Deborah Sullivan Brennan
@deborahsbrennan.bsky.social
📤 220
📥 105
📝 146
Californian, Mama Bear, Staff writer for Cal Matters and Voice of San Diego
Californians don't think their government is working for them. Two San Diego supervisors have competing plans to fix that:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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How to fix a ‘giant county bureaucracy’: California counties explore charter reform plans
San Diego County wants an ethics commission and fiscal watchdogs. LA County is adding more supervisors. Both want better budgets. How California counties are updating their charters.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/san-dieg-charter-reform/
8 days ago
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A Democratic county supervisor wants to fix the "giant county bureacracy" through charter reform. Her Republican colleague pitched a counter-proposal:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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How to fix a ‘giant county bureaucracy’: California counties explore charter reform plans
San Diego County wants an ethics commission and fiscal watchdogs. LA County is adding more supervisors. Both want better budgets. How California counties are updating their charters.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/san-dieg-charter-reform/
11 days ago
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These kids and families can't breathe, living near one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Here's how San Diego leaders are trying to fix that:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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Kids are sick and people can’t breathe; how this California community is responding to a sewage pollution crisis
Billions of gallons of sewage have entered San Diego communities through the Tijuana River. Local leaders are speeding up plans to clean up the river and protect public health.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/05/tijuana-river-clean-up-san-diego-leaders/
15 days ago
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San Diego launches new art grants, as the city and federal government slash theirs:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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This local government in California is investing in the arts, as cities and federal agencies cut arts funds.
San Diego County rolls out its first ever arts grant program: “The arts are not a luxury; they are a public good.” It aims to support individual artists, binational and black arts.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/san-diego-county-arts-funds/
23 days ago
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San Diego is slashing arts, libraries and recreation to fill a $146 million budget hole. It's one of many California cities in the red.
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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This California city is eliminating arts funding to fill a deep budget gap; it’s not alone
San Diego is cutting arts, parks and libraries to fill a $146 million budget hole amid inflation and lackluster local taxes; Los Angeles and San Francisco face similar plights
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/san-diego-budget-cuts/
29 days ago
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California creates first new conservancy in 15 years, to restore the deteriorating Salton Sea:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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California’s largest and most polluted lake gets a new conservancy
California’s first new conservancy in more than 15 years will oversee restoration, manage habitat and improve air quality at the deteriorating Salton Sea
https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/04/salton-sea-conservancy/
about 1 month ago
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Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco had "no insider tipsters, no witnesses and no independent analyses from forensic experts" when he got a warrant to seize hundreds of thousands of ballots.
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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We went to court to unseal the warrants behind Sheriff Chad Bianco's ballot seizures. What they reveal
Riverside County Sheriff and California governor candidate Chad Bianco focused on claims from an activist group when he kicked off a voter fraud inquiry.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/chad-bianco-election-warrants/
about 1 month ago
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A crowd of Democrats are vying to take GOP Rep. Darrell Issa's seat, but a new Republican candidate could gain ground:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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Democrats are giddy about flipping this GOP House seat. But it’s harder than it looks
Leading Democrats are throwing personal jabs to distinguish themselves in a crowded primary for the competitive district that could tilt who controls Congress.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/california-congress-cd48-democrats/
about 2 months ago
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CalMatters files court motion to unseal warrants for Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco's seizure of 600,000 ballots:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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A California sheriff seized 600,000 ballots with secret warrants. Now news outlets want them unsealed
A judge sealed the warrants allowing a sheriff to seize more than 600,000 ballots. News organizations say the public has a right to see what's in them.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/riverside-ballots-seized-lawsuit-transparency/
about 2 months ago
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This California school is on the edge of a wetland, but sewage pollution keeps kids inside:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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Headaches, rashes, asthma: how students in this beach town cope with sewage pollution from the Tijuana River
