Voice of San Diego (@voiceofsandiego.org)

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Investigative journalism for a better San Diego ☀️

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Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

15 Jan

The local political establishment had big visions for Mayor Todd Gloria, maybe even going beyond City Hall. But five years into his mayorship, allies and adversaries alike say he’s dropped the ball. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/01/14/t...

voiceofsandiego.orgDisappointment Follows Gloria Into Sixth YearThe San Diego mayor came into office with high expectations and a Democratic super majority. Even his supporters are baffled by how little he has done.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

44m

Member Exclusive: The Padres’ political beef with Councilmember Henry Foster now has money behind it. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/24/p...

voiceofsandiego.orgMembers Only AccessThank you for your interest in Voice of San Diego. You’re trying to access information that is available only to our members. If you would like to receive access to […]

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

National City’s cannabis sector is struggling to meet its rosy projections. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/22/f...

voiceofsandiego.orgFollowing Lawsuits, Sluggish Sales, National City Is Vexed by CannabisThe city’s cannabis sector has drawn lawsuits and accusations of deceptive business practices. Sales are also lagging.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

14h

This year’s ballot features a lot of bond measures! Here’s what you need to know about them 👇️ voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/23/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgShould California Borrow $8.4 Billion for Immunology Research?Criticism of Proposition 38’s biggest proponent has led to atypical political alliances. And: what to know about the other big bonds on the November ballot.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

15h

The husband of the ex-COO for a former county contractor who allegedly misappropriated public funds is now facing 15 felony charges of his own. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/22/h...

voiceofsandiego.orgHusband Charged in Ex-County Contractor CaseThe husband of ex-Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego COO Amy Knox is now facing 15 felony charges in the same criminal case.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

20h

ICYMI: Here’s what you need to know about the San Diego City Council’s latest move towards cancelling its contract with Flock. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/21/c...

voiceofsandiego.orgCouncil Takes First Step Toward Canceling Flock ContractSan Diego's Budget and Government Efficiency Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance a proposal to cancel the city's contract with the controversial Flock surveillance company.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Community reports suggest local immigration enforcement is increasing ahead of the midterms. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/19/i...

voiceofsandiego.orgICE Appears to Be Ramping Up Enforcement in San DiegoIt will likely be months before arrest data can confirm increased immigration enforcement efforts but activists say this is the biggest push they have seen yet.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

A court ruled Rady Children’s Hospital must continue providing some gender-transition care to minors despite funding threats. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/20/j...

voiceofsandiego.orgJudge Says Rady Children’s Can Partially Limit Gender-Transition CareNew patients will only get partial services as hospital reports more Trump administration pressure.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Here's a look at two propositions that would change how California does elections. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/16/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgShould California Change How It Does Recall Elections?A primer on the recall ballot measure and another, separate proposal to change the state’s campaign finance laws.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Supervisor Jim Desmond has spent almost $250,000 in public funds this year promoting himself on social media. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/19/d...

voiceofsandiego.orgDesmond Has Spent a Lot of County Money on Ads About HimselfWhile campaigning for the 48th Congressional District, County Supervisor Jim Desmond has spent hundreds of thousands in public dollars on ads about himself and his political views.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Developers behind a potential data center in Midway say housing remains a major part of their plan. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/20/m...

voiceofsandiego.orgManchester Group Promises Housing Will Be ‘Major Part’ of NAVWAR DevelopmentDevelopers say a data center is still a possibility, but the project would also include housing.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

South County leaders say a proposition pushing voter ID requirements could disenfranchise their communities. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/15/a...

voiceofsandiego.orgAlvarez, Other Local Leaders Join Campaign Against Voter ID MeasureOpponents say Proposition 39, which would require California voters to prove identity and citizenship before voting, would disproportionately impact South County voters.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Midway Rising is now one step closer to being a reality — with one big catch for the project's developers. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/17/m...

voiceofsandiego.orgMidway Rising Advances But Council Insists Affordable Housing Should Be 'New'Friday, a committee of the San Diego City Council advanced the project that Midway Rising leaders have been working on for five years.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Following months of criticism about city operations, Mayor Todd Gloria has appointed a COO. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/15/m...

