KPBS Midday Edition

Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 when word of freedom spread to the last people who were enslaved in Galveston, Texas under the Confederacy.Here in San Diego, festivities are well underway — with lots in store this weekend. Juneteenth celebrations are happening across the county, with everything from music performances to surf lessons.On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with two local event organizers to give us a preview of upcoming events celebrating the holiday. We also talk about the meaning of Juneteenth and the importance of community.But first, Onstage Playhouse is opening a new play next week called "Isaac's Eye" about renowned scientist Isaac Newton — who made significant contributions to physics, mathematics and astronomy.Plus, our preview of local arts events happening this weekend.Guests:Loren Cobbs, founder, SD MelaninAiyana Reissman, program manager, Paddle for PeaceJames P. Darvas, artistic director, Onstage PlayhouseJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

The experience of parenting a child with autism can be fulfilling and life-changing. It can also bring real challenges.Andrea Moriarty is a proud "autism mom." Her son, now an adult, was first diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Moriarty has been writing about her experience and providing advice on parenting a child with autism, throughout her time as a parent.Her latest book, “Daffy: Laughter as Self-Care for Autism Moms with Very Little Time and No Interest in Exercise,” reflects on the journey her and other parents have gone through raising a child with autism, touching on both the challenges and the importance of laughter and joy.Guest:Andrea Moriarty, author, "Daffy: Laughter as Self-Care for Autism Moms with Very Little Time and No Interest in Exercise”Book event:Andrea Moriarty discusses and signs her new book "Daffy" at Camino Books in Del Mar, Thurs. June 18, 6 p.m.

It's almost been one month since the tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.Three innocent men lost their lives — Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad.We sit down with Imam Taha Hassane, director of the center, to honor their memory. We also discuss how the community is healing several weeks later. Guest:Imam Taha Hassane, director, Islamic Center of San DiegoResources:Council on American-Islamic RelationsEverytown Survivor Network9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

This year's Juneteenth holiday is coming up Friday.It's a celebration of when enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their independence in 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.San Diego has its own history with the holiday. Wednesday on Midday Edition, we look at how San Diegans have commemorated Juneteenth in years past.Guest:Kyle Brooks, assistant professor of theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego

The developer behind a proposed data center project in Imperial Valley is suing over water rights to the Colorado River.The company behind the center — Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing — is seeking access to 260 million gallons of Colorado River water every year through its lawsuit against the Imperial Irrigation District.The Colorado River is the only source of fresh water in the Imperial Valley. It's facing a climate change-fueled drought.On Midday Edition, we break down the latest lawsuit and how it fits into the controversy over the proposed data center in Imperial Valley.Guest:Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS

The Supreme Court still has a few weeks until the end of its term, and justices have a number of important decisions to make before summer recess.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we talk about what cases are left.Guests:David Savage, Supreme Court reporter, LA TimesLinks:"Here are the big cases the Supreme Court will decide in June" — Los Angeles Times

El Niño has begun. The weather pattern, led by warmer ocean waters in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to be historically strong this year.On Midday Edition, we hear more about this year's El Niño conditions and what they mean for the likelihood of a wetter winter in San Diego, hotter temperatures across the globe and more.Guest:Alex Tardy, founder of Weather Echo; former meteorologist, National Weather Service

Think back to your U.S. history classes. What were you taught about the end of slavery?President Abraham Lincoln is often credited with freeing enslaved Americans when he signed the final Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.But who gets left out of that narrative?As Juneteenth approaches, KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sits down with a local historian to highlight how Black leaders fought for their own liberation and unravel the prevailing narratives around emancipation and America's 250 years of independence.Guest:T.J. Tallie, history professor, University of San Diego

