KPBS Midday Edition

We are wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a book that celebrates the vast contributions and vibrant histories of Latinos across San Diego.“We Made San Diego” compiles the diverse stories of important figures and organizations who shaped the region as we know it today.It has earned various awards over the years, including an International Latino Book Award in 2021.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author behind the book, what inspired her to preserve these stories and her own personal journey as a longtime San Diegan.Guest:Maria Garcia, author, activist and podcast host, "We Made San Diego"

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we are sit with Latinx leaders who are giving back to the community.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the executive director of the Emilio Nares Foundation to talk about health care access for underserved communities, and how her family's history of advocacy launched her into a life of community service.Guest:Elsa Morales-Roth, executive director, Emilio Nares Foundation

TikTok continues to take the world by storm — and the geopolitical conflict around it is ballooning.The Trump administration says a group of American investors is expected to take over TikTok’s U.S. data operations from ByteDance, its Chinese parent company.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new book that chronicles the rise of TikTok, and its profound impact on our political and social landscape today.Guest:Emily Baker-White, Forbes investigative reporter and author, "Every Screen on the Planet: The War Over TikTok" 

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed several bills that were part of the statewide reparations effort.The vetoed bills are related to university admissions, home buying and unjust property seizures.This comes days after Newsom signed Senate Bill 518 to establish a state bureau for descendants of American slavery.We discuss what the governor's decisions mean for the first-in-the-nation reparations effort in California.Guest:Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

Indigenous Peoples' Day is a celebration of Indigenous resilience, culture, history, art, protest and storytelling.In San Diego County, there are 18 federally recognized tribal reservations — more than any other county in the United States.On Midday Edition, we sit down with Indigenous leaders to discuss the value of tradition, oral history and imaginative storytelling in preserving culture.Guests:Ethan Banegas, professor at San Diego State University and member of the Barona Band of Mission IndiansJoely Proudfit, department chair of American Indian Studies and director of California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center at California State University, San MarcosDestinee Morales, former Miss Kumeyaay 2013-14; member of San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Friday that allows for greater housing density near public transit stations across the state. Senate Bill 79 supersedes local zoning rules in the hopes of increasing housing production in the state.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from one California housing advocate on why he thinks its passage is "the most significant housing bill that's ever been passed in California."Guest:Ethan Elkind, director, Climate Program, UC Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we are profiling trailblazers in the community about their commitment to their craft and contributions to the San Diego region.Thursday on Midday Edition, the executive director and CEO of the San Diego Museum of Art talks about her journey into the arts and what she sees for the future of San Diego's thriving, binational arts and culture scene.Then, a unique Halloween attraction puts its own spin on the haunted maze by bringing attention to real-world issues like climate change, animal cruelty and pollution. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the socially conscious haunt.And finally, the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center celebrates its third anniversary this weekend. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans speaks with a local printmaker who is featured at the event and previews other events on her radar.Guests:Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO, San Diego Museum of ArtJaidacyn Madrigal, founder, Fright for FutureJohn Hansen, haunt crew member, Fright for FutureIrie Zepeda, artist, printmaker, Por La Mano Press y Arte founderJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS

Many can thank youth sports for wonderful memories out in the sun — tossing a ball, scoring goals and even spraining an ankle or two.KPBS video journalist Mikey Damron explores his youth sports journey — and that of his son's — in his new video series, "Game-Time Decision." We hear the details.Plus, the culture and politics of surfing and skateboarding are the focus of a conference coming to SDSU this weekend.We sit down with Bryce Wettstein, an Olympic skateboarder and the headliner of the conference and Neftalie Williams, a moderator at the conference and the director of SDSU's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change.Guests:Mike Damron, video journalist, KPBSNeftalie Williams, director of San Diego State University's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change, professor of sociologyBryce Wettstein, Olympic skateboarder 

