A healthcare deal by Thanksgiving -- that's what the Speaker of the State Assembly says he's aiming for. The top Democrat made the comment at a hearing on the governor's healthcare plan on Wednesday at the state Capitol. From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara reports.

As victims of the fires turn their attention to putting their lives back together, the Recovery Center in Rancho Bernardo is busy. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Students at an Escondido school are mourning the loss of a teacher who died in the wildfires last week. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

State and local officials want a single contract to demolish all the properties destroyed in the fires. They hope this will protect homeowners from scammers, and make sure hazardous debris is properly disposed of. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The University of San Diego's index of leading economic indicators is down sharply for September. That means the region's economy could keep getting weaker over the next six to 12 months. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.

There have been close to 20 theories explaining the death of writer Edgar Allan Poe, including alcoholism, murder and election fraud. We'll talk with the author of “The Poe Shadow,” a work of literary fiction exploring the various legends surrounding Poe's death. We'll also hear the words of Poe himself, as actor David Cohen reads from his poetry and short stories.

KPBS film critic Beth Accomando recommends some movies from her favorite genre: horror.

Last week was an emotionally draining week for most San Diegans. Massive wildfires burned more than 360,000 acres and destroyed close to 1,600 structures in San Diego County. More than half a million residents were evacuated from their neighborhoods. We discuss the steps people can take to cope with the loss of losing a home, the emotional toll the wildfires can have on our children and how we can come together as a community following the disaster.

Now that last week's wildfires are almost fully contained, should we still be concerned about the air quality in San Diego? Should local residents who suffer from chronic respiratory problems continue to take added precaution when they go outside? What's the best way to clean up all that ash and soot that is around our homes? We speak to Dr. Smita Desai about the health concerns following the wildfires.

Some 10,000 firefighters battled the inferno in San Diego County last week. One hundred or so got hurt. No firefighters died. Many of them brought back stories of survival. The first injuries were reported in the Harris Fire, near Potrero, on the first day of the disaster. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps picks up story from there.

A mobile medical unit designed to help survivors of the fire in Rancho Bernardo was set to close earlier this week. But high demand has prompted the San Diego Fire Department to ask Scripps Health to keep the clinic open a few more days. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

For those who've watched fire coverage on television in San Diego this week, one woman's face was seen at every county press conference. But even though she was ever present, she never uttered a word. That woman is Joane Cosentino -- a sign language interpreter. KPBS Border Reporter Amy Isackson shares her story .

Some expressions sound like they came right out of a 50's diner. Martha and Grant discuss the phrase "Let's blow this popstand" – along with its many variations, including blowing a “popsicle stand,” a “popcorn stand,” and a “taco stand.”

Federal agencies are investigating a fishing boat that washed ashore in Del Mar Tuesday. The vessel may have been used to smuggle people from Mexico into San Diego. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

A Carlsbad desalination project faces another delay. A state lands commission decision has been postponed until December. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Firefighters hope to have the three largest wildfires in San Diego county contained by tomorrow. CALFIRE's Roxanne Provoznik says there are more than seven thousand firefighters in the county trying to encircle the Witch, Harris and Poomacha fires. She says the weather has done a lot to help crews cut fire lines around the blazes.

Ridley Scott's take on the gangster movie opens in theaters this weekend. We'll also talk about a comedy called “Finishing the Game,” Ben Affleck's directorial debut and a new biopic about Joy Division's tragic lead singer Ian Curtis.

Ridley Scott's take on the gangster movie opens in theaters this weekend. We'll also talk about a comedy called “Finishing the Game,” Ben Affleck's directorial debut and a new biopic about Joy Division's tragic lead singer Ian Curtis.

Can California win the war against wildfires? We'll talk about how the state manages its forests and open space, the nature of wildfires and the continued development into the back country.

Ramona residents can start drinking tap water again, San Diego County officials announced today.

The City Council agreed unanimously today to waive building and demolition fees to help San Diego residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the wildfires.

All San Diego schools re-opened after being closed for six days due to the fires. Meanwhile, in Poway one of the schools most affected by the fires reopened yesterday. For the campus community it was a time to begin the healing process. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis reports.

The state agency CalFire says North County's deadly Witch Fire could have been much more destructive. But the fires of four years ago prevented that. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps explains.

Scores of Rancho Bernardo residents who lost their homes in the fires showed up to a Town Hall meeting last night with San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. Some were angry, others were anxious, but all were sobered by the thought of the long road ahead to recovery. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

State insurance regulators have issued a new set of rules aimed at curbing illegal cancellations of individual health policies. Regulators say the practice has been widespread in California. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Responding to criticism over a staged news conference about the Southern California wildfires, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said today changes will be made in the way the agency works with the media.

For most of the past week, we've heard that the San Diego County wildfires are the worst in history. But by some accounting, that's not true. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce explains.

A week after flames engulfed Southern California, a handful of firefighters are still trying to forget the screams that pushed them to make a heroic rescue.

A Poway school reopened today, and for many people it was a chance to reconnect. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

One of the tragedies emerging after the fires is the destruction of wildlife habitat. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more on the toll the wildfires has taken on nature.

San Diegans used the weekend to regroup after their disastrous week of fires. Reporter Rene Gutel spent Saturday and Sunday talking to people as they began to put their lives back in order.

The San Diego wildfires have destroyed homes, some businesses, and a number of lives. But the regional chamber of commerce remains confident the region will rebound quickly. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The tiny town of Potrero east of San Diego first made national headlines this year when many of its residents opposed Blackwater USA's plan to build a military training camp on an old cattle ranch. A week ago, Potrero transformed into ground zero for one of the larger wildfires that scorched tens of thousands of acres in the region. And Blackwater, as it turns out, was one of the first groups to transport relief supplies to the blaze-stricken community. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

San Diego County growers are still trying to assess the damage from the wildfires. Agriculture officials say the total numbers probably won't be known for a few more days. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

In the 2003 Cedar Fire, the small community of Crest, east of El Cajon, lost more than 300 homes. As we look toward the challenges facing victims of last week's fire, we'll learn what challenges Crest homeowners went though. Also, we'll open the phone lines to hear the stories of our listeners who survived the Harris and Witch fires.

There are surprising similarities between classical and pop music. La Jolla Symphony & Chorus’ music director Steven Schick joins us to talk about the connection.

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority focuses on several different plans to increase efficiency to Lindbergh Field. What solutions does it propose? We speak to Robert Watkins, a board member with the Airport Authority, about adding gates, using public transportation and the benefits and drawbacks of expanding the airport on Pacific Highway.

The 2007 October Firestorm destroyed more than 1,000 homes. Many homeless San Diegans face the challenge of rebuilding and finding a place to live.

Residents of San Diego County are encouraged to register their cell phones and e-mail addresses for emergency notifications by visiting www.alertsandiego.org within the next few days, county officials said today.

A week after a half million people fled Southern California's wildfires, shelters began closing and residents were figuring out what to do next -- even as firefighters kept a wary eye on the possibility of strong winds developing later in the week.

The largest of the wildfires to ravage San Diego County was 90 percent contained today, and firefighters expect to have the blaze fully contained by tomorrow.

The Poomacha fire was moving north and east today, threatening nearly 500 homes and keeping firefighters on the attack.

A busy border crossing shut down for a week by the Harris Fire reopens today. Passenger vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the Tecate port of entry is set to resume at 5 a.m., according to Caltrans and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. But only some roads will be accessible to the border, and cargo traffic will continue to be diverted.

