailor and environmentalist

Captain Liz Clark is from Point Loma, and learned to surf and sail here before going to college at UC Santa Barbara and setting out on a 12-year sea voyage, sailing around the world mostly by herself. She chronicled her adventures in "Swell," a memoir published by Patagonia in 2018. The book captures the beauty of her travels, but also hardship and difficulties she faced both within herself and in the outside world. Captain Liz lives in Tahiti now where she runs her own environmental non-profit. She joined me from beneath a thatched roof on her new property, where the sun was shining and birds were singing. You can hear some of that in the interview. Here's our conversation.

Fri, January 20, 2023

San Diego may fare better than other cities in coming recession

San Diego economists say a recession is definitely coming, but they also say our region may weather it better than most. Business reporter Phillip Molnar attended the San Diego County Economic Roundtable this week.

Thu, January 19, 2023

The history of Lunar New Year and where to celebrate around San Diego

Lunar New Year is Sunday, Jan. 22. Each year is represented by an animal on the Chinese zodiac calendar, and this year, it's the rabbit or the cat, depending on who you ask. Carlos Rico is a community guides reporter and is here to share more.

Wed, January 18, 2023

In California, subsidized child care is chronically underfunded

State-subsized child care often does not cover the true cost of child care. That's the top-line finding from the second report in a new series about child care from U-T reporter Kristen Taketa.

Sun, January 15, 2023

Birch Aquarium sees its first-ever pregnant male seadragon

For the first time ever, the Birch Aquarium is home to a pregnant male seadragon. Leslee Matsushige is the aquarium's resident seahorse expert.

Bonus · Sun, January 15, 2023

The Backstory: New sports editor joins the Union-Tribune team

Union-Tribune publisher and editor Jeff Light, and managing editor Lora Cicalo introduce us to Ryan Finley, the U-T’s new sports editor. Ryan Finley joined the paper Jan. 9. He succeeds Jay Posner, who retired in December.

Sat, January 14, 2023

More high-rise and backyard units could be coming to San Diego

A controversial proposal to allow high-rise housing and backyard apartments in San Diego made progress Thursday when it was approved by a key committee. David Garrick covers the city of San Diego for the Union-Tribune.

Fri, January 13, 2023

Highlights from Mayor Todd Gloria's State of the City address

Mayor Todd Gloria gave his 2023 State of the City address Wednesday, where he highlighted housing, homelessness, infrastructure and more. U-T engagement editor Bella Ross was there.

Thu, January 12, 2023

Del Mar Fairgrounds could be getting a makeover. Here's what's in store.

The Del Mar Fairgrounds could be getting a makeover. Tuesday, the state institution that governs the land voted to hire a consultant to come up with ideas for possible improvements. U-T business reporter Jennifer Land has been covering this story.

Wed, January 11, 2023

Child care support in California falls short

Childcare can be one of the most expensive aspects of having children. In San Diego, the going rate is $1,500 per month for infant care. In California, help paying for childcare is available, but as a new series by U-T reporter Kristen Taketa shows, the programs fall short, failing to help hundreds of thousands of families.

Tue, January 10, 2023

SDG&E natural gas prices are doubling. Here's why.

As gas prices are dropping around the country, SDG&E natural gas prices are expected to double this month. Rob Nikolewski covers energy at the Union-Tribune.

Sun, January 08, 2023

'I lost a soccer jersey signed by Pelé'

Pelé was a Brazilian soccer player who, by all accounts, changed the game. Ricardo Campo is the president of the San Diego Loyal soccer team, and once had the opportunity to spend a week with Pelé in New York. Here's his story.

Sat, January 07, 2023

More storms headed for San Diego, and the drought is far from over

San Diego and California in general have been pummeled with rain recently. How long will it continue and what does this mean for the drought? U-T reporter Gary Robbins has more.

Fri, January 06, 2023

PedWest border crossing is set to reopen

The PedWest crossing at the U.S.-Mexico border will reopen on Jan. 9, after being closed for almost three years, since the pandemic began. Reporter Alexandra Mendoza has more.

Thu, January 05, 2023

Your guide to an epic year in San Diego in 2023

To help make this year your best yet, the U-T guides team has put together a mega guide called "How to have an epic year in San Diego in 2023." It includes things like a San Diego bucket list, best hikes, how to make friends as an adult and more.

Wed, January 04, 2023

San Diego business stories to watch in 2023

2023 is here, and the Union-Tribune business team has compiled a list of 12 stories to watch this year. Business reporter Phillip Molnar has more.

Sun, January 01, 2023

Doing Dry January? Here's a guide to mocktails in San Diego

It's January, and for many that means the beginning of Dry January. But just because you're not drinking alcohol, doesn't mean you can't have a an interesting drink. Community guides reporter Carlos Rico shares mocktail recommendations around San Diego.

Sat, December 31, 2022

U-T Opinion announces its 2022 San Diego Person of the Year

Welcome to the San Diego News Fix. Each year, the U-T Editorial Board chooses a person of the year. Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall discusses this year's pick.

Fri, December 30, 2022

Border Patrol leaves hundreds of migrants at bus stations across San Diego County

Amid airline cancellations and low shelter space, Border Patrol has been dropping off migrants at bus stations around San Diego without help to reach their final destinations. Kate Morrissey covers immigration at the Union-Tribune.

Thu, December 29, 2022

Without a pathway to residency, Afghan war allies could face deportation

The Afghan Adjustment Act was supposed to create a pathway to permanent residency for Afghans who helped the United States during the 20-year war. Supporters of the bill hoped it would be included in Congress' 2023 spending bill, but it was left out at the last minute due to Republican concerns. Shawn VanDiver is founder and president of #AfghanEvac, which was founded here in San Diego.

Tue, December 27, 2022

All Southwest Airlines flights to and from San Diego are canceled

All but one Southwest Airlines flight coming in or out of San Diego was canceled Monday. More than 2,700 Southwest flights were canceled across the nation due to extreme weather, and the airline is warning the disruption could continue into the new year. Reporter Alex Riggins has more.

Sat, December 24, 2022

In San Diego and beyond, 2022 was the year of jazz

After being sidelined by the pandemic, jazz made a comeback in San Diego in 2022. George Varga is the U-T's music critic. He shares the year's highs and lows, best concerts, albums and more.

Fri, December 23, 2022

Holiday travel: what to know before leaving San Diego

Before you head out of town for the holidays, we have some advice for you. U-T tourism reporter Lori Weisberg has more.

Thu, December 22, 2022

Visting Julian? Here are the best things to eat, drink and do

Julian may be known as an autumn and winter escape from San Diego, but this small town offers visitors more than enough to keep busy all year long. Community guides reporter Maura Fox visited recently and found great places to eat, drink and shop.

Wed, December 21, 2022

Last-minute, sustainable, local holiday gift ideas

If you're shopping for the holidays or just in general, U-T community engagement editor Bella Ross has tips on ethnical, eco-conscious shopping.

Tue, December 20, 2022

'It's really going to change my life': UCSD student teacher reacts to strike agreement

After a five-week strike, the University of California and United Auto Workers, the union that represents graduate student workers, have reached a tentative labor agreement. Beatrice Waterhouse is a third-year PhD student and a teaching assistant at UC San Diego.

Mon, December 19, 2022

Meet Todd Kent, co-founder and CEO of Boochcraft

Todd Kent is the CEO of Boochcraft hard kombucha, which was founded in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Todd is a serial entrepreneur who cares about healthy living and taking care of the planet.

Bonus · Sun, December 18, 2022

The Backstory: Many questions remain in SDSU gang-rape case

After months of review, the District Attorney’s Office announced on Dec. 7 that it would not file criminal charges against three former San Diego State University football players accused of gang raping a 17-year-old high school senior at an off-campus party last year. While the announcement closed one chapter in the high-profile case… a civil lawsuit, a university inquiry and many questions remain. The decision also raised concerns among advocates that it could have a chilling effect on victims of sexual assault who are considering coming forward. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, public safety reporter Teri Figueroa, Saturday editor Lyndsay Winkley and managing editor Lora Cicalo discuss what’s next in this case.

Sat, December 17, 2022

Review board blames entire Sheriff's Department for drug overdoses in jails

Drugs are a problem in San Diego County jails. According to a study by Analytica Consulting, a person incarcerated in a San Diego jail is twice as likely to die from a drug overdose than a person in another California jail.

Fri, December 16, 2022

Coastal restaurants face new outdoor dining rules

Restaurants near the beach will soon have to rethink their outdoor dining setups. The California Coastal Commission approved a new regulation Wednesday that would require coastal restaurants to replace any parking spots they take up on city streets. Lori Weisberg covers tourism and hospitality at the U-T.

Thu, December 15, 2022

While gasoline prices fall, natural gas costs rise

There's good news and bad news when it comes to gas. Gasoline prices are at their lowest prices this year, but natural gas, the stuff that heats homes, is up. Rob Nikolewski covers energy at the Union-Tribune.

Wed, December 14, 2022

Two men sentenced for Tijuana photojournalist’s murder

Tijuana photojournalist Margarito Martínez was killed outside his home on Jan. 17. Almost a year later, partial justice has been served, as two men were charged with his murder in Baja California state court. A third suspect is taking his case to trial. Alexandra Mendoza is a reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune en español.

Tue, December 13, 2022

Green bins for composing are on the way to San Diego homes

The green bins we've heard so much about will start making their way to San Diego homes starting in January. The bins are meant to collect food scraps and yard waste for composting, as mandated by a new California law.

Bonus · Sun, December 11, 2022

Meet Justin Brooks, co-founder of the California Innocence Project

My guest this week is Justin Brooks, director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project. The Innocence Project provides free legal services to the wrongfully convicted. It was founded in 1999 at the California Western School of Law here in San Diego, and it has freed many people from prison, as well as trained hundreds of law students. Brooks is the author of the upcoming book "You Might Go To Prison, Even If You're innocent," which comes out in April 2023 and is available for pre-order now. One of his cases is also portrayed in the feature-length film "Brian Banks," about a high school football star whose NFL dreams are dashed by a false conviction. In this interview, Justin shares the origins of the Innocence Project, we talk about problems with the system, about his new book and more. Here's our conversation.

Bonus · Sun, December 11, 2022

The Backstory: Covering National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

On Dec. 7, the nation observed National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It was 81 years ago that a surprise aerial attack by Japan pushed the U.S. into World War II. Union-Tribune feature writer John Wilkens, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how San Diego has embraced the memory and meaning of Pearl Harbor, and how our newsroom covers that day.

Sat, December 10, 2022

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in San Diego County

Coronavirus hospitalizations are on the rise throughout the nation, and the same goes for San Diego County. Paul Sisson covers health at the Union-Tribune.

Fri, December 09, 2022

San Diego DA will not file charges in alleged SDSU gang rape case

This summer, an alleged gang rape case involving SDSU football players and a then-17-year-old girl was reported by the Los Angeles Times. Since then, it's been one of the most watched criminal cases in the county. Wednesday, the San Diego County District Attorney announced it will not file charges. Union-Tribune reporter Lyndsay Winkley has been covering this story.

Thu, December 08, 2022

A 101-year-old veteran stationed at Pearl Harbor recalls the attack

Dec. 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in honor of the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On this day in 1941, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed during a Japanese attack on the area. Tom Foreman is 101 years old, and is a retired U.S. Navy service member who lives in Escondido. Foreman was stationed at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. He was out to sea on a ship and returned to witness the devastation.

Wed, December 07, 2022

Sports editor Jay Posner reflects on his 34 years at the Union-Tribune

After 34 years, sports editor Jay Posner is retiring. Jay started the job ion 1989 as a reporter. Since then, he's covered all things San Diego sports related. He even had a stint as editor of the arts & entertainment section. In this interview, Jay talks about his career highlights, his 15 minutes of fame after appearing in a viral video, the best and worst reader mail he's ever received and more.

Bonus · Sun, December 04, 2022

Meet Ron Salisbury, San Diego poet laureate

​Meet Ron Salisbury, the city of San Diego's first-ever poet laureate. Ron served as poet laureate from 2020 through this year, writing poems and acting as an ambassador to the art form city-wide. Ron has had an amazing and storied life. Ron has been a casino pit boss in Las Vegas, an investment banker in San Francisco, a coffee shop owner in Sonoma, and of course, a poet and a teacher of poetry for more than 40 years. He also has numerous bachelor's and master's degrees. In this conversation, we talk about understanding poetry versus writing it, how he fell in love with poetry as a child, and stick around to the end to hear him read a poem about baseball. Here's our conversation.

Bonus · Sun, December 04, 2022

The Backstory: El Cajon alleges county hotel voucher program leads to more crime

A county hotel voucher program known as the Regional Homeless Assistance Program had been running and expanding for about two years with little controversy until El Cajon recently blamed it for a surge in homeless people, crime and drug use. The San Diego Union-Tribune obtained years-worth of data detailing arrests and calls for service at seven hotels in El Cajon. Union-Tribune homelessness reporter Gary Warth, East County reporter Blake Nelson, managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss what they found.

Sat, December 03, 2022

Latino and LGBTQ activist Nicole Murray Ramirez now has an honorary street in Hillcrest

Fri, December 02, 2022

Your guide to holiday events in San Diego

The holidays are here and so are a ton of holiday events around the region. Abby Hamblin is the community guides editor at the U-T.

Thu, December 01, 2022

A&E writer Karla Peterson recalls highlights from her 37-year journalism career

After 37 years, arts & entertainment columnist Karla Peterson is retiring from the Union-Tribune. In her time here, she covered pop culture, Comic-Con, the community and more. This week is Karla's last week with the newspaper. She joined me today to reflect on all she's done.

Wed, November 30, 2022

1 in 4 San Diegans experience food insecurity. Here's how you can help.

In San Diego County, 1 in 4 residents are nutrition insecure. The issue has improved slightly since 2021, but there's still a lot of work to be done. Anahid Brakke is the President & CEO of the San Diego Hunger Coalition.

Tue, November 29, 2022

Did hotel vouchers for the homeless really increase crime in El Cajon?

In the past two years, the number of homeless people using hotel vouchers in El Cajon has skyrocketed. The numbers went from one or two in years prior to just under 250 in 2021 and more than 600 at one point in 2022.

Wed, November 23, 2022

Your guide to San Diego-centric holiday gifts

It's hard to believe it, but the holidays — and shopping season — are upon us. To help you with gift-giving, the Union-Tribune arts & entertainment team has created a guide to the best presents to give this holiday season. It includes recommendations for books, beer, sports, music and more. Michael Rocha is the digital creative director at the U-T.

Tue, November 22, 2022

Report: Colorado Springs shooter is related to a San Diego politician

Saturday night at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, five people were killed and several others injured by a lone gunman. The victims are Ashley Paugh, Raymond Green, Kelly Loving, Daniel Davis Aston and Derrick Rump, according to the Gazette newspaper. Reporters Teri Figueroa and David Hernandez have been following this story.

Bonus · Sun, November 20, 2022

The Backstory: The race riot that rocked the Navy 50 years ago

Union-Tribune feature writer John Wilkens; enterprise editor Kristina Davis; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light look back at a Black vs. White race riot aboard the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk in October 1972.

Bonus · Sun, November 13, 2022

The Backstory: The challenges of covering the Nov. 8 election

Union-Tribune watchdog and government editor Sam Schulz; political columnist Michael Smolens; and managing editor Lora Cicalo recap the Nov. 8 election and take a closer look at some of San Diego County's close races.

Fri, November 11, 2022

Here's where San Diego election results stand

The San Diego Registrar of Voters has updated election results as of 5 p.m. Thursday.

Thu, November 10, 2022

Here are the results of the 2022 general election in San Diego so far

The 2022 general election is over, and results on a number of exciting races are trickling in. Michael Smolens, political columnist at the Union-Tribune, shares some of the results and surprises.

Wed, November 09, 2022

Voting myths debunked and other election curiosities

Today, as we await results, we're going to talk about what happens to your ballot after you cast it, how votes get counted and we're also gonna do some mythbusting. Adriana Heldiz is a multimedia journalist at the Union-Tribune.

Tue, November 08, 2022

Seaport San Diego reimagines the waterfront. Will they need public money?

Hear from 1HWY1 developer Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen about his vision for Seaport San Diego, the project timeline, and whether or not it will need public funding.

Mon, November 07, 2022

Meet Maritza Garcia, Logan Heights activist and artist

Maritza Garcia is an activist with the Environmental Health Coalition, who grew up in Logan Heights and now fights for cleaner air in her neighborhood. She's also an artist who makes crochet clothing and sculptures and she's a new mom! In this conversation, she shares what it was like to grow up in Barrio Logan and Logan Heights, where soot piles up on surfaces and children experience asthma at a high rates. We also talked about the life-giving nature of art, and how life has changed since becoming a parent.

Bonus · Sun, November 06, 2022

The Backstory: Preparations for Election Day coverage

Union-Tribune watchdog and government editor Sam Schulz; political columnist Michael Smolens; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light talk about what we can expect on Election Day and the days that follow.

Sat, November 05, 2022

Haven't yet voted? No problem. We have voter guides for that.

Election Day is right around the corner. Tuesday, Nov. 8 is the last day to cast your ballot, but if you haven't done so, don't worry, our guides to help you make your decision. Bella Ross is a community engagement specialist at the U-T.

Fri, November 04, 2022

Happy World Jellyfish Day to all who celebrate!

Nov. 3 is World Jellyfish Day! Jellyfish are more than 600-million-years old, making them one of the oldest life forms on the planet. They were even around before dinosaurs. To celebrate, and learn more about these amazing creatures, Julie Tamez joins us today. Julie is the resident jellyfish expert at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Thu, November 03, 2022

Getting Native Americans registered to vote in San Diego

Indigenous voters are consistently underrepresented in American elections. California’s eligible voting population is 3 percent Indigenous, which is among the highest rates nationwide. But Native Americans are less likely to register to vote and have lower voter turnout rates than people of other races. U-T reporter Lauren J. Mapp has more.

Wed, November 02, 2022

Remembering loved ones on Día de Muertos

In honor of Día de Muertos, we're bringing you something special today. Día de Muertos means Day of the Dead. It's a Mexican holiday with Catholic and indigenous roots that honors the deceased loved ones of those who celebrate, typically on Nov. 1-2. In honor of the holiday, today you'll hear dedications from three readers and one U-T editor who sent in remembrances of their loved ones.

Tue, November 01, 2022

The San Diego Asian Film Festival returns Nov. 3-12

The 23rd annual San Diego Asian Film Festival begins this week. The fest features 130 films, from 30-plus countries in 30-plus languages at four venues. The festival kicks off this Thursday with its opening night at the Museum of Natural History in Balboa Park. Brian Hu is the artistic director of the festival and an associate professor of TV, film and new media at SDSU.

Bonus · Sun, October 30, 2022

The Backstory: Moderating contentious and rowdy community election forums

Union-Tribune editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the U-T’s sometimes contentious and rowdy community election forums leading up the Nov. 8 election.

Sat, October 29, 2022

San Diego home prices fall at rates not seen since the Great Recession

San Diego home prices are dropping at a pace not seen since the Great Recession. But San Diego isn’t alone. The entire nation is experiencing a slowdown brought on by rising mortgage rates. Phillip Molnar covers real estate for the Union-Tribune.

Fri, October 28, 2022

Halloween and Día de Muertos events abound this weekend

A big holiday weekend is upon us! Halloween is Monday and Día de Muertos is Tuesday, and celebrations for both have already begun. Joining me to share what's going on this weekend is Abby Hamblin, editor of Pacific Magazine.

Thu, October 27, 2022

San Diego County sheriff candidates on jail deaths, surveillance and more

Two candidates are running for the job of San Diego County sheriff. Last night, the San Diego Union-Tribune opinion team held an in-person forum at the San Diego Central Library with candidates John Hemmerling and Kelly Martinez. The conversation was moderated by Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall. In this episode, you'll hear from the candidates on jail deaths, surveillance, traffic stops, conceal carry weapons, policies for transgender inmates and more.

Wed, October 26, 2022

Chula Vista mayoral candidates on housing, taxes, trash and more

Two candidates are vying to represent Chula Vista as mayor. Last night, the San Diego Union-Tribune opinion team held an in-person forum at the Chula Vista Public Library with candidates John McCann and Ammar Campa-Najjar. The conversation was moderated by Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall. And as you'll hear, it was a lively night.

Tue, October 25, 2022

Public school students' math scores fell nationwide since the pandemic began

The Nation's Report card is in, and math grades in the shadow of the pandemic aren't looking so good. National standardized test scores for 2022 were released Sunday, showing a steep decline in math scores among public school students. Kristen Taketa covers education at the Union-Tribune.

Bonus · Sun, October 23, 2022

The Backstory: An accusation of gang rape: A football team and 7 months of silence

Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield; public safety reporter Teri Figueroa; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the allegations of a horrific gang rape that were kept quiet for nearly a year and how reporters brought the story to light.

Thu, October 20, 2022

Meet the candidates for California State Senate District 38

California State Senate District 38 stretches along the coast from Orange County to San Diego County. It covers Mission Viejo, Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar and La Jolla. There are two candidates running for this four-year term: Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear, a Democrat, and small business owner Matt Gunderson, a Republican.

Wed, October 19, 2022

Political columnist Michael Smolens on the races to watch in the 2022 election

Voting in the 2022 general election is underway. In San Diego County, voters will choose leaders in national, state and local races. Michael Smolens, political columnist at the Union-Tribune, tells us what he's watching.

Tue, October 18, 2022

Join us for an in-person forum with San Diego County candidates

To help you make your decisions in the 2022 election, the U-T opinion section has been publishing candidate Q&As, video interviews and endorsements. We're also hosting in-person and virtual forums in some of San Diego's key races. Tuesday, Oct. 18, we're hosting a forum with San Diego City Council District 6 candidates, Tommy Hough and Kent Lee. We'll also host forums with candidates for Chula Vista Mayor and San Diego County Sheriff next week.

Sat, October 15, 2022

Meet the candidates for San Diego school board Sub-District B

Today we're talking about the San Diego Unified school board race in Sub-District B, which covers Tierrasanta, Kearny Mesa and San Carlos. We have two candidates, early education commissioner Shana Hazan and retired principal/teacher Godwin Higa. Both met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board this month to discuss the pandemic, gun violence, standardized testing and more.

Fri, October 14, 2022

Meet the candidates for San Diego school board Sub-District C

Today we're talking about the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education race in Sub-District C, which represents coastal San Diego. We have two candidates, educator/parent Cody Petterson and charter school businesswoman Becca Williams. Both met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board this month to discuss the pandemic, gun violence, standardized testing and more.

Thu, October 13, 2022

The Backstory: Introducing the Festival of Journalism

This Saturday, Oct. 15, is the first-ever Festival of Journalism, hosted by the Union-Tribune, Voice of San Diego, KPBS and the SDSU School of Journalism and Media Studies. The free, one-day event will feature panel sessions with editors and reporters, a documentary screening and keynote speakers. It's also chance to get to know the people reporting San Diego's biggest stories.

Wed, October 12, 2022

Meet the candidates for San Diego County treasurer-tax collector

There are two candidates running for treasurer-tax collector in San Diego County. One is incumbent Daniel McAllister, first elected in 2002, and he's challenged by chief financial officer Greg Hodosevich. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board to discuss the job and how they would do it.

Tue, October 11, 2022

Meet the candidates for San Diego County assessor/recorder/county clerk

There are two candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot running to be the next San Diego County assessor/recorder/county clerk: Chief deputy assessor Jordan Marks and chief financial officer and former San Diego City Councilmember Barbara Bry.

Mon, October 10, 2022

Meet the candidates in the San Diego region's top races

Bonus · Sun, October 09, 2022

The Backstory: Why we write a story of homicide rates every year

Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield; public safety reporter David Hernandez; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the latest Union-Tribune’s analysis of homicide rates in our region and why it’s important to tell these types of stories.

Sat, October 08, 2022

Meet Jim Desmond and Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, candidates for San Diego County Supervisor District 5

There are two candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot running for San Diego County supervisors District 5, which covers North County. Republican incumbent supervisor Jim Desmond is being challenged by Democratic scientist/water director Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board ahead of the election.

Fri, October 07, 2022

Meet Nathan Fletcher and Amy Reichert, candidates for San Diego County supervisor District 4

There are two candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot running for San Diego County supervisors District 4, which includes Clairemont, Linda Vista, Hillcrest, North Park, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and many communities in between. Democratic incumbent supervisor/educator Nathan Fletcher is challenged this election by Republican small business owner Amy Reichert. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board ahead of the election.

Thu, October 06, 2022

Meet California attorney general candidates Rob Bonta and Nathan Hochman

Today you're going to hear from candidates for California attorney general. First you'll hear from incumbent Rob Bonta, a Democrat, then Nathan Hochman, a Republican. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Boards to discuss crime, cannabis, immigration and more. This is the first 20 or so minutes of each conversation. To hear the interviews in their entirety, go to sandiegouniontribune.com/2022electionguide.

Tue, October 04, 2022

Hear from California's candidates for governor, Gavin Newsom and Brian Dahle

Today you're going to hear from gubernatorial candidates, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger, State Sen. Brian Dahle. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Boards in September to discuss, inflation, housing, climate change and more. This is the first 20 or so minutes of each conversation. To hear the interviews in their entirety, go to sandiegouniontribune.com/2022electionguide.

Mon, October 03, 2022

Prop. 31 would ban the sale of flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes

Proposition 31 would ban the sale of flavored tobacco in California, including flavored vaping products and menthol cigarettes. People would still be able to have these items, but they couldn't buy them in the state. Yes on 31 is supported by the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society and others. It's opposed by the various tax associations and chambers of commerce. Supporters say flavored tobacco targets children and people of color, primarily Black Americans. The no side says prohibition doesn't work, it could encourage black market products, and we should trust adults to make their own decisions.

Sun, October 02, 2022

Both sides of Prop. 30, which would tax millionaires to fund climate programs

Proposition 30 would increase personal income tax on Californians who earn more than $2 million per year. The money would be used to fund programs to reduce air pollution and prevent wildfires. Supporters say it would improve air quality and help Californians afford electric vehicles. Opponents say the proposition is not business friendly and could cause job creators to move away. They also say it's a money grab for Lyft and Uber, who funded the measure, to get subsidies to electrify their fleets. Today you're going to hear from both sides of this measure, first the yes side, then the no side.

Fri, September 30, 2022

The Backstory: A surge of investors are buying homes in San Diego County

Welcome to the San Diego News Fix, the Backstory, where we take you behind the scenes in our newsroom to show you how we got the story and how decisions are made. Today we are joined by Jeff Light, Lauryn Schroeder, Kristina Davis and Sam Schulz to talk about the surge in investors purchasing homes in San Diego County.

Fri, September 30, 2022

Hear from both sides of Prop. 29, which would require a doctor at dialysis clinics

Voting in the 2022 election begins on Oct. 10, and this week the San Diego News Fix podcast is focusing on state ballot measures. Proposition 29 is back on the ballot, and it has to do with kidney dialysis. If it sounds familiar, it's the third time this issue has appeared on the ballot in the past five years. Prop. 29 would require a licensed doctor to be on site at dialysis clinics at all times. Supporters say adding a doctor would improve patient care. Opponents say that it's not necessary and would create an undue burden on clinics, possibly causing them to close. In this episode, you'll hear from both sides. First you'll hear from an SEIU union member who represents the Yes on 29 campaign. Then you'll hear from a public affairs strategist, a doctor and a patient on the No on 29 side.

Thu, September 29, 2022

Prop. 28 would require California to fund arts and music education

California Proposition 28 would take require the state to set aside money for arts and music education, and it's expected to generate up to $1 billion per year, with an emphasis on lower-income schools. Austin Beutner is behind the initiative. He's the former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, and was also a former publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune. In this episode, you'll hear from the Yes on 28 campaign. The campaign has no opponents.

Wed, September 28, 2022

Hear both sides of Prop. 27: Allowing online sports betting throughout California

This week the News Fix is focusing on California ballot measures. Today you're going to hear about Prop. 27, which would allow online and mobile sports betting throughout the state. Under Prop. 27, gaming companies would be required to partner with a California tribe, and some of its revenue would go towards homeless services. The measure is funded by online betting companies FanDuel and DraftKings. It is supported by some advocates for the homeless and the mayors of Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento and Long Beach. It is opposed by a long list of tribes and tribal casinos, the California Teachers Association and many others. Both campaigns have websites you can visit for more information. Both campaigns met with The San Diego Union-Tribune's editorial board recently to share their perspectives and answer questions. In this episode, you'll first hear from Yes on 27, followed by No on 27.

Tue, September 27, 2022

Hear both sides of Prop. 26: Sports betting at tribal casinos

This week the News Fix is focusing on statewide ballot measures. Today you'll hear more about Prop. 26, which would allow in-person roulette, dice games and sports wagering on tribal lands, as well as sports betting at horse racetracks. You'll also hear about Prop. 27, which would allow online sports betting across the state. Prop. 26 is supported by tribal casinos such as Sycuan and Pechanga. It is opposed by non-tribal card rooms, animal rights activists and some municipalities. First you'll hear from Yes on 26 campaign, followed by the No on 26 campaign.

Mon, September 26, 2022

Rep. Juan Vargas and opponent Tyler Geffeney on the border, immigration and more

Continuing our coverage of the 2022 general election, today you'll hear from both candidates in the race to represent California's redrawn 52nd Congressional District, which includes southern San Diego County. Republican minister/business owner Tyler Geffeney is challenging Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas, who is seeking a sixth term in the U.S. House of representatives. Both candidates met with the San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board on Zoom recently. In this episode, you'll hear the first 20 or so minutes of each of their interviews. To hear the full conversation, go to sandiegouniontribune.com/2022electionvideos.

Sat, September 24, 2022

Rep. Sara Jacobs and opponent Stan Caplan on the issues

Continuing our coverage of the 2022 general election, today you'll hear from both candidates in the race to represent California's redrawn 51st Congressional District, which includes central San Diego and parts of East County. Republican small business owner Stan Caplan is challenging Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs, who is seeking a second two-year term. Both candidates met with the San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board on Zoom recently. You'll hear Caplan's takes on Jan. 6, the pandemic, which he put in air quotes, climate change, inflation and more. From Congressmember Jacobs, you'll hear about cross-border contamination, border wait times, learning loss during the pandemic, national defense and Roe v. Wade. These clips have been condensed and edited. To hear the full conversation, go to sandiegouniontribune.com/2022electionvideos.

Bonus · Sat, September 24, 2022

The Backstory: Our 2022 general election guide

The 2022 general election takes place Nov. 8th, and voting starts a month before. To help you prepare, the San Diego Union-Tribune opinion section has created a voter guide, endorsement guide and more. Today we're joined by editor and publisher Jeff Light, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and opinion and editorial director Matthew T. Hall.

Thu, September 22, 2022

Rep. Scott Peters and challenger Corey Gustafson on the U.S.-Mexico border

California's 50th Congressional District covers parts of San Diego County, including Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, La Jolla, Hillcrest and Coronado. Republican business owner Corey Gustafson cofounded Dogleg Brewing Company. He's challenging Democratic Rep. Scott Peters, who is seeking a sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Union-Tribune Editorial Board met with both candidates on Zoom to discuss a variety of issues. Here's what they had to say about the U.S. Mexico-border.

Thu, September 22, 2022

San Diego Spirits Fest celebrates 13 years of top-shelf booze

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, the San Diego Spirits Festival is back Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24th and 25th. Now in its 13th year, the festival will take place at the newly renovated Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. Tickets include unlimited cocktails, live entertainment, gallery access and more. Liz Edwards is the founder of the festival.

Wed, September 21, 2022

Meet the candidates in California's 29th Congressional District

Today we're focusing on California's 49th Congressional District, which represents northern San Diego County and part of southern Orange County. Democratic incumbent Mike Levin is seeking a third term and is challenged by Republican businessman/nonprofit executive Brian Maryott, a former mayor of San Juan Capistrano. In this episode, you'll hear from both candidates on climate change and nuclear energy.

Mon, September 19, 2022

Election 2022: California's 48th Congressional District

California’s 48th Congressional District is a newly redrawn district, which covers much of East San Diego County. Stephen Houlahan is a Democratic registered nurse and former Santee City Council member. He's challenging Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, who is seeking his 11th term in Congress. Congressman Issa declined an interview with The Union-Tribune Editorial Board. In this episode, you'll hear from Houlahan on issues such as climate, education, guns, immigration and more. The full meeting as well as election guides and endorsement guides are online at sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion.

Mon, September 19, 2022

Meet Supervisor Nora Vargas, the first Latina to hold the title

Nora Vargas is a San Diego County Supervisor for District 1, which includes the South Bay, and she's the first Latina to hold the job. Before taking this seat in 2021, Supervisor Vargas worked with Planned Parenthood and Southwestern College, where she took classes before earning her bachelors and masters degrees. In this interview, Supervisor Vargas discusses making the system work for everyone, civility (or lack thereof ) in public meetings, standing up for the little guy, and more.

Bonus · Sun, September 18, 2022

The Backstory: Mexican journalists to be recognized in second Baja Journalism Contest

Union-Tribune en Español editorial director Lilia O’Hara; Rafael Fernández de Castro, director of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at UC San Diego; Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the upcoming Baja Journalism Contest to recognize Mexican journalists and the attacks on journalism in the U.S. We’ll be announcing the details of the second Baja Journalism Contest soon. Please continue to check sandiegouniontribune.com for updates.

Sat, September 17, 2022

Live Nation 'club pass' gets you into all fall concerts at two venues

If you're a fan of live music and saving money, this segment is for you. Live Nation has just announced a new, so-called "Club Pass," where you pay a one-time fee for access to fall concerts at House of Blues or the Observatory. Abby Hamblin is the editor of Pacific Magazine.

Thu, September 15, 2022

Three San Diego sites renamed to remove Indigenous slur

Thu, September 15, 2022

NIMBYs and YIMBYs clash over neighorhood planning group changes

San Diego is making changes to the city’s 42 neighborhood planning groups. The changes are meant to encourage diverse membership and improve organization, but critics say it's a developer-driven effort to crush public-opposition to housing.

Wed, September 14, 2022

A new homeless shelter offers mental health treatment on site

A new homeless shelter opened in San Diego this week. Located in the Midway District, the shelter has 150 beds, and it's the first in the region to offer mental health and addiction services on site. Gary Warth covers homelessness at the U-T.

Tue, September 13, 2022

Prop 28 would require California to fund arts and music education

California Proposition 28 would take require the state to set aside money for arts and music education, and it's expected to generate up to $1 billion per year, with an emphasis on lower-income schools. Austin Beutner is behind the initiative. He's the former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, and was also a former publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mon, September 12, 2022

Meet Dr. Brad Perkins, infectious disease expert

Name Drop is all about the fascinating people in, around and from San Diego. My guest today is Dr. Brad Perkins. Dr. Perkins is the chief medical officer at Karius, a non-invasive blood test that can detect more than 1,000 pathogens at once. In the past he worked at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There he studied anthrax and was also in charge of innovation there, making sure that the CDC ran more efficiently. I spoke to Dr. Perkins earlier this week about Monkeypox and its chance of becoming endemic, and we chatted a little more about his background.

Mon, September 12, 2022

Meet Jodi Cilley, filmmaker, entrepreneur and educator

Name Drops are all about the amazing people who live in our region and make it so great. My guest this week is Jodi Cilley. Jodi is a filmmaker, entrepreneur and educator in San Diego. She's the founder of Film Consortium San Diego and the San Diego Film Awards. She's taught film at UCSD, San Diego City College and other institutions. She's produced over 100 projects, including web series, short films, TV specials, documentaries and commercial projects and more. In this interview we talk about her life in Tijuana, her passion for film and what makes a great story, as well as her humble upbringing and how that shaped her.

Bonus · Sun, September 11, 2022

The Backstory: The rise and fall of San Diego’s largest Ponzi schemer

Union-Tribune tourism and hospitality industry reporter, Lori Weisberg; criminal justice and legal affairs reporter, Greg Moran; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the largest Ponzi scheme ever uncovered in San Diego and the mastermind behind the scam, Gina Champion-Cain.

Sat, September 10, 2022

For a night out, visit Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista

Third Avenue in Chula Vista used to be a sleepy downtown stretch. There were a few local businesses there, but it was far from a destination. Now, Third Avenue is a popular destination for food, drinks and entertainment. Pam Kragen is a food and features writer at the U-T.

Fri, September 09, 2022

Street sweeping changes bring new parking rules, too

Street sweeping schedules are changing throughout San Diego. The good news is, it's supposed to keep waterways cleaner. The bad news is, parking rules are changing and if you're not careful, you could get a ticket. David Garrick covered this story for the U-T.

Thu, September 08, 2022

'Fat Leonard' disappears weeks before sentencing in Navy bribery scheme

Leonard Glenn Francis, aka "Fat Leonard," is the mastermind behind the worst public corruption scandal in U.S. Navy history. He was arrested in 2013, pleaded guilty to his charges in 2015, and has been on house arrrest since 2018. And now, weeks before his sentencing, he's gone missing. U-T reporter Greg Moran has the story.

Wed, September 07, 2022

Should libraries be part of homeless solutions? San Diego thinks so

The role libraries play in our communities is expanding. The San Diego Central Library in downtown will hire a social worker to help homeless patrons, who make up the majority of visitors each day. Gary Warth covers homelessness for the U-T.

Bonus · Sun, September 04, 2022

The Backstory: Important changes to your Labor Day delivery

Union-Tribune editor and publisher Jeff Light, director of subscriber analytics and revenue Anthony Basilio, and managing editor Lora Cicalo discuss the upcoming Labor Day “print holiday.”

Sat, September 03, 2022

Barona tribe celebrates its 50th annual powwow

This Labor Day weekend, the Barona Band of Mission Indians will hold their 50th annual powwow celebration. The three-day event is free, and will feature dances, drum performances, traditional foods and vendors. Lauren J. Mapp covers indigenous communities for the Union-Tribune.

Thu, September 01, 2022

Special episode: The rise and fall of Gina Champion-Cain

Gina Champion-Cain has made headlines for the past three years for scandalous reasons. But for decades before that, she captured more positive media attention. She was the cover girl for downtown San Diego’s revitalization, beginning in the 1990s. She appeared on magazine covers and newspaper articles, lauded as a dealmaker, a real estate guru and a restaurateur. Champion-Caine was a business powerhouse with a big smile, long black hair and a charming personality. She seemed invincible. San Diego even named a day after her. Now she’s a convicted felon with a title no one else can claim — the architect of San Diego’s biggest Ponzi scheme.

Thu, September 01, 2022

President Biden recognizes Afghan Evac of San Diego

Tuesday marked one year since the United States pulled troops from Afghanistan, ending a 20-year-war. On Monday, President Joe Biden called the leaders of two volunteer organizations who have helped Afghan allies leave the country and relocate to the U.S. One of those organizations was Afghan Evac, which was founded in San Diego by veteran and humanitarian Shawn VanDiver.

Wed, August 31, 2022

Will we see more Monkeypox deaths in the U.S.?

The first Monkeypox death occurred today in the United States. The person was an immunocompromised adult living in Houston, Texas. While the mortality rate for monkeypox is low, the news adds a new level of concern. Dr. Brad Perkins is the chief medical officer at Karius, and is a former CDC official.

Mon, August 29, 2022

Meet Anne Mauler, the marketing pro behind Soapy Joe's Car Wash

Anne Mauler is the vice president of marketing at Soapy Joe's car washes. She's in charge of bringing in new ideas and making the experience fun. This summer she created an NFT scavenger hunt for customers. In this interview we talk about bringing creativity to your job, focusing on mindfulness, what makes San Diego such an amazing place and more.

Bonus · Sun, August 28, 2022

The Backstory: The case that inspired the California Innocence Project

Professor Justin Brooks, co-founder of the California Innocence Project, joins Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light to discuss the case that inspired him to start the California Innocence Project at the California Western School of Law in 1999.

Sat, August 27, 2022

California bans the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035

California has banned the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. It's a bold move that's expected to influence other states to take similar actions. While it might be a challenging transition, supporters say it's necessary to curb greenhouse gases. Opponents worry about the cost and carmakers' ability to make the change. Rob Nikolewski covered energy at the U-T.

Fri, August 26, 2022

Catch a glimpse of traditional Kumeyaay boats this weekend

If you look out into the ocean from Coronado this Saturday, you might see a part of Kumeyaay heritage. Kumeyaay students, professors and community members will sail 50 traditional tule boats Saturday.

Thu, August 25, 2022

Chula Vista closes Harborside Park to end homeless encampment

Chula Vista is closing its Harborside Park for at least 90 days. In recent years, the park has become a campsite for the homeless and reportedly attracts illegal activity.

Wed, August 24, 2022

Inflation is slowing in San Diego

Inflation is still up in San Diego, but not as much as it was in the first half of the year. The inflation rate for the San Diego metro area was 7.3 percent in July, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. Phillip Molnar is a business reporter at the Union-Tribune.

Tue, August 23, 2022

Scooter companies say they can't comply with San Diego's new rules

Mon, August 22, 2022

Meet Doug Marker, founder of DeathRacer skateboarding club

Doug Marker is the founder of DeathRacer, a skateboarding club for older adults. Doug was a pro skater when he was younger, but he set skateboarding aside for years while he raised a family and worked. Now that he's retired, he and some buddies decided to pick it up again, and their story is an inspirational one, about community, a can-do attitude regardless of your age, and frankly, just having fun.

Bonus · Sun, August 21, 2022

The Backstory: The San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books brings the community together

Alison Reid, one of the owners of DIESEL, A Bookstore; Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss why the annual San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books is important to the community and the book industry.

Sat, August 20, 2022

San Diego Festival of Books is back in person Aug. 20

The San Diego Festival of Books is back in person and on line this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 20. Fiona Leung is the director of events and strategic sponsorships at the Union-Tribune.

Fri, August 19, 2022

If Diablo Canyon nuclear plant stays open, your SDG&E bill could go up

Diablo Canyon Power Plant near San Luis Obispo is the last functioning nuclear power plant in California. It was slated to shut down in 2025, but Gov. Gavin Newsom is now raising the prospect of keeping it open. Rob Nikolewski covers energy at the Union-Tribune.

Thu, August 18, 2022

San Diego County wants to track homeless residents by name, not number

San Diego County wants to create a database that lists homeless people by name. The Board of Supervisors showed unanimous support for the idea on Tuesday, and will study the proposal's feasibility over the next 90 days. San Diego County is home to more than 8,500 people who are experiencing homelessness. Gary Warth reports on homeless issues at the Union-Tribune.

Wed, August 17, 2022

San Diego County faces a shortage of mental health care workers

Mental health care workers in San Diego County are underpaid compared to their peers throughout the state, and many are feeling burnt out. That's the top line finding of a recent report by the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Paul Sisson has more.

Tue, August 16, 2022

Cartel violence throughout Baja shut down Tijuana this weekend

A Mexican cartel shut down Tijuana over the weekend by setting vehicles on fire throughout Baja California. The cartel seemed to be sending a message to the Mexican government for jailing some of its members. Union-Tribune reporter Wendy Fry has been covering this story.

Mon, August 15, 2022

Meet Dr. Krishnan Chakravarthy, pain management specialist

My guest this week is Dr. Krishnan Chakravarthy. Dr. Chakravarthy is an anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management. He was trained at Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins, and today he teaches at UC San Diego, works at the VA Hospital in La Jolla and also runs his own laboratory.

Bonus · Sun, August 14, 2022

The Backstory: The ethics of story digital analytics

U-T community engagement specialist Bella Ross, Pacific and community guides editor Abby Hamblin, government and Watchdog editor Sam Schulz, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the ethics around story digital analytics and whether journalists should worry about subscription conversions.

Sat, August 13, 2022

Nikole Hannah-Jones and Adam Schiff headline the San Diego Festival of Books

The San Diego Festival of Books kicks off Saturday, August 20th. The event is in-person this year at the University of San Diego, and there will also be virtual events. Fiona Leung is the director of events and sponsorship at the Union-Tribune.

Fri, August 12, 2022

Do you qualify for free solar panels in San Diego?

A new program in San Diego offers free solar installations to customers who qualify. It's called the San Diego Solar Equity Program, and it's a partnership between the city of San Diego, SDG&E and the Center for Sustainable Energy. Union-Tribune energy reporter Rob Nikolewski has more.

Thu, August 11, 2022

A Pure Water project mishap could cost ratepayers $20 million

Wed, August 10, 2022

AAPI communities and others face harassment on public transit

Since March 2020, there have been more than 11,000 hate incidents against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. A stunning 40 percent of those incidents have happened in California, and many of those incidents take place on public transit. To address this, State Sen. Dave Min introduced Senate Bill 1161.

Tue, August 09, 2022

Here’s what the $369 billion climate bill could mean for San Diego

The narrowly passed $369 billion climate package approved by the Senate on Sunday could bring money to San Diego. That funding could be used on rooftop solar, zero-emissions vehicles and more. Nationally, it's expected to reduce emissions by 40 percent over 2005 levels. Union-Tribune reporter Deborah Sullivan Brennan has more.

Mon, August 08, 2022

Meet Taylor McCabe, artist, vintage clothing lover, cult expert

Taylor McCabe is an artist with an upcoming project at the children's museum, a vintage clothing pro who works at La Loupe Vintage and a degree-holder in relgious studies with an emphasis on cults.

Bonus · Sun, August 07, 2022

The Backstory: Union-Tribune honored with 38 awards, including top honors, from the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter

Immigration reporter Kate Morrissey, Baja California reporter Wendy Fry, lead video journalist Alejandro Tamayo, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the award-winning work from Union-Tribune journalists.

Sat, August 06, 2022

Old Town Urban Market draws locals to a well-known tourist destination

Old Town has long been a tourist destination, but that could be changing. Since the Old Town Urban Market opened nine months ago, even locals are flocking to the outdoor food hall. Located at Congress and Twiggs streets, the market is home to eight local Latino-owned businesses. U-T food writer Pam Kragen visited the space recently.

Fri, August 05, 2022

Police conclude investigation of alleged rape by SDSU football players

Last October, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by five San Diego State University football players at an off-campus party. San Diego Police Department said Thursday it has concluded its criminal investigation and will submit its findings to the District Attorney. The university, however, is just starting its own investigation, nine months after the incident.

Thu, August 04, 2022

Getting informed and fighting the stigma of monkeypox

Monkeypox has now reached a state of emergency in California. The state has seen about 800 cases so far, with about 40 so far in San Diego County, which declared its own state of emergency on Monday. You can find more information about vaccines and how to protect yourself at sandiegocounty.gov. Fernando Z. López, executive director of San Diego Pride, has been helping to inform the community.

Wed, August 03, 2022

Why California can't just conserve its way out of the drought

The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board spoke with executives from the San Diego County Water Authority on Tuesday. They discussed rate increases, what's needed to secure Southern California's water future, and why we can't conserve our way out of the drought. Here's an excerpt from the conversation.

Mon, August 01, 2022

Meet Mike and Peter Wu, owners of Mongolian Hot Pot

The Wu family, who owns Mongolian Hot Pot restaurant in Clairemont, came to the United States from Inner Mongolia, China, in 1995. The parents, Gary and Mindy Wu, left their home and jobs as artists and architects to come to the United States and start restaurants. It was a struggle at first, but soon after the family found success, opening a Rice King restaurant, then many others. Their sons Mike and Peter join me today to talk about the journey.

Fri, July 29, 2022

Introducing the U-T's new San Diego guides initiative

The San Diego Union-Tribune has always been a great way to learn about San Diego, and it just got even better. The U-T has launched a guides new initiative to help readers get to know the city by sharing things to do, places to go and more. Abby Hamblin is the editor of Community Guides and Pacific Magazine.

Fri, July 29, 2022

Border wall construction will move forward at Friendship Park

A new border wall is going up at Friendship Park. The binational park at the U.S.-Mexico beach border has been closed since the pandemic began. With plans to add two 30-foot border walls through the park, some fear it will never reopen. Reporters Kate Morrissey and Wendy Fry explain.

Fri, July 29, 2022

San Diego City Council approved the 101 Ash Street settlement deal. Now what?

Part of the 101 Ash Street saga is settled, and the city of San Diego will take ownership of the building. The San Diego City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to settle the city’s lawsuits over leases for 101 Ash St. and Civic Center Plaza. Watchdog reporter Jeff McDonald explains.

Wed, July 27, 2022

Trash pickup is free for single family homes in San Diego. Should that continue?

In the city of San Diego, single family homeowners do not pay a fee for trash pickup, while businesses and condo owners do. The law is 103 years old, and known as the People's Ordinance. This November, voters will have a change to repeal it. David Garrick covers the city for the Union-Tribune.

Tue, July 26, 2022

Seaport San Diego project gets mixed reviews at public meeting

Seaport Village might be a step closer to its long-awaited makeover. Last week, the Port of San Diego Commissioners reviewed a new proposal from 1HWY1, which would add hotels, retail space, offices, parks, piers and more. Business reporter Jennifer Van Grove joins me to talk about the project.

Mon, July 25, 2022

Meet Isabelle DeMillan, owner of San Diego's first zero-waste grocery

Isabelle DeMillan is the owner of The Mighty Bin, San Diego's first no-waste grocery store. The shop on El Cajob Boulevard sells plastic-free, package free, organic food, personal care items and home goods. In this interview, DeMillan discusses how she got started, how owning less can make you happier, and how you can start your own zero-waste lifestyle.

Sun, July 24, 2022

The Backstory: Covering Comic-Con during a pandemic

Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo, arts and entertainment editor Michael James Rocha, and community guides and Pacific San Diego editor Abby Hamblin discuss what it’s like to cover Comic-Con during the pandemic.

Fri, July 22, 2022

Cosplay 101 at San Diego Comic-Con

If you've ever heard of San Diego Comic-Con, you've also probably heard of cosplay. Cosplay is a portmanteau of "costume" and "play," and it's when people dress up as characters from video games, anime, TV, film and more. At Comic-Con on opening day, cosplayers were out in full force.

Thu, July 21, 2022

San Diego's surveillance ordinance moves forward with amendments — and criticisms

The San Diego City Council moved forward this week on an ordinance that will govern how surveillance technology is used in the city. But not all residents are happy with the proposal. Here to talk about it is public safety reporter David Hernandez.

Wed, July 20, 2022

San Diego police response times are the worst in a decade

San Diego police response times were worst they’ve been in more than a decade. Police are getting to emergencies like deadly shootings in minutes, but all other types of calls have much longer wait times. Union-Tribune reporter Lyndsay Winkley explains.

Tue, July 19, 2022

Gas prices fall below $6 per gallon in San Diego. Will it last?

You may have noticed, but gas prices in San Diego have fallen slightly. The average price for regular-grade gas is now less than $6 per gallon in San Diego. But can it last? Here to discuss is Union-Tribune energy reporter Rob Nikolewski.

Mon, July 18, 2022

Meet Dr. Bradley Bond, expert in parasocial relationships and how they shape us

Dr. Bradley Bond is chair and associate professor of communication studies at University of San Diego. Dr. Bond studies parasocial relationships, our relationships with fictional characters, celebrities and other people we don't know. His research looks at how these one-sided relationships shape our identities, choices and even sexuality.

Bonus · Sun, July 17, 2022

The Backstory: Is reporting about the monkeypox virus stigmatizing the LGBTQ community?

Max Disposti, executive director of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, joined Union-Tribune health care reporter Paul Sisson, topics editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light to discuss how a public health story has the potential to stigmatize an entire community without the proper context.

Sat, July 16, 2022

Little Blue Penguins now live at the Birch Aquarium

First the first time ever, Little Blue Penguins are on view on the West Coast. Little Blues are the smallest penguins on Earth, about the size of a California burrito. The new habitat is biggest addition to the Birch Aquarium in 30 years. Aquarist Laura Reid joins me to talk about it.

Fri, July 15, 2022

Get ready for San Diego Pride parade and festival this weekend

After a two year hiatus, San Diego Pride is back in full swing this year. Festivities kicked off July 7 and continues through the 19th. Fernando Z. López is the executive director of San Diego Pride.

Thu, July 14, 2022

San Diego Comic-Con survival guide: How to plan, what to wear and more

San Diego Comic-Con is back, in person, for the first time since the pandemic began. It kicks off Thursday, July 21st, through Sunday, July 24th, at the San Diego Convention Center. U-T columnist Karla Peterson and super fan Jerry McCormick have been attending for more than 20 years.

Wed, July 13, 2022

Friendship Park could close to cross-border reunions forever

Friendship Park at the U.S.-Mexico border has been closed since the pandemic began. But now, with the Biden Administration set to replace the border wall with a taller structure, advocates are worried it might close forever. Kate Morrissey is the immigration reporter at the U-T.

Tue, July 12, 2022

San Diego establishes an Office of Immigrant Affairs

The City of San Diego has established its first-ever Office of Immigrant Affairs. The goal of the office is to welcome immigrants to San Diego, and help them get established in their new lives.

Mon, July 11, 2022

Meet Jeni Smith, SeaWorld rescue team supervisor

Jeni Smith is from San Diego and grew up knowing she wanted to work with animals at SeaWorld, and she made her dream come true! Today she's the supervisor of SeaWorld's rescue team, which helps all kinds of marine animals in distress, including Freeway, the sea lion who has traveled inland a few times in the past couple of years.

Sun, July 10, 2022

The Backstory: Journalism is a tough job. Peer support can improve mental health.

