Deborah Sullivan Brennan
@deborahsbrennan.bsky.social
📤 203
📥 105
📝 126
Californian, Mama Bear, Staff writer for Cal Matters and Voice of San Diego
Long-awaited fixes to the Tijuana River sewage crisis are in the works, EPA administrator says:
calmatters.org/environment/...
loading . . .
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 days ago
0
0
0
Democracy dies in... Corporate Cost-Cutting?
apnews.com/article/wash...
loading . . .
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
8 days ago
0
5
5
Gov. Newsom highlights California drug seizures, comes out swinging against Trump:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
9 days ago
0
0
0
San Diego teachers plan their first strike in 30 years: special ed shortfalls hurt the most vulnerable students with disabilities”
calmatters.org/education/20...
loading . . .
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/
13 days ago
0
0
0
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...
loading . . .
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
14 days ago
0
0
2
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/...
loading . . .
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/
15 days ago
0
0
0
reposted by
Deborah Sullivan Brennan
CalMatters
20 days 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
2
23
9
80% of San Diegans want Balboa Park parking fees repealed, SDUT reports:
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/01/23/p...
loading . . .
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/
20 days ago
0
0
0
San Diego imposed parking fees at its iconic Balboa Park. Residents and museum officials are fighting back
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
'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/
20 days ago
0
0
0
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...
loading . . .
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/
27 days ago
0
0
0
Can this Carlsbad homeowner test the Coastal Commission's authority to impose multi-million dollar fines?
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
27 days ago
0
0
0
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...
loading . . .
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/
29 days ago
0
0
0
"People are on high alert" A Latino Christmas party proceeds with caution amid ICE raids:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
about 2 months ago
0
0
0
"What does it mean to be on the margins and looking for sanctuary and shelter at this time?"
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
about 2 months ago
0
0
0
The U.S. is tackling Tijuana River pollution. Now San Diego lawmakers want California to step up.
calmatters.org/environment/...
loading . . .
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/
about 2 months ago
0
2
0
From surfer to county supervisor, this San Diego politician has made it her mission to fight Tijuana River sewage pollution:
calmatters.org/environment/...
loading . . .
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/
2 months ago
0
2
1
Darrell Issa is reportedly considering running for Congress in Texas, after his San Diego district flipped from Red to Blue:
timesofsandiego.com/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
2 months ago
0
1
0
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...
loading . . .
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/
3 months ago
0
3
0
California redistricting: A crowd of Democrats are lining up to try to oust Republican Rep. Darrell Issa:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
3 months ago
0
1
0
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...
loading . . .
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/
4 months ago
0
2
0
Why did artillery misfire rain shrapnel over a California freeway at Marine Base Camp Pendleton? State leaders want answers:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
4 months ago
0
1
0
The Marines threw a birthday party at Camp Pendleton. California leaders are asking why an artillery misfire spoiled the party:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
4 months ago
0
1
0
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...
loading . . .
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/
4 months ago
0
3
1
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...
loading . . .
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
4 months ago
0
1
0
San Diego County is bracing for a hard blow from the federal shutdown. Here's why:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
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/
4 months ago
0
1
0
Foreign travel is down at California airports, except this one:
calmatters.org/economy/2025...
loading . . .
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/
4 months ago
0
1
0
Sen. Alex Padilla at San Diego Immigration Court: "This should not be a trap."
calmatters.org/justice/2025...
loading . . .
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/
5 months ago
0
1
0
The old San Diego Airport Terminal 1 was nicknamed "The Thunderdome." The new one will undoubtedly be called "The Jellyfish."
5 months ago
0
1
0
After years of construction, San Diego Airport's Terminal 1 opened this week. Here's a peak:
5 months ago
0
0
0
The Hell's Kitchen lithium projects promises a motherlode of critical minerals. Critics want promises of community benefits and environmental safety.
calmatters.org/environment/...
loading . . .
When lithium mining starts, who benefits, and who’s at risk? Inside this Salton Sea case.
