Podcast appearances and mentions of Scott Lewis

May 21, 2026 Hour 3 Scott Lewis. NBA Western Conference talk. Can Wemby make up for the Spurs injured guards? Trent becoming a media pro, how is hanging out with NBA players changing him. Scott Lewis on the Bears stadium and an outlook on the 2026 season after the draft.

When you have questions about county reform, you go straight to the source. This week on the Voice of San Diego Podcast, Scott Lewis, Jakob McWhinney, and Bella Ross are joined by San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer to discuss massive county charter reforms, infrastructure lockboxes, and what it’s really like navigating dating apps as a public official. Plus: The crew dives into the massive gamble City Council is taking by rejecting the trash fee settlement, the devastating proposed closures of public restrooms across San Diego beaches and parks, and are we at peak "dorkitude" of California’s governor candidates? 0:00 Intro2:42 Surviving Campaign Mailer Season & Personal Boundaries3:28 District 2 Mailer Breakdown: Josh Coyne & Richard Bailey7:03 The City's Big Bet: Rejecting the Trash Fee Settlement12:10 Peak Dorkitude: Grading CA Governor Candidate Interviews23:46 Public Restrooms in San Diego 29:26 County Charter Reform: The IBA & Power Rebalancing38:02 The 3-Term Limit Debate for Sitting Supervisors56:14 Tijuana River Sewage Crisis: The Half-Cent Sales Tax Measure1:00:24 NAD Bank Partnership & Funding the Sewage Solutions1:04:41 The 10-Year Tijuana River Surfing Pledge Support Local, Independent Journalism!Stay up to date with the Morning Report and our in-depth investigative reporting:

There will be one very mad podcast host if the Tijuana River Sewage problem is not resolved by 2036. That podcast host is Scott Lewis. We bet you’ll be shocked to learn signature gatherers could not answer a reporter’s question about the change they were seeking. We talk about why they can’t explain what’s happening with the Tijuana River crisis at the border. Also on the show: California agreed with Midway Rising developers that they never needed to get rid of the height limit in Midway, even though the city put it on the ballot twice just to support them. We’ll explain. Plus: It's mailer season and District 2 has a pretty good competition shaping up. Bella Ross walks us through District 2 city council candidates and what she took away from the things she learned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Scott Lewis, CEO of Spartan Investment Group, shares his unconventional journey into self-storage investing, the importance of fundamentals, and how to succeed in the industry. Discover insights on market dynamics, operational excellence, and leveraging AI responsibly.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

With Andrea and Bella out, Scott Lewis, Jakob McWhinney, and Will Huntsberry held it down. Former County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher is re-emerging post-controversy, holding a press conference, giving speeches, and launching a Substack, "Grounded," about his life on a family ranch. The Padres' strong season and high franchise value ($3.5B+) fuel sale rumors. Potential bidders include Dan Friedkin, Jose Feliciano, Joe Lacob, and Tom Gores. SB 958 has been filed to exempt the 4,200-home Midway Rising project (including an arena) from CEQA, bypassing potential traffic-related legal challenges. City staff discovered that Chicano Park and a nearby property intended for the Boston Avenue Linear Park were incorrectly zoned for commercial use in the 2021 community plan. The errors came to light when community members questioned the potential sale of one of the sites by Caltrans to Soapy Joe’s car wash. City Council recently voted to correct the zoning to reflect the intended park use. San Diego has a water surplus and is selling it, including a deal to provide 10,000 acre-feet annually to Temecula, expected to net $100 million over five years. San Diego's One America News Network filed a restraining order against influencer Chelsea Goss (Gods) after she protested Matt Gaetz's hiring; Goss responded with an anti-SLAPP motion. 2:21 Nathan Fletcher re-ermerges6:10 #Padres Opening Day and new potential buyer announced22:09 Midway Rising files to be exempt from CEQA32:25 We can't do this without you! 33:22 Chicano Park zoning issue44:28 San Diego's selling water!59:52 OANN vs Chelsea GodsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been nearly two years since Scott Wahl became San Diego top cop. For the latest VOSD Podcast episode, our hosts Scott Lewis and Andrea Sanchez-Villafaña sat down with Chief Wahl to discuss policing and more. With the federal governments immigration enforcement efforts, what is the San Diego Police Department's the role? Are officers prepared for possible attacks from Iran? License plate readers are just one of the many tools police have to investigate crimes. What do license plate readers know about us? How often are we being watched by technology? And can AI help the police department be more efficient? Plus: How does the department handle misconduct investigations? And, what changes has Chief Wahl implemented to reduce police overtime? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who knew selling hot dogs at Petco Park was such a money making venture? After two years and lots of investigating, VOSD's Will Huntsberry saw the finish line for his story which uncovered a fake nonprofit running concessions at Petco Park - and pocketing around $2 million. He explains what the news is and what it feels like to make a difference. Also on the show: We get into a really big news week for local politics with longtime Republican Rep. Darrell Issa announcing he will not seek reelection. The podcast crew talks about what that means. Plus, Scott Lewis wants to know why people can't put their phone down at concerts. Finally, the local nonprofit that prosecutors say stole county money has provoked questions about county oversight. A "special review" is now underway. We'll explain. We're on YouTube now! Watch the podcast at youtube.com/voiceofsandiego. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime Rep. Darrell Issa announced Friday he will not seek reelection in 2026 after serving in Congress for more than two decades. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond also announced last week that he will run for Issa's seat in the 48th Congressional District, reshaping a race with national implications.Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis joins Midday Edition Monday to talk about the role new congressional maps played in Issa's decision, and to reflect on his political legacy as a Republican leader in Southern California.Guest:Scott Lewis, CEO, editor-in-chief, Voice of San Diego

