The US is in the midst of multiple crises, including a political crisis created by the two major parties. For many Americans, the partisan rhetoric in the media and on the campaign trail has never been more toxic, while trust in the US government and its policymakers has sunk to all-time lows.

When the Iranian Revolution broke out in 1978, Sassan Rahimzadeh’s family made its way to the U.S., escaping the violence that killed thousands of people and toppled the regime of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Just a few years later, his family opened its first dry cleaning business in San Diego County.

“It was your typical mom and pop shop,” said Rahimzadeh, owner of Arya Cleaners. “Over the years we opened more locations from Horton Plaza to Del Mar.” 

This is an independent opinion. Have one of your own? Email it to hoa@ivn.us

The first time I met City Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry was on March 3, 2019 in the Council chambers. I was immediately impressed by her. When you listen to Barbara and hear her speak, you know exactly where she stands.

This is an independent opinion. Have one of your own? Write it! Email it to hoa@ivn.us

When I moved to San Diego more than 50 years ago, the mayor and entire City Council were made up of very conservative Republican white men and you could probably have counted all the police officers of color or female on both hands. Yes, the late Rev. George Walker Smith often called San Diego "the Confederacy of the West Coast" as our city was very segregated.

First-time voter Fernando Villarreal is looking forward to participating in the upcoming presidential election.

“I think it’s a really important election for democracy and I think young people have a lot at stake when it comes to education, healthcare and a lot of other issues,” said the Palomar College freshman.

This is an independent opinion. Have one of your own? Email it to hoa@ivn.us

Everyone wants schools to resume pre-pandemic operations as soon as possible. But it would be a mistake for the 122,000-student San Diego Unified School District to fully reopen its classrooms and campuses without absolute reliance upon a scientifically informed approach that includes comprehensive testing and strong mitigation factors, such as universal mask wearing and social distancing.

For the first time in San Diego history, voters will only have the option of electing a Democrat in five city races: mayor, city attorney and in Districts 1, 3 and 9. 

With Democrats running against each other, we asked local registered voters how they feel about the campaign mailers they are receiving, whether it’s helping them define the differences between the candidates and whether it’s influencing their vote.