Students in this California beach town face headaches, asthma, rashes and brain fog, as schools contend with sewage pollution from the Tijuana River.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/tijuana-river-imperial-beach-schools/
about 2 months ago
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Headaches, rashes and asthma: how students in this California beach town deal with chronic sewage pollution:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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Headaches, rashes, asthma: how students in this beach town cope with sewage pollution from the Tijuana River
Students in this California beach town face headaches, asthma, rashes and brain fog, as schools contend with sewage pollution from the Tijuana River.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/tijuana-river-imperial-beach-schools/
about 2 months ago
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The original Top Gun, Royce Williams fought the longest dogfight in history. Nearly 75 years later he got the Medal of Honor:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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His epic dogfight was secret for half a century: "We didn't want World War III.” Now he received the Medal of Honor
Korean War pilot Royce Williams battled Russian jets in the longest historic dogfight, kept secret for half a century. At 100 years old, he earned the Medal of Honor.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/royce-williams-medal-of-honor/
2 months ago
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The Tijuana River has faced a pollution crisis for decades. A new report by the San Diego Regional Chamber and Prebys Foundation gives a game plan for how to fix it:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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This California river is the most polluted in the country: a new report spells out ways to fix that
The Tijuana River in San Diego has sickened surfers, swimmers and Navy SEALS for decades. A new report explores ways to clean it up.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/tijuana-river-cleanup-report/
2 months ago
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Escondido City Council keeps ICE firing range contract, despite public protests:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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'Tonight isn’t about bullets and targets. It’s about boundaries': Residents denounce ICE contract
Escondido City Council declined to cancel a contract to share its firing range with ICE, after a meeting where hundreds of protestors came against the agreement.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/02/escondido-firing-range-ice-coun/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Deborah Sullivan Brennan
CalMatters
3 months ago
Critics are urging Escondido to cancel its long-standing contract allowing ICE to use the city’s police firing range, as local governments across San Diego County differ over how much to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
bit.ly/4aAHl8x
📸 Jacob Lee Green, AP
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Amid protests, Escondido City Council tomorrow will discuss a contract to share its firing range with ICE:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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As Escondido debates contract with ICE, other local officials weigh whether to cooperate on immigration enforcement
The Escondido City Council on Wednesday will discuss an agreement that allows ICE officers to share its police firing range.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/02/escondido-ice-firing-range/
3 months ago
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When @SenAlexPadilla, @SupLawsonRemer and @paloma4D1 visited Otay Mesa detention center Friday to check on immigrants who complained of illness and malnutrition. ICE turned them away.
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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California lawmakers blocked from entering Otay Mesa Detention Center despite prior clearance
Federal immigration officials blocked two San Diego County Supervisors and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla from inspecting the detention center.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/02/otay-mesa-inspection-lawmakers-denied/
3 months ago
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California leaders showed up at Otay Mesa Detention Center with clearances to inspect the facility. ICE shut them out:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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California lawmakers blocked from entering Otay Mesa Detention Center despite prior clearance
Federal immigration officials blocked two San Diego County Supervisors and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla from inspecting the detention center.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/02/otay-mesa-inspection-lawmakers-denied/
3 months ago
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A San Diego nonprofit executive spent money meant for overdose prevention on a tummy tuck, breast implants, luxury vacations and show dogs, DA alleges:
voiceofsandiego.org/2026/02/17/n...
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Nonprofit COO Charged with Using Public Funds for Plastic Surgeries, Shopping
The former chief operating officer of the nonprofit Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego was arrested last week and accused of taking more than $134,000 in public funds.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2026/02/17/nonprofit-coo-charged-with-using-public-funds-for-plastic-surgeries-shopping/
3 months ago
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On the brink of a teacher strike, San Diego Unified agrees to invest in special education:
calmatters.org/education/20...
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San Diego teachers cancel strike as deadline neared; district to address demands over special education
San Diego teachers cancelled a strike after reaching an agreement with the district to invest in special education staffing and services.
https://calmatters.org/education/2026/02/san-diego-teachers-strike-canceled/
3 months ago
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Kristi Noem touted Trump's border policies in San Diego, as demonstrators protested against them:
calmatters.org/justice/2026...
