Voice of San Diego Podcast
Voice of San Diego
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This is Voice of San Diego’s weekly spitfire roundup of news. We cover local and regional politics, the environment, education, the border and more. This show features our investigative reporting and interviews with lawmakers and other special guests.
Available episodes
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1 day ago
SANDAG Killed the Driving Fee
This week, one of the most controversial plans in local politics was quashed. The San Diego Association of Governments board voted to remove the driving fee from all future plans.
The fee was devised as a funding source to supplement gas tax revenue as hybrid and electric cars became more popular. And it was a driving deterrent to help the region meet its emission targets.
But now that idea is dead. Not coincidentally, Hasan Ikhrata is leaving SANDAG as executive director soon.
In this episode we review how it happened, the political implications and what's next for SANDAG.
Plus: College rankings explained. Blowout in Barrio Logan over police. Politifest is nigh!
Get your tickets at politifest.org
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Sep 22, 2023
Gun Sighting Shocks San Diego School
Last month, students at Correia Middle School in Point Loma reported seeing a classmate brandish a gun.
The following week, more allegations surfaced about the classmate in question. School Facebook groups blew up; parents spun. And in the aftermath, families demanded answers about San Diego Unified’s discipline policies.
In this episode, host Jakob McWhinney clarifies the messy story.
Plus: More arguments on the City Attorney job change. San Diego water costs soar. Western water leaders duke it out at Politifest.
Get your Politifest tickets now at politifest.org
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Sep 15, 2023
How the City Attorney Could Change
There's an election for San Diego City Attorney in 2024. Current City Attorney Mara Elliott is termed out. Running to replace her are Deputy City Attorney Heather Ferbert and Assemblyman Brian Maienschein.
The 2024 ballot could ask voters to choose not only who should be City Attorney — but what the City Attorney should do.
On the show this week, our crew discusses the unique role of the San Diego City Attorney, its tumultuous history — and how it could change.
Plus: Southwestern College tests out competency-based degrees. And former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher responds to the accusations of sexual harassment and assault against him.
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Sep 8, 2023
Live! With San Diego City Councilman Kent Lee
This week, San Diego City Councilman Kent Lee joined us for a live show in North Park.
Cozied up to the beer fermenters in Original 40 Brewing, hosts Scott Lewis, Andrea Lopez-Villafaña and Jakob McWhinney spilled the tea on local public affairs. Because that’s what the people came for, right?
Talking points: Civic Center redevelopment project. The housing crisis. The cost-of-living crisis. Nudists. And audience games!
Support the show — and local journalism — at vosd.org/supporter
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Sep 1, 2023
Fake Charity Scored Big at Petco Park
Senior investigative reporter Will Huntsberry joins us to discuss his new investigation. He revealed a fake nonprofit that operated concession stands in Petco Park for nine years, earning a cut of the profits.
A snapshot of the earning potential just this year shows the nonprofit, "Chula Vista Fast Pitch," worked enough concession stands to pull in $370,000.
On the show this week, we review the story — including the nature of nonprofit vendor work at Petco (and Snapdragon Stadium), how this fake nonprofit came to be, who was behind it, who's ultimately responsible and the fallout after the story broke.
Plus: Chronic absenteeism has exploded for kindergartners. San Diego homeless encampments changed a lot this summer. Tony Gwynn.
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Aug 25, 2023
The End of San Diego Loyal
San Diego’s men’s soccer team — San Diego Loyal of the United Soccer League — announced this will be their final season.
In May, a coalition of investors bought into Major League Soccer and had their own announcement: a new team is coming to town. They have squeezed out San Diego Loyal.
This week, KPBS's Andrew Dyer — a local soccer nut and host of the San Diego Loyal Locals podcast — joins us to review the recent history of local soccer. We take it back to 2018 and the failed Soccer City project, discuss highlights of the Loyal’s legacy and how San Diego State University steered local soccer to where we are now.
Plus: Hurricane Hilary. The latest in the Nathan Fletcher lawsuits. And a new "Song of the Week."
Join us for our next live podcast and more at vosd.org/events
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Aug 18, 2023
Ridin' High
San Diego City Councilwoman Monica Montgomery Steppe is commanding a big lead in the special election to replace Nathan Fletcher on the Board of Supervisors. Amy Reichert is also going to the November runoff election.
On the podcast, we discuss the results, the race thus far and look ahead at a weird race in a heavily Democratic district.
Also riding high: Parents, students and educators gear up for a new school year. Host Jakob McWhinney shares the big school stories he's watching.
Also riding high: UC San Diego researchers innovate in mushroom studies and more at their first psychedelics research lab.
Also riding high: Palomar Health's anxiety. After a big budget plunge last fiscal year, how will the public healthcare provider recover?
See you soon! Get your tickets for our next Brews & News live podcast at vosd.org/events
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Aug 11, 2023
Rage Against the (Water) Machine
This week, environment reporter MacKenzie Elmer explains some of the drama going down in water politics.
It all started when a couple farming communities tried to divorce the San Diego Water Authority. Now, rural districts seek to change the whole voting structure — with the help of state lawmakers.
Plus: How to be a great composter. A Southeastern San Diego nonprofit loses community support. The last week before the special election.
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Aug 9, 2023
Happy Hour: Guns, Fat Leonard and ‘Selling Sunset’
Few joys in life match a breezy summer night gossiping with good friends over cold drinks. And in this first-ever “Happy Hour” special episode, that’s what we’ve got for you.
Hosts Scott Lewis and Andrea Lopez-Villafaña chat with guests Alain Stephens, reporter from The Trace, and Greg Moran, investigative reporter formerly with the The Union Tribune.
Our stories:
"Selling Sunset" star tied to landlord who tried to burn tenants out.
Secret stories of the gun industry and the U.S. government.
A short and expensive history of San Diego desalination.
How the Fat Leonard scandal that blew a hole in the U.S. Navy.
Watch out for Alain's podcast with The Weekly Briefing by The Trace: thetrace.org/newsletter
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Aug 4, 2023
Week One of the New Camping Ban
Monday was the first day San Diego police could enforce the homeless camping ban — made to crack down on specific areas of the city where street camping has proliferated.
Voice reporter Lisa Halverstadt has been following this ban since its inception. This week she surveyed common camping areas to see how the city and police curbed campsites and affixed new warning signs. She shares all the latest details on the city's homeless efforts in the podcast.
Plus: Halverstadt broke the news that the city's largest homeless services provider — Father Joe's Villages — is in hot water.
Also this week: The worst trees in San Diego. Transpo leader Hasan Ikhrata is out. Fact check on Monica Montgomery Steppe's "defund the police" record.
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Jul 28, 2023
City of San Diego is The Region's Real Homekey Player
A few weeks ago, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria asked a question — daring reporters to find out, "What other jurisdictions are applying for Homekey dollars?"
"Homekey" is a state project doling out big money for new housing. Local municipalities can apply for funds to help boost permanent supportive housing projects. San Diego has applied for more than $105 million of this funding, chiefly to convert motels to permanent rooms.
And despite this crisis hampering the whole region, host Andrea Lopez-Villafaña found the city of San Diego is indeed shouldering the county's weight.
This week, we discuss Homekey, housing and homelessness — including the city of Chula Vista's approach and fact checks for common homelessness assumptions.
