VOSD Podcast: Big Swings & Local News | Voice of San Diego

by Ethan Brooks

Activists protested San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s handling of immigration enforcement last week, while a proposal to tax vacant homes failed to gain traction.

  • Activists barricaded themselves in Mayor Gloria’s office last Friday to protest local law enforcement’s cooperation with immigration officials.
  • Bella Ross of Voice of San Diego provided analysis on the limits of the San Diego Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement.
  • A proposal to tax empty second homes and vacation rentals is no longer being considered.
  • Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, discussed upcoming political races and candidate recruitment.

San Diego saw a surge in political activity this week, as activists protested at City Hall and local officials debated economic policy. Last Friday, activists barricaded themselves in Mayor Todd Gloria’s office to protest how local law enforcement interacts with immigration officials, according to reporting from Voice of San Diego.

protest at City Hall

Table of Contents

the protest centered on concerns about the San Diego Police Department’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Bella Ross broke down the specifics of what the department can and cannot do in these situations, clarifying the boundaries of local law enforcement’s involvement in immigration matters.

Vacation Rental Tax Fails

A proposal to tax empty second homes and vacation rentals is no longer under consideration,according to the podcast. The proposal aimed to address housing affordability by discouraging the holding of vacant properties.

2026 Races and Candidate Strategy

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Will Rodriguez-Kennedy weighed in on upcoming political races. He also offered insight into the behind-the-scenes strategies used to encourage candidates to drop out of crowded races, potentially streamlining the field and increasing the chances of success for favored contenders.

Why It Matters

These developments highlight the growing tensions surrounding immigration policy at the local level and the ongoing debate over housing affordability in San Diego. The discussion of candidate recruitment also offers a rare glimpse into the strategic maneuvering that shapes the political landscape, potentially influencing who voters will ultimately choose to represent them.

ICYMI: The podcast episodes are now available on YouTube! You can watch your favorite pod hosts dish on San Diego news and politics here.

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