Midday Edition

Scripps Health recorded its highest daily COVID-19 death count over the weekend, while new cases seem to be slowing. Are we nearing the end of the delta wave? Plus, San Diego’s eviction ban ended in mid-August and despite the statewide moratorium still in place, some San Diegans are still getting pushed out as investors look to capitalize on the area’s rising rents. Also, Chula Vista officials say they are working on a citywide privacy policy to guard against violations by police drone surveillance, license plate readers and other forms of data collection. And, as the 20th anniversary for 9/11 approaches, we take a look back on how American media has changed its coverage of one of the most complex armed conflicts of the 21st century. Finally, an excerpt from the latest “Port of Entry” podcast about how Drew Deckman, a chef in Valle de Guadalupe, weathered the pandemic storm.

With one week left for voters to weigh in on whether or not Gov. Gavin Newsom will complete his term, we talk to UCSD Political Science Professor Thad Kousser about the current outlook. Plus, in Imperial Valley, the mostly Latino electorate swung for Donald Trump in the last election, what does that mean for Newsom’s recall election? Plus, land-use planners from Southern California and Tijuana are holding a conference on how a changing climate will determine future development. Also, San Diego is supposed to move away from car-centric planning, but two recent street projects show the city often works against its own objectives. And, three San Diego nonprofits have launched California’s first grant-based home buying assistance program specifically for Black people using $1.25 million in seed money. Finally, an excerpt from the second part of Cinema Junkie's tribute to Indian Cinema, Hooray for Bollywood.

Debate over what is called "critical race theory" continues to be a charged topic at school board meetings across the country. There are even bans that limit what can be taught in some classrooms across the country about the history of racism in America. The term has been hijacked, rebranded and weaponized as a political boogeyman. So today we will cut through myths with facts about what critical race theory is, why it’s suddenly become so controversial and what's actually being taught in schools.

#AfghanEvac, a private group of veterans who served in Afghanistan, continues to help get former interpreters and allies out of the country, despite the U.S. withdrawal. We speak to the founder of the group, San Diegan Shawn VanDiver. Plus, the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park reopens to the public this weekend after a significant remodel. And, Nicolas Valdez's play "Conjunto Blues" will be performed at this year's Latinx new play festival, online and in person starting today and running through the weekend.

As the more transmissible delta variant continues to spread, San Diego County’s death toll from COVID nearly doubled in one week. We bring you an update on the impact the virus is having in San Diego County. Plus, one of the most contentious housing measures to come out of the California legislature is now on it’s way to the Governor’s desk — Senate Bill 9, which allows up to four units to be built on lots zoned for single family houses. And, San Diego County students with special needs faced extra challenges in virtual learning. Now they're making up for lost time back in class. Then, Supervisor Nora Vargas joins Midday Edition to discuss what the new county arts and culture council would look like and how it might work. And, the KPBS Summer Music Series continues with DJ Artistic, considered an architect of the local hip-hop scene who curates and produces events, makes space for emerging artists and is a four-time SDMA winner.

The recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom is set for Sept. 14, and mail-in ballots are already out. Though California is an overwhelmingly blue state, it's not a certainty Newsom will survive the recall. Reasons abound, including apathy and a lack of awareness that many predict could lead to a low voter turn out. So, how did we get here? And what could a Newsom recall mean for the state? Midday Edition brings you a special from our partner station KPCC in Los Angeles to answer those questions and more. They'll explain the stakes, what's on the ballot, and what could happen after the election, regardless of the outcome. Host Austin Cross speaks with political observers and reporters from California public radio newsrooms for this in-depth discussion.

Ten of the 13 service members killed in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport were based at Camp Pendleton. It was the largest mass casualty event for personnel based at Pendleton during the entire Afghan war. Plus, it’s the first day of class for San Diego Unified students and the district says it has implemented a host of COVID-19 policies and guidelines. Also, as kids zip up their backpacks and get their pencils sharpened, how can parents best support them during this time? A child psychologist weighs in. In addition, San Diego officials are taking more steps to address chronic homelessness with plans underway to open harm-reduction model shelters — something that hasn’t been done here yet. And, Oceanside’s beachfront has been undergoing renovations. Now attention is shifting to the city’s 102-year old amphitheatre and a nearby community center named for the late Junior Seau. His family has started a petition to keep the facilities intact. Finally, the first Afro-Con or Afrofuturism Convention will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA.

Humanitarian groups in San Diego are preparing resettlement efforts as refugees continue to pour out of war-torn Afghanistan. We speak with one of those local groups. Plus, veterans coalitions are helping to evacuate Afghans who worked for the Americans. On a lighter note, this weekend in the arts features a three-day outdoor festival of music in Carlsbad, a contemporary dance company's first performance since March 2020 and a new exhibition of art made from plastics found in the ocean.

Many Americans are left with questions about the vaccines, the status of their approval, and their long-term efficacy. We pose these questions to the director of Scripps Research Translational Institute, Dr. Eric Topol. Also, housing prices in San Diego are getting higher and analysts say it’s not out of the question for the median price to reach $1 million by this time next year. Plus, the last time California had a Republican governor was when Arnold Schwarzenegger was in office. Was his tenure a win for the GOP? In addition, smoke from the massive fire in Northern California is making its way down to San Diego, just as a heat wave is hitting the region. And, Jeeyoon Kim, an award-winning concert pianist, educator and podcast host, is releasing a self-help book based on insights from her life experiences. Finally, Rachel Lynett on her play, "Black Mexican," that is premiering in a staged reading at San Diego Rep’s Latinx New Play Festival.

One law expert weighs in on how the FDA approval will impact vaccine mandates in the workplace. Plus, images of chaos in Afghanistan have deeply resonated with veterans from another long war: Vietnam. Also, the recall campaign now aimed at Governor Gavin Newsom was fueled in part by parents who were angry with how he handled public school closures during the worst months of the pandemic. Then, Kim Desmond, San Diego’s first chief race and equity officer on what we can expect from the city’s Office of Race and Equity. In addition, competing interests battle over a proposed plan to restore marshland habitat in Mission Bay. And, after the pandemic restrictions lifted in San Diego, there’s a run on new cars with some going for more than the sticker price. Finally, the Vista’s Viking Festival is going virtual again this year.