This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on February 2, 2010. Former San Diego City Council candidate Phil Thalheimer’s attorney made his case at a hearing to temporarily suspend five local campaign laws until a decision is concluded in Thalheimer’s lawsuit against the City of San Diego. The lawsuit — which was filed in December by Thalheimer,… Read more →
Category: San Diego Politics
Obama’s choices during first year in office resonate in San Diego
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 20, 2010. It has two parts. It’s been exactly one year since President Barack Obama accepted the challenge of leading the most powerful country in the world. It’s clear his presence on the nation’s center stage has shaped the dynamics of various issues plaguing the U.S., and the… Read more →
Sanders vows to reform structural deficit, turn city into leader
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 13, 2010. A structural deficit that has taken “decades” to grow will be difficult to eliminate but San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said Wednesday evening he’s going to take on the challenge. In his fifth State of the City address — and with the ratio of general fund… Read more →
Pocket Change: Experts chime in on the ‘state of the city’
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 11, 2010. San Diego may have entered a new year but the problems of previous years still linger with talks of solving a “structural deficit” still hot in City Hall. Mayor Jerry Sanders will offer his thoughts and, more importantly, his plan, in his fifth State of the… Read more →
Carlsbad desal plant moves forward despite opposition
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 16, 2009. Ten years ago, Poseidon Resources embarked on a journey to turn the ocean’s water into a usable supply for human consumption. A myriad of lawsuits and battles later, the Carlsbad Desalination Project is now more than a month into its construction amid California’s water crisis — and… Read more →
City invites San Diegans to tackle $179 million deficit
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 28, 2009. San Diegans alongside the city’s Budget and Finance Committee gathered together Wednesday evening to discuss the expected shortfall of $179 million for next fiscal year. “Speak San Diego,” a special series of meetings hosted by the committee, took off in Council President Ben Hueso’s district at a… Read more →
Taxpayer advocates host panel on Chapter 9 bankruptcy
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 22, 2009. Experts in municipal bankruptcy did not endorse Chapter 9 filing as an option for San Diego County cities during a Thursday morning forum hosted by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA). The SDCTA invited members to learn more about municipal bankruptcy, but avoided recommending the solution… Read more →
SDNN inquiry prompts investigation into city’s finances
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 12, 2009. Documents discovered through a Public Records Act request made by the San Diego News Network allege that the city of San Diego spent more than $250,000 on consultancy services offered by Grant Thornton without the City Council’s approval. Last year, the city council approved a memorandum of… Read more →
Is bankruptcy an option for San Diego?
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on October 8, 2009. It was reported by Hoa Quach and Steven Bartholow. Four years ago Pat Shea, a candidate for mayor, pitched a risky idea to San Diego’s voters and decision makers: declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy. Shea – an attorney who helped handle Orange County’s bankruptcy proceedings in 1994… Read more →
San Diego firefighters prepared for season despite lack of funds
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on September 21, 2009. Although talk has risen about San Diego’s lack of funding for fire protection, firefighters assure locals they’re ready this wildfire season. As California grapples with its own fire budget woes, controversy had taken over the city’s fire department as San Diegans wonder whether enough money is available… Read more →