Podcasts about san diego county

Welcome to Episode 146. It's an honor and pleasure to introduce you to Sirona Healing Center of San Diego, CA. This episode features the two co-founders of Sirona, Jessica (Jess) Pride and Verna (Vee) Griffin-Tabor. Jess's name may sound familiar to some of you who've been long-time listeners to SASS…she was my guest on Episode 44, in August, 2023. The reason I'm featuring Sirona Healing Center this week is two-fold: first, it's a pleasure to have Jessica Pride back as a guest this week. Secondly, I am always pleased to present avenues of support and healing that my audience may be able to access to help them on their healing journey. And, after talking with Jessica about her plan to open this type of facility, even 2 years aga when I met up with Jess at the End Violence Against Women-International annual conference in San Diego, I was excited to hear that she had accomplished this dream of hers. So, I wanted to make you aware of this avenue of potential support and healing. This episode is an additional avenue for you to learn about Sirona, what they offer, and what they plan to offer in the future. To contact Sirona Healing Center, check out their website at: Or, call them direct at: 858-304-HEAL (4325) Thank you for tuning in to this very important episode. Please share it with everyone you know…it's important enough to get the word out, because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault. And, that's also a good reason to Start by Believing! (Check out the EVAWI website!) An important side note: if you're finding value in these episodes, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform. AND, please send me a note of support. I can't tell you how much your emails mean to me—they fuel my passion to keep this podcast going. Here's my email address:   Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me already!! Please keep those emails and texts coming…I truly look forward to hearing from you! On another note: I am a strong advocate and supporter of Survivor School (SS), founded and directed by CEO Arci Grey (another former guest on SASS). In fact, Arci has made me a consultant to SS as she maneuvers the intricacies of directing and managing the content and growth of her amazing organization. I encourage you to strongly consider becoming a member of SS, and as an affiliate would appreciate it, if you do decide to become a member, to use this link:  Thanks again for listening! As always, listed below are some additional important and meaningful websites I hope you'll take a look at and learn more about.    My email address: It's time to Normalize the Conversation.™  And please remember to Start by Believing…because we all know someone whose life has been impacted by rape or sexual assault.  Here's just a small portion of the Sirona Healing Center launch announcement.    

Brandon Jackson is currently running for SAC in the LPCA. He is currently the VC for San Diego County and has been an active volunteer in the party since 2015. He has been involved in multiple protests and rallies across the nation since 2020, in which he utilized to bring people into the party. He also wants to use his IT experience to aid the LPC in upgrading their tech and become better organized.

We’re drowning in education news this week. The Trump administration’s grant freeze has put millions of school funds in jeopardy. The decision has some school leaders scrambling. Our Jakob McWhinney got nerdy and figured out just how much money San Diego County stands to lose. Also, a San Diego Unified Board Trustee is calling it quits after one term. We’ll explain why. And, meet our new City Hall reporter, Mariana Martinez Barba! SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:44 SEGMENT 1 00:01:33 - Support VOSD SEGMENT 2 00:02:15 - Banter SEGMENT 3 00:08:27 - Spring Valley Swap Meet Addressing false ICE sighting https://www.instagram.com/p/DL7-rW-vAjn SEGMENT 4 00:13:45 - Meet our new City Hall beat reporter Mariana Martinez Barba https://www.reportforamerica.org/ BREAK 00:19:14 SEGMENT 4 00:19:24 - Drowning in Education News Trump Froze $50 Million in Education Funds. Here’s How Hard Each Local District Was Hit The Trump administration’s freezing of a slew of federal grants has left $50 million for San Diego County schools up in the air. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/10/trump-froze-50-million-in-education-funds-heres-how-hard-each-local-district-was-hit/ The Learning Curve: San Diego Unified’s Board President Won’t Run for Reelection Cody Petterson, who won a seat on the board in 2022, won’t seek reelection. But he may run for a different office. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/09/the-learning-curve-san-diego-unifieds-board-president-wont-run-for-reelection/ Trump Grant Freeze Puts Tens of Millions of Local K-12 Funding in Jeopardy In the latest disruption of education norms, the Trump administration froze more than $6 billion in federal grants. Even if the freeze doesn’t become permanent, it could have serious ramifications for local schools. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/08/trump-grant-freeze-puts-tens-of-millions-of-local-k-12-funding-in-jeopardy/ TRT 00:45:49 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member BenefitsJoin today and receive insider access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heat advisories and warnings are in place for communities across San Diego County today, especially in the inland areas. A Rancho Peñasquitos family is accusing an ex-wife of secretly spying inside their homes using their own Ring cameras. A popular shortcut through the Hillcrest Mission Valley area has reopened after being closed for three years.   What You Need To Know To Start Your Wednesday. 

