Paloma Aguirre claims victory

In our top story, Paloma Aguirre, the Democratic mayor of Imperial Beach, took an early lead and is claiming victory in the long-awaited District 1 Supervisorial election over Republican John McCann, mayor of Chula Vista.

The Board of Supervisors is technically nonpartisan, but who are we kidding? This election also breaks a bit of a political deadlock; ever since Nora Vargas resigned from her position, the board has consisted of two Republicans and two Democrats. Expect to see some changes in the weeks and months ahead.

And in a massive shift for the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill rolling back landmark California environmental laws in order to clear the way for more housing to be built. CEQA required state and local governments to study and publicize likely environmental effects of new housing construction before it began. Now, in many cases, that is no longer deemed necessary. Housing advocates are delighted; environmentalists, not so much. How this will play out, however, is anyone’s guess in a year filled with unexpected developments.

And La Jolla pinniped advocates are advocating for protections during pupping season, Parks After Dark is starting up again, and of course, the region is gearing up for July 4th with reminders to refrain from drinking and driving — and drinking and boating, counts, too.

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