KPBS Midday Edition

For the second year in a row, San Diego’s own Tara Monsod is a finalist for Best Chef in California by the esteemed James Beard Awards for her work at local restaurants Animae and Le Coq. Chef Tara sat down with Midday Edition to talk about her recent accolades and what drives her culinary creations.Plus, our Midday Movies critics share their breakdown of the genre-defying blockbuster hit, "Sinners."Then, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top weekend arts picks from visual art to live music.Guests:Tara Monsod, executive chef, Animae and Le CoqBeth Accomando, arts reporter and host of "Cinema Junkie," KPBSYazdi Pithavala, host of Moviewallas podcastJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Cover - GOLD COAST DILEMMA.jpg (1399x2173, AR: 0.6438104003681546)It's easy to get lost in a good romance book. From the classic "enemies to lovers" trope, to workplace rivals — there's a little something for everyone.The clash between cultural expectations and forbidden love are at the center of San Diego-based author Nana Malone's new book, "Gold Coast Dilemma."On Midday Edition, we discuss the book and the importance of representation in the romance genre.Guest:Nana Malone, bestselling romance author

Today, April 30, marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Sàigòn when thousands of Vietnamese fled political persecution, then millions more in the following years.San Diego was one of the first points of entry for many Vietnamese refugees escaping the communist government.A new KPBS video series, Fall of Sàigòn at 50: Stories of loss, legacy & identity, takes a look back at the events half a century ago, reexamining the historical moment and how it has reverberated across generations in the Vietnamese diaspora, including here in San Diego.Guest:Alexander Nguyen, North County reporter, KPBS

April marks Jazz Appreciation Month. On Midday Edition Monday, we get to know the artists behind the jazz scene in our binational region.From an acclaimed jazz singer to a soulful saxophonist, join us as we celebrate jazz with the folks keeping it alive and well from San Diego to Tijuana.Guests:Leonard Patton, professional singer, musician, actor, composerHolly Hofmann, jazz flutistNatalia Velázquez, founder and director of the Tijuana Jazz SocietyRichard Aulbert IV ("Riva"), saxophonist and composer

Black Americans’ relationship to the Pacific Ocean between the 16th and 20th centuries is the focus of a new exhibit on display at the Central Library in downtown San Diego.It's called "Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific." On Midday Edition, we talk about the exhibit with the curator behind the project.Then, we get a preview of the Without Walls Festival, featuring interactive and nontraditional theater on the UC San Diego campus.Plus, we preview this year's San Diego Book Crawl, coinciding with Independent Bookstore Day. We'll hear from a panel of local booksellers.Guests:Caroline Collins, assistant professor of social and spatial justice at UC San DiegoShahrokh Yadegari, composerHugo Williams, Pony Cam ensemble memberAnika Omark, co-owner of Hey Books!Matthew Hein, co-owner of Hey Books!John Evans, co-owner of Camino BooksSPL Professional Image (1).jpg (2016x1512, AR: 1.3333333333333333)

The past five years have been a period of transformation, changing how San Diego County treats San Diegans struggling with mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness.Now, a leading figure behind that transformation is stepping down. Luke Bergmann is the outgoing director of behavioral health services for San Diego County.Bergmann joins Midday Edition on Wednesday to talk about the current state of mental health services, how it will be affected by budget deficits and what led to his decision to leave the role.Then, we sit down with Cathryn Nacario, the CEO of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), to talk about how the organization's programs serve the community and the upcoming fundraiser that helps support those programs.Guests:Luke Bergmann, former director of Behavioral Health Services for San Diego County Cathryn Nacario, CEO, NAMI San Diego & Imperial CountiesResources:NAMI's Warmline: 619-295-1055, available seven days a week 3:30 p.m.-11 p.m. (except major holidays) Behavioral Health Services, county of San Diego

This Earth Day, we discuss what federal attacks on environmental nonprofits could mean for local efforts.As the Trump administration considers removing the nonprofit status of environmental groups nationwide, local nonprofit leaders predict far-reaching impacts for San Diego’s environmental projects and protections.We meet with three local leaders to dive into work stoppages, environmental justice and the changes we may see in our neighborhoods.Guests:Luis Olmedo, Comite Civico del ValleFranco Garcia, Environmental Health CoalitionNicole Capretz, Climate Action Campaign