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Kristi Noem touts Trump's border record as San Diego protesters disrupt her news conference
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's visited the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego as polls showed declining support for President Trump's immigration policies since the killing of protesters in ...
https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/02/krist-noem-san-diego-border/
3 months ago
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Long-awaited fixes to the Tijuana River sewage crisis are in the works, EPA administrator says:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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EPA touts bipartisan efforts to clean up Tijuana River
State and federal leaders gathered in San Diego on Thursday to tout their efforts to clean up the polluted Tijuana River.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/02/tijuana-river-clean-up/
3 months ago
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Democracy dies in... Corporate Cost-Cutting?
apnews.com/article/wash...
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Washington Post cuts a third of its staff in a blow to a legendary news brand
The Washington Post has laid off one-third of its staff, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage.
https://apnews.com/article/washington-post-staff-reduction-layoffs-cuts-923f87d4bd319c8a64b278165d0a6e27
4 months ago
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Gov. Newsom highlights California drug seizures, comes out swinging against Trump:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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Newsom blasts Trump administration’s immigration crackdown; touts California's drug enforcement efforts
In a wide-ranging press conference, Gavin Newsom touted his drug enforcement efforts and immigration response while blasting the Trump administration.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/02/newsom-trump-immigration-drugs/
4 months ago
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San Diego teachers plan their first strike in 30 years: special ed shortfalls hurt the most vulnerable students with disabilities”
calmatters.org/education/20...
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San Diego teachers plan first strike in 30 years over issues with staffing and services for special education
San Diego teachers rallied this week in anticipation of a plan to strike next month over staffing and services in special education.
https://calmatters.org/education/2026/01/san-diego-teachers-strike/
4 months ago
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Amid big crackdowns in other blue cities, DHS has quietly arrested record numbers of immigrants in San Diego, CalMatters' @WendyFry_ reports:
calmatters.org/justice/2026...
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Immigration arrests quietly surge by 1,500% in San Diego: 'I feel the temperature rising'
Immigration agents escalated their presence in San Diego in the second half of 2025, where they made hundreds of arrests as part of President Trump's crackdown.
https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/01/san-diego-immigration-arrest-surge/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WhatMatters&utm_source=31&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=San%20Diego%20immigration%20arrests%20soar&utm_campaign=WhatMatters
4 months ago
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California's battle with the Trump administration moves to the wildlands. San Diego sues feds over razor wire fencing on the border:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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San Diego sues federal agencies over razor wire fencing on city land
San Diego is suing the federal government for building fencing on city land near the Mexican border, arguing the fence damages sensitive habitat and trespasses on city property.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/01/san-diego-sues-razor-wire-fencing/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Deborah Sullivan Brennan
CalMatters
4 months ago
San Diego’s new paid parking at Balboa Park has sparked widespread backlash as museum visits dropped and residents complained about the additional cost to access one of the cities most iconic spaces.
bit.ly/49WVQC1
📸 Adriana Heldiz
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80% of San Diegans want Balboa Park parking fees repealed, SDUT reports:
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/01/23/p...
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Poll shows 80% of San Diegans want parking fees in Balboa Park eliminated or reduced
Nearly 70% say the new fees will make them visit the park less often. But city’s claim that money is needed to avoid budget cuts sways some.
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/01/23/poll-shows-80-of-san-diegans-want-parking-fees-in-balboa-park-eliminated-or-reduced/
4 months ago
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San Diego imposed parking fees at its iconic Balboa Park. Residents and museum officials are fighting back
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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'People are mad': First-ever parking fees at San Diego's Balboa Park draw anger
For the first time ever Balboa Park in San Diego imposed parking fees and residents, tourists and park employees are united in opposition.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/san-diegos-balboa-park-parking-fees/
4 months ago
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Google made $4.7 billion from news content, but neither Google nor California are coming through with funds they pledged for journalism:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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Newsom proposes no new funding to local journalism despite $175M deal with Google
The governor is proposing no new money toward local journalism next year despite promising $70 million in 2024, the latest in the state’s ever-diminishing commitment to helping a hurting industry.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/gavin-newsom-google-journalism-funding-deal/
4 months ago
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Can this Carlsbad homeowner test the Coastal Commission's authority to impose multi-million dollar fines?