Food support programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are facing cuts as a result of the passage of President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local food support organization on the state of hunger in San Diego County today.Guest:Bob Kamensky, CEO, Feeding San Diego]]>

Welcome back to #YourStory with Mike Wexler, the podcast where stories are highlighted and told. This podcast focuses on conversations from people of all ages, talents, races, and gender who have a passion that they showcase to the entire world. Originated as The Sock Monkey Mike Show, Mike Wexler is a sports broadcaster/host who has been passionate about connecting with people around him. Ever since the age of eleven, Mike has been pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, being inspired by world famous Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully.In this episode within Season Three, #YourStory, Mike Wexler speaks with professional wrestler and video production genius, J2 Mattioli!A special thank you to J2 Mattioli, Level Up Pro Wrestling in San Diego County and a special thank you to the Your Story Productions crew (Michael Contreras, Isaac Rodriguez, Jazmyne Barrios, Hoby Lasko, Kelly Scott, and Justin of The Wrestling Classic) as well as Marvin Sotelo of MyStudios in Montrose California!

Welcome to The Perfect Place to Put a Practice! In this episode, host Mike Green from Doctor Demographics reveals the top 5 areas in California to open a private practice in 2026. Whether you're a dentist, therapist, chiropractor, or any private practice professional, this episode is your guide to finding the ideal location for success.

In an effort to spur housing production, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law major changes to the state's environmental protection rules last week.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear more about the reforms made to the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, and how it will likely impact housing production in San Diego County.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS]]>

Former National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Alex Tardy joined Midday Edition to discuss extreme weather preparedness in San Diego County following the deadly floods that hit Texas.Tardy previously worked as a warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS. He explained how weather forecasts become warnings, and how recent cuts to the National Weather Service could impact the accuracy of forecasts and the response to them.Guest:Alex Tardy, meteorologist and founder of Weather Echo, and retired warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in San Diego County]]>

Last Friday, President Trump signed into law his new tax and spending bill, which creates new eligibility requirements and drastically reduces funding for social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer on what this consequential bill could mean for the region's most vulnerable residents and how the Board of Supervisors is preparing for the cuts.Guest:Terra Lawson-Remer, District 3 county supervisor, acting chair of San Diego County Board of Supervisors]]>

County Animal Services have identified the person who dragged a dog behind a Jeep in Spring Valley. The interim director of San Diego Pride says festivities will go on as planned despite criticism of one of the headline performers. There are now water warnings in effect at several beaches in San Diego County due to high bacterial levels.   What You Need To Know To Start Your Saturday. 

The county is back in the hands of Democrats. Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre is set to fill the vacant seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The county has so much going on – there are big questions around the sewage crisis, homelessness, housing, budget, immigration. The list goes on and on – and South County reporter Jim Hinch joins us today to dish on what Aguirre’s victory means for the direction of the county. San Diego Unified is doubling down on its restorative justice efforts. But the district is also losing funding for some key positions. We’ll explain. SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:00:51 - Support VOSD SEGMENT 2 00:01:55 - Banter SEGMENT 3 00:07:17 - Aguirre Wins D1 Race (whew!)Aguirre’s Win Puts Democrats in Charge at Pivotal Time Tuesday’s election of Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre to fill a vacant seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors puts Democrats back in control of San Diego’s most powerful governmental agency – just as the county confronts a range of pressing challenges. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/07/02/aguirres-win-puts-democrats-in-charge-at-pivotal-time/ SEGMENT 4 00:27:47 - Restorative Justice in SDUSD. What is it and what does this mean? The Progress Report: San Diego Unified Leaders Expand Restorative Discipline Policy As Funding DipsSan Diego Unified’s board recently passed a new restorative justice policy they hope will help improve implementation. But they also lost funding for some of the key positions that support that work. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/06/26/the-progress-report-san-diego-unified-leaders-expand-restorative-discipline-policy-even-as-they-cut-funding/ TRT 00:58:31 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego.Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editorBella Ross, social media producerJakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer.Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County.Become a Member: Voice Member BenefitsJoin today and receive insider access. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 200 lifeguards will be monitoring San Diego beaches, as thousands are expected to celebrate the 4th of July in San Diego. There will be parades and firework shows across San Diego County, including in Coronado, Julian, and Scripps Ranch. 

Todd Tibbits, President and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County, the nation's largest YMCA, is joined by Dr. Mark Milliron, President and CEO of National University, and Dr. Chris Graham, NU's Executive Vice President of Workforce and Community Education, to talk about NU's "Nest Healthy Learning Center" and the partnership with the YMCA.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 19 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

