CA-48 Congressional Race is One of California’s Most Competitive Battlegrounds
By Paul Levikow Photos via campaigns, left to right: Marni Von Wilpert, Ammar Campa-Najjar, and Jim Desmond May 13, 2026 (East County) — The race for California’s newly redrawn 48th Congressional District has become one of the most closely watched House contests in the nation, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on newly favorable district boundaries while Republicans rally behind San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond. Printer-friendly version
County rejects supporting statewide ban on foreign investment in homes
By Paul Levikow Photo, left: Supervisor Jim Desmond sought to restrict foreign investors from buying homes and driving up prices. October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors this week rejected a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to support statewide bans or restrictions on foreign investment in entry-level and single-family housing, particularly when located near sensitive military installations and other critical infrastructure. Supervisor Desmond was the lone yes vote in a 4-1 decision to reject it. “My colleagues voted against my plan to protect the American dream for young families in San Diego County. With median home prices at $937,000 and 70% of families priced out, this vote is a slap in the face to the next generation,” Desmond posted on X. “I’ll keep fighting to make sure foreign investors and big corporations don’t get priority over San Diegans. We should be putting our people first — not turning our backs on them.” Specifically, Desmond requested that the Board direct the Chief Administrative Officer to lobby the State of California, by adding to the County’s legislative agenda support for statewide bans or restrictions on foreign investment. Those measures would have included a full ban within 10 miles of military installations/facilities and critical infrastructure such as power, water and other vital utilities; a full ban on sanctioned foreign entities and/or foreign adversaries of the United States of America; and establish purchase restrictions, such as limiting the number of single-family residential units a foreign investor may hold at a time. Florida, Texas and Georgia have passed laws restricting or prohibiting foreign real estate purchases, typically under certain conditions such as when located near military sites. In these instances, the threat goes beyond displacing locals from homeownership opportunities – these measures are also meant to protect sensitive national security assets from intelligence gathering, espionage and other maligned actions by our nation’s adversaries, according to Desmond. Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer said she couldn’t support the proposal, but would welcome collaboration from her board colleagues on improving first-time home ownership opportunities. “There’s a worthy discussion on how we level the playing field, but not by excluding certain people from certain countries of origin,” Lawson-Remer said. The San Diego-based Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR) issued a statement to East County Magazine after Tuesday’s Board vote. “With recent research from CAR (California Association of Realtors) and NAR (National Association of Realtors indicating that foreign purchases account for about 2.5% of California’s sales transactions, and that over half of those come from foreign buyers residing in the U.S. on visas or as recent immigrants, PSAR encourages additional conversations on promoting access to homeownership that focus on facilitating the development of non-subsidized entry level purchase properties. PSAR strongly supports ensuring access to homeownership.” the statement read. “Homeownership provides the highest level of housing stability and allows families to build equity and intergenerational wealth.” PSAR President Yvonne Cromer said “home ownership is so important. We are fighting for fair housing for all. We have made huge strides and we would not want to go backward.” Cromer said that PSAR believes in private property rights and that the organization is in support of homeowners. “We want to steer away from discrimination and have fair housing,” Cromer said. “Our biggest challenge is housing supply, streamlining the building process, and reforming defect laws.” She said there is not a need for a reform policy such as the one that was rejected by the Board of Supervisors. “I love the fact that they are paying attention and focusing on issues.” Printer-friendly version
GOP SUPERVISOR ANNOUNCES 49TH CONGRESSIONAL RUN
By Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: County Supervisor Jim Desmond delivering his State of North County speech in June. (File photo courtesy of Desmond’s office) January 16, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond announced that he will run for Congress. The District 5 Republican said on Thursday that he hopes to “restore common-sense leadership” and is a candidate who prioritizes real-world solutions. “It’s becoming unbearable to live in California,” Desmond said in a press release. “The cost of living is driving working families and seniors out of this state.” The 49th Congressional District straddles San Diego and Orange Counties, including the communities of Oceanside, Vista, Encinitas, Carlsbad, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and others. The district is currently represented by Democratic Party Congressman Mike Levin, who easily defeated his Republican opponent in both San Diego and Orange counties in the 2024 general election. More information about Jim Desmond and his congressional run, including his list of priorities, can be found here. Printer-friendly version
MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT YOUTH FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING
By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by José Eli Villanueva June 9, 2024 (San Diego) — San Diegans will soon see and hear a new County media campaign designed to raise public awareness about human trafficking. The educational campaign includes radio announcements, outdoor billboards, and digital media to inform children, youth and their peers on how to protect themselves from exploitation. The new campaign was announced today at a press conference by Chairwoman Nora Vargas, Supervisor Jim Desmond, and District Attorney Summer Stephan along with other County leaders. Human trafficking occurs when a person is forced into sex acts or labor services for profit through violence, threats and false promises. The FBI reports San Diego is one of the nation’s 13 hotspots for human trafficking. “Trafficking of children and young people happens in all neighborhoods and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “Language barriers and fear too often keep victims silent and make trafficking a hidden crime.” A recent study by two local universities estimates there are thousands of victims of trafficking annually here in San Diego and the average age of victims is 16 years old. Rarely is the victim kidnapped. Rather human traffickers are far more likely to lure their young victims by developing a relationship with the youth, oftentimes via social media. “Predators target young girls and boys, subjecting them to a life of sexual exploitation through coercion and manipulation,” said County Supervisor Jim Desmond. These victims are thrust into an abyss of despair, their dreams and aspirations shattered and replaced with unimaginable suffering.” Law enforcement and prosecution efforts alone are not enough to stop these human rights violations. Prevention through education, especially at a young age, is the best defense against exploitation, especially in this era of social media. “Traffickers often groom, deceive and control their victims through online platforms” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Our youth need to be aware of predators posing as friends.” The County’s media campaign will run this summer in English and Spanish from June through August. To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the Child Abuse Hotline at 858-560-2191, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the County’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children webpage and the District Attorney’s Protect San Diego Kids webpage for additional resources. Printer-friendly version
MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT YOUTH FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING
By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by José Eli Villanueva June 9, 2024 (San Diego) — San Diegans will soon see and hear a new County media campaign designed to raise public awareness about human trafficking. The educational campaign includes radio announcements, outdoor billboards, and digital media to inform children, youth and their peers on how to protect themselves from exploitation. The new campaign was announced today at a press conference by Chairwoman Nora Vargas, Supervisor Jim Desmond, and District Attorney Summer Stephan along with other County leaders. Human trafficking occurs when a person is forced into sex acts or labor services for profit through violence, threats and false promises. The FBI reports San Diego is one of the nation’s 13 hotspots for human trafficking. “Trafficking of children and young people happens in all neighborhoods and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “Language barriers and fear too often keep victims silent and make trafficking a hidden crime.” A recent study by two local universities estimates there are thousands of victims of trafficking annually here in San Diego and the average age of victims is 16 years old. Rarely is the victim kidnapped. Rather human traffickers are far more likely to lure their young victims by developing a relationship with the youth, oftentimes via social media. “Predators target young girls and boys, subjecting them to a life of sexual exploitation through coercion and manipulation,” said County Supervisor Jim Desmond. These victims are thrust into an abyss of despair, their dreams and aspirations shattered and replaced with unimaginable suffering.” Law enforcement and prosecution efforts alone are not enough to stop these human rights violations. Prevention through education, especially at a young age, is the best defense against exploitation, especially in this era of social media. “Traffickers often groom, deceive and control their victims through online platforms” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “Our youth need to be aware of predators posing as friends.” The County’s media campaign will run this summer in English and Spanish from June through August. To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the Child Abuse Hotline at 858-560-2191, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the County’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children webpage and the District Attorney’s Protect San Diego Kids webpage for additional resources. Printer-friendly version
COULD MIDEAST MILITANTS CROSS BORDER IN OUR REGION?
