KPBS Midday Edition

Parents of children enrolled in the San Marcos Unified School District were given cause for alarm after being informed that some students had been “attending school with known COVID-19 positive test results.” Meanwhile, COVID-19 outbreaks at schools are having big impacts on families, especially those in rural communities. Plus, both the city and county of San Diego want to right the wrongs from the “War of Drugs,” but plans for a cannabis social equity program are still not in place. Also, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is pushing for more protected bike lanes in San Diego, but for some families, these changes haven’t come soon enough. And, Encinitas is saying no to gas, natural gas that is. City leaders say the building electrification ordinance is part of the city’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases. Finally, from the California Report, a hidden gem in Joshua Tree and it’s not the striking scenery from the National Park. It’s a salon that’s an oasis of style in this small desert community.

After a year of virtual classes, UC San Diego came roaring back this week in-person, welcoming what could be the largest number of fall semester students in its history. Plus, The biggest professional tennis tournament in San Diego history is being served up next week. And, this weekend in the arts: a 21st birthday party (and exhibition) for Art Produce, Bodhi Tree Concerts, art meets science at La Jolla Historical Society, “The Garden” and Burn All Books + Teros.

The FDA and a CDC panel approved a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for seniors and high-risk groups. Plus, care workers who visit people’s homes are not required by the state to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Then, a private prison in Downtown San Diego remains open despite an executive order by President Joe Biden. Also, the San Diego City Council cleared the way for another attempt to revitalize the city’s Midway district. And, The California Creative Workforce Act is the first of its kind: it aims to grow and diversify the arts workforce and provide a living wage to artists. Lastly, a decades-old San Diego community choir shares the history, trauma, encouragement and rejoicing found in gospel music.

The San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved increasing water rates and a new set of sewer rates that will increase the fees for single-family homes, but decrease it for multi-family units. Plus, the latest wave of Haitian migrants heading to the United States is centered on a little town in Texas called Del Rio, but its effects could be felt in Tijuana where there’s a sizable Haitian population. Also, since 2003, five Cal Fire fighters have died during training exercises and experts have attributed their deaths to the high heat. Meanwhile, doctors in the Central Valley are told to be on the lookout for a rare complication related to COVID-19 in children. And, National Suicide Prevention Month is bringing awareness to the issue and where to get help. Finally, in a “Cinema Junkie” podcast excerpt, how Hollywood moved away from negative Asian stereotypes to the heroics of Bruce Lee and Shang-Chi.

Come November travel restrictions on foreign travellers will be lifted for those who are vaccinated, what will that mean for San Diego tourism? Plus, a recent analysis shows disparities in COVID testing across San Diego Unified schools. Also, summer ends today, but the weather is still warm and many kids don't have places to swim because the city of San Diego has drastically cut back on weekend pool hours since 2019. Then, from the archive, many people don’t know how local government works, so they hit a brick wall when it comes to having community issues addressed. A book by two Encinitas residents seeks to demystify the process. And, the return of an all-California Michelin guide sees the addition of several San Diego restaurants. Finally, a new song from Oakland-based artist Fantastic Negrito reflects the zany vibe of California and explores the dissonance between the California Dream and the reality of living in the Golden State today.

Pfizer on Monday said its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children ages 5 to 11 and plans to seek authorization for the age group soon. Plus, tensions appear to be rising between city leaders and the San Diego Housing Commision, as a recent conflict-of-interest case has come to light. Also, one man thought he was doing the right thing to become a permanent resident of the United States, but because of the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule, he’s been separated from his family for two years. Then, the state's efforts to boost food recycling as a way to fight climate change are on full display. And, in the depths of a basement of a library on the CSU San Marcos campus lies an archive rich with the history of San Diego’s craft brew industry. Finally, SDSU is using comics to teach students about critical thinking at a time when such skills are most needed.

A federal judge has ruled the government must stop using a public health order to refuse entry to immigrant families at the border. Plus, critical race theory is now front and center in the ongoing culture war over what our children are learning in K-12 schools. And, this weekend in the arts: the Broadway musical that inspired “The Birdcage,” “The Rebellious Miss Breed” reopens the downtown library’s art gallery, and three solo exhibitions are on display at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Sawyer joins us for an update on COVID in San Diego County. Plus, the board of supervisors approved beginning the process to allow people to legally sell food from their home kitchens here in San Diego County. Then, Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 10 to decide whether to sign a bill that softens production quotas for warehouse workers. And, a new generation of fans are being introduced to the tradition of lucha libre, Mexican wrestling, at events held at a Logan Heights brewery. Also, KPBS film critic Beth Accomando unpacks some of the layers of meaning in the reimagined “Candyman” movie by filmmaker Nia Da Costa. Lastly, the KPBS Summer Music series continues and this week features the San Diego-based experimental duo Skrapez, who make curious, creative and chaotic walls of sound.

Gov. Gavin Newsom racked up a major win in the recall, with more than 60% of voters supporting the Governor. The question remains: what will Newsom do with this show of support and what happens to his recall challengers? Plus, as the nation grapples with a rise in hateful rhetoric and activity within its own borders, law enforcement and intelligence agencies are beginning to acknowledge domestic terrosism as one of our top national security threats. Also, a recent study of the planet’s warming climate predicts working outside will become riskier as communities endure more extreme heat days more often, and that has implications for the nation’s economy. And, a recent report finds one in four of San Diego’s homeless adults is over the age of 55, and more than 40% of them are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives. What needs to be done about it? Finally, high veterinary costs helped one woman launch a business picking up pets in San Diego and crossing them into Tijuana for more affordable care, in this excerpt from a bonus episode of the “Port of Entry” podcast.

Today is Election Day in San Diego County and the last chance for voters to choose whether they want Gov. Gavin Newsom recalled from office. Plus, an employment expert weighs in on what protections are in place for workers experiencing mental illness and what workplaces can do to help those experiencing mental health challenges. Also, the redistricting process is happening right now and some UC San Diego students want to move into a district that more closely represents their interests, and out of the district that represents La Jolla. And, a new book recounts the experiences of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher's unit, as well as the ensuing investigation of Gallagher’s actions, and Gallagher’s trial and the controversy over the verdict. Finally, from the archives, scientists have been studying a small group of East Pacific green sea turtles who seem to have found an ocean home off La Jolla Shores.