A little over 50 years ago, the fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War — displacing millions of Vietnamese people.San Diego author C.L. Hoang moved to the U.S. for college just six months before the fall of Saigon. It took another 14 years before he was able to reunite with his parents in California.On KPBS Midday Edition, we sit down with Hoang to discuss his new book, recounting his family's journey of resilience and reunification.Guest:C.L. Hoang, author of "Land of Dreams: An Immigrant's Journey from War-Torn Vietnam to America"

The 2026 World Cup is expected to be FIFA's biggest tournament yet. But for many fans hoping to experience it in person, the price of admission may be too high to pay.Thursday on Midday Edition, we talk about the impact of rising ticket costs for World Cup fans, and the political climate surrounding the matches.Then, June is Black Music Month. We sit down with a local spoken soul group Lyrical Groove to talk about how they weave culture, identity and healing into their art. It also features a special performance.And finally, there is never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans shares her top weekend event picks for dance, music and art — including a musical about SpongeBob SquarePants.Guests:Kevin Baxter, reporter, Los Angeles TimesKendrick Dial, artist, Lyrical GrooveBrisa Lauren Johnson, singer, Lyrical GrooveJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Ten years ago this week, 49 people were killed in a shooting at Pulse Nightclub, an LGBTQ+ space in Orlando, Florida.At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. It's a tragedy that continues to affect the community in unimaginable ways, a decade later.The San Diego LGBT Community Center organizes an annual community ofrenda to honor the 49 lives lost. Their 10th anniversary event is Friday.On KPBS Midday Edition, we talk about the ofrenda and the importance of remembering.Guest:Gus Hernandez, senior director of communications, The San Diego LGBT Community CenterResources:The Trevor ProjectTrauma Survivors NetworkSurvivors EmpoweredCrisis Text Line

Wednesday marks the beginning of California State Parks Week.It is an annual celebration of the diversity of California state parks and public lands, from coastal beaches to redwood forests.The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve is part of the festivities.KPBS Midday Edition Jade Hindmon sits with three experts at the reserve to talk about the ongoing restoration, preservation and accessibility efforts at the Tijuana River Estuary.Guests:Jeff Crooks, research director, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research ReserveKristen Goodrich, training and engagement program director, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research ReserveHaley Calhoun, education coordinator, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and California State Parks San Diego Coast DistrictLinks:California State Parks Week website

The City of San Diego's Commission on Police Practices was created in 2020 with the purpose of investigating claims of police misconduct. But, six years later, it still lacks many of the powers voters approved.A recent report released by the San Diego County Civil Grand Jury raises concerns about the rollout of the commission, including stalled labor negotiations, staffing challenges and limited access to police records.On Midday Edition, we sit down with San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Kelly Davis, and revisit the measure that created the commission, and why it is struggling to meet its original vision.Guest:Kelly Davis, watchdog reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Before the Trump administration, immigration arrests on military bases were rare.KPBS investigative border reporter Gustavo Solis found that over the past year, dozens of immigrants have been detained on San Diego military bases.KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sat down with Solis to talk about how these arrests are being made, who is being impacted and the history of military collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

As the United States marks 250 years since independence, a new episode from the KPBS show "Historic Places" dives into the story of the First Peoples of Southern California before the American Revolution.KPBS Midday Edition's Jade Hindmon sits down with host Elsa Sevilla and talks about the stories of the Kumeyaay and other Indigenous peoples in the region during that time — and how that rich cultural history has been preserved over millennia.Guest:Elsa Sevilla, host, "Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla"Links: "Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla" — KPBS+

After weeks of debate, the San Diego City Council is set to vote on a final budget tomorrow.With a budget deficit of at least $118 million, there's a lot of contention about what should be cut.On Midday Edition, we break down the latest in the budget saga and what to know ahead of the final vote.Guest:David Garrick, reporter, San Diego-Union Tribune

