Michael Smolens: California gas prices could be big election issue in 2026
State Sen. Brian Jones, R-Santee, has been a leading critic of high fuel prices and the policies that keep them there
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Michael Smolens: Clean energy politics heat up for GOP, but it’s not about climate change
Republican senators seek to reverse cuts in renewable energy tax credits that could hurt their states as global warming continues apace.
Michael Smolens: More housing, better rents helped lower San Diego’s homeless count
Kudos are in order for reversing the homeless tally, but big challenges loom.
Michael Smolens: Issa votes for Trump agenda bill, but mum on Medicaid cuts
There's a bit of 2017 déjà vu for the GOP Congress member, with one big difference: He's in a safe district now.
Michael Smolens: Gloria seeks to navigate troubled waters
Mayor discusses budget challenges, trash fee controversy, impact of tariffs and a host of other issues
Michael Smolens: istration can’t hire the 20,000 immigration agents Trump wants
Obama, Biden and Trump have all fallen short on immigration enforcement staffing.
Michael Smolens: GOP pushes electric vehicle fees as highway fund continues to crater
House Republicans dashed proposed $20 annual levy on all cars as they search for revenue.
Michael Smolens: San Diego refocuses on preserving neighborhoods amid housing push
Former top city planner Michael Stepner says more housing is needed but it should be compatible with existing communities.
Michael Smolens: Clemency letter to Trump comes back to haunt McCann
Sentencing of repeat fraudster that the Chula Vista mayor helped get out of prison comes at the start of the runoff for county supervisor.
Michael Smolens: A ionate progressive, Filner could be volatile, sometimes hurtful
The late ex-mayor, undone by harassment scandal, took confrontational approach fighting injustice toward the less fortunate
Michael Smolens: Restrictive election laws aren’t about fraud
Research on voter ID laws is mixed, but studies tend to show a disproportionate negative impact on people of color, other minorities.
Michael Smolens: Zeldin takes diplomatic approach toward Mexico; locals want to hold big stick
New EPA pressures Mexico for action on the problem it has created, but emphasizes a binational solution is a must.
Michael Smolens: Criticism of CEQA, Coastal Commission on housing goes national
Democrats increasingly take aim at landmark environmental law, coastal protection for thwarting housing development.
Michael Smolens: Lawson-Remer wants county government expansion to counter Trump
Supervisor seeks to rally board , public to back $1 billion tax increase in the face of Washington cutbacks.
Michael Smolens: Issa, GOP House seek new rules for judges. They have company.
The Bonsall Republican's bill to restrict district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions comes after rulings against Trump.
Michael Smolens: Aguirre seeks to stick McCann with Trump’s policies in runoff
Imperial Beach mayor is bringing national themes into the local race while the Chula Vista mayor seems intent on contrasting their records.
Michael Smolens: Moreno battles to overcome Aguirre’s growing profile in supervisor race
Despite some twists and turns, the main dynamic of the campaign for county supervisor hasn’t changed since the beginning: The real race has been between Democrats Paloma Aguirre and Vivian...
Michael Smolens: What Roger Revelle could have taught Secretary Hegseth about climate change
New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently dismissed climate change research with a rather crude term. Robert Salesses, a deputy director in the Department of Defense, said the Pentagon will “cease...
Michael Smolens: Will bold GOP talk take root in San Diego?
Democratic Rep. Mike Levin faces another potentially high-stakes race while both parties fight for an open state Senate seat.
Michael Smolens: Homelessness is going to get worse
San Diego and California for years have been unable to tame homelessness — and that was before big federal funding cuts.
Michael Smolens: Once-obscure ‘builder’s remedy’ law is now shaping local housing policy
Decisions in San Diego and Encinitas based in part on the law. Will Del Mar be next?
Michael Smolens: Supervisor race boils down to who faces McCann in the likely runoff
Aguirre, Moreno battle each other, rather than lone big-name Republican in primary.
Opinión: El congresista Juan Vargas sigue haciendo que los “Dreamers” se destaquen en el Capitolio
Demócrata de San Diego reconoce que el clima político está lejos de ser propicio para ayudar a los jóvenes inmigrantes en EE.UU.
Michael Smolens: Rep. Juan Vargas continues to roll ‘Dreamers’ rock up Capitol Hill
San Diego Democrat acknowledges political climate is far from conducive to help young immigrants in U.S.
