San Diego Unified teachers who were laid off during the summer are now being offered temporary positions in the district. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Researchers at San Diego's Salk Institute say they've found a genetic switch in the brain of mice that regulates both body weight and fertility. Scientists believe it may operate in the same way for humans. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited San Diego today to reassure local officials that he does not support balancing the state budget by borrowing from local government revenues.

The San Diego Union-Tribune on Thursday announced buyouts that aim to cut its staff by 76 positions, including 30 in the newsroom.

Before you power up the boat this Labor Day weekend, state officials have some advice -- be sure to clean and drain the vessel before heading to the water. As KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce explains, a tiny invasive shellfish has become a big problem.

The Democratic National Convention took place this week. What were the highlights from the convention? What kind of impact will Senator Joe Biden make as Barack Obama's running mate? What can we expect to see at next week's Republican National Convention? We bring you a special DNC broadcast of the Editors Roundtable, with Gloria Penner hosting live from Denver.

Supporters of Proposition 11 have filed a formal complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission. The measure would change the way political districts are drawn in California.

New research from San Diego State University shows people work harder to make up for low self-esteem.

Two months into the budget stalemate, the state senate has scheduled a vote on a spending plan today. But, Republicans say it's not something they can support. Marianne Russ reports.

A wooden pedestrian walkway collapsed at a construction site in downtown San Diego yesterday, injuring 16 people. As KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis explains its not clear who is going to investigate the accident.

California School Superintendent Jack O'Connell has high hopes the federal No Child Left Behind Act will get an overhaul if Barrack Obama is elected to the White House. O'Connell was in Denver last night for Obama's acceptance speech. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The University of San Diego's Index of Leading Economic Indicators last month had its sharpest decline since the beginning of the year. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A block-long construction scaffold collapsed in downtown San Diego this afternoon, injuring 16 pedestrians who were walking under the street level barrier. Injuries to three of the people are considered life-threatening.

Artisan beers are popular these days. We'll talk about the art to making, and enjoying, the malty brews with local beer crafters and critics.

How will the budget deadlock, and the state's $15 billion deficit impact California schools this year? Host Tom Fudge speaks to state schools' Superintendent Jack O'Connell about what parents and students can expect this fall. We also speak to O'Connell about how the state is doing with it's No Child Left Behind requirements.

Is the San Diego Unified School District in a state of flux? Host Tom Fudge speaks to KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis about a number of significant changes that could affect day-to-day operations at San Diego City Schools. Tintocalis details new Superintendent Terry Grier's plan to "right-size" the district. We also discuss the potential impact of a $2.1 billion school bond that will appear on the November ballot, and how the teachers union has responded to Grier's plans.

Can an author redeem herself after being convicted of literary forgery and theft? We'll talk with Lee Israel, author of "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" about what drove her to forge letters of famous people, and ultimately steal literary works from libraries.

As the Democratic National Convention heads into its final day, anticipation is building for Barack Obama's acceptance speech tonight.

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention officially chose Barack Obama and Joe Biden as their party's candidates for president and vice president last night. KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner is in Denver covering the convention.

Drive less, get a bigger break on your car insurance. That's the goal of new regulations proposed by State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.

Governor Schwarzenegger is addressing rumors about lawmakers borrowing to balance the overdue state budget. The governor said raiding funds earmarked for other purposes -- such as transportation and local government needs -- would make the state's fiscal problems worse.

Autopsy results of a San Diego male dancer shot to death by police showed small amounts of methamphetamine and two other narcotics in his blood at the time of the fatal shooting. But The lawyer representing Steven Hirschfield's family says the man didn't have illegal drugs or alcohol in his system.

The USS Kitty Hawk will sail out of San Diego Harbor this morning. The aircraft carrier is on her way to be decommissioned in Bremerton. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Law enforcement officers wanted: must work graveyard shifts alone in remote towns along the Mexican border, put in long hours and perform well in triple-digit temperatures. That message is never touted in U.S. Border Patrol recruitment brochures, but the sobering reality of working on the border has created an environment in which about 30 percent of agents leave their jobs in less than 18 months.

Comedy is one of the oldest genres in film, going back to the silent film days where comedians like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin made their mark. We'll trace the broad lines of cinema's relationship with comedy through one of its biggest fans, Scott Marks.

