San Diego News Fix

The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will take up a case from Poway Unified School District that tackles a contentious area of social media — when, and if, public officials can block people from their Facebook, Twitter or other social media accounts. The case concerns a former Poway school district trustee, T.J. Zane, and a current member, Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff, and their Facebook and Twitter pages. At issue: whether public officials with social media pages where they discuss public business can block individuals, or if doing so violates the First Amendment. Union-Tribune criminal justice and legal affairs reporter Greg Moran, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the case.

The Union-Tribune’s Community Voices Project is an online platform for civil discourse about news of the day and matters of the community. It brings dozens of thought leaders together with the goal of sharing diverse points of view to move toward a stronger, more inclusive San Diego region. Union-Tribune editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall, deputy editorial and opinion editor Laura Castañeda, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the origins and goals of the Community Voices Project.

San Diego County, like many places nationwide, faces a mental health crisis. For three days last year, nearly two dozen journalists with The San Diego Union-Tribune followed patients, police, clinicians, dispatchers and a host of others struggling for help to create a minute-by-minute account of our overwhelmed system. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, communities editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss this in-depth multi-media special report.

San Diego Gas & Electric is making a case before the California Public Utilities Commission to increase rates starting next year. SDG&E says it needs money for critical projects, like wildfire safety and pursuing clean energy goals. But many San Diegans are frustrated with rising gas and electric bills. The average price for electricity in the San Diego metropolitan area is currently higher than anywhere else in the country. Given that tension, could asking for higher rates right now backfire? Union-Tribune money reporter Roxana Popescu, topic editor Dan Beucke, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss some of the challenges of reporting on this story.

Hundreds of newspapers across the country – including The San Diego Union-Tribune – have either stopped or will stop running the “Dilbert” comic strip after its creator made racist comments during a YouTube livestream Feb. 22. Angela deJoseph, founder of Women of Color Roar, a nonpartisan multimedia organization that supports, nurtures and encourages Black women to seek careers in public service and run for political office; Michael Cavna, visual artists and comic art writer at The Washington Post; Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the offensive remarks and the decision to stop running the “Dilbert” comic strip.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at a couple of recent stories that had a lot of people talking. First, allegations that Padres beat writer Kevin Acee misquoted Padres pitcher Nick Martinez in one of his stories. (Spoiler alert: Acee did not misquote Martinez). The other story involves a longtime Del Mar Union school board member who resigned after officials announced he had been arrested in Florida on suspicion of soliciting prostitution. Union-Tribune sports editor Ryan Finley, managing editor Lora Cicalo and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the the flap over the Nick Martinez story and what determines where stories run in the newspaper.

The number of migrants who have died or gone missing trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border has sharply increased in recent year from an estimated 371 in 2020, to nearly 600 in 2021, to more than that last year. Humanitarian water and supply drops along the border have taken on a new urgency in the wake of the spike. Union-Tribune federal courts and law enforcement reporter Alex Riggins, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how the deaths of three sisters in particular has affected the efforts of border aid groups.

Scripps Health announced last month that physicians at Scripps Mercy Hospital named a new chief of staff. The announcement of Dr. James Grisolia’s selection praises the neurologist’s accomplishments and notes that he is a nearly 40-year veteran of Mercy’s medical staff. Union-Tribune health care reporter Paul Sisson, communities editor Tarcy Connors, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss why some are calling the announcement very controversial.

Protests have taken place in Santee over the last couple of weeks after a 17-year-old girl complained about seeing a transgender woman in the women’s locker room at the Cameron Family YMCA. The incident and the protests have garnered national attention. Union-Tribune managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss the U-T’s coverage of the protests and some of the decisions the newsroom has had to make while covering this ongoing story.

Hi everyone, Kristy from the News Fix here. Yesterday was our last official episode, but today I just wanted to come on and say thank you for listening. I've been honored to host this podcast, bringing you the news directly from the Union-Tribune writers who report it. It's also been incredible to learn more about our region from the people who make it so great. The Backstory will continue to publish on our website at sandiegouniontribune.com, and if you're wondering what I'm up to, you can find me on Twitter at @kristy_tea. Thanks again for listening, everyone. It's been a blast.

California has several subsidized child care programs that help families pay for child care and fund many of the state’s tens of thousands of child care providers. But that aid reaches only a small fraction of families who need it – and many providers say they aren’t paid enough to cover their costs. Union-Tribune education reporter Kristen Taketa, government and watchdog editor Sam Schulz, managing editor Lora Cicalo, and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how the system is falling short, and who is paying the price.

