San Diego, CA
District 1 supervisorial candidates debate homelessness, sewage crisis
Four candidates battling to represent South County on the Board of Supervisors debated housing, homelessness and the Tijuana River sewage crisis during a Thursday election forum.
Several South County organizations, including Albondigas South County and the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, hosted the two-hour event at a Chula Vista library. Carolina Chavez, Chula Vista council member; Paloma Aguirre, Imperial Beach mayor; Vivian Moreno, San Diego council member; and Louis Fuentes, a small-business owner, participated. John McCann, Chula Vista mayor; Lincoln Pickard, a former political candidate; and Elizabeth Efird, an affordable energy consultant, did not attend.
The District 1 seat became vacant after former county Supervisor Nora Vargas announced in December she would not serve her second term. The winner will represent the cities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach, the San Diego neighborhoods of Nestor, San Ysidro and Barrio Logan, and the unincorporated areas of Bonita and Spring Valley.
Candidates discussed housing, economic development, the cross-border sewage crisis, homelessness, crime and immigration. Here’s how the hopefuls said they would tackle some of those issues.
Homelessness
Aguirre said the county must beef up its follow-up case work to ensure that people are receiving the support they need to get out of homelessness. That could look like “multiple touch points with the same people” who need an identification card, behavioral health services or a permanent address. The county should seek more state funding to cover costs, she added.
Chavez said that while many, including her city, have built some bridge housing and other accommodations for the homeless, she wants to see more resources for mental health.
Similarly, Moreno said the county has not done enough to address its overall shortage of substance abuse services.
“The county only has 78 beds for three million people,” she said. “That, to me, is ridiculous.”
Fuentes said it’s time to try different approaches.
“We have to focus on one group, right now, to have the greatest impact because money is not unlimited,” he said. “Even if it’s 100 people, focus on the 100 people and not just have them on a list.”
Housing
To support the development of more housing, Fuentes said the county can start by reducing costs for permitting, rezoning and annexing. That “should reduce the costs for the construction side, which should reduce the cost (to) either sell it or rent it,” he added.
Moreno said the city of San Diego has “taken the red tape away” to be able to build over 200,000 housing units in her district. She wants that at the county level, too. Additionally, she said the county’s Fire Safe and Vehicle Miles Traveled Efficient smart growth alternative “needs to be looked at.” The alternative aims to push development away from areas at high risk for wildfires and closer to urban areas with public facilities.
Aguirre said housing production needs to be diversified so that people of all incomes can afford what’s being built. “We need to make sure we continue housing production where it makes sense in urbanized areas, in infill areas and not just in wildfire prone areas.” She and Chavez said they support facilitating the production of more accessible dwelling units (ADUs).
Sewage crisis
Cross-border pollution has worsened in recent years, making it one of the most pressing environmental issues for South County communities. For decades, sewage and toxic chemicals have plagued local shorelines and neighborhoods, impacting people’s health, the local economy and military training.
Aguirre said the county “needs to put skin in the game” and that the city of San Diego could also do more to address the crisis, despite it largely being a federal problem. She suggested the creation of a joint powers authority between the county and city to strategize how to better handle Tijuana River sewage flows.
Chavez said both nations’ federal governments are “very far from the border.” She wants better coordination between all levels of government and from both sides of the border. Chavez said she envisions a task force composed of representatives from the local, state and federal governments.
Moreno said funding is key to fixing Tijuana’s leaky system. She wants to see the federal government invest far more funding in the South Bay wastewater treatment plant, beyond the more than $600 million Congress has approved to fix and expand the facility.
Fuentes said that although much progress has been accomplished in recent years, he doesn’t see the current administration freeing up more money “for an area they don’t even know.” But, he added, “they can work diplomatically to force the root of where that sewage is coming from, which is from Mexico.”
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
- SD receive: Lewis Morgan, $525k GAM
- RBNY receive: Up to $1.1m GAM, SuperDraft pick
San Diego FC have acquired midfielder Lewis Morgan from Red Bull New York, the clubs announced Tuesday.
In exchange for the 29-year-old Scottish international, New York will receive up to $1.1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM). The funds include $450k guaranteed GAM in 2026 and up to $650k in conditional GAM.
