Borrego Sun - Since 1949

At our last board meeting, I proposed legislation for the County to take a stand against the income-based fixed-rate electricity proposal. Unfortunately, my colleagues voted against this and are in favor of charging people based on their income. The proposed fixed-rate bill fundam... — Updated 2/15/2024

Our final Tuesday board meeting of the year was also our longest of the year. It took about 13 hours, but I want to thank everyone for coming down and calling in. Here is a recap of some of the good and bad from the meeting. The Board of Supervisors approved allocating another $3... — Updated 2/15/2024

On a cool Sunday morning, border patrol vans pull into the Oceanside Transit Center releasing approximately 30 migrants from countries including Columbia, Pakistan, and China. The first question asked by most migrants is, “Where am I?” That’s just the tip of the iceberg for how t... — Updated 2/15/2024

I had the opportunity to participate in the California Public Utilities Commission public meeting regarding the proposed new fixed-rate electricity plan. This proposal has sparked significant concerns, particularly for the residents of San Diego. If you’re unfamiliar with this p... — Updated 11/21/2023

In recent weeks, we’ve reveled in the tranquil weather and witnessed the advent of the Santa Ana winds, signaling a heightened risk of wildfires. While a few blazes have ignited, our gratitude extends to the tireless firefighters who swiftly contained these potentially c... — Updated 11/9/2023

Let’s start with some great news! Thanks to the unwavering efforts of SANDAG Board members, led by San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, we have successfully eliminated the mileage tax from the transportation plan. Mayor Jones pushed vigorously for this issue to be heard and got most o... — Updated 11/9/2023

I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates regarding our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. Last week, I co-hosted a human trafficking town hall alongside District Attorney Summer Stephan and local experts, raising awareness and educating our community... — Updated 11/9/2023

For the past four days, we have witnessed an unprecedented influx of migrants from all corners of the world being dropped off at transit stations throughout San Diego County. At the time of writing this, over 5,000 individuals have entered our region, and the numbers show no sign... — Updated 11/9/2023

As you may be aware, San Diego ranks among the top cities in the nation for human trafficking. This is a harrowing issue that affects far too many lives in our community, and it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to stop it. In our ongoing commitment to combat thi... — Updated 11/9/2023

A few weeks ago, I talked about how The County of San Diego is pursuing a harm reduction program through the California Department of Public Health, including syringe services and safer smoking supplies. This potential program involves, in part, the distribution of free needles an... — Updated 11/9/2023

I’ve just taken action by sending a letter addressed to President Biden and the Federal Government, urging them to reinstate DNA testing at the border. This is a crucial step in addressing the rampant issue of human trafficking that plagues our border communities. We cannot t... — Updated 11/9/2023

A few weeks ago, I talked about how The County of San Diego is pursuing a harm reduction program through the California Department of Public Health, including syringe services and safer smoking supplies. This potential program involves, in part, the distribution of free needles an... — Updated 9/14/2023

I am excited to announce a special event to unite our veterans and military families in a supportive and inclusive environment. This event is organized in partnership with the San Diego Veteran’s Coalition and is designed to provide updated information on benefits, resources, a... — Updated 9/14/2023

I am encouraged to hear about Hasan Ikhrata’s departure from SANDAG. This development opens the door to changes and progress within the organization. SANDAG’s primary focus must be on finding a new leader who embodies the qualities of a consensus builder who can collaborate eff... — Updated 9/14/2023

Last week, was a day of great significance as I stood alongside the City of Oceanside and The Prevent Drowning Foundation to raise awareness for a crucial cause - Drowning Prevention. We have all heard heartbreaking stories of children falling into pools or parents looking away... — Updated 9/14/2023

Recently, I was able to tour Waymo, which is an autonomous driving technology company owned by Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company. Waymo is similar to a self-driving Uber. Though it was a bit eerie getting in a car that didn’t have a driver, I was really impressed by the saf... — Updated 9/14/2023

In response to the reversal of the State Assembly’s Public Safety Committee’s decision regarding SB 14, San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond released this statement. “It was disheartening to see as human trafficking is categorized as a “non-serious” crime, undermini... — Updated 9/14/2023

Last year, San Diego Supervisor Anderson and I partnered on a program called the Agriculture Pass, designed to assist commercial livestock and agriculture operators in a wildfire or other disaster. The Ag Pass allows certain people access to evacuated areas to care for their crops... — Updated 9/14/2023

The importance of removing spent nuclear fuel cannot be overstated. The safe and responsible management of this hazardous material is paramount for protecting public health, the environment, and future generations. Spent nuclear fuel is safely being stored at San Onofre Nuclear... — Updated 7/18/2023

Housing First prioritizes immediate, “low barrier” access to housing for those living on the streets. While this may sound like an admirable mission, the requirements for living in housing is… nothing! There aren’t any requirements, conditions, or milestones such as sobriet... — Updated 7/18/2023

We’ve known for a while now that SANDAG, the Federal Government, and the State of California have been looking to implement a per-mile tax. This hasn’t been met with enthusiasm by voters throughout the country. However, now there’s a synonym for the per-mile tax that is makin... — Updated 7/18/2023

Last week, the Board of Supervisors voted 3 – 1 to authorize a memorandum of agreement between the County of San Diego and the San Diego Housing Commission to purchase four hotels in an effort to combat homelessness. I was the lone “no” vote as this legislation fails to addre... — Updated 6/21/2023

Nathan Fletcher has let San Diego down. His actions have left a vacant seat and the Board of Supervisors were left with a decision of what to do in order to fill it. We were faced with three options: Hold a special election. Start the appointment process. Start the appointment... — Updated 6/13/2023

I’m pleased to say that at our last Board of Supervisors meeting, we unanimously passed a resolution to support Senate Bill 832, which would prioritize public safety when placing Sexually Violent Predators. I want to thank Senator Brian Jones’ for his leadership and authoring SB... — Updated 5/10/2023

While most of the attention at the County Board of Supervisors has been on finding a replacement for District 4, another vacancy is just as vital. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the County government and... — Updated 5/10/2023