By Megan Burks
Communities South of I-8 Have Big Impact on Local Election
In the days following President Barack Obama’a reelection, there was a lot of talk about the impact Latino and Asian voters made (for more on that, click here and here). There was a similar demographic shift here in San Diego.
San Diego elected Democrat Bob Filner to the mayor’s office and—thanks to a map from the Investigative Newsource—it’s clear communities south of Interstate-8 gave him the push he needed.
The freeway has traditionally been a dividing line in San Diego. Neighborhoods to the south of it are poorer, more diverse, more liberal and have worse health outcomes. With a Republican mayor and a stable of moderate-to-conservative policies, it seemed wealthier, whiter communities up north were winning out.
Not so for this election. In addition to electing its first Democratic mayor since 1992, voters also helped Democrats secure a majority on City Council.
Follow Investigative Newsource @inewsource.
New Mayor Says City Government Will Be More Accessible
Mayor-elect Bob Filner went on KPBS Wednesday to talk about his vision for City Hall. He said he’ll open a new city department dedicated to open government and headed by former Councilwoman Donna Frye. He also told KPBS he would sit in the lobby of City Hall most Saturdays to talk with citizens.
Follow KPBS Midday Edition @KPBSMidday.
It Was a Good Week to Follow Me on Twitter
If you haven’t started following @spkcityheights, you missed live election tweets from City Heights polling places and Golden Hall Tuesday. For some of those tweets, see our special election features here and here.
For more election tweets, search #sdvote.