The city has a new budget. There was a veto. A veto override and then an Instagram slam. We have a special guest, Councilmember Vivian Moreno is here. She’ll give us the insider take. And the push to raise the minimum wage for hospitality workers is going forward. And, the mayor has a new job! SHOW NOTES INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:00:39 - Support VOSD SEGMENT 2 00:06:39 - Vivian Moreno SEGMENT 3 00:11:06 - Mayor’s IG Story “Today, some on the City Council attempted to fully override my veto—and failed. While the Council chose to override some items, the restored hours at libraries, rec centers, and lakes that San Diegans rely on will remain in place.” Mayor Todd Gloria SEGMENT 4 00:28:51 Audio Clips: 00:23:28 - Marni Van Wipple on the Council override of the Mayor’s veto.Start at 1:44:42 "I want to thank the Mayor for all the work ... whole city at once" SEGMENT 5 00:28:51 Minimum Wage Hike 00:30:53 - Diana Puetz, Padres ITEM-1: Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance for Certain Workers at Hotels, Event Centers, Amusement Parks, and Zoos Within the Geographic Boundaries of the City of San Diego Start at 57:05 - 57:29 "The ordinance doesn't apply broadly or equitably ...... Why doesn't that apply to your own workforce." 00:34:45 Brigette Browning, Labor Council ITEM-1: Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance for Certain Workers at Hotels, Event Centers, Amusement Parks, and Zoos Within the Geographic Boundaries of the City of San Diego Start at 1:50:37 - 1:51:05 “I want to applaud you all ...... for the workers who work in their hotels.” SEGMENT 6 00:46:01 Supes Race SEGMENT 7 00:55:59 Hot Take TRT 00:58:31 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member BenefitsJoin today and receive insider access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The San Diego City Council overruled several of Mayor Todd Gloria's line-item vetoes in next year's budget. Then, we have a conversation with renowned activist and organizer Dolores Huerta about the ongoing mass deportations. And the shake table at UCSD was rocking Monday, find out why. Also, hear about why transit advocates are concerned SANDAG could move to limit options on its proposed Del Mar train tunnels. Finally, a new development in San Diego County is the first-ever fire-resilient community in the country — hear about where and what it costs.

A twisting, deeply engrossing investigation into the many lingering questions surrounding the sudden disappearance of the McStays, a family of four who vanished from their suburban San Diego home without a trace—until their skeletal remains were found in the Mojave Desert nearly four years later—from New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother.On February 15, 2010, Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two young sons were reported missing from their new home in San Diego County. They left eggs and fruit rotting on the counter. Their Dodge truck sat in the driveway. Their dogs were abandoned outside without food. But investigators found no blood, signs of a struggle, or clues to their whereabouts. Did the family take an unannounced vacation? Were they running away from personal problems? Or were they victims of foul play? Nearly four years later, a motorcyclist found the McStays' remains in and around two shallow graves, one hundred miles away in the Mojave Desert. Their skulls showed signs of blunt-force trauma, likely due to the sledgehammer buried with them. Authorities focused on Charles "Chase" Merritt, a close friend and subcontractor for Joseph's company. Despite a lack of physical evidence, scenarios that defied logic, and numerous unanswered questions, prosecutors convinced a jury of Merritt's guilt. After an emotional sentencing hearing, the judge imposed the death penalty. But did another possible suspect, who was ignored by investigators and ducked a subpoena to testify, get away with murder?In this twisting, deeply researched true-crime mystery, New York Times bestselling investigative journalist Caitlin Rother hunts for answers to reveal the truth behind a heinous crime that became a nation's obsession, with a controversial trial in its wake, and lingering questions of justice.Joining me to discuss, DOWN TO THE BONE: A Missing Family's Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice—Caitlin Rother

On this edition of Homeless in San Diego, we're honored to welcome Brother Batie, Social Services Program Director at the YMCA of San Diego County. He shares powerful insights from his work in the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) homelessness sector, as well as his own lived experience with homelessness as a North County native. Recently recognized as Program Staff Member of the Year by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Brother Batie brings both expertise and heart to his work.   Links: https://www.instagram.com/brother.batie/  https://www.instagram.com/ymcasandiego/  https://www.ymcasd.org/community-support/ymca-youth-and-family-services/ 

While San Diego County's COVID-19 case numbers remain low, hospitalizations increased slightly in the last month. Then, today the San Diego City Council will consider whether to override Mayor Todd Gloria's partial veto of the council's budget. Plus, a profile of a rock and roll legend who got her start in National City.

Dr. Nicole Magnuson, Director of the Live Well Center for Innovation and Leadership, discusses how the academic practice partnership between San Diego County and San Diego State University strengthens their ability to serve the community; Valerie Henderson, Senior Analyst at ASTHO, explains how ASTHO's STRETCH 2.0 Initiative brought state and community health leaders together to create strategies for community-centered work; highlights from ASTHO's INSPIRE: Readiness webinar on AI-Enabled Community-Inclusive Preparedness are now available; and sign up for ASTHO's legislative alerts to receive notifications of any changes to legislation affecting public health.  ASTHO Blog: San Diego Academic Health Partnership Strengthens Service During COVID-19 and Beyond Live Well San Diego Web Page ASTHO Blog Article: STRETCH Events Support Sustainable Partnerships and Community Engagement ASTHO Web Page: Highlights from INSPIRE: Readiness - Navigating AI-Enabled Community-Inclusive Preparedness ASTHO Web Page: Subscribe  

Last night we got to spend some time with YOU at the San Diego County Fair before the Jordan Davis show. While there we met listener Vanessa who is very much like you when she listens to Tammy's College of Hollywood Knowledge and ends up SCREAMING at her radio!

Evacuation orders remain in effect for areas near the Monte Fire east of Lakeside, as this week's heat wave continues to bake most of San Diego County. Listen for your First Alert Forecast plus how SDGE is using a cost-effective means to increase wildfire prevention. NBC7's Marianne Kushi has what you need to know this Wednesday,.