Captain Liz Clark is from Point Loma, and learned to surf and sail here before going to college at UC Santa Barbara and setting out on a 12-year sea voyage, sailing around the world mostly by herself. She chronicled her adventures in "Swell," a memoir published by Patagonia in 2018. The book captures the beauty of her travels, but also hardship and difficulties she faced both within herself and in the outside world. Captain Liz lives in Tahiti now where she runs her own environmental non-profit. She joined me from beneath a thatched roof on her new property, where the sun was shining and birds were singing. You can hear some of that in the interview. Here's our conversation.

My guest this week is Justin Brooks, director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project. The Innocence Project provides free legal services to the wrongfully convicted. It was founded in 1999 at the California Western School of Law here in San Diego, and it has freed many people from prison, as well as trained hundreds of law students. Brooks is the author of the upcoming book "You Might Go To Prison, Even If You're innocent," which comes out in April 2023 and is available for pre-order now. One of his cases is also portrayed in the feature-length film "Brian Banks," about a high school football star whose NFL dreams are dashed by a false conviction. In this interview, Justin shares the origins of the Innocence Project, we talk about problems with the system, about his new book and more. Here's our conversation.

​Meet Ron Salisbury, the city of San Diego's first-ever poet laureate. Ron served as poet laureate from 2020 through this year, writing poems and acting as an ambassador to the art form city-wide. Ron has had an amazing and storied life. Ron has been a casino pit boss in Las Vegas, an investment banker in San Francisco, a coffee shop owner in Sonoma, and of course, a poet and a teacher of poetry for more than 40 years. He also has numerous bachelor's and master's degrees. In this conversation, we talk about understanding poetry versus writing it, how he fell in love with poetry as a child, and stick around to the end to hear him read a poem about baseball. Here's our conversation.

San Diego economists say a recession is definitely coming, but they also say our region may weather it better than most. Business reporter Phillip Molnar attended the San Diego County Economic Roundtable this week.

Lunar New Year is Sunday, Jan. 22. Each year is represented by an animal on the Chinese zodiac calendar, and this year, it's the rabbit or the cat, depending on who you ask. Carlos Rico is a community guides reporter and is here to share more.

State-subsized child care often does not cover the true cost of child care. That's the top-line finding from the second report in a new series about child care from U-T reporter Kristen Taketa.

For the first time ever, the Birch Aquarium is home to a pregnant male seadragon. Leslee Matsushige is the aquarium's resident seahorse expert.

Union-Tribune publisher and editor Jeff Light, and managing editor Lora Cicalo introduce us to Ryan Finley, the U-T’s new sports editor. Ryan Finley joined the paper Jan. 9. He succeeds Jay Posner, who retired in December.

A controversial proposal to allow high-rise housing and backyard apartments in San Diego made progress Thursday when it was approved by a key committee. David Garrick covers the city of San Diego for the Union-Tribune.

Mayor Todd Gloria gave his 2023 State of the City address Wednesday, where he highlighted housing, homelessness, infrastructure and more. U-T engagement editor Bella Ross was there.

The Del Mar Fairgrounds could be getting a makeover. Tuesday, the state institution that governs the land voted to hire a consultant to come up with ideas for possible improvements. U-T business reporter Jennifer Land has been covering this story.

Child care can be one of the most expensive aspects of having children. In San Diego, the going rate is $1,500 per month for infant care. In California, help paying for childcare is available, but as a new series by U-T reporter Kristen Taketa shows, the programs fall short, failing to help hundreds of thousands of families.

As gas prices are dropping around the country, SDG&E natural gas prices are expected to double this month. Rob Nikolewski covers energy at the Union-Tribune.

Pelé was a Brazilian soccer player who, by all accounts, changed the game. Ricardo Campo is the president of the San Diego Loyal soccer team, and once had the opportunity to spend a week with Pelé in New York. Here's his story.

San Diego and California in general have been pummeled with rain recently. How long will it continue and what does this mean for the drought? U-T reporter Gary Robbins has more.

The PedWest crossing at the U.S.-Mexico border will reopen on Jan. 9, after being closed for almost three years, since the pandemic began. Reporter Alexandra Mendoza has more.

To help make this year your best yet, the U-T guides team has put together a mega guide called "How to have an epic year in San Diego in 2023." It includes things like a San Diego bucket list, best hikes, how to make friends as an adult and more.

