San Diego News Matters

Why is the city of San Diego dipping into its reserve funds? Plus, a new safe parking lot is opening near the airport. Then, one person's story going from incarceration to graduation at San Diego State University. Finally, a “look” at the county's new state-of-the-art public health lab.

A new UC San Diego study finds harmful chemicals in the air. And insurance claims after last week's plane crash could get complicated. Then, a conversation about the impacts of broad government austerity on communities. Also, Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis says the city's budget fight could be setting up a serious show-down between the city council and mayor. Finally, San Diego Unified is looking for student and family feedback on a proposed policy that would further limit students' access to their cell phones at school.

The FAA failed to notify pilots that the weather instruments at Montgomery Field weren't working. Then, the city of San Diego is countersuing property owners hit by last year's floods. And, you may soon be able to buy and sell backyard ADUs in San Diego. Also, we have a follow-up to a story about a low-income high-rise without a working elevator. Finally, Pope Leo's first bishop appointment is one right here in San Diego —but that's not the only reason it's historic.

A small jet crashed into military housing in a Tierrasanta neighborhood Thursday morning, killing multiple people on the plane and injuring others. We hear from the people displaced, and those working to rehouse them. Plus, KPBS confirmed the airport's weather instrumentation was not working at the time of the crash. Then, a check-in with one of more than 1,500 Jan. 22 flood plaintiffs in what has ballooned into a mass tort lawsuit against the city of San Diego.

A KPBS analysis finds the new proposed ADU rules in San Diego would make it significantly more difficult to build in the city's whitest and wealthiest neighborhoods. Then, find out which issue UC San Diego researchers say has broad support among Republican and Democrat voters. Voice of San Diego's Lisa Halverstadt joins us to talk about how a fight between the city and county is endangering one successful homeless shelter. And a white actress is suing the county library for discrimination after it wouldn't allow her to portray Black civil rights icons. Finally, health violations at an El Cajon skilled nursing facility temporarily shut down its kitchen — a rare, but serious action.

The number of people experiencing homelessness is down throughout the county — we zoom in on North County, where coastal cities saw some of the biggest drops. Then, we stay in North County to look at how cuts to the National Institutes of Health are hitting CSU San Marcos. Also, hear part two of reporter Amita Sharma's conversation with the leaders of San Diego's Democratic and Republican parties. And, find out how a John Waters classic is still shocking audiences more than 50 years after its release.

UC San Diego researchers are trying to find out why women are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease. Plus, a KPBS investigation found out that San Diego's highest paid city employees are cops that work lots of overtime. San Diego's police chief said they plan to rein in overtime hours and spending. And a new TikTok trend is influencing San Diego Unified students to damage their school-issued Chromebooks.

The Department of Homeland Security is terminating protections for thousands of Afghan refugees. Many in San Diego are now at risk of being sent back to a country still under Taliban rule. Plus, the police budget has ballooned with overtime pay. Then, San Diegans are suing over a food poisoning outbreak at a popular restaurant.

Advocates say a proposal to limit Medi-Cal access for immigrants without legal status will have harmful consequences. Government agencies scale back testing on animals. And, a preview of the 2025 San Diego International Fringe Festival.

Fewer cuts to the police department, but those to library hours remain in San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's final budget proposal. And, speaking of budget cuts, Gov. Gavin Newsom's also proposing some belt-tightening — this time, ending Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented people. Advocates say asylum-seekers are not being given due process at the border, including a disabled Mongolian man who's been in custody more than two months. Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis is back on the podcast breaking down the latest legal fight in the La Jolla succession effort. Then, hear about what's new at this year's Fringe Festival. Finally, children in the foster care system and their families can visit one Balboa Park museum for free for the next three weeks.

City Heights residents are pushing back against budget cuts to rec centers and libraries. Then, a new report says Medi-Cal patients are hospitalized for preventable conditions twice as much as Californians with private insurance. And hear the latest on the Marine Corps' controversial contract with an Oceanside-based credit union. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom released $3 billion for behavioral health and housing — we'll tell you what San Diego organizations will benefit. Finally, we look at how automated bots are scooping up the best tee times at city golf courses.

