A brush fire that broke out overnight near Fallbrook has grown to over 3,000 acres, prompting evacuations. A planned field hospital being built to care for COVID-19 patients on an unused floor at Palomar Hospital could provide much needed relief to overburdened Imperial County. In Los Angeles, thousands of homeless veterans were in line to move into a new housing complex. Then, a fire burned it to the ground. Then, four years of disputes over President Donald Trump and his policies have fracture...
Dec 24, 2020•45 min
California's health care system is struggling under the strain of the nation's largest coronavirus outbreak. Experts warn the system may collapse in the coming weeks. Also, COVID-19 cases are spiking at San Diego County's jails and detention centers. The U.S. government was the victim of a major hacking effort by foreign intelligence services. How could this impact you? And in the latest episode of KPBS' Port of Entry Podcast, a "blaxican" filmmaker describes her focus on cross-culture stories l...
Dec 23, 2020•45 min
Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego talks about the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill. Plus, San Diego received its first deliveries of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Next, county records of community outbreaks obtained by KPBS show that at least 638 COVID-19 cases from late June through mid-December have been linked to seven area tribal casinos. Also, the pandemic deprived many artists of their livelihoods, but this drag queen is finding ways to keep her art alive. Additionally, on the final episo...
Dec 22, 2020•46 min
For first time the public can see COVID-19 outbreak data including specific locations in San Diego County. Since the onset of the pandemic, county officials have kept outbreak locations secret, instead only listing outbreaks by category like bar or restaurant. Also, local leaders reflect on the next steps as the Moderna vaccine begins to roll out. In the South Bay, a cooperative is looking to chart the future of urban farming, San Diego researchers warn that warming oceans threaten our giant kel...
Dec 21, 2020•47 min
As ICU bed capacity drops to 0% in the Southern California region of the state, we look at how hospitals in San Diego and Imperial counties are doing. Plus, a Mexican-American teenager comes to terms with her immigrant grandparents’ support of Donald Trump in this final installment of Every 30 Seconds. Finally, our picks for weekend arts events include jazz, a literary story concert and an updated spin on a Tchaikovsky classic.
Dec 18, 2020•19 min
The county is seeking clarification on a San Diego judge’s ruling allowing strip clubs and businesses with restaurant services to remain open. Plus, as we continue to see more vaccines available and more people eligible to be vaccinated — is a healthy person’s decision not to get vaccinated an ethically defensible choice? And food relief organizations are in agreement that the pandemic and related unemployment is increasing the amount of food insecurity in the U.S. Then, a new program is hoping ...
Dec 17, 2020•45 min
We’ve endured almost a full year of the world turned upside down. When we’re not concerned about our own or our families health – it’s concern about finances, missing friends and relatives, being isolated and wondering if life as we know it will ever get back to normal.
Dec 16, 2020•49 min
Dr. Nicholas Holmes of Rady Children’s Hospital joined Midday Edition to speak about how Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in San Diego County. Plus, crowded ICUs and increasing deaths are taking a toll on doctors and nurses. And County supervisor Dianne Jacob will leave office next month after representing her East County district for 28 years. Then, KPBS spoke to teachers and experts about how hard the online learning environment is for English language learners. Finally, Border Pa...
Dec 15, 2020•54 min
The first batches of Pfizer's long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine arrived in San Diego County Monday for military and civilians. Plus, KPBS Health Reporter Tarryn Mento asked the leader of Sharp HealthCare how they’re balancing resources amid demand. And San Diego researchers think plants may offer a significant way to draw down excess carbon in the air which could slow climate change. Then, you can help KPBS and inewsource uncover the real cost of COVID-19 by sharing what you’ve been charged for coro...
Dec 14, 2020•45 min
On his first full day in office, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria discusses what he’d like to tackle in his first 100 days, including homelessness and the public health and economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, our arts and culture holiday picks that you can safely enjoy at home.
