San Diego News Fix

Rarely, if ever, is the public made aware of the reasoning behind a District Attorney’s Office’s decision not to file charges in a case. The Union-Tribune obtained an audio recording of a meeting between the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the 18-year-old woman who said she was raped by three now-former San Diego State University football players. The recording provides insight into why the DA’s Office decided not to file criminal charges. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, public safety reporter Teri Figueroa, public safety reporter and Saturday editor Lyndsay Winkley, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the latest developments in the case.

The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will take up a case from Poway Unified School District that tackles a contentious area of social media — when, and if, public officials can block people from their Facebook, Twitter or other social media accounts. The case concerns a former Poway school district trustee, T.J. Zane, and a current member, Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff, and their Facebook and Twitter pages. At issue: whether public officials with social media pages where they discuss public business can block individuals, or if doing so violates the First Amendment. Union-Tribune criminal justice and legal affairs reporter Greg Moran, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the case.

The Union-Tribune’s Community Voices Project is an online platform for civil discourse about news of the day and matters of the community. It brings dozens of thought leaders together with the goal of sharing diverse points of view to move toward a stronger, more inclusive San Diego region. Union-Tribune editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall, deputy editorial and opinion editor Laura Castañeda, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the origins and goals of the Community Voices Project.

San Diego County, like many places nationwide, faces a mental health crisis. For three days last year, nearly two dozen journalists with The San Diego Union-Tribune followed patients, police, clinicians, dispatchers and a host of others struggling for help to create a minute-by-minute account of our overwhelmed system. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, communities editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss this in-depth multi-media special report.

San Diego Gas & Electric is making a case before the California Public Utilities Commission to increase rates starting next year. SDG&E says it needs money for critical projects, like wildfire safety and pursuing clean energy goals. But many San Diegans are frustrated with rising gas and electric bills. The average price for electricity in the San Diego metropolitan area is currently higher than anywhere else in the country. Given that tension, could asking for higher rates right now backfire? Union-Tribune money reporter Roxana Popescu, topic editor Dan Beucke, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss some of the challenges of reporting on this story.

Hundreds of newspapers across the country – including The San Diego Union-Tribune – have either stopped or will stop running the “Dilbert” comic strip after its creator made racist comments during a YouTube livestream Feb. 22. Angela deJoseph, founder of Women of Color Roar, a nonpartisan multimedia organization that supports, nurtures and encourages Black women to seek careers in public service and run for political office; Michael Cavna, visual artists and comic art writer at The Washington Post; Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the offensive remarks and the decision to stop running the “Dilbert” comic strip.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at a couple of recent stories that had a lot of people talking. First, allegations that Padres beat writer Kevin Acee misquoted Padres pitcher Nick Martinez in one of his stories. (Spoiler alert: Acee did not misquote Martinez). The other story involves a longtime Del Mar Union school board member who resigned after officials announced he had been arrested in Florida on suspicion of soliciting prostitution. Union-Tribune sports editor Ryan Finley, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the the flap over the Nick Martinez story and what determines where stories run in the newspaper.

The number of migrants who have died or gone missing trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border has sharply increased in recent year from an estimated 371 in 2020, to nearly 600 in 2021, to more than that last year. Humanitarian water and supply drops along the border have taken on a new urgency in the wake of the spike. Union-Tribune federal courts and law enforcement reporter Alex Riggins, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how the deaths of three sisters in particular has affected the efforts of border aid groups.

Scripps Health announced last month that physicians at Scripps Mercy Hospital named a new chief of staff. The announcement of Dr. James Grisolia’s selection praises the neurologist’s accomplishments and notes that he is a nearly 40-year veteran of Mercy’s medical staff. Union-Tribune health care reporter Paul Sisson, communities editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss why some are calling the announcement very controversial.

Protests have taken place in Santee over the last couple of weeks after a 17-year-old girl complained about seeing a transgender woman in the women’s locker room at the Cameron Family YMCA. The incident and the protests have garnered national attention. Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the U-T’s coverage of the protests and some of the decisions the newsroom has had to make while covering this ongoing story.

Hi everyone, Kristy from the News Fix here. Yesterday was our last official episode, but today I just wanted to come on and say thank you for listening. I've been honored to host this podcast, bringing you the news directly from the Union-Tribune writers who report it. It's also been incredible to learn more about our region from the people who make it so great. The Backstory will continue to publish on our website at sandiegouniontribune.com, and if you're wondering what I'm up to, you can find me on Twitter at @kristy_tea. Thanks again for listening, everyone. It's been a blast.