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Jul 21, 2023
The Art of Political Mailers
"Mailers are like the core concentrate of local politics. If you boil down politics, you're left with mailer content."
This week, our hosts discuss political mailers. While mailers are objectively annoying inbox filler that most people throw, they are created by strategists who have a lot of data about who they're targeting. Therefore, in addition to the argument for or against any given candidate, the postal padding also serves as a proxy for what the experts think they know about the electorate.
In this episode, we discuss the art of mailers and what local political groups are trying to express ahead of the special election to replace Nathan Fletcher on the Board of Supervisors.
Plus: A new amendment to the lawsuit against Fletcher. More Union-Tribune staff depart. And the latest in water politics as two North County farming communities continue to try to divorce the San Diego Water Authority.
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Jul 14, 2023
The Union-Tribune Sold Again
Los Angeles' richest man, Patrick Soon-Shiong, sold the San Diego Union-Tribune and the LA Times to MediaNews Group, owned by Alden Global Capital.
The U-T has had six owners since 2009. Soon-Shiong at the start of his tenure promised "stability." Now it seems there's anything but.
This week on the show, we discuss how the news came trickling out at the start of the week — followed quickly by staff reduction notices and buyout offers for the waning paper. We also look at the wider picture: How did newspapers get to this point? And is there a route to stability for regional journalism?
Plus: Former mayor Kevin Faulconer announced his bid for County Supervisor. The special election to replace former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher is almost here. And San Diego Unified's school board is oddly... unified.
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Jul 7, 2023
Camp Sites, Wealthy Landowners and Those Caught in the Middle
This week, we've got updates from the highly anticipated safe camping site put in place by the city of San Diego.
The city opened the site to provide unhoused residents a safe place to camp, made to be more attractive than sidewalks. The first of two such sites, it precedes stricter enforcement to get tents off city streets and away from sensitive areas like schools.
On the show, reporter Lisa Halverstadt details the amenities and intake numbers — and a new story about how increased homeless enforcement may affect Black San Diegans disproportionately.
Plus: A wealthy family’s 100-year-old company is blocking a permanent housing project. And San Diego Unified is facing big budget deficits.
Keep up with all our stories with the Morning Report: vosd.org/morning
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Jun 30, 2023
The First Big Safe Camping Lot Is Open
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and other city leaders announced the opening of a safe camping site for homeless residents. It's first of two in the coming months — along with a new ban on camping, which narrowly passed the City Council last week. The ban expands current restrictions with further attention to sensitive areas such as schools and is now set to take effect in late July. Another, larger camp site is on tap for the fall.
We discuss the details of the new site as part of a robust effort by Gloria to reduce tents on the streets.
Plus: Two sales tax measures may hit the 2024 ballot. And a weird protest hits a Rancho Peñasquitos library.
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Jun 23, 2023
'It's Gonna Blow'
This week's co-host, Jakob McWhinney, shared in this episode a framework he often uses to consider San Diego's present state and future: "It's gonna blow."
The Padres are going to acquire huge stars and take off. San Diego's going to be a hot new music scene. Democrats are going to transform county government. The big thing is always going to happen.
McWhinney and hosts Scott Lewis and Andrea Lopez-Villafaña review this week's news with that framework in mind: SDSU, sports, homelessness, billionaire investors and more.
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Jun 16, 2023
The Controversial Camping Ban Is Here
After hours of public discussion and debate, the San Diego City Council narrowly approved a law that would ban camping on public land.
The ban would bar homeless camps in public spaces at all times when shelter is available. And when shelter isn't available, tents would still be banned within two blocks of schools or shelters, as well as in canyons and along transit hubs and waterways.
The pod crew gets into what it all means.
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Jun 16, 2023
Bonus: Mayor Todd Gloria on Addressing Homelessness
Days before the San Diego City Council voted on a camping ban pushed by Mayor Todd Gloria, he joined us in the Voice of San Diego studio to discuss his approach to homelessness.
Host Scott Lewis had a lot of questions for him. What does the ban do that laws on the books don't do? How will it be enforced? What about this is different than what former mayor Kevin Faluconer did?
Note: The City Council narrowly approved the ban on June 13, 2023. Read our coverage at vosd.org
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Jun 9, 2023
The Week Before the Big Homelessness Vote
The new point-in-time count numbers are in. The annual homeless census showed a record surge in homelessness, reaching its highest point in 12 years.
On the podcast this week, we review the new data and particularly distressing increases among the senior population and in chronic homelessness.
We also have a story this week about the old data: According to a report by our Will Huntsberry, before the 2023 figures came out, the regional census (while an imperfect system of measure) actually showed a 10-year decline. Meanwhile homelessness has become more visible, and tragic, than ever.
These stories all come ahead of a highly-anticipated vote next week that aims to transform homelessness in the city of San Diego, further enforcing San Diego's ban on street camping while pushing residents toward shelters and safe camping sites.
Plus: Water politics is boiling. Andy is leaving.
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Jun 2, 2023
When Laws Meet Reality
A bill that passed quietly last year, signed by the governor with no meaningful opposition, has completely upended campaign finance and is causing confusion across the state.
This week, we unpack SB 1439, which requires elected officials to recuse themselves from votes involving anyone who gave them more than $250 in campaign contributions.
Also a year ago, a San Diego city ordinance went into effect to curb street vendors. Vendors now say vending is practically impossible.
Finally, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is gearing up for a big vote on an ordinance that could ban camping in most public spaces. We assess his latest messaging on that front.
Plus: Andy Keatts has some news.
Keep up with all our stories with The Morning Report: vosd.org/morning
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May 31, 2023
Freeway Fandom with KPBS' Andrew Bowen
Last week, we brought in KPBS reporter Andrew Bowen to talk about his new podcast, "Freeway Exit," dedicated to the past, present and future of freeways.
This is the full unabridged version of that interview — where Bowen and host Andrew Keatts are free to unleash their unbridled passion for freeways and transportation.
Here, they dig into the archival footage Bowen found to inform his series. They discussed a freeway decommissioning that's in the works in San Diego right now. And, some history: How President Dwight D. Eisenhower championed freeways and their proliferation throughout the country. They also discussed freeway revolts by local communities and a glimpse into a possible future of freeway use in the region.
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May 26, 2023
Local Republicans Push Back on Housing First Model
The County Board of Supervisors voted this week to approve loans to help the city of San Diego to buy property to house homeless San Diegans.
But it wasn't without controversy.
Local Republicans, including Supervisor Jim Desmond, argued housing alone won't solve the homelessness crisis. They say housing is only part of the solution and must be tied to drug and addiction treatment.
This week, we explain the arguments swirling around the once wonky policy debate over “housing first" — and how it has become a political wedge issue.
Plus: KPBS reporter Andrew Bowen discusses his new podcast about the past, present and future of freeways.
Support our North County coverage: vosd.org/NCountynews
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May 19, 2023
Major League Soccer Is Coming to San Diego
It was a momentous week in San Diego sports.
A Thursday press conference at Snapdragon Stadium made it official: Major League Soccer is coming to San Diego.
This week, host Scott Lewis described the scene before a "resplendent" stadium, where MLS and a gaggle of bigwigs (local and international) declared that in 2025, the highest level of men's soccer would branch out to San Diego
Scott and co-hosts Andrea Lopez-Villafaña and Andrew Keatts review how the city arrived at this big sports moment and the players who made it happen.
Plus: Workers in San Diego's urban core have learned police are slow or unresponsive for potentially violent interactions with homeless residents. And MTS is losing money on its ticketing app.
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May 12, 2023
Live! At Whistle Stop with Marcus Bush and Ricardo Campos
It was a packed house at Whistle Stop Bar this week. The homey "Greater Golden Hill" establishment has long been the heart of our live podcasts and this was our first show back since the pandemic — in front of a sold out crowd.
Hosts Scott Lewis, Andrew Keatts and Andrea Lopez Villafaña spoke with our special guests about homelessness, low riders, the Metropolitan Transit System, the Nathan Fletcher scandal — and the past, present and future of San Diego soccer. It was a great show! Enjoy.
Guests:
National City Councilmember and MTS Board Member Marcus Bush
San Diego Loyal Soccer Club President Ricardo Campos
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May 5, 2023
Oh Boy! Another Election
This week, the County Board of Supervisors decided how to replace Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. The board announced a special election, which will take place on Aug. 15. If no one captures more than 50 percent of the vote, then the contest will go to a general election on Nov. 7.
However, Fletcher's position is not yet vacant and we've heard no word from him since he resigned as MTS chair following allegations of sexual harassment and assault and announced he would resign from the Board in May. His office says he's been at a treatment center with no outside contact.
If Fletcher's resignation comes to pass, this special election will be triggered. In this episode, we discuss the board's decision and the current candidates.
Plus: The expiration of a federal order could allow more asylum seekers into the country (and San Diego). Is the region ready? And education reporter Jakob McWhinney explains some big shakeups at San Diego Unified.
Watch us on YouTube: youtube.com/voiceofsandiego
S…
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Apr 28, 2023
New Police Data Shows Less Stops, More Racial Disparity
San Diego police are stopping people almost 50 percent less than they were a couple years ago — and nobody can say exactly why.
A new analysis by Voice of San Diego revealed the decline in stops. Reporter Will Huntsberry crunched those numbers and joins us this week to break it down. And in a companion story, he honed in on data trending the same as ever: Racial disparities in police stops have crept up since 2020.
Also, host Andrea Lopez-Villafaña explains the unique history and management of Chicano Park and its Steering Committee.
Plus: New tenant protections, a potential overhaul of the Downtown-City Hall swath and the awkward race to fill Supervisor Nathan Fletcher’s seat.
Catch us on the Tube: youtube.com/voiceofsandiego
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Apr 21, 2023
Whitburn Loses Ground at MTS
More uncertainty looms over the Metropolitan Transit Agency.
In this episode, we discuss this week's votes at MTS to try to install a permanent board chair after the Nathan Fletcher scandal. San Diego City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, in Fletcher's absence, is acting chair.
But no one got enough votes to clinch the gig.
It was a harsh rebuke of Whitburn by his Council colleagues — two of whom sit on the board, and one acting as an alternate for the mayor, voted against him. Per MTS rules, Whitburn will be interim chair for another month before voting resumes.
Plus: San Diego City Councilman Kent Lee asks a lot of questions about the homeless camping ordinance. And reporter Will Huntsberry lays out his new investigation.
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Apr 14, 2023
Gorgeous and Troubling
This week, we recap the latest from the fallout of County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher as the Board of Supervisors cast a "no confidence" vote and paused the process to hire a new chief administrative officer for the county — one of the most important things they would do this year.
And Voice multimedia journalist Ariana Drehsler joins the show to talk about her new photo essay, "The Faces of Homelessness."
It was a timely piece as the San Diego City Council is working to crack down on homeless camps. Meanwhile, the city aims to supply more shelter options — but is struggling to find permanent homes for people already in those shelters.
See Ariana's photo essay: vosd.org/ariana
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Apr 7, 2023
This Could be Whitburn's Moment
Last week we explained Nathan Fletcher's plummet following accusations that he sexually harassed and assaulted Metropolitan Transit System employee Grecia Figueroa — and the allegation against Fletcher and MTS that Figueroa was then fired for retribution.
Fletcher resigned as MTS chair and plans to resign as County Supervisor. But the scandal continues to bleed across the region.
This week, we review the fallout at MTS, the Board of Supervisors and the political shuffle as local leaders seek new opportunities. Amidst the chaos, MTS's interim board chair Stephen Whitburn may have a big opportunity to lead in the middle of dueling crises.
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Mar 31, 2023
The Fall of Nathan Fletcher
On Sunday night, County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced he was abandoning his campaign for state Senate and checking into a treatment program for trauma and alcohol abuse. This alone was big news for the region and we totally would have talked about it on the podcast. Local leaders and politicos quickly commended Fletcher's willingness to tackle mental health in an open way and offered lots of encouragement.
But that was just the beginning.
In this episode, we review in detail a tumultuous week as Fletcher eventually resigned as MTS board chair and County Supervisor following allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Plus: How wide is the blast radius of this scandal and where do we go from here?
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Mar 24, 2023
The End of 101 Ash
This week, Jason Hughes — former real estate advisor to the city of San Diego — pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor conflict-of-interest charge after agreeing to pay $9.4 million back to the city, which he received for his work on two city lease deals.
In this episode, hosts Scott Lewis, Andrew Keatts and Andrea Lopez-Villafaña tell the tale (for the last time?!) of the downtown high-rise that plagued the city for the better part of a decade.
After years of dogged reporting by Voice's Lisa Halverstadt, one of the most topsy-turvy, confusing and expensive recent city controversies appears complete. See the full investigation at vosd.org/101ash
Support this impactful investigation (and the VOSD Podcast!) at vosd.org/podpeople
Also this week: Balboa Park groups push back against a safe camping idea at Inspiration Point.
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Mar 17, 2023
Mayor Gloria Won't Take No for an Answer
This week, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilman Stephen Whitburn unveiled new tactics to curb homelessness: More safe camping options, more supportive services and new bans on vehicle habitation and camping on public property.
These big moves wrap into an ordinance Whitburn plans to bring to the Council, with Gloria's blessing, which puts the camping ban in effect when shelter beds are available.
In this episode, we review the new plans and how they'd work as San Diego Police face a major staffing shortage.
Plus: La Jolla wants to see other people. A startling cluster of chronic absenteeism in schools.
Keep up with Andy's stories at vosd.org/andy
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Mar 10, 2023
Downtown Is Poppin' Well, Sort of
San Diego's downtown civic core is back to it's pre-pandemic activity, at least that's according to a new study and sales tax revenue levels in the area.
But our hosts make the case that declaring that downtown has totally recuperated is, well, complicated. They give downtown their own grades in this episode.
Plus: We have updates on smart streetlights and why activists aren't happy. A billionaire is back in San Diego philanthropy circles but not everyone is excited about that. And the mayor has done a reorg to address homelessness better.
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Read more about the monthly count of homelessness in downtown here.
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Mar 3, 2023
San Diego's Detox Bed Deficit
Many San Diegans who are addicted to drugs are begging for help.
One intake specialist at a local detox program said that at least once a week, someone stops her on her way to work, begging for a detox bed so they can get clean. She often has to turn them away.
For the entire San Diego region, there are about 70 beds where Medi-Cal patients can get the help needed to detox. None are in the city of San Diego, where most fentanyl overdose deaths occurred in recent years.
This week, senior investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt joins us to talk about her latest story on the detox bed deficit.
See Lisa's latest at vosd.org/lisa
Plus: 2023 Schools Guide is out! Get your free copy at vosd.org/schools
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Feb 24, 2023
Mira Mesa's Climate Goals Don't Add Up
Mira Mesa is one of the fastest-growing suburban job centers in San Diego. But climate advocates say climate goals for the neighborhood aren't up to snuff.
This week, we break down the city's Climate Action Plan and how to balance growth with lofty environmental goals.
Plus: A local teacher who was fired for touching a student is back in the classroom. A new candidate for the Board of Supervisors. Hepatitis A lurks in the region.
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Feb 17, 2023
Why Police Are So Slow
This week we're Andy-less. But our temp co-hosts — associate editor Jesse Marx and senior investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt — have us covered with some hard-hitting cop talk.
Halverstadt had the story this week about slow San Diego Police response times. Robberies, active domestic violence incidents and assaults are among the calls that saw marked increases last year compared to 2018. But the police budget keeps going up. So what gives?
In this episode, we review the types of incidents in question, experiences of San Diego residents distressed by slow law enforcement and what police leadership say are hampering SDPD's speed.
Plus: New proposals to curb street camping and focus solutions at Balboa Park's Inspiration Point. Scott's bear bias.
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Feb 10, 2023
No Silver Bullets
This week, host Andrea Lopez-Villafaña brought in County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer to get a temperature check for the Board of Supervisors.
The foremost issue in the region is homelessness. (Duh.) And that's what most of this discussion was about — including related issues of behavioral health, CARE court, supporting seniors and housing development. That's on the second half of the episode.
On the first half: Another signature gathering effort flops. Andrea, Scott and Andy discuss where the new effort to fund parks and libraries stands. Plus, some big union news for the Deputy Sheriff's Association and High Tech High.
It's our birthday! Check out our updated What We Stand For document at vosd.org/values
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Feb 3, 2023
Covid's Deadly Political Divide
Throughout the pandemic, the political divide has been bitter — and deadly.
This week, Voice reporters finished an unprecedented review of death certificates from the second year of the pandemic, after the vaccine was released. They determined the demographics of who died changed dramatically. Reporter Will Huntsberry explains the findings.
Plus: The most dramatic Audit Committee discussion you've ever heard. The short and adorable history of Elon Musk and SANDAG. And your new favorite newsletter.
Andrea's Cup of Chisme: vosd.org/chisme
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Jan 27, 2023
'I Do Declare...'
The San Diego City Council voted this week to declare housing a human right in the city. The resolution didn’t change any policies and isn’t legally binding. So, what gives?
This week, we discuss the declaration and grapple with implications it may (or may not) have on the city's immediate housing crisis.
Plus: The SANDAG walkout. And education reporter Jakob McWhinney lays out the state of transitional kindergarten — the new public school grade for 4-year-olds.
Follow all our investigations and insights with The Morning Report: vosd.org/morning
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Jan 20, 2023
Bonus Rep. Sara Jacobs on Why We May Be Building Too Many Navy Ships (and More)
It’s not something you expect to hear: A congressional representative from San Diego saying maybe the Navy has too many ships and maybe the defense department’s budget is too big. But that’s something Congresswoman Sara Jacobs will gladly discuss.
As she enters her second term, Jacobs has transitioned from rookie to leadership. The new Congress also brings her new constituents due to redistricting.
In this interview, Jacobs and host Scott Lewis discuss all that, plus the recent dramatic House Speaker vote, abortion access, data protection and homelessness.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 20, 2023
The Great Gas Stove Debate
We’re cookin’ with gas! At least for now.
This week, we review how we got here — a time when pundits are debating what gas stoves mean to us as a society and whether the fumes they spout are harmful.
This offers another moment when San Diego's policy has caught up with reality. Because we’ve been planning to phase out gas-burning appliances for a while. In this episode, we discuss that long-standing plan and others like it that cause friction once residents realize what's coming for them.
Plus: The impossible path to subsidized housing. Stormwater infrastructure fails.
Follow all our work with The Morning Report: vosd.org/morning
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Jan 13, 2023
San Diego Is 'Rising'
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria had the opportunity this week to lay out his plan for the city — to explain where we stand and where we're going in his annual State of the City address.
Gloria discussed the importance of law enforcement, the deadly rise of fentanyl, our urgent need for affordable housing, homelessness(!), parks and infrastructure.
After attending the live event on Wednesday night, our hosts will now scrutinize each major topic.
Plus: Is the City Hall redevelopment our next "San Diego Special"? New compost bins roll out this week.
Keep up with all our stories with the Morning Report at vosd.org/morning
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Jan 10, 2023
How to Find Control While Homeless
Levi Giafaglione works for National Alliance on Mental Illness, serving unhoused San Diegans with tools and services they need to get care and housing.
He understands keenly how unsheltered folks feel and how hard it is to find a way out, because he used to be homeless, too.
In this episode, Giafaglione tells host Scott Lewis how he first became homeless while living in Los Angeles, how he navigated the constant change and challenges of living with unhoused communities — drugs, cold nights, complicated shelter systems, and lack of control.
Keep up with all our stories with the Morning Report at vosd.org/morning
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Jan 6, 2023
State of the City Preview
This week, we preview the State of the City address. Slated for next Wednesday, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria will report to the entire city what his administration did last year and what's ahead.
In this episode, we look back at old State of the City addresses and make predictions for the next. An undeniable issue for discussion is homelessness.
Plus: How housing costs correlate with homelessness nationwide. Transitional kindergarten ushers in a new era of education. And what's an "atmospheric river" anyway?
Thank you to all who gave! You made our year-end fundraiser a success. If you haven't yet, you can join as a member support Voice: vosd.org/podpeople
Subscribe to our weekly podcast newsletter at vosd.org/pod
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Dec 30, 2022
Softball Star Maggie Balint Throws Heat
Maggie Balint was a star pitcher for San Diego State University last year and led the school to the Women’s World Series. She was the Mountain West pitcher of the year.
Throughout her career, college athletics have changed a lot. Players can make money on their names and transfer to new schools much more easily than before. People can gamble on their play and the long-term consequences are unknown.
This week, Balint sits down with Voice's Scott Lewis to talk about what all those changes were like from the inside, how injury impacted her identity and relationship to the sport, and what it's like to be a standout young athlete.
Support the show and our year-end campaign at vosd.org/podpeople
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Dec 22, 2022
Chris Cate, Out
Chris Cate was the last Republican elected official in City Hall.
His successor, San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee, serves District 6 and completes an all-Democrat Council (with Dem mayor Todd Gloria).
Throughout his tenure, Cate says local leaders grew more courageous — willing to flirt with taboo issues like the coastal height limit, trash pick-up charges and vacation rentals. But now, the homeless crisis looms over everything.
In this exit-interview episode, Cate and Scott Lewis talk about the "third rails" of local politics, the evolution of the City Council, the future of the Republican party and more.
Extra credit: Cate was featured in San Diego 101: A Short History of San Diego Politics. It's an 18-year recap of local public affairs and political drama. It's in this feed, dated Dec. 21, 2021. Here's a link to the episode.
If you value in-depth interviews like this — and the shows we put out every week — consider a tax-deductible donation at vosd.org/podpeople
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Dec 16, 2022
What Death Certificates Revealed About Covid Year Two
This week, Voice journalists Jesse Marx and Will Huntsberry unleash an authoritative account of Covid: Year Two.
Two years ago, we had to sue the county to gain access to county death records that mentioned Covid as a cause. Marx and Huntsberry led a team to analyze those records to grasp the toll of Covid in various communities and demographics in the county.
Their recent slate of stories revealed how the vaccine changed things in the second year of the pandemic. About half as many San Diego residents died in the second year, compared to the first. Further, Marx and Huntsberry reveal how localized public health initiatives, anti-vaxx sentiment and misinformation molded San Diegans' behavior, and ultimately, their lives.
See the series at vosd.org/yeartwo
Also this week: Why San Diego still doesn't have a safe campground for unhoused Downtown residents.
Support local investigative journalism and this podcast at vosd.org/podpeople
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…
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Dec 16, 2022
Bonus: SANDAG CEO Hasan Ikhratra
In this in-depth interview, CEO of the San Diego Association of Governments Hasan Ikhrata explained why he's standing by a plan to charge drivers for every mile they drive — even after his board abandoned it.
We also discuss whether it's time for him to leave his job (hint: maybe), the dysfunction of the SANDAG board and the future of the region.
Note: Our weekly news wrap-up episode will drop Friday afternoon, as usual.
Support interviews like this and everything we do at VOSD at vosd.org/podpeople
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Dec 9, 2022
The Way of Water
The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the American West.
But its flow is inconstant and undependable — especially as climate change propels us into a dry abyss. Now the river's use needs to be rethought.
This week, we discuss environment reporter MacKenzie Elmer's story on the new way of (Colorado River) water — and a how one group agreed to give up some of its water rights: Imperial Valley farmers.
Plus: The San Diego District Attorney decided not to file criminal charges in the high-profile rape case involving SDSU football players. And there are more homeless people Downtown than ever recorded.
Join our year-end campaign and support the podcast at vosd.org/podpeople
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Dec 2, 2022
High Drama at High Tech High
One of the most famous charter schools in the region, and perhaps the country, is High Tech High. Its project-based learning model and innovative approach to education stands out in San Diego — as does its inexperienced teaching staff.
Last year, HTH educators decided to unionize. And now they've hit a wall. Voice education reporter Jakob McWhinney joins the show to explain.
Plus: SANDAG's leader signals a leave. The problem of towing is ongoing. And we love our members.
Join our year-end fundraiser and write us a note at: vosd.org/podpeople
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Nov 23, 2022
Friendsgiving 2022
This week we're joined by local author, educator and curator of the AwkwardSD blog, Ryan Bradford for our annual Friendsgiving episode.
There’s a lot to be thankful for — and skeptical of — this year. So our table of friends each brought one topic to dish on and sprinkled thanks throughout.
Talking points: The historic peaks and current pitfalls of Twitter. How Taylor Swift’s rabid fanbase may finally bring justice to the concert behemoth Ticketmaster. The current state of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and how it disrupts residents navigating life. The Great San Diego Bike Debate.
Grab a beer and hide from your relatives. It's Friendsgiving!
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Nov 18, 2022
New Numbers, Old Problems
More election results are in.
It’s been a long wait for some races — as expected. And now, we have a bit more clarity on who won and how San Diego feels about key ballot initiatives. We discuss the historic moment as San Diegans finally shirked the People’s Ordinance. Other big updates include a local State Senate seat, the closely watched 49th Congressional District and the three-way race for National City.
Plus: City towing hurts San Diego’s most vulnerable residents. Child care gets more complicated.
Get the podcast newsletter (and more!) at vosd.org/newsletters
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Nov 11, 2022
The More You Know (About the Election)
Happy election week! Let's take a breather.
This podcast was recorded on Thursday afternoon, a few hours before another dump of results from the registrar. But with a couple more days' worth of votes counted from our Election Night special, we have more clarity on what actually happened this election and what a midterm electorate wants for the region.
Some races have gotten tighter. Some are more decisive. One flipped! We have more insights and arguments from the 2022 election ready for you.
Keep up with all our coverage with the Morning Report: vosd.org/morning
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Nov 9, 2022
2022 Election Night Takes
Late on Election Night, Scott, Andy and Andrea harnessed their last vestiges of energy and freshest election results to bring you San Diego Election Night takes.
As of this recording, our editors had a solid handle of a few key races they’d been watching this year: County Sheriff, Chula Vista mayor, National City mayor, San Diego City Council District 6. We review what we know, what's yet to be decided and what it all means for the region.
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Nov 4, 2022
It's the 2022 Election Draft
Every two years, something amazing happens. Perhaps more important than newly elected leaders, passed initiatives, updated ordinances and a collective national exercise to uphold our republic ... is the Voice of San Diego Podcast Election Draft!
As ever, the week before an election is a chance for us to hop on the mic and lay down our picks. Each host had two draft picks: These are local contests for which we are most excited to see results. In this episode, we pick the contests, explain our reasoning and discuss what the results could mean for San Diego politics.
This is our last show before our election special, which will drop the morning after Election Day. Stay subscribed to catch our vibe.
Plus: Political mailers. The Padres Goose. Football coaches.
Get our texts directly to your mobile telephone for election updates. Check that out here.
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Oct 28, 2022
When Worlds Collide
There’s a moment when high-minded, well intentioned policy meets the inertia of the real world: a collision of two realities.
These are the moments “real people” (i.e., not policy wonks or politicos) have a chance to see what’s coming their way and react. Often, residents don’t know about the next big thing until change is imminent — years after some state law or band of policy professionals and advocates concluded the best ways to advance the region.
And as discussed in this week’s podcast, these are often the moments that kill or cripple policies — the moments when leaders falter. In this episode, we examine this idea.
Plus: New homelessness numbers.
Subscribe to our weekly podcast newsletter at vosd.org/newsletters
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Oct 21, 2022
Your Ballot, Explained
Grab that ballot off your kitchen counter, it’s time to fill in some bubbles.
This week, we review a full San Diegan ballot — from Senate to school board — to discuss what’s what and decipher some of the more confusing items you’ll come across.
This episode runs from big to small, following the order of your ballot pretty closely. As you hit play, we'll start at the top with U.S. Senator, move down to county-wide races, city races, then state props and local measures.
Additional talking points: Tax the rich. Sports betting. Softball. People's Ordinance.
Alright nerds, let's get to work.
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Oct 14, 2022
The Great Politifest 2022 Recap Show
This week, we dig through the Politifest 2022 content mines to bring you the spiciest takes from the region’s coolest annual politics summit.
The conceit of Politifest was that purposeful political discussions need to be out in the open, in front of voters and residents. Too often, candidates for office — or opposing sides of a major local issues — settle their differences in private. We’re trying to change that. Let's play the hits!
See everything you may have missed at politifest.org
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Oct 11, 2022
Politifest 2022: The Politics of Homelessness
Homelessness is our region’s foremost humanitarian crisis — and one of the most divisive political issues.
Voice's Lisa Halverstadt got into it with San Diego’s two most powerful politicians, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Chair of the County Board of Supervisors Nathan Fletcher.
Talking points: Bathrooms. Safe lots. Homelessness prevention and tenant protections. The service provider shortage. Housing policy. Bill Walton.
See more at politifest.org
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Oct 7, 2022
Politifest South: Chula Vista Mayoral Debate
The candidates for Chula Vista mayor joined us to put a stamp on our inaugural Politifest South. This is the second of a two-part live podcast for Politifest 2022, hosted at the Emo Brown Foundation in Chula Vista.
Panelists:
Ammar Campa-Najjar
Chula Vista City Counclimember John McCann
Talking points: Police and firefighters. Homelessness. Sales taxes and city revenue. Chula Vista roots and residence. SANDAG.
See everything Politifest at politifest.org
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Oct 7, 2022
Politifest South: National City Mayoral Debate
The candidates for National City mayor joined us for our inaugural Politifest South — a two-part kickoff event for Politifest 2022 hosted at the Emo Brown Foundation in Chula Vista.
Panelists:
Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis
City Councilmember Jose Rodriguez
City Councilmember Ron Morrison
Talking points: Unions and labor. The city manager. Low riders. Cleanliness.
See everything Politifest at politifest.org
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Sep 23, 2022
It's All Trash Politics
Ahead of the November election, San Diego City Council candidates are taking stands on an upcoming ballot measure that would allow the city to study and eventually implement a special fee for trash collection.
This week, we discuss where candidates stand, how it could be a new, divisive feature of local politics and probe some of the touchy terms that get thrown around on this issue. (It's not a fee!)
Related: The city needs to get that food waste recycling program rolling by January.
Plus: The blow-back from Bill Walton's homelessness emails to Mayor Todd Gloria.
See you soon! Get your tickets to Politifest 2022 at politifest.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 22, 2022
Bonus Episode: Sean Elo-Rivera on Homelessness
San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera is dealing with a lot of big issues. But of course the biggest crisis he — and every leader in the region — is dealing with is homelessness.
Elo-Rivera talked to host Scott Lewis about the scope of the problem as he sees it today, how senior citizens are disproportionately affected and how to stop the increase in homelessness. Let's get into it!
Note: Our weekly news analysis episode will drop Friday afternoon as usual.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 16, 2022
A Song of Homelessness and Fire
It was a fiery week in the San Diego City Council chambers.
City Attorney Mara Elliott accused Council President Sean Elo-Rivera of trying to silence her. In doing so, she indirectly accused him of sexism, arguing her predecessors — all men — were held to different expectations than her by the Council.
City Councilmember Raul Campillo took a fierce tone with the development team chosen to take over the Sports Arena redevelopment project. Campillo was the only vote against the project. He pressed the developers on their experience with projects this size, allegations of wage theft, tax subsidies and more.
This week, we recap the drama and replay some of the highlights from this week in city politics.
Plus: NBA legend Bill Walton confronts the mayor on homelessness. And Elo-Rivera wants to talk about it.
Politifest 2022 is nigh! Tickets here: https://cvent.me/GQ7dnW
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Sep 9, 2022
SDSU Is in the Hot Seat
Last week, an unprecedented heatwave preyed on fans and players during San Diego State University’s first game of the season, christening its stadium in sweat.
Fans said there was nowhere to escape the sun. Reports showed attendees ditching their hard-won seats for shelter and succumbing to heat-related illness.
This comes on the heels of SDSU’s nationwide coverage for its response to an alleged gang rape by its football players last Halloween.
This week, we discuss SDSU’s recent slate of news-making stories, including its plan to open a satellite location in Chula Vista.
Also: School board election breakdown. The latest on the Sports Arena redevelopment. Politifest preview.
Get your tickets to Politifest 2022 at politifest.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 2, 2022
Whatever Happened To...
This week, we discuss whatever happened to... that SANDAG driving fee, San Diego’s food waste recycling program and the downtown homeless services hub.
We’ve got a theme going on this week across Voice content — a look back on stories that were once front page news but have since shirked the public eye. To cap off our “Whatever Happened To...” week, we’re revisiting these three San Diego storylines.
Plus: Scott is Tiktok famous. And reasons to support your favorite local public affairs pod.
vosd.org/podpeople
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Aug 26, 2022
The Electric Slide
Energy from San Diego’s brand new power companies is slightly more expensive than their competitor — the former local power monopoly, SDG&E.
The whole conceit of these new power companies was to boost competition and thereby lower prices. So, mission accomplished? Not to some.
Voice environment reporter MacKenzie Elmer has been following the twisted tale of San Diego energy as fledgling power players rise in the region. Now with more options available, customers have to (and can!) make a choice. Let's get into it.
Statewide talking points: That big electric car news. Gettin' around with the Secretary of Transportation. Online gambling propositions.
Support the show during our campaign at vosd.org/podpeople
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Aug 19, 2022
A Short History of San Diego Politics
This week we're looking back. Way back.
This interview featuring host Scott Lewis reviews about 18 years' worth of San Diego political history: "Cheetah gate." The pension scandal. Bob Filner. The rise of Democrats.
Lewis and former VOSD editor Maya Srikrishnan break down some of the biggest moments in San Diego's recent history that led us to the politics and the players we have today.
Support VOSD and explanatory journalism at vosd.org/podpeople
See more content like this in our San Diego 101 podcast: sd101.org
Get even more local history with the SD101 history episode: vosd.org/history101
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Aug 12, 2022
O Funding, Where Art Thou?
In 2017, the state passed Senate Bill 2 — a bill made to alleviate the cost of shelter in California by providing an ongoing source of funds to build affordable housing we so desperately need. Since then, the state has collected more than $1.6 billion from fees on real estate transactions. Lookin’ pretty good, right?
Here's the catch: In the five years since SB 2 passed, the state has spent a fraction of the earnings.
This week, we discuss the bill, its promise and praise by San Diego state reps, and the impact seen so far.
Plus: What happened to the (California) theater? Pickeball wars. Politifest preview.
Peep our newsletters at vosd.org/newsletters
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Aug 5, 2022
The Rock Arena
The city of San Diego has decided the Sports Arena be demolished and a new arena should arise.
And the three bidders who want to take over the redevelopment of that spot want to build a new one. The lead bidder, Midway Rising, wants to make a big new arena — but not big enough for the NHL or NBA. Such arenas require about 18,000 seats minimum.
And an important caveat with this project is the city's decision not to subsidize the project.
As host Scott Lewis found in his new story, bidders decided the way to pay for the crazy expense of such a project is not sports. It's concerts.
Enter: The San Diego Rock arena?!
This week, we discuss the current state of that major redevelopment project. Plus: OMG those Padres, the “how about nah” campaign and more dirty water politics.
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Jul 29, 2022
Spice Up Your Life... And City Hall
The San Diego City Council this week decided — with the mayor's urging and the city attorney's opposition — to settle its lawsuit against Cisterra and CGA Capital.
This $132-million-dollar decision paves the way for the city to buy its two most problematic buildings that were caught up in the suit and kick off what could be its most ambitious development project ever.
This week, we discuss what went down in the council meeting ahead of the decision and all of the lofty ideas that are getting packed into this project.
Plus: New COVID notes. South Bay politics. Andrea's fear of flying.
Get more show at vosd.org/pod
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Jul 22, 2022
How Much Poo is Too Much Poo?
San Diego is the first in the nation to deploy a new technology to test the safety of our ocean water. And Imperial Beach and Coronado are grappling with the results.
The tests use a new method to count the amount of bacteria found in the gut of warm-blooded mammals, including humans (e.g., feces).
The word poop is funny, obviously, but this is deadly serious for local beach cities — which may not only face economic hardship from having their beaches closed, but the test results suggest beachgoers could get seriously sick. This week, we discuss the rollout of these new tests and a lot of confusion that followed.
Plus: A viral interview with a local school leader. A new documentary about Barrio Logan's pollution struggles.
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Jul 15, 2022
Unanswered Calls
This week, NBC San Diego’s Alexis Rivas shares her story on a local woman's murder.
The real story was the phone calls from across the street
As Rivas reported, the victim’s neighbors called 911 for nearly two hours — begging for help and relaying what they saw. Rivas discusses the details of that June night, the San Diego Police Department's response to the scrutiny, and what seems a systemic lack of police capacity and slow response times to critical calls.
Plus: New trends in old military suicide data, San Diego's other housing failure, Kevin Faulconer's next election plan.
See the full NBC story at NBC7.com/policescrutiny
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Jul 8, 2022
Summertime Blues, Summertime News
The doldrums of summer are upon us.
To combat the summertime blues, we’re hitting you with summertime news! This week, our hosts share a few stories they're watching in the summer months.
Talking points: how to colonize Mars, the great resignation of the San Diego Police Department, who's going to fill those new downtown office buildings.
Get the newsletter for this show at vosd.org/pod
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Jul 1, 2022
What if We Paid Teachers With Money?
San Diego Unified leaders announced they would offer $10,000 dollar signing bonuses for new special education teachers and nurses.
This is a new effort by the district to combat a massive labor shortage happening right now. It may seem totally logical: The district has a lot of COVID relief money and needs more staff. But the move also signals a significant shift in policy from unions and union-backed leaders. Pay incentives of any kind, for years, have been totally taboo.
This week, we discuss teacher pay and how it could impact schools.
Plus: Andy's got the emails that led up to a big housing development decision. And the 101 Ash St. settlement that never was.
See all our school stories at vosd.org/education
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Jun 24, 2022
One Family's Story Says it all about Homelessness
Four months ago, Voice of San Diego reporter Lisa Halverstadt got an email.
A local woman, Natalie Raschke, asked Halverstadt to tell her family's story. “My kids matter, they have faces, they deserve to be heard and seen. I’m hoping you can help me achieve that,” she wrote.
This week, we share that story.
Plus: San Diego's next strategy for 101 Ash St. New street vendor rules. And OMG the Assembly Select Committee on Gasoline Supply and Pricing is here.
Keep up with all of Lisa's stories at vosd.org/lisa
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Jun 17, 2022
How SANDAG's Transit Tax Died
Over the next eight years, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) needed to pass three different tax increases. These increases would fund the grandest of their plans to improve transportation for the whole region and update the ways we get around, large and small.
But this week, the first of those three initiatives failed. And it failed fast. We review what happened and why.
Plus: Graduations. Big hopes for big buildings on the coast. And the latest election results.
Join our fundraising campaign and support the show: vosd.org/give
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Jun 10, 2022
Live! From Chula Vista
We're coming at you live from Novo Brazil Brewing in Chula Vista with special guests and an awesome audience.
Talking points: primary election results, "South County" vs. "South Bay," Chula Vista politics, special interests, miniature schnauzers.
Guests:
Chula Vista City Councilmember Andrea Cardenas
Steve Garcia, host of the Emo Brown podcast
Support the show and our summer fundraising campaign: vosd.org/give
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Jun 3, 2022
The Races We're Watching
The Primary is nigh!
Though it’s not the blockbuster 2020 election that melted our faces and dominated every inch of social media, our next major democratic exercise is nearly here. (Get those ballots in by June 7 with the help of our Election Guide: vosd.org/ballot.)
This week, we check in on the main races we've been watching in the region and the stories behind them.
County Sheriff, Chula Vista Mayor, Assembly District 80 and San Diego City Council District 2 are the four horsemen of this non-apocalypse. But rest assured, there's plenty of intrigue to unfurl. Let's get to it.
Check out all our election coverage at vosd.org/2022
Follow our homelessness reporting at vosd.org/homeless
See you at the live show! Tickets at vosd.org/events
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May 27, 2022
This Land is Your Land
The redevelopment project of 50-ish acres of land in the Midway area — which comprises Sports Arena, derelict streets and serves as a major junction in San Diego — is only getting more complex.
Recently dubbed ‘the new San Diego Special’ by podcast host Scott Lewis, the San Diego City Council this week made a move to get the Midway redevelopment rolling again.
This week, we review that meeting. Plus: New COVID quandaries at San Diego Unified schools.
Join us on June 9 for our live podcast: vosd.org/events
See Andrea's full story about Luis Alberto Antonio Armenta: vosd.org/luis
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May 20, 2022
Awaken Church and the New Homelessness Numbers
We’re coming at you with two interviews this week.
First up: Voice's Jakob McWhinney published an authoritative piece on Awaken Church. On the show, McWhinney reviewed some of the historical highlights of the Evangelical Christian movement and its political proclivities. Throughout the pandemic, this church has become highly activated as an anti-vaccine, anti-lockdown, right-wing political engine.
And second: The head of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Tamera Kohler, called us up to unpack the latest homelessness point-in-time count. We discussed the numbers, the caveats, and a few different ways we can understand the crisis right now.
Join us for the next Live Podcast at vosd.org/events
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May 13, 2022
Mailer Season is Here
June Primary ballots went out this week. And you know what that means: It’s mailer season!
This week, we talk about some of the mailers hitting voters for the Chula Vista mayoral race and what the voters really want.
Plus: The race for County Sheriff and confusion at the San Diego Housing Commission.
See all our election coverage at vosd.org/2022
Get tickets for our live podcast at vosd.org/events
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May 6, 2022
Previewing a 'Bananas Ballot'
This week, we break down an effort by SANDAG to get a transit tax on the November 2022 ballot and a few other measures that are starting to take shape.
Plus: A 101 Ash St. thing we can't let go. And new numbers — and a new idea — on homelessness.
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May 3, 2022
Bonus: Emo Brown Podcast with Scott Lewis
This week, we're bringing you an episode of the Emo Brown podcast — a Chula Vista-based show recorded at 3 Punk Ales brewery, hosted by Steve Garcia.
Garcia recently called up VOSD host and CEO Scott Lewis to join the show. We liked it so much we wanted to share it with you. Lewis and Garcia talked about Lewis' personal history, journalism, VOSD's purpose in San Diego and some of the biggest issues facing the region, such as education inequality, housing and homelessness. Plus, how to keep up with — and support — local news.
Note: This podcast contains expletives.
Check out The Emo Brown Podcast wherever you like to listen. emobrown.com
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Apr 29, 2022
Sports Arena is the New San Diego Special
Scott Lewis has called it: The Sports Arena and its surrounding land is officially a San Diego Special. (That is an intractable, San Diego-specific problem brought on by maladministration and/or crummy leadership.)
This week, we discussed the state of the current bidding process to remake the area and prioritize a new arena — while the housing crisis looms over us all.
Plus: Palm trees are a menace. The "political genius" of 101 Ash St. Charity leaders flip a house.
Join us on May 4 for our next in-person event. See details at vosd.org/events
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Apr 22, 2022
Carnival News
For weeks now, we’ve been waiting to see if the San Diego County fair will actually happen.
