KPBS Midday Edition

In new her new novel, "A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez," San Diego author María Dolores Águila writes about community efforts to combat segregation of Mexican-American students in Depression-era Lemon Grove.Midday Edition on Tuesday explores more about the Lemon Grove Incident, Águila's writing process, as well as her reaction to the book being selected for the longlist of the National Book Awards 2025 for Young People's Literature.Guest:María Dolores Águila, author

Catholic Priest Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexicans to rise up against Spanish rule on Sept. 16, 1810.This year marks the 215th anniversary of that day — now celebrated widely as Mexican Independence Day.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum made history this year as the first woman to lead Mexico's "El Grito," also known as the "Cry of Independence."Midday Edition discusses the enduring meaning of Mexican Independence Day in 2025. And why some groups scaled back celebrations this year over concerns about immigration enforcement.Guest:Alberto Díaz Ramírez, professor of history, Autonomous University of Baja California

The San Diego City Council approved new parking fees for Balboa Park on Monday. The plan for Balboa Park is the latest effort by city leaders to increase parking revenue across San Diego.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear how much drivers will pay, what resident discounts look like, and what the changes mean for the city's budget challenges.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

The killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah last week has shocked the nation. While authorities are still trying to determine motive, leaders across the political spectrum are taking hard stances on how to respond.On Midday Edition, we discuss the implications for our democracy moving forward.Plus, we look into how journalism can play a role in amplifying extremism — locally and nationwide.Then, we feature a program giving community members a participatory role in local media through the Public Matters initiative.Guests: Will Carless, national correspondent covering extremism and emerging issues, USA TodayBrian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San BernardinoNik Usher, professor of communication at the University of San DiegoIsaac Brambila, community news coordinator, inewsource

A new exhibit, "Clothes Story" highlights the stories of African American women over a period of nearly 80 years, with a focus on the interconnection between fashion, identity and history.Plus, FilAm Creator Con returns for its second year, showcasing artists, workshops and performances that highlight Filipino American voices in the arts.Lastly, KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans tells us about some weekend arts events and exhibitions across San Diego County. You can find details on these and more arts events on our website.Guests:Kenneth Green, cultural event director, curator, "Clothes Story"Aaron Nabus, founder, FilAm Creator ConZard Apuya, artistArthur Ebuen, artistBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to expand the authority of the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board, also known as CLERB.The now-approved measure allows CLERB to investigate jail health care workers and contractors in cases of in-custody deaths. Live on KPBS Midday Edition, we breakdown what that means for law enforcement accountability.Then on Midday Edition, fewer and fewer avocados are being grown in San Diego County. We hear about the challenges for avocado production in the region.And it's been 50 years since community leaders worked to preserve Cowles Mountain. We look back at the history of the peak.Guests:Kelly Davis, investigative reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneJohn Carroll, general assignment reporter and anchor, KPBSDavid Garrick, city hall reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

New research from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is raising questions about the response to toxic air and water from the Salton Sea, and for the communities who live near it.The research highlights gaps in how pollution is measured and addressed, and how it is impacting the health of residents around the Salton Sea.Guest:Isabella B. Arzeno-Soltero, assistant professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCLA

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that federal immigration agents could resume aggressive street sweeps or "roving patrols" in Los Angeles.That means, for now, immigration officials are no longer restricted from stopping and detaining people based on factors like race, accent, employment and location.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we dig deeper into what this ruling could mean for immigration enforcement in our region and beyond.Guests:Wendy Fry, California Divide reporter, CalMattersSergio Olmos, investigative reporter, CalMatters

We sit down with the authors of the children, teen and adult selections for 2025 One Book, One San Diego.

What would it take for one to venture into hell?Author Rebecca F. Kuang's latest novel, "Katabasis" explores that question and more. In the novel, two graduate students journey into the underworld to rescue their professor's soul.Thursday on Midday Edition, Kuang joins producer Julianna Domingo to talk about the hellish inspirations for "Katabasis" and writing about the absurdities of academia.And, hear ye, hear ye! The Old Globe's latest musical comedy, "Huzzah!" follows two sisters as they try to save their father's renaissance faire from financial ruin. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando goes behind-the-scenes to speak with the director and creators.Guests:R.F. Kuang, author, "Katabasis"Nell Benjamin, lyricist, writer and composer, 'Huzzah!'Lawrence O'Keefe, composer, 'Huzzah!'Annie Tippe, director, 'Huzzah!'

For over 50 years, KSDS Jazz 88 has brought jazz music to music fans across the San Diego region and beyond. But that mission is facing new challenges as federal funding cuts hit public radio stations across the country, including at Jazz 88.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we spoke with KSDS' station manager Ken Poston on what makes the San Diego's jazz scene unique, and why preserving jazz music is so essential."I think people need to be aware of jazz and blues in particular, and where it came from," Poston said. "And why it's such an important part of our history."Guest:Ken Poston, station manager, KSDS Jazz 88

A July executive order puts restrictions on how federal funding can be spent by harm reduction programs, which provide assistance to people who use drugs or struggle with addiction.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear how this might impact outreach in San Diego.Guest:Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS

A summer COVID-19 wave is spreading across California, according to public health experts.More than 12 percent of tests statewide at the end of August came back positive — double the rate of positive tests at the end of July, according to The Los Angeles Times.A similar increase shows nearly 13 percent of tests in San Diego County coming back positive, according to the county's Health and Human Services Agency.Meanwhile, several state governors are banding together to issue public health guidance amid turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Also today, Florida announced plans to end all vaccine mandates across the state.We hear about the latest COVID-19 surge and how the politicization of public health institutions is affecting health care.Guest:Rebecca Fielding-Miller, associate professor of public health at UC San Diego

New research led by the UC San Diego Institution of Oceanography confirmed what residents in San Diego's South Bay have been saying for years: Pollution from the Tijuana River affects not just water, but also air quality.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear more about the research and what it means for the health of South Bay residents.The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission also met a key milestone recently to increase wastewater treatment for the region.Guest:Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Last Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new state task force aimed at clearing encampments from the state's streets.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear about Newsom's latest effort to address the homelessness crisis and what those efforts could mean for San Diego.Guest:Marisa Kendall, homelessness reporter, CalMatters

Twenty-five years ago, Ópera de Tijuana was founded by a small group of opera lovers who brought the art form to Mexico's second-largest city.In October, they're celebrating a quarter century of passion, perseverance and community with a performance of Cavalleria Rusticana.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the artistic director and a tenor to hear about their passion for Ópera de Tijuana.Plus, La Jolla Playhouse has extended the run of the musical "The Heart" through late September. The show takes place over the course of 24 hours in San Diego, following a heart transplant after a young surfer's life is cut short.Then, our weekly preview of events coming up in the arts and culture world this weekend.Guests: José Medina, founder and artistic director of Ópera de TijuanaGerardo Gaytán, tenor with Ópera de TijuanaChristopher Ashley, outgoing artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse, and incoming artistic director of New York's Roundabout Theatre CompanyJulia Dixon Evans, KPBS arts reporter and host of "The Finest" podcast

August is Transgender History Month in California.The Lambda Archive of San Diego works to preserve the history of the local LGBTQ+ community.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear about a project the organization is working on to highlight the history of minorities and the trans community in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.Guest:Gabrielle Garcia, head archivist, Lambda Archives of San Diego

California voters this November will weigh in on Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to redraw U.S. House districts.The goal of the new ballot initiative is to give Democrats a better chance at winning additional seats in next year's midterm elections. The move would counter an earlier Trump-backed Republican effort in Texas to do the same.Live on Midday Edition, California state Sen. Akilah Weber discusses why she supports the redistricting effort.Plus, UC San Diego political scientist Thad Kousser explains how the redistricting effort could impact the way districts are drawn in San Diego.Guests:Akilah Weber, California state senator representing the 39th districtThad Kousser, professor of political science at UC San Diego

The White House recently published a list of artworks in Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. that it deems objectionable or “divisive,” calling out artworks or museum programs that cover themes of race, immigration and sexuality.One of the works on the list was created by local cross-border artist Hugo Crosthwaite. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery commissioned him to create a portrait of Dr. Anthony Fauci, which was unveiled in 2022.The portrait, a stop-motion animation, tells the story of Fauci's long career, bookended by the HIV/AIDs and COVID-19 public health crises.KPBS spoke to Crosthwaite about the portrait and what's at stake when governments control art.GUEST:Hugo Crosthwaite, artist