The first annual Southern California Indigenous Culture and Art Festival is this weekend in Escondido, featuring everything from storytelling to fashion with Indigenous designs. We discuss the importance of highlighting Indigenous art with two artists involved in the festival.Then, Pacific Arts Movement will host the 14th edition of their Spring Showcase next week. We get the details from the artistic director and a featured filmmaker.Plus, the weekend preview with arts and culture happenings around San Diego.Guests:Johnny Bear Contreras, Kumeyaay sculptor and cultural bearer of the San Pasqual Band of Mission IndiansSiyowin Peters, Indigenous artist bringing awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous peopleBeth Accomando, KPBS Cinema JunkieBrian Hu, artistic director for Pacific Arts MovementJota Mun, filmmakerJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBSEmu - Orion's Belt.JPG (640x640, AR: 1.0)

This Saturday is the 55th annual Chicano Park Day commemoration. Organized by the Chicano Park Steering Committee, it commemorates the activists and community members who fought for the park to be built, and the younger generations who are picking up the fight.Also, what does it mean to be Chicana? The anthology, "Somos Xicanas" edited by Luz Schweig, explores the breadth of the Chicana experience by featuring stories and written work from over 80 writers from across the country — including two San Diego poets, who will be reading their own work at this year's Chicano Park Day commemoration.GuestsJosephine Talamantez, co-founder of Chicano Park and the Chicano Park Steering Committee, founder of the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural CenterBrenda Vaca, writer and founder of Riot of Roses Publishing HouseNatalia Rivas, poetGaby Moreno, poet and hip-hop artist

By many metrics, young men today are struggling — in school, in the workforce and with their mental health. The share of young men attending college is in decline, while the share of men participating in the workforce is also decreasing. Men also face greater risk of death from overdose and suicide.Meanwhile, many young men are being exposed to content online that often presents a very specific, often toxic, view of masculinity.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we feature a conversation on the challenges young men face today and the important role mentorship can play in their success.Guest:Joe Sigurdson, co-founder, Boys to Men Mentoring

On Monday, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook San Diego. The epicenter was located about 2 miles south of Julian.It didn't cause major damage and no injuries were reported.But, it was the biggest earthquake in our region since the 2010 earthquake near Guadalupe Victoria, which was a 7.2 magnitude earthquake.On Midday Edition, we make sense of the earthquake with a seismologist. Plus, we hear some practical tips on how to prepare for the next quake, whether or not it's "The Big One."Guests:Alice Gabriel, seismologist and associate professor at UCSD's Scripps Institution of OceanographyJacob Margolis, science reporter for LAist and host of "The Big One: Your Survival Guide"

More than five years after the pandemic began, many San Diegans are still living with the long-term effects.Long COVID has left lasting impacts on individuals' health and daily lives, but for many, it's still an invisible struggle — undiagnosed, untreated and often misunderstood. On Midday Edition, we speak with KPBS health reporter Heidi de Marco about her recent reporting on long COVID.Guest:Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS

On Monday's Midday Edition, we're exploring solutions to San Diego County's housing crisis.We'll talk about a rental subsidy program in San Diego County that's trying to keep older residents in their homes.Seniors are especially impacted by homelessness. According to the 2024 Point-In-Time Count, around one third of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County are 55 and older.We're also talking with a local nonprofit that helps people at risk of homelessness find successful shared housing arrangements.Guests:Dijana Beck, director of the Office of Homeless Solutions, San Diego CountyMelissa Peterman, executive director of TownspeopleResources:San Diego Shared Housing CollaborativeContact email: [email protected] Diego County Office of Homeless SolutionsFor information and/or assistance, please call (619) 980-4168 or email [email protected]