A labor relations judge has issued a ruling that is a major setback to San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders’ plans to privatize certain city services. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Researchers at U-C-S-D have discovered a gene associated with the most common form of age-related blindness. The condition known as dry macular degeneration affects nine million Americans. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The Democratic National Convention is underway in Denver and KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner is on hand to witness history in the making. We'll get analysis from Penner on the speeches and Super Delegates, as well as party unity and diversity.

More than 150,000 Americans die from trauma each year. It is the leading cause of death for people aged 1-45, and a growing problem for seniors who are living longer, more active lives. Unfortunately, most people do not think trauma will happen to them. We'll explore trauma care in San Diego and what you need to know to prevent - and survive - trauma.

Political correspondent Gloria Penner has been there since the beginning and has been spending her time with San Diego delegates and other local officials attending this major political event.

When a high school threatens to cut drama from the curriculum, a teacher puts on a show to save the department. Unfortunately, the play involves Shakespeare and a Jesus who dances like Elvis. If that sounds politically incorrect, it is in the new comedy Hamlet Two. KPBS film critic Beth Accomando speaks with the film's star Steve Coogan about pushing the envelope in comedy.

For the last three days, KPBS political correspondent Gloria Penner has been in Denver covering the Democratic National Convention. Yesterday, she joined San Diegans to watch the much-anticipated speech by Senator Hillary Clinton.

Voters in Carlsbad, Vista, and Oceanside have rejected a 589-million dollar bond measure to upgrade Tri-City Medical Center. It's the third time in the last two years the hospital district has seen their bond measure go down to defeat. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Three more headless bodies were found in Tijuana this morning. That brings the total number of decapitated corpses discovered in the city to four during the last 24 hours.

New data from the U.S. Census shows hundreds of thousands of San Diegans continue to live well below the federal poverty level. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Beginning next Tuesday, San Diego's San Vicente Reservoir will be closed to all recreational use. That's because officials are starting a project to increase water storage. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A new Pew Hispanic Center study finds California is one of two states educating the majority of Latino students in the U.S. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego city officials want the board of a neighborhood development corporation to stop defending the bonuses given to their discredited president. KPBS reporter Alison St John explains.

The great California drought is bringing hard times to farmers, and it's making a lot of people take a hard look at the way we use water. San Diego's Utility Consumers Action Network has called the water crisis San Diego's Challenge of the Century. They have come out with a report and a list of suggestions that goes by that name. UCAN Executive Director Michael Shames joins us to tell us what his group thinks should be done about water.

The California Supreme Court lays down the law on non-compete contracts and makes it easier for prisoners to be paroled. Those are two of the cases Dan Eaton will talk about during his These Days legal analysis.

Harry Potter and his owl, Hedwig, may have once again popularized the mysterious and scholarly owl. But unlike the owls in the children's books, owls are wild raptors protected by the U.S. Government. We'll talk about the behavior and habitat of owls with a biologist who spent nearly 20 years observing one, and a local rapture rescuer and educator.

How will the fallout from former CCDC President Nancy Graham's departure impact pending and future downtown redevelopment projects? Why didn't City of San Diego overseers do a more thorough investigation into Graham's past real estate dealings to make sure she didn't have an improper relationship with developers who were negotiating contracts with CCDC? Host Tom Fudge speaks to Rob Davis, with voiceofsandiego.org, about his investigation into Graham's past.

California is well-represented at the Democratic National Convention this week with 441 delegates. It's considered the most diverse delegation in the nation. Joining us on Morning Edition is KPBS political correspondent Gloria. She's in Denver this week at the DNC and spent some time with the chair of the San Diego Democratic Party, who is not a delegate to the convention.

The Democratic National Convention will be starting its second day this afternoon. Hillary Clinton is the featured speaker. KPBS political correspondent Gloria Penner is at the convention.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger now appears to be more receptive to tax increases to get a state budget passed. But will that just turn-off Republican legislators who vow to oppose any new taxes?

A broad range of San Diego area political enthusiasts have flocked to this year's Democratic National Convention. Some of them aren't even old enough to vote. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson ran into some California students as they took in the opening moments of a crash course in Convention 101.