Critics of a proposed lithium mine near the Salton Sea entered round two of a fight to force stricter environmental review of the project.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/09/when-lithium-mining-starts-who-benefits-and-whos-at-risk-inside-this-salton-sea-case/
5 months ago
0
1
0
Countdown to California's redistricting election begins. The battle over voting districts:
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/09/12/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: Countdown to California’s Redistricting Election
Democrats and Republicans gear up for battle over voting maps.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/09/12/sacramento-report-countdown-to-californias-redistricting-election/
5 months ago
0
0
0
California's CEQA reform law aims to spur home-building. Business leaders say there's a hidden fee that could make homes more expensive:
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/09/05/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: This Law Aimed to Cut Housing Prices. A Hidden Fee Could Raise Them
Home-builders object to a section buried in the lengthy, last-minute bill to reform CEQA.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/09/05/sacramento-report-this-law-aimed-to-cut-housing-prices-a-hidden-fee-could-raise-them/
5 months ago
0
1
1
This rural hospital almost closed. Emergency state funding is keeping it open, but for how long?
calmatters.org/health/2025/...
loading . . .
This rural hospital almost closed. Emergency state funding is keeping it open, but for how long?
The closure of rural hospitals is a looming problem across California. Two lawmakers are urging the state try and save a hospital in Blythe.
https://calmatters.org/health/2025/09/blythe-hospital-possible-closure/
5 months ago
0
0
0
California scaled back its landmark environmental law, CEQA, to spur housing production. Business leaders say that could help... a little:
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/08/29/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: CEQA Reform Is a First Step, Not a Gamechanger
San Diego leaders say carve-outs to the environmental law will help small housing projects.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/08/29/sacramento-report-ceqa-reform-is-a-first-step-not-a-gamechanger/
6 months ago
0
1
0
This prison is slated to close next year. City officials want to make it a luxury hotel:
calmatters.org/justice/2025...
loading . . .
Back to the future: Will this California prison become a luxury hotel again?
When it closes next year, Norco city leaders hope to restore the correctional facility to an upscale resort again.
https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/08/norco-prison-hotel-restoration/
6 months ago
1
0
0
California gas prices are set to spike. Here's how it happened, and what politicians want to do:
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/08/22/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: State Leaders Are Scrambling to Lower Gas Prices
California may face sticker shock at the gas pump, as electric vehicle programs stall.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/08/22/sacramento-report-state-leaders-are-scrambling-to-lower-gas-prices/
6 months ago
0
0
0
Newsom just took the nuclear option. Republican Rep. Darrell Issa's San Diego district is in the blast zone:
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/08/15/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: Newsom Puts Issa’s District in the Blast Zone
California lawmakers want to flip red seats blue after Texas pushes a redistricting plan to elect more Republicans.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/08/15/sacramento-report-newsom-puts-issas-district-in-the-blast-zone/
6 months ago
0
2
0
Common Cause is backing down on fighting California's redistricting in response to Texas' plan to flip blue seats red: Common Cause: "We won’t call for unilateral political disarmament in the face of authoritarianism."
loading . . .
Home
With the support of over 1.5 million members, Common Cause wins concrete, pro-democracy reforms that break down barriers to participation, promote accountability, and ensure that each of us has a voic...
https://commoncause.org
6 months ago
0
0
0
At 30+ years in Congress, Ken Calvert is the longest-serving Republican congressman. Gavin Newsom's plan could end that:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
This Republican lawmaker has served CA for decades. Newsom’s plan could end his dominance.
Calvert narrowly held his seat in his last election. This year he faces eight challengers, and the possibility that his area could be redrawn to give Democratic candidates the advantage.
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/08/ken-calvert-seat-redistricting/
6 months ago
0
0
0
California scaled back a landmark environmental law to speed up construction. Will it spur home-building?
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/25/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: How CEQA Reforms Will Impact Homebuilding in San Diego
Will changes to the California Environmental Quality Act spur home-building?
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/25/sacramento-report-how-ceqa-reforms-will-impact-homebuilding-in-san-diego/
7 months ago
0
1
0
Inland Empire students graduate from high school at record rates. But most don't go to college. Educators are trying to fix that:
calmatters.org/education/hi...
loading . . .
