San Diego News Now

Latest Episodes:

Solar flares over new rules Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

The battle over the cost of solar is still going on, even though regulators have weighed in. Plus: a protest to push for housing instead of handcuffs when it comes to the treatment of people experiencing homelessness, how a new homeless shelter is helping those struggling most, a safe meetup place for online buying and selling, what San Diegans think of the term “Latinx” and more of the local and state news you need.

New City Council district lines Dec 17, 2021

Show notes

The independent redistricting commission finalized its map of new city council districts this week. The new map unites some neighborhoods into a single council district but also splits up other communities. Critics claim the new map dilutes the voting power of minorities. Meanwhile, what’s next in the USS Bonhomme Richard arson hearing. And, James Bond: The Musical returns to the Coronado Playhouse tonight.

Universal pre-K on its way Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

California public schools will soon offer free transitional kindergarten for all 4 year olds. It will be a big help to working parents but it may have unintended consequences for childcare providers. Meanwhile, a former Pier 1 Imports building in the Midway community has become the city’s latest homeless shelter. The city owned facility has 44 beds and will have 24-hour staffing through a contract with the San Diego Housing Commission. Plus, since the start of the pandemic, the number of people moving to California from other states has dropped by nearly 40%, according to a new study released by the California Policy Lab.

De-escalation training for police Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

In 2019, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan introduced a new training program aimed at reducing police shootings. While some officers have yet to be trained, there is hope it has sparked the beginning of a culture change in police departments. Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department said former inmate Mark Armendo did not contract COVID-19 in the county jail. A new medical examiner’s death report suggests otherwise. Plus, teaching veterans to fly fish as a means of healing.

Vaccinations and holiday surges Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

With 75 percent of residents vaccinated, San Diego has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. But county public health officials here still anticipate a surge in coronavirus cases over the holidays. Meanwhile, Navy prosecutors weigh their evidence against a sailor charged with arson in the fire that burned the USS Bonhomme Richard. Plus, for businesses along the U.S. Mexico Border, it's a familiar story–financial hardship as a result of the pandemic and border closures.

Solar industry braces for change Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

The California Public Utilities Commission is close to unveiling changes that could make installing rooftop solar more expensive for consumers. Meanwhile, a local environmental group says people are harassing the sea lions in La Jolla. And, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria talks about his first year in office and what’s ahead in year two.

Surveillance in Chula Vista Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

A combination of federal, municipal and private tracking systems has turned the border city of Chula Vista into one of the most surveilled cities in the country, according to privacy advocates. Now a new high tech operations center for the local police department will work to integrate all the data coming in from police activities. Meanwhile, a group of mostly low-income tenants and their advocates staged a protest Thursday in Mission Valley to call attention to what they say are predatory practices by the New York-based real estate behemoth Blackstone, which this year paid more than $1 billion for nearly 6,000 San Diego area rental units. Plus, the state's utility regulators are considering adjusting the rules that govern the California solar energy marketplace and major changes could be coming.

Costly transportation plan Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

San Diego’s regional planning agency has drafted a regional transportation plan for the future that seeks to shift San Diego County away from cars by building massive improvements to public transit infrastructure. But critics say the plan is unrealistic and too expensive. Meanwhile, advocates say Chula Vista is now one of the most surveilled cities in the country. Plus, the U.S. surgeon general warns about a looming mental health crisis among children.

A rise in catalytic converter thefts Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

Thousands of catalytic converters have been reported stolen in San Diego County in the past year. Meanwhile, Barrio Logan, the heart of San Diego’s Chicano and Latino community, could soon adopt and implement a new community plan. It would be the first update to the community’s growth and development plan in 43 years. Plus, the National Guard are being asked to do many, many different things from responding to protests to driving school buses, and critics say it’s putting a strain on the guard.

Fentanyl deaths on the rise Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

Fentanyl overdoses in 2020 in San Diego county were more than four times higher than in 2018, and numbers for 2021 so far show the trend continuing. Meanwhile, California has distributed rent relief to less than a third of the 400,000 people who have applied to its assistance program. Plus, this state has arguably some of the strictest gun control in the country, and yet California often fails to take guns away from domestic abusers.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected