KPBS Midday Edition

The San Diego non-profit Environmental Health Coalition is launching a petition asking the San Diego Air Pollution Control District to stop the company New Leaf Biofuel from producing hazardous odors that it says are making Barrio Logan residents sick. Then, we stay in Barrio Logan to talk about the long-awaited opening of the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center. Next, details on an emergency plan to repair a portion of train tracks connecting San Diego and Orange counties that have been closed since Friday. And, starting next year, jaywalking is less likely to get you a ticket in California. What the new law will and won’t do. Next, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance researchers are celebrating their first successful breeding of an endangered Indian narrow-headed soft-shell turtle. Finally, local author Amy Wallen will be appearing at the San Diego Writers Festival this weekend to talk about her new book, "How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies."

On Monday the San Diego City Council passed an ordinance further defining who is eligible to serve on the city’s Commission on Police Practices. The 25-member commission is expected to investigate shootings by police officers and deaths in police custody. Next, more details on the commitment by San Diego city and county leaders to build more affordable housing. Also, California is experiencing the driest three years ever recorded and we’re on track for a fourth year. The implications of a La Niña this winter for the state. And, a new book takes a look at the science of “belonging” during a time of polarization, how it plays a role in our mental and physical health, and how it can help lead to a society based on inclusiveness and human connection. Plus, Common Ground Theatre has been around since the Civil Rights era; now it starts a new era as the theatre in residence at La Jolla Playhouse. KPBS attended a rehearsal last week to find out how Common Ground is using the residency program to reach a larger audience. Finally, a conversation with Keith Corbin who traces his path as a former gang member who learned to cook in prison to a celebrated chef in a new memoir.

Local leaders react to Governor’s jail death bill veto

A sailor accused of setting a fire that destroyed a $1.2 billion naval warship in 2020 has been acquitted. Then, San Diego Congressman Scott Peters is co-sponsoring a bill that would set a national research agenda for studying marijuana. And finally in our weekend preview, we have powerful classical music, installation art, experimental music and a bike tour.

The San Diego City Council and County Board of Supervisors want to set a goal of building 10,000 affordable homes on publicly owned land by 2030. Then, emergency COVID-19 tenant protections are set to end Friday in the city of San Diego and some renters are worried their housing situations could be in jeopardy. Next, a new report from the San Diego Hunger Coalition finds nearly 40 percent of Black and Latino San Diegans are experiencing food insecurity. Then, questions are being raised about why the California Department of Education has not yet released its statewide school test results from the spring. Finally, what can California’s Reparations Task Force learn from the Japanese American movement for redress?

Gun rights advocates have filed a lawsuit challenging a California law that would allow private citizens to sue manufacturers of illegal firearms. Then, a federal appeals court found a California law that sought to ban private, for-profit prisons in the state unconstitutional. It's a major setback for immigration activists who have been fighting the government's reliance on private detention centers to hold migrants. Later, San Diego’s COVID-19 numbers have been trending downward over the past several weeks, and after its latest omicron surge, the county entered the CDC’s lowest warning tier earlier this month; about the same time that President Biden declared that the coronavirus pandemic was over. We talk about whether the pandemic is actually over. And finally, PEN America recently announced the winners of their 2022 Prison Writing Awards, which recognize exceptional works from incarcerated writers that will be published in a forthcoming anthology. The first place winner for both the fiction and nonfiction categories is San Diegan Frank Kensaku Saragosa.

The San Diego Board of Supervisors today declared homelessness a public health emergency. While the move won’t release additional funds to address homelessness, it will allow the county to focus resources on the health issues plaguing unhoused individuals. Plus, an update on the fight over a San Diego County program that gives motel vouchers to unhoused people seeking shelter in El Cajon. Then, a new investigation from inewsource found that Imperial County’s use of psychiatric holds may be more than just inadequate - in many cases it may be illegal. Also, 20 states have mandatory kindergarten, why California won’t be one of them, for now. Then, last week the city of San Diego apologized for supporting the removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans by rescinding a 1942 resolution. The daughter of two San Diegans who imprisoned in an internment camp in Arizona talks about what the apology means to her. And finally, "The Little Book of Joy" is a new children's book by two of the most significant spiritual leaders of the last century, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with illustrations by San Diego artist and muralist Rafael López.

