Morning Report: The State of San Diego’s Art Scene – and What Could Be Next
San Diego’s not a very welcoming place for artists. In the latest chapter of our series looking ahead to San Diego’s next 20 years, our Jakob McWhinney explored why San […] The post Morning Report: The State of San Diego’s Art Scene – and What Could Be Next appeared first on Voice of San Diego.
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San Diego’s not a very welcoming place for artists.
In the latest chapter of our series looking ahead to San Diego’s next 20 years, our Jakob McWhinney explored why San Diego isn’t the arts and culture hub many wish it could be – and if it could become one.
His take: San Diego’s expensive, lacks the supportive infrastructure of cities like Los Angeles and struggles with a bit of an identity crisis. Meanwhile, San Diego artists are also grappling with the same major concerns as others throughout the country with the advent of artificial intelligence and changing social and economic trends.
Before you get down in the dumps: Local artists and others tapped into San Diego’s art scene told McWhinney they remain hopeful due to new openings, collaborations and efforts to make art more accessible.
San Diego’s Refugee-Friendly Status Now Uncertain
San Diego’s art scene isn’t what many crave but for decades, our region has been a welcoming place for refugees.
Now Voice’s Mariana Martínez Barba, a Report for America Corps member, writes that San Diego’s status as a refugee hub is at a crossroads. Federal policy changes – including the Trump administration’s move to halt funding for resettlement agencies – and San Diego’s surging cost of living loom over efforts to welcome refugees locally in coming years.
Martínez Barba explains why San Diego – and especially El Cajon and City Heights – became refugee hubs in the first place, how newcomers have shaped local culture (and the local food scene) and what local advocates for refugees think about the current climate.
DC Explained: How Federal Changes Could Affect San Diego’s Homeless Response
The Trump administration is pushing a more punitive approach to homelessness and reduced federal support for states like California that have championed housing first policies.
In the months since President Donald Trump took office, his team has frozen homelessness grants and set new contract conditions, pushed for major cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and issued a controversial executive order that calls for more forced hospitalization.
So what’s this all mean for San Diego?
Voice of San Diego contributor Alan Berube of the Policy Innovation Center walks through what’s happened so far, the latest data on homelessness and programs serving the unhoused population, and one way San Diego could respond to an expected hail of cuts.
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In Other News
- One more thing to gripe about or one more push toward public transit? You make the choice, regardless, parking meter hours will be extended at least two more hours throughout the city of San Diego and you’ll now have to pay on Sundays. (Times of San Diego)
- On the heels of an investigation into civil rights abuses in San Diego County juvenile detention centers, Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe wants to end the use of pepper spray in these facilities. The Union-Tribune reports this is the first time a county supervisor has demanded better oversight of the detention halls, despite a history of complaints.
- A pot shop is calling on the police to step up after they say their business is hurting because of an illegal vendor less than a block away. (Union-Tribune)
- If you’ve smelt it, it’s no surprise there’s something in the air. Former mayor of Imperial Beach Paloma Aguirre unveiled new signs in the Tijuana River Valley, warning that toxic gases have been detected in the area. Letting residents know that they should seek medical attention if symptoms occur. (KPBS)
- CalMatters dug into California cities’ homeless encampment sweep policies and found San Diego stood out from the pack – because it has a detailed 10-page policy.
- Good news: Drug overdose deaths are down in San Diego County. (Times of San Diego)
The Morning Report was written by Lisa Halverstadt and Tessa Balc. It was edited by Andrea Sanchez-Villafaña.
The post Morning Report: The State of San Diego’s Art Scene – and What Could Be Next appeared first on Voice of San Diego.