The San Diego Union-Tribune, along with our sister paper, The Los Angeles Times, is launching a peer support program. The program was developed by clinicians who specialize in working with journalists and it's a confidential network to provide support to colleagues facing difficult times. Jeff Light, Lora Cicalo, Radvile Rinkeviciute and Kate Morrissey discuss the program.

Sat, July 09, 2022

Could rising COVID-19 case rates prompt mask mandate?

Local hospitalizations related to the coronavirus have continued to rise in San Diego County. It's not happening quickly enough to push the region into the highest tier, but some are wondering if the future might hold another mask mandate. Union-Tribune health reporter Paul Sisson has more.

Fri, July 08, 2022

Tourism is rebounding, plus an update on Terminal 1

San Diego tourism is ramping up, but is it back to normal? What's going on with Terminal 1 at the San Diego international airport? U-T business reporter Lori Weisberg has more.

Thu, July 07, 2022

San Diego police officers are quitting in record numbers

Police officers in the city of San Diego are leaving their jobs. In fiscal year 2022, which ended June 30th, more than 230 San Diego police officers left the department — a 52 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Wed, July 06, 2022

Rents on single-family homes in San Diego are on the rise

If you're priced out of buying a home in San Diego, there's more bad news: Rents on single-family homes are going up, too. In the past year, rents have risen 10 percent, and the median for a three-bedroom house in San Diego is $3,400 a month. Union-Tribune real estate reporter Phillip Molnar has more.

Tue, July 05, 2022

The California state auditor will look into why SDG&E rates are so high

SDG&E rates are on the rise, and soon the California state auditor will be looking into reasons why. Union-Tribune energy reporter Rob Nikolewski has more.

Mon, July 04, 2022

The Backstory: 75 years ago, a slavery case in Coronado riveted the nation

In 1947, slavery was commonly thought of as a Southern thing, and futhermore, a thing of the past. Then, Alfred and Elizabeth Ingalls were arrested in Coronado.The couple, in their 60s, had recently moved from Boston and were charged with keeping their Black maid, Dora Jones, in involuntary servitude. Writer John Wilkens discusses the story with editors Kristina Davis, Lora Cicalo and Jeff Light. Today I'm joined by Union-Tribune writer John Wilkens, his editor Kristina Davis as well as managing editor Lora Cicalo and editor and publisher Jeff Light.

Sun, July 03, 2022

Meet Rev. Christopher Carter, soul food scholar and USD theology professor

​Rev. Christopher Carter, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of theology and religious studies at University of San Diego who studies the intersection of Christianity, food and racial justice. In this conversation we discuss how he carved out such a unique career for himself, Black veganism and why he doesn't eat animal products, and how you can create a diet that reflects your own values.

Sat, July 02, 2022

The Supreme Court ruled 'Remain in Mexico' can end

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Migrant Protection Protocols put in place by President Trump in 2019 can end. What does this mean for migrants in Tijuana? Union-Tribune immigration reporter Kate Morrissey has more.

Thu, June 30, 2022

The U-T's San Diego beer column is back!

After a two-year hiatus, Peter Rowe's beer column returns to the San Diego Union-Tribune. In this episode, he discusses brewery closures, Sapporo's acquision of Stone and what he's drinking lately.

Wed, June 29, 2022

San Dieguito school board fires superintendent after controversial comments about Asian students

The superintendent of the San Dieguito School District has been fired. Cheryl James-Ward was placed on leave in April after making comments linking Asian American academic success to an influx of wealthy Chinese immigrant families. The district's four-member school board voted unanimously Sunday to terminate her contract without cause. James-Ward's attorney says she will sue for retaliation. Union-Tribune education reporter Kristen Taketa has more.

Tue, June 28, 2022

The 101 Ash St. settlement is on hold ... for now

Last week, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria proposed a settlement agreement for 101 Ash Street and Civic Center Plaza. Under the deal with the building's lender and landlord, the city would have purchased both properties for $132 million. Then, Monday morning, the mayor withdrew the proposal just hours before the city council was set to discuss it.

Sun, June 26, 2022

The Backstory: Union-Tribune honored with national and regional awards

Arts and entertainment editor Michael James Rocha, photo and video director Sam Hodgson, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the national and regional award-winning work from Union-Tribune journalists.

Sat, June 25, 2022

The future of abortions in California

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade today, leaving it up to states to decide whether to allow abortion. Abortion rights are protected in California, and Democratic state leaders have vowed to strengthen and expand access. San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Michael Smolens spoke with Senate leader Toni Atkins today.

Fri, June 24, 2022

City of San Diego roundup: street vendors, ADU parking, ranked choice voting and more

New street vendor rules went into effect this week, along with parking requirements for ADUs in coastal areas and more. Reporter David Garrick explains.

Thu, June 23, 2022

Mayor Todd Gloria on the 101 Ash Street settlement

There's a new development at 101 Ash Street, the building the city of San Diego agreed to buy in 2016 that was later found to be unusable without major repairs. San Diego leaders announced Monday that they had reached a settlement agreement with Cisterra, which is the building's landlord, and CGA Capital, its lender. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Chris Cate, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and Penny Maus, the city's director of real estate, joined The San Diego Union Tribune Editorial Board on Wednesday to discuss the deal.

Wed, June 22, 2022

101 Ash St. could be settled — but the city attorney says it's a bad deal

San Diego city leaders are proposing a settlement agreement for the controversial 101 Ash Street property, which the city bought in as-is condition for $86 million before learning that it was uninhabitable. Watchdog reporter Jeff McDonald has more.

Mon, June 20, 2022

Meet Ben Smith, creator of North Park Lego on Instagram

During the pandemic, mathmatician and data analyst Ben Smith got into building Lego. Specifically, he got into replicating buildings in North Park in Legos. He started with a mini version of Tribute Pizza, then Encontro and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Since then, he's branched out to other San Diego neighborhoods and racked up more than 8,000 Instagram followers in the process.

Sun, June 19, 2022

The Backstory: Important changes to your Fourth of July delivery

Union-Tribune editor and publisher Jeff Light, subscriber revenue and analytics senior manager Anthony Basilio, and community and public relations director Luis Cruz discuss the upcoming Fourth of July “print holiday.”

Fri, June 17, 2022

Happy Juneteenth! Here's where to celebrate in San Diego

San Diego County is gearing up for its annual Juneteenth celebrations, marking the official end of slavery in the United States. There will be festivals, musical performances, a 5K run and more. Lauren J. Mapp has more.

Fri, June 17, 2022

San Diego County Fair specializes in zany food. Here's what stands out.

After a two year hiatus because of the pandemic, the San Diego County Fair is back through the Fourth of July. This year the theme is superheroes, and you can find all the old staples: rides, games, food, festivals and more. U-T writer Pam Kragen went to the fair with a mission to eat.

Thu, June 16, 2022

Tijuana sewage spills could close Coronado and Imperial beaches this summer

Coronado and Imperial beaches in San Diego County could be closed for much of the summer. That’s because a new type of water testing has shown the beaches are much more polluted by wastewater from Mexico than previously thought.

Wed, June 15, 2022

Haitian migrants are dying in Tijuana waiting for asylum

The death of 31-year-old Haitian migrant Calory Archange is the latest in the community to make headlines. Activists attribute the deaths to the overlapping effects of U.S. border policies and systemic racism in Mexico.

Tue, June 14, 2022

San Diego is taking a tougher approach on homelessness. Mayor Todd Gloria explains how and why.

Mayor Todd Gloria met with the San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board on June 8 to discuss the new policy of possibly arresting homeless people for encroaching on sidewalks. Here's an excerpt of that conversation.

Mon, June 13, 2022

The Backstory: Covering live events, protests and demonstrations

Enterprise team editor Kristina Davis, Saturday editor Lyndsay Winkley, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss how the Union-Tribune covers live events, protests and demonstrations.

Sat, June 11, 2022

Meet Bob Lehman, LGBTQ activist and museum council director

Bob Lehman is the executive director of the San Diego Museum Council, which oversees more than 50 museums in the county, and he's the former director of the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus. So he's definitely influential in the arts. But he's also a veteran and an activist who helped repeal the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, and he actually left the service so that he could marry his now-husband in 2008.

Sat, June 11, 2022

Hold off on that car wash! San Diego County has new water restrictions

​New water restrictions go into effect on Friday, June 10, for San Diego County. Here's what you need to know.

Fri, June 10, 2022

SDG&E wants to raise rates. Two executives explain why.

​It's well known that San Diegans pay some of the highest utility rates in the county. And now, San Diego Gas & Electric wants to raise rates again. SDG&E executives Bruce Folkmann and Scott Crider explain why.

Thu, June 09, 2022

Election Day recap! Here's who won and lost in San Diego's top races

California's primary election is over! The top two candidates in races at the federal, state and local level will now face off in the November 8 general election. Columnist Michael Smolens has more.

Tue, June 07, 2022

Happy Election Day!

It's June 7, the last day to vote in California's Primary Election. Here are your options for voting.

Mon, June 06, 2022

Here are the hottest San Diego County races in the June 7 primary election

June 7 is California's primary election. Here are the most exciting San Diego races to watch, according to U-T columnist Michael Smolens.

Mon, June 06, 2022

Meet Socheath Sun, chef-owner of Angkorian Pikestaff

My guest today is Socheath Sun, the chef-owner behind Angkorian Pikestaff. Angkorian Pikestaff is a pan-Asian popup restaurant that specializes in Southeast Asian cuisines.

Sun, June 05, 2022

The Backstory: San Diego Pride honors The San Diego Union-Tribune

Union-Tribune editorial and opinion director, Matthew T. Hall, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the Union-Tribune’s stance on receiving awards from advocacy groups.

Fri, June 03, 2022

Still haven't voted? Here's how to cast your ballot in San Diego County

Primary voting is already underway and Election Day, the final day to vote, is Tuesday, June 7th. Cynthia Paes is the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.

Fri, June 03, 2022

A San Diego City College alumna will go to space

Another scientist with San Diego ties is going to space. Katya Echezaretta will be one of a handful of passengers to launch into space on Saturday, June 4. Katya is the first Mexican-born woman to go to space and she's also an alumna of San Diego City College.

Thu, June 02, 2022

Fentanyl deaths have created a backlog at the medical examiner's office

With fentanyl deaths soaring, the San Diego County Medical Examiner is experiencing a backlog in its toxicology labs. Delayed results are causing problems for the justice system, and causing emotional and insurance problems for families of the deceased.

Wed, June 01, 2022

Secretary of State Shirley Weber on the 'big lie,' her priorities and more

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber is running for re-election. The secretary of state oversees voting in California and all of its counties, and keeps campaign finance and business records for the state.

Mon, May 30, 2022

The Backstory: The sharp disparities in punishments in the ‘Fat Leonard’ scandal

Military and veterans’ issues reporter Andrew Dyer, enterprise team editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the sharp disparities in punishments Navy officers received in the scandal involving Leonard Glenn Francis, the military contractor better known as “Fat Leonard.”

Sun, May 29, 2022

Meet Ashley Poust, paleontologist at the San Diego History Museum

Ashley Poust is a post-doctoral researcher at the San Diego Natural History Museum, and he's already been in the newspaper twice this year for discovering two ancient animals. He's modest about it, but he has a really cool job, digging up dinosaur bones, studying fossils and naming animals.

Fri, May 27, 2022

Still haven't voted? Our 2022 primary election guide is here to help

The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board put together an election guide and endorsements to help you make your decisions. That's available at sandiegouniontribune.com/2022primaryguide.

Fri, May 27, 2022

Meet the top candidates for San Diego County sheriff

The sheriff's race is one of the most important races in San Diego County this election season. It's the first time in decades that an incumbent isn't running for re-election, and it's a chance to succeed former Sheriff Bill Gore, whose tenure was marked by 200-plus jail deaths.

Thu, May 26, 2022

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla responds to the Texas school shooting

On May 24, an 18-year-old opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and 2 adults. In this conversation a day later with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board, Sen. Alex Padilla discusses the mass shooting and what he believes lawmakers can do to prevent future tragedies.

Wed, May 25, 2022

San Diego passes an abortion rights resolution, new scooter rules and more

The San Diego City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to declare the city a safe place for “reproductive freedom and access to abortion.”

Tue, May 24, 2022

San Diego's unemployment rate has reached pre-pandemic levels

​San Diego's unemployment rate is now 3 percent. That's lower than it was before the pandemic began.

Mon, May 23, 2022

The Backstory: Covering hate crimes in our community

In the wake of the mass shootings and hate crimes in Buffalo and Laguna Woods, Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, enterprise team editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss how we have covered hate crimes in our community.

Sun, May 22, 2022

Meet Jesi Gutierrez and Celi Hernandez, owners of Libélula Books & Co.

Jesi Gutierrez and Celi Hernandez are co-owners of Libélula Books & Co. in Barrio Logan. It’s a beautiful space on the corner of South 26th Street and National Avenue that specializes in LGBTQ and BIPOC works, and serves as a community gathering space.

Sat, May 21, 2022

San Diego County's homeless count is up 10% since 2020

The first homeless count in two years has confirmed what is plain to see in San Diego County – homelessness is up. It’s up 10 percent countywide, 9 percent in the city of San Diego, 19 percent in National City and 31 percent in Oceanside.

Fri, May 20, 2022

What we learned at the UFO congressional hearing

This week, Congress held a hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena for the first time in 50 years. A House subcommittee has been studying UAPs, or UFOs, as they're more commonly known.

Thu, May 19, 2022

SDG&E seeks to raise rates 5.6% for electricity, 18.1% for gas

In two years, San Diego Gas & Electric customers may see another increase in their monthly bills. SDG&E has filed its general rate case — essentially what the utility believes it will cost to maintain and upgrade the power system from 2024 through 2027.

Wed, May 18, 2022

Freeway the sea lion was caught exploring inland San Diego a third time

Freeway the sea lion is back at it again. Since late last year, the land-loving sea lion has made his way inland three times. Jeni Smith is the rescue supervisor at Sea World San Diego.

Tue, May 17, 2022

Gifted and talented education is shrinking in San Diego

Gifted and talented education, often known as GATE, is shrinking in San Diego. Some schools are dropping the programs by choice, but other schools say they don't have enough students who qualify. Kristen Taketa covers public education at the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mon, May 16, 2022

The Backstory: Debate over public safety amid string of homicides at San Diego parks

Union-Tribune public safety reporter David Hernandez, public safety editor Dana Littlefield, political columnist Michael Smolens, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the ongoing debate over how the city of San Diego should handle public safety amid rising crime and a string of homicides at municipal parks. The San Diego Police Officers Association and Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe disagree over how the city should address the violence.

Sat, May 14, 2022

Meet Aida C. Castañeda, political consultant and champion for the South Bay

Aida comes from a long line of community builders and activists, and she, too, has followed the same path. As a political consultant, she's involved in banning flavored tobaccos statewide and locally, in repealing National City's ban on lowrider cruising, and so much more.

Sat, May 14, 2022

Shining light on missing and murdered Indigenous women

The Department of Justice has reported that Indigenous women in some counties are 10 times more likely to be victims of ​​murder, sexual assault and disappearance.

Fri, May 13, 2022

A former CBP commissioner on Title 42, Ukranian refugees and border wall deaths

Alan Bersin is a former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection who served under the Obama administration. Bersin was in San Diego Tuesday for a naturalization ceremony at Balboa Park, and joined The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board on Zoom to discuss immigration.

Thu, May 12, 2022

UC San Diego Park & Market opens downtown

UC San Diego Park & Market is now open. The four-story campus takes up a full city block in downtown San Diego, just steps from the blue trolley line, and it aims to be a hub for civic engagement, learning and collaboration.

Wed, May 11, 2022

It's time to vote. Here's how U-T election guides can help.

The election is June 7 and ballots will be delivered starting May 9th. The editorial board's 2022 primary election coverage includes Q&As with all candidates as well as in-person forums. You can find all our 2022 primary election guides at sandiegouniontribune.com/2022primaryguide.

Fri, May 06, 2022

May is Foster Care Awareness Month. Here's how to help your community.

​May is National Foster Care Month, a time to recognize foster children and parents across the nation, and to bring awareness to the cause. Teresa Stivers is the CEO of Walden Family Services, a foster care, adoption, and youth services agency based in San Diego County.

Thu, May 05, 2022

Scooters are back, and so are new rules from the city of San Diego

​After a two-year lull during the pandemic, scooters are back. With increasing ridership, the city is also proposing new rules for scooters and e-bikes. David Garrick covers the city of San Diego.

Wed, May 04, 2022

Carbon removal is important to fighting climate change. Here's what San Diego is doing.

​A new United Nations report says removing carbon from the atmosphere is essential to combating climate change. But making a global air conditioning system won't be easy. Michael Smolens is a political columnist at the U-T.

Tue, May 03, 2022

Mexico says a cartel killed journalists in Tijuana. Tijuana journalists have doubts.

Two Mexican journalists were killed in Tijuana in January. Photographer Margarito Martinez was shot on Jan. 17 as he was leaving his home. Six days later, reporter Lourdes Maldonado was shot outside of her home. Now the Mexican government says it has solved the murders. But local journalists aren't convinced.

Bonus · Mon, May 02, 2022

The Backstory: 72-hour multimedia project will explore mental health crisis in San Diego County

Union-Tribune topics editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss an upcoming Union-Tribune multimedia project exploring the status of mental health in San Diego County. Mental health intersects with so many issues: homelessness, policing, criminal justice, the workplace, schooling and health care. A lot of people know on a basic level that we need to be doing more to assist those who are struggling with mental health, but to have that conversation, we all need to understand where our system is now.

Sun, May 01, 2022

Meet Roosevelt Williams III, CEO of Young Black & N Business

Roosevelt Williams III is the president and CEO of Black & N Business, a business networking group here in San Diego that seeks to elevate the "overlooked and underserved."

Sat, April 30, 2022

Happy San Diego Book Crawl to all who celebrate

Saturday is Indie Bookstore Day across the nation, and to celebrate, 11 local booksellers have organized the 2022 San Diego Book Crawl. The crawl begins on Saturday, April 30. Kris Nelson is the owner of Bluestocking Books in Hillcrest.

Fri, April 29, 2022

Patrick Henry High School reinstates some advanced courses

Patrick Henry High School has been quietly cutting honors courses. The principal said she did it to boost equity, but after backlash from students and parents, the school is partially reversing course.

Thu, April 28, 2022

San Diego home prices are up 29 percent. Are we in a bubble?

San Diego home prices are rising at a rate not seem since the housing boom of 2004. Prices rose 29.1 percent year over year in February. Union-Tribune real estate reporter Phillip Molnar has more.

Wed, April 27, 2022

City of San Diego bans flavored tobacco

The San Diego City Council voted 7-2 Monday to ban flavored tobacco within city limits. Locally, bans have been passed by Imperial Beach, Encinitas, Solana Beach and San Diego County.

Mon, April 25, 2022

The city of San Diego is considering 'ranked voting' elections

​The city of San Diego is considering changing the way we choose elected officials. A proposed November ballot measure would change city elections to a system called "instant runoff" or "ranked choice" voting. David Garrick covers the city for the U-T.

Sun, April 24, 2022

The Backstory: U-T reporters take an in-depth look at the sale of Tailgate Park

Union-Tribune growth and development reporter Jennifer Van Grove, lead Watchdog reporter Jeff McDonald, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the sale of Tailgate Park by the City of San Diego to a development team led by the San Diego Padres. The decision by City Council members to sell the city-owned lot a block away from Petco Park for $35.1 million is provoking a debate over what kinds of developments San Diego should prioritize and how the city can best deploy public assets to confront persistent crises in housing and homelessness.

Sat, April 23, 2022

Meet Jeeyoon Kim, concert pianist, author, podcaster

Jeeyoon Kim is a San Diego-based concert pianist who is known for connecting with audiences with her emotional performance style. She's played renown stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Stradivari Society in Chicago.  She has two albums, and is coming out with a third, called "Si-um," this weekend. The project combines piano, poetry and black and white photography.

Sat, April 23, 2022

At the San Diego Asian Film Fest's Spring Showcase, 'every movie is for everybody'

​The San Diego Asian Film Festival's Spring Showcase is underway. The festival features 15 films across many genres, and it's taking place at Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley through April 18. Brian Hu is the artistic director at Pacific Arts Movement, which puts on the festival.

Fri, April 22, 2022

Chicano Park turns 52 — an anniversary with a special meaning

Chicano Park is celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year. The park is a National Historic Landmark and is home to the highest concentration of chicano murals in the world.

Thu, April 21, 2022

EarthFair returns to Balboa Park, now with solar cars and cannabis

After two years off due to the pandemic, EarthFair will return to Balboa Park on Sunday, April 24th. The 31st annual festival will feature exhibitors, food courts and beer gardens, a parade, live entertainment and more. Carolyn Chase is the founder of the fest.

Wed, April 20, 2022

San Diego County Fair games and rides will go on after claims of a rigged process

Rides and games will be at the San Diego County Fair this year after all. The status of the midway had been in jeopardy since April 5th when a judge issued an injunction blocking a contract that would have allowed a single company to run the midway.

Mon, April 18, 2022

San Diego Zoo is preparing for possible arrival of bird flu

As a highly contagious avian flu spreads across the country, officials at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are taking steps to try to prevent any of the 3,700 birds in their care from getting infected.

Bonus · Mon, April 18, 2022

The Backstory: Reporting on the police shooting that killed Yale-trained scientist

Union-Tribune public safety reporters Lyndsay Winkley and David Hernandez, public safety editor Dana Littlefield, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the fatal shooting of a Yale-educated scientist by law enforcement... after they were trying to serve her with an eviction notice at her home in Little Italy. Advocacy organizations are continuing to seek answers from this incident.

Sun, April 17, 2022

Meet John Highkin, co-founder of Fern Street Circus

​John Highkin is the executive director of Fern Street Community Arts, which is best known for its namesake event, the Fern Street Circus. John founded the organization with his wife, Cindy Zimmerman 30 years ago out of Big Kitchen in South Park. Since then, it has grown into a dynamic nonprofit that offers free circus performances and education t​o San Diego communities. ​

Sat, April 16, 2022

San Diego is creating a Black arts and culture district

​Much like Little Italy or the Convoy District, a Black Arts and Culture District in San Diego is in the works. Eight blocks on Imperial Avenue in Encanto would be designated to celebrate Black arts, food, music and more.

Fri, April 15, 2022

A new transportation plan promises a faster link to San Diego airport

Three years after laying out a plan to link public transit to the San Diego International Airport, regional planners are changing course with a new idea for a so-called people mover that would run above and below ground.

Thu, April 14, 2022

Study finds high number of ‘excess deaths’ in San Diego County jails

San Diego County jails have the highest number of inmate deaths among California’s largest systems, according to a new study commissioned by the civilian review board that oversees the Sheriff's Department. It also found that while Black and Latino people are more likely to be locked up locally, White men and women are more likely to die behind bars.

Wed, April 13, 2022

La Jolla Point will close for six months a year during pupping season

The California Coastal Commission apporved the city of San Diego’s request for a permit to close Point La Jolla to the public during sea lion pupping season. Reporter Ashley Mackin-Solomon has the details.

Tue, April 12, 2022

San Diego’s largest high school eliminated honors courses and parents are outraged

Patrick Henry Highschool in San Carlos has been quietly cutting advanced, honors and gifted education courses, and some parents are upset. Kristen Taketa is the Union-Tribune's education reporter.

Mon, April 11, 2022

The Backstory: Is there a double standard when covering conflicts around the world?

Union-Tribune director of photo and video Samuel Hodgson, deputy editorial and opinion editor Laura Castañeda, managing editor Lora Cicalo and editor and publisher Jeff Light talk about the photos of atrocities in Ukraine. The panel also discusses why some conflicts around the world receive more media coverage than others.

Sun, April 10, 2022

Meet Carmela Prudencio, artist, activist and curator

Carmela Prudencio is one of those people with a lot of talents and a passion for giving back to the community. She's an artist, activist, an arts curator, as well as a marketing director for Pacific Arts Movement, which puts on the San Diego Asian Film Festival. In this interview, Carmela discusses San Diego's art scene and AAPI community, what to expect from the Asian Film Fest's Spring Showcase, which starts later this month, as well as what she's watching on TikTok.

Sat, April 09, 2022

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's La Jolla flagship reopens

After a serious and seriously stunning renovation, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's flagship location in La Jolla is now open. Karla Centeno is the director of education and engagement with the museum.

Thu, April 07, 2022

San Diego now has a board to keep an eye on surveillance tech

Who is watching San Diego? A new privacy advisory board at the city of San Diego will weigh in on all future surveillance decisions, making sure they're legal, equitable and transparent.

Wed, April 06, 2022

Introducing 'Border City,' a new podcast from the Union-Tribune

Border City is a different kind of story about the U.S.-Mexico border, told by a reporter who has spent more than 25 years trying to understand the dynamics of Tijuana, Mexico, and its relationship to the United States.

Tue, April 05, 2022

Remembering Cesar Chavez

​Cesar Chavez was a labor organizer and civil rights activist, and in California and beyond, he's an icon. Organizer Pedro Anaya reflects on Chavez's legacy in San Diego and how it influenced him.

Mon, April 04, 2022

The Backstory: Border City: Violence, beauty and belonging in Tijuana

Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo and former Union-Tribune reporter Sandra Dibble discuss “Border City,” a new podcast premiering on April 5 from The San Diego Union-Tribune presented by the Los Angeles Times. “Border City” is the story of Sandra Dibble, a journalist who in 1994 leaves her job and family in Washington, D.C., to report on Tijuana, Mexico, a city known mostly for drug violence and illegal immigration into the U.S. Dibble expects to stay on the border a year. But her plans change as she is drawn deeper and deeper into the worlds that converge at the biggest crossing point on the U.S.-Mexico border. The eight-part series will tell a story of beauty and violence, artists and drug gangs, immigration and belonging – from the perspective of a writer who spent more than 25 years there. Subscribe and listen to “Border City” on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The San Diego Union-Tribune to go even deeper with more exclusive “Border City” content.

Sun, April 03, 2022

Meet Josephine 'Josie' Talamantez, co-founder of Chicano Park

Josie was born and raised in Logan Heights and co-founded Chicano Park in 1970. She's the founder of the highly anticipated Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, which will open this summer. Recently she was inducted into the San Diego Women's Hall of Fame.

Sat, April 02, 2022

San Diego considers another eviction moratorium

San Diego will consider an additional moratorium Monday to stop residents from being evicted. Reporter Phillip Molnar has more.

Fri, April 01, 2022

In El Cajon, nurses will soon respond to 911 calls

Every year, El Cajon residents call 911 about 16,000 times. But officials say about a third of those calls aren’t true emergencies and don’t require ambulances and fire trucks. The city council voted unanimously last week to set aside $300,000 for a pilot program that would divert some emergency calls to nurses.

Thu, March 31, 2022

State of the County targets homelessness, housing, child care

During the State of San Diego County speech, Board of Supervisors Chairman Nathan Fletcher outlined new plans on homelessness, housing, child care and more.

Wed, March 30, 2022

Local leaders are in D.C. lobbying for infrastructure money

Regional leaders are lobbying in Washington for a central transit hub, a new border crossing and other infrastructure. Reporter David Garrick has more.

Tue, March 29, 2022

Southern California grocery workers authorize a strike

​Grocery store workers in Southern California have voted to authorize a strike if supermarkets don’t raise their wages. The vote could lead to walkouts at some Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Ralphs. About 70 stores in San Diego and Imperial counties would be affected.

Mon, March 28, 2022

The Backstory: 'Pro-democracy' coverage and dealing with misinformation

Union-Tribune publisher and editor Jeff Light, news editor David Clary, Local section editor and readers’ representative Adrian Vore, growth and development reporter Jennifer Van Grove, and criminal justice and legal affairs reporter Greg Moran, discuss the challenges of covering public meetings, rallies and other events where misinformation is aired. Our staff also tackles the question of whether we have an obligation to report on untruths.

Sun, March 27, 2022

Meet Su-Mei Yu, founder of Saffron Thai and host of Savor San Diego

Su-Mei Yu is the founder of Saffron Thai restaurants in San Diego. She opened her first location on India Street in 1985 and went on to open two more locations, write cookbooks and host "Savor San Diego," a KPBS show that explored the cuisines and cultures of San Diego.

Sat, March 26, 2022

Local farmers co-op focuses on food equity, climate change

During the pandemic, small farms in the San Diego region were having trouble selling their produce. So a group of small farmers banded together to create Foodshed, an equity focused co-op committed to sustainable farming practices.

Fri, March 25, 2022

The BA.2 subvariant is in San Diego. Here's what you should know.

BA.2 is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. It's surging in Asia and Europe, and it's now present in San Diego. Dr. Ayal Oren is a professor of epidemiology at San Diego State University School of Public Health.

Thu, March 24, 2022

There's a new sheriff in town

San Diego County has a new interim sheriff. Assistant Sheriff Anthony Ray will serve until a new sheriff takes office next year. Journalist Kelly Davis has more.

Wed, March 23, 2022

San Diego is crafting a ballot measure to end free trash pickup

A century-old law in San Diego guarantees free trash pickup for most single-family homes. It's called the People's Ordinance and it's been in place since 1919. But that could change.

Tue, March 22, 2022

Paleontologists discover new San Diego saber-toothed catlike species

Forty-two million years ago, when the San Diego region was much more lush and tropical than it is today, a small bobcat-like creature roamed the rainforest terrain. Now that creature has a name.

Sun, March 20, 2022

Meet Tasha Williamson, founder of Exhaling Injustice

Tasha Williamson is a former mayoral candidate for the city of San Diego, a well-known community activist and just recently she founded her own nonprofit, Exhaling Injustice. She became an activist for her children while they were in school, and now fights for womens rights, police reform and racial justice.

Sat, March 19, 2022

Revisiting the Heaven's Gate cult case, 25 years later

It's been nearly 25 years since members of the Heaven's Gate cult died in a mass suicide event in San Diego County. Caitlin Rother was a journalist at the Union-Tribune at the time and wrote about the cult's strange rules and habits.

Fri, March 18, 2022

The San Diego Latino Film festival celebrates cinema and culture

The San Diego Latino Film Festival is celebrating its 29th year. More than 200 films are showing at the AMC Mission Valley theater through Saturday, as well as music and food events.

Wed, March 16, 2022

PFAs chemicals are highly toxic — and they're found in San Diego

​PFAs are highly toxic chemicals, and they're found in processed food, hair products, cookware and more. ​SDSU professor George Jiracek explains why they're present at San Diego airports, and why they're a cause for concern.

Wed, March 16, 2022

Here's what you're paying for when you buy a gallon of gas

Gas prices are the talk of the town right now, as prices are soaring. The average gas price in San Diego today is $5.77. Our energy reporter Rob Nikoleski looked into gas prices and what exactly we're paying for when we visit the pump.

Tue, March 15, 2022

Crime is up in San Diego, but the city is still among the safest

Despite a recent jump in crime here locally, San Diego is still a relatively safe city. But the reason for that isn't always clear. Political columnist Michael Smolens explains why.

Sat, March 12, 2022

Meet Laila Aziz, activist and prison abolitionist

Laila Aziz is the director of operations for Pillars of the Community, which works to improve the lives of Southeast San Diegans. She is a prison abolitionist, a community activist, and just someone who really cares about San Diego and is committed to making it better.

Sat, March 12, 2022

Meet San Diego's phenomenal women, a special project from the U-T

For this episode, during Women's History Month, I want to introduce you to a project from the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Women's Museum of California. It's called Phenomenal Women, and it highlights changemakers in the areas of law, education, business, politics, sports, arts, science and more.

Fri, March 11, 2022

Ukranians seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies, some Ukrainians are seeking asylum at the San Ysidro port of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Thu, March 10, 2022

San Diego County is drafting a gender equity law and wants input

San Diego County is working on an ordinance to improve the lives of women and girls. It’s called CEDAW, which stands for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Wed, March 09, 2022

Lamont Jackson is San Diego Unified School District's new superintendent

​The San Diego Unified School District has chosen a new superintendent. Dr. Lamont Jackson was chosen unanimously by the Board of Education. He will lead the district, which is second largest in California, with more than 95,000 students, 15,000 employees, 170 schools and a $1.7 billion budget.

Tue, March 08, 2022

Meet the candidates for California's Assembly District 80

A special election for California's Assembly District 80 will soon be underway. Former Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez announced her departure in January, making way for a new representative. Democrats David Alvarez and Georgette Gomez are running, as well as Republican Lincoln Pickard.

Sun, March 06, 2022

Meet Greg van Eekhout, sci-fi and fantasy author

Greg van Eekhout is sci-fi/fantasy author who writes for adults and middle-grade readers. Some of his books include "Cog" and "Voyage of the Dogs," and his latest book, "Weird Kid," just came out in November 2021.

Sat, March 05, 2022

More than 4,000 San Diego apartments will open in 2022

San Diego is poised to have one of its biggest apartment construction years of the last decade with towers rising throughout the county.

Fri, March 04, 2022

Goodbye, Seaport Village. Hello, Seaport San Diego.

Developer 1HWY1 released a long-awaited plan this week for Seaport San Diego, a sprawling, $3.5 billion project that will reimagine and replace the Seaport Village bayside development.

Thu, March 03, 2022

San Diego women who made history

March is Women's History Month, and there's no better way to learn about it than with Felicia Shaw, executive director of the Women's Museum of California, based right here in San Diego.

Wed, March 02, 2022

San Diego Unified School District will soon have a new superintendent

The San Diego Unified School District will soon have a new superintendent. Dr. Lamont Jackson of San Diego Unified has been filling in as interim. He and finalist Dr. Susan Enfield of Highline Public Schools in Washington are finalists for the position.

Tue, March 01, 2022

Unarmed mental health pros can now respond to 911 calls

People experiencing a mental health crisis in San Diego County can now call a crisis hotline or 911 in certain cities to seek help from mental health professionals without police intervention. Lyndsay Winkley and Tammy Murga report.

Sat, February 26, 2022

Meet Jerry McCormick, Emmy-winning journalist, PIO, teacher, Comic-Con devotee

Name Drop editions of the San Diego News Fix highlight the fascinating people that make San Diego such a great place to live.  Jerry McCormick definitely fits that bill. He's a communicator, journalist, college instructor, he's active in organizations that support Black journalists, he's a Comic-Con nerd. Overall, he's just really dedicated to his community and it shows.

Sat, February 26, 2022

What's the fuss about pickleball?

Pickleball players want more places to play in San Diego. San Diego Parks and Recreation board member Noli Zosa discusses the sport and the prospect of more local courts.

Fri, February 25, 2022

The 101 Ash Street saga continues. Here's the latest.

The city-owned building on Ash Street is still unusable. Three lawsuits are in progress. Here's where the case stands.

Thu, February 24, 2022

What a foot of sea level rise could mean for San Diego

A recent scientific report says the U.S. will experience another foot of sea level rise by 2050. That's what the country experienced in the last century, but this time it will be condensed into less than 30 years.

Wed, February 23, 2022

30th Street bike lanes have been in place for six months. What have we learned?

The protected bike lanes along 30th Street in North Park have been open for six months now. The bike lanes are 2.4 miles in length and are welcomed by the cycling community and some businesses. But other business owners and drivers complain that the lanes removed too many parking spots from the street.

Fri, February 18, 2022

Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick studies drones and human trafficking

Once a week we're featuring a fascinating San Diegan, and this week my guest is Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick. Austin is a professor at University of San Diego who studies politics, culture, technology and social movements. His work is impressively varied — his last two books were about drones and human trafficking. Austin is really energetic and curious and has a unique outlook on life. In this interview we talk about sociology, parenting, a few unpopular opinions and more.

Thu, February 17, 2022

Sheriff Bill Gore's legacy and the next San Diego County sheriff's race

Journalist Kelly Davis reflects on Sheriff Bill Gore's legacy and highlights key issues and candidates in the November 2022 sheriff's race.

Wed, February 16, 2022

A law meant to improve police oversight has weakened it for now

Measure B ended the city’s existing police review board and replaced it with a new, more powerful Commission on Police Practices. But the commission can't add new members yet, and the current board is unable to keep up with a growing workload.

Wed, February 16, 2022

California's mask mandate is coming to an end — but not in schools

California’s mask mandate expires Wednesday. With cases dropping, masks won’t be required in most places. School is one exception.

Tue, February 15, 2022

San Diego is experiencing some of the worst inflation in the nation

San Diego experienced some of the highest inflation in the country in January. It reached its highest point since 1982, with electricity, gas, food and car prices leading the surge.

Sat, February 12, 2022

Meet Kirby Brady, San Diego's chief innovation officer

Kirby Brady is the chief innovation officer at the City of San Diego, where she uses data with the goal of improving our lives. Kirby is the point person behind the "Get it Done" app, where San Diegans can report problems with city property. It's where you'd go to request a new trash bin, report graffiti, get help with scooter issues, and more.

Sat, February 12, 2022

Cornel West, David Brooks, Nadia Bolz-Weber headline writers symposium

The 27th annual Writers Symposium by the Sea takes place Feb. 22-15 at Point Loma Nazarene University. Dean Nelson, founder and host, previews this year's offerings.

Fri, February 11, 2022

Journalist deaths in Mexico: 'Things haven't changed — they've gotten worse'

Journalist deaths are not new in Mexico. In the past six years, 57 journalists have been killed on the job, and the vast majority of those crimes have gone unsolved. But when four journalists were killed last month, the spate of deaths highlighted the problem. AP correspondent Elliot Spagat shares his experiences covering Mexico for 30-plus years.

Fri, February 11, 2022

Journalist deaths in Mexico: 'Things haven't changed — they've gotten worse'

When four journalists were killed in Mexico last month, the spate of deaths highlighted a problem. AP correspondent Elliot Spagat has covered Mexico for 30-plus years and says the problem is getting worse.

Thu, February 10, 2022

San Diego laws on home-building and ADUs are changing

The San Diego City Council has approved a package called “Homes for All of Us” that’s meant to incentivize building while also changing the rules for accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.

Wed, February 09, 2022

Are 'safe villages' the solution to homelessness in Downtown San Diego?

Homelessness has worsened in San Diego during the pandemic. Now, a local nonprofit is proposing a new solution for temporary housing.

Tue, February 08, 2022

Thirty years later, DNA testing complicates a gruesome murder case

Thirty years after Claire Hough was murdered, a new round of forensic testing pointed to two suspects. One of them was familiar to the police.

Sat, February 05, 2022

Celebrating Black history in San Diego

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate, we're taking a look at San Diego's unique story. Shelby Gordon is the marketing manager of the San Diego History Center.

Fri, February 04, 2022

Encampments are a growing sign of homelessness. Here's what's being done.

In Downtown alone, a recent count revealed that the number of people sleeping on the streets has doubled.

Thu, February 03, 2022

700,000 residents are about to get a new electricity provider

If you live within the city limits of San Diego, Chula Vista, La Mesa, Encinitas or Imperial Beach, you are about to get a new electricity provider.

Wed, February 02, 2022

Happy Lunar New Year!

2022 is the Year of the Tiger. Chris Chan, a member of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, shares Chinese history in San Diego and give tips on how to celebrate.

Tue, February 01, 2022

Sabrina Goosby comes from a long line of community builders

Sabrina Goosby's family moved to San Diego in the late 1800s, becoming an early Black family to settle the region. Sabrina has advocated for foster children in San Diego for more than 30 years.

Tue, February 01, 2022

What scientists are saying about the new Omicron variant

A third of all coronavirus cases recorded in San Diego County since the pandemic began have occurred since Christmas day. And now there's a new variant of Omicron.

Sat, January 29, 2022

Summer's coming and San Diego isn't ready to regulate Airbnbs as planned

The City of San Diego's new rules for short-term rentals were supposed to go into effect on July 1, but now it might be delayed until later this year to give the California Coastal Commission a chance to weigh in.

Fri, January 28, 2022

Catalytic converter thefts are rampant in San Diego County. Carlsbad is fighting back.

Catalytic converter thefts increased five-fold in San Diego County in 2021. Here's how one city is responding.

Thu, January 27, 2022

Why is rooftop solar so controversial right now? Here's an explainer.

The future of rooftop solar is at a crossroads in California. Soon, the California Public Utilities commission will vote on a proposal that could change the rules for people who own rooftop solar.

Wed, January 26, 2022

How are jails handling COVID-19 safety? Not well, ACLU says

High profile San Diego civil rights attorneys sued Sheriff Bill Gore last year over how he handled COVID-19 inside county jails. Now, as infections and deaths continue to climb, the lawyers are asking a judge to grant an immediate injunction to force the sheriff to improve COVID protocols.

Tue, January 25, 2022

A second Tijuana journalist is killed in less than a week

Another Tijuana journalist was shot to death Sunday night, becoming the second journalist to be killed in the city in less than a week. Reporter Lourdes Maldonado was discovered dead in her car Sunday, one week after photojournalist Margarito Martinez was killed in a similar fashion.

Sat, January 22, 2022

Need a good read? San Diegans loved these books in 2021

In 2021, local book lovers turned to the San Diego County library for comfort and distraction. U-T columnist Karla Peterson went to find out what the Top 10 books, e-books and movies were.

Fri, January 21, 2022

What we know about slain Tijuana journalist Margarito Martínez Esquivel

​A Tijuana journalist who covered crime and security issues was shot to death Monday outside his home. Margarito Martínez Esquivel, who worked as a journalist and assisted international news outlets was shot three times, according to his wife.

Thu, January 20, 2022

Overwhelmed Chula Vista hospitals declare 'disaster'

A continuing crush of patients in the South Bay became so severe Tuesday that the region’s two main medical facilities declared internal disasters.

Wed, January 19, 2022

Republic Services workers end strike

After a monthlong strike, unionized trash haulers have reached an new contract agreement with Republic Services.

Mon, January 17, 2022

San Diego is 'a four-car pileup' away from a blood shortage emergency

San Diego, like the rest of the nation, is experiencing a shortage in blood donations. Medical professionals say we're at a critical level.

Sat, January 15, 2022

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Reporter Emily Alvarenga shares San Diego events held in his honor. Find a full listing of events online at sandiegouniontribune.com.

Fri, January 14, 2022

A new program targets homeless encampments in San Diego

Gov. Gavin Newsom was in San Diego Wedesday to help clean up a homeless encampment and promote a new state program to address encampments. A 2020 count found 7,600 homeless people in San Diego County, the fifth-highest homeless population in the state.

Thu, January 13, 2022

Republic Services trash strike enters its fourth week

A strike by the workers of Republic Services trash collection has entered its fourth week in San Diego County. Reporter Tammy Murga explains where negotiations stand and how San Diego and Chula Vista city governments have reacted.

Wed, January 12, 2022

Composting becomes mandatory in California this year

Green composting bins will soon be available throughout San Diego. A new law requires residents to sort kitchen scraps from recycling and trash.

Tue, January 11, 2022

How to tell if a COVID-19 testing site is legitimate

With Omicron cases on the rise, more COVID-19 testing sites have popped up around San Diego. Here's how to tell if a site is legitimate.

Mon, January 03, 2022

News Fix will return Jan. 10

News Fix is on a short break. We'll return Monday, Jan. 10.

Fri, December 31, 2021

Drumroll, please: Meet our 2021 Person of the Year

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s editorial board has announced its 2021 San Diegan of the Year.

Thu, December 30, 2021

Wait times at the U.S.-Mexico border are way up

Since the border reopened in November to non-essential travel, border waits have swelled to exceedingly long lines that could stifle local commerce and economic recovery.

Wed, December 29, 2021

A medical jet crashed in El Cajon, leaving no survivors

A plane crashed on a residential road in El Cajon Monday night, killing all four passengers aboard. Reporter Alex Riggins has more.

Tue, December 28, 2021

Happy Kwanzaa!

Kwanzaa is here, and the World Beat Cultural Center in San Diego is celebrating it for the 41st time. Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that begins on December 26th and runs through January 1st. It was established in 1966 to celebrate family, community and culture.

Fri, December 24, 2021

The best of San Diego theater in 2021

U-T Features writer Pam Kragen shares a year-in-review of San Diego theater and gives a preview of 2022.

Thu, December 23, 2021

Will COVID-19 treatments work against Omicron?

As the Omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads, more testing sites are opening and the Biden Administration plans to give free rapid tests to the public. But questions linger about whether existing COVID-19 treatments will work.

Wed, December 22, 2021

Judge strikes down SD Unified’s student vaccine mandate

San Diego Unified School District’s student vaccination mandate no longer stands. A judge struck it down Monday, saying that the mandate conflicts with state law.

Tue, December 21, 2021

Here's how San Diego County's voting districts changed

San Diego County has approved new voting districts. The districts are redrawn every 10 years after the census is taken, with the goal of improving representation for residents. Reporter Deborah Sullivan Brennan has more.

Sat, December 18, 2021

Get into San Diego museums and attractions free. Here's how.

If you've ever wanted to get into museums and other attractions for free, the San Diego Public Library can help.

Fri, December 17, 2021

Did you make more money in 2020? Many San Diegans did

San Diegans saw their income grow faster than ever in 2020, despite the pandemic and challenges related to it.

Thu, December 16, 2021

Do bike lanes in North Park help or hurt businesses?

Bike lanes are always a hot topic in San Diego. On one side, biking reduces pollution and lanes can keep cyclists safe. On the other hand, they’ve proven costly to build and take away parking spaces. Union-Tribune columnist Michael Smolens wrote about bike lines this week.

Wed, December 15, 2021

California's mask mandate starts Wednesday. Here's what you need to know.

Masks haven't been required in San Diego County for some time now. As California's statewide mask mandate begins on Wednesday, that will change.

Tue, December 14, 2021

Here's what's in SANDAG's new $160B transit plan

The San Diego Association of Governments has approved a new transit plan. Here's what it entails.

Sat, December 11, 2021

Two Omicron cases detected in San Diego County

Two cases of coronavirus caused by the Omicron variant have been detected in San Diego County. Reporter Jonathan Wosen discusses the cases and what we know of the variant so far.

Fri, December 10, 2021

Here's how the future sports arena site might look

Five proposals vie to rebuild the sports arena site in the Midway District with a new arena and a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. Here's what the area might look like.

Thu, December 09, 2021

Barrio Logan growth plan fights pollution and gentrification

San Diego's new Barrio Logan growth plan protects against pollution and gentrification. The legislation could be used as a template for other communties to do the same. Plus, the San Diego City Council got a new council president in a surprise vote.

Wed, December 08, 2021

The SDSU stadium in Mission Valley now has a name

The SDSU stadium in Mission Valley now has a name. The $45 million deal is among the largest in the country for collegiate stadiums.

Tue, December 07, 2021

Lack of public restrooms in San Diego cause health crises

A lack of public restrooms can become a public health problem. San Diego saw this in 2017 and 2018, when Hepatitis A sickened 600 people and killed 20. And the problem has come up again this year, when 38 people were infected with shigella. Journalist Bella Ross has more.

Sat, December 04, 2021

Where to catch the best holiday events in San Diego

The holidays are here. Catch the best in lights, libations and more with advice from Pacific Magazine Editor Nina Garin.

Fri, December 03, 2021

Alpine school district is creating an academy for unvaccinated students

Alpine superintendent said regardless of parents’ views on the COVID vaccine, students shouldn’t lose the chance to attend school in person.

Thu, December 02, 2021

Is San Diego's housing market cooling down?

San Diego typically has the No. 2 or 3 biggest gains in the nation. Its rank hasn’t been this low since summer 2020.

Wed, December 01, 2021

Researchers look for signs of Omicron variant in San Diego

Tue, November 30, 2021

San Diego City Council moves forward with vaccine mandate

Despite protests from the local police union, the San Diego City Council voted Monday to keep COVID-19 vaccination mandates in place for employees.

Mon, November 22, 2021

An unexpected letter

Twenty-seven years years after stealing the San Diego Union-Tribune, Carolyn Alden decided to apologize. Her remarkable story is about the decisions we make to survive, and the concept of amends, and how the smallest actions can affect us years later.

Sat, November 20, 2021

A San Diego fifth grader wrote a letter to Biden — and got a response

Today's episode is about a fifth grader in San Diego who wrote a letter to President Joe Biden about climate change — and got a response.

Fri, November 19, 2021

San Diego NAACP condemns 'Famous Baby Daddies' segment

Members of the San Diego branch of the NAACP stopped in their tracks Tuesday morning as a segment called “Famous Baby Daddies” aired on local TV station KUSI. In it, two famous men were shown on a screen, and the show’s hosts were asked to guess which one of the men had more children. Of the 18 famous men shown, 9 of them were Black.

Thu, November 18, 2021

UCSD ranks ninth in the world for top scientists

When it comes to scientists, San Diego has a lot of them. UC San Diego has the ninth-largest group of highly cited researchers in the world, and it’s close to passing UC Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Wed, November 17, 2021

Infrastructure funding could transform San Diego

President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that could bring big changes to San Diego. But local officials say additional local funding is needed to maximize the benefits.

Tue, November 16, 2021

Going to La Jolla? Soon you can take a trolley

A new MTS trolley line will begin service this Sunday. It’s called the La Jolla line, and it’s being hailed not just as a way to get around, but a way to encourage more housing development.

Sat, November 13, 2021

San Diego-Tijuana is the 2024 World Design Capital

The San Diego-Tijuana region won its bid to become a World Design Capital in 2024. The designation is awarded by a Canadian organization, and it spotlights the winner for a year, with a street festival, conference and more.

Fri, November 12, 2021

Navy Secretary pledges changes to avoid another Bonhomme Richard

Today is Veteran’s Day and Andrew Dyer is here with me. He’s a Navy veteran and the U-T’s military reporter. He’s been covering the July 2020 fire on the Bonhomme Richard warship and its fallout.

Thu, November 11, 2021

It's not a ghost ship, but this sailboat haunts La Jolla

A sailboat anchored off the coast is causing a stir in La Jolla, where residents are calling it a "ghost ship" and questioning its legality.

Wed, November 10, 2021

A disease expert shares the real reason to get your kids vaccinated

The FDA has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Dr. Amaran Moodley with Rady Children’s Hospital explains why kids should get it.

Tue, November 09, 2021

The U.S.-Mexico border is now open to travelers

U.S. land borders opened to nonessential travelers Monday for the first time since March of 2020. Here's what you need to know.

Sat, November 06, 2021

'He' and 'she' will no longer appear in San Diego city laws

San Diego has become the fifth city in the U.S. to ban the use of the pronouns “he” and “she” in future laws. Oakland, Berkeley, Boston and Portland have adopted similar policies.

Fri, November 05, 2021

Post oil spill, tarballs continue to wash up on beaches

A month after an oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach, tarballs continue to wash up on North County beaches, inspiring cleanups and new legislation.

Thu, November 04, 2021

Anti-vax anger turns to racism, hate speech at county meeting

Public comments made during the county’s COVID-19 updates have featured hours of angry yelling for months now, but statements made Tuesday crossed a particularly nasty line.

Tue, November 02, 2021

San Diego's best California burritos, ranked

California burritos are the quintessential San Diego good. Union-Tribune reporter Lauren J. Mapp set out in search of the city's best.

Mon, November 01, 2021

Border Patrol has a ‘shadow police unit’ that protects agents when they kill

A letter sent to Congress alleges that Border Patrol has a shadow police unit that covers up wrongdoing when agents kill or use excessive force. The letter was written by the Southern Border Communities Coalition and Alliance San Diego. They say the units have been operating since the 1980s without any actual authority — and they’re calling for an investigation.

Fri, October 29, 2021

Surprise! California condors can reproduce asexually

A scientific team led by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced Thursday that California condors can reproduce without having sex.

Fri, October 29, 2021

Sister of missing Chula Vista woman Maya Millete speaks out

Maya Millete went missing in January, and after months of investigation, her husband Larry Millete was arrested in October for her murder. Maricris Drouaillet is Maya’s older sister.

Thu, October 28, 2021

Long hours for low pay: UCSD doctors protest working conditions

Resident physicians at UC San Diego Health are protesting working conditions. They say they work long hours at pay that sometimes amounts to less than minimum wage. They say the lack of sleep they get leads to car accidents and mental health issues, and that they struggle to live in neighborhoods near the hospital while juggling student loan debt.

Wed, October 27, 2021

A TikTok star is accused of murder in downtown San Diego

Ali Abulaban goes by JinnKid on TikTok. He plead not guilty Monday in San Diego Superior court to two counts of murder.

Tue, October 26, 2021

Navy report details what went wrong during Bonhomme Richard warship fire

A new report from the Navy shows that the fire on the Bonhomme Richard warship last summer burned for nearly two hours before efforts to put it out began.

Sat, October 23, 2021

San Diego Asian Film Festival is more than just movies

The San Diego Asian Film Festival kicks off its 22nd annual event on Oct. 28. Artistic director Brian Hu explains what's in store.

Fri, October 22, 2021

San Diego County is changing the way people vote in person

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted to permanently change the way San Diegans go to vote.

Thu, October 21, 2021

The U.S.-Mexico border is reopening after 19 months

The United States will soon open its Mexico and Canada borders to vaccinated people. The borders have been closed for more than a year and a half, and only so-called essential travelers have been able to cross.

Wed, October 20, 2021

What's going on with the sports arena site?

Developers are once again vying to build on the 48 acres surrounding the arena. Here's what might be built.