San Diego County is no longer planning to charge motorists a fee for every mile they drive. The so-called "road usage charge" had been a key component of the county's regional transportation plan. Then, when talking about emissions and climate change, the conversation often focuses on greenhouse gas emissions. Now there’s new information on the impacts aerosol emissions have on climate, and human health. Next, unauthorized immigration across the southwest border is at historic levels. What does that mean for San Diego? And, the Army Corps of Engineers is probably best known for its work on waterways. But those projects also unearth many historical artifacts the Corps must document and maintain. After, the 65th annual Monterey Jazz Festival was held this weekend. We bring you the story behind an unprecedented musical that featured a glittering array of jazz titans, including Louis Armstrong that premiered at the festival 60 years ago. Finally, for our Influential music series, San Diego Jazz pianist Joshua White picked 5 iconic local musicians whose work has impacted him and the jazz scene in San Diego and beyond.

Thousands of students across San Diego marched Friday to demand climate justice. It’s all part of a global climate strike to raise awareness and demand action from elected leaders. Then, Carlsbad police used a bean bag gun and pepper balls on two suspects last year, and it led to big changes. KPBS says the police involved were suspended, while new training is being implemented. And finally in our weekend preview, live music, dance and design.

After a sixteen day international manhunt, the Malaysian defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard” has been caught. Then, California air regulators grabbed headlines last month by banning the sale of new gas-powered cars in the state by 2035. Now, the California Air Resources Board is setting its sights on gas-powered appliances in homes and buildings. Then, why the city of San Diego is reviving its Commission on the Status of Women. Next, a new building will open on the campus of UC San Diego Friday, housing all kinds of engineers, designing products that have never been seen before. And, Author knows this more than most. At the age of 9, Javier Zamora fled the violence and chaos of the civil war in El Salvador and embarked on a three thousand-mile journey to find his mother. This journey, and the perils Zamora faced along the way, is the subject of a new memoir, “Solito.” Finally, when someone we love is sick, one of the first questions many of us have is, ‘how can I help?’ A new children’s book teaches the notion of how being helpful can be healing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a slew of new bills aimed at strengthening the state’s cannabis laws. We talk about why the legal cannabis industry has struggled in California and what has to happen before cannabis becomes fully legal in California. Then, elected leaders across the state have a homeless crisis on their hands, and some are turning to one possible solution: mental health conservatorships. But an investigation by our partners at inewsource found major gaps in the system. Next, as states across the country pass abortion bans, President Biden and some other Democrats want to ease federal restrictions on the procedure. Beginning in 2027, a new form of burial will be allowed in California. We’ll hear about the method, which transforms a human body into nutrient-rich soil over a 45-day period, is already available in Washington, Oregon, Vermont and Colorado. Finally, the Solento Surf Festival kicks off Thursday at the La Paloma Theater with Facing Monsters. The documentary profiles surfer Kerby Brown, who tackles the intimidating slab waves of West Australia.

San Diego, along with the rest of the nation, continues to show signs of a slowing housing market. Then, the city of El Cajon says it’s standing behind its threats to fine local motels for accepting too many homeless residents. Plus, a San Diego climate scientist says airlines need to confront their significant impact on carbon emissions by embracing solutions that may upend the industry. And, the U.S. government has renamed hundreds of peaks, lakes, streams and other geographical sites on federal lands to remove a racist slur for Native American women. Later, we hear from two Ensenada surfers trying to preserve and spread the city’s surfing history. Finally, from early pandemic mask-making to a Pulitzer finalist: A new play, "Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord, opens at La Jolla Playhouse this week, exploring lockdowns, Asian American racism, Facebook groups, invisible labor and generosity.

California is poised to add millions of electric cars to local roads in the next decade, but is there enough electricity to fuel them? Then, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office declined to file charges against county Democratic Party chair Will Rodriguez Kennedy after an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by a former boyfriend. Next, Awaken Church, which has campuses across San Diego has been known for spreading pandemic misinformation. Now it’s grassroots conservative political action group called, “The RMNNT” wants to “raise up a bold and passionate army to effectively influence politics.” Then, Banned Books Week, the annual event celebrating the freedom to read, coincides with a major increase in book banning efforts throughout the country. Finally, What a decision by SDSU to relocate its school of theater, television and film to a new campus in Chula Vista will mean for the South Bay.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the CARE court program into law this week. We speak with a mental health advocate with a personal connection to the issue about how CARE courts might help people like her son. Then, a Navy arson trial is about to get underway, more than two years after fire destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard. Also, for our weekend arts preview: contemporary art, some soul, dance, and kickball.

