By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office
March 26, 2025 (San Diego) - Have you ever wanted to speak about an issue at a San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting?
Well, the County is introducing changes to make it easier to do than ever before.
Until now, anyone who wanted to speak at a Board meeting had to fill out a speaker slip before the meeting started—either a written slip in person at the Board meeting, or electronically online if they wanted to talk by phone.
Starting April 2, no more paper slips, no more waiting in line and no more waiting until the day of the meeting to request to speak.
Anyone can submit a simplified speakers’ slip online using their phone, laptop or other device, at any time before the Board starts taking public comment on the item during the meeting. If you’re speaking by phone, the new system will even call you when the meeting starts and give you real-time notifications about where you are in line to talk on the item or items you’ve selected to speak about.
To make the new changes even easier for the public to use, the County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors will be hosting three informational webinars on Zoom to demonstrate how the system works and to take any questions people may have.
- Saturday, April 5 at 10 a.m. (Zoom registration link)
- Monday, April 7 at noon (Zoom registration link)
- Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. (Zoom registration link)
And of course, County staff will also be available at Board meetings to provide on-site assistance and help people if they need it to sign-up to speak.
Simple System, How it Works
- Go online to “San Diego County, CA Meetings” webpage: The new speaker-request system is easy to use. Use your smartphone, computer, laptop, or other device to go to the webpage at: https://PublicComment.SanDiegoCounty.gov.
- Click on the Meeting You Want to Speak At: Click on the meeting date for the meeting you want to comment at. That will provide information about the meeting.
- Click “Register”: Click on the blue “Register” box at the bottom of the page.
- Fill out the Form: Clicking the “Register” button will bring up a set of instructions, the online submittal form, and the list of agenda items for you to select one or more items that you want to speak to. The submittal form can be translated into multiple languages. Simply fill out your information, mark the item or items you wish to speak to, and whether you’re attending “In Person” or “Virtually” by phone.
- Scroll to request Interpreter if Needed: Scroll to the bottom of the submission form to request an interpreter if English is not your first language.
- Check the box to ask to be called when the Board meeting starts: You can also check a box to subscribe to updates on the Board of Supervisors.
- Click “Register” again at the bottom: And you’re all set. You’ll receive an email confirming your request to speak.
Improved Customer Service; Take Part in County Government
Making it easier for people to engage with County government is of the utmost importance to us. This new public comment system is designed to do just that. We know that government of the people and for the people works best with the people’s input. So, take part by sharing your thoughts at County Board of Supervisors’ meetings. It’s easier than ever.
For detailed instructions about using the new system, more information about County Supervisors’ Board meetings, how to find Board agendas or more general information, go to the County Clerk of the Board’s website.
Here’s an additional video to help you learn more about the speaking at the Board of Supervisors meetings and about the new speaker online slip process.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo courtesy of Library Foundation San Diego
March 26, 2025 (San Diego) - On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order intended to drastically reduce funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services.
“Without IMLS funding, the 37-branch San Diego Public Library system will lose a significant tool for maintaining, delivering, and developing innovative services for its patrons, said Patrick Stewart, CEO of the Library Foundation SD. “These cuts will impact a wide range of San Diegans — from a parent whose child relies on the Homework Center at their neighborhood library to the entrepreneur learning how to write a business plan at The StartUp center at the Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Common. The library is a core public service and a community cornerstone that needs to be safeguarded for our city’s future.”
The San Diego Public Library system uses federal funding distributed through IMLS to support several local initiatives. Loss of funding will negatively impact San Diegans who participate in programs every day including Lunch @ Your Library, adult literacy programs such as READ/San Diego, youth training and career development, entrepreneur and workforce development programs, Stewart added.
The Library Foundation SD advocates for the City of San Diego Library Department. San Diegans can learn how to participate in this advocacy by visiting libraryfoundationsd.org/takeaction.
Dulzura author, editor and children’s book illustrator Clarissa McLaughlin from Santee, in an email to ECM, stated, “I have relied on libraries my entire life. I have read a plethora of library books since early childhood, I volunteered at my local library in high school, and now as an adult, I'm working to get my own books into libraries. Libraries are both an essential service to the American people and are critical to my professional industry. I have relied on my library as a polling location and I use Libby all the time to listen to audiobooks, both for fun and for my MFA classes, in which I'm studying Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing.”