The fire, which started on Harris Ranch Road Oct. 21, has charred 90,750 acres. Firefighters expect to have the fire fully contained by Wednesday. The Harris fire also injured 21 civilians and 34 firefighters and destroyed at least 206 homes, according to Cal Fire.

The Harris Fire is 90,750 acres and 65% contained. The Witch Fire is 197,990 acres and 90% contained. The Rice Fire is 9,000 acres and 100% contained. The Poomacha Fire is 49,150 acres and 50% contained. Click the headline for more details.

Firefighters say they're optimistic they can make more gains today against Southern California wildfires even though the weather will be hotter and drier.

More than 1,800 firefighters are battling the Poomacha Fire in North County. It's 45 percent contained, but still threatening 2,000 homes around Palomar Mountain. Crews will be cutting more lines today to create defensible space around those homes. Other firefighters are putting out hot spots left in the trail of the blazes. Reporter Rene Gutel spent yesterday evening with one crew from Gilroy, California, and she filed this report.

In Ramona, water connections have been restored for some essential services. But residents there are starting a second day without running water. They returned from shelters to find their supplies shut off. The Witch Fire ignited near Ramona and ravaged parts of the town. Tamara Keith reports on the rocky return home.

They know what the winds can do. They forecast them. Fight the fires the winds fan. Prepare for evacuations that, in years past, never came. They thought they knew, until seven days of fury began a week ago. "

Three areas were added today to the list of places where water must be boiled to ensure public safety in the wake of the wildfires, authorities said.

The State of California is getting ready cash grants of up to $10,000 per person for those who can prove they have suffered losses in the recent fires, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office announced today.

Border Patrol agents are scouring fire-ravaged ravines and canyons for dead bodies after discovering the charred remains of four people this week in the San Diego area.

San Diego County Office of Emergency Services officials announced residents only may return today to a handful of East County communities affected by the Harris Fire.

What, ho! Researchers in England report that reading Shakespeare "positively excites" your brainwaves. To which Martha and Grant say: "Duh!"

Firefighters today worked to gain the upper hand on wildfires that have burnt nearly 350,000 acres in San Diego County, despite weekend winds which could either hinder or help containment efforts.

The Harris Fire is 85,800 acres and 50% contained. The Witch Fire is 197,990 acres and 60% contained. The Rice Fire is 9,000 acres and 80% contained. The Poomacha Fire is 43,000 acres and 45% contained.

More than 200 horses along with their owners found refuge on San Diego's man-made Fiesta Island this week. Wildfires forced them to leave their homes. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has their story.

1,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Lake Henshaw, Mesa Grande and the La Jolla Indian Reservation this morning. However, county and fire officials say they are gaining the upper hand on the blazes that have ripped across San Diego this week. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

As firefighters gradually get control of the flames, questions are arising about how well resources have been coordinated. But the California Department of Fire Protection, says it's too soon to start second guessing decisions made in the heat of the moment. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says ash deposited by forest fires is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. But that ash will contain small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals.

California Senator Dianne Feinstein and Washington state Congressman Norm Dicks Friday asked the chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees for emergency funds as a result of the wildfires. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Fires and road closures have caused damage and losses for plant nurseries around Southern California. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Firefighters are making rapid progress on the wildfires in San Diego County, where more than 330,000 acres have burned. But hot spots continue to be a threat.

One of several wildfires in San Diego County has crested Palomar Mountain in the far North County. It's now threatening the landmark observatory and radio towers. Crews are clearing brush and lighting back burns to halt the fire's spread. Firefighters are making progress on two of the biggest wildfires burning in the county. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

For the last week, firefighters have been working hard to beat the wildfires. KPBS reporter Nicole Lozare spent some time with them on the front lines.

Even though thousands of San Diegans are returning home, and firefighters have more room for optimism, many communities are still threatened. Some people have lived in shelters for days. One of those threatened communities is Jamul. One of those people is Terri Abrahamson. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has her story.

There are still many homeless people in San Diego County, many of whom will have to rebuild. We’ll tell you what is the latest news on the fire and whether there are still pockets of blaze to be suppressed. And you’ll hear from some of the reporters in the KPBS newsroom who have been covering the event. So stay with us for a These Days fire special.

County officials say there's still room for large animals at the horse camp in El Cajon on Weld Boulevard, west of Cuyamaca Street.

The disastrous fires that swept through San Diego County this week should have come as no surprise. Experts had predicted for months that this fire season could be the worst in a century. And state and local leaders had the added benefit of lessons from the deadly wildfires in 2003. Despite some improvements, the region and state still lag in firefighting resources. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

This week, massive wildfires throughout San Diego County destroy almost 1500 homes and scorch 350,000 acres. How organized and efficient were our public officials in responding to the wildfires? What worked and what needs improvement? Will the home rebuilding invigorate our sluggish local economy?

The NFL stadium where thousands of displaced residents sought refuge is closing as an evacuation center, a symbolic show of progress against wildfires still menacing Southern California.

The Harris and Witch Creek fires are still burning this morning but, with any luck today, firefighters will make some significant progress in rounding them up and putting them out. Active fires are reported on the northern edges of each burn area.

One thousand forty-two. That's the latest tally of homes destroyed by the 2007 firestorm. That number isn't just a guess. It's the result of the tireless work of damage assessment teams. Men and women who venture into the burn zones not long after the fire passes through, to gather the grim data of destruction. Reporter Tamara Keith rode along with a damage assessment team today and has this story.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of looting and one for allegedly impersonating a firefighter in connection with this week's wildfires, the Sheriff's Department announced today.

The American Institute of Architects in San Diego is working with city and county officials to simplify the process of rebuilding communities devastated by the region's wildfires, officials said today.

Four charred bodies were found Thursday in an apparent migrant camp burned by one of the wildfires raging across Southern California, authorities said Thursday.

Wildfires continue to burn out of control in rural parts of San Diego County. The Harris fire in the southeast part of the county has officials worried about injuries. Firefighters are facing erratic winds while attempting to gain control of the Harris fire.

The arrest of six illegal immigrants at the Qualcomm Stadium evacuation site yesterday raises questions regarding how San Diego Police handle immigration issues. Civil rights activists are concerned police may be violating their own policy with respect to the Border Patrol. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

The military in San Diego is helping fight the fire from the air today. Alison St John has more on why air resources were not deployed earlier to help douse the flames.

Firefighters battling blazes throughout San Diego County are getting a break from the weather this afternoon. Calmer winds and cooler temperatures are helping, but there's still a long way to go.

Breathing problems and burns aren't the only health effects from this week's wildfires. Doctors say people with anxiety-related symptoms and other mental health issues are starting to show up in local emergency rooms. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

President Bush pledged additional federal aid today during his visit to fire-ravaged neighborhoods around San Diego. KQED's Rob Schmitz watched the president speak with evacuees at Qualcomm Stadium, and files this report.

More than 200 horses along with their owners were camping out on San Diego's man-made Fiesta Island this week because of the wildfires. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

From politicians to law enforcement personnel, we speak with people and agencies affected by October 2007 wildfires in San Diego.

Julian, population 2000, is no stranger to fire. Charles Scott, who owns the town bakery, recites a list of blazes that have destroyed parts of the town.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to San Diego last night. The governor visited Steele Canyon shelter and KPBS reporter Nicole Lozare was there.

For the past week we've heard from many adults who are coping with life at Qualcomm Stadium. Now we hear from some the kids there. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis spoke with a few of them and has this report.

There's a long list of Southern California crops and commodities potentially affected by wildfires and windstorms. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The vulnerable in San Diego have become more so as wildfires rage across the county. From the elderly to the poor to tens of thousands of immigrants both legal and undocumented. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Shifting wind patterns prompted a 75,000-acre wildfire in southern San Diego County to focus its destructive energies in new directions today, authorities said.

None of the fires raging in San Diego County are more than 10 percent contained and fire and county officials can't say how many of aircraft are fighting them.

As firefighters get a little help from the weather, some residents are now returning to their evacuated neighborhoods. For some the news is bad, but most are finding their homes intact. Reporter Tamara Keith has the story of residents returning to Rancho Bernardo.

While tens of thousands of San Diego County's evacuated residents have found their way to shelters, there are still people in the backcountry who are stuck in fire-affected areas. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma spoke to one woman who says some people who didn't evacuate feel trapped.

Continuing his efforts to provide immediate assistance to displaced Californians affected by the southern California wildfires, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the opening of five local assistance centers in coordination with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and local governments.

Rancho Bernardo residents evacuated due to the region's raging wildfires were given police escorts into their neighborhoods today to quickly grab possessions -- and they found mostly devastation.

Thousands of people in Valley Center are still under an evacuation order, as the Poomacha fire continues to threaten the North County community. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg checked in with residents seeking shelter in Valley Center High School.

Qualcomm Stadium was a focal point for many fleeing the fires in San Diego County. KPBS reporter Nicole Lozare spent Wednesday morning there.

Due fire activity on the Harris Fire, incident commanders are issuing an evacuation WARNING for the following areas.

San Diego Police officials say they detained eight undocumented immigrants today after the suspects allegedly stole emergency supplies for evacuees at Qualcomm Stadium. KPBS reporter Amita Sharma has more.

NEW: WILDFIRE ASSISTANCE CENTERS:

New School Closures: 1:20 p.m. Point Loma Nazarene University & Mission Valley Graduate School Regional Center have announced that classes are canceled for the remainder of the week of October 22. Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, October 29, unless otherwise notified.

San Diego County and most of Southern California were already dealing with water shortages before the fires started. Now water agencies are working to keep water supplies steady as some pumps have been damaged the past few days. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has this update.

KPBS reporter Nicole Lozare spent the morning at Qualcomm Stadium. Evacuees are saying their immediate needs are being met. There are cots, mattresses. One man was sleeping on a donated futon.

San Diego County and most of Southern California were already dealing with water shortages before the fires started. Water agencies are dealing with pump shutdowns in the county, possible caused by the fires. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has this update.

California Power officials say there is a transmission emergency for the third straight day. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has details.

Senator Dianne Feinstein is worried that some people who lost their homes in the fires don't have home insurance. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has that story.

California Senator Dianne Feinstein told KPBS this morning that local officials should reconsider how much development is allowed in San Diego County. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Exhausted firefighters and wildfire refugees are looking forward to today's diminishing winds after days of ferocious Santa Ana's stoked 16 California wildfires.

While the fires rage in Southern California, DC legislators are talking about what they can do from Capitol Hill. Jodi Breisler sends this report.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Mandatory evacuation orders are now in effect for 167 households in Birch Hill near Palomar Mountain.

Fire has chased more than 500,000 people from their homes. Many stayed with friends and family, others scrambled to check-in to hotels and motels. Some chose to sleep in their cars. And then there are thousands who have nowhere to go, other than evacuation shelters, where they sleep on cots in gymnasiums and community centers. Reporter Joanne Faryon spent some time at the Chula Vista Evacuation Center Tuesday. She found people filled with gratitude and hope.

The Witch Creek fire in northern San Diego County, whose sooty footprint is the biggest in Southern California at nearly 200,000 acres, was just 1 percent contained today.

Officials have issued a new round of mandatory evacuations in San Diego County. County spokeswoman Lesley Kirk says all residents in the Bonsall, San Luis Rey Heights and Winterwarm areas of Fallbrook are told to leave the area to avoid the Rice Fire.

The San Diego congressional delegation tonight announced the deployment of Navy and Marine helicopters to fight the San Diego County wildfires.

The community of Julian has been evacuated for fear that the Witch Creek Fire may head east to Julian. KPBS Reporters Alison St John and Andrew Phelps are on their way to the Julian fires and shared this update at 11:45 p.m.(click the "listen" icon to hear the report).

The nearly 200,000-acre Witch Fire continued its path of destruction today, though shifts in wind patterns slowed its spread, allowing thousands of evacuated residents to return to their homes.

One of Southern California's largest wildfires has frightened many illegal immigrants from hiking through a popular corridor to cross from Mexico even as the Border Patrol has withdrawn some agents.

Qualcomm Stadium is now San Diego County's largest emergency evacuation center. People have been streaming into the stadium for the past three days. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis reports.

Running Springs firefighter Steve Dvorak rubbed smoke-sore eyes as he watched a crew spray water on a small wooden home they were not going to save. Around him dozens more were in flames or already reduced to smoldering foundations.

Feelings of anxiety, shock and disbelief are normal following a disaster like San Diego County's devastating wildfires and people should seek help, the nonprofit Mental Health America said today.

In Southern California winds are making wildfires unstoppable. Thousands of firefighters are battling the worst of the raging blazes in San Diego County. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The Harris Fire in southeastern San Diego County has forced hundreds of people to find shelter at a Youth Center on the campus of Chula Vista High School. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more on the efforts to take care of those people.

San Diego County Animal Services has opened a shelter for large animals near Gillespie Field, 1960 Joe Crosson Dr. in El Cajon. Directions: Take East on Hwy 67; exit at Bradley Avenue and turn left; right on Cuyamaca; and left on Weld Blvd. The animal evacuation shelter will be on the right hand side of the road.

A structure fire set tinder-dry brush ablaze on the La Jolla Indian Reservation today, spawning a wildfire that quickly spread over tens of thousands of acres as it moved across the flanks of Mount Palomar.

Northbound and southbound ramps to Mission Road and Old Highway 395. State Route 76 between Pauma Reservation and State Route 79. State Route 67, between Scripps Poway Parkway and Highland. Valley Road State Route 78, between Haverford Road and Santa. Ysabel at Route 79 State Route 79, between Route 78 and Route 76.

10-23-07 2:17 p.m. Evacuation of Rancho San Diego. Reverse 9-1-1 is being used to issue mandatory evacuation orders to Rancho San Diego households. Residents should evacuate to Qualcomm Stadium. Evacuation of Pine Hills and Wynola Road in Julian. Reverse 9-1-1 is being used to issue evacuation orders to residents of Pine Hills Road and Wynola Road in Julian. Residents should evacuate to Borrego Springs High School.

Reverse 9-1-1 is being used to issue evacuation orders to 1,095 Harmony Grove households. In North County residents may still evacuate to Mission Hills Church in San Marcos, 400 Mission Hills Court, where anywhere from 120 to 190 people spent Monday night. The site is being operated with the help of Escondido city recreational staff, and volunteers are needed to help serve meals on Wednesday.

A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued for people in the La Jolla Reservation area. People should go to Borrego Springs. People SHOULD NOT go to the Palomar Mountain Evacuation Center. This fire, which was spotted across Highway 76 and established on the sotuh face of the Palomar Mountain at the base of Palomar Mountain, is now being referred to as the Poomacho Fire by CalFire. It is currently 20,000+ acres.

Discover the joys (and temptations!) of two new books of collected wisdom: The Yale Book of Quotations edited by Fred Shapiro, and James Geary’s “Guide to the World’s Great Aphorists.” Grant explains why leafing through such books can be rewarding — but hazardous to your time management.

SDG&E reports electrical power outages are affecting 24,992 customers in 44 communities. Gas outages are affecting 1,445 customers in five communities. The fire throughout the County are hampering SDG&E's ability to assess the damage. As soon as affected areas are declared safe, repair crews will be mobilized.