True Crime Tuesday presents: Down To The Bone: Investigating The Murder of The McStay Family w/ Caitlin Rother! On February 15, 2010, Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two young sons were reported missing from their new home in San Diego County. They left eggs and fruit rotting on the counter. Their Dodge truck sat in the driveway. Their dogs were abandoned outside without food. But investigators found no blood, signs of a struggle, or clues to their whereabouts. Did the family take an unannounced vacation? Were they running away from personal problems? Or were they victims of foul play? Nearly four years later, a motorcyclist found the McStays' remains in and around two shallow graves, one hundred miles away in the Mojave Desert. Their skulls showed signs of blunt-force trauma, likely due to the sledgehammer buried with them. Authorities focused on Charles "Chase" Merritt, a close friend and subcontractor for Joseph's company. Despite a lack of physical evidence, scenarios that defied logic, and numerous unanswered questions, prosecutors convinced a jury of Merritt's guilt. After an emotional sentencing hearing, the judge imposed the death penalty. But did another possible suspect, who was ignored by investigators and ducked a subpoena to testify, get away with murder? On today's TCT, Caitlin Rother joins the show to talk about the players surrounding the McStay family, why they had motive to do them harm, why they did and didn't harm them, and what faults the McStays themselves had that lead to their eventual downfall...   Get your copy of "Down To The Bone: A Missing Family's Murder and the Elusive Quest For Justice" here:  https://bit.ly/43d3SDA Check out Caitlin Rother here:  https://www.caitlinrother.com/ PLUS AN ALL-NEW DUMB CRIMES/STUPID CRIMINALS WITH JESSICA FREEBURG! Check out Jessica Freeburg's website and order her new books:  https://jessicafreeburg.com/books/ and check out Jess on Tik Tok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicafreeburgwrites There are new and different (and really cool) items all the time in the Darkness Radio Online store at our website! . check out the Darkness Radio Store!   https://www.darknessradioshow.com/store/ #crime #truecrime #truecrimepodcasts #truecrimetuesday #caitlinrother #downtothebone #asmissingfamilysmurderandtheelusivequestforjustice #joesphmcstay #patrickmcstay #chasemerritt #california #homeinvasion #kidnapping #embezzlement #geneticgenealogy #earthinspiredproducts #mojavedesert #sledgehammer #deathbybluntforcetrauma #murder  #dumbcrimesstupidcriminals #TimDennis #jessicafreeburg #paranormalauthor  #floridaman #drugcrimes #foodcrimes #stupidcrimes #funnycrimes #babyshowerbeatdown #sexcrimes #nosexinthechampagneroom

True Crime Tuesday presents: Down To The Bone: Investigating The Murder of The McStay Family w/ Caitlin Rother! On February 15, 2010, Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two young sons were reported missing from their new home in San Diego County. They left eggs and fruit rotting on the counter. Their Dodge truck sat in the driveway. Their dogs were abandoned outside without food. But investigators found no blood, signs of a struggle, or clues to their whereabouts. Did the family take an unannounced vacation? Were they running away from personal problems? Or were they victims of foul play? Nearly four years later, a motorcyclist found the McStays' remains in and around two shallow graves, one hundred miles away in the Mojave Desert. Their skulls showed signs of blunt-force trauma, likely due to the sledgehammer buried with them. Authorities focused on Charles "Chase" Merritt, a close friend and subcontractor for Joseph's company. Despite a lack of physical evidence, scenarios that defied logic, and numerous unanswered questions, prosecutors convinced a jury of Merritt's guilt. After an emotional sentencing hearing, the judge imposed the death penalty. But did another possible suspect, who was ignored by investigators and ducked a subpoena to testify, get away with murder? On today's TCT, Caitlin Rother joins the show to talk about the players surrounding the McStay family, why they had motive to do them harm, why they did and didn't harm them, and what faults the McStays themselves had that lead to their eventual downfall...   Get your copy of "Down To The Bone: A Missing Family's Murder and the Elusive Quest For Justice" here:  https://bit.ly/43d3SDA Check out Caitlin Rother here:  https://www.caitlinrother.com/ PLUS AN ALL-NEW DUMB CRIMES/STUPID CRIMINALS WITH JESSICA FREEBURG! Check out Jessica Freeburg's website and order her new books:  https://jessicafreeburg.com/books/ and check out Jess on Tik Tok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicafreeburgwrites There are new and different (and really cool) items all the time in the Darkness Radio Online store at our website! . check out the Darkness Radio Store!   https://www.darknessradioshow.com/store/ #crime #truecrime #truecrimepodcasts #truecrimetuesday #caitlinrother #downtothebone #asmissingfamilysmurderandtheelusivequestforjustice #joesphmcstay #patrickmcstay #chasemerritt #california #homeinvasion #kidnapping #embezzlement #geneticgenealogy #earthinspiredproducts #mojavedesert #sledgehammer #deathbybluntforcetrauma #murder  #dumbcrimesstupidcriminals #TimDennis #jessicafreeburg #paranormalauthor  #floridaman #drugcrimes #foodcrimes #stupidcrimes #funnycrimes #babyshowerbeatdown #sexcrimes #nosexinthechampagneroom