On this week's episode Scott Lewis and Jakob McWhinney sit down with San Diego Unified School Board members Cody Petterson and Shana Hazan. They talk about the current challenges facing San Diego schools, declining enrollment, budget issues, and how they want to make San Diego schools succeed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode we span all over the news world from sports, to politics, to parking meters. The second home tax is back. This time it spares vacation rentals. However, it’s on a fast track to the ballot. We tell you how it will work. Lisa Halverstadt had a big update after prosecutors said they believe a nonprofit executive may have misallocated even more funds meant to save people from overdoses of fentanyl and heroin. The crew talked about former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey running for city council last week and this week Scott reached out and shared some further clarifications for Bailey's future. A Padres pitcher had an unfortunate injury in Spring Training but Scott Lewis decided to take this opportunity for a little PSA. Finally, our intern Rami Alarian joined us to talk about his story about police using helicopters to break up college house parties. We are on YouTube now! Watch the podcast and see Bella's videos at youtube.com/voiceofsandiego,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Total Quality Construction's Scott Lewis visits with Fred to talk home remodeling for every room of your house. They'll be part of the PRO Home Show this weekend

February 13, 2026 ~ Scott Lewis, Private Investigator, joins Kevin and Marie to talk about the Oakland County Child Killer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After two weeks there's still no deal for the thousands of nurses on strike from Kaiser Permanente. And, can Lemon Grove protect residents from no-fault evictions? Also, in this week''s Why it Matters, Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis explains how the county may reorganize to include a mayor.Finally, hear from the MTS worker and artist behind this year's Black History Month Pronto card.

Just three weeks into 2026 and the VOSD Podcast is firing on all cylinders. Today's episode features many different topics, including a look into something host Scott Lewis could not believe was happening, and may even think it provides some vindication for one San Diego figure. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Ok, maybe not, but with 2026 underway we were all looking ahead to Mayor Todd Gloria's State of the City address. Our own Will Hunstberry published a deep look into how leaders of San Diego feel Mayor Gloria has done since last year's State of the City address. Bella Ross took a look at the San Diego River and the developments built on the flood plain, which can cause major problems for homes and businesses when San Diego gets heavy rain. Plus, why is there always one person who gets stuck in a flooded street near Fashion Valley?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 16, 2026 Hour 3 Tim McKone & Scott Lewis. Tim gets us ready for Patriots and Texans. Miller and Moulton make their picks. Scott talks Bears and Rams.

To start the new year the VOSD Podcast decided to have Scott Lewis sit down with Amy Reichert. Amy is a member of the Republican party and has run for several diffferent offices in San Diego. As a licensed private investigator, she is now reporting on local issues in San Diego. Scott talked with her about the current state of the Republican party, her feuds with Carl DeMaio over the years, her efforts with Restore San Diego, and a lot more on local issues that face all San Diegans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow fossil-plant retirement, grid constraints, and the need for longer-duration storage. He also discusses emerging options such as advanced geothermal and nuclear. The Keeling Memorial Lecure is given by a prominent member of the global change community able to speak on topics that reflect the legacy of Keeling's work. [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 41034]

Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow fossil-plant retirement, grid constraints, and the need for longer-duration storage. He also discusses emerging options such as advanced geothermal and nuclear. The Keeling Memorial Lecure is given by a prominent member of the global change community able to speak on topics that reflect the legacy of Keeling's work. [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 41034]

Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow fossil-plant retirement, grid constraints, and the need for longer-duration storage. He also discusses emerging options such as advanced geothermal and nuclear. The Keeling Memorial Lecure is given by a prominent member of the global change community able to speak on topics that reflect the legacy of Keeling's work. [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 41034]

Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow fossil-plant retirement, grid constraints, and the need for longer-duration storage. He also discusses emerging options such as advanced geothermal and nuclear. The Keeling Memorial Lecure is given by a prominent member of the global change community able to speak on topics that reflect the legacy of Keeling's work. [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 41034]

Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow fossil-plant retirement, grid constraints, and the need for longer-duration storage. He also discusses emerging options such as advanced geothermal and nuclear. The Keeling Memorial Lecure is given by a prominent member of the global change community able to speak on topics that reflect the legacy of Keeling's work. [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 41034]

Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow fossil-plant retirement, grid constraints, and the need for longer-duration storage. He also discusses emerging options such as advanced geothermal and nuclear. The Keeling Memorial Lecure is given by a prominent member of the global change community able to speak on topics that reflect the legacy of Keeling's work. [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 41034]

The VOSD Podcast crew was without their fearless leader Scott Lewis this week, but Andrea Sanchez-Villafaña held it down and led us all through the news of the week. The pod crew talked about chickens as pets, county taxes, and some news stories that are safe to talk about at the dinner table. Have you ever walked past a neighbor's house and heard chickens clucking from their backyard? Well, Andrea now has chickens and she gave the rest of the crew the rules and regulations set forth by the city of San Diego. Some quick updates: The group pushing for a county sales tax are moving forward with their effort and we talked about what to expect. The San Diego Zoo is now going to charge for parking. Plus, a preview of Voice of San Diego's Beef Week! With the holidays coming up Andrea, Jakob and Bella took turns talking about some different stories you can share with your family. But that wasn't all! They ranked each story by how safe the subject was for those holiday family functions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Poway City Council held a special meeting to determine its next steps in the wake of last week's recall and resignation of a council member. Then, a South Bay school will close at the end of this school year. And, researchers are trying to find out if GLP-1 weight loss drugs could be used to fight long COVID. Also, Scott Lewis from Voice of San Diego returns to update us on the city of San Diego's sewer water recycling project. Finally, we take you to Jamul, and a unique house built around a boulder.

