The District 4 City Council race has been high on drama and low on any substantive discussion of the issues. There’s a reason for that: The two candidates, Myrtle Cole and Dwayne Crenshaw, largely agree on most issues.
But that’s given rise to some really nasty charges, the latest of which is the resurrection of an old, already dismantled claim from the Cole camp linking Crenshaw to a drug bust. Spoiler: The police officer quoted in the attack ad says Crenshaw had no involvement.
From City Hall to Study Hall
In City Heights, everyone knows that the streets could use a little help. Study after study has suggested major infrastructure improvements, but that’s become part of the problem.
All talk. No action.
In this comprehensive piece from VOSD partner Speak City Heights, reporter Megan Burks discusses the far-too-common issue of “planning fatigue” in low-income communities. City Heights is the latest case to go under the microscope in a phenomenon that has been witnessed by neighborhoods all across the United States from Detroit to New Orleans and everywhere in between.
Redevelopment Lives to Fight Another Day: SD Explained
In this installment of San Diego Explained, we take a look at Civic San Diego, a new organization that was cobbled together after the city’s urban renewal program was officially axed by Gov. Jerry Brown last year.
Check out our recent video produced in partnership with NBC 7 San Diego for a full breakdown of how this non-profit has held on to fight another day.
The Padres May Lose Home Field Advantage To Visiting Local Hero
Stephen Strasburg wasn’t just a good pitcher, he was the greatest pitcher to ever come out of San Diego State University, according to many fans. After four years in the big leagues, he may be wearing a Washington Nationals jersey, but local sports devotees never forget a legend.
Strasburg sat in the visiting bullpen last night and Active Voice sportswriter John Gennaro expressed a bit of trepidation in the hours leading up to the game that devout Padres fans may defect for the evening to cheer on a hometown boy.
For those who were in attendance: What was the vibe in the stands? Was his prediction on the money?
Sprinter Is Running Again at Full Clip
North County transit riders can breath a sigh of relief as Sprinter light rail service will return on Saturday after two months of closure, reports the U-T. San Diego County’s newest commuter service was taken offline after it was discovered that the train’s brake rotors were showing signs of excessive wear.
We explained the origins of the complicated problem back in March.
New Brain Mapping Center for UCSD
Funding from the Obama administration will be the source of a new brain mapping center at UCSD, according to the U-T. Neuroscientists view this as a major development that could propel brain research in San Diego to the next level, possibly resulting in a host of new facilities and programs throughout La Jolla that would work in conjunction with the planned research center. No date has been set for completion of the project, which will be receiving $100 million in federal seed money.
Study: San Diego Needs to Up Its Export Game
San Diego Business Journal reports that a new study from the Brookings Institution says that San Diego may be an economic powerhouse, but it certainly doesn’t show it in terms of exports. Mayor Bob Filner got in on the discussion at a conference shortly after the study’s release.
“Exports mean jobs, good jobs and livable-wage jobs,” Filner said.
Stone Brewery Arrives in Liberty Station, Local Journalists Rejoice
The U-T reports that skeptics are questioning the placement of Stone Brewery’s new bistro in Liberty Station. Despite the worries, fans and ownership seem confident that the project with be a resounding success. The new space is a true behemoth with seating for 700 patrons, vaulted ceilings and enough beer to supply an army battalion.
Full disclosure: With a walking distance of .3 miles separating the VOSD offices from Stone-fueled bliss, the staff of this media outlet couldn’t be happier with the choice of location.
Colin Weatherby is a freelance writer. You can reach him at colin.weatherby@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @CCWeatherby.