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.
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The Week Before the Big Homelessness Vote

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.

News

Politics

News Commentary

Reporter MacKenzie Elmer dug into the city of San Diego’s first audit of its contract with SDG&E.; The big takeaway? The cost of burying powerlines has gotten way out of hand. She tells us how the city is using new leverage to try and get answers. Plus, a tribute to San Diego legend Bill Walton, the latest in the search for the next county administrative officer and why there's now a bidding war for Green Oak Ranch in Vista.
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RIP Bill Walton

This week, the Voice of San Diego hosts share big news on the county CAO search and the region's latest homelessness numbers.
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness just dropped the data from it's annual point-in-time count, which shows the crisis is slowing down compared to last year, but remains worse than ever.
Plus: Education Reporter Jakob McWhinney shares what he knows about an investigation into San Diego Unified superintendent Lamont Jackson, and the owners of Fashion Valley Mall announce plans to close a major retailer in exchange for more housing.
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Many Mini Cities

This week, the Voice of San Diego hosts have the latest on a couple big stories we've been following.
But first we'll circle back to a topic we covered a while back — the regulation of street vendors — which is now creating problems for some yoga instructors and luxury picnic businesses that have been operating on public land. 
Plus: Education reporter Jakob McWhinney on why all schools aren't using research-backed methods for teaching kids how to read. The hunt for a new county CAO sparks threats of a lawsuit. San Diego City Council appears unimpressed by revised lease terms for a proposed homeless shelter.
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County Boss Search Gets Mean

This week, the Voice of San Diego hosts dive into three burgeoning beefs between local politicos.
The hunt for a new county CAO has become highly political, and more recently devolved into a debate over what white people are allowed to say in Spanish. 
Editor Scott Lewis pulls back the curtain on the backlash from some local leaders over statements candidate Bridgette Browning directed at Chair Nora Vargas during a labor rally.
Plus: South Bay leaders battle over proposed landfill. A bidding war between the supes and a local nonprofit over a Vista ranch. An update on Mayor Todd Gloria's proposed mega-shelter.
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Trash Talk

Senior investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt has been watching the city of San Diego's real estate deals for years.
101 Ash St. was a notorious real estate endeavor in which the the city entered a lease-to-own deal for a downtown high rise. The deal was quickly engulfed in scandal and asbestos. After years of lawsuits and a criminal investigation, taxpayers paid more than $200 million dollars and the building remains vacant.
So, when Mayor Todd Gloria unveiled a big new deal for a big new building to be a new homeless mega shelter, Halverstadt dug in.
This week, Halverstadt discussed how this building came to the attention of city staff and the motivations of the man trying to sell it.
Plus: A new softball scandal. What "fire SDG&E;" really means. Goodbye to Nate.
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The Week Before the Big Homelessness Vote

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