A Logan Heights church is suing to remain a safe space for immigrant worshippers. And there is a growing campaign to fix a dangerous intersection in University Heights. We then turn to the South Bay where residents brace for sewage problems to worsen. And, in North County, tenants of an affordable RV park fight evictions leaving a nonprofit in the cold. Finally, hear from KPBS' new Public Matters social media reporter Jake Gotta about getting good journalism in front of new audiences.

Local Catholics tell us what they think of the new Pope. Plus, we hear from members of local Native American tribes about plants they use to make tools and medicine. And, Carlsbad could see new drive-thrus after a longstanding ban.

Ahead of Mother's Day, a report is out that brings attention to the challenges faced by Black mothers in the workplace — from inadequate paid maternity leave to lactation barriers. Then, the San Diego County Vintners Association said its wine sales declined slightly in 2024. A local winery said there's still growth to be had — a county ordinance has made it easier for smaller wineries to open up.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is calling on the Pentagon to pause its contract with Oceanside-based Frontwave Credit Union. Adjunct faculty at the University of San Diego are on strike, we'll tell you why. Then, part two of our story on the Trump Administration's focus on birth rates. And, some San Marcos residents aren't happy about a proposed detox facility. Also, Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis is back with an update on the La Jolla secessionist movement. Finally, one San Diego neighborhood is fighting to have public stairs cleaned up.

Options abound for paid parking systems in Balboa Park meant to help the city's budget shortfall. And San Diego County is also looking for budget solutions, this time toward its reserve. Also, part one of a two-part story looking at the Trump Administration's fixation on birthrates. Then, an East County school is helping kids eat healthy away from school by sending food home with them on the bus. And relief is here for tens of thousands of Anthem-Blue Cross customers unable to access Scripps Health due to a contract dispute.

A more permanent fix is coming to the San Diego-Los Angeles rail corridor plagued by coastal erosion. Plus, how are San Diego County farmers impacted by the Trump administration's back and forth tariff policy. And, a psychiatry professor at UC San Diego says a meditation-based therapy is shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain and lowering the use of opioid medication.

The city of San Diego considers whether to modify rules for where accessory dwelling units can be built. UCSD scientists look for alternatives to opioid pain medication. And, the artistic way MTS is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month.

The Trump Administration is canceling millions of dollars in grants to two local school districts. Then, hear from a man arrested during an immigration raid in El Cajon and the community supporting him. Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis is back to tell us more about the “shocking” move by officials to dissolve the local water authority. Also, Catholic parishes throughout San Diego held mass Wednesday to remember Pope Francis. And, a new exhibit at the Oceanside Museum of Art features woven yarn tsikuri.

New data says one third of San Diego's working families struggle to make ends meet and for those with kids under six, it's half. Then Father Joe's Villages says demand for mental health services is up since last year. In Encinitas, how a local Facebook group is fueling opposition to a planned expansion of a community resource center. And more on San Diego's ties to the Fall of Saigon 50 years later.

Former San Diego mayor Bob Filner has died at 82. The harassment scandal that brought him down left a mark on city politics. Plus, a San Diegan is creating an online unity-building platform with the hope of bridging political divides. And, new projects in Imperial Beach and South San Diego aim to protect bicyclists and pedestrians from collisions with drivers.

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors held a vote of “no confidence” in their auditor-controller just two weeks after they fired a top administrator. Then, the Grossmont Union High School District Board passes on a chance to prevent dozens of layoffs. Plus, proposed federal cuts to Medicaid put nearly half of San Diego's Latino population at risk.

Advocates are again urging the San Diego sheriff's office to limit its cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Then, kids on the autism spectrum build community through mountain biking. Plus, the deep roots of jazz music in Tijuana.

Medicaid supporters rallied in Santee Wednesday as part of a week of protests targeting California Republican congress members. Plus, federal immigration officials are considering bringing controversial, life-threatening buoys to California. And, how Project 2025 is disrupting disease research at UCSD.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin visited with San Diego leaders Tuesday to discuss solutions to the cross-border sewage crisis. He also faced a group of protestors. Plus, how Project 2025 is impacting San Diegans. And, the city is lowering speed limits on a handful of commercial streets.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria presented his draft budget proposal to the City Council. Plus, a group with roots in Ocean Beach is spearheading a county-wide clean up effort. And, La Jolla Playhouse kicks off its WOW, or Without Walls, festival this week.