Tue, October 19, 2021

In San Diego, trash pickup comes with a heap of inequity

Since 1919, single-family homes in San Diego have had fee-free trash pickup, while businesses and most condos and apartments have had to pay. The law is called The People’s Ordinance, and Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera would like to see it change.

Sat, October 16, 2021

An insect could be the end of citrus in California

Citrus greening is a fatal plant disease that could wipe out an entire industry if left unchecked. Krishna Kannan from CodexDNA is working on a solution.

Fri, October 15, 2021

Inflation in San Diego is higher than most of the nation

San Diego had one of the highest inflation rates in the nation in September as everything from food to gas to energy pushed up the price to live here.

Tue, October 12, 2021

Santee plane crash kills two

Two people died after small plane crashed into at least one home near Santana High School in Santee early Monday afternoon.

Sat, October 09, 2021

Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport is getting an upgrade

Construction on the long-awaited expansion of Terminal 1 at the San Diego International Airport could start as early as next month.

Fri, October 08, 2021

San Diego scientists race to develop an HIV vaccine

A team at Scripps Research in La Jolla is working with Moderna to test an HIV vaccine.

Thu, October 07, 2021

Supervisors take stance against placing sexually violent predators in San Diego County

San Diego County leaders said they’d oppose the placement of sexually violent predators in the county until the state process of placing them is changed.

Wed, October 06, 2021

More lightning storms are headed for San Diego

An intense electrical storm lit up San Diego on Monday. U-T reporter Gary Robbins surveys the damage and shares a forecast.

Tue, October 05, 2021

School board meetings across California have intensified during COVID

School boards across California have reported a surge in unruly behavior at meetings, particularly as they've implemented mask rules and vaccine mandates. Richard Barrera is the president of the San Diego Unified School Board.

Sat, October 02, 2021

Cruise ships return to San Diego for the first time since the pandemic

Cruise ships have returned to the San Diego bay for the first time in more than 17 months. They've changed the look of the Embarcadero, with their massive presence as well as the tourism they bring.

Fri, October 01, 2021

Here's what we know about the mother and child who fell at Petco Park

A woman and her 2-year-old son died Saturday after they fell from the third level of Petco Park just before a game started. It's still unclear what happened, but police are calling the fall suspicious.

Thu, September 30, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines are now mandatory for San Diego Unified students over 16

Students over the age of 16 in the San Diego Unified School District are now required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The deadline to be fully vaccinated is Dec. 20.

Wed, September 29, 2021

San Diego's granny flat rules could soon change

San Diego has some of the most lenient rules in the state when it comes to building accessory dwelling units. Councilmember Sean Elo Rivera has a new proposal to change that.

Tue, September 28, 2021

Will California's SB 9 housing law be the death of the suburbs?

California's new housing law won't eliminate single-family homes in San Diego, but it could change the way the city looks.

Sat, September 25, 2021

Here's where you can get coronavirus vaccine booster shots in San Diego

Looking for a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine? Learn more who is eligible and where you can get one.

Fri, September 24, 2021

Newsom asked Californians to save water. Instead, San Diego used more.

In July, Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Californians to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 15 percent. A few months later, the state as a whole has barely cut back and Los Angeles and San Diego Counties have increased their usage.

Thu, September 23, 2021

Five San Diego restaurants win Michelin Guide Bib Gourmands award

The Michelin Guide's 2021 Bib Gourmand awards include five restaurants from San Diego.

Wed, September 22, 2021

Lonely Planet names San Diego destinations among the best in the U.S.

Lonely Planet travel guides has released an “Ultimate United States Travel List.” The guide ranks 500 of the best travel destinations across the U.S., and California — including San Diego — makes quite a few appearances.

Tue, September 21, 2021

San Diego wants to build 10,000 housing units on public land

Officials from the city of San Diego want to build 10,000 homes on public land, and they say it can be done faster and cheaper than usual.

Sat, September 18, 2021

Afghan refugees resettle in San Diego with help from students

UC San Diego students are helping to relocate Afghan refugees locally.

Fri, September 17, 2021

Michelin Guide honors five San Diego restaurants

The prestigious Michelin Guide has honored five San Diego restaurants with 2021 Plate Awards. A Plate signifies that a restaurant serves “very good food.” It’s also an entry into the Michelin system, which is best known for awarding restaurants with one to three stars.

Wed, September 15, 2021

After the recall election, what's next for Newsom and Elder?

The results are in. Gov. Gavin Newsom will remain governor of California. U-T Columnist Michael Smolens discusses the results, as well as what could be next for Newsom and Republican candidate Larry Elder.

Wed, September 15, 2021

Amazon built a warehouse in a Tijuana shantytown. The photos went viral.

Photos of a new Amazon warehouse in Tijuana have gone viral. Right outside a brand-new warehouse is a makeshift settlement, with homes constructed of wood and cardboard.

Tue, September 14, 2021

A preview of the Hotel Del Coronado's $400M makeover

The iconic Hotel Del Coronado is undergoing a renovation and key parts are now complete. Business reporter Lori Weisberg has an update on the hotel, as well as its sold-out residential units.

Sat, September 11, 2021

National City is ready to revisit its lowrider cruising ban

Cruising in lowriders and other cars has been illegal in National City since 1992. But now, supporters say it’s time to bring cruising back, and the city is willing to consider it.

Fri, September 10, 2021

San Diego prepares for street vendor crackdown

San Diego is considering a crackdown on sidewalk pushcart vendors amid an uproar of complaints about unfair competition and illegal dumping of trash and grease in some neighborhoods.

Thu, September 09, 2021

What we know about the Navy helicopter crash that killed 5

A Navy helicopter crashed 60 miles off the coast of San Diego last week. More details have emerged as to why.

Wed, September 08, 2021

Want a high-paying job? Here are the jobs expected to grow the most

San Diego County has struggled to recover economically during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a higher unemployment rate than the nation. However, there is strong growth in high-paying professions, and hourly wages are up.

Sat, September 04, 2021

Mingei International Museum reopens after a 3-year renovation

After being closed for three years, the Mingei International Museum is reopening this weekend in Balboa Park. The folk art museum underwent a $55 million dollar renovation. And to celebrate, admission is free all weekend.

Fri, September 03, 2021

COVID-19 death rates have doubled in San Diego County

San Diego County has declared COVID-19 misinformation a public health crisis. The number of COVID-19 deaths doubled this week. And UC San Diego Health is also seeing a rise in breakthrough cases among its staff.

Thu, September 02, 2021

San Diego County joined a community choice energy program. Here's what that means.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to join San Diego Community Power, a local community choice aggregation organization, which will choose power sources and buy energy.

Wed, September 01, 2021

'They were shooting, they were firing, and they didn't care who it hit'

When a San Diego-based woman of Afghan descent returned to her home country to teach photography, she didn't expect to risk her life fleeing from it. Aria shares her story with U-T community opinion editor Laura Castañeda.

Tue, August 31, 2021

Here's what it was like to escape Kabul, Afghanistan

#AfghanEvac formed to help people leave the country when the Afghan government collapsed and the Taliban took over. Hear from Asad, a former interpreter, who escaped last week with help from the San Diego-based operation.

Fri, August 27, 2021

Women's Equality Day marks 101 years of having the right to vote

Women's Equality Day celebrates the 19th Amendment, which granted women in the United States the right to vote. Felicia Shaw, executive director of the Women's Museum of California, reflects on how far women have come.

Thu, August 26, 2021

Would you pay $95 for a bonfire in La Jolla? Some do, and others are angry.

For $95 per person, a San Diego-based company called A Timeless Day will build a bonfire for you in La Jolla. The problem is, some residents are upset by the smoke and the City of San Diego says it’s not allowed.

Wed, August 25, 2021

An airplane landed on I-5 near Del Mar Fairgrounds

​It's not every day you see an airplane land on a freeway, but it happened on Tuesday, when a small, single-engine aircraft made an emergency landing on Interstate 5 near Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Tue, August 24, 2021

San Diego Vietnam vets compare Kabul's collapse to Saigon

For some Vietnam veterans, the United States' departure from Kabul, Afghanistan, looks a lot like the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Sat, August 21, 2021

San Diego's median home price dropped in July. Here's why it's not that exciting.

San Diego County’s median home price dropped slightly in July for the first time in six months, but experts are saying it's insignificant.

Fri, August 20, 2021

San Diego news, August 20, 2021

Headlines from the San Diego Union-Tribune

Fri, August 20, 2021

The Metropolitan Water District issued a water supply alert. Here's what that means.

For the first time in history, the United States has declared a water shortage on the Colorado River. Then, a day later, the Metropolitan Water District issued a water supply alert, asking Southern California residents to conserve water. Deven Upadhyay is the COO of the water district.

Thu, August 19, 2021

Rage over COVID-19 mandates boils over during county meeting

Last week, San Diego saw a protest against COVID-19 restrictions outside Rady Children’s Hospital. And this week, the protest spread into the county administration center.

Wed, August 18, 2021

'My father is in Afghanistan'

Since the government collapsed in Afghanistan and the Taliban took over, thousands of Americans and Afghan allies are awaiting evacuation. Among them is Aleena Nawabi’s father.

Tue, August 17, 2021

San Diegans are helping to evacuate people from Afghanistan

Shawn VanDiver is a Navy veteran and the co-founder of the San Diego chapter of the Truman National Security Project. He’s been working to help people leave Afghanistan.

Sat, August 14, 2021

Here's how to catch the Perseid meteor shower in San Diego

The 2021 Perseid meteor shower is happening now, and though it might have peaked, there’s still a show to see.

Fri, August 13, 2021

Police are misinformed on the risks of fentanyl overdose

Experts say brief skin contact with fentanyl does not cause overdoses, but many police officers believe it does.

Thu, August 12, 2021

The Rady Shell venue is open on San Diego's waterfront

After a year of setbacks, the highly anticipated Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is now open. The $85 million venue will be the new outdoor home of the San Diego Symphony, as well as a stage for touring artists.

Wed, August 11, 2021

The San Diego judge trying to upend California's gun laws

Judge Roger T. Benitez has struck down three California gun laws in the past three years, taking a spotlight in the national gun rights debate.

Tue, August 10, 2021

How to vote in Gov. Gavin Newsom's recall election

September 14th, a special recall election will take place in CA. That day, voters will decide whether to keep Gavin Newsom as governor, or replace him with one of 46 candidates. Cynthia Paes, the interim registrar of voters in San Diego County, explains the process.

Sat, August 07, 2021

Firefighting equipment was sabotaged prior to Bonhomme Richard blaze

New documents unsealed by the courts give more insight into the fire that broke out last year on the Bonhomme Richard, and the person accused of starting the fire.

Fri, August 06, 2021

It's redistricting time. Here's what that means.

Every 10 years, following the census, city council districts are redrawn to reflect demographic changes. Tom Hebrank, chair of San Diego's redistricting commission, joins us.

Thu, August 05, 2021

The San Diego Convention Center returns

Since the pandemic began, the San Diego Convention Center hasn’t exactly been a convention center. Over the past 15 months, it served as a socially distanced shelter for homeless people, then a shelter for unaccompanied migrant children. But now it’s back to the conventions.

Wed, August 04, 2021

UC San Diego wins a $20 million grant to study artificial intelligence

A new research institute led by UC San Diego has been awarded $20 million from the National Science Foundation. The goal is to study artificial intelligence optimization.

Tue, August 03, 2021

Want to see a theater production? You might need proof of vaccination

Following cues from Broadway, a San Diego theatre company will ask patrons for proof of vaccination.

Sat, July 31, 2021

The United States can mandate vaccines, history shows

The notion that Americans have a constitutional right to reject vaccinations is simply not supported by history, The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board writes. Chris Reed has more.

Fri, July 30, 2021

San Diego sailor to be charged in Bonhomme Richard fire

A San Diego-based sailor suspected of setting fire to the Bonhomme Richard last year is facing criminal charges in the case, the Navy announced Thursday.

Thu, July 29, 2021

Same-sex marriage is now legal in Baja California

Baja’s state constitution was amended last month — during Pride — to recognize the right of same-sex couples to get married.

Wed, July 28, 2021

Sidewalk dining is here to stay in San Diego

Outdoor dining could be here to stay in San Diego for restaurants who want to pay the fee.

Tue, July 27, 2021

Is a mask mandate inevitable in San Diego County?

Unlike Los Angeles County, San Diego has not reinstated an indoor mask mandate. But quickly rising local case rates are making people wonder whether it’s just a matter of time.

Sat, July 24, 2021

Gov. Newsom's recall, Mayor Gloria's housing plan, San Onofre and more

A new poll isn’t looking good for Gavin Newsom. Mayor Todd Gloria rolled out a new housing plan. And San Onofre still needs a place to store nuclear waste.

Fri, July 23, 2021

What was most common item found on beaches? It wasn’t plastic

The Surfrider Foundation’s annual beach cleanup report is out, and the most commonly littered item might surprise you.

Thu, July 22, 2021

The Poway synagogue shooter will spend life in prison without parole

John T. Earnest pleaded guilty in San Diego Superior Court on Tuesday to shooting congregants at a Poway synagogue on the last day of Passover in 2019, killing one person and injuring three others.

Wed, July 21, 2021

COVID-19 is on the rise. Expert Eric Topol shares dos and don'ts.

COVID-19 is once again on the rise in the United States. Dr. Eric Topol is a physician-scientist based at Scripps who is a thought-leader on the pandemic and COVID-19 vaccination progress.

Tue, July 20, 2021

Here's what you need to know about masks in San Diego County schools

California is still requiring masks for everyone in K-12 schools, but it is leaving it up to school leaders to decide how to enforce that rule. The decision has sown confusion and complaints from San Diego superintendents and parents.

Sat, July 17, 2021

Employers bow down to tech workers in a hot job market

The post-pandemic economy has brought on a lot of changes. The price of goods are on the rise, and people looking for jobs have the upper hand with employers who are desperate for help.

Fri, July 16, 2021

San Diego's Climate Action Plan gets a makeover

When the city of San Diego's Climate Action Plan was introduced in 2015. it was considered groundbreaking. But now, an review by the city's auditor says it needs to prioritize projects and establish a budget.

Wed, July 14, 2021

The Navy completes a key report on the USS Bonhomme Richard

How did the USS Bonhomme Richard catch fire? With a key Navy investigation complete, we're closer to having answers.

Wed, July 14, 2021

Father Joe dies at 80: 'He viewed himself as a beggar, but in a good way'

Through his years of advocacy and fundraising, Father Joe Carroll turned a humble downtown charity into a major assistance network that drew national attention.

Tue, July 13, 2021

North Park: Goodbye, parking. Hello, bike lanes.

Parking is about to get a little trickier in North Park, as parking spaces are removed to make way for bike lanes. It’s part of a larger plan by the City of San Diego to increase walking and biking and reduce our reliance on motor vehicles.

Fri, July 09, 2021

The California Dream isn't dead, and there's a new study to prove it

The California Dream is still alive and well, despite reports of mass exodus. A new UC San Diego survey asked more than 3,000 Californians for their views, and two-thirds said they feel pretty good about where the state is headed and their future in it.

Fri, July 09, 2021

A new task force addresses sexism in San Diego's craft beer industry

On May 11, Brienne Allan, a brewer from Massachusetts, turned to Instagram after a bad day at work. While she was on the job, two men had questioned her expertise, and she wondered if other women in the craft beer industry had similar experiences. It turns out they had. Thousands of stories poured in, ranging from sexism to racism to sexual assault. San Diego was mentioned more than once, and Jacob McKean, the CEO of Modern Times, stepped down amid numerous allegations. Two months later, the industry is still working on the issue. Nichole Sykes is a veteran of the industry who has written about her experiences in the Union-Tribune. Veronica Beverly works at the Tap Room and is a member of a newly formed task force.

Thu, July 08, 2021

Still dragging from COVID-19? Your Apple Watch might have some answers

If you had COVID-19 a few months ago but you’re not quite 100 percent, your Apple Watch or FitBit might hold the answers as to why.

Wed, July 07, 2021

San Diego's eviction moratorium is extended, but not without opposition

San Diego’s eviction moratorium is more strict than the state guidelines and it’s now being challenged in court.

Sat, July 03, 2021

Wildlife sightings, Coronado-Orange Glen reactions and more

Wildlife is creeping into urban neighborhoods in San Diego. Is it happening more or are we just now noticing? Plus, a parent from Orange Glen High School reacts to the news that Coronado HS has lost its championship title for throwing tortillas.

Fri, July 02, 2021

CIF strips Coronado HS of its championship title for throwing tortillas

After flinging tortillas at Orange Glen High School’s mostly Latino basketball team, Coronado High School has been stripped of its regional championship title. The California Interscholastic Federation announced its decision Wednesday.

Thu, July 01, 2021

San Diego sues to get out of 101 Ash Street, Civic Center deals

San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott filed suit Tuesday to void the city’s lease-to-own agreements for 101 Ash Street and Civic Center Plaza. The action came hours after the Union-Tribune reported that real estate broker Jason Hughes was paid almost $10 million by a middleman company while advising former Mayor Kevin Faulconer on the two deals. Jeff McDonald is a watchdog reporter at the U-T.

Wed, June 30, 2021

A new Otay Mesa border crossing? Here's what you need to know.

Tue, June 29, 2021

How homeless outreach looks in San Diego in 2021

Sat, June 26, 2021

California Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins on Pride, her coming out story and political career

Previewing the upcoming Tuesday episode of the Name Drop San Diego podcast, Abby Hamblin fills in as host. Hear from California Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins.

Fri, June 25, 2021

San Diego's median home price is now $725,000

San Diego County’s median home price rose to a record $725,000 in May, representing a 23 percent increase in one year. The median price has not risen so fast in the region since summer 2013, when the market rapidly recovered from the Great Recession. Reporter Phil Molnar has more.

Thu, June 24, 2021

Man who brought tortillas to Coronado game says there was no racial intent

After a championship boys basketball game Saturday, players from predominantly white Coronado HS threw tortillas at players from predominantly latino Orange Glen HS of Escondido. The act was labeled racist by national civil rights groups and local activists and a Coronado coach, JD Laaperi, was fired over the incident. But now, a half-Mexican alumnus of the school has stepped forward to take responsibility.

Wed, June 23, 2021

In the future, you could be charged for every mile you drive

The San Diego Association of Governments has a new Regional Transportation Plan. And to pay for it, at least in part, SANDAG is proposing a road charge, where drivers would pay a set price for every mile traveled within the state.  Joshua Emerson Smith is an enterprise reporter at the UT. 

Tue, June 22, 2021

A new report finds racial disparities in San Diego policing

Black San Diegans are stopped and searched at a higher rate than White San Diegans, according to a new study commissioned by the San Diego Police Department.

Sat, June 19, 2021

The Juneteenth Freedom Festival celebrates 50+ years in San Diego

For the past 50 years, the Cooper Family of San Diego has been putting on an annual Juneteenth celebration. Sidney Cooper Jr., whose father started the local tradition, shares his thoughts on the national holiday and the healing left to do.

Fri, June 18, 2021

Under this proposal, local governments could ignore state housing laws

A new California constitutional amendment proposal would allow local governments to ignore state housing policies. U-T columnist Michael Smolens has more.

Thu, June 17, 2021

Imagine if everything smelled like sewage. That's a reality for some COVID-19 survivors.

Imagine if everything you held up to your nose smelled like sewage -- enticing food, your beloved family, everything. That’s what some COVID-19 patients are experiencing for months after they recover. San Diegan Julie Carty shares her story with insights from Dr. Carol Yan of UC San Diego.

Wed, June 16, 2021

Harassment and discrimination inside San Diego County’s largest employers

A new watchdog report from the U-T looks at harassment claims among the region's largest employers. The City of San Diego topped the list, followed by San Diego Unified School District, Scripps Health and San Diego County.

Tue, June 15, 2021

Amid violence and low voter turnout, Baja elects its first female governor

Dozens of candidates were killed in Mexico’s recent midterm elections. We’ll talk to Vicente Calderón, editor of the Tijuana Press about that, as well as where politics stand now.

Sat, June 12, 2021

California reopens on June 15. Here's what that means.

California plans to fully reopen on Tuesday, June 15, dropping its color-coded tier system that’s ruled life during the pandemic. Lori Weisberg put together a reopening guide about what’s allowed and where masks will still be needed.

Fri, June 11, 2021

Dementia cases weren't expected to top 94,000 for another decade

Cases of dementia in San Diego County have increased at a much faster rate than previously expected. More than 98,000 seniors are living with dementia, according to the latest report from The Alzheimer’s Project. Lauren J. Mapp reports on caregiving at the UT.

Thu, June 10, 2021

Another mysterious boom rattles San Diego

The third mysterious boom this year shook San Diego Tuesday evening. Was it an earthquake, a sonic boom, just the weather, or something else all together? Reporter John Wilkens has answers.

Wed, June 09, 2021

'My coming-of-age story was put on pause': A new college grad reflects on the pandemic

Congrats to the class of 2021! To mark the occasion, San Diego State University graduate Armando Sepulveda reflects on the ups, downs and unexpected lessons of his senior year during the pandemic.

Tue, June 08, 2021

San Diego federal judge strikes down California's assault rifle ban

For the third time in just over two years, San Diego federal Judge Roger Benitez has struck down California gun regulations. This time, it’s the state’s 30-plus-year ban on the ownership of assault weapons.

Sat, June 05, 2021

San Diegans fear for their loved ones in Afghanistan

Now that troops are set to leave Afghanistan, San Diego locals with ties to the country are worried about their loved ones who assisted the U.S. military. Immigration reporter Kate Morrissey has more.

Fri, June 04, 2021

'Pride was a riot': San Diego Pride's director on history and the work ahead

June is national pride month and July is when festivities take place in San Diego. Fernando Z. López is the executive director of San Diego Pride. We caught up today to talk about Pride’s history, work that needs to be done and how López's own background informs the work they do.

Thu, June 03, 2021

What life in prison is like for Gina Champion-Cain

Gina Champion-Cain, the former owner of Patio restaurants, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for what’s thought to be one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in San Diego County history. Reporter Lori Weisberg has more.

Wed, June 02, 2021

Drug overdoses in San Diego County jails increased sharply

In 2018, there were 11 drug overdoses in San Diego County jails, according to records from the sheriff’s department. This year, there have been 53 overdoses.

Tue, June 01, 2021

How homeless outreach looks in San Diego in 2021

Fri, May 28, 2021

One year after the death of George Floyd, a look back

Charles T. Clark wrote a deeply personal essay for the Union-Tribune in the week after George Floyd's death. Almost one year later, we sit down virtually with Charles to see how things have changed and how they remain the same.

Wed, May 26, 2021

San Diego is giving free COVID-19 treatments, but there aren't many takers

San Diego County is giving free COVID-19 antibody treatments to infected patients, but the program hasn’t been as popular as expected. Paul Sisson has more.

Tue, May 25, 2021

A preview of The Shell, a new venue on San Diego's waterfront

The long-anticipated Rady Shell at Jacobs Park will soon open on San Diego Harbor. The venue is large, white and shell-shaped -- hence the name -- and capable of holding up to 10,000 concertgoers. It’s inaugural season starts August 6th, with stars like Gladys Knight, Brian Wilson and others.

Sat, May 22, 2021

UFOs over San Diego: A Navy pilot tells her story

In 2004, Navy combat pilot Lt. Cmdr. Alex Dietrich spotted a white Tic Tac-shaped object off the coast of San Diego. She shares her experience, as well as advice for San Diegans who have seen UFOs.

Fri, May 21, 2021

Home prices and rents are on the rise in San Diego

San Diego home prices are still on the rise, as are rents. And tens of thousands of people expressed interest in buying a new home in a development that has only 200 units. Phil Molnar covers real estate at the U-T.

Thu, May 20, 2021

Outdoor dining is here to stay, but restaurants can't find workers

Outdoor dining on sidewalks and parking spaces have been so popular during the pandemic that the city of San Diego wants to keep them indefinitely. The city has extended permits for another year, upping enforcement to make sure the structures are safe. And in other news, restaurants are now open for indoor and outdoor dining, but they’re having trouble hiring. Lori Weisberg is a business reporter at the UT.

Wed, May 19, 2021

Sexism in San Diego's craft beer industry

When Brienne Allan asked for stories about sexism in the beer industry, she wasn't expecting ​thousands of messages, but that’s what she got. The stories women shared with her on Instagram range from microaggressions and bullying to violence and sexual assault. There were accusations against high-profile brewers and breweries, including some in San Diego. Beth Demmon covered this story for vinepair.com.

Tue, May 18, 2021

The Navy wants to build a massive project on the NAVWAR site

The Navy intelligence building on I-5 across from Mission Hills, may soon get a makeover -- and not everyone is happy about it. Jennifer Van Grove has the details.

Sat, May 15, 2021

The Gaslamp Museum is in danger of closing

After a year of lost revenue, the Gaslamp Museum in downtown SD is in danger of closing. Rhiannon Luna of the museum has more. Plus, Chris Reed opines on housing, outdoor dining and a UC San Diego leader to be remembered.

Fri, May 14, 2021

Mayor Todd Gloria is bringing sexy back ... to the streets?

When you think of San Diego streets, “sexy” probably isn’t the word that comes to mind, but Mayor Todd Gloria wants it to be. We’ll talk about improvements coming to the city with Michael Smolens.

Thu, May 13, 2021

Enjoy working from home while it lasts. San Diego employers want workers back on the job.

Today we’re talking about working from home. At the height of the pandemic, it seemed like this new way of life might be here to stay for certain jobs. But a new report shows most San Diego employers want their workers back in the office.

Tue, May 11, 2021

Welfare applicants will no longer undergo surprise home inspections

For the past 25 years in San Diego County, if you applied for welfare benefits, you'd also be subject to surprise home inspections. The program was called Project 100%, and its goal was to cut down on fraudulent claims. Opponents of Project 100% called it ineffective and humiliating, but the county continued to defend it -- until now.

Tue, May 11, 2021

After extravagant spending, former CSU San Marcos dean is under criminal investigation

Michael Shroeder, a former dean at CSU San Marcos who misspent hundreds of thousands of dollars on travel, entertainment and dining, is now being investigated by the San Diego County District Attorney. Jeff McDonald has more. Then, Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless is our guest this week on Name Drop San Diego

Sat, May 08, 2021

San Diego County clears the way for tribes to expand reservations more easily

A new policy from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will make it easier for tribes to expand their reservations. Lauren J. Mapp has more. Then, deputy opinion editor Chris Reed reflects on a week of news.

Fri, May 07, 2021

San Diego shouldn't worry about a long drought. Here's why.

The San Diego region has enough water to weather a multi-year drought. Michael Smolens has the story. Then, Name Drop San Diego is 1! We’ll share some highlights. First, the news.

Thu, May 06, 2021

The India coronavirus variant is here; Scripps Health is still offline

The India variant of the coronavirus has been detected in San Diego County. Reporter Paul Sisson has the details, plus an update on the ransomware attack that shut down the computer systems at Scripps Health. Then, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Don Bartletti shares what he’s learned in 40 years of covering immigration.

Wed, May 05, 2021

An update on the boat crash near Point Loma

​We know more about the passengers on the boat that crashed near Cabrillo National Monument. David Hernandez has the details. Then, Steve Breen will share his sunny forecast for 2021.

Tue, May 04, 2021

Four dead, dozens injured after smuggling boat crashes near Point Loma

A boat crash near Cabrillo National Monument on Sunday left four dead and 28 people injured. David Hernandez has the story. Then, Jesse Agler is the lead broadcaster for the Padres and he’s this week’s guest on Name Drop San Diego.

Sat, May 01, 2021

Pelicans surf — and now we know how they do it

Have you ever noticed how pelicans seem to surf just above the waves? A new UC San Diego model explains why. Then, reporter Lauren J. Mapp graduated from SDSU without debt, but at a cost to her health. She shares her story.

Fri, April 30, 2021

More than 1 million San Diego County residents have been vaccinated

As of this week, more than 1 million residents of San Diego County have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Paul Sisson has the story. Then, San Diego County is ending gang injunctions. Chris Reed shares his take.

Thu, April 29, 2021

Woman killed by man falling from parking garage ‘lived life with zest’

A 29-year-old woman was walking downtown Sunday when a man plummeted from a parking garage and landed on her. Her injuries were fatal. Karen Kutcher has the story. Then, we asked readers if and how they should have to prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Wed, April 28, 2021

A trip to Tijuana for cosmetic surgery ends in tragedy for 3 California women

Three California women went to Tijuana for cosmetic surgery and only two returned home. Wendy Fry has the story. Then, cartoonist Steve Breen shares his latest inspirations.

Tue, April 27, 2021

Angel Zapata Hernandez died with a knee on his neck, too

24-year-old Angel Zapata Hernandez died on Oct. 15, 2019 after a security officer for the Metropolitan Transit System held him down with a knee to the neck. Like Floyd, Hernandez was pinned down for about nine minutes and, like Floyd, his death was also captured on video.

Sat, April 24, 2021

April 24 is Indie Bookstore Day. Here's what San Diego has to offer.

April 24 is Indie Bookstore Day, a tribute to the mom and pop purveyors of the written word. San Diego is fortunate to be home to more than a few, and Pacific Magazine was kind enough to map them out for us. Nina Garin is the editor of Pacific Magazine.

Fri, April 23, 2021

The number of homeless people doubled in San Diego County in 2020

The homeless population in San Diego County nearly doubled in 2020. Reporter Gary Warth has the story. Then, it’s Earth Day. And the UT’s editorial board is taking up a new term to describe what’s happening to our climate.

Thu, April 22, 2021

San Diegans react to the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts of murdering George Floyd. Kristina Davis shares local reactions. Then, Black Student Union Co-President Arsema Aklog shares her reaction to the verdict.

Wed, April 21, 2021

A combat photographer reflects on the ‘forever war'

Nelvin C. Cepeda has been to Afghanistan seven times in his 30 years as a photographer at the U-T. He’ll share his experiences. Then, columnist Charles T. Clark shares his take on the guilty verdict in the trail of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who murdered George Floyd.

Tue, April 20, 2021

Here's what San Diego veterans think of leaving Afghanistan

President Joe Biden has announced that the US will pull troops from Afghanistan by September 11th of this year. We asked what San Diego veterans thought about the decision. Then, actor, director and professor Jesse Perez is our guest on this week’s episode of Name Drop San Diego.

Sat, April 17, 2021

Entertainment venues are open in San Diego. What are the rules?

With San Diego County in the orange tier, more entertainment venues can reopen. Reporter George Varga will tell us what that landscape looks like. Then, The San Diego Union Tribune Editorial Board writes that President Biden is right to pull troops out of Afghanistan. Chris Reed explains why.

Fri, April 16, 2021

FBI raids dozens of illegal casinos in San Diego

Dozens of illegal gambling parlors have been busted in San Diego County. Reporter Kristina Davis has more. Then, the opinion team asked San Diegans whether they’d consider leaving California. Andrew Kleske shares their answers.

Thu, April 15, 2021

San Diego unveils a new plan to improve the lives of Black residents

Mayor Todd Gloria has unveiled a plan meant to improve the lives of black residents. Reporter David Garrick has more. Then, high school students share their experiences with online learning during the pandemic.

Wed, April 14, 2021

San Diego County orders pause of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is on hold in the US after six people who got it also developed blood clots. Jonathan Wosen has the story. Then we’ll talk to high school junior Elea Castiglione about what it’s like to be back in the classroom for the first time in over a year.

Tue, April 13, 2021

Biden expelling asylum-seeking families to Tijuana

After crossing the border in Texas, asylum-seeking families are being flown to San Diego and released into Tijuana without the chance to apply for help. Reporter Kate Morrissey has the story. Then, fourth-generation fisherman Tommy Gomes has his own new show and is this week’s guest on Name Drop San Diego.

Sat, April 10, 2021

Is arts funding in San Diego equitably distributed? A new analysis takes a closer look.

The city of San Diego released a recent analysis of arts funding that was initiated to look for funding gaps, troubling trends or possible inequities. David Garrick, our San Diego government reporter, is here to explain its findings. Thanks for joining me.

Fri, April 09, 2021

Name Drop San Diego with guest JoAnn Fields

Check out another podcast on the U-T podcast network, Name Drop San Diego. JoAnn Fields is a advocate for Filipinos and other people of color in San Diego, especially in the South Bay.

Thu, April 08, 2021

Dr. Akilah Weber appears likely to win the 79th Assembly District special election

La Mesa Councilwoman Dr. Akilah Weber appears likely to take the 79th Assembly District seat after gaining a slim majority in the special primary election held Tuesday. Politics reporter Deborah Brennan is here to explain.

Wed, April 07, 2021

San Diego County's move to the orange tier and California's June 15 reopening, explained

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that California will lift most of its coronavirus restrictions on businesses and workplaces on June 15, a move he described as “a full reopening.” And, San Diego County is moving to the orange tier of the state's reopening guidelines starting on Wednesday. Health care reporter Paul Sisson is here to explain.

Tue, April 06, 2021

A looks at notable discrepancies between White and minority San Diegans when it comes to police stops and searches

A Union-Tribune analysis examined data for nearly 500,000 stops conducted by the two largest law enforcement agencies in the county — the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. Combined, the two agencies made contact with some 560,000 people. Nearly 20 percent of the stops made by San Diego police officers from July 2018 through December 2020 involved Black people, who make up about 6 percent of the city’s population.

Sat, April 03, 2021

Are scooter removal services legal? Bird says no. Scoot Scoop says yes.

La Jolla residents are using a service to remove scooters from their property. Scooter companies say it’s illegal. The removal service disagrees. Reporter Elisabeth Frausto has the story. Then, editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall shares his take on a new homeless policy at the City of San Diego.

Fri, April 02, 2021

Gina Champion-Cain sentenced to 15 years in prison for $400M Ponzi scheme

Gina Champion-Cain will serve 15 years in prison for her long-running Ponzi scheme. Reporter Lori Weisberg has the details. Then, letters editor Andrew Kleske shares reader thoughts.

Thu, April 01, 2021

When might San Diego County reach the orange tier?

San Diego is inching toward the orange tier, but when might that happen? We’ll talk to reporter Jonathan Wosen. Then, columnist Charles T. Clark shares his take on reparations.

Wed, March 31, 2021

San Diego home prices top $672,000 for the first time

Home prices in San Diego are among the fastest rising in the nation and now they’ve reached a new high. Reporter Phil Molnar will explain. Then, cartoonist Steve Breen discusses his latest inspirations.

Tue, March 30, 2021

A preview of the 2021 San Diego Padres season ahead of Opening Day

Opening Day for the San Diego Padres is April 1 and fans can't wait to return to Petco Park (with limited capacity due to pandemic restrictions). On this episode, Union-Tribune sports editor and Hot Lava podcast co-host Jay Posner gives a preview of the 2021 season.

Sat, March 27, 2021

San Diego law enforcement stop, search and arrest minorities at a higher rate

A new series from the San Diego Union-Tribune analyzed almost half a million traffic stops made by San Diego police and sheriff’s deputies. Watchdog reporters Lyndsay Winkley and Lauryn Shroeder found that minorities are stopped, searched, arrested and subjected to use of force at higher rates than Whites.

Fri, March 26, 2021

The Brazilian variant of the coronavirus is now in San Diego

The Brazilian variant of the coronavirus has made its way to San Diego. We’ll talk to reporter Jonathan Wosen. Then, reader engagement editor Andrew Kleske shares what stories are getting attention this week.

Thu, March 25, 2021

Unaccompanied migrant children will soon arrive at the San Diego Convention Center

Migrant children will soon be sheltered at the San Diego Convention Center. Immigration reporter Kate Morrissey will share what she knows. Then, columnist Chris Reed talks about mistrust of the media and what the future of journalism could look like.

Wed, March 24, 2021

Need help finding a COVID-19 vaccine? Twitter bots can help.

San Diego County has expanded the list of those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, but once you’re qualified, it’s not always easy to find an appointment. Reporter Jonathan Wosen will share some tips. Then, health reporter Paul Sisson has covered the pandemic for the U-T for over a year now. We’ll talk to him about what he’s learned about himself and his community.

Tue, March 23, 2021

A year without powwows has affected San Diego's indigenous communities

The coronavirus pandemic began over a year ago, and for indigenous communities, that’s meant a year without powwows. We’ll talk to reporter Lauren J. Mapp about the effect that’s had. Then, this week’s guest on Name Drop San Diego is metal cellist Tina Guo. Opinion editor Abby Hamblin will tell us more.

Sat, March 20, 2021

For Asians in San Diego, Georgia shootings compound a year of pandemic hate

Anti-Asian hate has been on the rise since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, including in San Diego County. We’ll talk to reporter Kristina Davis. Then, more than 3,400 lives have been lost to COVID-19 in the region. Editorial Cartoonist Steve Breen memorialized each victim in a thoughtful, full page artwork for Sunday.

Fri, March 19, 2021

San Diego guitarist Mark ‘Big Toe’ Goffeney and his ex-wife found dead

San Diego musician Mark “Big Toe” Goffeney has died under mysterious circumstances. We’ll talk to music writer George Varga about the case. Then, deputy opinion editor Chris Reed will discuss the rise of anti-Asian hate in America.

Thu, March 18, 2021

Now that San Diego County schools can reopen, how soon will they?

Now that San Diego is in the red tier, schools have the green light to reopen. We’ll talk to Kristen Taketa about that. Then, should the Andrew Jackson post office in Rolando be renamed? Charles T. Clark will share his thoughts.

Wed, March 17, 2021

Driver arrested after crash that kills 3 near City College

A crash in a tunnel near San Diego City College left three dead and many others injured. We’ll talk to Teri Figueroa about this developing story. Then, letters editor Andrew Kleske shares reader thoughts.

Tue, March 16, 2021

Here's how San Diego scientists have been battling COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way the medical field operates, and some of those changes are being developed right here in San Diego. Reporter Gary Robbins explains. Then, we'll meet this week's Name Drop San Diego guest, Ron Nehring, a Republican Party leader.

Sat, March 13, 2021

What Biden's $1.9 trillion relief package means for San Diego

President Joe Biden has signed the American Rescue Plan, and San Diego and other nearby cities will get some of that money. Reporter David Garrick explains. Plus, there’s a special election underway in California’s 79th Assembly District to replace Shirley Weber. Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall will share an endorsement.

Fri, March 12, 2021

Did San Diego police point a gun at an 8-year-old? Depends who you ask.

David Hernandez explains a controversial traffic stop in Hillcrest where police officers may have pointed a gun at an 8-year-old boy. Then, deputy opinion editor Chris Reed will share his take on the incident and recent police reforms.

Thu, March 11, 2021

California's new red tier, explained

California schools and businesses could open up more next week when California redefines the red tier. Reporter Paul Sisson explains. Plus, Lisa Deaderick, the UT’s social justice columnist, discusses what drives her coverage.

Wed, March 10, 2021

Crime fell in San Diego in 2020 in all categories but two

Crime in San Diego declined by 8 percent in 2020. Property crimes were down across the board, and violent crimes were mostly down, with two important exceptions. Reporter Alex Riggins explains.

Tue, March 09, 2021

Off-shore windfarms could be built off California's coast

Off-shore wind farms -- that is, windmills at sea -- are gaining popularity as a source of green energy. California has considered off-shore wind farms before, but the efforts haven’t gone anywhere. That might be changing. Michael Smolens has more.

Sat, March 06, 2021

Apes at the San Diego Zoo are getting COVID-19 vaccines

Apes at the San Diego Zoo have been vaccinated against the COVID-19, and other primates will soon get the shot. Jonathan Wosen explains. Then, business editor Diana McCabe shares a moving story about her mother’s time in a Japanese internment camp in Arizona.

Fri, March 05, 2021

San Diego area police got COVID-19 vaccines before they were eligible

Police became eligible to get vaccines in San Diego County the last weekend of February, but it turns out, most who wanted shots had already gotten them. David Hernandez reports. Plus, deputy opinion editor Chris Reed discusses vaccine equity, school reopening and more.

Thu, March 04, 2021

Six Dr. Seuss books cease publication due to racist content

Dr. Seuss books are known around the world, and they hold a special place in San Diego history because the author is from La Jolla. Yesterday the Seuss Foundation announced it will discontinue six books because they contain racist content. John Wilkens explains. Plus, should college debt be canceled?

Wed, March 03, 2021

San Diego pays women, workers of color significantly less than white men

A first-ever pay equity study at the City of San Diego revealed that women there make less than men and non-White city workers make less than White city workers. David Garrick explains. Plus, Kelly Marie Tran of Disney's "Raya and the Last Dragon" is our guest on Name Drop San Diego this week.

Tue, March 02, 2021

An earthquake fault line through San Diego is worse than we thought

If you look at a map of San Diego, the Rose Canyon earthquake fault basically runs down Interstate 5 from La Jolla to downtown San Diego. Scientists are now saying the fault is larger and more active than we once thought. Gary Robbins explains. Plus, opinion editor Laura Castañeda reflects on one year of life and death during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sat, February 27, 2021

Asylum seekers are no longer required to remain in Mexico

More than two years after the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” program began, a small group of asylum seekers have been allowed into the United States to await their court cases. Kate Morrissey has details. Plus, Steve Breen discusses his latest #StopAsianHate gif.

Fri, February 26, 2021

San Diego Unified schools are set to reopen

San Diego Unified School District announced this week that schools would reopen for some in-person learning on April 12. That’s as long as San Diego falls into the red tier and if teachers and staff are fully vaccinated. Kristen Taketa shares the details. And opinion writer Chris Reed talks about why he doesn't think it will happen.

Thu, February 25, 2021

San Diego City Council endorses new Airbnb rules

After years of trying to regulate short-term rentals, San Diego might have found a compromise. Lori Weisberg explains. Plus, Andrew Kleske shares reader reactions.

Wed, February 24, 2021

When might San Diego reach the red tier?

Reporter Jonathan Wosen gives an update on case rate, vaccine rollout and more. Plus, Abby Hamblin introduces a YA author Marisa Reichardt, whose latest book is about vaccines.

Tue, February 23, 2021

When should San Diego police fire pepper balls? There's a policy for that.

The San Diego Police Department has implemented a policy that sets parameters on officers’ actions during demonstrations. David Hernandez explains. Plus, community

Sat, February 20, 2021

Andra Day just acted her first role -- and got a Golden Globe nod for it

Singer Andra Day of San Diego just starred in her first movie, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday." UT critic George Varga shares her story. Plus, editorial cartoonist Steve Breen talks nonpolitical news.

Fri, February 19, 2021

San Diego's role in the Gov. Gavin Newsom recall effort

Political columnist Michael Smolens on how San Diego politicians factor into recall campaigns against Gov. Gavin Newsom. Plus, editorial writer Chris Reed speculates on what could change Newsom's luck.

Thu, February 18, 2021

NASA's latest Mars mission has a San Diego tie

Thursday afternoon, a $3 billion NASA rover called Perseverance will attempt to land on the Red Planet. Gary Robbins explains. Plus, Andrew Kleske shares reader reactions to the Senate acquittal of former President Donald Trump.

Wed, February 17, 2021

San Diego school reopenings and student mental health

Education reporter Kristen Taketa outlines San Diego school reopening plans. Plus, a sneak peek of this week's episode of Name Drop San Diego.

Sat, February 13, 2021

Charles T. Clark on ethnic studies, jail deaths

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Fri, February 12, 2021

Extremism in the Navy

Navy leaders visited San Diego ships this week to have "stand-downs" with sailors after two racist incidents. Plus, U-T Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall talks media literacy.

Thu, February 11, 2021

In San Diego, racial equity means fewer dirt roads

The city is home to 60 miles of dirt roads -- and 70 percent of those are in low-income areas. David Garrick explains. Plus, letters editor Andrew Kleske tells readers how to get published.

Wed, February 10, 2021

Is the port the most misunderstood government entity?

The San Diego Unified Port District is super powerful, but little known. Jennifer Van Grove explains. Plus, a chat with Abby Hamblin of the Name Drop San Diego podcast.

Tue, February 09, 2021

Is this $5 billion water project a pipe dream?

News Fix is back after a short break, now with headlines, opinion coverage and a new host. In today's episode, environment reporter Joshua Emerson Smith explains a controversial pipeline project that would bring Colorado River water to the region. Plus, Community Opinion Editor Laura Castañeda discusses transgender writers in San Diego and how she brings diverse local voices to the opinion section.

Thu, January 14, 2021

A San Diego perspective on impeachment and the GOP's future | Michael Smolens

Political columnist Micheal Smolens discusses many of the issues facing congressional Republicans in the coming weeks, as well as how our congressional delegation has responded to the past several weeks *** Editor's note: This podcast will be taking several weeks off and will return on Feb. 8

Wed, January 13, 2021

Multiple life terms for San Diego man who killed four during 2016 spree | Teri Figueroa

A mentally ill San Diego man who admitted to a deadly spree of attacks primarily on homeless men — killing three of them by hammering their bodies with railroad spikes — was sentenced Tuesday to multiple terms of life in prison without parole. Jon David Guerrero, 43, received four life sentences without parole, plus an additional 143 years to life in prison for the attacks. Guerrero’s sentencing in San Diego Superior Court came nearly a year after he pleaded guilty to murdering four people and assaulting nine others in the bizarre and brutal spree in 2016. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2021-01-12/multiple-life-terms-for-san-diego-man-who-killed-four-during-2016-spree

Tue, January 12, 2021

So, some gorillas got COVID (and a vaccine update) | Jonathan Wosen

Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive for the novel coronavirus Monday, marking the first known case of the virus infecting any of the great apes — a group that includes gorillas, bonobos, chimps and orangutans. Lisa Peterson, executive director of the Safari Park, said that more than one gorilla has tested positive but would not provide an exact number. During a Monday COVID-19 press briefing, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that two gorillas have tested positive for the virus and that a third is showing COVID-19 symptoms.

Mon, January 11, 2021

What the insurrection means for politics and democracy | Michael Smolens

The U-T's political columnist explains how the events in Washington have affected our country. Read his latest column: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2021-01-08/column-reps-jacobs-and-issa-profiles-in-courage-and-cowardice

Thu, January 07, 2021

Front-page editorial condemns insurrection, President Trump | Matthew T. Hall

Jan. 6, 2021, will be remembered as the day American democracy died. Now the revival is up to all of us. The peaceful transfer of U.S. presidential power dating back to George Washington and John Adams more than two centuries ago ended with Donald Trump’s incitement of an insurrection Wednesday when hundreds of his supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This domestic terrorism was meant to prevent the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s decisive victory in the Electoral College, and it left at least one person dead — a San Diego woman — and several people injured. The chaos cemented Trump’s reputation as the worst president of all time. But it will also cement the ruined reputations of shameless cheerleaders who put party over country for a president for whom lying came as naturally as breathing. Read the editorial: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/editorials/story/2021-01-06/editorial-the-domestic-terrorism-trump-incited-at-the-u-s-capitol-cemented-him-as-the-worst-president-of-all-time

Wed, January 06, 2021

Questions remain in alleged murder of Butterfly Farms owner | Pam Kragen

Monday would have been Tom Merriman’s first day back at work at Butterfly Farms . Instead, the nearly 8-year-old education and research nonprofit in Encinitas is preparing to move forward without its co-founder and president. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/encinitas/story/2021-01-05/butterfly-farms-in-encinitas-will-carry-on-despite-co-founders-murder

Wed, January 06, 2021

BLM activists fear they missed the moment in 2020. Will 2021 be different? | Alex Riggins

Ten days after George Floyd died under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, more than 2,000 protesters marched through the streets of downtown San Diego, North Park, Hillcrest and Balboa Park in a huge demonstration organized by a nameless collective of young, Black San Diegans. Earlier that same week, law enforcement leaders across the county had forcefully denounced the actions of the Minneapolis officers in Floyd’s death and banned their deputies and officers from using the carotid restraint , a controversial neck hold they’d previously resisted giving up . San Diego police Chief David Nisleit tweeted, “ Our profession must do better .” Then-Mayor Kevin Faulconer, voiced support for a stronger, independent police oversight board . District Attorney Summer Stephan committed to increasing transparency in law enforcement and de-escalation training for officers and deputies. With protests like the June 4 march — the largest demonstration in San Diego County following Floyd’s Memorial Day death — applying pressure to elected officials and law enforcement leaders, quick and meaningful change seemed possible, maybe even inevitable. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2021-01-03/did-2020s-summer-of-protests-san-diego-over-death-george-floyd-breonna-taylor-change-san-diego-policing

Mon, January 04, 2021

Who gets the vaccine next? | Greg Moran

As state leaders wrestle with plans for who gets vaccinated and in what order, they have received hundreds of comments asking for priority in line Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2021-01-03/from-across-the-state-individual-and-groups-ask-for-priority-in-vaccine-rollout

Thu, December 31, 2020

Union-Tribune documentary: "Missing in Mexico" | Wendy Fry, Alejandro Tamayo

More than 79,000 people have disappeared in that country, the vast majority since 2006 when former president Felipe Calderón launched Mexico’s war on drugs. Tijuana, a sprawling metropolis of 2.1 million people, became a front line as cartels fought to secure lucrative trafficking routes into the United States. More recently, neighborhoods on the city’s outskirts have been drawn in as low-level drug dealers fight and die for the right to sell methamphetamine on local street corners. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2020-12-30/missing-mexico-voices Watch the documentary: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/5akz3ztqcvq-123

Wed, December 30, 2020

Looking back at the military's 2020 | Andrew Dyer

San Diego based service members faced a number of challenges in 2020. Military reporter Andrew Dyer walks us through this eventful year. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-12-30/2020-a-year-of-travails-and-tragedy-for-san-diego-military-community

Tue, December 29, 2020

What the Padres trading spree means for 2021 | Kevin Acee

A series of key trades shows that Padres' GM AJ Preller plans on making the team a serious contender next year.

Mon, December 28, 2020

Returned IV: How can the U.S. asylum system be reimagined? | Kate Morrissey

The U.S. has always resisted protecting refugees at its border. The incoming Biden administration will have to decide whether to break with that past. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2020-12-27/how-could-asylum-system-be-reimagined The rest of the series: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/returned Previous episodes: Returned Part III: A legitimate fear of death doesn’t always matter in the US asylum system | Kate Morrissey https://art19.com/shows/the-san-diego-news-fix/episodes/83753631-407a-4ea8-b80f-1d5e74b0bbea Returned Part II: Who gets asylum? | Kate Morrissey https://art19.com/admin/series/eda62611-1093-4bef-a541-36a48c7289b5/content/episodes/e9541525-b629-4b2a-9d4f-05c5276907a8 Returned Part 1: What it takes to make a case under the US asylum system https://art19.com/admin/series/eda62611-1093-4bef-a541-36a48c7289b5/content/episodes/a2fb8dc5-8590-4c6c-89c0-2fd0f6fe9a67

Thu, December 24, 2020

Here's why cruise ships are docked at the port right now | Lori Weisberg

Barred from sailing for the last nine months because of the pandemic, several cruise ships are making their way to San Diego this month, but don’t expect to see thousands of passengers boarding or disembarking from the ocean liners. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-12-23/cruise-ships-return-to-san-diego-after-long-absence-because-of-covid-but-no-passengers-allowed Also read: ‘We called it Voyage of the Damned’: Days of despair on the Grand Princess

Wed, December 23, 2020

Trump pardons Duncan Hunter, Blackwater contractors convicted in 2007 massacre | Morgan Cook, Andrew Dyer

President Donald Trump on Tuesday granted a full pardon to former Republican congressman Duncan Hunter, who had pleaded guilty to illegally spending campaign money for his personal use. Hunter was sentenced in March to 11 months in prison, but he has been allowed to postpone serving his term in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was supposed to begin serving his sentence in January. The White House announcement said the pardon came at the request of “many” members of Congress and is supported by former Commissioner of the Federal Election Commission Bradley Smith.

Tue, December 22, 2020

Leaked COVID-19 outbreak data reveals more about the pandemic | Lyndsay Winkley

Although health officials regularly release information about the number of COVID-19 outbreaks that are being investigated across the county, the specific locations have usually been kept a secret. Until now. On Monday, the public media station KPBS published an investigation that revealed the addresses of 1,006 outbreaks that occurred between March and December.

Mon, December 21, 2020

For the first time in 800 years, the "Grand Conjunction" appears in the night sky | Gary Robbins

The richly luminous planets Saturn and Jupiter will be so close in the sky on Monday night they’ll appear to meld together with a starkness that has not been widely seen on Earth since the 13th century. The paths the planets follow around the sun will bring them into rough alignment shortly after the sun sets in the southwest, creating what astronomers call a “grand conjunction.”

Fri, December 18, 2020

From recruit to Marine during the pandemic: Inside the Alpha Co. | Andrew Dyer, Nel Cepeda

Over the past eight months, the Marine Corps, like each military branch, has been forced to adapt to minimize the spread of COVID-19. At its San Diego boot camp, that means quarantines, coronavirus screenings, social distancing and masks. The San Diego Union-Tribune followed recruits of Alpha Company — from the time they got off the bus at boot camp until they got back on those buses as Marines — to document how training has changed and how it’s stayed the same amidst the greatest public health crisis in a century.

