Homeowner John Horwath has spent 29 years rolling his trash bins onto and off his Normal Heights street. While he understands why the city is preparing to begin charging the monthly fee, he voted against the change a few years ago and has “mixed feelings” about it now.

“You know, that $47.50 doesn’t seem like much, but on a fixed income, it sure is,” said Horwath, a retiree living on a fixed Social Security income. “Grocery store, where I’m headed right now, it’s going to be a hundred and a quarter. I mean, everything is just going up. So, $47.50 does mean something.”

On Friday, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association opposed the effort. Back in 2022, voters approved Measure B, which gave the city the green light to charge for trash pickup.

In 2022, voters approved a ballot measure that suggested the fee would be between $20-$30 a month for trash pickup. An updated estimated charge of $53 received ample pushback from constituents earlier this year, though, and, under pressure, the city lowered the anticipated fee by about $5, to the current $47.50.

Some residents of San Diego are now expressing concerns that they’re being asked to pay more than they expected when they cast a vote.

“It is unfair to charge residents and ratepayers additional funds if the city government isn’t able to balance its budget through its other programs,” said Garrison Ham, who sits on the taxpayers’ association board.

The city, however, maintains that the fee, which would be imposed on most single-family homeowners, is necessary to balance the budget, which faces a $258 million shortfall, and Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget draft relies on the revenue the trash fee would generate.

Horwath’s neighbor, Nik Hawks, is not keen on the fee, either.

“One option is we just put our trash out on the street and make a protest, but that just sullies our own street,” Hawks said.

There is a cleaner way to protest: Per state law, homeowners who would be responsible for paying the city of San Diego’s new trash collection fee can send in a written protest, and if more than 50% of them do so, the city cannot enact the controversial change. In fact, the city this week is sending out a mailer about the program which includes a form that can be filled out to protest the fee.

In a statement, a city spokesperson said, “Residents in every other city in San Diego County pay for their trash services, as do all the City of San Diego residents who live in apartments, condos and on private streets – about half our population… What the City is proposing will free up millions of dollars in the City’s operating fund to pay for priorities like parks, libraries, police and firefighters, and road repair.”

After getting off to a 7-0 start the Padres had whipped their fan base into a frenzy. Now that they’ve dropped two straight series after a 6-game road trip through Houston and Detroit, a few too many people are getting concerned that things are turning sour fast.

The On Friar Podcast is here to make those people feel better.

In this week’s installment NBC 7’s Derek Togerson puts the tough roadie into context and explains why the Padres, despite having 10 players on the Injured List, might be in the best position yet to make a deep playoff run, and maybe even do it as the National League West Division champions.

LISTEN: With NBC 7 San Diego’s Darnay Tripp and Derek Togerson behind the mic, On Friar will cover all things San Diego Padres. Interviews, analysis, behind-the-scenes…the ups, downs, and everything in between. Tap here to find On Friar wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Vonnie Argen Ruple Jr.

OBITUARY

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing ofVonnie Argen Ruple Jr., known affectionately by many as V.A., Von, and Rip. He passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family in Poway, California.

Born on December 1, 1931, in Chualar, California, Vonnie spent much of his childhood in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and soon-to-be great-great-grandfather. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wifeSybil Davis Ruple, to whom he was married for 67 wonderful years, as well as a brother and sister. Von and Sybil were high school sweethearts, marrying while still students–he a junior, and she a senior–at North Little Rock High School. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised one daughter,Deborah.

Vonnie enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean War, serving as a plane captain and patrol bomber. Following his military service, Von held a variety of jobs that showcased his hands-on skill and tireless work ethic. He worked as a riveter for a steel mill, a railroad machinist for Missouri Pacific Railroad, and a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Texas. In 1959, Von and his family moved to Poway, California, where he worked as a missile test mechanic for Convair Astronautics until 1961.

That same year, he began his distinguished fire service career as a firefighter engineer for the Poway Municipal Water District. He quickly became known by the nicknames “Rip” and “Taz” for his strength and tenacity. Von was promoted toCaptain in 1963, then toAssistant Chief in 1975, a role he held until his retirement in 1982. Never one to stay still for long, he went on to serve asChief of the Ramona Fire Departmentfrom 1982 to 1983, before his final retirement.

Von was instrumental in the founding and development of the Poway Fire Department and played a key role in training generations of firefighters–many of whom would rise to become captains, assistant chiefs, and even chiefs themselves. His legacy in the fire service is deep and lasting.

In 1967, Von suffered severe burns during wildfires and was hospitalized for over two months, undergoing extensive skin grafts. During his recovery, he was visited by none other thanPastor Billy Graham, a moment that left a lasting impression.

Von’s dedication extended beyond the firehouse. He volunteered with theSan Diego Humane Societyand served as avolunteer sheriff deputyin Poway. A man of deep faith, he read his Bible daily–cover to cover, multiple times–and found great strength in his spirituality.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Von could fix or build anything. His hobbies includedstained glass work, carpentry, gardening, and he was especially proud of hisprize tomatoes.

Debbie fondly remembers frequent family trips to the desert, where they rode dune buggies and made lifelong memories. After retirement, Von and Sybil traveled extensively in their RV, including many trips to North Carolina to visit their eldest granddaughter and great-grandchildren. Remarkably, he made hisfinal solo RV trip at age 86, just shy of his 87th birthday.

Von is survived by his loving sister Jean of Arkansas, his daughter Debbieand her husband Paul Loska of Ramona, CA, and his cherished grandchildren:Robyn Wolfeand husbandCraigof North Carolina;Allyson Bowersand husbandJadeof Utah;Kristyn Coxand husbandWayneof California;Daniel Loskaof Idaho;Shea Loskaof Virginia; andLauryn Loskaof California. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren:Turner and Taelyr Jacksonof North Carolina,Ella and Oliviaof Utah, andKennedy, Anthony, and Lukeof California.

Von’s legacy is one of devotion–to his family, his community, and his faith. He will be dearly missed by his family, his many friends, and especially his dear lifelong friendsAnn Wills, Lavine Powell, Bill Briscoe, Harvey Latshaw and Joanne Herman.

A privategraveside servicewill be held atDearborn Cemeteryin Poway at11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Apublic celebration of lifewill follow atPoway Fire Station 3at1:00 p.m., and all who wish to honor his memory are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Von’s honor toAlzheimer’s San Diegoand/or theSan Diego Humane Society.