Homeless advocacy and challenges in providing adequate treatment options for drug users were brought to light by the death of Elizabeth Marie Torres, a homeless woman who died of a drug overdose in Chula Vista last month. Torres’ mother, Silvia Irigoyen-Adame, has been sharing her daughter’s story at city council meetings in an effort to push for better resources for homeless drug users. Irigoyen-Adame emphasized the struggles that homeless drug users face in finding help in a county where treatment options are limited.
In other news, former President Donald Trump’s connection to former mayor Kevin Faulconer is expected to impact the County Supervisor race between Faulconer and Terra Lawson-Remer. The Sacramento Report highlighted a new law by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear that closed a loophole in the statewide plastic bag ban, aiming to reduce plastic waste. Meanwhile, a record number of homeless encampments along the San Diego River has been reported, potentially due to countywide bans pushing homeless individuals into more marginal areas.
Additionally, unionized mental healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, including 316 in San Diego County, are planning a walkout starting on Oct. 21 to demand improved mental health services. Train riders between Oceanside and San Diego may face disruptions as crews work on shoring up parts of the Del Mar bluffs to protect the rail line from erosion. Long-term solutions may include controversial plans to re-route tracks underground.
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Photo credit voiceofsandiego.org