Since 1792, the United States Mint has documented American history through coins.San Marcos-based artist and illustrator Chris Polentz has now designed several coins for the Mint, including one for the country's 250th anniversary.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from Polentz about what goes into designing a coin and how he wanted to commemorate this milestone in the country's history.Then, mixed martial artists and sibling relationships take center stage in Ngozi Anyanwu's play "The Monsters," currently running at the La Jolla Playhouse. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando gives us a preview.And finally, looking for things to do this weekend? KPBS' Julia Dixon Evans has you covered with event picks ranging from design to dance.Guests:Chris Polentz, artistNgozi Anyanwu, playwright, "The Monsters"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

As part of KPBS' continuing election coverage, reporters share top results and discuss the races the day after election night.Big races such as the governor's race have not been called. But Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra have emerged as the two candidates with the most votes.Then, the AP called the Congressional District 48 race. Marni von Wilpert and Jim Desmond will advance to the November election.Plus, a look at local city council races and the non-primary homes tax.Guests:Jeanne Kuang, Capitol reporter, Cal MattersAndrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBSJake Gotta, Public Matters host, KPBSGustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Tuesday marks the last day of voting in California's primary election, and San Diegans are casting their ballots in key state and local races.As part of KPBS' continuing election coverage, Midday Edition checks in on how voting is going in San Diego County.Then, two political scientists break down some of the competitive local races and the issues at the forefront of voters' minds.Guests:Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBSBrian Adams, political science professor, San Diego State UniversityRic Epps, political science professor, Imperial Valley CollegeResources:KPBS Voter Hub

A love story involving a married woman and younger man, and a murder are at the heart of a new novel, with San Diego as the backdrop.Author Cassandra Neyenesch joined Midday Edition Monday to talk about the book and the role San Diego plays in it."I like the feeling that the bright sun is hiding darkness," she said.Guest:Cassandra Neyenesch, author, "A Little Bit Bad"Link:Cassandra Neyenesch at the Book Catapult on Tuesday June 2

Up to 96,000 people across San Diego County could lose their CalFresh benefits throughout the year as federal changes to the program take effect.One of those changes that began on Monday requires people without exemptions to work 80 hours per month to receive CalFresh benefits — also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the federal level. At least one nonprofit organization in San Diego County said it is rationing food to meet the growing need.On KPBS Midday Edition, we talk about what the new CalFresh rules mean for families in San Diego County who rely on the benefits.Guests:Alondra Alvarado, president & CEO, San Diego Hunger CoalitionAngeles Nelson, senior advocate, Nourish CaliforniaResources:San Diego Hunger Coalition Nourish CaliforniaSD Food Bank - Emergency Food Assistance ProgramFeeding San DiegoSUN Bucks - Summer Food ProgramFather Joe's Villages

The FIFA World Cup is a little over a week away, and millions of people are expected to travel into the United States over the next two months.But as the excitement grows, so are public health concerns amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from an infectious diseases expert about why he believes the possibility of an outbreak is low and the state of public health policy today.Guest:Dr. Davey Smith, infectious diseases doctor, virologist, professor, UC San Diego

KPBS Midday Edition is continuing to highlight local trailblazers in commemoration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.Among those creative forces is artist and curator hamsa fae, who stylizes her name in lowercase.Host Jade Hindmon sits down with fae to talk about performance art, the beginning of their creative journey and the landscape for Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in San Diego today.Guest:hamsa fae, artist, curator, founder, AAPI Emerging Artist FellowshipUntitled

Voters have a few days left to cast their ballots for the June primary.A key race we're watching is California's 48th Congressional District.If Democrats win, it could be what they need to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.We continue our series interviewing candidates for the 48th District by speaking with San Diego City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert.Find more information about candidates across all races at the KPBS Voter Hub.Guest:Marni Von Wilpert, candidate for California's 48th Congressional District

Voters have a few days left to cast their ballots for the June primary.A key race we're watching is California's 48th Congressional District.If Democrats win, it could be what they need to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.We continue our series interviewing candidates for the 48th District by speaking with U.S Navy Reserve officer and former Obama official Ammar Campa-Najjar.Find more information about candidates across all races at the KPBS Voter Hub.Guest:Ammar Campa-Najjar, candidate for California's 48th Congressional District