Select San Diegans rubbed elbows with some high-profile politicians yesterday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

A new study from UC San Francisco says California's tobacco control program has reaped enormous public health benefits. Researchers say the program has saved $86-billion dollars in healthcare costs in its first 15 years. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Critics of San Diego city’s downtown development corporations say it’s time to reconsider if they are still necessary. But CCDC still has more than a decade of work ahead, according to officials. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego’s Registrar of Voters says if state legislators delay finalizing ballot measures beyond this week, they will jeopardize the timetable for getting information to voters. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Home Owners' Associations as a necessary part of shared living space, but disputes often arise. We'll discuss the problems between HOAs and residents, from dispute resoluations to paying membership dues to deferred maintainance.

Long before the Spanish, Mexicans and now Americans settled in San Diego, it was home to the Kumeyaay, Luiseno, Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. We'll explore the culture and history of the original inhabitants of San Diego County with SDSU Indian historian and archeologist Richard Carrico.

San Diego is a bountiful place to grow food and agriculture is a large part of the region's economy. So it is no surprise that San Diego County is home to 30 farmers markets. We'll talk about the variety of wonderful foods to be found at San Diego's farmers markets and how some markets are finding innovative ways to reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

Plastic buckets fitted with ultraviolet light bulbs are helping provide clean drinking in Baja California Sur. Thousands of people there traditionally have not had access to clean water. Florence Cassassuce studied environmental engineering at UC Berkeley. She won a grant from the World Bank to develop the bucket. She's passed out thousands in the past few years. KPBS Border Reporter Amy Isackson spoke with her at the Institute of the Americas in La Jolla.

It was the little engine that couldn't. A quick train trip down the coast turned into a long haul for dozens of stranded Amtrak passengers when their train from Los Angeles to San Diego ran out of fuel late Sunday night.

California is sending more than 550 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. But, the chairman of the state party is upset with Barack Obama's campaign over accommodations in the mile high city.

The San Diego Chargers play in their second-to-last pre-season game tonight. While most analysts say the team looks strong, one of the team's star defensive players is a big question mark.

The next President of the city of San Diego’s Downtown Development Corporation, CCDC, will preside over major projects like the North Embarcadero Bayfront, and possibly a new civic center. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more on CCDC’s search for a successor to Nancy Graham, who resigned amid mounting evidence she profited financially from developers negotiating city contracts.

Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware is Barack Obama's pick as vice presidential running mate, The Associated Press has learned.

The State Lands Commission today voted 3-to-nothing to approve a lease of state property for a desalination plant in Carlsbad. It's the last major regulatory hurdle the project had to clear before construction could start. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Federal officials say raids are better for arresting illegal immigrants who've ignored deportation orders than inviting people to surrender. Federal officials will not continue their three-week pilot program that tried to entice illegal immigrants to turn themselves in. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Federal authorities in Mexico say they arrested a top ranking member of the Arellano Felix drug cartel at a casino in Tijuana early this morning. The man has strong ties to San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

San Diego's downtown development corporation, CCDC, will review downtown development agreements, to see if they are threatened by financial conflicts of interest. The corporation will also review its ethics procedures. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The race for president is amping up again with the Democratic National Convention in Denver next week. Plus, San Diego two's redevelopment agencies, SEDC and CCDC, are both in the midst of controversy following revelations of improper behavior by their leaders. And, the state budget battle is really starting to take a toll on lawmakers in Sacramento.

The only game the US Women's softball team ever lost in the Olympics may be the last one they ever play. The team's 3-1 gold medal loss to Japan in Beijing ended the team's undefeated Olympic streak.

Some advocates for renewable energy are disappointed with the state's efforts this year when it comes to creating renewable energy plants.

The San Miguel Fire District is getting the word out about fire safety this weekend.

The State Lands Commission today considers granting a lease of state property to a company that wants to build a desalination plant in Carlsbad. It's one of the last regulatory hurdles the project must clear before construction could start. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The nuclear powered aircraft carrier the USS George Washington has left San Diego Bay for Japan. The carrier will replace the USS Kitty Hawk which is scheduled to be decommissioned. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The CEO of San Diego's High Tech High charter school group heads to the Democratic National Convention this weekend to talk about education reform. Organizers say the discussion will help shape the education agenda of presidential hopeful Barack Obama. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The percentage of adult arrestees who tested positive for illegal drugs declined in San Diego County last year. A new report from the San Diego Association of Governments reveals the biggest drop was in the use of methamphetamine. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

An environmental group says there's a strong economic incentive for protecting ocean resources. A survey of scuba divers in California shows they'd pay more money to see healthy marine life. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A tourist from Nevada was killed Wednesday by a collapsing stretch of oceanside bluff at the Torrey Pines State Beach, authorities said.

