California is the country’s leading agricultural state, followed by Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and Kansas. This year, March 21st was declared AG Day in the State Capitol to help recognize the vital contributions of agriculture to the state’s economy. According to the Department of... — Updated 3/28/2023

I’m sure you know by now, but a significant sinkhole has developed on State Route 78, causing havoc for commuters in North County. The closure began on March 17th and has now been extended. My message this week has less to do with the sinkhole itself, but rather with the people... — Updated 3/28/2023

Borrego – Electricity prices are out of control in California, most notably in San Diego County. A few weeks ago, I discussed the many reasons behind the dramatic increase in our bills, but the fact remains that California’s utility rates are consistently 30% higher than the n... — Updated 3/28/2023

Last week, the COVID-19 emergency finally ended at the county and state levels, hallelujah. As we move forward, I think it’s important to look back and learn from the past three years. My biggest hope is that politicians learn from the mistakes that were made. We should never lo... — Updated 3/21/2023

A letter to Supervisor Jim Desmond and his assistant, Hunter McDonald Honorable County Supervisor Desmond and Mr. McDonald, Please DELAY any consideration or vote on a Utility Scale Project in Borrego Springs. It seems to me the real issue here is financial, practical,... — Updated 3/21/2023

Gas prices are rising again and some are predicting $7 gas by this summer. We can’t let that happen. The Governor has called a Special Joint Legislative Session to deal with the problem, but the proposals on the table would make matters worse. According to the California Energy... — Updated 3/16/2023

Gas prices are rising again and Californians need relief. Completely eliminating our highest-in-the-nation gas tax would be an important step, but that’s a non-starter as far as the Sacramento majority is concerned. But, with the Governor’s approval, other steps can be taken i... — Updated 3/14/2023

That’s a question I’ve been asking myself and a frequent question my office has received. I’m asking the same questions, and it appears the answers aren’t simple, but there needs to be a solution. As trending Federal Government and State energy policies are focused on... — Updated 3/14/2023

In 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 805. While there wasn’t much publicity at the time, the measure was proposed by state legislatures in Sacramento, and now the power is being abused at SANDAG. The weighted vote gives more power to the more populated cities. For... — Updated 3/6/2023

San Diego County has more tribal governments than any other county in the nation. Since these communities are all located within the 75th Assembly District, tribal issues are very important to me, especially regarding their safety and prosperity. With approximately 110 federally... — Updated 3/6/2023

That’s a question I’ve been asking myself and a frequent question my office has received. I’m asking the same questions, and it appears the answers aren’t simple, but there needs to be a solution. As trending Federal Government and State energy policies are focused on... — Updated 3/6/2023

Two weeks ago we had a lovely woman veterinarian come to our home to clean our two dogs teeth. Her name is Danielle Spade, DVM. Not only does she do dentistry, she also does acupuncture, herbal remedies and more. She is very professional, and provides everything that you would fin... — Updated 2/24/2023

While there are many layers to homelessness, one group I’m focused on preventing from becoming the next in line is seniors. Inflation and rising utility prices are crushing seniors on fixed income, and we don’t want our seniors being priced out and ending up on the street. Las... — Updated 2/24/2023

For years, California has had the nation’s highest energy costs. Recent price increases for natural gas have added to the misery, and have led to renewed interest in the California Public Utilities Commission, which has held hearings on the price increases under its authority... — Updated 2/24/2023

Workforce housing and affordable housing for seniors are both vital. I want to give you an update on some progress we’ve made in this realm. The Alvarado Senior Village is a proposed senior housing project in Fallbrook. This week, the County awarded $6.1 million to partner with... — Updated 2/10/2023

Public safety should be the government’s top priority. That’s why I’m supporting a new legislative initiative in Sacramento that will enhance public safety by restoring felony penalties for many crimes now plaguing California. Obviously, serious crimes demand serious consequ... — Updated 2/10/2023

I am a visitor and I thank you for providing a quiet and hospitable place for me. I have become aware that Dollar General of Goodlettsville, Tennessee wants to build a store in Borrego Springs. I wonder, is Borrego wealthy enough to afford a Dollar General? This may be an odd... — Updated 2/7/2023

San Diego County’s Regional Transportation agency’s (SANDAG) latest transportation plan is designed to make driving so expensive that you succumb to public transportation. In addition to the current gas tax and registration fees, SANDAG’s plan adds three new half-cent sales... — Updated 2/2/2023

Most business of the Legislature is conducted by committees. Committees have jurisdiction over specific policy areas, and usually have a Democratic chair and Republican vice chair. Most legislation must pass several committees before a final vote on the Assembly floor. This... — Updated 2/2/2023

Over the past year, I’ve been working to stop the placement of Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs). While we’ve been successful at stopping most from being placed in our communities, the State continues to try and dump more SVPs in San Diego County. There are certain... — Updated 1/17/2023

On January 4, 80 Assemblymembers and 40 Senators returned to Sacramento for the 2023 – 24 legislative session. Hundreds of bills will be introduced over the coming weeks. Most won’t be controversial, and many will probably never become law. Most bills must be submitted to the... — Updated 1/17/2023

Email sent to Supervisor Jim Desmond Supervisor Jim Desmond, I am writing to ask for help in preserving our native natural palm trees in Borrego Springs. You are probably aware that Cal Fire has taken over our small local fire department. Representatives have sent letters to many... — Updated 1/17/2023

California is increasingly unaffordable. We have the nation’s most expensive housing and the highest energy costs. We must reform policies that increase costs and impose burdensome fees on every home built, including rental units, making it difficult or impossible to find a... — Updated 1/6/2023

As your County Supervisor, advancing government programs that promote efficiency and accessibility for the residents of North County is among my top priorities. If you have a problem that needs County assistance, our Tell Us Now! phone app provides an efficient and convenient way... — Updated 1/6/2023