For months, I have watched closely as the San Diego County Human Relations Commission (HRC) has struggled to manage conflict between its members regarding differing religious beliefs. Watching these events unfold has been disheartening—especially since the sole purpose of the HRC is to “promote positive human relations, respect, and the integrity of every individual,” regardless of any protected class they may fall under, including religion. However, where there is conflict, there is opportunity to grow.

During a public meeting Thursday, Joel Anderson said dozens of small living quarters on an empty stretch of land could both assist those who needed help and give law enforcement legal cover to force homeless people off streets.

Rise City Church in Lakeside recently received special recognition from San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson for its efforts to help local East County schools.

If approved, the homeless shelter will consist of about 60 individual sleeping cabins on a vacant lot located off Riverford Road, next to A-1 Self Storage

The USNS Mervy T-AH 19 received special recognition from the County of San Diego this spring.

County elected leaders and behavioral and public health experts Friday set the dates for three future planning sessions to determine how to use expected opioid settlement funds from Purdue Pharma to address opioid use in the county.

A homeless encampent in unincorporated El Cajon is getting cleared out to make way for a construction project.

All 33 San Diego County library branches have extended their hours – including the Fletcher Hills Library.

 San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson released a memorandum Wednesday asking two county department leaders for more help in clearing homeless encampments along public roadways.

In a letter to county leaders, Supervisor Joel Anderson requested the county begin to clear a homeless encampment on North Magnolia Avenue in an unincorporated portion of El Cajon. 

Thanks to a $75,000 Neighborhood Reinvestment Program grant from Supervisor Joel Anderson, as well as gifts from major donors, businesses and the public, the renovation of Julian Town Hall has begun, starting with paving the parking lot in front of the bathrooms.

County Fire, CAL FIRE and the community of Mt. Laguna on Wednesday celebrated the completion of the County’s highest elevation fire station, sitting at about 6,000 feet.

County of San Diego officials joined Cal Fire and partner agencies at the Ramona Cal Fire Air Attack Base Monday to share information about preparing for wildfires.

Four East County cities are considering closer cooperation to address homelessness as residents increasingly cite tent camps as a top concern.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson is proposing a memorandum of understanding between the county and the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Santee to address homelessness in East County.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a board letter put forth by Supervisor Joel Anderson and Vice Chair Nora Vargas that will provide economic opportunities for small businesses in the unincorporated County. 

As violent crime rises across the state, a volunteer-run program is arming women in San Diego County with the knowledge and confidence to defend themselves.

San Diego County District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson asked President Joe Biden on March 28 for funding to assist with refugees who might seek asylum in greater numbers throughout the coming months.

Staff at the San Diego Association of Governments pulled out their employee credit cards hundreds of times to pay for meals, often at upscale dining spots and with bills topping out at more than $100 per visit, an inewsource review of the regional planning agency’s records reveals.

At our next board meeting, my San Diego County Board of Supervisors colleagues and I will have the opportunity to defend freedom of speech and religion or allow the Bible to be considered ‘hate speech’ by a county commission.

Most residents know Ramona Senior Center for its outstanding meal services, but an unlikely activity has become a hit among local seniors.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson Monday sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting the federal government send additional financial assistance to counties taking in Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.

Do you visit unincorporated San Diego County’s lakes and reservoirs for activities like fishing, camping, boating, hiking, or exploring nature? The County of San Diego needs your input on how to best increase recreational opportunities at reservoirs.

During a ceremony to celebrate Grossmont High School's new Event Center, San Diego County leaders presented a proclamation for the late Carlos Chavez, who died at 47 following a 34-day battle with COVID-19.

Anderson and Board Chair Nathan Fletcher are trying to bring a greater sense of urgency [to homelessness] these days.

Serving Seniors serves meals 365 days a year to seniors in all areas of San Diego County either by direct delivery or hosting seniors at one of its dining sites.

Desmond and Anderson, Republicans who represent largely rural areas, said the price hikes fall hardest on workers who live far from cities and have long commutes.

In direct response to growing homeless encampments in unincorporated El Cajon, local leaders put together an East County Homeless Resource Fair Saturday to serve as a one stop shop for those unsheltered to get the help that they need.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson awarded more than a dozen organizations in East County with funds from the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program (NRP) grant at the March 1, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting.

Most residents know the Poway Chamber of Commerce for its support of local businesses, but less may know of the Chamber’s efforts to support organizations that focus on improving the Poway community and the greater society.

San Diego County’s historically high gas prices are hitting drivers’ wallets like never before. But two county supervisors have proposed a solution they say would ease some of that financial burden.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a two-year, temporary authorization in January to let people countywide operate mini-restaurants out of their homes serving up to 30 in-person, take-out or delivery meals a day, with a maximum of 60 a week.

In a joint announcement, law enforcement, prosecutors and county leaders touted enforcement targeting unlicensed dispensaries, with particular success in the unincorporated areas of East County.

Regional law enforcement leaders said Thursday that they have shut down nearly all unlicensed dispensaries in eastern San Diego County, where the problem was concentrated over several years.

The three Supervisors with substantial unincorporated areas in their districts following redistricting split their votes, with Chair Nathan Fletcher in favor, but Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond opposed.

An East County native passionate about helping people in need hosted her own blanket drive for an important cause this winter.

When most people think of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, they picture the bustling businesses lining Main Street that welcome visitors and locals alike and define the spirit of Ramona.

However, those who look a little closer will soon discover that the Ramona Chamber is much more than a federation of local businesses; it is a group of dedicated public servants who ensure none of their neighbors get left behind — especially its senior community.

San Diego County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Terra Lawson-Remer will introduce a joint-board letter at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting asking county staff to design a pilot program that would provide a “shallow rent subsidy” to low-income, rent-burdened older adults who are imminently at-risk of homelessness.

County Supervisor Joel Anderson says he sees San Diego's housing crunch all over.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a program that includes emergency shelters for homeless residents, along with funds to cover personal needs such as clothing or medicine.

San Diego County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Terra Lawson-Remer will introduce a joint-board letter at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting asking county staff to design a pilot program that would provide a "shallow rent subsidy" to low-income, rent-burdened older adults who are imminently at-risk of homelessness.

For professional and novice fishermen alike, the commencement of trout restocking at Santee Lakes is a cause for celebration.

In the past, getting zoning approval for shelter space in San Diego County could take up to two years and require costly payments. Now, after the Board of Supervisors unanimously amended a zoning ordinance on Wednesday, there will be fewer obstacles for multiple kinds of safe shelter and housing options, which could especially serve East County.

At the January 25 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisors Joel Anderson, who represents East County communities of District 2, and Jim Desmond, who represents the North County communities of District 5, presented a board letter urging the County to be prepared to face upcoming public safety personnel shortages throughout the region as vaccine mandates, retirements, recruitment and retention issues impact staffing levels.

Facing the combined challenges of climate change and a housing shortage, the County Board of Supervisors Wednesday considered plans to encourage new home development while reducing the number of vehicle trips by residents.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, San Diego County Supervisors officially gave the green light to micro-enterprise home kitchens, as part of a two-year program. Supervisors approved a second reading of the ordinance allowing the operation of home kitchens, or "MEHKOs," which will take effect in 30 days.

Across the county, there have been concerns about public safety as San Diego Law Enforcement deals with serious staffing shortages. Today the Board of County Supervisors took the first step towards finding a solution. Supervisors gave the Sheriff's Department 180 days to work with the county to develop a plan to deal with law enforcement staffing shortages.

County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to develop plans to address potential Sheriff's Department staffing shortages. As requested in a letter by Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond, the board directed Helen Robbins-Meyer, chief administrative officer, to return within 180 days with updates and recommendations.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unveiled a proposal on December 13 that would take away most financial incentives for homeowners or businesses to install solar power.  But after backlash from outraged consumers and elected officials, the CPUC has postponed action.

More than 1 million San Diego County residents ― three out of every 10 ― woke up Saturday in a new supervisorial district. The boundaries of their County districts were revised by an independent redistricting commission that worked for a year with public input.

After a public hearing and a unanimous vote at Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, San Diego County is about to start an exciting new program that will allow people to sell food prepared in their homes.

On Good Evening San Diego, KUSI’s Logan Byrnes talked with Supervisor Joel Anderson to talk about the approval.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Wednesday voted unanimously to take the first step toward allowing micro-enterprise home kitchens in the county, as part of a temporary program.

San Diego home-based cooking entrepreneurs rallied at waterfront park on Sunday to urge county leaders to pass an ordinance that would legalize and set up a permit system for Small home kitchen operations.

County Supervisor Joel Anderson will be representing Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch in addition to Poway now that the boundaries of District 2 have changed.

Supervisor Joel Anderson joined KUSI’s Elizabeth Alvarez on “Good Morning San Diego” to discuss updates on what is to come in San Diego County in 2022.

