Midday Edition

San Diego County health officials reported a record number of 1,087 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, the highest one day total yet. Plus, the Port of San Diego has been working on an update to its master plan, which will set the vision for future development on San Diego’s waterfront. Also, President-elect Joe Biden will inherit President Donald Trump’s border wall construction and all of the lawsuits that come with it. In addition, Biden has pledged that on his first day in office he will end Trump’s “travel ban,” which bars entry for most nationals from several Muslim-majority nations, including Iran. And, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is planning to deploy 500 new robotic floats to study what’s going on underneath the waves as the planet warms. Then, if you’re cooking a Thanksgiving meal for the first time because of the pandemic, we have some tips for you. Finally, if you ask people in the city of Mexicali, Mexico, about their most notable regional cuisine, they won’t say street tacos or mole. They’ll say Chinese food.

Leading by example, National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis participated in the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine trial conducted by UC San Diego. Plus, while San Diego is falling back into the purple tier, the most restrictive of the state’s four-tier reopening guidelines, the Bay Area is able to move to the less restrictive tier. And, here’s a guide for your socially distanced weekend fun.

California voters rejected a proposal to partially dismantle the state’s 42-year-old cap on property taxes, a move that would have raised taxes for many businesses in a pandemic-hobbled economy. Plus, two new ordinances passed by the San Diego City Council will give the public more say over how surveillance technology, such as cameras and smart street lights, are used. Also, now that San Diego has sunk back into the purple tier, what does it mean for businesses and could it have been prevented? In addition, voters passed Measure B, which will establish an independent commission to oversee the San Diego Police Department. But there are still many details to be worked out regarding how the commission will operate. And, San Diego City College and the San Diego Housing Commission collaborated to create a class that will train people who are interested in working with the homeless. Finally, the rich sounds of the ocean right off San Diego’s coast in this replay of “Rad Scientist” episode.

The news that San Diego County is back in the purple tier of COVID-19 precautions affects every household in the region. What we can do to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed here like is happening in other parts of the country. Plus, San Diego's Mayor-Elect Todd Gloria joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss his plans for the city, he will be sworn in on December 10. And this Veterans Day, African-American veteran Luther Hendricks recalls fighting WWII in the Pacific — and racism at home. Then, the transportation department at Poway Unified has taken cleanliness to a new level as it promises students safe rides to and from school. Plus, a multi-billion dollar energy franchise deal for San Diego could be delayed another year. Finally, in a new episode of KPBS' cross-border podcast "Port of Entry," people who’ve left the U.S. to find some refuge from racism south of the border share their stories.

San Diego county falls back into the most restrictive “purple tier” impacting some indoor businesses. Also, reaction to news that Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is over 90% effective. And, we talk to Oceanside’s Mayor-Elect Esther Sanchez, the city’s first Latina mayor and the first woman to lead the city. Then, how a majority vote may not be enough to overturn Midway’s 30-foot height limit. Additionally, The Poet’s Tree at the Old Globe takes a modern spin on poetry workshops. Finally, a San Diego author takes you on a journey from the Mexican border to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Todd Gloria will be the next mayor of San Diego, City Councilmember Barbara Bry conceded the race. Next, Governor Newsom will decide who will replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate. Also, how Harris’ political rise will change presidential politics forever. Additionally, how one of Arizona’s largest wildfires has affected forest management. Finally, following Vanessa Guillen’s murder, the Army launched an independent investigation into the climate of Fort Hood, but critics say the problems are systemic.

Biden takes the lead in key battleground states. But with the country clearly divided, what’s needed to move the nation toward a more civil discourse? Plus, Faulconer pushes for one final affordable housing plan. Next, our top picks for art events this weekend. Finally, discussing San Diego’s Blue Wave on our Roundtable podcast.

As more battleground states are called for former Vice President Joe Biden, the path to the White House narrows for President Donald Trump. Also, San Diego takes one step toward the dreaded “purple tier,” the most restrictive of the state’s four-tier reopening plan. Plus, two North County measures meant to create more housing there received different results Tuesday night. In addition, the VA is cautiously reopening its medical clinics, which is happening at a slower pace than many civilian health systems. And, a pilot project to replace police intervention with social workers to help San Diego’s homeless population has been called a success. So, last week, the San Diego city council officially approved the Coordinated Street Outreach Program. Finally, with the election far from being over, there is a list of the 10 best Hollywood films about politics to help you escape the real-life political drama happening now.

Assemblymember Todd Gloria is leading against City Councilmember Barbara Bry in the race for San Diego’s next mayor. Plus, Republican Darrell Issa and Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar are neck and neck for the 50th Congressional District seat. And Democrat Terra Lawson-Remer upset Republican incumbent Kristin Gaspar in the District 3 County Board of Supervisors race. Plus, Sara Jacobs has been declared the winner in the race for the 53rd Congressional District. Finally, a roundup of the results of the state propositions.

Tuesday is the last day to vote in person, or drop off or postmark your mail ballot. Plus, the San Diego city Council has put plans in motion to preserve the city’s affordable housing. And in our ongoing series on the region's COVID-19 data, KPBS looks at how hospitals are maintaining staffing during the pandemic. Then, the Center for Ethics in Science and Technology will host an event about the new media ecosystem we are living in and technology designed to assess bias in media news stories. Finally, a marine scientist photographed evidence of what may be 500,000 barrels of DDT waste dumped near Catalina.