Reverse 9-1-1 calls are being used to issue evacuation orders to more than 900 Palomar Mountain and Valley Center residents. Residents are being advised to take shelter at the Palomar Observatory.

San Diego officials are allowing residents to return to parts of Del Mar and an area south of Poway:

San Diego's public radio station KPBS was forced to change frequencies today after its transmitter tower was lost when Mount San Miguel burned.

The California National Guard has deployed 200 of its 610 Operation Jumpstart border troops to help at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Qualcomm Stadium.

The fire burning along the north shore of Lake Hodges has reached Del Dios, a densely wooded community of small houses and cottages between the lake and Del Dios Highway.

Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento today delivered thousands of pounds of disaster response gear to help fire victims.

Update 12:15 p.m. 10/23/07: Residents in Scripps Ranch areas south of Dealer Canyon Road, West of sucamore canyon, east of I-15 and north of ICS Miramar MAY return home.

A mandatory evacuation is ordered for the following areas within the City of Del Mar:

Congressman Duncan Hunter says there are four Marine helicopters on the ground at MCAS Miramar equipped with buckets that are ready to help fight the San Diego County wildfires but they are waiting on Cal Fire officials who say the choppers cannot fly without a Cal Fire crew member called a spotter on board.

A skilled nursing facility and a hospital were right in the path of one of the San Diego County fires. KPBS health reporter Kenny Goldberg says the evacuation of Palomar Pomerado Hospital decided even before an official order to move the patients to safer places.

More than 500,000 people are ordered to flee their homes throughout San Diego County. Shelter space had been at a premium until Qualcomm Stadium opened up for thousands of evacuees Monday. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps was there. Here's the story of one family from Poway.

Caltrans reports these highway closures due to fires:

The National Weather Service says strong ... hot ... dry Santa Ana winds will continue through Wednesday evening. Winds should get a bit weaker this evening before gaining strength again overnight. Those conditions make firefighting very difficult. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.

Local officials across San Diego County say firefighters will get all the resources available from the state and federal government. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.

Virtually all public school districts in San Diego County are closed today. That includes the state's second largest district -- San Diego Unified. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Officials say a new fire has broken out in San Diego County. California Fire spokesman Captain Don Camp says the blaze broke out in a home on the La Jolla Indian Reservation early this morning. He says the fire seems to have started inside the home independently of any of the wildfires that are ravaging the region.

Cal Fire is reporting the fires in San Diego County have burned 1,000+ homes, and are threatening at least 5,000 more in San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Escondido, Lakeside, Valley Center, San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe. The Witch Creek fire has burned 145,000 acres and the second biggest fire -- the Harris fire has scorched 22,000 acres.

A 1,500-acre wildfire destroyed about 100 structures in Fallbrook, where some 45,000 residents were evacuated today.

We spoke with scores of San Diego County residents as they fled their homes yesterday. Many people shared their experiences with wildfire, watching flames leap across the landscape. Here are some of the voices from the first day of the fires.

Like Hurricane Katrina refugees two years earlier in New Orleans, thousands of people rousted by natural disaster fled to the NFL stadium here, waiting out the calamity and worrying about their homes.

Evacuations were taking place in eastern Chula Vista early today, prompted by a wind-driven wildfire that killed one Tecate man and injured 21 others since it began raging in rural southeastern San Diego County.

Wildfires blown by fierce desert winds Monday reduced hundreds of Southern California homes to ashes, forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee and laid a hellish, spidery pattern of luminous orange over the drought-stricken region.

A wind-driven wildfire that killed one person and injured 21 others in its early hours continued raging tonight in rural southeastern San Diego County, forcing scores of evacuations and causing property damage.

The American Red Cross and San Diego Blood Bank issued pleas today for blood donors to help those injured in the wildfires and to maintain an adequate supply of blood for future needs.

Due to the county's wildfires, all San Diego Unified School District schools will be closed tomorrow, along with San Diego State University; UC San Diego and the University of San Diego.

The following areas have been placed under a mandatory-evacuation order due to the continuing spread of the Witch Creek Fire, according to San Mountain Road.

What people were saying Monday about the wildfires burning across Southern California:

Two out-of-control East County wildfires combined into one today, creating an inferno that could prove more destructive than the 2003 Cedar Fire, which charred 280,278 acres and killed 15 people, officials said.

Updated 7:28 p.m.

Six aircraft capable of dropping 3,000 gallons of fire retardant were expected to be in California tomorrow to aid in the fight against the series of wildfires burning in the region, according to the governor's office.

Due to the county's wildfires, all San Diego Unified School District schools will be closed tomorrow, along with San Diego State University; UC San Diego and the University of San Diego.(read more)

Due to the ongoing wildfire emergency in the region, the Cleveland National Forest will be closed to the public until further notice, officials announced today.

A 1,000-acre wind-driven wildfire, one of about half- dozen blazes raging through San Diego County today, destroyed about 100 homes in Fallbrook and forced scores of residents to evacuate, authorities reported.

Mayor Sanders said Governor Schwarzenegger will return to Qualcomm stadium tonight to make sure San Diego residents have everything they need. Sanders said his office will coordinate with the state to ensure water, food and supplies are ample.

All 36,000 residents of Ramona were ordered to evacuate tonight because of a wind-driven brush fire in northeast San Diego County that has scorched at least 5,000 acres.

Winds are pushing flames and smoke from two wildfires in San Diego County. The Harris Fire is 14,000 acres and 5 percent contained, there have been multiple structures destroyed. There were four firefighters injured earlier in the day when the fire burned over their engines. At least thirteen civilians have been burned on this fire. The communities of Potrero, Tecate, Dulzura and parts of Deerhorn Valley have been evacuated. The fire is burning to the northwest and being driven by Santa Ana winds.

Listen to the San Diego County press conference for an update on this emergency situation.

(Updated 6:20 p.m. October 21) Erratic Santa Ana winds continue to push two wildfires out of control in rural eastern San Diego County. One civilian is reported dead at least 8 are injured, and four firefighters are in hospital with burn injuries.

There are three shelter sites set-up for folks who have been evacuated by the twin fires. For people affected in the East County, there are two site: Steele Canyon High School on Campo Road in Spring Valley, and the Campo Community Center on Sheridan Road in Campo.

Jan Hedlund of Potrero fled her home this morning after being awakened by friends who came to get her because of the fast- moving fire. Hedlund says several firefighters in Potrero are standing by to fight the blaze. But Hedlund told reporter Amita Sharma strong winds are intensifying and that's made it difficult for firefighters to use all of their tools to put out the fire.

(Updated 4:50 p.m. October 22) There are two fires burning out of control in the rural areas of eastern San Diego County. We have reports of one fatality related to the fire.The fires and thick smoke are being pushed westward by dry Santa Ana Winds.

The so-called Harris Fire fire began in Potrero, near the Mexican border with the town of Tecate. The winds are pushing the flames west, across the 94 freeway and into Dulzura. KPBS Reporter talked to Matt Streck with Cal Fire about the latest information.

Two major wildfires are burning on opposite sides of San Diego County.A 2,500-acre fire is burning in southeast San Diego. It has killed at least one civilian and burned four more. Four firefighters are also hurt. There are emergency evacuations in place.

A few choice words landed deejay Don Imus in lots of trouble. But is it realistic to police people’s word choices? Martha and Grant kick around that question, and then kibitz about the word . . . “kibitzing.”

Several hundred San Diego city retirees showed up at a hearing today to defend disputed pension benefits worth $150 million.

The San Diego school board meets with community members Saturday to talk about what kind of person they want to replace Superintendent Carl Cohn. But so far, teacher union leaders aren't happy about the process. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego officials are trying to reach out to thousands of families whose children may be exposed to lead. Lead is a highly toxic element that causes health effects ranging from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. You can find out more about lead hazards at an event today in San Diego.

This week, rain douses San Diego as residents mark the fourth anniversary of the Cedar Fire. Also, the first baby boomer applies for Social Security benefits. And, the national GOP faces uncertainty as 16 Republican legislators announce their retirements.

The head of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is leaving his post, an official with the organization confirmed today.

A Chinese woman living in the U.S. sought to buy military equipment used to gauge the power of nuclear explosions and export it to China, a federal grand jury charged Thursday.

School districts all around the country are reporting cases of the antibiotic-resistant staph infection known as MRSA. Officials at San Diego City Schools say they haven't seen any cases, but they're reminding vigilant. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The prosecution has rested its case against Brent Wilkes, the Poway defense contractor who's accused of bribing Randy “Duke” Cunningham. A picture of incredible corruption emerged over seven days of trial. Reporter Seth Hettena has more.

Development should be halted in the floodplains of California's delta, according to a newly released draft report.

Tijuana will try to set the world's record for the largest Caesar salad this Saturday. City officials hope the half ton of dressing will not only cover the lettuce, but also dress up the city's image. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Two of the leading scientists studying climate change are in San Diego this weekend. They're part of a group of global warming researchers touring the country. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce tells us more about Polar Palooza.

The San Diego City Council received above average grades on water quality issues from an environmental group. But Mayor Jerry Sanders didn't score as well. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

There's music to highlight this weekend, including indie rock legends Jesus and Mary Chain and the brother-sister duo The Fiery Furnaces.

What is the future for the water supply in San Diego? The general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority and professor Suzanne Michel of Cuyumaca College come to our studios for a free-wheeling conversation about the dilemma of a growing population and a potentially shrinking supply of water in the southwest desert.

From the Kumeyaay to Alonzo Horton to Ed Fletcher, the history of San Diego is tied to the search for a lasting water supply. We speak to KPBS producer Pat Finn about the history and politics of water in San Diego. Finn talks about Horton's lavish tropical garden in New Town, the short history of the San Diego Flume Company and John Spreckels' contribution to the city’s countywide water system.

A Poway defense contractor accused of bribing former Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham is expected to begin making his defense today. Prosecutors wrapped up their case by calling two prostitutes who joined Cunningham and the defendant, Brent Wilkes, in a hot tub during a Hawaii vacation. Reporter Seth Hettena has more.

Supporters of a bill to expand a popular children's health insurance program concede they won't have enough votes to override a presidential veto. President Bush now says he's willing to work something out to keep the S-CHIP program afloat. But if more funding isn't approved soon, many poor children in California could lose their health coverage. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Governor Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that keeps San Diego County's only one room schoolhouse open until the end of this school year. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Violent crime is dropping, both in the city of San Diego and across the county. Two new reports say homicides fell more than any other crime this year. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has more.

San Diego's commercial real estate market is still considered one of the best in the nation, but there are signs a correction is on the way in 2008. KPBS reporter Erik Anderson has details.

Global warming is predicted to make allergies and asthma worse in some areas of the country. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce tells us our region is one of those areas.

How much does it take for a California family to make ends meet? According to a new study -- $50,000 a year. Jenny O'Mara reports from Sacramento.

Internationally acclaimed artist Robert Irwin joins us in studio to talk about how the light and space of Southern California became central to his groundbreaking installations. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is hosting a survey exhibition of Irwin's work that will include five major new works. It's also the largest survey of Irwin's work to be mounted in 15 years.

As UCSD begins a new academic year, Paul Drake begins a new job. We'll speak UCSD's new senior vice chancellor about what the school's new class looks like what philosophy the university brings to the creation of its academic program.

Will the promise of large-scale water reclamation and desalination remain a dream or become a reality for San Diego? We speak to 10News reporter Elizabeth Sanchez about the criticisms against, and challenges to, using desalinated and reclaimed water to quench San Diego's thirst for more drinking water.

A Poway defense contractor accused of bribing Randy "Duke" Cunningham will soon get the chance to present his defense to a federal jury. Brent Wilkes is facing charges of money laundering, fraud, conspiracy and providing Cunningham with more than $600,000 in bribes. Reporter Seth Hettena has more.

One question in particular has troubled arid Southern California for over two centuries. It is the question of water, so fundamental, so obvious -- and so lacking. We have learned that whoever controls our water controls our destiny. Pat Finn Burkhard has more.

The Southern California home sales slump continues to drag down the number of houses changing hands. Real Estate tracking company Dataquick reports home sales in the region's six counties hit a two-decade low last month.

A citizens' coalition wants the County Grand Jury to investigate the way San Diego's Center City Development Corporation is handling the Navy Broadway project on the Embarcadero. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Tuesday is the deadline set by the Secretary of State for lawmakers to put a water bond on the February ballot. It will come and go without a deal -- but that doesn't mean everyone has given up just yet. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ explains.

Manufacturers will now be required to prevent tiny plastic pellets used in packaging from spilling into California waterways. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more on the bill signed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

When you were a child and wanted to lay claim to something, what did you say? Did you call “dibs”? Or “hosey” it? A caller is curious about another verb used in such situations: “finnie.” Grant explains this word’s meaning and origin.

Between The War on Terror, The War in Iraq and civil wars across the globe one must ask: Is peace possible? The late philanthropist Joan B. Kroc thought so. She gave the University of San Diego $50 million to create the School of Peace Studies – a place for not just talking about peace, but actually making it. We'll ask the

Imagine spending did almost 20 years on death row for a crime you not commit. That's exactly what happened to Juan Melendez. He tells us what went through his head during all those years, why he does not blame any single person for what happened to him and why he thinks he was locked-up in the first place.

From John J. Montgomery to Claude Ryan to Reuben H. Fleet, a new documentary explores San Diego's prominent place in the history of aviation. Why were adventure seekers and aviation entrepreneurs attracted to San Diego? Through interviews and archival photos, KPBS TV producer Pat Finn tells us how the aviation industry impacted our economy, our military and our national defense.

Will Southern California have enough water in the future to quench the thirst of its rapidly growing population? State law says cities must show there is a sufficient water supply to serve new developments of 500 homes or more. We speak to reporter Amita Sharma about how local growth is impacting the water supply and how the laws regulating new development are being enforced in San Diego County.

California likes to brag it has some of the toughest laws on the books when it comes to making sure its people will not run out of water. But critics say the laws are poorly enforced, and the whole system is built on hope and trust. Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

50 people have been arrested in the largest raid on illegal cockfighting operations in San Diego history. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The eldest brother in the notorious Arellano Felix family that runs Tijuana's Arellano Felix Drug Cartel was sentenced in federal court in San Diego Monday. Francisco Rafael Arellano Felix could be eligible for parole in four months. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

California is the first state in the country to ban the use of a dangerous chemical found in kids toys. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have prevented the sale of electronic products that contain certain toxins. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A recent Washington Supreme Court ruling opines that restricting politicians' speech means government censorship while an Encinitas councilwoman successfully sues a disgruntled constituent for libel. Do the same defamation standards apply to politicians as common citizens? These Days legal analyst Dan Eaton explores the burden of proof during lawsuits that involve politicians and defamation.

How much water is used each year to maintain San Diego's lush, green lawns? We speak to KPBS reporter Joanne Faryon about the impact landscaping has on our local water supply. Faryon talks about how much water it takes to keep our grass green and offers some tips for residents who want to reduce the water they use on their landscapes.

