East County in focus for San Diego County Board of Supervisors 42
Total Views: 347 East County News Service May 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — In a show of bipartisan collaboration aimed at addressing the needs of one of San Diego County’s most underserved regions, District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson hosted Board Chair Pro Tem Paloma Aguirre from District 1 (South County) this past week for an extensive tour of East County, including the backcountry. The day-long journey provided both supervisors a firsthand look at the diverse landscape of East County’s sprawling District 2, ranging from the urban corridors of El Cajon to the rugged Mountain Empire. Printer-friendly version
42 viewsBoard of Supervisors to discuss land use on Nov. 19 15
Total Views: 56 East County News Service Nov. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is continuing a critical conversation about the future of housing and development in the unincorporated areas of the county, including Spring Valley, Lakeside and Casa de Oro. The Board of Supervisors will discuss land use legislations at its meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. The meeting is in person at the County Administration Center and can be accessed as well online. County staff will be presenting information to set the stage for major decisions coming in the 2026-27 fiscal year that will affect where and how new homes and buildings are built. Housing affordability and availability remain a major crisis across the San Diego region. While the state of housing availability in San Diego County is reportedly tight but easing, the average cost for a home in San Diego County is approximately $889,000 to $920,000. The Zillow Home Value Index is around $919,000. At the same time, new state laws are pushing the county and cities in the region to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which influences where development should happen. The county needs to figure out how to balance these state requirements with the unique needs and local policies of communities. Several factors are making large housing projects in the unincorporated areas more difficult, including SB 743, which changed how transportation impacts are measured and has created uncertainty for developers; rising interest rates and supply chain challenges; and county regulations and litigation risks slowing down large, complex projects. The board is expected to discuss the San Diego County Development Feasibility Analysis as well. The DFA focused its study on four key unincorporated communities to understand specific local challenges and opportunities for housing growth, with three of them in East County: Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro, positioned to attract funding due to its Specific Plan; Lakeside, where aging/insufficient infrastrucrure may be a barrier to development; and Spring Valley, an “Environmental Justice community” that represents the county’s commitment to prioritizing areas disproportionately affected by environmental and socio-economic challenges. Printer-friendly version
15 viewsNovember CalFresh/SNAP benefits being delivered to local beneficiaries 1.7K
Total Views: 133 Thanks to San Diego County and State actions East County News Service Nov. 7, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries are starting to see their full November benefits loaded on to their EBT cards. CalFresh is the federal food assistance program also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also commonly referred to as Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or Food Stamps. The process began late Thursday after a federal court ruled in favor of restoring full benefits during the government shutdown, according to the State. The United States Department of Agriculture has announced that it will comply with the court order to fully fund SNAP benefits for November, and the state is stepping up to assure no gaps in coverage for Californians. California has begun issuing full November benefits for CalFresh/SNAP Benefits normally issued from the first to seventh of the month have now been loaded on to EBT cards. Remaining benefits will be issued as regularly scheduled through Nov. 10. Legal cases remain ongoing, and county officials will provide more information as it becomes available. “Thanks to increased pressure by the County of San Diego and decisive action by Gov. Gavin Newsom, our residents are finally beginning to see their full SNAP benefits restored on their EBT cards for November,” said San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer. CalFresh benefits are 100 percent federally funded. CalFresh beneficiaries who have a balance on their EBT card from prior months have been able to use their benefits. People can check their balance by calling the number on the back of the card. The federal government shut down began Oct. 1, because Congress has not passed a new funding bill. More on CalFresh and local assistance CalFresh is a federal program, managed by the State and administered by counties. Benefits are fully funded through the federal government. Information on food resources is available through the 211 San Diego webpage or by calling 211 San Diego. Additional resources including, food banks and pantries located throughout the region can be accessed using the Feeding San Diego interactive map or San Diego Food Bank interactive map. In San Diego County, about 400,000 individuals receive CalFresh benefits, based on their income. For example, a family of four must make less than $5,360 a month to qualify. Printer-friendly version
