Voice of San Diego Podcast

There was always a theory that if we were going to legalize cannabis, the people who used to get in trouble for selling it should get a chance to sell it again. The city of San Diego secured a grant to give people like that a leg up. But now it looks like they'll have to send the grant money back. This week, host Andrea Lopez-Villafaña shares an update to the city's Cannabis Social Equity program. Plus: The uncanny valley of education. Big questions and budget woes decelerate Mayor Todd Gloria's homeless shelter deal. Get the environment report to avoid swimming in poop water: vosd.org/environmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a big week for things that used to be things. The Republican Party of San Diego County, once a local political juggernaut, lost its chairwoman after an internal battle over Carl DeMaio, who is running for state Assembly against Andrew Hayes. Despite DeMaio’s efforts to drag a Democrat to the runoff, he will face Hayes, a fellow Republican. This week, we discuss the endorsement battle that threatened to splinter an already weak political faction — and ultimately led to the emergence of a new party leader. Plus: Students learning online are performing way worse than their in-person peers. SDSU isn't interested in a Mission Valley arena. Join the nature nerds with our biweekly Environment Report: vosd.org/environmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiara Gray was bright. She was artsy, well-written — an old soul in a young body, people said. She was from the Appalachian region of Maryland, a small place with few prospects for what many consider "good careers." Gray scored high on an aptitude test that caught the attention of the U.S. Navy. For Gray, like many people across the country, the military offered rare opportunities. So, she joined. Through her recruitment process, Gray reportedly withheld information about her mental health. Lying is apparently common, and encouraged, during military recruitments. This week, senior investigative reporter Will Huntsberry tells Gray's story — and explains what happened after Gray was recruited, as she managed her fragile mental health while stuck in the machine of the U.S. Navy. Listener warning: This discussion happens in the final segment of the show (after the ad break) and contains discussion of self harm and suicide. If you or someone you know might be considering suicide, there is help. Call or text 988, the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. Plus: Mayor Todd Gloria announces plans for a 1,000-bed shelter. And the most affordable housing projects in San Diego.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a long time, Voice has followed the tale of school in Logan Heights. The school has changed names and faces in recent years. It’s got an impressive new building. It used to be called Logan Memorial Prep, now it’s Logan Memorial Educational Campus. Logan Memorial has served generations of residents. And through that time it has modified its educational offerings and appearance. But as host Jakob McWhinney explains this week, throughout all these changes one thing remained the same: its bad reputation. It’s still one of the most avoided schools in the district. This week, we talk about what the school can do to turn things around. Plus: New theme music. Baseball and Petco Park. An update to the Fletcher saga. Join us for our spring fundraising campaign: vosd.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three propositions on the November ballot could change everything across the state of California. This week, we discuss three props that are having direct conversations with each other. They're all about taxes — and how hard it should be for voters to pass them. The outcome of these props also impacts local measures that are moving forward to boost city revenue, fund stormwater systems and roads. Plus: Baseball gloves. A new police chief. The broken border sewage plant. Support the show and get your gift matched! Support us at vosd.org/giveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the San Diego City Council voted to explore the creation of a special tax district. Some called it "a major subsidy" to a large-scale project that would redevelop Sports Arena and the surrounding area. This special tax district could generate extra funds to make the big project possible, especially for all the extra infrastructure needed to serve the housing units that developers promised. The specific name for this kind of setup is called an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District. Or EIFD for short. But, c'mon. What even is that? Scott Lewis will explain it. Plus: When January flood victims suffered, local governments got caught in red tape. And even more election results. Check out our newsletters: vosd.org/newslettersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The March Primary seemed like a boring lemon but we’re going to squeeze some juice out of it. The VOSD Podcast is not the place for your Biden-Trump angst or opinions of how "feisty" the State of the Union was. This is the place for commentary on the city attorney "vibes vote," and to drill down Council districts and mayoral candidates. This week, we discuss the Primary results. Note: This podcast was recorded on Thursday afternoon. See vosd.org for the latest election info. Plus: A city auditor's report shows how much the city overpaid for a hotel during the pandemic — and why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gird your loins! It's Primary time.  