This December, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce provided an opportunity for members of the community to give back and support military families from Liberty Military Housing at their annual Toy Drive.

At the December 7 meeting, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved receiving more than $5 million in grants for wildfire prevention, suppression, and preparedness, such as creating defensible space and increasing training.

For over three decades, Tom Farley has provided the people of Poway with a bright beacon of Christmas spirit in the form of a 78-foot Christmas tree made entirely of lights.

Tofu House SDSU celebrated its Grand Opening on Thursday, Nov. 18 with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the College Area Business District.

The County of San Diego is once again teaming up with the San Diego County Futures Foundation to brighten the holidays for local children in foster care.

As a member of the SANDAG Board of Directors, I want to update you on the draft 2021 Regional Plan developed by SANDAG staff and the potential impact of the plan on Jamul residents. The plan will be voted on and finalized at the December 10, 2021 SANDAG Board meeting. 

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, public access to many of the lakes in East County was threatened due to budget cuts. Since the recreational activities at our lakes like fishing, hiking, and boating are naturally "socially distanced" and healthy activities, many in our community were outraged by these closures.

Local American Red Cross volunteers sprung to action this fall and responded to the scene of a burning apartment complex in El Cajon.

The La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation brought the community together for an Earth Day celebration on November 6th at their Parks Appreciation Day event.

Cities across San Diego County are paving the way for new shelters to serve their growing homeless populations.

San Diego County Supervisors on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve Supervisor Joel Anderson’s proposal aimed at expanding access to local lakes where hours have been cut back during the pandemic.

San Diego County supervisors were told Wednesday that plans to reduce the region’s carbon emissions to zero by 2035 are achievable, but will require collaboration between local governments and multiple agencies.

County supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved the development of an ordinance, based on a United Nations treaty, to eliminate discrimination against women.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted unanimously to support a congressional bill aimed at prohibiting new offshore oil drilling in Southern California.

On the morning of Oct. 19, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors began their regular meeting with special virtual guests: first grade students from Myron Green Elementary School in San Carlos. 

When his name was called to vote, Anderson answered, "Sadly, no." He said he strongly condemned the hateful remarks made last week, but that residents, especially rural communities, need more time to review agenda items.

Supervisor Joel Anderson, a member of the San Diego River Conservancy’s governing board, said he wants to ensure that the new consultant will also work on community outreach.

On Tuesday, Supervisors approved a measure introduced by Supervisor Joel Anderson to bring help to homeless people in East County..

In a letter to SANDAG, County Supervisor Joel Anderson, a SANDAG board member who represents East County, said the per-mile fee would unfairly impact many in his district, who have no alternative to driving.

The local beauty salon held a ribbon cutting ceremony this September to celebrate their new membership with the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce as well as their new ownership.  A representative from Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office joined the event and awarded the business with a Certificate of Recognition.

Shelters, safe parking lots, outreach and other services for homeless people could be coming to locations throughout San Diego County under an action unanimously supported by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors, prompted by Desmond and Supervisor Joel Anderson, called in March to look for ways to reduce the potential impacts of the shutoffs, including backup power at major intersections.

By a unanimous vote, San Diego County Supervisors adopted a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to oppose all future placements of sexually violent predators in the county until state law is changed to allow participation by local governments – including veto power.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson joined ABC 10News anchors Jim Patton and Virginia Cha to discuss the potential of helping Afghanistan refugees resettle in the county and what officials can do to help.

On Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to keep SVP placements out of the county.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a comprehensive plan for Afghan refugee housing and resettlement Tuesday.

As San Diego County continues tackling the issue of where to place sexually violent predators, Supervisor Joel Anderson, representing District 2, joined KUSI’s Ginger Jeffries on Good Evening San Diego to discuss what action he is taking.

San Diego County District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson (right) presented Serving Seniors President and CEO, Paul Downey with a certificate of recognition in honor of its decades of providing services to low-income and homeless older adults in San Diego County, including in East County communities.

Most of us that live in Alpine have traveled thru the Alpine Blvd./Arnold /West Victoria intersection and the confusing signage if in the left lane on West Victoria that allows a right turn onto Arnold from the left lane. I presented this problem to Supervisor Joel Anderson...

Thursday, September 9, Supervisor Joel Anderson and Vice Chair Nora Vargas hosted a press conference in support of "MEHKOs", or microenterprise home kitchen operations.