2023 is here, and the Union-Tribune business team has compiled a list of 12 stories to watch this year. Business reporter Phillip Molnar has more.

It's January, and for many that means the beginning of Dry January. But just because you're not drinking alcohol, doesn't mean you can't have a an interesting drink. Community guides reporter Carlos Rico shares mocktail recommendations around San Diego.

Welcome to the San Diego News Fix. Each year, the U-T Editorial Board chooses a person of the year. Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall discusses this year's pick.

Amid airline cancellations and low shelter space, Border Patrol has been dropping off migrants at bus stations around San Diego without help to reach their final destinations. Kate Morrissey covers immigration at the Union-Tribune.

The Afghan Adjustment Act was supposed to create a pathway to permanent residency for Afghans who helped the United States during the 20-year war. Supporters of the bill hoped it would be included in Congress' 2023 spending bill, but it was left out at the last minute due to Republican concerns. Shawn VanDiver is founder and president of #AfghanEvac, which was founded here in San Diego.

All but one Southwest Airlines flight coming in or out of San Diego was canceled Monday. More than 2,700 Southwest flights were canceled across the nation due to extreme weather, and the airline is warning the disruption could continue into the new year. Reporter Alex Riggins has more.

After being sidelined by the pandemic, jazz made a comeback in San Diego in 2022. George Varga is the U-T's music critic. He shares the year's highs and lows, best concerts, albums and more.

Before you head out of town for the holidays, we have some advice for you. U-T tourism reporter Lori Weisberg has more.

Julian may be known as an autumn and winter escape from San Diego, but this small town offers visitors more than enough to keep busy all year long. Community guides reporter Maura Fox visited recently and found great places to eat, drink and shop.

If you're shopping for the holidays or just in general, U-T community engagement editor Bella Ross has tips on ethnical, eco-conscious shopping.

After a five-week strike, the University of California and United Auto Workers, the union that represents graduate student workers, have reached a tentative labor agreement. Beatrice Waterhouse is a third-year PhD student and a teaching assistant at UC San Diego.

Todd Kent is the CEO of Boochcraft hard kombucha, which was founded in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Todd is a serial entrepreneur who cares about healthy living and taking care of the planet.

After months of review, the District Attorney’s Office announced on Dec. 7 that it would not file criminal charges against three former San Diego State University football players accused of gang raping a 17-year-old high school senior at an off-campus party last year. While the announcement closed one chapter in the high-profile case… a civil lawsuit, a university inquiry and many questions remain. The decision also raised concerns among advocates that it could have a chilling effect on victims of sexual assault who are considering coming forward. Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield, public safety reporter Teri Figueroa, Saturday editor Lyndsay Winkley and managing editor Lora Cicalo discuss what’s next in this case.

Drugs are a problem in San Diego County jails. According to a study by Analytica Consulting, a person incarcerated in a San Diego jail is twice as likely to die from a drug overdose than a person in another California jail.

Restaurants near the beach will soon have to rethink their outdoor dining setups. The California Coastal Commission approved a new regulation Wednesday that would require coastal restaurants to replace any parking spots they take up on city streets. Lori Weisberg covers tourism and hospitality at the U-T.

There's good news and bad news when it comes to gas. Gasoline prices are at their lowest prices this year, but natural gas, the stuff that heats homes, is up. Rob Nikolewski covers energy at the Union-Tribune.

Tijuana photojournalist Margarito Martínez was killed outside his home on Jan. 17. Almost a year later, partial justice has been served, as two men were charged with his murder in Baja California state court. A third suspect is taking his case to trial. Alexandra Mendoza is a reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune en español.

The green bins we've heard so much about will start making their way to San Diego homes starting in January. The bins are meant to collect food scraps and yard waste for composting, as mandated by a new California law.

On Dec. 7, the nation observed National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It was 81 years ago that a surprise aerial attack by Japan pushed the U.S. into World War II. Union-Tribune feature writer John Wilkens, enterprise editor Kristina Davis, managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss how San Diego has embraced the memory and meaning of Pearl Harbor, and how our newsroom covers that day.

Coronavirus hospitalizations are on the rise throughout the nation, and the same goes for San Diego County. Paul Sisson covers health at the Union-Tribune.

This summer, an alleged gang rape case involving SDSU football players and a then-17-year-old girl was reported by the Los Angeles Times. Since then, it's been one of the most watched criminal cases in the county. Wednesday, the San Diego County District Attorney announced it will not file charges. Union-Tribune reporter Lyndsay Winkley has been covering this story.