She added, “My only wish for my library is that it had more funding so it could be open on Sundays again. Normally, I can only visit on Saturdays as I work 9-6, Monday-Friday. My library is well-loved and well-needed. It cannot be defunded.”
Dulzura resident Connie Kirkpatrick notes that libraries today provide more than books, serving as community centers that support education, career and personal development. In an email to ECM, she wrote, ““My library has been a cornerstone of my learning journey, providing books, classes, and programs that have expanded my knowledge and skills. Whether it’s attending author talks, technology workshops, or educational lectures, I have continually benefited from the opportunities my library offers. In today’s digital age, free access to information is more crucial than ever, and my library ensures that everyone, regardless of financial background, can benefit from books, online resources, and the internet.”
Libraries also serve as a community gathering place that welcomes people of all ages to come together for events, discussions and support groups, she observed. “It has been instrumental in helping individuals with job searches, resume writing, and skill-building programs that empower them in their careers. Whether it’s a student needing a quiet study space or an entrepreneur researching market trends, the library caters to diverse needs.”
In addition, the library plays a vital role in preserving our local history and culture. “Through archives, genealogy services, and historical exhibits, it safeguards our heritage for future generations. Additionally, creative spaces like makerspaces, technology labs, and writing workshops encourage innovation and artistic expression, making the library an incubator of new ideas,” Kirkpatrick stated.
“For those in rural or underserved areas, such as myself, the library is a lifeline. It bridges the digital divide by offering free internet access, computers, and technical assistance, ensuring that no one is left behind in the information age. More importantly, it provides a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” Kirkpatrick concludes. “In a time when access to knowledge, technology, and community support is more essential than ever, libraries remain a fundamental public good. I urge continued investment and advocacy for these vital institutions so they can continue to serve and uplift our communities.”
By Miriam Raftery
March 25, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Today, the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for the Water Conservation will meet to weigh opens for long-term funding and stability of the Garden at Cuyamaca College.
At its Feb. 25 meeting, the board discussed future funding options after the City of San Diego’s representative Nicole Beaulieu DeSantis announced intent for San Diego to withdraw from the JPA in light of the city’s budget crisis. Helix and Otay water district representatives voiced optimism that their agencies will likely be able to fill the funding gap left by San Diego’s departure and avert having other agencies leave the JPA.
Lauren Magnusen, Director of the garden, provided good news on improvements in Garden revenues outside of the water agencies’ contributions. Large donations have come in from the Sam Ciccati Foundation and major donor Maggie Burnett.
“The numbers are a lot better than in the past,” she told the board. “We have more admissions and more events.” The Garden has 77 new members and drew over 2,500 visitors in the prior two months, she said. Events are returning, including Tomatomania in early March and the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival May 3.
But Magnusen added, “If we want more revenue, it’s in education. For education, we need educators.”
The board eliminated the Ms. Smartyplants education programs when it took over operations of the garden from the financially troubled nonprofit Friends of the Water Conservation Garden, which has since declared bankruptcy.
Helix Water District director Brian Olney said that despite the improved revenues, without contributions of the JPA’s member agencies, “The garden would be $180,000 in the hole right now.”
A draft letter has been sent to each member water agency for review; results are expected to be discussed at today’s meeting. It proposes that short term, Helix and Otay Water Districts will share in covering the revenues lost from San Diego pulling out.
Helix representative Dan McMillan said Helix is “fully committed to an upward budget. We will cover half if the city pulls out.”
Otay representative Jose Lopez said he believes Otay is committed, adding, “We’ll give it the best shot we’ve got.”
Sweetwater representative Steve Castenada asked for a non-escalator clause to be sure no agency would be “on the hook” for higher contributions if any agencies pull out in the future. With that, he said, “We could probably get approval for more than two years.”
If increased funding doesn’t come through, the JPA would consider turning over operations of the Garden to the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
Chancellor Lynn Neault said, “We’re fully committed to the Garden,” but cautioned that they would need at least 18 months, and preferably two years notice to take it over, since it takes time to create college-oriented educational programs.
The Chancellor praised the work of the Garden’s volunteers, who provided 1,245 volunteer hours in the prior month alone. “God bless the volunteers,” Neault said. “That’s the work of 30 people. They’re the backbone of operations—it’s astounding.:
The JPA aims to make a determination as early as April on a plan for continued funding and future operations of the Garden after the current agencies’ agreement ends June 30.