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Supervisor Jim Desmond at press conference calling for border closure October 28,2023 (San Diego) – The Israel-Hamas war has inflamed anti-U.S. sentiments around the world, sparking protests outside U.S. embassies in several nations,. NBC news reports. That’s led some local conservative politicians including Supervisor Jim Desmond and Supervisorial candidate Amy Reichert to call for closure of the border to new immigrants, citing fears that militants allied with terrorist groups supporting Hamas could potentially cross the border into the U.S. with an aim to harm Americans. How credible are those concerns? Background After Hamas terrorists slaughtered civilains in Israel and kidnapped an estimated 220 people, Israel pledged to eliminate Hamas control over Palestine, launched widespread bombings and now a ground invasion in Gaza. President Joe Biden has staunchly defended Israel’s right to wage war on Hamas, but has urged Israel to show restraint in its response and helped negotiate to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza to help the many displaced and injured civilians. According to the United Nations, the conflict has killed an estimated 1,400 Israelis and over 5,000 Palestinians. A Hamas leader called for a “day of rage” worldwide earlier this month to show solidarity with Palestinians. Domestically, Homeland Security has warned of an uptick in threats and violence against Jews, Muslims, and Arabs, though such threats have largely come from U.S. citizens. Desmond calls for border closure “Our border system is broken,” Desmond said at a press conference earlier this week, joined by El Cajon Mayor Wells, who is running for the 51st Congressional district, as well as 49th Congressional district candidate Margarita Wilkinson and District 4 Supervisor candidate Amy Reichert. He cited troubling statistics and a need to protect public safety: 269,735 migrant encounters at the Southern Border in September, the highest on record for any month; Border Patrol encountered 2.47 million migrants in fiscal year 2023 163 people on the terror watchlist were apprehended so far this year; More than 24,000 migrants have been dropped off on streets across San Diego County in the past six weeks—around 600 a day. Analyzing the data After former president Donald Trump claimed without evidence that the “same people” who attacked Israel are coming across the U.S.-Mexico border, a right wing news site, Daily Caller, claimed that a San Diego Border Patrol office had issued a memo advising law enforcement that individuals “inspired by or reacting to the current Israel-Hamas conflict may attempt travel to or from the area of hostilities in the Middle East via circuitous transit across the Southwest border.” However, the Border Patrol seemed to dispute this in a statement provided to Voice of America: ”CBP has seen no indication of Hamas-directed foreign fighters seeking to make entry into the United States,” a CBP official told VOA, adding, “situational awareness briefs are not threat assessments.” But Homeland Security’s undersecretary for security Kenneth Wainstein said in Washington D.C. last month regarding the spike in border migration, “We obivously are concerned that with thatincrease, youmighthavean increasein peoplewhomightcomeover with malign intentions, including potential terrorists.” That was before the Hamas attack on Israel or Israel’s military response ratcheted up tensions. It is true that there has been an increase in recent months in both immigrants crossing the southern border and individuals picked up who were on a terrorist watch list. Those individuals on the watch list account for less than one-one hundredth of one percent, meaning the vast majority of immigrants picked up by Border Patrol had no ties to terrorism. While Desmond’s concerns over the record number of migrants being dropped off local streets and at transit centers is justified, since the large number has overwhelmed local migrant aid groups, it’s also true that about 98% of those migrants released here have family in the U.S., and most are seeking to rejoin families in other cities or states, according to County officials. Earlier this month, Supervisors allocated $3 million in emergency relief for migrants, using federal American Rescue Act funds. But Supervisor Joel Anderson called on the federal government to do more, noting that migrants should not be “political pawns.” The primary concern from a security standpoint lies not with the vast majority of migrants seeking to reunite with family elsewhere, who need only temporary aid such as food, water, and help to access transit to leave San Diego, but rather with the small fraction who may have criminal backgrounds or ties to terror. Border Patrol does not release those on terror watch list onto local streets From Oct. 2022 to Sept. 30 2023, 151 migrants were found to match names on the terrorist watch list after crossing the southern border illegally, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol data. When CBP picks up someone on the terror watch list, they keep that individual in custody while checking their background. Some may be on the list in error, such as when a migrant has the same name as a person on the list, but can be shown to be a different individual. If a migrant is found to be a terrorist or have ties to a terror group, they can be prosecuted or deported. Of those picked up at the border who were on a terror watch list, the vast majority were allied with terror groups in South America or Central America, not the Middle East, and some were apprehended at the Canadian border, CBS 8 reports. There are exceptions; such as an Afghan individual with ties to the Taliban recently apprehended trying to enter the U.S. Highest risk may be those who evade authorities Arguably, the system for vetting terror suspects crossing the border is working—for those who present themselves to officials to make asylum claims, or who are apprehended by Border Patrol agents. Perhaps the greater risk is not those intercepted at checkpoints or apprehended crossing illegally, who are vetted before being released to await asylum hearings, or deported. The greater potential threat may come from the ranks of the estimated 1 million people
