The new point-in-time count numbers are in. The annual homeless census showed a record surge in homelessness, reaching its highest point in 12 years.

On the podcast this week, we review the new data and particularly distressing increases among the senior population and in chronic homelessness.

We also have a story this week about the old data: According to a report by our Will Huntsberry, before the 2023 figures came out, the regional census (while an imperfect system of measure) actually showed a 10-year decline. Meanwhile homelessness has become more visible, and tragic, than ever. 

These stories all come ahead of a highly-anticipated vote next week that aims to transform homelessness in the city of San Diego, further enforcing San Diego's ban on street camping while pushing residents toward shelters and safe camping sites.

Plus: Water politics is boiling. Andy is leaving.

Join the VOSD Podcast crew! Support our fiscal year-end campaign at: vosd.org/podpeople

The new point-in-time count numbers are in. The annual homeless census showed a record surge in homelessness, reaching its highest point in 12 years.
On the podcast this week, we review the new data and particularly distressing increases among the senior population and in chronic homelessness.
We also have a story this week about the old data: According to a report by our Will Huntsberry, before the 2023 figures came out, the regional census (while an imperfect system of measure) actually showed a 10-year decline. Meanwhile homelessness has become more visible, and tragic, than ever. 
These stories all come ahead of a highly-anticipated vote next week that aims to transform homelessness in the city of San Diego, further enforcing San Diego's ban on street camping while pushing residents toward shelters and safe camping sites.
Plus: Water politics is boiling. Andy is leaving.
Join the VOSD Podcast crew! Support our fiscal year-end campaign at: <a href="https://vosd.org/podpeople">vosd.org/podpeople</a>

This is Voice of San Diego’s weekly spitfire roundup of news. We cover local and regional politics, the environment, education, the border and more. This show features our investigative reporting and interviews with lawmakers and other special guests.

This is Voice of San Diego&rsquo;s weekly spitfire roundup of news. We cover local and regional politics, the environment, education, the border and more. This show features our investigative reporting and interviews with lawmakers and other special guests.

Voice of San Diego Podcast

The Week Before the Big Homelessness Vote

It was a big week for things that used to be things.

The Republican Party of San Diego County, once a local political juggernaut, lost its chairwoman after an internal battle over Carl DeMaio, who is running for state Assembly against Andrew Hayes.

Despite DeMaio’s efforts to drag a Democrat to the runoff, he will face Hayes, a fellow Republican.

This week, we discuss the endorsement battle that threatened to splinter an already weak political faction — and ultimately led to the emergence of a new party leader.

Plus: Students learning online are performing way worse than their in-person peers. SDSU isn't interested in a Mission Valley arena.

Join the nature nerds with our biweekly Environment Report: vosd.org/environment

It was a big week for things that used to be things.
The Republican Party of San Diego County, once a local political juggernaut, lost its chairwoman after an internal battle over Carl DeMaio, who is running for state Assembly against Andrew Hayes.
Despite DeMaio’s efforts to drag a Democrat to the runoff, he will face Hayes, a fellow Republican.
This week, we discuss the endorsement battle that threatened to splinter an already weak political faction — and ultimately led to the emergence of a new party leader.
Plus: Students learning online are performing way worse than their in-person peers. SDSU isn't interested in a Mission Valley arena.
Join the nature nerds with our biweekly Environment Report: vosd.org/environment

Things That Used to Be Things

Tiara Gray was bright. She was artsy, well-written — an old soul in a young body, people said.

She was from the Appalachian region of Maryland, a small place with few prospects for what many consider "good careers."

Gray scored high on an aptitude test that caught the attention of the U.S. Navy. For Gray, like many people across the country, the military offered rare opportunities. So, she joined.

Through her recruitment process, Gray reportedly withheld information about her mental health. Lying is apparently common, and encouraged, during military recruitments.

This week, senior investigative reporter Will Huntsberry tells Gray's story — and explains 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 (after the ad break) 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.

Plus: Mayor Todd Gloria announces plans for a 1,000-bed shelter. And the most affordable housing projects in San Diego.

Tiara Gray was bright. She was artsy, well-written — an old soul in a young body, people said.
She was from the Appalachian region of Maryland, a small place with few prospects for what many consider "good careers."
Gray scored high on an aptitude test that caught the attention of the U.S. Navy. For Gray, like many people across the country, the military offered rare opportunities. So, she joined.
Through her recruitment process, Gray reportedly withheld information about her mental health. Lying is apparently common, and encouraged, during military recruitments.
This week, senior investigative reporter Will Huntsberry tells Gray's story — and explains 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 (after the ad break) 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.
Plus: Mayor Todd Gloria announces plans for a 1,000-bed shelter. And the most affordable housing projects in San Diego.

Caught in the Navy Machine

For a long time, Voice has followed the tale of school in Logan Heights.

The school has changed names and faces in recent years. It’s got an impressive new building. It used to be called Logan Memorial Prep, now it’s Logan Memorial Educational Campus.

Logan Memorial has served generations of residents. And through that time it has modified its educational offerings and appearance. But as host Jakob McWhinney explains this week, throughout all these changes one thing remained the same: its bad reputation. It’s still one of the most avoided schools in the district.

This week, we talk about what the school can do to turn things around.

Plus: New theme music. Baseball and Petco Park. An update to the Fletcher saga.

Join us for our spring fundraising campaign: vosd.org/give

For a long time, Voice has followed the tale of school in Logan Heights.
The school has changed names and faces in recent years. It’s got an impressive new building. It used to be called Logan Memorial Prep, now it’s Logan Memorial Educational Campus.
Logan Memorial has served generations of residents. And through that time it has modified its educational offerings and appearance. But as host Jakob McWhinney explains this week, throughout all these changes one thing remained the same: its bad reputation. It’s still one of the most avoided schools in the district.
This week, we talk about what the school can do to turn things around.
Plus: New theme music. Baseball and Petco Park. An update to the Fletcher saga.
Join us for our spring fundraising campaign: <a href="https://vosd.org/give">vosd.org/give</a>

The Week Before the Big Homelessness Vote

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