Midday Edition

Across the country, hundreds of thousands of children are living in the foster care system.

It's an experience that author David Ambroz knows all too well.

In his memoir, "A Place Called Home," Ambroz recounts his experiences in and out of the poverty cycle — growing up homeless and later unprotected in the foster care system.

In spite of these harrowing experiences, his memoir is also a story about love, strength and solutions.

We sit down with Ambroz ahead of an upcoming appearance at the San Diego Writer's Festival.

Guest:

• David Ambroz, child welfare expert and author, "A Place Called Home"

The San Diego Unified School Board voted this week to rename César Chávez Elementary School.

It's one of many efforts to remove Chávez' name from schools, parks and other spaces following allegations of sexual abuse and rape that surfaced last week.

We unpack the layers of issues surrounding Chávez' legacy and what this means for survivors of sexual assault.

Guest:

• Jean Guerrero, investigative journalist and author of the substack, "UNSILENCING"

In 1992, federal agents and a white separatist family faced off in a remote part of Idaho, culminating in a violent standoff that became known as the Ruby Ridge incident.

The 11-day siege is chronicled in the book, "End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America."

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from the author about the confrontation that transpired, the family's belief in the apocalypse, and how it foreshadowed conspiracy-driven politics — and the ongoing resurgence of white Christian nationalism.

Guest:

• Chris Jennings, author, "End of Days: Ruby Ridge, the Apocalypse, and the Unmaking of America"

Events:

• San Diego Writer's Festival - March 28

The latest release of files by the Justice Department have shed light on Jeffrey Epstein's relationships with prominent researchers across the country.

That includes several researchers affiliated with UC San Diego — Deepak Chopra and V.S. Ramachandran.

Epstein helped them fund research into whether autistic children had telepathic abilities.

We break down the research and what it reveals about Epstein's interests and the level of scrutiny in research funding.

Guest:

• Lucas Robinson, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission and Justice Department approved Nexstar Media Group's $6.2 billion acquisition of rival Tegna.

The deal puts San Diego's CBS, CW and FOX affiliates and KUSI under the same ownership.

Monday on Midday Edition, we talk about what this merger could mean for San Diego's journalism landscape and information ecosystem amid declining trust in news.

Guest:

• Lynn Walsh, assistant director, Trusting News

A rapid effort is well underway to erase Cesar Chavez' name from schools, parks and monuments following allegations last week about the labor leader's sexual abuse of women and girls.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has signed an executive order directing city departments to remove public references to Chavez.

This week, the San Diego Unified School Board will vote on whether to begin the renaming process for César Chávez Elementary School.

But historians know that the full story of the farmworkers' movement does not begin or end with Chavez. We sit down with a scholar to unpack that history and the significance of this moment.

Guest:

• Verónica Martínez-Matsuda, associate professor of history, UC San Diego

The city of San Diego is considering new rules around electric bicycles. As e-bikes grow in popularity, so have concerns over safety.

On Midday Edition Monday, we get a breakdown of the different types of e-bikes available, and what people need to know. We also hear about efforts at the city and state level underway to regulate electric bicycles.

Guest:

Aria Grossman, policy manager, Circulate Planning & Policy

Resources:

Media toolkit for electric bicycles

Friday marks the beginning of Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year.

A new children's book, "Celebrate Nowruz!" by a local mother-daughter duo honors the holiday and its significance to millions of Iranian families across the world.

Then, the San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off its 33rd year with nearly 150 films showcasing the best in Latino cinema. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando brings us a preview.

And if you're looking for things to do this weekend, don't fret. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered. From protest art to a musical about public toilets, we dive into all the arts events in your weekend preview.

Guests:

• Zohreh Ghahremani, author, "Celebrate Nowruz!"
• Susie Ghahremani, illustrator, "Celebrate Nowruz!"
• Ethan van Thillo, founder, San Diego Latino Film Festival
• Luis Martinez, programmer, San Diego Latino Film Festival
• Catherina Cojulún, filmmaker
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

There's nothing like a good friend.

They're the people who make you laugh. They have your back. And, they take care of you when times get tough.

But making new friends as an adult can be challenging, especially as we try to balance jobs, families and big life changes.

On Midday Edition, we take a deep dive into all things friendship — how to make friends, keep friends and everything in between.

Our journey takes us from Kate Sessions Park, to the therapy room, Lestat's on Adams Ave, and improv at Liberty Station.

Guests:

• Julianna Domingo, producer, KPBS
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS
• Mitzy Ruelas, licensed marriage and family therapist
• Dan Singley, psychologist and director of The Center for Men's Excellence
• Lauren Mapp, co-founder and journalist, Daylight San Diego
• Maura Fox, communities reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Links:

• Daylight San Diego's Third Spaces Series
• Let Me Have It! All Femme Improv Group

The U.S. Postal Service released a new commemorative set of

stamps honoring lowrider culture on Friday.

The stamps, which highlight five classic lowrider cars, are the latest recognition for lowriding as an important form of expression in Mexican-American communities across the Southwest.

Lowriding also faced bans in many communities, including a ban in National City until it was repealed in 2023.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about the rich history of lowriding and what it has meant for Chicano culture in San Diego through the years.

Guest:

Alberto López Pulido, professor of ethnic studies, University of San Diego

Links:

Lowrider stamps

San Diego Archival Project

Lowriding: Everything Comes from the Streets