Michael Smolens: Everyone’s jumping on the ‘affordability’ bandwagon
Varied partisan proposals target cost of living. Trump's not making it easy.
Michael Smolens: San Diego response to Trump’s cuts, policies is evolving
More cautious steps and discussion follow initial aggressive moves
Michael Smolens: Debate over rebuilding — and whether it’s even feasible — always follows big fires
Legislation to both limit and expand construction in high-risk fire areas has been stymied.
Michael Smolens: County, city of San Diego are trying to navigate turbulent budget waters
The city faces bigger hurdle earlier, but the county knows it's coming.
Michael Smolens: Trump adds uncertainty to San Diego’s water future
The new istration will oversee negotiations on a main San Diego water source: the Colorado River.
Michael Smolens: Will Moreno get caught in the middle in supervisor’s race?
San Diego council member has pro-development, business-friendly record but from those quarters is uncertain. A labor group is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on her behalf, however.
Michael Smolens: San Diego, California and Trump wrestle over power politics, civics
President's demand for conditions on fire disaster aid, fumbled grant freeze are signs of things to come
Michael Smolens: Affordable housing: fits and starts and question marks
One downtown project for lower-income residents fails, another moves forward
OPINIÓN: El transporte en San Diego siempre parece estar en una encrucijada
Una importante expansión del Sistema de Transporte Metropolitano se lanza el domingo: la primera ruta de autobús expreso nocturno de San Diego, de San Ysidro al centro. La nueva Ruta...
Opinión: El fuerte ataque de Gloria a los supervisores es el último capítulo en la tensión entre la ciudad y el condado
Montgomery Steppe responde enérgicamente y dice que el alcalde está "desviando la culpa"
OPINIÓN: San Diego siente el dolor por mantener estable el sistema de pensiones
La ciudad enfrenta un creciente déficit presupuestario. Los costos de las pensiones son parte de la razón.
Michael Smolens: Transit in San Diego always seems to be at crossroads
Like other transportation agencies nationwide, Metropolitan Transit System faces tough budget choices with pandemic funding running out.
Michael Smolens: Gloria blast at supervisors is the latest chapter in city-county tension
Montgomery Steppe gives strong response, says mayor is "blame-shifting" away from city's homelessness, financial problems.
Michael Smolens: California vs. Trump en pie de guerra, la segunda parte
Las políticas planificadas por el presidente podrían tener un impacto mucho más amplio en el Estado Dorado
Michael Smolens: California vs. Trump 2.0
The president-elect's planned policies may have much broader impact on the Golden State this time around.
Michael Smolens: San Diego feels the pain to keep pension system stable
The city faces a growing budget shortfall. The pension costs are part of the reason.
OPINIÓN: Todd Gloria planea un mensaje claro para los habitantes de San Diego
El informe de gobierno de la ciudad será un evento sin adornos
Michael Smolens: Where labor, business may go in special election for county supervisor
The candidate field is emerging to replace former chair Nora Vargas, but the dynamics remain fluid.
Michael Smolens: Gloria plans an unmistakable message for San Diegans
Mayor Todd Gloria plans to give the first State of the City address of his second term on Wednesday at an unusual location: City Hall. In the past, Gloria and...
OPINIÓN: ¿Encaja DACA en los planes migratorios de Trump?
El acalorado debate sobre visas, deportación y el derecho a la ciudadanía por nacimiento
Michael Smolens: Homelessness, housing and Jimmy Carter
The former president advocated for the importance of housing, but the country did not follow.
Michael Smolens: Does DACA fit into Trump’s immigration plans?
The hurly-burly debate over visas, deportation and citizenship birthright overshadows common ground on the popular program.
Michael Smolens: Public had more trust in this election — because Trump won
UC San Diego, Pew studies suggest increased confidence in vote accuracy could be fleeting because it's based on results.
Michael Smolens: Climate-change adaptation for California’s land, the sea and water supply
Natural coastal defenses, Delta water tunnel and 'fuel reduction' in wildlands take center stage.
Michael Smolens: YIMBY expansion, overreach — and backlash
Pro-housing laws, political push grow but Pacific Beach's "Turquoise Tower," other missteps spark outrage.
Michael Smolens: Were Turner, Faulconer ever really in the hunt?