Aug. 26 marks Women's Equality Day. On this day in 1920, the passage of the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote — in theory.For women who weren't white, it took several decades longer to gain access to the polls.Now in 2025, women are still fighting for equality, from reproductive rights to workplace protections — especially women of color.On Midday Edition, we discuss the complicated history of Women's Equality Day, which was not and is still not equal.Guest:Angela D. Coker, associate professor of Women's Studies at San Diego State University

San Diego city planners recently released a draft update to the Clairemont Community Plan.The changes would rezone many of the neighborhood's strip malls and shopping centers to allow for higher-density housing.In western Clairemont, near the Blue Line trolley stations, however, the neighborhood would remain largely unchanged.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we discuss the changes and the attitudes around them.Guest:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS

New reporting shows a significant portion of new homes in San Diego County are being built near freeways.We discuss concerns over pollution and congestion as the county attempts to build more housing and address the affordability crisis.Plus, we discuss San Ysidro Health's social prescribing initiative, which uses a U.K.-based strategy to encourage patients to embrace arts and culture as medicine.Then, we dive into a functional medicine doctor's new manual on hormonal wellness and treating women's health through a holistic lens.Guests:Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBSDr. Priti Ojha, chief behavioral health officer, San Ysidro HealthDr. Julie Taylor, functional medicine doctor and author of "The Hormone Manual: A Straightforward Guide for Every Woman at Every Stage of Life"

The Tijuana River Estuary carries both historic and cultural significance for the indigenous Kumeyaay people.But for decades, the river has suffered from environmental degradation, rampant pollution and an ongoing sewage crisis.A new Kumeyaay play called "Shuuluk Wechuwvi – Where Lightning Was Born” debuts this Saturday. It uses theater and comics to tell the story of the Tijuana River Valley, highlighting the resilience of the land and what restoration — both ecological and cultural — might look like.Then, San Diego's LGBTQ+ film festival FilmOut celebrates 25 years. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando sits down with FilmOut's current director and the original founder to look back at its history.Guests:Johnny Bear Contreras, public artist, founder of Eyaay Ahuun FoundationShanasia Sylman, Margaret A. Davidson graduate fellow, Tijuana River National Estuarine ResearchMichael McQuiggan, program director, FilmOutJoe Ferrelli, founder, FilmOut

Bob Marley's 1977 song "Jamming" isn't just a catchy tune — it's a celebration of togetherness, community, peace and mutual respect.MarleyZiggy ap1 c.jpg (3912x4890, AR: 0.8)The iconic song is also the inspiration behind the latest children's book by Bob Marley's eldest son, Ziggy Marley.The book is called "Pajammin': A Reggae Pajama Party for the Whole Family."Ziggy Marley is a nine-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, musician, humanitarian and author. He'll also headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday.He joined Midday Edition to discuss the process behind writing the book and his love for family tradition and playfulness.Guest: Ziggy Marley, award-winning musician and author of "Pajammin: A Reggage Pajama Party for the Whole Family"

California's attorney general says police agencies that share license plate reader data with out-of-state and federal law enforcement agencies may be violating a state sanctuary law.But in El Cajon, the police department continues to share data with out-of-state agencies.That's led to a disagreement between the police department and the state over how to define a "public agency."On Midday Edition, we sat down with KPBS investigative border reporter Gustavo Solis to hear about the clash over license plate data. And, why El Cajon has become a flashpoint in the fight over immigration.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

A new youth-led podcast called "Voices del Valle" features stories about growing up in the rural border region of Imperial Valley.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from some of the young people behind the series as they reflect on what makes "el Valle" so unique.“Voices del Valle” is part of the KPBS Explore Local Content Project.Guests:Evan Harper, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Grace Estelle Navarro, co-host, "Voices del Valle"Dominick Ramos Felix, co-host, "Voices del Valle"

San Diego County's unemployment rate hit a four-year high, according to state labor data released last week, all while the region has the highest inflation rate in the United States.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear from a local economist on what that means for the regional economy heading into the fall months.Guests:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, Policy & Innovation Center