The future of California's water supply is here now. Many areas of the state are dealing with effects of a one-two punch. Cutbacks in water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and lack of rain and snow. Water from the Delta make up about two-thirds of Southern California's imported water. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more on the state's water woes.

Congressional advocates of expanding the federally-funded Children Health Insurance Program will try to override President Bush's veto this week. San Diego Congressman Brian Bilbray says he doesn't support the effort. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego school officials may need to hire more teachers and staff to deal with the district's unexpected enrollment growth. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

If you look outside your front window, chances are you'd see a lot of green lawns -- especially if you live in the suburbs. But in a climate with little rain, and hot dry summers, should we be seeing green? Joanne Faryon has more.

What do you get when you cross a spelling bee with American Idol, and mix all that with a few rounds of Jeopardy!? Why, the National Vocabulary Championship, of course! Martha and Grant discuss this nail-biting, mind-expanding event. Grant explains why people yell “Geronimo!” when they jump out of planes, and Martha muses about how many soldiers there have to be before you have a “troop.”

Speaker Fabian Nunez says this is the worst publicity he's received during his time as leader of the state Assembly. And the Democrat says it's making him re-think future trade missions and foreign travel. He's talking about the flap over an article last week in the Los Angeles Times. The story detailed thousands of dollars in campaign money he spent on gifts, wine, and hotels while traveling.

A former U.S. Border Patrol agent has pleaded guilty to taking 100 dollars for each carload of illegal immigrants that he helped get past a highway checkpoint.

In San Diego, trial is underway for a former defense contractor accused of bribing Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the former congressman who is serving more than eight years in prison. Brent Wilkes is accused of fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and providing more than $600,000 in the form of cash, meals, private jet flights, vacations and prostitutes. Reporter Seth Hettena has more.

Several researchers at UCSD's Scripps Institution of Oceanography are part of the panel sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. 2,000 scientists worked on climate change research for the United Nations. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A San Diego County education report shows black and Latino students are still lagging behind whites and Asians in eighth grade math classes, but they are making some progress. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Listen to the best musical interludes heard throughout the week on These Days. This week's picks include tracks from David Axelrod, DJ Shadow, Bonobo, Radiohead, Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis, Mundell Lowe, Taj Mahal, Rilo Kiley and The Beach Boys.

Several researchers at UCSD's Scripps Institution of Oceanography are part of the panel sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. Two thousand scientists worked on climate change research for the United Nations. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

This week, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger revises his healthcare plan for 6.7 million uninsured Californians while congressional Democrats influence lawmakers to override President Bush's veto of a $35 billion expansion to the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Also, the San Diego City Council now considers an array of alcohol ban options for local beaches. And, the city council bars San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre from representing taxpayers on pension and La Jolla landslide matters.

A California Supreme Court ruling that deals with a few sex offenders could have far-reaching implications. The court says state prison officials cannot revoke the parole of four sex offenders who live too close to schools or parks. Attorneys for the four say the injunction should apply to all sex offenders out of compliance with what's known as Jessica's Law.

Cities and counties in California cannot force landlords to check their tenants' immigration status. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill late Wednesday in response to ordinances passed by a handful of communities across the country and state, including Escondido. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has more.

The Environmental Health Coalition is working with the Port of San Diego to clean up the air at port docks. Exhaust from diesel trucks and cruise ships spew toxic air in nearby neighborhoods. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The San Diego city council has voted in closed session to file suit against developer Doug Manchester. The suit seeks reimbursement for the costs of lawsuits filed against the Navy Broadway Complex on San Diego Bay. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

There are three film festivals in town this weekend as well as a benefit concert for the homeless featuring headliner B.B. King.

In 1997, Lee Gordon co-founded a school in Israel designed to teach Jewish and Arab children under one roof. Now, almost 1,000 Israeli children attend this kind of institution, and there are four of these schools. How might this educational structure transform the turmoil between Jews and Arabs in Israel? We speak with Gordon and the father of two children who study at one of these unique schools.

California is one of two states that offers some form of paid family leave. But states across the country are watching what Governor Schwarzenegger will do with a number of bills awaiting his signature that would expand California's family leave programs.

San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre is fighting criticism from the mayor, the city council, the Union-Tribune editorial page and now the Republican Party. The San Diego GOP has called on the city's Ethics Commission to investigate Aguirre.

The legal battles over who will pay the cost of the Mount Soledad landslide is complicated by the escalating feud between the mayor and the city attorney. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

A U.S. citizen will be charged with human smuggling in connection with a group of illegal immigrants who came ashore in La Jolla yesterday. San Diego Police found five wet and sandy undocumented immigrants inside the van the man was driving. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

They don't like the governor's proposal or the Democrats' plan, so Senate Republicans are introducing their own package of healthcare bills for the special session. As Marianne Russ reports from Sacramento, they look very familiar.

A San Diego environmental group says voluntary water conservation is not working. San Diego Coastkeeper says the city needs to introduce mandatory water rationing. Joanne Faryon has more.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders wants another federal exemption from the Clean Water Act. The city's Point Loma Sewage Treatment Plant is the only one in the country not meeting federal standards. Sanders says paying more than $1 billion to upgrade the plant is too costly for taxpayers. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Two conservation groups are asking state regulators to enforce California requirements that utilities get 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2010. The groups claim San Diego Gas and Electric is unlikely to meet the deadline. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Should San Diego ban alcohol on all city beaches? Councilman Kevin Faulconer has proposed an around-the-clock alcohol ban at all beaches in his council district. We speak to activists on both sides of the proposed beach booze ban.

Did you know that three million American women are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend each year? Did you know that one in four California children are victims or witnesses to domestic violence? Did you know that every day more than 500 women and children in San Diego County are in need of shelter as a result of domestic violence? October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we'll find out what the local Young Women's Christian Association is doing to provide services to those experiencing violence.

We talk with Gypsy jazz virtuoso John Jorgenson about continuing the musical tradition of Django Reinhardt and playing with members of the John Jorgenson Quintet.

A group of teachers at Middle School in City Heights say classes are overcrowded and teacher turnover is at an all-time high. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The San Diego Teachers Union and the San Diego school district have reached a tentative labor agreement on wages and benefits. The two sides reopened negotiations earlier this year. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

It's time to celebrate the art of horror and gore and, to that end, KPBS film critic Beth Accomando searched San Diego stages looking for the spooky blend. She finds it at Sledgehammer Theater with their new production, Seven Crimes.

The trial of San Diego Defense contractor Brent Wilkes has begun in federal court. He's one man accused of bribing the corrupt former congressman, "Duke" Cunningham. The first witness was a man who saw the beginning of Cunningham's fall from grace. Reporter Seth Hettena filed this report from the federal courthouse.

Top Military Brass from the Navy, the Marine Corp and the National Guard gathered at Camp Pendleton Marine Base to announce a package of new laws signed this week by Governor Schwarzenegger. The laws will benefit military families, offer educational opportunities to military personnel and provide some financial protections. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Fewer California Latinos own homes than Latinos living in other parts of the country. That's according to a study sponsored by the California Building Industry Association. It finds that nationwide 48 percent of Latinos own homes, while that figure is 44 percent in the golden state.

The flu season is approaching, and health officials say it's not too soon for people to protect themselves by getting a flu shot. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed nine bills to benefit members of the military and their families. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

What should we look for when we buy wine? What are the benefits and drawbacks to organic wines? How is global warming affecting the wine industry? Courtney Cochran, a registered sommelier and "Most Wanted Wine Guru," according to C Magazine, gives us a trendy look at wine.