The Red Bulls retain a portion of Morgan’s 2026 salary budget charge and receive San Diego’s natural third-round pick in the 2027 MLS SuperDraft. Additionally, San Diego will get $525k GAM in 2027 from New York.
Morgan is under contract with San Diego through 2026 with club options for 2027 and 2028.
“Lewis is an attacker who can play across the front three and brings qualities that will add to our group in 2026,” said SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps.
“He’s proven he can contribute goals and assists in this league, and we look forward to welcoming him to San Diego when we start preseason in the new year.”
Morgan has spent the past six seasons in MLS, starting with Inter Miami CF (2020-21) before getting traded to New York (2022-25).
The former Celtic attacker was named the 2024 MLS Comeback Player of the Year and helped the Red Bulls make MLS Cup presented by Audi that season. He missed most of the 2023 and 2025 campaigns due to injury.
For his MLS career, Morgan has 38g/17a in 140 combined games (all competitions) with Miami and New York.
He’s earned seven caps with Scotland, including at UEFA Euro 2024.
“Lewis has always handled himself with the utmost professionalism, through many tough moments in his career and many fantastic ones,” said RBNY head of sport Julian de Guzman.
“We wish Lewis the best of luck in San Diego.”
San Diego are coming off a historic debut season, where they set expansion club records for points (63) and wins (19). They made the Western Conference Final in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Red Bulls are in reset mode after seeing their 15-year playoff streak end. They finished 10th in the Eastern Conference table (43 points).
Jack Alioto
OBITUARY
Jack Alioto, 90, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Vigil: Dec. 17, 9:30 AM-12 PM, East County Mortuary, 374 Magnolia Ave., El Cajon. Funeral Mass: 9 AM, Our Lady of the Rosary, 1668 State St., Little Italy. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial lunch afterward at Glenwood Springs Clubhouse, Scripps Ranch.
See Eastcountymortuary.com for additional information.
Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Dec. 15 to Friday, Dec. 19.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
Monday
Light Up Oceanside: Chabad Jewish Center of Oceanside/Vista holds its annual community-wide Hanukkah celebration, themed “Light Up Oceanside.” Highlights include lighting of a giant 16-foot menorah, donuts, latkes and hot cocoa along with live DJ, fire show and Gelt drop. 5:30 p.m. Monday. Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave. Admission is free. jewishoceanside.com
Hanukkah Festivities: Seaport Village is partnering with the Chabad of Downtown San Diego to host a family-friendly Hanukkah event from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 in the lighthouse district, including live music, festive performers and the traditional lighting of the menorah. Visit https://www.seaportvillage.com/events/hanukkah-25
A guide to San Diego area community events for Hanukkah–the Festival of Lights
Silent Movie Mondays: As part of its silent movie series, the Balboa Theatre will play a double feature of “Old Scrooge” (1926) and “A Dog’s Life” (1918). Organist Ken Double will accompany the films, and there will be a post-film conversation with Double and Kristian Perez-Franco, exhibitions senior manager at Media Arts Center. 7 p.m. Monday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. $28. sandiegotheatres.org/events/detail/old-scrooge-1913-and-a-dog-s-life-1918-2025
Derrick R. Cartwright author event: Derrick Cartwright is director of curatorial affairs at the Timken Museum of Art and an associate professor of art history at the University of San Diego. He will discuss his new book “Wayne Thiebaud: A Radical Realism.” 7:30 p.m. Monday. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. $55 for book and reserved seats. warwicks.com/event/cartwright-2025
Holidays at LEGOLAND: Live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall will be on display through Jan. 4. Throughout the holidays, the park’s 30-foot LEGO tree decked with lights and LEGO ornaments built out of more than 350,000 LEGO and Duplo bricks. Photos can be taken with life-sized festive LEGO models or costumed characters such as a LEGO Santa, toy soldier, gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. LEGOLAND California, One Legoland Drive. legoland.com/california.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: Holiday wonderland runs daily to Jan. 4 with live musical shows, faux snowfall, over a million lights, Santa and real reindeer, singing elves and the SkyTower decorated as San Diego’s largest Christmas tree along with festive food and beverages. One Million Twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and immersive holiday experiences. There’ll be a new Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special at Sea Lion Stadium and a new Mrs. Claus story time show. All included with park admission Tickets start at $61.99 during the Black Friday Sale. www.seaworldsandiego.com
Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder: The annual event at the beachside amusement park, 3146 Mission Blvd., runs through Jan. 4 with hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, holiday-themed treats and drinks and special events on weekends. Attractions include the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts and and Polar Plunge. Tickets and passes are at belmontpark.com.