Dec 11, 2020•21 min
Todd Gloria was officially sworn in today as San Diego’s 37th mayor along with the 73rd city council, bringing a Democratic supermajority to the council chambers. Plus, COVID-19 hospitalizations more than doubled from a month ago and hundreds more are expected in the next few weeks, raising concerns about the capacity to care for them all. Also, CA Notify is a new app-based tool now available to all Californians to alert them of potential exposure to COVID-19. In addition, thousands of veterans ...
Dec 10, 2020•44 min
A new poll finds only about half of Americans are ready to roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccines even as states frantically prepare to begin months of vaccinations that could end the pandemic. Plus, as cases of COVID-19 increase around California and the country, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians have the highest prevalence of the disease. And KPBS looks back at outgoing San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer’s wins and losses during his tenure. Then, KPBS spoke with Faulconer about his near...
Dec 09, 2020•44 min
The latest shutdown order from the state has put an Otay Mesa business at risk of closing permanently. Plus, the surge of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has doctors and nurses bracing for the worst. And early numbers from some large school districts in the county show a jump in D's and F's during the first full semester of distance learning. Then a federal court ruling has restored the DACA program just weeks before Joe Biden, who promised to uphold DACA, takes office as President ...
Dec 08, 2020•45 min
As of midnight Sunday, San Diego is officially under the state's new stay-at-home order. Most non-essential businesses have been ordered closed with retail stores subject to stricter restrictions and restaurants limited to take out and delivery only. And, a fundamental part of maintaining our democracy is for citizens to have faith in it. That has been eroding among sections of the public. Last week, KPBS conducted a community forum on the subject: “Keeping Our Democracy: What Now?” The discussi...
Dec 07, 2020•44 min
San Diego Mayor-elect Todd Gloria joins Midday to talk about what actions he might take and what aid he might offer as the pandemic continues and the region faces another lockdown. Plus, KPBS reporter John Carroll brings us the second half of his series on how Balboa Park’s cherished institutions are holding up during the pandemic. And this weekend in San Diego art events: a filmed dance production, photography projections at The Front, The La Jolla Playhouse's “A Christmas Carol,” ArtWalk and j...
Dec 04, 2020•22 min
Newsom announced new stay-at-home rules on Thursday that will trigger when a region’s intensive care unit capacity falls below 15%. Most of the state will meet that threshold within a day or two, he said. Plus, San Diego County remained under a red flag warning for extreme fire danger Thursday, as gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity combined to heighten the risk of wildfires. And people who lost homes and businesses in the Valley Fire are still clearing debris off their land, negotiating with...
Dec 04, 2020•33 min
San Diego reaches the sad milestone of more than 1,000 COVID-19 deaths. And, with vaccine approval getting closer and closer, we’ll hear why new COVID-19 vaccine trials are still moving forward. Then, a preview of tonight’s KPBS community conversation on Keeping Our Democracy.
Dec 02, 2020•29 min
With coronavirus cases surging statewide and hospital beds expected to fill rapidly, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday a more sweeping stay-at-home order could soon be imposed. Plus, San Diego researchers and environmentalists are taking a close look at a pocket habitat that may become an important tool as the climate changes. And in this episode of Rad Scientist, we hear the story of UC San Diego professor Gentry Patrick, who cleared the path from the inner city to academia.
Dec 01, 2020•30 min
San Diego County COVID-19 infections continue to rise, reaching a total of 80,084 cases. Plus, Pfizer has already requested emergency-use authorization, and if granted could ship its vaccines as early as Dec. 12. How will San Diego County prioritize COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Next, California’s crackdown on unemployment claims are leaving immigrant communities suffering. Additionally, the public is given the first chance to weigh in on San Diego’s new Commission on Police Practices. Finally on ou...
Nov 30, 2020•46 min
Shopping online is easier than ever and with the pandemic, more Americans are shopping at home. That’s also creating a perfect haven on online scammers. Plus, on this season of giving thanks, our film critics have some movies to be thankful for.