This month, KPBS Midday Edition is featuring conversations with important San Diego voices to commemorate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.First, we dive into the experience of AANHPI communities in navigating mental health care and how cultural values, traditions and intergenerational dynamics can impact treatment.Then, political science professor Tom Wong has spent the last decade and a half exploring how immigration has shaped the U.S. KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sits down with Wong to speak about his work.Guests:Nellie Tran, community psychologist, professor, San Diego State University Department of Counseling and School PsychologyTom Wong, political science professor, UC San Diego; founder and director, U.S. Immigration Policy Center Resources:SDSU Center for Community Counseling and EngagementSDSU Counseling and Psychological ServicesNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Diego

Voters have a little less than a week to cast their ballots for the June primary.The race for California's 48th Congressional District is one to watch. It's one of five red seats Democrats are hoping to flip blue, with the passage of Proposition 50.On KPBS Midday Edition, we're sitting down with the leading Democratic candidates for the 48th District — starting with economist and businessman Brandon Riker.Find more information about candidates across all races at the KPBS Voter Hub.Guest:Brandon Riker, candidate for California's 48th Congressional District

Since 1994, Jasmine Seafood Restaurant has served as a hub for authentic dim sum and for bringing people together in the Convoy District.Owner Allen Chan is not only a restaurateur; he's also a chiropractor and prominent community leader. He's known around San Diego for his commitment to service work and philanthropy.As part of our AANHPI Heritage Month series highlighting local leaders in the community, we sit down with Allen Chan to hear about his dedication to good food and community.Guest:Allen Chan, owner of Jasmine Seafood Restaurant

It has been over a week since tragedy unfolded at the Islamic Center of San Diego, when two teenagers fatally shot three community members.The shock and mourning to follow has rippled across San Diego and the country.KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon sat down with two Muslim community leaders to talk about how they are processing last week's events and where healing begins.Guests:Khalid Alexander, president, Pillars of the Community, professor, San Diego City CollegeRamla Sahid, executive director, Partnership for the Advancement of New AmericansResources:Ways to help or get help in the wake of the Islamic Center shootingSan Diego Crisis Resources: Support Following Islamic Center Tragedy — City of San DiegoCAIR San Diego Community HubNational Center for Crisis and Bereavement

The Trump administration wants more green card applicants to return to their home countries to apply, according to a memo released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) last week. The new policy has created confusion for many people navigating the green card process, as well as for immigration advocates.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from an immigration law expert on what the changes mean, and how people affected are responding to the latest shake-up in U.S. immigration policy.Guest:Tammy Lin, professor of practice, supervising attorney at the University of San Diego's Legal Clinics' Immigration Clinic

After a multi-year hiatus making documentaries exploring the tough questions in America today, W. Kamau Bell is returning to stand-up for a new comedy tour.You might know Bell for his Emmy-winning CNN show, "United Shades of America," his docuseries "We Need to Talk About Cosby," or his HBO documentary "1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed."On Midday Edition, we talk with W. Kamau Bell ahead of his tour stop in San Diego at Mic Drop Comedy.Then, a new young adult novel explores the coming-of-age story of Aouli, a young Native Hawaiian teen growing up in the Pacific Northwest, as she navigates faith, family, cultural identity and young love.And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans shares all her top picks for arts events.Guest:W. Kamau Bell, comedian, documentary filmmaker, and podcasterKauakanilehua Māhoe Adams, author, "An Expanse of Blue"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest," KPBS