Thu, December 17, 2020

Questions remain on what judge's ruling on strip clubs, restaurants means | Dana Littlefield, Lori Weisberg

A San Diego Superior Court judge on Wednesday ruled two strip clubs can remain open and operating during the most recent COVID-19 shutdown orders from the state, in a ruling that appeared to extend to the county’s beleaguered restaurant industry and allow those businesses to reopen to some extent. The ruling by Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil came in a case filed by two San Diego strip clubs. And while the clubs prevailed in earning an injunction that allowed them to continue to offer live dancing, the judge went a significant step further and said the injunction can apply across San Diego’s restaurant sector that has been crushed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wed, December 16, 2020

ICU availability, staffing stretching to manage COVID-19 hospitalization surge | Paul Sisson

Severe impacts on local emergency departments have forced paramedics to wait for hours before they can deliver their patients, prompting unprecedented changes to San Diego County ambulance bypass procedures Tuesday. The change came as intensive care capacity across the state continued to dwindle, prompting local hospitals to reach out to Sacramento for staffing help even as the first batches of vaccine began to arrive. Read more here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-12-15/governor-says-covid-19-deaths-have-activated-a-grim-supply-chain

Tue, December 15, 2020

Inside the Union-Tribune's Phenomenal Women project | Merrie Monteagudo, Morgan Cook

The San Diego Union-Tribune and the Women’s Museum of California are celebrating a century of female achievement in San Diego to mark the 100th year of women’s suffrage in America. Explore the full series here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/phenomenal-women-series

Tue, December 15, 2020

First shipment of Pfizer vaccines arrive, inoculations set to begin | Jonathan Wosen

In total, San Diego County will initially receive 28,275 doses of vaccine. Each dose will be given to hospital health care workers at highest risk of exposure to the coronavirus — including doctors, nurses, custodians and security staff who are regularly in contact with COVID-19 patients. Because Pfizer’s vaccine requires two doses, those who get the vaccine will need a booster shot about three weeks later when another vaccine shipment arrives.

Fri, December 11, 2020

Overhaul at City Hall w/ reporter David Garrick

Todd Gloria takes over as San Diego's first mayor of color while City Council chooses a new president.

Thu, December 10, 2020

Tough choices loom as ICU beds fill up countywide | Paul Sisson

A second-straight day with San Diego County’s intensive care beds at 80 percent occupancy prompted questions Wednesday about when crisis measures will be necessary. While officials with the county health department made it clear during their regular weekly COVID-19 briefing that we’re not there yet, they also declined to set a firm break point beyond which hospitals will need to begin making decisions about who receives care in a proper room and who must be cared for in a less-than-ideal setting.

Wed, December 09, 2020

How a controversial land swap -- of protected lands -- almost occurred in East County | Joshua Emerson Smith

A controversial and unprecedented land deal that would have allowed a housing development on 219 acres of ecologically prized land in San Diego County was defeated Tuesday. The California Wildlife Conservation Board voted five to one, with its chairman Chuck Bonham abstaining, to deny a proposed land exchange between the state and developer group GDCI Proctor Valley, L.P.

Tue, December 08, 2020

How teachers continue to solider on during the pandemic | Kristen Taketa

Distance learning is a constant fight to find all their students and just have them come to class. They’re trying anything from jokes to poetry to being more forgiving in grading. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-12-06/for-many-teachers-distance-learning-is-a-constant-fight-to-get-students-to-participate

Mon, December 07, 2020

COVID-19 exposure app set to launch this week | Lyndsay Winkley

The smartphone-based COVID-19 exposure notification system that was piloted by UC San Diego and other state universities will be made available to all Californians this week. State officials hope the blue-tooth based technology will help slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus by quickly notifying people when they’ve been exposed to someone who later tested positive for the disease. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-12-07/smartphone-based-covid-notification-system-coming-to-all-californians-governor-says

Fri, December 04, 2020

SDG&E power shutoffs may soon return as wildfire conditions persist | Rob Nikolewski

Tens of thousand of SDG&E customers lost power late Wednesday evening and Thursday morning as Santa Ana winds combined with dry weather conditions led to high wildfire risk. By Friday, the number of customers without power had dropped, but the utility has warned that outages may return soon.

Fri, December 04, 2020

Fire danger expected to continue this weekend | Alex Riggins

Santa Ana wind conditions may spark fires countywide in the next few days.

Wed, December 02, 2020

How the Convention Center homeless shelter became an unlikely success story | Gary Warth

About half of the 900 homeless people sheltered at the San Diego Convention Center are scheduled to move out of the venue and into permanent homes next week with the remainder expected to leave the following week, a city official said Tuesday. San Diego Housing Commission President and CEO Rick Gentry said the city finalized the purchase of two extended-stay hotels last Wednesday, and 400 people now at the Convention Center’s Shelter to Home program will begin moving in next week. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/homelessness/story/2020-12-01/convention-center-shelter-poised-to-close-hundreds-moving-out

Wed, December 02, 2020

San Diego County surpasses 1,000 COVID deaths | Gary Warth

On Tuesday, San Diego County reached a grim milestone, reporting on the first day of a new month that COVID-19 deaths have now passed 1,000. It is impossible, at the moment, to say exactly who was the 1,000th person to succumb to the disease because it often takes days, or even weeks, for COVID-related deaths to make it into the county health departments daily updates.

Mon, November 30, 2020

Another COVID-19 side-effect: a rise in D and F grades | Kristen Taketa

Schools nationwide and across San Diego County are seeing a surge in poor grades fueled by the pandemic. The trend is in line with school officials’ and national experts’ predictions that school closures, along with obstacles to online education, will cause massive learning loss this year. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-11-28/surge-in-ds-and-fs-in-san-diego-county-schools-raises-questions-how-to-grade-during-pandemic

Wed, November 25, 2020

Will COVID-19 hamper holiday shopping? | Jennifer Van Grove

Already a holiday season like no other, experts are looking into their crystal balls of shopping predictions and coming up with more questions than answers. Still, the consensus seems to be that, despite the pandemic’s unwelcome and unavoidable presence, there’s more reason for end-of-year retail cheer than fear Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/retail/story/2020-11-25/holiday-shopping

Tue, November 24, 2020

Here's why housing prices are still high despite the pandemic | Phillip Molnar

San Diego home prices went up the third fastest in the nation in September and appreciated at a pace not seen in more than six years. Prices in the San Diego metropolitan area were up 9.5 percent annually, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices reported Tuesday. The acceleration is still not near housing boom levels when, in July 2004, prices were up 33.37 percent in a year. Only Phoenix, up 11.4 percent, and Seattle, up 10.1 percent, saw prices go up faster in September. But all markets covered in the 19-city index were up, even places like New York and San Francisco, that saw price gains slow considerably since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-11-24/san-diego-home-prices-going-up-3rd-fastest-in-nation-at-rates-not-seen-since-2014

Mon, November 23, 2020

Black, Latino San Diegans wary of COVID-19 vaccines | Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, Jonathan Wosen

Conversations revealed many people of color are concerned that science has been polluted by politics and isn’t being explained to them clearly. Others worry their communities are being used for clinical trials without an assurance they’d have access to an approved vaccine. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/biotech/story/2020-11-22/covid19-vaccine-mistrust-communities-of-color

Fri, November 20, 2020

State curfew and enforcement | Paul Sisson

The state curfew requires any county in the most restrictive, “purple” tier of the state’s reopening system — which includes San Diego — to limit “all gatherings with members of other households and all activities conducted outside the residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation with members of other households.” https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-11-19/san-diego-covid-enforcement-california-curfew

Fri, November 20, 2020

Sheriff Bill Gore criticized for working with ICE | Charles Clark

The annual Truth Act community forum took place this week. The discussion is meant to inform the community of their legal rights when it comes to how local law enforcement agencies work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on immigration issues. At the forum, dozens of people criticized Sheriff Bill Gore for allowing ICE access to county jails and for transferring immigrants to ICE. Here’s how he responded. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2020-11-18/more-than-100-residents-criticize-sheriffs-dept-s-work-with-ice-during-truth-act-community-forum

Wed, November 18, 2020

Judge orders emergency halt on immigration arrests at San Diego federal court | Kristina Davis

A judge has issued an emergency restraining order that prohibits the Trump administration from making civil immigration arrests at the San Diego federal courthouse, saying the widespread practice “invades the decorum and dignity of the court” and violates common-law principles dating back to the 15th century. “The court is not an ‘arrest pad’ nor will it ever be,” U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw said in a strongly worded opinion filed late Monday. At issue in the case are two wholly separate legal systems.

Tue, November 17, 2020

Will BLM increase transparency in the hiring of police chiefs? | David Hernandez

Last year, three cities in San Diego County hired police chiefs. All three cities — Escondido, National City and El Cajon — promoted top brass from within their police departments with little public input and transparency. That was the norm. It was what Oceanside City Manager Deanna Lorson noticed a few months ago when the time came to find a successor to replace the city’s police chief, Frank McCoy, who will retire at the end of the year. With the hires across the county in 2019 in mind, Lorson started an internal recruitment. “Of course, 2020 is different” she said recently. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-11-16/cities-face-calls-for-transparency-public-input-in-hiring-of-police-chiefs

Mon, November 16, 2020

Jahi Turner was 2 when he vanished in San Diego in 2002. His mother still searches for answers | Dana Littlefield

For more than a decade, Tameka Jones held onto the idea — a fantasy, really — that her son would come home one day. She believed it in April 2002 after she got a call from her then-husband, the man she’d trusted to care for 2-year-old Jahi Turner while she was deployed on a Navy ship off San Diego. “Baby, I can’t find Jahi. The police are here,” she recalled hearing as she stood on the smoke deck of the USS Rushmore, her hand trembling as she held the phone. Jones, then just 18, was certain she’d see Jahi again even as police told her they didn’t believe her husband’s version of how the boy disappeared. She kept believing it as weeks, months and years went by without charges filed or a body found. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-11-15/jahi-turner-was-2-when-he-vanished-in-san-diego-in-2002-his-mother-still-searches-for-answers

Bonus · Sun, November 15, 2020

Sunday listen: A virtual community forum on reparations

California Assembly member Dr. Shirley Weber was the featured speaker at a community forum on reparations being held virtually on Nov. 12. Dr. Weber is the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and author of AB3121, which will create a task force to recommend appropriate slavery reparations and determine who would be eligible to receive compensation. This discussion is moderated by Luis Cruz, host of Together San Diego livestream.

Fri, November 13, 2020

Surveillance in San Diego | Teri Figueroa

The San Diego City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an ordinance that would govern all surveillance technologies in the city — action rooted in pushback after the city had quietly installed cameras on 3,000 smart streetlights. The councilmembers also backed a second ordinance creating an advisory board to oversee uses of surveillance technology. The proposals face a few more steps before becoming law, but the unanimous votes marked a leap forward in a push by advocates fighting for transparency and oversight for surveillance programs in the city. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-11-10/san-diego-city-council-unanimously-backs-ordinances-to-govern-surveillance-technologies

Thu, November 12, 2020

Meet Lexipol, the company writing the rules for policing nationwide | Greg Moran

In June, the Carlsbad Police Department posted on the city website an updated policy directive that banned the carotid artery hold, and reshaped the department’s use-of-force policy to conform to a new state law that changed the legal standard for when force can be used. The policy change was drawn up and formulated not solely by department leaders or city officials. Instead, Carlsbad relied on the work of lawyers at Lexipol, a little-known private company based in Orange County that over the past two decades has quietly become one of the most influential forces in policing across the country. The company writes policies and provides other services under contracts with thousands of police agencies in 35 states. It claims to have written policies for 95 percent of all police departments in California, most of them small- and medium-sized agencies, like Carlsbad.

Wed, November 11, 2020

Local businesses worry the Purple Tier rules may force them to shut down | Lori Weisberg

Pandemic-weary businesses, hit with the third shutdown of indoor operations in eight months because of rising COVID-19 rates, fear they may not survive this time around as they watch their customers — and financial reserves — evaporate. From restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters, which will soon be limited to outdoors-only service, to shops and malls where indoor capacities will drop to just 25 percent, the news Tuesday that San Diego County will enter the most restrictive tier of the state’s reopening system is yet another financial blow to both the owners and their workers. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-11-10/san-diego-county-businesses-fear-they-may-not-be-able-to-survive-another-indoor-shutdown-due-to-covid

Tue, November 10, 2020

Purple tier COVID-19 rules go into effect 12:01 a.m Saturday | Paul Sisson

The day many have dreaded for months has now come to pass. San Diego County fell to the most-restrictive level of the state’s COVID-19 reopening system Tuesday, meaning that restaurants, houses of worship, movie theaters and other organizations must cease or significantly reduce their indoor operations by 12:01 a.m. Saturday. In the state’s latest tier report, the region received an adjusted case rate of 8.9 per 100,000 residents, once again over the limit of 7. Taken together with last week’s score of 7.4, San Diego has now gone two consecutive weeks with out-of-bounds numbers that force it to fall to the lowest of the four levels included in the coronavirus risk-ranking system

Mon, November 09, 2020

What to make of the Pfizer vaccine news | Jonathan Wosen

Pfizer Inc. said Monday that its COVID-19 vaccine may be a remarkable 90% effective, based on early and incomplete test results that nevertheless brought a big burst of optimism to a world desperate for the means to finally bring the catastrophic outbreak under control. The announcement came less than a week after an election seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump’s handling of the scourge, which has killed more than 1.2 million people worldwide, including almost a quarter-million in the United States alone.

Sat, November 07, 2020

What happens to schools if we fall to the Purple Tier| Kristen Taketa

Thanks to persistently high COVID-19 case rates, San Diego County is days away from potentially landing in the purple tier , the most-restrictive level of the state’s COVID-19 monitoring system, which would mean that schools that have not started teaching at least some students in person would lose their chance to reopen. Falling into the purple tier would mean San Diego County’s closed schools would not be able to reopen until Dec. 16 at the earliest, or five weeks after Tuesday. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/heres-how-schools-might-be-affected-if-san-diego-county-falls-to-purple-tier-next-week

Thu, November 05, 2020

If COVID cases don't decrease, SD will be in the Purple Tier next week | Paul Sisson

An out-of-bounds score in the state’s weekly reopening report creates the possibility that San Diego County could fall to the most-restrictive tier in the COVID-19 ranking system next week. Released by the California Health and Human Services Agency on Wednesday, the weekly scorecard lists San Diego County with 7.4 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents. That number is slightly greater than the limit of 7, the demarcation point between the red and purple tiers of the state’s COVID-19 risk-ranking system.

Wed, November 04, 2020

With votes still being tallied, the "blue-ing" of SD County seems to be complete | Micheal Smolens

Political columnist Michael Smolens discusses the local results.

Wed, November 04, 2020

Election 2020: What we know so far

Politics reporter Charles Clark discusses the early returns, plus a longer update from Daniel Wheaton

Mon, November 02, 2020

"Defend East County" Facebook group gets deactivated | Andrew Dyer

Facebook removed, then republished, then again removed the 22,000-member Defend East County group from its social media site Saturday. The group’s founder and administrator Justin Haskins announced in a post to a separate Facebook group Saturday morning that the group was gone. However, by 7 p.m. the group was back. By 8:00 p.m., the group again disappeared from the site and remains so as of Monday morning. Neither Facebook nor Haskins responded to requests for comment Saturday. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/east-county/story/2020-10-31/controversial-group-defend-east-county-removed-by-facebook

Bonus · Sat, October 31, 2020

Rebroadcast: San Diego's Haunted History

San Diego Union-Tribune archivist Merrie Monteagudo discusses several local ghost stories. Episode from 2019.

Bonus · Sat, October 31, 2020

Special Election Episode: What to expect on Election Night

In the final episode of our election series, hear the latest on early voting and how the U-T plans on covering the election. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/2020-election-dashboard-san-diego

Fri, October 30, 2020

How safe is trick-or-treating? | Paul Sisson

State and local public health authorities have been very clear that trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged this year due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic. Parents who are asking whether the candy will be safe if they let their kids go trick-or-treating this year, then, are asking the wrong question. The proper focus, Knight and Rohwer say, is the face, not the candy bowl. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-10-30/people-not-candy-seen-as-the-biggest-risk-for-trick-or-treaters-this-year

Thu, October 29, 2020

How BLM chalk art became a political flash point in La Jolla | Lauren Mapp

La Jolla residents are calling for the removal of two La Jolla Parks & Beaches Association board members following comments they made about social justice-themed chalk drawings during a September meeting. The drawings were created during “Chalk Up” events on the Fay Avenue Bike Path this summer. The events, which started in July, were organized by a group of parents who said they wanted to their children to have an outlet to express themselves about the Black Lives Matter social justice movement through art. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/story/2020-10-28/black-lives-matter-chalk-art-sparks-controversy-within-la-jolla-parks-board-members-vow-to-work-for-inclusivity

Wed, October 28, 2020

New fencing coming to railroad tracks, despite Del Mar's opposition | Phil Diehl

North County Transit District plans to install fences along miles of railroad track in three coastal cities by the end of this year, an idea many residents, especially in Del Mar, have fought for years. The transit district, in a report released this month, said the 6-foot-tall, chain-link fence will be placed in the areas where people most frequently trespass on the track right-of-way, resulting in death or injury, damage to the railroad system and delays in service. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2020-10-18/residents-fight-plan-to-fence-coastal-railroad-tracks

Tue, October 27, 2020

How to dismantle a nuclear power plant | Rob Nikolewski

They are perhaps the most distinctive features of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station — the pair of containment domes from Units 2 and 3, rising nearly 200 feet above the ground on the northern edge of San Diego County that every motorist sees on the drive along Interstate 5. But in about six years, the twin domes will be gone — obliterated — provided the schedule holds true for dismantling the now-shuttered plant, known as SONGS

Mon, October 26, 2020

An update on COVID-19 vaccine trials| Jonathan Wosen

That urgent desire for a sense of safety and a return to normalcy has fueled an unprecedented search for a vaccine against the worst pandemic humanity has faced in a century. CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna, two of the vaccine developers furthest along in that search, have said they could request emergency-use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccines by late November and December, respectively, depending on results from trials that have enrolled tens of thousands of volunteers (including San Diegans ). On Wednesday, Health and Human Services secretary Alex Azar said there could be enough doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for those most vulnerable to the disease by the end of 2020, with enough vaccine for all Americans by early April. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-10-25/were-getting-closer-to-having-a-covid-19-vaccine-hold-onto-that-mask Also: https://go.sandiegouniontribune.com/trials-of-the-century/p/1

Bonus · Sat, October 24, 2020

Special Election Episode: Key races part II

On the latest special election episode, Daniel Wheaton and Micheal Smolens discuss key races in the city of San Diego: mayor, city council, Measures B and E. Visit our election dashboard: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/2020-election-dashboard-san-diego

Fri, October 23, 2020

Vista schools reopen | Deborah Sullivan Brennan

Nearly 10,000 students returned to class in person this week at Vista Unified School District as campuses reopened after more than a half-year of remote learning. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/vista/story/2020-10-22/with-face-masks-and-hepa-filters-vista-students-return-to-school

Thu, October 22, 2020

California theme parks threaten legal action over COVID rules | Lori Weisberg

Tensions build as theme parks, from Disneyland to Legoland, push to reopen after being closed seven months because of the coronavirus pandemic Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-10-21/california-theme-parks-push-back-against-new-state-guidelines-suggesting-that-legal-action-is-possible

Wed, October 21, 2020

Baseball at 3:10 in Yuma? Youth sports head to Arizona to skirt COVID rules | Mark Zeigler

Frustrated with the state of COVID-19 restrictions in California, parents have taken to bringing their children to sporting tournaments in Arizona That state has a more lax approach to such gatherings. Citing comparatively low transmission rates among athletes and at outdoor gatherings, many San Diego parents have decided to let their children play. California is also losing much-needed revenue from letting these games slip out of state, something that league leaders hope will make the state reconsider the rules. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/story/2020-10-19/youth-sports-economic-impact-california-shutdowns-coronavirus-arizona-baseball-soccer-surf-cup

Tue, October 20, 2020

Breaking down San Diego's Measure E | Jennifer Van Grove

The freeway-adjacent, mostly industrial town is what supporters of a November initiative, Measure E, view as a classic fixer-upper, meaning with ample investment it could be transformed into a community where people want to live and recreate. Yet the area’s proximity to the water is a quality that makes it attractive to would-be investors while simultaneously inhibiting their interest. That’s because the Midway District, either accidentally or intentionally depending on who you ask, finds itself in San Diego’s coastal zone, subject to a 30-foot building height limit.

Mon, October 19, 2020

Newly released emails detail origin of 101 Ash St. sale | Jeff McDonald

Mayor Kevin Faulconer began meeting with the former owners of the high rise at 101 Ash Street in 2014, a full year before Sempra Energy vacated the property, according to a new cache of emails released by the city under the California Public Records Act. The communications also show the building’s previous owners, Sandor Shapery and Douglas Manchester, enjoyed access to the mayor and his senior aides, allowing them to market their building to city officials. “Does the shortened 25-year lease option improve the look of the proposal?” Shapery representative Richard Ledford wrote to Faulconer’s then chief of staff, Stephen Puetz, in July 2014. “May we set that second meeting with the mayor on this issue?” Taken together, the 80-plus pages of emails show more clearly how the city came to enter what is now considered one of the worst land deals in the history of San Diego governance. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2020-10-19/newly-released-emails-show-faulconer-top-aides-overruled-city-real-estate-director-on-ash-street-property

Bonus · Sat, October 17, 2020

Special Election Episode: Key races Part I

On this special election episode of San Diego News Fix, we break down key Congressional races, the County Board of Supervisors and a housing measure in Santee. Visit our elections dashboard: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/2020-election-dashboard-san-diego

Fri, October 16, 2020

ImmunityBio tests COVID-19 vaccine | Jonathan Wosen

ImmunityBio, an El Segundo-based biotech firm headed by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, said Thursday it had received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to begin preliminary testing of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/california/story/2020-10-15/soon-shiong-phase-1-trial-coronavirus-vaccine

Thu, October 15, 2020

San Diego Unified announces changes to how it grades students | Kristen Taketa

Starting this school year San Diego Unified will eliminate non-academic factors, such as student behavior, from academic grades, following a unanimous vote by the school board Tuesday to overhaul the district’s grading practices. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-10-15/san-diego-unified-changes-grading-protocols-to-be-more-equitable

Wed, October 14, 2020

Issa, Campa-Najjar appear in "Defend East County"; both face different kinds of criticism | Charles Clark

California’s 50th District Congressional Candidates, Darrell Issa and Ammar Campa-Najjar, stirred controversy after virtual Q&A sessions with the local Defend East County Facebook group. Their appearances Friday on the group’s Facebook Live sessions have drawn criticism from some activists and experts who study extremism. Appearing alongside the East County group’s founder, Justin Haskins, Issa seemed to promote citizen groups taking up arms to “defend their communities,” days after a thwarted plot by self-styled militia members to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and weeks after a counterprotester in Kenosha, Wis., shot and killed two people and wounded a third. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-10-13/50th-candidates-appear-with-group-that-trafficked-in-racism-and-conspiracies-issa-promotes-taking-up-arms

Tue, October 13, 2020

Trump has called on his supporters to "observe the polls" -- can they do that? | John Wilkens

Watching, yes. Interfering, no. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to his supporters to monitor election polling places for fraud have raised questions about what is allowed, and what isn’t, as San Diego County residents begin casting their ballots for the Nov. 3 election. Observers, as they are known in California, have long been part of elections here. Usually they are campaign insiders or political-party volunteers, and they rarely draw public attention as they quietly watch what goes on in polling places or at the Registrar of Voters , where ballots are processed and tabulated.

Mon, October 12, 2020

Returned Part III: A legitimate fear of death doesn’t always matter in the US asylum system | Kate Morrissey

For Central American migrants fleeing gang violence, winning protection in the United States can be particularly difficult Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2020-10-11/us-asylum-system-gang-violence-honduras The rest of the series: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/returned Previous episodes: Returned Part II: Who gets asylum? | Kate Morrissey https://art19.com/admin/series/eda62611-1093-4bef-a541-36a48c7289b5/content/episodes/e9541525-b629-4b2a-9d4f-05c5276907a8 Returned Part 1: What it takes to make a case under the US asylum system https://art19.com/admin/series/eda62611-1093-4bef-a541-36a48c7289b5/content/episodes/a2fb8dc5-8590-4c6c-89c0-2fd0f6fe9a67

Bonus · Sat, October 10, 2020

Special Election Episode: How the U-T's Editorial Board makes endorsements

In preparation for the election, The San Diego Union-Tribune's editorial board is publishing a series of endorsements on many local races. On this special election episode of San Diego News Fix, you'll hear from two members of the board: Matt Hall and Laura Castadñeda about how the process works and how the opinion team highlights community voices. Key links: Election dashboard: sandiegouniontribune.com/electiondashboard 2020 Endorsements: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020endorsements Candidate interviews: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/san-diego-election-2020-candidate-interviews Commentary on propositions and measures: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/2020-election-commentary-on-propositions-and-measures

Fri, October 09, 2020

Discrepancies in Georgette Gómez tax filings | Andrew Dyer

San Diego City Council President and Congressional candidate Georgette Gómez reported no salary on her federal tax filing in 2017 despite earning more than $90,000 from her job on the council. Gómez, who is facing fellow Democrat Sara Jacobs in the November runoff for the 53rd District congressional seat, through a spokeswoman blamed the errors on her tax preparer and pledged to amend at least one of her returns. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2020-10-08/city-council-president-georgette-gomez-failed-to-report-more-than-100-000-in-income-on-taxes-records-show

Thu, October 08, 2020

New report explains the causes behind the Aug. blackouts | Rob Nikolewski

A report from three key state groups analyzing what caused a pair of blackouts in mid-August largely conformed to reasons previously cited by California’s grid operator — that a combination of factors, including a sweltering heatwave, pushed the state’s power system to its edge, leading to the first statewide outages in nearly 20 years. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-10-07/report-a-combination-of-factors-led-to-californias-rolling-blackouts-in-august

Wed, October 07, 2020

Poll: Gloria, Bry in virtual dead heat for SD mayor | David Garrick

Assemblyman Todd Gloria and Councilwoman Barbara Bry are in a virtual dead heat among likely voters in the runoff for San Diego mayor, according to a San Diego Union-Tribune/10News SurveyUSA poll released Tuesday. Gloria leads Bry 39 percent to 38 percent, which is within the poll’s 5.3 percent margin of error. That leaves nearly a quarter of likely voters still undecided, with mail voting already underway and Election Day on Nov. 3. More on the poll: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-10-06/new-poll-shows-bry-gloria-in-near-dead-heat-as-race-for-san-diego-mayor-enters-final-stretch David's Mayoral race preview: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-10-04/battle-for-san-diego-mayor-focused-on-housing-vacation-rentals-future-of-sports-arena-area Photo Essay, The Lost Campaign: https://go.sandiegouniontribune.com/the-lost-campaign/p/1

Tue, October 06, 2020

Will the health equity score keep San Diego in the red COVID tier? | Paul Sisson

Starting with Tuesday’s test, an additional score is now being published. This new number, dubbed a “health equity metric,” calculates a test positivity rate for the most disadvantaged quartile of census tracts in each county. The positivity rate for this subset of a county’s overall population must also meet the positivity rate requirements for a less-restrictive tier before a county will be allowed to move up. The state’s health equity score for San Diego County in Tuesday’s report is 6.2 percent, a full 2.7 percentage points greater than the region’s overall positivity rate of 3.5 percent. To qualify for the orange tier, counties must have their positivity rates below 5 percent for two consecutive weeks.

Mon, October 05, 2020

San Diego's bitter divorce from a homeless service provider | Gary Warth

The city of San Diego has terminated its contract with the service provider running its Housing Navigation Center downtown. City officials said they will take it over next month and rename it and they will base its homeless services on programs they said have been successful in the temporary shelter in the San Diego Convention Center. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/homelessness/story/2020-10-01/city-to-take-over-navigation-center-ousted-service-provider-says-system-was-unworkable

Bonus · Sat, October 03, 2020

Special Election Episode: Voting 101

If you're a registered voter in San Diego County, you'll be seeing a ballot in your mailbox this week. On the first special election episode of San Diego News Fix, Daniel Wheaton speaks with politics reporter Charles Clark about how this election will be different — and what to expect.

Fri, October 02, 2020

Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis | Gary Robbins

President Donald Trump said late Thursday night that he and his wife, Melania, have tested positive for COVID-19 and that they have gone into quarantine. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/science/story/2020-10-01/trump-tests-positive

Thu, October 01, 2020

How different school districts are planning to get students back in the classroom | Kristen Taketa

More than five weeks after the first schools in San Diego County were allowed to reopen, most of San Diego County’s school districts have either reopened or have opening dates set for October. Many are reopening first by bringing back the youngest students or by offering hybrid learning, where students attend for part of the week or day and continue with distance learning part time. Grossmont Union High is phasing in reopening by first having students attend in-person one day a week. Santee and Poway are having students attend for half a school day. Still others are like Alpine Union, which has students attend in-person a couple of days a week. When looking at timelines for districts reopening, it’s clear that district size matters. Most of the districts that have reopened are small.

Wed, September 30, 2020

An officer-involved shooting, an Instagram post and a suspended SDPD officer | David Herandez

A San Diego police officer has been suspended without pay amid allegations that he posted a photo on social media that appeared to make light of a makeshift memorial for a man the officer and a partner fatally shot in late June, police Chief David Nisleit announced Tuesday. The chief also said Officer Jonathon Lucas, who has been on the force for about four years, was stripped of his police powers — forced to give up his gun and badge — while the Police Department investigates the matter.

Tue, September 29, 2020

Californians can reverse the state's affirmative action ban. Will they? | John Wilkens

This summer, it seemed the planets might be aligning to repeal California’s 24-year-old ban on affirmative action. Widespread street protests over the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis had fueled a national reckoning with racism, discrimination and other social-justice problems. Poll after poll of public opinion showed rising acknowledgement of racial inequality and the need to address it. The novel coronavirus was having a disproportionate impact on people of color. And California was in a sustained demographic and political shift — more diverse, less conservative — away from what it was in 1996, when voters approved Proposition 209, a constitutional amendment outlawing racial or gender preferences in public employment, education and contracts.

Mon, September 28, 2020

"RADD" biotech hub planned for bay front development | Jennifer Van Grove

Hoping to make a splash in downtown’s real estate market, a celebrated biotech office developer has purchased more than 8 acres of waterfront land to create a life science city along San Diego’s Bay. Friday, the newly formed IQHQ real estate investment group, started by storied life science builder Alan Gold, completed its acquisition of around two-thirds — or five city blocks — of the development site known as Manchester Pacific Gateway. The transaction paves the way for what IQHQ is calling the San Diego Research and Development District, or RaDD, as a massive lab-filled campus where ground-floor retail and unrivaled bay views work to recruit the biggest names in the pharmaceutical industry.

Fri, September 25, 2020

Downtown construction during a pandemic? Yes! | Phillip Molnar

Logic dictates construction during a global pandemic would halt. But, the economic effects of COVID-19 are anything but logical. The transformation of downtown San Diego’s skyline has continued at a furious pace throughout the crisis, so much so that a visit to some parts can feel like you accidentally walked into a massive construction zone. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/real-estate/story/2020-09-25/downtown-san-diego-construction-continues-at-furious-pace-will-it-last

Fri, September 25, 2020

How San Diego Black Lives Matter protestors reacted to the Breonna Taylor verdict | Alex Riggins

Several hundred people marched through downtown San Diego Wednesday night to protest a Kentucky grand jury’s decision not to indict any Louisville police officers for the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor. Led by a “wall of moms” in matching yellow T-shirts, demonstrators marched down Broadway chanting Taylor’s name along with other social-justice slogans.

Wed, September 23, 2020

Padres win bid to develop Tailgate Park | Jenn Van Grove

The San Diego Padres have won the opportunity to turn four city blocks, currently used as a Petco Park parking lot, into an urban square where technology workers commingle with artisans and baseball fans. Wednesday, city officials announced that the Padres and its development partners, Tishman Speyer and Ascendant Capital Partners, were picked over challenger Brookfield Properties to redevelop the 5.25-acre plot of land known as Tailgate Park. The selection brings to an end a competitive bidding process that started in December and paves the way for the city to offload the long-held asset as is required by the state. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/story/2020-09-23/in-bid-for-tailgate-park-padres-beat-brookfield-with-1-4b-office-focused-proposal

Tue, September 22, 2020

6 pandemic months: What we learned, what we lost, and what's next | Paul Sisson

The COVID-19 pandemic has largely been a story of numbers. Daily reports tell us the number of new cases, the number of hospitalizations, the number of outbreaks and the number of deaths. The numbers are a dispassionate, point-in-time measure necessary to track the footprint of the deadly coronavirus as it continues its advance into homes, businesses, churches, even hospitals. But they can’t quantify the sense of loss that has pervaded life since the pandemic began six months ago — the loss of intimacy, tradition, confidence, and economic well-being.

Mon, September 21, 2020

Back to school at UC San Diego — will a COVID-19 outbreak follow? | Gary Robbins

San Diego State University is reeling from a calamitous outbreak of COVID-19. Is the same thing about to happen at UC San Diego? The answer will begin to emerge this weekend as 7,500 undergraduates start to move into meticulously cleaned dorms on the sprawling La Jolla campus for the start of the fall quarter. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/education/can-usd-ucsd-succeed-where-sdsu-failed-to-fight-covid-19

Fri, September 18, 2020

Who is Gen Z? Why should we care about them? | Abby Hamblin

Generation Z is transforming America's culture and identity. And its members are just getting started. "Hello Gen Z" is a podcast from The San Diego Union-Tribune with the goal of hearing directly from them. https://go.sandiegouniontribune.com/hellogenz/p/1

Thu, September 17, 2020

San Diego's $300M tax revenue loss | David Garrick

The COVID-19 pandemic will cost San Diego about $300 million in tax revenue by next summer, including $48 million in hotel tax losses. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-09-16/san-diego-estimates-300m-tax-revenue-loss-during-covid-19-pandemic

Wed, September 16, 2020

Ex-sheriff's captain behind illegal gun sales | Kristina Davis

A former sheriff’s captain charged with selling “off roster” guns available only to law enforcement admitted to long-standing corruption in a plea agreement Tuesday. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2020-09-15/former-sheriffs-captain-pleads-guilty-to-illegal-off-roster-gun-sales

Tue, September 15, 2020

Parents of "disappeared" children attempt exhumation of human remains in Tijuana | Wendy Fry

A smell of death drapes over the unfinished two-story house on Calle Loma Alta on Tijuana’s eastern side. Neighbors report sometimes hearing screams coming from the abandoned property. Inside, the floor is littered with empty Coca-Cola bottles and dozens of children’s toys and grade school notebooks. Clothes are piled everywhere. Partially burnt mattresses cover the door frames to several rooms. In one, wooden planks are nailed to the floor with heavy chains piled on top. Stacks of different size stones are nearby with chains also attached to the rocks. A boulder, twice the size of a basketball, is marked with chiseled incisions. Spray-painted in red in the corner are the words “Te Amo.” I love you . Two Virgin de Guadalupe plaques are propped against the wall above the television set, illuminated by a working light bulb. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2020-09-13/parents-dig-for-hours-but-are-unable-to-find-the-buried-remains-missing-teenager

Mon, September 14, 2020

North County school districts begin phased reopening | Deborah Brennan

North County school districts are moving toward reopening campuses, with phased plans for in-person instruction that focus on the youngest and most vulnerable students first. Vista, Poway and Oceanside have announced plans for opening campuses to small groups of students this month, including special education students, English learners, and others who need additional help or receive specialized instruction. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2020-09-13/north-county-schools-to-start-phased-reopening

Fri, September 11, 2020

COVID-19 at SDSU | Gary Robbins

Union-Tribune reporter Gary Robbins talks about COVID-19 at SDSU and whether the more than 500 cases there will put us back to Tier 1. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-09-10/covid-cases-increase-at-sdsu-countywide

Thu, September 10, 2020

Mayor shuts off "Smart Streetlights" until surveillance ordinance is passed | Teri Figueroa

San Diego’s controversial Smart Streetlight cameras will be shut off, drawing applause from social justice activists, but removing police access to a tool they say helps solve violent crimes. Mayor Kevin Faulconer on Wednesday ordered that the more than 3,000 cameras installed on streetlights throughout San Diego be turned off until the city crafts an ordinance to govern surveillance technology. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-09-09/mayor-orders-san-diegos-smart-streetlights-turned-off-until-surveillance-ordinance-in-place

Wed, September 09, 2020

Poll: Ammar Campa-Najjar (D), Darrell Issa (R) in statistical dead heat in CA-50 | Charles Clark

With Election Day two months away, a poll released Tuesday shows the race for the 50th Congressional District is anyone’s game, with Republican Darrell Issa and Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar in a statistical tie in the traditionally Republican stronghold. A San Diego Union-Tribune/10 News poll of 508 likely voters conducted by SurveyUSA shows Issa, a former congressman, leading with 46 percent, slightly ahead of business owner and San Diego State University lecturer Campa-Najjar, who polled at 45 percent. “The contest between Republican Darrell Issa and Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar is anyone’s guess, with way too many variables in play to begin to handicap the winner,” SurveyUSA pollsters wrote. About 9 percent of voters said they remain undecided in the poll conducted Friday through Monday. It has a margin of error of 5.4 percentage points. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-09-08/50th-district-contest-is-anyones-guess-with-issa-and-campa-najjar-in-a-statistical-dead-heat-per-new-poll

Tue, September 08, 2020

What we know about the Valley fire so far | Teri Figueroa

While skies were overcast and temperature cooler in East County Tuesday morning, officials warned that a wildfire that has scorched more than 17,000 acres and destroyed nearly a dozen homes and 25 other structures is not letting up and is expected to flare up again tonight. “I want to be very clear in my message,” said Cal Fire San Diego Chief Tony Mecham at a news conference at Viejas Casino and Resort. “We have a sleeping giant in the backcountry.” The National Weather Service has issued a red flag fire weather warning for most of San Diego County through 8 p.m. Wednesday. Santa Ana winds blowing up to 50 miles an hour were expected to hit around 8 p.m. — pushing the fire from east to the west — and Mecham and other officials warned residents to be prepared.

Fri, September 04, 2020

Will a new heat wave bring rolling blackouts? | Rob Nikolewski

With an intense heat wave bearing down across California throughout the Labor Day weekend, the state’s grid operator has issued a Flex Alert calling on electricity consumers to voluntarily conserve energy so that the demand for power does not outstrip supply. The Flex Alert will be in place statewide from Saturday through Monday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/story/2020-09-03/californias-grid-operator-orders-a-flex-alert-ahead-of-labor-day-heat-wave

Thu, September 03, 2020

Audit details inappropriate payments approved by SANDAG head | Jeff McDonald

The executive director of the San Diego Association of Governments, the county’s leading transportation and planning agency, approved hundreds of thousands of dollars in severance payments to former employees without telling the board of directors, a new audit has found. Hasan Ikhrata, who took over as SANDAG’s top executive in December 2018, also allowed an employee to redeem unused sick time for more than $110,000, even though the unidentified worker was not entitled to the money, auditors said. And another payment — made while the compensation and compliance audit was under way — authorized a $60,000 severance to a senior official after the official voluntarily resigned. “The material findings disclosed within the report were a result of significant weaknesses in SANDAG’s governance and system of internal controls,” independent performance auditor Mary Khoshmashrab wrote to board chairman and Poway Mayor Steve Vaus last week. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2020-09-02/internal-audit-finds-sandag-leadership-exceeded-authority-approved-improper-payments

Wed, September 02, 2020

Poll: Bry leads Gloria 37-34 in SD mayor's race

Councilwoman Barbara Bry and Assemblyman Todd Gloria have nearly even support among likely voters in their runoff to become San Diego’s next mayor, according to a San Diego Union-Tribune/10News SurveyUSA poll released Tuesday. Bry, who finished 66,000 votes behind fellow Democrat Gloria in the March primary, leads Gloria 37 percent to 34 percent. But her lead is within the poll’s 5.3 percent margin of error, and 29 percent are undecided. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-09-01/new-polls-shows-bry-with-slim-lead-over-gloria-in-san-diego

Tue, September 01, 2020

Indoor businesses begin to re-reopen | Brittany Meiling, Gary Warth

Despite cries from some to go faster and others to go slower, Dr. Wilma Wooten largely stuck with the state’s new rules announced Friday allowing a wide range of businesses to resume varying levels of indoor activity. There were a few new public health orders announced Monday, including one that all businesses now reopening keep logs with names and phone numbers of everyone they serve to make it easier to track people down quickly if a COVID-19 outbreak is detected. Overall, Wooten’s take on the now-underway move back indoors seemed to be: Now it’s up to you. Continuing to meet the state’s requirements for fewer and fewer local cases, she said, will come down to whether the community can collectively hew to long-standing facial covering, hand-washing and distancing requirements even as they begin to move more freely. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-08-31/indoor-businesses-reopen-across-the-county-but-some-say-new-rules-too-restrictive

Mon, August 31, 2020

How effective is convalescent plasma? | Jonathan Wosen

Hundreds of San Diegans have received a COVID-19 treatment that arms those battling the disease with the defenses of past survivors — though it’s still not clear how well it works. What is clear is that more people will likely get the treatment, known as convalescent patient plasma, which the Food and Drug Administration authorized on Aug. 23 as an emergency treatment for COVID-19. Scientists and doctors in San Diego County and nationwide have good reason to believe that plasma therapy is safe. And with about 6 million COVID-19 cases and 180,000 deaths in the United States, the need for new COVID-19 treatments could not be more painfully clear. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/biotech/story/2020-08-30/hundreds-of-san-diegans-with-covid-19-have-already-been-treated-with-plasma-but-does-it-work Track the outbreak: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/tracking-coronavirus-cases-san-diego-county

Fri, August 28, 2020

Will K-12 distance learning drive parents out of the workforce?

Working families in San Diego are bracing for distance learning at K-12 schools to start next week. With the pandemic still raging, most students in the region will be logging on rather than sitting in classrooms. That means many parents will now have to juggle their jobs with overseeing their children’s studies. Reporter Phillip Molnar recently reached out to local economists to find out whether this could result in many people dropping out of the workforce.

Thu, August 27, 2020

California begins to increase COVID-19 testing capacity | Jonathan Wosen

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state has contracted with a diagnostics company to conduct up to 150,000 more COVID-19 tests a day. Under the contract, the state will build a testing laboratory and provide some testing equipment, such as supplies to collect and transport specimens, according to Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. The company, PerkinElmer, will process and report back test results within 48 hours, but the company will not collect the actual nasal swabs. That will happen at state testing sites. Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County’s public health officer, welcomed the deal, set to begin in eight to 10 weeks

Wed, August 26, 2020

Why CBP is cracking down on cross-border travel | Wendy Fry

Northbound border lanes into San Ysidro were nearly empty Tuesday morning after nightmarish 10-hour traffic jams clogged Tijuana’s streets and freeways Sunday through Monday. Customs and Border Protection increased its enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential travel over the weekend, which snarled traffic citywide. Essential workers, such as health care and food service employees, are allowed to cross daily into the U.S. for work, whereas people who want to visit family or shop have been asked to refrain from crossing the border. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2020-08-25/border-crackdown-travel https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2020-08-24/border-traffic-coronavirus https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2020-08-16/baja-coronavirus-hospitals *** Subscribe to our flash briefing https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/podcasts/morning-headlines

Tue, August 25, 2020

Margaret Hunter sentenced in campaign finance scheme | Morgan Cook

Years after a criminal conspiracy was discovered by the Union-Tribune, former Congressman Duncan Hunter and his wife Margaret, are now felons. Margaret’s sentence is 3 years probation with 8 months of home arrest, for being part of a scheme that mis-spent a quarter million dollars of campaign finance funds on everything from Italian vacations to oral surgery.

Mon, August 24, 2020

Returned Part II: Who gets asylum? | Kate Morrissey

The second part in series that takes a deep dive into the U.S. asylum system to help readers understand what the system was meant to do, how it previously functioned and what it has become. Immigration reporter Kate Morrissey discusses the project. The series: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/returned The simulation: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2020-08-23/asylum-system-interactive-experience *** Subscribe to our daily morning news briefing: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/podcasts/morning-headlines

Bonus · Sun, August 23, 2020

Sunday listen: A discussion of race and equity with Ibram X. Kendi, Robin DiAngelo and Wesley Lowery

The San Diego Union-Tribune partnered with the National Conflict Resolution Center to hold a discussion on race and equity. It’s part of the NCRC's “A Path Forward” series, and it featured three voices that have been driving the conversation following the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests. The panel includes: Ibram X. Kendi, author of "How to be an Antiracist". Robin DiAngelo, author of "White Fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk about racism", and Wesley Lowery, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who came to prominence following his coverage of Ferguson, Mo. for the Washington Post.

Fri, August 21, 2020

Housing prices go through the roof I Phillip Molnar

Home prices in San Diego hit an all-time high last month. The median price tag for a home in July: $634,000. That’s a whopping 9 percent jump over this time last year. That trend extends across much of Southern California, as homes for sale have all but evaporated from the market. Some people were hoping the pandemic would be a good time to invest. As it turns out, homeowners aren't selling. But will it last? Or is this just a COVID-induced housing bubble.

Thu, August 20, 2020

Restaurants struggle to deal with pandemic-based Yelp complaints | Pam Kragen

Over the past decade, North County restaurant owners Roddy and Aaron Browning have looked upon Yelp, the high-profile crowd-sourced reviews platform, as something of a necessary evil. A diner's positive 5-star review will make their day, but a negative 1- or 2-star review will ruin their week. But since the pandemic began in March, the Brownings and many other local restaurateurs say recent bad reviews on Yelp — many of them for county-ordered safety and service requirements beyond their control — are making the struggle to survive even harder. Some owners' classy, clever and angry written responses to recent low-starred reviews have gone viral. Meanwhile, Yelp says it has stepped up efforts to remove unfair reviews and it is encouraging its diner-members to show compassion for restaurant owners before they push the publish button.

Wed, August 19, 2020

We're off the state's COVID-19 watch list! What changes? Nothing. (At least not now) | Paul Sisson

As expected, state officials announced that they removed San Diego County from the state’s COVID-19 watchlist Tuesday, a move that was telegraphed one day earlier by local leaders. The action, which came as local doctors were adjusting to new testing guidance from the county, starts a 14-day countdown during which the region must avoid crossing any of six thresholds that, if they persisted for three days in a row, would land the region back on the list. Provided San Diego’s daily COVID-19 numbers remain below state-set maximums for two weeks, K-12 schools would be able to resume in-person instruction at the discretion of local school boards. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-08-18/san-diego-removed-from-state-covid-watch-list Follow our COVID-19 tracker: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/tracking-coronavirus-cases-san-diego-county

Tue, August 18, 2020

Why rolling blackouts are back | Rob Nikolewski, Gary Robbins

The bad old days — and nights — of rotating power outages in California are back for the first time in nearly 20 years. And they could be back in a big way for the next few days. But unlike 2001 when market manipulation from rogue entities like Enron were at the root of rolling blackouts , grid operators blame these outages on a combination of reasons that include finding sources to back up energy sources that compose the current grid in the state and a heatwave that not only affected all of California but its neighboring states as well. “We are scouring every corner of our world to find additional load reductions and generation,” said Steve Berberich, the CEO of the California Independent System Operator , known as CAISO for short. The scale of the outages statewide could be in the millions, Berberich acknowledged. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/story/2020-08-17/california-experiences-first-rotating-power-outages-in-19-years-what-happened **** The San Diego Festival of Books is right around the corner. Check out the details here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdfestivalofbooks

Mon, August 17, 2020

Conspiracy theories, racism rampant in Defend East County group | Andrew Dyer

A Facebook group that organized after a Black Lives Matter protest in La Mesa turned destructive has ballooned to more than 20,000 members. Called Defend East County, it has become an active online community of people who say they want to protect their cities, but it’s also a place where conspiracy theories, racist banter and calls for violence persist. Recently, videos of self-styled “patriots” in other cities punching and kicking Black Lives Matter protesters received hundreds of “likes” on the Defend East County page, as did a video of a car running over protesters. Some people affiliated with this and other East County community Facebook groups have counterprotested at area Black Lives Matter marches and, in at least five recent cases, have engaged in verbal and physical altercations. The latest verbal conflict occurred Tuesday at a march in La Mesa. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2020-08-16/inside-the-20-000-strong-defend-east-county-facebook-page-grown-as-a-reaction-to

Fri, August 14, 2020

Rents fall during the pandemic I Phillip Molnar

San Diego rents are falling for the first time since the Great Recession.The average rent throughout the region was about $1,850 between April and June.That’s less than a percentage point decrease over the previous quarter, but the downward trend is notable.Rents in San Diego have been on a seemingly unstoppable upward climb in recent years.Now COVID-19 has, at least for now, changed that.

Thu, August 13, 2020

Criminally charged gym owner rallies Ramona against ‘COVID-19 police’ | Alex Riggins

In the days after he became the first San Diego County business owner criminally charged for defying coronavirus-related health orders, Ramona gym owner Peter San Nicolas took to Facebook to decry the “Covid police” treating business owners “like common criminals.” On Tuesday night, San Nicolas held an informal town hall-style meeting outside the Ramona Fitness Center for himself and other business owners to voice their frustrations with state and local shutdown orders. The meeting came eight days after San Nicolas learned that San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan had charged him with five misdemeanors — each punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000 — for refusing to shut down his gym. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-08-12/gym-owner-charged-criminally-rallies-ramona-against-covid-19-police

Wed, August 12, 2020

Enforcement of the COVID-19 public health order is ramping up | Brittany Meiling, Morgan Cook

For months, authorities have treated the Public Health Order with a somewhat lasseiz-faire attitude. While some egregious violations have been prosecuted, county leaders now plan a more intense crackdown, just as quarantine fatigue and economic stress are deepening. *** Register for A Path Forward: https://events.handbid.com/auctions/a-path-forward Buy their books: https://www.warwicks.com/event/a-path-forward-2020

Tue, August 11, 2020

Understanding Monday's "earthquake storm" below the Salton Sea | Gary Robbins

Scientists are carefully monitoring a swarm of small earthquakes that erupted on Monday in the Salton Sea below the southern tip of the dangerous San Andreas fault. They are concerned about the possibility that the swarm could trigger a larger event, a phenomenon that has occurred in that region in the past. Scientists said Monday afternoon that there’s a less than 1 percent chance that the swarm will produce a 6.0 or larger quake within the next month. But the location of the swarm is worrisome due to its closeness to the San Andreas.

Mon, August 10, 2020

Will the COVID-19 testing site at PedEast slow the South Bay spike? | Lyndsay Winkley

Later this week, a COVID-19 testing site will open up just outside PedEast, where tens of thousands of pedestrians cross into the United States from Mexico every day. The location is thought to be the closest testing location to the U.S.-Mexico border in any state, and is the result, the county says, of a data-driven, community-led strategy that aims to slow the spread of COVID-19 in South Bay communities. Officials have long known that the pandemic has disproportionately affected the South County region, where cases continue to climb. Factors that contribute to these increases include long-standing disparities in access to health care, a large population of essential workers and a lack of affordable housing. Proximity to the border also plays a role, county officials said. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-08-09/new-testing-site-at-pedeast-crossing-first-of-its-kind-along-u-s-mexico-border Contact the reporters: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-lyndsay-winkley-staff.html https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-gustavo-solis-staff.html Check out our COVID-19 tracker: uniontrib.com/coronavirus-data

Fri, August 07, 2020

San Diego City stalls on deal with SDG&E I Rob Nikolewski

City leaders are hotly debating who should provide gas and electric services to San Diegans. The city’s so-called franchise agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric is expiring in January after 50 years. Now, it seems just about everyone wants a say in what the next long-term deal looks like. Should the city renew its contract with SDG&E? Or go with another company? How long should the new agreement be? And how much money should the city ask for? Or should the city simply explore running its own electric and gas system, like they do in Los Angeles and Sacramento?

Thu, August 06, 2020

WFH not working? Here's what this one reporter did to fix that | Brittany Meiling

Reporter Brittany Meiling discusses her column about why she leased out commercial office space during the pandemic: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-08-04/wfh-is-not-working-why-im-paying-for-a-office-space-outside-my-apartment

Wed, August 05, 2020

What went wrong in the purchase of 101 Ash St. | Jeff McDonald, David Garrick

Cybele Thompson, the career real estate professional San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer recruited in 2014 to manage the city’s portfolio of property and leases, has become the latest official to leave her job after a report about the troubled acquisition of a downtown high rise. Thompson will leave Wednesday, one week after an independent review found serious deficiencies in the city’s 2016 plan to acquire the former Sempra Energy headquarters at 101 Ash Street, according to her letter of resignation dated Monday. The departure is the second for a high-profile city official involved in the Ash Street transaction. Earlier this year, former Deputy Chief Operating Officer Ronald Villa retired amid questions of how the property was handled. A report from the Mayor’s Office last week said it could cost $115 million or more to rehabilitate the Ash Street office tower to a condition that would be safe for city employees to occupy — a stunning amount for a building appraised at $72 million a few years ago.

