Watching the watchdogs

Recent reports raise questions about civil grand jury’s relevance

While it’s not unusual for government officials to disagree with grand jury findings, this report rankled folks—City Councilmember Marti Emerald, in particular.

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Tuesday, June 19,2012
News

Prop. B for ‘bungled’?

District court spanks city of San Diego in latest pension-measure legal challenge

By Kelly Davis

Roughly halfway through his January 2011 State of the City address, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders mentioned his plans to “soon bring to voters” a measure that would switch city workers to a 401(k)-style retirement plan.

Tuesday, June 19,2012
Drink Issue

Learning to enjoy sake

The ins and outs of Japanese rice wine

By Kelly Davis

Most folks of drinking age can name at least a few wine varietals; many can talk semi-intelligently about beer. But sake? Ask someone what kind they prefer and you’ll probably get “hot” or “cold.”

Wednesday, June 13,2012
News

Wednesday morning in San Diego

Looking back at what happened on Tuesday, June 5

By David Rolland, Kelly Davis, Dave Maass

Lest you bemoan San Diego’s poor turnout on election night June 5, estimated somewhere between 27 and 37 percent, consider this: Only about 23 percent of the population of the United Kingdom watched the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, and that featured Paul bloody McCartney.

Monday, June 11,2012
Cocktail Tales

Tears in my tequila

Where to drink away the pain—plus, El Dorado’s new drink menu

By Kelly Davis

There was plenty to be frustrated about last week after the primary election. Voter turnout was pathetic, and some good people were sent packing.

Monday, June 4,2012
News

Who wants reform?

Police union says politics shelved its pension proposal

By Kelly Davis

The theme driving two local campaigns—City Councilmember Carl DeMaio's bid for mayor and Prop. B, the ballot measure that seeks to overhaul the city’s retirement system—is that labor unions are the taxpayers' adversaries, unwilling to budge on pensions or compensation.

Wednesday, May 30,2012
News

San Diego’s new left

How the local progressive movement lost its footing and how it plans to get it back

By Kelly Davis

It's a Saturday morning in late March, and a group of 20- and 30-somethings is gathered in the conference room of a Mission Valley office building. For the next several hours, they’ll learn about political messaging: how to frame an issue, market it and combat opposition.

Wednesday, May 23,2012
News

Hotel Metro: ‘Very, very depressing’

Downtown low-income housing project needs fixing—and fast

By Kelly Davis

Melissa Harris’ room at Hotel Metro is big enough for her wheelchair, a twin bed, a simple kitchenette (mini-fridge, sink and microwave) and not much else. Still, she describes it as “huge,” just fine for her and Peter David, a sand-colored poodle-terrier mix and her constant companion.

Monday, May 21,2012
Cocktail Tales

Inventive drinks soothe noisy Lion's Share

Marina District spot's drinks rise above the din

By Kelly Davis

Open since early December, Lion’s Shareis located on the quieter end of Kettner Boulevard.

Wednesday, May 9,2012
Summer guide

‘The Jazz Loft Project,’ ‘Contemporary Art Wins a Beachhead’ and ‘Iconic’

Three local exhibitions reach back and capture what drives creativity

It’s cliché, but whatever: Good art’s always a reaction to something. Three San Diego art exhibitions—two current and one opening May 19—prove this.