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
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As we enter Santa Ana season, the threat of wildfires looms larger, especially in our communities prone to high winds and dry conditions. San Diego Gas & Electric is closely monitoring these conditions, ready to act if necessary to protect our safety. One such precaution may be shutting off power to reduce the risk of fires igniting from downed power lines. While I understand the inconvenience of losing power, it is essential to remember that these temporary disruptions serve... Full story
Between September 2023 and June 2024, more than 155,000 migrants—predominantly single adults—were released onto the streets of San Diego County. The primary reason: Border Patrol facilities were overrun, and, by federal law, Border Patrol could not hold these individuals for more than a few days. The street releases temporarily stopped over the summer due to weather conditions, executive orders, and other factors—conveniently, just before the upcoming election. However, offici... Full story
I wanted to share some fantastic news that will significantly enhance fire protection and safety for our region. At our recent Board of Supervisors meeting, we secured permanent tax allocations and yearly funding for the Deer Springs and Valley Center Fire Protection Districts. Here's what that means: • The county will allocate an additional $1.5 million annually to the Valley Center Fire Protection District. • Deer Springs will receive an additional $1.2 million to further bo... Full story
This November, San Diego County voters will face a critical decision: whether to approve Measure G, a new half-cent sales tax to fund public transportation projects for SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments). I strongly oppose this measure, and here’s why. Measure G asks you to pay more taxes to fund buses and trolleys. This is not the time to add to the financial burdens of hardworking San Diegans. We’re all feeling the pinch – electricity, gas, fire insurance, and h... Full story
I want to update you on our ongoing efforts to address homelessness and help those struggling on our streets. Last October, SB 43 was signed into law, expanding the criteria for conservatorship to include individuals with severe substance use disorders. This law ensures that more people receive the treatment they desperately need. I have always believed that we must help those who cannot help themselves, and SB 43 provides us with a valuable tool to do just that. However,... Full story
Last week, I was invited to testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security about the serious and lasting impacts of open border policies on San Diego and our nation. I wanted to share part of my testimony for this week’s publication. From September 2023 to June 2024, over 155,000 adults – predominantly men aged 18 to 35 – illegally crossed the border and were dropped onto the streets of San Diego County. That's an average of 17,000 drop-offs per month, nearly 600 p... Full story
Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors was faced with critical decisions on how to handle the growing concerns around battery storage facilities across the County. Battery storage is becoming a significant issue in San Diego County, especially in North County. We've seen three significant fires across the county at different facilities in the past year alone. Just last week, a fire at a battery storage facility in Escondido burned for multiple days, and last year, a fire... Full story
California has once again chosen to prioritize dangerous policies over the safety and well-being of its citizens. Last week, lawmakers passed AB 1840, which would make California the first state in the nation to offer state-supported home loans of up to $150,000 to illegal immigrants. At a time when California faces a $60 billion deficit, this decision is a slap in the face to taxpayers and legal residents who are struggling to make ends meet. This program is yet another... Full story
As your County Supervisor, I believe that the government's number one responsibility is to provide a safe community where families and businesses can thrive. Without safety, we do not have a functioning society. Unfortunately, recent trends show that crime is rising across California, making it more critical than ever to remain vigilant in protecting our county. New data reveals that reported shoplifting incidents increased by 28% in 2023 compared to 2019, with more than 90%...