A new children’s book by a San Diego author uses plants to promote messages of self love and body positivity.And, a preview of the Old Globe's premiere of "Regency Girls," a comedy about reproductive rights in the time of Jane Austen.Plus, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans sits down with the director and actor behind "The Hot Wing King" at Cygnet Theater. Then, top event picks for the weekend.Guests:Mara Altman, author of "A Little Shelf Love"Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSJennifer Crittenden, Emmy-award-winning screenwriter and film producerGaby Allan, Emmy-award-winning screenwriterKian Cline Chilton, artistic producer and director of "The Hot Wing King"Tristan J. Shuler, actor in "The Hot Wing King"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBSa little shelf love 2.jpg (4284x5712, AR: 0.75)

The National Institutes of Health continues to cut research funding. One UC San Diego professor was one of many researchers impacted by the cuts after the NIH defunded a project focused on intimate partner violence and maternal mortality.Also, April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. We check in with local groups about how they are supporting survivors of sexual violence in San Diego, and the role of community resilience and prevention education.Guests:Rebecca Fielding-Miller, assistant professor, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San DiegoJessica Valencia, training and education specialist at CARE at Sexual Assault Resource Center, UCSDVale Magaña, school-based coordinator, Center for Community SolutionsAndrea Mapula, advocate for sexual assault services and justice specialist, Center for Community Solutions

In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would cut funding for libraries and museums across the country. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has since joined a coalition of 21 attorneys filing a lawsuit challenging the executive order.On Midday Edition Monday, we check in with local library and museum leaders about how they are bracing for the possible impact.Guests:Patrick Stewart, CEO of the San Diego Library FoundationJessica Hanson York, CEO of Mingei International Museum and chair of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership

Last week, President Donald Trump announced a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries and higher tariffs on dozens of nations that run trade surpluses with the United States.Markets continue to see big swings in response.On Midday Edition, we discuss what tariffs are, how they work and how San Diegans will feel the impact.Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist at the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center

The San Diego Writers Festival takes place this Saturday at Coronado High School and will feature a reading from some of our most esteemed poets here in San Diego.Including poet Katie Manning who joined Midday Edition Thursday to talk about her craft and what makes the art of poetry special for her.Plus, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the San Diego Arab Film Festival, which will be bookended by two Palestinian documentaries.Then finally, KPBS debuts its arts and culture podcast "The Finest," which connects us to the creatives redefining San Diego culture today. We check in with the creators behind the show and play a snippet from the first episode. It's about PARU, a tea shop in La Jolla.Guests:Katie Manning, professor of writing at Point Loma Nazarene University and founder of the Whale Road ReviewLarry Christian, event organizer, San Diego Arab Film FestivalMaha Gebara, event organizer, San Diego Arab Film FestivalMuna Khalidi, filmmaker and co-director of "A State of Passion"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBSAnthony Wallace, producer of "The Finest," KPBS

Neither parenting nor adulthood come with a manual.So our guests on Wednesday's episode of KPBS Midday Edition, are bringing you some advice.We'll hear from a journalist, child therapist and an author about work-life balance, parenting strategies and 'adulthood secrets.'Guests:Mary Louise Kelly, co-host of NPR’s All Things Considered and author of "It. Goes. So. Fast."Jennifer Kolari, child and family therapist and founder of Connected ParentingGretchen Rubin, bestselling author and host of the ‘Happier’ podcast

On April 2, the James Beard Awards will announce the finalists across 25 categories, including Best Chef in California.Two San Diego chefs are among the semi-finalists this year: Tara Monsod, the executive chef at Animae and Le Coq, and Roberto Alcocer, the executive chef at Valle in Oceanside. Valle, which specializes in contemporary Mexican cuisine, first earned a Michelin star back in 2023.Alcocer joined Midday Edition to talk about his journey through the culinary world and what it is like running two restaurants on both sides of the border.And this month, our Midday Movie critics take us to the shadowy world of film noir.Guests:Roberto Alcocer, executive chef, ValleBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, podcaster, Moviewallas

The legendary radio voice for the San Diego Padres, San Diego State Aztecs and more has broadcast his final game. For over 40 years, Ted Leitner has called the great triumphs and crushing heartbreak that comes with San Diego sports fandom. As the San Diego Padres prepare for the opening of the 2025 season, Leitner shares what moments have stayed with him over the decades, and the relationship he’s built with San Diego fans along the way.Guest:Ted Leitner, former radio voice for the San Diego Padres and the San Diego State Aztecs

