Death’s in the details

Lapses in reporting inmate mortalities raise questions of oversight in San Diego County facilities

Our investigation has revealed systemic problems with record keeping and oversight, including the Sheriff’s Department’s failure to report one in 10 deaths to the California Department of Justice as required by state law.

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Wednesday, June 5,2013
News

Meet Bob Brewer

For the first time, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis has a challenger

By Kelly Davis

Last month, San Diego attorney Robert Brewer opened a campaign committee to explore a run for DA; when he makes a formal announcement this fall, he’ll be Dumanis’ first opponent since she beat incumbent Paul Pfingst in 2002.

Friday, May 24,2013
Cocktail Tales

Bring on the Borghetti

The espresso-based Italian liqueur is Kahlua 2.0

By Kelly Davis

It would be generous to say that grappa's an acquired taste. A byproduct of wine (made from the stems, seeds and skins of grapes), it's got a smell best described as "highly flammable."

Wednesday, May 15,2013
News

No compassion

Stricken with terminal cancer, Robin Reid languishes in county jail

By Kelly Davis

Two weeks ago, on a Monday morning, Robin Reid’s doctor called. The breast cancer she’d been diagnosed with almost six years ago—that had already spread to her bones and liver—had metastasized to her brain.

Friday, May 3,2013
Cocktail Tales

Summertime drinking in San Diego

Five bars serving up season-appropriate libations

By Kelly Davis

There's more to summer cocktails than a paper umbrella, fruit spear and rum. Not that there's anything wrong with those things, especially when the fruit spear's soaked in rum.

Wednesday, May 1,2013
News

(Un)protective custody

Russell Hartsaw, mentally ill and elderly, was beaten to death after ending up in a jail cell with a guy named 'Evil.' How did that happen?

By Kelly Davis

While his death raises questions about how jails house—and protect—their most vulnerable inmates, the last several months of Russell Hartsaw’s life offer a glimpse at man who was perhaps beyond help but whose myriad problems rendered him virtually ineligible for services.

Wednesday, April 24,2013
News

Suicide in the cell

Inmates kill themselves at a high rate after San Diego County Sheriff’s Department refuses to revamp policies

By Kelly Davis, Dave Maass

Ten men and one woman hung themselves in San Diego County jails during the last six years. They used socks or sheets, stringing handmade nooses from sinks, doors and bunks.

Wednesday, April 17,2013
News

Addiction can be fatal in San Diego County jails

Part three of ‘60 Dead Inmates’ explores substance abuse

By Kelly Davis

Lack of close monitoring is a thread that runs through the jail system's addiction-related deaths.

Friday, April 12,2013
Cocktail Tales

Bitters, well-done wells and taco-friendly drinks

Checking in on RX Bitters, Saltbox and Snake Oil Cocktail Co.

By Kelly Davis

Saltbox bar manager Ali Terrill hit on a gem of an idea with Wells Done Well, a newish cocktail program at the Hotel Palomar bar (1047 Fifth Ave., Downtown). It's a small menu of classics—Manhattan, Paloma, French 75 among them—made with well liquors and quality touches like fresh-pressed juices.

Tuesday, April 2,2013
Food Issue

San Diego County’s fresh dozen

Twelve spots that have opened in the last year

By Kelly Davis

Dozens of restaurants have opened in the year since our last food issue—more than we could possibly list here. So, we went down the list of newcomers and picked one that opened each month.