Tue, August 04, 2020

What we know about the servicemen lost at sea | Andrew Dyer

The nine service members killed in a sinking amphibious transport near San Clemente Island Thursday were young men, ages 18 to 23, junior in rank and assigned to the same unit, the Marines said. Cpl. Wesley Rodd, 23, of Harris, TX, was the oldest. Pfc. Bryan Baltierra, 18, of Corona, the youngest. All were attached to Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/4 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Baltierra had just completed his first year in the Corps, having reported to boot camp in San Diego on July 29, 2019. On Thursday the 16 troops were returning from training on San Clemente Island, about 70 miles west of San Diego, when their 26-ton assault amphibious vehicle began taking on water. Two other AAVs also had been returning and helped with the rescue. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-08-03/9-troops-killed-in-marine-amphibious-transport-sinking-ranged-in-age-from-18-23 Latest update: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-08-04/sunken-marine-amphibious-vehicle-human-remains-found-on-sea-floor-off-san-clemente-island Contact the reporter: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sd-andrew-dyer-20180708-staff.html

Mon, August 03, 2020

Do you surf? You might be hanging out with baby sharks | Deborah Brennan

We’re about one week away from “Shark Week” but, as it turns out, it’s always Shark Week along the San Diego County coast. It’s been a fact of life that these creatures live here, but now we’re starting to learn more about the lifestyles of younger sharks, who until now, may have gone unnoticed. This research not only deepens our understanding of these animals, but also may be key in finding out ways to prevent shark attacks. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/story/2020-08-01/white-sharks-swim-among-us-at-san-diego-beaches Contact the reporter: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-deborah-sullivan-brennan-staff.html

Fri, July 31, 2020

Ghost towns to piazzas I Brittany Meiling

Shopping malls and other retail centers badly impacted the ongoing coronavirus pandemic are taking a cue from the restaurant industry — moving operations outdoors wherever possible. Empty parking lots are being converted into drive-in movie theaters, lawns into art studios, and street corners into outdoor markets.

Fri, July 31, 2020

Get ready for an online college semester | Gary Robbins

Throughout the entire pandemic, there was optimism that things would go back to normal in the fall With the fall semester weeks away for colleges and universities, it’s clear that things aren’t normal. While schools elsewhere have decided to risk in-person instruction: California hasn’t Here’s what the fall 2020 semester will look like.

Wed, July 29, 2020

July is the pandemic's deadliest month | Paul Sisson

With 14 additional COVID-19-related deaths announced Tuesday, July became the deadliest month for the coronavirus pandemic in San Diego County since it started in mid-February . The news came amid fresh requests for deeper information on how local communities of color are being disproportionately affected by the disease. According to county records, 161 of the region’s 547 total COVID-19 deaths occurred in July, 12 more than were reported in May, the previous month with the most fatalities. The median age of those who have died of the disease is 78 with the vast majority having other health problems that made them more susceptible to severe illness. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-07-28/july-is-now-deadliest-month-of-pandemic Contact the reporter here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-paul-sisson-staff.html

Wed, July 29, 2020

Why a Latino neighborhood and a Catholic Church are at odds| Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

It started as an issue with parking on a Logan Heights block. Now tensions between a largely Latino neighborhood and a long-standing, Latin-only Catholic Church have spilled over into social media conflicts, threats and calls for police intervention, evidence of a disconnect between a church and its neighbors. Logan Heights is a predominantly residential single-family home neighborhood where Latino residents make up more than half the population. It’s bordered by the Barrio Logan community and Interstate-15. About 74 percent of households there earn less than $60,000 a year, according to the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG. St. Anne Catholic Church holds Mass in Latin there seven days a week and has a large following of parishioners, mostly from outside the neighborhood. The church belongs to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter and, before pandemic restrictions stopped indoor Masses earlier this month, its attendance averaged more than 200 people, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego said. Now the church celebrates Mass in its courtyard. Got a neighborhood story you want to share? Contact the reporter: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/people/andrea-lopez-villafana https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/san-diego/story/2020-07-26/tensions-grow-between-a-san-diego-church-st-anne-and-the-neighborhood-around-it

Tue, July 28, 2020

Will Comic-Con@Home become a part of the con? | Phillip Molnar

More people viewed parts of the online-only Comic-Con International this weekend than are normally allowed in the crowded San Diego Convention Center. San Diego’s biggest event was forced to go fully on the Internet for its 51st year because of COVID-19. More than 300 panels, which would normally be spread out throughout the center and parts of downtown, were uploaded steadily on YouTube over five days. All were free to view.

Fri, July 24, 2020

Gen Z podcast I Abby Hamblin & Kristy Totten

Fri, July 24, 2020

San Diego's biggest Ponzi scheme | Lori Weisberg, Greg Moran

San Diego businesswoman Gina Champion-Cain, charged a year ago with securities fraud in a civil case, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to criminal charges of conspiracy, securities fraud and obstruction of justice in connection with a $400 million Ponzi scheme. Champion-Cain, who will be sentenced Oct. 13, declined to comment to the Union-Tribune as she walked out of the courtroom, her attorney by her side. The maximum prison time for the three charges is 15 years, although Champion-Cain has agreed to cooperate with the probe into the scheme she orchestrated, which investigators are still unravelling, and that could earn her a reduction in her sentence. Champion-Cain remains free on $100,000 bond.

Wed, July 22, 2020

Comic-Con@Home starts today. Will people watch? | Phillip Molnar

San Diego’s Comic-Con International isn’t happening this year … at least not in person. After the convention’s 51st edition was canceled earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers decided to bring it back as the entirely digital Comic-Con @ Home. Between Wednesday and Sunday, this year’s SDCC features more than 350 (mostly prerecorded) panels highlighting upcoming television shows and movies with the help of their stars and filmmakers. Panels will stream for free on YouTube and are open to all. In addition, the convention’s regular merchandise exclusives will be available, with a virtual convention floor accessible via their website. More than 700 vendors will be a part of the virtual convention floor. It opens Wednesday at 9 a.m. Pacific.

Tue, July 21, 2020

Should SDSU be allowed to "cancel" emeritus professors? | Gary Robbins

A proposal to strip professors of their emeritus status if they do anything to harm the reputation of San Diego State University is causing a backlash among faculty who say the policy would suppress free speech and stoke the “cancel culture” movement sweeping the country. This is the second major free speech controversy to roil the campus since last winter, and the new policy raises the possibility that a professor could be penalized for comments that he or she made in the past. The proposal says that SDSU’s president, on the advice of the University Senate, would have the right to revoke a professor’s emeritus status based on conduct that occurred before or after they were granted the honorary title. Such conduct would have to harm the university’s reputation. The committee did not specify what that means.

Mon, July 20, 2020

Where schooling stands | Kristen Taketa

The state has barred all public and private schools in San Diego County and most other California counties from holding in-person classes until the counties do a better job of containing the coronavirus. The decision announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom Friday disrupts the plans of many local school systems that were forging ahead with reopening next month despite the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-07-17/all-san-diego-county-schools-are-banned-from-reopening-until-covid-19-measures-improve https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-07-18/some-parents-lament-school-closure-order-even-as-they-understand-why-it-was-given

Fri, July 17, 2020

Businesses defy lockdown orders I Brittany Meiling

Host Joshua Emerson Smith talks with Union-Tribune reporter Brittany Meiling about local businesses flouting the coronavirus shutdown orders and the response from government authorities. San Diego News Fix is also available wherever you get your podcasts.

Thu, July 16, 2020

San Diego drafts new surveillance rules | Teri Figueroa

San Diegans are closer to getting a say in how they might be watched. A City Council committee on Wednesday unanimously approved two proposed ordinances geared at governing surveillance technologies in the city, an action sparked by sustained pushback from activists and others who were surprised and upset last year when it was revealed that San Diego had quietly installed cameras on streetlights throughout the city. “Today’s action is a promising step that will protect both the safety and civil liberties of our communities,” Councilwoman Monica Montgomery said before she and three fellow councilmembers on the Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee voted to support the proposals. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-07-15/san-diego-council-committee-unanimously-approves-ordinances-targeting-surveillance-technology

Thu, July 16, 2020

The crimes of Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein | Greg Moran

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who one year ago had part of his hand shot off in a lethal attack by a gunman at the Poway synagogue he founded and received an outpouring of support that included meeting President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to federal charges of tax fraud and wire fraud Tuesday. Goldstein, 58, pleaded guilty to his role in several long-running, multimillion-dollar schemes involving tax, real estate, insurance and grant frauds, some of which stretched back to the 1980s. Omar Meisel, the acting head of the FBI in San Diego, said the investigation uncovered $18 million in “complex financial schemes” by Goldstein and co-defendants, with the rabbi “at the center of illegal activity” that went on for years. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2020-07-14/rabbi-injured-in-poway-synagogue-shooting-pleads-guilty-to-tax-charge Our previous coverage: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/topic/shooting Special episode on the shooting: https://art19.com/shows/the-san-diego-news-fix/episodes/4128cb9e-6b51-4fb9-8534-ffd049c6ae85

Tue, July 14, 2020

DA files murder charge against SD sheriff's deputy who shot a man in custody | Teri Figueroa

A former sheriff’s deputy who shot an unarmed detainee in May as the man ran from authorities outside the downtown San Diego jail has been charged with murder, a rare move by prosecutors that makes him the first member of local law enforcement to face a murder charge in the shooting death of a suspect.The District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that it is charging former detentions deputy Aaron Russell, 23, with second-degree murder in the May 1 death of Nicholas Peter Bils, 36. Russell, who resigned from the county Sheriff’s Department in the days after the shooting, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning in San Diego Superior Court. He is charged under a theory of second-degree murder, which carries a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison. He also faces an allegation that he used a gun in the killing, which could add up to 10 years to his sentence if he is convicted. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2020-07-13/da-files-murder-charge-against-officer-who-shot-fleeing-suspect Also: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2020-07-14/former-sheriffs-deputy-arraigned-on-murder-charge-in-shooting-death-of-fleeing-suspect

Tue, July 14, 2020

The Bonhomme Richard fire | Andrew Dyer

Navy officials said Monday that the fire ravaging the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard for a second day has reached temperatures as high as 1,000 degrees, and it is still burning in various portions of the ship. Smoke and fumes continued to affect the skyline and air throughout San Diego. Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, said Monday that the fire is in the superstructure of the ship and its upper decks and that the ship’s forward mast has collapsed. “There’s obviously burn damage all the way through the skin of the ship, and we are assessing that as we kind of go through each compartment,” he said. “Right now the priority is to get the fire out so that we can take a complete assessment.”

Fri, July 10, 2020

COVID-19 outbreak at South Bay nursing home is state’s largest | Paul Sisson

State data shows that a South Bay skilled nursing facility is coping with what appears to be the largest COVID-19 outbreak among nursing homes in the state. Early Thursday evening, Reo Vista Healthcare Center in San Diego’s Paradise Hills neighborhood updated a short statement on its website, indicating that it had 100 COVID-19 patients, 15 more than it had Wednesday. The total is significantly higher than the next-highest total listed in a database run by the California Department of Public Health, though figures listed in that resource reflect totals from Wednesday, not Thursday. Though the facility with an estimated 135-bed capacity does appear to currently house the most COVID-19 patients among the state’s 1,223 nursing homes, that has not been the case until quite recently. Though it now has 100 COVID-19 patients, the total for the entire pandemic is 112. The record for the whole pandemic, according to state records, is 205 at a convalescent hospital in Los Angeles. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-07-09/covid-19-outbreak-at-south-bay-nursing-home-is-states-largest

Thu, July 09, 2020

Faulconer proposes new plan for San Diego's energy agreement | Rob Nikolewski

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s office has come up with four key recommendations for negotiating a new agreement that allows one utility the exclusive right to use the city’s public right-of-ways for transmission and distribution as well as installing wires, poles, power lines, and underground gas and electric lines. San Diego Gas & Electric currently holds what is called the franchise agreement, which has been in place since 1970. But the deal expires in January and city officials are counting on fielding competitive bids from a number of different companies — not just SDG&E — before deciding who should win the new agreement. With that in mind, Faulconer’s staff, working with an energy consulting firm, proposes: a new franchise agreement that lasts 20 years a provision calling for third-party reviews to make sure the company that wins the bid is keeping its promises and doing a good job making adjustments to the franchise fees that would lead to a projected net benefit to San Diego ratepayers of $85 million over the course of the recommended 20-year contract, and an upfront payment by the winning bidder of $62 million. “San Diego is making it clear — this is not your grandfather’s franchise agreement,” Faulconer said in a statement. “A lot has changed over the last 50 years and this process ensures residents get a franchise agreement that aligns with their needs for today and shapes a vision for tomorrow.” Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-07-09/franchise-agreement

Wed, July 08, 2020

The ethics of human challenge trials | Gary Robbins

She doesn’t think of herself as a risk-taker. But April Simpkins of San Diego says she’s willing to help test a COVID-19 vaccine by allowing herself to be directly exposed to the novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 130,000 people nationally since February. “I’m young and healthy and don’t see that much danger,” said Simpkins, 29. “The coronavirus has really been surging lately and a trial like this could help develop a vaccine sooner.” Simpkins is one of 30,000 people globally — and about 100 in San Diego — who have volunteered to participate in a controversial type of medical study known as a human challenge trial, or HCT, if such a trial gains federal approval.

Wed, July 08, 2020

What you need to know about San Diego's 3-week shutdown | Lori Weisberg

With per-capita infection rates above state thresholds for seven straight days, public health officials confirmed Monday that a fresh set of sure-to-be-unpopular restrictions will start Tuesday. As has occurred in other counties across the state that have ended up on the governor’s monitoring list, some businesses not considered essential must cease indoor activities for the next three weeks, shutting down or moving their operations outside where, statistics show, the coronavirus is less likely to be transmitted. Starting at midnight, local restaurants, family entertainment locations such as bowling alleys and batting cages, wineries, movie theaters, zoos and museums must cease all indoor activities, according to the governor’s order which was announced last week. Grocery stores, medical offices and other businesses deemed essential when the first stay-at-home orders appeared in March will be able to continue serving customers, patients and clients indoors. And some enterprises that were initially deemed “nonessential” will be able to continue operating. Salons, whether they do hair, nails or both, will stay open for indoor business as will retail establishments and gyms. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-07-06/san-diego-enters-governors-covid-penalty-box

Tue, July 07, 2020

Why most COVID-19 deaths happened in South Bay | Lyndsay Winkley

South Bay communities, particularly those that are low income and with large Latino populations, continue to be the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, according to an analysis of COVID-19 deaths by ZIP code. The most recent data provided by the county confirms trends previously reported by health officials and underscores the sometimes fatal consequences that stem from longstanding health disparities, doctors say. Deaths in these hard-hit communities, they said, are likely the result of social factors that have long been known to impact health, such as poverty, access to health care and the availability of affordable housing. Barriers to testing and a high population of essential workers are also likely contributing to higher numbers. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-07-05/new-data-showing-covid-19-deaths-by-zip-code-further-highlight-health-disparities-across-county

Fri, July 03, 2020

The politics and policy of San Diego County's COVID-19 response | Michael Smolens

Ahead of Independence Day weekend, many indoor activities and businesses were shuttered across the state. While San Diego was not among those counties initially closed, current COVID-19 trends show that we will likely have to shut down as well on Monday. Governor Gavin Newsom’s actions drew criticism, as many argue that the George Floyd protests were the cause of the region’s spike, but contact tracers have found that isn’t the case

Wed, July 01, 2020

San Diego County beaches score well on beach "report card" | Deborah Brennan

Ten San Diego beaches scored perfect marks, while one Mission Bay location failed to make the grade, on the 30th annual “Beach Report Card” by the nonprofit Heal the Bay. The annual report assigns letter grades to beaches, based on bacteria levels found in water samples throughout the year. Those grades represent an effort to translate scientific test results into readily understandable information for beachgoers. “California’s beaches are iconic and essential to our economy here in California,” said Shelley Luce, president and CEO of Heal the Bay. “But, unfortunately, they are not always clean and not always safe.” Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/story/2020-06-30/ten-north-county-san-diego-beaches-earn-high-grades-on-annual-beach-report-card

Tue, June 30, 2020

Drinking establishments closed again as COVID-19 cases surge | Lori Weisberg

Just 17 days after they were allowed to reopen on June 12, San Diego County bars, breweries and wineries learned Monday that they will not be allowed to operate, at least not in the traditional sense, starting Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. While restaurants will still be allowed to serve drinks with meals, no one will be allowed to stand around with drinks in their hands after the stroke of midnight Tuesday. Announced Monday afternoon by county Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, the decision follows a mandate from Gov. Gavin Newsom, released over the weekend, that asks bars to close in some California counties due to increasing rates of novel coronavirus transmission. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-06-29/bars-to-close-wednesday-as-county-health-department-responds-to-local-covid-surge Follow COVID-19 trends here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/tracking-coronavirus-cases-san-diego-county

Tue, June 30, 2020

Saturday's officer-involved shooting, explained | David Hernandez

Within 24 hours of a police shooting that critically wounded a man in downtown San Diego, police on Sunday released footage of the encounter as protesters took to the streets and local elected leaders demanded transparency. The man, who police identified as Leonardo Hurtado Ibarra, 25, of San Diego, suffered life-threatening injuries. He was hospitalized in an intensive care unit Sunday, police said. Police released four video clips, captured by the body-worn cameras of two officers who shot Ibarra, a streetlight camera and a security camera. The video shows that the 5:47 p.m. shooting on Sixth Avenue occurred about 10 seconds after the officers got out of their patrol car. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-28/protesters-take-to-streets-after-police-shoot-critically-injure-man-in-downtown

Fri, June 26, 2020

Will office culture survive COVID-19? | Brittany Meiling

After roughly 100 days camped out at dining room tables or propped up on pillows while Zooming from their beds, many white-collar workers across San Diego are slowly coming to a realization: working from home might actually be permanent. Some think it’s because a post-pandemic world will never exist, and workers must be protected from health threats. Others say it’s more to do with business accounting, as saving money on rent is wise for any company in a shaky economy. Either way, many businesses in San Diego are in the midst of difficult conversations about how and when they will return to the office — or whether they’ll permanently say goodbye to their office-centric lifestyle. Some are already downsizing their square footage, while others have negotiated their way out of leases entirely. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-06-26/work-from-home-san-diego-offices

Fri, June 26, 2020

SDPD enacts new de-escalation policy | Teri Figueroa

San Diego police now have standalone policy calling for officers to attempt to de-escalate encounters when they can, and a new imperative that officers intervene if they see another officer using unreasonable force, the mayor and police chief announced Wednesday. De-escalation “is important, because de-escalation tactics help officers to defuse a situation, enhance the officer’s — and the public’s — safety, and lessens unintended consequences,"Mayor Kevin Faulconer said at a midday news conference at police headquarters. “And as a result, of course, results in lives saved.” The department has long taught de-escalation techniques. The change here is that the officers are now required to use them if safe and reasonable in the situation — and that requirement is among the demands from those pushing for policing reform, from activists to police advisory and review boards in San Diego. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-24/sdpd-to-require-officers-to-intervene-if-other-officers-use-unreasonable-force

Wed, June 24, 2020

Police review board gets closer to becoming a ballot measure | David Garrick

The San Diego City Council Tuesday unanimously endorsed plans for a new police review board that would have the power to launch independent misconduct investigations and subpoena witnesses. A formal vote to place it on the November ballot is set for July 7. “It is time to shift power into the hands of the community and to have a more transparent board,” said Councilwoman Monica Montgomery, the City Council’s only Black member. “I’m happy that we’re moving this forward as part of a comprehensive plan for police reform.” Other recent reform efforts in San Diego include a ban on police officers using carotid restraints, new Police Department de-escalation procedures and creation of an Office on Race and Equity. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-06-23/san-diego-council-unanimously-endorses-police-reform-ballot-measure

Tue, June 23, 2020

Audit: Sweetwater school district financial mismanagement may be fraud | Kristen Taketa

A state fiscal agency found “significant evidence” that current and former employees with the Sweetwater Union High School District may have committed fraud, misappropriation of funds or other illegal practices, according to the results of a long-awaited audit report announced Monday night by the San Diego County superintendent of schools. The report also found violations of board policy, education and government code, and securities laws, San Diego County Superintendent Paul Gothold said. Sweetwater Superintendent Karen Janney and district finance staff violated their fiduciary duties, the report found. District staff intentionally misrepresented the district’s finances and left out and delayed information when presenting the district’s finances to the school board and to bond market participants, the report said. Some financial staff referenced in the report are no longer with the district, including the chief financial officer. Janney has led the district since 2015.

Tue, June 23, 2020

20 years, 217 dead: San Diego's police-related deaths | Teri Figueroa

Death at the hands of law enforcement has come under renewed scrutiny in the weeks since a Minneapolis police officer spent eights minutes, 46 seconds with his knee pressed down on George Floyd’s neck as Floyd lay on the ground. The officer was White, Floyd was Black. Since late May, people have taken to the streets across the country to protest police bias and racial injustice, and to demand reforms. The demonstrations shine a spotlight on long-running tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, even in San Diego County, where residents say they are over-policed. Police say race is not a factor in the split-second decisions to use force, but rather they consider the totality of circumstances. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-21/in-20-years-217-people-have-died-in-encounters-with-san-diego-area-law-enforcement

Fri, June 19, 2020

What primary education will look like in the fall | Kristen Taketa

School districts are getting ready to reopen this fall, and many plan to let parents choose what kind of schooling they want for their kids — normal in-person school, online learning, or a blended model that combines both. A county health order issued Monday allows schools in San Diego County to hold classes on campus as long as they comply with state reopening guidelines and post detailed reopening plans. Several San Diego County school districts anticipate some version of blended learning, with part of their instruction taking place on campus in smaller than usual classes and the rest occurring at home online. Some districts say they may also offer a parallel track consisting exclusively of online instruction for students who need stricter health protections or whose parents prefer a more cautious approach. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-06-16/san-diego-schools-move-forward-with-reopening-schools Related: County officials to schools: Prepare for students to wear masks

Thu, June 18, 2020

Supreme Court rules 5-4 in support of DACA | Kate Morrissey

In a striking rebuke to President Trump, the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected his plan to repeal the popular Obama-era order that protected so-called Dreamers, the nearly 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to this country illegally as children. Led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., the court called the decision to cancel the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, arbitrary and not justified. The program allows these young people to register with the government, and if they have clean records, to obtain a work permit. At least 27,000 of these DACA recipients are employed as healthcare workers. Trump had been confident that high court with its majority of Republican appointees would rule in his favor and say the chief executive had the power to “unwind” the policy.

Wed, June 17, 2020

Advocates say carotid restraint ban was motivated by politics, not policy | Greg Moran

In San Diego, police agencies for years had insisted that the restraint was necessary. But within 48 hours of San Diego’s decision, every department in the county announced it, too, was banning use of the hold. Sheriff Bill Gore, whose department employed Ward, initially said the department would continue to use it. But the next day he reversed course and said while he still believed the hold is safe he would follow suit. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-16/banning-carotid-restraint-motivated-by-politics-more-than-policy-reformers-say

Tue, June 16, 2020

Inside San Diego's largest homeless shelter | Gary Warth

Life inside San Diego’s largest homeless shelter can be tranquil, relaxing and friendly. And it could be a place where women are frightened by men who leer at them. Where possessions often go missing. Where sleep is disturbed every night by the sound of someone screaming. Perhaps it’s no surprise that 1,300 people living at the city’s largest homeless shelter — in the San Diego Convention Center — are not going to have a shared experience. Depending on who you ask, the bathrooms are either horrible or the best part of the shelter. The effort to find people permanent housing is either running smoothly or at a snail’s pace. The days can be tedious or can be pleasant and peaceful. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/homelessness/story/2020-06-13/1-300-under-one-roof-at-convention-center-shelter

Tue, June 16, 2020

Diary of a recovery: University & Euclid | Joshua Emerson Smith

Will life in the neighborhood around Euclid and University avenues quickly return to normal? Or will it take weeks, or months? Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-06-14/reopening-san-diego-coronavirus-diary

Fri, June 12, 2020

More businesses open today. Here's what you need to know | Lori Weisberg

After almost three long and lonely months, San Diego County residents are legally cleared to meet their friends for a drink, take a date to a museum or the zoo, visit a campground with the family and hit the gym to work off those quarantine pounds. Today marks the biggest reopening since county health officials began shutting down businesses and events in mid-March to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and it marks a return to some of the most-missed social connections and activities. But the slow return to normalcy does not mean things are quite normal. Many institutions will not be ready to open today. When they do, expect to make a reservation for the gym or a museum, don’t expect to see any animal acts at the zoo, and you might have your temperature checked when you enter many places, including some that are going to seem rather empty because of new capacity restrictions. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-06-12/the-worlds-reopening-heres-what-to-expect

Thu, June 11, 2020

Faulconer: SDPD will mandate de-escalation | Alex Riggins

Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced Wednesday that San Diego Police Department officials are developing a new de-escalation policy, which a department spokesman said should be implemented by next week. The Police Department currently trains its officers in de-escalation techniques and has language addressing the approach — emphasizing that officers do all they can to avoid a physical confrontation — in its use-of-force procedure. But the new standalone policy “will be more robust,” Faulconer said during a Wednesday afternoon news conference. Faulconer said the new policy will give “officers clear rules of the road on how to safely control a situation, and resolve it, with lower levels of force.”

Wed, June 10, 2020

La Mesa police release timeline of the May 30 protest | David Hernandez

La Mesa police on Tuesday released a step-by-step account of what happened when a peaceful protest against racial injustice and police brutality more than a week ago turned into riots marked by fires, vandalism and looting. The timeline was pieced together from entries La Mesa police dispatchers made in a computer system as the May 30 protest unfolded in the heart of the city. It paints a picture of a large demonstration that gradually turned violent, at first within pockets of protest crowds, then more widespread as night fell. The information is the clearest, albeit incomplete, account to date from La Mesa police of how they say the unrest unfolded and how law enforcement officers responded. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-09/la-mesa-releases-account-of-protest-that-turned-riotous

Tue, June 09, 2020

San Diego youth emerge as protest organizers | Lyndsay Winkley

When Ariel Gibbs arrived last Sunday morning at the Hall of Justice, the place where her protest was set to begin in downtown San Diego, she paused and turned to a friend. “Wow,” she said. She could not believe how many people showed up to march alongside her to demand justice for George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer in Minnesota knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. By 10 a.m., there were about 100 people present. Throughout the day, the crowd that gathered would grow to more than 1,000. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-07/as-protests-continue-across-the-county-a-new-generation-of-organizers-is-emerging

Mon, June 08, 2020

So you want to defund the police? | John Wilkens

Protest signs are meant to be provocative, but these were especially so: “Abolish the police.” They showed up in San Diego and across the country over the past two weeks as thousands of Americans took to the streets to condemn the May 25 killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by a white police officer who knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest over a counterfeit $20 bill. As far-fetched as the protest signs seem, they are part of a growing national debate that’s moved beyond the usual calls for change — better training, more diversity, increased accountability — to openly question the fundamental purpose of police in society. Are the officers guardians, or are they warriors?

Fri, June 05, 2020

The politics of policing in San Diego | Michael Smolens

Mayor Kevin Faulconer and his appointed police chief, David Nisleit, on Monday announced SDPD will immediately stop using the carotid restraint. The neck hold used to subdue people has come to be viewed as dangerous and unnecessary, and minority groups in particular have condemned it. Other police departments increasingly have abandoned the practice. San Diego police officials had continually defended the tactic, as they did in an in-depth article last year by Lyndsay Winkley of The San Diego Union-Tribune. The reversal was stunning enough. But Faulconer wasn’t done. Later on Monday, as protesters again marched downtown, he threw his support behind a 30-plus-year effort to establish an independent commission to investigate alleged police misconduct and examine police practices. “That is moving forward,” the Republican mayor said at a news conference. “It will be on the ballot. . . I look forward to giving it my full support.” Read the column: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2020-06-03/column-san-diego-moves-quickly-toward-police-reforms

Thu, June 04, 2020

San Diego Sheriff calls in National Guard in La Mesa | David Hernandez

San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore has requested the help of the California National Guard to support police in La Mesa and deputies around the county amid continuing protests calling for racial justice and police reform, according to sheriff’s officials. “San Diego County has requested the National Guard (to) assist with security in the region due to the recent civil unrest,” La Mesa city officials said in a statement Wednesday night. “A portion of them will be responding to La Mesa this evening. You may also see them throughout the county.” Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-04/sheriff-national-guard-troops-to-help-protect-critical-infrastructure-free-up-officers

Wed, June 03, 2020

Unrest in America: Where San Diego stands | Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

San Diego's protests following the death of George Floyd continue. The region is not immune to police brutality and racism, communities reporter Andrea Lopes-Villafaña discusses the state of things in the county. Follow the movement here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/topic/george-floyd

Tue, June 02, 2020

SDPD bans the carotid restraint | Lyndsay Winkley, Teri Figueroa

On the heels of protests over the death of George Floyd, the San Diego Police Department announced it would stop using a controversial neck restraint that a U-T analysis found is disproportionately used on black San Diegans. Floyd, a black man, died after a white officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Learn more from Public Safety reporter Teri Figueroa and Watchdog reporter Lyndsay Winkley. Read more here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2020-06-01/san-diego-police-end-use-carotid-restraint-effective-immediately

Tue, June 02, 2020

San Diego joins protests following the death of George Floyd | Kate Morrissey

After spending most of the afternoon in a standoff with police in downtown San Diego, protesters calling for justice for black people killed by police found a place to breathe. They suddenly turned away from the officers who had fired tear gas, flashbangs and less-lethal ammunition at them and made their way to the County Administration Building, where the group of roughly 1,000 held a moment of silence for more than six minutes. Speakers called for unity and end to racial inequity in policing. “Black lives matter now and forever,” one man said, addressing the crowd through a megaphone.

Fri, May 29, 2020

Local auto sales are rebounding despite COVID-19 | Rob Nikolewski

The more upbeat tone in San Diego has been mirrored across the state. All 160 dealers who responded to a survey released Wednesday by the California New Car Dealers Association said their showrooms are open and 94 percent reported increased traffic. “There’s a lot of pent-up business,” said Campos, who estimated his dealership has brought back about 90 of the roughly 100 employees it laid off or furloughed. “Customers are tired of being locked up indoors, they’ve been wanting to buy a car for months.” But the survey also highlighted the financial impact of the shutdown. Since mid-March, 54.5 percent of the dealers reported decreases in sales of between 30 to 60 percent. Another 25 percent said sales had fallen between 60 and 80 percent. “Those are Great Recession numbers,” said Brian Maas, the president of the new car dealers group. “And it took 2 1/2 years for that drop to occur and this happened in eight weeks.” Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-05-29/heres-how-san-diego-car-dealers-are-selling-cars-now-that-theyre-emerging-from-pandemic-lockdown

Fri, May 29, 2020

Could poop be the key to see where COVID-19 is going to hit? | Lyndsay Winkley

Most of what we know about COVID-19 comes after people are infected, but current science suggests that fecal matter can show where outbreaks hit before people become symptomatic.

Wed, May 27, 2020

With no county fair, the Del Mar Fairgrounds asks Congress for cash | Phil Diehl

The Del Mar Fairgrounds needs you, according to a new website saveyourfairgrounds.com created to spread the notion that without financial assistance the state-owned property could be closed. Fairgrounds officials are urging residents to write their elected officials in support of $20 million the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which runs the facility, has requested in federal economic aid for state and local agencies affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. If you need a sample letter, the website provides one. Same with email and tweets. Or you can telephone your representative, share your fairgrounds photos, or buy a fairgrounds printed tee-shirt. The talent that normally markets the San Diego County Fair, cancelled this year because of the pandemic, is recruiting people to help push for financial aid.

Tue, May 26, 2020

Did San Diego follow the rules this Memorial Day weekend? | Tarcy Connors, Sam Hodgson

It was a Memorial Day unlike any in memory. But the spirit was the same. Be it donning masks and watching video on a flight deck without crowds, joining a parade of cars, or feeding hungry veterans, San Diego County — home to the highest concentration of the nation’s military personnel — honored its fallen heroes Monday with socially-distant, pandemic-shaped tributes. “It’s not about the audience, it’s not about the pomp and circumstance,” Navy Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar said during a gathering at the USS Midway Museum. “It’s about what’s in your heart and honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.” And San Diego’s beaches — the region’s other usual Memorial Day gathering site — saw plenty of people, including some who had to be shooed along for trying to get together in defiance of state and county orders.

Fri, May 22, 2020

We're in Stage 2. What happens now? | Greg Moran

Before San Diego County could allow some restaurants and shops to welcome customers again, it first had to show state officials in myriad ways that it was prepared to handle a broader reopening of society amid the coronavirus pandemic. That proof is contained in a 188-page application filed with the state, full of details on health care system capacity and the steps the county has taken to both combat the outbreak, and get prepared if infections surge again. While county officials have kept up a steady stream of information on the pandemic, primarily through news conferences held daily for more than a month up to this week, the report provides a new level of detail — including specific metrics surrounding case totals and hospital capacity that, if triggered, could prompt authorities to scale back the reopening, or even plunge the county back into lockdown. Read the story here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-05-21/county-stage-2-plan-detailed-readiness-to-reopen-triggers-that-could-lead-to The full report: https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/44/65/4a08ea09451fa513d37c80b4f39b/cosd-covid-attestation-and-containment-final-rev-05-19-2020.pdf Programming note: The next episode will be Tuesday.

Fri, May 22, 2020

San Diego didn't have a COVID surge. El Centro did. | Paul Sisson

A brigade of ambulances, in the air and on the ground, worked through the day Wednesday to take the pressure off of El Centro Regional Medical Center, which has found itself at ground zero in a cross-border surge of COVID-19 patients that threatened to overwhelm the inland region’s two main hospitals. Officials announced Tuesday morning that they were diverting all ambulance deliveries of additional COVID-19 patients to facilities in San Diego and Riverside counties, but those measures had been removed early Wednesday at El Centro Regional and neighboring Pioneers Memorial Hospital in nearby Brawley. Hospitals all along California’s southern border have seen increasing emergency traffic and hospital admissions in recent weeks, and many have linked the slow surge to significant and deadly outbreaks underway in Mexico. While COVID-19 patient counts have been up and down at hospitals in Chula Vista, a clear and fierce surge arrived in Imperial County over the weekend, flooding emergency rooms for days. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-05-20/help-on-the-way-imperial-hospitals-drop-covid-diversion-even-as-they-continue-transferring-patients

Wed, May 20, 2020

COVID-19 hasn't yet sickened the luxury real estate market | Philip Molnar

What is happening in the luxury market does not reflect housing as a whole in San Diego County. While the median home price has hardly moved since the crisis began, around $590,000, housing insecurity has only increased in recent months as thousands of San Diegans have lost jobs and reported trouble paying rent . Read about an estate for sale in Alpine: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-05-18/looking-to-escape-covid-check-out-this-8-9m-ranch-in-alpine Watch the video here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/1fenmrn9kom-123

Tue, May 19, 2020

Retailers, restaurateurs prepare to reopen | Lori Weisberg, Brittany Meiling

San Diego County supervisors gave the go-ahead Tuesday for the county to accelerate its entrance into Stage 2 of reopening, which will allow retail shopping and restaurants to cater to in-person patrons while abiding by social-distancing guidelines to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Additionally, the board voted 4-1 to make a request to the governor to launch a pilot program for reopening some Stage 3 activities in the county as well including some youth sports and clubs, outdoor religious services, research labs, and therapeutic and peer support groups of less than 10 individuals. The pilot, if approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would also allow salons and fitness facilities in San Diego County to operate at 25 percent capacity by appointment only, as well as open up pools at HOA/Condominium/Apartment complexes at 25 percent capacity. Supervisor Nathan Fletcher was the lone supervisor to vote against pursuing the pilot program, saying that since the county hadn’t yet fully implemented Stage 2, it wasn’t time to move toward Stage 3.

Tue, May 19, 2020

Policing in the age of COVID-19 | David Hernandez

Faced with a new threat in the line of duty, police officers and sheriff’s deputies have had to adjust to unprecedented work conditions. Tasked with responding to constant violations of ever-changing county orders — like unpermitted activity at beaches and parks, even sizable protests against the orders — in addition to the usual crimes, they gear up in masks and gloves, among other precautions, to subdue the unseen culprit behind the pandemic.

Bonus · Sat, May 16, 2020

Name Drop San Diego: Ellen Ochoa

Ellen Ochoa is a local and graduate of San Diego State University who became an astronaut and director of the Johnson Space Center. On this episode, she talks about her early days with NASA, how she lived and worked in space, where NASA is headed next and more. Subscribe to Name Drop here: https://link.chtbl.com/follow

Sat, May 16, 2020

UCSD begins testing its students for COVID-19 | Gary Robbins

UC San Diego says it got off to a solid start during its first week of mass testing students for the novel coronavirus, with more than 300 undergraduates volunteering for the program by late Thursday. The figure could rise to around 500 — the goal for the week — when Friday’s figures are calculated. The university hopes to test up to 5,000 of its residential students during a three-week period. The so-called “Return to Learn” project is part of an effort to largely open the campus to in-person classes during the fall quarter, which begins in September. UCSD is the first major research university in the U.S. to begin mass testing students for a virus that has killed nearly 90,000 people nationwide. Students must volunteer for the self-administered tests, which generally take less than 10 minutes to complete. Results are typically available with 24 hours. Campus officials are using social media and word-of-mouth campaigns to recruit students for the program, which might be offered to all of UCSD’s 65,000 students, faculty and staff if it proves to be successful. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-05-05/uc-san-diego-to-mass-test-its-students-for-the-novel-coronavirus

Fri, May 15, 2020

Can he do that? Pandemic raises questions about limits to Newsom's power | Greg Moran

It was another Wednesday in California’s long lockdown spring, and late in the day Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off on Executive Order N-54-20. The four pages of text began with seven “whereas” clauses laying out the reasons and purpose for what followed: a dozen densely worded paragraphs, suspending timelines and waiving requirements embedded in obscure corners of state regulations, from the Vehicle Code to the Public Resources Code. The April 22 order was one of more than three dozen such orders Newsom has churned out since March 3, when he declared a state of emergency because of the coronavirus pandemic that has since killed 2,546 residents and sickened tens of thousands more. With the Legislature not in Sacramento since mid-March, Newsom has effectively been a one-man government, and the executive orders have largely been the vehicle he has used. The Assembly returned on May 4 and the Senate is due back Monday which will likely bring governance back to something resembling what it was before the pandemic with more input from legislators.

Wed, May 13, 2020

Two hate incidents bring back memories of "Klantee" | Karen Pearlman

For years the East County city of Santee has tried to fix its image. Racial incidents have occurred in the community, earning it the nickname “Klantee” Local leaders have been trying to prove that these monikers aren’t representative of the community, but two recent incidents have made that more difficult. A man went shopping in a Santee Vons wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood, and another person wore a mask adorned with a swastika. During this pandemic, racial and anti-Semitic actions are particularly troubling because economic downturns and other disasters have preceded systematic targeting of minorities in the past.

Tue, May 12, 2020

Who is organizing anti-shutdown protests in San Diego? | Joshua Emerson Smith

A group calling itself We Have Rights has recently started organizing large back-to-work protests throughout California, calling on state and local leaders to end social-distancing orders aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The group, which popped up in just the last two weeks, has a professional-looking website and growing social media presence, which provide details for upcoming events, instructions for dealing with the media, highly produced Instagram videos, as well as T-shirts and other branded merchandise for sale. The campaign — which turned out hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters from San Diego to Sacramento starting May 1 and continuing through this weekend — also has had a charismatic front woman with something of a controversial past: 38-year-old Vivienne Nicole Reign. Reign, who has been living with her husband in a $3 million home in Newport Beach, according to legal documents, is currently embroiled in legal challenges concerning several neuropathy treatment clinics she owns and operates with a chiropractor. The defendants have maintained their innocence, denying claims brought by former clients of medical negligence, financial elder abuse and fraud. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-05-10/woman-spearheaded-californias-back-to-work-protests

Tue, May 12, 2020

How the Otay Mesa Detention Center became a COVID hotspot | Kate Morrissey

Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the past week has released 65 more detainees from Otay Mesa Detention Center who are medically vulnerable to COVID-19, a government attorney said during a court hearing Friday. There are still more inside. Under court order in a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, ICE identified a list of 131 people total in its custody at the facility who are medically vulnerable. The agency had released two detainees by its first check-in with U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw on Monday. Sabraw had ordered ICE to review cases at the facility — which has the biggest outbreak in San Diego County as well as in immigration detention nationwide — and release as many of the medical vulnerable as possible. Some of those who haven’t yet been released are waiting for medical clearance because they either have already tested positive for the novel coronavirus or they are waiting for results. Two still need sponsors to live with in order to be released. Read more:

Bonus · Sat, May 09, 2020

Name Drop San Diego — Jon Foreman

Jon Foreman is a musician, writer, surfer, philanthropist and San Diego local. In this episode, he talks about the early days of Switchfoot, how he stays creative, his favorite surf spots and more. Subscribe here: https://link.chtbl.com/follow

Fri, May 08, 2020

What it's like to be tested for COVID-19 | Gary Warth

Publicly funded testing for COVID-19 in San Diego County had been reserved for people who had been referred to a testing site by a medical provider. That changed Tuesday when new state-fund testing sites opened in Escondido, Grossmont College in El Cajon and at a closed Sears in Chula Vista. Expanding tests to people without symptoms will be a way for the county to better track the spread of the virus, and the new sites together have a capacity of performing almost 800 tests daily. The state contracted with Optum, which is part of UnitedHealth Group, to find 80 locations in California for the sites, and Optum has contracted with labs to get results from samples collected. The wait for results usually is 48 to 72 hours.

Thu, May 07, 2020

Cruise ships plan to set sail in the fall. Should they? | Lori Weisberg

In recent weeks, mammoth ocean liners have been moving in and out of San Diego’s downtown harbor, a welcome sign, in normal times, of a thriving cruise industry pumping tens of millions of dollars into the local economy. But these are not ordinary times. Far from signaling prosperity, the three Celebrity and Disney ships that are intermittently parked alongside San Diego’s waterfront are grim reminders of a global industry abruptly idled by the coronavirus, sickening people on land — and at sea. Instead of readying the ships docked here for future voyages to the Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal, the cruise lines are grappling with how to return hundreds of crew members still on board to their home countries in the Philippines and India. A few of the crew remain infected with the COVID-19 illness. Where the Port of San Diego had forecast about 104 cruise calls accounting for 338,000 passengers through the end of its current cruise season this month, those numbers have now plunged by 30 percent since cruising was closed for business March 14 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The economic hit is estimated to be more than $50 million. While the CDC’s extended “no sail order” isn’t due to expire until the end of July — well ahead of the scheduled fall start of San Diego’s new cruise season — no one really knows for sure when cruising, in whatever revamped form it takes, will resume. Major cruise lines last week began canceling many summer and fall sailings but not in San Diego. Long before the coronavirus crash, port officials here had been anticipating a robust 135 cruise calls, accounting for close to half a million passengers, for the 2020-21 cruise season.

Wed, May 06, 2020

Are San Diego’s retail stores actually reopening Friday? | Brittany Meiling

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Monday announcement about the reopening of some retail businesses by Friday had both shoppers and shop owners anticipating a swift change in San Diego County. But concerns are rising as to whether any changes will come to fruition. Newsom announced yesterday that low-risk retail companies such as bookstores, music stores, toy shops, florists, sporting goods retailers and others can reopen for curbside service Friday under guidelines to be announced Thursday. This has led to some confusion, though, as many aren’t clear which stores are considered low-risk and which aren’t — and no clarifications will be made until the day before shops are allowed to reopen, government officials said. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/retail/story/2020-05-05/are-san-diegos-retail-stores-actually-reopening-friday-countys-new-guidelines-may-not-change-much

Wed, May 06, 2020

ER usage is down during COVID-19. That's not good news. | Paul Sisson

County data show that the total number of daily emergency visits for all local hospitals since mid-March, when stay-at-home orders took effect, has dropped 40 percent on average when compared to rates for the same time frame last year. Though it is unclear exactly how many are paying the price, a recent spike in death-related emergency calls in San Diego County, despite the overall death rate appearing to hold steady, suggests that the individual reports emerging from the front lines, not just in San Diego but nationwide, are important warning signs that people are delaying needed medical care during the pandemic. No one in public health seems to disagree. Just last week, Dr. Eric McDonald, the county’s epidemiology director, made a heartfelt plea during a daily COVID-19 briefing for patients not to ignore worrying symptoms. Similar pleas have been made by other public health officials, including Dr. Nick Yphantides, the county’s chief medical officer, and by individual hospitals and health care systems. County data show that, from March 15 through April 26, hospitals throughout the county handled an average of 1,129 fewer emergency cases per day compared to 2019. It adds up to more than 48,000 fewer emergency visits than were seen across all local hospitals during the same span in 2018 and 2019. Read more here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-05-04/covid-fear-hurting-san-diegans-in-need-of-emergency-care

Tue, May 05, 2020

What it is like to be homeless during COVID-19 | Gary Warth

While county residents are told to stay inside during the COVID-19 outbreak, thousands of people still have no home in which to shelter. Instead, they are sleeping in doorways, in canyons and sometimes crowding together on sidewalks. While San Diego County’s homeless population has not been hit hard by the virus, with no deaths from COVID-19 and a small percentage testing positive for the coronavirus, the population is considered especially vulnerable because many are older and in poor health. On the streets of downtown San Diego or in riverbed encampments, many are very aware of the health risk and are wearing facial coverings and washing their hands whenever possible. Others shrug when asked if they are concerned, with some saying they feel safer outdoors and others dismissing the outbreak as unreal. Read more here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/homelessness/story/2020-05-04/county-works-to-protect-unsheltered-homeless-from-spread-of-coronavirus

Bonus · Sat, May 02, 2020

Introducing: "Name Drop"

“Name Drop San Diego” is a new, weekly podcast from The San Diego Union-Tribune that celebrates the people who have shaped San Diego and been shaped by it. Each episode, you’ll get an up close and personal look at a San Diegan you should know, or meet a fascinating new personality to name drop to your friends. In Season 1, just to name drop a little, you’ll hear from Jon Foreman, the lead singer of Switchfoot; Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space; and Ralph Rubio, founder of the SoCal staple, Rubio’s Coastal Grill. You’ll learn a lot. You’ll learn where Foreman’s favorite surf spots are and what Ochoa took with her into space. Our guests will also name drop other San Diegans they think you should know. “We’d play shows all over San Diego and all the other bands would be cheering each other on,” Foreman said in an upcoming episode about how San Diego made an impact on Switchfoot’s early success. “San Diego always felt like a comradery and that is a huge part of why we are who we are, that we felt the support of our hometown, our peers, our heroes…” The Union-Tribune’s Abby Hamblin and Kristy Totten will be your hosts for these compelling conversations with interesting and inspiring people who live in San Diego or who left to influence other places worldwide. Join us as we get to know the people who make San Diego proud. Subscribe here: https://link.chtbl.com/follow

Sat, May 02, 2020

COVID-19 is infecting Latinos more than white people. Here's why. | Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

In San Diego County there's a racial disparity in who is testing positive for COVID-19. As of Thursday afternoon, 52 percent of all cases were among Hispanic and Latino people, despite being only 35 percent of the population. See more detailed case data here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/tracking-coronavirus-cases-san-diego-county

Fri, May 01, 2020

California schools might reopen as early as July | Kristen Taketa

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to start next school year earlier, as soon as late July, but San Diego school leaders emphasize that’s not going to happen unless a lot of other things happen first — including ramped up coronavirus testing, plans for physical distancing and even blended learning in schools. “Just putting out there a specific starting time is probably not helpful,” said San Diego Unified School Board Vice President Richard Barrera. “What’s more helpful is to keep emphasizing these are the conditions that need to be in place before we can start to reopen.” Some school leaders voiced skepticism of the idea. Poway Unified Superintendent Marian Phelps told families in a message Wednesday that an earlier school year is not likely. “We have some major questions that need to be answered before we consider physically re-opening schools, such as maintaining the health and safety of our students and staff,” Phelps said. “Additionally, school calendars take a great deal of planning and coordination; any changes also could have major fiscal implications.” Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-04-30/governors-suggestion-for-early-school-year-draws-mixed-reactions

Thu, April 30, 2020

Starting May 1, you're going to need to wear a mask outside | Pam Kragen

Wearing a mask is mandatory when you are outside starting May 1 in San Diego County. Reporter Pam Kragen discusses the details of the new rules, as well as provides suggestions about where to get masks or facial coverings.

Wed, April 29, 2020

North County leaders call for businesses to reopen soon | Phil Diehl

North County leaders want the region to push harder against the state’s mandatory stay-at-home order that forced many nonessential businesses to close. During a Tuesday teleconference, county Supervisor Jim Desmond and five mayors stressed the toll the coronavirus pandemic has taken on their economies. People are suffering without jobs, they said, and shuttered businesses are more than willing to use the same precautions currently being employed by essential businesses like grocery stores to reopen safely. “If you go to Walmart right now, you’re not having your temperature taken, but you’re maintaining social distancing, you’re wearing a mask, you’re following the rules,” said Oceanside Councilman Chris Rodriguez, adding: “Business are creative, and they’re going to follow the rules because we all need to work together to get through this. ... We have to demand from the state to allow these businesses that are essential to our economy to open.” Currently, the state’s health order dictates which businesses can be open. Although no county decision could lawfully supersede those regulations, officials could more aggressively lobby that Gov. Gavin Newsom allow the region to decide for itself how and when it reopens. “The state has granted local authority in certain areas,” Desmond said. “We’ve seen that with real estate agents, we’ve seen that with gun stores … so this is to put North County on the record saying, ‘We’re ready to do what it takes to start opening businesses.’ ” Rodriguez went further, suggesting the region should be prepared to get creative should the state choose not to lift existing regulations.

Mon, April 27, 2020

San Diego County's beaches are now open | Paul Sisson

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday criticized Californians who defied the statewide stay-at-home order and flocked to beaches this past weekend, saying that ignoring restrictions could prolong the spread of the coronavirus in the state. Newsom’s comments come after thousands of beachgoers descended on the coast in Orange and Ventura counties despite his pleas last week to avoid the temptation of doing so during the warm weekend. “This virus doesn’t take the weekends off,” Newsom said during his daily COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento. “The only thing that will set us back is people stopping to practice physical distancing and appropriate social distancing. That’s the only thing that’s going to slow down our ability to reopen this economy.”

Fri, April 24, 2020

South Bay emerges as COVID-19 epicenter | Gustavo Solis

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the South Bay, local officials want to see more testing to slow the spread. “At this point, we are losing our patience,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas during a Thursday news conference. “We want answers and we want to know specifically what is being done in the county and state level to protect our citizens.” The mayors of National City and Imperial Beach, as well as San Diego Councilwoman Vivian Moreno, who represents District 8, joined Salas in shining a spotlight on what is going on in the southern half of the county. “What’s clear is that residents of south San Diego County are suffering disproportionately from this crisis,” said Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. “We want to make sure that all of our residents are protected.” Read more here . Also, read more about how hospitals in Chula Vista are faring, here

Thu, April 23, 2020

Why San Diego should start reopening parks for solo exercise | Mark Zeigler

U-T Sports columnist Mark Zeiger argues that outdoor recreation should be the next phase of reopening, in order to keep San Diegans healthy. Read the column here .

Thu, April 23, 2020

Behind the decision to reopen San Diego parks | David Garrick

The local death toll jumped by 15 souls Tuesday, as the new case count in San Diego County hit triple digits for the first time since April 4, according to the latest daily COVID-19 update from the county health department. Though the newly announced deaths did not occur on a single day, they none-the-less show that talk of rapidly opening shut-down parts of the economy and sidelined social and recreational resources too quickly should be expected to backfire, officials said. County supervisor Nathan Fletcher made his daily effort to convey that those keeping these orders in effect in the face of public protest over the weekend are doing so out of a desire to prevent a deadly resurgence in cases such has the one now underway in Singapore. “They’re not out of a desire to infringe; they’re out of a desire to protect,” Fletcher said. Read more here .

Wed, April 22, 2020

What happens when the price of oil drops below $0 | Rob Nikolewski

Unprecedented times led to an unprecedented event in the energy sector Monday. For the first time in U.S. history, the futures price for domestic crude oil not only dropped to zero, it fell into negative territory. In essence, buyers paid sellers not to deliver oil because there is no place to store all the crude that has piled up around the world, including California, as the COVID-19 pandemic has decapitated demand. With no specific timeline in place to lift coronoavirus restrictions, fuel experts say gasoline prices will continue to fall — although there are few drivers in position to take advantage of it — and oil producers in the Golden State say they face an increasingly uncertain future. Read more here .

Tue, April 21, 2020

Decoding the science of antibodies | Jonathan Wosen

As scientists and doctors scramble to track the scope and severity of COVID-19, antibodies have become something of a buzzword. Here are five things you need to know about coronavirus antibodies, including how and why scientists — many of them in San Diego — are studying them, and why some think they might be the key to reopening the economy. Read more here . ***** Listen to Victoria Robertson's porch concert here .

Sat, April 18, 2020

Coronavirus update: Businesses worry about the "how" of opening back up| Phil Molnar, Brittany Meiling

San Diego is closed for business — but it won't be forever. Recently announced federal guidelines suggest that some doors will open sooner rather than later, leaving local proprietors and landlords in the tricky position of needing to make room for radical change right away.In a press conference Thursday, President Donald Trump revealed a three-phase plan to reopen businesses, starting when each state meets a threshold of coronavirus case decline. Reopening would begin with restaurants, movie theaters and sporting venues. Later on, worksites and schools will reopen — all with appropriate social distancing. Some states, like Texas and Florida , are expected to begin reopening as early as late April, while others will wait longer.That means, across the county, human resource staffers and business owners are already huddling remotely to write a new rule book for returning to work or play. They have large blanks to fill in because there's only one certainty: Leave-your-home life will, for the foreseeable future, be different than what we experienced in the days before COVID-19 upended everyday life.

