Midday Edition

For more than 400 years, 12.5 million people in Africa were ripped from their homes and families, chained in pairs, packed into cargo holds at the bottom of ships and trafficked to the Americas.

On the other side of the two-month journey through the middle passage was the horror of chattel slavery.

Today, the continued impacts of that reality are all around us. In America, we see it reflected in every system — from our economy to our health care system.

Last month, the United Nations General Assembly passed a landmark resolution that declares the transatlantic slave trade the "gravest crime against humanity." It also calls for reparations beyond symbolic acknowledgement.

We talk about what the resolution could mean for reparations proposals in California.

Guest:

• Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego County Board Supervisor, District 4

For years, Alma Rodriguez and her late daughter Ana Rodriguez brought the Beatles Fair to San Diego's North Park.

This year, it's coming to the desert. The new location is one of several ways Alma is honoring her daughter. The festival is also supporting Alma's new advocacy mission around pedestrian safety.

On Midday Edition Thursday, we talk to Anna about the inspiration behind this year's event.

Plus, KPBS Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando sits down with an author about the history and evolution of Black representation in film.

And, more young people are turning to so-called 'grandma hobbies' to disconnect from social media — from knitting and gardening, to pottery and needlepoint.

We hear from two local crafters to hear how they're building community for hobbyists.

Guests:

• Alma Rodriguez, owner of Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center and organizer of the San Diego Beatles Fair
• David F. Walker, author of "Black Film: A History of Black Representation and Participation in the Movies"
• Marlee Drake, co-founder of Queer Crafting San Diego
• Kimberly Molin, co-founder of MoMo Craft Club

A jury last week found Meta and Google designed their social media platforms to hook young users without a concern for their well being.

The case was brought forth by a woman who had been using social media since the age of 6. She testified that she became addicted to social media as a child and that the addiction worsened her mental health struggles.

On Midday Edition Wednesday, we talk about the case and how social media features like infinite scrolling and autoplay can lead to problematic social media use.

Guest:

Kristen Vacarro, associate professor of computer science and engineering, UC San Diego

Small businesses in South County, near the sewage-laced Tijuana River, are attributing years-long revenue losses to the ongoing pollution crisis. While construction projects designed to stop the flow of untreated wastewater are underway, business owners say relief cannot come sooner.

This week, William Briggs, the deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), visited the communities most affected, including Imperial Beach, to hear directly from business owners.

He is the latest federal official to meet with people who live and work near the Tijuana River in San Diego. In February, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin also visited the region to highlight how the federal government is working with its Mexican counterparts to end the decades-long problem.

Voice of San Diego reporter Jim Hinch followed along during Briggs' visit to Imperial Beach. He joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to share his biggest takeaways.

Guest:

• Jim Hinch, South County reporter, Voice of San Diego

U.S. gas prices have passed $4 a gallon first the first time since 2022, largely due to the war in Iran.

California has the highest average in the country, at nearly $5.89 for a gallon of gas.

On Wednesday's Midday Edition, we talk about the high price of gas and other economic trends, from housing to population size in San Diego.

Guest:

• Daniel Enemark, chief economist, Policy & Innovation Center

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park opened its latest addition, Elephant Valley, in early March. The new exhibit gives visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of Earth’s largest land animals.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear about the new exhibit's design, and learn about the intelligent and family-centered animals living inside.

Guest:

• Kristi Burtis, vice president of wildlife care, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Link:

Elephants Form "Alert Circle" in Response to Earthquake at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

"Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences" is a new book by married writers Anne Lamott and Neal Allen.

It guides writers through a series of rules about the craft of putting a sentence together and fine tune any type of writing — from a book and social media post to a professional email. Along the way, they want writers to stay curious.

Allen is a former journalist and now author and coach. Lamott is a bestselling author of more than 20 books, including the beloved "Bird by Bird," a guide to writing and life that was first published in 1994.

KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans sat down with the author duo ahead of their San Diego book event at Balboa Theatre this week.

Guests:

• Anne Lamott, bestselling author of "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life"
• Neal Allen, author and life coach

Link:

Good Writing: An Evening with Anne Lamott & Neal Allen

March 31 is officially Farmworkers Day in California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill last week to rename the holiday from César Chávez Day, following allegations of rape and sexual abuse by the late labor leader.

Here in San Diego, where Chicanos have fought for civil rights and representation, many are grappling with the allegations against Chávez.

We hear from KPBS reporters to learn how people have been processing the allegations against an icon of civil rights and workers' rights.

Guests:

• Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS
• Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS
• Verónica Martínez-Matsuda, associate professor of history, UC San Diego

It's the time of year for Padres fans' favorite words: Play ball!

On today's arts and culture show, we get a peak into Padres Opening Day and hear from a Carlsbad chef in the running for a major award.

Plus, our Midday Movies critics highlight women directors for Women's History Month, from trailblazers to emerging new voices.

Then, the weekend preview of upcoming events in the music scene.

Guests:

• Jacob Aere, producer, KPBS
• Eric Bost, chef and owner of several Carlsbad restaurants
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS
• Yazdi Pithavala, host, Moviewallas
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Laughter and joy have always been central to the Black experience.

The '90s especially were a golden era for Black comedy. But it didn't just start then — there were others that paved the way for shows like Living Color, Martin, and A Different World.

The truth is: Black comedians have always shaped culture and civic discourse in America.

We sit down with broadcaster and author Geoff Bennett to talk about his new book, "Black Out Loud," which explores Black comedy's history and cultural influence.

Guest:

• Geoff Bennett, co-anchor of PBS NewsHour, author of "Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms"