Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 119
I wanted to share some good news regarding our ongoing battle for fair electricity rates. You may recall the recent uproar surrounding the proposed changes to the fixed rate portion of our SDG&E electric bills. Many of you joined me in expressing concern about the unfairness of tying this fee to household income rather than actual electricity usage. Your voices were heard loud and clear, and I am thrilled to report that our pressure has made a difference. Thanks to the...
The issue of homelessness is not just about lacking shelter; it's about individuals grappling with mental illness. In our pursuit of solutions, it is crucial to recognize that a significant portion of the homeless population is affected by Serious Mental Illness (SMI), with estimates suggesting that 21% fall into this category. Placing individuals with SMI in environments ill-equipped to meet their needs not only undermines their potential for success but also poses risks to...
A few weeks ago, we made a significant stride by expanding our proactive tree planting program in the unincorporated area. The Board of Supervisors allocated $2 million towards procuring around 4,000 trees from various vendors. Alongside tree acquisition, these funds will be utilized for essential tasks such as removing dead or diseased trees and installing watering systems and necessary equipment. These trees are scheduled to be planted between spring and winter 2024. In the...
I recently held a meeting to discuss the transition from SDG&E to Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) in our region. This initiative, led by the Clean Energy Alliance, aims to provide cleaner and potentially more affordable energy options for our communities. San Marcos and Escondido have adopted CCA and Vista and Oceanside are set to join on April 1. Residents need to know that they have the option to opt out if they prefer to stay with SDG&E. This opt-out provision ensures...
The chaos at our border has reached alarming levels, with over 90,000 border encounters in San Diego alone in the past five months. This surge is not just a matter of numbers; it's a symptom of a system failing to enforce the laws designed to protect our nation's borders. The Federal Government's failure to effectively enforce immigration laws has tied the hands of Border Patrol agents, exacerbating the crisis we are witnessing. Despite having clear laws in place, we are...
As a supervisor for San Diego County, I've had the opportunity to witness firsthand the alarming situation at the Iris Avenue transit station, where Border Patrol agents are dropping off thousands of migrants. In just the past 16 days, over 11,000 migrants have been released at this site, adding to the staggering total of over 108,000 migrants dropped off in San Diego County since last September. The scene at the transit station is one of controlled chaos. As the Border...
Earlier this week, I stood as the lone dissenting voice against looking into a Long-Term Migrant Transfer Site and Respite Shelter in San Diego. My decision stems from a deep concern about the implications of supporting such a facility in our community. I refuse to be complicit in perpetuating a failed and broken immigration system. Accommodating the overflow of individuals crossing the border unlawfully is not a sustainable solution. Rather than addressing the root causes of...
During our Jan. 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, we delved into the details of Proposition 1, which is on the March ballot. I want to provide a recap of our discussion. I expressed reservations about Proposition 1's approach despite recognizing some potential benefits. The proposal seeks to rearrange funds from the county and give them to the state. This reallocation would decrease funding to our county, as highlighted by the analysis from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's...
The County of San Diego is on the brink of depleting the $6 million in local tax dollars utilized to fund transportation and other items for migrants entering the country. I have consistently opposed using local funds for federal responsibilities, as I firmly believe that local tax dollars should not be used to compensate for federal ineptness. These funds should have been directed toward tackling urgent issues within our county, such as homelessness and public safety. The...
A few months ago, I brought to your attention the concerning proposal in California regarding a socialistic approach to electricity pricing based on income. This plan aimed to charge households fixed rates for electricity, irrespective of their actual consumption, with charges varying according to income levels. It was met with understandable outrage from many. I want to provide an update on the plan and your collective efforts for speaking out. Your pushback has not gone...
A few weeks ago, I shared the unfortunate news that a judge deemed a Sexually Violent Predator, Alvin Quarles, for placement back into San Diego County. For over three years, Mr. Quarles terrorized our communities, committing heinous acts of rape against a dozen women. Last week, we had a Board meeting and I brought forward an item to support Congressman Darrell Issa's federal legislation, "Stopping Sexually Violent Predators Act." This bill would prevent Sexually Violent...
It has already been a wet winter, with more rain expected. Witnessing the impact of the recent storm on our region, we are determined to minimize potential damage. I wanted to give you information to help prepare you for the next time a storm arrives. The County Office of Emergency Services urges everyone to take proactive steps by devising a plan, assembling an emergency go-kit, and staying informed through alerts. Here’s what you can do. · Have a go-kit to keep necessary it...
It is with profound disappointment and deep concern that I express my opposition to the decision allowing the placement of Sexually Violent Predator Alvin Quarles, also known as the "Bolder than Most" rapist, back into San Diego County. The judge's decision is devastating for our community, and I strongly believe there is no place for such a monstrous individual in our midst. For over three years, Mr. Quarles terrorized our communities, committing heinous acts of rape against a dozen women. His behavior's consistent and...
With the chaos continuing, I'm highly displeased to see the State roll out a program incentivizing more people to enter the country illegally. Beginning Jan. 1, the State of California is giving free healthcare to undocumented immigrants. Against numerous challenges in California with a staggering homeless population, the highest gas prices in the country, exorbitant utility costs, crumbling infrastructure, and while facing a $68 billion budget deficit, the decision for free...
I wanted to update you on the immigration crisis, which continues to overwhelm our Border Patrol agents and cause a major strain on our local resources. Last week, I visited the border and migrant encampments in Jacumba. The chaos continues with dozens of people camped out, waiting for the Border Patrol to take them to a resource center, paid for by county taxpayers. While I was there, I saw a suburban speed towards the fence on the Mexico side, drop off about a dozen people, and rush away. The migrants then walked through...
Statement from San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond on Twitter on July 13th, 2023 at 11:34 AM, "MEDIA STATEMENT: Today's news of the Assembly Public Safety Committee passing SB 14, designating child trafficking as a serious felony in California, is a welcome development. However, I cannot overlook the disappointment and frustration that this crucial legislation had to go through a forced emergency hearing to receive the attention it deserved. The initial vote should have...
As we head into fall (where did the time go) I wanted to give you some updates at the County of San Diego. We have made a major step in our fight against COVID with the introduction of monoclonal antibody treatment. This treatment prevents the virus from attaching to the cells and replicating or spreading. The one-time treatment typically has people feeling better by 24 hours and studies have shown a reduction of hospitalizations and deaths by 85%! The key is to catch it...
Last week, the State of California Department of Public Health released new guidance stating the mandate will continue for all students in California to wear masks for in-person schooling. This came the same day the federal government (Center for Disease Control) released new guidelines saying vaccinated students and teachers no longer need to wear masks in the classrooms. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve heard ‘follow the science,’ but now the state has decided to not follo...
A lot has happened during my first three years on the Board of Supervisors, but there is nothing that I’m prouder to be a part of than the Family Justice Center, coming to San Marcos. Over the last year, I’ve worked with District Attorney Summer Stephan to bring this unique and life- saving center to North County. The Family Justice Center is safe haven for those suffering from domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. Victims and their children can come to the...
In last week’s op-ed, I talked about SANDAG’s latest proposal for a ‘road charge.’ For those who didn’t read it, this would be a set price all San Diegans are charged for every mile traveled within the state of California. The money would then be used to pay for public transportation. While I believe public transportation has its place, I’m completely against a per-mile road charge and continuing to add taxes to San Diegans. But the question has come up, “If you were in charge, where would you want to see transportation money...
In 2004, SANDAG proposed a new sales tax to voters that would generate $14 billion dollars, which promised to relieve traffic congestion, improve safety, and match state/federal funds to improve the following freeways: I-5, I-8, I-15, SR 52, SR 54, SR 56, SR 67, SR 76, SR 78, SR 94, SR 125, I-805. And the measure promised improvements to public transit routes. Voters passed this under the impression their commute home would be made faster and easier. This has not happened. Instead, SANDAG staff front-loaded public transit...
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been asked, ‘What have you learned over the past year?’ It’s an interesting question and one that took me a few days to reflect on and consider. Often in the midst of a tragedy, you can learn incredible things about yourself and in this case, a society. The biggest thing I’ve learned over the past year is that political discourse is driving us apart. Far too often, instead of coming together and finding common ground, we stand in the corner and throw rocks at each other. Politicians are guilt...
Last week, the Board of Supervisors voted to allocate over $600 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. These dollars, which have been distributed by the federal government, are intended for COVID-19 relief. The way I approached this: these are taxpayer dollars and I believe it should be given back to the people who were most impacted by the pandemic. As we all know, the past 15 months have been incredibly difficult, but my hope is these dollars will help San Diegans as we...
The federal government is taking advantage of San Diego County and it shows no sign of stopping. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been briefed on the situation at our Southern Border. After seeing the heartbreaking pictures of kids in cramped quarters and the increased risk of being sexually trafficked, I’ve been deeply troubled by many aspects. After learning that the state and the federal government are also refusing to test those entering the United States for COVID-19, I’m wo...
The federal government has allocated over $300 million to San Diego County for COVID-19 recovery efforts. Each Supervisor has submitted their plans to the Chief administrative officer for how they would like the money to be used. The CAO will then take all the requests and the board will vote on the allocation of dollars on Tuesday, June 8. Some of my requests include helping our restaurants, assisting our first responders and military families, and mental health services for...