Dec. 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, in honor of the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On this day in 1941, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed during a Japanese attack on the area. Tom Foreman is 101 years old, and is a retired U.S. Navy service member who lives in Escondido. Foreman was stationed at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. He was out to sea on a ship and returned to witness the devastation.

After 34 years, sports editor Jay Posner is retiring. Jay started the job ion 1989 as a reporter. Since then, he's covered all things San Diego sports related. He even had a stint as editor of the arts & entertainment section. In this interview, Jay talks about his career highlights, his 15 minutes of fame after appearing in a viral video, the best and worst reader mail he's ever received and more.

A county hotel voucher program known as the Regional Homeless Assistance Program had been running and expanding for about two years with little controversy until El Cajon recently blamed it for a surge in homeless people, crime and drug use. The San Diego Union-Tribune obtained years-worth of data detailing arrests and calls for service at seven hotels in El Cajon. Union-Tribune homelessness reporter Gary Warth, East County reporter Blake Nelson, managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light discuss what they found.

Latino and LGBTQ activist Nicole Murray Ramirez is living San Diego history, and this weekend, he'll get an honorary street name to prove it. Starting Saturday, Dec. 3, the corner of Harvey Milk and Centre streets in Hillcrest will be known as Nicole Murray Ramirez Way.

The holidays are here and so are a ton of holiday events around the region. Abby Hamblin is the community guides editor at the U-T.

After 37 years, arts & entertainment columnist Karla Peterson is retiring from the Union-Tribune. In her time here, she covered pop culture, Comic-Con, the community and more. This week is Karla's last week with the newspaper. She joined me today to reflect on all she's done.

In San Diego County, 1 in 4 residents are nutrition insecure. The issue has improved slightly since 2021, but there's still a lot of work to be done. Anahid Brakke is the President & CEO of the San Diego Hunger Coalition.

In the past two years, the number of homeless people using hotel vouchers in El Cajon has skyrocketed. The numbers went from one or two in years prior to just under 250 in 2021 and more than 600 at one point in 2022.

It's hard to believe it, but the holidays — and shopping season — are upon us. To help you with gift-giving, the Union-Tribune arts & entertainment team has created a guide to the best presents to give this holiday season. It includes recommendations for books, beer, sports, music and more. Michael Rocha is the digital creative director at the U-T.

Saturday night at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, five people were killed and several others injured by a lone gunman. The victims are Ashley Paugh, Raymond Green, Kelly Loving, Daniel Davis Aston and Derrick Rump, according to the Gazette newspaper. Reporters Teri Figueroa and David Hernandez have been following this story.

Union-Tribune feature writer John Wilkens; enterprise editor Kristina Davis; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and publisher and editor Jeff Light look back at a Black vs. White race riot aboard the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk in October 1972.

Union-Tribune watchdog and government editor Sam Schulz; political columnist Michael Smolens; and managing editor Lora Cicalo recap the Nov. 8 election and take a closer look at some of San Diego County's close races.

The San Diego Registrar of Voters has updated election results as of 5 p.m. Thursday.

The 2022 general election is over, and results on a number of exciting races are trickling in. Michael Smolens, political columnist at the Union-Tribune, shares some of the results and surprises.

Today, as we await results, we're going to talk about what happens to your ballot after you cast it, how votes get counted and we're also gonna do some mythbusting. Adriana Heldiz is a multimedia journalist at the Union-Tribune.

Hear from 1HWY1 developer Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen about his vision for Seaport San Diego, the project timeline, and whether or not it will need public funding.

Maritza Garcia is an activist with the Environmental Health Coalition, who grew up in Logan Heights and now fights for cleaner air in her neighborhood. She's also an artist who makes crochet clothing and sculptures and she's a new mom! In this conversation, she shares what it was like to grow up in Barrio Logan and Logan Heights, where soot piles up on surfaces and children experience asthma at a high rates. We also talked about the life-giving nature of art, and how life has changed since becoming a parent.

Union-Tribune watchdog and government editor Sam Schulz; political columnist Michael Smolens; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light talk about what we can expect on Election Day and the days that follow.

Election Day is right around the corner. Tuesday, Nov. 8 is the last day to cast your ballot, but if you haven't done so, don't worry, our guides to help you make your decision. Bella Ross is a community engagement specialist at the U-T.

Indigenous voters are consistently underrepresented in American elections. California’s eligible voting population is 3 percent Indigenous, which is among the highest rates nationwide. But Native Americans are less likely to register to vote and have lower voter turnout rates than people of other races. U-T reporter Lauren J. Mapp has more.