Thu, April 16, 2020

Coronavirus update: San Diego International Airport may delay Terminal 1 expansion | Lori Weisberg

With less than half the scheduled flights taking off here in early April and more of the same anticipated as the coronavirus scare plays out across the world, San Diego’s international airport is facing a deep dive in monthly revenues that is forcing it to slash expenses and possibly delay the start late next year of a $3 billion project to expand its aging Terminal 1 . The airport’s largest airline, Southwest, has already cut by half the number of flights scheduled across its system in June, and by Wednesday, all three of San Diego’s once-popular overseas flights — to London, Frankfurt and Japan — will have ended. Even more startling are stats released by the Transportation Security Administration, which reported that officers screened just 102,184 people at U.S. airport checkpoints on Monday — a nearly 96 percent drop from the nearly 2.5 million who went through security on the same day in 2019. No figures are available by airport, but in San Diego, a little more than 400,000 passengers boarded planes during the month of March, compared to well over twice that a year earlier, the Airport Authority reported. Read more here .

Thu, April 16, 2020

Coronavirus update: Inmates fear COVID-19 outbreak | Jeff McDonald

Inmates and their family members say conditions are more serious than department officials have acknowledged. Among other problems, they cite a persistent lack of virus testing and inadequate protective gear and medical care. As of April 9 the department had tested 62 inmates for the coronavirus — just over 0.13 percent of the people in custody and 16 more than the 46 tested by April 3. Department officials say they are taking every reasonable precaution to keep COVID-19 from infiltrating the jails, including issuing masks to employees and inmates. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2020-04-12/theyre-filthy-inmates-decry-lack-of-clean-masks-testing-conditions-in-san-diego-jails

Tue, April 14, 2020

Coronavirus update: COVID-19 derails transit plans | Joshua Emerson Smith

Public transit was shaping up to have a banner year in 2020 — from a tax proposal to massively expand bus and trolley service to the unveiling of a vision for an entirely new commuter rail system. Now those efforts could be, at least temporarily, derailed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic that continues to grip California and much of the world. The reality stings all the more since bus and trolley ridership in San Diego had been climbing in recent months , bucking a years-long trend impacting systems nationwide. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/transportation/story/2020-04-10/coronavirus-threatens-to-derail-san-diegos-plans-to-expand-public-transit

Mon, April 13, 2020

Coronavirus update: Feared "surge" of COVID-19 hospitalizations spared hospitals | Paul Sisson

They’ve built special wards, literally punching holes in their walls and snaking ventilation pipes through their halls to make their rooms ready to receive COVID-19 patients. They’ve conserved personal protective equipment, and they’ve canceled most elective procedures, inconveniencing their own patients in ways that will surely take months to untangle. But, as Easter arrived, the expected surge of patients with novel coronavirus infections still has not swamped local emergency rooms and intensive care units across San Diego County though news came this weekend that many hospitals in Baja California now have more patients than they can handle. As of Saturday afternoon, the county public health department has tallied just 396 total hospitalizations since Feb. 14, nowhere near the number that would be needed to inundate the combined capacity of the region’s 21 acute care hospitals which, taken together, exceeds 7,000 beds. But that does not mean that the burden has fallen evenly on San Diego’s houses of healing. Hospitals in Escondido, San Diego and Chula Vista, visited Friday, had similar but distinct COVID experiences.

Fri, April 10, 2020

Coronavirus update: The Navy's COVID-19 chaos | Andrew Dyer

In just one week, the Acting Secretary of the Navy has resigned following an outbreak of COVID-19 on an aircraft carrier, and now about 10% of its sailors are confirmed to have the virus. How the Navy is handling this pandemic. Stories: Almost 1 in 10 Theodore Roosevelt sailors tested positive for COVID-19 Theft of masks, sanitizer at Naval Medical Center San Diego lead to bag checks for staff Sailor aboard hospital ship Mercy tests positive for COVID-19 Acting Navy secretary resigns after controversial comments to aircraft carrier crew The San Diego Union-Tribune is providing some coronavirus content for free during the pandemic.

Fri, April 10, 2020

Coronavirus update: COVID-19 Q&A | Morgan Cook

Reporter Morgan Cook answers questions readers submitted about the virus.

Thu, April 09, 2020

Coronavirus update: What schools are doing to prevent "Zoombombing" | Kristen Taketa

Zoom is one of the most popular videoconferencing tools being used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers nationwide are using it to hold remote classes while schools remain physically closed. But stories of so-called “Zoombombing” like Armstrong’s highlight some of the security risks that come into play when school districts nationwide are forced to quickly switch instruction to online formats because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoombombing is loosely defined as people harassing others, spewing abuse or showing inappropriate content on Zoom, such as racist language or profanity. Zoombombing reports have prompted some school districts and agencies to ban Zoom, including New York City schools, the largest school district in the country. NASA, SpaceX and the Taiwanese government also stopped using Zoom. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2020-04-08/san-diego-zoombombing-incident-highlights-need-for-schools-to-use-safety-controls

Tue, April 07, 2020

Coronavirus update: More tests are available countywide, but not enough to test everyone | Paul Sisson

San Diego County’s collective COVID-19 testing capacity now exceeds 1,200 per day, with significantly more resources poised to come online in the next few weeks. But, while the group of people throughout the region who can get tested quickly has gradually increased, supply shortages continue to force rationing. Just Wednesday, in a notice to all local physicians, San Diego County’s public health department reiterated that testing should be offered only to those with symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization and to people with higher-than-average infection risk. Those who are age 65 and older, have a chronic health condition, live in a group home or have a high-risk job are also on the short list for testing. For everybody else, especially otherwise healthy people with mild to moderate symptoms, the advice continues to be stay home even if that means day after day spent anxiously wondering whether it is coronavirus, or some other microscopic malcontent, causing their illness. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-04-05/only-testing-will-set-us-free

Tue, April 07, 2020

Coronavirus update: Survivors describe what its like to have COVID-19 |Morgan Cook

In the days after the March 3 primary, Democratic political insiders met to socialize and organize for what was expected to be a bruising November contest. They were unaware that a far more formidable opponent was already in their midst. Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Padilla was the first among his political circle to announce he had fallen ill with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Within a week of Padilla’s March 14 announcement, he was fighting for his life, and another person in the circle, Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, was critically ill in intensive care. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/story/2020-04-05/whats-it-like-to-have-covid-19 Watch the episode of the COVID diaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhSzg0qHdSk

Sat, April 04, 2020

Coronavirus update: Understanding the data behind the pandemic | Lauryn Schroeder

San Diego County Health officials have been releasing a trove of data in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. This data, however, has its caveats.

Fri, April 03, 2020

Coronavirus update: Flu numbers suggest social distancing may be working | Paul Sisson

Weekly flu report results released Wednesday morning show that both leaders have a good reason to believe that it is possible for the curve to bend significantly in the coming days and weeks. The report shows a precipitous drop in the number of flu cases reported to the county health department last week, and similar sudden effects were felt last week at Rady Children’s Hospital for all respiratory viruses, not just the flu. Last week, a total of 90 confirmed flu cases were reported countywide, an 84 percent decrease in the previous week’s total of 583 cases, and a 71 percent decrease when compared to the prior three-year average of 310 cases observed in the fourth week of March. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-04-01/social-distancing-working-san-diego

Thu, April 02, 2020

Coronavirus update: Empty Convention Center turned into homeless shelter | Gary Warth

The San Diego Convention Center officially became the city’s newest emergency shelter on Wednesday, a move that aims to slow the spread of COVID-19 among homeless San Diegans. The doors opened a day after county officials announced that three sheltered individuals had tested positive for COVID-19, the first known cases to involve homeless San Diegans. People currently living in two of the city’s bridge shelters will be the first to move in. “I’m glad that we can use this community asset to serve our neighbors in need,” said Rip Rippetoe, president of the San Diego Convention Center. The decision to re-purpose the convention center — dubbed “Operation Shelter to Home” — was announced last week. With the extra space the center will provide, city officials and shelter workers will be able to better space homeless individuals, ensuring social-distancing guidelines are adhered to. It will also allow the city to convert its existing bridge shelters into locations that provide health screenings and other services to people living outdoors. Bob McElroy, president of Alpha Project, said 260 men and 170 women from the city’s bridge shelters will be bused to the convention center throughout Wednesday. Each person can take two bins for personal items that will fit under their cots. Larger overflow bins will remain at the bridge shelter sites, and people will be shuttled back if they need to retrieve something.

Wed, April 01, 2020

Coronavirus update: Capt. to Navy - "Sailors don't need to die" from virus | Andrew Dyer

The captain of the San Diego-based aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, in port in Guam fighting a coronavirus outbreak among its crew, says that unless the Navy takes immediate action to isolate the crew off the ship, COVID-19 will continue to spread and “there will be losses,” he wrote in a letter sent Sunday to Pacific Fleet commanders. Read the story here . Original story from the San Francisco Chronicle .

Tue, March 31, 2020

Coronavirus update: How will our lives change after the pandemic? | John Wilkens

If there’s a light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, it’s faint. Most of our eyes are still adjusting to the darkness. No one knows how long this will last, or what the final toll will be — in lives, in economic turmoil, in changes to the world as we knew it. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-03-29/end-of-coronavirus-pandemic-what-will-new-normal-look-like

Sat, March 28, 2020

Coronavirus update: Grocery stores batten the hatches, enforce social distancing | Brittany Meiling

San Diego shoppers are noticing curious new fixtures in grocery stores this week: thick sheets of Plexiglas separating clerks from customers. These physical shields are called "sneeze guards," and they appear to be the new normal in supermarkets everywhere. As of Friday, sneeze guards are installed at Walmart, Albertson's, Von's, the Baron's Market in North Park, and 7-Eleven stores, among many others.

Fri, March 27, 2020

Coronavirus update: How the Navy is fighting the pandemic | Andrew Dyer

The crew of the San Diego-based amphibious transport dock Somerset have been ordered to remain on board the ship as the Navy announced Wednesday that six more San Diego-based sailors have tested positive for COVID-19. The order to remain on board coincides with comments made Tuesday by Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations, who said such orders are already being implemented on submarines 14 days out from getting underway. Navy officials from the Somerset, Naval Surfaces Forces Pacific, 3rd Fleet and the Pacific Fleet would not confirm the order late Wednesday; however, a post on the ship’s Facebook page made note of the latest “schedule change.”

Thu, March 26, 2020

Coronavirus update: San Diego Unified announces digital learning plan | Kristen Taketa

San Diego Unified will officially start conducting school online beginning on April 27. It is one of the first large area districts to announce a plan to return to grading and formal instruction. “San Diego Unified will return to instruction next month to guarantee students an opportunity to successfully complete the current academic year, even as physical school facilities will remain closed until public health officials determine it is safe for students to return to classrooms,” the district said in a statement Tuesday. The district’s plan is meant to answer the concerns of many students about whether they’ll be able to finish the school year or complete course credits to move on to the next grade or graduate . “The schedule outlined today by the district will give members of the Class of 2020 the assurance they need that they will graduate, whether or not public health officials approve a return to in-classroom instruction,” the district of 103,000 students said in the statement. The timeline means most students will get about six weeks of formal instruction for the rest of the school year, which for most students ends on June 9.

Wed, March 25, 2020

Coronavirus update: Going to a park, beach or trail? You could face a $1,000 fine | David Hernandez

San Diego closed public spaces as a means to push for more social distancing amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Tue, March 24, 2020

Coronavirus update: Public spaces begin to close | David Hernandez

Many San Diego County residents failed to social distance this weekend, causing governments to begin to close public spaces. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases swell to 230, with one death in the county so far.

Sat, March 21, 2020

Coronavirus update: Businesses grapple with stay-at-home order | Phil Molnar

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mandate is clear, but only for about a dozen or so different industries. Grocery stores, gas stations, banks, laundromats and pharmacies are essential and can remain open. Alternatively, others — dine-in restaurants, bars and clubs, entertainment venues, gyms, public events, and conventions centers — must close immediately. But what about the hundreds or thousands of businesses that fall into the massive gray area not identified in the order? And what exactly is “essential” in today’s totally unrecognizable brick-and-mortar world? As it stands, lattes are still being served through Starbucks drive-throughs, craft beers are available for pickup at local breweries, and cable TV and Internet sales staff are still reporting to Spectrum stores. Basically, businesses appear to be making the call on their own, with some leaning on the guidance provided to individual municipalities earlier in the week. When seven counties in the San Francisco Bay Area instituted their shelter-in-place mandate, officials included a wider range of businesses in their definition of essential, including hardware stores, plumbers, some legal services and newspapers. Friday evening, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer clarified that home builders also fall into the go-to-work bucket.

Fri, March 20, 2020

Coronavirus update: Even funerals change in wake of the virus | John Wilkens

Throughout San Diego County, where on an average day about 60 people die from various causes, mortuaries are also making adjustments. They’re shortening or eliminating visitations, live-streaming services so people can watch from home, and asking those at funerals not to hug or kiss.

Wed, March 18, 2020

Coronavirus update: Will San Diego's drinking and dining scene survive the virus? | Lori Weisberg

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the economy, forcing temporary closures of businesses large and small and cancellations of major events and conventions, hospitality workers are struggling to cope with being suddenly jobless or having their work hours drastically reduced.

Wed, March 18, 2020

Duncan Hunter sentenced in campaign finance scandal | Morgan Cook

A judge sentenced former Rep. Duncan Hunter to 11 months in federal prison Tuesday, closing a case that began nearly four years ago with questions about stolen campaign funds which ended the once-promising career of the scion of an East County political family. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Whelan gave Hunter until May 29 to report to a federal prison. The judge left open the possibility that date could change in light of evolving circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 11-month sentence is in the middle of the 8-to-14-month range called for by federal sentencing rules under terms of the plea bargain struck by Hunter and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Tue, March 17, 2020

Coronavirus update: Introducing the COVID Diaries | Sam Hodgson

It’s a complicated time to be a journalist. It’s a complicated time to be anyone. With strong social-distancing orders in place at all levels of government, we wanted to find a way to check the pulse of the region that wouldn’t contribute in any way to the spread of the coronavirus. We turned to video chats -- a medium that so many of us are using more often this past week, whether we’re taking business meetings while working from home or doing “social-distancing happy hours” with friends across the county or the country. “COVID-Diaries” introduce you to people across the region who are navigating this thorny new world under unique circumstances. Episode 1 will introduce you to Thomas Shaw, who is concerned about the implications of the virus’ spread on his relationship with his wife, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s and lives in a memory care facility. Episode 2 features Daisy Scott, who is trying to run a student newspaper while reckoning with the fact that her final quarter of college has been upended. If you’d like to share your story or have ideas for who we should reach out to, email sam.hodgson@sduniontribune.com.

Sat, March 14, 2020

Coronavirus update: What's open, what's closed and what's next.

In preparation for a potential boom in coronavirus infections, much of San Diego slowed down to a snail’s pace. Thousands of workers telecommuted, and plans for how to mitigate the damage were revealed in Washington. With the announcement that San Diego Unified -- and most San Diego schools -- would send students home -- the real social and economic impacts of this massive social change remain unknown.

Fri, March 13, 2020

Coronavirus update: Social "slowdown" comes to San Diego | John Wilkens

Over a period of 24 hours, many cornerstones of American life came to a halt. March Madness, Broadway, and even campaigning for the Democratic nomination -- were either cancelled or moved online -- all part of the nationwide effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. In San Diego, the county announced 5 more cases of the virus, and has banned gatherings of more than 250 people. For ongoing coverage, check out our live blog: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/liveblog/coronavirus-live-san-diego-business-updates-sycuan-casino-implements-hourly-disinfection-policy

Wed, March 11, 2020

Sentencing recommendation reveals new details in Duncan Hunter's criminal case | Morgan Cook

Tue, March 10, 2020

UCSD to switch to online learning amid coronavirus update | Gary Robbins

In an unprecedented move, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla announced Monday night that he will shift all of the school’s courses online and largely close the campus to the public to fight the coronavirus. There also is a possibility that fans will not be permitted to attend a Division II basketball tournament that is scheduled to be held on campus late this week.

Mon, March 09, 2020

How this homeless advocate helped "defeat" Measure C | Gary Warth

Michael McConnell, who led the only campaign against Measure C, isn’t gloating over the election results that as of Sunday showed the initiative failing to reach its required two-thirds threshold as outstanding ballots were being counted. “If it fails, it’s not a victory for me,” said McConnell, one of the city’s most vocal and visible homeless advocates."I’ve moved on.”

Fri, March 06, 2020

Coronavirus update: What we know so far | Gary Robbins

Science reporter Gary Robbins discusses how San Diego is responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

Fri, March 06, 2020

SDPD releases body cam footage of an officer involved shooting | Teri Figueroa

San Diego police on Wednesday released body-worn camera video of an officer fatally shooting a man after he’d reportedly grabbed the gun of another officer during a struggle in Oak Park earlier this year. The graphic footage shows the Jan. 24 afternoon encounter that left 31-year-old Toby Diller dead after two officers tried to stop him while he walked around on the corner of 54th Street and College Grove Drive with an open container of beer. After a struggle, according to police, Diller pulled at one officer’s still-holstered gun. The holster broke from the officer’s belt. During the video, one officer yells “He’s got my gun! Shoot him!” Frames later, a gun — presumably held by the other officer — enters the screen near Diller’s head.

Thu, March 05, 2020

Special Episode: U-T reporters recap Super Tuesday's key races

J Harry Jones, Lori Weisberg, Charles Clark, Sam Hodgson and Micheal Smolens discuss the most important election results after California's primary. J Harry Jones on Measures A and B https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2020-03-03/measures-ab-election-sotry Lori Weisberg on Measure C https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-03-03/hotel-tax-hike-measure-showing-strong-support-in-early-returns Charles Clark on CA-53: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-03-03/congressional-races-shaping-up-as-early-primary-results-roll-in Sam Hodgson on CA-50 https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-03-03/campa-najjar-leads-in-early-vote-count-for-50th-congressional-district-issa-and-demaio-are-neck-and-neck Micheal Smolens on the state of the Democrats: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2020-03-03/unity-may-be-a-pipe

Wed, March 04, 2020

Looking back on how Super Tuesday has changed in the Trump era | Micheal Smolens

The San Diego Union-Tribune's political columnist, Michael Smolens, discusses the state of play as the first results of Super Tuesday come in.

Mon, March 02, 2020

What you need to know before voting in California's primary | Charles Clark

Nearly 300,000 voters had returned their mail ballots to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters as of Friday morning. Yet Michael Vu, the county’s Registrar of Voters, is encouraging more voters to get a jump on Election Day by casting ballots over the weekend and Monday, at the registrar’s office or at four new satellite registrar locations. “If you are not registered to vote and want to participate, put it on your to-do list to get to the registrar’s office or the satellite offices this weekend,” Vu said by phone Friday. “If you can’t do that, get to your assigned polling location on Election Day.” Tuesday’s election will be one of the most complex elections in San Diego history. Here’s what voters need to know to make voting easier. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2020-02-28/what-san-diegans-need-to-know-to-vote-on-or-before-tuesdays-primary-election Voting guide: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/votingguide Endorsements: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020endorsements

Sat, February 29, 2020

These smart streetlights — That are watching you — might have solved a crime | Lyndsay Winkley, Teri Figueroa

A few years back, San Diego gave the OK to a plan to install energy-saving, and money-saving, LED street lights. Those street lights had the tech world a buzz. San Diego was deploying the world’s largest smart-city platform, installing high-tech, data-gathering sensors on the street lights. The plan was to track movements of cars and people, particularly in urban and busy areas. Deeper understanding of mobility could follow. Apps could be developed. Turned out that all that data-gathering required installing cameras on 3,000 street lights. For the public, that revelation last year was a surprise. And not only did all those cameras exist — covering about 5 percent of the city’s public right-of-way — but police were accessing footage. Among critics, fears of mass surveillance, over-targeting of communities of color, and potential civil-rights abuses followed. Mistrust surfaced, too.

Fri, February 28, 2020

Barrio Logan's zoning has been a mess. This "Transition Zone" could change that. | Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

Following years of loggerheads, industry leaders, environmentalists and community leaders came together to develop a new “Transition Zone" in Barrio Logan. That neighborhood has always been plagued with toxic air, due to the shipyards and industry located along the San Diego Bay, and it's often invoked as an example of environmental racism. The zone would hopefully improve environmental conditions in the area. This idea was attempted back in 2013, but San Diego voters revoked the plan. With a renewed focus, stakeholders are more confident this new transition zone would prove successful.

Wed, February 26, 2020

What you need to know about the CA-53 race | Charles Clark, Michael Smolens

The retirement of Congressman Susan Davis created a wide open race for California’s 53rd Congressional District. The district includes much of central San Diego including Balboa Park adjacent neighborhoods, Mission Valley all the way into El Cajon, and much of eastern Chula Vista. This is a heavily democratic district, and it is fairly likely that two democrats will advance to the general election.

Tue, February 25, 2020

Remembering Chelsea King 10 years after her murder | Teri Figueroa

Chelsea King’s disappearance a decade ago gripped the region. The 17-year-old had gone for an after-school run around Lake Hodges in North County. There, she ran into a rapist and killer. Within months, the college-bound runner who loved sunflowers became the name of legislation targeting sex predators who target children. She became the inspiration behind an annual run. She also became the face of a foundation that has awarded $800,000 in college scholarships. And on Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of her kidnapping, rape and murder, Chelsea’s father has announced he will launch Protect the Joy, which he said will be a national advocacy organization to address issues that affect children, including sexual assault, gun violence, opioid abuse or cyber-bullying.

Mon, February 24, 2020

Returned: What it takes to make a case under the US asylum system | Kate Morrissey

It’s been more than a year since President Donald Trump’s Remain in Mexico program has effectively blocked the ability for most people to claim asylum in the United States…. And now thousands of people wait to have their cases heard while living in Mexico. Even though this migration crisis doesn’t have the same visual impact as the migrant caravan… thousands of people remain displaced, hanging on to hope that they can start a new life in the U.S. The current barriers raise the question: How restrictrive should an asylum system -- which was born out of the failures of the West to save Jews killed in the Holocaust -- be before it becomes a farce? Story:https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2020-02-24/protecting-the-worlds-most-vulnerable-what-it-takes-to-make-a-case-under-us-asylum-system

Fri, February 21, 2020

Understanding Measure C | Lori Weisberg

Come March 3, voters will finally weigh in on the proposed room tax hike, which, if approved, would generate nearly $7 billion over more than four decades — enough money, its supporters say, to enlarge the convention center by 50 percent, help get homeless families and individuals off the streets, and repave 150 miles of roads every year.

Fri, February 21, 2020

County plans on investing in homeless programs, foster youth and mental health | Charles Clark

San Diego County in the past year has become more aggressive about addressing some of its most pressing issues, said Greg Cox, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Residents should know that new approach isn’t going away anytime soon, Cox said during the annual State of the County address Wednesday night. From expanding mental health services and renewable energy projects, to launching new education programs and initiatives to assist foster youths, Cox said the supervisors will continue to take a more forceful approach in the year ahead. “Your County of San Diego has new energy and momentum to tackle the critical issues of today and, working with my colleagues, we are going to take giant leaps in 2020,” Cox told a packed house aboard the USS Midway Museum.

Thu, February 20, 2020

How the Boy Scouts of America are responding to new sexual assault lawsuits | Peter Rowe

In January AB 218 went into effect, allowing for sexual assault victims to sue on claims formerly barred by statues of limitations. This means that thousands of individuals who were abused as children are coming forward with allegations. Among the hard hit youth-based organizations: the Boy Scouts of America. By filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the organization has put on hold hundreds of lawsuits brought against it. But it’s still unclear what this means to the local councils that directly oversee Scout troops. That’s a crucial question for the San Diego-Imperial Council, whose assets include cash reserves and Mataguay, a 1,000-acre camping and canoeing reservation in Santa Ysabel.

Wed, February 19, 2020

Two San Diegans develop app to help "Vanlifers" live life on the road | Brittany Meiling

Two San Diego women have created an app for travelers that’s gaining a sizable following of nomadic young people living out of vans. Inspired by a social media phenomenon, Breanne Acio, a former San Diego State University lecturer, and public relations worker Jessica Shisler teamed up in 2018 to pave the way for the drifter movement known online as “vanlife.” They created a mobile application, aptly called The Vanlife App, that’s just secured the two women spots in a competitive Techstars accelerator program for promising startups. The app currently connects longterm travelers with one another while on the road, solving the problem of loneliness that weighs on this group of individuals. The downside of a nomadic lifestyle is that you have no community, Shisler said. “You’re constantly in places you don’t know and around people you don’t know,” Shisler said. “You’re never a local.” For those who haven’t heard of it, “vanlife” refers to a recent bohemian trend of people buying cargo vans, old ambulances, school buses and other boxy vehicles, and converting them into livable apartments on wheels (think of it as a do-it-yourself RV). Many vanlifers are also “digital nomads” who work remotely online, such as freelance writers, software developers, or content creators. With no strings tying them to specific cities or towns, they wander from destination to destination for months on end.

Tue, February 18, 2020

Lorena Gonzalez introduces anti "poor door" legislation | Phil Molnar

An attempt last year to separate low-income renters from market-rate renters in an East Village apartment building elicited a lot of anger. Now, one lawmaker is trying to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, plans to introduce legislation this week to stop developers from separating groups of renters in their building design. She is announcing the bill at a press conference Monday at 10 a.m. at the Alpha Lofts subsidized housing complex at 3808 El Cajon Blvd. Gonzalez will also introduce legislation to create greater incentives for developers to build rent-restricted housing.

Sat, February 15, 2020

Crossroads of the West Gun Show returns to Del Mar, amid ghost gun criticism | Phil Diehl

The board that oversees the Del Mar Fairgrounds has approved the return of the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in March, despite new concerns raised by firearms safety advocates. NeverAgainCA founders Ira and Rose Ann Sharp of Del Mar told the fair board at its meeting last week that an increasing number of sales at the show are "ghost gun" kits that can be purchased and taken home the same day. The kits are not considered firearms for legal purposes because they are incomplete and require assembly, so most California firearms laws don't apply to them. Also, the weapons don't have a serial number, which can be used to track sales. "Crossroads sells Saturday night specials on steroids," Ira Sharp told the board, and he asked the board not to renew the Crossroads contract. However, the board approved the show without comment along with dozens of other events planned for March at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Fri, February 14, 2020

Audit of Cal State San Marcos leaders' misspending released | Jeff McDonald, Morgan Cook

Cal State San Marcos announced Wednesday that two key executives have left the university, the interim provost has resigned his position, and the dean of graduate studies is on administrative leave. The changes come as the California State University system is preparing to release an audit that examines how and why top CSUSM officials used university funds for first-class flights and five-star hotels, exceeding spending limits. The spending also has drawn the ire of CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt, who said in a public address last week, “I need you to know that this is unacceptable, and this is not what we are about. “Moving forward, we are hitting the reset button on our cultural drift.” The university said Wednesday that Mike Schroder, the dean of extended learning, and Beth Schroder, the senior director of philanthropy, are no longer with the university.

Thu, February 13, 2020

SeaWorld settles lawsuit with investors, aims to leave "Blackfish" era behind | Lori Weisberg

SeaWorld Entertainment announced Tuesday that it has agreed to pay $65 million to settle a longstanding lawsuit alleging that the company deceived investors when it failed to disclose early on the ill effect the anti-captivity documentary “Blackfish” was having on park attendance. The settlement comes just a week before a jury trial was to begin for the case, which originated in 2014 and was later certified as a class-action lawsuit. In a Tuesday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SeaWorld said that the settlement does not “constitute an admission, concession, or finding of any fault, liability, or wrongdoing by the Company or any defendant.” The proposed $65 million payment, says SeaWorld, is still subject to approval in federal court.

Wed, February 12, 2020

How San Diego's first coronavirus case was mistakenly released from the hospital | Paul Sisson

A long chain of missed opportunities led to an infected coronavirus patient mistakenly being discharged from a local hospital Sunday and then hastily returned on Monday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UC San Diego Health on Tuesday provided additional information on how the snafu happened. The update comes as concern continues to grow about an outbreak that started in China and has now produced a positive case in San Diego County after more than 200 evacuees were delivered to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to wait out a 14-day government-mandated quarantine. Both organizations said Tuesday that the mixup started with simple mislabeling when local hospital personnel collected blood samples from three of four evacuees who showed possible coronavirus symptoms last week.

Tue, February 11, 2020

What San Diego County voters need to know about Measures A and B | J Harry Jones

It was supposed to be the exception, not the rule, when the county Board of Supervisors finally updated the General Plan, its blueprint for growth for more than 500,000 acres in the region’s unincorporated areas. Instead, a provision that permits projects that don’t conform to the document has become a gateway for developers seeking to build thousands of homes in areas not zoned for such development. It is called the General Plan Amendment and it is at the heart of two land-use proposals on the March 3 ballot: Measures A and B. The General Plan was updated by the county nearly a decade ago in a lengthy and collaborative effort by environmentalists, builders and the community. It lays out where it is appropriate to allow homes, businesses and industry – and where it isn’t.

Sat, February 08, 2020

It's time for San Diego to claim its title as a "pizza town" | Michele Parente

From traditional thin-crust Neapolitan to square pies and top-of-the-line toppings, pizza perfection can be found throughout the county, whether from a mom and pop, red-sauce Italian eatery or a trendy, upscale restaurant. And the region’s recent influx of chefs and restaurateurs from Italy — who import with them massive wood-fired pizza ovens, primo Italian 00 flour, prosciutto, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and more — has only enriched the quality. Like Los Angeles, which is arguably the true best pizza city in the U.S., San Diego isn’t a town with hard-fast culinary traditions and carved-in-stone rules on what pizza is supposed to look like, taste like or even if it should be eaten with a fork and a knife or simply folded in your hands. That allows for the kind of freedom and creativity that might elude pizzaiolos in New York and Chicago, not to mention Naples. And like L.A., San Diego has an embarrassment of optimal fresh ingredients that can be used as toppings.

Fri, February 07, 2020

PETA claims victory after SeaWorld says no to trainers riding atop dolphins | Lori Weisberg

SeaWorld Entertainment says it is ending the longstanding practice of trainers riding astride dolphins in marine park shows, a move that comes nearly a year after animal-rights activists began pressuring the company to ban such “circus-style” behaviors. The decision to move away from such showy theatrics in the dolphin shows was disclosed in a letter sent earlier this month by a SeaWorld attorney to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The letter was addressing a shareholder proposal made last December by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which asked that SeaWorld prohibit trainers from riding on dolphins’ backs and standing on their faces. As of last December, PETA held 163 shares of SeaWorld stock and has owned at least $2,000 worth of common stock for some time.

Thu, February 06, 2020

Americans potentially exposed to coronavirus in quarantine at Miramar | Andrew Dyer, Paul Sisson

Two facilities at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar have been readied to house hundreds of Americans returning from China due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Marine Corps said Tuesday. Dr. Christopher Braden, a deputy director with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control deployed to handle repatriation flights from China to California, said the arrival is imminent. Late Tuesday, U.S. Northern Command said on Twitter that two U.S. State Department flights had left China bound for Travis Air Force Base near Vacaville. One plane will refuel and continue on to Miramar. Passengers on the other will be housed in quarantine at Travis.

Wed, February 05, 2020

Debate continues over the ethics of keeping elephants in captivity | John Wilkens

Much remains unknown about elephants, too — witness the death in December at the zoo of 48-year-old Tembo. A “sudden change” in the African pachyderm’s condition prompted keepers to euthanize her, according to zoo officials. They said she’d been under veterinary care for age-related ailments for a while. Results of a necropsy are pending. Her death came four weeks after another African elephant, M’Dunda, collapsed and died at the Oakland Zoo. She was 50 and had shown “no signs of existing medical issues, albeit her advanced age,” the zoo said. A necropsy is under way there, too. Elephants also die in the wild, of course, and often violently. But their passing in zoos raises thorny questions about what is gained by keeping them captive.

Tue, February 04, 2020

Can hobbyists help bring fabric stores back from the brink? | Brittany Meiling

Fabric stores that sell threads, buttons and materials for making clothes are dwindling in San Diego, with owners shuttering their shops citing waning interest from customers. The disappearance of fabric stores is probably not a shock to outsiders — in the age of fast fashion, who still makes their own clothes? But sewing garments at home is — surprisingly — not dead. While fabric stores of yesteryear are falling off the map, a new industry is rising up to meet the modern demands of young “sewists” — a relatively new term that describes anyone who sews. And these businesses look quite different than your grandma’s fabric shop.

Sat, February 01, 2020

Stuck in Wuhan as coronavirus spreads, 3 San Diegans wait | Joshua Emerson Smith

San Diego resident Yanjun Wei traveled with her two small children to the city of Wuhan to celebrate the Chinese New Year with her parents. Now the family is holed up in a high-rise apartment building in the megalopolis, believed to be ground zero of the deadly coronavirus outbreak that’s killed more than 200 people and sickened thousands. Over the last week, the Chinese government has put the urban area’s 11 million people under an unprecedented quarantine. Commercial flights, public transportation and even major roads have been shut down, leaving the usually bustling city eerily quiet, according to numerous accounts. “I’m trying not to be emotional here,” said the 37-year-old Wei, tearing up during a video interview with the Union-Tribune using the social-media app WeChat.

Fri, January 31, 2020

Border Dispatch: Longest-ever drug tunnel found in Otay Mesa | Wendy Fry

Authorities announced Wednesday the discovery of the longest, most sophisticated cross-border drug tunnel in history stretching nearly one mile from the Tijuana airport into the U.S. U.S. Border Patrol agents described the tunnel as the “most sophisticated they had seen” with an extensive rail and cart system to rapidly transport drugs, forced air ventilation, and high-voltage electrical cables and panels. The tunnel, named “Baja Metro” by border agents, also had an elevator at its entrance and a complex drainage system. The drug tunnel’s discovery was the culmination of a “challenging” multi-year, multi-agency investigation led by a coalition of U.S. law enforcement officers, according to Border Patrol.

Thu, January 30, 2020

San Diego's "smart streetlight" program raises privacy concerns |Teri Figueroa, Lori Weisberg

Amid pushback following the revelation that there are data-gathering sensors on thousands of local high-tech street lights, a San Diego city committee will get its first look at a potential policy governing how all that data is accessed and used. On Wednesday, the proposed policy will be discussed by San Diego’s Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods committee. It’s the first step to putting the policy in front of the City Council. The policy, if ultimately OK’d, will mark the first time the city codifies how the data is used and who gets to view surveillance footage the sensors gather. In a written report to the committee, Cody Hooven of the city’s Sustainability Department said the policy will “create guidelines for the data generated by the City’s streetlight sensors.” That, she said, includes “proper use, access and dissemination” of the data.

Wed, January 29, 2020

Exonerated of war crimes, Gallagher strikes back at SEALS who spoke against him | Andrew Dyer

A retired Navy SEAL whose war crimes trial made international news has launched a video attack on former SEAL teammates who accused him of murder, shooting civilians and who testified against him at his San Diego court-martial in June. In a three-minute video posted to his Facebook page and Instagram account Monday, retired Chief Special Operator Edward Gallagher, 40, referred to some members of his former platoon as “cowards” and highlighted names, photos and — for those still on active duty — their duty status and current units, something former SEALs say places those men — and the Navy’s mission — in jeopardy. Gallagher was accused of several war crimes by some of his platoon subordinates, including that he shot civilians and stabbed a wounded ISIS fighter in the neck, killing him, while in Iraq in 2017. He pleaded not guilty and was acquitted of most charges, but was convicted of posing for a photo with an Isis fighter’s corpse, a crime for which the jury reduced his rank.

Tue, January 28, 2020

Can this San Diego startup do what Theranos promised?| Mike Freeman

San Diego life sciences executive Jeff Hawkins is trying to bring credibility back to field rocked by scandal. A former Illumina vice president, Hawkins heads startup Truvian Sciences. The 5-year-old company is developing a compact blood testing machine that promises to deliver 40 standard health and wellness screening results in about 20 minutes, compared with up to a week turnaround time for similar tests processed at centralized labs. The desktop device, which targets retail health clinics such as those popping up in Walmart and CVS, medical offices and corporate wellness centers, also requires less blood than is commonly drawn for tests sent to large labs. And Truvian expects prices to be significantly lower as well. The company’s technology is still in development. While experts say Truvian is well prepared to meet accuracy and precision targets on its machines, it hasn’t proven its devices work yet.

Sat, January 25, 2020

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station's dismantling starts now | Rob Nikolewski

Seven years after the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station officially went offline, the eight-year process of physically dismantling the plant and knocking down the domes that have loomed over the landscape of Camp Pendleton for four decades is about to begin. The plant’s operator, Southern California Edison, has mailed notices to about 12,000 residents in a five-mile radius of the plant that initial work will start no earlier than Feb. 22. The first jobs include erecting staging areas and temporary trailers in the plant’s parking lots and removing materials containing asbestos in the Units 2 and 3 domes. By the time work is complete, all that will remain will be two dry storage facilities housing canisters of used-up nuclear fuel from the days when the plant still produced electricity, a security building with personnel to look over the waste enclosed in casks, a seawall 28 to 30 feet high, a walkway connecting two beaches north and south of the plant and a switch-yard with power lines.

Fri, January 24, 2020

The CA-50 race begins to get ugly with attack ads | Michael Smolens, Charles Clark

The March Primary is just weeks away, and the race to fill the seat vacated by former congressman Duncan Hunter is starting to heat up. This week, Darrell Issa released a campaign ad attacking Carl DeMaio for previous statements made about President Donald Trump -- it also featured newspaper clippings mentioning DeMaio’s sexual orientation. The reaction to the ads was negative among San Diego area-electeds, but in one of the most conservative parts of California -- it’s unclear how attacks like this pan out.

Thu, January 23, 2020

A decade after the McStay family murders, a death sentence for the killer | Teri Figueroa

A 62-year-old welder convicted in the bludgeoning deaths of a Fallbrook family of four, including two young children, was sentenced Tuesday to the death penalty. Moments before learning his fate, Charles “Chase” Merritt, 62, tearfully told the judge he was innocent in the 2010 killings of business associate Joseph McStay, 40, wife Summer McStay, 43, and the couple’s two preschool sons, Gianni, 4 and Joey Jr., 3. “I don’t deserve this,” Merritt said. “I did not do this. As God as my witness, I will be back here and prove to everyone that that is true.” The sentence was handed down by San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Michael Smith, who last year presided over Merritt’s trial. The jury convicted Merritt of four counts of murder. On Tuesday, Smith said the verdict was “supported by substantial evidence.”

Wed, January 22, 2020

San Diego knew a La Jolla sea cave could collapse, but waited months to seal it | Lauryn Schroeder

The city of San Diego waited nearly two months to plan and announce emergency construction on a La Jolla cave that geologists said could collapse at any time, city records show. City officials announced in August their plans for emergency construction to reinforce Koch’s Cave and the roadway above it — Coast Boulevard. According to the city’s statement, issued Aug. 9, geology experts had discovered a weak zone in the La Jolla sea cave and recommended that immediate action be taken. “With public safety as the top priority, the city of San Diego today will begin an emergency construction project to stabilize a cliff area and roadway in La Jolla following an analysis by geology experts,” the news release said. City officials hosted a news conference at the site and invited the media to attend.

Tue, January 21, 2020

Fewer people are being killed by cars, but "Vision Zero" remains elusive | Joshua Emerson Smith

Laramie Logan answered the door at her Coronado home one afternoon in early December to be greeted by a chaplain with the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office. “He told me the devastating news that my brother was hit by a car and didn’t make it,” said the 40-year-old mother of three. “I just dropped to my knees and cried.” Her brother, David Henry Hill, was one of 24 pedestrians killed in traffic-related accidents in the city of San Diego last year — compared to 25 in 2016 after the city first pledged to eliminate such fatalities as part of the nationwide Vision Zero campaign. Lt. Cmdr. David Henry Hill, 37, was killed crossing India Street near West Olive Street and an off-ramp from north I-5 in Bankers Hill on Dec. 2, 2019.(Courtesy of Laramie Logan) The city has invested in a number of safety improvements in recent years, overhauling dozens of streets and crosswalks at crash-prone intersections, as well as launching a public awareness campaign. Those efforts appear to be paying off to a certain degree. In 2019, officials recorded the lowest number of traffic-related deaths and injuries, including motorists, in the last four years, according to data from the San Diego Police Department. That comes after a bloody 2018 when pedestrian deaths and injuries spiked to 127 up from 92 the previous year.

Sat, January 18, 2020

Developers look to San Diego neighborhoods for the next apartment boom | Phil Molnar

There might be fewer construction cranes downtown, but that doesn’t mean the region’s apartment frenzy has halted. Much of 2020’s apartment construction will be in neighborhoods outside of downtown San Diego, which has made up the lion’s share of new rentals the past few years. More building is now occurring in North Park, Hillcrest, Pacific Beach and throughout the county. There are around 3,500 new apartments planned to open in 2020. That’s down from 4,500 expected at the start of last year, but early numbers show that total was likely not reached. Predicting how many apartments will open at the start of the year can be tricky because delays are frequent and one large project being postponed a few months can skew a yearly total.

Fri, January 17, 2020

Faulconer gives final State of the City address | Michael Smolens

Solving San Diego’s housing crisis with less neighborhood backlash, partnering with the county on new homelessness efforts and reforming state law to keep drug addicts off the street are some of Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s top priorities for 2020. Faulconer used his sixth and final State of the City address on Wednesday to lay out those goals and several others for his last year, which he said would be “a year of action” before he’s forced to leave office by term limits. The mayor also reflected on his six years in office during the half-hour speech, declaring that he’s helped write a “comeback story” by making San Diego a national leader instead of a scandal-ridden city with crumbling infrastructure. “San Diego is back,” said Faulconer to several hundred spectators gathered in downtown’s Balboa Theatre. “It is recovered, reformed and revitalized. Now, San Diego is leading.”

Thu, January 16, 2020

Can this church be saved? Split on LGBTQ issues, United Methodists consider divorce | Peter Rowe

Sexual issues lead to many divorces, including the threatened split in the United Methodist Church. Divided on same-sex marriage and the status of LGBTQ believers, the nation's third largest Christian denomination — after Catholicism and the Southern Baptist Convention — may soon break up. "No one celebrates separation. I certainly do not," said the Rev. Jonathan Park, associate pastor of the Korean United Methodist Church of San Diego, a traditionalist congregation. "But I believe it is inevitable." The Rev. Bob Rhodes, whose leadership of the progressive Pacific Beach United Methodist Church has not prevented a close friendship with Park, agreed. For years, he had hoped the church's feuding wings could co-exist. "Then a friend asked if I were counseling a couple where one was abusing the other, would I counsel them to stay together?" Rhodes said. "I think both sides feel they have been abused by the other."

Wed, January 15, 2020

State's housing mandates ruffle South Bay feathers | Gustavo Solis

Four cities in San Diego County have launched a last-ditch effort to lower the number of new housing units they are expected to build over the next eight years through a controversial state-mandated program. If the current numbers hold up, two of those cities, Coronado and Solana Beach, fear they’ll be forced to rezone neighborhoods to make room for high-density developments. The other two cities, Lemon Grove and Imperial Beach, argue that the current housing allocation numbers perpetuate inequality by requiring cities that already have the highest concentration of low-income housing to build even more. The controversial state program is officially known as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA. It started in the 1960s to require cities to plan to meet the housing needs of residents. Every eight years, state officials come up with the number of housing units needed to keep up with population trends and ask regional authorities to distribute that number among individual cities.

Tue, January 14, 2020

CA-50 Poll: Issa, DeMaio tied, Campa-Najjar losing ground | Charles Clark, Michael Smolens

On the same day that former Rep. Duncan D. Hunter officially resigned from his seat representing the 50th Congressional District, a new poll of likely voters shows the race to succeed him has tightened in his absence. In the poll Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, with 26 percent of the vote, is leading a crowded field that has drawn ten candidates. He is closely followed by GOP opponents Darrell Issa (21 percent), Carl DeMaio (20 percent) and Brian Jones (12 percent). Fifteen percent of the likely voters surveyed were undecided.

Sat, January 11, 2020

$3B plan to replace San Diego airport’s aging Terminal 1 | Jennifer Van Grove, Lori Weisberg

Airport Authority approves plans to add 11 gates to Terminal 1, plus a new taxiway and access road that will remove 45,000 cars a day from Harbor Drive

Fri, January 10, 2020

Rocky Long retires as Aztecs head coach, replaced by Brady Hoke | Jay Posner, Kirk Kenney

San Diego State coach, Rocky Long, guided SDSU to nine straight bowl appearances and compiled 81-38 record with the Aztecs. Brady Hoke will be returning as the Aztecs head coach. Hoke was previously in charge of the program in 2009-10.

Thu, January 09, 2020

How San Diego military members are feeling about Iran | Andrew Dyer

About 15 community activists and religious leaders gathered in front of Balboa Park’s Natural History Museum Wednesday to ask Congress to step in and limit President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war on Iran after a week of violence between the two countries. The speakers say they represent a coalition of groups seeking peace and an end to escalating violence that peaked with the Jan. 2 U.S. assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. On Tuesday night, Iran struck back , launching at least 15 ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq in what experts said was an attack designed to avoidcasualties. In comments Wednesday morning from the White House, Trump said the U.S. would respond to those strikes with sanctions, not more military action, saying “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world.”

Wed, January 08, 2020

Hunter sets resignation date, but questions remain | Charles Clark, Michael Smolens, Morgan Cook

Rep. Duncan Hunter, the Republican from Alpine who on Dec. 3 pleaded guilty to a felony involving campaign spending, said he will officially resign this coming Monday. He notified House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Governor Gavin Newsom in a letter Tuesday that he will resign on Jan. 13, nearly six weeks after his guilty plea. “It has been an honor to serve the people of California’s 50th District, and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years,” Hunter wrote. Hunter, who was elected to office in 2008, was indicted in August of 2018 on 60 federal counts based on accusations he and his wife and former campaign manager, Margaret Hunter, stole $250,000 of campaign funds, using it for family vacations, groceries, his extramarital affairs and other non-campaign uses, including airfare for a pet rabbit.

Tue, January 07, 2020

A Possible Purple Line becomes a transit hot potato | Joshua Emerson Smith

A long-envisioned Purple Line trolley remains in limbo as transit officials work through the details over how and whether to build the rail connection between downtown Chula Vista and the city of San Diego’s Kearny Mesa neighborhood. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System now appears to be leaning away from paying for the line as part of a roughly $24 billion tax measure slated to go before voters later this year. However, the San Diego Association of Governments has signaled an eagerness to incorporate the route’s alignment into plans for a regional high-speed rail system. For months, control over the future of the region’s rail system has stoked tension between MTS and SANDAG, the region’s primary transportation and planning agency.

Sat, January 04, 2020

Judge: Operators of GirlsDoPorn required to pay models they defrauded | Pauline Repard

Nearly two dozen women won $12.7 million in a fraud lawsuit against the owners and operators of a San Diego-based pornographic website, GirlsDoPorn, a Superior Court judge ruled Thursday. Website owners Michael James Pratt, 36, and Matthew Isaac Wolfe, 37, and porn actor Ruben Andre Garcia, 31, were sued by 22 women who claimed they were deceived and coerced into making explicit sex films without knowing the images would be posted on the Internet. San Diego Superior Court Judge Kevin Enright, who presided over a four-month-long bench trial, issued his decision in favor of all 22 plaintiffs and against a total of 13 defendants. Enright found that the individuals and various affiliated businesses had operated as a single business entity and therefore all were liable.

Fri, January 03, 2020

Border Dispatch: Inside San Diego's criminal immigration court | Kristina Davis

ourtroom 2A looks unlike any other in the San Diego federal courthouse. In the courtroom designated to handle the flow of migrants being criminally prosecuted under the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy, a towering plexiglass divider has been erected separating the misdemeanor defendants from their attorneys and the rest of the court. The U.S. Marshals Service says the barrier is a security measure “to ensure the safety of staff, prisoners, and members of the public who attend court hearings,” while defense attorneys see the divider as a larger symbol in the clash over immigration policy. “It’s using a nonexistent problem as an excuse to build yet another wall,” said Kathryn Nester, executive director of Federal Defenders of San Diego, which provides public defender services.

Thu, January 02, 2020

San Diego International Auto Show arrives with auto industry in flux | Rob Nikolewski

As car buffs ring in the new year with the 2020 edition of the San Diego International Auto Show with the latest makes and models, the auto industry seems to be going in multiple directions at the same time: sales of sports utility vehicles and trucks continue to surge, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in California are trending up but so is the average price of a new vehicle. "If someone told me, 'I want to be buy a car and I want to keep it for 20 years,' it's kind of difficult to answer because I don't know that we have any idea of what a car is going to look like or how it's going to perform in 20 years," said Richard Newendyke, the auto show's chairman and executive manager at Kearney Mesa Infiniti. "Automobiles are still a very personal selection." For years, sedans have dominated the California auto market. "Cars are king," was a longstanding motto among Golden State dealers but in recent years, SUVs and pickup truck (designated as light trucks in the industry) have moved into the fast lane. Nationally, registrations for SUVs and pickups surpassed car sales years ago and sedans in California managed to hang on to a slight lead. The tipping point came in the second quarter of 2018 when the New Car Dealers Association of California reported registrations of 514,470 in light trucks compared to 512,826 for the first six months of that year.

Wed, January 01, 2020

2019 was the year that San Diego's dining scene shone | Michele Parente

Christmas came early to San Diego this year. Back in January, we made our first visits to the recently opened restaurants Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad and Fort Oak in Mission Hills. Simply put, we were blown away. And it was apparent, just weeks into 2019, that the region was about to experience a bar-raising, watershed year for dining. And the gastronomic gift kept giving. Animae, Il Dandy/Arama, Morning Glory, Cesarina, International Smoke and Rare Society were among the dazzlingly delicious newcomers that helped make this one of the most exciting culinary years in memory. With a critical mass of first-rate eateries, San Diego is finally shedding its restaurant also-ran status and emerging as a bona fide dining destination. From strip malls to historic neighborhoods, homespun fare to boundary-pushing creations, Convoy Street to Carlsbad, Little Italy to La Jolla, North Park and beyond, nearly every opening tasted like a step forward.

Tue, December 31, 2019

A new law requires corporate boards to have at least one woman on them | Mike Freeman

Thanks to a flurry of last-minute appointments, most of San Diego County’s publicly traded companies have complied with a California law requiring at least one woman on their boards of directors by the end of 2019. Out of approximately 90 publicly traded companies in the county, only one has yet to name a female board member based on Union-Tribune research: Biotech Tracon Pharmaceuticals. The company did not respond to Union-Tribune emails or phone calls seeking comment. Tracon still could appoint a women to its board on the final day of the year. San Diego cannabis-industry landlord Innovative Industrial Properties, for example, said it planned to announce on Dec. 31 that it has added a female director to its board. In October, the San Diego City Attorney’s office sent letters to 19 San Diego firms that hadn’t complied with the law based on data from the Secretary of State’s Office. Since then, most firms have either added women to their boards or merged with other companies based elsewhere, sometimes outside of state. “We are glad to be able to alert companies,” said Deputy City Attorney Marni Von Wilpert. “City Attorney Mara Elliott has said our city needs more women to bring their problem-solving skills and inclusive mindset to positions of leadership. This is one opportunity to do that.” The city attorney plans to check compliance again in January.

Fri, December 27, 2019

SEALs described Gallagher's war crimes to investigators as "psychotic" | Andrew Dyer

Navy SEALs who were never called to testify in the war crimes trial of Chief Petty Officer Eddie Gallagher told naval criminal investigators about behavior they witnessed, including the alleged stabbing of a wounded ISIS fighter that led to murder charges against Gallagher. The two SEALs were granted immunity to testify in the trial this past summer, but were never called to the stand. Their interviews with criminal investigators will be available for streaming today on Hulu, on “The Weekly” from The New York Times. It will be broadcast on FX on Sunday. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted the SEAL interviews more than a year before the San Diego court-martial of Gallagher, who was charged and acquitted of several war crimes, including murder.

Fri, December 27, 2019

Pacific Beach residents call for curfew for Fanuel Park a.k.a. "Felony Park" | David Garrick

A large group of frustrated Pacific Beach residents is lobbying for a curfew for Fanuel Park, which is frequently called “felony park” because of the drug dealing, prostitution, bicycle thefts and other crime there. Residents launched their campaign for a nighttime curfew shortly after San Diego approved curfews in March for five other city parks facing similar problems with drugs, vandalism and illegal activity. More than 500 local residents have signed a petition in support of a curfew that would be in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The parking lot adjacent to Fanuel Park is already closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Police say curfews can be an effective crime-reduction tool because they limit opportunities for illegal activity and provide officers with another enforcement tool.