In November 2006, San Diego County voters soundly rejected a proposal to consider Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as an alternative airport site to Lindbergh Field. Now what? UCSD economist Richard Carson explains why the San Diego Airport Authority changed its tune to focus on increased demands at Lindbergh Field, why upgrades to smaller regional airports can alleviate pressure on over-extended San Diego air travel and why he thinks airport officials must abandon proposals to court international travelers.

If the U.S. needs to stay in Iraq to mediate a civil war, it will be many years before we are able to leave. That's the basic message a UCSD political scientist who has made modern civil wars the focus of her study. Barbara Walter said that civil wars, which have occurred since 1945, have lasted an average of ten years. And they generally don't end until one side wins. We'll hear her opinion about the type of situation the United States is facing in Iraq.

San Diego city residents will see their water rates go up an average of $1.40 a month. It’s the second rate increase this year, but this time it’s not to pay for crumbling infrastructure.

San Diego City Council put a toe into the water debate this week, but didn't wade in very deep. However, during the Water Summit at City Hall they splashed around in the issues long enough to reveal disagreements about mandatory water rationing and water reclamation. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

One down, two to go. Chula Vista has the ball, now that the city of Oceanside has dropped out of the running to host a new stadium for the Chargers. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more on why Oceanside left the field, and how that might play out in the South Bay.

Martha reminisces about her family’s mountain roots while dipping into the delicious vocabulary of Southernisms found in The Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English. Listen to this one, ya’ll, and you find out what a “cackleberry” is, and why you don’t want to drink milk that’s “blinky.”

The federal bribery trial of Poway defense contractor Brent Wilkes resumes today in San Diego. Wilkes is accused of multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy and bribery of "Duke" Cunningham, the former Republican congressman serving more than eight years in prison. Reporter Seth Hettena has more.

It's described as a hassle-free way of keeping track of your health. We'll take a closer look at the prototype Wellness phone from Japan’s NTT Docomo.

Protesters targeted the site of a planned training facility for Blackwater USA, the private security contractor that is under fire for recent actions in Iraq.

San Diego city officials are discussing what to do about an increasingly tight regional water supply. KPBS Reporter Alison St John is at city hall this afternoon. She says city officials are grappling with the best course for the future.

UCSD Medical Center will take part in new national study that's looking into ways to preserve the fertility of women being treated for cancer. Doctors say currently, women cancer patients have few options. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

It was a lackluster opening day for San Diego school district's much anticipated Truancy Center. The center is a place for students who get caught skipping class. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

State-mandated legislation to restore the Imperial County's Salton Sea may move forward early next year. The bill hit a snag in committee at the end of the legislative session. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The San Diego Master Chorale is the voice of the San Diego Symphony and their season begins in early November. We'll talk to Gary McKercher about his new post as the chorale's music director and the history of choral music.

Today is Columbus Day. It’s a holiday to recognize the arrival of Europeans to the Americas, but not everyone considers this a positive holiday. We check in with the president of an organization that represents the Little Italy Association about the significance of this day to local Italians and how San Diego's Little Italy makes a comeback.

Are San Diegans paying too much for their water and sewer services? On Mon. Oct. 8, the city council holds a public hearing to discuss whether the city's water rates should be increased to pay for the rising cost of water. And it will also consider sewer rate adjustments that are the result of a lawsuit that alleged the city overcharged sewer rates to some residential customers.

Your water is getting more expensive. The city of San Diego holds a public hearing on rate increases today. The city will also establish a citizens' group to oversee how the extra money is spent. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Naomi Oreskes says gas and oil companies and their allies have made a concerted effort to undermine the scientific findings that show global warming is happening and its primary cause it human activity. We'll ask her why people have a hard time accepting what scientists consider to be the gravity of the situation and what personal and political action is needed to turn global warming around.

It's not quite flu season yet - but it is vaccination time. And state health officials are saying there should be plenty of flu shots to go around. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

Scientist Walter Oechell joins us for a discussion of his new book "Global Change: Is the World Beyond Repair?" His research focuses on how climate change is affecting the arctic environment.

The San Diego City Council gets briefed this morning on the outlook for regional water supplies. One of the county's main water suppliers says we should expect less water next year. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

This week on A Way with Words: Are you guilty of adjective abuse? Martha and Grant discuss a new book that says Americans use too many.

A San Diego attorney who specializes in filing suits concerning landslide damage has already found clients among those who suffered losses in the Mount Soledad land slide this week. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The state has a new contract with a private prison operator. The Correctional Corporation of America will provide more than 3,000 new beds for inmates who will be moved out of state. This is the second contract California has signed with the company for housing prisoners elsewhere.

The Diocese of Orange said late Friday it has settled four clergy abuse cases, including a case that had threatened to expose the bishop to a contempt of court hearing next week.

A national study confirms what California educators have been saying all along: the state's achievement tests are harder to pass compared to tests in other states. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

A San Diego city charter review committee has recommended the number of city council districts be expanded from eight to 11. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that dedicates $250 million in federal funds to state and local projects along the U.S. Mexico border during the next five years. Congressman Bob Filner says the bill marks a shift in how the federal government views the border. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Opponents of Blackwater's proposal to build a training camp in East County plan to stage a rally in Potrero on Sunday. Blackwater USA faced a tough crowd in Washington this week over its shootings in Iraq. And the reception isn't going to be any warmer in San Diego County this weekend. KPBS reporter Amita Sharma has details.

Listen to the best musical interludes heard throughout the week on These Days. This week's picks include tracks from The Greyboy Allstars, Jimmy Smith, The Lively Ones, Adrian Arancibia, Justice, Nellie McKay, Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs, Emile Naoumoff and Poland Pidoux.

A San Diego public works employee on the scene of that water main break on Ingraham Street near Sea World now says he expects both lanes to be reopened sometime later Friday afternoon.

One down, two to go! Chula Vista has the ball, now that the city of Oceanside has dropped out of the running to host a new stadium for the Chargers. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more on why Oceanside left the field, and how that might play out in the South Bay.

This week, a collapsed hillside on Mount Soledad forces evacuations of 111 homes and destroys two more. Also, the City of San Diego's Charter Review Committee releases its recommendations for the 2008 ballot and beyond. And, the bribery trial of Poway defense contractor Brent Wilkes begins in San Diego Federal Court.

State lawmakers on Thursday heard from water experts about deteriorating conditions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta -- a source for much of California's drinking water. Legislators are facing a deadline in a matter of days to put a water bond on the February ballot. From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara reports.

A new blueprint for career technical education programs in California was released Thursday. It's designed to make these programs meet state academic standards. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

A military investigator has recommended a big reduction in the charges against a Marine Sergeant accused of killing civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha.

Thursday night, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders’ Charter Review Committee will finalize recommendations for a ballot initiative to strengthen the mayor’s powers.

The Oceanside city council has bowed out of the competition to host a new NFL football stadium for the Chargers. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders has declared a state of emergency after yesterday's catastrophic La Jolla landslide in order to access state and federal funds. Both he and the city attorney addressed the issue of liability. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

We speak to KPBS News reporter Ed Joyce to get the latest details on the landslide that happened yesterday in La Jolla. Joyce talks about the destruction, evacuations and possible reasons why a 200-yard stretch of Soledad Mountain Road collapsed.

Can brain scans read your mind? If so, how should information about what you're thinking be used and who decides? Those are questions that scientists, ethicists, policy makers and average people are debating. We will examine the field of neuroethics as it relates to the legal and social implications of brain science.