The fight for redistricting continues in California and Texas. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he will move forward with his proposed ballot measure that, if approved by voters in November, could temporarily redraw California's congressional maps.Monday on Midday Edition, we hear from a local political scientist who breaks down what this measure means for the state and for the future of American politics.Guest:Phil Saenz, political science professor, Southwestern College

Bestselling author, political strategist and former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams will headline the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Aug. 23.Abrams joined Midday Edition on Thursday to talk about her latest book, "Coded Justice," which dives into the ethical questions around the use of AI in the healthcare industry."What I want us to think about with AI is that it's an extraordinarily powerful technology that is controlled by people," Abrams said. "And that means people have to understand what's happening and that means other people have to question where it comes from, what it does and what impact it will have on us."Plus, KPBS' Beth Accomando looks at how a new all-women acting company is flipping the script on Shakespearean plays.Then, Julia Dixon Evans shares her top picks for arts events this weekend, including meteor showers, visual art about caregiving and a children's film festival.Guests:Stacey Abrams, author of "Coded Justice," former Georgia State Representative and two-time gubernatorial candidateAudrey Sweet, co-founder of the Queen's MenCharlotte B. Larson, co-founder of the Queen's MenJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Wildfires are becoming bigger, deadlier and even more destructive across California. Firefighting efforts are also intensifying in response.On Midday Edition Wednesday, we hear from Jordan Thomas, anthropologist and author of the book “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World," about his experience fighting fires as a Los Padres Hotshot and his deep-dive into the cultural histories behind fire.Guest:Jordan Thomas, cultural anthropologist, author of “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World"Events:Aug. 21 - Book Catapult book talkAug. 23 - KPBS San Diego Book Festival

Writer and director Larry Charles has been an influential voice in American comedy for decades. From his groundbreaking work on TV series such as “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” to films like “Borat” and “The Dictator,” you likely have laughed at his work over the years.But his lifelong dedication to laughter comes with a life-and-death seriousness, which he explores in his new memoir "Comedy Samurai: 40 Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter."Charles will be a featured author at the KPBS San Diego Book Festival on Saturday, Aug. 23.Guest:Larry Charles — writer, director and author of "Comedy Samurai: 40 Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter"

Environmental groups are celebrating a ruling from the California Supreme Court related to rooftop solar panels.The California Public Utilities Commission reduced financial incentives for homeowners to install solar power in 2022.The court's ruling does not change those incentives, but will allow for the appeals court to revisit the commission's authority to make changes to credits for rooftop solar customers.On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear what the ruling could mean for the future of rooftop solar in California.Guests:Malena Carollo, business reporter, CalMattersMalinda Dickenson, legal and executive director, The Protect Our Communities Foundation

San Diego County's longtime treasurer Dan McAllister suddenly retired this month after more than two decades in office.While the county has praised McAllister's service over that time, court records reveal that two sexual harassment lawsuits were filed against him during his tenure.One of those cases had gone unreported until recently, and resulted in the county paying out a six-figure settlement in 2022, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.Tuesday on Midday Edition, we hear from reporter Lucas Robinson about the details in each case and the checkered legacy McAllister left.Guest:Lucas Robinson, government and politics reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Building better public transit is difficult and expensive in California. Even with the right funding and voter approval, some transit projects can't seem to get off the ground.A new report from Circulate San Diego, "The Powerless Brokers: Why California Can't Build Transit" looks at one factor behind these delays — permitting challenges — and what it might take for California to get better at building transit.Guest:Colin Parent, CEO and General Counsel, Circulate San Diego

Friday marks the beginning of the San Diego Black Pride festival, a three-day event that celebrates Black queerness and joy in San Diego.On Midday Edition, we hear about how San Diego Black Pride is continuing to build safe and affirming spaces for Black LGBTQ+ people across the region.Then, in San Diego, summer is a season of Shakespeare. In this month's edition of Midday Movies, our critics share their favorite film adaptations of the beloved bard's work.Guests:Jordan Daniels, president, San Diego Black PrideBeth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSYazdi Pithavala, host, Moviewallas

One of San Diego's most beloved attractions turned 100 this year. The Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park carried its first riders on July 4, 1925.The amusement park is still bustling a century later, holding a lot of history within it.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the park's general manager to hear how they're celebrating 100 years.Guest:Steve Thomas, Belmont Park general manager

