Midday Edition

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Friday that allows for greater housing density near public transit stations across the state. Senate Bill 79 supersedes local zoning rules in the hopes of increasing housing production in the state.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from one California housing advocate on why he thinks its passage is "the most significant housing bill that's ever been passed in California."Guest:Ethan Elkind, director, Climate Program, UC Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we are profiling trailblazers in the community about their commitment to their craft and contributions to the San Diego region.Thursday on Midday Edition, the executive director and CEO of the San Diego Museum of Art talks about her journey into the arts and what she sees for the future of San Diego's thriving, binational arts and culture scene.Then, a unique Halloween attraction puts its own spin on the haunted maze by bringing attention to real-world issues like climate change, animal cruelty and pollution. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando previews the socially conscious haunt.And finally, the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center celebrates its third anniversary this weekend. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans speaks with a local printmaker who is featured at the event and previews other events on her radar.Guests:Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO, San Diego Museum of ArtJaidacyn Madrigal, founder, Fright for FutureJohn Hansen, haunt crew member, Fright for FutureIrie Zepeda, artist, printmaker, Por La Mano Press y Arte founderJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS

Many can thank youth sports for wonderful memories out in the sun — tossing a ball, scoring goals and even spraining an ankle or two.KPBS video journalist Mikey Damron explores his youth sports journey — and that of his son's — in his new video series, "Game-Time Decision." We hear the details.Plus, the culture and politics of surfing and skateboarding are the focus of a conference coming to SDSU this weekend.We sit down with Bryce Wettstein, an Olympic skateboarder and the headliner of the conference and Neftalie Williams, a moderator at the conference and the director of SDSU's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change.Guests:Mike Damron, video journalist, KPBSNeftalie Williams, director of San Diego State University's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change, professor of sociologyBryce Wettstein, Olympic skateboarder

California's special redistricting election is underway, as ballots for Proposition 50 hit voters' mailboxes. We hear analysis from a local political scientist.Then, San Diego once had a large, thriving and tight-knit Black community in the region. But over the years, policies like redlining and other forces of displacement drove many Black San Diegans from their neighborhoods — that story is explored in a recent exhibit at the San Diego History Center.On Midday Edition, we hear about some of the lost legacy of San Diego's Black community through both personal stories and policy, and ongoing efforts to revitalize that sense of identity in 2025.Guests:Ric Epps, political science professor, Imperial Valley CollegeGaidi Finnie, executive director, San Diego African American Museum of Fine ArtSheri Jones, co-founder, Black San DiegoIMG_7581.jpg (3024x4032, AR: 0.75)

The San Diego Filipino Film Festival (SDFFF) kicks off Thursday with a four-day celebration of Filipino cinema. The festival includes films exploring themes of family, climate change, LGBTQ+ identity and more.Monday on Midday Edition, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando looks at how the festival is continuing to celebrate film and community.Guests:Benito Bautista, founder, SDFFFSami Andico, programmer, SDFFF

The California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the city of El Cajon on Friday over its controversial license plate surveillance program.The lawsuit comes after KPBS reported that the El Cajon Police Department is openly defying a 2023 legal bulletin, which prohibits sharing data from license plate reader systems with outside agencies.We discuss the latest and how the lawsuit fits into the larger conversation around immigration enforcement in San Diego.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Hispanic Heritage Month is well underway and we are highlighting leaders in our region who have dedicated their lives to serving the community.We sit down with the CEO of MAAC San Diego, a nonprofit that runs education, health and housing programs and much more, all with a focus on economic mobility.Guest: Arnulfo Manriquez, president and CEO, MAAC

Thursday marks the 2nd annual San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, which brings jazz luminaries from both sides of the border together in a celebration of San Diego and Tijuana's rich jazz history.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear about some of that history and tradition from two local jazz figures behind the festival.Plus, the play “All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me,” which is currently running at the La Jolla Playhouse, explores the fear, uncertainty and joy that can come with becoming a parent.And finally, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top picks for arts and culture events, from an experimental bassoon concert to San Diego Museum Month.Guests:Dan Atkinson, jazz musician, executive director, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz FestivalJulian Placencia, jazz musician, festival organizer, San Diego Tijuana International Jazz FestivalKat Yen, theater director, “All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me”Joy Guidry, bassoonistJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

The government has shutdown after Senate Republicans failed to reach an agreement on federal funding.Around 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed. Many offices will be shuttered.In San Diego, tens of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed or forced to work without pay, according to figures from Democrats on the House Budget Committee.We talk about how the impacts of the government shutdown will be felt by San Diegans.Plus, takeaways from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military meeting in Quantico, Virginia and reactions from local military personnel.Guests: Mike Levin, U.S. Representative, 49th DistrictAdam Ashton, deputy editor, CalMattersAndrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS

Nearly 40,000 children are in foster care in California. Many have experienced immense challenges in their young lives. For some, that includes abuse and neglect.Giving foster youth a consistent voice to support them and help them manage the foster care system can make a big difference in their lives.On Midday Edition Tuesday, members of the nonprofit Voices for Children talks about its CASA volunteer program and why it plays an important role in serving young people in foster care in San Diego and Riverside counties.Guests:Jessica Muñoz, president and CEO, Voices for ChildrenMatt Morscheck, CASA volunteer, Voices for Children