OB Rag — Grassroots and Progressive views on local, national and world news

Meet & Greet with Nicole Crosby in Point Loma –Tuesday, October 13

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:57:19 +0200

From Pt Loma & OB Democratic Club

Meet & Greet with Nicole Crosby Tuesday, October 13, 5:30pm Join Gale and Jim Hill and get to know Nicole, candidate for District 2

Pt Loma & OB Dems clubmember Gale Hill and her husband, Jim, are hosting a meet and greet with District 2 City Council candidate Nicole Crosby on — Tuesday, October 13, at 5:30 PM Gale & Jim have invited us to join them to meet Nicole, hear her perspective on the issues facing District 2 and San Diego, and join the conversation.

Vigil for Palestine at Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park — Sat., Oct.10th

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:44:40 +0200

ICE Surges Back in California and Starts With San Diego

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:36:16 +0200

By Shelby Bremer / 7SanDiego / October 8, 2026 ICE has launched a 45-day enforcement surge in California, according to a new report that says the crackdown began in San Diego, where community organizers say they’ve seen an uptick in agents on the streets. The Washington Examiner reports the effort is called “Operation Safe California,” citing a source who said officers were “told to go after anybody,” including those without a criminal history. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security - which marked record-high monthly arrests multiple times this past summer - did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The unannounced nature of the enforcement effort seems to be a continuation of the marked shift under DHS Sec. Markwayne Mullin away from very public displays like the operations that rolled into Minneapolis and other cities across the country. Organizers in San Diego said Thursday they’ve already seen an increase in enforcement on the ground, spotting more agents in vehicles with out-of-state license plates, as well as near schools - including an incident with a student outside Hoover High School. “There's been a massive surge. We're getting phone calls from all around the city,” said Mea Dominguez, who’s part of the City Heights Defense Committee, a group that coordinates mutual aid for families impacted by detention and documents the presence of ICE. She said City Heights has been particularly impacted, but they’re getting calls now “every 10 to 15 minutes” from all across the region.

Why Are Out-of-State Billionaires Funding Prop 39 — the California Voter ID Measure?

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:15:06 +0200

by Nadia Lathan / Cal-Matters / October 7, 2026 Want to know who’s who in Republican politics? Look no further than the megadonors bankrolling California’s voter ID initiative. Illinois billionaire packing supply magnate Richard Uihlein, who has poured tens of millions of dollars into conservative causes, has contributed $17 million to the campaign for Proposition 39, a GOP-backed ballot measure to require voters to show a driver’s license or other government ID to vote. Uihlein’s involvement and that of other deep-pocketed Republican donors is a signal that conservatives view Prop. 39 as a test of support for future battleground states in the broader push by President Donald Trump to tighten voter restrictions. Uihlein is joined by Airbnb co-founder and current White House official Joe Gebbia, who on Wednesday gave $8 million to the campaign. Southern California businessman Steven Bray is another top donor, having loaned the campaign more than $3 million and given $50,000 outright. The right-wing political group Reform California, tech entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and former Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential running mate Nicole Shanahan are also major donors. Combined, they have helped the campaign rake in more than $36 million — $13 million more than their opponents a month from Election Day.

Prop 45 Would Weaken Environmental and Public Health Protections By Fast Tracking Development Projects

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:05:58 +0200

By Kathryn Burton Proposition 45, on the ballot for the November 3 general election, would weaken critical environmental and public health protections currently in place by fast tracking development projects. It would severely limit public participation in the process while making it easier for high polluting, corporate backed developers to poison our environment with no mechanism to fund cleanup. That would be left to the taxpayers. The nonpartisan California Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates that fast tracking polluting projects could cost taxpayers $100 million or more annually due to environmental harm and cleanup. The California Environmental Quality Act currently requires state and local public agencies to identify, disclose, and minimize the potential negative environmental damage from proposed projects before approving them. It encourages public input on projects effecting the local community by exposing negative impacts. (For example, increased pollution, increased traffic, destruction of wildlife habitat.)

More to Come on Bailey Backers’ Abusive Tactics

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:47:22 +0200

By Kate Callen In the 24 hours since the Rag published “Bailey Backers Get Belligerent,” the story has received over 1,400 views and 13 comments. That’s not unusual for a political article. What is unusual is that the Rag has been contacted by several readers with stories of being harassed because they posted on the Nextdoor forum.

History of the Portuguese in San Diego — Presentation at Pt Loma Assembly Friday Oct. 8

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:50:00 +0200

‘It’s not her fault, but …’

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:30:42 +0200

By Kit-Bacon Gressitt / KB Gressitt Weekly Update / Oct. 7,, 2026 My friend said, “It’s not her fault, but . . .” and I gasped. In the wake of four rapes and one sexual assault reported at Cal State University San Marcos this September, and the filing of the Cornell University gang rape civil case, chatter on every platform has been plentiful. Informed and otherwise. None of it is surprising. Those who are enlightened grasp the opportunity to educate the public.

“We must teach people to honor affirmative consent, but states’ definitions differ.”