The San Diego County Fair is partnering with the San Diego Humane Society this year to celebrate a 'Summer Pet-tacular' for the fair's 145th anniversary. The theme is inspired by the connection between humans and pets. The Humane Society will bring adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits to the fair each day. We invited the Humane Society — along with Boy Boy, a Labrador Pit Bull mix — to the Midday Edition studio to learn more. The San Diego County Fair runs through July 6. Guests: Nina Thompson, director of public relations for the San Diego Humane Society Juliette Nash, community animal training manager for the San Diego Humane Society Boy Boy, Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador mix

The South Bay in San Diego County is the site of one of the nation's worst environmental disasters. Fifty million gallons of untreated sewage and industrial chemicals flow daily into the Tijuana River and out of Imperial Beach. New research connects the waste to worsening air quality, which has been linked with headaches, skin infections and gastrointestinal problems in the local population. We'll talk about why solutions could be years away. Guests: Soumya Karlamangla, national correspondent, The New York Times Paula Stigler Granados, associate professor in the School of Public Health and head of the Environmental Health Division, San Diego State University Paloma Aguirre, mayor, Imperial Beach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomorrow, you're invited to take part in the San Diego City Councils hearing on a proposed trash fee. California is offering grants to those impacted by natural disasters, including some San Diegans who qualify. On Wednesday, the San Diego County Fair will open it's doors for the first time this summer.   What You Need To Know To Start Your Sunday. 

Jennifer Bright, CEO and Executive Director of the Nature Collective, and Kristin Evans, Senior Education and Outreach Director, chat about the organization's renowned outreach to San Diego County schools and its habitat restoration efforts.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 19 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Elizabeth Ann Smart, aged 14, was kidnapped on June 5, 2002, by Brian David Mitchell from her home in the Federal Heights neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah. She was held captive by Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee, on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, and later, in San Diego County, California. Her captivity lasted approximately nine months before she was discovered in Sandy, Utah, approximately 18 miles (29 km) from her home.Smart was abducted at knife-point by Mitchell, while her younger sister, Mary Katherine, pretended to be asleep. Mitchell, who claimed to be a religious preacher,[1] held Smart at a camp in the woods with Barzee, where he repeatedly raped her. During her captivity, Smart accompanied her captors in public on various occasions dressed head-to-toe in white robes and went largely unrecognized by those she came in contact with.After her rescue, Smart became an advocate for missing persons and victims of sexual assault. Barzee was sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison in 2009 for her role in the abduction, although she was granted early release on September 19, 2018, for previously uncredited time served.[3] Mitchell was diagnosed by forensic psychologists as having antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders. Extensive disputes over his competence to stand trial lasted several years before he was deemed mentally capable in 2010; he was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in 2011.

A twisting, deeply engrossing investigation into the many lingering questions surrounding the sudden disappearance of the McStays, a family of four who vanished from their suburban San Diego home without a trace—until their skeletal remains were found in the Mojave Desert nearly four years later—from New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother.On February 15, 2010, Joseph McStay, his wife Summer, and their two young sons were reported missing from their new home in San Diego County. They left eggs and fruit rotting on the counter. Their Dodge truck sat in the driveway. Their dogs were abandoned outside without food. But investigators found no blood, signs of a struggle, or clues to their whereabouts. Did the family take an unannounced vacation? Were they running away from personal problems? Or were they victims of foul play? Nearly four years later, a motorcyclist found the McStays' remains in and around two shallow graves, one hundred miles away in the Mojave Desert. Their skulls showed signs of blunt-force trauma, likely due to the sledgehammer buried with them. Authorities focused on Charles "Chase" Merritt, a close friend and subcontractor for Joseph's company. Despite a lack of physical evidence, scenarios that defied logic, and numerous unanswered questions, prosecutors convinced a jury of Merritt's guilt. After an emotional sentencing hearing, the judge imposed the death penalty. But did another possible suspect, who was ignored by investigators and ducked a subpoena to testify, get away with murder?In this twisting, deeply researched true-crime mystery, New York Times bestselling investigative journalist Caitlin Rother hunts for answers to reveal the truth behind a heinous crime that became a nation's obsession, with a controversial trial in its wake, and lingering questions of justice.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Callstrom, Executive Director of the Burn Institute, is joined by retired Fire Captain Jeff Chumbley to talk about the Institute's annual "Firefighter Demolition Derby" fundraiser, set for June 15 at the San Diego County Fair. Callstrom and Chumbley discuss the Institute's fire and burn prevention programs and volunteer opportunities.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 19 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Andrew Martin, founder of Urban Landcare, has worked in the landscape industry for 25 years, including 20 years in San Diego. After obtaining degrees in Business and Horticulture, Andrew was recruited by the largest landscape maintenance company in the country, Valleycrest. His primary experience includes managing large-scale, high-demand landscapes, such as military bases and master-planned communities. His career has spanned landscape management for commercial and industrial properties, residential estates, HOAs, hotels, and apartment buildings. After gaining valuable experience in large-scale firms, Andrew followed his passion and pursued his entrepreneurial dream. In 2018, he launched Urban Landcare, a commercial landscape maintenance firm based in Encinitas, CA. The company strives to be the best commercial landscaper in San Diego County. Urban Landcare operates two key divisions: Enhancements/Irrigation and Maintenance. With a strong focus on water management, the company is at the forefront of addressing the unique challenges presented by California's changing environment. In just six years, Urban Landcare has grown from a start-up to serving over 60 maintenance properties and employing 30 people. As Urban continues to grow organically, it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and fostering a culture of care for its clients and employees.