SUPERVISORS JIM DESMOND & JOEL ANDERSON’S ‘GAS TAX SUSPENSION’ BOARD LETTER PASSES UNANIMOUSLY
East County News Service March 21, 2022 (San Diego) – On March 15, 2022, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve a Board Letter introduced by Supervisors Jim Desmond (District 5) and Joel Anderson (District 2). The purpose of this Board Letter was to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to urge the Governor and State Legislature to suspend the State gas tax for one year. The Board of Supervisors also agreed to support a proposed State-funded gas tax rebate and to support efforts to ensure that oil companies lower gas prices by the same amount as the gas tax reduction, so consumers receive the full benefits of these efforts. In Sacramento, both parties agree that consumers need relief from rising gas prices fueled largely by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but the parties have differed on how best to provide help to motorists. Republicans have advocated for a suspension of the state gas tax. But Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders are pushing for a direct rebate to consumers, limited to California vehicle owners. “I am thankful to my Board colleagues for supporting our proposal to advocate for a gas tax suspension,” shared Anderson. He added, “These outrageous gas prices are not fair for the thousands of residents in my district who have no other options but to use their vehicles daily.” “I’m thrilled that San Diego County has become the first County in the State of California to push for the suspension of the Gas Tax! Today’s unanimous vote sends a strong message to Governor Newsom and Sacramento politicians that San Diegans are tired of paying record gas prices,” said Supervisor Jim Desmond. “This money belongs to the taxpayers and we should be all we can to put it back in their pockets.” Currently, there is a $45 billion surplus in the State budget. According to the State’s Legislative Analyst Office, using 15% of this surplus (or roughly $6.8 billion) can lower gas prices across the State by 51 cents per gallon and still fund all the road infrastructure projects that money is slated for. The County will advocate for the State to use this budget surplus to fund a one-year suspension of the gas tax. This will lower fuel costs for consumers while ensuring that California’s roads and infrastructure are still maintained. While this is a temporary solution to a larger issue, Supervisors Anderson and Desmond believe it will make a big impact on quality of life for Californians everywhere. Printer-friendly version
BY 3-2 VOTE, SUPERVISORS APPROVE PLAN TO IDENTIFY INFILL AREAS IN UNINCORPRATED AREAS WHERE NEW HOMES WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM VEHICLE MILEAGE TAX
By Miriam Raftery February 17, 2022 (San Diego) – The state’s new Vehicle Miles Traveled Law seeks to reduce greenhouse gases by requiring fees of developers for projects that result in vehicles traveling farther than the regional average. Projects where drivers travel 15% fewer miles than the regional average, such as infill developments near roads, jobs, and transit, can be built without costly studies and mitigation required of other projects. So last week, San Diego Supervisors voted 3-2 to attempt to balance housing needs with the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in a two-phase approach. The first phase will be to firm up within six months the current definitions of “infill” areas in unincorporated communities where housing developments could be built without triggering Vehicle Miles Traveled study and mitigation. Phase two will be to begin longer-term work to explore “unlocking” vast portions of the unincorporated areas where development could by stymied by Vehicle Miles Traveled requirements. The Board members voted 3-2 to finish identifying infill areas in unincorporated communities that could potentially allow interested developers to build as many as 5,441 homes without Vehicle Miles Traveled study and mitigation. The Board also voted 3-2 to the longer-range phase, which would start with staff coming back to the Board in four months with a ”sustainable land use framework” that could ultimately lead to an update of the County general plan. The three Supervisors with substantial unincorporated areas in their districts following redistricting split their votes, with Chair Nathan Fletcher in favor, but Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond opposed. “Adopting a VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) policy is not an option,” Board Chair Nathan Fletcher said, “it is the requirement of state law. “The opportunity in front of us,” he continued, “is to accept that we have to tackle climate change and we have to build housing ― and look for the most legally viable way in which we can put the housing in the right places, meet our climate goals and build more housing than we have ever built before.” According to Fletcher: Greenlights