The Biden-era CBP One app was used by migrants entering the U.S. asylum system. The Trump administration did away with the app and told everyone who used it to leave the U.S. Plus, new research from UC San Diego shows trauma from wildfires and other climate disasters can affect our ability to plan for the future. And Imperial County's Board of Supervisors fired its CEO and board clerk without explanation.

County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer talks federal cuts and their impact during her State of the County address. Then, hear how a new law making it easier to put people on involuntary psychiatric holds might help local families. And if you're feeling inspired to make a difference, San Diego activists say there's all sorts of ways to get involved. Also, could a fungus help cut down on pesticides? Finally, Cinema Junkie Beth Accomando has an indie neo-noir recommendation for your weekend.

Veterans Affairs' nurses unions rally at VA San Diego against the planned layoff of 80,000 VA workers. Then, South Bay leaders are again appealing to the federal government for help with sewage pollution. Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis is back talking trash again as San Diego city leaders rile homeowners with their proposed garbage collection fee. And a new KPBS Explores Hidden San Diego takes you to Balboa Park to find medicinal trees.

San Diego is banning the use of artificial intelligence software to determine rents. And San Diego Zoo workers say they're underpaid, while the nonprofit's former CEO saw his pay double. Then, is the Trump Administration's targeting of international students having a chilling effect on free speech and campus activism? Plus, California could soon mandate hospitals help patients navigate financial help options before they're discharged. Finally, hear from one expert about what the behavior of the elephants during Monday's earthquake tells us about them.

Monday's 5.2 magnitude earthquake was the largest to hit San Diego County since 2010. It serves as a good reminder to be prepared. Plus, the city of San Diego is one step closer to charging single family homes for trash pick up. And, we hear from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce about the local impact of the Trump administration's tariff policies.

A recent study finds that living near a highway could have a negative impact on people's social lives. Lead author Luca Aiello hypothesized that if residents can't walk around their communities easily, then they're likely meeting fewer people. Plus, nine San Diego university students have had their visas revoked. It's part of a wave of visa revocations happening across the U.S. And the family of a man arrested during an immigration raid in El Cajon in March is fighting to keep him in the country.

San Diego's wastewater surveillance program was shut down and that has scientists worried. Plus, we talk to a San Diego business about President Trump's decision to pause reciprocal tariffs. And, a musical premiering at the Old Globe is using humor to tackle serious issues.

Students at UC San Diego rally in support of their international classmates targeted by the Trump Administration for deportation. Then, cuts to USAID could shutter a Tijuana migrant shelter. Also, Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis on the former city executive now suing over alleged discrimination. And hear about a new art installation in Oceanside celebrating neurodivergent artists.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon was met by about two dozen protesters at a conference downtown. Also, President Donald Trump's tariffs could cause even more havoc with the city's budget. Then, a proposal to extend the county's immigrant legal defense program fails, but supporters say that doesn't mean it's over. And, a report from Imperial County and the threats facing burrowing owls, and what conservationists are doing to protect them.

At least five UC San Diego students had their F-1 visas "suddenly" revoked by the federal government. Another was allegedly deported at the border. Then, San Diego County supervisors vote on whether to extend the budget deadline amid uncertainties around federal funding. Plus, a local Head Start preschool is already feeling the impact of those cuts.

Tuesday is Election Day for the District 1 San Diego County Supervisor seat. We have the details voters need to know. Then, the Trump administration cut funding to legal aid organizations who represent unaccompanied migrant children in deportation hearings. The organizations are now suing to restore that funding. Finally, President Donald Trump has also cut health care funding that would've come from the Centers for Disease Control. San Diego is missing out on $40 million of that funding.

Encinitas is pushing back on a state law requiring the city to build more housing. Plus, outside groups are spending big in the special election for the next San Diego County's District 1 supervisor. And, the city of San Diego is renaming a block in North Park to honor a pillar of the community.