September 15 marks International Day of Democracy as designated by the United Nations. It comes at a time when democratic institutions are under threat worldwide, and with a growing sentiment that democracy is in danger. First, the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of San Diego talks about why democracy is not a partisan issue. Then, as Americans prepare to vote in November, one thing members of both the Republican and Democratic parties seem to agree on is that democracy in the U.S. is in danger. We’ll share what some San Diegans believe are the greatest threats to American democracy. And, voting is one of the most fundamental ways that people can participate in democracy. We’ll hear from an organization that works to make voting more inclusive. Then, since the integrity of elections and vote counting have come under increased scrutiny, we speak to San Diego County’s Registrar of Voters about the pressure on her office to be 100% transparent and 100% accurate. Finally, we expand the conversation to talk about how the state of American democracy compares to the rest of the world.

Tuesday, the San Diego City Council selected Midway Rising to redevelop the Sports Arena site. Then, a new COVID booster shot that targets the highly-transmissible omicron variant is now available. Next, California has a new tool to provide information on abortion access for people both in and outside of the state. And, a new study from UC San Diego and researchers in Mexico finds extortion in Tijuana is more widespread than previously thought. Then, how 3D printing has brought innovation and flexibility to the creation of goods that was never possible in traditional factories. Finally, the Broadway-bound musical ‘Come Fall in Love’ opens Wednesday night at San Diego’s Old Globe Theater.

Mayor Todd Gloria’s top pick for the Sports arena redevelopment will be considered by the full city council Tuesday. The Midway Rising proposal contains the largest number of affordable housing units on the 48-acre site, in addition to retail, open space and a new sports arena. But recent information has shown that the head of the top development company in the Midway Rising plan, made significant contributions in support of Gloria’s 2020 mayoral campaign. Then, a key element of the city’s strategy to address homelessness is its $4.6 million outreach program. Being a homeless outreach workers takes compassion, persistence and patience to convince a sometimes reluctant population that there’s a better life for them off the street.
 Later, a look at how a lack of mental health professionals in schools is a big problem for today’s youth. And, last week, UC San Diego announced a $150 million gift for stem cell research not only here on Earth, but also aboard the international space station. And, a new rhino calf at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park represents another step in the effort to save a related rhino species that’s nearly extinct. Finally, we preview a new show coming to the fall line up on KPBS. This one will take you on adventures to wineries, restaurants and breweries from the comfort of your home to hear the stories of women and trailblazers of color, it's called “Fresh Glass.”

One of the bills awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature would allow farmworkers to vote on unionizing by mail or card check. He’s vetoed similar legislation before. Then, a new study from SDSU shows that pollution in the San Diego River isn’t coming from septic tanks or homeless encampments, but by runoff from old sewage pipes that have been neglected and are now leaking. And, a new inewsource report finds that zero convictions have been made by the city attorney’s office for homelessness related infractions - despite Mayor Todd Gloria pushing for a more law-enforcement focused strategy to combat the issue. Plus, after years of debate, the city of San Diego is taking initial steps to convert the old downtown library building located on 8th and E streets into a homeless shelter. Also, One of the bills that has passed through the legislature and is on Governor Newsom's desk would offer cash benefits to unemployed, undocumented workers who are currently excluded from the state's unemployment insurance program. Finally, residents of Allensworth, a town in the Central Valley that was founded as a kind of Black utopia back in 1908, are fighting to preserve the town’s Black history - as well as it’s future.

California has its own connection to the British royal family, along with hundreds of thousands of other expats, Prince Harry, his wife Meghan Markle and their two children now live in California. We wanted to hear reaction to the queen’s death from former Britons living in San Diego so we reached out to Craig Tolson, President of the House of England at Balboa Park. Then, the killing of a resident at an El Cajon nursing home raises questions about why the facility admitted a patient with a long history of severe psychiatric illness and allowed him to stay even though he had reportedly assaulted other residents. Finally, for our weekend arts preview, we have lots of visual art to tell you about, along with some music and theater to round things out.

