It's been nearly five years since the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The move was recognized as the most significant reorganization of the federal government in more than fifty years. It brought together 200,000 federal employees and two dozen other law enforcement agencies to protect the U.S. from terror attacks following 9/11.

DHS was recently criticized in a report by the Government Accountability Office for failing to achieve even half of what it was assigned to do, and leaving our country vulnerable to another major terror attack. But the fact is, there hasn't been a terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11.

 

Five years later, do you think the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is protective or ineffective?

 

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Cracking a beer during a beach bonfire or enjoying a glass of wine at sunset on your beach blanket will soon be a thing of the past. On Monday, the San Diego City Council passed a one-year booze ban on all city beaches, bay shores and coastal parks. The council will consider making the ban permanent in January 2009.

The ban follows a drunken brawl last Labor Day on Pacific Beach, which led to a near riot. Opponents of the ban say those who drink responsibly at the beach shouldn't be punished because of the actions of one group of drunken beachgoers. Supporters of the ban say beach drinking has gotten progressively worse through the years, and the beaches have gained a bad reputation -- from tourists and residents alike.

Do you agree with the council's beach booze ban decision?

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Thousands of firefighters, police officers, National Guard soldiers, and other emergency crews worked tirelessly during the San Diego County fires to save lives, homes and even pets. Did you witness an act of heroism during the fires? What message of thanks would you like to send to San Diego's heroes?

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Have you been affected by the current wildfires in San Diego County? If you have information about this breaking news event, please tell us about it here.

The private security contractor Blackwater USA, is at the center of controversy surrounding the "outsourcing of war," following their alleged involvement in the shooting deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians on September 16.

Blackwater USA is also making headlines in San Diego over their proposal to build a training facility of San Diego's backcountry community of Potrero.

The Sept. 16 incident has created a partisan debate: Democrats say the use of security contractors has created a shadow military force that does not have enough accountability to the U.S. government. Republicans say they are a necessary part of the war and provide a vital layer of security.

What do you think?

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Water that was once flushed down the toilet may soon be flowing from your kitchen sink. That's one idea that San Diego water officials are suggesting as a solution to the region's water woes. Although officials insist the program is safe, many opponents have voiced their concerns over health and safety issues.

The controversial proposal is also stirring debate at San Diego City Hall. Mayor Sanders voiced opposition to using treated sewage because of the time-frame and cost of the plan, while City Attorney Mike Aguirre said that San Diego is facing a water crisis, and there's simply no other option.

As our water supply continues to face uncertainty, are you willing to drink recycled waste water?

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On 9/11, our nation was transformed by an extraordinary act of hatred. Six years later, after dozens of foiled terror plots, billions spent on homeland security and thousands of lives lost in the war on terror, the United States has avoided a repeat terror attack. Regardless, many officials believe the U.S. faces an evolving terrorist threat. What do you think?

In this post 9/11 world, are we safer or is the U.S. still vulnerable to a major attack?

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(Updated Aug. 14, 2007) China has been stung once again by yet another recall. Toy-making giant Mattel Inc. issued recalls Tuesday for millions of Chinese-made toys that contain magnets that can be swallowed by children or could have lead paint. Last week, about 1.5 million Chinese-made Fisher-Price toys were recalled by the United States for their high level of lead paint. These are just the latest in the slew of cases involving dangerous products imported from China, including contaminated toothpaste, poisoned pet food and faulty tires.

Are you concerned about the safety of products made in China? Are you changing your buying habits as a result?

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President Bush signed a new law expanding the power of the U.S. government to wiretap and eavesdrop without warrant. The controversial law, which was approved by the House and Senate just before Congress adjourned for its summer break, is designed to capture telephone, email and other communications that pass through the United States from other countries.

Civil liberties groups say the new law goes too far and allows the government to wiretap U.S. residents who are communicating overseas without adequate oversight. White House officials say it will give intelligence professionals the essential tools they need to protect our nation from terrorism.

What do you think?

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Family members are desperately searching for 29-year-old Pedro Guzman, who they say is a mentally-disabled U.S. citizen, wrongfully deported to Tijuana more than a month ago. Fearing the worst, Guzman's mother and brother have diligently searched Tijuana shelters, jails, hospitals and morgues, but to no avail. They've received very little help from the U.S. government - only a few phone calls from the U.S. consulate in Tijuana -- and last week a federal judge declined to order the U.S. government to help in the search.

The ACLU has filed a lawsuit stating that Guzman was serving a 120-day sentence in a Los Angeles jail on a misdemeanor trespassing violation when he was questioned about his immigration status. According to the Associated Press, the suit claims Guzman responded that he was born in California, but the L.A. Sheriff's Department identified him as a non-citizen, obtained his signature for voluntary removal from the U.S. and turned him over to Homeland Security for deportation.

The ACLU claims they have possession of Guzman's birth certificate showing he was born at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. Mark Rosenbaum of the ACLU of Southern California said, "Local jail officials and federal immigration officers deported the un-deportable, a United States citizen, based on appearance, prejudice, and reckless failure to apply fair legal procedures."

The story sheds light on the challenges facing law enforcement and immigration authorities in avoiding racial profiling and sensitively handling cases involving mentally challenged people; and balancing tougher immigration laws with individual civil liberties.

What do you think?

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