This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on August 11, 2009. Religious Americans ready for health care reform are turning up the pressure on lawmakers Tuesday with nationwide rallies asking for change by the end of 2009. The organizations, led by the faith-based PICO (Pacific Institute for Community Organizations) National Network, have planned a 40-day-long campaign that… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Lawsuit targets Schwarzenegger
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on August 7, 2009. Legislative leaders may be out for summer session but their vacation can’t be too sunny. The cuts throughout the budget – which was signed into law July 28 – are gradually sinking in. Some agencies still don’t understand the impacts, while others continue to receive IOUs,… Read more →
State health cuts hit hard for thousands of San Diegans
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on August 6, 2009. Thousands of San Diegans have recently accepted a change to their health care. For some, that change is as major as being completely disqualified from a government-sponsored service. That’s because the state’s budget included a $2 billion cut to health and human services and $144 million… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Post-balanced budget blues
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on August 4, 2009. Dear Diary, I thought the crisis was over when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a budget plan into law, so I stopped updating the budget diaries. How foolish of me; even more foolish than when I purchased the Split Ender thinking it would actually work. I apologize… Read more →
Voter-approved San Diego amendment hasn’t seen light of day
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on August 3, 2009. One-thousand days have passed since voters approved a proposition allowing San Diego to contract city services – but the penny-pinching-process has yet to begin. That’s what Councilmember Carl DeMaio said Monday morning when he released a report showing the city has spent more than $124,000 when it… Read more →
Chula Vista residents fundraise to save their Nature Center
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 29, 2009. Once an endangered facility like the animals it cares for, the Chula Vista Nature Center has been saved, rehabilitated and intends to become stronger than ever. Forced to make up for a city deficit of $20 million, Chula Vista considered closing its $1.3 million Nature Center. But… Read more →
Saldaña throws hat in County Supervisor ring
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 29, 2009. State Assemblymember Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) announced on Wednesday that she will run for County Supervisor Ron Roberts’ seat. She made the announcement at an event put on by Run Women Run, an organization that supports pro-choice women who run for politics. “I’ve been giving it some… Read more →
Beaches, fiscal reforms make up the life of Kevin Faulconer
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 28, 2009. Soda in hand, Kevin Faulconer steps out of his kitchen to greet us. He doesn’t look as he normally does at the council meetings and around City Hall, that’s for sure. For one, he’s much taller up close, his tie is loosened up around his neck and… Read more →
Katherine Faulconer: The woman behind the man
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 28, 2009. If there we’re ever a perfect definition for a “devoted spouse,” Katherine Faulconer may be it. The wife of councilmember Kevin Faulconer for 10 years, what was meant to be an interview solely about her and her life with the elected official — turned into another interview… Read more →
Seven Oaks resident takes up marathon running
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 27, 2009. Some people create their dreams at a young age. A kindergartner may hope to become an astronaut, a college kid may hope to score a stellar job the moment he graduates, and a young professional may pray to get the to-die-for-promotion before she hits 35. At 58… Read more →