Forecasters say Hurricane Kay is already making its way up the eastern side of Baja and should bring winds and rain to San Diego by Friday. Then, an El Cajon nursing home had such a long record of poor care and abuse that federal officials moved to decertify it in April. But then, to the shock of advocates, they rescinded their order. Next, a former San Diego County Sheriff’s sergeant is being sued over claims of sexual harrassment by two former detectives. And, air conditioning failures and breakdowns have plagued classrooms across the county during the heat wave. Next, California water regulators approved the world's first testing standard for tiny fragments of plastic found in drinking water. Finally, FilmOut, a film festival highlighting LGBTQ movies, returns to San Diego this weekend. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando speaks with filmmaker Carter Smith about his horror film “Swallowed” that screens on Saturday.

As temperatures linger in San Diego around 90 degrees or higher for another day, being homeless is even more dangerous. And, there are now more people living on the street in downtown San Diego than ever before. Then, following news that Juul labs agreed to pay nearly $440 million to settle claims that it marketed its products to teens, we talk about the health impacts of e-cigarettes. And, the start of a new school year can be especially challenging for students who are visually impaired. KPBS Education Reporter M.G. Perez tells us how their special needs are being met and celebrated. And, in August, California Governor Newsom signed a new law outlining when and why people may be ejected from public meetings. But are these rules still needed since the outbursts triggered by COVID-19 restrictions have faded? Next, during the pandemic, some cities in L.A. have banned rent hikes. But tenants are still getting demands to pay more. In many cases, whether they can fight those rent hikes depends on where they live. Finally, a history lesson on Escondido’s rich agricultural roots, the city’s annual Grape Day Festival is happening this weekend.

SDG&E’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Geraghty, answers questions about why the California heatwave is straining the state’s power grid and why the flex alert is needed and if residents are reducing power use. Then, in the latest twist in the “Fat Leonard” U.S. Navy corruption scandal, federal authorities say Leonard Glenn Francis, escaped house arrest Sunday ahead of sentencing later this month. Plus, Governor Newsom has begun to sign a new package of climate action bills, including one to extend the life of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. And, details on another bill awaiting the governor’s signature that would require social media platforms to report hate content data and have transparent policies on that data. Finally, September marks the transition between summer and fall, and while the days are not yet getting colder, times of change call for a new soundtrack. KPBS has a playlist of five new songs to discover this month.

Amid high inflation and looming recession indicators, the U.S. still managed to add three hundred and fifteen thousand jobs during the month of August. And while San Diego continues to boast one of the lowest overall unemployment rates in the country, its overall labor force participation is down. Then, labor unions have won some high-profile victories in the last year. Here in California, but overall union membership dropped slightly last year and some doubt these sporadic victories mark a trend. Next, since the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan last year, some American veterans have been scrambling to help their Afghan allies escape the collapsing country. Though some have succeeded, most have not, and the stress has taken a toll on their health. And, over the course of nearly a decade, Gina Champion-Cain swindled hundreds of millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors in what would be the largest Ponzi scheme in San Diego history. Now, more than 2 years since she pled guilty to her crimes, a new series from the San Diego Union-Tribune looks to tell the rise-and-fall story of Champion- Cain. Also, Live theater in San Diego has had its difficulties getting back up on its feet since the pandemic shutdowns. Local theater companies, large and small, have noted audiences have been slow to return. Then, California has set aside $10 million to help people afford e-bikes - and the group the state has chosen to administer that incentive program is based right here in San Diego. Finally, a new book details the oral history of Comic-Con and the relationships forged at the event.

The wildfire that began Wednesday in San Diego’s East County near the town of Potrero has charred about 4,400 acres, jumped state route 94 and burned south toward the Tecate area. It destroyed several structures including three homes and two people have been badly burned. In other news, the last days of California’s two-year legislative session ended with a flurry of votes this week. One of the bills that did not make it would have ended the practice of transferring non-citizens to immigration custody when they’re released from jail or prison. And finally in our weekend preview, the musical, “Ragtime,” "Fandango for Butterflies and Coyotes" at the La Jolla Playhouse, ballet at the Mingei from the Rosin Box Project and Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the Shell.