Grocery store employees at Stater Bros. Markets in Ramona received a surprise visit from District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, who honored them for their dedication to the community as essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

For his first initiative as County Supervisor, East County’s representative Joel Anderson established the Transparency Subcommittee to solicit ideas from the public to improve access and participation with their County government. At a recent hearing, over 60 people attended and hundreds sent in comments with “great suggestions to ensure the public’s interest is best served,” says Anderson.

On Aug. 26, Cravory Cookies celebrated the grand opening of their new College Area location with local families, lots of laughs, and gourmet cookies. A representative of County Supervisor Joel Anderson, Mariko Nakawatase, presented the Cravory Cookies team with an official Certificate of Recognition congratulating them on their new business venture.

Plenty of people filled the seats at the San Diego County Board of Supervisors chambers on Tuesday evening.

They had gathered for the first public meeting of the Transparency Committee held by Supervisors Joel Anderson and Nora Vargas.

Late Tuesday evening, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 down party lines to declare “COVID- 19 misinformation” a public health crisis and to adopt a series of recommendations to actively combat it. County Supervisor Joel Anderson, who voted no, discussed his opposition with KUSI’s Matt Prichard on Good Evening San Diego.

With the 3-2 party-line vote, customers in the county would automatically shift to San Diego Community Power’s energy rates unless they opt to stay with SDG&E at an appointed date. Republican Supervisors Jim Desmond and Joel Anderson, who both represent large swaths of rural unincorporated county land, opposed the decision.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday night approved a measure declaring medical misinformation a public health crisis. The board voted 3-2 to approve the measure at the end of a 15-hour meeting. All three Democrats on the board voted to approve the measure, and two Republicans voted against it.

The staff at Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel has received special recognition from San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved transferring $4 million in federal funds to independent fire protection districts to help them combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cajon Valley Union School District confirmed that three families stranded in Afghanistan are safely back in El Cajon.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, who last week wrote a letter to President Biden about the gravity of the situation for his constituents, said on Monday that he was relieved to hear that the El Cajon kids returned safely and “are back in school where they belong.”

The beginning of my final quarter at the University of California – San Diego, I was distressed. I had decided that I no longer desired to attend law school and was increasingly anxious that my lack of direction and a resume would leave me unemployed after graduation. Thankfully, a representative of then- California State Senator Joel Anderson came to my class to speak about Anderson’s internship program.

Two more San Diego-area families that were trapped in the Kabul region of Afghanistan have successfully been evacuated from the country, a congressman said Friday, while two Camp Pendleton Marines were identified among the casualties of a deadly suicide bombing.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson wrote a letter to President Joe Biden on Thursday urging the State Department’s assistance in evacuating the families.

“I’m in a tough spot,” Anderson said. “I absolutely support legal cannabis businesses, but I also have a duty to my constituents, who are rightly and loudly complaining about the harm done to them by these illegal dispensaries. It is affecting quality of life and the safety of their communities.”

The proposal by Supervisor Joel Anderson allows the county to speed up the receivership process, allowing the county to take control of properties whose owners have repeatedly violated the law by illegally selling cannabis.

With hot temperatures and strong winds approaching San Diego County, it’s time for us to prepare for potential wildfires. East County is especially prone to wildfires, so each of us has an individual responsibility to prepare ahead of time and be ready to evacuate. Although the backcountry is typically hit the hardest, it’s not unlikely that a fire could start in the Mission Trails area.

Supervisor Joel Anderson introduced an ordinance that would expedite the receivership process for County Counsel to take control of properties that have repeatedly violated the law by selling cannabis in unincorporated communities.

The new Lakeside Library groundbreaking, held July 29 at its future site on Woodside Avenue, was less about the upcoming construction and more about announcing some of the elements library stakeholders included in an effort to meet community needs.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors July 13 approved spending $2.5 million on roadside vegetation management, followed by a July 16 Wildfire Preparedness bulletin generally warning East County residents: wildfire prevention is being funded but residents have to plan ahead.

San Diego County leaders Wednesday announced several ways for seniors, people with underlying health conditions and residents who are easily affected when temperatures rise to keep cool during heat waves -- including free cool zones, fans, drinking fountains and free transportation.

The regional planning board responsible for the infrastructure needs of San Diego County voted Friday to open negotiations with local labor leaders for an agreement that would ensure construction workers on future projects are paid union wages.

