KPBS Midday Edition

Californians are facing what could be another historic wildfire season. From the North State to Southern California, the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada, this special broadcast show will answer your most pressing questions about wildfires, explore solutions and look at ways to keep safe.

San Diego county health officials announced 355 new infections on Monday and the likely culprit is the more contagious Delta variant of the virus. Plus, a new survey finds that 54% of unvaccinated San Diego County residents are unlikely to get vaccinated. The group most unlikely are white, educated and have higher incomes. And, as America's war in Afghanistan winds down, one San Diego couple is still coping with the loss of their son in a helicopter crash there 15 years ago. Also, California is in the grip of a drought and some experts think regional water restrictions might be a good idea to allow for a targeted approach to water waste. And, an infectious disease expert weighs in on masking in schools. Finally, San Diego author Anisha Bhatia talks about writing about culture. She will be part of the San Diego Writers Festival this weekend.

Last year was a record-breaking year in terms of wildfire. So far, 2021 is on track to break that record and officials say climate change is a huge factor. In addition, San Diego has an ambitious climate change plan but an audit shows the city isn’t doing a good job at tracking its progress. Plus, as climate change heats up cities, a new study finds that low-income and neighborhoods with higher Black, Hispanic and Asian populations experience significantly more summer heat. Also, veteran homelessness has many causes and few solutions, but Kansas City is hoping tiny homes might be one solution. And, childhood obesity is an epidemic in this country and Latinx children are affected the most. A new study suggests childhood trauma might be to blame. Finally, the All-Star Game is happening Tuesday and two-way player Shohei Ohtani is being compared to Babe Ruth — some even going as far as saying he’s better than the Great Bambino himself.

Father Joe Carroll, a San Diego icon for his work helping the unsheltered, died this weekend at 80. Plus, the pandemic impacted the Latinas workforce harder than any other groups and a new report highlights the inequities that San Diego Latinas face in the workplace. Also, the Colorado River is tapped out. A prolonged warming and drying trend has pushed the nation’s two largest reservoirs to record lows. In addition, a newly completed rock barrier through the Delta in Contra Costa County is expected to help preserve water for millions as drought conditions worsen in the state. And, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued new guidelines that he hopes will strengthen accountability and transparency in investigations of shootings involving law enforcement. Finally, a preview of the relaunched “Cinema Junkie” podcast, which took a quarantine break.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called on residents to voluntarily cut back on their water consumption by 15% as California continues to face unseasonably high summer temperatures. Plus, more than a year into the COVID-19 crisis, seven million tenants across the country are behind on rent and many small landlords are struggling to pay their bills as well. And this weekend in the arts: the culmination of a pandemic-era program from the city's Commission for Arts and Culture, live performances of a haunting dance production, an outdoor music, art and food festival in Oceanside and it’s the closing weekend of a very timely virtual play.

As the delta variant of the coronavirus becomes the dominant strain in the U.S., 54 cases have been reported in San Diego County. Plus, the results come despite California losing a congressional seat for the first time in history due to slow population growth and some high-profile technology companies and billionaires leaving the state. And increasing numbers of asylum seekers are being allowed to enter the United States. But with the asylum system still severely curtailed, thousands remain stuck in dangerous conditions in Tijuana. Finally, “Say Their Names” is a new memorial exhibit coming to San Diego honoring Black Lives lost to police brutality and systemic racism.

Scientists are using data from Apple Watches and Fitbits to measure the impacts of COVID-19 on the body. Plus, San Diego saw a sharp increase in fentanyl-related deaths during the region's COVID lockdowns. And with the passing of the state budget on June 28, UC San Diego, UCLA and UC Berkeley are going to have to cut back on out-of-state student admissions. Then, San Diego County Supervisors voted to create an office of environmental and climate justice by fall. District 1 supervisor Nora Vargas pushed to make that happen. Also, a recent report by the American Planning Association and Scripps Institution of Oceanography emphasizes the need for better coordination from the region's institutions in preparing for worsening climate change. Plus, Sandbox VR opened shortly before the pandemic hit and has now fully reopened. The VR gaming facility allows groups of players fight zombies, alien bugs or each other. Finally, five songs to discover in July from Jelani Aryeh, Julianna Zachariou, Irenie, SD State of Mind anthology and Rain on Fridays.

Substantial, long-term funding has eluded local public health departments and with a spotlight on the pandemic, some argue now is the time to change that. Then, San Diego County supervisors last week approved a $7.2 billion budget with funding for mental health services and the pandemic recovery. And for the first time, an Indigenous woman has been appointed to serve on California’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Plus, a national homelessness expert says San Diego needs to coordinate efforts among agencies and find more permanent housing solutions if it wants to see fewer unsheltered people on the streets. Finally, a new arts campaign intended to boost vaccination rates among Latinos in California’s Central Valley.

Hate crime in California reached its highest reported level in more than a decade last year. Plus, a group of peer counselors in City Heights are trying to heal the community, by both connecting people to much needed resources and mental health services. And as we celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we’re going to take a closer look at some art exhibitions in San Diego that tell the wider story of who we consider to be American and what it means to have an identity linked with the land.

The city of San Diego announced Tuesday that it is suing to void its lease-to-own agreements in the 101 Ash Street and Civic Center Plaza building deals due to an advisor allegedly receiving millions in undisclosed compensation for negotiating the transactions in violation of state law. And, the new state budget removes the asset rule that restricted Medi-Cal eligibility for older and disabled Californians. Plus, a Carlsbad community member is stepping up to run and fund a shelter in a motel for people experiencing homelessness. Then, a new city parks proposal to revitalize the city's overlooked parks also will incentivize developers to build more affordable housing in the process. Finally, in the season finale of KPBS podcast the Parker Edison Project, host Parker Edison explores how family legacy contributes to culture.