Program to promote sustainable transportation
Source: City of La Mesa
Image by raju shrestha on Pixabay
March 24, 2025 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa is introducing a pilot E-Bike (Electric Bike) Incentive Program, designed to encourage biking as a primary mode of transportation for those who live and work in La Mesa. As transportation remains the largest contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the city, reducing car trips will help create cleaner air and a healthier community.
Funded through a grant from San Diego Community Power, the City has partnered with two local bike shops to offer point-of-sale discount vouchers to make purchasing an approved e-bike more affordable. By reducing upfront costs, the City aims to provide residents and employees with a healthy, convenient, and sustainable alternative to driving — making it easier to commute, run errands, and explore La Mesa. Applications open on March 26, 2025, at 12 p.m. and close on April 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. The City is offering two tiers of vouchers:
- $1,200 for Income-Qualified applicants
- $800 for Standard applicants
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and either live in La Mesa or work for a business within the City. Approved applicants will be required to complete a mandatory virtual e-bike safety class before receiving their voucher.
Applications can be submitted online or in person at City Hall. Due to limited funding, vouchers will be awarded through a scoring and random selection process, prioritizing the first 150 applicants. Higher scores will be given to those who plan to use their e-bike frequently for commuting or errands within La Mesa.
To support safe riding, the City is partnering with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition to offer a series of free bike safety and educational events throughout 2025. The first session, “All About E-Bikes,” will take place on March 27, 2025 at 6 p.m., a virtual course covering e-bike types, safety tips, details on the incentive program, and more.
To register for the class, visit San Diego County Bicycle Coalition's website.
For more information on the E-Bike Incentive Program, eligibility requirements, and educational opportunities, click here.
By Tesa Balc, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Photo: Rep. Sara Jacobs in her congressional office. (File photo courtesy of Jacobs’ office via Facebook)
March 24, 2025 (Jacumba) - A San Diego Democrat said Saturday that Republicans have told her they will not back President Donald Trump if he defies court orders.
The remarks, by Rep. Sara Jacobs, were part of a virtual town hall she hosted Saturday in which she answered pre-submitted questions and addressed comments and queries from an audience that at times reached a high of 1,200 viewers.
While providing legislative updates and answering constituents’ questions, Jacobs acknowledged that a majority of her initial updates were “bleak” for those opposed to Trump’s policies and proposals.
But then she pointed to recent decisions in which judges ruled against Trump – including a temporary restraining order to block the administration from deporting hundreds of Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act – as proof of progress.
“Yes, we know Trump ignored the court order, but I think it’s important that the court order happened and now we’re pushing Republicans to stand up and respect the courts because they have privately told me that their red line is Trump not abiding by a court order,” Jacobs said.
Other rulings have blocked Trump’s ban on transgender service members and, most recently, barred the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Social Security records.
Jacobs represents California’s 51st Congressional district, which includes central and eastern San Diego. She has been in town this past week, taking multiple meetings with residents and stakeholders, including at Rady Children’s Hospital where she discussed potential cuts to Medicaid funding.
She began the town hall Saturday by outlining her frustration with the federal spending bill that was approved by Congress last week, as she said the vote felt like a missed opportunity to push back against Trump’s administration.
“I voted against this bill because I am very concerned about some of what was in there, including cuts to veterans care, cuts to rent subsidies, cuts to Army Corps of Engineers construction projects,” Jacobs said.
“And I am very disappointed that some Senate Democrats, not [California’s] – our two Senators did the right thing – but some Senate Democrats gave our leverage away for free and helped Republicans to pass this continuing resolution.”
Before answering questions, Jacobs shared her opposition to the president’s use of the Alien Enemies Act; she is a co-sponsor of a bill to repeal the 1798 law. The congresswoman also said that she joined a recent bipartisan oversight delegation on a trip to Guantanamo Bay to see the conditions in which migrants were being held.
“After our oversight visit, they actually moved all the immigrants who were there back to the continental United States, I think, because even the Republicans realized there was no real reason for the cost and the cruelty,” she said.
Questions for Jacobs ranged from DOGE and challenges to its leader, billionaire Elon Musk, to complaints about Sen. Chuck Schumer – a subject of criticism for his role in passage of the spending bill – and other Democrats they accused of not opposing Trump more actively.
Some of the constituents who took part in the town hall feared for democracy itself. Jacobs tried to reassure them.