This group has one of California’s highest graduation rates. So why are they skipping college?
A report by the Public Policy Institute of California looked at why IE students fall behind and what educators can do for students.
https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2025/07/inland-empire-college-rates/
7 months ago
0
2
0
California Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, a Republican and daughter of immigrants, wants Trump to reform rules for immigrant workers. Will he listen?
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
A Republican lawmaker seeks new rules for immigrant workers. Will Trump listen?
The Redlands Republican wrote to leaders in Washington asking them to issue “expedited work permits to the millions of undocumented immigrants who are considered essential workers”
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/07/trump-immigration-state-sen-ochoa/
7 months ago
0
1
0
Nuclear waste has been stashed on the beach at San Onofre for decades. Now costs are climbing to remove it:
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/18/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: Costs Are Climbing for Nuclear Waste Disposal at San Onofre
Lawmakers and residents call on federal regulators to speed up nuclear waste disposal.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/18/sacramento-report-costs-are-climbing-for-nuclear-waste-disposal-at-san-onofre/
7 months ago
0
2
0
California Republican Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh beseeches Trump to let law-abiding immigrant workers stay:
calmatters.org/politics/202...
loading . . .
An Inland Empire Republican lawmaker wants to update rules for immigrant workers. Will Trump listen?
The Redlands Republican wrote to leaders in Washington asking them to issue “expedited work permits to the millions of undocumented immigrants who are considered essential workers”
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/07/trump-immigration-state-sen-ochoa/
7 months ago
0
1
0
California Republicans weigh in on immigration raids:
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/11/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: Republican Lawmakers Want Trump to Scale Back Some Deportations
California lawmakers are urging President Donald Trump to update rules for farm and hospitality workers.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/11/sacramento-report-republican-lawmakers-want-trump-to-scale-back-some-deportations/
7 months ago
0
2
0
South Bay San Diego wants to build a film hub. Can state support help?
voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/04/s...
loading . . .
Sacramento Report: A Push to Bring Filmmaking to San Diego
The Chula Vista Entertainment Complex helped lead efforts to expand film tax credits to independent studios.
https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/04/sacramento-report-a-chula-vista-film-studio-wants-to-lure-filmmaking-to-san-diego/
7 months ago
0
4
1
Biden declared the Chucwalla Monument in his final days in office. Trump might get rid of it:
calmatters.org/environment/...
loading . . .
Trump administration may revoke designation for new Chuckwalla National Monument
The Trump administration may look to reverse the monument designation for the Chuckwalla Monument after the Department of Justice cleared the way changes to 625,000 acres in Riverside County.
https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/07/chuckwalla-national-monument-inland-empire/
7 months ago
0
0
0
Church property is now fair game for Trump's ICE raids:
calmatters.org/california-d...
loading . . .
ICE targets men on Inland Empire church grounds
Church officials complained after several men on the grounds of two Inland Empire Catholic churches were detained by immigration enforcement officers.
https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2025/07/ice-targets-immigrants-church-grounds/
7 months ago
0
0
0
If you have a student in your life who graduated during the pandemic, you know what a rocky transition that was. Please read and share this story on their experience starting college during lockdown:
calmatters.org/education/20...
loading . . .
Pandemic graduates: They had no prom, no pomp and circumstance, and started college on Zoom
Five years after COVID shut down most California high schools, today's college students describe a difficult transition to adulthood.
https://calmatters.org/education/2025/06/pandemic-graduates-california/
8 months ago
0
5
5
Marines are stationed on the California border at Campo, my colleague Wendy Fry reports:
calmatters.org/justice/2025...
loading . . .
Marines are now stationed on the California border. Newsom's office calls it 'mission creep'
As the Trump administration cracks down on undocumented immigrants deep in the country, it's sending Marines and soldiers to patrol the border.
https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/06/marines-border-patrol/?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAqEAgAKgcICjCbvYILMJ-8_wIwkr6HBA&utm_content=rundown
8 months ago
0
0
0
Load more
feeds!
log in