Voice of San Diego to Host Live Podcast Featuring LAFCO’s Keene Simonds
On May 3, Voice of San Diego will record a special live podcast episode at Soda Bar, featuring Keene Simonds, executive officer of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). This event promises an engaging discussion on the agency’s critical role in local governance. LAFCO functions as a boundary referee, holding the power to create or dissolve cities and special districts and overseeing public service efficiency, a topic highlighted in a recent profile by Environment Reporter MacKenzie Elmer.
In a recent development, LAFCO has allowed a movement to separate La Jolla from San Diego to proceed, a decision that has drawn ire from Mayor Todd Gloria, who deemed it “outrageous.” Gloria criticized LAFCO’s validation of signatures previously rejected by the Registrar of Voters, questioning the agency’s authority in this matter. The podcast will delve into these critical issues affecting local governance.
In other news, Voice of San Diego has been investigating the impact of AI on fraudulent activities targeting student financial aid, with a focus on how Southwestern College is utilizing AI technology to combat fraudsters effectively. This follows a previous story detailing extensive fraud against education institutions.
Moreover, amidst challenges from potential state budget cuts, local universities are preparing for budget impacts that may affect students and staff. In lighter news, a Voice contributor shares an inspiring story about an individual’s efforts to promote the replanting of oaks in the area.
As Voice of San Diego celebrates 20 years of impactful reporting, this live podcast episode offers a unique opportunity for community engagement and dialogue on pressing local issues. Join us for what promises to be an insightful evening.
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