voiceofsandiego.orgMayor Todd Gloria Picks New COOOn Thursday, Mayor Todd Gloria appointed Bethany Bezak, who currently serves on the mayor’s executive team, to be the city’s new chief operating officer and oversee the city’s day-to-day operations. …

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Another resident died at a San Diego safe sleeping site last week, sparking calls from City Council candidates for program reforms and lifestyle changes. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/14/c...

voiceofsandiego.orgCouncil Candidates Say Changes Needed After Safe Sleeping DeathsAfter another death at one of the city of San Diego’s safe sleeping sites, candidates proposed increased wraparound services and collaboration with the county, as well as independent audits to…

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

New student performance data shows a handful of bright spots for San Diego Unified — as well as some worrying declines. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/15/l...

voiceofsandiego.orgLatest State Reports Show Growth, Declines at San Diego UnifiedOn Thursday, California released its latest batch of student performance metrics. The data included quite a few bright spots for San Diego Unified — but also some worrying declines. […]

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

A local hotel group is pitching plans to build a data center near downtown San Diego. At 400 megawatts, it could be the largest project of its kind in California. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/15/m...

voiceofsandiego.orgManchester Group Pitches Massive Data Center at NAVWAR SitePublic records reveal Doug Manchester's development firm has been talking to San Diego energy utilities about building a 400 MW data center on a site where housing had been proposed.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

The San Diego City Council officially has enough votes to cancel its contract with Flock, but the clock is ticking. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/13/c...

voiceofsandiego.orgCouncil Now Has Anti-Flock MajoritySan Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn announced Tuesday he wants to kill the city's contract with Flock.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

The short-term vacation rental issue isn’t going to get resolved overnight, writes Councilmember Jennifer Campbell in a new op-ed. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/13/o...

voiceofsandiego.orgOn Short-Term Rentals, San Diego Needed Leadership, Not Easy AnswersEditor’s note: San Diego City Council District 2 candidates Richard Bailey and Nicole Crosby weighed in on the city’s vacation rental laws at Voice of San Diego’s Politifest. Councilmember Jennifer…

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Happening Thursday: Join us at MOXIE Theater in Rolando to catch a panel led by our editor in chief, followed by a performance of “This is Government.” www.moxietheatre.com/shows/this-i...

Voice of San Diego reposted

The University of Chicago Press

@uchicagopress.bsky.social

In the San Diego area? Drop by San Diego State University on October 15 to hear Bryant Simon discuss FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY with Bella Ross of @voiceofsandiego.org.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Scientists are unsure whether another ongoing ocean phenomenon will blunt this year’s super El Niño voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/12/t...

voiceofsandiego.orgThe Phenomenon That Could Blunt El NiñoThe Pacific Decadal Oscillation could stymie the effects of El Niño -- at least, let’s hope so.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

The head of San Diego’s police union is skeptical about spending money on AI technology to produce police reports. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/12/h...

voiceofsandiego.orgHead of Cop Union Opposes AI-Police Reports -- For NowLast week, we broke the news that the San Diego Police Department is weighing acquiring artificial intelligence software that can assist officers in writing police reports. In July, the department […]

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

A North County candidate for Board of Supervisors wants to see the county reel back its regulations counteracting urban sprawl. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/09/c...

voiceofsandiego.orgCandidate Says This County Policy Is Pushing San Diegans to RiversideCounty Supervisor candidate Kyle Krahel says the county's VMT policy is 'driving people to buy homes in Riverside County.'

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Millions of dollars are flowing in to support different California propositions. We followed the money 💰️ 👀 voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/09/h...

voiceofsandiego.orgHow to Make Sense of the Major Tax Propositions on the BallotAnd: a primer on the out-of-state billionaires funding California’s voter ID initiative.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

A full-fledged political battle is taking place in voters’ mailboxes. Here are some of the most interesting mailers we’ve seen this cycle 📬️ voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/11/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSpecial Mailer Edition of the Politics ReportMailers are windows into what campaigns know about voters and what they think they'll care about. Here's a mid-voting examination of a sample of them.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

