New CalFresh federal work requirements go into effect
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Good Morning, I’m Lawrence K. Jackson, it’s TUESDAY, MAY SECOND>>>> [ NEW CALFRESH WORK REQUIREMENTS ARE NOW IN EFFECT ]More on that next. But first... let’s do the headlines….########
A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ORDERED THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO TO PAY SIXTEEN POINT FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO ROUGHLY 177 THOUSAND DRIVERS THAT WERE CHARGED LATE PENALTY FEES
AS FIRST REPORTED BY THE UNION-TRIBUNE, THIS APPLIES TO SAN DIEGANS WHO RECEIVED TICKETS BETWEEN FEBRUARY 22ND OF 20-22 AND MARCH 31ST OF 20-25
A JUDGE FOUND THAT LATE PAYMENT PENALTIES WERE ADDED TO CITATIONS WITHOUT PROPER NOTICE OF THE PENALTIES OR ENOUGH TIME TO PAY
THE U-T SAYS, ITS STILL UNCLEAR WHETHER THE CITY PLANS TO ACCEPT THE RULING, SEEK A SETTLEMENT OR APPEAL ENTIRELY
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AN'S {AHHN'S) GELATO IS A LOCAL FAVORITE AND NAMED THE NUMBER ONE GELATO SHOP IN AMERICA BY USA TODAY.,
AND NOW THEY’RE OUT WITH A NEW FLAVOR SERIES
LOCAL FOOD SITE S-D FOODIES SAYS THE TEAM AT THE GELATO SHOP SPENT MONTHS SOURCING AND WORKING WITH SUPPLIERS FROM THE PHILIPPINES ON A NEW UBE [OO-BAY] LIMITED SERIES
UBE IS A FILIPINO PURPLE YAM WITH EARTHY NOTES OF VANILLA AND NUTTY UNDERTONES
S-D FOODIES SAYS EACH OF THE FIVE FLAVORS IS NAMED AS A NOD TO A FILIPINO TEXTILE OR FABRIC
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THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS A MILD WARMING TREND IS EXPECTED IN OUR INLAND AREAS
YOU CAN EXPECT THOSE TEMPERATURES TO BE FOUR TO EIGHT DEGREES WARMER THAN AVERAGE FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR
IT’S EXPECTED TO PEAK ON WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY
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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NEW FEDERAL WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR CALFRESH FOOD ASSISTANCE TAKE EFFECT THIS WEEK. THE COUNTY ESTIMATES MORE THAN 90-THOUSAND RECIPIENTS COULD BE AFFECTED OVER THE NEXT YEAR AS THEY COME UP FOR BENEFIT RENEWALS.
HEALTH REPORTER HEIDI DE MARCO SAYS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE PREPARING FOR THE IMPACT.
WORKREQ 31 trt: 1:05
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Starting today, new federal rules will require many adults ages 18 to 64 receiving CalFresh to show they worked, volunteered or attended job training at least 80 hours a month.
Amy Elits is the director of programs at the San Diego Food Bank. She says The food bank is bracing for the increased demand.
AMY ELITS
SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK
We serve on average, over 400,000 a month already. So that's looking at almost a 25% increase.
Elits says people experiencing homelessness, veterans and individuals with unstable work schedules could face the biggest challenges meeting the new requirements.
AMY ELITS
SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK
As we start to see folks roll off some of these benefits, we're not entirely sure what that's going to look like two, three months from now.
To help residents navigate the changes, the county and 211 San Diego launched a new website to connect people with job training programs, volunteer opportunities and other qualifying activities.
Residents can find more information about the new requirements and qualifying activities at 2- 1-1sandiego dot org slash work.
Heidi de Marco, KPBS News.
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A PIPELINE THAT COLLAPSED LATE LAST WEEK IN TIJUANA IS SENDING MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF SEWAGE INTO THE TIJUANA RIVER.
