Articles by Special to The Grapevine

Hunter doubles down on Trump support

What it’s like to be on the shrinking island of Donald Trump political backers — Washington Post These days, being a Republican and supporting your presidential nominee can be a lonely place. A new USA Today survey finds that more than a quarter of top elected GOP officials won’t endorse or have rescinded their endorsement of Donald Trump. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) thinks pulling away from Trump…


Issa on the ropes in once-safe 49th District

SOLANA BEACH, CA. — One by one, Doug Applegate’s fellow veterans stepped up to the microphone and named the threat to America: Donald Trump. One of them shook with rage, discussing Trump’s joke about the “captured” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Others asked how Applegate’s opponent, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), could support Trump and claim to be a friend of veterans. “You have a presidential candidate insult…


‘Mini-Trump’ Issa in trouble in 49th District

In this upside-down year, Issa finds himself suddenly in danger of defeat, a prognosis worsened by his decision to embrace Donald J. Trump. VISTA, CA. — For more than 15 years, Representative Darrell Issa has not so much as put out a yard sign. A Republican comfortably ensconced in his Southern California seat, he has blown by one challenger after another since being elected in 2000. The days…


Lawmakers fund pioneering gun violence research center (Waldron opposes)

California lawmakers have agreed to spend $5 million to open a first-in-the-nation gun violence research center, a move intended to circumvent a ban on federal firearm studies. The research center, which would be based at a campus in the University of California system, would take over a job the federal government dropped 20 years ago. In 1996, Congress — persuaded by then-U.S Rep. Jay Dickey,…


Roberts, Gaspar focus on homelessness

Both candidates in the District 3 race for the County Board of Supervisors say they’ll make it a priority to address homelessness. Supervisor Dave Roberts, the Democratic incumbent, points to the progress he’s made at the county, devoting more resources to mental health services, veterans and homelessness and to opening the Live Well crisis center in Escondido. His Republican challenger, Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar, touts…


Lilac Hills Ranch ‘Measure B’ is a scam

With the November election just weeks away, I am encouraging San Diego voters to vote No on the Lilac Hills Ranch Measure B. Measure B is a countywide measure on which all San Diego County voters – including residents of incorporated cities – will vote. Measure B would allow a deep-pocketed developer to build Lilac Hills Ranch, a development of more than 1,700 homes and 90,000…


San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum holds 1st Annual Health & Wellness Week

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (SDCDM) is holding its 1st Annual Health & Wellness Week Sept. 19-23. Each day will offer check-ups and workshops around a different theme with local health and wellness organizations onsite at the Museum to provide services. SDCDM is very excited about this special event and the opportunity to engage with our community partners to provide health and wellness resources to Museum visitors and…


CSUSM Student Healthcare Project making difference in communities

Cal State San Marcos participants in the Student Healthcare Project follow a similar pattern each semester. “The first three weeks they all run around like their hair is on fire,” said Mary Baker, who is the director of the School of Nursing Student Healthcare Project. “Then they really start to jell and work together as a team. And then they get really good at it…


Zoo burns $1M in rhino items in 1st US bonfire of its kind

The San Diego Zoo burned items containing rhinoceros horn with an estimated black market value of $1 million in a symbolic gesture at its San Pasqual Valley Safari Park Thursday to show the U.S. is committed to ending illegal wildlife trafficking. Today @DirectorDanAshe is at @sandiegozoo! We’re burning #rhino horn to raise awareness & #endwildlifetrafficking. pic.twitter.com/8uKo8p284K — US Fish and Wildlife (@USFWS) September 8, 2016 The U.S. Fish…


Mama Kat’s is the cat’s meow

One lovely and crazy hot Saturday morning, Jake, T and I were up in North County. We don’t really spend a whole heck of a lot of time in the northern parts of San Diego, but here we were. It was still breakfast hours though the time was creeping up and over noon and I figured it was high time to try out this spot…