Local leaders gather to highlight bill that addresses housing affordability
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Good Morning, I’m Lawrence K. Jackson, it’s FRIDAY, JULY TENTH>>>> [ LOCAL LEADERS GATHERED DOWNTOWN TO HIGHLIGHT A BILL THAT TAKES ON HOUSING AFFORDABILITY ]More on that next. But first... let’s do the headlines….########
AFTER FOUR-YEARS OF STUDYING OUR COASTS, SCIENTISTS AT UC SAN DIEGO FEEL THAT THEY CAN NOW BETTER PREDICT A CLIFF COLLAPSE OR LANDSLIDE
THE SCIENTISTS AT THE SCRIPPS INSTITUTION OF OCEANOGRAPHY SAY THEY WERE ABLE TO PREDICT FIVE LANDSLIDES HOURS AND DAYS BEFORE THEY OCCURRED
THE UNION-TRIBUNE SAYS THEIR EARLIEST FORECAST CAME TWO DAYS BEFORE A LANDSLIDE ON THE DEL MAR BLUFFS BACK IN 20-24
SCIENTISTS NOW WANT TO DEVELOP AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM BASED ON THE SUCCESS OF THEIR FINDINGS
RESEARCHER ADAM YOUNG SAYS THE RESULTS LOOKS PROMISING
CLIFFWARN 2A (:13)
“We were expecting to see some sort of signals prior to collapse, but it was surprising I think at how good the data turned out to be and how consistent it was for these types of landslides we were monitoring.”
THEY SAY THE WARNING SYSTEM COULD BECOME A PART OF ALERT-CALIFORNIA -- THE PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECT USED STATEWIDE TO ALERT THE PUBLIC OF FIRES AND EVACUATIONS
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WOULD RAISING THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA'S HOTEL TAX BY FOUR PERCENT CREATE ENOUGH FUNDS FOR A NEW CITY TOURISM BUREAU?
VOICE OF SAN DIEGO SAYS THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA IS CONSIDERING IT AND EVEN HIRED A POLLING FIRM TO LOOK INTO WHAT KIND OF BACKING THE MEASURE MIGHT HAVE
THE CURRENT BASE HOTEL TAX IS TEN PERCENT FOR GUEST STAYS THAT ARE 30-DAYS OR LESS
THE CITY COUNCILMEMBER LEADING THE MEASURE SAYS IT COULD GENERATE JUST SHY OF THREE MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY
OTHER USES FOR POTENTIAL REVENUE COMING FROM THE HOTEL TAX WOULD:
- HIRE MORE POLICE OFFICERS
- IMPROVE 9-1-1 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
- MAINTAIN CITY PARKS
- AND CREATE MORE JOBS
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CONGRATS LITTLE ITALY ON THE RETURN OF YOUR FOOD HALL!
THE UNION-TRIBUNE SAYS THE RE-OPENING COST MORE THAN 3 MILLION DOLLARS AND CONSTRUCTION TOOK SIX MONTHS LONGER THAN INITIALLY EXPECTED
LITTLE ITALY'S 5 THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT GLOBAL FORK FOOD HALL FEATURES A DIVERSE SELECTION OF FOOD INCLUDING LOBSTER, PIZZA, A BURGER JOINT, THAI FOOD AND ICE CREAM
THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR HOSPITALITY SAYS THE FOOD HALL ALSO OFFERS LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS
From KPBS, you’re listening to San Diego News Now.Stay with me for more of the local news you need.
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CONGRESS PASSED A MAJOR BIPARTISAN BILL LAST MONTH THAT ADDRESSES HOUSING AFFORDABILITY.
PUBLIC MATTERS REPORTER JAKE GOTTA WAS DOWNTOWN ON THURSDAY WHERE LOCAL LEADERS HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LEGISLATION.
HOMEBILL 1 (jg/qo/tt).wav [TRT 1:20] SOQ
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the 21st century road to housing act is a sweeping package that tries to address a range of housing issues
in san diego, it could mean an increase in the number of homes built.
“the most effective way to lower housing costs is to increase housing supply.
that was congressman scott peters from san diego.
“the 21st century road to housing act is landmark federal legislation to increase housing supply and make housing more affordable for everyone.”
he helped draft a provision in the federal bill to make manufactured and modular homes easier to build.
he was joined by carlynne yu, the head of the regional task force on homelessness. she says efforts to boost production are imperative.