1.7K viewsLarry Cohen named new County Treasurer-Tax Collector 22
Total Views: 233 East County News Service Nov. 5, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego County has a new Treasurer-Tax Collector to fill the void of Dan McAllister, who retired earlier this year. The County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Larry Cohen to fill the position of Treasurer-Tax Collector for McAllister who retired Aug. 2. Cohen will serve until the current San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector term ends Jan. 4, 2027. An election will determine a successor for the following four-year term. Cohen currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Congressman Juan Vargas (D-San Diego), who sits on the House Financial Services Committee. For more than five years, Cohen has acted as chief advisor in supporting Vargas’ work on the committee that oversees banks, pensions and federal securities legislation. Cohen in the private sector worked for MilliporeSigma, a global biotech company with a campus in Carlsbad. Cohen managed a $30 million business line for MilliporeSigma, and was responsible for profit and loss performance, investment strategies and contract negotiations. Cohen has an MBA from Strayer University in Washington, D.C. where he received training in finance and management skills. He holds a B.A. in political science from UC San Diego. The selection process began during a public hearing on Sept. 30, when applicants spoke before the Board of Supervisors and answered questions. From a pool of 11 candidates, the Board selected four finalists, including Cohen. The Board held an informal meet-and-greet Oct. 30 to give the public a chance to meet the candidates in person and Tuesday’s hearing gave the four finalists another chance to address the Board before they voted. The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office collects more than $9.1 billion in property taxes every year. The office also collects the transient occupancy tax and the cannabis business tax from businesses in the County’s unincorporated areas. The office also manages the County investment pool, which annually ranges in size from $10.2 billion to $18.8 billion in assets. The Treasury is also the paying agent for all 42 public school districts in the region. Additionally, the office handles the Deferred Compensation Program for County employees and has oversight of the County’s $2.7 billion Deferred Compensation Program. It also reconciles internal payroll reports, approves wires, oversees program activities and education, and works closely with payroll and Human Resources. Cohen is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in at the Nov. 18 Board of Supervisors meeting. Printer-friendly version
22 viewsCounty rejects supporting statewide ban on foreign investment in homes 16
Total Views: 166 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
16 viewsHarmony Grove Village South development approved by Board of Supervisors despite controversy 2.2K
Total Views: 173 By Paul Levikow Photo, left: Brenda Wright October 2, 2025 (San Diego) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Wednesday unanimously approved a housing development in the North County community of Harmony Grove, despite objections by several residents who expressed concerns about the lack of a second evacuation route during wildfires. The Harmony Grove Village South development will be located west of Interstate 15, south of State Route 78, and south of the Harmony Grove Village community. The site is about one-third of a mile west of Escondido, just south and east of San Marcos, and north of the Del Dios Highlands Preserve. The new community will encompass 111 acres in the Harmony Grove-Elfin Forest Subarea of the San Dieguito Community Plan Area and include 453 single family and multi-family units, 5,000 square feet of commercial and civic uses, four acres of private and public parks, approximately two miles of public multi-use trails and pathways, and about 35 acres of biological open space. The project will also have an affordable housing component that will include 10% of the homes as affordable housing, consisting of 5% reserved as affordable for low-income households and 5% reserved as affordable for moderate income households Photo, right: Rick Bannister The vote came after more than three-and-a-half hours of public comment were made in person and on the phone by more than 100 speakers, mostly in opposition of the development. Many of the speakers were bused in from North County wearing red T-shirts that said “Don’t Burn US” across the front. More than 180 written comments were submitted by residents in opposition. The 5-0 vote followed the county Planning Commission’s unanimous approval in August and recommendation by the county’s Land Use and Development. Rick Bannister is on the board of the Harmony Grove Village Homeowners Association. “The problem is, this subdivision is the worst possible place in San Diego County that you could put it,” Bannister said. “We have a fire trap there.” David Kovach, managing partner of