Double Suicide Continues to Stun

Aug. 21, 2007

By Angela Carone and Culture Lust by Angela Carone

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the tragic suicide deaths of artists Theresa Duncan and Jeremy Blake. This story continues to haunt, leading me to read as much of the media coverage as possible. As more information comes out, and the search for an explanation continues, the story grows extraordinarily strange and sad. The best and most comprehensive piece I've read was just published in

Federal Judge Won't Intervene in Sex-Abuse Settlement Talks

Aug. 21, 2007

KPBS Public Broadcasting

A federal judge has rejected the San Diego diocese's request for the court to intervene in settlement negotiations over claims of sexual abuse by priests.

Culture Lust by Angela Carone

Aug. 21, 2007

By Acarone and KPBS Public Broadcasting

California Officials Say Healthy Families Guidelines Too Restrictive

Aug. 21, 2007

By Kenny Goldberg and KPBS Public Broadcasting

California officials are upset about new guidelines from the Bush Administration that would make it tougher to extend health insurance to more poor children. Expanding the Healthy Families program is one of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's top priorities. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Foreign-Born Latinos Make Progress on Wages

Aug. 21, 2007

By Amy Isackson and KPBS Public Broadcasting

A new study by the Pew Hispanic Center says Latinos born outside the United States earn more now than they did ten years ago. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Critics Try to Postpone SoCal Water Fluoridation

Aug. 21, 2007

By Andrew Phelps and KPBS Public Broadcasting

An environmental group wants Southern California's biggest water district to wait before fluoridating the tap water. The Metropolitan Water District says fluoride is safe and prevents cavities. But a new report disputes that. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has the story.

Local Farmers Markets Get Boost From Farm Bill

Aug. 21, 2007

By Kevin Leahy and KPBS Public Broadcasting

One section of the Farm Bill passed by the U.S. House this summer sets aside more than $30 million to promote farmer's markets. Farmer's markets allow shoppers to buy their produce directly from local growers. Around San Diego, 26 markets cater to a growing demand for fresh, local produce. Here's a taste.

California Lawmakers End Budget Standoff, Pass $145 Billion Plan

Aug. 21, 2007

By KPBS News and KPBS Public Broadcasting

California lawmakers ended the nation's longest budget impasse Tuesday, agreeing to a $145 billion spending plan that eliminates the state's persistent deficit and addresses the myriad concerns of holdout Republicans.

Diebold Voting Machine Company Changes Name to Improve Image

Aug. 21, 2007

By Alison St John and KPBS Public Broadcasting

Diebold Elections Systems, the company that sold San Diego County $30 million-worth of touch-screen voting machines, has changed its name. The company hopes to create a fresh image for its electronic voting business, after political gaffs and technical problems sullied its image. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

A New Trend of Female Bouncers Hits San Diego's Nightlife

Aug. 21, 2007

KPBS Public Broadcasting

Security at nightclubs and bars has commonly been a profession reserved for men; however, increasingly clubs and bars are turning to females to provide added services that men are typically unable to do. We speak with two female security guards about their experiences in the San Diego nightlife, and their boss explains why this practice is smart business.

Lack of Confidence Still Plagues San Diego's Election System

Aug. 21, 2007

KPBS Public Broadcasting

Questions about accuracy and security continue to plague electronic voting machines. Earlier this month, the Secretary of State decertified electronic voting boxes in 39 counties including San Diego. San Diego's own Registrar of Voters, Deborah Seiler, worked for electronic voting machine-maker Diebold back in 2003 when the company sold the county $31 million worth of voting machines.

Federal Judge Rules That Whole Foods Merger Will Not Raise Prices on Consumers

Aug. 21, 2007

KPBS Public Broadcasting

A district court judge rejected the Federal Trade Commission's argument that Whole Foods' acquisition of Wild Oats is anti-competitive and will hurt consumers. How will this new takeover impact the organic food market and the shopping experience for organic consumers?

A Simple Cure: Fighting Childhood Blindness with Vitamin A

Aug. 21, 2007

KPBS Public Broadcasting

According to the World Health Organization, 37 million people worldwide are blind, yet 28 million don't need to be. Malnutrition can lead to blindness and in some cases, death. Around the world, up to 140 million children suffer from vision problems. A simple solution is available: a high dose of Vitamin A twice a year. A California non-profit is working to end childhood blindness by 2020. We'll find out how vitamin A works in the body and what steps are being taken to prevent childhood blindness.

Local Defense Contractor Faces Bribery Charges In Cunningham Scandal

Aug. 21, 2007

KPBS Public Broadcasting

Cunningham has been convicted, but what about the case against Brent Wilkes? We speak to an author about the latest news on the federal bribery case against Poway defense contractor Brent Wilkes. We also hear some stories from the author’s new book Feasting on the Spoils, which recounts some of the most strange and compelling examples of the corruption committed by former congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham.

Big Love after Sex in the City

Aug. 21, 2007

By Angela Carone and Culture Lust by Angela Carone

The writers of

Culture Lust by Angela Carone

Aug. 21, 2007

By Acarone and KPBS Public Broadcasting