These were the top stories for the week of May 2 – 8, 2011.
San Diego Police’s New Identity
Faced with a growing crime wave in the 1980s, San Diego Police involved the community in crime prevention, an innovative strategy recognized around the globe for its success in fighting crime. Today, budget cuts and new priorities are leaving that approach behind.
Ocean Beach’s Deadliest Day
On this day in 1918, a deadly riptide that killed 13 people — mostly wartime servicemembers — helped spur the development of San Diego’s professional lifeguards.
‘We’re Going to Get Our Money’
Embezzlement charges against two top former redevelopment officials take us behind-the-scenes as their clandestine bonus scheme built up and eventually collapsed.
San Diego Explained: Medical Marijuana Rules
Our video explainer series tackles the controversy over new rules for regulating medical marijuana.
Ex-Redevelopment Chief Charged With Embezzlement
Prosecutors say the clandestine bonus system overseen by Carolyn Y. Smith and a fellow redevelopment official amounted to embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds.
Fact Check: How Popular are San Diego Libraries?
Statement: “Library usage is up. We have more people using the library than ever,” City Councilman Kevin Faulconer, referring to circulation statistics, told Channel 6 for a story that aired April 30.
Police: Gang Crime Spiking
Two recent deaths in southeastern San Diego neighborhoods have caused confusion and retaliatory attacks among gangs in the area, police say.
Judge: Move Ahead With Teacher Layoffs
A judge says they aren’t arbitrary.
Is Your Cell Phone Violating Your Rights?
What’s the proper balance between all the features of a smartphone and its potential for breaches of privacy?
Pleas of Not Guilty in City Embezzlement Case
Attorneys for the two former top redevelopment officials say their clients deny the charges of embezzlement of public funds.
Grant Barrett, engagement editor for voiceofsandiego.org: grant@voiceofsandiego.org or (619) 550-5666 or @grantbarrett on Twitter.