California has several subsidized child care programs that help families pay for child care and fund many of the state’s tens of thousands of child care providers. But that aid reaches only a small fraction of families who need it – and many providers say they aren’t paid enough to cover their costs. Union-Tribune education reporter Kristen Taketa, government and watchdog editor Sam Schulz, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how the system is falling short, and who is paying the price.

Captain Liz Clark is from Point Loma, and learned to surf and sail here before going to college at UC Santa Barbara and setting out on a 12-year sea voyage, sailing around the world mostly by herself. She chronicled her adventures in "Swell," a memoir published by Patagonia in 2018. The book captures the beauty of her travels, but also hardship and difficulties she faced both within herself and in the outside world. Captain Liz lives in Tahiti now where she runs her own environmental non-profit. She joined me from beneath a thatched roof on her new property, where the sun was shining and birds were singing. You can hear some of that in the interview. Here's our conversation.

San Diego economists say a recession is definitely coming, but they also say our region may weather it better than most. Business reporter Phillip Molnar attended the San Diego County Economic Roundtable this week.

Lunar New Year is Sunday, Jan. 22. Each year is represented by an animal on the Chinese zodiac calendar, and this year, it's the rabbit or the cat, depending on who you ask. Carlos Rico is a community guides reporter and is here to share more.

State-subsized child care often does not cover the true cost of child care. That's the top-line finding from the second report in a new series about child care from U-T reporter Kristen Taketa.

For the first time ever, the Birch Aquarium is home to a pregnant male seadragon. Leslee Matsushige is the aquarium's resident seahorse expert.

Union-Tribune publisher and editor Jeff Light, and managing editor Lora Cicalo introduce us to Ryan Finley, the U-T’s new sports editor. Ryan Finley joined the paper Jan. 9. He succeeds Jay Posner, who retired in December.

A controversial proposal to allow high-rise housing and backyard apartments in San Diego made progress Thursday when it was approved by a key committee. David Garrick covers the city of San Diego for the Union-Tribune.

Mayor Todd Gloria gave his 2023 State of the City address Wednesday, where he highlighted housing, homelessness, infrastructure and more. U-T engagement editor Bella Ross was there.

The Del Mar Fairgrounds could be getting a makeover. Tuesday, the state institution that governs the land voted to hire a consultant to come up with ideas for possible improvements. U-T business reporter Jennifer Land has been covering this story.

Child care can be one of the most expensive aspects of having children. In San Diego, the going rate is $1,500 per month for infant care. In California, help paying for childcare is available, but as a new series by U-T reporter Kristen Taketa shows, the programs fall short, failing to help hundreds of thousands of families.

As gas prices are dropping around the country, SDG&E natural gas prices are expected to double this month. Rob Nikolewski covers energy at the Union-Tribune.

Pelé was a Brazilian soccer player who, by all accounts, changed the game. Ricardo Campo is the president of the San Diego Loyal soccer team, and once had the opportunity to spend a week with Pelé in New York. Here's his story.

San Diego and California in general have been pummeled with rain recently. How long will it continue and what does this mean for the drought? U-T reporter Gary Robbins has more.

The PedWest crossing at the U.S.-Mexico border will reopen on Jan. 9, after being closed for almost three years, since the pandemic began. Reporter Alexandra Mendoza has more.

To help make this year your best yet, the U-T guides team has put together a mega guide called "How to have an epic year in San Diego in 2023." It includes things like a San Diego bucket list, best hikes, how to make friends as an adult and more.

2023 is here, and the Union-Tribune business team has compiled a list of 12 stories to watch this year. Business reporter Phillip Molnar has more.

It's January, and for many that means the beginning of Dry January. But just because you're not drinking alcohol, doesn't mean you can't have a an interesting drink. Community guides reporter Carlos Rico shares mocktail recommendations around San Diego.

Welcome to the San Diego News Fix. Each year, the U-T Editorial Board chooses a person of the year. Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall discusses this year's pick.

Amid airline cancellations and low shelter space, Border Patrol has been dropping off migrants at bus stations around San Diego without help to reach their final destinations. Kate Morrissey covers immigration at the Union-Tribune.

The Afghan Adjustment Act was supposed to create a pathway to permanent residency for Afghans who helped the United States during the 20-year war. Supporters of the bill hoped it would be included in Congress' 2023 spending bill, but it was left out at the last minute due to Republican concerns. Shawn VanDiver is founder and president of #AfghanEvac, which was founded here in San Diego.

