Stories for September 5, 2007
Building Expansions Ease Transitions For Local Middle Schoolers
Hundreds of San Diego middle school kids didn't have to change schools this year. That's because a handful of campuses tacked on sixth, seventh and eighth grades this year. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
Governor's Office Wants Age Minimum to Buy Ultra-Violent Games
The Schwarzenegger Administration is appealing a district court ruling that struck down a law banning the sale of ultra-violent video games to underage children. The legislation was challenged on first amendment rights and that the definitions of violent video games were too vague.
Blackwater Opponents Accuse Lobbying Firm of Conflict of Interest
Opponents of a defense contractors proposal to build a training camp in San Diegos back country say a lobbying firm that works both for the county and the company has a conflict of interest. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.
Priest Abuse Victims Wary S.D. Diocese May Renege Settlement
Advocates for sex-abuse victims are urging patience amid speculation of a settlement with San Diego's Catholic diocese. The diocese filed for bankruptcy protection just as the first of 150 lawsuits was headed for trial. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has details.
City Mulls Rules to Force More Construction Waste to be Recycled
The city of San Diego will look at a new rules today to force more construction and demolition waste to be recycled. But to offset lost tipping fees at the dump, residents will likely see their costs go up. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
Councilman Faulconer Proposes Booze Ban at San Diego Beaches
Should alcohol be allowed on San Diego beaches? Councilman Kevin Faulconer will propose an alcohol ban for all city beaches following a Labor Day brawl between drunken beachgoers and the police. We speak to Faulconer about the motivation behind the proposal.
Economic and Labor Experts Debate the Impact of NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement took effect in 1994 to promote trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico. What are the impacts of NAFTA's policies? A panel, including an international economics professor, an environmental and social justice advocate, and an op-ed columnist, opine on the impact to trade policy, labor standards and economic prosperity.
Study: Tribes See Major Financial Gains, But Life Remains Sub Par
A new study shows Indian gaming has brought huge economic gains to California tribes. But the quality of life on most reservations is still subpar. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps has more.
Aguirre Says City is Obligated to Enact Toilet-to-Tap Water Plan
San Diego's city attorney says it's time to resurrect the city's controversial toilet-to-tap water plan. Mike Aguirre says San Diego's water supply could be in jeopardy because of a federal court order restricting the flow of water to southern California. KPBS's Joanne Faryon explains.
Grant: Phonemarking
Youve heard of earmarking, trademarking, bookmarking, and benchmarking. But what in the world is phonemarking? Mark our words: Grant has the answer. This week, take his slang quiz to find out.
Local Schools Battling High Tech Distractions
Teachers around San Diego County say its tougher than ever to keep students focused in class these days. Part of the problem is that kids come to school armed with their own personal high-tech gadgets. In the second of a three-part series called Classroom 2.0, KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis focuses on how wireless technology is causing big problems in class.
64° Partly Cloudy