“the reality is simple homelessness cannot be solved without housing… one of our greatest challenges isn’t a lack of collaboration. it's the shortage of housing people can actually afford. the road to housing act helps address that challenge in meaningful ways.”
and stephen russel, who heads up the san diego housing federation agreed.
“it also streamlines federal environmental review for infill housing projects, which has added months and sometimes years to affordable housing development timelines. even when california's own environmental law has was satisfied that delay costs money, and money decides whether projects get built and whether struggling families get a home.”
because the bill has bipartisan support its set to become law even without president trump’s signature.
jake gotta, kpbs news
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THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES IS OFFERING LITTLE EXPLANATION FOR WHY THOUSANDS OF DRIVERS ACROSS THE STATE… ARE BEING REQUIRED TO RETAKE THEIR WRITTEN TESTS.
K-Q-E-D’S KATIE DEBENEDETTI [DE-BENE-DETTY] REPORTS:
DMV 1 (TCR) (0:31) "...to keep driving."
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About 11-thousand Californians have been told that they need to REDO their written driving exam… or have their licenses cancelled.
The DMV says it identified "anomalies" in some knowledge test results…taken between last July and this April
But the department hasn't responded to questions about whether individuals were suspected of cheating… or if there were issues with testing machines… or grading.
People who receive a letter requiring a re-test... will have to pass AGAIN… within 30 days … to keep driving.
TAG: THAT WAS K-Q-E-D’S KATIE DEBENEDETTI [DE-BENE-DETTY]
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SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES RELEASED A NEW REPORT THIS WEEK FROM AN OUTSIDE ANIMAL WELFARE CONSULTING FIRM.
REPORTER ELAINE ALFARO SAT DOWN WITH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR DR. BRIE [“BREE”] SARVIS AT THE BONITA ANIMAL SHELTER TO DISCUSS THE REPORT’S FINDINGS.
SHELTERREPORT (4:15) SOC (FEATURE)
The consultant Teamshelter USA took a broad look at the Department of Animal Services. Their report assessed how county shelters handle staffing, medical care, population management, euthanasia and kennel cleaning.
Dr. Brie Sarvis requested the review last fall. She was named director of the department in April and previously served as the county’s chief veterinarian.
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CG: Dr. Brie Sarvis / Department of Animal Services Director
File name: MVI_8379
“We requested the assessment because we wanted to get an accurate picture of where the shelter is currently, what the highest priority needs are in order to best focus our efforts to improve everything.”
The report highlights a number of successes at the department — including improved leadership and a declining dog-euthanasia rate. But it also points out problems — including overburdened staff and unclear guidelines around shelter policies.
Sarvis acknowledged county shelters have their share of challenges — especially during the summer.
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File name: MVI_8379
“June through August are usually the busiest time of year and a lot of times our staff's efforts are really just focusing on making it through each day, making sure that every animal is cleaned and fed and they have trouble kind of like taking a step back and looking at the big picture and certainly have trouble with um any big protocol changes, but I hope to get um at least some of the recommendations that we haven't already started on uh going in the next several weeks.”
Over the past year, KPBS published a series of investigative stories that detailed some of the longstanding issues at county-run animal shelters. For example, the investigation revealed the department’s dog euthanasia rate spiked coming out of the pandemic.
Sarvis said the shelters are continuing to improve their workflow around documenting dogs’ behaviors and making euthanasia decisions.
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“It’s very important that we get very thorough notes about what’s going on with the animal so we’re working to ensure that both our staff and our volunteers are giving us a lot of input about an animal’s behavior. And that we’re using objective language so that means you’re not saying 'oh he looks angry or he looks friendly.' You’re actually describing what the body language of the animal looks like so that we can make better decisions.”
Those changes are showing results. The dog euthanasia rate dropped by about half since 2024, according to recent county data.
KPBS’ reporting also uncovered how the department buried an audit several years ago that pointed out issues at its shelters — some of the same problems raised in the new report. Sarvis acknowledged that past audit.
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MVI_8379
“We do see similar issues to some of the previous reports and I think that it just shows that it’s really important for us to be transparent and open about where are our weaknesses and to have a discussion not only with our leadership but with the public about the best ways to handle those things.”