The new musical Memphis explores the birth of rock 'n' roll by paying homage to its roots in the gospel, blues, and soul music of Memphis. Set in the early 1950's on the legendary Beale Street, the musical is loosely based on the life of white Memphis deejay Dewey Phillips who was one of the first to play black music at the center of the radio dial.

San Diego-based artist and influential critic Manny Farber died Monday at the age of 91. We'll talk about his career and unique voice.

How are local farmers dealing with the order to cut their water usage by 30 percent? Why are farmers the first group of people to deal with mandatory water restrictions? Host Tom Fudge speaks to KPBS Reporter Joanne Faryon, and the president of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, about the water supply issues the local agricultural community is dealing with. We also speak to a representative from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to discuss whether or not the water agreement with California farmers needs to be changed.

Who is using California's emergency rooms and why? Host Tom Fudge speaks to a researcher from the PPIC about a new report on "Emergency Department Care in California". We discuss who are the most common users of the state's ERs, and if some of those visits can be avoided.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to raise the sales tax as a way to end the budget stalemate and bring in more money. The governor outlined his plan Wednesday saying everyone must compromise.

A growing number of San Diegans are having trouble putting food on the table. The San Diego Food Bank says it's seen a startling increase in demand for handouts. And with rising food prices and a souring economy, things aren't likely to get any better soon. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

California is one of the states getting the lead out - of wheel balancing weights. Studies have shown that when the lead-based wheel weights fall off cars and trucks they hurt water quality. That happens when the weights are ground down on the highways.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is moving to end the stalemate over a state budget by offering a compromise spending plan. The plan calls for additional cuts and a one percent sales tax increase. In the past, the governor has said he is against raising taxes. But with the budget two months overdue he's changed his mind.

Teachers in the National City School District will stage a rally this afternoon to protest stalled contract negotiations with the district. Teachers have been without a contract for more than a year now. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

A study of San Diego’s two Marine Terminals estimates almost 20 thousand jobs in the region depend on cargo operations at National City and Tenth Avenue. The report examines how an Initiative on the November ballot could affect those jobs. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The Democratic presidential convention is next week, immediately followed by the Republican convention. We'll talk about what to expect from the conventions and how the candidates are gearing up for the race of their lives.

Why do we love to read as adults? Probably because we fell in love with reading as children. At least that's the belief held by Seth Lerer, a professor of literature who's written a book that chronicles 2,000 years of children's books.

San Diego’s downtown development corporation, CCDC, will hold the first of a series of public meetings today to review the role of its leadership. CCDC plans to hire a new president, after former president Nancy Graham resigned under a cloud. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Why should we look to Confucius or Buddha for help? Religious scholar Karen Armstrong believes the present is not so different from the past, and so we can create a more compassionate world by revisiting history and learning from "the sages of the Axial Age."

What are lawmakers doing in Sacramento these days, other than refusing to budge in the state budget stalemate? Has any significant progress been made recently in the budget deadlock? Why was Assemblymember Nicole Parra kicked out of her office in the Capitol? Host Tom Fudge speaks to John Myers about the latest news from the Sacramento.

Southern California is in the midst of one of the driest years in history and a tiny fish called the delta smelt, facing extinction, could change San Diego County’s landscape forever. KPBS explores the future of agriculture in San Diego County and how mandatory water conservation is impacting local growers.

Crude oil prices have dropped more than $30 per barrel since hitting a record high last month. Is this a sign of good things to come or should we brace ourselves more increases down the road? Phil Flynn, a Senior Market Analyst at Alaron Trading in Chicago talks about factors impacting oil price.

Some of the most recently hired San Diego school teachers who were laid off in a round of budget cuts now find the jobs they lost are no longer available even as the district fills some teaching positions. More experienced teachers are in-line in front of them. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

This is the week to get a state budget in place. If not, there's no telling how long the stalemate will drag out according to a spokesperson for the governor.