“What we’ve seen from other countries is that if we can put together a broad-based pro-democracy movement, we actually have a pretty good chance of getting a better democracy on the other side,” she said.
She also told constituents they could support congressional efforts to halt Musk’s actions by filing a Freedom of Information Act request for a report on the information that DOGE has accessed about them personally. Doing so, Jacobs said, “is one way that you can really help us do our constitutional oversight job.”
“Send that to us,” she urged. “That is really helpful to us in being able to understand exactly what DOGE has accessed and what they continue to access.”
She added that her office will post information on her website about how to file FOIA requests.
Jacobs plans another town hall, this one in person, on April 22 in El Cajon.
“It could happen, at any water system in the United States. The systems were not designed for what we what we witnessed in L.A.,” says Helix Water District general manager Brian Olney, though Helix has taken steps to reduce risk
By Karen Pearlman
March 20, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The city of La Mesa is being proactive on educating residents on emergency situations for water needs in case of out-of-control wildfires such as the January blazes that devastated Los Angeles County. Concerns about fires and lack of water to fight them led to elected officials in the city of La Mesa to have Helix Water District share insight and information about protection in a presentation at the March 11 City Council meeting.
Reports are still coming in, but the fires earlier this year in Los Angeles are thought to have caused an estimated $250 billion in total damages, with more than 18,000 homes and structures destroyed. While the fires were aided by drought conditions, low humidity, a buildup of vegetation and hurricane-like winds, part of the equation also included local infrastructure issues, troubles tapping into water, and empty fire hydrants and reservoirs.
“I know there’s been a lot of confusion after the fires and a lot of questions about what goes on,” said Helix Water District General Manager Brian Olney (photo, right). “Are we prepared? Yes, we’re prepared for what we know can happen.” He added, “The events in in Los Angeles obviously really put some visuals and some things into our minds about what really happens in a water system, and ‘Can that happen here with us?’ I think it opens us up to have really healthy discussions about ‘What are the expectations?’ and ‘What can a water system survive?’”
Olney explained that fire hydrants can run out of water during high demand. He said while the systems are designed to meet current standards, urban wildfires’ demands “far exceeds whatever was expected or possibly anticipated in terms of the design of that system.”
Most urban water systems are not designed to fight wildfires, he said. Urban water systems are designed to meet normal and peak demands, and provide water to fight fires for two to four hours.
He said when several fire trucks are hooked up to a fire hydrant to put out fires at several homes, the system can manage that for multiple hours at a time, “but when you have 50 fire hydrants that run into a neighborhood and they’re hitting every fire hydrant in place, there’s no chance that there will be enough water left in that system.”
Olney said some homeowners who leave their homes during a fire turn on their irrigation systems, putting added demand onto the system, overwhelming and outpacing the pumping capacity designed into the systems.
“So could this happen in La Mesa?” Olney asked. “Yes, it could. It could happen, at any water system in the United States. The systems were not designed for what we what we witnessed in L.A.”
La Mesa City Councilmember Patricia Dillard (photo, right) asked Olney about protection needs, especially concerning some of the more hilly areas of the city.
“We definitely have the capacity to go out and we can turn valves, we can isolate systems, we can turn water off in an area that doesn’t need the water, and kind of focus it,” Olney said. “We can isolate certain things, but we currently don’t have technology installed in our system where we can shut off an individual house in that area and not to have all the water just go to the to the fire hydrants. “There is some technology that exists out there that does allow you to shut off individual homes, but it’s quite expensive and so we’re not quite down that path yet.”
Olney said the district is in touch with local fire chiefs from Heartland Fire, Lakeside Fire Protection and San Miguel Fire districts. “We’re not only working them on a daily basis to let them know what we’re doing in our system, where we’re taking things out of service so they would have kind of reduced flow, but we’re also working with them on ideas,” Olney said. ‘How do we improve the communication?’ ‘What information do they need moving forward to help these types of responses?’”
He said the fire districts are aware that Helix can provide data in real time of where there might be issues in the water system, and can direct them to another part of the system that has capacity to help them plan on what resources they need.
“We absolutely can have crews out in the field and we can manipulate areas of the system to kind of redirect water where we need it so that it is there,” he said, adding that the Helix crews and firefighters can open and close the 16,000 valves and 6,600 hydrants in Helix’s water distribution system.