Harmony Grove Village South, was part of a presentation to the Board of Supervisors. “The opinion of a handful of private individuals who’ve opposed this project from the beginning, is not remotely equivalent to the 11 government reviews that have occurred from 2018 to today.” Photo, left: David Kovach Ruben Grijalva is a former Director of the California Department of Forestry and fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and California State Fire Marshal. He said more than 50 years working in public safety gives him a unique perspective. “Wildfires in California are inevitable. With the right planning, construction and community design, we can safely live in fire-prone areas. We aren’t saying don’t build. We’re saying build smarter,” Grijalva said. “The HGVS project not only meets code, it exceeds requirements in several key areas. This is a community that is better, safer and more resilient because of its design. The path forward is not to stop building in wildfire-prone areas, it is to continue building smarter, stronger and safer.” The HGVS project was originally approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2018. After challenges based on environmental concerns, other legal actions, and revisions to the project plans, it finally made it back before the Board Wednesday. “This project doesn’t reflect the reality that we live in today, it’s based on outdated assumptions and ignores the hard truth,” Brenda Wright, of Eden Valley, said. “When the next wildfire hits us, and it will, we will likely have to shelter in place when the extra thousand-plus cars are trying to evacuate. That’s not safety. That’s surrender.” For the most part, opponents based their objections on fire safety and environmental concerns, while proponents touted the affordable housing, the county’s housing shortage and the jobs the project will produce. Photo, right: Chief Dave McQuead Board Chairwoman Tara Lawson-Remer, who represents the district where the community will be built, said she has received thousands and thousands of comments over the past year or more, hundreds of letters and a petition with 1,300 signatures against the project. “It is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful parts of San Diego County,” she said. “It is gorgeous, it is special.” Much of the discussion centered around having a second evacuation route. Photo, left: Tara Lawson-Remer “Based on the current and expected fire behavior, if we were to have an incident in the location and what those impacts are going to be, we would utilize what we call Genasys evac, which is our new system that allows us to systematically evacuate residents from any area that this fire would be impacting,” Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District Chief Dave McQuead said. “Eight individual options that could have been used for secondary egress were infeasible.” Photo, right: Ruben Grijalva Printer-friendly version
2.2K viewsProtecting Our Mental Health: September is Suicide Prevention Month 1.5K
Total Views: 59 East County News Service Sept. 15, 2025 (San Diego County) — September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. While mental health is a year-round concern and there are specific mental health awareness events that happen in other months (such as May being Mental Health Awareness Month), September is specifically dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention. During this month, various organizations and individuals work to: Promote awareness of suicide as a public health issue; Share resources and information to help people who may be struggling; Encourage open conversations about suicide and mental health; Remember those who have been lost to suicide; And highlight the importance of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Additionally, World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on Sept. 10. San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe shared with her constituents several suicide prevention resources, including texting “988” for 24-hour, 7-days-a-week support in more than 200 languages. Montgomery Steppe also noted that the San Diego County Access & Crisis Line is available at (888) 724-7240 for mental health treatment referrals, suicide prevention help, substance use support and community resources. Montgomery Steppe also suggested visiting “It’s Up To Us” at up2sd.org for mental health needs, suicide prevention, alcohol and substance use treatment. She also noted the Suicide Prevention Council at sdchip.org/initiatives/suicide-prevention-council for action plans, reports and educational resources. A note from the supervisor’s staff said, “Monica has always been a staunch advocate for increased mental health care. It’s why she’s fought tooth and nail to protect and expand funding for inpatient care and emergency resources, outpatient counseling and long term care and housing. “We’re proud of the work she’s done on the Board to bring more mental health care into the community, and show up for those in need wherever she can. Government is only one part of the solution — that’s why we’re reaching out to connect people with community based organizations.” A Closer Look Suicide is a major public health issue. In 2023, it was the 11th leading cause of death overall in the United States. More than 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023 — close to one death every 11 minutes. For every death by suicide, there are many more people who make an attempt. In 2023, there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts in the U.S. The reported number of people who seriously thought about suicide in 2022 was an estimated 12.8 million. Suicide affects all populations, but some groups are disproportionately impacted. The suicide rate for males is significantly higher than for females. In 2023, the age-adjusted suicide rate for males was nearly four times higher than the rate for females.Males account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths, even though they make up about 50% of the population. But while males die by suicide more often, females are more likely to attempt suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34 and the fourth leading cause of death for individuals between age 35 and 44. But despite being a leading cause for younger demographics, the highest suicide rates in 2023 were among adults aged 85 and older. Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people and non-Hispanic White people had the highest suicide rates in 2023. Suicide rates among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people were over double the national average. In 2023, firearms were the most common method of death by suicide, accounting for more than 55 percent of all suicide deaths. Suffocation (including hanging) and poisoning were the next most common methods. Suicide is a global issue. In 2021, more than 720,000 people died by suicide worldwide. About 73 percent of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021. Printer-friendly version
1.5K viewsCottonwood sand mine in Rancho San Diego rejected by Board of Supervisors 3.2K
Total Views: 150 By Paul Levikow Karen Pearlman contributed to this report Sept. 10, 2025 (San Diego County) – The Cottonwood Sand Mine project in Rancho San Diego was rejected unanimously Wednesday by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. In a packed board room, the supervisors heard from more than 100 speakers in a span of over two hours, including more than a dozen by phone. The vote apparently means the end of a years-running saga for East County residents since sand mining along the Sweetwater River was first proposed seven years ago. In July, the San Diego County Planning Commission voted to deny a Major Use Permit and Reclamation Plan for the project. That led the project applicant, Cottonwood Cajon ES, LLC, to appeal the decision to the Board of Supervisors. The project proposed converting part of the Cottonwood Golf Club on Willow Glen Drive in unincorporated El Cajon into a 10-year sand mining operation, with an additional two-year reclamation period. Once word got out that the plan would involve sand excavation and processing on 214 acres of a 280-acre site, and that the operation would run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday for 10 years, opposition proved fast, furious and focused. The golf course is located in the Valle De Oro community planning district — the area closest to the proposed mine — but residents from Spring Valley, Jamul, Rancho San Diego, Dulzura, Casa de Oro, Mt. Helix, Dehesa and surrounding areas organized behind the newly formed group Stop Cottonwood Sand Mine. Soon, East County Tribal nations, environmental groups, the San Miguel Fire District and other organizations joined the effort. Thousands signed petitions opposing the open mine, citing fire safety and evacuations, health concerns, traffic impact, noise, air quality, biological resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and tribal cultural resources. Supervisors take a stand District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe (photo screenshot, below right), who represents neighborhoods in the area along with District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, who also speaks for East County residents, expressed concern over the intensity of activity at the site. “We always have to weigh the benefits of a project and put that up against the harm that a project could do,” Montgomery-Steppe said. When one speaker mentioned that he appreciated Anderson’s support, Anderson made it clear to his fellow supervisors that he had not formed any opinion on the project, only that he had listened to all perspectives on it. North County-area Supervisor Jim Desmond of District 5 has been a vocal proponent of myriad developments through the years. He started his comments by sharing that he “struggled with this one,” but finished his thoughts by saying, “it’s just not a good fit.” “I did weigh the pros and cons back and forth,”Desmond said. “There’s no doubt that we need this resource, we need more housing… I’m in favor of of reducing though our reliance on imported aggregate in lowering construction costs. I mean everything we do seems to add more and more and more costs to a house, but even if we approve the project… there’s no guarantee or condition that the sand is going to stay here, and I’m sure the owner operator will want to get as much as possible for it. He’s a business person and they’ll get as much as they can on the open market, wherever that is.” Although Desmond (photo screenshot, below left) represents North County residents and businesses, he said he made a special trip to the golf course to see things