This week, on the last podcast before the March 5 election, we run through the ballot — from U.S. Senate to City Council. The electorate seems unenthused. Politico reports this election is on track for record-low turnout. And it kind of makes sense. California voters aren't tipping the scales on the Presidential election. Even the California Senate race (despite shattering spending records) is a surefire Dem win that won't affect party control in Congress. But our crew suggests you think of your vote like this: Who do you want in second place? This week: San Diego Mayor. City Council. The Cardenas siblings. And a new entry in our years-long investigation into school sexual misconduct. Support the show: vosd.org/podpeopleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, senior investigative reporter Will Huntsberry reported that some residents in southeastern San Diego have lost trust in local government. Staff at the San Diego mayor’s office called that reporting “dangerous.”  This week, we discuss the original story, how residents felt about the city's neglect during the January floods, and responses by the mayor's communication staff. Plus: City Council District 4 candidate Chida Warren Darby talks trust and allegiance. School layoffs are coming. And our school performance metric captures success and accounts for income. Get your copy of the Schools Guide (and sign up for a workshop): vosd.org/schoolsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Mailer Season! And we are reaching novel levels of creativity. This week, we perform high-level media criticism — LOL — on recent political mailers and materials that employed new, subversive strategies. From County Supervisor to the San Diego Mayor's race, we have a new evolution of local politics playing out by mail. And billboard. And lawn sign. Plus: A preview of local races ahead of the March election. And southeast residents have lost trust in local government. Send your political mailers to Scott: scott@vosd.org The 2024 Schools Guide is here! Get your copy: vosd.org/schoolsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A throng of VOSD Podcast nerds nestled into the Modern Times Beer + Coffee outpost in Midway this week. Our pod crew was ready to dive headfirst into big city projects, taxes and fees. But first, we brought up Voice environment reporter MacKenzie Elmer and a resident she recently profiled. During the Jan. 22 storm, Jesse Preciado dove into rising floodwaters on his Southcrest street. He stripped down and got to work unclogging a vital storm drain to prevent further damage to his neighborhood homes. Elmer and Preciado discuss the storms and the state of southeast San Diego.  Hosts Scott Lewis, Andrea Lopez-Villafaña and Jakob McWhinney welcomed back Voice alum (and Axios San Diego writer) Andrew Keatts to talk about stormwater infrastructure, taxes, big city projects and big city energy. Help us celebrate 19 years of journalism: https://vosd.org/happy19See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeastern San Diego residents have long sought help with stormwater management. Infrastructure inequities have plagued southern neighborhoods that hug the I-5. They've pleaded to local leaders for solutions. Now, after the Jan. 22 deluge hit underserved streets — and after more rain this week — they may finally see momentum. This week, we discuss San Diego's stormwater system deficit. And San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera proposed a solution: a ballot measure to fund stormwater projects. Plus: MTS dropped its big report into former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and former MTS employee Grecia Figueroa. See you next Thursday! We'll be at Modern Times for a live show. Get tickets: vosd.org/eventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late last week, we got new filings in a lawsuit against former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher — including Instagram messages between Fletcher and the woman who accused him of sexual harassment and sexual assault. The two exchanged hundreds of messages and planned ways they could be alone. The messages show the woman, Grecia Figueroa, expressed interest on several occasions, including after the encounters she said were abusive. This week, we review the messages to try to answer a question we've had since the scandal broke: What happened between Figueroa and Fletcher? Further, we try to determine why the Metropolitan Transit System fired Figueroa. (MTS released its report the day after we recorded this show. We wrote about it here.) Plus: The rain that rocked San Diego, destroyed homes and will be a new crisis for leaders to manage. Join us on Feb. 8 for a live show: vosd.org/eventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next week, volunteers with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness will sweep county streets to try to count all unhoused residents. It's a critical event that offers a broad view of our foremost crisis for 2024. But where do we stand now? This week we discuss the city of San Diego's new homelessness fundraising campaign — and what it could do to alleviate the crisis. Plus, we review current County numbers and what the U.S. Supreme Court could decide about camping bans. Lisa's story: "What Happened After the Ban" Tickets to our Feb. 8 live podcast: vosd.org/events The Sacramento Report returns: vosd.org/sacSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we pull apart San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's State of the City address— reviewing his biggest talking points and assessments of the city's crises, including:  Reforming Prop 47 Retail theft Homeless shelter solutions Expediting permit applications Potholes and roads In his speech, Gloria declared the city is getting stronger every day. Let's discuss.  Plus: San Diego Unified student school board members want a vote. Lincoln High's data dichotomy. Our next live show is Feb. 8 at Modern Times Point Loma. Tickets: vosd.org/events Get the podcast newsletter: vosd.org/newslettersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're gearing up for the State of the City address. Next week, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria will explain his vision for the city. So this week, we review the last address and make predictions for this year. We're thinking: Homelessness. SB 43. Sales tax. Road repair love. A big development project reveal. We'll be watching the address closely and will have takeaways in the next day's Morning Report. Don't miss it: vosd.org/morning Other talking points: The fin whale murder mystery. U-T en Español is done. Pandemic-era school funding will expire soon. Send us your questions or comments: nate@vosd.org Support the show: vosd.org/podpeopleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content warning: This episode contains explicit language. In preparation for the dawn of 2024, we've made a playlist by some of San Diego's finest music nerds. In addition to the songs, this episode is full of CBD kombucha, old friendships and reflection of the region's music scene. Host Jakob McWhinney brought in some of his favorite local luminaries to discuss the past, present and future of San Diego music — and the meaning of "It's Gonna Blow!" Guests and their songs: Bill Perrine"Everywhere with Sally" by Mark Tucker Tim Pyles"Lost in Loneliness" by Power Paws Makeda "Dread" Cheatom"Es Lo Que Es" by Boostive Art Mitchell ("DJ Artistic")"Back At Cha" by LPSD Support the show: vosd.org/community Get more show notes: vosd.org/podSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, host Andrea Lopez-Villafaña drops her interview with new County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. This conversation happened fresh off a big week for Montgomery Steppe. She served on the San Diego City Council until the election for Council President, casting the deciding vote to secure Sean Elo-Rivera's position. Then she was sworn in as Supervisor, replacing Nathan Fletcher to represent District 4 in the heart of the county. Her first big vote in that role was on SB 43 — a state law that expands definitions and use of conservatorship. In this episode, Montgomery Steppe talks about her time on the City Council, how she pushed the Council to own its authority and how she wants to govern on the Board of Supervisors. Support the VOSD Podcast at vosd.org/communitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arguably the biggest local politics story of the year was the collapse of former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. He was one of the most powerful elected officials in the region, on the fast track for state Senate. But he resigned from the Board of Supervisors and as Metropolitan Transit System board chair after he was accused of sexual harassment and assault by an MTS employee. This scandal spawned two big stories that shaped San Diego politics this year:  The special election to replace Fletcher on the Board of Supervisors The MTS investigation and lawsuit by the accuser This week, we have an update in the saga and discuss questions still unanswered. Other talking points: When palm trees fight back. Who's going to replace Monica Mongtomery Steppe on the San Diego City Council? Sunbreak drama. Support our year-end campaign! We need 100 new members by Dec. 31. Join the Voice community at vosd.org/communitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We want to make sure your podcast feed is full for all the time off and travel you've got coming up. So this week, we have an extra episode for you — another Happy Hour with a few of our friends. We're joined by USA Today reporter (and Voice alum) Will Carless and local entrepreneur, brewer and podcaster, Steve Garcia. Talking points: Humane Society pets sold as snake food The rising cost of everything Failure, softball and you Jan. 6 from the front row A San Diego murder mystery Follow everything VOSD Podcast with the newsletter: vosd.org/pod Support the show: vosd.org/communitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.