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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A Carlsbad homeowner is fighting a multi-million dollar fine over beach access and a pickleball court
The commission accused John Levy of blocking public access to the beach, removing shorebird habitat and illegally installing a pickleball court. It fined him $2.4 million for those offenses.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/carlsbad-coastal-commission-fine/
4 months ago
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A Carlsbad homeowner fighting $2.4 million in Coastal Commission fines, complains the commission acts as "investigator, judge, jury and treasurer."
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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A Carlsbad homeowner is fighting a multi-million dollar fine over beach access and a pickleball court
The commission accused John Levy of blocking public access to the beach, removing shorebird habitat and illegally installing a pickleball court. It fined him $2.4 million for those offenses.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/carlsbad-coastal-commission-fine/
4 months ago
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"People are on high alert" A Latino Christmas party proceeds with caution amid ICE raids:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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In an era of ICE raids, a Latino Christmas tradition proceeds with caution
The traditional posadas during Christmas time have taken a more cautious feel as ICE raids on Latino communities have increased In San Diego.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/12/ice-raids-san-diego-posadas/
5 months ago
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"What does it mean to be on the margins and looking for sanctuary and shelter at this time?"
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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In an era of ICE raids, a Latino Christmas tradition proceeds with caution
The traditional posadas during Christmas time have taken a more cautious feel as ICE raids on Latino communities have increased In San Diego.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/12/ice-raids-san-diego-posadas/
5 months ago
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The U.S. is tackling Tijuana River pollution. Now San Diego lawmakers want California to step up.
calmatters.org/environment/...
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The U.S. is committed to cleaning up Tijuana River pollution. Will California follow through?
As Tijuana River sewage has contaminated neighborhoods, the federal government has pledged two-thirds of a billion to clean it up. Will California follow?
https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/12/trump-administration-tijuana-river-pollution/
5 months ago
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From surfer to county supervisor, this San Diego politician has made it her mission to fight Tijuana River sewage pollution:
calmatters.org/environment/...
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Tijuana River sewage still pollutes the San Diego Coast. She's fighting to clean it up
A former surfer turned San Diego County supervisor, Pamela Aguirre is leading the fight to save the Tijuana River from years of pollution.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/12/tijuana-river-paloma-aguirre-pollution/
6 months ago
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Darrell Issa is reportedly considering running for Congress in Texas, after his San Diego district flipped from Red to Blue:
timesofsandiego.com/politics/202...
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Rep. Issa reportedly considering Texas House seat amid redistricting shakeup
Longtime California Rep. Darrell Issa is reportedly considering running for Congress in Texas in the aftermath of redistricting efforts by both states.
https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/12/03/rep-issa-reportedly-considering-texas-house-seat-amid-redistricting-shakeup/
6 months ago
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Rep. Darrell Issa made his mark leading the Benghazi hearings and promoting Donald Trump. A cast of Democrats see a chance to oust him under California's new voting map:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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Will San Diego lose its lone Republican in Congress? New maps open challenges to Darrell Issa
Eleven Democrats are vying to unseat Rep. Darrell Issa, a San Diego Republican, after California’s redistricting measure turned his reliably red district into a slightly blue one.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/san-diego-redistricting-midterm-election/
6 months ago
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California redistricting: A crowd of Democrats are lining up to try to oust Republican Rep. Darrell Issa:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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Will San Diego lose its lone Republican in Congress? New maps open challenges to Darrell Issa
Eleven Democrats are vying to unseat Rep. Darrell Issa, a San Diego Republican, after California’s redistricting measure turned his reliably red district into a slightly blue one.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/san-diego-redistricting-midterm-election/
6 months ago
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When it opens next year Chula Vista University will serve a "college desert" in San Diego, with a hybrid program offering degrees from UCSD, San Diego State and Cal State San Marcos.
calmatters.org/education/20...
