Roundtable: 2020 Strategy For Local Parties

Friday, August 23, 2019

Credit: Campaign photos

Above: San Diego mayoral candidates Todd Gloria, Tasha Williamson and Barbara Bry are pictured in this undated side-by-side photo.

A big endorsement in the race for San Diego mayor, the local Republican Party launches its own news platform, the United Nations studies homelessness in San Diego, and schools work to update policies on teacher-student interaction.

Aired: August 23, 2019 | Transcript

Roundtable Guests:

Andrew Bowen, reporter, KPBS News

Morgan Cook, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Kayla Jimenez, reporter, Voice of San Diego

Michael Smolens, columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune

Local parties strategize ahead of 2020

The 2020 primary election is still more than six months away, but already the two local parties are making moves. The Republican Party of San Diego County recently launched its own news website to highlight stories of interest for local conservative audiences. Meanwhile, the San Diego County Democratic Party made an endorsement this week for next year's mayoral race, which is dominated by Democratic candidates.

Ending homelessness in San Diego

This month, a United Nations observer visited San Diego to get a detailed look at the city's homeless situation. In an interview with KPBS Midday Edition, Leilani Farha said laws in San Diego and elsewhere that criminalize elements of homelessness are contrary to human rights. Around the world, nations such as Finland have made strides in providing shelter, but doing so requires a massive public investment.

Modernizing teacher-student conduct rules

As students begin heading back to school, local school districts are trying to define clear standards and rules for student-teacher communication, particularly when it comes to online and mobile technology. Local districts have struggled with cases of inappropriate communications, which can be a precursor to abuse. In order to limit liabilities and have a clear course of action for teacher discipline, districts are under pressure to establish sweeping guidelines.