Financial difficulties plagued the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego long before allegations of criminal misappropriation surfaced against a former chief operating officer. The organization struggled to meet its financial obligations, leaving both its staff and partner nonprofits unpaid for months.
The issues reportedly began in August 2024, when a $50,000 check intended for a partner nonprofit bounced. Checks issued to Harm Reduction Coalition workers likewise experienced issues. When subcontractors and former employees raised concerns about unpaid bills, they were repeatedly directed back to the Harm Reduction Coalition by county officials.
Currently, the District Attorney’s office alleges that Amy Knox spent at least $210,000 in public funds on items such as plastic surgeries and purebred dogs.
County Supervisor Seeks Transparency in Subcommittee Meetings
Two Democratic county supervisors have been meeting privately to discuss responses to upcoming fiscal challenges. Republican Supervisor Joel Anderson is advocating for greater transparency, proposing changes to county rules to create these discussions public.
The sustainable fiscal planning subcommittee, comprised of Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe, has not publicly posted agendas or minutes from its meetings. Despite this lack of public record, the subcommittee’s proposals have influenced board items and bidding processes, including one that was cancelled earlier this year. Requests for agendas, minutes, and bidding process records remain unfulfilled by the county.
Political Shifts and Sacramento Updates
Representative Darrell Issa will not be seeking reelection to Congress. County Supervisor Jim Desmond has announced his candidacy for the 49th Congressional District, and is considered by the Politics Report to be a stronger candidate than Issa, due to his ties to the district and potential access to resources.
In Sacramento, Assemblymember Darshana Patel has been appointed chair of the Assembly Education Committee, with a stated goal of increasing efficiency and accountability. She plans to prioritize supporting students with disabilities and scrutinizing budgets.
School Board Discusses Budget and Enrollment
San Diego Unified School District trustees Shana Hazan and Cody Petterson recently discussed the district’s budget challenges, plans to develop district land, and the ongoing school enrollment crisis on a Voice of San Diego podcast. Trustee Hazan maintained that the district is not currently facing a crisis.
In Other News
- A property tax to fund infrastructure and needs in Balboa Park has been delayed until 2028.
- A new transitional housing program for women experiencing homelessness is opening in North County, offering vocational training and assistance with permanent housing.
- The Parents Guide to San Diego Schools, now in its eighth edition, has expanded to include the inaugural Acorn Awards, recognizing schools based on income versus test score metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Harm Reduction Coalition’s financial problems begin?
Lisa Halverstadt traced the financial challenges back to August 2024, when a nearly $50,000 check to pay one of its three nonprofit partners bounced.
Who is seeking to make county subcommittee meetings public?
Republican Supervisor Joel Anderson is proposing changes to county rules to make the meetings of the sustainable fiscal planning subcommittee public.
Who is running for the 49th Congressional District?
County Supervisor Jim Desmond is running for the 49th Congressional District after Representative Darrell Issa decided not to run for reelection.
How will increased transparency in local government affect community involvement?