California's special redistricting election is underway, as ballots for Proposition 50 hit voters' mailboxes. We hear analysis from a local political scientist.Then, San Diego once had a large, thriving and tight-knit Black community in the region. But over the years, policies like redlining and other forces of displacement drove many Black San Diegans from their neighborhoods — that story is explored in a recent exhibit at the San Diego History Center.On Midday Edition, we hear about some of the lost legacy of San Diego's Black community through both personal stories and policy, and ongoing efforts to revitalize that sense of identity in 2025.Guests:Ric Epps, political science professor, Imperial Valley CollegeGaidi Finnie, executive director, San Diego African American Museum of Fine ArtSheri Jones, co-founder, Black San DiegoIMG_7581.jpg (3024x4032, AR: 0.75)

The San Diego Filipino Film Festival (SDFFF) kicks off Thursday with a four-day celebration of Filipino cinema. The festival includes films exploring themes of family, climate change, LGBTQ+ identity and more.Monday on Midday Edition, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando looks at how the festival is continuing to celebrate film and community.Guests:Benito Bautista, founder, SDFFFSami Andico, programmer, SDFFF

The California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the city of El Cajon on Friday over its controversial license plate surveillance program.The lawsuit comes after KPBS reported that the El Cajon Police Department is openly defying a 2023 legal bulletin, which prohibits sharing data from license plate reader systems with outside agencies.We discuss the latest and how the lawsuit fits into the larger conversation around immigration enforcement in San Diego.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Hispanic Heritage Month is well underway and we are highlighting leaders in our region who have dedicated their lives to serving the community.We sit down with the CEO of MAAC San Diego, a nonprofit that runs education, health and housing programs and much more, all with a focus on economic mobility.Guest: Arnulfo Manriquez, president and CEO, MAAC

Thursday marks the 2nd annual San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, which brings jazz luminaries from both sides of the border together in a celebration of San Diego and Tijuana's rich jazz history.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear about some of that history and tradition from two local jazz figures behind the festival.Plus, the play “All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me,” which is currently running at the La Jolla Playhouse, explores the fear, uncertainty and joy that can come with becoming a parent.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top picks for arts and culture events, from an experimental bassoon concert to San Diego Museum Month.Guests:Dan Atkinson, jazz musician, executive director, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz FestivalJulian Placencia, jazz musician, festival organizer, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz FestivalKat Yen, theater director, “All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me”Joy Guidry, bassoonistJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

The government has shutdown after Senate Republicans failed to reach an agreement on federal funding.Around 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed. Many offices will be shuttered.In San Diego, tens of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed or forced to work without pay, according to figures from Democrats on the House Budget Committee.We talk about how the impacts of the government shutdown will be felt by San Diegans.Plus, takeaways from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military meeting in Quantico, Virginia and reactions from local military personnel.Guests: Mike Levin, U.S. Representative, 49th DistrictAdam Ashton, deputy editor, CalMattersAndrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS

Nearly 40,000 children are in foster care in California. Many have experienced immense challenges in their young lives. For some, that includes abuse and neglect.Giving foster youth a consistent voice to support them and help them manage the foster care system can make a big difference in their lives.On Midday Edition Tuesday, members of the nonprofit Voices for Children talks about its CASA volunteer program and why it plays an important role in serving young people in foster care in San Diego and Riverside counties.Guests:Jessica Muñoz, president and CEO, Voices for ChildrenMatt Morscheck, CASA volunteer, Voices for Children

As extremist groups become part of the political mainstream, conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric fuel vitriol and distrust.A new series of documentary shorts out of USA Today looks into why those fringe movements have gained traction.The first episode is all about "the manosphere." It's a growing community united by male-supremacist ideologies amid record high levels of depression and suicide among young men.Midday Edition invited USA Today's Will Carless in studio for a conversation to learn more.Guest:Will Carless, national correspondent covering extremism and emerging issues, USA Today

San Diego County is suing two of its own jail healthcare providers following the violent killing of Brandon Yates inside the San Diego Central Jail.The lawsuit alleges that the man who killed Yates did not receive adequate mental health care from psychiatric staff.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear the latest on the county's claims.Guest: Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune

This week on KPBS Midday Edition, we shine the spotlight on Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting local theater group Teatro Las Hermanas. We explore how they use theater, visual art and comic book illustrations to put together productions with a focus on social justice.Then, the San Diego Italian Film Festival is back for its 19th year and kicks off on Oct. 1. We sat with our Midday Movies film critics, KPBS Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando and Moviewallas podcaster Yazdi Pithavala, to talk about the festival’s history and creating community around film.Guests:Mabelle Reynoso, playwright, Teatro Las HermanasZulema Reynoso, artist, Teatro Las HermanasBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, critic, Moviewalla podcast 

U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) is in the midst of an unprecedented hiring binge, with a goal of hiring 10,000 agents by the end of the year.In a two part series, KPBS reporters look into how ICE recruiting efforts are using white nationalist messages and imagery and relying on veterans to fill job openings. We discuss the details.Also, more immigrants are being placed in isolation cells in San Diego's Otay Mesa Detention Center.We talk about how the trend fits in with the use of "segregation" in detention facilities across the country.Guests:Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBSGustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBSSofía Mejías Pascoe, border and immigration reporter, inewsource

Each year, NPR puts on its annual Student Podcast Challenge where thousands of young people across the country transform their ideas and stories into audio.Among the middle school finalists were two students from High Tech Middle Media Arts in Point Loma, who produced a podcast about growing up in a multiracial, multiethnic family and embracing cultural ties.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about the students' inspirations and how they captured the experiences of those with mixed backgrounds in their podcast.Guests:Abby Dutra, student, High Tech Middle Media ArtsOryan Navarrete, student, High Tech Middle Media ArtsRebecca Carnahan, 7th grade humanities teacher, High Tech Middle Media Arts

How walkable is your neighborhood?When it comes to walkability, locals have shared a range of experiences depending where they live. But what does it mean to live in a truly walkable city?Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig into what walkability looks like in San Diego and what is being done from a policy and community standpoint to address it.Guests:Bruce Appleyard, associate professor of City Planning and Urban Design, SDSUCarlisle Dockery, director of planning and community engagement, Circulate San DiegoIsrael Hernandez, associate director for advocacy and engagement, AARP San Diego

San Diego's unemployment rate decreased slightly to 5% in August, yet still hovers near a four-year high.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we check in with a local economist on the latest unemployment numbers. We also dig into why the Federal Reserve decided to lower interest rates, and how ongoing uncertainty around economic policy continues.Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center

Free speech is dominating the headlines these days.Last week, ABC announced it would indefinitely suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from broadcasting after he commented on Charlie Kirk's killing. On Monday, Disney and ABC announced the comedian will return to the schedule starting Tuesday night.The news comes as President Donald Trump has reached settlements with ABC and CBS over coverage. And, Congress has stripped federal funding from NPR and PBS.Over the last week, leaders and scholars have sounded the alarm about Americans' right to free speech. We discuss the details.Plus, we talk about what the latest news about "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" means for the tradition of comedy in a tense political climate.Disclaimer: This interview was recorded live on Monday, Sept. 22 at 12:06 p.m. PDT. During this broadcast, we received breaking news that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return to air on Tuesday, Sept. 23.Guests:Ric Epps, professor of political science, Imperial Valley CollegeDavid Loy, legal director of the First Amendment CoalitionWalter Ford, stand-up comedianVictor Paz, comedian and founder and lead producer for Kacklez comedy company

On Thursday's Midday Edition, we dive into all the arts and culture happenings across the region in your weekend preview — from an upcoming jazz concert in La Jolla, to a sneak peek of what San Diego Design Week has to offer this year.Plus, Diversionary Theatre kicks off its inaugural season with a one-woman glam rock show, "MANIFEST P*SSY," from performer and writer, Shakina. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with Shakina and Diversionary's artistic director to talk more about the show.And finally, the tourists are gone and kids are back in school. But that doesn't mean summer is over for San Diegans. We hear from a local journalist about all the best ways to enjoy this time of year.Guests:Sacha Boutros, jazz singer, founder of Sacha's Supper ClubJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBSShakina, performer and writer, "Manifest P*ssy"Sherri Eden Barber, artistic director, Diversionary TheatreJackie Bryant, journalist, professor and host of Happy Half Hour podcast