Traci Grove, Executive Director of AVID's SoCal Regions 9 and 10, is joined by her colleague, Jamie Yorba, an AVID Implementation Strategist.  For 45 years, AVID, short for "Advancement Via Individual Determination," has closed the "opportunity gap" for underrepresented students.  Grove and Yorba discuss the San Diego-born AVID program's focus on preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.  Grove and Yorba proudly shout out the four AVID National Demonstration Schools in San Diego County.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 19 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

After years of rising overdose deaths led by opiods like fentanyl, the U.S. recorded its steepest drop in overdose deaths ever in 2024. What has led to the big decline in overdose deaths in the country, and here in San Diego County?

What if volunteering, raising kids, learning on the job, and real life experience counted just as much as a college degree? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo talks with Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President overseeing Job for the Future's strategic presence in California, about what it really means to create a workforce that works for everyone. Parikh shares how community colleges, competency-based learning, and credit for real-world experience can help close opportunity gaps. She also redefines what makes a “quality job,” stressing equity, mobility, and belonging, and how small businesses can help lead the charge. Join us to discover how you can be a part of building a new and better workforce standard for the future. You'll learn:  How inclusive workforce programs start with inclusive design, and what that means in practice. Why regional strategies are essential to solving California's workforce and housing challenges. How community colleges are at the forefront of credentialing outside traditional classrooms. What Jobs for the Future is doing to help small and mid-size employers offer quality jobs. Why “everything counts” and how your non-traditional experiences are more valuable than you think.   About the Guest: Parina Parikh is an Associate Vice President overseeing Jobs for the Future's strategic presence in California. She has responsibility for business development and fundraising, cultivating relationships and partnerships, and building workforce and inclusive economic development initiatives. As a leader who is committed to equity, inclusion, and a holistic approach to workforce development and inclusive regional economies, her focus is on leading and advancing JFF's work in California, supported by a team of 20+ California-based colleagues. Before joining JFF, Parina was Vice President of Programs at San Diego Workforce Partnership. She created and executed innovative workforce solutions across San Diego County overseeing programming in information and communications technology, energy construction and utilities, healthcare and behavioral health, public administration and advanced manufacturing.       Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website   More from Parina Parikh & Jobs for the Future Websites: https://www.jff.org/ LinkedIn: @parina-parikh   Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking    Find the transcript of this episode here   Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!  

There had been some controversy about whether the Mayor and San Diego City Council would have to dip into reserves to handle their budget deficit – now it appears they have no choice. We’ll explain how bad the city’s finances are getting. South County is now home to a massive hotel and convention center many years in the making. The mayor of Chula Vista like all south bay officials was proud. But he quickly distanced himself from his real estate company that appears ready to cash in on an adjacent project. And Jakob’s got an update from the telenovela that is Grossmont Union High School District. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) San Diego County Grand Jury Findings VOSD: Grand Jury Finds Faults in San Diego Unified’s Bond Program Among the report’s findings, the grand jury concluded the district had ‘consistently failed to inform,’ voters of bond-induced tax rate increases or provided detailed lists of projects. San Diego Budget Crisis KPBS: San Diego’s highest paid city employees? Cops racking up overtime and earning over $400,000 City of San Diego City of San Diego Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget and May Revision. Chula Vista Mayor and Amara Bay VOSD: Chula Vista Mayor Distances Himself from His Own Real Estate Company Chula Vista Mayor John McCann’s real estate company filed paperwork enabling it to do business under the same name as a high-profile bayfront redevelopment project McCann has promoted as mayor. After Voice of San Diego asked about the arrangement, McCann said he was divesting himself from the company. GUHSD Drama Continues to Unfold VOSD: Grossmont Board Gives Final ‘Yes,’ to Layoffs, Inks Six Figure Resignation Settlement with Chief of Staff After months of uproar, Grossmont Union’s board did what everyone was scared they would – they finalized layoff notices. Later that night they also approved a settlement agreement with a district administrator whose journey back to Grossmont sparked concerns of serious conflicts of interest. Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member BenefitsJoin today and receive insider access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elenrisha is a professional Realtor in San Diego County.Elenrishavaldez.kw.com

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is investigating San Diego County juvenile halls for alleged civil rights abuses.

North Clairemont Community Park is set to be renamed in honor of San Diego police officer Austin Machitar, who was killed in a fiery crash last August. The San Diego County unemployment rate dropped to 4% in April, down from a revised 4.2% in March. Today is the last day to see the Carlsbad Flower Fields.   What You Need To Know To Start Your Sunday. 

