Debbie Cruz is a journalist based in San Diego, California, and writes for KPBS. Her articles cover a range of local topics, including transportation, housing, politics, and community issues. With a focus on providing accurate and informative news, Debbie aims to keep the San Diego community informed about the latest developments in their area.
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San Diego, United States (Local)
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Debbie Cruz's focus is on local government and politics in San Diego, California. She covers announcements, legal policy regulation, and evolving stories related to a range of topics including construction, housing, immigration, military issues, finance among others.
Given her coverage attributes and themes covered, Debbie would likely be receptive to pitches from experts with insights into local government policies or regulations in San Diego. Those who can provide commentary on evolving political or legal issues related to the city's infrastructure development might catch her attention.
As she focuses largely on local issues within San Diego but also acknowledges broader topics such as healthcare and education at times it may be beneficial to pitch stories that have a clear tie-in with the region but also address larger societal challenges.
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By: Debbie Cruz, Elaine Alfaro
After months of failed contract negotiations, Scripps Health has been removed from the Anthem Blue Cross insurance networks of 125,000 San Diegans. Reporter Melissa Mae shares what could happen next. Then, a Catholic school in El Cerrito is fighting to keep its doors open after the diocese of San Diego said it could no longer cover its budget deficit. Plus, reporter Amita Sharma shares how people are navigating dating in a deeply divided time.
Former San Diego County Supervisor and board chair Nora Vargas announced her surprise resignation on Dec. 20. The board will be selecting a new chair on Jan. 7. Then, a new study shows the challenges women at the Las Colinas jail face when trying to access reproductive health care. Plus, a judge has ruled that part of the San Diego Humane Society’s community cats program is unlawful.
Allyson Ford’s suit details widespread sexual harassment in the police department. She claims that culture enabled her then-husband to abuse her. Then, reporter Alexander Nguyen checks in with the new mayor of Encinitas. Plus, Pope Francis named San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy as the next archbishop of Washington, D.C. A local religion professor shares how McElroy, a Trump critic, could challenge Catholics nationwide.
SDG&E is monitoring conditions for possible public safety power shut offs to prevent wildfires from downed power lines. Meanwhile, residents are preparing for an outage. Then, health reporter Heidi de Marco speaks with a doctor about tips for “dry January.” Plus, “S-Town” podcast host, Brian Reed, shares his thoughts on the future of journalism.
We check in on the power shut offs affecting San Diego County communities. In other news, the new Chuckwalla National Monument designation blocks any future development on the 600,000 acres of high desert to the east of the Salton Sea. The landscape there is sacred to several tribes who are celebrating Biden’s decision. Plus, Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis explores some of the theories for former county supervisor Nora Vargas’ resignation.
By: Brenden Tuccinardi, Debbie Cruz, Brooke Ruth
More than three dozen dogs were evacuated to help make room for animals lost or displaced by the fires in Los Angeles. Now, the San Diego Humane Society is asking for help fostering the dogs. Then, Tijuana officials plan to open a shelter in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations. Plus, we hear from Congresswoman Sarah Jacobs on what she expects as President-elect Trump takes office.
By: Lara McCaffrey, Debbie Cruz, Brooke Ruth
The KPBS Public Matters team looked at how San Diegans voted in the last election. They found the most pronounced shift from Democrat to Republican votes in South Bay cities and neighborhoods in Southeast San Diego. Plus, smoke from the Los Angeles fires hasn’t made its way to San Diego because of the Santa Ana winds. And, Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner has been tapped to chair SANDAG’s board of directors.
By: Debbie Cruz, Elaine Alfaro
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted in favor of a special election to fill the District 1 seat left vacant by Nora Vargas. Then, the National Weather Service forecasts low temperatures in the 40s Wednesday and Thursday night, leading the city to activate their inclement weather shelter program. Plus, we hear about Imperial Valley’s political shift in the last election cycle.
By: Debbie Cruz, Elaine Alfaro
For next year’s budget, the city has to cut more than $258 million from its spending or about 12% of the total city budget. The mayor said Wednesday he intends to do away with the one-time budget tricks and make some tough choices. Then, residents in North County are calling attention to potential fire hazards in the proposed Harmony Grove Village South development. Plus, Voice of San Diego editor and CEO Scott Lewis explains how an ongoing dispute over Padres ownership could impact the team and the city.
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