Headlines and rumors suggested San Diego's most prized carnival spectacle was in jeopardy because of a lawsuit that seized the state district that oversees the fair.
Voice North County reporter Tigist Layne has been following the fair-y tale and joins us week to explain how this unique slice of San Diego land is governed, the details of the suit and where the Fairgrounds and its CEO stand now.
Plus: The Chula Vista mayor's race. And the San Diego City Council decides on potential ballot measures.
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Apr 15, 2022
The Tents Changed Everything
Nowadays, more resources are being thrown at the homelessness crisis than ever and there are still more unhoused San Diegans than ever — many of whom use camping-style tents as a lifeline, refusing shelter beds. So, what now?
This week, we discuss how personal tents changed the homelessness crisis and what it means for leaders fighting for solutions to our region's biggest problem.
Plus: Big transit hub news. Midway and Sports Arena updates. And did you hear Gold Coast Drive?!
Check out Scott's story on tents and homelessness at vosd.org/tents
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Apr 8, 2022
A Truckload of Troubles
When one discusses the future of San Diego, there’s typically a shared, unspoken assumption: We’ll keep growing.
Everything we need to power a prospering region hinges on that assumption, too. Infrastructure, housing, the airport, drive-thru Starbucks.
But we’re not growing. We're shrinking (dying if you wanna get dramatic about it). This week, we discuss the data that tells the story of our population change — and the questions we must answer about the troubling future of our region.
Plus: The Assembly District 80 special election. That big truck problem in Barrio Logan. Andy's mustache.
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Apr 1, 2022
'We Take Housing Seriously'
The City of Oceanside has North County's second largest homeless population (after Escondido). And as of this week, it's gearing up for its first homeless shelter.
This week on the pod, Andy and Andrea are joined by Voice's North County reporter, Tigist Layne, to discuss the news from Oceanside and the latest housing issue in Encinitas.
Plus: Highlights from this week's State of the County address.
Join the campaign! vosd.org/donate
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Mar 25, 2022
Alvarez Versus Gómez
This week, Andy's got the story of David Alvarez and his potential violation of city ethics law.
The former San Diego city councilman, and now candidate for the state Assembly, worked for SDG&E before the mandated “cool off” period was over. Whether he was lobbying is the big question.
This has led to a fiery campaign for Assembly District 80.
Alvarez and the other Democrat seeking the seat, Georgette Gómez, have been dragged in political ads for their violations of public trust. We're going to recap some political history and talk about what it all means for the special election.
Plus: Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to help with gas prices. And local governments are so over COVID.
Support this show and our reporting at vosd.org/donate
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Mar 18, 2022
All About the Benjamins
We planned this for months but it couldn’t have been more timely.
Voice of San Diego reporters have been digging into the biggest drivers of San Diego’s high costs: housing, transportation, water, energy and more. This week on the podcast, hosts Scott Lewis and Andrew Keatts discuss the biggest findings from our new reporting series, "San Diego's Cost-of-Living Crisis."
Check it out at vosd.org/cost
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Mar 11, 2022
'Mask Raids' and Mystery
Almost a year ago, Luis Alberto Antonio Armenta disappeared.
His family was worried, of course. And they were confused why Antonio Armenta didn't respond to calls or texts. The next day, he was found in his car, in the passenger seat, head on the floorboard, missing some personal items. He was dead.
And the family was left with a lot of questions about the odd circumstances of this case. This week, editor Andrea Lopez-Villafaña tells the story of this mysterious death and what questions remain unanswered.
Plus: Parents at a local preschool are furious that state child care investigators questioned their children without supervision. That story blew up this week. See it here: vosd.org/maskraid
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Mar 4, 2022
It Ain't Easy Being Green
County leaders are pushing San Diego to eliminate carbon emissions in less than two decades. But a new study shows the region isn’t close to that — even if all the cities in the region do everything on their climate to-do list perfectly.
This week, we break down what "net zero" really means and what the region is facing as politicians trumpet climate "successes" that are effectively a wishlist for some other elected official to deal with later.
Plus: A note from Russia. New rules for street vendors. The latest numbers and proposals on homelessness.
Follow all our stories with The Morning Report at vosd.org/newsletters
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Feb 25, 2022
Conor Dougherty on California’s Housing History, Politics and Solutions
Housing nerds unite!
This week, our resident housing nerd Andrew Keatts interviews New York Times economics reporter Conor Dougherty, who covers housing and wages in California.
Talking points: YIMBYS vs. NIMBYS. Housing and zoning legislation. Accessory dwelling units. Dougherty's book, "Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America," and coverage of Clairemont, "Where The Suburbs End."
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Feb 22, 2022
SD101: Parents Changing Schools
Episode 9
When parents get involved at school, that generally means their kids will do better.
But getting involved isn’t easy — at least not for all parents. School districts can be baffling bureaucracies, filled with tons of committees and confusing acronyms that all impact the quality of a kid’s education.
In this final episode of the season, we break down how schools work — and how parents have made it work for them. (Plus, hosts Maya and Adriana call up their own parents.)
Resources for parents of kids with disabilities:
iepday.org
efrconline.org
Learn more at vosd.org/101podcast
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Feb 18, 2022
Housing Conquers All
San Diego's cost of living is officially bananas.
Multiple reports published this week show San Diego's sunshine and dank waves are not enough to keep up with soaring housing and energy prices.
We explain the findings of these reports and what's going on in the housing market as one analysis looked at the number of "investors" who own homes in the area.
Plus: Former San Diego City Councilmember Barbra Bry is caught up in a web as she seeks another office this election.
Keep up with all our stories: vosd.org/newsletters
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Feb 11, 2022
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me (if I Have COVID)
Remember a few weeks back? Holidays were happening, Omicron was everywhere and at-home tests seemingly vanished. It sucked.
At that time, free COVID-19 testing sites were popping up at trolley stations. They were a relief to many who needed quick, accessible results so they could live their life. But some results didn't come for weeks — or ever.
This week on the pod, we're going to break down that story, the companies behind it, and how it all went wrong.
Plus: The race for sheriff. Chula Vista mayoral campaigns. And an important update on housing law.
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Feb 4, 2022
Journalism and Democracy in Mexico
Four Mexican journalists have been murdered in less than a month. It's one of the most dangerous countries to be a journalist.
Reporter Sandra Dibble has been covering Tijuana — the country's northernmost city — for more than two decades. She joins us to talk about what's going on in the country and how Mexico's programs made to protect the press are failing.
Plus: The latest on homelessness and some political intrigue in affordable housing.
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Feb 1, 2022
SD101: Three Myths About Homelessness
Episode 8
Homelessness, and what causes it, is complex. Our own assumptions about people who experience homelessness can often keep us from fully understanding the big, complicated issue that it is.
In this episode, we’re going to hear from experts and people who have experienced homelessness to explain what’s right — and what’s wrong — about our most common assumptions.
Learn more at sd101.org
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Jan 28, 2022
Labor Flexes On SDSU Mission Valley
A feud between San Diego State University and labor unions has officially boiled over in to the public scene.
This week, we review the key players and the stakes, what's been said and what it all means for the mega redevelopment of Mission Valley.
Plus: Former San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre is suing the NFL. What?!
Also: Scott "discovers" a band.
Text with us: vosd.org/text
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