San Diego had it's share of newsmaking events in 2003, many of which we hope to never see again. But it's now a new year and life goes on. Here's a recap of what I felt were the top events and stories for San Diego in 2003.
1. San Diego County Wildfires
It was devastation on a scale that no longtime San Diego residents had ever seen. When the Cedar, Paradise and Otay wildfires roared through the county in late October, it appeared that nothing could stop the destruction. In fact, many entire communities were lost and the losses were indescribable. But the citizens pulled together and the long healing and rebuilding process has begun. A true testament to the bravery of our firefighters.2. Total Recall
More a statewide story than local, the recall of Gov. Gray Davis nevertheless had a huge impact on San Diego. Throw in actor/terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger and you have a story ripe for late night comic fodder. Even more amazing, the Governator won!3. City Hall Scandal
Three San Diego City Councilmen (Lewis, Inzunza, Zucchet are indicted with scheming to repeal the city's no-touch law at strip clubs. C'mon, strip clubs? A politicians *that* hard up for campaign money? COmmon sense says that's just bad news when you're approached by strip club owners for favors. 4. Housing Prices Go Through The Roof
As sure as death and taxes, out of sight housing prices in San Diego have become an unwelcome constant for life in San Diego. Median home prices are hovering in the mid-$400,000s (yikes) and just keep going up. Hey, as a homeowner, even I think things are way out of hand. But mostly, I wonder: "Who are these people that can afford these overpriced homes and where the heck do they work, because they must be pulling in some hefty salaries!"5. Grocery Workers Strike
The local grocery workers union went on strike at the big three supermarkets (Albertsons, Vons and Ralphs). They balked at having to pay their share of medical benefits (hey, join the club). The public initially supported their stand, but the strike has gone on and on and on with no end in sight. Shoppers found themselves slowly returning to their familiar stores. Hey, we have to eat, too.6. Chargers Suck, Again
OK, this one is a perennial newsmaker. But this year, in the team's unending and miscalculated arrogance, they decided to demand a new football stadium of the city *while at the same time showing absolute ineptitude on the field!* Yeah, because we all know a new stadium guarantees a Super Bowl appearance. Better yet, they file suit in Los Angeles to get out of their lease. Maybe if they'd learn how to win, there'd be more sympathetic ears in the city.7. Joan Kroc Dies
She gave away millions of her McDonald's fortune to worhty causes while alive. And in death, Joan Kroc still kept giving, bequeathing tens of millions to her favorite charities. From peace to children to the arts, Mrs. Kroc give out of concern for the future, not to garner headlines. See, not all millionaires are greedy asses, right?8. Pandamonium
With war, fires and lousy sports teams, what we needed was a feel-good story to enrapture us. The San Diego Zoo's baby giant panda, Mei Sheng, provided us with just that, as we followed his progress on weekly TV reports and live, daily on the Zoo's Panda Web Cam. Because, who doesn't smile when you look at a baby panda?9. Goodbye, Qualcomm
WHen the San Diego Padres concluded their miserable 2003 baseball season, they said goodbye to the Q, their home since 1969. In 2004, they move into their new downtown ballpark digs, Petco Park, which they promised would make them contenders each year if the voters let them build it. Well, we shall finally see...10. Michael Jackson is Cuffed
OK, OK, he has nothing to do with San Diego (nor much else, these days). But the arrest of Michael Jackson for child molestation allegations was big news to me strictly because it's a train wreck in process and it's the biggest freak show in town!
