Midday Edition

The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has been shut down for more than 20 years.

But millions of pounds of nuclear waste is still there — right next to the ocean.

Now, a new energy plan that involves "nuclear campuses" in five states could offer a possible solution for nuclear waste.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we discuss the details of the plan and talk through the unanswered questions.

Guests:

• Rob Nikolewski, energy reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

In July, the city of San Diego closed nearly half of the public restrooms in Mission Bay Park due to budget cuts. The closures have caused frustration among parkgoers, who have brought up concerns about public health and accessibility.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local nonprofit about how visitors are responding to the closures and what solutions could be on the table.

Guest:

• Bradley Schnell, founder, Mission Bay Park Conservancy

A new Trump administration tactic boosts deportations by fast-tracking immigration hearings with little notice.

Federal data show that immigration judges nationwide issued more than 50,000 deportation orders for people who did not show up to court last month.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we talked about the so-called "mega master" calendar hearings and how they're impacting San Diegans.

Plus, it's been one year since an interfaith coalition of faith leaders began accompanying immigrants to court hearings, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins and other immigration appointments.

We sit down with two volunteers with the program.

Guests:

• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS
• Fr. Scott Santarosa, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
• Annette Farabaugh, volunteer with FAITH program

A new children's book is using academic research, poetry and illustrations to teach readers about ecology at the San Diego-Tijuana border.

It is called "Alas al Borde" or "Borderland Wings." Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from one of the professors who helped conceptualize and illustrate the story.

Then, two new plays — a horror comedy and a feminist musical — are opening in San Diego this weekend. KPBS' arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with the playwrights.

And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS' arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top arts picks in music and dance.

Guests:

• Adriana Cuéllar, professor of architecture, founder of Border Design Lab
• Michael Mizerany, playwright, "Die Already!"
• Sarah Alida LeClair, playwright, "The Fairy Tale Monologues"
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest," KPBS

California and six other states that rely on the Colorado River have been unable to agree on how to divide its water for years. Now, the federal government is stepping in to decide. As early as this week, the federal government may adopt new rules for sharing water on the drought-stricken river. The Lower Basin states, which include California, are expected to face major cutbacks.

KJZZ reporter Alex Hager has been following the anticipated federal plan. He joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss the impacts the new rules could have on cities like San Diego, which has long depended on the Colorado River but now has excess water to sell.

Guest:

• Alex Hager, senior field correspondent at KJZZ

It may be hot outside, but a storm is in session.

Hurricane Genevieve is sending powerful ocean swells to San Diego.

The Category 4 hurricane is hundreds of miles southwest of Baja California. But it's making waves up in San Diego, which means safety concerns around swells at local beaches.

We break down the forecast and discuss how to stay safe and vigilant at local beaches, as lifeguards keep busy with rescues.

Guests:

• Alex Tardy, meteorologist and climate expert, Weather Echo
• James Gartland, lifeguard chief, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department

San Diego is known for its high cost of living.

But how about the cost of dying?

For many San Diego families, a loved one's death often comes with an unexpected bill that can reach well into five figures.

But many families start the process without knowing their options — from flame cremation to water burial and human composting.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with health reporter Heidi de Marco to make sense of the costs.

Guest:

• Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS

Port of San Diego commissioners used a new policy for naming and renaming locations to recognize the Kumeyaay people's historic ties to San Diego Bay. On July 14, commissioners approved naming an unnamed beach at Spanish Landing Park, located along Harbor Drive, Kumeyaay Beach.

The move marks the first public space on the bay to acknowledge "the region's first people" and "celebrate their lasting legacy," Port Vice Chair Michael Zucchet said in a statement. Indigenous leaders and advocates requested the naming under the new policy and are slated to work with the Port to develop on-site signage at the beach, according to the Port.

In January, the city of Chula Vista also commemorated the Kumeyaay people. Mayor John McCann presented a proclamation recognizing the second Sunday in November as Kumeyaay People's Day in San Diego County's second-largest city.

Kumeyaay leader Bobby Wallace has helped move these commemorations forward. He joined Midday Edition on Tuesday to share his thoughts on the significance of the beach naming.

Guest:

• Bobby Wallace, Barona Band of Mission Indians

Zoning changes in communities across the city of San Diego are leading to a growing trend: replacing old big-box retailers with mid- and high-rise apartments. A former Fry's Electronics in Sierra Mesa and parts of the Mission Valley mall are among the several projects.

Developers say the sinking demand for commercial space, due in large part to online shopping, is one reason prompting the shift. But not everyone is happy about more housing. Some neighborhood leaders argue replacing commercial with housing isn't for every community.

City Hall reporter David Garrick has been following this developing trend. He joined Midday Edition on Monday to share what he's learned.

Guest:

• David Garrick, San Diego City Hall reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

July marks Disability Pride Month — celebrating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Here in San Diego, there's all kinds of ways to celebrate disability pride. One is by getting involved with the adaptive sports community in our region.

On KPBS Midday Edition, we highlight two local programs promoting access, inclusivity and community through water sports and dance.

Guests:

• John White, founder, Waves4All Adaptive Surf Club
• Andy Zirzow, competitive surfer, Waves4All Adaptive Surf Club
• Quinn Waitley, competitive surfer, Waves4All Adaptive Surf Club
• Rosalia Arellano, executive director, Wheelchair Dancers Organization
• Stephanie Nichols-Rodas, dancer and community outreach specialist, Wheelchair Dancers Organization