Sarvis says the dated Bonita shelter has made it difficult to implement certain changes. For example, kennels are still being hosed down with dogs inside — a clear violation of shelter industry standards.
The county is building a new shelter in Santee to replace the Bonita facility. The department believes the facility will provide an opportunity to address outstanding problems.
In the meantime, Sarvis says the department is focusing on supporting staff and building trust with the community.
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File name: MVI_8380
“It is an issue all shelters struggle with, no matter how many resources they have. But I do think that committing to being as transparent as possible about our processes. Ensuring that for every situation, for every animal that might have a positive outcome, that we’re reaching out for all of the options for that animal.”
Completion of the Santee shelter has already been delayed several times. A county spokesperson said the shelter is expected to open this October.
Elaine Alfaro, KPBS News.
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‘YOUR FLUFF IS ENOUGH’ IS A NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK FEATURING LENNY THE LITTLE SHEEP. IT IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF “WIGGLY WRIGGLY FARM” STORIES AND WAS CREATED BY TWO LOCAL SAN DIEGANS … BUT ARTS REPORTER BETH ACCOMANDO SAYS NEITHER CREATOR EVER THOUGHT THEY WOULD BE MAKING A CHILDREN’S BOOK.
FLUFF (ba) 4:08 SOQ
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Today, we’re going to Wiggly Wriggly Farm to meet Lenny the Little Sheep.
RASHMI GANDHI Lenny had always been smaller than most, with knobbly knees and a less than full coat. He'd watch other sheep with their curls all in line and wonder, why does their fleece look nicer than mine?
Lenny’s the creation of Rashmi Gandhi who never intended to write a children’s book.
RASHMI GANDHI …I spent a lot of time in corporate America, and having managed teams who are difficult, I had a wonderful manager, and I said to him, We should write a book because it looks like we've handled a team of animals at times. And wouldn't it be great if we wrote a communication and teamwork book about how a farm works, but analogize people to animals.
But then she started thinking about taking the idea in a different direction.
RASHMI GANDHI I think the first thing is, I wanted to have a book I wish I had when I was growing up about really recognizing that you are enough. And secondly, I have nieces and great-nieces and I really wanted to leave them something that said, "You guys are perfect as you are, Your fluff is enough."
Once it became a children’s book, Gandhi knew she needed illustrations. So she turned to fellow San Diegan Darren Oei, an artist whose doodles she fell in love with.
DARREN OEI And so then it was a matter of, yeah, this sounds super fun. I've never done anything like it.
RASHMI GANDHI Original Lenny looked like he was buff at the gym, like he worked out at least 4 days a week and ate a diet of protein and peptides. Yeah, but I think the other piece, Darren, you said, which was really important during the process, was the characters should be ones that all children can draw.
DARREN OEI So specifically with the shapes of the characters, I was thinking a lot of roundness, a lot of soft curves a lot of colors that are a little bit more easier on the eyes rather than bold colors. I was thinking like big head, small body. So ultimately it came down to like, how do we create a character that has that stuffed animal look? can this character be turned into a stuffed animal that kids will want to bring home with them? Once we answered yes to that question, that's where I felt like, okay, this is the design we can land on and now develop further.
Now Lenny is one of four adorable, cuddly animals at Wiggly Wriggly Farm.
RASHMI GANDHI…Lenny is a little sheep who perceives that he doesn't have as much fluff or as much fur or wool as all the other sheep. And he doesn't feel adequate. And his story is that he realizes that actually he is adequate. again, each of the characters has a self-perceived flaw that becomes their superpower.
Some of the perceived flaws are familiar like feeling overweight or shy. But Daphne the duck is dealing with something that reflects a form of diversity that’s often been overlooked.
RASHMI GANDHI And then we have Daphne, who doesn't quack like other ducks. And that was really an analogy for me around children who have speech impediments, or I was thinking about refugee children who come to different countries. They have different accents, they can't speak the language, but they all have something to offer.
Gandhi has already written three more Wiggly Wriggly Farm stories and is self-publishing the entire series.
RASHMI GANDHI Self-publishing really allows you to have entire control.
It also means more work as Gandhi has had to take on marketing. But her corporate organizational skills have helped her map out a plan that includes a website.
RASHMI GANDHI our website, quick plug, is happywiggly.com. So there is an interactive map where people can go on, kids can go on with their parents or caregivers, and, you know, click on the little animals and find out more about them. We have activities like build your own confidence crown, make your own kindness cards. And again it is a world about sharing kindness. I know that sounds trite, but I really felt like this world at this time really needs more kindness.