More Department of Defense dollars are now spent in San Diego County than in any other county in the nation. A new report highlights the growing influence of military spending on San Diego’s economy. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

This year's Orchids and Onions distinctions for San Diego architecture are coming up. And the event is looking for nominations from the general public. We'll speak with some of the people organizing the contest which renders judgement on what's good and bad about San Diego architecture. And we'll learn a little bit about how much influence Orchids and, particularly, Onions have had over our built environment.

The California Assembly has rejected a measure that would have banned the controversial chemical bisphenol A from baby bottles. Supporters say lawmakers missed a golden opportunity to protect young children. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Jim Ottaviani has merged his love of science with his love of comic books. He has authored numerous non-fiction comic books on scientific figures and events. His latest works explore what he calls "the science of the unscientific," such as the science in stage magic and the nature of love.

A new analysis of the military’s economic impact on San Diego shows a dramatic increase in the last few years. San Diego now receives more Department of Defense money than any other county in the nation. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

What can the United States learn from Australia's programs for treating people infected with HIV and AIDS? Host Tom Fudge speaks to KPBS News Reporter Kenny Goldberg about his recent trip to the International AIDS Society conference in Australia. We also hear from a couple local experts about the HIV/AIDS population in San Diego.

How much larger will California's population be in 2020? How will the state's racial demographics change in the next 12 year? And, what kind of growth can we expect to see in the state's elderly population? Host Tom Fudge speaks to Jean Ross, with the California Budget Project, about "The Golden State's" growing, aging population. We also speak to Ross about how these demographic changes will impact public policy in the future.

The trial of a former Camp Pendleton Marine accused of killing four detainees in Iraq four years ago gets underway today. But, the fate of Sergeant Jose Nazario, Jr., will not be put in the hands of his military peers.

California's budget impasse now enters its eighth week and it does not appear lawmakers are any closer to a compromise.

Del Mar race track officials estimate the same amount of money will be generated for the county as last year, but less than previous years.

A faith-based organization in Escondido will open a school in the tiny community of Palomar Mountain. The new campus will replace the mountain's historic one-room schoolhouse which was forced to shut down. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

A research firm says Southern California home sales surged to a 16-month high in July as prices fell and bargain-hunters snapped up foreclosed properties.

UC-San Diego researchers say dirty smoke from ships is polluting the air in coastal cities including San Diego. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

Residents of Carlsbad, Vista, and Oceanside have one more week to vote on a bond measure to expand and upgrade Tri-City Medical Center. Voters in the hospital district must mail in their ballot by August 26th. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

California's highest court on Monday barred doctors from citing their religious beliefs as a reason to deny treatment to gays and lesbians, ruling that state law prohibiting sexual orientation discrimination extends to the medical profession.

College is expensive. According to the College Board, the average cost of attending a private university is $23,712. Attending a public university for a year costs an average of $6,185. Both are up more than 6 percent from last year. And predictions are that the cost of going to college will only increase.

San Diego City Council will decide this fall about whether to go forth with plans to build a new City Hall downtown. One developer remains in the process and a series of public meetings will be held to gather comment.

Following the Gulf War in 1991, nearly 200,000 military personnel qualified for some degree of service-related disability. More than 3,300 of those disabled have "undiagnosed conditions," or what's come to be called Gulf War syndrome. Since 1994, medical researchers have been trying to diagnose the condition.

The future is hard to see. But at least futurists give it a shot. We speak with science fiction novelist and futurist David Brin about the coming century, which he believes could be the era of “the amateur.”

Assembly Republicans rejected a Democratic budget proposal last night. It was the first floor vote on a spending plan that's now nearly 50 days late. Even so, there's optimism that the debate may have moved things forward. Marianne Russ reports.

Injuries in the Olympics and young Chargers players are a few of the topics in a discussion with sports columnist Jay Paris.

The board of San Diego’s South East Development Corporation or SEDC is under fire for voting behind closed doors on a termination settlement for its executive director, Carolyn Smith. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Just how much water can San Diego expect from Northern California in the future? That's one of the questions a task force aims to answer at a meeting here this afternoon. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

San Diego City’s Ethics Commission has slapped fines on two city officials for soliciting campaign contributions from city employees. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Researchers at San Diego State University have made some discoveries that explain why exposure to anthrax is so dangerous. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

A new report offers a detailed look at the effects proposed Medi-Cal cuts would have on the state's economic health. The study comes from the non-profit group Health Access California. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Congress begins its five-week recess without a compromise on energy legislation, or gas prices. Plus, the costs of two different proposals for a new San Diego Civic Center were released this week. And, there are several interesting local propositions that have qualified for the November ballot.

