Andrea Lopez-Villafana

1 month ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Andrea Lopez-Villafana

This week’s episode was recorded live at Soda Bar with Keene Simonds, the executive officer of the Local Agency Formation Commission, also known as LAFCO. Our podcast hosts unpacked why everyone was slamming a proposal by Democratic County Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Monica Montgomery Steppe. And they got nice and nerdy with LAFCO’s leader. The crew asked Simonds about what’s next for La Jolla’s efforts to separate from the city of San Diego.

1 month ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Andrea Lopez-Villafana

We’ve got a special treat for you next week. On Wednesday, May 3, we’re recording a live podcast episode at Soda Bar with special guest Keene Simonds, executive officer of the Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO. You can find more details here. Last year, our Environment Reporter MacKenzie Elmer wrote a profile on the agency and its tremendous power. Think of LAFCO as boundary referees. Here’s how Elmer put it: “LAFCOs operate as agents of the California Legislature.

2 months ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Andrea Lopez-Villafana

It was a busy week in the Voice of San Diego newsroom. We’ve got a lot to get through this morning, so kick your feet up and grab some cafecito. Here’s what you need to know to start your week. Our education reporter Jakob McWhinney recently published a fascinating story about how fake students are enrolling in community college and stealing millions from financial aid. In 2024 alone, fraudsters stole $11 million in state and federal aid dollars, McWhinney reported.

2 months ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Andrea Lopez-Villafana

Hot off her State of the County speech, County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer joined the podcast crew to dish on everything from global trade policy to federal spending cuts. She discussed the county’s budget challenges and what’s at stake in the race to replace former Supervisor Nora Vargas on the board. One big thing: During her speech, Lawson-Remer announced her proposal to push a tax measure forward and change the county’s reserve policy.

2 months ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Andrea Lopez-Villafana

There’s a lot coming up that we’re planning on keeping an eye on this week. Grab some cafecito because here’s what you need to know. On Monday, San Diego’s City Council will vote on how much the city should charge single-family homeowners for trash collection. After some initial pushback over the fee officials were considering, city officials are instead proposing a fee of about $47. It could be lower for households with smaller trash containers.