KPBS Midday Edition

Two San Diego physicians are among the 11 member panel which will determine the safety of and how a COVID-19 vaccine is distributed in California. It will take place, Governor Gavin Newsom said, at the “speed of trust.” Next, San Diego is a leader among large cities tackling climate change. Then, if voters pass Measure E it could be the biggest change to San Diego’s coastline height limit since 1972. Also, two lawyers with different stances on city issues vie for District 5’s council seat, additionally, military personnel votes may be more influential this year. Finally, a history professor revisits the rise of facism in the 1930s and reflects on what it could mean today.

Far more people have died during the pandemic than previously known. inewsource uncovers new details about the death toll in San Diego County. Plus, Measure B asks for a Commission on Police Practices that would have the power to subpoena and conduct investigations into police officer misconduct. And Measures C and D focus on school board elections and accountability. Plus, San Diego City Council District 1 candidates agree on what to do about issues like homelessness but disagree on short-term rentals. And some parents are able to form learning pods and hire tutors to help their kindergarteners with online learning, while others cope with far fewer resources. Finally on the Rad Scientist podcast, we meet Dr. Chandler Puritty and learn lessons on environmental science and the complex relationship of Blackness in STEM.

New reporting suggests San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer had a more direct role in the Ash Street lease negotiations than previously known. Plus, Measure A on San Diego's ballot this election would raise 900 million dollars for affordable housing. We take deep dive into what the bill proposes and the pros and cons. Next, Prop. 14 asks voters to issue more bond money to further stem cell research, supporters want to continue the research but critics say the science didn’t do enough the first time. In addition, a look at the San Diego City Council District 7 race. Also, six candidates are vying for seats on the San Diego Unified School Board, meet them and hear their priorities. Finally, the San Diego Asian Film Festival goes virtual.

Monday is the deadline for San Diego County residents to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election. Plus, candidates for the County Board of Supervisors’ District 3 show little common ground. This seat will likely determine the political majority of the board. And City Attorney Mara Elliot touts her work on gun regulations and cracking down on domestic abuse while competitor Cory Briggs says she lacks transparency and is too political. Plus, two democrats, Nora Vargas and Ben Hueso, are vying for a County Supervisor seat that’s been in GOP hands for decades. And KPBS examines different approaches to tallying available hospital beds. Finally, reformed white supremacists talk about their transformations to becoming people who promote empathy and inclusivity in new documentary "Love Wins Over Hate."

Organized labor and community member support shifted to District 9 candidate Sean-Elo Rivera after opponent Kelvin Barrios suspended his campaign last month. Plus, in an ongoing series, KPBS is examining data tracked by the county to monitor coronavirus in the region, including community outbreaks. And our picks for arts and culture events this weekend include the San Diego International Film Festival, live music and drive-in jazz.

SANDAG has tallied up the total economic losses during the pandemic — and it’s not looking good. Plus, in an interview last week with Defend East County, Ammar Campa-Najjar, the Democrat running for Congress in the 50th District, said he’s not sure if he’ll vote for Biden or Trump. Also, COVID-19 can be found and tracked in sewage, but is there a risk to public health? Next, the new episode of “Port of Entry” podcast looks at the Black Lives Matter movement in Tijuana. And finally, Opera is back in San Diego — but at the drive-in.

The goal of the forum was to help voters understand who the candidates for San Diego mayor are, what they stand for and who best represents their interests and the interests of all San Diegans.

Both Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence dodged questions in last night's debate but drew sharp contrasts in the two parties’ agendas. Plus, the coronavirus pandemic derails California’s plan to deal with its homeless epidemic. Also, a KPBS investigation found Avocado Post Acute nursing homes provided far fewer hours of care from registered nurses than required while raking in millions in yearly profits. And, Republicans are hoping to take back the 49th Congressional District that got swept in the Blue Wave two years ago. Finally, a new book documents the history of surfing at San Onofre State Beach.

A recent poll by The San Diego Union-Tribune/10News SurveyUSA shows the race for San Diego mayor between Barbara Bry and Todd Gloria is neck and neck but it gives a hint of where voters are leaning on city ballot measures. Plus, Wednesday is Clean Air Day and the recent wildfires and the USS Bonhomme Richard fire gave heightened awareness on the effects of climate change on the air we breathe. Also, much of today’s political discourse lacks civility and an annual conference seeks to bring that back to American civic dialogue. In addition, regardless of who wins in the second district San Diego County Supervisor race, the East County will have a change in leadership for the first time in 28 years. Who will win depends on the candidate’s performance record. And, administrators at an East County nursing home waited eight days before reporting a resident’s sexual assault to police, advocates say the home’s handling of the case put residents at risk. Finally, listen to five songs to discover in October.

In addition to the state’s color-coded reopening tier, a new metric goes into effect Tuesday to require counties to reduce infection rates in communities harder hit by COVID-19. Plus, a look at the 53rd Congressional District race between Sara Jacobs and San Diego City Council President Georgette Gómez, both Democrats vying to replace outgoing Rep. Susan Davis. Also, Californians are asked to reexamine the cash bail system and the property tax loophole on the November ballot. A look at Propositions 15 and 25. In addition, KPBS general manager Tom Karlo is retiring after 47 years at the station. And, a new poetry collection by San Diego Poet Kazim Ali explores sound, time, history and fate.