My mother has always been an advocate for the underdog. As a bilingual aide for Kindergarten she saw all likes of children. She truly found something special in all of them, especially those who other kids labeled as different often due to some mental or physical disability. She sometimes did yard duty at recess and if she saw my sister or me while she was talking with one of these kids shed always call us over to meet them. I remember how uncomfortable Id feel because I didnt want to leave my friends and have to play with a kid others didnt think fit in. But, there was no arguing with my mother on this point. Driving home after school she would always bring up the incident and remind us that it costs nothing to be kind and that we should always think about how a lonely child would feel if we walked away. She was the only adult I ever regularly saw reach out to these children and she was the only adult who demanded the same of me. While it was sometimes difficult for me, it planted a seed of tolerance that grew as I approached adulthood.

Sweetwater Union High School officials are urging voters to approve Proposition 1-D. It’s a $10 billion school bond on the November ballot. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The judge rejected part of the city of San Diego’s Multiple Species Conservation Program. The court ruled that the city’s plan doesn’t conserve the rarest species, such as fairy shrimp, that live in vernal pool wetland areas. The Center for Biological Diversity was one of several conservation groups that challenged the city’s program. Center spokesman David Hogan says the ruling could have widespread implications.

Prop 89 would decide whether eligible candidates for state offices should receive public campaign financing. Guest host Elsa Sevilla hears from both sides of the campaign.

In the California prison system, 70 percent of those jailed once, will re-offend and get sent back. Reporter Heather Hill explores one non-profit that gives parolees and ex-inmates the skills and resources they need to succeed in the workforce.

Reporter Rebecca Tolin talks with her guests about the tragedy of human trafficking and what’s being done to stop it.

"This American Life" features the stories of ordinary people with extraordinary stories. The stories are often told in that person's own voice. Producer Ira Glass speaks about the show's innovative style and what makes great radio.

Host Tom Fudge speaks with NPR's senior correspondent, Juan Williams, about Black America, the role of a pundit, and his time with National Public Radio.

Ted Koppel is, and probably always will be, best know as the former host of "Nightline", the ABC news program he hosted for 25 years. And now, the folks at National Public Radio are happy to say he's on their team. Host Tom Fudge speaks with Koppel about his work both past and present.

Prop. C, a highly politicized and controversial measure, aims to allow city services to be outsourced to private contractors. A professor from Columbia University gives examples of other cities that have privatized government services, and we hear a debate on how it could affect San Diego.

Blue Cross of California has been slapped with a lawsuit, alleging the company has illegally canceled members’ policies and left hospitals without proper payment. It’s the latest in a series of legal challenges against Blue Cross. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego City Council has rejected a preliminary draft of a long-awaited 2003 financial audit. It’s aimed at getting the city back into the bond market. But officials say the disagreement should not affect the mayor’s timeline for restoring the city’s credit rating nor resuming a range of capital projects.