This week we revisit the Politifest 2025 Showdown awards at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Theater on the beautifual campus of the University of San Diego. We have games, and plenty of solutions for our beleagured and beloved city on this week's podcast. SHOW NOTES Here are all the videos from last weekend's Politifest 2025 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.

Chapters: 0:00- Intro 3:26 - Updated pod schedule  6:38 - Ohio State trip recap 13:30 - MLB Playoff weekend roundup  35:00 - Bears have revenge on the menu  39:39 - Arsenal at the break 51:59 - Liverpool will be fine  55:03 - Don't bury Man City yet! 56:58 - Palace can make the Champions League! 58:54 - My top 5 PL “League Pass” teams  TO WATCH THE INGHY LOCAL HOUR SUBSCRIBE TO THE #INGHY $5 TIER ON THE BARBER'S CHAIR PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/BarbersChairNetwork LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE TO SCOTT'S NEW YOUTUBE  & FOLLOW SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/BarbChairScott https://www.tiktok.com/@barbchairscott   https://www.instagram.com/barbchairscott https://www.youtube.com/@Barbchairscott Follow & Subscribe to the Barber's Chair Network on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nFJnUOYMmA78twcDnZgVz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-barbers-chair-network/id1643892831 BUY YOUR #INGHY MERCHANDISE: https://www.bcnetshop.com/ VISIT: https://www.thebcnet.com/ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.patreon.com/BarbersChairNetwork

SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 - POLITIFEST Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest Politics Report: Politifest Brain My politics mind has been focused on Politifest this week. When we started Politifest in 2011, I envisioned an idyllic outdoor party – beer garden, tug of wars (tugs of war?), dunk tank, exhibits — where politics could be the central feature. Over time, it evolved into a day-long collection of debates and panel discussions. The tugs of war didn’t draw the crowd but the debates did. This year, we have taken another step in its evolution. You’ll have to help us decide if this mutation survives. Solutions Showdown: We made each session a problem and asked participants to present their solution. They will present their solutions and then the moderator will manage a good discussion between them and then the audience will vote on a winner. SEGMENT 2 - EDDIE VEDDERGATE Vedder Cup Eddie Vedder leads "Wrigley Field in Take Me Out To The Ballgame" SEGMENT 3 - COUNTY PHARMACY CHIEF’S MOONLIGHTING POSES QUESTIONS VOSD - County’s Pharmacy Chief Also Works at a Law Firm The county of San Diego’s chief pharmacy officer, who collects a $232,419 yearly salary, moonlights as a partner at a New York-based law firm that advises pharmaceutical companies. SEGMENT 4 - KENT LEE San Diego’s Water Department Is Not Alright If the San Diego City Council doesn’t pass water rate increases, the city will probably have to lay off Public Utilities Staff, analysts say. SEGMENT 5 - UNCHARTED WATERS Mayor’s Water Rate Increase ‘Dead on Arrival’ San Diego city councilmembers join forces to stall a proposed rate increase even though city staff warn too much delay could risk staff layoffs or falling behind on debt repayments. 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.

Next week the San Diego City council will vote on a series of new water rate increases. But city hall is abuzz that they may not have the votes to pass them. If they don’t, we’re entering uncharted waters. We have an update on San Diego Unified School District’s decision to close the middle school portions of some K through 8 schools. They’ve already backtracked on one. And finally South Bay reporter Jim Hinch has a fascinating story out of National City. How a falling out between friends came to dominate small town politics. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 - POLITIFEST Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 - LEONARDO DI CAPRIO WAS IN TOWN AND DIDN’T SAY HI County News Center - New Blockbuster Already a Big Hit in San Diego County It doesn’t arrive in theaters until Friday, but a new blockbuster movie generating Oscar buzz has already been a big financial hit for San Diego County. “One Battle After Another,” a new Warner Bros. movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn and others, spent about six weeks filming on location in San Diego County in 2024. And it pumped nearly $7 million into the local economy, according to Warner Bros. accounting. The movie was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, best known for his 2007 film, “There Will Be Blood,” 2012’s “The Master,” and 2014’s “Inherent Vice.” His new movie stars DiCaprio as an aging, in-hiding, former revolutionary who is pushed into trying to save his teenage daughter by the return of an old enemy, Sean Penn’s “Col. Lockjaw.” SEGMENT 3 - MATT VESPI Port of San Diego - Matt Vespi Will Join the Port of San Diego as Chief Administrative Officer Port of San Diego President and CEO Scott Chadwick has appointed Matthew Vespi as the Port’s new chief administrative officer. Vespi has over 20 years of public sector experience including oversight of human resources, information technology, employee safety, labor standards and enforcement, performance and analytics, strategic planning, and more. SEGMENT 4 - MIDDLE SCHOOL San Diego Unified Superintendent Walks Back One of Four K-8 Middle School Closures After we reported San Diego Unified’s plan to cut middle school grades at four of its K-8 schools, district leaders have decided to keep one open. Still, three others are slated for closure. SEGMENT 5 - UNCHARTED WATERS City Staff Deflect Blame Away from Pure Water Before San Diego’s Big Water Rate Vote City staff dropped updated costs of a huge wastewater-to-drinking water recycling project showing that its water would be cheaper than buying from the Water Authority. Segment 6 - NATIONAL CITY TELENOVELAA Broken Friendship Is Breaking National City Hall A development dispute has spiraled into a months-long saga of corruption accusations, lawsuits, allegations of mishandled human remains, shouting matches at City Council meetings, a sexual harassment investigation and a claim against the city filed by the mayor’s executive assistant. 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.

