Midday Edition

The Biden administration today said it is ready to quickly roll out vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 once the FDA and CDC give their approvals. Plus, Navy leaders say they're making changes and increasing oversight to correct widespread failures that led to the loss of the USS Bonhomme Richard as a result of arson more than a year ago. Meanwhile, a former police officer works to increase transparency and improve community relations in local law enforcement. Also, who is behind Let Them Breathe, which has become known nationally for its fight against mask mandates and other COVID restrictions in schools? And, from the archive, Julian this year was named an official Dark Sky community, just the second one in California after Borrego Springs. Finally, KPBS Arts Calendar Editor and Producer Julia Dixon Evans speaks to San Diego author Ari Honarvar about her debut novel, "A Girl Called Rumi."

We speak with a pediatric infectious disease doctor about the status of vaccine approval for children 5 to 12 and keeping kids safe during Halloween activities. Plus, a recent initiative put forth by the governor, the city of San Diego, and the state department of transportation aims to help homeless individuals camped along the area’s highways. Meanwhile, we meet a man who is getting help from a statewide initiative that converts motels into housing for the homeless. And, we speak to the authors of the new book “Dear White Women: Let’s Get Uncomfortable Talking About Race.” And a new initiative from the San Diego Tourism Authority is aiming to increase diversity in the tourism industry. Lastly, a Film Noir film festival is coming to Palm Springs.

The Force Analysis Unit is tasked with reviewing use of force incidents with the aim of improving training and decreasing future incidents. Plus, mounting evidence suggests that the COVID-19 vaccine could help lessen “long COVID” symptoms. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have decriminalized jaywalking when no cars are present. The bill was aimed at tackling racial disparities in how jaywalking laws are enforced. And, a piece of classical music is examining California's colonial history and our state's long and complex relationship with Mexico. Finally, it's Halloween season so we are gathering our Midday Movies crew to recommend some appropriate viewing options.

The city of San Diego has taken bold measures to greatly expand the number of bike lanes on its streets, a move partly in response to a number of traffic deaths that have occured in recent months. Plus, California will now study how to set up its own zero-fee public bank accounts, the latest step in the state’s exploration of public banking. And, this weekend in the arts, check out a performance from the Takács quartet, a solo exhibition from Perry Vasquez, San Diego Zine Fest and a sugar skull pinata workshop at the Mingei.

The Biden administration announced a new plan to help combat the nation's supply chain shortage ahead of the holiday season. Plus, San Diego has one of the highest inflation rates in the nation, according to data recently released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for the month of September. Then, California’s Reparations Task Force met this week to explore the impact of racism on housing, education, banking and the environment. And, oceanographer and author Kim McCoy offers his insights on the fascinating world of ocean science and how it furthers our understanding of climate change through his new book: “Waves and Beaches: The Powerful Dynamics of Sea and Coast.” Lastly, just six weeks after the death of the San Diego-born Chicana artist and activist Yolanda Lopez, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will reopen this weekend with an exhibition of Lopez's work — surprisingly the first solo museum exhibition of her long and celebrated career.

The Biden administration announced Wednesday it's easing travel restrictions at land border crossings, after 19 months of closure to all but essential travel. The number of new COVID infections are finally going down in California and nationally, but Dr. Eric Topol is warning everyone not to drop their guard. Plus, the San Diego Housing Commission is out with a report on “lessons learned” from its own pilot program building five granny flats in the city of San Diego. Also, in a new episode of KPBS’ border podcast “Port of Entry,” the story of one person’s trash being another person’s treasure often happens in an actual journey from San Diego to Tijuana. Later, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is back in San Diego after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Finally, the first ever San Diego Filipino Film Festival will run Oct. 14th through 19th in a mix of virtual and in person events.

Federal transportation investigators are on the ground Tuesday, trying to piece together what led to the deadly crash in Santee on Monday afternoon. Plus, in-person school just started up again and now parents have a chance to send their children to their preferred school. And, doctors and hospitals are looking at a new way to treat drug addictions, asking patients, “What do you need from us?”

A number of reforms being proposed to the county’s Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board would constitute the biggest changes to the board since its beginnings nearly 30 years ago. Plus, caught up in the chaos of the last days of the U.S. engagement in Afghanistan, one former interpreter is getting back to the difficult task of creating a new life in his adopted country. Also, being home to more recognized tribes than any other county in the country, we interviewed a tribal leader about Indigenous Peoples Day. Meanwhile, Project Homekey, California’s multibillion dollar plan to fight homelessness, has a surprising upside for cities — improving blighted properties in neglected neighborhoods. And, stuck at home during the pandemic, many people turned to yoga and some instructors have found ways to create culturally sensitive spaces for students of color, in an industry where many feel that white Westerners have co opted the practice. Finally, in an excerpt from Cinema Junkie, host Beth Accomando speaks with Bond aficionado Gary Dexter about the final Daniel Craig 007 film.

A huge housing development planned for Otay Ranch has been struck down in court. A San Diego judge agreed with environmental groups and California’s attorney general in a lawsuit against the Adara at Otay Ranch project. Plus, the federal commission charged with replacing Confederate names on military bases is getting thousands of suggestions, but that's just one step in a process that will likely take years. And, the big news in the art world this weekend is the celebration for winners of the San Diego Art Prize. Other art events around the county include the Symphony's take on Gabriel García Márquez, a mural walk and a new play commissioned by the Old Globe.

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher discusses the ongoing effort to combat misinformation surrounding COVID-19. Plus, in light of increasing gunfire incidents at schools nationwide, KPBS education reporter MG Perez talks about local efforts to keep our schools safe. Also, Congressman Mike Levin talks about his goal of phasing out offshore oil production in light of the Orange County oil spill. Then, a new job placement center in Lincoln Park just opened up to provide people with a pathway to middle-class careers in construction. And, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says as marijuana is legalized in more places across the country, more dogs are munching on edibles and it’s making them sick. Later, the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego finally opened its doors in September after a merger between two art spaces in the county. Lastly, the California Report visits a well-known restaurant in the Central Valley town of Goshen for their Hidden Gems series.