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER TAMMY MURGA SAYS THAT HAS LED TO WORSENING SEWAGE ODORS NEAR WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK.
TJSEWAGE 1 :50 soq
The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission says a pipeline in Tijuana broke down Friday night.
That has sent an extra 25 million gallons of raw sewage per day into the river.
The IBWC says the line has ruptured twice over the past two weeks.
Patrick McDonough (mick-duh-nuh) is with San Diego Coastkeeper. He says Tijuana has analyzed its wastewater system.
TJSEWAGE 1A 00:03
“But they have not shared that report with the United States.”
McDonough is working on getting Mexico to release the report.
TJSEWAGE 1B 00:13
“We just want the full, complete picture of what the status of the problem is, and also then how the Mexican federal government and its respective agencies could solve these issues.”
Mexican officials say they expect emergency repairs to take several days. Tammy Murga, KPBS News
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THERE ARE MORE THAN 800-THOUSAND DOGS IN THE COUNTY.
THAT ESTIMATE IS BASED ON DATA FROM THE U.S. CENSUS AND THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
BUT AS THE COST OF LIVING RISES, SO DOES THE COST OF KEEPING PETS HEALTHY.
AS PART OF OUR SERIES THE PRICE OF SAN DIEGO... HEALTH REPORTER HEIDI DE MARCO LOOKS AT THE GROWING PRICE OF PET CARE.
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COSTOFPETS 4:46 SOC
SOT: Hey Cerulean...hi lovie
When Tabitha Babcock brought home her Newfoundland puppy Cerulean, she thought she was starting a new chapter.
SOT: So it's the color blue. It was my favorite Crayola crayon when I was little.
But just a week later…everything changed.
TABITHA BABCOCK
He was really sick and he had to go to the E.R., basically was set on blood transfusions and glucose drips. It was really sad and life threatening.
The emergency visit came with a steep price tag. About 4-thousand dollars.
And at just nine weeks old, Babcock says she was forced into a heartbreaking decision. She signed a do not resuscitate order.
TABITHA BABCOCK
I signed it because it was like as much as my savings as I had…And I was like, I just can't, especially when like there was no hope really.
She says the vet didn’t expect him to survive the night.
TABITHA BABCOCK
Dug a little grave for him in my backyard and just laid on the floor with him and was like, you know, buddy, can you please, like, fight as hard as you can?
And Cerulean did.
Now seven years old and weighing about 150 pounds, Cerulean is still by her side. A calm, gentle giant.
TABITHA BABCOCK
He was such a miracle. So that was how we started our journey together. Little trauma bonding.
After weeks of treatment, antibiotics, and follow-up care…he slowly recovered.
But the financial impact lingered.
TABITHA BABCOCK
We lost that whole cushion. So then it was like everything else we had to buy continuing on for those multiple months…whether that be medication or special food was a stressor like for me for sure. It probably took a year to feel comfortable in life again.
An analysis of federal inflation data shows prices for veterinary services have jumped about 40 percent since 2021. That’s faster than overall inflation during the same period.
And dog owners in San Diego spend about 38 percent more on vet care than the national average — about 11-hundred dollars a year.
The price increases are especially notable for preventative care.
In 2021, dog dental cleanings in San Diego were estimated around 320 dollars. Now, the cost is estimated at closer to 700 dollars. And that's before any extractions or additional treatment.
SOT: Teethies, teethies…good job.
TABITHA BABCOK
It's a big worry that I think of quite often and we try to do a lot of like preventative health…even for his teeth…but I do know he'll probably need some help and that'll be a big chunk of change.
For Babcock, those costs don’t end at the vet office.
Food, supplements, and preventative care can add up to about $375 dollars every couple of months.
TABITHA BABCOK
We used to do raw diet purely for his health and preventative issues later on…that has absolutely gone up so we absolutely do not do that anymore right now.
Pet insurance is one option for dog owners to offset unexpected medical bills.
But monthly premiums can range from about 30 to more than 150 dollars per month…depending on the dog's age, breed, and coverage limits.
