Midday Edition

Hundreds of political scientists in the United States think the country is moving from democracy toward authoritarianism, according to the Bright Line Watch survey.

Respondents looked at indicators such as interference with the press and the punishment of political opponents, among other factors.

On Midday Edition, we've gathered a panel of local political experts to assess the state of our democracy, and what can be done about it.

• Casey Dominguez, professor of political science at the University of San Diego
• Brian Adams, professor of political science at San Diego State University
• Lindsey Lupo, professor of political science at Point Loma Nazarene University

President Trump recently completed his first 100 days in office for his second term. His administration has spend that time upending many pillars of government and society and the impacts are now being felt here in San Diego. Some argue the root of Trump's actions is planted in a policy blueprint called Project 2025.

A new reporting series from KPBS looks into how Project 2025 is changing policy and society in San Diego.

Amita Sharma, investigative reporter, KPBS

Paul Downey started working with the San Diego nonprofit Serving Seniors as a reluctant volunteer. Thirty years later, he is retiring from his position as its president and CEO.

Downey sat down with KPBS Midday Edition producer Andrew Bracken to talk about his work and how he's seen the needs of vulnerable, at-risk seniors change over time.

Guest:

Paul Downey, retiring president and CEO, Serving Seniors

Words like cryptocurrency, the blockchain and bitcoin have taken hold in our collective vocabulary.

But understanding the meaning and the digital mechanics behind these words can prove difficult.

KPBS Midday Edition sits down with a local financial expert for basic tips on making sense of crypto, avoiding scams and getting started.

Guest:

• Timothy O'Donovan, professor of finance, and the University of San Diego

For the second year in a row, San Diego’s own Tara Monsod is a finalist for Best Chef in California by the esteemed James Beard Awards for her work at local restaurants Animae and Le Coq. Chef Tara sat down with Midday Edition to talk about her recent accolades and what drives her culinary creations.

Plus, our Midday Movies critics share their breakdown of the genre-defying blockbuster hit, "Sinners."

Then, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares her top weekend arts picks from visual art to live music.

Guests:

• Tara Monsod, executive chef, Animae and Le Coq
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter and host of "Cinema Junkie," KPBS
• Yazdi Pithavala, host of Moviewallas podcast
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Cover - GOLD COAST DILEMMA.jpg (1399x2173, AR: 0.6438104003681546)

It's easy to get lost in a good romance book. From the classic "enemies to lovers" trope, to workplace rivals — there's a little something for everyone.

The clash between cultural expectations and forbidden love are at the center of San Diego-based author Nana Malone's new book, "Gold Coast Dilemma."

On Midday Edition, we discuss the book and the importance of representation in the romance genre.

• Nana Malone, bestselling romance author

Today, April 30, marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Sàigòn when thousands of Vietnamese fled political persecution, then millions more in the following years.

San Diego was one of the first points of entry for many Vietnamese refugees escaping the communist government.

A new KPBS video series, Fall of Sàigòn at 50: Stories of loss, legacy & identity, takes a look back at the events half a century ago, reexamining the historical moment and how it has reverberated across generations in the Vietnamese diaspora, including here in San Diego.

Alexander Nguyen, North County reporter, KPBS

April marks Jazz Appreciation Month. On Midday Edition Monday, we get to know the artists behind the jazz scene in our binational region.

From an acclaimed jazz singer to a soulful saxophonist, join us as we celebrate jazz with the folks keeping it alive and well from San Diego to Tijuana.

Guests:

• Leonard Patton, professional singer, musician, actor, composer
• Holly Hofmann, jazz flutist
• Natalia Velázquez, founder and director of the Tijuana Jazz Society
• Richard Aulbert IV ("Riva"), saxophonist and composer

Black Americans’ relationship to the Pacific Ocean between the 16th and 20th centuries is the focus of a new exhibit on display at the Central Library in downtown San Diego.

It's called "Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific." On Midday Edition, we talk about the exhibit with the curator behind the project.

Then, we get a preview of the Without Walls Festival, featuring interactive and nontraditional theater on the UC San Diego campus.

Plus, we preview this year's San Diego Book Crawl, coinciding with Independent Bookstore Day. We'll hear from a panel of local booksellers.

Guests:

• Caroline Collins, assistant professor of social and spatial justice at UC San Diego
• Shahrokh Yadegari, composer
• Hugo Williams, Pony Cam ensemble member
• Anika Omark, co-owner of Hey Books!
• Matthew Hein, co-owner of Hey Books!
• John Evans, co-owner of Camino Books

SPL Professional Image (1).jpg (2016x1512, AR: 1.3333333333333333)

The past five years have been a period of transformation, changing how San Diego County treats San Diegans struggling with mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness.

Now, a leading figure behind that transformation is stepping down. Luke Bergmann is the outgoing director of behavioral health services for San Diego County.

Bergmann joins Midday Edition on Wednesday to talk about the current state of mental health services, how it will be affected by budget deficits and what led to his decision to leave the role.

Then, we sit down with Cathryn Nacario, the CEO of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), to talk about how the organization's programs serve the community and the upcoming fundraiser that helps support those programs.

Guests:

• Luke Bergmann, former director of Behavioral Health Services for San Diego County
• Cathryn Nacario, CEO, NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties

Resources:

• NAMI's Warmline: 619-295-1055, available seven days a week 3:30 p.m.-11 p.m. (except major holidays)
• Behavioral Health Services, county of San Diego