This week on the most popular public affairs podcast in San Diego: Nathan Fletcher reappeared. We’ll review his first public comments since he went from the most prominent politician in San Diego to just gone. San Diego Unified School District is changing some kindergarten through 8th grade schools to just kindergarten through fifth grade.They’ve already backtracked on one. Is this the beginning of many years of these tough conversations? And joining us today to talk about the city of San Diego is its city council president Joe LaCava. It was a big week of new fees, new minimum wage and a plan to protect people from ICE. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 - POLITIFEST Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 - LA CAVA - FLETCHER Politics Report: Good Luck, Council President The San Diego City Council chose Joe LaCava as its new president Tuesday. It was a recognition of LaCava’s decency and his efforts to position himself between the poles of this all-Democratic City Council. And it was a win for Mayor Todd Gloria. Gloria told us on the podcast that he didn’t have a preference for who got the Council president role. Maybe, but Gloria’s team sure did and they were pleased with LaCava.by Jakob McWhinney - December 4, 2024 Morning Report: Fletcher’s Accuser Files Complaint Against His Wife Nathan Fletcher’s accuser is asking a court to protect her from his wife, Lorena Gonzalez. Grecia Figueroa filed a civil harassment restraining order request against Gonzalez on Monday, just days after Fletcher made his first public appearance since the abrupt end of his political career in 2023, when Figueroa accused him of sexual harassment SEGMENT 3 - SDUSD CLOSING SCHOOLS - THE CITY’S MINIMUM WAGE DEAL The Learning Curve: San Diego Unified May Reverse One K-8 Closure News that the district would axe middle school grades from four of its K-8 schools elicited significant pushback from some families. Now, district leaders may walk back one closure. Politics Report: Minimum Wage Dealmaking Wraps Up Recently a poll circulated gauging the public’s interest in an initiative to repeal the new trash fee the city of San Diego implemented. I don’t know yet who did the poll but just that it was out there may have been the point. The message: We can hit back. Big hotels, SeaWorld, the Padres all… SEGMENT 4 - PARKING AT BALBOA - CITY ORDINANCE TO PROTECT SAN DIEGANS FROM “LAWLESS FEDERAL AGENTS” Morning Report: No More Free Parking at Balboa Balboa Park visitors can forget about free parking. The San Diego City Council on Monday OK’d parking fees for Balboa Park. They agreed to delay charging for parking until city staff develop frequent visitor passes, but that move could cost the city millions. Councilmembers dropped some parking rates for residents and increased rates for tourists… From NBC San Diego: City, county leaders unveil proposed ordinance aimed at federal enforcement actions The Due Process and Safety Ordinance seeks to put safeguards and protections in place in the event of "discriminatory and warrantless federal activity" in local neighborhoods. SEGMENT 5 - CITY SEAL AND FLAG Official City of San Diego Flag Official City of San Diego FlagThe official flag of the City of San Diego was adopted by the City Council on Oct. 16, 1934, when a sample banner was submitted by Albert V. Mayrhofer, on behalf of the California Historical Association, Native Sons of the Golden West, Native Daughters of the Golden West, and The San Diegans. The flag is composed of three vertical bars, from left to right, red, white and gold. In the center white field is the official seal of the City and beneath it the date "1542," the year explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first entered San Diego Bay and claimed the area for Spain. The use of the three vertical bars is reminiscent of the colors of the flag of Spain, which flew over Cabrillo's ship. Official City of San Diego Seal The official seal of the City of San Diego consists of a coat of arms within a circle. Above the arms are the names of the City and the state, and below the arms is the City’s official motto. official seal of the City of San Diego In 1913, the City Council authorized the City Clerk to invite design submissions for an official seal. The previous seal depicted an outdated cityscape. The winning design was the work of architect Carleton Monroe Winslow (1876-1946). Winslow would go onto design multiple buildings for the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park, and the Bishop's School in La Jolla. The new seal was adopted by Resolution 17024 on April 15, 1914. Segment 6 - LA JOLLA SUCCESSION & HOT TAKE La Jollans Are Trying to Divorce San Diego (Again) Since the 1950s San Diegans living in the La Jolla neighborhood have been uncomfortable with their semi-separate status. What they’ve really wanted is to be independent. Every effort thus far has failed – will the latest one be any different? School District Closes PB Park Because of Dog Poop and Holes During the Thursday recording of the Voice of San Diego Podcast, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava dropped some news: “The joint use field at Crown Point Junior Music Academy is going to be closed to the public because of the dogs and the dog owners that have beaten up the field so badly that it is now unplayable and dangerous for the students.” LaCava predicted more of San Diego Unified’s joint-use fields would close in the future. “I think the school district is finally going to say ‘Enough is enough. We cant risk the health of our students,’” LaCava said. 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.

W. Scott Lewis recounts a moment as a Vice President for Student Affairs when his role unexpectedly required hostage negotiation skills to support a student in crisis. Surrounded by FBI agents and campus police, Scott's decisions were risky, maybe a little lucky, and deeply human—yet ones he'd make again in service to his students. Scott tells this story masterfully, balancing the real tension with his legendary sense of humor, underscoring the weight of leadership in Student Affairs.