We speak with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria about a ballot measure going before voters in November that could change how we pay for garbage collection, his support of the Midway Rising proposal for that sports arena redevelopment and the city’s homeless outreach efforts. Then while local water managers say San Diego County is mostly protected from the drought that’s squeezing water supplies in the west, if the water levels in Lake Mead continue to decline it could impact San Diego’s water supply. Plus, how a Chicago murder conviction inspired the founding of the California Innocence Project. The 1992 murder conviction against Marilyn Mulero was dismissed by a Chicago judge this month and she was exonerated. Then, communities of color are disproportionately impacted by crime and gun violence -- but those same communities say they’ve been left out of many conversations and programs meant to help victims of crime in California. Finally, the phenomenon of 'RRR.'

The wait for an Omicron specific booster vaccine is almost over. The FDA gave emergency use authorization to the booster today and a CDC panel review is scheduled tomorrow. Then, California lawmakers passed a bill that would declare the state a refuge for transgender youth. Next, the Carlsbad city council voted unanimously on Tuesday to ratify a state of emergency in response to a rise in traffic collisions involving bicycles. And, a look into a San Diego County plan to address a shortage of mental health workers. Then, the problem of cliff erosion isn’t unique to San Diego, California has more than eight hundred miles of coastline.
 A new report from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography identifies which coastal cliffs are most susceptible to erosion and collapse. Finally, the second annual Afro Con takes place this weekend at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. The Afrofuturism convention focuses on literature, music, art, and film which incorporate elements of Black history and culture.

We speak to Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor who SDSU brought in last fall to speak to male athletes amid allegations of a gang rape by members of the football team. Next, forecasters say we’re in for a long stretch of very hot and unusually humid weather. Highs in the 80s, 90s and even 100s inland will feel even hotter because of the humidity. Plus, lawmakers in Sacramento have to decide on hundreds of bills before this legislative session ends Wednesday at midnight. Later, with the excitement of school starting comes the reality that many children are still feeling the effects of school shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, while they may come marching one by one every summer, the ants you see in your home aren’t native to San Diego. Why reducing outdoor water use will help you get rid of them for good. Finally, two prominent women of color have finally received some long overdue recognition from Hollywood.

California’s second largest school district, San Diego Unified, welcomed students for what may be the most normal school year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Then, one of the three former SDSU football players accused of raping a 17-year-old girl during an off-campus party in October, was released by his current NFL team on Saturday. The other two are no longer on the SDSU roster. And, this fall, thousands of young new students are attending school for the first time. But according to county data, very few of them have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. And, as California embarks on a massive expansion of transitional kindergarten, space in after school programs for the newest students is becoming a big problem. Next, its been one year since 13 service members died along with more than a hundred Afghans when a bomb exploded at the Kabul Airport. We bring you a story about how the Marines rescued a group of young female Afghan skateboarders. And, a new book offers Afghan perspectives on America’s longest war.

State regulators made it official yesterday. California will stop the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by the year 2035. Then, California’s county governments would be responsible for carrying out the state’s controversial CARE Court proposal. But counties have concerns about a shortage of mental health workers and funding for the program. And in our weekend preview, visual art inspired by a mix of chemistry and long walks in the park, a Broadway show, the symphony and more.

Demand for monkeypox vaccines in San Diego County continues to outpace supply. There have been 239 cases of the virus reported here since June. Then, among the initiatives that make up San Diego’s Climate Action Plan is one that involves restoring 700 acres of wetlands along the coast. Environmentalists say the wetlands will help mitigate sea level rise and absorb carbon dioxide from the air. Then we head to Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains where hot days and air pollution are getting in the way of fire prevention efforts. Next, a conversation with an Alzheimer’s Association researcher about the links between diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s and COVID-19. And: bark, bark! 100 beagles rescued from a Virginia research facility will be looking for loving homes in San Diego in the coming weeks. We have the details. Finally, San Diego children’s book author Matt de la Peña talks about nurturing curiosity and self-discovery in children and his new book, “Patchwork.”

Millions of Americans learned Tuesday that some or all of their student loan debt is being erased. Then, the San Diego Unified School District starts on Monday. Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson talks about the year ahead. And, a recent NPR/Ipsos poll found a majority of Americans believe the U.S. is experiencing an “invasion” at the southern border. We hear perspectives from San Diegans and an immigration expert about the politicized language around the issue of immigration. Next, the head of the county’s Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board talks about why the board is recommending everyone entering county jails, including deputies and jail staff, should be searched or scanned for drugs. Finally, UC San Diego and the San Diego Natural History Museum’s “Art of Science” contest was created to highlight the beauty that can emerge during scientific research. We’ll hear about the inspiration for the contest and about the winning entries on display now.