CARE Court was supposed to push people with serious mental illness into treatment — that's not how it's turned out. Then, the Port of San Diego opens in newest and largest park — we'll tell you where. Also, a look into the Virgin of Guadalupe's status in modern fashion. Finally, hear from the host of KPBS' newest podcast, The Finest.

A wet year doesn't make water rates any cheaper — in fact, it could mean higher rates. Then, last week's ICE raid in El Cajon led to criticism and protest. Another strike hits the UC system and an inewsource report on police guarding National City libraries. And, a conversation with Hidden San Diego creator Jessica Johnson.

The Kaiser mental health worker strike has entered its 25th week. Meanwhile, a new state report reveals Kaiser still isn't providing timely therapy, leaving some patients in limbo. Then, we talk about political detachment and the impact it can have on our lives. Plus, the story of two local photographers who are protesting in their own way.

Marquell Smith is serving life without parole, but new legislation is giving him hope. Plus, a new map from the California Fire Marshal shows one North County city saw a major increase in fire risk. And, Sea World is treating more and more marine animals with domoic acid poisoning.

A look at murder-robbery convictions in San Diego under a former D.A. shows almost all Black people convicted received life without parole while white people received sentences that would eventually allow it, or were offered plea deals to lesser charges. And President Donald Trump wants to know when you send money across the border. Plus, part 2 of our conversation with local voters. Then, San Diego Unified takes the next step in building affordable housing for its teachers and Poway residents seek to recall a city councilmember

San Diego is preparing an update to its Street Design Manual with new guidelines for when to prohibit a right turn on a red light. And, local voters weigh in on President Donald Trump's first two months in office. Then, why schools in Vista are expanding language immersion programs and how imported dung beetles are helping California agriculture.

Local veterans are pushing back on the Trump administration's plans to cut more than 70,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Plus, faculty and students are staging walkouts and protests at CSU campuses this week, including at Cal State San Marcos. And being at the right place at the right time may have helped a San Diego woman save the life of a baby bird.

San Diego has gone from 11 to eight immigration judges since President Donald Trump took office. Immigration judges around the country have either resigned or been fired thanks to actions by the Department of Government Efficiency. Meanwhile the Trump administration wants to take away DACA recipient's access to Affordable Care Act health insurance. The proposed change has been creating confusion among some DACA recipients. And the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park has a new exhibit dedicated to “Doctor Who,” the longest running sci-fi TV series.

San Diego postal service workers join a national wave of protests against potential cuts by the Trump administration. Then, Chula Vista is falling short on its goals for building new affordable housing. Plus, the growth of women's soccer in San Diego and Tijuana.

Veteran members of two San Diego street gangs are working toward peace in their communities. Also, San Diego is rewriting its street design rules, but will it make them safer? Then, TSA workers at the airport protest the end of collective bargaining. Scripps Health makes a big North County investment and in a Public Matters segment Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis explains why city residents could soon pay more than $50 per month for trash pickup.

KPBS investigative reporter Scott Rodd talks about his investigation into how law enforcement agencies under-report officer misconduct. Also, La Jolla's latest secession effort hits a snag. Community college leaders are pushing back against anti-diversity edicts from the federal government. A new app developed by UC San Diego students and staff tackles depression and anxiety. And a look at the city's Promise Zone career fair for under-served communities.

New data shows how immigration sustains San Diego's population growth. Plus, the San Diego City Council will vote on whether to accept a proposed settlement in an unfair housing lawsuit. SANDAG considers adding mass transit to and from Riverside County. And a look ahead at the Latino Film Festival.

Hundreds of officers in California have been stripped of their badges in the last few years for serious misconduct. The offenses range from sexual misconduct to domestic violence to dishonesty. There are still thousands of cases that need to be reviewed. Plus, the National Endowment for the Arts has frozen more than $300,000 in grants for San Diego organizations. That uncertainty has put the local arts community in limbo. And it's St. Patrick's Day — there's lots of ways to celebrate Irish heritage in San Diego County.