County leaders presented plans Friday for a quick response to wildfires and discussed recent investments in wildfire prevention. During a press conference at Gillespie Field in which they residents were urged to take steps to protect their homes, Supervisors Joel Anderson and Nathan Fletcher were joined by representatives from Cal Fire, the county Fire Protection District, San Diego Sheriff's Department and San Diego Fire-Rescue.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors took steps to resolve regional housing shortages Wednesday by approving amendments to the housing and safety elements of the county’s general plan and by adding a new environmental justice element to it.

San Diego County District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, who represents cities and communities in the East County, garnered support from his board colleagues to allocate additional funds in the 20-21 fiscal year budget passed June 29 toward shutting down illegal cannabis dispensaries, or “pot shops.”

Supervisor Joel Anderson underscored the importance of county government to his constituents, many of whom live in unincorporated communities outside of city boundaries and count on the county for public services.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors allocated more than $650 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds, known as ARPA funding on June 8 with the majority of the dollars slated for ongoing COVID-19 response costs, homeless services and small business support.

At the San Diego County Board of Supervisor’s meeting on June 9, the board voted for specific details to staff after giving its 90-day report in providing economic and equity access for the cannabis industry in the county.

A draft plan for spending nearly $650 million in American Rescue Plan funding, with an emphasis on helping San Diego County residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, was approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.

A judge has ruled that a 78-year-old second sexually violent predator recommended for supervised release at a residence in the Mount Helix neighborhood will not be placed at the home.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a transfer of nearly $16.7 million in funding for numerous infrastructure projects, including a bridge in Del Mar and youth center in the Mira Mesa neighborhood.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is set this week to discuss a proposal that would slap new fees on development in car-centric communities, with the goal of incentivizing growth in more urban neighborhoods.

Mount Helix residents are celebrating the first victory in the legal battle to fight the placement of sexually violent predators in their neighborhood.

District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson held a press conference on April 18, condemning the “dumping” of sexually violent predators in East County.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved methods intended to increase public notification about registered sex offenders and placement of sexually violent predators.

On a sunny spring day in El Cajon’s Wells Park, a call for equity from Supervisor Joel Anderson; equity when it comes to the placement of sexually violent predators who’ve done their time, and now must be released.

The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on April 6 to create a centralized Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities that would fall under the larger county department of Health and Human Services.

Elected officials and residents weighed in Tuesday on the proposed placement of a convicted sex offender in a supervised home in the Mount Helix neighborhood.

Those of us who live in San Diego County know that the best way to protect our homes and property from wildfires is by doing whatever can be done, not during or after a crisis, but before an event occurs.

San Diego County is considering adding an environmental justice element to its general plan, updating its safety plans, and adjusting its housing plans to discourage residential development in sites with very high natural hazards.

The county’s efforts to help homeless people will expand beyond the unincorporated area and into cities as part of a new department created by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 6.

The· San Diego County Supervisory Board Late Tuesday night, the county’s unincorporated region takes a step towards joining one of two community selective aggregation programs in the region that act as an alternative to San Diego Gas & Electric for energy contract purchases.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted today to accept nearly $124 million in state funding for with contact tracing, mitigation and other strategies in combating further spread of the coronavirus.

The county Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted 3-2 to support state and federal legislation that furthers gun safety reforms, including stronger background checks for firearm purchases.

Hello friends. As you may know, I was sworn in on Jan. 4 to represent you on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors after the retirement of former Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who served our community well. I wanted to take a moment and let you know of the ways that my office can be of assistance to you.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 50-year ground lease for a property near Gillespie Field on Wednesday where a 141,360-square-foot distribution center is planned.

Thanks to work done by San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, San Diego craft breweries will now be allowed to operate and serve alcohol on their premises without having to serve food; which was a requirement put in place by Gov. Newsom . . .

The California Department of Public Health updated reopening guidance on Thursday to allow for outdoor breweries, wineries and distilleries to operate without having to serve food.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors had planned to roll out a new permitting process for cannabis businesses in six months, but they decided Wednesday to push that back.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of spending $6.4 million to preserve open space, protect habitat and ensure proper cleanup of the El Monte River Valley property it purchased from the Helix Water District last month.

County supervisors Wednesday voted 4-1 to seek more public feedback before approving any policies that would promote economic access and social equity in the cannabis industry in unincorporated communities.

County supervisors Tuesday unanimously voted to end the practice of charging jail inmates for phone calls and video visits. During its virtual meeting, the board also directed Chief Administrative Officer Helen-Robbins Meyer to restructure or terminate the existing contract with Securus Technologies.