Fundamentals of supervisor, mayoral election didn't change despite millions spent by challengers
Michael Smolens: SANDAG looks at ‘interim’ expanded bus service to airport while hunting for money
Transportation agency continues to explore trolley, people mover but they seem out of reach.
Michael Smolens: Trump dismisses climate change, but then there’s Elon Musk
Reports point to continued signs of global warming peril from higher temperatures to increasing fossil fuel emissions.
Michael Smolens: The notion of massive election fraud was, of course, the real fraud
Studies have repeatedly dismissed accusations of widespread voter fraud as unfounded.
Michael Smolens: Viewing California’s GOP shift through the ballot propositions
A barometer of where California is politically can be found in the results of statewide measures.
Michael Smolens: Economic concerns didn’t stop tax increases, bond approvals in San Diego County
Voters are influenced by personal economics, but remain attuned to the need for public improvements.
Michael Smolens: Gloria, Lawson-Remer easily prevail against tough and unlikely challenges
Mayoral, supervisor incumbents faced unique circumstances in re-election bids.
Michael Smolens: What the election may suggest about the fate of San Diego’s business-GOP alliance
Results of supervisor, mayoral races and tax measures may signal San Diego's direction.
Michael Smolens: Issa is adamant about mass deportations. Certifying the presidential election? Not so much.
Issa was one of 147 Republican House who voted against certifying Biden's victory in certain states in the 2020 election.
Michael Smolens: There are lots of reasons to trust elections, but too many people still don’t
Efforts have increased to educate voters about how and how well voting systems work, but it's a slow learning curve.
Michael Smolens: Nevada, that other California battleground
Elected officials from the deep blue Golden State have been campaigning to help candidates in competitive states.
Michael Smolens: Ad lauding Gloria homeless progress doesn’t square with reality
Independent committee presents rosy view on homelessness with selective statistics, generalities.
Michael Smolens: Levin-Gunderson House race tightens up
Republican challenger appears to be closing in on Democratic incumbent in San Diego-Orange County district.
Michael Smolens: Maienschein promotes Prop. 3, and himself, while running for city attorney
Candidate gets more exposure ing same-sex marriage measure while avoiding city contribution limits.
Michael Smolens: Gloria camp resets after $1 million donation for opponent Turner
"We will certainly be able to compete on an equal or higher level." -- Steve Cushman, chair of independent committee for Mayor Todd Gloria.
Michael Smolens: A tussle over Lawson-Remer’s attendance record dominates supervisor campaign
Faulconer camp criticizes Lawson-Remer for missing homelessness meetings. Supervisor notes she was represented by a proxy.
Michael Smolens: Transportation funding is popular, but trouble hovers over Measure G transit tax
The half-cent countywide sales tax proposal has broad institutional and a campaign with a lot of money to spend.
Michael Smolens: DeMaio flips on abortion again, trades bizarre MAGA accusations with Hayes
After seeking the conservative vote in the primary, candidates insist their opponent is a right-wing extremist
Michael Smolens: Peters’ forest thinning, CHIPS Act bills advance despite disputes
The Supreme Court also clears the way for restricting methane emissions, another Peters priority.
Michael Smolens: Faulconer camp plays Obama card as link to scandal surfaces
Faulconer consulted for firm involved in SANDAG toll road boondoggle.
Michael Smolens: Gunderson seeks to take abortion ‘off the table’ in congressional race
Rep. Mike Levin contends Republican opponent is not "pro-choice" as he maintains.
Michael Smolens: The intrigue behind the mysterious $1 million campaign contribution
Lincoln Club officials insist Richter donation was not earmarked to help Larry Turner defeat incumbent Todd Gloria
Michael Smolens: DeMaio hunts for Democratic votes, battles GOP
Republican Party to bring more muscle behind Andrew Hayes after dispute with DeMaio.
OPINIÓN: San Diego no puede darse el lujo de demorarse en la solución de refugios para personas sin hogar
San Diego recibe elogios por su esfuerzo para solucionar el tema de las personas sin hogar en todo el estado
Michael Smolens: San Diego can’t afford to stall on homeless shelter fix
San Diego faces a ticking time bomb as it struggles to find replacements for more than 700 shelter beds that will disappear by early next year.
Michael Smolens: Prop. 5 could open the door for more affordable housing — and tax increases
The ballot measure would lower the bond-approval threshold from two-thirds to a 55 percent majority.
