These were the most popular Voice of San Diego stories for the week of June 18-24.
1. Desalination Plant Again Faces Environmental Questions
Carlsbad’s desalination plant faced regulatory hurdles over its environmental effects for years. Six months after opening, it’s facing yet another set of environmental questions. (Ry Rivard)
2. Imperial Beach Braces for Rising Sea Levels
Adapting to sea level rise requires trade-offs – and money. Imperial Beach, is one of the poorest coastal communities in Southern California, will need to decide whether to prioritize the economic benefits of tourism and beach recreation over maintaining the ecological value of beach and preserving existing flora and fauna, versus simply protecting buildings and property along the coast. (Maya Srikrishnan)
3. Encinitas’ Conundrum: Obey Its Own Law, or California Law?
Encinitas has placed itself in a tough legal position. Local voters could reject the city’s plan to accommodate new housing – a plan required by state law. Encinitas is the only city in the county, and one of a few in the state, without a legal housing plan. (Ruarri Serpa)
4. All-Star Game Prompted Rocks to Deter Homeless Encampments, Emails Show
City officials said anti-homeless rocks were installed at the request of Sherman Heights residents. Emails show they were added as part of preparations for the All-Star Game at Petco Park. (Kelly Davis)
5. Border Report: Sounding the Alarm Over ‘the Beast’
The Border Fire, zombies, Father’s Day through the border fence and more in our weekly digest of cross-border news. (Brooke Binkowski)
6. Poway Unified Names Interim Superintendent
Edward Velasquez, the man San Ysidro School District turned to in its time of need last year, will become interim superintendent of the 36,000-student K-12 Poway district, replacing John Collins. (Ashly McGlone)
7. Inside the Fight on the Left Over SANDAG’s Big Tax
A liberal group called the Quality of Life Coalition is vowing to defeat SANDAG’s ballot measure because they don’t think it does enough for the environment or for labor. That’s vexed Democrats on SANDAG’s board, who say the proposal goes as far as it can while also doing enough to woo the necessary two-thirds of voters. (Andrew Keatts)
8. Three Big Myths About San Diego’s Homeless Population
We’ve all heard tales of the homeless migrating to San Diego or heard someone suggest most homeless people don’t want to leave the streets. None of that is entirely true. (Lisa Halverstadt)
9. Opinion: Police and Feedings Won’t Solve Homelessness — Housing Will
When it comes to housing the homeless, calling the police, distributing meals or connecting them to a shelter for a few nights aren’t real solutions. (Todd Gloria)
10. What San Diego Could Do About Homelessness – Now
Most policy conversations about homelessness in San Diego focus on long-term solutions. Yet, the challenge is pressing right now. Landlord incentives, a new shelter and sanctioned tent cities were among short-term ideas floated Thursday by local leaders and advocates. (Lisa Halverstadt)