In a significant development, a San Diego police officer faces serious allegations of embezzlement linked to a school safety program. Officer Curtis Doll is accused of misappropriating funds to purchase personal items, including electronics and supplements, all while working as the director of the city’s School Crosswalk Patrol program.
The allegations came to light during a recent court hearing. Investigators had previously executed search warrants to uncover Doll’s activities, leading to the discovery of various purchased items, including Airpods and even the Costco pants he was wearing during the search. Doll has pleaded not guilty to the felony charge and remains a paid employee of the police department, with his arraignment scheduled for later this month.
In other news, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved nearly $30 million for a new substance abuse treatment facility and a mental health crisis center for children. This funding, sourced from state grants tied to last year’s Proposition 1, will support the establishment of a facility in National City capable of accommodating up to 89 individuals and a children’s crisis center in Kearny Mesa with 16 residential beds.
These initiatives, aimed at enhancing the county’s mental health care system, are seen as essential, particularly for children with serious emotional health needs. The children’s crisis center will serve as an alternative to hospitalization, marking an essential addition to the county’s resources.
Meanwhile, ambulance fees in San Diego are set to rise once again. The city council approved an 18 percent increase in charges for ambulance rides, representing the fifth consecutive year of rising costs. Over the past five years, fees have surged by more than 32 percent, though city officials maintain that insurance companies will cover these hikes rather than patients.
In a related story, Buona Forchetta, a South Park restaurant, has reopened after a raid by ICE agents led to temporary closures. They reestablished operations for five out of their six locations following a weeklong closure, during which employees needed a break after the raid that resulted in four arrests for immigration violations. However, their Liberty Station branch will remain closed throughout the week as staff recover from the incident.
In law enforcement updates, the San Diego police department has begun using encrypted communications to protect sensitive information about crime victims. While this move aligns with mandates from the state to safeguard personal data, critics argue that it also limits public access to important information regarding police activity in the community.
In the ongoing runoff election for San Diego County’s District 1 Supervisor, voting has commenced this week, which could determine the future political landscape of the county and its approach to budgetary matters. The candidates are showcasing differing strategies on how to manage taxpayer dollars, particularly in light of federal program cuts being considered by Republican members of Congress.
On the educational front, California’s Assembly Bill 101 aims to implement ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement. However, recent developments indicate that state funding for these initiatives may be withheld, presenting challenges for schools attempting to introduce the curriculum meaningfully.
Professor James Fabionar of the University of San Diego discussed the implications of these developments, emphasizing that the lack of resources may lead to ineffective implementation in some districts, while others with existing programs may continue their efforts regardless.
More than a decade ago, San Diego Unified imposed stricter graduation requirements to ensure students were prepared for higher education. In January, they approved a new graduation pathway that allows students to complete fewer college preparatory courses while adding career-focused requirements. Interim Superintendent Fabiola Bagula suggests this flexibility may help improve graduation rates among students who traditionally struggle to complete their studies.
The conversation surrounding these educational changes highlights the potential for replicating old inequities, particularly among minority students, as officials seek to support those currently falling behind.
Shifting focus briefly, a heartwarming story emerges from the San Diego Humane Society, where staff have been taking care of an orphaned black bear cub rescued by hikers in Los Padres National Forest. The care team, including wildlife rehabilitation specialists donned in bear suits, aims to replicate the nurturing environment of a mother bear.
This initiative shines a light on the efforts to rehabilitate wildlife with the aim of eventually releasing the cub back into its natural habitat.
As San Diego continues to navigate various challenges and initiatives in public service, education, law enforcement, and wildlife care, these stories offer insight into the complexities of civic responsibility and community engagement in the region.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/san-diego-news-now/san-diego-police-officer-accused-of-stealing-from-school-safety-program
