This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 8, 2009. A deepening deficit and ravaged credit rating, a missing (or not) assemblymember and now Craigslist? Yup, things can change like that in the Golden State in just two days. Here’s a recap of what has happened and is happening on Day Seven of the budget impasse. Deficit:… Read more →
Pro-pot ad hits airwaves; opponents say its a gateway drug
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 8, 2009. With the Golden State strapped for cash, a pro-marijuana group is launching an ad to encourage legislators to legalize and tax the drug as means for revenue. But, a poll conducted by a local agency, says people under 18 who’ve smoked marijuana are more likely to move… Read more →
Eight great vegetarian-friendly restaurants in San Diego
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 8, 2009. So, you’re the one who eats tofurky during Thanksgiving. And, you’re the one with the latest copy of “Diet for a New America.” And, you’re the one who leaves the newsroom when the men eat fried chicken (OK, the last one is just me). Well, San Diego… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Day Five of the budget impasse
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 6, 2009. This was the first installment of the popular “California Budget Crisis Diaries,” a blog maintained by Hoa Quach that drew numerous, regular readers throughout the state. California’s leaders now have 40 days to pass and sign a balanced budget into law. Until then, I’ll be reporting what’s… Read more →
Disability home gets IOU, hopes for helpful bill to pass
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on July 2, 2009. Noah Homes, a San Diego residential center for people with developmental disabilities, will soon receive a state-issued IOU amounting for $185,000. With the failed attempts by the state Legislature to pass a balanced budget before the end of the fiscal year, starting Thursday, California Controller John Chiang… Read more →
Coronado’s mayor on the economy, education and ‘inconveniences’
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on July 1, 2009. Donning flip-flops, khakis and a Hawaiian-print shirt, he isn’t your typical politician. At least not on this particular day. He just taught a summer history class to high school students and went into City Hall to complete a few tasks. But, as the mayor of Coronado… Read more →
Deciphering the sex appeal of our nation’s politicians
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on June 26, 2009. See original copy of story. There once was a woman named Maria Belen Chapur. Chapur loved a pretty powerful American man – a governor of about five million people, nonetheless. The governor was named Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Chapur is from Argentina. Chapur isn’t… Read more →
Political games amidst California’s budget crisis
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on June 23, 2009. One week from Tuesday, state legislators will have to pass a balanced budget and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will have to sign it. But just as it typically is in the world of politics – such a task is never completed without a tug-of-war of what’s most important… Read more →
Eight San Diego County Fair rides for all types
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on June 22, 2009. Ever since I rode my first roller-coaster at the age of 12 in an indoor mall in Bangkok, Thailand, I fell in love. The thrill of riding on something eccentric, speedy and completely out of your control is just exciting to me. If “funnest” was a… Read more →
Marijuana advocates rally at county building
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on June 16, 2009. After months of battle from the county’s board of supervisors to reject state medical marijuana laws and three court losses, Tuesday marked a change in course — at least for the medical marijuana community that rallied together. At the supervisor’s weekly meeting — which did not have… Read more →