Successful solo travel (1080 x 1350 px) - 1 (1250x2000, AR: 0.625)Traveling alone, regardless of the ultimate destination, can be challenging and at times lonely.It can also be transformative — teaching travelers adaptability and confidence.On Midday Edition, we speak with an Encinitas-based author about her new book, "The Smart Woman's Guide to Successful Solo Travel."Guest:Paula Silverfarb, author of "The Smart Woman's Guide to Successful Solo Travel"

Earlier this month, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria hosted a “Women of Distinction” event to recognize exceptional women in San Diego and their contributions to the community.Among the honorees was Cori Austin, CEO of Center for Community Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of intimate partner violence, or IPV.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we sit down with Austin to talk about how awareness around IPV has changed and what is being done to support survivors today.Guest:Cori Austin, CEO of the Center for Community Solutions

In early March, immigration agents in New York arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and Columbia University graduate.The Trump administration argued that Khalil's prominent role in Pro-Palestinian and anti-war protests at Columbia last spring amounted to antisemitism and support for a terrorist organization.In newly filed papers, the Trump administration also argued that Khalil failed to disclose involvement in certain organizations on his green card application. An attorney for Khalil called the allegations "plainly thin."On Midday Edition, we discuss local jurists' concerns about the precedent Khalil's case sets for free speech protections and immigrant rights.Guests:David Loy, legal director at the First Amendment Coalition of San DiegoAnnie Rios, attorney coordinating defense for UC San Diego student protestorsTammy Lin, professor of immigration and supervising attorney at the University of San Diego's Legal Immigration ClinicResources:San Diego Rapid Response Network Legal AssistanceNetwork Line: (619) 536-0823San Diego County Immigrant Rights Legal Defense ProgramMain Number: (619) 446-2883ACLU San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter Immigrant Rights' Resource HubNational Immigration Legal Services DirectoryCalifornia Lawyer Referral ServiceICE Online Detainee Locator SystemUSD Legal Immigration ClinicFirst Amendment Coalition

The Trump administration continues to make significant funding cuts to medical research.On Midday Edition Monday, we sit down with a panel of scientists to dive into the impacts these funding cuts are having on research efforts in San Diego County, from local academic institutions to the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.Guests:Sarah LaMere, assistant professor, UC San Diego’s School of MedicineKiyomi Komori, senior director of translational medicine, Uniquity BioLeigh-Ana Rossitto, biomedical graduate student researcher, UC San Diego

Grammy Award-nominated pianist and bandleader Omar Sosa will be coming to San Diego on Thursday for his local debut, as part of the Athenaeum jazz spring concert series.Sosa sat down with Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon to talk about his upcoming concert and his musical journey."Jazz is a philosophy. And the philosophy is freedom," Sosa said.Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews a new "Doctor Who" exhibit at the Comic-Con Museum.And finally, as part of the weekend arts preview, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans sits down with the author of a new short story collection, "Alternative Facts," which looks at our post-truth era.Guests:Omar Sosa, musicianRamie Tateishi, professor, National UniversityEmily Greenberg, author of "Alternative Facts"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and podcast host, KPBS

The San Diego State University women’s basketball team is back in the NCAA basketball tournament for the first time since 2012. They secured their trip to March Madness after a triple-overtime win over Wyoming in last week's Mountain West final.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from guards Meghan Fiso and Kaelyn Hamilton about their memorable season, and how they manage the ups and downs that come from being a college basketball player.Guests:Meghan Fiso, guard, San Diego State women's basketballKaelyn Hamilton, guard, San Diego State women's basketball

The 32nd annual San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off Wednesday. This year's festival, which runs through Sunday, highlights films from over 20 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The theme for this year’s festival is "Cine Sin Fronteras," or "Cinema Without Borders."On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear about some of the films featured, as well as other events highlighting Latinx music and culture at this year's festival.Guests:Maria Paula Lorgia, artistic director, San Diego Latino Film FestivalChris Springer, founder, The House of MusicRodrigo Alvarez Flores, film director, "Broken Borders" ("Soy lo que nunca fui")

