Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is making more news these days as he seeks a seat on the County Board of Supervisors.

And this week he opined on some big homelessness ideas.

Sunbreak Ranch is a farfetched plan that the city of San Diego could create a camp — far from residential areas — to provide shelter and services to unhoused folks. The idea gained steam as local philanthropists got behind it. And now, Faulconer's in.

Through his spokesman, Faulconer also indicated he does not support one of the city's current big ideas to build services and shelter at "H Barracks," which could accomodate 300 to 700 people.

On the podcast this week, we unpack the dueling plans — and the new conservatorship law with senior investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt.

Plus: FBI and DA's office are investigating stadium scandals. Sean Elo Rivera narrowly kept Council Presidency. County Supes postpone conservatorship.

See the stadium concessions investigation at vosd.org/concessions

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Scott Lewis, Andrea Lopez-Villafaña and Jakob McWhinney are cooking up the hottest beef that dropped this week.

We revived a reporting series dedicated to the feuds that light up public affairs and demonstrate how the region works. We call it Beef Week. (Credit to Voice Podcast alum Sara Libby.) Let's fire 'em up:

• Everyone vs. Todd Gloria
• Pickleball vs. Tennis
• Palomar Health vs. Board Members
• San Diego Water Authority vs. Rainbow, Fallbrook

Plus: The latest on San Diego City Council's new housing plan. San Diego's innovative ADU approach.

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Two women face eviction from their Golden Hill duplex. The building owner seeks to redevelop their building into a dense residential structure. It’s a crappy situation for the current residents. But the project could turn four units into 108.

That’s in the works due to the city of San Diego’s Complete Communities plan from 2020. This week, we discuss the new version of the plan that came to the City Council this week — and why it failed.

Plus: Our recent Politics Report about cannabis and Jesus Cardenas and Councilman Stephen Whitburn made waves. Chula Vista's Amphitheater knew about a shady concession situation years ago. Our funny dispensary stories.

No show next week. We'll see you after Thanksgiving for Beef Week: vosd.org/beef

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Senior investigative reporter Will Huntsberry is back with a new revelation about the nonprofits that staff concession stands for the region's biggest events at places like Petco Park and Snapdragon Stadium.

At least one nonprofit, he recently found, didn't really exist. And the once ad-hoc system to staff awkward schedules for sport seasons has morphed into something shady. Nonprofits, which get a cut of the revenue, need a lot of volunteers to feed a stadium of people hotdogs and beer. So, who are these volunteers? This week, we find out.

Plus: Monica Montgomery Steppe won the special election for County Supervisor. Cardenas siblings continue to face fallout after the District Attorney announced charges of fraud against them. Downtown is average.

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Former Voice of San Diego editor Andrew Donahue called us up this week. He dove into the sale of the Union-Tribune and has resurfaced to explain his findings. In short: It's the beginning of the end for the U-T.

In this episode, Donahue reveals new details from the day of the sale — how a rep for the new owners, Alden Global Capital, quickly appeared and started to pull apart the paper.

We also review the U-T's recent owners, its attempt to adapt to newer subscriber models and its likely future of pushing out papers till it bleeds dry.

Plus: Cardenas siblings charged with felonies. San Diego leaders float new affordable housing ideas. Santa Anas, am I right?

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Throughout San Diego, neighborhoods are struggling to balance police enforcement, homeless camps and homeless solutions. One proposed homeless shelter near Point Loma is alarming some residents — due, in part, to its size.

This week, we discuss that proposed site known as H Barracks, which could house 300 to 700 people.

Plus: The Stockton neighborhood wants more police. The schools parents avoid. A 2024 election preview.

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We're in your podcast feed early this week with another Politifest 2023 drop: "What We Know About Homelessness" with Dr. Margot Kushel.

Kushel, one of the nation's foremost experts on health and homelessness, sat down with Voice of San Diego senior investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt to break down an unprecedented study on homelessness

Led by Kushel, the study included interviews of nearly 3,200 people across the state. Kushel summarized the study's findings for us in this interview, including demographic breakdowns, behavioral health, substance use and treatment, and supports the state needs.

See all our videos, transcripts and reports from Politifest 2023 at politifest.org

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At least three people in law enforcement are running for local elected office. Two police officers seek to unseat the San Diego mayor and City Council President. Another is aiming for Poway City Council.

This week, we discuss the candidates — and why cops are seeking political power.

Plus: Coronado passes a new housing plan to comply with state law. Barrio Logan Planning group is breaking. The City Attorney job debate continues.

Watch all our panels from Politifest 2023 at politifest.org

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Politifest 2023 was dedicated to housing and water, California's foremost crises. The public affairs extravaganza featured lively debates and discussions dedicated to these complex issues — aiming to make break news and inform the public. Now, we'll be dropping some of our favorite panels in the feed for you.

First up is our capstone convo with California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Our regular podcast hosts — Scott Lewis, Andrea Lopez-Villafaña and Jakob McWhinney — roped in LA Times reporter Liam Dillon and Voice environment reporter MacKenzie Elmer, who are experts on this year's themes.

Ahead of Bonta's arrival, they reviewed highlights of the day from our water panels. Then they got into housing laws. This podcast ends with Dillon interviewing Bonta one-on-one, drilling down on housing policy, homelessness and shelter.

See more at politifest.org

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Another Politifest has come and gone. News was broken. Acronyms explained. Sweat shed. Now we're left with a treasure trove of public affairs content. Strap on your bibs. This week, we review some highlights:

• A special election debate for County Supervisor
• An authoritative report on homelessness by Dr. Margot Kushel
• Attorney General Rob Bonta addressees homeless enforcement and shelter

Plus, the big Sunbreak Ranch idea.

Catch Politifest videos, reports and transcripts: politifest.org

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