Good Morning! It’s Friday, April 25th, and here’s your update on the news shaping San Diego this week.
Advocates are urging the San Diego Sheriff’s Office to rethink its cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Following the County Board of Supervisors’ sanctuary policy passed in December, which restricts the Sheriff’s Office from transferring individuals in custody to federal immigration agents without a warrant, Sheriff Kelly Martinez has not complied with the new policy.
Critics are pressing for change as national immigration enforcement measures grow increasingly stringent.
County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe expressed concern, stating, “When we passed the policy in December of last year, we weren’t even at the point where we are now. Nationally it’s every day we are hearing a different story on the news around immigration.”
Sheriff Martinez defended her actions, claiming that all 30 individuals transferred to ICE had either criminal convictions or federal warrants, arguing that such transfers prevent ICE agents from conducting raids in residential areas, thus protecting community members.
This situation continues to develop as community advocates demand action.
In other news, the fast-food chain Jack in the Box is closing dozens of its restaurants across various locations.
The San Diego-based company has announced that these closures are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing debt and assets, impacting 150 to 200 underperforming locations.
Additionally, the company plans to explore the possibility of selling its Del Taco brand, which it has owned since 2022.
While Jack in the Box has not disclosed specific locations that will close, approximately half of the closures are expected to occur by the year’s end.
Homeownership remains a critical issue in San Diego, as recent statistics reveal that less than 1-in-5 residents can afford a median-priced home, which currently stands at around 1 million dollars.
According to the California Association of Realtors, only 15 percent of San Diegans meet the necessary income threshold to purchase a home, and this issue is exacerbated for communities of color, where only 9 percent of Hispanic or Latino households and 7 percent of Black households can afford to buy a home.
It’s notable that while San Diego’s housing market is notably high, California overall has reported a slightly better statistic, with 18 percent of residents statewide able to afford a median-priced home.
Meanwhile, significant changes are coming to Escondido’s main library.
All book lovers should note that Saturday will mark the library’s final day of operation before it closes for much-needed repairs and renovations.
The library’s collection will be temporarily relocated to an unconventional venue: the first floor of North County Mall, with plans to open to the public later in May.
Library Director Rino Landa explained, “We are going to offer as much as we can, though some shrinkage will occur as we go from about 40,000 square feet down to around 15,000 square feet.”
The renovations are expected to take until spring 2026, after which the library’s collection will return to its updated home.
In other heartwarming news, an inclusive mountain biking team in South San Diego County is welcoming kids of all abilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
Kendra Gonzalez, who coaches the Eastlake High School and South Bay Composite mountain biking team, shared how the sport provides an empowering outlet for children.
“Each practice offers opportunities for kids to challenge themselves with ups and downs in their skills,” Gonzalez stated.
Her 11-year-old daughter Delilah, who is on the team, shared her racing experiences, highlighting the joy and adrenaline rush that comes with competition.
“At the start of the race, you just feel so scared…and you just race ahead and fight to keep that spot,” Delilah expressed.
The team practices three times a week and competes against other teams in Southern California, focusing on fostering a sense of community and support.
Team Director Allyn Olsen reflected on the positive impact of nature on mental health, saying, “There’s research showing how being in nature greatly benefits emotional well-being, and we see that in our kids every time they come back from a ride, full of joy.”
A fundraiser this weekend, hosted by Ride 4 Autism, aims to support the team financially, which has become known for its inclusivity.
The local mountain biking community, which began organizing charity events in 2022, acknowledges the team’s efforts to make biking accessible to all.
Among the team members is Andrew Schmidt, a 12-year-old on the autism spectrum who recounted his enjoyment of biking challenges and the personal growth it provides.
His father Jason commented on Andrew’s journey, noting, “When he first joined, he was not confident…now he’s just so much more confident in his abilities. It’s wonderful to witness.”
In cultural news, April 30 marks UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, celebrating the influential genre that has shaped global music scenes.
While there won’t be any official events in San Diego this year, local jazz enthusiasts can find vibrant activities just across the border in Tijuana.
Tijuana has a rich jazz history, and celebrations are set to take place reflecting its deep connection to the genre.
Aurturo Arrizon, a local historian, highlighted the city’s past with jazz and its notable figures, including Jelly Roll Morton, who performed there in the early 20th century.
“There’s a rich history of jazz in Tijuana that dates back to the early days of the genre,” Arrizon mentioned.
Highlighting contemporary talent, Marco Rentaría of the popular rock band Caifanes expressed his respect for jazz and the musical vibrancy of Tijuana.
The Tijuana Jazz Society will organize a concert on April 26, featuring performances and master classes dedicated to jazz, honoring the significance of the genre in the region.
Natalia Velázquez, the society’s head, is excited about the tribute events planned, stating, “It’s rewarding to contribute to the music scene I love.”
For those unable to attend in person, the upcoming concert will also be live-streamed, providing an opportunity for wider participation.
International Jazz Day serves as a reminder of music’s power to transcend borders and connect people through shared experiences.
Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth stories shaping our San Diego community.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/san-diego-news-now/advocates-again-urge-san-diego-sheriff-to-limit-cooperation-with-ice