for himself. “I’m concerned the project doesn’t fit well there with the community character, the noise for the sand extraction, the processing, the heavy truck traffic, and it’s going to be a dramatic change from a golf course,” he said. “I’m sensitive to the issues raised by Sycuan. We want to work well with out Tribal nations within the region.” Tribal Elder and Sycuan Councilman Jamie LaBrake told supervisors that Wednesday’s hearing was a critical moment, not just for Sycuan, but for all of his fellow Kumeyaay tribes and tribal members. “The proposal…would be devastating to the Kumeyaay people, our culture, heritage, archeology, and our ancestral human remains,” said LaBrake, also the former Director of the Sycuan Cultural Department. “Records will indicate my people have existed here for tens and tens of thousands of years. We are significant. We are still here and those resources are dear to my people. We are adamantly opposed to this project.” The other side of the matter Public comment on the agenda item began with a presentation by the project applicant urging the Board to grant the appeal and approve the sand mine. “In 10 years, there can be no doubt that this site and the region will be better off,” project attorney Jennifer Lynch said. “At project completion, the County gains 148 acres of protected, pristine open space. There will be no air quality, dust, noise, water quality or traffic impact.” Some in the audience vocally disagreed with Lynch through booing, grumbling and jeers, prompting Board Chairwoman Terra Lawson-Remer to warn the crowd against outbursts and to maintain decorum or face removal from the chambers. Local Carpenters Union representatives and other members of the building industry spoke in favor of the project and were met with similar opposition. “We must choose growth progress and the opportunity for everyone, everyone, not just a few people, and respectfully, living on a couple streets nearby,” said Jesse Garcia of the Western States Carpenters Union Local 619 in San Diego. Dr. Mark Laska (photo screenshot, below, right), founder and president of Great Ecology, a locally based ecological consulting group, said the reclamation efforts planned for the location, were going to be “phenomenal.” “We’ve done a highly detailed, scientific evaluation on the site.” Laska said. “We’ve worked on half a million acres in over 25 years in business. This is
3.2K viewsSupervisors to weigh in on Cottonwood sand mine in September 1K
Total Views: 75 By Karen Pearlman July 23, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The final public hearing on the fate of the Cottonwood Golf Course and whether it will be turned into a sand mine is going to be held later this summer. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors will hear from residents as well as the developers about the proposal to grant the Cottonwood Golf Club a major use permit to operate an industrial open-pit sand mine for a minimum of 10 years. The county’s planning commission earlier this month denied the MUP, but the supervisors will be listening to testimony about it in September. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego. The Stop Cottonwood Sand Mine organization has sent out an email asking residents and others concerned about the MUP to show up in person or call in to speak. The group also recommends logging a public comment once the formal agenda for the Sept. 10 Board of Supervisors meeting is published — typically about a week ahead of time. The group also asked those interested in the sharing their thoughts to reach out to all five County Supervisors as well as the supervisors’ chiefs of staff. Contact information is as follows: Supervisor Paloma Aguirre (District 1) Email: Paloma.Aguirre@sdcounty.ca.gov Chief of Staff: Paul Worlie cc: Paul.Worlie@sdcounty.ca.gov Supervisor Joel Anderson (District 2) Email: Joel.Anderson@sdcounty.ca.gov Chief of Staff: Roarke Shanley cc: Roarke.Shanley@sdcounty.ca.gov Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer (District 3) Email: Terra.Lawson-Remer@sdcounty.ca.gov Chief of Staff: Meghan Elledge Le-Vota cc: Meghan.Elledge@sdcounty.ca.gov Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe (District 4) Email: Monica.MontgomerySteppe@sdcounty.ca.gov Chief of Staff: Donte Wyatt cc: DonteT.Wyatt@sdcounty.ca.gov Supervisor Jim Desmond (District 5) Email: Jim.Desmond@sdcounty.ca.gov Chief of Staff: Darren Gretler cc: Darren.Gretler@sdcounty.ca.gov For more information on the Cottonwood Sand Mine Project, visit the county website. Printer-friendly version
1K viewsSUPERVISOR CANDIDATES URGE DELAYED COUNTY BUDGET VOTE 1.8K