Public radio fans know a thing or two about language. Especially those who listen to the weekly talk show, "A Way with Words."Co-hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett take calls about slang, dialects and family expressions — celebrating the nuance of words and speech.Now, Barnette is out with a new book about her career, built on a love of linguistics.It's called "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland."Barnette will be signing copies at Warwick's in La Jolla on Thursday, Aug. 7. And, she'll be a featured author at the inaugural San Diego Book Festival on Aug. 23.On Midday Edition, we sit down with Barnette to hear all about the book and two decades of hosting "A Way with Words."Guest:Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way with Words;" author of "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland"

Across cultures, food traditions play a central role in family gatherings.For some Mexican American families, that gathering — along with laughter and love — may include the flavorful beef soup: menudo.For San Diego writer María Dolores Águila, this tradition became the subject of her new children's book.Today on Midday Edition, a local author joins us to explore her new bilingual picture book, "Menudo Sunday", that celebrates food, family and culture.Guest:María Dolores Águila, bilingual author

Around 3 in 4 U.S. adults say the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives.Many are troubled by the onslaught of federal policies tackling immigration and anti-civil rights legislation.A panel of local therapists join us to discuss how this political moment is affecting their work with clients.Guests: David Peters, marriage and family therapist with a private practice in Mission ValleyMitzy Ruelas, associate marriage and family therapist, Che Ajal Counseling CenterAlexis Smith, licensed professional clinical counselor, Queer Corner Counseling

San Diego County jails have long been under scrutiny for alleged civil rights violations.In 2022, the jail system had 19 deaths — a record high for San Diego County jails.A complaint filed that year has since expanded to a class action lawsuit challenging nearly every aspect of jail operations — including medical and mental health practices.We discuss the latest insights into the legal proceedings and what the lawsuit has exposed about jail operations.Guest: Kelly Davis, watchdog reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune

Immigration detention facilities are a key part of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, which pushes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to meet arrest quotas of 3,000 people a day. A new KPBS investigation looks into overcrowding within San Diego County's Otay Mesa Detention Center.Immigration lawyers report that detainees are sleeping on the floor and receiving deferred medical care resulting hospitalizations.On Midday Edition, we discuss the details and how they reflect a national trend of overcrowding in detention facilities.Guest:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

A new KPBS investigation uncovers problems within San Diego County's animal shelters, leading to a spike in dog euthanasias.Last fiscal year, the shelters made the decision to euthanize 426 dogs. That meant canines entering the shelter system had a more than 1-in-10 chance of being put down.On Midday Edition, we sit down with the journalists behind the investigation to unpack the full story.Guests:Scott Rodd, investigative reporter, KPBSElaine Alfaro, journalist, KPBS

Each year, celebrities, creators and fans from all across the world converge in San Diego for Comic-Con to celebrate all things related to fandom, pop culture, art, and so much more.Thursday on Midday Edition, we take you live inside the convention center to discuss what makes America's Finest City a special place to host the pop culture juggernaut.Plus, hear from different creators across art, books and film about their personal journeys into their fields, and how they are continuing to represent their culture and stories.Guests:Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBSPatrick Ballesteros, illustrator and educatorJohn Wells III, author of "The Last Angel Warrior" and "The Heir of Ambrose," organizer of "Diversity in Fantasy" panelErnie Bustamante, director, "Street Smart: Lessons From a TV Icon"

Comic-Con season is well underway. Two local events are coinciding with the main convention and are spotlighting comics creators and stories underrepresented in the mainstream.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear about the inaugural Indigi-Con, which celebrates and amplifies indigenous stories through art and comics, as well as Afrofuturism Lounge, which connects Black creators across disciplines.Guests:Chag Lowry, executive director of the Indigenous Futures Institute, comic book author and publisherKatie Walkiewicz, faculty director at the Indigenous Futures Institute, literature professor at UC San Diego, enrolled member of the Cherokee NationLaWana Richmond, CEO of Grio'Neers

On the eve of San Diego Comic-Con, we take a closer look at the local economy — and how the convention impacts it.A local economist shares insights on what a jump in unemployment means for the region, and how tourism remains a bright spot.Guest:Daniel Enemark, chief economist, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center