Today’s newsletter is presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- The state GOP tried to cut Carl DeMaio off — only for him to beat them from the right.
- Police are investigating a double shooting in Mira Mesa that killed a woman and seriously injured her husband.
- The average gas price around the county is dropping — barely.
Jennifer Vigil
News editor
Top story
Back-to-school sticker shock: Rising cost of school supplies delivers hard hit to family budgets
It’s that time of year. Back-to-school. And you know what parents are finding out? School supplies are yet another thing we can add to the many ouches afflicting our wallets.
According to the government, the 12-month inflation rate is 3.5%. Our wallets can hardly believe it.
But that’s because some individual costs are way way up, most visibly, fuel, following the start to the war in Iran. How high has it jumped? Almost 27%.
Now let’s turn to those basics every student needs in the fall. Notebooks, pencils, markers, binders and more. According to one study, the collective costs for almost two dozen school essentials is up nearly 8%.
Let’s break a couple out. Paper goods are up 20% or more, but the biggie is lunch boxes, and they’re as bad as gas, also up almost 27%
Those 21 essential school supplies in the analysis cost a total of nearly $175. Now imagine that spending for a family with two, three or more kids in school. Let’s upgrade ouch to yee-ouch.
Our Alejandro Maciel shares his pain after his back-school shopping trip with his daughter. I have a feeling you’ll be able to relate.
(Side note: Desperately seeking a category, any category, in which prices are falling, even a bit? Here you go: Used cars.)
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Stories you should know about
🖼️ Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz cap ‘Giants’ exhibition with final flourish at MCASD party: The couple joined hundreds of guests dancing, viewing art and celebrating the closing weekend of the exhibition of art from their personal collection. House DJ Joe Kay shared footage of the couple dancing with guests during his set on the museum patio.
⛪ When ICE detained two Iranian sisters, a pastor answered the call: Refugees fleeing persecution only to be swept up by ICE win the support of congregation, including some who voted for Trump.
🏄Who gets to enjoy California’s coast?: Researchers found that those most likely to spend time at the ocean were white; those who were least likely lived in vulnerable communities and had to travel farther just to reach the beach.
😷 Opinion: In-home caregiving is demanding, but also deeply rewarding.
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
In case you missed it…
Weekdays get busy—we know. And with so much from Times of San Diego, good stories can slip by. Here are a few worth your time:
🚋 A Chula Vista community wants MTS to close them off from crime — and they’re willing to pay. Read it here.
🏈 Indoor football’s Strike Force once played before 75 people. Now they attract thousands and have a shot at the IFL title game. Read it here.
🏄 Stairway to aquatic heaven: How San Diego’s first and only ‘surfing coordinator’ brought stairs to Garbage Beach. Read it here.
⚽️ Beyond the pitch, San Diego FC is fighting to reclaim community spaces. Read it here.