Violence against outstretched palms – as in hands not the trees. The curious case against Encinitas City Councilmember Luke Shaffer. San Diego County Water Authority leaders may have thought the chatter about dissolving their agency may be in the past then came LAFCO. The funny agency nobody knew about is making headlines again. And guests to the Zoo spend a bunch of money in San Diego. The Zoo and the city want them to spend a bit more. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 - Promos Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 - Palm Trees Are Not Trees There’s a particular palm tree making its mark on Southern California... and not in a good way. The Mexican fan palm — those tall, classic pseudo-trees along with other invasive species — isn’t native to Southern California, but nonetheless maintains a death grip on its ecological landscape. Within the past year, San Diego has seen multiple canyon fires propelled by these pesky out-of-towners. And within weeks of the smoke clearing, they’re already resprouting, providing fuel for another fire before native plants are able to regenerate. While fire is a natural to California’s ecosystem, necessary for many native plants to survive, it can be detrimental if it occurs too frequently. This is one of many reasons San Diego won’t be planting them on public land anymore. Our intern, Tessa Balc, sat down with the executive director of @sdcanyonlands to see how we can nurture San Diego’s native landscape.

The Voice of San Diego team is embarking on an ambitious pursuit: Developing a public policy for how AI should and shouldn't be used in our newsroom. And we're bringing our listeners along for the ride. Tap in for an unfiltered conversation where co-hosts Scott Lewis, Andrea Sanchez-Villafaña, Jakob McWhinney, Will Huntsberry and Bella Ross grapple with our concerns surrounding this new technology, and how we may consider using it to deliver more, better journalism. Should this include public disclaimers when AI is deployed? What is the bar for such a disclaimer? Are certain kinds of writing more sacred than others? We hope to answer these questions over the course of a few episodes -- with your help! We encourage listeners to share your thoughts about all of this as we continue to work on a policy that is both ethical and forward-thinking. Please email Scott@VOSD.org to weigh in before our next episode! Support the show at vosd.org/podpeopleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s dealmaking season at City Hall. The push for a new $25 minimum wage for some workers in the tourism and entertainment industry in San Diego is heading to a City Council vote Sept. 16. Here’s what we know about all the entities trying to get out of having to pay workers that. Prop 50 mailers are hitting mailboxes and the ads are on TV. We’ve talked about it the last two podcasts but now it’s already set a congressional race in motion. SHOW NOTES Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 - Subscriptions Gone Wild The Atlantic wrote about Alden Global Capital, the U-T’s owners, four years ago. “What threatens local newspapers now is not just digital disruption or abstract market forces. They’re being targeted by investors who have figured out how to get rich by strip-mining local-news outfits. The model is simple: Gut the staff, sell the real estate, jack up subscription prices, and wring as much cash as possible out of the enterprise until eventually enough readers cancel their subscriptions that the paper folds, or is reduced to a desiccated husk of its former self,” the magazine wrote. Bottom line: I think the U-T’s journalism is worth $2,000 a year, if it were a philanthropic cause and I could afford that. We have lots of donors who make bigger contributions than that. But this is not the way and it’s hurting trust. Nieman Lab Alden Global Capital is miffed that The Dallas Morning News won’t offer itself up for disembowelment The hedge fund threatens to shift their takeover bid to shareholders — while trying to sweet-talk the only shareholder that matters. SEGMENT 3 - Minimum Wage, the Cost of Living, and the Padres SD Chamber teams up with Padres SEGMENT 4 - Congressional Race - The (potentially) Redrawn 48th District Mason Herron ran numbers: Congressional District 48 - Issa Trump +15.3% Trump: 56.4% | Harris: 41.1% Harris +2.6% Trump: 47.4% | Harris: 50.0% Congressional District 49 - Levin Harris +7.8% Trump: 44.7% | Harris: 52.5% Harris +12.1% Trump: 42.5% | Harris: 54.6% Congressional District 50 - Peters Harris +29.6% Trump: 33.6% | Harris: 63.1% Harris +17.5% Trump: 39.7% | Harris: 57.2% Congressional District 51 - Jacobs Harris +23.5% Trump: 36.7% | Harris: 60.2% Harris +18.0% Trump: 39.6% | Harris: 57.5% Congressional District 52 - Vargas Harris +21.2% Trump: 38.1% | Harris: 59.3% Harris +16.8% Trump: 40.3% | Harris: 57.1% San Diego City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert announces congressional campaign "I've spent my career fighting for workers, women's rights and safety for everyone — the very priorities Darrell Issa and Donald Trump attack at every turn," she said. "This will be a must-win seat to take Congress back from Trump, and I'm the only Democratic candidate running who has won an election, flipped a seat from red-to-blue and actually delivered for working people." Early endorsements include State Senators Catherine Blakespear and Steve Padilla, Assemblymembers Tasha Boerner and Chris Ward, San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer and her council colleagues Stephen Whitburn and Jen Campbell, among others. Ammar Campa-Najjar has also found a hat to throw into the ring "This campaign is about making sure that all families, from San Diego to Riverside, have a representative who works for them," Campa-Najjar said in a statement released Friday. "That's why I've officially filed to run in CA- 48. If the proposed maps are approved, I'll be on the ballot, ready to represent this community and fight for a fair economy, affordable health care, and take on corruption." 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.