In honor of Día de Muertos, we're bringing you something special today. Día de Muertos means Day of the Dead. It's a Mexican holiday with Catholic and indigenous roots that honors the deceased loved ones of those who celebrate, typically on Nov. 1-2. In honor of the holiday, today you'll hear dedications from three readers and one U-T editor who sent in remembrances of their loved ones.

The 23rd annual San Diego Asian Film Festival begins this week. The fest features 130 films, from 30-plus countries in 30-plus languages at four venues. The festival kicks off this Thursday with its opening night at the Museum of Natural History in Balboa Park. Brian Hu is the artistic director of the festival and an associate professor of TV, film and new media at SDSU.

Union-Tribune editorial and opinion director Matthew T. Hall; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the U-T’s sometimes contentious and rowdy community election forums leading up the Nov. 8 election.

San Diego home prices are dropping at a pace not seen since the Great Recession. But San Diego isn’t alone. The entire nation is experiencing a slowdown brought on by rising mortgage rates. Phillip Molnar covers real estate for the Union-Tribune.

A big holiday weekend is upon us! Halloween is Monday and Día de Muertos is Tuesday, and celebrations for both have already begun. Joining me to share what's going on this weekend is Abby Hamblin, editor of Pacific Magazine.

Two candidates are running for the job of San Diego County sheriff. Last night, the San Diego Union-Tribune opinion team held an in-person forum at the San Diego Central Library with candidates John Hemmerling and Kelly Martinez. The conversation was moderated by Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall. In this episode, you'll hear from the candidates on jail deaths, surveillance, traffic stops, conceal carry weapons, policies for transgender inmates and more.

Two candidates are vying to represent Chula Vista as mayor. Last night, the San Diego Union-Tribune opinion team held an in-person forum at the Chula Vista Public Library with candidates John McCann and Ammar Campa-Najjar. The conversation was moderated by Editorial and Opinion Director Matthew T. Hall. And as you'll hear, it was a lively night.

The Nation's Report card is in, and math grades in the shadow of the pandemic aren't looking so good. National standardized test scores for 2022 were released Sunday, showing a steep decline in math scores among public school students. Kristen Taketa covers education at the Union-Tribune.

Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield; public safety reporter Teri Figueroa; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the allegations of a horrific gang rape that were kept quiet for nearly a year and how reporters brought the story to light.

Voting in the 2022 general election is underway. In San Diego County, voters will choose leaders in national, state and local races. Michael Smolens, political columnist at the Union-Tribune, tells us what he's watching.

To help you make your decisions in the 2022 election, the U-T opinion section has been publishing candidate Q&As, video interviews and endorsements. We're also hosting in-person and virtual forums in some of San Diego's key races. Tuesday, Oct. 18, we're hosting a forum with San Diego City Council District 6 candidates, Tommy Hough and Kent Lee. We'll also host forums with candidates for Chula Vista Mayor and San Diego County Sheriff next week.

Today we're talking about the San Diego Unified school board race in Sub-District B, which covers Tierrasanta, Kearny Mesa and San Carlos. We have two candidates, early education commissioner Shana Hazan and retired principal/teacher Godwin Higa. Both met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board this month to discuss the pandemic, gun violence, standardized testing and more.

Today we're talking about the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education race in Sub-District C, which represents coastal San Diego. We have two candidates, educator/parent Cody Petterson and charter school businesswoman Becca Williams. Both met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board this month to discuss the pandemic, gun violence, standardized testing and more.

This Saturday, Oct. 15, is the first-ever Festival of Journalism, hosted by the Union-Tribune, Voice of San Diego, KPBS and the SDSU School of Journalism and Media Studies. The free, one-day event will feature panel sessions with editors and reporters, a documentary screening and keynote speakers. It's also chance to get to know the people reporting San Diego's biggest stories.

There are two candidates running for treasurer-tax collector in San Diego County. One is incumbent Daniel McAllister, first elected in 2002, and he's challenged by chief financial officer Greg Hodosevich. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board to discuss the job and how they would do it.

There are two candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot running to be the next San Diego County assessor/recorder/county clerk: Chief deputy assessor Jordan Marks and chief financial officer and former San Diego City Councilmember Barbara Bry.

Union-Tribune public safety editor Dana Littlefield; public safety reporter David Hernandez; managing editor Lora Cicalo; and editor and publisher Jeff Light discuss the latest Union-Tribune’s analysis of homicide rates in our region and why it’s important to tell these types of stories.

