City News Service

San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to set public hearings for more open space in the communities of Hidden Meadows and Valley Center.

A "disturbing" increase in violent crime has beset San Diego this year, much of it involving gang activity and the use of largely untraceable "ghost guns," authorities said Wednesday.

Over the past few years, surveys and public workshops have yielded new ideas on how to keep communities and customers safe from wildfires and other disasters, and how to mitigate the impacts of PSPS events.

The San Diego County Clerk's Office was recognized by the National Association of Counties for transforming a vacant snack shop into a "marriage hut" in order to continue issuing marriage licenses and perform ceremonies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with the traditional county services, the county budgeted money for programs aimed at reducing homelessness, increasing economic opportunity, environmental protection, governmental transparency and reforming the justice system.

The city of San Diego announced Tuesday that it is suing to void its lease-to-own agreements in the 101 Ash Street and Civic Center Plaza building deals due to an advisor allegedly receiving millions in undisclosed compensation.

The announcement comes after a judge struck down San Diego's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, saying only the state can make that a requirement.

Earlier this month, supervisors unanimously voted to oppose any further placements of sexually violent predators until local jurisdictions are able to fully participate in the placement process, including having full veto authority.