The Chinese government is trying to leave no stone unturned when it comes to security at the Summer Olympics. That includes testing the food served to athletes and coaches to make sure it's safe from harmful bacteria. A Carlsbad-based biotech company has provided one of the food safety tests. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Union-Tribune sports reporter Mark Zeigler discusses the Olympic Games in Beijing with Maureen Cavanaugh and Andrew Phelps.

State lawmakers are gearing up for a budget vote this for Sunday afternoon. Lawmakers are expected to consider a largely Democratic spending plan, which includes billions in new income taxes.

The first day of school is right around the corner. But students at King-Chavez Arts Academy in Barrio Logan will not be greeted by the familiar faces of their teachers. That's because administrators at the charter school fired almost the entire teaching staff about a month ago. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

The city of San Diego’s downtown development corporation says building a new city hall will save the city money over the next 50 years. CCDC’s financial analysis concludes plans submitted by two competing developers are both cheaper than renovating the existing Civic Center. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Environmentalists sued a federal conservation agency over its findings that extending a toll road in Orange and San Diego counties won't harm endangered wildlife.

So far, just six of the more than 550-thousand illegal immigrants federal officials invited to turn themselves in have accepted the offer. Federal officials launched a pilot program a week ago to entice illegal immigrants to surrender. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The ACLU is suing the federal government for detaining a transgender woman after she was granted asylum. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Acclaimed conceptual artist Eleanor Antin has a new series of large-scale tableaux photographs based on Greek and Roman history and mythology. Many of the photographs were staged in San Diego County and La Jolla. The San Diego Museum of Art presents this series in a solo exhibition titled Eleanor Antin: Historical Takes.

Can art inspire conservation? Can conservation inspire art? A new exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego tries to answer these questions through the work of eight leading contemporary artists, all of whom completed residencies at threatened World Heritage sites.

New state standardized test results show San Diego public schools kids are making gains, but fewer than half still did not score well in English and math. Meanwhile, San Diego County students are doing better than the state as a whole. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The Citizen Voices bloggers have been writing about politics for KPBS for half a year. We'll talk with them about how, as average citizens, a focus on politics in this highly-energized election year has impacted their views and actions.

The topic of reverse mortgages has been in the news a lot lately. As more baby boomers enter retirement age, the interest in reverse mortgages is increasing. While reverse mortgages can offer a great benefit to some homeowners, the financial tool can also be used by unscrupulous agents as a way to scam trusting customers. Host Alan Ray speaks to the president of Golden Equity Mortgage, and a representative from the National Council on Aging about the nuts and bolts of reverse mortgages.

Seven environmental groups filed a lawsuit today over U.S. Forest Service efforts to protect wildlife and roadless areas on four Southern California national forests - including the Cleveland National Forest. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Two competing proposals to build a new city hall will be revealed today.

It's budget season around the state Capitol and that means rumors fly just about every day. Wednesday's included an early report of a compromise. From Sacramento Jenny O'Mara reports.

KPBS film critic Beth Accamando joins Dwane Brown and Maureen Cavanaugh to discuss a new documentary about a filmmaker with a troubled past debuting this Friday.

The California Air Resources Board meets in San Diego today. The board is taking suggestions and explaining proposals on the state's plan to combat global warming. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

San Diego’s downtown development corporation, CCDC, has postponed for a second time a meeting to announce the cost of two competing bids to build a new City Hall. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Strep bacteria can cause a wide range of infections, including the potentially deadly condition known as flesh-eating disease. U-C-S-D researchers have discovered why the most virulent form of strep can be so devastating. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Authorities have shut down two lanes on the northbound side of Interstate 5 after a police chase ended in an accident that injured four.

The state's budget mess just got a little messier. The man in charge of medical care at state prisons is asking a court to force California to pay for upgrading care. And it could add a few billion to the already massive deficit. From Sacramento Marianne Russ reports.