Republican State Sen. Brian Jones heads the Senate GOP caucus, and represents parts of San Diego County-- a decidedly purple Southern California district. After stints in both houses of the legislature, He's serving his final term in Sacramento. Although Republicans make up a minority of lawmakers at the state capital, they've made headway in recent months pushing against Democrats on issues like public safety. On this episode of Political Breakdown, Sen. Jones joins hosts Marisa Lagos and Scott Schafer in studio at KQED's San Francisco office. His appearance comes just a day after Governor Newsom unveiled his updated budget proposal for the coming fiscal year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textImperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre shares her inspirational bi-national journey from surfing college student to passionate environmentalist to elected official.  Paloma is currently running for San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 1 (special election will take place July 1, 2025).On X: @paloma4D1Visit paloma-aguirre.comSupport the showIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.

San Diego Police say a man's leg was severed after he tried to crawl between the cars of a freight train after it stopped on the tracks near the Convention Center. The California Attorney General's Office has opened a civil rights investigation into whether youths have been mistreated at San Diego County's juvenile hall facilities. A new building at Scripps La Jolla features one of the nation's newest and most innovative centers for new mothers and their babies.   What You Need To Know To Start Your Wednesday. 

After years of confusion for drivers at one intersection, a push to build a roundabout in University Heights. Plus, how you can have your voice heard on San Diego County's proposed budget. And, the Carlsbad Flower Fields have extended their season. We'll let you know how much longer it will stay open. NBC 7's Dana William has these stories and more as well as meteorologist Brooke Martell's forecast for Sunday, May 11, 2025.

The Grossmont Union High School District is preparing to layoff 58 employees before the next school year. San Diego County is planning to build affordable housing on surplus land in Downtown Escondido and Mid-city. County health officials are looking for anyone who came in contact with a wild bat that tested positive for rabies at the safari park.

A more permanent fix is coming to the San Diego-Los Angeles rail corridor plagued by coastal erosion. Plus, how are San Diego County farmers impacted by the Trump administration's back and forth tariff policy. And, a psychiatry professor at UC San Diego says a meditation-based therapy is shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain and lowering the use of opioid medication.

San Diego County leaders are rolling out their plan to spend your tax dollars. Plus, the U.S. Coast Guard stops a 20-foot boat with passengers trying to enter the country illegally. And, how students from San Diego Unified School District celebrated Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month. NBC 7's Marianne Kushi has these stories and more, along with meteorologist Sheena Parveen's forecast, for this Friday, May 2, 2025.