All but one Southwest Airlines flight coming in or out of San Diego was canceled Monday. More than 2,700 Southwest flights were canceled across the nation due to extreme weather, and the airline is warning the disruption could continue into the new year. Reporter Alex Riggins has more.

After being sidelined by the pandemic, jazz made a comeback in San Diego in 2022. George Varga is the U-T's music critic. He shares the year's highs and lows, best concerts, albums and more.

Before you head out of town for the holidays, we have some advice for you. U-T tourism reporter Lori Weisberg has more.

Julian may be known as an autumn and winter escape from San Diego, but this small town offers visitors more than enough to keep busy all year long. Community guides reporter Maura Fox visited recently and found great places to eat, drink and shop.

If you're shopping for the holidays or just in general, U-T community engagement editor Bella Ross has tips on ethnical, eco-conscious shopping.

After a five-week strike, the University of California and United Auto Workers, the union that represents graduate student workers, have reached a tentative labor agreement. Beatrice Waterhouse is a third-year PhD student and a teaching assistant at UC San Diego.

Todd Kent is the CEO of Boochcraft hard kombucha, which was founded in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Todd is a serial entrepreneur who cares about healthy living and taking care of the planet.

After months of review, the District Attorney’s Office announced on Dec. 7 that it would not file criminal charges against three former San Diego State University football players accused of gang raping a 17-year-old high school senior at an off-campus party last year. While the announcement closed one chapter in the high-profile case… a civil lawsuit, a university inquiry and many questions remain. The decision also raised concerns among advocates that it could have a chilling effect on victims of sexual assault who are considering coming forward. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, public safety reporter Teri Figueroa, Saturday editor Lyndsay Winkley and managing editor Lora Cicalo discuss what’s next in this case.

Drugs are a problem in San Diego County jails. According to a study by Analytica Consulting, a person incarcerated in a San Diego jail is twice as likely to die from a drug overdose than a person in another California jail.

Restaurants near the beach will soon have to rethink their outdoor dining setups. The California Coastal Commission approved a new regulation Wednesday that would require coastal restaurants to replace any parking spots they take up on city streets. Lori Weisberg covers tourism and hospitality at the U-T.

There's good news and bad news when it comes to gas. Gasoline prices are at their lowest prices this year, but natural gas, the stuff that heats homes, is up. Rob Nikolewski covers energy at the Union-Tribune.

Tijuana photojournalist Margarito Martínez was killed outside his home on Jan. 17. Almost a year later, partial justice has been served, as two men were charged with his murder in Baja California state court. A third suspect is taking his case to trial. Alexandra Mendoza is a reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune en español.

The green bins we've heard so much about will start making their way to San Diego homes starting in January. The bins are meant to collect food scraps and yard waste for composting, as mandated by a new California law.

My guest this week is Justin Brooks, director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project. The Innocence Project provides free legal services to the wrongfully convicted. It was founded in 1999 at the California Western School of Law here in San Diego, and it has freed many people from prison, as well as trained hundreds of law students. Brooks is the author of the upcoming book "You Might Go To Prison, Even If You're innocent," which comes out in April 2023 and is available for pre-order now. One of his cases is also portrayed in the feature-length film "Brian Banks," about a high school football star whose NFL dreams are dashed by a false conviction. In this interview, Justin shares the origins of the Innocence Project, we talk about problems with the system, about his new book and more. Here's our conversation.

On Dec. 7, the nation observed National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It was 81 years ago that a surprise aerial attack by Japan pushed the U.S. into World War II. Union-Tribune feature writer John Wilkens, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how San Diego has embraced the memory and meaning of Pearl Harbor, and how our newsroom covers that day.

Coronavirus hospitalizations are on the rise throughout the nation, and the same goes for San Diego County. Paul Sisson covers health at the Union-Tribune.

This summer, an alleged gang rape case involving SDSU football players and a then-17-year-old girl was reported by the Los Angeles Times. Since then, it's been one of the most watched criminal cases in the county. Wednesday, the San Diego County District Attorney announced it will not file charges. Union-Tribune reporter Lyndsay Winkley has been covering this story.

Dec. 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in honor of the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On this day in 1941, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed during a Japanese attack on the area. Tom Foreman is 101 years old, and is a retired U.S. Navy service member who lives in Escondido. Foreman was stationed at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. He was out to sea on a ship and returned to witness the devastation.