A year after America ended its longest war, thousands of Afghans are settling into new lives inside the U.S. Though, advocates say the U.S. is not doing enough especially to help women who remained behind and are now under threat from the Taliban. Then, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is putting his support behind the Midway Rising redevelopment plan for the 48-acre city-owned Sports Arena property. Next, middle and high students in San Diego are starting school later in the morning. A sleep researcher tells us why its better for their health and academic success. And, a middle school principal on what he has noticed so far from his students this school year. Then, the significance of a first-in-nation law in California that will require state agencies to ask Black employees if they are descendants of a person enslaved in the U.S.. Finally, as San Diego Padres star player Fernando Tatis Jr. begins his long suspension for testing positive for a banned steroid, a look into the baseball culture in the Dominican Republic.

U.S. and Mexican officials hope the new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry will shorten long wait times at the San Diego-Tijuana border when it’s open in 2024. Then, a new report finds the county needs more than 18,000 new therapists, psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists in the next 5 years, to meet demand. And, just over a week ago, a drug cartel launched a campaign of terror on Tijuana new KPBS reporting sheds light on the reasons behind the attacks. Next, one obstacle for expanding adoption of electric vehicles is availability of charging stations for renters. Then, San Diego’s community college students are back in school in person Monday. Finally, this year’s selections for One Book One San Diego are out, and for adult readers the choice is the novel “The Vanishing Half,” by Oceanside native, author Brit Bennett.

Soaring temperatures across California and a request to cut back on power usage this week raised questions about the reliability of the state’s electricity grid. Governor Newsom says temporarily extending the life of California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear plant near San Luis Obispo could improve grid reliability but at a cost. Then, a series of classic children’s books is finding new life on stage and in the wilderness of East County. And, in our weekend preview, a play about a fictional female libido enhancement drug, visual art, the Union-Tribune Festival of Books and some nostalgic rock.

Thousands of students returned to San Diego County schools Wednesday, and between COVID-19 safety measures and new laws affecting public school districts, there's a lot to talk about. Then, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. discusses his work on the Jan. 6th committee, and how the recent FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago has escalated political tensions. Plus, a new effort to beef up county jail staffing and safety measures. Then, bicycling advocates say the death of a Carlsbad mother while riding her ebike is a wake up call about how unsafe our streets are for cyclists. Also, California has begun a big push to get more four-year-olds enrolled in transitional kindergarten - or TK, but not every parent of an eligible child is ready to sign up. And finally, several residents of the Northern California beachside city, Pacifica recently discovered a forgotten fact about their hometown. During World War II, a Japanese internment camp was located there. The discovery has prompted many to ask, "Why didn't anybody tell us?"

We asked a number of San Diego climate scientists, activists and politicians their reaction to the groundbreaking climate legislation President Biden signed into law Tuesday. Then, 40 million people in seven Southwestern states rely on the Colorado River for their water supply. As the drought worsens, the states missed a federal deadline to come up with a drastic conservation plan. And, the CDC has relaxed its COVID-19 guidelines, San Diego Unified is relaxing its mask requirement and San Diego moved into a lower COVID risk level last week. Does this mean we can all relax? Then, a year and a half after announcing its goal of building housing on top of public facilities like libraries and fire stations, San Diego is still far away from putting its new policy into practice. Next, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to explore tracking the region's homeless population by name. Finally, San Diego author Alana Quintana Albertson on her latest book- a Latinx spin on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet story, set in San Diego's Barrio Logan, with two feuding families, a taco chain and star-crossed lovers.

Tijuana continues to recover from a traumatic weekend which saw many businesses close and residents shelter in place from threats of violence from drug cartels. Then, UC San Diego is cutting admission offers for the next school year by more than 9,000 students. Next, the U.S. Forest Service predicted for decades a wildfire could devastate Grizzly Flats. A Cap Radio and California Newsroom investigation looks at why its plan to protect the town fell short. Then, one of San Diego’s most car-dependent neighborhoods could one day become a beacon of pedestrian-friendly urban design. Next, travel guru Rick Steves talks about travel in the age of COVID-19. Finally, San Diego author Jesse Leon tells a story of resilience in his new memoir, “I’m Not Broken.”