At a time when some people dismiss empathy as a weakness, teaching children the importance of kindness and the value of believing in yourself feels like an inspiring gift.
SONG Your Fluff is enough…
Beth Accomando, KPBS News.
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AN ONLINE ART SHOP IS OPENING ITS FIRST BRICK-AND-MORTAR LOCATION THIS WEEKEND IN BARRIO LOGAN.
ARTS REPORTER AUDY MCAFEE EXPLAINS WHAT THE NEW SPACE MEANS TO ITS FOUNDER.
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BROWNBABY (1:18) SOQ
A mural of a Kurdish woman holding grape leaves faces a Mexican woman holding corn on the front of Jiyan Rios Zandi’s store, Local Brown Baby.
The artwork sets the tone for the shop and represents the many parts of her upbringing.
“These women face each other because they also come from cultures of resistance, that fight against oppression and discrimination and they're in conversation and they're symbolizing that transcendence of borders that are that our struggles are more connected than they think we think they are.”
Zandi started Local Brown Baby online more than nine years ago as a space to share her art and connect with others.
A library wall facing the entrance features books celebrating a range of cultures alongside handmade goods from local artists and creators.
She hopes the new shop will create the community she says she didn't have growing up.
“To the little brown girl inside for a lot of people, you know, for people who do connect with it. Um, I think it's that not only the little girl but the inner teenager too. This is a love letter saying be yourself 100% and see the beautiful things that come when you unapologetically are yourself.”
Local Brown Baby’s grand opening is Saturday at noon in Barrio Logan.
Audy McAfee, KPBS news.
A mural of a Kurdish woman holding grape leaves faces a Mexican woman holding corn on the front of Jiyan Rios Zandi’s store, Local Brown Baby.
The artwork sets the tone for the shop and represents the many parts of her upbringing.
“These women face each other because they also come from cultures of resistance, that fight against oppression and discrimination and they're in conversation and they're symbolizing that transcendence of borders that are that our struggles are more connected than they think we think they are.”
Zandi started Local Brown Baby online more than nine years ago as a space to share her art and connect with others.
A library wall facing the entrance features books celebrating a range of cultures alongside handmade goods from local artists and creators.
She hopes the new shop will create the community she says she didn't have growing up.
“To the little brown girl inside for a lot of people, you know, for people who do connect with it. Um, I think it's that not only the little girl but the inner teenager too. This is a love letter saying be yourself 100% and see the beautiful things that come when you unapologetically are yourself.”
Local Brown Baby’s grand opening is Saturday at noon in Barrio Logan.
Audy McAfee, KPBS news.
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AS WE DO FOR YOU EACH AND EVERY FRIDAY, HERE ARE SOME WEEKEND EVENT IDEAS HAPPENING ACROSS THE COUNTY FOR YOU AND YOURS
ON FRIDAYS -- THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF AUGUST -- IS “MUSIC ON MAIN” IN EL CAJON
IT’S A FREE LIVE-MUSIC CONCERT SERIES FEATURING LOCAL AND REGIONAL ACTS PLAYING DIVERSE GENRES RANGING FROM ROCK TO COUNTRY TO JAZZ
SATURDAY SEEMS LIKE A PRETTY IDEAL DAY TO TAKE THE KIDDOS AND HEAD OVER TO THE LIVE-ACTION MOANA CELEBRATION AND ISLAND FESTIVAL
FROM 3 TO 6 P-M IN FRONT OF MISSION VALLEY’S A-M-C YOU CAN ATTEND A
HULA OR LEI-MAKING LESSON OR SIMPLY SIT AND ENJOY SOME LIVE MUSIC!
SUNDAY MAYBE A GREAT DAY TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF BEETHOVEN BY THE BAY
THE RADY SHELL WILL BE FILLED WITH THE SOUNDS OF THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S RENDITION OF SOME OF BEETHOVEN’S CLASSICS
WHATEVER YOU DO DECIDE TO DO, ENJOY!
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That’s it for the podcast today. The podcast today was edited by Traci Tong and hosted and produced by me, Lawrence K. Jackson. As always you can find more San Diego news online at KPBS dot org. Thanks for listening and have a great weekend.
