Morning Report: It’s a New Year
EM - News Moderator 
A lot has changed in San Diego’s politics and public affairs in the last year. There’s a new majority on the county Board of Supervisors. The city of San Diego has a budget deficit, which is similar to last year but now it charges residents a bevy of new fees that have led to backlash.
We have new congressional districts and a new county treasurer.
Several ballot measures are in the works.
In the spirit of looking forward, our editor gathered predictions from local politicos. It’s the first Politics Report of 2026 and it’s open to everyone.
Related: One of those big new fees, paid parking in Balboa Park, starts this week. There are monthly, quarterly and yearly options. Catch up on the city’s site. If you didn’t have enough apps on your phone, the city says you can download a new one to pay there too.
The View from the Right
For the podcast, VOSD Podcast host Scott Lewis interviewed Amy Reichert, a local Republican and activist who gained influence launching Reopen San Diego during the pandemic.
They discussed her views on local and state politics, her feud with the top Republican in San Diego, Carl DeMaio, and why she insists she’s not a member of a “cult.” Lewis has gotten a lot of mixed reactions to this interview. He’d be interested in your take.
New Year, New Flood Scare
New Year’s Day felt like a repeat of the catastrophic floods of 2024 for the residents of Southcrest San Diego.
Intense rain turned Chollas creek into a river near the Shelltown neighborhood. Water started to creep up Birch and Beta streets, reminiscent of Jan. 22, 2024, when floodwaters consumed whole streets of homes.
But this time, neighbors were ready.
They called 911. They called the city of San Diego. Cops came and went. A city worker parked his truck at the scene and told Brenda de la Mora the flooding was just part of nature.
They decided not to wait for more help to come.
In Other News
- Local officials may change how they give out shelter to homeless individuals. “But as the region’s overwhelmed shelter system continues to reject staggering numbers of requests, some leaders are considering overhauling that approach by creating a priority list based on vulnerability,” reports the Union-Tribune.
- The king tides this week brought out the tide-pooling crowds… maybe to an extreme? CBS 8 said it got a little out of hand in La Jolla.
- It’s still raining and the San Diego River is approaching flood stage again. (Union-Tribune)
The Morning Report was written by Scott Lewis and MacKenzie Elmer. Happy New Year.
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