The chair of the San Diego County Republican Party attempted last week to change the party’s endorsement for the 75th Assembly District race from Andrew Hayes to Carl DeMaio in a move that has left some of the region’s Republicans scratching their heads.
In an email to party members, Republican Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey revealed the details of a meeting last week where Paula Whitsell announced that the endorsement of Hayes was only for the Primary Election, and that members should vote to take away Hayes’ endorsement and give it to DeMaio for the General Election.
Let’s just say that is very out of the norm.
Some background: Hayes and DeMaio came out on top in last month’s Primary Election. The two Republicans are running to replace termed out Republican Assemblymember Marie Waldron for the 75th Assembly District, which covers a large portion of northern and eastern San Diego County.
Last June, the county Republican Party voted to endorse Hayes for the seat. According to Bailey’s email, DeMaio didn’t pursue an endorsement from the party at that time.
Now, in a controversial and unprecedented move, Whitsell wants to switch the endorsement, and it’s garnering criticism from some members of the party.
Bill Aims to Expand End-of-Life Options for Californians
State Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, is working to expand a California law to give terminally ill patients who want to end their lives more options. Her proposal would also expand the law to include people with early stage dementia.
The bill: SB 1196 would do several things. It would remove California residency requirements under the current law. This could allow people from other states to come to California seeking medical options for ending their lives. It would expand medication choices to include intravenous injection and open the door for people with early stage dementia to end their lives.
It also replaces the diagnosis of a terminal illness with a six month prognosis to the term “grievous and irremediable.” That means that the condition is serious and incurable, causes irreversible decline, creates suffering that can’t be relieved, and is expected to eventually lead to death, writes Capitol reporter Deborah Brennan in the latest Sacramento Report.
“What I’m trying to do is allow individuals suffering with serious ‘grievous and irremediable medical conditions’ to end their life on their own terms, instead of waiting until the very end when they’re in hospice and suffering, to access end of life options,” Blakespear said.
The bill is getting some pushback from those who fear some sick people could be coerced.
Read the Sacramento Report here.
VOSD Podcast: Tiara Gray’s Story
Last week we told you the story of a Navy service member based in San Diego who struggled for a long time with her mental health. And how the Navy failed to meet one core responsibility: keep its members safe. If you haven’t already read it, you can read it here.
Investigative reporter Will Huntsberry joins the VOSD Podcast crew to tell Tiara Gray’s story — and explain what happened after Gray was recruited, as she managed her fragile mental health while stuck in the machine of the U.S. Navy.
Listener warning: This discussion happens in the final segment of the show and contains discussion of self harm and suicide.
If you or someone you know might be considering suicide, there is help. Call or text 988, the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.
Straight from a presser: Investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt also joins the show to share what we know about the mayor’s mega shelter pitch and why some affordable housing units cost so much to build.
Listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your pods.
In Other News
- Wondering if you missed any Voice stories? We got you. Our managing editor has what you need to know to start your week here.
- Chula Vista has filled its vacant District 4 City Council seat. The Union-Tribune reports Rachel Morineau will be sworn in tomorrow.
- Palomar Health will close its final remaining inpatient behavioral health unit on June 30. The Union-Tribune reports Palomar Health has an arrangement with Sharp HealthCare for the anticipated influx of referred patients.
- A downtown business group’s latest census showed a 24 percent month-over-month drop in street homelessness in downtown and its outskirts. The tally fell to 809 people, the lowest since spring 2021.
- Poway City Council approved the plan for Harmon Ranch. The 63-home housing development passed despite concerns from the community. (NBC7)
- San Diego State University is studying how to improve the fan experience at Viejas Arena. (Times of San Diego)
The Morning Report was written by Tigist Layne, Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, Juan Estrada and Lisa Halverstadt. It was edited by Andrea Lopez-Villafaña.