This November, voters in San Diego and several North County cities will have the opportunity to decide on various sales tax measures aimed at addressing budget deficits and funding infrastructure improvements. In San Diego, Measure E proposes a one-cent sales tax increase to help with a $200 million deficit, with funds going towards public safety, libraries, and parks. Supporters believe the city has changed since a similar proposal was rejected in 2010 and are making a stronger case for where the money will go. However, opponents argue that low-income families are already struggling and a tax hike would only make it harder for them to make ends meet.
In Encinitas, Escondido, San Marcos, and Oceanside, similar sales tax measures are being considered to address infrastructure backlogs and ongoing budget deficits. These measures could bring in millions of dollars annually if approved by voters.
Meanwhile, in environmental news, scientist Kim Prather, known for her work on understanding the transmission of Covid-19, is now focusing on cross-border pollution research at the Tijuana River. Collaborations between university researchers and various environmental agencies are set to improve data sharing and air quality monitoring in the region.
Other news in San Diego includes updates on the search for a new CEO at the San Diego Port District, ongoing legal proceedings related to allegations of sexual assault against former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, and the increasing occurrence of lithium-ion battery fires in the region, with experts like Rob Rezende from San Diego Fire-Rescue working to address these incidents.
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Photo credit voiceofsandiego.org