and exempts more than 4,000 housing units from VMT costs, Allows any affordable housing to be built without VMT mitigation costs anywhere in the unincorporated areas, Drives unprecedented residential development in the areas best positioned for near-term growth, Aligns housing development plans with state and local air quality and emissions goals, Puts the county on a path to establish a long-term VMT mitigation strategy to ensure continued housing development in unincorporated areas, and None of the actions taken today impact housing or land use in any of the 18 incorporated cities in San Diego County. This action only applies to the unincorporated regions of San Diego County. While Anderson agreed with the goal of making it easier to build homes, he called the county’s estimates of homes the plan would allow “disingenuous.” He cited as an example two properties in Spring Valley—one a vacant lot, the other with a house on it, meaning the house would have to be destroyed to build up to 15 units, as the new pan would allow. He said there is “no incentive” for a property owner to do so. He suggested the state is effectively “shutting down” the county from homebuilding and suggested the board should “just be honest and tell people there’s no hope for you to have housing” in the region. Anderson asked for a breakdown of how many lots included in the proposal already had homes on them. “This isn’t real…There’s no incentive for this density,” he said, opining that “it was easier 60 years ago going to the moon” than building homes in San Diego today due to various restrictions and fears of litigation. Anderson said the situation, “sickens me,” noting that he ran on a platform of making it easier to build homes and prevent the next generation from having to move outside the region. “Everyone on this board wants a path forward so we can have generational wealth for minorities,” he said, but added that won’t happen by “talking and never building.” He urged the board revisit the situation in a year to see how many homes have actually been built, adding, “If we’re not building, then let’s change what we’re doing,” but no commitment to do so was made. After an alternate proposal by Anderson was rejected, he cast his vote on the original plan, stating, “Sadly, no.” Printer-friendly version
SUPERVISORS APPROVE ANDERSON’S AND DESMOND’S REQUEST TO ADDRESS SHORTAGE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Sheriff recruits, via San Diego Sheriff’s Department January 30, 2022 (San Diego) – San Diego County Supervisors on January 25 unanimously approved a request by East County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond to resolve an anticipated shortage of law enforcement officers as vaccine mandates, retirements, COVID-19, recruitment and retention issues impact staffing levels. The Board directed the Chief Administrative Officer to work with the Sheriff’s department and return to the board with updates and practical recommendations to address future public safety staffing shortages. A survey by the San Diego Police Officers Association in September found roughly 90% of SDPD officers said they oppose vaccine mandates and 45% would rather be fired than comply. It remains to be seen how many will actually choose to lose their jobs rather than get vaccinated, once the city of San Diego starts firing officers who refuse to comply with the new mandate. The Sheriff’s department does not have a vaccine mandate, but none-the-less applications dropped 25% over the past year and 36% from 2018 to 2021. As of December, only 43% of the county’s 2,400 Sheriff’s deputies had been vaccinated, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. It is unclear whether the drop in applications may be linked to fear of a possible future vaccine mandate, or fear of contracting COVID-19 on the job. COVID-19 has also taken a toll; COVID is now the top killer of law enforcement officers in California and the nation, as ECM recently reported. In 2020 and 2021, 476 officers lost their lives to COVID-19 – far higher than any other line-of-duty cause. As of October 2021, two Sheriff’s officers working in corrections had died of COVID, which can also increase sick leave and disability. While not having a vaccine mandate may boost retention, it can also potentially increase liability. Civil rights attorneys recently filed an injunction against the Sheriff seeking protection for clients in county jails, where COVID infections and deaths are rampant among inmates and staff. More than 2,500 people serving time in county jails have been infected with COVID-19 and several have died. Cal Matters reports that the Omicron surge has strained police agencies statewide, forcing some agencies to increase overtime, reduce services and reroute non-emergency calls to online portals, a CalMatters poll of over 30 agencies in California found. Yuba County, which has the state’s highest COVID hospitalization rate, had its sheriff call in reserve officers as the virus spread through its ranks, while Mount Shasta had half its police force out with COVID, forcing the Police Chief to pull duty shifts and dispatchers to work seven days in a row. Attrition in the ranks may also be related to new police oversight at state and local levels in the wake of recent racial justice protests. That oversight includes citizens’ oversight panels in several local jurisdictions, body-worn cameras, and new reporting requirements on serious use-of-force incidents. Staffing shortages come at a time when more prisoners are being released early to reduce crowding in jails and slow the spread of COVID. Statewide, some crimes such as smash-and-grab retail thefts are on the rise, though it is unclear whether short staffing of police was a factor in those crimes. But short staffing unquestionably increases response times and investigations of some crimes. Options to improve retention and recruitment could include educating officers on the risks of COVID-19 in their profession, easing mandates, bolstering recruitment efforts within the community and beyond county borders, increasing pay or benefits, and more. The Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement to nine incorporated cities (including Lemon Grove and Santee in East County) as well as the vast unincorporated areas that encompass rural, mountain and desert communities. The Sheriff’s Department also plays an important regional role serving as the Regional Mutual Aid Coordinator. Under this role, deputies respond to assist cities during times of need, and have done so in response to civil unrest and riots occurring in El Cajon and La Mesa. Deputies assist if called upon by other law enforcement agencies to help with emergency evacuations and the Sheriff’s Department supports both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County through regional services such as the crime lab, arial support to regional law enforcement agencies (ASTREA), special enforcement detail, bomb/arson, property and evidence, and search and rescue missions. “I am glad that our Board of Supervisors took action today to ensure that people living in the County feel safe and protected, especially City of San Diego residents who may be losing hundreds of SDPD officers this year,” shared Supervisor Anderson. He added, “I am thankful to my colleague, Supervisor Desmond, for partnering with me on this important and necessary step in keeping our communities safe.” “Public safety is the number one priority for government. Families and communities must feel safe. With violent crime rising, it is imperative that San Diego County have the necessary public safety officers,” said Supervisor Desmond. “These brave men and women have put themselves in harm’s way and now are looking at staffing shortages, which will lead to burnout. We must make sure they have all the tools to help them succeed.” Printer-friendly version
SUPERVISORS TAKE STAND AGAINST SEXUAL PREDATOR PLACEMENTS IN COUNTY
By Miriam Raftery October 8, 2021 (San Diego) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego County Supervisors adopted a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to oppose all future placements of sexually violent predators in the county until state law is changed to allow participation by local governments – including veto power. “For too long, San Diego County communities have been living in fear knowing a sexually violent predator could be placed in their neighborhood,” Desmond said in a statement, calling policies “flawed.” He added, “I would not vote to put a sexually violent predator next door to my family and I will not vote to put a sexually violent predator next door to your family.” Desmond’s district includes Borrego Springs, where a hearing on proposed release of sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield has been postponed until February 2022. It is unclear, however, whether the state will honor the Supervisor’s action, since placement power ultimately rests with the Department of State Hospitals. “What people don’t understand is we have no legal power,” Supervisor Joel Anderson stated during the hearing Tuesday, where 22 people spoke in favor of the proposal. San Diego currently has five sexually violent predators placed in local communities – including some in Anderson’s East County district. Anderson observes that the state often places predators “in poor, low-income neighborhoods where people have the least ability to fight and push back.” Recent placements have included low-income communities such as Campo and Jacumba. But recently, neighborhoods have mobilized to block placement of sexually violent predators in communities with children and others at risk. Kathleen Hedberg, former president of Grossmont Mount Helix Improvement Association, helped lead successful efforts that resulted in a judge withdrawing a home near Mount Helix proposed for placement of two sexual predators, Merle Wakefield and Douglas Badger. Badger’s five convictions included kidnapping, violent sexual assaults and molestation of children; he had been diagnosed as a sexual sadist who enjoyed hurting others. Badger was later proposed for placement in Rancho Bernardo, where an outcry from residents led the property owner to withdraw his property from consideration, an action approved by a judge. The homeowner is also seeking to break his agreement with Liberty Healthcare, the company the state contracts with to place sexual predators, for any future proposed releases. “Thank you to all who stood up and spoke for change,” Hedberg posted on Facebook after Supervisors voted to oppose future placements until changes are made. Among the most compelling testimony was that of Mary Taylor, who spoke of being sexually assaulted more than 30 years ago by Alvin Quarles. Dubbed the “Bolder than Most Rapist” by authorities, Quarles was proposed for release locally but his conditional release from a state hospital approved by a court was later overturned by an appellate judge. “There is no excuse for letting a known sexually violent predator rejoin a family community,” said Taylor, who indicated she is still “haunted” by the assault decades later. She concludes, “Surely the rights of the innocent must supersede the rights of sexually violent predators.” Printer-friendly version