Business

First survey of California’s bees in 50 years will look for effects of habitat destruction

When you think of California in the 1970s, maybe you think of hippies, Fleetwood Mac or skateboards. But if you’re an entomologist, you might think of all the natural spaces that have since been devoured by urbanization and wonder what happened to the native bees that lived in them. The question isn’t one of mere nostalgia or curiosity. Insect populations around the world are plunging…


ACLU Report: California’s War on Unhoused People

Communities target unhoused people with discriminatory tactics exploiting legal loopholes, according to an ACLU report released Tuesday. The plight of people who are unhoused has reached horrific proportions in California, but instead of embarking on a resurgence of affordable housing, communities have instead instituted policies and regulations that target unhoused people by harassing, citing, segregating, banishing, and even imprisoning them, ACLU researchers found. “Until California…


SD County farming values rebound to around $1.8 billion

Agriculture values topped $1.8 billion for the first time since 2014 and just the third time in 30 years in San Diego County’s annual crop report released earlier this year. The report covers the 2020 growing season, and reflects the mixed effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The total value of all agriculture crops and commodities rose just 0.8%, but that was enough to push total…


San Diego tribes fight to close digital divide

A recent House Subcommittee on Natural Resources on infrastructure on tribal lands found an enormous physical and digital divide. The White House and tribes nationwide are counting on the America’s Jobs Plan to close that divide. And while the plan moves through Congress, one man continues his work to make sure tribes within the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association (SCTCA) have access to broadband. “We’re…


High-density avocado plantings profitable?

Growers considering producing avocados in San Diego County with high-density plantings now have help to determine the economic feasibility. A new study on the costs and returns of establishing and producing avocados in San Diego County has been released by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Cooperative Extension, UC Agricultural Issues Center and the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Avocado has been one…


‘2051 Cucina Italiana’ staying at Cielo Village

Che bello! Following a successful 2-month pop-up run at Tuscany-themed Cielo Village, the boys from Bologna are staying through spring at 18021 Calle Ambiente #506, just around the corner from Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protetion District offices. Omar Possenti and Simone Guidotti took their Carlsbad authentic Etruscan dining experience to The Ranch just before Thanksgiving as their space near Palomar Airport was being renovated. Originally…


4 citrus disease pests found in Fallbrook

During routine pest trapping in Fallbrook this week, state agricultural inspectors detected bacteria on an insect that can cause a plant disease. It is not harmful to people or animals, but is deadly to citrus trees and is a dangerous agricultural threat, they said. California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) inspectors on December 28 collected a group of four adult Asian citrus psyllids (ACP)…


Dolores Huerta honored by CSUSM office

The summer before the start of their freshman year at Cal State San Marcos, while many of their peers are going on vacations or relaxing at the beach, a group of students takes an immersive six-week course that prepares them for the rigors of college. These recent high school graduates are part of the College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, which aims to help students from migrant…


COVID claims another victim: Phil’s BBQ

It all ended for Phil’s BBQ at San Marcos today when the fat lady sang no more mesquite grilled baby back and beef ribs, chicken and sandwiches for you, no thanks to COVID-19. In a stunning late Thursday announcement, especially distressing for local lovers of one of the best barbecue experiences in the nation, Phil’s BBQ said it was closing its San Marcos location permanently…


Sierra Club North County blasts Harvest Hills

The Sierra Club North County Group took to social media Monday, Nov. 23 with a video release lambasting the proposed  $58 million Harvest Hills development proposal at San Pasqual Valley near the San Diego Safari Park. “We are ready to re-ignite the fight to halt sprawl development in Escondido and to Stop Harvest Hills,” said Laura Hunter, Chair of the Conservation Committee of the Sierra…