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California’s next university has a plan and programs. All it needs is a campus
The long-awaited university has degree plans in place and a commitment from local and state leaders. All that is needed now is a campus.
https://calmatters.org/education/2025/10/chula-vista-university/
7 months ago
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Why did artillery misfire rain shrapnel over a California freeway at Marine Base Camp Pendleton? State leaders want answers:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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What went wrong when Marines fired over Interstate 5? California leaders demand answers
California lawmakers are demanding answers after a live fire event over Camp Pendleton Saturday led to a misfire that rained shrapnel on I-5.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/10/live-fire-shrapnel-lawmakers-trump/
7 months ago
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The Marines threw a birthday party at Camp Pendleton. California leaders are asking why an artillery misfire spoiled the party:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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What went wrong when Marines fired over Interstate 5? California leaders demand answers
California lawmakers are demanding answers after a live fire event over Camp Pendleton Saturday led to a misfire that rained shrapnel on I-5.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/10/live-fire-shrapnel-lawmakers-trump/
7 months ago
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This San Diego preschool is dedicated to children who have experienced abuse and trauma. You can see their images and stories in this piece by CalMatters' Adriana Heldiz:
calmatters.org/education/20...
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How the tiniest domestic violence survivors are healing with the help of this preschool
A preschool in San Diego focuses on children who've experienced trauma, the "little guys". Mi Escuelita now has a long record of helping kids and families move forward.
https://calmatters.org/education/2025/10/mi-escuelita-preschool-trauma/
7 months ago
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Pleased to announce the release of "Incurable: Stories from the World of Cure," an anthology of shape-shifter stories, featuring my short story about two shape-shifting best friends, their second skins and a harrowing fight for their lives. Now on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/dp/196001864...
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Incurable: Stories from the World of Cure
Incurable: Stories from the World of Cure [White, Benjamin, Purdon, Jerry, Sarkar, Neepa, Scott, Patrick, Ness, Katie, Raymond, Keith, Brennan, Deborah, Morris, Cris, Abbud, Trevor, Kastner, Lisa Diane] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Incurable: Stories from the World of Cure
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960018647?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_HZSENMDA134QMQTHM3P3&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_HZSENMDA134QMQTHM3P3&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_HZSENMDA134QMQTHM3P3&bestFormat=true
7 months ago
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San Diego County is bracing for a hard blow from the federal shutdown. Here's why:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
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This California city will feel the government shutdown more than any other. Here's why
San Diego County is bracing for missed paychecks and the possibility of a run on food banks as the federal shutdown extends into its second week.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/10/san-diego-county-military-shutdown/
8 months ago
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Foreign travel is down at California airports, except this one:
calmatters.org/economy/2025...
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Can San Diego Airport’s new $3.8 billion terminal stem sliding tourism?
As California tourism has dipped due to decreases in foreign travel and worsening international exchange rates, San Diego visitors have remained steady.
https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/10/san-diego-tourism-california-slide/
8 months ago
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Sen. Alex Padilla at San Diego Immigration Court: "This should not be a trap."
calmatters.org/justice/2025...
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Sen. Alex Padilla visits San Diego immigration court: 'This should not be a trap'
The California senator visited immigration court in San Diego and said he wanted to observe the issues that people face in proceedings.
https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/09/alex-padilla-visits-san-diego-immigration-court/
8 months ago
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The old San Diego Airport Terminal 1 was nicknamed "The Thunderdome." The new one will undoubtedly be called "The Jellyfish."
8 months ago
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After years of construction, San Diego Airport's Terminal 1 opened this week. Here's a peak:
8 months ago
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