San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs are crumbling. The city’s plan to save them is … a one way street? The County Board of Supes has officially voted to tap into previously off-limits county reserves, but thanks to a labor agreement nearly half of those funds are already spoken for. Also, why an aging north county dam has one company saying “Damn!” And finally, Assemblyman Chris Ward is calling into to talk about a controversial housing bill and the redistricting ballot measure he supported. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 - Promos Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 - Richard Bailey and Scott Peters give slightly committed running for office vibes AXIOSMeet the former mayor turned micro influencer who's making city policy go viralRichard Bailey was Coronado's mayor until last yera. Now he's weighing in on big San Diego issues. POLITICOThe House Dems bracing for redistricting sacrifices SEGMENT 3 - County ReservesVoice of San DiegoLisa HalverstadtIf County Dips Into Reserves, Millions Would go to Employee BonusesIf county supervisors vote to approve updates to the county’s reserve policy Tuesday, county employees are set to receive bonuses. SEGMENT 4 - Damn DamsVoice of San DiegoTigist LayneSan Diego Is Getting Sued Because of One of Its Troubled DamA $300 million lawsuit claims the city’s release of water from El Capitan Dam damaged a property meant for sand mining. SEGMENT 5 - Sunset CliffshangerVoice of San DiegoMacKenzie ElmerHow the City Will Save Sunset Cliffs from Sea Level Rise The city is proposing to move cliff parking onto the street and eliminate a lane of traffic at the southern point at Sunset Cliffs. SEGMENT 6 - Redistricting with Chris WardBallotpediaCalifornia Proposition 50, Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment (2025) 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.

0:00 - Intro  4:31- What Micah to GB means for NFC 18:56 - Jerry Jones should be taken out back  24:08 - What a good season looks like for the Bears 33:35 - Eze is here & Arsenal are ready FOLLOW SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/BarbChairScott https://www.tiktok.com/@barbchairscott  https://www.instagram.com/barbchairscott Follow & Subscribe to the Barber's Chair Network on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nFJnUOYMmA78twcDnZgVz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-barbers-chair-network/id1643892831 BUY YOUR BARBER'S CHAIR MERCHANDISE: https://www.bcnetshop.com/ VISIT: https://www.thebcnet.com/ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.patreon.com/BarbersChairNetwork

Scott Lewis is CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Voice of San Diego, the pioneering nonprofit newsroom he helped build nearly two decades ago. What began as an experiment in funding professional journalism outside of the old newspaper model is now a national template, proving that communities can sustain independent, fact-driven reporting. Scott is known for his candid, conversational style and his conviction that journalism is about creating a shared story that helps communities face hard truths and imagine better futures. This Episode: What role does local journalism play in sustaining democracy and helping communities rise to their challenges? In this thought-provoking conversation, Scott and Grant trace the story of Voice of San Diego from its early days as a bold experiment to its present role covering the region's toughest issues—from homelessness and housing to infrastructure, schools, and civic leadership. They explore how journalism can cut through partisanship and apathy by telling stories that matter, how San Diego's unique civic culture shapes progress (and stalls it), and why shared stories are essential to purpose and belonging. Scott also reflects on the responsibility of local media in a time when national trust is fractured and public funding for journalism is under attack. For him, it comes down to optimism: believing that communities are strong enough to face their biggest problems when they have the facts and the courage to talk about them. Key Moments: [4:28] How San Diego became a model for nonprofit local journalism [9:08] Why Voice chose a candid, conversational style over traditional news “voice” [13:00] The impact of federal cuts to public media and what it means for NPR, KPBS, and local outlets [23:00] The challenges San Diego faces—housing, schools, homelessness—and why naming problems is an act of optimism [38:18] Why journalism is a “tiny investment” with massive community returns Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Voice of San Diego – Nonprofit newsroom pioneering new models for community-supported journalism Politifest – Annual public affairs summit hosted by Voice of San Diego Prebys Foundation Nonprofit News Support – $2 Million to San Diego nonprofit news outlets to strengthen local journalism and civic engagementTake Action: Support Local Journalism – Subscribe, donate, or become a member of a nonprofit news outlet near you. Join the Conversation – Attend events like Politifest to engage directly with civic leaders and ideas. Seek Shared Stories – Talk with neighbors, attend community forums, and stay curious about San Diego's future. Believe in Solutions – Remember that naming problems is the first step toward solving them. Credits: This is a production of the Prebys Foundation Hosted by Grant Oliphant Co-Hosted by Crystal Page Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield Engineered by Adam Greenfield Production Coordination by Tess Karesky Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego's own Mr. Lyrical Groove. Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.org If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe.

Were you hallucinating too or do you also remember the city of San Diego saying pizza boxes could now go in the green bin. Also, a lot of people do not understand how to use the green bins, apparently. We haven’t had a chance yet to talk about it but we should: A judge dismissed the sexual harassment case against Nathan Fletcher that ended his career. But he’s still got one going against the accuser. And we have a special guest here co-hosting – Congressman Scott Peters is in the studio. We’ve got a lot to discuss with him. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 - Promos Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 - Banter The City The Chips Fall as Rivals Fry the Mayor The jokes and jabs are flying as Eric Adams’ closest aides was slapped with new criminal charges the day after another of his longtime allies offered a reporter cash inside a potato chip bag. SEGMENT 3 - Organic Waste Voice of San Diego MacKenzie To Compost or Not to Compost: The Pizza Box Whether you can put pizza boxes in your green bin is largely dependent on who picks up your trash. SEGMENT 4 - Nathan Fletcher NBC7 San DiegoJudge dismisses Nathan Fletcher sexual harassment lawsuit The lawsuit by former MTS public relations specialist Grecia Figueroa was set to go to trial next month, but Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner ruled that too much evidence had been deleted or not turned over to the defense for the case to go before a jury. SEGMENT 5 - Redistricting and the California Democratic Party Cal MattersGavin Newsom’s redistricting plan is on its way to voters. What you need to know Cal Matters5 things to know about Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw California’s election maps The Assembly just passed the first vote that would pave the way for mid-decade redistricting. Some background on our independent commission. 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.