Tuesday
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”: Talmi Entertainment’s 34th annual holiday touring production is visiting 100 cities this fall. The production features Ukrainian dancers, puppetry and acrobatics. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $74.60-$135.75. sandiegosymphony.org/performances/nutcracker-2025
Menorah Lighting at One Paseo: A community menorah lighting celebration will include festive music, donuts, hot latkes, face painting and balloons along with traditional lighting ceremony. 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Koi Pond at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. onepaseo.com/events/menorah-lighting/
Wednesday
‘Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday Celebration!’: Cygnet Theatre’s education and outreach director Carlos Mendoza presents this holiday song-and-dance show for all ages. Inspired by the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, the high-energy show will feature performances of songs including “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 28. The Dottie Studio Theatre, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District, Liberty Station, San Diego. $83. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.org
Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Resort: One of the most family-friendly pop-up experiences, Lakehouse Resort throws an annual holiday festival with candy cane cruises on Lake San Marcos as a highlight. Seasonal drinks will be for sale for all ages. Activities include a frozen fun zone, a train, a s’mores station, bounce houses and more. Groups of families and friends can rent out igloos with fire pits, s’mores, charcuterie, wine and family dinners. Early bird prices are available online through Nov. 26. Prices vary per activity. Nov. 28 to Dec. 26. 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. $10 admission for ages 10 or older, free for kids under age 10. events.thelakehouseresort.com/e/winter-wonderland-at-lakehouse-resort-2025
“2 Pianos, 4 Hands”: North Coat Repertory Theatre presents Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt’s autobiographical comedy with music about two aspiring concert pianists who grow up as friends and then enemies before making their peace with music. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Dec. 31. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $70.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
“Burnout Paradise”: La Jolla Playhouse presents a return engagement of Australia’s Pony Cam troupe performing their audience-interactive treadmill-of life comedic show that was the hit of the 2025 WOW Festival. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Potiker Theatre,La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $49-$59. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
“A Christmas Carol”: Cygnet Theatre’s 10th anniversary production of Charles Dickens’ redemptive holiday tale about miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge has debuted at Cygnet’s new home theater, The Joan. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24. Joseph Clayes III Theater, The Joan. $73. 619-337-1525. cygnettheatre.com
“A Christmas Story”: San Diego Musical Theatre brings back this holiday musical adaptation of the beloved 1983 film about Ralphie, a precocious boy in 1940 Indiana who dreams of getting a a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This will be the second time the company will produce the popular show. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$75. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org
Thursday
Festival of Lights at the Highlands: The event, hosted by Congregation Beth Am, will feature the lighting of the 5th night candles, singing and donuts along with other treats. There will be a musical revue by San Diego’s Jewish theatrical company, Shayna Punims, titled “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah.” 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Outside the Cinepolis movie theater at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 12925 El Camino Real. betham.com/event/cbaevent121825
Wine & Lecture — El Presidio de San Diego: SDSU lecturer, author and historian Richard Carrico will discuss El Presidio Real de San Diego. 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Coronado Historical Association Lecture Hall, 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado. $15 members, $20 nonmembers. coronadohistory.org/calendar/event/wine-lecture-el-presidio-de-san-diego/
Coastal Christmas at fairgrounds: The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts Coastal Christmas, a festival with holiday light attractions. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, “glice” skating, a holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, Holiday Wine Walk and Santa and Friends. Igloos and fireside lounges can be reserved for cozying with some hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food and drinks will be sold. 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Tickets start at $26.98 for adults and $20.61 for kids on select nights. Admission is free for kids 3 and younger. The Holiday Wine Walk is $54.99. Promotional nights include military, first responders and nurses, seniors and students. Also, the first 1,000 kids get in free Dec. 14 if they bring one unwrapped toy for children in need, and general admission tickets are buy one, get one free on Dec. 18. delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2025/coastal-christmas.
