Investigative reporter Will Huntsberry has uncovered questionable financial practices at one of San Diego’s largest foster care charities, New Alternatives. The charity receives millions in taxpayer funds and funnels leftover funds into a related charity called MAC Foundation, with which it shares a CEO. However, MAC Foundation has only ever spent money on paying the CEO, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Former resident and staff member of New Alternatives, Reshae Cuevas, expressed disappointment in the lack of transparency and wondered where the money was being spent. While the practice of parking funds in a related organization is not illegal, it is uncommon for a charity.
In contrast, in Tijuana, a shelter called Casita de U.T. empowers transgender asylum seekers through a photography workshop led by photographer Alexa Macias. The project aims to empower the women to take up space and be heard, seen, and respected while they wait for their asylum cases to process.
Meanwhile, Vista is considering reinstating a homeless camping ban following a recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned a previous decision prohibiting cities from enforcing anti-camping restrictions. With a significant increase in unsheltered homeless individuals, Vista may enforce the ban once again.
Other news in San Diego includes concerns about consent forms given to students in Junior ROTC, fundraising momentum in the race for the city attorney position, and efforts by the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians to reduce harm caused by fentanyl through the use of Narcan vending machines.
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Photo credit voiceofsandiego.org
