Midday Edition

The FDA on Monday gave full approval to the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those 16 and older. A physician breaks down what this means for San Diego’s vaccination effort. Plus, a look at the top four candidates looking to replace Gov. Newsom if he’s recalled. Larry Elder is the leading Republican candidate, but critics say his ideology is a threat to California. Also, as in-person learning resumes at SDSU, local residents worry about the off-campus party scene. In addition, more Latinos identified as multiracial or "some other race" in the 2020 Census than in 2010, a change that reflects shifting understandings of race and the limits of the U.S. Census categories. And, the California Privacy Protection Agency is starting to get set up and running, we hear from the new head of the agency. Finally, the Studio Door’s exhibit San Diego Drag Icons and its companion fundraiser, highlight the connection between drag and activism.

The U.S. government is extending a ban on nonessential travel along the borders with Canada and Mexico to slow the spread of COVID-19. And, a preview of arts events this weekend in San Diego, including Yo-Yo Ma coming to the Shell and TwainFest in Old Town.

A recent San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting turned ugly as some protestors became upset at members of the board over proposed masking and testing requirements for workplaces, schools and hospitals. Plus, the San Diego Unified School District will be one of the first districts in the state to roll out a transitional kindergarten program this fall. Then, how remote working has changed San Diego’s rush hour. Later, a news study finds poor air quality from wildfire smoke worsens COVID-19 cases and deaths. And, academic boot camps ease the transition to the classroom for veterans starting college. Locally, the creative community shares remembrances of Matt Hoyt, owner of Starlite, filmmaker, musician, artist and collaborator. Lastly, as part of our Summer Music Series we welcome a musician who’s been making Barrio Logan move to the music for more than 17 years.

We talk to La Jolla Institute of Immunology’s Dr. Shane Crotty about health officials recommending that vaccinated people get a COVID-19 booster shot. Plus, with the school year starting, we talk about the latest guidance on what to do when a student tests positive for COVID-19. And, the binational Friendship Park has its 50th anniversary today, but is stil not fully reopened. A group of activists on both sides of the border is working to change that.

Now that the Taliban has virtually seized full control of Afghanistan, the lingering threat of international terror is on the minds of many Americans. Plus, a new program in California is offering stipends to volunteers, in an effort to bring climate change solutions to urban and rural communities throughout the state, including here in San Diego. Also, a sewage testing program at UCSD could be key to helping identify COVID-19 outbreaks when students return to school in the fall. And, we highlight Daniella De Jesús, one of the playwrights in the fifth annual San Diego Repertory Theatre's Latinx New Play Festival happening next month. Finally, from the archives, a summertime anthem about Southeast San Diego.

The scenes from Kabul, of people clinging to U.S. military planes in a desperate effort to escape the approaching Taliban, echo the end of another failed U.S. war. The end of the Vietnam War created the same kind of chaos in Saigon. Now, many Americans, both in and out of the military are asking, “how could this have happened again?” Plus, San Diego's hospitals are struggling to keep up with a high volume of both COVID and non-COVID-related hospitalizations. Also, stopping the spread of a deadly citrus tree bug found in North County is crucial to protecting trees belonging to both backyard growers and San Diego’s commercial citrus industry. And, the rules surrounding the Sept. 14 recall election are complicated and confusing. We break it down for you.

As coronavirus infections increase in San Diego, so are related hospitalizations and health officials are hoping to see some relief for tired staff soon. Plus, what to know about the Gubernatorial Recall Election on Sept. 14. And, a preview of the arts events around town, including: a pop-up version of La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival, SummerFest and outdoor art fun.

The CDC is urging all pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The advice comes as hospitals in hot spots around the U.S. see disturbing numbers of unvaccinated mothers-to-be seriously ill with the virus. Plus, the family of a Vista man who died by suicide while in county jail is suing the county for wrongful death. Also, one year after Joseph DeAngelo was sentenced to life in prison for committing a string of rapes and murders in the 1970s and 1980s, survivors of his crimes are speaking up and inviting others to do the same. In addition, more and more arts and live performance venues are requiring patrons to either have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to attend, we take a look at how restrictions might be enforced. And, from the archives, a look back at the history of San Onofre, one of the legendary surf beaches of the world. Finally, KPBS’ Summer Music Series continues with the downtempo dub sounds of Boostive.

California will become the first state in the nation to require all teachers and school staff to get vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. Plus, a new city official is now in charge of finding solutions to the city’s chronic homelessness problem. Also, the first ever Olympic “park skateboarding” event was dominated by skaters who either live in San Diego, were born here, trained here or all of the above. And, in honor of Indian Independence Day, Aug. 15, Cinema Junkie decided to dedicate this month's podcasts to celebrating Bollywood Cinema. We’ll bring you an excerpt from the first part of the two part series. Finally, San Diego synth pop band Glass Spells just released a new album — written and recorded during the pandemic. The band will host an album release show at Soda Bar this Saturday

We talk with an infectious disease specialist about vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers. Plus, is it a good idea for a fully vaccinated person to get an extra dose of vaccine to boost immunity to the Delta variant? Then, the effort to recall Governor Gavin Newsom is shaping up to be more of a battle than previously thought. Later, dozens of charrerías across the country offer spectators a look at the living history of Mexico’s proud ranching culture. And, the Old Globe Theatre returns to in-person performances with a newly mounted production of the 1967 rock musical “Hair.”