These were the top stories for the week of May 15 – 22, 2011.

  Illegal Chickens Forced into Hiding

Backyard chickens are growing in number across San Diego as interest in local food production increases. But city rules still make it hard to keep them legally, making them outlaw hens.

  Libraries Are for the Chablis and Brie Crowd and Other Opinions

A roundup of opinions on the school board, libraries and the Union-Tribune.

  Fact Check: Executing Teacher Layoffs

Statement: “How many pink slips, how many layoffs have actually been executed in the last five years? Zero. Not one was really needed,” San Diego Unified school board member Kevin Beiser said March 10. Determination: Barely True.

  How San Diego’s Police Scandal Compares

Allegations of serious misconduct by San Diego police officers has stained the city’s public image, but lacks qualities that fuel long-lasting controversy, the Los Angeles Times reports.

  The Battle Heats Up Over New District Lines

The addition of a ninth district will require big changes to San Diego’s City Council boundaries. As the Redistricting Commission prepares to draw maps, ethnic, partisan and community interest groups are lining up to advance competing agendas.

  Morning Report: Demon Possession

UCSD professor has her eye on saints and sinners, a civic organist, an unusual sit-in protest and a DeMaio zinger.

  Saving Cyclists from Swinging Car Doors

A new symbol showing up on San Diego streets reminds drivers to share the road with cyclists.

  Fact Check: How Much Solar to Power San Diego?

Statement: “For solar power to supply the city of San Diego, one would need to cover the Mojave Desert with solar panels,” former Congressman Bob Livingston wrote in the Southern Political Report, March 30. Determination: False.

  San Diego Explained: The Fascinating Blueprint

Don’t let the General Plan’s boring name fool you. There are a lot of interesting things going on.

  Redevelopment Still Marked For Death

Gov. Jerry Brown’s revised budget includes his plan to eliminate redevelopment agencies like those operating downtown and in southeastern San Diego.

Grant Barrett, engagement editor for voiceofsandiego.org: grant@voiceofsandiego.org or (619) 550-5666 or @grantbarrett on Twitter.

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