While Helix Water District hasn’t been tested in fight major wildfires, other water agencies in San Diego County have. Several faced issues in losing portions of their water system, running out of water during the major wildfires that hit the region in 2003 and 2007.
As part of its strategy to keep that from happening, Helix “has shared resources agreements with all the municipalities and water agencies so we can share people, equipment, emergency response mechanisms,” Olney told the Council.
He said Helix has a direct link to San Diego Gas & Electric, and also stays ahead of things like power outages. Its system can be backed up and run either through stationary or mobile power generation systems. The district has installed diesel-powered, backup generators at critical sites.
City Council member Laura Lothian (photo, right) said she thought one of the most shocking stories from the L.A. fires was the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir, a 117-million-gallon water resource near Pacific Palisades that was under renovation and empty when the fires ripped through the region.
She asked about the amount of water that would be available at Lake Jennings and Olney said the district keeps 75 days’ worth at minimum. He said that currently the reservoir is holding about 130 days’ worth of water.
“We’re not going to run out of water in terms of putting water into the system,” he said. “All the water in there is what we’ve purchased to put in there so it’s completely manipulated and managed by the district itself.”
The district has invested and continues to invest in diverse, reliable water supplies to ensure that the region has the water it needs. Its water comes primarily from the Colorado River and the state water project in Northern California as well as Lake Jennings, the El Capitan Reservoir and Lake Cuyamaca. Its water suppliers also include the Carlsbad Desalination Plant and the Emergency Storage and Carryover Project.
Helix Water District is the second largest water utility in the county, serving more than 275,000 people in La Mesa, Lemon Grove, El Cajon and other areas in the county.
The USDA has cut funding for two programs that allowed schools and food banks to purchase fresh food from local farms, also halting deliveries to food banks.
By G. A. McNeeley
March 21, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Trump administration has cut two programs that provided more than $1 billion to schools and food banks to purchase food from local farmers and ranchers.
About $660 million of those funds were contained in the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), which provided funds to schools and child care facilities.
The rest of those funds were part of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), which provided funds to local food banks and other organizations.
State officials were notified on Friday, March 7, of the USDA’s decision to end these programs this year. More than 40 states had signed agreements to participate in previous years, according to the School Nutrition Association (SNA) and several state agencies. The USDA also notified states that it was unfreezing funds for existing LFPA agreements, but did not plan to carry out a second round of funding for fiscal year 2025.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources confirmed it was notified on March 7, that the 2025 funding would be terminated within 60 days.
These cuts come as Donald Trump’s second presidential administration has cut federal spending and imposed tariffs, which forced food organizations and farmers to cut staff and halt investments.
What Do These Programs Do?
"This program will strengthen the food system for schools and childcare institutions by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain, and expand local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved producers and processors," the USDA website says on the LFS program's page. The LFS program helped build new income sources for local farmers and food producers.
The LFS program was also expanded to include child care centers, which was announced by the USDA in December 2024. "Families can feel good knowing their kids are eating food that was grown right in their own community," said then-Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Cindy Long.
The goal of the LFPA program is to "improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency," their website said.
LFPA agreements allow states, tribal and territorial governments to purchase food within their own communities (in the state itself, or within 400 miles of the food's destination). That food goes to food banks and organizations that feed people in "underserved communities," according to the USDA's website.
Both programs were introduced to respond to the impacts to the food supply chain brought on by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the USDA. By the end of 2024, food purchased through the program had been distributed at 7,900 food banks, food pantries, and communities in the U.S., the agency said.
In December 2024, the USDA announced a $1.13 billion investment for the programs. Of that funding, $471.5 million was slated for states and territories to "purchase local, unprocessed, or minimally processed domestic foods" to serve in schools participating in free or reduced-cost meal programs, and $188.6 million for child care centers participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Food banks have also been seeing demands (due to rising food prices) and Republicans in Congress are pushing to make significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
What Are the Officials Saying?
“These proposals would cause millions of children to lose access to free school meals at a time when working families are struggling with rising food costs,” said Shannon Gleave, the president of the SNA, in a press release. “Meanwhile, short-staffed school nutrition teams, striving to improve menus and expand scratch-cooking, would be saddled with time-consuming and costly paperwork created by new government inefficiencies.”
Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, criticized the Trump Administration for cutting programs that would’ve provided $12 million in food-related funding for schools and food banks in her state.