Wed, December 25, 2019

Christmas special: One death, one life and a heart that beats for two families | Peter Rowe

A singer, songwriter and guitarist, David Ponder knows the importance of a strong, steady beat. But this was ridiculous. “My heart now, it’s so strong,” said Ponder, 60, a Poway resident who in August 2016 underwent a successful heart transplant at Sharp Memorial Hospital. “The first night home, it was beating so hard it woke me up.” This Christmas, David Ponder is dazzled by the gifts he’s received from strangers: a life-sustaining organ and a life-enhancing relationship. He’s alive because a car wreck killed a man he’d never met, Coronado’s Juan Carlos Lopez, 26. When surgeons removed Lopez’s heart and transplanted it in Ponder’s chest, two families were stitched together in sorrow and joy. Months after the surgery, Ponder visited Lopez’s mother. The bond was instant.

Wed, December 25, 2019

She survived a fall off the Coronado bridge. Now she’ll meet the man who saved her. | John Wilkens

Sometimes her life feels like one of those photos from the days before digital cameras, when images got bathed in trays of chemicals and came slowly into focus. Bertha Loaiza wants to see the whole picture. She has no memory of the day when she was 3 and her mother picked her up and stepped off the side of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. She may have been asleep. She survived the 240-foot fall into the water, but her mother didn't, and as Bertha recovered from serious eye and leg injuries, she got it into her head that a car accident was to blame. Kids have active imaginations, especially when the grownups don't say otherwise, and in the grandmother's house where she grew up, nobody talked about what really happened on Aug. 4, 1985. Then, when she was 17, she came across a VHS tape with news coverage of the suicide and the "miracle" child, the first person ever to plummet into the bay and live. "That looks like me," she said of the footage showing a little girl in a hospital bed surrounded by dolls, letters and stuffed animals sent by well-wishers from as far away as Mississippi. She watched the tape over and over, 100 times maybe, and put together the pieces. Her mother, 24-year-old Angelica Gomez, parking a green Ford Pinto mid-span on the bridge. Two fishermen pulling them out of the water. Doctors speculating that she survived because her mother held on to her all the way down and took the brunt of the impact. But finding out the truth only raised more questions, none more troubling than this: "Why did she take me with her?"

Tue, December 24, 2019

Army officer returns home to see his mother before she is deported | Kate Morrissey

The Cruz family’s home on Thursday evening could have been the scene of any family reunited for the holiday season. The grandchildren played in the yard with their uncle, an Army officer who had returned home that morning. The grandmother doted on the youngest, a toddler. The air inside her home’s newly erected wooden fence echoed their laughter. But mixed in with the joy of togetherness was the knowledge that right after the holidays, the family matriarch Rocio Rebollar Gomez, 50, will have to leave the United States. Rebollar Gomez is waiting for a miracle, her only remaining option after all legal avenues for keeping her in the United States have been exhausted. But she believes it will come before Immigration and Customs Enforcement requires her to leave the country on January 2.

Sat, December 21, 2019

How Sacramento shifted $13.5B of future wildfire costs to consumers | Jeff McDonald

San Diego Gas & Electric executives spent 10 years seeking permission to charge customers hundreds of millions of dollars for company losses due to three backcountry wildfires started by its equipment in 2007. Lawyers for the power monopoly were thwarted at each turn — first by regulators, then by a state appellate court, the California Supreme Court and finally, in early October, when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the case. The judges all concluded that SDG&E should not be able to recover $379 million in damages left over from the Witch, Guejito and Rice fires. Investigations showed that the three wildfires were the result of negligence and mismanagement committed by the utility — a finding the company never conceded. In reaching their decisions, the judges relied on what's known as the “just and reasonable” standard — the rule that utilities can only pass along to customers those costs that fairly serve consumers’ interest. It has been a cornerstone of California energy regulation for more than 100 years. Under Assembly Bill 1054, which was introduced, passed and signed into law within a matter of days over the summer, the legal standards have changed.

Fri, December 20, 2019

3 years and $18M later: Why this new city building stood vacant for so long | Jeff McDonald

Nearly three years after Mayor Kevin Faulconer agreed to a 20-year rent-to-own arrangement to take over an office tower at 101 Ash Street, the first city workers have begun moving into the remodeled office tower in downtown San Diego. The full migration of some 1,130 city workers will be completed in mid-January, and more than 100 planning department and information technology employees began moving in on Monday and are scheduled to relocate by the end of this week. The original goal was for city workers to move into the building two years ago. Now officials say the move is keeping up with a revised plan from August 2018. “We’re on time and within budget as we begin moving city employees into the building this week,” said Johnnie Perkins, one of the city’s deputy chief operating officers, in an email Monday. “This is really a long-term investment for the city that will save tens of millions of taxpayer dollars over time, create more effective and efficient work spaces for city employees and significantly improve customer service with a new home for Development Services.”

Thu, December 19, 2019

Millions of veterans will be allowed back on military bases | Andrew Dyer

Starting New Year’s Day, more than 3 million veterans nationwide, including tens of thousands of local veterans, will be able to shop at exchanges and commissaries on military bases and utilize their recreation facilities. A new law makes veterans who are registered with the Veterans Affairs healthcare system and who have service-connected disabilities eligible to access those facilities on military bases. Purple Heart recipients and former POWs also will have shopping privileges and access. In San Diego, almost 65,000 more veterans and caregivers are affected, the VA says. Until now only active duty military, retirees, Medal of Honor recipients and veterans who were 100 percent disabled could shop on base, which is often less costly than regular shopping because on-base shoppers don’t pay a sales tax.

Wed, December 18, 2019

Counting every San Diegan won't be easy, but someone has to do it | Peter Rowe

The census-taker was furious. Locals, he told the San Diego Union, “are apathetic, indifferent and in many cases belligerent. And for what? Simply they could not, in their own obtuse minds, fathom what the census was being taken for.” This was in 1890, the 11th national census. The U.S. Constitution mandates that the nation’s inhabitants be counted once each decade, which sounds like a straight-forward task. As the irate census-taker discovered, it’s not and never has been. From 1791, when disputed census figures prompted President Washington’s first veto, to 2019, when the Trump administration urged a citizenship question, the census has courted controversy. While the census steers federal funds to a broad spectrum of public services, debates rage over what this exercise includes — census-takers once asked residents to count their home’s toilets — and what’s ignored. The 2020 census, for instance, will have 20 categories for race or ethnicity, including “white,” “black or African-American,” “Hispanic, Latino or Spanish,” “American Indian or Alaska Native” and 11 Asian groupings. Yet there’s no specific accounting for people of Middle Eastern or North African descent; the form suggests that “white” includes “Lebanese, Epyptian, etc.”

Tue, December 17, 2019

Letters from migrants detail conditions in custody | Gustavo Solis

Decades from now, when historians try to make sense of how the U.S. government treated detained migrants, they will be able to hear directly from the men and women in federal immigration detention centers. At least that’s the hope of Lisa Lamont, head librarian at San Diego State University who oversees a collection of more than 1,700 letters written by migrants in detention centers. “In 20, 30 or 40 years or even longer down the road, when researchers are researching this time in U.S. history, I think these letter are going to be invaluable,” she said. The population of people in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody has grown significantly since the beginning of the Trump administration. During fiscal year 2015 there were 28,449 unauthorized immigrants in detention facilities. That number increased to 38,106 and 42,188 in the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years, respectively. Projections show that number is expected to increase to 52,000 by the 2020 fiscal year, according to data from the federal government.

Sat, December 14, 2019

Is the growth of rooftop solar sustainable? | Joshua Emerson Smith

Is the growth of rooftop solar sustainable? | Joshua Emerson Smith by San Diego Union-Tribune

Fri, December 13, 2019

San Diego's foam ban halted | David Garrick

San Diego has halted enforcement of its new ban on polystyrene foam products in the wake of a lawsuit filed by the restaurant industry. City officials say they’ve decided to reverse course and conduct a thorough analysis of the ban’s effects on the environment, which the lawsuit contends the city was legally obligated to do before adopting the controversial law.

Thu, December 12, 2019

A deputy pleaded guilty to groping women. He faces more than 3 years in prison | Teri Figueroa

A former sheriff’s deputy who admitted on-the-job misconduct with 16 women was sentenced Tuesday to three years and eight months in jail, plus 16 months under supervision in the community, for behavior a judge described as “abhorrent.” Richard Timothy Fischer, 33, pleaded guilty in September to seven criminal counts — none of them specifically charged as sex crimes, though sexual misconduct was at the core of several allegations. Under that deal, he faced up to five years in custody. That’s technically what he received because of California’s public safety realignment law, which allows some non-violent offenders to serve part of their sentence locally, in county jail rather than state prison, and part of the term on mandatory supervision. Fischer was taken into custody at the end of the hearing in the Vista courthouse. He must serve 22 months in jail before he is eligible for release.

Wed, December 11, 2019

County voters may radically change how development works in the backcountry | J Harry Jones

Just a day before the Dec. 11 deadline and more than a year after the original language was agreed to, county Supervisor Jim Desmond next week will ask his colleagues to change the wording of a controversial ballot measure that will be voted on countywide in March 2020 concerning future development in the unincorporated areas. Much like what happened on Nov. 19, when the board voted 3-2 to change the wording of another ballot measure having to do with a development in the North County -- the 2,135-home Newland Sierra project -- Desmond is seeking a change he says will help voters better understand what they are being asked to decide. If approved, the Save Our San Diego Countryside (SOS) measure would require countywide votes every time a General Plan Amendment was being sought to build large housing projects in areas not zoned for such density.

Tue, December 10, 2019

Border Dispatch: African migrants seeking asylum double | Gustavo Solis

The number of African migrants heading to the U.S. through Mexico has more than doubled this year — from roughly 2,700 in 2018 to 5,800 today, according to data from the federal government. That figure has been steadily rising since 2007 — the year the Mexican government began including migrants from African countries who have contact with immigration officials in their annual migration reports — when the number was 460. And that dramatic increase has been mostly left out of U.S. immigration conversations, activists say.

Sat, December 07, 2019

Televangelist opens his $190 million Bible-themed retreat | Lori Weisberg, Jennifer Van Grove

Welcome to Legacy International Center, a $190 million Bible-themed resort rooted in a vision that 88-year-old pentecostal preacher Morris Cerullo says was handed down by God. Widely known for his overseas crusades and worldwide ministering for the last 70 years, the longtime televangelist has relocated the headquarters of Morris Cerullo World Evangelism to the retreat. The project was built debt-free, financed with a combination of donations from thousands of Cerullo's followers and proceeds from the sale of ministry assets, including the organization's former offices on Aero Ct.

Fri, December 06, 2019

Ballast Point sold for the second time in four years | Peter Rowe, Jennifer Van Grove

For the second time in four years, Ballast Point — a San Diego craft beer pioneer that became one of the areas’s largest breweries — has been sold. Kings & Convicts Brewing Co., a tiny Illinois firm, on Tuesday announced an agreement to buy Ballast Point from New York-based Constellations Brands, Inc. Terms of the sale were not disclosed, but includes Ballast Point’s four California brewpubs — at the main brewery in Miramar; Little Italy; Anaheim’s Downtown Disney; and Long Beach — plus one in Chicago.

Thu, December 05, 2019

SDPD, Sheriff respond to report showing racial discrepancies in stops | Lyndsay Winkley

A recent analysis of a year’s worth of stops by San Diego police and county sheriff’s deputies found that black people across the county are searched, arrested and subjected to force at higher rates than white people. The report also states that both the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department exhibit anti-Latino bias, anti-LGBTQ bias and bias against people with disabilities in their search practices. The report was disputed by law enforcement officials, who say the findings don’t match their own data and unfairly paint the actions of officers as discriminatory. The study, commissioned by the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties at the beginning of the year, analyzed information collected under the state Racial and Identity Profiling Act. The 2015 law requires officers and deputies to gather data about the people they interact with in the field, including perceived age, perceived race, the reason for the stop and the result of the stop.

Wed, December 04, 2019

Special Episode: Duncan Hunter pleads guilty to misspending campaign finance funds

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, admitted his guilt Tuesday in a yearslong campaign-finance scandal and now awaits his sentence. The U.S. Marine veteran all but ended his political career during a brief hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas J. Whelan, admitting to a single count of conspiracy to convert campaign funds to personal use. When asked how he now pleaded, he said, “Guilty.” Hunter faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced March 17, but he is likely to receive much less time behind bars. Outside the courthouse, federal prosecutors said they opened their case after reading about Hunter’s campaign spending in a story in The San Diego Union-Tribune, and they specifically named reporter Morgan Cook.

Tue, December 03, 2019

Duncan Hunter changes his plea to guilty, will resign | Morgan Cook, Jeff McDonald, Michael Smolens

After years of denials and claims he was the target of a political witch hunt, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, is scheduled to appear in federal court Tuesday morning to plead guilty in a sweeping campaign finance investigation. The announcement was posted on the U.S. District Court docket Monday morning, then KUSI aired an interview with Hunter in which he said he will plead guilty to one of the 60 criminal charges against him. He suggested that he is likely to spend time in custody. “The plea I accepted is misuse of my own campaign funds, of which I pled guilty to only one count,” Hunter told the station. “I think it’s important that people know that I did make mistakes. I did not properly monitor or account for my campaign money. I justify my plea with the understanding that I am responsible for my own campaign and my own campaign money.”

Sat, November 30, 2019

Holiday shopping season has begun, here are some tips to staying local | Nina Garin

Pacific Magazine editor Nina Garin discusses the latest issue which focuses on local specialties that sell great gifts for the holidays.

Fri, November 29, 2019

Foster children no more, this Escondido family celebrates its first Thanksgiving | Peter Rowe

The holidays were the worst. That’s not because Marissa and Chris Heintschel hated Thanksgiving or Christmas — far from it. Both raised in large Catholic families, they cherish having a full house, echoing with relatives’s chatter and children’s laughter, the air scented with the rich aromas of turkey and pie. Since 2016, though, these celebrations have had a desperate undertone. Each year, Chris would tell Marissa the same thing: “This is our last holiday with them. Let’s make it their best.” Three years ago, the Escondido couple became foster parents to two sisters suffering from physical abuse, malnutrition and a host of medical issues. Annalee, then 2, was coughing and sniffling when the Heintschels took her home. Her 9-month-old sister, Valerie, needed another five days in Rady Children’s Hospital. Burning with a 105-degree fever and only 12 pounds, the infant hadn’t the strength to lift her head. When the Heintschels finally retrieved her from the hospital, the foster mother tried to hug the baby. “She went stiff as a board,” Marissa said, “like she’d never been touched before.”

Thu, November 28, 2019

Caregiver SD: Tips to ensure a successful holiday season | Juliet Hendrix, Lauren Mapp

The holiday season is stressful enough, add on the responsibilities of caregiving, and this time of year can be stressful. Host Daniel Wheaton interviews Juliet Hendrix, editor of Caregiver SD, and Lauren Mapp, a reporter for the site about how to manage the needs of those you're providing care to with the demands of the holidays.

Wed, November 27, 2019

No Trident Review, Navy Secretary leaves, is this the end of the Gallagher saga? | Andrew Dyer

A crisis at the top of military leadership in the handling of a high-profile war crimes case has raised questions in the San Diego military community about the military justice system and what good order and discipline looks like. President Donald Trump’s recent interventions in several military justice cases, including that of San Diego-based Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher’s, have military leaders debating whether the moves undermine the authority of military commanders to instill good order and discipline in the ranks. Some Navy leaders in San Diego said they are flummoxed by Trump’s interventions and their recent fallout, including the firing of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer over the weekend. “He’s hammering away at the foundation of the military — good order and discipline,” said a senior San Diego Navy official not authorized to comment. “The president essentially said he doesn’t trust one of his admirals’ judgment. Guys at my level are literally just throwing up their hands.”

Tue, November 26, 2019

In this fishing tournament, anglers gamble for massive payouts | Bryce Miller

As the crew of the Stella June dug into plates of Asian fusion at the Chubby Noodle on sleepy Paseo del la Marina, captain Evan Salvay ran fingers through hair shaped by a day’s worth of salt water, wind, broiling sun and spiking anxiety. The 27-year-old had ridden both sides of the exhilarating and sometimes cruel waves at the Bisbee’s Black and Blue marlin tournament, the richest sportfishing chase on the planet. A year ago, a fish the part-time Point Loma and Huntington Beach resident landed translated to just over $3 million. Two years ago, a potential $1 million catch was edged by 14 pounds as the paycheck plummeted … to $7,020. In this year’s tournament, the Stella June caught a 466-pound black marlin that held up as the day’s best for hours on end. Two and a half blocks away, the only remaining fish to weigh was nearing the dock. The estimated payout for the day’s biggest catch ebbed around $1.23 million. The glazed ribs? The salt and pepper shrimp? The thought of food nauseated Salvay. “I can’t eat, dude,” he said.

Sat, November 23, 2019

Sighting of endangered vaquita gives scientists hope | Deborah Brennan

Last month marine scientists set out in the Gulf of California looking for vaquita porpoises, fearing that they could be extinct, but instead spotted a number of them, including mothers with calves

Fri, November 22, 2019

UCSD researchers begin expedition for ancient ice | Joshua Emerson Smith

It’s summer in Antarctica, and scientists from all around the world are flying back to research stations on the continent as part of a now years-long race to uncover world’s oldest ice and better predict planetary warming, sea level rise and more. Trapped in the ancient glaciers are tiny air bubbles — time capsules documenting changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean temperatures over hundreds of thousands of years. If a rare sample of undisturbed ice can be located and ice-core samples drilled out, the results could be a scientific timeline of climate change dating back more than a million years.

Thu, November 21, 2019

"Trident review" set for Edward Gallagher, Navy SEAL acquitted in war crime probe | Andrew Dyer

San Diego-based Naval Special Warfare Command is initiating a so-called “trident review” of four SEALs involved in a closely-watched war crimes case that divided the tight-knit SEAL community and became a cause célèbre for conservative commentators and politicians. Among the SEALs coming under review, according to a defense officials with knowledge of the case, are Lt. Cmdr. Robert Breisch, Lt. Thomas MacNeil, Lt. Jacob Portier and Chief Petty Officer Edward R. Gallagher, who was restored in rank to chief by President Donald Trump on Friday.

Wed, November 20, 2019

What a tragedy in Paradise Hills tells us about domestic violence | Lyndsay Winkley

In the months before her death, Sabrina Rosario’s estranged husband would show up at her house unannounced. He would sit in the car and watch their children play from a distance. In text messages, he said he would never leave her alone. Less than two weeks ago, he messaged her a picture of a handgun. More than half a dozen cans of beer and a bottle of alcohol were in the background of the image. “This threat really scared me and I can no longer handle his abuse and harassment,” Rosario said in court filings seeking a restraining order against Jose Valdivia, whom she was in the process of divorcing. Rosario had threatened to file a restraining order before. She wrote in court documents that her husband had told her, “A restraining order is not going to do nothing.”

Tue, November 19, 2019

Six years in and only 9 out of 77 miles of bike lanes are built | Joshua Emerson Smith

A year behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget, an ambitious plan by regional officials to build a sophisticated network of bicycle lanes and pedestrian crossings has proven more complicated than first anticipated. Obstacles include everything from neighborhood outrage at the loss of parking spaces to the technical challenges of overhauling streets designed primarily for cars. The San Diego Association of Governments — the agency undertaking the now-$279 million project — has found itself in the crosshairs of frustrated groups on all sides of the issue, from business associations to homeowners to supporters of cycling.

Sat, November 16, 2019

Border Dispatch: The Legacy Of The Migrant Caravan, One Year Later | Wendy Fry

The images and stories captivated the world's attention. An exhausted 4-year-old collapsed to the ground, crying, her tiny legs unable to carry her another step. Thousands of Central Americans, each with their own unique personal story, many from Honduras and fleeing gang violence, gathered at the base of a tall, yellow fence, the border with Mexico in Tecún Umán, Guatemala, ready to break it down. The crowd stretched as far down the road as anyone could see. A year later, some of those iconic images and stories cannot be forgotten, even as the caravan that arrived in Tijuana on Nov. 19, 2018 has scattered in different directions of the world: some making tentative and fragile lives in the United States; some back in Honduras; some working and living in Tijuana, still hoping for their chance at the American Dream. The notoriety of the 2018 and 2019 caravans that arrived in the region was fueled partly by the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who tweeted regularly about it as it made its way north through Mexico ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Trump labeled the people in the caravan "invaders," and deployed American soldiers to the border, foreshadowing a confrontation with it that brewed for weeks ahead of U.S. border agents deploying tear gas on asylum-seekers the day after Thanksgiving.

Fri, November 15, 2019

San Diego's Connections To The College Admissions Scandal | Kristina Davis

As a driven yet financially-strapped teenager, Toby Macfarlane knew his family couldn’t afford to send him to the University of Southern California. But he was enamored with the private school and determined to make it there. He did — in that pull-oneself-up-by-the-bootstraps kind of way — through a combination of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time jobs. Decades later, Macfarlane, a successful title insurance executive living in Del Mar, wanted to ensure his children had a significantly easier path to his alma matter — one that ended up taking them through the “side door.” It cost Macfarlane $450,000 in fees and bribes at the time.

Thu, November 14, 2019

SDSU Student's Death Continues To Raise Questions | Gary Robbins, Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

The 19-year-old San Diego State University freshman who died after an event at one of the school’s fraternities was gravely injured when he fell from his bunk bed, the county Medical Examiner’s Office said Tuesday. The death has prompted swift action from the university, which, on Tuesday, announced the creation of two task forces that will focus on student behavior in fraternities and other campus organizations and the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Dylan Hernandez was found in bed, without a pulse Thursday morning. Investigators later determined that sometime after falling asleep, he fell from his top bunk, suffering unspecified injuries. A roommate helped him back into bed, where he was found, not breathing, hours later.

Wed, November 13, 2019

How These "Creep Catchers" Seek To Publicly Shame Would-Be Pedophiles | Teri Figueroa

They call themselves the Creep Catchers Unit. For the last year, this small group of 20-somethings has run citizen stings in the region, particularly North County, posing as young teens on dating sites, and agreeing to meet with the people they suspect are trying to lure them for sex. “CC_Unit” records the meetup — more of a confrontation — then posts the video online, along with the chat logs, some of which look pretty damning. In one, a man asks the teen if he should bring a condom. The online postings are a public shaming, a digital scarlet letter.

Tue, November 12, 2019

How San Diego Serves As A Safe Harbor To Super Yachts | Peter Rowe

If you doubt that the super-rich are a different breed, tour their superyachts. Take, for instance, Golden Shadow. Launched in 1995 by San Diego’s Campbell Shipyard, the 219-foot vessel has luxurious staterooms for 16 guests, more modest quarters for 22 crew members, a 50-square-foot dive chamber and an exterior elevator platform, powerful enough to hoist aboard a seaplane and spacious enough to set down a helicopter. Impressed? Don’t be. Golden Shadow was built as a floating garage for Golden Odyssey, a Saudi prince’s 404-foot superyacht. “These big yachts have so many helicopters and toys aboard,” said Neal Esterly, a San Diego salesman for Fraser, a premier superyacht broker. “They are building 200-foot shadow boats to carry the submarine, the helicopter, the dirt bikes.” Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/outdoors/story/2019-11-10/mega-yachts-for-the-mega-wealthy

Sat, November 09, 2019

Border Dispatch: Migrants Given False Court Dates, Wrongfully Sent Back To Mexico | Gustavo Solis

Asylum seekers who have finished their court cases are being sent back to Mexico with documents that contain fraudulent future court dates, keeping some migrants south of the border indefinitely, records show. Under the Migrant Protection Protocols policy, asylum seekers with cases in the United States have to wait in Mexico until those cases are resolved. The Mexican government agreed to only accept migrants with future court dates scheduled. Normally, when migrants conclude their immigration court cases, they are either paroled into the United States or kept in federal custody depending on the outcome of the case. However, records obtained by The San Diego Union-Tribune show that on at least 14 occasions, Customs and Border Protection agents in California and Texas gave migrants who had already concluded their court cases documents with fraudulent future court dates written on them and sent the migrants back to Mexico anyway.

Fri, November 08, 2019

The Latest On The Shooting At The Otay Mesa Church's Chicken | Lyndsay Winkley

The woman who was killed when a shooter opened fire on a Church’s Chicken in Otay Mesa had just gotten married, family members said Thursday. Maribel Ibañez, 28, was one of three people struck by gunfire after a man who had been turned away for trying to buy a meal with counterfeit money started shooting at the restaurant on Del Sol Boulevard on Wednesday. San Diego police officers are still searching for a gunman, who was last seen driving away from the restaurant in a blue car, police said. He was described as a thin, black man in his 30s. He is about 6 feet 1 inch tall and was last seen wearing a blue Chargers beanie, basketball shorts and a light blue sweater.

Thu, November 07, 2019

Did The NCIS Go Too Far In Its Public Arrest Of 16 Marines? | Andrew Dyer

The July mass arrest of 15 Camp Pendleton Marines in front of their 800-person battalion may have violated their rights and threatens to upend the case, attorneys for two of the accused told the Union-Tribune. On the morning of July 25, as 800 Marines stood in formation at the Camp San Mateo area of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 24 Marines’ names were called. Fifteen were ordered to stand in a line in front of the battalion “to be recognized,” according to court filings in the case. The battalion sergeant major stood nearby, carrying a red folder that usually is associated with awards. But these men weren’t awarded. The regiment sergeant major, Sgt. Major Matthew A. Dorsey pointed to the Marines in front and said, “NCIS, arrest these Marines.”

Wed, November 06, 2019

Forget The LA Chargers, Rumormongers Are Suggesting The London Chargers | Tom Krasovic

Chargers owner Dean Spanos is giving no thought to relocating from Los Angeles and is fully committed to the team’s L.A. venture. That was the clear, firm message Tuesday from Chargers special counsel Mark Fabiani in response to a report in the The Athletic that the team would consider relocating to London. “There’s absolutely no truth to the idea that Dean Spanos would consider anything other than building his fan base in Los Angeles,” Fabiani said. “The idea that he would consider any other option is just nonsense.” The Chargers, who moved from San Diego in 2017, have a 20-year lease with the Rams on an Inglewood stadium that is to open next year. The Chargers hold two 10-year options after the lease expires that can be exercised solely at their discretion.

Tue, November 05, 2019

San Diego's Bishop Voted To Allow Married Priests In The Amazon | Peter Rowe

The summit was in Rome, the focus was on the Amazon. But for Bishop Robert McElroy, leader of San Diego’s diocese and one of only three Americans among the 185 delegates to the Vatican’s Pan-Amazon Synod, the issues hit close to home. McElroy returned to San Diego last week to find traditionalists in an uproar. Along with most of the delegates, McElroy had backed a plan to allow married men to serve as priests in remote Amazonian villages. He also joined the majority in urging Pope Francis to consider ordaining female deacons — throughout the global church.

Fri, November 01, 2019

San Diego's Energy Grid May Soon Become Greener Thanks To A CCA | Rob Nikolewski

San Diego’s plan to create community energy choice options is moving forward, with the possibility of having more than 700,000 new customers. Community choice energy offers the chance to purchase energy separate from an investor owned utility, which allows for quicker investment in green energy sources. Most of the county’s cities are for the plan, as well as San Diego Gas and Electric.

Thu, October 31, 2019

When San Diego Used To Have The Worlds Most Intense Haunted House | Morgan Cook

McKamey Manor used to be a notorious terror attraction in Rancho Peñasquitos, but now the manor haunts in new locations in Tennessee and Alabama. This is a haunted house taken to extreme --- YouTube videos of tours of McKamey Manor when it was based in San Diego showed participants vomiting, weeping and bruised, a young man crying out to be released as his head is shoved under water and other unsettling imagery — much of which is “smoke and mirrors,” according to the proprietor Russ McKamey. In its new locations, McKamey Manor is still getting criticism for the tours, including a petition on Change.org to close down the attraction. McKamey has denied allegations by people who claimed that they suffered serious physical and emotional injuries during his tours, saying he captures all the experiences on video he can use to dispute false allegations. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Wed, October 30, 2019

Gaslamp Quarter Association Touts Idea Of A 5th Avenue Promenade | David Garrick

San Diego officials and community leaders are exploring plans to create an eight-block pedestrian plaza in the Gaslamp Quarter by closing Fifth Avenue to vehicles between Broadway and L Street. Supporters say the plaza would become a magnet for tourists and locals, broadening the Gaslamp Quarter’s appeal and changing the landscape of downtown. Modeled after the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and public squares across Europe, the plaza would be dubbed the “Gaslamp Promenade” and feature street furniture, public art, trees, painted murals and possibly outdoor entertainment venues.

Tue, October 29, 2019

A SANDAG Bike Plan Is Delayed And $78M Over Budget | Joshua Emerson Smith

San Diego’s leaders have long been pushing for safer streets and ways to get people out of their cars . . . but a plan for an interconnected bike network remains delayed and is 79 million dollars over budget. Local leaders say challenges in construction are primarily responsible for the delays.

Mon, October 28, 2019

How This Cancer Fighting Drug Survived A 13-Year Trek To FDA Approval | Bradley Fikes

Cancer patients hold onto hope the way some people hold onto the lap bars of roller coasters: As if their lives depend on it. And then they get ready for the ups and downs. Theresa Blanda and Nancy Davidson started their rides after they were diagnosed with rare and debilitating blood cancers that enlarge the spleen and can progress to complications that are fatal. Both volunteered for a clinical trial with a drug developed by a small San Diego biotech company. Unlike the vast majority of trials, which end in disappointment, this one worked for them. The drug, fedratinib, made them better. So much better that Blanda returned to her accounting work in the defense industry. She made plans to marry. She dreamed about traveling. Davidson stopped worrying about whether she would live long enough to see her son and daughter graduate from high school and college. Then, five years into the trial, eight patients developed what appeared to be a dangerous neurological disorder that causes brain swelling and confusion. One died. Was the drug responsible?

Fri, October 25, 2019

Halloween Special: San Diego's Haunted History | Merrie Monteagudo

The San Diego Union-Tribune's archivist Merrie Monteagudo recounts several historical ghost stories including deaths at the Whaley House, sasquatches and yetis in East County and a Ghost Ship that haunts the Salton Sea.

Thu, October 24, 2019

This Cal State San Marcos Executive's Lavish Spending Raises Questions | Jeff McDonald, Morgan Cook

Michael Schroder, the dean who traveled first class, stayed at Ritz-Carlton hotels and bought a $110 Bruno-style bone-in filet was not the only one at Cal State San Marcos using state tax money to cover luxury expenses. So were the people responsible for approving his expense reports. Graham Oberem, former provost and most frequent signer of Schroder’s expense reports, stayed at a $639-a-night hotel in Spain in 2017 and paid $472 for Half Moon Limos to take him to and from Los Angeles International Airport for a recruiting trip to various countries in Europe in November 2018. Karen Haynes, former president of the university, stayed in the same hotel in Spain for $762 a night. She accumulated more than $9,100 in charges for chauffeured transportation from September 2017 to June this year. She billed the school for rides from her home to the university and was chauffeured to Long Beach routinely, documents show.

Wed, October 23, 2019

What We Know About California's Gasoline Mystery Surcharge | Rob Nikolewski

Every California motorist knows that gasoline is expensive in the Golden State. Taxes and fees on the state and federal levels account for more than 80 cents per gallon at the pump. But even after stripping out all those expenses, the California Energy Commission says drivers are still paying more than they should because of “an unexplained residual price increase” that’s persisted for the last five years. Gov. Gavin Newsom thinks oil companies may be “engaging in false advertising or price fixing” and he has called on Attorney General Xavier Bacerra to open an investigation into what UC Berkeley professor Severin Borenstein has long called the “mystery gasoline surcharge.” In 2018, California motorists paid an average of 30 cents more per gallon at higher-priced retail outlets such as Chevron, Shell and 76 than the average American paid for gasoline in other states, the energy commission said in an analysis released last week.

Tue, October 22, 2019

Suit Over Disclosing Sexual Misconduct Records Settled | Greg Moran

A lawsuit seeking records of accusations of sexual misconduct by employees of the San Diego District Attorney has settled, with the office turning over the records and agreeing to pay nearly $100,000 in legal fees incurred by a public records advocacy group which sought the information. The group, the First Amendment Coalition, filed suit in July 2018. The San Rafael-based group had asked under the state public records law for all records of sexual misconduct by DA employees. Instead the District Attorney’s Office had provided summaries of six cases but not the actual records.

Tue, October 22, 2019

MTS, SANDAG Hope Tax Increases Can Make A Transit-Oriented Future | Joshua Emerson Smith

San Diego’s transit agencies are making a big bet on the future of transit. Both the San Diego Association of Governments and the Metropolitan Transit System are pushing forward separate tax measures that would improve public transit. The investments may be key if the region hopes to improve transit service and get more people out of their cars -- one of the only ways to meet climate goals.

Fri, October 18, 2019

What We Know About CBD | Peter Rowe

While California is one of several states to legalize marijuana, demand for the plant isn’t just for getting high. Cannabidinol -- better known as CBD -- is now a popular substance that has found its way into everything from dog treats to lip balm. Claims of what CBD can do are vast, but many of them raise questions as to what’s true and what’s snakeoil.

Thu, October 17, 2019

Some Neighborhoods Are Installing Private License Plate Readers | Katy Stegall

Several neighborhoods around San Diego County have turned to an Atlanta company to offer a new level of surveillance. Flock Safety provides private license plate readers that neighborhoods or HOAs can use to track who enters and leaves their neighborhoods. Amid the expansion of the internet of things, and 5G wireless technology, increased surveillance is becoming more common.

Wed, October 16, 2019

Border Dispatch: Remain In Mexico Remains A Problem | Gustavo Solis

The federal government continues to send migrants back to Mexico who may not be subject to the Remain in Mexico program, according to a report published by lawyers and activists who work with asylum seekers in Mexico. The controversial program, officially known as Migrant Protection Protocols, does not have clear guidelines of who is subject to the policy, which forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexico until their court case is decided. With the absence of clear protocols, lawyer and advocates argue, some who should not be in the program are being incorrectly sent to Mexico. To date, more than 40,000 asylum seekers have been returned to Mexico under the program. This includes vulnerable populations, such as members of the LGBTQ community who face persecution in Mexico, unaccompanied children, and people with serious health issues.

Tue, October 15, 2019

San Diego County Republicans Fail To Endorse A Candidate For CA-50 | Andrew Dyer, Lauryn Schroeder

San Diego Republicans failed Monday to back a candidate for the 50th Congressional District, including the candidate who currently holds the seat. None of the four candidates received the two-thirds majority necessary to get an endorsement from the Republican Party of San Diego County. Forty-nine members cast ballots after a forum and the results were confidential. A photo obtained by the Union-Tribune shows one of the four votes resulted in 21 delegates siding with former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio. Incumbent Rep. Duncan D. Hunter and State Sen. Brian Jones received 14 votes each. Former Congressman Darrell Issa did not receive any votes.

Tue, October 15, 2019

New Rules Shaping Scooter Use In San Diego | John Wilkens, Peter Rowe

Three months after new city regulations went into effect, two companies, Jump and Skip, have left town. Another, Lime, may lose its permit because of repeated operating infractions. Almost 500 riders received traffic tickets, more than half of them for riding on sidewalks. The city impounded more than 3,700 scooters for parking violations. It’s too soon to say how effective or long-lasting the crackdown will be, or what it means to the future of dockless scooters here. Depending on the time and place, this can still look like a town that’s been overrun. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/story/2019-10-14/new-rules-shaping-scooter-use-in-san-diego

Fri, October 11, 2019

The Politics And Policy Of The Housing Crunch | Michael Smolens

California’s housing market continues to become more expensive, but political leaders are seeing glimpses of a sea change coming. On a statewide level, there’s a renewed push to do more for middle-income housing, and in some cities like San Diego, new policies have been enacted to boost density without completely changing neighborhood character.

Thu, October 10, 2019

This Desert Town Could Be Yours | Phil Molnar

If you ever wanted to be the owner of a desert town -- now’s your chance. The town of Campo is for sale, although the price hasn’t been announced and the seller is only accepting bids. The hamlet is about 10 miles north of the border along the 94, and is home to about 100 people. Not much has changed since the town was primarily built for the military during World War II-- and that’s part of its charm.

Wed, October 09, 2019

Why SDSU West Is Taking So Long To Start | Jennifer Van Grove

Almost a year ago, San Diego voters approved Measure G, allowing for the sale of the former Qualcomm stadium site to San Diego State University. Plans for an expanded campus are underway, but the sale of the land to the university hasn’t been completed yet. The City and the University have several disagreements on the site, something that could delay the project.

Tue, October 08, 2019

Why Ocean Beach's Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey Is In Legal Crosshairs | Kristina Davis

Exuding the bohemian irreverence of its Ocean Beach roots, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey comes with its own warning: “a night with Skrewball is bound to get a little nutty.” The same could be said for the legal battle being waged over ownership of the locally crafted spirit. Created by husband-and-wife team Steve and Brittany Yeng, Skrewball is based on a signature peanut butter-and-whiskey shot that Steve concocted after opening his first restaurant, OB Noodle House. The shot was so popular that the couple decided to bottle it. But three people — including former Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher David “Boomer” Wells and local television host Noah Tafolla — have filed lawsuits in San Diego Superior Court alleging they were all promised a stake in the venture. The Yengs, in turn, have filed a cross-complaint of their own against Tafolla, calling him a “parasitic individual” who exploited his relationship with the couple to enrich himself. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2019-10-06/skrewball-whiskey-lawsuits-yeng-wells-tafolla

Mon, October 07, 2019

Border Dispatch: How Fixers Help Make Tijuana News Happen | Gustavo Solis

Whenever the foreign press drops in to cover a big international story — be it a natural disaster in Southeast Asia, a civil war in Africa, or a humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border — they rely on local guides to show them around town, arrange interviews, scout locations, serve as translators, and sometimes even negotiate interview terms with local cartel bosses. These local guides are referred to as “fixers.” Whenever the BBC, CNN, New York Times, or pretty much any big news organization comes to Tijuana, they call local fixers.

Fri, October 04, 2019

Why Downtown San Diego's Public Restrooms Are Bleak | Peter Rowe

n life, the only certainties are death, taxes and the fact that — often at an inconvenient, gut-clenching moment — everyone needs a place to do their business. "Sir, relax," Herbert Bridges told a pedestrian racing to a public restroom outside San Diego City Hall. The security guard unlocked a steel door, revealing a cinder block chamber with a stainless steel commode, urinal and sink. Brown stains marked the walls, litter and dark patches the floor. "Everybody's panicked," Bridges commented, "but I got it under control. "When it comes to public restrooms, critics insist, San Diego cannot say the same. In 2005 and again in 2015, San Diego County's grand jury urged more public bathrooms downtown. Similar pleas came from the East Village Redevelopment Homeless Advisory Committee (2001), the San Diego Partnership's Clean & Safe Program (2005) and the Girls Think Tank (2009). This shortage was cited as a factor behind 2017's hepatitis A epidemic. During that crisis, the city installed dozens of portable restrooms and outdoor washing stations. Yet relief was only temporary.

Thu, October 03, 2019

Poll: Republicans Split On Who To Support In CA-50 Michael Smolens

A new poll of likely voters in the crowded and widely watched 50th Congressional District race shows indicted incumbent Duncan Hunter facing an uphill climb to re-election, trailing three candidates. In the poll, Hunter, with 11 percent of the vote, is trailing GOP opponents Carl DeMaio (20 percent) and Darrell Issa (16 percent) while lone Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, who narrowly lost to Hunter a year ago, leads with 31 percent. State Sen. Brian Jones polled at 4 percent. Then came two independents, Helen Horvath and David Edick Jr., with 2 percent and 1 percent respectively. Fifteen percent of the voters were undecided.

Wed, October 02, 2019

CalFire Begins Fight Against Invasive Grasses | Joshua Emerson Smith

Highly flammable nonnative plants have increasingly played a major role in Southern California’s struggles with wildfire — providing kindling along roadsides and around homes that turn sparks into menacing backcountry blazes. San Diego firefighting officials plan to dramatically ramp up efforts to rip out vegetation, both native and invasive, surrounding remote communities as part of a statewide campaign to prevent tragedies such as the Camp Fire in Paradise. However, environmental groups and scientists are now warning that brush-removal projects may actually exacerbate the risk of fire by inadvertently helping to spread invasive grasses, such as black mustard, star thistle and ripgut bromus. San Diego County’s ambitious goal is to clear 5,000 acres a year around the county using prescribed burns and chainsaws, while also ramping up maintenance of trails and remote roads accessed by firetrucks. Critics say the plan is ill-conceived and seeks to bypass environmental reviews that could force authorities to address the spread of invasive plants. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/story/2019-09-28/will-cal-fires-plan-to-rip-out-vegetation-in-san-diego-lead-to-an-explosion-in-flammable-invasive-grasses

Tue, October 01, 2019

Border Dispatch: 25 Years Later, How Operation Gatekeeper Changed The Border | Kristina Davis

Operation Gatekeeper was unveiled on Oct. 1, 1994. The strategy was to deter migrants from illegally crossing in the first place — and, for those who remained undeterred, to encourage them to cross in more isolated wilderness areas to the east, where they could be more easily captured. Twenty-five years later, Operation Gatekeeper is still viewed as a major turning point in the effort to control the border. It is considered both a success and a failure, depending on whom you ask. One thing is certain: Operation Gatekeeper set in motion a process that significantly altered the landscape of the U.S.-Mexico border and transformed San Diego into one of the most heavily fortified international boundaries in the nation. It also came with a human toll, as migration shifted to the east.

Mon, September 30, 2019

Border Dispatch: This Veteran Is Trying to Unite A Separated Family | Gustavo Solis, Hafsa Fathima

There was something odd about the Kentucky woman who sat next to a young Honduran mother asking for asylum in San Diego’s immigration court last week. Judge Philip Law had never seen her before. The woman wasn’t an immigration lawyer. She wasn’t even related to the single mother, Keyla. So, the judge asked, who was she and what was she doing there? “I’m Vonnette Monteith,” she said. “I know the family and I’m here to help.”

Fri, September 27, 2019

Lack Of School Bus Service Causes Controversy In Oceanside Neighborhood | Deborah Brennan

When their neighborhood school closed down more than a decade ago, parents from Oceanside’s Crown Heights neighborhood were desperate to maintain a bus route that kept their children from walking miles on streets marked by gang violence and dangerous traffic. So they agreed to pay a monthly fee to help fund the service. What they didn’t expect was a demand that they also sweep streets, attend mandatory community meetings and clean offices and bathrooms to earn discounts on those fees.

Thu, September 26, 2019

San Diego Has Its Own Mini Version Of Fox News - One America News Network | Kristina Davis

In a television studio tucked into a Bay Ho business park, Graham Ledger looks into a camera and opens with his signature line: “Stand by. The doors to the newsroom are locked and the PC police are not getting in.” He then spends the next hour eviscerating liberal politics. The Democratic presidential hopefuls are “buffoons” and “socialists,” and all this talk of climate change reform is actually “a massive plan to redistribute wealth.” In the same episode he slams California’s sex education curriculum as “sexual indoctrination” from “fascist left radical ideology” and points to “this gender nonsense going on.” Later, he congratulates the United States for being “the least racist nation.”

Wed, September 25, 2019

Vaping Illnesses Spark Discussions On Regulations | Karen Pearlman

As the number of vaping-related deaths and illnesses mount, health officials nationwide are warning of severe consequences, but so far they have stopped short of declaring an emergency. State health officials on Tuesday implored people to immediately stop using the vaping devices, which they said posed an "imminent public health risk," and the governor issued an executive order directing his staff to draft strict rules for the sale of the electronic cigarettes. San Diego County and a growing number of the region's cities are heeding that sense of urgency. “I fully support the California Department of Public Health’s recommendation for people to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source, in light of ongoing investigations into cases of severe breathing problems and lung damage among individuals who have a history of vaping," said Wilma Wooten, of the county's Health and Human Services.

Tue, September 24, 2019

Changes Are Coming To Your Electric Bill | Rob Nikolewski

Changes are coming to your electric bill -- again. San Diego Gas and Electric is asking for the California Public Utilities Commission to make a series of changes that affect rate payers. They’re looking to end seasonal pricing, as well as setting the rate for the next several years. Both of these moves set the framework for how your energy bill is calculated each month.

Tue, September 24, 2019

What The Firing Of Andy Green Means For The Padres | Jay Posner

There will be a new manager when the Padres are wearing their new brown uniforms next season. Andy Green was fired Saturday morning, two years before his contract was due to expire and after four seasons with a 274-366 record. Bench coach Rod Barajas was named interim manager and served in that role Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sat, September 21, 2019

San Diego Grand Central Terminal Moves Closer To Reality | Jenn Van Grove Lori Weisberg

A theoretical airport transit hub, sometimes called “San Diego Grand Central Station,” became more tangible with the head of the Department of the Navy visiting San Diego on Thursday to give the federal government’s go-ahead on planning efforts to redevelop one of its most recognizable properties. Navy Secretary Richard Spencer joined Mayor Kevin Faulconer and the San Diego Association of Governments’ Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata at a media event where they signed an agreement that lays the foundation to remake the Naval Base Point Loma, Old Town Complex. The contract, which supersedes a prior memorandum of understanding, means SANDAG and the Navy can move forward with parallel planning and environmental review efforts of the 70-acre site.

Fri, September 20, 2019

U-T Watchdog Investigation: Dying Behind Bars | Kelly Davis, Jeff McDonald

In San Diego County jails, more than 130 people have died in the past ten years. That’s an average higher than one inmate per month, every month, since 2009 --- which is the year that Sheriff Bill Gore took office. The circumstances vary: suicide, heart disease, complications from diabetes and murder -- but collectively, they bring into question how the county is safeguarding those who are wards of the state. Story will be live Friday morning at uniontrib.com/jaildeaths

Thu, September 19, 2019

President Donald Trump's San Diego Afternoon | Phil Molnar, Michael Smolens

President Donald Trump arrived in San Diego today, kicking off an hours-long visit that began with a downtown fundraiser and will end with a quick tour of the border. The trip is his second to the city in 18 months and follows an April visit to the border city of Calexico.

Wed, September 18, 2019

Border Dispatch: Where Changes To Asylum Stand Now | Kate Morrissey, Gustavo Solis

Get up to speed about recent Supreme Court rulings, new immigration policies and the challenges asylum seekers face.

Tue, September 17, 2019

Racial Slurs At H.S. Football Game Spark Investigations | Kristen Taketa, Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

San Diego activists on Monday called for San Clemente High in Orange County to apologize for racial slurs they say were targeted at Lincoln High students at a football game Friday night. Both the Capistrano Unified School District and Lincoln High School said they each are conducting investigations into the allegations. Capistrano Unified spokesman Ryan Burris said Monday his district is reviewing about eight hours of video footage from the stadium, culling social media posts about the event and interviewing students. He expects that will take until about Wednesday or Thursday to complete, he said. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2019-09-16/activists-want-san-clemente-high-to-apologize-after-alleged-racial-slurs-against-lincoln-students

Sat, September 14, 2019

Gun Lock Law Takes Effect, Was Passed Without The Mayor | Michael Smolens

Amid increasing public sentiment for gun control legislation, Mayor Kevin Faulconer withheld his support from a citywide firearms safety measure. The San Diego Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance was approved by the City Council in July and took effect Thursday. The measure requires guns in homes to be stored in a locked container or disabled by a trigger lock unless they are being carried by or are under the control of the owner or authorized user. It became law without the mayor’s signature. City Attorney Mara Elliott proposed the ordinance, saying it would guard against accidental shootings and keep guns out of the hands of children, people not allowed to have them and “individuals going through personal crises.” Column: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2019-09-12/column-why-faulconer-laid-low-on-san-diegos-gun-storage-law

Fri, September 13, 2019

Rent Cap Bill Awaits Newsom's Signature | Phillip Molnar

San Diego County is one step away from a form of rent control for the first time in its history. A statewide measure that would limit yearly rent increases to 5 percent, plus inflation, passed the state Assembly on Wednesday and the state Senate earlier this week. It now goes to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk where he is expected to sign it into law. While the law is a big deal for all of California — becoming only the second state to have a statewide rent cap — it also could be a seismic change for San Diego. America’s Finest City is one of the few large cities in the state not to have any form of rent control, and the county also has no laws for stopping skyrocketing rents. If signed by Newsom, the law would go into effect Jan. 1. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/real-estate/story/2019-09-11/statewide-rent-cap-appears-likely-to-become-law-would-be-a-first-for-san-diego

Thu, September 12, 2019

Mission Valley Might Be A Live-Work Paradise If This Plan Works | Jennifer Van Grove

City leaders have set in motion a 30-year plan for Mission Valley that flips the region’s focus from its roads to the San Diego River and the trolley system. It simultaneously creates room for 50,000 additional residents and 7 million more square feet of commercial development. Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt the Mission Valley Community Plan Update and certify the associated environmental impact report. The approval is the last needed in a process that dates to 2015, when city planners first teamed with community members to come up with a new framework for Mission Valley. The land-use and policy document also cleared without a hiccup the city’s Land Use & Housing Committee and the Planning Commission earlier in the summer.

Wed, September 11, 2019

Rep. Susan Davis' Retirement Leaves Big Shoes To Fill Michael Smolens, Charles Clark

Rep. Susan Davis' retirement in the 53rd District came as a surprise last week, but her friends and political foes agree-- she was a beacon of civility who got things done for San Diego. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2019-09-07/susan-davis-retiring-career-retrospective

Tue, September 10, 2019

Grocery Worker Strike Averted As Union Members Vote On Contract | Phillip Molnar Brittany Meiling

The looming threat of a grocery store strike throughout Southern California was dissolving Monday as workers began voting on a new employment contract that appears to appease all parties. Clerks and other grocery staff from Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons are casting votes Monday through Wednesday on the new deal brokered over the weekend between the stores and the workers’ union, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). Roughly 47,000 members of seven union chapters across Southern California and parts of Central California are eligible to vote on the new three-year contract. Worker sentiment appears strongly positive on the deal, which secured a bump in wages, healthcare benefits and pension contributions.

Sat, September 07, 2019

Poll: Todd Gloria Leading In Mayor's Race, Many Undecided | David Garrick

Assemblyman Todd Gloria leads Councilwoman Barbara Bry by more than a two-to-one margin among likely voters in the race to become San Diego’s next mayor, according to a Union-Tribune/10 News poll released Friday. Gloria leads Bry by a margin of 31 percent to 15 percent, with community activist Tasha Williamson receiving 8 percent support. The three candidates – all Democrats – are seeking to replace Republican Mayor Kevin Faulconer next year. With six months until the March 2020 primary, 46 percent of likely voters are undecided. That’s partly because 39 percent of those polled say they have no opinion yet of Bry, and 23 percent don’t yet have an opinion of Gloria.

Fri, September 06, 2019

San Diego Wants To Hire 200 Firefighters In 5 Years | John Wilkens, Karen Kucher, Sam Hodgson

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has a chronic understaffing problem. Now it has a plan of attack: It aims to add more than 200 firefighters over the next five years. The idea is to offset employees retiring or otherwise leaving the department and to create a relief pool of workers who can fill in for firefighters who call in sick or go on vacation, in an effort to trim skyrocketing overtime costs. But will the hiring spree solve the staffing shortage?

Thu, September 05, 2019

Union Jack Raises Questions On How Far HOA Regulations Can Go | John Wilkens

Shannon Glover came from England to San Diego almost 30 years ago for a uniquely American reason: She fell in love with Tom Cruise and “Top Gun.” Now she’s in a dispute that pits the country of her birth against the one she calls home. Her homeowner’s association in Carmel Valley has ordered her to stop flying the British flag, the Union Jack, outside her house. “Only the American flag is permitted,” the Notice of Violation says.

Wed, September 04, 2019

Gang Crimes Spike In San Diego | Greg Moran, Lyndsay Winkley

After a year of declines, gang-related crime in San Diego has spiked in recent months with the city logging twice as many homicides as the same time last year and 20 percent more gang-related crimes overall. A spate of shootings, retaliation attacks and other crimes has put the raw number of gang-related crimes this year far ahead of the number through July 2018. Police statistics show there were 463 gang-related crimes committed through June, up from 385 during the same period last year. That increase of 78 crimes is reflected in nearly all categories. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2019-09-02/gang-crimes-spike-in-san-diego

Sat, August 31, 2019

Is Your Paycheck Keeping Up With San Diego's Inflation? | Phillip Molnar, Brittany Meiling

If you have been working in San Diego County for the last decade and feel like you are in worse financial shape now, there might be a reason for that. Sluggish wage growth, exacerbated by rising housing costs, have eroded workers' buying power.Taking into account yearly inflation — which considers the cost of such things as housing, gasoline and food — overall wages in the county have increased just 2 percent from 2008 to 2018. That's according to an analysis by the San Diego Union-Tribune of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com//business/economy/story/2019-08-30/san-diego-restaurant-workers-see-wages-climb

Fri, August 30, 2019

Warner Bros Is Opening A New Carlsbad Mobile Game Studio | Brittany Meiling

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has opened a new gaming studio in Carlsbad, joining a bubbling hub of developers in the region working on mobile titles. WB Games is best known for its DC and Harry Potter games, including the recent augmented reality title Wizards Unite. Game of Thrones: Conquest is one of the studio’s bigger hits, grossing $214 million in revenue as of May. The new studio, which is making free-to-play mobile games, is hiring new workers across “all disciplines,” from art and design to business and engineering, said Tom Casey, the vice president and studio head at WB Games in Boston. Casey will also be leading the San Diego team. The studio has 15 job openings listed on its website. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/story/2019-08-27/warner-bros-opens-ncarlsbad-game-studio

Thu, August 29, 2019

State Insurance Commissioner Took Political Donations From Companies He Regulates | Jeff McDonald

A new Union-Tribune analysis of public disclosures related to Ricardo Lara’s successful campaign for state insurance commissioner shows that he accepted more donations from interested parties than was previously known. Lara collected at least $270,000 from 56 different people and companies with ties to the department he now oversees, according to a recent, more thorough examination of contributions reported to the Secretary of State. In some cases, the money came directly from insurers like Aflac or Blue Shield of California. In others, donations came from bail agents regulated by the department.