Nov 27, 2020•19 min
With record numbers of new coronavirus cases reported daily, concerns are growing about a rise in hospitalizations in San Diego and across California. Plus, the holidays can exacerbate stress triggers, so it’s important to take care of your mental health as well. Finally, a Thanksgiving tradition, Chef Bernard Guillas answers your cooking questions for the big turkey meal tomorrow.
Nov 25, 2020•45 min
A San Diego judge has denied a request by a group of businesses to be allowed to continue indoor operations, despite record numbers of coronavirus cases. Plus, the South Bay has been hit the hardest by coronavirus cases and those communities are also dealing with an economic crisis. Also, North County Transit is looking at a plan to extend the Coaster line to downtown San Diego, giving residents a chance to attend Padres games or Comic-Con by train. And, home prices in San Diego County have defi...
Nov 24, 2020•45 min
As a vaccine for COVID-19 nears, memories of past injustices and present-day inequities in medical treatment, many in communities of color remain wary. Plus, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the city of San Diego’s budget and as a result Mayor-elect Todd Gloria’s budget priorities. And, even as President Trump’s time in the White House comes to an end, many families remained fractured over his policies. Also, a consortium of more than 100 San Diego organizations is rethinking its approach t...
Nov 23, 2020•44 min
California imposes a new nighttime curfew in lieu of soaring coronavirus figures, but some counties say they won’t enforce it. Plus, more than two weeks after Election Day, two California districts remain uncalled. Next, our weekend picks for the arts include emerging Black playwrights and San Diego Symphony’s innovative new performance.
Nov 20, 2020•19 min
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop expelling immigrant children who cross the southern border alone, halting a policy that has resulted in thousands of rapid deportations of minors during the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, San Diego County is working on another climate action plan hoping it can come up with one that stands up to legal scrutiny. And, the effects of COVID-19 on the arts and culture sector in San Diego has been staggering.
Nov 19, 2020•30 min
With cooler weather and holidays approaching, hospitals are bracing for a surge in COVID-19 cases that could exhaust medical staff and resources. Plus, hate crimes across the U.S. have risen to the highest level in more than a decade. And, the San Diego VA is making access to mental health care harder for local veterans, outraging therapists who say the agency’s actions are dangerous and irresponsible. Also, students at public colleges and universities in California continue their fight to diver...
Nov 18, 2020•44 min
Some San Diego businesses are calling foul on be placed back on restrictions following a surge of the coronavirus in the region. They are vowing to defy closure orders. Plus, news of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy gives hopes of things returning to normal. Also, meet Nora Vargas, a Democrat who will be presententing San Diego County Supervisor District 1 — the first time in 25 years the seat is not held by a Republican. And, nearly 20 years later, how 2-year-old Jahi Turner died was nev...
Nov 17, 2020•44 min
San Diego County health officials reported a record number of 1,087 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, the highest one day total yet. Plus, the Port of San Diego has been working on an update to its master plan, which will set the vision for future development on San Diego’s waterfront. Also, President-elect Joe Biden will inherit President Donald Trump’s border wall construction and all of the lawsuits that come with it. In addition, Biden has pledged that on his first day in office he will end Trump’s...
Nov 16, 2020•45 min
Leading by example, National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis participated in the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine trial conducted by UC San Diego. Plus, while San Diego is falling back into the purple tier, the most restrictive of the state’s four-tier reopening guidelines, the Bay Area is able to move to the less restrictive tier. And, here’s a guide for your socially distanced weekend fun.
Nov 13, 2020•7 min
California voters rejected a proposal to partially dismantle the state’s 42-year-old cap on property taxes, a move that would have raised taxes for many businesses in a pandemic-hobbled economy. Plus, two new ordinances passed by the San Diego City Council will give the public more say over how surveillance technology, such as cameras and smart street lights, are used. Also, now that San Diego has sunk back into the purple tier, what does it mean for businesses and could it have been prevented? ...
Nov 12, 2020•45 min
