For the first time in decades, the San Diego County Water Authority faces a new reality on the board of the Metropolitan Water District without the guidance of Chris Frahm.
Frahm, who previously served as chair of the Water Authority, played a pivotal role in shaping its legal strategies toward the Metropolitan Water District.
Recent developments indicate a shifting dynamic between the two agencies, reflecting a potentially more cooperative relationship.
In this week’s Politics Report, Scott Lewis revealed that Frahm’s contract is not being renewed following a heated exchange during the most recent board meeting.
The absence of Frahm may signal a willingness on both sides to resolve longstanding tensions.
Many observed Frahm as a figure who contributed to the friction between the Water Authority and the Metropolitan Water District.
The Water Authority’s primary goal is to alleviate financial pressure on San Diego ratepayers.
To achieve this, collaboration with the Metropolitan Water District is crucial, especially regarding the sales of excess water purchased in previous years.
Failure to establish a cooperative relationship may intensify calls for drastic measures, including the dissolution of the Water Authority or attempts to retract significant contracts.
Listeners were briefed on this evolving narrative prior to the announcement of Frahm’s contract non-renewal on the podcast aired Friday.
The conversation also touched on the alarming enrollment trends in San Diego public schools.
If these trends persist, the consequences could involve numerous school closures, a topic that remains highly contentious within local communities.
Additionally, discussions included Mayor Todd Gloria’s recent soft veto concerning the City Council’s decision to reduce staffing levels in his office.
In a separate but equally relevant issue, concerns regarding nuclear waste continue to loom over San Diego.
An underground concrete storage facility at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Power Generating Station contains dozens of stainless steel rods filled with spent nuclear fuel.
This robust bunker is designed to withstand various threats, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and even airplane crashes.
Despite these precautions, the storage solution remains temporary.
Congressman Mike Levin, representing northern San Diego County, has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expediting the search for long-term solutions for nuclear waste management.
Levin expressed his frustration regarding the significant financial burden on taxpayers, who are currently funding the temporary storage of nuclear waste across the country.
Deborah Sullivan, the Sacramento correspondent, reported from a recent California Public Utilities Commission meeting dedicated to the nuclear waste crisis.
During this meeting, she highlighted the escalating costs associated with dismantling the San Onofre facility, amidst uncertainties about federal efforts to establish a permanent storage site for the increasing accumulation of nuclear waste.
Levin voiced his concerns about the inefficiencies and potential liabilities for taxpayers, stating, ‘In terms of efficiencies or taxpayer liability, this is crazy.’
Sullivan’s report examines the nuances of this pressing issue and outlines prospective steps that may be taken moving forward.
Finally, a significant exploration into San Diego’s queer history was presented by Voice contributor Randy Dotinga, shedding light on the region’s LGBTQ community that has formed a vital part of San Diego’s identity for over a century.
With references to the significant contributions of historical figures, the article underscores that the LGBTQ community, despite facing societal stigma, has long been integral to San Diego’s social fabric.
Dotinga highlights various stories, such as the construction of the Villa Montezuma by musician Jesse Toner and his lifelong partner, and the intriguing revelations surrounding La Jolla physician Dr. Eugene Perkins.
Additionally, he examines how the military presence in San Diego fostered the growth of queer culture and traced the emergence of Hillcrest as a spirited gay neighborhood from the 1970s onwards.
This exploration of queer history reflects a rich narrative that emphasizes the significance and contributions of the LGBTQ community in shaping contemporary San Diego.
image source from：voiceofsandiego