A Border Patrol agent in San Diego has shot and wounded a Mexican man near the border in San Ysidro. The shooting comes amid what officials say is a spike in violence against Border Patrol agents. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

A San Diego researcher says the health of the world's oceans are rapidly declining. And, humans are the reason. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

San Diego Junior Theatre turns 60 this year. It is the oldest youth theatre in the U.S. It also touts some famous alumni, like Dennis Hopper and Raquel Welsh. We'll talk about the history and future of theatre for young folks in San Diego.

What role will conservative women play in this year's presidential race? SDSU Political Scientist Ronnee Schreiber examines the rise and power of the conservative women's movement in her new book: "Righting Feminism: Conservative Women & American Politics."

What's it like to be in Beijing right now? We'll find out from Union-Tribune sports reporter Mark Zeigler, who joins us live for an update on the 2008 Summer Olympics. What were the highlights of the women's gymnastics competition? Can anyone challenge the swimming dominance of American Michael Phelps? And, what could stop the U.S. Men's Basketball team from reclaiming the gold medal?

Like many athletes at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center, Elexis Gillette will be packing his bags and heading to Beijing this summer. But he's leaving a few weeks after some of the other competitors. This totally blind athlete will be competing in the long jump, triple jump, and the 100 and 200 meter dashes at the 2008 Paralympic Games held at the same venues in Beijing, China. Join us as we talk to this amazing athlete, Elexis Gillette, and his guide, Wesley Williams.

After three years as one of the best-known faces in San Diego city government, Fred Sainz is leaving his position as Communications Director for Mayor Jerry Sanders. Sainz talks about his time with Mayor Sanders and about various issues concerning the LGBT community.

An environmental group is against a proposed expansion of a small power plant in a Chula Vista neighborhood. Some homeowners and parents are worried about the plant's location near homes and an elementary school. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

California grocery stores are once again recalling some beef products.

San Diego’s Center City Development Corporation will reveal the cost of the two competing proposals submitted by developers for a new City Hall complex downtown. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein is urging state lawmakers to put a water bond proposal on the November ballot. The Democrat met with legislative leaders today to push them to pass the bond measure she and Governor Schwarzenegger developed.

State education officials say it will cost the Governor roughly $3 billion dollars in state funding to implement his new eighth-grade Algebra mandate. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego's average gas price is hovering just over $4 a gallon as prices continue to fall from the record set in June. The Utility Consumer's Action Network tracks local prices. U-Can's Charles Langley says the average price fell three pennies a gallon from yesterday and now stands at $4.03. He expects the average to fall below $4 before the end of the week.

The San Diego Port District is suing to prevent an initiative to redevelop the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal from getting on the November ballot. The developers who want the measure to go to the voters have hired an attorney with a history in San Diego. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

An environmental group is against the expansion of a small power plant in Chula Vista. They say the existing plant should be removed and a new one built elsewhere. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

In the age of digital downloads, album art has virtually become obsolete, relegated to the purview of vinyl record collectors. Since album art has shrunk from 12 inches to 5 inches to thumbnail digital files, it begs the question: Is album art important to a band's identity and to today's consumer? We'll look at the history of album art, its controversial moments, and talk about what today's record labels are doing to provide artwork to the consumer.

What's the future of libraries? And will San Diego ever see a new central library downtown? We'll talk with the new director of the San Diego Public Library about her vision for the library system.

Are San Diego's water supply problems unique, or are the same issues being dealt with all over the world? What are the main contributors to San Diego's water supply problems? What can we learn from other communities that have similar water issues? Host Alan Ray speaks to Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra, with the San Diego Natural History Museum, about their new exhibit that explores the water supply challenges facing the globe.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking California's controller to court for refusing to follow an executive order.

California is arguably the nation's trailblazer in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The state has set an aggressive goal of requiring 20 percent of the energy sold here to come from renewable sources within two years. Yesterday, we heard how San Diego Gas & Electric is struggling to meet the target. Today, KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma reports on how the state's largest utility Southern California Edison has made huge strides in finding clean energy.

A new report finds a surprising number of California public school teachers don't have the proper training or credentials to teach the subjects they're teaching. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

City attorney Mike Aguirre sparred with his challenger Jan Goldsmith at a debate moderated by KPBS’s Gloria Penner. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

KPBS political correspondent Gloria Penner hosts a special conversation with San Diego city attorney candidates Michael Aguirre and Jan Goldsmith.