We have another guest this week. Hot off her state of the county speech, County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is joining us. Our South Bay reporter did a deep dive into what happened after Chula Vista Mayor John McCann helped secure the release of a woman convicted of fraud several years ago. She’s being sentenced today on another charge. And we had a story this week out of Encinitas where a homeless service provider is being attacked online and blamed for the increasing visibility of homelessness in the beach town. SHOW NOTES: (Links to VOSD articles mentioned during the show and links for further reading) INTRO 00:00:00 SEGMENT 1 00:00:53 Spring Fundraising Campaign One week left Goal - 100 new members and $150k by April 29 All gifts will be matched up to $10k thanks to a generous anonymous donor. Donate at vosd.org/podpeople and leave a message about why you support Voice. Here’s what our members said about why they donate: Leticia S. wrote, “Your paper has been the only one we as latinos have been able to count on to tell our story on various issues important to our small community of Fallbrook. You don't ignore us and you tell the truth.” Martha D. said, “No one else is focusing on the areas that you do. Also your reporting is succinct, explanatory, and free from rambling opinion. Thank you for continuing to do what you do!” Marjorie W. wrote, “you are increasingly a sane voice in this chaotic world” Thank you to those who have supported our work! You can become a supporter too by going to vosd.org/podpeople. Leave us a message about why you support and we’ll read a few in the next episode. Again, that’s vosd.org/podpeople Brews and News Live Podcast Brews and News Live Podcast is back! It's time to embrace your inner news nerd and talk about the latest scoops with our pod crew on Wednesday, May 7 at Soda Bar. Brews and News Live Podcasts are opportunities to meet our journalists, play audience games, enjoy a beer and listen to San Diego’s most popular public affairs podcast live. If you missed our beer launch party, you can still try our anniversary beer at Brews and News. Plus, every Brews and News attendee will be entered to win one of two baseballs signed by our Padres favorite - Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill. You won’t want to miss out. Buy your tickets now and learn more at vosd.org/livepod. Again that’s v-o-s-d.org back slash l-i-v-e-p-o-d. SEGMENT 2 00:04:54 Banter SEGMENT 3 00:09:14 John McCann Chula Vista Mayor Helped Free a Felon Who’s Going Back to Prison with Her Brother – A Lot Happened in Between SEGMENT 4 00:11:12 County Supervisors: Unvited GOP County Supes: Dem Didn’t Invite Us to State of County Speech SEGMENT 5 00:13:01 DOGE Effects on the County The State of the County Resistance SEGMENT 6 00:25:58 Terra Lawson-Remer on Gloria’s Homeless Critique Politics Report: The ‘Era of Austerity’ Is Here SEGMENT 7 00:28:39 Encinitas Gets Ugly with Homeless Blame Anonymous Account, Neighbors Target Provider as Homelessness Surges in Encinitas SEGMENT 8 00:38:11 Terra’s Activism Past SEGMENT 9 00:44:00 Hot Take: Leave Fire Pits Alone (From the archives) San Diego Council Seeks to Snub Out Some Beach Bonfires San Diego’s City Council wants to clarify that open fires are only allowed in concrete fire pits. Beachgoers could still cook on propane-powered grills. by MacKenzie Elmer May 23, 2022 TRT 00:51:26 Scott Lewis, CEO and editor in chief at Voice of San Diego. Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, managing editor Bella Ross, social media producer Jakob McWhinney, education reporter and theme music composer. Xavier Vasquez, podcast producer Journalism is integral to a healthy democracy: Support independent, investigative journalism in San Diego County. Become a Member: Voice Member BenefitsJoin today and receive insider access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, Californians were terrorized by multiple killers including notorious serial killers like the Zodiac Killer, the Hillside Stranglers, Herbert Mullin, and Ed Kemper. While the decade may have ended with these killers disappearing or apprehended, the threat of violence and murder simply moved north.Though less known than his contemporaries, David Carpenter was no less prolific and frightening a killer than those men mentioned above. Nicknamed “The Trailside Killer” by the press, Carpenter terrorized Point Reyes and Santa Cruz County for a decade, assaulting, kidnapping, and killing at least eight people, but he was suspected of more. Like those other killers, Carpenter had a long history of violent and antisocial behavior going back to his childhood, including multiple arrests and incarcerations. How was it that a man with such an alarming history of violence could go uncaught for a decade?Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!ReferencesAssociated Press. 1980. "Trail Killer will strike again." Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 1: 1.Burkhardt, Bill. 1979. "Woman found murdered on Mt. Tam." San Francisco Examiner, August 21: 1.Graysmith, Robert. 1990. The Sleeping Lady: The Trailside Murders Above the Golden Gate. New York, NY: Onyx.Keraghosian, Greg. 2020. "'Do not hike alone': For 21 months, the Trailside Killer terrorized Bay Area's outdoors." San Francisco Chronicle, October 25.Leader, Lewis. 1980. "Identification ends dad's long quest." San Francisco Examiner, December 2: 2.San Francisco Examiner. 1960. "MP's shots foil attack on woman." San Francisco Examiner, July 13: 1.—. 1961. "Presidio attacker gets 14 yrs." San Francisco Examiner, March 10: 11.—. 1960. "Sex case insanity plea." San Francisco Examiner, October 8: 5.Santa Cruz Sentinel. 1970. "Boulder Creek girl attacked." Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 29: 22.—. 1970. "Grand jury indicts con." Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 17: 7.—. 1970. "SLV kidnap suspect flees Calaveras jail." Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 27: 1.The People v. Carpenter. 1997. S004654 (Superior Court of Los Angeles County, April 28).The People vs. David Carpenter. 1999. S006547 (Superior Court of San Diego County, November 29).Todd, John. 1980. "Tam closed in hunt for clues." San Francisco Examiner, October 16: 1.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, Californians were terrorized by multiple killers including notorious serial killers like the Zodiac Killer, the Hillside Stranglers, Herbert Mullin, and Ed Kemper. While the decade may have ended with these killers disappearing or apprehended, the threat of violence and murder simply moved north.Though less known than his contemporaries, David Carpenter was no less prolific and frightening a killer than those men mentioned above. Nicknamed “The Trailside Killer” by the press, Carpenter terrorized Point Reyes and Santa Cruz County for a decade, assaulting, kidnapping, and killing at least eight people, but he was suspected of more. Like those other killers, Carpenter had a long history of violent and antisocial behavior going back to his childhood, including multiple arrests and incarcerations. How was it that a man with such an alarming history of violence could go uncaught for a decade?Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!ReferencesAssociated Press. 1980. "Trail Killer will strike again." Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 1: 1.Burkhardt, Bill. 1979. "Woman found murdered on Mt. Tam." San Francisco Examiner, August 21: 1.Graysmith, Robert. 1990. The Sleeping Lady: The Trailside Murders Above the Golden Gate. New York, NY: Onyx.Keraghosian, Greg. 2020. "'Do not hike alone': For 21 months, the Trailside Killer terrorized Bay Area's outdoors." San Francisco Chronicle, October 25.Leader, Lewis. 1980. "Identification ends dad's long quest." San Francisco Examiner, December 2: 2.San Francisco Examiner. 1960. "MP's shots foil attack on woman." San Francisco Examiner, July 13: 1.—. 1961. "Presidio attacker gets 14 yrs." San Francisco Examiner, March 10: 11.—. 1960. "Sex case insanity plea." San Francisco Examiner, October 8: 5.Santa Cruz Sentinel. 1970. "Boulder Creek girl attacked." Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 29: 22.—. 1970. "Grand jury indicts con." Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 17: 7.—. 1970. "SLV kidnap suspect flees Calaveras jail." Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 27: 1.The People v. Carpenter. 1997. S004654 (Superior Court of Los Angeles County, April 28).The People vs. David Carpenter. 1999. S006547 (Superior Court of San Diego County, November 29).Todd, John. 1980. "Tam closed in hunt for clues." San Francisco Examiner, October 16: 1.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.