The topics have been debated by U.S. citizens for centuries: the separation between church and state; the religious vs. secular vision of the Founding Fathers; and the role of religion in the public arena. Forrest Church, a minister who comes from a family of politicians, examines this complex relationship, and he explains why a balance between the two ideas is ideal.

The French DJ duo Justice comes to town the same weekend the electro-acoustic music festival NWEAMO takes place at San Diego State. And if you've been longing for a book festival in San Diego, here's your chance to support a quality one. The 2nd annual San Diego City College International Book Fair takes place this weekend on the campus of City College.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders' Charter Review Committee will finalize recommendations Thursday night for a ballot initiative to strengthen the mayor's powers. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more on what's at stake in the coming over the city's constitution.

An investigating officer has recommended that the Marine at the center of the biggest prosecution of U.S. troops in the Iraq war should not stand trial on murder charges, a defense attorney said Thursday.

The landslide on Mount Soledad Mountain Road in La Jolla is an event geologists say is part of a continuing pattern over many decades or millions of years. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce tells us the hillside has a history, a long history of activity.

A landslide damaged several multi-million-dollar homes in La Jolla this morning when part of Soledad Mountain Road gave way. The slide has also forced the evacuation of more homes at the bottom of the hillside. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

For the second year in a row, the California Legislature has approved a bill that would increase benefits to workers who've been permanently injured on the job. A former CHP officer from Fallbrook was in Sacramento on Wednesday to urge the governor to sign the measure. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The San Diego school district secured a $10 million federal grant for six of its magnet schools to help keep them running. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The final step to clean up lead at an American-owned battery recycling factory in Tijuana began Wednesday. As KPBS reporter Amy Isackson explains, it’s the culmination of a decade's long struggle to control the toxic waste that's poisoned many people in a neighborhood nearby.

Is public broadcasting still relevant in the ever-expanding media landscape? We will take a look at the role of today’s public radio and television and the way its heading in the future

A special session to tackle healthcare is underway in Sacramento, while senate democrats and the governor wrangle over competing water bond measure proposals. Meanwhile, a new report from State Treasurer Bill Lockyer delivers a sobering message about our state's long-term debt. And, what happened to the proposed ballot measure to change California's Electoral College voting system during the 2008 presidential election? John Myers, the Sacramento bureau chief for KQED public radio’s "The California Report" takes us "Inside Sacramento."

Think classical music and Bach, Beethoven and Mozart probably come to mind. Tradition and prejudice have kept the contributions of women in classical music behind the curtain. But author Anne Gray's new book “The World of Women in Classical Music” pulls the curtain aside to reveal the female composers, conductors, performers, managers, publishers and patrons of classical music.

What's the name for that little dent in your upper lip? It's called a "philtrum." Martha reveals the erotic origins of this word, and proves once again that etymology is nothing if not sexy.

A lawyer for a defense contractor accused of bribing former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham has agreed to withdraw subpoenas sent last month to a dozen House members.

San Diego County Treasurer/Tax Collector Dan McAllister says property taxes will set a record this year in spite of a slow-down in the number of new homes added to the rolls. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

State lawmakers, professors and students are urging the governor to sign legislation that would reform higher education in California. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Clean water advocates are pushing the federal government to boost the amount of money available for projects that help keep local waters clean. Food and Water Watch issued a new report today that says federal funding for clean water projects is woefully inadequate.

United States drug czar John Walters was in San Diego today to announce what he says are the best results in the war on drugs in 20 years. Walter's comments come on the eve of the Bush administration seeking a massive aid package to help Mexico fight drugs. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The Department of Energy designated most of Southern California and part of Arizona as a key transmission corridor today. The designation means a federal agency could trump state regulators when it comes to transmission projects. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The debate over the Iraq war is taking a backseat to domestic issues this week in Congress. We speak to Eric Niiler from Capitol News Connection about the issues that will be discussed in the next couple weeks in the Senate and House of Representatives. One of the first issues on the agenda is a $35 billion expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which the president has threatened to veto. We'll also get an update on the cases that will be heard by the United States Supreme Court this term and the 2008 presidential election race.

A proposed toll road in north San Diego County faces criticism from environmentalists, politicians and the California Coastal Commission. Is the 16-mile toll road necessary to mitigate inevitable traffic increases in the coming years, or does it unnecessarily damage the environment and adversely affect sensitive habitats? Representatives from both sides of the issue argue their perspective.

U.S. pop culture is like a bad cold you just can't get rid of. No matter how open-minded you think you are, you're still stuck with those pervasive caricatures. Stereotypes are the shorthand of mass communication. They're handy, and we use them all the time. But they bear little more than a passing resemblance to the real thing. Pop culture, and what it's done to the Mexican, is the subject of a new book called "Tex(t) Mex," by San Diego State professor Bill Nericcio.

The political tussle between San Diego's city attorney and the mayor continues at City Hall. Mike Aguirre accused Jerry Sanders Monday of ignoring a mountain of pension debt and building a molehill of a case to discredit him. But the mayor's office fired back. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The new water year has started -- that's the time between now and the end of September snow and rain is measured. California scientists will let us know how much water farms and homes can expect next year. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A crackdown on rats in Mission Bay Park appears to be working. San Diego County health officials began attacking an infestation over the summer. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.

A federal judge has delayed the trial of a New York mortgage banker charged in the corruption case against former San Diego Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham.

Legislation aimed at curbing deadly accidents on a stretch of highway known as “blood alley” has been signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. It would create a double fine zone in the area and makes it easier for communities around the state to do the same.

California's treasurer says the state's lawmakers need to fix the budget before the spending plan's annual structural deficit balloons out of control. Bill Lockyer projected the state's finances over the next 20 years. He concludes the current structural budget debt could grow to more than $14 million in two decades.

California nurses hope the fourth time's the charm for a bill that would require hospitals to have safe lift teams available at all times. Governor Schwarzenegger, a former weight lifter, has vetoed the last three versions of the measure. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The Association of California Water Agencies is reaching out to residents to tell them about the state's water crisis. The Association is made up of public agencies that are responsible for 90 percent of the water delivered in the state. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

On Mondays we talk about news in the tech world with Brian Cooley, Editor-at-Large at CNET.com.

The trial of defense contractor Brent Wilkes is set to start this Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Downtown San Diego. Wilkes has been accused of bribing former Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham. We speak to Seth Hettena who will be covering the trial for KPBS News.

The war in Iraq continues to dominate newspaper headlines and the political consciousness of the Americans. Professor Dipak Gupta joins us to lead a discussion about Iraq, how far it is from political stability and how far the American commitment should be to the country.

Overcrowded emergency rooms seem to be the norm these days. Hospital officials from throughout San Diego County will hold a summit tomorrow to discuss what they're trying to do about it. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

All six components of San Diego's Index of Leading Economic Indicators were down in August, fueling fears of a recession. Economist Alan Gin compiles the index. He tells us where the local economy is heading, how far down in may go and which economic realities are the most likely to have an impact on your life.

Microfinancing is the idea of giving a group of people a small amount of capital to start a business to get out of poverty. This practice proves itself time and time again as impoverished women are improving their lives, becoming self-assured of their abilities and paying back the entire amount of the original loan approximately 98 percent of the time. The president and CEO of Grameen Foundation explains why a hand up – and not a handout – works.

Author Amy Wilentz shares her experience in a new book titled, “I Feel Earthquakes More Often Than They Happen: Coming to California in the Age of Schwarzenegger.”

A group of San Diegans who belong to churches, synagogues and mosques around the region are working together on a project they believe will inspire more cross cultural understanding. The Abraham's Path Initiative, launched by Harvard University, is bringing different denominations together to focus on what they have in common, rather than what divides them. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.