Monday, October 12, 2026
Public Safety
Grand Jury: San Diego Fire-Rescue Fails Required Safety Inspections at Thousands of Buildings; Union Blocks Civilian Inspectors
The report, 'Playing with Fire,' finds SDFD completed only 58% of mandated annual inspections in FY2026 while the firefighters union contract prohibits hiring civilian inspectors — a bar the 2010 city audit flagged 16 years ago.
Public Safety
Sheriff Martinez Approved Over 200 Gun Waivers for Deputies, Records Show — Including Jail Guards and Long Guns
The waivers allow deputies to skip California's 10-day waiting period for personal firearm purchases. Martinez's predecessor cut approvals to just five in 2021 after a former captain went to prison for illegal gun sales.
County
Measure B Would Impose Perpetual Half-Cent Sales Tax Hike Across San Diego County; Voters Decide Nov. 3
The citizen-led initiative, placed on the ballot by a 3-2 Board of Supervisors vote, has no sunset clause and would raise an estimated $400 million to $450 million annually — with union contracts already containing clauses to reopen pay negotiations if it passes.