“We must provide more security around residential halls, but that won’t stop rape by acquaintances.”

“We must help survivors seek justice, but so many are harmed by the process.

Ocean Beach Neighbors Resist Plan to Build 12 ADUs in Backyard of Single-Family Home on Del Mar Avenue

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:06:43 +0200

By Dan Plante / Yahoo News Fox-KUSI / October 7, 2026 It's one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Ocean Beach, with families going back generations. But as it stands now, it's also the latest target for developers to build a massive Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) farm adjacent to where a single-family home now sits on a hillside. "Twelve units on a single-family property? It's abuse," said Ocean Beach resident Scott Martinez. [He was referring to the 4600 block of Del Mar Avenue.] Like other neighborhood groups fighting for the character of their communities, the battle is on to stop this project before it's too late. "When we heard about the units that were becoming available, we said, wait a minute, 12 units on a small single-family property -- there's no way that can fit," said resident Dr. Mike Sherer. The house at the center of this issue was most recently a short-term rental. But now it's on the market, listed by Colwell Banker, with a hefty price tag.

No News Reports Since the 5 Rapes and Sexual Assaults at CSU San Marcos Were Announced Sept. 22

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 22:34:11 +0200

On September 22, local news reported that there had been four rapes and one sexual assault at or near the campus of California State University San Marcos. Given the heightened awareness these days of how universities treat such sexual assaults like at Cornell, one would think that the local media would be on top of the most up-to-date news of the cases, their investigations, possible suspects. Yet it's been a full two weeks since the last news report of the scandal in San Marcos. And according to our take on the media, there hasn't been anything. The rapes and assault all occurred within a month -- three on campus and one at an on-campus residency hall. The only announcement coming out of the university administration is what they're going to do to prevent future assaults. The four incidents of rape reportedly occurred from Sept. 5 to 18, Cal State San Marcos representative Jerry McCormick said.

Sept. 5 incident happened at The Quad Residence Hall
Sept. 6 incident happened at the University Village Apartment
Sept. 13 incident happened at Black Oak Hall
Sept. 18 incident happened at The Quad Residence Hall
Sept 21 sexual assault in Black Oak Hall.

All incidents are unrelated, and in each case, the people involved knew each other, except for the most recent incident.

The Ocean Beach Hotel that Rose and Fell With San Diego’s 1880’s Housing Boom

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:55:31 +0200

By Debbie Sklar / Times of San Diego / October 6, 2026 For a brief moment in the 1880s, Ocean Beach was supposed to become one of San Diego’s grand seaside resorts. At the center of that dream stood an imposing Victorian hotel at the foot of Niagara Avenue, overlooking the ocean. It was called the Cliff House. Built by real estate promoters William H. “Billy” Carlson and Frank J. Higgins, the Cliff House was designed to attract vacationers, prospective land buyers, and anyone willing to believe that the remote stretch of Point Loma was about to become San Diego’s next great resort destination. The timing seemed perfect. San Diego was in the middle of a spectacular real estate boom, and Carlson and Higgins were selling lots in their new Ocean Beach subdivision. They filed their subdivision map on May 28, 1887, and promoted the area with elaborate public events, including mussel roasts, bands, free ice cream, rental bathing suits, and hot-air balloons. The developers needed something impressive to give their new community a centerpiece. They built the Cliff House.

Bailey’s Backers Get Belligerent

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:51:43 +0200

By Kate Callen The OB Rag has always gotten pushback on its endorsements of political candidates and ballot measures. But our choice of Nicole Crosby for the District 2 Council seat has triggered an unusual backlash from supporters of Richard Bailey. We expected individuals to post negative comments on our Crosby story — that comes with the territory. But we never thought an advocacy group like San Diego United Communities (SDUC) would use its Instagram account to vilify us as “the worst and cringiest newspaper in San Diego.” We respect the work of SDUC in fighting for sustainable growth in residential neighborhoods. But we are saddened by their scorched-earth tactics. They don’t just disagree — they attack, and often in personal terms.

Gov. Newsom Calls for the 25th Amendment for Trump After the ‘Take Out San Diego and LA’ Comments

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:33:12 +0200

by Amie Parnes and Julia Manchester / The Hill / October 6, 2026 President Trump is stoking outrage among California Democrats and at least one House GOP candidate after he suggested at a midterm rally that he would allow Iran to “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) led the charge, telling The Hill on Tuesday that Trump is “mentally ill.” “TIME FOR THE 25TH!” the governor said in a statement. The sentiment follows a social media post from Newsom on Monday where he called Trump “deranged and dangerous.” Newsom is widely seen as a prospective presidential contender for Democrats in 2028. “Gavin Newscum is the worst governor in America, and he also may be the dumbest,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in response to the remarks. Newsom was far from the only California politician lashing out at Trump, however. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) said Trump’s remarks are “dangerous and could potentially compromise our safety,” while San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (D) told Trump in his own statement to “keep our city out of your reckless war talk.” Meanwhile, Republican Jim Desmond, who is running for a San Diego-area House district, said he “vehemently” disagrees with the president.

