Public Safety

Rosa Diaz, the founder the Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center, sits for a portrait at the center in El Centro, California on February 7, 2025. Diaz and other leaders recently rebranded the organization as the Donnelly Community Services Center, a decision that other LGBTQ+ advocates criticized as a move to distance the center from the cause of transgender rights.

Donal Donnelly, a retired superior court judge and longtime financial supporter of the Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center, sits for a portrait at the center in El Centro, California on February 7, 2025. The center was recently renamed the Donnelly Community Services Center after Donnelly, a decision that other LGBTQ+ advocates criticized as a move to distance the center from the cause of transgender rights.

Kori Suzuki for KPBS / California Local

Imperial County’s oldest LGBTQ+ center in turmoil after board members accuse CEO of seizing funds

Kori Suzuki

Earlier this month, three members of the Donnelly Community Services Center’s nonprofit board voted to fire founder and chief executive, Rosa Diaz. Diaz denied wrongdoing and said the board’s action amounted to a “hostile takeover.”

Public Safety

A crisis team responding to a suicide attempt asked for help, El Cajon Police refused
Public Safety

Fearing lawsuits, El Cajon Police stopped responding to some mental health calls
Public Safety

EPA head and Mexican government sign agreement to end Tijuana sewage flows

MORE STORIES

Politics

San Diego City Council Commits To Ongoing Policing Reforms

Cristina Kim

The San Diego City Council is calling for data-driven policy changes and more community conversations in response to the latest report detailing racial disparities in San Diego policing.
Environment

As Wildfires Rage, Biden Is Raising Federal Firefighter Pay

The Associated Press

The Biden administration said Wednesday it is hiring more federal firefighters — and immediately raising their pay — as officials ramp up response efforts in the face of a severe drought that is setting the stage for another destructive summer of intense wildfires across the West.
KPBS Evening Edition

Assemblymember Weber Requests Audit Of San Diego County Jail Deaths

Alexandra Rangel

Weber will be requesting a full audit of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to the state’s legislative audit committee, Wednesday.
Public Safety

California Moves To Phase Out Its State-Run Youth Prisons

Don Thompson / Associated Press

California is phasing out its state-run youth prisons and shifting the burden to counties. Advocates say the move reflects their belief that children who commit crimes can be reformed and are better served closer to home.
Public Safety

Health Officials Looking For Anyone Who Touched Rabid Bat At Safari Park

City News Service

County health officials were looking Sunday for anyone who may have come in contact with a bat who tested positive for rabies and was found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Friday.
Environment

Drought Woes In Dry US West Raise July 4 Fireworks Fears

Lindsay Whitehurst / Associated Press

Many Americans aching for normalcy as pandemic restrictions end are looking forward to traditional Fourth of July fireworks. But with a historic drought in the U.S. West and fears of another devastating wildfire season, officials are canceling displays, passing bans or begging for caution.
Public Safety

15,000 Plants Seized In Raid On Illegal San Diego County Pot Farm

The Associated Press

A raid on an illegal marijuana growing operation in northern San Diego County has ended with authorities seizing 15,000 plants and detaining seven people.
Politics

Roundtable: Coronado Coach Fired Following Racist Postgame Incident

Bennett Lacy

Racist taunting by fans at a high school basketball game leads to one of the coaches losing his job, Vice-President Kamala Harris visits the border region in Texas, and the latest rise in downtown San Diego's homeless population.
KPBS Midday Edition

Committee Agrees To Re-Do Police Oversight Ordinance After Community Backlash

Maureen Cavanaugh

Following strong outcry over a number of loopholes and potential red flags, the San Diego City Council’s Public Safety & Land Use Committee has agreed to send its new ordinance on police practices back to the drawing board.
Public Safety

San Diego Residents Demand Major Changes To Police Commission Ordinance Draft

City News Service

Dozens of city residents chimed in Thursday to oppose a draft ordinance proposed by the city attorney's office to fulfill the desire expressed by 75% of voters in November for a Commission on Police Practices in San Diego.