Wed, August 28, 2019

Can The Port Force These Private Piers Into Public Land? | Jennifer VanGrove

In the wealthy La Playa enclave of Shelter Island a handful of small piers dot the secluded coastline, relics of a different World War II-era bay. They have offered their upland homeowners, generation after generation, an uncommon San Diego privilege: Backyard parking for their boats. Now the Port of San Diego, which technically owns the piers because they are on public tidelands, is threatening to strip the benefit away as part of its Port Master Plan Update. The piers that start near the Talbot Street entrance to the La Playa Trail and end near Kellogg Beach must be made entirely public or torn down, the document states. Right now, people can walk out on the piers until they reach gates that restrict access to the private floating docks at the end. Only one, the La Playa Yacht Club Pier, can remain as is, meaning partially open to passersby but otherwise restricted to permitted users. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/story/2019-08-24/la-playa-docks-dredging-up-big-controversy-in-remote-shelter-island-area

Tue, August 27, 2019

Scam Diego: How New Scams Are Tricking You | Peter Rowe

Welcome to the golden age of scams. Scouring social media accounts and hacked databases for personal information, criminals have created new tools to attack the unwary. While investigators still see phishing attacks, the scattershot come-ons often vaguely addressed to “Dear Sir/Madam,” an increasing number of fraudsters favor “spear phishing,” scams that target individuals with frightening precision.

Sat, August 24, 2019

Wet Hop Beer Season Is Coming | Peter Rowe

This month, farmers are reaping San Diego County’s 2019 hop harvest, thousands of pounds of Cascade, Chinook, Cashmere and other varietals. The entire crop is sold out and customers eagerly await shipments of the fragrant conical hop flowers, which look like leafy green cotton balls. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/story/2019-08-17/experts-say-san-diego-county-is-not-hop-country-tell-that-to-local-hop-farmers

Fri, August 23, 2019

Border Disptach: Trump Administration Aims To Keep Detained Children Indefinitely | Kate Morrissey

The Trump Administration is planning on ending limits on child detention of migrants caught at the border. The Flores agreement is a 1997 court settlement that sets rules for how the government must provide a minimum standard of care for children in custody, and prevents the government from keeping them indefinitely. The Trump Administration's new rules will be formally published Friday, and will be challenged in court.

Thu, August 22, 2019

County Dems Endorse Todd Gloria For San Diego Mayor | David Garrick, Michael Smolens

County Democrats have made their decision on an endorsement in the 2020 Mayoral Race: It’s Assemblyman Todd Gloria. The move was key, as it is likely the next San Diego mayor will be a Democrat, and that party has a significant registration advantage. Gloria is expected to face off against fellow Democrat Barbara Bry in the 2020 general election. As of now, there’s no Republican candidate.

Wed, August 21, 2019

The 30th Street Bike Lane Controversy, Explained | Andrea Lopez-Villafaña

A plan to put a protected bike lane in North Park has drawn criticism from the community. The plan would remove street parking from the popular corridor, and remove 420 parking spaces. Among the detractors are a group of disability advocates who say they’ve been left out of the conversation about how to alter mobility options for a greener future.

Tue, August 20, 2019

County May Pay $12M For Injuries Suffered By A Man In Jail | Jeff McDonald

Long before a San Diego County jury in July awarded David Collins more than $12 million for brain damage he suffered in Sheriff’s Department custody, a mediator recommended that his civil lawsuit be settled for $3 million, his attorney said. The Board of Supervisors, acting in closed session on advice from county attorneys, rejected the mediator’s suggestion, according to Collins’ lawyer, Robert Vaage. Instead they approved a counter offer their lawyers said was more in line with Collins’ injuries: $500,000, Vaage said. The plaintiff’s attorney considered that a lowball offer and opted to take chances with a jury, which last month returned a verdict worth $12.6 million. Now supervisors are confronting their largest civil judgment in decades, potentially adding to the $167 million in jury awards, settlements and claims San Diego County has paid out over the last 30 years.

Sat, August 17, 2019

First Campaign Filings Show San Diego County's 2020 Frontrunners | Lauryn Schroeder, Charles Clark

The Union-Tribune analyzed available campaign data, which shows that San Diego County residents have donated more than $1M to more than 20 candidates.

Thu, August 15, 2019

Legoland Announces New Movie-Based "Land" | Lori Weisberg

Legoland, in its biggest expansion yet of the Carlsbad theme park, announced Thursday that it will open next year a brand new land devoted entirely to the popular Lego movies — complete with a new 4D-style ride. The Lego Movie World, as it’s being called, will encompass a little more than two acres of the park, occupying the former Lego Friends Heartlake City area. Located in the far west side of the park, the area will be entirely reimagined to give park visitors the sense of being immersed within Lego’s cinematic universe — more specifically, The Lego Movie and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Key to that will be its signature ride, Masters of Flight, which will transport its passengers to the Lego movies’ memorable lands, aboard title character Emmet’s triple decker flying couch — or at least that’s what it will feel like.

Thu, August 15, 2019

Rep. Duncan Hunter's Trial Delayed | Morgan Cook, Jeff McDonald, Charles Clark, Micheal Smolens

A new date has been set for the criminal trial of Rep. Duncan Hunter; he will now face trial starting on Jan. 14 instead of Sept. 10, based on a court decision Tuesday. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas J. Whelan changed the date after lawyers requested a delay. It will allow time for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to consider Hunter’s appeal of Whelan’s refusal in July to throw out the indictment. Hunter’s lawyers plan to ask the appeals court to dismiss charges that he spent more than $250,000 in campaign donations on girlfriends, family vacations, tuition for his children and other personal expenses. Hunter’s defense attorney, Gregory Vega, filed a similar motion with Whelan in June arguing that some of the evidence prosecutors gathered about Hunter’s allegedly criminal conduct was protected by the “speech or debate” clause of the U.S. Constitution. Whelan rejected the argument, ruling that it was “wholly without merit.”

Tue, August 13, 2019

SDSU President Sets "Political Litmus Test" On Leaders Outgoing Dean Says | Gary Robbins

San Diego State University President Adela de la Torre has been accused by one of her former deans of saying that education leaders in California cannot obtain or keep top jobs unless they pass a left-leaning “political litmus test.” The accusation, which de La Torre denies, was made by Lance Nail, who stepped down as dean of SDSU’s Fowler College of Business in May, less than two years after his high profile recruitment from Texas Tech University, where he was an innovation expert. Nail said Monday that de la Torre made the political claim when he told her he was leaving for a deanship at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. At the time, he was willing to consider staying at SDSU, which hoped that he would make the most of a $25 million donation the campus received to improve the business school. Nail claims that de la Torre said, “If you’re not a Democrat and you don’t support unions there will be no place for you in education in California.”

Tue, August 13, 2019

Look Up! Your Streetlamp Is Watching You | Joshua Emerson Smith

San Diego has installed thousands of microphones and cameras in so-called smart streetlamps in recent years as part of a program to assess traffic and parking patterns throughout the city. However, the technology over the last year caught the attention of law enforcement. When police officers picked up Hernandez last summer, they had never used a streetlamp camera in an investigation. Today, such video has been viewed in connection with more than 140 police investigations. Officers have increasingly turned to the footage to help crack cases, as frequently as 20 times a month. Police department officials have said that the video footage has been crucial in roughly 40 percent of these cases.

Sat, August 10, 2019

Following Mass Shootings, Living Anxiously Becomes Commonplace | Peter Rowe

Last weekend’s mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton accentuated a painful fact of 21st century life: the lurking fear that a lethal threat could erupt at any public gathering. Anxiety is soaring among the faithful (domestic terrorists have attacked houses of worship), shoppers (malls have been shot up), Hispanics (targeted in El Paso), concertgoers (remember the Las Vegas massacre?), parents and teachers (school shootings have come a long, lethal way since Columbine in 1999). Everywhere, it seems, there are signs of a society under siege.

Fri, August 09, 2019

Border Dispatch: Mexicali Shelters Lack Accountability, Oversight | Gustavo Solis

Migrants say they've become targets for abuse. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2019-08-06/asylum-seekers-report-theft-exploitation-in-mexicalis-migrant-shelters

Thu, August 08, 2019

SDSU West's Traffic Impacts Likely To Be Bigger Than Expected | Jennifer Van Grove

At build out in 2037, San Diego State University’s Mission Valley campus will create 45,174 new car trips per weekday on area roads, according to the latest traffic analysis. As many as 19,099 more vehicle trips could be added to the mix when the university’s 35,000-person stadium reaches maximum capacity for sporting events or concerts. The new transportation figures were included in the university’s draft environmental impact report, which was published Monday. The study, required by state law, considers the effects of the university’s proposed development plan for the 132 acres of land it plans to purchase from the city of San Diego. The report is being circulated for a 60-day public review and comment period that ends on Oct. 3.

Wed, August 07, 2019

5 Democratic Candidates Came To San Diego To Make Their Pitch To Latinos | Charles Clark

Five Democratic presidential candidates who visited San Diego on Monday honed in on gun safety, healthcare, immigration reform and hateful rhetoric as key topics during the annual UnidosUS conference. Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Kamala Harris of California and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro took turns on stage at the annual event, which drew thousands of people to promote the Latino community. The candidates all expressed frustration with the lack of Senate Republican action on proposed gun control legislation and the growing problems of white nationalist violence and domestic terrorism on display last weekend. “We cannot fix a problem if we refuse to name a problem,” Biden said. “This is white nationalism, this is white supremacy, this is about hate.... Mr. President, it is long past time you stood up it. This is hatred, pure and simple, and it is being fueled by rhetoric so divisive that it is causing people to die.”

Tue, August 06, 2019

Border Dispatch: El Paso Shooting Rattles The Region | Wendy Fry

The massacre of 20 people Saturday by a man who traveled 650 miles to a Walmart in El Paso, reportedly with the intention of shooting “as many Mexicans as possible,” marks what appears to be one of the deadliest hate crimes ever against Latinos.

Sat, August 03, 2019

Fallout From The Gallagher Case Continues | Andrew Dyer

Even though the war crimes trial of Edward Gallager is over, and he has been cleared of nearly all charges, the trial still looms over the Navy. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump rescinded the medals of the servicemen who were on the prosecution against Gallagher and the top admiral dismissed all charges of another SEAL tied to the case.

Fri, August 02, 2019

Oceanside Sinkholes Relocate Elementary Students | Deborah Brennan

Students and staff at Garrison Elementary School in Oceanside will be relocated to San Luis Rey School when school starts in August because of sinkholes that appeared on campus earlier this year, the Oceanside Unified School District Board voted unanimously Wednesday. Preschoolers will be moved to either Del Rio or Libby Elementary Schools, and families who don’t want to move their students can request school of choice transfers to other campuses in the district. The board decided to move the students as it investigates what is causing the sinkholes, and determines whether they can repair the damage and renovate the site. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2019-07-31/oceanside-school-students-to-be-relocated-because-of-sinkholes-garrison-elementary

Thu, August 01, 2019

City Council OK's Plan To Build More Middle And Low-Income Housing | David Garrick

San Diego approved two much-anticipated pieces of housing legislation Tuesday: the city’s first incentive focused on housing for moderate-income residents, and new regulations that aim to boost construction of units for low-income residents. The City Council unanimously approved the new law focused on moderate-income residents, defined by the city as families making 80 percent to 120 percent of the region’s median income of $86,300 for a family of four. The measure would allow developers to build larger projects with more units if they agree to reserve some of the units for moderate-income workers like nurses, teachers and firefighters. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/san-diego/story/2019-07-30/new-san-diego-laws-aim-to-spur-housing-for-low-income-moderate-income-residents

Wed, July 31, 2019

Room 20: How Joanne Fayron Found The Identity Of A Patient Who Has Been Unconscious Since ‘99

In a new podcast series from The Los Angeles Times Studios, join along in the journey of how San Diego journalist Joanne Fayron found the identity of an unknown man who has been in a vegetative state since 1999. Learn more and subscribe here: https://www.latimes.com/projects/room-20-podcast/

Tue, July 30, 2019

Everyone Wants To Relocate San Onofre's Nuclear Waste, No One Agrees On Where | Rob Nikolewski

Earlier this month, Southern California Edison — the operators of the now-shuttered San Onofre nuclear power plant — resumed transferring heavy canisters filled with spent fuel assemblies from wet storage pools to a newly constructed dry storage facility on the plant’s premises. Putting aside the criticism from some advocacy groups about restarting transfers at all, the move brings up a larger question: Where will the waste at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, known as SONGS for short, eventually go? Some of the options are fairly well-known, such as reviving a controversial site in Nevada, while others are more obscure, such as a proposal to send the waste down deep boreholes.

Sat, July 27, 2019

Symphony's Permanent Bayside Home Could Be Ready By 2020 | Jennifer Van Grove

If all goes according to plan, patrons of the San Diego Symphony’s annual outdoor concert series will next summer find that the usual pop-up venue has been replaced with an ultramodern, permanent structure. Wednesday, Port of San Diego commissioners unanimously approved a long-term ground lease with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association for operation of a 3.68-acre venue on the 10.8-acre Embarcadero Marina Park South site. The action follows the board’s December approval of a coastal permit, and clears the way for construction of the $45 million project, which includes around $3 million in improvements to the surrounding waterside park. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/story/2019-07-24/symphonys-permanent-home-on-the-bay-could-be-ready-for-2020-summer-pops

Fri, July 26, 2019

Marines Arrested For Human Trafficking, San Diego SEALs Sent Home From Iraq | Andrew Dyer

Sixteen Marines were arrested at Camp Pendleton Thursday morning during battalion formation for various illegal activities ranging from human smuggling to drug-related offenses, the 1st Marine Division said in a statement. The Marine Corps said information from a previous human smuggling investigation led to the arrests. On July 3, two Marines — Byron Darnell Law II and David Javier Salazar-Quintero — were arrested for allegedly transporting unauthorized immigrants as part of a smuggling operation. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2019-07-25/16-camp-pendleton-marines-arrested-on-human-smuggling-drug-related-activities SEALs: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2019-07-24/san-diego-based-seal-team-7-platoon-sent-home-from-iraq-for-deterioration-of-good-order-and-discipline

Thu, July 25, 2019

Mayor Kevin Faulconer Wins National Praise On Homelessness | Michael Smolens

Mayor Kevin Faulconer has appeared recently in conservative news outlets and on pop-culture radio shows where he is being lauded for something that would have been unimaginable just two years ago: progress on combating homelessness. The mayor was a rising political star after his 2014 election and was considered a leading Republican candidate for governor a couple of years later, but that changed dramatically when San Diego was thrown into crisis by the 2017 hepatitis A outbreak linked to homelessness that killed 20 people and sickened nearly 600 across the region. At least on the air, it seems like a new day for Faulconer. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2019-07-23/nearly-sunk-by-homeless-hepatitis-crisis-faulconer-now-sought-for-advice

Wed, July 24, 2019

Is This Developer Creating San Diego's First "Poor Door"? | Phil Molnar

The developer of an East Village highrise apartment building wants to house its poorer renters in a separate building next door. Even as affordable housing advocates are praising the developer for building much-needed low-income housing, there are some who suggest the proposal sounds like segregation. Canadian developer Pinnacle International's plans envision a separate entrance for low-income renters at the proposed Pinnacle Pacific Heights complex that would not allow them access to amenities like a roof deck and pool for wealthier renters. If approved, the project would mark the first time a downtown developer has put low-income units in a different building as opposed to incorporating them into the same complex. The proposed market-rate tower, between A and B streets on 11th Avenue, is 32 stories and includes 387 housing units. A smaller, eight-story building would have 58 low-income apartments and be adjacent to the main tower.

Tue, July 23, 2019

New Seaport Tower Would Redefine San Diego's Skyline | Jennifer Van Grove

A proposed observation tower at the edge of Pacific Highway is a polarizing symbol of change that could make or break the larger, $2.4 billion redevelopment effort planned for downtown’s Central Embarcadero. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/story/2019-07-19/seaport-san-diego-tower-is-like-nothing-else-on-californias-coast-thats-the-problem

Sat, July 20, 2019

Comic Book Fans, Dealers Keep In The "Comic" In Comic-Con | Peter Rowe

If you’re under the impression that San Diego Comic-Con has sold its soul, ditching comic books in favor of Hollywood, video games and “Comic-Con exclusive” toys, listen to Bob Bretall. “There are more comics at this Con than any other four conventions put together,” said Bretall, 57, a Mission Viejo resident who holds the Guinness World Record for most unique volumes (103,000). “The people who say the Con isn’t about comics any more, they don’t know what they are talking about.” Comic-Con, which ends its 50th run Sunday, is actually 10 or 12 different pop culture shows occurring simultaneously. Hall H, the San Diego Convention Center’s cavernous ballroom, is dominated by A-List actors and directors. Ballroom 20 is Ground Zero for TV premieres. In a galaxy far, far away — the exhibit hall’s north end — there’s a hive of buying and selling, the New York Stock Exchange trading floor for candy-colored publications that once sold for 10 cents. Kids’ stuff? If you’re a comics collector here, you’ll need a huge allowance.

Fri, July 19, 2019

Two Horses Die At Del Mar | Bryce Miller

Two horses died Thursday morning in a freak training accident at Del Mar, track officials confirmed. Mac McBride, director of media for Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, said one of the horses, Carson Valley, was an unraced 3-year-old trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. The other horse, a 2-year-old named Charge a Bunch, was trained by Carla Gaines. Jockey Assael Espinoza — who was riding Carson Valley — was transported to a local hospital, Del Mar said in a statement. “He’s OK, he got lucky,” said Brian Beach, Espinoza’s agent. “It’s just a mild sprain of the back. He wasn’t riding [Thursday], so he will rest up and hopefully be able to ride this weekend.” Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/horse-racing/story/2019-07-18/del-mar-horses-die-freak-training-accident

Thu, July 18, 2019

Border Dispatch: New Asylum Policy Sill Has Unknowns | Wendy Fry, Gustavo Solis

Confusion and uncertainty loomed over the first day of the Trump administration’s new policy that limits the number of asylum seekers allowed to enter the United States through the southern border. The Trump administration announced the new asylum policy on Monday afternoon. By Tuesday morning, hundreds of migrants — mostly from Honduras, Guatemala, Ghana, Cameroon and Mexico — anxiously waited in line to see if their names would be called from an ever-growing wait-list of those ready to enter the U.S. Mexican immigration officials transported 12 people — including those from Venezuela and Haiti — to the United States about 8:40 a.m. at the San Ysidro port of entry. Under the new set of restrictions, asylum seekers who pass through another country first would be deemed ineligible for asylum at the U.S. southern border. That includes most of the thousands of migrants who have been waiting to cross into the U.S. in Tijuana for as many as six months.

Wed, July 17, 2019

New Bike Lanes Create Downtown Confusion | Lyndsay Winkley

A trio of downtown San Diego streets recently got new paint jobs — exciting bicyclists and other car-free travelers, but confusing some motorists. The changes, which include painted islands, green crosswalks and plastic bollards, are Phase 1 of the city’s ambitious plan to create miles of protected bicycle lanes across downtown — an effort that aims to boost safety and fight climate change. The 30-year plan, approved by the City Council in 2016, will transform dozens of vehicle lanes and some on-street parking into miles of protected cycling lanes and pedestrian promenades. But the changes being implemented now focus on three roadways: J Street, Beech Street and Sixth Avenue. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2019-07-14/downtown-san-diego-streets-make-way-for-protected-bike-lanes-causing-excitement-confusion

Tue, July 16, 2019

SPECIAL CROSSOVER EPISODE: San Diego Comic-Con At 50

Soon San Diego will hog the pop culture spotlight as the 50th Comic Con International begins. From humble beginnings celebrating the golden age of comics, to today’s star-studded extravaganza, San Diego Comic-Con is now a celebration of entertainment in nearly every form: Movies, TV, video games and of course comic books. This week, we at the San Diego Union-Tribune will give you an inside look into all things pop culture— and teaming up with the U-T's other podcast The Conversation First up, reporters Phil Molnar and Charlie Clark discuss survival tips and coverage plans for Comic-Con with Daniel Wheaton and Abby Hamblin. Then, at 22:50 Peter Rowe discusses the history of Comic-Con. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/story/2019-07-11/50-shades-of-comic-con-what-weve-gained-and-lost-in-five-decades-of-pop-culture-celebrations

Sat, July 13, 2019

Appeals Court Ruling Gives Officer Involved Shooting Case A Second Chance | Greg Moran

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the suit filed by family of Fridoon Nehad should not have been dismissed because of questions over whether the shooting was justified. The ruling also opens the way to explore how SDPD handles reviews of police shootings. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2019-07-11/appeals-court-revices-lawsuit-over-controversial-2015-sdpd-shooting-in-midway

Fri, July 12, 2019

Border Dispatch: Immigrant Communities Brace For Sunday's ICE Raids | Wendy Fry

This weekend, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's raids will begin. This stems from a presidential tweet last month when President Donald Trump said he wanted to quote “deport millions” of undocumented immigrants. Now that the organization has had time to prepare, the raids are said to have a broader scope that originally planned.

Thu, July 11, 2019

Border Dispatch: Tijuana's Asylum Line Grows To More Than 9,000 | Kate Morrissey

The wait list for migrants in Tijuana to request asylum in the United States has grown to the longest it has ever been, even longer than the line that grew right after a large caravan arrived in November. About 9,150 names are pending on the list, according to data documented by volunteers with Al Otro Lado, a legal services nonprofit that supports migrants in Tijuana. The people to whom those names belong have been waiting upwards of three months in many cases for their turn to ask the U.S. for protection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2019-07-09/tijuana-asylum-notebook-reaches-highest-count-on-record-migrants-in-line-protest-long-waits

Wed, July 10, 2019

Months After Shooting At Chabad Of Poway, The Congregation And Its Rabbi Heal | Peter Rowe

The bullets were meant to kill Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein. Instead, they gave him new life. “I’m a new person,” the rabbi said, his hands mangled from injuries suffered April 27, when an anti-Semitic gunman attacked Chabad of Poway. One worshipper, Lori Gilbert-Kaye, was killed. Three others were wounded, including Goldstein. His right index finger was shot off and the bones in his left index finger were shattered. Those wounds are obvious, thanks to the blue bandages wrapped around his hands. Less evident, at least at first glance, are the changes that occurred inside. “I’ve been a rabbi 33 years,” Goldstein said. “I’m human, I’ve made mistakes. But I’m a different person now. I’m more patient, more understanding, more appreciative.” https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/story/2019-07-05/rabbi-goldstein-the-making-of-a-religious-superstar

Mon, July 08, 2019

Education Roundup: Racism at Southwestern and Charter School Pay | Kristen Taketa

San Diego Union-Tribune Education Reporter Kristen Taketa discusses her latestet stories on racism at Southwestern Community College and why charter school executives make so much money. Stories: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2019-07-08/southwestern-college-confronts-anti-blackness-racial-tensions-on-campus https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2019-07-06/some-charter-school-leaders-made-more-money-than-san-diego-unifieds-superintendent https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/south-county/story/2019-07-08/things-are-looking-brighter-san-ysidro-school-district-made-strides-under-new-leader

Sat, July 06, 2019

What We Can Learn From The July 4th Quake | Gary Robbins

Southern California, Nevada and northern Mexico were jolted Thursday by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that erupted near Ridgecrest, a small desert city northeast of Los Angeles, the US Geological Survey said. Seismologists warned that a 5.0 or larger aftershock is possible over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Thu, July 04, 2019

USC To Pay UCSD $50M And Apologize For Raiding Alzheimer's Program | Gary Robbins, Bradley Fikes

The University of Southern California has agreed to pay UC San Diego $50 million and to publicly apologize to the school for the way it wrested control of its prestigious Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study in 2015 during a raid that led to a highly contentious lawsuit. The penalty and apology have resulted in the settlement of a lawsuit the UCSD and the UC Board of Regents brought against USC in San Diego County Superior Court. The move also represents an extraordinary turnaround from four years ago, when USC took control of the program’s data, contracts worth tens of millions of dollars, and gave jobs to the program’s star researcher, Paul Aisen, and some of his staff. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/science/story/2019-07-02/usc-apologizes-to-uc-san-diego-for-wresting-control-of-its-renowned-alzheimers-research-program

Wed, July 03, 2019

Court Martial: Gallagher Found Not Guilty Of War Crimes

Navy SEAL Chief Edward Gallagher was acquitted Tuesday on all murder charges, witness intimidation charges, and assault charges related to a 2017 deployment in Iraq. “I’m happy. I’m thankful. Thank God for freedom,” Gallagher said in a press conference after the verdict. A seven member jury panel, made up of Marines and two sailors, acquitted Gallagher on all but one count in one of the most closely watched military trials in the country. The jury convicted Gallagher on a single count related to Gallagher taking pictures alongside an Iraqi fighter’s corpse, which is the kind of charge that carries a maximum punishment of four months, court observers said. The jury is still deliberating punishment for that charge, which could potentially result in a loss of rank. Sentencing in the case resumes Wednesday morning. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2019-07-02/navy-seal-chief-edward-gallagher-was-acquitted-on-most-charges-in-crimes-murder-trial

Tue, July 02, 2019

Court Martial: Jury Deliberations Begin In Gallagher Case

Prosecutors and defense attorneys in a nationally watched war crimes trial at Naval Base San Diego made final arguments Monday, and now the fate of a decorated Navy SEAL is in the hands of seven senior military jurors. San Diego-based Navy SEAL Chief Edward R. Gallagher was arrested on Sept. 11 based on the accounts of several members of his platoon from their deployment in Iraq in 2017. Gallagher, 40, is charged with premeditated murder in the alleged stabbing death of a wounded teenage Islamic State fighter brought to the SEAL compound near Mosul in May 2017. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2019-07-01/jury-is-deliberating-in-navy-seal-murder-trial

Tue, July 02, 2019

Retiring Asst. DA Had Launched Secret Investigation Into His Daughter's Ex | Greg Moran

Late last year just weeks before he retired, former San Diego County Assistant District Attorney Jesse Rodriguez ordered a secret investigation — using district attorney staff — into the ex-boyfriend of his daughter, who was locked in a contentious custody dispute over their infant son. The inquiry began in early November and appears to have lasted until the week before Christmas, according to internal documents obtained from the District Attorney’s Office under the state Public Records Act that outline the probe. The records show that Chief Deputy Dominic Dugo directed the investigation using a senior investigator, Tony Giralamo. The probe focused on finding evidence through the state Employment Development Department for a charge of fraud or perjury related to an unemployment claim filed in early 2017 by the former boyfriend, 44-year-old Nathaniel Moore, who was referred to in one of the emails as “our target.” Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2019-06-25/former-no-2-in-da-office-conducted-secret-probe-into-daughters-ex-boyfriend-records-show

Sat, June 29, 2019

Border Dispatch: Desperate Migrants Offering To Buy Children To Aid In Crossing Border | Wendy Fry

Some migrants in Tijuana are trying to purchase children from vulnerable single mothers in local shelters so they can more easily cross into the United States, according to shelter directors, migrants and Tijuana law enforcement authorities. Migrants in Tijuana shelters said they are alarmed after reports of single mothers being approached by groups of men who have offered to buy children to improve their chances of safely crossing into the United States. A decades-old legal document, known as the Flores agreement, says migrant children should only be held briefly in U.S. border custody, which often means they are released, along with the parent or guardian with whom they crossed while they wait for their asylum cases to make their way through clogged immigration courts.

Fri, June 28, 2019

Court Martial: Gallagher Trial, Friday, June 28

The defense had a star witness testify in favor of Edward Gallagher yesterday in the ongoing war crimes trial of a San Diego Based Navy SEAL. Edward R Gallagher stands accused of killing a wounded ISIS fighter in Iraq by stabbing him in the neck, as well as shooting at civilians multiple times. He has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. Giorgio Kiryolo says that several SEALs are liars, and that Gallager never stabbed the fighter or shot at civilians. As the defense wraps up its case, the jury will have to decide through hearsay who is telling the truth.

Fri, June 28, 2019

Planned East County Development Raises Fire, Climate Concerns Joshua Emerson Smith

County leaders gave their blessing on Wednesday to a hotly contested development east of Chula Vista that critics said would place people into the path of dangerous wildfires. After three hours of discussion, the Board of Supervisors voted three to two to approve the upscale 1,119-home project, known as Adara at Otay Ranch. Supporters repeatedly stressed the region’s desperate need for housing. Supervisor Greg Cox led the push for approval after engaging in a lengthy dialogue with Cal Fire San Diego Unit Chief Tony Mecham, whose agency reviewed and approved the wildfire evacuation plan for the development. “There’s no guarantee that I can give anybody that any community is going to be perfectly safe,” Mecham said, “but I feel today they have taken every appropriate measure that they can to address the fire safety concerns.” Schedule: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/growth-development/story/2019-06-26/san-diego-supervisors-approve-otay-ranch-development-over-wildfire-climate-concerns

Thu, June 27, 2019

Court Martial: The Gallagher Trial, Thursday, June 27

The defense continues to lay out its case in the war crimes trial of a San Diego-based Navy SEAL. Edward R Gallagher stands accused of killing a wounded ISIS fighter in Iraq by stabbing him in the neck, as well as shooting at civilians multiple times. He has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. Yesterday, the Navy Announced that Corey Scott -- the man who says he killed the ISIS fighter by asphyxiation after the stabbing -- may be charged with perjury. And today, more witnesses offer different stories as to what happened in the Mosul sniper towers.

Thu, June 27, 2019

Grocery Workers Threaten A Strike | Lori Weisberg

San Diego County grocery workers, along with thousands of others across Southern California and parts of Central California, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing their union leadership to call a strike should contract talks with major supermarket chains stall in the coming weeks. The United Food and Commercial Workers announced Wednesday morning the outcome of a strike authorization vote conducted at multiple locations on Monday and Tuesday. Some 46,000 unionized workers, from north of Santa Maria all the way to the U.S.- Mexico border, are covered by the vote. Employees with Ralph’s and Albertsons Companies, which owns Vons and Pavilions, are still working under a three-year contract that expired March 3.

Wed, June 26, 2019

Gallagher Trial, Wednesday, June 26

The war crimes trial of San Diego-based Navy SEAL Edward R Gallager is ongoing, with the prosecution wrapping up its case this morning. He stands accused of killing a wounded ISIS fighter in Iraq, as well as shooting at civilians multiple times. He has denied all charges and pleaded not guilty. Yesterday, we heard from forensics exports that provided more context about the stabbing of the fighter, and today the defense begins its case.

Tue, June 25, 2019

Rep. Duncan Hunter Accused Of Using Campaign Funds To Pay For 5 Affairs | Jeff McDonald

Rep. Duncan Hunter began living with a woman other than his wife early in his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, one of a series of personal intimate relationships prosecutors say he began with three lobbyists and two congressional staffers during his elected service. One of the women Hunter allegedly took up with was on his own staff; another worked in the office of a member of the House of Representatives leadership, new court records state. In a sweeping series of court filings this week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego accuses the six-term Republican from East County of engaging in a litany of extramarital affairs and paying for some of them with campaign funds while serving in Congress. Prosecutors outlined the behavior in a filing aimed at convincing the judge that the spending was not for campaign purposes, one of the presumed arguments that may be put forward by Hunter’s criminal defense attorney. Full story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2019-06-25/hunter-moved-into-washington-d-c-area-home-of-lobbyist-early-into-his-political-career-prosecutors-say

Tue, June 25, 2019

Gallagher Update, Tuesday, June 25

Hear the latest in the ongoing war crimes trial of Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher. Andrew Dyer tells us about forensics experts who provided additonal testimony on the events before and after the stabbing of the Iraqi fighter, and the first phase of a cross-examination of a NCIS investigator.

Tue, June 25, 2019

PSA Cofounder: PSA-182's Crew Was Not To Blame In Historic Crash | Peter Rowe

From the day of the catastrophe, Sept. 25, 1978, there’s been speculation over the precise cause of the deadly collision between a PSA jet and a Cessna over North Park. To Leo Leonard, though, there’s no question where the blame lies. “Air traffic control,” he said. “Air traffic control cleared PSA to land, knowing there was an aircraft it had on the radar in the landing pattern.” A co-founder of Pacific Southwest Airlines, Leonard is 99 years old. The Del Cerro resident says he’ll devote the rest of his days to clearing the reputation of the men and women of PSA Flight 182.

Mon, June 24, 2019

Gallagher Trial, Monday, June 24

Two Navy SEAL snipers testified Friday that their chief, Edward R. Gallagher, shot at civilians on at least two occasions during their 2017 deployment to Iraq. Gallagher, a chief special warfare operator, is charged with killing a wounded ISIS prisoner by stabbing him in the neck while providing medical treatment. He’s also charged with shooting civilians and, on other occasions, shooting indiscriminately at Iraqi non-combatants.

Sat, June 22, 2019

Border Dispatch: Faulconer Says He Did Not Thank Trump For The Wall | Michael Smolens

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is disputing President Donald Trump’s comments that Faulconer thanked Trump for his efforts on the border wall during a Tuesday meeting between the two men at the White House. Trump said on Fox News Wednesday night that Faulconer expressed gratitude for local upgrades to the wall and declared that they had been highly effective. “The mayor was just up in my office - great guy,” Trump told Sean Hannity. “He came up to thank me for having done the wall because it’s made such a difference. He said it’s like day and night. He said people were flowing across and now nobody can come in.” Faulconer’s spokesman Craig Gustafson said the president’s recollection of the meeting is flat wrong.

Fri, June 21, 2019

Gallagher Update Friday, June 21

Hear the latest on the ongoing war crimes trial of Edward Gallagher.

Fri, June 21, 2019

Report Says Building Sea Walls Would Cost San Diego County $1B | Deborah Brennan

Defending San Diego County against rising seas would cost about $1 billion, according to a new study that estimated that the cost of coastal armoring would be at least $22 billion for California, and more than $400 billion for the United States as a whole. And that’s just a “minimum down payment for short-term defense against rising seas in California,” says the study released today by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Climate Integrity and the environmental engineering firm Resilient Analytics. Titled “High Tide Tax; The Price to Protect Coastal Communities from Rising Seas,” the study illustrates the expense of coastal protection by calculating the cost of seawall construction in areas threatened by inundation. For San Diego County, that could total $984 million. The city of San Diego, the report estimates, faces a $357 million price tag for those defenses, the highest for any city in California. Imperial Beach would need $212 million to armor its coastline, leaving the city of 27,000 people with the eighth-largest potential bill in the state. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/story/2019-06-19/paying-the-toll-of-sea-level-rise-tax-seawall-coastal-armoring-climate-change

Thu, June 20, 2019

SPECIAL EPISODE: Navy SEAL Testifies He Killed The Wounded ISIS Fighter, Not Gallagher | Andrew Dyer

A key witness in the Navy SEAL court-martial trial said he, not Chief Edward Gallagher, killed a wounded Isis fighter in Iraq in 2017, testimony which appears to up-end the prosecution’s main claim in a nationally-watched murder and attempted murder case. Corey Scott, a first class petty officer, testified that he was there and saw Gallagher stab the wounded ISIS fighter in the neck but, he said, he killed the fighter afterward. Scott said he used his thumb to cover the breathing tube that had been inserted to help the fighter breathe and he watched the man die. He said he did it to spare the fighter from being tortured later by members of the Iraqi Emergency Response Division, who also were fighting ISIS.

Wed, June 19, 2019

Border Dispatch: Trump Wants To Deport 1 Million Unauthorized Immigrants | Kate Morrissey

San Diego’s immigrant communities are bracing for another round of ramped-up enforcement after President Donald Trump promised action as soon as next week. Trump wrote in a tweet Monday night that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would “begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States.” “They will be removed as fast as they come in,” Trump said, praising Mexico for taking actions to enforce its southern border. Immigration officials have been developing a plan aimed at sweeping up and deporting thousands of migrant family members in U.S. cities who were ordered to leave the country after their cases were evaluated by immigration judges. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2019-06-18/san-diego-immigrant-communities-preparing-for-increased-enforcement-after-trump-tweet

Wed, June 19, 2019

Why This Railroad Crossing Near Petco Park Costs More Than $20M | Jennifer Van Grove

A long-delayed effort to let motorists cross the railroad tracks separating Park Boulevard from Harbor Drive just south of downtown San Diego’s Petco Park stadium will be fully funded thanks to the state of California, which is directing $21 million to the project. Friday, State Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced the major financial commitment to the Park Boulevard at-grade vehicle crossing project alongside other one-time budgetary allocations for the region, including nearly $9 million for Balboa Park projects and $6.1 million to help stabilize Del Mar bluffs. The bonus checks are included in the state’s $214.8 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, which was passed by the California Legislature last week and includes a $21.5 billion surplus. The state’s $21 million infrastructure investment represents a tangible path forward for the $23 million railroad crossing project that has become exponentially more expensive over time.

Mon, June 17, 2019

How Home Charter Schools Can Operate With Little Oversight | Kristen Taketa

In California, there’s a way parents can use money from the government to buy multi-day Disneyland Park Hopper passes, San Diego Zoo family memberships, tickets to Medieval Times and dolphin encounters at SeaWorld. Parents can enroll their children in a “home school charter.” There are a handful of charter schools that give students’ families as much as $2,800 to $3,200 — tax dollars sent to the charter schools — every year to spend on anything they want from a list of thousands of home school vendors approved by the charters, according to the schools’ websites. Some home school vendors offer tutoring, curriculum, books and other traditionally educational services. Other vendors sell tickets to theme parks that are billed as field trips, or extracurricular activities that are billed as P.E., including parkour classes, acting classes, ice skating lessons, horseback riding lessons and more. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2019-06-15/home-school-charters-let-families-use-state-dollars-to-buy-disneyland-tickets-private-lessons-and-more

Sat, June 15, 2019

SDSU Failed To Award $20M In Scholarships This Decade | Gary Robbins

San Diego State University failed to award $20 million in available scholarships over the past decade due to a variety of problems, preventing money from flowing to thousands of students who were trying to cope with rising education costs. Campus officials said SDSU has been hobbled by an outdated scholarship management system that can make it difficult for students to find and apply for the awards. The university also says it needs to convince more donors to make their scholarships open to a larger number of students. Since 2008, SDSU allotted slightly more than $63 million for scholarships and made roughly 24,000 awards, helping about 18,700 students. But university documents show that only $42.9 million — or 68 percent — of the money was spent. Full story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/education/story/2019-06-10/sdsu-on

Fri, June 14, 2019

Margaret Hunter Pleads Guilty To Misspending Campaign Finance Funds | Morgan Cook, Jeff McDonald

Years of cavalier spending of her husband’s political contributions culminated in a guilty plea Thursday for Margaret Hunter, the wife of Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter who was co-indicted last year in a sweeping campaign-finance investigation. During a change-of-plea hearing in the federal courthouse in San Diego, Margaret Hunter formally admitted that she illegally used thousands of dollars in campaign donations for her personal expenses. Specifically, Margaret Hunter pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy. She faces up to five years in federal custody and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced Sept. 1. She also could receive up to three years of supervised probation following her release from prison.

Thu, June 13, 2019

California Theatre To Be Transformed Into Downtown's Biggest Residential Tower | Phil Molnar

There may be new life for the nearly 100-year-old California Theatre on C Street. Preservationists have struck a deal with a developer that intends to construct a multi-million dollar 41-story condominium tower on the site of the historic theater. The compromise will preserve more of the building’s exterior and lobby, as well as use original ornamentation. A dispute between preservation group Save Our Heritage Organisation, or SOHO, and the developer halted the demolition in March 2018. The new plan still calls for tearing down the heavily dilapidated building, but more of its exterior will be saved and a stronger effort will be made to faithfully reconstruct the building. The California Theatre, made up of a 2,200-seat theater and nine-story office building, closed in 1990.

Wed, June 12, 2019

Kellen Winslow II Found Guilty Of Rape, But Mistrial Declared On 8 Other Counts | Teri Figueroa

A Vista judge declared a mistrial on eight counts in the case of ex-NFL player Kellen Winslow II, who was accused of committing several sex crimes against women in North County last year, including rape. Although the Superior Court jury was split, it leaned in favor of convicting Winslow on all remaining charges. The District Attorney’s Office likely will announce Friday whether they plan to retry Winslow on any or all of the deadlocked charges.

Tue, June 11, 2019

Eddie Gallagher's War Crimes Trial Divides The Military Community | Andrew Dyer, Kate Mannion

The war crimes charges against a San Diego-based Navy SEAL will stand, a Navy judge ruled Friday. However, the SEAL and his defense team will benefit from other decisions the judge made. Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward R. Gallagher is facing charges that he killed a wounded teenage ISIS fighter brought to the SEAL's Mosul, Iraq compound for medical treatment in 2017. Gallagher also is accused of shooting at civilians, posing for photos with a corpse, and holding his reenlistment ceremony next to the body, according to court documents and prosecutor statements. Gallagher has denied all the charges and pleaded not guilty. On Thursday the judge, Navy Capt. Aaron Rugh, moved Gallagher's trial date from June 10 to June 17 at defense lawyers’ request. Rugh's ruling Friday contained details about how the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and former lead prosecutor, Cmdr. Chris Czaplak, sent emails containing a hidden tracking link to defense attorneys and a Navy Times reporter in May. The link allowed them to see when the emails were opened and forwarded. The tracking was supposed to help detect leaks. Navy prosecutors said the link, which they called an "audit tool," did not meet the legal threshold of a wire tap and so did not require a search warrant. Defense attorneys called it prosecutorial misconduct and filed four motions with the court last week, including motions to get the prosecutor disqualified and to have Gallagher's charges dismissed. Rugh granted some of their requests.

Sat, June 08, 2019

New Crime Data Shows Community Crime Hot Spots | Lyndsay Winkley, Greg Moran

From 2014 through 2018, violent crime has doubled — or more — in about 17 percent of all census block groups in the city. That’s an increase from the previous five-year period examined in the first “Crime Counts” story published in March, which showed 13 percent of census block groups had violent crime go up by 100 percent or more from 2013 to 2017. The updated analysis includes data from 2018, and shows the average number of violent crimes among city census blocks was 27. The San Diego Union-Tribune examined neighborhoods with violent crimes at or above that average and calculated a percent change from 2014 through 2018 to focus on areas with a sharp increase or a large raw number of crimes. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2019-06-05/more-city-neighborhoods-see-increase-in-violent-crimes-new-data-analysis-shows

Fri, June 07, 2019

Learning How to Confront Hate From Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein | Kristina Davis, Mark Platte

When asked to reflect on the tragedy that forever changed Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein 39 days ago, he thinks back to advice he received from a spiritual leader as a 17-year-old student of the Jewish faith: the way to push away darkness was with light. That advice has never been more significant than now, as Goldstein heals from physical wounds to his hands as a result of the shooting at the Poway synagogue he founded, and as he rises to meet a call to action. “I chose to react in a very specific way,” Goldstein told a packed auditorium at the University of San Diego on Wednesday night. Rather than leave him paralyzed, the trauma that left him without an index finger, killed a congregant and wounded two others has transformed him. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/story/2019-06-05/chabad-poway-hate-forum-usd

Thu, June 06, 2019

This 97-Year-Old WWII Veteran Jumped Out Of A Plane To Commerate D-Day | John Wilkens

Re-enacting a parachute jump he made 75 years ago in the early hours of D-Day, retired Coronado school teacher Tom Rice, 97, invaded Normandy again Wednesday. The tandem jump, strapped to the chest of a younger parachutist, came as world leaders and thousands of spectators gathered in England and France to commemorate the June 6, 1944 assault that was a key turning point in World War II. “It went perfect,” Rice told reporters after landing in a field of flowers near Carentan, not far from where he landed the first time. “I feel great. I’d go up and do it all again.”

Wed, June 05, 2019

Addison Nets San Diego's First Michelin Star | Michele Parente

San Diego joined the world’s dining elite Monday, when the city’s first Michelin star was awarded to the luxurious Carmel Valley restaurant Addison. At a ceremony for the inaugural Michelin Guide California in Huntington Beach, which was attended by a who’s who of the state’s top chefs and restaurateurs, Addison executive chef and San Diego native William Bradley accepted the illustrious award for the 13-year-old bastion of fine dining at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. “We’re just so happy and so honored to be part of such a prestigious guide representing San Diego and Addison. It’s just amazing,” Bradley said after the awards were given out. “It was surreal. To be standing on that stage with that backdrop and with all those amazing chefs. It’s a dream.” Among the celebrated chefs in attendance were José Andrés, Michael Cimarusti, Michael Mina, Niki Nakayama, and Ludo Lefebvre. A total of 90 California restaurants were awarded stars at Monday’s reveal event, 69 with one star (for “High quality cooking, worth a stop”), 14 with two stars (“Excellent cuisine, worth a detour”) and seven with three stars (“Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”). Among the three-star recipients, all were repeat winners; no new three-star designations were given. Story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/dining-and-drinking/story/2019-06-03/san-diego-joins-dining-elite-as-first-michelin-star-goes-to-addison

Tue, June 04, 2019

Border Dispatch: Asylum Court Cases Overwhelming San Diego's Court | Kate Morrissey

Local judges are pushing back on what they see as potential due process violations in the implementation of the Trump administration’s Migrant Protection Protocols. Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2019-05-31/san-diego-immigration-court-overwhelmed-by-remain-in-mexico-cases

Fri, May 31, 2019

Border Dispatch: Trump's Tariff Threat Scares The Region | Lori Weisberg, Rob Nikolewski, Wendy Fry

Exasperated by reports of a flood of illegal border crossings, President Donald Trump summoned his top immigration advisers to demand action. Responding to his mounting concern, including his extreme threats to entirely close the U.S.-Mexico border, they prepared an alternative but still-inflammatory plan to levy escalating tariffs on all Mexican imports to the United States. Thursday night’s surprise announcement of the plan by Trump, threatening to upend ratification chances for his own revised North American free trade pact, demonstrated the lengths to which the risk-taking president is willing to go to crack down on illegal immigration, even in the face of bipartisan criticism, legal challenges and polarized public feelings. He’s setting the tricky politics of immigration and trade — the two issues that defined his candidacy and bedevil his presidency — on a collision course and injecting new tensions into his relations with political allies as he struggles to show results in his campaign for a second term.

Fri, May 31, 2019

How A Charter School Scheme Allegedly Siphoned $50M In Taxpayer Money | Kristen Taketa, Morgan Cook

Two charter school leaders illegally pocketed more than $50 million of state funds by siphoning the money through a network of 19 online charter schools across California which falsely enrolled thousands of students, prosecutors alleged Wednesday. The schools include three that were authorized to operate by the Dehesa Elementary School District in San Diego County: Valiant Academy of Southern California, California Academy of Sports Science and University Prep. Dehesa’s superintendent also is facing charges and has pleaded not guilty. San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan said that leaders of the charter schools enrolled thousands of students into their schools, often without their knowledge, and collected millions of dollars in state funds. Many students were already enrolled in private schools or in youth athletic groups, and the charter school leaders bought their information to claim them as their students, Stephan said.

Thu, May 30, 2019

The McStay Case - The Murder Of A Family Of Four - Nears Its End | Teri Figueroa

It’s been more than nine years since a Fallbrook family of four disappeared, leaving authorities stumped. The discovery of the family’s SUV near the U.S.-Mexico border led many — including law enforcement — to suspect they left the country. Nearly four years would pass before the remains of the McStays — Joseph, 40, Summer, 43, and sons Gianni, 4, and Joey Jr., 3 — were found, their bodies buried in shallow graves outside Victorville, more than 100 miles from their home, in November 2013. A year later, authorities arrested Charles “Chase” Merritt, a business associate of Joseph McStay. Merritt was charged with four counts of murder. He pleaded not guilty. Joseph McStay sold indoor water features and fountains, and often hired Merritt, a welder, to craft them. Prosecutors say Merritt had been dipping into McStay’s business account. Merritt’s attorneys pointed the finger at another McStay associate.

Wed, May 29, 2019

Alpine Rep. Duncan Hunter Admits To Taking A Photo With A Dead Combatant | Greg Moran, Andrew Dyer

At a forum in Ramona on Saturday, Rep. Duncan Hunter also addressed the pending court martial case against San Diego-based Navy SEAL chief Edward Gallagher and Army Capt. Mathew L. Golsteyn. Both are charged with committing war crimes during their service — Gallagher in Iraq and Golsteyn in Afghanistan. Gallagher is charged with several crimes including killing a teenage Islamic State fighter who was brought to his unit for medical treatment. He’s accused of stabbing the fighter in the neck. Prosecutors also said he texted a photograph of himself next to the dead fighter and wrote he “got him with my hunting knife.” As he recounted the allegation of Gallagher posing next to a dead body for a photograph, Hunter, also a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said “a lot of us have done the exact same thing.” He said he, too, had a photo taken of himself next to a dead combatant, but said he did not text it or post to social media. Hunter called the military justice system “corrupt,” run by lawyers and bureaucrats intent on pursuing “war fighters.” He said he would support a pardon of the two men from Trump, who has indicated he was considering doing so. Hunter also said the civilian justice system was as bad as the military, saying ambitious prosecutors were simply out to get “wins” under their belts.

Tue, May 28, 2019

San Diego's Burger Scene Is Having A Moment | Michele Parente

Forget fish tacos. In these polarized times, perhaps the one thing San Diegans of all stripes can agree on is that this town has ascended to burger heaven. Whether they’re pressed on a flat top, diner-style, grilled at a gourmet restaurant or made to replicate a fast-food classic, San Diego’s burger-sphere is sizzling. No casual joint nor serious eatery worth its ketchup — no mustard! — would dare to not have an expertly crafted burger on its menu.

Sat, May 25, 2019

UCSD Seeks To Revamp Its Image With Its New "Front Door" | Gary Robbins

In one of the biggest physical and social changes in school history, UC San Diego will create its first "front door," a grand entrance meant to appeal as much to the public as students and ease crowding on a campus where enrollment could hit 40,000 this fall. Plans are being drafted for a gateway that will blend art, culture, entertainment, dining, education and research — the same mix that helps funnel people from Westwood Village to UCLA. UCSD will exploit public transit, placing everything from an outdoor theater to an art-filled plaza to a consumer-oriented design building next to the Blue Line trolley station that's being built on campus, near Geisel Library. The school also will add a massive student center nearby, and. in a bit of whimsy, it is proposing to hang 20 play swings on cables attached to the bottom of the depot. "Anybody who comes to San Diego should have this campus as a destination in addition to Balboa Park or the Gaslamp district," said UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla.

Fri, May 24, 2019

6 High-Level Departures In 6 Months, What's Going On At SDSU? | Gary Robbins

Six San Diego State University executives have announced that they are leaving for other schools, jobs or retiring, including a dean who says she grew tired of the turnover and leadership issues the school has experienced over the past two years. All of the changes have occurred in the past six months, and mark a high degree of turnover during Adela de la Torre’s first year as president. The departures include two deans, an acting associate dean, the director of the School of Accountancy, the university’s chief fundraiser, and SDSU’s enrollment director. It is not clear whether de la Torre asked one or more people to leave, or whether the executives sought change.

Thu, May 23, 2019

Qualcomm Loses An Antitrust Lawsuit, Putting Its Business Model At Risk | Mike Freeman

A federal Judge has ruled that Qualcomm violated antitrust laws by using its top position in smartphone chips to extract excessive patent license fees for its cellular inventions, striking a major blow to the San Diego company’s business model. After four months of deliberations, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh found against Qualcomm in an antitrust lawsuit brought two years ago by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/story/2019-05-22/federal-judge-rules-qualcomm-violated-antitrust-laws

Wed, May 22, 2019

Horton Remodel OK-ed, And California's Auto Sales Slip | Jennifer Van Grove, Rob Nikolewski

Reporter Jennfier Van Grove gives an update on the planned redevelopment of Horton Plaza; and Rob Nikolewski explains why slipping automotive sales could be the first indicator of an economic recession.

Tue, May 21, 2019

Would You Eat Fish Grown From Stem Cells In A Lab? | Brittney Meilling

In a small laboratory in Sorrento Valley, scientists at BlueNalu are growing fish parts — just the muscle and fat — from cells. The tissue will one day be stacked into familiar shapes like freshly caught Mahi-mahi fillets, red snapper or flaked tuna using something akin to a 3D printer. Instead of printing plastic, the scientists are using ink made of cells. The startup’s experimental food is a far cry from the plant-based meat products that keep popping up in headlines and are designed to look like something they’re not. BlueNalu’s “alternative seafood” will be made of real fish cells — they’re just grown outside the fish’s body. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/story/2019-05-18/would-you-eat-lab-created-fish-this-san-diego-startup-is-carving-new-path-in-alt-meat-industry