KPBS Midday Edition

Officials hope a new COVID-19 “Vaccination Super Station” in Chula Vista will bring much needed relief to the South Bay. Plus, KPBS Health Reporter Tarryn Mento poses listeners’ questions to Dr. Christian Ramers about the new coronavirus vaccines. And new San Diego County Board of Supervisors member Joel Anderson discusses his priorities and the enforcement of state and county rules aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. Then, how advocates pushed the Biden administration to take immediate action on immigration. Finally, this year marks The Old Globe's eighth Powers New Voices Festival, held each year to unveil new works of theater as well as offer a glimpse into the creative process of plays as they're developed.

San Diego congressional representatives Mike Levin and Scott Peters react to President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Plus, KQED politics editor Scott Shafer examines how things might change for California under the Biden-Harris administration. And, the nation’s oldest Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, celebrated fellow sister Kamala Harris’ inauguration. Then, James Paulson, Ph.D. of Scripps Research Institute joined Midday Edition to speak about allergic reactions some San Diegans had to a batch of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Plus, more than a dozen states have called up the National Guard to help at vaccination sites, and Joe Biden may mobilize Guard units nationally. Finally, on KPBS’ “Port of Entry” podcast, Antonio Ley went from being one of Tijuana's most well-known boosters to being a vocal critic who doesn't shy away from pointing out Tijuana's problems.

San Diego County public health officials announced those 75 years or older can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Plus, the story of one Bay Area man who's been both a victim of unemployment fraud and the effort to fight it. And health and safety precautions during the pandemic have led the Air Force to eliminate parts of basic training. Then, after 29 years in prison for murdering her three children in a house fire, JoAnn Parks was exonerated thanks to the work of her attorneys from the California Innocence Project . And Billy Lemon has been sober for eight years and now runs the Castro Country Club, helping other gay men get off drugs. He says it’s all because of Kamala Harris. Finally, as part of a new multimedia project, Al Howard is writing 100 songs — each one accompanied by an original watercolor painting by his mother.

A reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how the Civil Rights Movement shapes today. And, a new Union-Tribune column by Charles Clark will focus on San Diego's diverse identities and values. Plus, Scripps Health is dealing with the onslaught of COVID-19 cases. CEO Chris Van Gorder talks about the availability of ICU beds and ECMO machines. Next, what San Diego climate leaders have to say about President-elect Joe Biden’s plan to address the existential threat of climate change. Finally, a remembrance of San Diego blues legend Tomcat Courtney who died Jan. 11 at age 91.

Between just before Thanksgiving and now, COVID-19 deaths in San Diego County have spiked to more than 2,000. Plus, the CDC gave the go-ahead to vaccinate people 65 and over. Scripps CEO Chris Van Gorder said, the problem is the availability of the vaccine. Then, NPR’s ‘Throughline’ is coming to KPBS-FM. In the weekly one-hour narrative series, hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei tackle the history behind today's headlines, and take the listener back in time to understand the present.

California officials expanding COVID-19 vaccines to those 65 and up because they are at the greatest risk of being hospitalized and dying. Plus, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa was the sole member of the San Diego congressional delegation to vote "no" on impeaching President Trump. And drivers thought they were getting a raise after a hectic year, but instead were told their positions are being eliminated. Then, "Falling" explores the delicate balances made by a family with an autistic son and what happens when those balances are upended. Finally, catch the drive-in premiere of a new atmospheric, gritty crime drama about an underground band, fame and an unhinged fan by Ben Johnson — all set against a backdrop of San Diego's beloved live music venues.

UC San Diego Health, San Diego County and the Padres are teaming up to vaccinate at least 5,000 healthcare workers per day against the novel coronavirus. Plus, COVID-19 cases are rising among the essential workers San Diego depends on to stock its food and medicine. And during his first month in office, Mayor Todd Gloria has taken stances on key issues that separate him from his predecessor. Then, sometimes called “long-haul” patients, some people feel sick for months after becoming infected with COVID-19, even when their tests are coming back negative. Plus, several gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the coronavirus in what is believed to be the first cases among such primates in captivity. Finally, KPBS’ Port of Entry podcast looks at how dating apps like Tinder are breaking down the U.S.-Mexico border wall with love.

House democrats have introduced a single article of impeachment against President Trump, charging him with “incitement of insurrection.” Plus, University of San Diego History Lecturer David Miller discusses the historical differences in the policing of Black demonstrators and violent white mobs. And newly elected Chairman Nathan Fletcher says the County Board of Supervisors will vote on policies focusing on financial transparency, along with racial and economic justice. Then, previously thought to be an unviable crop in the U.S., farmers are now growing coffee in North County. And any San Diego Padre fans who sighed "wait till next year" at the end of the 2020 season, probably had no idea 2021 would shape up to be a potential blockbuster. Finally, San Diego Rep and its playwright-in-residence Herbert Siguenza are launching a new online program called "Vamos!" Monday night.

Community activist and former mayoral candidate Tasha Williamson talks about her recovery experience and how doctors were able to treat her case of COVID-19. Plus, Cap Radio spoke with former executive director of the California Republican Party, Cynthia Bryant, about her reaction to the deadly protest at the Capitol. And this weekend in San Diego arts includes: new work by Jonny Alexander and musician Salami Rose Joe Louis, a mini video from the Symphony, Manny Farber at Quint ONE and the Athenaeum's livestreamed jazz.

After a mob of Trump loyalists attacked the U.S. Capitol building, the city of Washington D.C. is declaring a state of emergency for the next two weeks. There are now calls for investigations into police conduct during the riot and how it was allowed to go as far as it did. Plus, reactions from local Congressional representatives who were there when everything went down. And, increasingly more and more people are calling for President Trump’s resignation or removal, but a local law professor says it’s not as simple as it sounds.