A Wonderful September (Thoughts of People Power)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:38:08 +0200

by Ernie McCray September 2026 found me in high spirits, thanks to quality time I enjoyed simply being in the company of good people at a time when we human beings need each other so urgently, and the folks formed a nice range: new and old friends I visited in my hometown, a number of inspirational individuals with whom I broke bread at a memorable dinner, sharing so much laughter and stories overflowing with wit, and I’ll forever remember the time I spent with a room of young high school artists who are illustrating a collection of my poetry and, on the subject of writing,

OB Rag Endorses Democrat Martha Abraham for District 4 of San Diego City Council

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:01:12 +0200

The OB Rag is endorsing Martha Abraham for the District 4 seat on the San Diego City Council. Abraham is a registered Democrat running in a intra-party race (two Democrats) and her core campaign endorsement roster features major environmental, healthcare, and labor organizations. Over the last year or so, careful observers of City Hall have noticed Abraham's activism which is rooted in her community. She has shown a commitment to responsible planning and growth, environmental justice, historic preservation, and putting residents first. She has voiced opposition to some of the City's poorly thought out upzoning policies (like the Bonus Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program and the under-the-radar rezoning in her community known as Footnote 7), which were supported by past and current City Councilmembers. She believes San Diego can address its housing needs while protecting the character and qualities that make each neighborhood unique. These words, "People first, always," express her community service mindset and desire to help build a better San Diego for all. About Martha Abraham Martha Abraham is a registered nurse (who works in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)),

The Line-Up at Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach — Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:32:04 +0200

They Laughed When Trump Said Iran Could Take Out San Diego or Los Angeles

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:39:19 +0200

At a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, while discussing the war with Iran and its economic effects, Trump suggested that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles or San Diego as a "small price to pay." "It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump said. "They can take out a city, let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego." The comments drew cheers, laughter and applause from the relatively small sized rally. But they laughed and cheered anyhow at the thought that Iran could bomb and wipe out up to 10 million people who live in the two cities. Because they're only blue -- they / we don't matter. They laughed in Nebraska, but no one in California was smiling. Here's some of the reaction, as compiled by Patch San Diego.

Gov. Gavin Newsom responded on social media, pointing to Trump's previous deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to California before criticizing the president's latest remarks.

"Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego," Newsom wrote. "He is deranged and dangerous."

Newsom's press office also condemned the remarks, noting that more than 10 million people live in the two metropolitan areas.

"Let's be clear: The President is advocating for an attack on 10+ million U.S. residents in two of America's largest cities," the governor's press office wrote on social media. "This is not normal. None of this is. And we will continue to remind folks of that every day."

The Peninsula Is a ‘Garden of Eden’ — OB Historical Society Presents Thurs., Oct.15

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:09:46 +0200

Join the OB Historical Society on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM, as they presents Kathy Blavatt, who shows us that the Peninsula is truly a “Garden of Eden” with its perfect climate and wide variety of plant life that springs from the local soil. Mankind has nurtured this landscape and lived on it for centuries, from Indigenous peoples to today’s population.

Kayakers and Surfers in Hazmat Suits? San Diego Climate Week Is Back

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:51:28 +0200

By Tammy Murga / kpbs / Oct. 2, 2026 A bright yellow circle slowly formed in the water at Glorietta Bay Park in Coronado on Thursday afternoon. They were surfers, clean water advocates and community members on surfboards, paddleboards and kayaks. Except they weren’t wearing wetsuits. They donned hazmat suits. “The hazmat suit is a visual cue that we’re in a crisis,” said Corey Cleary-Stoner, one of the community members. “The most essential natural resource is under attack, and it’s under attack by us.” He was referring to what’s been happening for years on the other side of the San Diego Bay, about eight miles south of the park: beaches closed for swimming because of sewage contamination that makes its way from Tijuana. The pollution has forced lifeguards to adapt by limiting their time in the water and using mobile showers attached to their vehicles; children in local summer camps are bussed to beaches outside of their communities, and residents have become sick from exposure to the sewage contamination.

Two-Alarm Vegetation Fire Close to Trolley Tracks in Encanto

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:25:44 +0200

By Angelo Haynes A 2-alarm 3-acre vegetation fire began around 4pm yesterday, Sunday, Oct. 3, along a small drainage adjacent to the west bound trolley tracks near the corner of Merlin and Imperial Ave in the Encanto neighborhood. Approximately 30-35 fire personnel were responding to the fire, with 10-15 fire vehicles including fire engines and battalion trucks on scene. Fire Stations observed were local Fire Station Lincoln Park 12 and Fire engines from Barona. Traffic was blocked near the post office and St. Stephen’s Church. MTS security and SDPD were on hand and securing the boundaries of firefighting operations while staff from MTS Rail and SDG&E were observed doing maintenance checks of adjacent rail line infrastructure in what appeared to be powerhouse near the tracks. MTS Rail stated the overhead trolley lines were live at the time of the fire.