Artificial intelligence is becoming more commonly used in health care settings, from routine medical scans to virtual patient assistance.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we sat down with one San Diego public health expert who was recently awarded a Fulbright grant to investigate how AI is used in public health.Guests:Susan Kiene, professor of global health, San Diego State University

The 2025 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, wrapped up earlier this month.On Wednesday's Midday Edition, we heard from two San Diego athletes who competed in the U.S. Open about their experiences and journeys through the sport.Guests: Alyssa Ahn, tennis player, Stanford UniversityDavid Wagner, wheelchair tennis player, three-time U.S. Open Single's winner

Nearly two years after floods devastated San Diego neighborhoods and displaced at least 1,000 people, the legal fallout continues between the city and its residents.More than 1,500 people are suing the city, alleging it failed to maintain storm channels. And the city has now filed more than 20 cross-complaints against residents, businesses and flood victims.On Midday Edition, we discuss where the lawsuits stand and what they mean for those affected by the floods.Guest:Maura Fox, communities reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune

In new her new novel, "A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez," San Diego author María Dolores Águila writes about community efforts to combat segregation of Mexican-American students in Depression-era Lemon Grove.Midday Edition on Tuesday explores more about the Lemon Grove Incident, Águila's writing process, as well as her reaction to the book being selected for the longlist of the National Book Awards 2025 for Young People's Literature.Guest:María Dolores Águila, author

Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule on Sept. 16, 1810.This year marks the 215th anniversary of that day — now celebrated widely as Mexican Independence Day.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made history this year as the first woman to lead Mexico's "El Grito," also known as the "Cry of Independence."Midday Edition discusses the enduring meaning of Mexican Independence Day in 2025. And why some groups scaled back celebrations this year over concerns about immigration enforcement.Guest:Alberto Díaz Ramírez, professor of history, Autonomous University of Baja California

The San Diego City Council approved new parking fees for Balboa Park on Monday. The plan for Balboa Park is the latest effort by city leaders to increase parking revenue across San Diego.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear how much drivers will pay, what resident discounts look like, and what the changes mean for the city's budget challenges.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

The killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah last week has shocked the nation. While authorities are still trying to determine motive, leaders across the political spectrum are taking hard stances on how to respond.On Midday Edition, we discuss the implications for our democracy moving forward.Plus, we look into how journalism can play a role in amplifying extremism — locally and nationwide.Then, we feature a program giving community members a participatory role in local media through the Public Matters initiative.Guests: Will Carless, national correspondent covering extremism and emerging issues, USA TodayBrian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San BernardinoNik Usher, professor of communication at the University of San DiegoIsaac Brambila, community news coordinator, inewsource

A new exhibit, "Clothes Story" highlights the stories of African American women over a period of nearly 80 years, with a focus on the interconnection between fashion, identity and history.Plus, FilAm Creator Con returns for its second year, showcasing artists, workshops and performances that highlight Filipino American voices in the arts.Lastly, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans tells us about some weekend arts events and exhibitions across San Diego County. You can find details on these and more arts events on our website.Guests:Kenneth Green, cultural event director, curator, "Clothes Story"Aaron Nabus, founder, FilAm Creator ConZard Apuya, artistArthur Ebuen, artistBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to expand the authority of the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board, also known as CLERB.The now-approved measure allows CLERB to investigate jail health care workers and contractors in cases of in-custody deaths. Live on KPBS Midday Edition, we breakdown what that means for law enforcement accountability.Then on Midday Edition, fewer and fewer avocados are being grown in San Diego County. We hear about the challenges for avocado production in the region.And it's been 50 years since community leaders worked to preserve Cowles Mountain. We look back at the history of the peak.Guests:Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneJohn Carroll, general assignment reporter and anchor, KPBSDavid Garrick, city hall reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