While San Diego continues to experience hot and humid weather, climate researchers say warmer temperatures make it more likely that California will be hit by megafloods. Then, over the weekend, violent drug cartels brought cities in Baja California to a standstill. Next, a new California initiative aims to improve the disfunction plaguing some school boards. Next, a new city program gives qualifying homeowners the chance to add solar to their homes at little-to-no cost. Then, a study of accelerated aging shows that a person’s biological age may be very different from what their birth certificate says. Finally, local author Madhushree Ghosh writes about the good and bad aspects of her journey from India to San Diego– the legacy of colonization and the racism she’s encountered – all through a connection with the food that has sustained her.

In the face of historic drought and worsening climate change, Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new plan for the future of California’s water supply. Then, dogs are considered man’s, and woman’s, best friend - especially the sweet-spirited Beagle. However, KPBS’s reports it’s a trait that has made them more likely to be used in medical research. Finally, in our weekend preview, we take a look at some visual arts, a family-friendly movie screening and the Barrio Art Crawl.

Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina said he met Tuesday night with Baja California officials who tentatively agreed to emergency mitigation measures to address the ongoing problem of raw sewage leaking across the border. Then, monkeypox cases have more than doubled since last week in San Diego County, a virtual town hall will be held Thursday night to answer questions about the spread of the virus. Next, San Diego County officials have stopped new admissions to Veterans Village of San Diego, after multiple deaths and numerous concerns have been reported at the rehab center. And, something completely different: San Diego pickleball enthusiasts have found themselves in a bit of a sour situation. Finally, an interview with San Diego author Pam Fong whose children’s book, “Once Upon a Forest” captures a world steeped in nature.

The of San Diego is proposing a $20 million fix to address flooding at a sewage pump station off Morena Boulevard which could delay the city’s Pure Water sewage recycling system project. Then, activists say a Carlsbad Community-Police Engagement Commision won’t address police accountability, biases or reforms. Plus, police departments play a key role in granting so-called U-Visa which are available to immigrants who are victims of crimes, but some police departments are more likely to approve them than others. Also, the California Department of Education is launching a grant program to bring 10,000 additional mental health professionals to school campuses. And, survey after survey shows people from Gen-Z – born between 1996 and 2012 – consider climate change to be the biggest challenge we’re facing. We hear from a youth climate leader. Finally, an interview with San Diego author Christopher Carter, whose book, “The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith And Food” reimagines how we eat to support food justice.

Congressman Mike Levin, (D-San Diego) calls the passage by the U.S. Senate Sunday of a sweeping climate, health and tax bill, “historic.” He joins Midday Edition to talk about some of the contents of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Then, we speak to veteran journalist Bob Woodward who will be in San Diego for a talk at Balboa Theatre on Aug. 14 called “How We Got Here: Lessons From Ten Presidents.” Also, KPBS has a new news director. Terence Shepherd, whose first day is Monday, shares his vision for the station. And, plans to construct new border barriers at Friendship Park remain on pause following criticism from the public and politicians of the changes. Next, farmworkers from across the state have joined the "March for the Governor's Signature," a 335-mile trek from Kern County to Sacramento to show support for a voting rights bill. Plus, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it made abortion access especially challenging for women in the military. Finally we revisit an interview with San Diego writer Lizz Huerta who will be speaking at The San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books on August 20.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is urging state legislators to make progress on climate change before the end of the current legislative session. Then, as cases of monkeypox climb and health officials scramble to contain the outbreaks, one veteran journalist sees the similarities from covering the HIV/AIDS crisis almost four decades ago. And for our weekend arts preview, we hear about some new art openings and closings, music and theater about Paris, and even some outdoor jazz.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria talks about the city’s updated climate action plan and a new proposal to increase housing. And, nearly half of women in California are rent burdened. A new report by the Gender Equity Policy Institute finds the greatest impacts on Black and Latina women, single mothers and elderly women who live alone. Then, from North County to South County, you may have noticed herds of goats in open spaces. It’s not a new petting zoo: these goats are actually working to help prevent fires. Plus, San Diego County Republican Congressman Darrel Issa did not vote to certify Joe Biden’s election on January 6, 2021. As Issa stands for re-election this fall, how will his stance on election fraud resonate with voters? Also, a medical student killed in rural Mexico last month is bringing attention to the dangers Mexican some medical students face from cartels. Finally, Klondike announced Wednesday that it may revisit production of the iconic Choco Taco in the near future following the strong community backlash.