Michael Smolens: How Maienschein thinks he can turn around the city attorney’s race
Chief Deputy City Attorney Heather Ferbert surprisingly finished first in the primary by a comfortable margin.
Michael Smolens: Legislation would open the door to more cannabis cafés
Bill is the second attempt to create statewide standards to legalize cannabis consumption lounges
Michael Smolens: Will higher s thwart a California insurance crisis?
California is making moves to stabilize the shaky insurance market.
Michael Smolens: DACA has a big ally in Harris
Democratic nominee focused on increasing protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in previous presidential campaign
Michael Smolens: Where Harris and Trump stand on housing
Presidential candidates have big differences, but a few similarities in how to make housing more affordable
Michael Smolens: State lawmakers push to expand fertility insurance coverage for same-sex couples
California legislators have ed a nationwide movement to expand insurance coverage for fertility treatment to LGBTQ individuals.
Michael Smolens: Developers, Del Mar and other cities await ‘builder’s remedy’ ruling on affordable housing
Appellate court ruling in L.A. County case could set precedent requiring cities to accept housing projects
Michael Smolens: Democrats take on GOP over border security. It’s a tall order.
Republicans are unlikely to lose advantage on immigration, but Democrats seek to whittle it down
OPINIÓN: El alcalde de San Diego quiere que se cuenten los sitios de descanso para personas sin hogar
El conteo anual de personas sin hogar considera a las personas en campamentos de descanso seguros y estacionamientos como "sin refugio".
Michael Smolens: Could push to change fire ratings spur development in hazardous areas?
Bill to revamp California fire maps was held in the Legislature but likely will be back next year.
Michael Smolens: Gloria wants homeless sleeping sites to count
Annual homeless tally considers people at safe sleeping camps and parking lots to be "unsheltered." The San Diego mayor doesn't think that's right.
Michael Smolens: Democrats face off over California crime ballot measure
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and other local officials in California back the sentence-enhancing Proposition 36 opposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders
Michael Smolens: Faulconer vs. Lawson-Remer is homelessness vs. Ash Street at the moment
The campaign in the highest-profile local election — former Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s challenge of county Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer — has yet to hit full stride. When it does, an array...
Opinión: Crecen las tensiones sobre la falta de vivienda en el condado de San Diego… otra vez
Las esperanzas de un enfoque regional contrastan con las críticas continuas de los alcaldes
Michael Smolens: America’s future needs a much better power grid. Will Congress help get one?
A bill to speed approvals for energy projects advances but faces hurdles
Michael Smolens: What happened to the ‘right to dry’ revolution?
California and many other states have ed laws voiding bans on outdoor clotheslines, but that remains a rare mode of drying clothes
Michael Smolens: Tensions grow on homelessness, again
Hopes for a regional approach contrast with continued criticism by mayors of homelessness efforts in other cities
Michael Smolens: Carl Luna has deep concerns about the election, and a lot of other thoughts
Longtime San Diego political science professor talks about Trump's threat to democracy and Democrats going 'off the rails'
Michael Smolens: When one huge San Diego project bucked the trend of cost overruns
Higher costs for Pershing Bikeway, Gaslamp Promenade add to the history of over-budget projects
Michael Smolens: The heat is on, but there is good climate news
U.S. planet-warming emissions are falling, but projections still fall short of Paris agreement goals
Michael Smolens: Decades of growth management plans lead to Blueprint SD
Matching housing with adequate infrastructure — schools, parks and other amenities — is the overarching goal of development plans.
Michael Smolens: Biden withdrawal resets congressional campaign, again
Democrats reboot focus on Trump; Republicans don't have Biden to kick around but continue hammering on immigration, cost of living
Michael Smolens: San Diego’s rocky road on homelessness hits a particularly rough patch
The mayor’s large shelter proposal, already controversial, ran into even stronger headwinds last week. At about the same time, the county lost $10 million in state funding because supervisors backed...
Michael Smolens: A ton of local tax, bond measures are headed for the ballot
Taxpayer group leader worries about the ability of cities, districts to sustain their operations long-term.
Michael Smolens: Levin-Gunderson race jolted by Trump, Biden developments
There's nearly four months to Election Day on Nov. 5, and a lot of dust has yet to settle.