The San Diego Police Department is exploring potential contracts with AI companies to help officers write police reports. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/09/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSan Diego Police Department Is Weighing Using AI to Write Police ReportsIn July, SDPD put out a request for information for AI programs that can help officers write police reports.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

The Democrat running to represent North County on the Board of Supervisors raised alarm about essential services if a new sales tax doesn’t pass. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/09/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSupe Candidate Kyle Krahel Says People Will Die if Measure B FailsThe candidate said it will be difficult for the county to provide essential services to the region’s most vulnerable if a proposed countywide half-cent sales tax increase, Measure B, doesn’t pass in…

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Oceanside voters will vote in a new sales tax just two years after extending a previous sales tax. Here’s what it would pay for: voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/07/o...

voiceofsandiego.orgOceanside Voters to Decide on Another Sales Tax MeasureTwo years after approving Measure X, some Oceanside residents aren’t sold on Measure S.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Imperial Beach Democrats fear votes will split in favor of conversatives in the city’s three-way mayoral race. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/08/t...

voiceofsandiego.orgThree-Way Mayoral Race Threatens Democrats’ Bid for Control in Imperial BeachThe entrance of two Democrats into the race to unseat incumbent Mitch McKay has fractured the local party and increases the likelihood conservatives will remain in control of the city.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

There’s a lot of fine print packed into San Diego County’s sales tax proposal. Here’s what you need to know: voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/09/t...

voiceofsandiego.orgThe Fine Print in the Countywide Sales Tax Hike PitchWe dug into the details of a half-cent sales tax increase proposal that could raise up to $450 million annually to support health care, Tijuana River solutions, public safety and more.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

South County candidates are on a YIMBY streak, but one housing expert said the real barriers to building may fall out of their control. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/05/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSouth County Goes Full YIMBYSouth County leaders are bullish on housing. In a series of candidate forums last week, including our own Politifest, candidates for mayor in National City and Chula Vista, along with […]

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival attendees were treated to a fusion of genres, incluing local rappers and punk artists. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/05/b...

voiceofsandiego.orgBinational Jazz Festival: A Fusion of Sounds, StyleThe San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival featured Femina Fatal, an Ensenada rapper, performing with jazz fusion group Colectivo Fronterizo.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Mayor Todd Gloria is committed to getting Councilmember Henry Foster out of office. Foster said the mayor needs to get his priorities in order. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/06/c...

voiceofsandiego.orgCouncilmember Foster Doubles Down on Discontent with MayorAt Politifest 2026, Councilmember Henry Foster criticized Mayor Todd Gloria and said he would consider introducing a measure to reduce the mayor’s power.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

All of the South Bay cities are currently run by Republicans. Democrats see the National City mayoral race as their best shot at changing that. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/06/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSouth County Democrats Pin Hopes on National City Mayor’s RaceWith Democratic mayoral candidates facing obstacles in Chula Vista and Imperial Beach, the race to lead National City is taking center stage.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

The candidates running to represent coastal San Diego clashed over their different approaches to short-term vacation rentals. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/07/c...

voiceofsandiego.orgCandidates for Coastal Council District Clash on Vacation Rental FactsAt Politifest Saturday, City Council candidates Richard Bailey and Nicole Crosby couldn’t agree on a simple fact: whether the California Coastal Commission would have to sign off on any changes […]

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

It’s time to vote! Check out summaries of the biggest races of the region in Voice of San Diego’s No BS Voter Guide 🗳️ voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/05/v...

voiceofsandiego.orgVoice of San Diego’s No BS 2026 Voter GuideThis post has been updated. If you’re reading this, it’s quite possible you waited until the last minute to research candidates, measures and propositions on the November ballot. Or you’re […]

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Utilities in a local apartment complex shot up from $60 to more than $150 after the landlord changed the utilities billing system. So, residents went on strike to fix it. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/07/h...

voiceofsandiego.orgHow San Diego Tenants Went on Strike Over Their Utility Bills – and WonTenants at a San Diego apartment complex were enrolled in a new billing system. After their bills soared, they refused to pay and organized.