California has long been celebrated as a land of opportunity, but in recent years, it has become increasingly unfriendly to businesses. Just last year, Chief Business Magazine ranked California as the worst place in the nation to start a business. This is a tragic turn of events, especially for a state that has been home to so many entrepreneurial dreams. It doesn't have to be this way, but unfortunately, government policies are stifling the very spirit that once made the... Full story
As we approach the upcoming election, just under 100 days away, much of the attention has been on national politics. However, I want to draw your focus to a vitally important issue that we have the power to change right here in our state. Proposition 36 is a critical measure to address the increasing issues of theft and crime in California. In 2016, Prop 47 was passed, but it created loopholes that have been exploited by criminals, allowing theft up to $950 a day without... Full story
Last week, the Wall Street Journal highlighted California's alarming rise in energy prices. They shared the story of resident Jessica Simpson Nehrer, who lives in Borrego Springs. She has seen her electricity soar to $1,873.90 in June, far exceeding her $1,200 rent and around double what it was two summers ago. According to U.S. News & World Report, San Diego was named the Most Expensive Place to Live last year. We all feel the pinch of this every single day. California is... Full story
Last week, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing local cities and municipalities to clean up homeless encampments. While we can all agree with the words, this sudden directive feels like an attempt to deflect responsibility. For years, we have been working diligently to tackle homelessness in our community, but state laws and the Governor's policies have often tied our hands, preventing us from taking effective action when individuals refuse services. Now,... Full story
I wanted to share an important update from our recent Board of Supervisors meeting that directly impacts our community's safety and well-being. Our county has experienced two separate fires at battery energy storage facilities in the past few months. These incidents posed significant safety risks and led to temporary road closures and evacuation orders for nearby homes. Understandably, there is growing public concern about these facilities' health, safety, and environmental... Full story
There is a lot going on in our country right now, but I wanted to note that the San Diego Border sector is still seeing large numbers of illegal immigrants. U.S. Border Patrol facilities in the San Diego region are at 150% capacity, with more than 1,500 migrants in custody as of Tuesday morning, July 16. I also wanted to inform you of a disturbing meeting that took place recently. Two whistleblowers discussed their experiences working at the Pomona Emergency Intake Site. They... Full story
San Diegans will soon see and hear a new San Diego County media campaign designed to raise public awareness about human trafficking. This educational campaign includes radio announcements, outdoor billboards and digital media to inform children, youth and their peers on how to protect themselves from exploitation. It was part of an effort I led last year to educate our students about the signs of human trafficking. By arming our students with information about the tactics... Full story
I wanted to take a moment to recognize some exceptional residents in North County whose dedication, resilience, and service have enriched our community. These individuals and groups have made North County an extraordinary place to live, and we are proud to present the 2024 State of North County award winners. Eric Weirather, the band director for Rancho Buena Vista High School, has been a guiding force in music education for 28 years. Eric’s unwavering commitment continues to... Full story
Last week's Supreme Court decision affirming cities' authority to ban camping on public sidewalks marks a significant victory for common sense. This ruling is paramount for the safety and well-being of our community and for restoring the lives of those suffering. It's time for the city and county to restrict all sleeping on sidewalks. Enabling addicts to continue using is not compassionate. We wouldn't allow our friends or family members to spiral into addiction without...
A few weeks ago, I stood shoulder to shoulder with small business leaders and parents, united with the same message: the gas tax must be stopped. On July 1, the gas tax is set to increase by an additional 2 cents per gallon, bringing the total tax burden to a staggering 59.6 cents per gallon. We are already grappling with the highest gas prices in the nation, rising utility costs, skyrocketing housing expenses and an overall escalating cost of living. Government should be... Full story
Last week, we held our State of the North County event, and it was great to see so many people who make our region unique. For those who couldn't attend, I'd like to share the key points from my address, which outlined our shared vision for a prosperous and thriving North County. This vision isn't just an aspiration; it's a collective mission that requires each of us to contribute our unique talents. Together, we are a powerful force for positive change. Our potential is... Full story
I wanted to give you an update on the current situation at our border and its broader implications for our country. Last week, reporter Bill Melugin spoke with a Turkish man who had illegally crossed into Jacumba, California, along with a group of other Turkish men. He revealed that he paid $10,000 to a cartel for assistance and expressed shock at how easy it was to cross the U.S. border without encountering any resistance. He warned that Americans should be "worried" about... Full story
I wanted to update you on our critical efforts to ensure the safe removal and responsible management of spent nuclear fuel from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Safe and responsible management of spent nuclear fuel is essential for protecting public health, safeguarding our environment, and ensuring a secure future for future generations. While the spent nuclear fuel at SONGS is currently being stored safely, this is only... Full story
Over the coming weeks, the County of San Diego will actively seek community input, deliberate, make adjustments, and ultimately adopt the 2024-2025 budget. This is one of the most important times of the year because it is crucial that we spend taxpayer dollars effectively while maintaining a healthy financial state through strong operating reserves. I firmly believe that this money belongs to the community, not the government, and it must be used wisely to improve the lives... Full story
A few months back, I wrote about the state of California's ill-conceived plan to charge electricity based on income. Thanks to our collective outcry, that proposal was rightfully defeated. However, our voices were not heard loud enough, as the state has now introduced a similar flawed scheme. The California Public Utilities Commission has approved an additional $24 monthly charge on most electricity bills, amounting to a staggering $288 in new fees annually. This imposition... Full story
As you know, we're facing a critical situation with soaring gas prices, escalating energy and utility costs, out-of-control housing expenses, and relentless inflation driving up the prices of goods and services. Many of our fellow Californians, including seniors on fixed incomes and hardworking families, are finding it increasingly difficult to afford even the most basic necessities. With these challenges, it is inconceivable that the State of California is once again moving... Full story