New research from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is raising questions about the response to toxic air and water from the Salton Sea, and for the communities who live near it.The research highlights gaps in how pollution is measured and addressed, and how it is impacting the health of residents around the Salton Sea.Guest:Isabella B. Arzeno-Soltero, assistant professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCLA

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that federal immigration agents could resume aggressive street sweeps or "roving patrols" in Los Angeles.That means, for now, immigration officials are no longer restricted from stopping and detaining people based on factors like race, accent, employment and location.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig deeper into what this ruling could mean for immigration enforcement in our region and beyond.Guests:Wendy Fry, California Divide reporter, CalMattersSergio Olmos, investigative reporter, CalMatters

We sit down with the authors of the children, teen and adult selections for 2025 One Book, One San Diego.

What would it take for one to venture into hell?Author Rebecca F. Kuang's latest novel, "Katabasis" explores that question and more. In the novel, two graduate students journey into the underworld to rescue their professor's soul.Thursday on Midday Edition, Kuang joins producer Julianna Domingo to talk about the hellish inspirations for "Katabasis" and writing about the absurdities of academia.And, hear ye, hear ye! The Old Globe's latest musical comedy, "Huzzah!" follows two sisters as they try to save their father's renaissance faire from financial ruin. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando goes behind-the-scenes to speak with the director and creators.Guests:R.F. Kuang, author, "Katabasis"Nell Benjamin, lyricist, writer and composer, 'Huzzah!'Lawrence O'Keefe, composer, 'Huzzah!'Annie Tippe, director, 'Huzzah!'

For over 50 years, KSDS Jazz 88 has brought jazz music to music fans across the San Diego region and beyond. But that mission is facing new challenges as federal funding cuts hit public radio stations across the country, including at Jazz 88.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we spoke with KSDS' station manager Ken Poston on what makes the San Diego's jazz scene unique, and why preserving jazz music is so essential."I think people need to be aware of jazz and blues in particular, and where it came from," Poston said. "And why it's such an important part of our history."Guest:Ken Poston, station manager, KSDS Jazz 88

A July executive order puts restrictions on how federal funding can be spent by harm reduction programs, which provide assistance to people who use drugs or struggle with addiction.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear how this might impact outreach in San Diego.Guest:Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS

A summer COVID-19 wave is spreading across California, according to public health experts.More than 12 percent of tests statewide at the end of August came back positive — double the rate of positive tests at the end of July, according to The Los Angeles Times.A similar increase shows nearly 13 percent of tests in San Diego County coming back positive, according to the county's Health and Human Services Agency.Meanwhile, several state governors are banding together to issue public health guidance amid turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Also today, Florida announced plans to end all vaccine mandates across the state.We hear about the latest COVID-19 surge and how the politicization of public health institutions is affecting health care.Guest:Rebecca Fielding-Miller, associate professor of public health at UC San Diego

New research led by the UC San Diego Institution of Oceanography confirmed what residents in San Diego's South Bay have been saying for years: Pollution from the Tijuana River affects not just water, but also air quality.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear more about the research and what it means for the health of South Bay residents.The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission also met a key milestone recently to increase wastewater treatment for the region.Guest:Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Last Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new state task force aimed at clearing encampments from the state's streets.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear about Newsom's latest effort to address the homelessness crisis and what those efforts could mean for San Diego.Guest:Marisa Kendall, homelessness reporter, CalMatters

Twenty-five years ago, Ópera de Tijuana was founded by a small group of opera lovers who brought the art form to Mexico's second-largest city.In October, they're celebrating a quarter century of passion, perseverance and community with a performance of Cavalleria Rusticana.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the artistic director and a tenor to hear about their passion for Ópera de Tijuana.Plus, La Jolla Playhouse has extended the run of the musical "The Heart" through late September. The show takes place over the course of 24 hours in San Diego, following a heart transplant after a young surfer's life is cut short.Then, our weekly preview of events coming up in the arts and culture world this weekend.Guests: José Medina, founder and artistic director of Ópera de TijuanaGerardo Gaytán, tenor with Ópera de TijuanaChristopher Ashley, outgoing artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse, and incoming artistic director of New York's Roundabout Theatre CompanyJulia Dixon Evans, KPBS arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast

August is Transgender History Month in California.The Lambda Archive of San Diego works to preserve the history of the local LGBTQ+ community.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear about a project the organization is working on to highlight the history of minorities and the trans community in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.Guest:Gabrielle Garcia, head archivist, Lambda Archives of San Diego

California voters this November will weigh in on Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to redraw U.S. House districts.The goal of the new ballot initiative is to give Democrats a better chance at winning additional seats in next year’s midterm elections. The move would counter an earlier Trump-backed Republican effort in Texas to do the same.Live on Midday Edition, California state Sen. Akilah Weber discusses why she supports the redistricting effort.Plus, UC San Diego political scientist Thad Kousser explains how the redistricting effort could impact the way districts are drawn in San Diego.Guests:Akilah Weber, California state senator representing the 39th districtThad Kousser, professor of political science at UC San Diego

The White House recently published a list of artworks in Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. that it deems objectionable or “divisive,” calling out artworks or museum programs that cover themes of race, immigration and sexuality.One of the works on the list was created by local cross-border artist Hugo Crosthwaite. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery commissioned him to create a portrait of Dr. Anthony Fauci, which was unveiled in 2022.The portrait, a stop-motion animation, tells the story of Fauci’s long career, bookended by the HIV/AIDs and COVID-19 public health crises.KPBS spoke to Crosthwaite about the portrait and what’s at stake when governments control art.GUEST:Hugo Crosthwaite, artist

Aug. 26 marks Women's Equality Day. On this day in 1920, the passage of the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote — in theory.For women who weren’t white, it took several decades longer to gain access to the polls.Now in 2025, women are still fighting for equality, from reproductive rights to workplace protections — especially women of color.On Midday Edition, we discuss the complicated history of Women's Equality Day, which was not and is still not equal.Guest:Angela D. Coker, associate professor of Women's Studies at San Diego State University 

San Diego city planners recently released a draft update to the Clairemont Community Plan.The changes would rezone many of the neighborhood’s strip malls and shopping centers to allow for higher-density housing.In western Clairemont, near the Blue Line trolley stations, however, the neighborhood would remain largely unchanged.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we discuss the changes and the attitudes around them.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

New reporting shows a significant portion of new homes in San Diego County are being built near freeways.We discuss concerns over pollution and congestion as the county attempts to build more housing and address the affordability crisis.Plus, we discuss San Ysidro Health's social prescribing initiative, which uses a U.K.-based strategy to encourage patients to embrace arts and culture as medicine.Then, we dive into a functional medicine doctor's new manual on hormonal wellness and treating women's health through a holistic lens.Guests:Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBSDr. Priti Ojha, chief behavioral health officer, San Ysidro HealthDr. Julie Taylor, functional medicine doctor and author of "The Hormone Manual: A Straightforward Guide for Every Woman at Every Stage of Life"

The Tijuana River Estuary carries both historic and cultural significance for the indigenous Kumeyaay people.But for decades, the river has suffered from environmental degradation, rampant pollution and an ongoing sewage crisis.A new Kumeyaay play called "Shuuluk Wechuwvi – Where Lightning Was Born” debuts this Saturday. It uses theater and comics to tell the story of the Tijuana River Valley, highlighting the resilience of the land and what restoration — both ecological and cultural — might look like.Then, San Diego's LGBTQ+ film festival FilmOut celebrates 25 years. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with FilmOut's current director and the original founder to look back at its history.Guests:Johnny Bear Contreras, public artist, founder of Eyaay Ahuun FoundationShanasia Sylman, Margaret A. Davidson graduate fellow, Tijuana River National Estuarine ResearchMichael McQuiggan, program director, FilmOutJoe Ferrelli, founder, FilmOut