Dr. Eric Topol talks about the latest news on COVID-19 and monkeypox. Then, an updated Climate Action Plan was approved by the San Diego City Council Tuesday. Its strategy to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 includes plans to retrofit existing buildings, including whole neighborhoods from gas to electric heating and appliances. Also, the San Diego Padres shook up the baseball world Tuesday trading the Washington Nationals for star player Juan Soto and others. Later, San Diego County officials say we’re in the midst of a mental health crisis. How are the millions of dollars in additional funding in this year’s budget being spent to address the crisis? Plus, the redevelopment of a housing project in Los Angeles is supposed to show the potential of public housing if done right. Finally, we take a virtual ride on a pirate ship that was built in San Diego but now sails around Big Bear Lake.

A surprising climate deal was announced last week in the Senate and Congressman Scott Peters talks about why the passage of the climate and economic bill is important for San Diego. Then, KPBS environment reporter Erik Anderson on what local climate activists are saying about the bill. Next, a new Voice of San Diego report finds women in the military are more than twice as likely to take their own lives as civilians. Then, the Space Force is abandoning traditional physical fitness assessments and instead outfitting troops with fitness trackers. Next, a plea in a federal case involving a pornagraphic sex trafficking ring. Finally, an excerpt of the latest episode of KPBS's "Port of Entry" podcast explores how a company of Mexican and U.S. artists use theater, music, movement and play to actively engage their audiences in conversations about life along the border.

Veterans Village of San Diego is holding its 35th annual Stand Down event this weekend. The event provides food and medical care, legal assistance, employment support, housing referrals and even haircuts to veterans and veteran families experiencing homelessness. But it is being overshadowed by several deaths at the organization's rehab center for veterans including one this week. Then, it’s been seven months since California required trash haulers to start picking up and composting food waste. But the city of San Diego is still far away from complying. And for our weekend arts preview we have chamber music, a new play from the people behind “The Laramie Project,” plus plenty of visual art and dance.

Cal Fire halted the spread of the 180 acre Casner Fire overnight. The agency said the fire was started when someone was trying to clear brush from their property during the wrong time of day and during risky conditions. And, firefighters elsewhere in the state are making gains on the Oak Fire burning near Yosemite National Park, families are beginning to reckon with the devastation. Plus, the Biden administration is planning to follow the lead of the World Health Organization in declaring the spread of Monkeypox a health emergency but for now the county is out of doses of the Smallpox vaccine. Then, California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye will not seek another term. Also, UC San Diego students have a lot at stake in the housing crisis. But some see an opportunity in University City, just east of campus. Finally, A Midsummer Night's Dream will close The Old Globe’s 2022 Summer Shakespeare Festival.

The San Diego City Council voted Tuesday to cut its losses on the downtown real estate deal that’s turned into a fiasco. Then, to pay for trash, or not to pay for trash? The question will go before San Diego voters. And, a UC San Diego infectious disease specialist helps track down the source of COVID-19. Next, there is a new home and even more hope for teenagers who find themselves locked up in the County’s juvenile detention system thanks to a new Youth Transition Campus. And, Maya Gabeira is a two-time Guinness World Record holder for big wave surfing, and seven-time World Surf League Big Wave Award winner. Her latest children’s book, ‘Maya and the Beast’ is a beautifully illustrated story of empowerment and conquering fear. Finally, San Diego playwright and hip-hip artist Miki Vale shares music that’s shaped her life as part of our Influential series.

The results of wastewater testing are showing a dramatic increase in the presence of the COVID-19 virus in San Diego County. Then, details on a bill Governor Gavin Newsom signed Friday that would allow private citizens to sue gun makers for deaths from firearms banned in California. Next, the U.S. Monkeypox outbreak is swiftly expanding and in these early days of its spread, people can spend days in search of the right diagnosis. And, the project to transform San Diego’s Central Embarcadero went before Port Commissioners and the public last week. And the verdict is--- it needs more work. Then, the latest on a plan to transform northeast Mission Bay to include a campground, open space and most importantly marshland for bird and marine life habitat. Next, the Baja California legislature overwhelmingly voted to ban the pseudoscienctific practice that claims to change people’s sexual orientation but the governor vetoed the ban in favor of regulations. Finally, Comic-Con is over but for some artists who went to portfolio reviews their work may just be beginning.