Midday Edition

A reflection on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how the Civil Rights Movement shapes today. And, a new Union-Tribune column by Charles Clark will focus on San Diego's diverse identities and values. Plus, Scripps Health is dealing with the onslaught of COVID-19 cases. CEO Chris Van Gorder talks about the availability of ICU beds and ECMO machines. Next, what San Diego climate leaders have to say about President-elect Joe Biden’s plan to address the existential threat of climate change. Finally, a remembrance of San Diego blues legend Tomcat Courtney who died Jan. 11 at age 91.

Between just before Thanksgiving and now, COVID-19 deaths in San Diego County have spiked to more than 2,000. Plus, the CDC gave the go-ahead to vaccinate people 65 and over. Scripps CEO Chris Van Gorder said, the problem is the availability of the vaccine. Then, NPR’s ‘Throughline’ is coming to KPBS-FM. In the weekly one-hour narrative series, hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei tackle the history behind today's headlines, and take the listener back in time to understand the present.

California officials expanding COVID-19 vaccines to those 65 and up because they are at the greatest risk of being hospitalized and dying. Plus, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa was the sole member of the San Diego congressional delegation to vote "no" on impeaching President Trump. And drivers thought they were getting a raise after a hectic year, but instead were told their positions are being eliminated. Then, "Falling" explores the delicate balances made by a family with an autistic son and what happens when those balances are upended. Finally, catch the drive-in premiere of a new atmospheric, gritty crime drama about an underground band, fame and an unhinged fan by Ben Johnson — all set against a backdrop of San Diego's beloved live music venues.

UC San Diego Health, San Diego County and the Padres are teaming up to vaccinate at least 5,000 healthcare workers per day against the novel coronavirus. Plus, COVID-19 cases are rising among the essential workers San Diego depends on to stock its food and medicine. And during his first month in office, Mayor Todd Gloria has taken stances on key issues that separate him from his predecessor. Then, sometimes called “long-haul” patients, some people feel sick for months after becoming infected with COVID-19, even when their tests are coming back negative. Plus, several gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have tested positive for the coronavirus in what is believed to be the first cases among such primates in captivity. Finally, KPBS’ Port of Entry podcast looks at how dating apps like Tinder are breaking down the U.S.-Mexico border wall with love.

House democrats have introduced a single article of impeachment against President Trump, charging him with “incitement of insurrection.” Plus, University of San Diego History Lecturer David Miller discusses the historical differences in the policing of Black demonstrators and violent white mobs. And newly elected Chairman Nathan Fletcher says the County Board of Supervisors will vote on policies focusing on financial transparency, along with racial and economic justice. Then, previously thought to be an unviable crop in the U.S., farmers are now growing coffee in North County. And any San Diego Padre fans who sighed "wait till next year" at the end of the 2020 season, probably had no idea 2021 would shape up to be a potential blockbuster. Finally, San Diego Rep and its playwright-in-residence Herbert Siguenza are launching a new online program called "Vamos!" Monday night.

Community activist and former mayoral candidate Tasha Williamson talks about her recovery experience and how doctors were able to treat her case of COVID-19. Plus, Cap Radio spoke with former executive director of the California Republican Party, Cynthia Bryant, about her reaction to the deadly protest at the Capitol. And this weekend in San Diego arts includes: new work by Jonny Alexander and musician Salami Rose Joe Louis, a mini video from the Symphony, Manny Farber at Quint ONE and the Athenaeum's livestreamed jazz.

After a mob of Trump loyalists attacked the U.S. Capitol building, the city of Washington D.C. is declaring a state of emergency for the next two weeks. There are now calls for investigations into police conduct during the riot and how it was allowed to go as far as it did. Plus, reactions from local Congressional representatives who were there when everything went down. And, increasingly more and more people are calling for President Trump’s resignation or removal, but a local law professor says it’s not as simple as it sounds.

A San Diego physician who is a member of state and county vaccine advisory groups said local public health officials will be opening regional vaccination sites to quicken the pace of vaccinations. Plus, the American Legion removed its Escondido post commander from national leadership positions because of his affiliation with the Proud Boys hate group. And a former La Mesa police officer at the center of a controversial arrest of a young Black man near the Grossmont trolley station is facing a felony count of filing a false police report. Then, farmers swap out irrigation methods to keep the Colorado River from growing saltier. And the City of Stockton recently made headway in efforts to cope with climate change. Finally, KPBS film critic Beth Accomando spoke to UCSD alumni and filmmaker Marvin Choi about the journey of making his independent film “A Knight’s Tour.”

We know that healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities are first in line to receive the Coronavirus vaccine. But who's next? Plus, the COVID-19 economic hit has been personal for thousands of San Diegans for months. And months of physical distancing and pandemic anxiety has been especially tough on veterans who were already dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other combat-related injuries. Then, members of the Kumeyaay Nation say border wall construction in the Laguna Mountains is destroying sensitive cultural sites. Plus, virtual classrooms complicate how teachers and administrators discipline students. Finally, KPBS speaks with “The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel” author David F. Walker about his favorite movie and book, "The Spook Who Sat By The Door."

San Diego County public health officials confirmed one individual infected with a new, more contagious variant of the virus first discovered in the United Kingdom. Plus, Gov. Gavin Newsom offers plans to reopen in-person schools. And kindergarten remote learning shows the equity divide between families. Then, the Metropolitan Transit System got a new CEO, Sharon Cooney, after the sudden death of her predecessor in May. She spoke with KPBS about her priorities. Plus, top Marine leaders issued a call to have a conversation surrounding race in the Corps, but Marines say that conversation has never been easy. Finally, "The World of Wong Kar Wai" is a collection of seven restored films by the Hong Kong director and will be available through Digital Gym Cinema for the next month.