Midday Edition

Californians will be eligible for $116.5 million in prize money for getting coronavirus shots, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday. We talk to a behavioral scientist about whether or not it could help get millions more vaccinated before California fully reopens next month. Plus, days before Memorial Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs is easing restrictions at the cemeteries it manages. And our weekend arts picks: Malashock Dance, a new Indian film, an AAPI group show, and La Jolla Playhouse’s POP Tour.

How do we prevent mass shootings like yesterday’s in San Jose? Gun violence restraining orders could be part of the solution. Plus, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant lost two teeth when she was attacked by a passenger this weekend, and the president of her union calls it part of a disturbing increase in unruly passengers. And the city of San Diego has approved hundreds of outdoor dining permits since the pandemic began. Yet despite causing a big loss in parking across the city, the program appears to have widespread support. Finally, to the pleasant surprise of marine biologists, a group of highly social turtles has been discovered living year-round off the coast of La Jolla.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday asked U.S. intelligence officials to “redouble” their efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, activists had been pushing the San Diego city Council to reject a franchise agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric, which they said do not do enough to hold the utility accountable. But supporters said they were the best compromise the city could get. And increasing numbers of asylum-seekers have been allowed to enter the United States. But with the asylum system still severely curtailed, thousands remain stuck in dangerous conditions. Then, a Q&A about reproductive health and the COVID-19 virus and vaccine. Finally, the “Port of Entry” podcast talks to a California couple that crossed the border to get fertility treatment in Tijuana.

As California sinks deeper into drought the wildfire risk in the state is intensifying. The danger has prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to propose spending a record $2 billion on wildfire mitigation. Plus, a special radio documentary marking the one year anniversary of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer looks at what progress has been made. And we look at the police reform that’s taken place in San Diego in the last year. We end the show on a happier note, "Star Wars" fans recount memories to celebrate May 25, the day George Lucas' "Star Wars" opened in 1977 and changed the movie landscape forever.

Scripps Health, one of San Diego County's largest healthcare providers, is about to enter the fourth week of a cyberattack which froze all their digital services. Plus, a letter written by a San Diego City Council member addressed to San Diego Unified leadership has raised concerns over a number of issues Lincoln High School. And a look at Thanh Tinh Chay, a Vietnamese restaurant that serves only vegan and vegetarian fare, and the impact of the pandemic on restaurants in City Heights. Then, some Black Air Force members say a skin condition makes it's hard for them to shave their faces daily and get ahead in the military. Plus, San Diego’s craft brew industry responds after an Instagram page about sexism in the industry goes viral. Finally, "The Parker Edison Project" podcast goes deep into the minds of two San Diego-based directors, Ben Johnson and Bill Perrine, and discusses host Parker Edison's longtime love of film.

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San Diego County is taking steps to make the drug overdose reversal medication, Naloxone (Narcan), more readily available without a prescription. Plus, it’s election time in Mexico, and Baja California will soon get a new governor. A look at some of the candidates and how this election impacts San Diego. And our weekend arts picks include outdoor performances by San Diego Dance Theater and SD Master Chorale, only a week remains to view an exhibition by Lux Art Institute’s regional artist, A Spring Garden concert at The Shell and Coronado Playhouse presents, "Constellations."

One person died and 15 people were in custody Thursday morning after a suspected smuggling boat dropped its passengers off the coast of La Jolla, authorities said. Plus, we hear from a public health expert who says lifting the mask requirement at this time could result in further risk of infection for the most vulnerable among us. And San Diego County Supervisors vote to pay more attention to climate and environmental justice. Then, women lost 1 million more jobs than men last year, what will it take to get them back to the workplace? Plus, workers across the grocery delivery business have been trying to unionize to get more protections and benefits since the pandemic began. Last month, delivery workers at Imperfect Foods succeeded. And event businesses along Third Avenue in Chula Vista have had a brutal year, but they're starting to see a turnaround as the county returns to some normalcy. Finally, after a lengthy preparation, including enacting new outdoor lighting ordinances, Julian received a designation from the International Dark Sky Association.

The Biden administration has agreed to let about 250 people a day through border crossings with Mexico to seek refuge in the U.S., part of negotiations to settle a lawsuit over pandemic-related powers that deny migrants a right to apply for asylum. Plus, the House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to address the increase in hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. And troops were expelled for being gay before Congress changed the law in 2011. Though many still don't qualify for federal veterans benefits, they now can receive state benefits in New York, Colorado, and other states. Plus, the San Diego Humane Society has ramped up its controversial policy of releasing cats back to the streets, despite a lawsuit from animal rights activists challenging the practice. And the GI Film Festival is underway this week in San Diego, bringing with it a host of films that present a diverse spectrum of perspectives from within the military experience. Finally, the Port of Entry podcast continues its series on medical tourism with a story about two women who go on a journey to find more affordable insulin across the border in Tijuana.

San Diego County will follow the state's lead and wait until June 15 to align with federal guidance that no longer requires people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear face coverings. Plus, after Oceanside voters invalidated the North River Farms development in last November’s election it wound up in court. A San Diego Superior Court judge’s ruling in the case could have statewide implications for citizen’s ballot initiatives. And the campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom will put current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis front and center. Then, the Marine Corps is still under a congressional deadline to end gender segregation while one group of female marines graduate boot camp in San Diego. Plus, after more than a year of distanced learning and social isolation, more students are in need of emotional support and psychological help. Finally, Celedonio Romero’s musical legacy lives on in the legendary guitar quartet he formed with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel, and continues today with grandsons Celino and Lito.

Many say that in the Latinx culture, there are taboos that keep issues like depression, substance abuse and domestic violence in the shadows. Now, members of the Latinx community say that silence hurts the community and they are eager to start a conversation about treatment and prevention of mental health issues.