In this engaging conversation, Jason and Sophie delve into the world of watches and art, exploring Sophie's artistic journey, her recent projects, and the intersection of her artwork with the watch industry. They discuss the importance of community, the creative process, and the challenges of transitioning to a full-time artist. Sophie shares her experiences with collaboration, the influence of childhood watches on her artistic vision, and her aspirations for the future, including a desire to modernize pocket watches. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication that drive both Jason and Sophie in their respective fields.Links (not affiliate links):Sophie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/sophiescottlewisart/ Sophie's Website: https://sophiescottlewis.com/Sophie's YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@sophiescottlewisart

RVs are all over Mission Bay. Why the city now feels OK about cracking down on them. Mack is Back! Mackenzie Elmer our environment reporter is dropping in to discuss bobcats that have been terrorizing the Wild Animal Park. And why the big news about a big Mexico/USA deal on the border sewage crisis is deja vu. Finally hospitals used to panic that SB 43 would flood them with patients with drug and menthal health challenge who were being committed against their will. But so far that has’n’t happened. We’ll explain why. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 - Promos Meet our South County reporter, Jim Hinch, on August 13 at the Civic Center Branch Library in Chula Vista for a discussion about his latest investigations and how they impact residents in South County. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP at vosd.org/event to reserve your spot. The City of Chula Vista Public Library does not advocate nor endorse the views or positions expressed by the users of its facilities. Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 - Pricey Petco Parking on City Streets Union-Tribune $10-an-hour parking comes to Petco Park next month This week, city crews are installing around 400 signs on curbs downtown to let drivers know about the new parking-meter rates taking effect Sept. 1 Instagram Richard Bailey on the parking fee increase around the ballpark SEGMENT 3 - Border Sewage and Bobcats with Mackenzie VOSD South County Report: EPA Visits Tijuana River VOSD Environment Report: That Time Bobcats Dined on San Diego Zoo Animals A USDA report shows bobcats broke into zoo facilities three times and made birds and antelope their dinner. SEGMENT 4 - Mission Bay Parking VOSDNew Safe Parking Site Frees City to Push Campers Out of Mission BayLegal hurdles had forced police to stop ticketing RVs in Mission Bay. But now police are beginning to crack down again. SEGMENT 5 - SB43 Forced Treatment Hasn’t Flooded Hospital Emergency Rooms – Yet County supervisors postponed implementation of a conservatorship state law in response to fears that hospitals could be inundated with new patients. 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.

August 5, 2025 Hour 3 Brett Ciancia & Scott Lewis. Brett from picksixpreview.com previews the College Football Season.  ESPN taking over the Red Zone, what does it mean?  Scott previews the Chicago Bears with M&M.

You may be shocked to learn that of San Diego County cities Encinitas is closest to meeting its housing goals. That’s right. The bad boy of North County with a history of failing to follow housing laws is actually building homes. Housing, or lack of, is among the top issues in our region and senior investigative reporter Will Huntsberry has spent months analyzing housing data. He’s here to dish on his findings. Also, we’ve gone over how there are far fewer kids in San Diego schools than there were a decade ago. We’ll explain what school leaders are doing to address enrollment decline. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 VOSD Events Meet our South County reporter, Jim Hinch, on August 13 at the Civic Center Branch Library in Chula Vista for a discussion about his latest investigations and how they impact residents in South County. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP at vosd.org/event to reserve your spot. The City of Chula Vista Public Library does not advocate nor endorse the views or positions expressed by the users of its facilities. Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 The Tsunami Warnings KPBS 8.8 magnitude quake strikes off Russia's Far East. Tsunami waves reach Japan, Hawaii and California BBC Waves reach US west coast after Russian earthquake as Japan lifts tsunami warnings SEGMENT 3 In Whose Backyard? In Whose Backyard? Is our new series that tackles housing in San Diego County. And it is a stat lover’s cornucopia of information. The Places in San Diego Meeting Their Housing Goals Will Blow Your Mind by Will Huntsberry 17 hours ago Encinitas, shockingly, is closer to meeting its state-mandated housing number than any other city in San Diego County. San Diego Is Building a Lot of New Homes, But Not Always in Places That Need Them Most by Jake Gotta / KPBS July 30, 2025 San Diego Housing Data Reveal Fastest Growth in Urban Core by Andrew Bowen / KPBS July 29, 2025 In Whose Backyard? Where Homes Are Being Built in San Diego by Will Huntsberry July 28, 2025 Coronado and Imperial Beach Haven’t Produced a Single Affordable Home in Years by Will Huntsberry July 16, 2025 El Cajon Lags Behind Rest of Cities in Home Building Per Capita by Will Huntsberry July 7, 2025 SEGMENT 4 Education The Progress Report: How Some Schools Are Trying to Counter Enrollment Decline Despite having little control over the unwieldy factors driving enrollment decline, school leaders are taking steps to push back on the frightening trend. 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.