In a press release, Healey said, “Donald Trump and Elon Musk have declared that feeding children and supporting local farmers are no longer ‘priorities’, and it’s just the latest terrible cut with real impact on families across Massachusetts”.
“There is nothing ‘appropriate’ about it. Trump and Musk are continuing to withhold essential funding in violation of court orders, and our children, farmers and small businesses are bearing the brunt of it,” Healey added.
An unnamed USDA spokesperson told Politico that funding for the programs, “is no longer available and those agreements will be terminated following 60-day notification”.
The spokesperson also said, “These programs, created under the former Administration via Executive authority, no longer affect the goals of the agency. LFPA and LFPA Plus agreements that were in place prior to LFPA 25, which still have substantial financial resources remaining, will continue to be in effect for the remainder of the period of performance.”
ECM spoke with the San Diego Food Bank, and asked them how these cuts would affect their budget, as well as their ability to provide food to their customers.
Cole Williamson (Vice President of Administration), told us in an email, “At the SDFB, we do not know precisely how changes to USAID or other Federal programs will impact us. We are working with State and Federal officials to figure that out. We will continue to monitor the developing situation and adjust as needed.”
USDA Halts Food Bank Deliveries
On Wednesday, March 19, Politico reported that the USDA halted millions of dollars worth of deliveries to food banks without explanation, according to food bank leaders in six states.
The USDA had previously allocated $500 million in deliveries to food banks for fiscal year 2025 through The Emergency Food Assistance Program. Now, the food bank leaders say many of those orders have been canceled.
For the Central California Food Bank, that means a loss of 500,000 pounds of expected food deliveries worth $850,000 just for April through July, according to co-CEO Natalie Caples.
Caples says that she has not received any assurances from USDA on whether the delivery cancellations are temporary.
The money that was clawed back came from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). It’s not clear how much of the $500 million for the emergency assistance program has been cut, but one USDA employee (granted anonymity to discuss private conversations), said the Trump administration has been trying to claw back CCC money that the Biden administration previously allocated in order to devote funds to other priorities.
USDA was supposed to spend $148 million of the $500 million this year to buy dairy products, eggs, blueberries and more. But last month, the department notified state agencies that it was canceling solicitations from suppliers, according to a February 20 email that Feeding America sent to its network of food banks (and was viewed by Politico).
“USDA has not yet announced plans to move forward with the canceled food orders,” the email states. “We believe the best approach is for network members to work through state agencies to obtain clarification from USDA.”
The emergency food assistance network gets its funding from a mix of money from the farm bill and through commodities USDA purchases. But the patchwork funding system has left the program unable to meet increasing hunger needs (especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent years of food inflation), anti-hunger advocates say.
The Biden administration responded to the demand on food banks by supplementing the emergency assistance funding with roughly $2 billion from the CCC fund in 2022 and 2023, then the additional $500 million in 2024.
Many of the organizations that rely on funding from the emergency assistance program were also receiving funding from the LFPA.
The clawbacks come as Congress is weighing shrinking the SNAP, which helps 40 million low-income Americans afford food. That could further exacerbate the pressure on food banks, which provide just one meal for every nine that SNAP supplies.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/11/usda-cuts-food-banks-schools
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/10/usda-cancels-local-food-purchasing-for-schools-food-banks-00222796
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/03/11/usda-food-bank-school-funding-cuts/82265217007/
https://schoolnutrition.org/sna-news/proposed-school-meal-cuts-prompt-nationwide-advocacy/
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-denounces-president-trumps-decision-to-cut-12-million-in-federal-funding-to-feed-children-support-local-farmers-in-massachusetts
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/19/usda-halts-deliveries-food-banks-trump-00239453?cid=apn
Eligible low-income residents aged 55, older may receive funds for housing
Source: City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Services
March 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) are launching the City’s first-ever Older Adult Rental Assistance Program, assisting seniors aged 55 and older who are at risk of homelessness. The program, operated by JFS, will provide 40 participants with a $500 monthly housing subsidy paid directly to their landlords for 12 months and individualized case management. Applications are being accepted beginning the last week of March. Priority will be given to applications filed by April 4.
According to the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, nearly half of unhoused Californians are 50 and older, and more than 41% are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives.
"With many seniors on fixed incomes challenged by increasing expenses, this program serves as a vital lifeline,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “The program will help rent-burdened older adults in La Mesa maintain housing stability and financial security, allowing them to age in place with dignity.”