There are two candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot running for San Diego County supervisors District 5, which covers North County. Republican incumbent supervisor Jim Desmond is being challenged by Democratic scientist/water director Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board ahead of the election.

There are two candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot running for San Diego County supervisors District 4, which includes Clairemont, Linda Vista, Hillcrest, North Park, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and many communities in between. Democratic incumbent supervisor/educator Nathan Fletcher is challenged this election by Republican small business owner Amy Reichert. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board ahead of the election.

Today you're going to hear from candidates for California attorney general. First you'll hear from incumbent Rob Bonta, a Democrat, then Nathan Hochman, a Republican. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Boards to discuss crime, cannabis, immigration and more. This is the first 20 or so minutes of each conversation. To hear the interviews in their entirety, go to sandiegouniontribune.com/2022electionguide.

Today you're going to hear from gubernatorial candidates Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger, State Sen. Brian Dahle. Both candidates met with The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board in September to discuss inflation, housing, climate change and more. This is the first 20 or so minutes of each conversation. To hear the interviews in their entirety, go to sandiegouniontribune.com/2022electionguide.

Proposition 31 would ban the sale of flavored tobacco in California, including flavored vaping products and menthol cigarettes. People would still be able to have these items, but they couldn't buy them in the state. Yes on 31 is supported by the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society and others. It's opposed by the various tax associations and chambers of commerce. Supporters say flavored tobacco targets children and people of color, primarily Black Americans. The no side says prohibition doesn't work, it could encourage black market products, and we should trust adults to make their own decisions.

Proposition 30 would increase personal income tax on Californians who earn more than $2 million per year. The money would be used to fund programs to reduce air pollution and prevent wildfires. Supporters say it would improve air quality and help Californians afford electric vehicles. Opponents say the proposition is not business friendly and could cause job creators to move away. They also say it's a money grab for Lyft and Uber, who funded the measure, to get subsidies to electrify their fleets. Today you're going to hear from both sides of this measure, first the yes side, then the no side.

Welcome to the San Diego News Fix, the Backstory, where we take you behind the scenes in our newsroom to show you how we got the story and how decisions are made. Today we are joined by Jeff Light, Lauryn Schroeder, Kristina Davis and Sam Schulz to talk about the surge in investors purchasing homes in San Diego County.

Voting in the 2022 election begins on Oct. 10, and this week the San Diego News Fix podcast is focusing on state ballot measures. Proposition 29 is back on the ballot, and it has to do with kidney dialysis. If it sounds familiar, it's the third time this issue has appeared on the ballot in the past five years. Prop. 29 would require a licensed doctor to be on site at dialysis clinics at all times. Supporters say adding a doctor would improve patient care. Opponents say that it's not necessary and would create an undue burden on clinics, possibly causing them to close. In this episode, you'll hear from both sides. First you'll hear from an SEIU union member who represents the Yes on 29 campaign. Then you'll hear from a public affairs strategist, a doctor and a patient on the No on 29 side.

California Proposition 28 would take require the state to set aside money for arts and music education, and it's expected to generate up to $1 billion per year, with an emphasis on lower-income schools. Austin Beutner is behind the initiative. He's the former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, and was also a former publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune. In this episode, you'll hear from the Yes on 28 campaign. The campaign has no opponents.

This week the News Fix is focusing on California ballot measures. Today you're going to hear about Prop. 27, which would allow online and mobile sports betting throughout the state. Under Prop. 27, gaming companies would be required to partner with a California tribe, and some of its revenue would go towards homeless services. The measure is funded by online betting companies FanDuel and DraftKings. It is supported by some advocates for the homeless and the mayors of Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento and Long Beach. It is opposed by a long list of tribes and tribal casinos, the California Teachers Association and many others. Both campaigns have websites you can visit for more information. Both campaigns met with The San Diego Union-Tribune's editorial board recently to share their perspectives and answer questions. In this episode, you'll first hear from Yes on 27, followed by No on 27.

This week the News Fix is focusing on statewide ballot measures. Today you'll hear more about Prop. 26, which would allow in-person roulette, dice games and sports wagering on tribal lands, as well as sports betting at horse racetracks. You'll also hear about Prop. 27, which would allow online sports betting across the state. Prop. 26 is supported by tribal casinos such as Sycuan and Pechanga. It is opposed by non-tribal card rooms, animal rights activists and some municipalities. First you'll hear from Yes on 26 campaign, followed by the No on 26 campaign.