San Diego Unified leaders announced they would offer $10,000 dollar signing bonuses for new special education teachers and nurses.

This is a new effort by the district to combat a massive labor shortage happening right now. It may seem totally logical: The district has a lot of COVID relief money and needs more staff. But the move also signals a significant shift in policy from unions and union-backed leaders. Pay incentives of any kind, for years, have been totally taboo.

This week, we discuss teacher pay and how it could impact schools.

Plus: Andy's got the emails that led up to a big housing development decision. And the 101 Ash St. settlement that never was.

See all our school stories at vosd.org/education

Get the newsletter for this podcast at vosd.org/pod

San Diego Unified leaders announced they would offer $10,000 dollar signing bonuses for new special education teachers and nurses.
This is a new effort by the district to combat a massive labor shortage happening right now. It may seem totally logical: The district has a lot of COVID relief money and needs more staff. But the move also signals a significant shift in policy from unions and union-backed leaders. Pay incentives of any kind, for years, have been totally taboo.
This week, we discuss teacher pay and how it could impact schools.
Plus: Andy's got the emails that led up to a big housing development decision. And the 101 Ash St. settlement that never was.
See all our school stories at <a href="https://vosd.org/education">vosd.org/education</a>
Get the newsletter for this podcast at <a href="http://vosd.org/pod">vosd.org/pod</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

What if We Paid Teachers With Money?

Who knew selling hot dogs at Petco Park was such a money making venture?

After two years and lots of investigating, VOSD's Will Huntsberry saw the finish line for his story which uncovered a fake nonprofit running concessions at Petco Park - and pocketing around $2 million. He explains what the news is and what it feels like to make a difference. 

Also on the show: We get into a really big news week for local politics with longtime Republican Rep. Darrell Issa announcing he will not seek reelection. The podcast crew talks about what that means. Plus, Scott Lewis wants to know why people can't put their phone down at concerts.

Finally, the local nonprofit that prosecutors say stole county money has provoked questions about county oversight. A "special review" is now underway. We'll explain. 

We're on YouTube now! Watch the podcast at youtube.com/voiceofsandiego.

 

Who knew selling hot dogs at Petco Park was such a money making venture?
After two years and lots of investigating, <a href="https://voiceofsandiego.org/2026/03/11/petco-park-charity-scammers-plead-guilty-to-fraud-conspiracy/">VOSD's Will Huntsberry saw the finish line for his story</a> which uncovered a fake nonprofit running concessions at Petco Park - and pocketing around $2 million. He explains what the news is and what it feels like to make a difference.&nbsp;
Also on the show: We get into a really big news week for local politics with longtime Republican Rep. Darrell Issa announcing he will not seek reelection. The podcast crew talks about what that means. Plus, Scott Lewis wants to know why people can't put their phone down at concerts.
Finally, the local nonprofit that prosecutors say stole county money has provoked questions about county oversight. A "special review" is now underway. We'll explain.&nbsp;
We're on YouTube now! Watch the podcast at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/voiceofsandiego">youtube.com/voiceofsandiego</a>.
&nbsp;

Fake Charity Guys Pocketed $2 Million

On this week's episode Scott Lewis and Jakob McWhinney sit down with San Diego Unified School Board members Cody Petterson and Shana Hazan. They talk about the current challenges facing San Diego schools, declining enrollment, budget issues, and how they want to make San Diego schools succeed. 

On this week's episode Scott Lewis and Jakob McWhinney sit down with San Diego Unified School Board members Cody Petterson and Shana Hazan. They talk about the current challenges facing San Diego schools, declining enrollment, budget issues, and how they want to make San Diego schools succeed.&nbsp;

School Board Members Aren't Worried

On this week's episode we span all over the news world from sports, to politics, to parking meters. 

The second home tax is back. This time it spares vacation rentals. However, it’s on a fast track to the ballot. We tell you how it will work. 

Lisa Halverstadt had a big update after prosecutors said they believe a nonprofit executive may have misallocated even more funds meant to save people from overdoses of fentanyl and heroin.

The crew talked about former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey running for city council last week and this week Scott reached out and shared some further clarifications for Bailey's future. 

A Padres pitcher had an unfortunate injury in Spring Training but Scott Lewis decided to take this opportunity for a little PSA. 

Finally, our intern Rami Alarian joined us to talk about his story about police using helicopters to break up college house parties. 

We are on YouTube now! Watch the podcast and see Bella's videos at youtube.com/voiceofsandiego,

On this week's episode we span all over the news world from sports, to politics, to parking meters.&nbsp;
The second home tax is back. This time it spares vacation rentals. However, it&rsquo;s on a fast track to the ballot. We tell you how it will work.&nbsp;
Lisa Halverstadt had a big update after prosecutors said they believe a nonprofit executive may have misallocated even more funds meant to save people from overdoses of fentanyl and heroin.
The crew talked about former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey running for city council last week and this week Scott reached out and shared some further clarifications for Bailey's future.&nbsp;
A Padres pitcher had an unfortunate injury in Spring Training but Scott Lewis decided to take this opportunity for a little PSA.&nbsp;
Finally, our intern Rami Alarian joined us to talk about his story about police using helicopters to break up college house parties.&nbsp;
We are on YouTube now! Watch the podcast and see Bella's videos at youtube.com/voiceofsandiego,

What if We Paid Teachers With Money?

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