There’s officially a new county supervisor and so there’s a new chair of the board of supervisors and they’re wasting no time making big changes. El Cajon police have stopped responding to calls when a person says they’re going to hurt themselves. They blame lawyers but it’s complicating the response of civilian teams as well, we’ll explain. And we talked about school enrollment plunging across the county but there are a couple schools in particular seeing major surges in enrollment. How two charter schools are racking up their numbers. Plus an update on the water drama. Always fun. SHOW NOTES Segment 1County Supervisors swear in a new Sup and waste no time getting started. Aguirre Cements Democrats’ Control of County Government Newly elected South County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre took office Tuesday promising to clean up the Tijuana River and prioritize the needs of working San Diegans. She and fellow Democrats on the Board of Supervisors moved swiftly to implement their agenda. by Jim HinchJuly 22, 2025 Segment 2Why would El Cajon police ignore calls for help? A Crisis Team Responding to a Suicide Attempt Asked for Help, El Cajon Police RefusedA June incident where El Cajon police repeatedly declined to help a civilian crisis response team emphasizes the challenges tied to the department’s decision to stop responding to some crisis calls. by Lisa Halverstadt10 hours ago Fearing Lawsuits, El Cajon Police Stopped Responding to Some Mental Health CallsThe decision means county mental health teams sometimes also can’t respond to crisis calls involving a threat to a single person or lack police support when they do. by Lisa Halverstadt and Tessa BalcJuly 23, 2025 Segment 2There's another reason why enrollments are declining county wide San Diego County’s Schools Have 27,000 Fewer Students Than a Decade Ago. It Will Get Worse.Over the past decade, enrollment at San Diego County public schools has declined by about five percent. That means there are 27,000 fewer students in local schools. State officials are projecting rates of decline will only get worse, which will force educators to make some hard decisions. by Jakob McWhinneyJuly 15, 2025 Segment 3More Water Chisme (Kinda like the budget, the story has legs) Politics Report: Water Authority Moves Onby Scott LewisJuly 19, 2025 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.

The mayor is just flat ignoring the budget the city council passed and will not fire the top managers the Council cut. And you thought budget drama was over. Local water managers are demanding an apology from one of their colleagues. Apologies after demands for apologies are always the best apologies. We’ll explain why this matters. And Jakob published an extraordinary analysis and maps this week of how many fewer kids there are in San Diego schools. Why that is. SHOW NOTES SEGMENT 1 Meet the Beat: Voice in North County Join our North County reporter, Tigist Layne on July 24 at the Escondido History Museum at 6 p.m. to talk about the stories she’s watching that impact residents in North County. Seats are limited. RSVP at vosd.org/events. Politifest Buy Your Tickets for Politifest 2025 Politifest is back on Oct. 4, and this won’t be our usual public affairs summit. This year, we’re bringing together community leaders to go head-to-head in our first ever Solutions Showdown. Hear their ideas and cast your vote on which proposals you think could solve the biggest issues facing San Diego. Save on tickets with early bird pricing at vosd.org/politifest SEGMENT 2 San Diego City Budget Mayor: Nah, I Won’t Be Laying Staff Off by Mariana Martínez Barba July 15, 2025 SEGMENT 3 Where’d the Kids Go San Diego County’s Schools Have 27,000 Fewer Students Than a Decade Ago. It Will Get Worse. Over the past decade, enrollment at San Diego County public schools has decline by about five percent. That means there are 27,000 fewer students in local schools. State officials are projecting rates of decline will only get worse, which will force educators to make some hard decisions. by Jakob McWhinney July 15, 2025 SEGMENT 4 Water Wars Water Managers Want Apology by Scott Lewis July 9, 2025 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.

Scott talks about possible collusion in the NFL,  LeBron playing in our faces, thoughts on the Club World Cup & Scott's thoughts on soccer 6 months into his new fandom. FOLLOW SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/BarbChairScott https://www.tiktok.com/@barbchairscott   https://www.instagram.com/barbchairscott Follow & Subscribe to the Barber's Chair Network on Spotify & Apple Podcasts  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nFJnUOYMmA78twcDnZgVz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-barbers-chair-network/id1643892831 BUY YOUR BARBER'S CHAIR MERCHANDISE: https://www.bcnetshop.com/ VISIT: https://www.thebcnet.com/ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.patreon.com/BarbersChairNetwork

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.

In the inaugural episode of the new pod Scott is joined by Shirtless Plantain Show host/I'm Not Gon Hold You correspondent Tosin Makinde as the two talk about the differences between soccer's transfer window (or free agency/trades) compared to American sports, why Scott is already fed up with it, some of Tosin's favorite transfer memories, some Club World Cup talk & more!. SUBSCRIBE TO SCOTT'S NEW YOUTUBE PAGE FOR DAILY CONTENT: https://www.youtube.com/@Barbchairscott FOLLOW SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/BarbChairScott https://www.tiktok.com/@barbchairscott  https://www.instagram.com/barbchairscott

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.

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.

Cost per doctor minute is a powerful metric that often gets overlooked in favor of broader terms like chair cost. In this episode, Scott Lewis and Alex Tadros join the conversation to break down what this number means, how to calculate it, and why it offers a clearer picture of practice efficiency and profitability. The discussion includes real-time math examples, practical insights, and strategies any practice owner can apply to optimize their operations. Connect with Scott Lewis: slewisod@gmail.com   ------------------------- Go to MacuHealth.com and use the coupon code PODCAST2024 at checkout for special discounts Let's Connect! Follow and join the conversation! Instagram: @aaron_werner_vision

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.