Many home gardeners are working hard this spring to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to make your garden thrive — whether you’re a seasoned pro or a plant newbie.Guest:Nan Sterman, host of "A Growing Passion"Resources:Waterwise Gardener Upcoming EventsWaterwise Gardener How To VideosBooks by Nan StermanIMG_3660.jpg (5712x4284, AR: 1.3333333333333333)

Last week marked five years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.As we look back on the past half decade, we discuss some of the most significant research developments and the continued threat of COVID-19 to public health.Plus, long COVID is impacting around 400 million people worldwide, including millions of Americans. We talk about navigating disability, the challenges of accessing care, and how one publication is attempting to rewrite the narrative around the disease.Guests:Dr. Eric Topol, professor of medicine and executive vice president, Scripps Research Translational InstituteMiles Griffis and Betsy Ladyzhets, co-founders of The Sick TimesResources:Fan Favorite San DiegoResources - The Sick TimesRECOVER Initiative

A new picture book from local award-winning author Matt de la Peña looks at a grander idea of home. He joined Midday Edition Thursday to talk about the inspiration behind "Home" and how his own upbringing in San Diego bleeds into his work.“When we think of home, we do think of our house or our apartment or our trailer, and I hope this book invites young people to think of home in a bigger sense," de la Peña said.Also, the San Diego Latino Film Festival returns for its 32nd year with a new theme — "Cine Sin Fronteras" or "Cinema Without Borders." KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando gets a preview.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top picks for the weekend, from North County art exhibits to an annual cherry blossom festival.Mattdelapena.jpg (3024x4032, AR: 0.75)Guests:Matt de la Peña, author and professor at San Diego State UniversityEthan van Thillo, founder and executive director, Media Arts Center San DiegoGiancarlo Ruiz, filmmaker and actorJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Young adults in America are drinking less compared to older generations, leading some to question the prevalence and role of alcohol in daily life.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we explore San Diego's burgeoning "sober curious" scene. We hear from San Diegans building products and spaces that challenge the norms of alcohol consumption, and the social pressures that often come with drinking.Guests:Crystal and Kaylee Clark, Good News Bar San DiegoCale Bollman, Nunya Beverages

March is colorectal cancer awareness month and the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 150,000 thousand Americans will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer this year. Doctors are seeing a rise in diagnoses with certain groups, including younger adults.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from a local medical expert about how to prevent colorectal cancer, and what to know about screening for the disease. We also hear about the upcoming Screen Your Gut- Save Your Butt event on Saturday, March 29.Guest:Dr. Samir Gupta, gastroenterologist, professor, UC San Diego HealthResources:California Colorectal Cancer Coalition

President Trump suspended the country’s Refugee Admissions Program on his first day in office — blocking new refugees from coming to the U.S.He then froze federal funding for refugee resettlement agencies, forcing them to lay off staff or shut down all together.Despite legal challenges to the funding freeze, the State Department has terminated all contracts with those agencies, according to NPR.KPBS Midday Edition unpacks what the recent federal policy changes mean for refugees and providers in San Diego.Guests:Ramla Sahid, executive director of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans Walter Lam, president and CEO of the Alliance for African AssistanceShawn VanDiver, president and founder of AfghanEvacResources:International Rescue Committee - San DiegoJewish Family ServiceCatholic Charities Diocese of San DiegoMajdal: Arab Community Center of San DiegoPartnership for the Advancement of New AmericansAlliance for African AssistanceAfghanEvac

Voters in the South Bay and other parts of San Diego County will soon cast their ballots in the special primary election for the District 1 County Supervisor.On Midday Edition Monday, we take a closer look at the top candidates and issues on the front of voters' minds going into this race.Plus, a local political scientist breaks down the stakes of this election and how the supervisor seat could impact San Diego County politics moving forward.Guests:Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBSCarl Luna, political science professor, San Diego Mesa CollegeResources:KPBS Voter Hub