Cerulean has a pre-existing condition. Babcock says it makes finding useful insurance coverage more complicated.
TABITHA BABCOCK
I had, you know, all the comparison charts, all the insurances, what would work best…and so ultimately it wasn’t going to help me at that point.
Now, as Cerulean gets older, she’s reconsidering it.
TABITHA BABCOCK
We've paid out of pocket, since then…he's not had any major health issues. So we're just, you know, praying and hoping that it continues that way.
Across San Diego County, dog owners say they are feeling similar pressure as the cost of living rises.
Some say they delay or decline care because of cost. Others say they cut spending elsewhere just to keep up with pet expenses.
For Babcock, the rising cost of caring for Cerulean has also forced bigger questions.
TABITHA BABCOCK
I think a big worry is like, would I have to move in order to like, afford just like, a comfortable lifestyle because it is so high, like in San Diego.
Still, she says the bond she shares with Cerulean makes the financial strain worth it.
TABITHA BABCOCK
He brings me a ton of comfort, a ton of peace. I'd sell all my furniture before he’s not going to be taken care of.
Heidi de Marco, KPBS News.
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THE CITY'S POET LAUREATE IS MORE THAN HALFWAY THROUGH HER TWO YEAR TERM
ARTS REPORTER JULIA DIXON EVANS HAS MORE
POETFOLO 1 (1:19) SOQ
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When Paola Capo-Garcia began her term as poet laureate in January 2025, she knew it would be a rollercoaster—
"(But) I didn't expect it to be quite as intense as it has been, which is a beautiful thing, right? That a lot of places in San Diego want to do poetry events. "
She also continues to work full time as an educator. Being poet laureate comes with a stipend, but she says it's just enough to cover the costs of her signature project, "Apertura." The word means opening.
"Because it is an opening. It's an invitation to people to experience poetry in a different way, and to open themselves up more to the possibilities of poetry."
Apertura includes a video poem exhibit — and three poetry zines featuring youth, Latino and Filipino communities — and people impacted by the justice system.
Ultimately, Capo Garcia says she's found this year of civic poetry to be a kind of proof for her mission.
"it has affirmed to me, or confirmed really, my suspicion that a lot of people want and need poetry in the city. And that I do think that it is for everyone"
Poetry submissions for Apertura are due August 1.
Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS news.
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DIGITAL GYM CINEMA IS JOINING A GLOBAL FILM FESTIVAL TO OFFER COUNTER PROGRAMMING TO SUMMER FUN. CINEMA JUNKIE BETH ACCOMANDO IS EXCITED ABOUT A WEEKLONG FILM SERIES CATERING TO HER DARK SIDE, "BLEAK WEEK: CINEMA OF DESPAIR."
BLEAKWEEK (1:14) SOQ
LA’s renowned American Cinematheque has expanded its ‘Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair’ to nearly 100 theaters across the United States and around the world, creating a global film festival that explores nihilism, existential fear, and the dark side of humanity. This is not for the faint-hearted and obviously not for everyone but if you’re like me and love films that embrace the darkness with fearless artistry and sometimes breathtaking beauty then this is the festival for us.
CLIP KANAL sounds of battle.
Glenn Heath Jr., Artistic Director of Digital Gym Cinema kicks off the festival on Friday with Andrzej Wajda’s 1957 Polish film Kanal about the Warsaw Uprising. Heath says his selections reflect a year of war and the world’s current descent into madness and self-destruction while also highlighting our collective resilience. Kanal is part of Wajda’s stunning war trilogy. Other highlights include Nicolas Roeg’s horror masterpiece Don’t Look Now, and Mads Mikkelsen’s feature acting debut in Pusher. Bleak Week runs from Friday through June 11. The themes may be bleak but the filmmaking is exhilarating.
Beth Accomando, KPBS News.
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That’s it for the podcast today. This podcast is edited by Brooke Ruth 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 day/weekend.