Voice of San Diego

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Here’s a final look at what did and didn’t survive Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk this year. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/02/t...

voiceofsandiego.orgWhat Did and Didn't Survive Newsom's DeskAnd: get ready to sink your teeth into more than a dozen propositions at this Saturday’s Politifest: Elections Showdown.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Sources confirm that Mayor Todd Gloria is committed to getting Councilmember Henry Foster out of office. Meanwhile, Gloria's favored candidate may not want his support. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/03/m...

voiceofsandiego.orgMayor Pushes for Councilmember's OpponentMultiple sources have confirmed for the Politics Report that San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has been pushing interest groups, including local unions, to reconsider their support of Councilmember Henry…

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Voice of San Diego’s No BS Voter Guide is here! Check it out online, or print your own version to take with you to the polls 🗳️ voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/05/v...

voiceofsandiego.orgVoice of San Diego’s No BS 2026 Voter GuideIf you’re reading this, it’s quite possible you waited until the last minute to research candidates, measures and propositions on the November ballot. Or you’re reading this well in advance. […]

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Is Proposition 45 a necessary salve to beuracratic gridlock, or an existential threat to state envrionmental regulations? voiceofsandiego.org/2026/09/28/e...

voiceofsandiego.orgExistential Threat to CEQA or Just Building Stuff We Need Faster?Come and join us for a Prop 45 debate on Saturday at Politifest.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

A group of artists working to build community outside of traditional institutions found a unique home in a South Park driveway. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/02/n...

voiceofsandiego.orgNo Museum Needed: Local Artists Build Community in a South Park DrivewayAn art project finds a home hidden in the crevices of South Park's retail corridor. But even within a cramped space, an entire village is cultivated.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Despite new transparency laws, San Diego tenants are struggling to get clarity from landlords on the costs behind their utility bills. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/09/29/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSan Diego Passed New Renter Protections Last Year. Tenants Say Landlords Are Already Breaking Them.A new city law requires landlords to produce copies of their utility bills to tenants that dispute the charges. Many, allegedly, don’t comply.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

From AI regulations to a tight mayoral race between two friends-turned-competitors, it was a big week for South County lawmakers. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/01/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSouth County Lawmakers Notch Wins in SacramentoNew bachelor’s degrees, AI regulations, protections for immigrants and a boost for residents near the sewage-clogged Tijuana River. South County’s two state legislators had a good run this year.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Local leaders gathered yesterday to criticize a City Council candidate’s involvement with a controversial community group. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/02/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSupporters Bash SupportersSan Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe took turns criticizing City Council candidate Martha Abraham for accepting support from San Diego United…

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Two candidates in one of the city’s most contentious Council races will debate at Politifest tomorrow. Here’s a primer on District 2: voiceofsandiego.org/2026/10/01/s...

voiceofsandiego.orgSan Diego’s District 2 City Council Race Is a Big TestFor several years now, the San Diego City Council has been led by nine Democrats. The mayor is a Democrat. The city attorney is also a Democrat. San Diego, once […]

Voice of San Diego reposted

Lisa Halverstadt

@lisahalverstadt.bsky.social

🧵Happy Friday...and #politifest2026 weekend. 😀 Today's @voiceofsandiego.org news blast leads with the latest on the race to represent southeastern City of San Diego neighborhoods.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

This year’s batch of City Council candidates are divided on many issues, but all agree it’s time for the mayor to hire a COO. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/09/30/c...

voiceofsandiego.orgCouncil Candidates Say It’s Time for Mayor to Hire a COOSan Diego City Council candidates say the city’s recent trash fee billing error is another example of operational failures at the city and an argument for hiring a chief operating officer.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Join us TONIGHT for a conversation with the two candidates running to fill San Marcos’s open mayoral seat! voiceofsandiego.org/2026/09/30/t...

voiceofsandiego.orgThe Battle to Lead San Marcos' Next ChapterSharon Jenkins and Mike Sannella will present their vision for housing, growth and the city’s economy at Politifest North County on Oct. 2.

Voice of San Diego

@voiceofsandiego.org

Meet the North County candidate fighting to secure a Democratic supermajority on the Board of Supervisors. voiceofsandiego.org/2026/09/25/d...

voiceofsandiego.orgDemocrat Wants to Flip a Board of Supervisors SeatWho wins will likely come down to experience, name recognition and who can most effectively communicate their plans for District 5.