This International Women's Day, San Diego community center Centro Cultural de la Raza will bring awareness to gender-based violence. On Midday Edition Thursday, we hear about the group's plans to protest and celebrate.Also in Thursday's episode, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with cult film icon Mink Stole and San Francisco drag impresario, Peaches Christ, to talk about their upcoming cabaret, "Idol Worship" at Diversionary Theater.And finally, all the top arts and culture events to check out this weekend — including the Open House San Diego architectural festival.Guests:Ana Hernandez, executive director, Centro Cultural de la RazaMink Stole, actress and host of "Idol Worship"Peaches Christ, drag queen and host of "Idol Worship"Lauren Cook, executive director, San Diego Architectural FoundationJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Ahead of World Bipolar Day on March 30, Midday Edition Wednesday features one woman's personal experience navigating bipolar disorder. The mental health condition affects around 40 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.J.N. Rose is a local writer who described her experience with bipolar disorder, and the impact her diagnosis had on her life. The self-published book is called "So Heavy, I Fell: A Journey Through Wanderland."Guest:J.N. Rose, writer, "So Heavy, I Fell: A Journey Through Wanderland"

Last week, health officials announced a house cat that died earlier this year tested positive for the bird flu, becoming the first mammal to test positive in San Diego County. The cat became infected through raw pet food. Bird flu has infected seven cats in California to date.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear tips from the San Diego Humane Society on what pet owners and animal lovers should keep in mind about the evolving bird flu virus.Guest:Dr. Zarah Hedge, chief medical officer, San Diego Humane Society

Since Proposition 36 took effect in December, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office has filed more than 300 cases under the new law.Among those, drug cases have far outnumbered theft cases.We take a closer look at the data.Plus, we explore questions over whether San Diego County's jails can handle the influx of inmates under Proposition 36.Guests:Kelly Davis, reporter on the watchdog team at The San Diego Union-TribuneYusef Miller, executive director of Saving Lives in Custody California

The Trump administration is continuing its flurry of attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, better known as DEI.That includes an ultimatum issued by the Department of Education on Feb. 14, giving schools and universities two weeks to cancel their DEI programs or risk losing federal funding.That deadline passed on Friday. That same day, the Department of Education launched an “End DEI” portal on its website, where the public can submit complaints about DEI programs or “practices” at public K-12 schools.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a legal expert about their analysis of the situation and how the Department of Education's efforts to purge DEI programs might impact California moving forward.Guest:Ariela Gross, professor of law and history at UCLA School of Law

A new book, "Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want" explores our relationship to rest and self-care, and how we can learn to live more gently and reduce our stress from everyday life.Plus, our Midday Movies critics close out Black History Month by celebrating Black women both on the screen and behind the camera.Then, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans sits down with "Joy Luck Club" author Amy Tan to talk about her most recent work, "The Backyard Bird Chronicles," and what draws her to birding. Then, top event picks for the weekend.Guests:Courtney Carver, author of "Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want"Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, podcaster, MoviewallasAmy Tan, author of "The Backyard Bird Chronicles"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Advancing racial justice includes fighting for economic mobility and equity.From employment discrimination to housing affordability, Black community members face many barriers to building generational wealth.Pamela Gray Payton has been fighting those barriers for several decades in San Diego, from her work at the University of San Diego to her current role at the San Diego Foundation.As part of our series of profiles on Black trailblazers during Black History Month, we sat down with Payton to hear more about her journey.Guest:Pamela Gray Payton, vice president, chief impact and partnerships officer for the San Diego Foundation

In the first month of his second term, President Donald Trump has brought sweeping changes to the federal government.Many of his actions have scholars worried about a constitutional crisis.Democrats in Congress are clashing over how to respond to Trump’s actions, as he and Elon Musk test the limits of presidential power.On Midday Edition, we sit down with Congressman Mike Levin to hear his plans to respond. Also, we hear about his stance on immigration policy, including the Laken Riley Act.Guest:Mike Levin, U.S. Representative, 49th District