Applicants must be 55 and older and reside in the incorporated area of La Mesa with a household income at or below 50% of the city’s median income. They must be currently spending at least half of their income on rent or be at risk of losing their housing. Their landlord must also be willing to participating in the program. Priority will be given to heads of household who are 65 and older and households with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income.
Working closely with the City of La Mesa, JFS will provide monthly case management, creating individualized plans and assessing each participant’s needs at the end of the program.
To apply and learn more, visit www.jfssd.org/our-services/older-adults/la-mesa-older-adult-rental-assistance. Or call (858) 637-3217.
JFS staff are also available to answer questions, help determine eligibility and begin the application process during the following office hours, with appointments required:
- March 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
- March 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- March 27, 4-7 p.m.
Individuals can call 619-667-1322 to reserve a 20-minute appointment. All sessions are hosted at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center located at 8450 La Mesa Blvd.
“We look forward to partnering with the City of La Mesa to run the Older Adult Rental Assistance Program. There is a great need for programs like these as studies show the number of older adults accessing homelessness services has more than doubled in the last seven years,” said JFS COO and incoming CEO Dana Toppel. “At JFS, we run a number of programs dedicated to supporting older adults’ health and well-being to assist them as they age in place with dignity. We are looking forward to continuing that mission through this innovative program in La Mesa.”
In addition to JFS’s On the Go rideshare, Fix It home modification, meal delivery, congregate dining and day center programs for older adults throughout San Diego County, the agency operates a privately funded Older Adult Rental Assistance Subsidy Pilot through its Center for Jewish Care. The pilot supports 27 Jewish participants at risk of homelessness with a $360 per month subsidy paid directly to their landlords for 12 months.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 105,000 people every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
East County News Service
March 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) - On March 18, Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow issued a proclamation declaring March 30 as the “Lemon Grove Incident Day.” There will be a celebration on March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the mural that tells the story of a historic school desegregation case victory for students in Lemon Grove nearly a century ago. The mural is on the side of the building at 7963 Broadway, Lemon Grove.
LEMON GROVE INCIDENT
March 30, 2025 marks the 94th anniversary of the first successful school desegregation case in the United States, in 1931, when Mexican-American parents challenged the Lemon Grove School District’s attempt to segregate their children. The case was called “Roberto Alvarez v. the Board of Trustees of the Lemon Grove School District” and is often referred to as the Lemon Grove Incident. This was 23 years before Brown v. Board of Education case.
CELEBRATION
The celebration of the Lemon Grove Incident will take place in front of the mural on the side of 7963 Broadway. The proclamation will be presented by Pastor Anne Stapleton to Roberto Alvarez Jr, the son of the original plaintiff in the landmark case. At the event, Alvarez will retell the story and artist, Mario Chacon, will talk about the mural he painted back in 2022.
The celebration will be hosted by the new tenants moving soon into 7963 Broadway – Grace Communion Lemon Grove, with pastors Anne and Mark Stapleton.
GRACE COMMUNION OPENS NEIGHBORHOOD SPACE AT SITE OF MURAL
GC Lemon Grove believes all people are built for connection and is therefore building out the space to be called “The Neighborhood” which will host local events that help neighbors connect with neighbors.
Members of the City Council and Planning Commission will also be present.
Mexican food and drinks will be available for purchase at the Lemon Grove Incident Celebration to help support future community gatherings.
Source: California Attorney General's Office
March 21, 2025 (Oakland) - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a genetic testing and information company. The California-based company has publicly reported that it is in financial distress and stated in securities filings that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue, which is a growing concern. Due to the trove of sensitive consumer data 23andMe has amassed, Attorney General Bonta reminds Californians of their right to direct the deletion of their genetic data under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). Californians who want to invoke these rights can do so by going to 23andMe's website.
“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.”
To Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe:
- Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps:
- Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
- Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
- Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
- Click “View” next to “23andMe Data”
- Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
- Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
- Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.
To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:
If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but want to change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page, under “Preferences.”
To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page, under “Research and Product Consents.”
Under GIPA, California consumers can delete their account and genetic data and have their biological sample destroyed. In addition, GIPA permits California consumers to revoke consent that they provided a genetic testing company to collect, use, and disclose genetic data and to store biological samples after the initial testing has been completed. The CCPA also vests California consumers with the right to delete personal information, which includes genetic data, from businesses that collect personal information from the consumer.
To learn more about the CCPA, please visit here.