Last year, an investigation by student journalists at University of Southern California (USC) found the university had sold donors' bodies to the Navy, which then sold the cadavers to the Israeli military for medical training use.Many of the bodies provided were first donated to UC San Diego then moved to USC, according to reports from student outlets Annenberg Media and the UCSD Guardian.The AJ+ documentary series, "Direct From With Dena Takruri" dives deeper into the investigation, working in collaboration with the student reporters who uncovered the donor contracts and tracked down the families.KPBS Midday Edition host Jade Hindmon talks with two of the student journalists about the details of the donation program, their experience reporting on the families directly impacted and collaborating with AJ+ on the investigation.Guests:Thomas Murphy, student reporter, UCSD GuardianJennifer Nehrer, former investigative reporter, USC Annenberg MediaLinks:Families left in the dark: UCSD, USC quietly sell donors' bodies to Navy for Israeli military training — Annenberg Media and the UCSD Guardian

Experts on extremism say the teenagers who opened fire and killed three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego were motivated by far-right conspiracies and white supremacist networks.Their manifesto includes hateful rhetoric towards Muslims, Jewish people, Black people, the LGBTQ+ community, and women.They also promoted symbols long associated with white supremacists and Nazis. The shooting is the latest in a pattern of violent, right-wing extremism in the United States.On Midday Edition, we unpack some of the ideologies that motivated suspects and what the violence says about the state of extremism in the U.S. We also talk about how journalists should report on the tragedy in a thoughtful way.Guest:Andrew Dyer military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we get the latest details on Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We hear from a leader in the San Diego Muslim American community on how people are feeling one day later.Plus, as police continue to investigate the shooting as a hate crime, we speak with an expert on hate and extremism on the current state of online hate and Islamaophobia.Then, we hear how to foster conversations with children in the wake of trauma and violence.Guests:Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBSTazheen Nizam, executive director, CAIR San DiegoBrian Levin, founder, Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San BernardinoDr. David Schonfeld, pediatrician, director, National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children's Hospital Los AngelesResources:Talking to kids about tragediesWays to help or get help in the wake of the Islamic Center shootingHelping children cope and adjust after a disasterNational Center for Crisis and Bereavement

Though often hidden from view under the sea, kelp forests are one of the most important and dynamic marine habitats, supporting numerous species of marine life.But kelp forests are also under threat from pollution, overfishing, and warming ocean temperatures.David Helvarg is the author of the new book "Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp."Helvarg joined Midday Edition Monday to talk about what kelp forests add to our oceans, the history of the Point Loma kelp forest, as well as restoration efforts to bring kelp forests back.Guest:David Helvarg, author, "Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp"Link:Forest of the Sea by David Helvarg - Book Talk & Signing, Scripps Institution of Oceanography's Martin Johnson House- Monday, May 18 from 6-8pm

For Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we are sitting down with community leaders and trailblazers who have made their mark on San Diego.For much of her life, JoAnn Fields has been a major advocate for AANHPI communities, working for every level of elected office and pushing for the continued recognition and representation of Filipino Americans in San Diego.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear about Fields' journey into advocacy and politics and how she is continuing to bring visibility to Filipino American history and culture in San Diego and beyond.Guest:JoAnn Fields, government and public relations director, API Initiative

Those changes could include adding longer term limits, a new ethics commission, and more. If passed, the charter rewrite would go to public vote in November.Monday on Midday Edition, we look at the dueling proposals between Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Joel Anderson and what the proposed changes could mean for how county government is run.Guest:Lucas Robinson, San Diego County government and politics reporter, San Diego Union-TribuneStories:Dueling term limits: Amid criticism of Lawson-Remer's proposed charter rewrite, Anderson pitches a rival plan — San Diego Union-Tribune

Many tourists might recognize San Diego as America's Finest City. But what happens when you look past the city's sunny surface? The book, “Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See,” offered up another side of San Diego history when its 2005 edition came out — one rooted in resistance and activism.Now, 20 years later, the book has been updated with new interviews and new stories, looking at the ways the city has changed.Thursday on Midday Edition, we hear from two of the authors about dedicating the book to the late Mike Davis, one of the book's original authors, and their own reflections on how San Diego has transformed over time.Then, thinking about what to do this weekend? KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered with a diverse mix of visual art, theater and music in her weekend arts preview.Guests:Kelly Mayhew, professor, San Diego City College, author, "Under the Perfect Sun"Jim Miller, professor, San Diego City College, author, "Under the Perfect Sun"Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast, KPBS