The 30th Annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea takes place this week at San Diego's Point Loma Nazarene University. Award-winning author Jesmyn Ward will be appearing at the event this year, along with writers Sandra Cisneros and Mitch Albom.Ward is one of the most celebrated writers in American fiction today. Two of her novels, “Sing, Unburied, Sing” and “Salvage the Bones,” have won the prestigious National Book Award.On Midday Edition Tuesday, she shares how she found a passion for literature, and how her upbringing in Mississippi has shaped her work.Guest:Jesmyn Ward, author

Flu season is in full swing and the surge in cases has raised alarms all across the country.Here in San Diego, there have been 105 flu deaths, making this season deadlier than the past two seasons combined.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we talk about what health care providers are seeing in local urgent care clinics and what to do if you get the flu.Guest:Laura Truman, clinical associate professor, director for Doctor of Nursing Practice and Nurse Practitioner Programs, University of San Diego

All month we’re profiling influential Black figures in our community — people dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black history.For many activists, college campuses are the gateway into community organizing.On Midday Edition, we sit down with a student activist who is part of an exhibit at the UC San Diego Geisel Library celebrating Black labor history.Guest:Christina Marie Green, undergraduate student at UC San Diego; advocate at ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties; organizing intern with AFSCME 3299IMG_1860.jpg (5712x4284, AR: 1.3333333333333333)

VV-Publisher-DrJohnEWarren.jpg (525x600, AR: 0.875)All month, we are talking to the people in our community who are making Black history.Among those trailblazers is Dr. John E. Warren. He is the current publisher of the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint. Founded in 1960, it is San Diego’s oldest and only African American newspaper and continues to serve communities all across the region.“Nobody can tell our story like us so we continue to tell our story, and that’s why this paper is the guardian of the Black History in San Diego, as well as history of other places," Dr. Warren said in an interview with Midday Edition.He sat down with Midday Edition to talk about the Voice and Viewpoint’s legacy, his multitude of careers, and his perspective on journalism and Black history today. Guests:Dr. John E. Warren, publisher of San Diego Voice and Viewpoint

Black patients often experience discrimination and implicit bias from health care providers, leading to a variety of disparities.One San Diego doctor has been working to change that for more than 40 years.Dr. Rodney Hood was the first African American student to graduate from UC San Diego's medical school in 1973, and has dedicated his career to improving Black health outcomes and health care access.On Midday Edition, we catch up with Dr. Hood to discuss his work and why it's important now more than ever.Guest:Dr. Rodney Hood, physician and president and chairman of the Multicultural Health Foundation

Each year, esteemed writers come to San Diego for the annual Writer’s Symposium by the Sea at Point Loma Nazarene University.This year features Jesmyn Ward, Mitch Albom and Sandra Cisneros, who is celebrating 40 years since her first novel, "The House on Mango Street," began captivating readers across the globe.Cisneros joined Midday Edition Thursday to talk about the legacy of "The House on Mango Street" and the inspiration behind her writing.Also, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good have landed in San Diego for the national tour of "Wicked," which comes hot off the heels of the 2024 film adaptation. KPBS Penner Fellow Elaine Alfaro went backstage to meet one of the actresses bringing Elphaba to life.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews a new musical, "3 Summers of Lincoln," which takes audiences through three pivotal meetings between the president and famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass.Guests:Sandra Cisneros, novelistDaniel J. Watts, co-lyricist and co-choreographer, "3 Summers of Lincoln"

More people in San Diego County fell into homelessness than escaped it last month, according to new data from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness.January’s numbers show that 1,025 people were placed into housing, but 1,216 people fell into homelessness for the first time.Also in January, volunteers gathered data for the 2025 Point in Time Count — an annual measurement of unhoused folks in our region. The results of that count will be released in May and determine how funding for homelessness is distributed.To discuss the state of homelessness in 2025, Midday Edition brought together a panel of leaders supporting unhoused folks in San Diego.Guests:Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith ServicesHanan Scrapper, regional director for People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) - San DiegoJoshua Bohannan, chief strategy officer for Father Joe's Villageshomelessness providers.jpg (4284x5712, AR: 0.75)