Total Views: 55 Two Democratic candidates vying for the District 1 seat want the county to delay its budget approval until after the seat is filled. By Lisa Halverstadt and Jim Hinch, Voice of San Diego April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – Two Democratic candidates for supervisor are urging the county to delay its annual budget vote until after a now-vacant District 1 seat is filled. That push appears unlikely to garner needed support from a sitting board majority but a 2-2 political split on the county board may mean the candidates get their wish by default. Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre and Chula Vista Deputy Mayor Carolina Chavez argued Wednesday that residents of the South Bay district deserve a voice during the county’s upcoming budget process. “Passing a county budget without South County at the table isn’t just wrong — it’s a recipe for disastrous shortchanging of our communities,” Aguirre wrote in a statement. “Instead of rushing through the entire $8.5 billion budget without South County’s voice, the county should adopt an interim budget now with the full-year budget voted on by supervisors who represent all of San Diego County, including District 1.” Chavez struck a similar tone. “I definitely think we should hold back from making any decisions that would impact District 1,” Chavez said. “District 1 is severely historically underserved, and I think voting without a supervisor there that represents this unique district that will be heavily impacted by any decision taken, I think we should wait until after the election for any decision there.” At least two sitting county supervisors on opposite sides of the political aisle aren’t on board with postponing the county process that is for now scheduled to end with a June 24 budget vote. Meanwhile, the District 1 election is April 8 and if no candidate wins more than 50 percent of votes, the top two finishers will compete in a July 1 runoff. County code calls for the Board of Supervisors to approve the budget for the fiscal year that begins in July by the fourth week of June “unless the Board finds it impractical to do so.” That means a majority vote by the Board of Supervisors is likely needed to formally change that schedule. Supervisors Joel Anderson and Terra Lawson-Remer said Wednesday they don’t want to do that, meaning that’s highly unlikely to happen – at least formally. County spokesperson Tammy Glenn wrote in a Wednesday email that there has been “no action” by current supervisors to adjust this process and that Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton is preparing to release her recommended budget on May 1. Glenn also noted that the District 1 administrative staffers are continuing to support their constituents and that all board offices are sharing details about how to participate in the budget process. “The county is committed to proposing a balanced recommended budget that responds to the region’s needs while prioritizing mandated services and identifying ways to reduce costs given current financial challenges,” Glenn wrote, hinting at a projected $138.5 million budget deficit. Lawson-Remer says she’s not inclined to postpone the budget process including public budget hearings as the county faces federal cuts. Yet she expects current divisions between Republicans and Democrats on the board to translate into the delayed approval of the county budget – even with a scheduled June vote. She doesn’t expect a budget to be approved until a new District 1 supervisor is sworn in and believes that supervisor will be the deciding vote on the county’s budget. “Delaying an initial vote would only delay the public budget hearings, but given political realities would have no actual impact on when the budget is adopted,” Lawson-Remer wrote in a statement. “In short, this debate is a bit of a red herring because our Board is at an impasse split 2-2, so the reality is that no budget will be adopted until a fifth supervisor is sworn in.” Republican Supervisor Joel Anderson also doesn’t want to postpone the process and notes that the county approved a budget following former supervisor Nathan Fletcher’s resignation from the District 4 seat in 2023. Anderson also flagged his concerns about what he deemed a quiet campaign to postpone the county budget vote in a Times of San Diego op-ed last week. His position on delaying the vote hasn’t changed. “A delay in the passage of the county’s budget punishes over 600,000 constituents who live in the unincorporated communities,” Anderson wrote in a statement this week. “The county is 100% responsible for these communities, which I don’t expect those who live in the cities to understand.” He also added that the county can adjust its budget with four votes after June approval to incorporate potential changes. District candidate John McCann, a fellow Republican who is now Chula Vista mayor, also doesn’t seem interested in a delay. “The true debate is not about delaying the budget vote, but what the new District 1 supervisor would do to fix County’s $140 million plus structural deficit,” McCann wrote in an email. Democratic candidate Vivian Moreno, a San Diego councilmember who is also seeking the District 1 seat, didn’t respond to a request from Voice of San Diego on Wednesday. Spokespeople for fellow Republican Supervisor Jim Desmond and Democratic Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who won Fletcher’s former board seat in 2023, also didn’t return messages. Lisa is a senior investigative reporter who digs into some of San Diego’s biggest challenges including homelessness, city real estate debacles, the region’s behavioral health crisis and more. She welcomes story tips and questions. Contact her directly at lisa@vosd.org or (619) 325-0528. Follow her on Twitter @LisaHalverstadt. Jim Hinch is Voice of San Diego’s South county reporter. He can be reached by email at Jim.Hinch@voiceofsandiego.org and followed on Twitter @JimKHinch. Subscribe to his newsletter South County Report. This story was first
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