As we learn more about how cell phones are impacting kids' health and wellbeing, schools across the country are trying to adapt.More than two-thirds of U.S. states now have some restrictions over cell phone use in public schools. We hear about how efforts are going in San Diego County.Plus, we sit down with an author of a first-of-its-kind study that looked at the effectiveness of cell phone bans in schools.Guests:Katie Anastas, education reporter, KPBSHunt Allcott, professor of environmental social sciences, Stanford University

The San Diego City Council was scheduled to discuss updates to its street improvement plan this week.The city released its original plan two years ago. But cracks in that strategy appeared almost immediately, when residents pointed out concerns about equity and redlining in their neighborhoods.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we look into the changes the city has made since the release of the initial plan and recent efforts to repair roads across the region.Guest:Katie Hyson, Racial Justice and Social Equity reporter, KPBS

It's been nearly three years since the San Diego City Council passed the Unsafe Camping Ordinance, which prohibited tent encampments on public property when shelter beds are available.The law also set rules for how the city can enforce the ban, leading to increased sweeps of homeless encampments.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear about a new analysis from The San Diego Union-Tribune that digs deeper into the data, revealing the financial costs to the city and the impact of repeated sweeps on those living in the encampments.Guest:Kristen Taketa, watchdog and accountability reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

For four decades, the California Surf Museum has served as a portal into the world of surfing — capturing the history, art and culture of the sport.On Midday Edition, we talk to the executive director of the Oceanside museum about how it tells the story of surfing.Plus, a world surfing champion, author and motivational speaker shares lessons from a life of surfing, ahead of his event this week at the California Surf Museum.Guests:Jim Kempton, executive director, California Surf MuseumShaun Tomson, world surfing champion, author, motivational speaker

Longtime civil rights activist and San Diego icon Harold "Hal" K. Brown passed away last week at the age of 92.Born in York, Pennsylvania, Brown came to San Diego State University (SDSU) in 1953 on a basketball scholarship.He was heavily involved in San Diego's Civil Rights Movement throughout the 1950's and 60's. In 1971, he became SDSU's first Black administrator, later founding what became the university's Africana Studies Department.Monday on Midday Edition, we commemorate Brown's legacy, his lifelong commitment to racial and economic justice, and the enduring mark he has left on San Diego.Guest:Adisa Alkebulan, professor and department chair of Africana Studies, SDSU

Passengers of a cruise ship struck by an outbreak of hantavirus have been flown home. Nine cases have been reported from the outbreak, including three deaths.On Midday Edition Monday, we hear from a local medical expert to learn more about hantavirus, how it differs from coronavirus, and why he feels the public health risk remains low.Guest:Dr. Stephen Munday, epidemiologist, Sharp Healthcare

Every Wednesday for six weeks at a time, adult musicians gather at the Coronado Community Center to practice their instruments. They call themselves the Coronado Terrible Orchestra.Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with the director to talk about how the orchestra has provided a space for its members to celebrate the joys of music, and help them to play without judgment.Then, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando looks at what's new with the San Diego International Fringe Festival as it expands its binational footprint with the World Fringe Congress.And finally, there's never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. KPBS arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast Julia Dixon Evans shares all her top arts event picks for the weekend.Guests:Cassie O'Hanlon, director, Coronado Terrible OrchestraKevin Charles Patterson, founder, San Diego International Fringe FestivalShaun Davis, producing director, San Diego International Fringe Festival Holly Lombardo, managing director, World FringeJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and "The Finest" host, KPBS