Jingle Jets: The USS Midway Museum will be decked with more than a million lights as part of its “Jingle Jets” holiday light show and festivities from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on select nights from Nov. 28 to Dec. 30. Highlights include Holiday Dancing Light Show, Midway’s Magical Penguin Search, Christmas Carol Karaoke, Bring Your Dog Night, Santa’s Christmas Rush Virtual Reality Ride and expanded Reindeer Games, among other festivities. Holiday eats & treats will be sold. Tickets are $20-$30 and sold only online; discounts for museum members; free for children 3 and younger. Visit midway.org/event/jingle-jets-2025
“Rent”: New Village Arts presents an intimate staging of Jonathan Larson’s musical about one year in the life of a group of friends in 1990 struggling to create art and survive in AIDS-plagued New York. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $35-$80. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
Friday
Bingo Loco: What started in Ireland is now arriving in San Diego. Bingo Loco is an interactive game night filled with dance competitions, lip sync battles, prizes, comedy hosts and DJs playing throwback anthems from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Bingo Loco is for individuals 21 years of age and older. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 27. Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego. us.bingoloco.com/san-diego
Camarada presents “Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz”: Camarada’s annual all-star concert is a consistent crowd-pleaser, thanks to a musical lineup that features some of San Diego’s leading jazz and classical musicians. This year’s lineup features flutist and Camarada co-founder Beth Ross Buckley, guitarist Peter Sprague, multi-lingual singer Allison Adams Tucker, pianist Danny Green, flutist and saxophonist Tripp Sprague, bassist Mackenzie Leighton and percussion mainstay Duncan Moore. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Faye Ave., La Jolla. $28-$98. camarada.org
Family Hanukkah Party: Congregation B’nai Tikvah will hold its annual community Hanukkah Party and Latke Contest on the sixth night of Hanukkah at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Masonic Center, 1331 S. Escondido Blvd. There will be latkes and donuts for dinner. Bring your menorah and seven candles to light. There will be Hanukkah songs led by Cantor Larry Kornit and retelling of the Hanukkah story. Free. Bring something dairy to share at the party and non-perishable food for Interfaith Community Services along with gently used coats, hoodies, shirts to donate to Sharia’s Closet that provides emergency clothing in the San Diego State area. For more information, call 760-650-2262 or visit bnaitikvahsd.org.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Celebrate the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s 80th Anniversary Season with a trip to the Enchanted Land of Sweets. Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the students of the Balboa Park-based company in the annual “Nutcracker” production. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org
“Mistletoe Melodies” with Erica Marie!: San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents her jazz-and-classics holiday cabaret show at two local theaters in December. 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. White Family Stage, New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $28-$33. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
“La Pastorela: A Shepherd’s Tale”: Teatro Máscara Mágica will present Timothy Paul Evans’ 37th anniversary pastorela play about the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem on the first Christmas. The bilingual faith-based play will be performed mostly in English with Christmas carols sung in Spanish in two locations. 7 p.m. Friday through Tuesday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. at Southwestern College Performing Arts Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. $10-$25. 619-987-5616, tickettailor.com/events/teatromscaramgica.
San Diego Symphony: “Noel, Noel”: Conductor Christopher Dragon leads the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale, Children’s Choir and Musical Theatre Academy in this annual musical tale of Noel the Elf’s music-filled journey to find Santa. Jonathan Gilmer directs. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 6 p.m. Saturday; 5 p.m. Sunday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $55-$125. 619-235-0804, theshell.org
“Amahl and the Night Visitors”: Genesis Opera Theatre presents Gian-Carlo Menotti’s 1951 one-act, English-language Christmas opera inspired by the story of a poor disabled boy who meets three wise kings on their way to meet the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The production is directed by Cynthia Leigh with musical direction by Abraham Fabella. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut St., Escondido. $30.95-$41.95. genesisoperatheatre.com
Golden State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”: Choreographed by artistic director Raul Salamanca, the downtown production includes spectacular sets, elaborate costumes, and professional dancers and students from the award-winning academy. John Stubbs conducts a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Fiday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $58.40-$199.75. Youth discounts available. goldenstateballet.org
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