Midday Edition

The San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved increasing water rates and a new set of sewer rates that will increase the fees for single-family homes, but decrease it for multi-family units. Plus, the latest wave of Haitian migrants heading to the United States is centered on a little town in Texas called Del Rio, but its effects could be felt in Tijuana where there’s a sizable Haitian population. Also, since 2003, five Cal Fire fighters have died during training exercises and experts have attributed their deaths to the high heat. Meanwhile, doctors in the Central Valley are told to be on the lookout for a rare complication related to COVID-19 in children. And, National Suicide Prevention Month is bringing awareness to the issue and where to get help. Finally, in a “Cinema Junkie” podcast excerpt, how Hollywood moved away from negative Asian stereotypes to the heroics of Bruce Lee and Shang-Chi.

Come November travel restrictions on foreign travellers will be lifted for those who are vaccinated, what will that mean for San Diego tourism? Plus, a recent analysis shows disparities in COVID testing across San Diego Unified schools. Also, summer ends today, but the weather is still warm and many kids don't have places to swim because the city of San Diego has drastically cut back on weekend pool hours since 2019. Then, from the archive, many people don’t know how local government works, so they hit a brick wall when it comes to having community issues addressed. A book by two Encinitas residents seeks to demystify the process. And, the return of an all-California Michelin guide sees the addition of several San Diego restaurants. Finally, a new song from Oakland-based artist Fantastic Negrito reflects the zany vibe of California and explores the dissonance between the California Dream and the reality of living in the Golden State today.

Pfizer on Monday said its COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children ages 5 to 11 and plans to seek authorization for the age group soon. Plus, tensions appear to be rising between city leaders and the San Diego Housing Commision, as a recent conflict-of-interest case has come to light. Also, one man thought he was doing the right thing to become a permanent resident of the United States, but because of the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule, he’s been separated from his family for two years. Then, the state's efforts to boost food recycling as a way to fight climate change are on full display. And, in the depths of a basement of a library on the CSU San Marcos campus lies an archive rich with the history of San Diego’s craft brew industry. Finally, SDSU is using comics to teach students about critical thinking at a time when such skills are most needed.

A federal judge has ruled the government must stop using a public health order to refuse entry to immigrant families at the border. Plus, critical race theory is now front and center in the ongoing culture war over what our children are learning in K-12 schools. And, this weekend in the arts: the Broadway musical that inspired “The Birdcage,” “The Rebellious Miss Breed” reopens the downtown library’s art gallery, and three solo exhibitions are on display at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Sawyer joins us for an update on COVID in San Diego County. Plus, the board of supervisors approved beginning the process to allow people to legally sell food from their home kitchens here in San Diego County. Then, Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 10 to decide whether to sign a bill that softens production quotas for warehouse workers. And, a new generation of fans are being introduced to the tradition of lucha libre, Mexican wrestling, at events held at a Logan Heights brewery. Also, KPBS film critic Beth Accomando unpacks some of the layers of meaning in the reimagined “Candyman” movie by filmmaker Nia Da Costa. Lastly, the KPBS Summer Music series continues and this week features the San Diego-based experimental duo Skrapez, who make curious, creative and chaotic walls of sound.

Gov. Gavin Newsom racked up a major win in the recall, with more than 60% of voters supporting the Governor. The question remains: what will Newsom do with this show of support and what happens to his recall challengers? Plus, as the nation grapples with a rise in hateful rhetoric and activity within its own borders, law enforcement and intelligence agencies are beginning to acknowledge domestic terrosism as one of our top national security threats. Also, a recent study of the planet’s warming climate predicts working outside will become riskier as communities endure more extreme heat days more often, and that has implications for the nation’s economy. And, a recent report finds one in four of San Diego’s homeless adults is over the age of 55, and more than 40% of them are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives. What needs to be done about it? Finally, high veterinary costs helped one woman launch a business picking up pets in San Diego and crossing them into Tijuana for more affordable care, in this excerpt from a bonus episode of the “Port of Entry” podcast.

Today is Election Day in San Diego County and the last chance for voters to choose whether they want Gov. Gavin Newsom recalled from office. Plus, an employment expert weighs in on what protections are in place for workers experiencing mental illness and what workplaces can do to help those experiencing mental health challenges. Also, the redistricting process is happening right now and some UC San Diego students want to move into a district that more closely represents their interests, and out of the district that represents La Jolla. And, a new book recounts the experiences of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher's unit, as well as the ensuing investigation of Gallagher’s actions, and Gallagher’s trial and the controversy over the verdict. Finally, from the archives, scientists have been studying a small group of East Pacific green sea turtles who seem to have found an ocean home off La Jolla Shores.

Despite a federal and state mandate that health care workers get vaccinated against COVID-19, an estimated 3% of San Diego hospital staff still aren’t persuaded to get vaccinated and are requesting exemptions. Plus, whether Gov. Gavin Newsom wins or loses on Tuesday, the recall election's outcome is likely to have big impacts on public health policies and the balance of power in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Also, how San Diego County is using technology to prepare for a potentially potent fire season. And, with wildfires come lawyers, but victims of previous wildfires have a message for those affected by the recent wildfires: buyer beware. Finally, how San Diego State alum Destin Cretton developed from a student filmmaker to director of Marvel's “Shang-Chi” in this excerpt from the “Cinema Junkie” podcast.

President Joe Biden announced a new COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandate yesterday, for private businesses with 100 or more employees. We talk to legal analyst Dan Eaton about the legal ramifications. Then, KPBS’s Amita Sharma explores the collective trauma of 9/11 and how it might inform this moment in our history. And, San Diego Design Week continues with a region-wide celebration of all things design, The Old Globe opens the world premiere production of "The Gardens of Anuncia," and contemporary dancers interpret the hyperrealistic drawings of Ana de Alvear.

While cases of the mu variant continue to be documented across California, health officials say that the delta variant is still the primary cause for concern as the pandemic continues. Plus, the threat of wildfire is increasingly leading insurers to drop the policies of San Diego homeowners, a trend most prominent in the county’s rural areas but also affecting some city neighborhoods. Then, on Saturday it will be 20 years since 9/11. Some San Diego firefighters joined scores of other emergency personnel who went to Manhattan to help following the attacks. And, we discuss the wave of hate and harassment directed at Muslims across the U.S. following 9/11. Later, FilmOut San Diego’s LGBTQ Film Festival returns to in-person events with a co-production from Estonia and Great Britain called “Firebird.” Finally, this week on the KPBS Summer Music Series: a local supergroup embodies the San Diego-Tijuana region with a fresh cumbia sound and danceable songs in a forthcoming new album.