Local author and Kafka Project Director Kathi Diamant will lead a group on a ten day Magical Mystery Literary History Tour through Eastern Europe to search for literary treasure: the final writings of Franz Kafka.

In 2002, California ordered the state's energy suppliers to get 20 percent of their power from renewable sources, like solar, wind and biomass, by 2010. With the deadline fast approaching, there are questions about whether San Diego Gas and Electric will meet the deadline. We'll get an update from KPBS reporter Amita Sharma about how SDG&E and other utilities are doing.

Two shopping centers owned by Westfield Corporation, UTC and Mission Valley mall, have plans to update and expand. The $900 million UTC project was given approval to proceed by the San Diego City Council last week. Westfield first submitted the plans 7 years ago to intense opposition from some community members. The Mission Valley plans have just been released to the public and are likely to face opposition as well. Mission Valley mall opened in 1961. It sits right next to Fashion Valley mall, another Westfield property. Both properties aim to become part of the newest trend in shopping centers, "walkable villages," with retail stores sharing the space with apartments, condos and office space.

San Diego Gas and Electric claims its mission is to provide more energy from solar, wind and biomass. But, the company is lagging far behind California's two other major utilities in meeting a key state deadline for generating power from sources that don't pollute. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

The Padres take two-out-of-three games against a division rival this weekend, while the Chargers take care of business in their first pre-season game.

California lawmakers are calling Governor Schwarzenegger's bluff. The governor pledged not to sign any bills until lawmakers pass a long overdue budget. But now, they're sending him a measure that has to be signed. And it's a bill he likes.

A proposal for the state budget would make visiting state parks free for people with a valid state license plate.

The California Air Resources Board is developing plans that will rollback greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels...and to do that by 2020. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A California appeals court ruled today moms and dads who homeschool their kids do not need special teaching credentials to order to teach them. The court ruling reverses a previous court decision which says parents do need credentials.

A lot of high school teenagers stress out about taking the SAT practice test. That's because the test is an indicator of how well they'll do on the "real" college entrance exam. Now there's a push to prepare eighth graders for the high school practice test. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

San Diego City's water hotline: (619)515 3500, then press 5. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders warns city residents that the voluntary water conservation measures now in effect could become mandatory within a year. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

A Marine General has ordered a Camp Pendleton Marine to face Court Martial for his role in the killing of Iraqi civilian detainees during the invasion of Fallujah. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

This week we'll talk about a festival in Hillcrest, two photography exhibits, and the rapper Nas.

Ann Patchett is the author of five novels, including Bel Canto and her latest, Run. She talks about family values, writing a political book, and the demanding life of book tours.

Governor Schwarzenegger says he will veto all bills that come across his desk until the state budget is passed. Plus, a proposal to build a double-decker mixed use development at the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal has qualified for the November ballot. And, the 2008 Summer Olympics are set to begin this weekend in Beijing.

The American Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue the city of Oceanside. The ACLU wants the city to release more information about an incident in which a young man committed suicide last December during a police stand off. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

A Sacramento judge is set to rule today on what to name a controversial measure on the November ballot. Proposition 8 aims to ban same-sex marriage in California.

San Diego sports reporter Mark Zeigler is in Beijing this morning for the start of the Olympic Games. He's been reporting on the Olympics in the Union-Tribune, and KPBS' Morning Edition hosts Dwane Brown and Maureen Cavanaugh decided to check in with him about what he's seen so far... and what it's like to be there.

A new report from a San Diego group offers several strategies for saving water here. The report says the region's efforts to manage water have been woefully inadequate. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

There aren't many places for young people to learn jazz in San Diego County, but this week San Diego Mesa College is holding auditions for students who are competing to get one of seven jazz scholarships at the campus. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

San Diego County is getting more than $7.5 million in grants from the office of homeland security this year. That's an increase of 14 percent from last year.

Environmental groups say proposed rule changes to a federal law could threaten marine life off our coast. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Tom Fudge talks with Diana Kennedy, author of numerous books on Mexican cuisine.

What is sustainable food? And how does it make people and the planet healthier? As part of our special series: "The Food We Eat," we'll explore the movement to buy, cook and enjoy foods grown and delivered in better ways.

The California Coastal Commission approved construction of a desalination plant in Carlsbad. The project still faces at least one more hurdle. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A new study finds hospitals can save money by finding out if patients are at risk of drug abuse.

Crude oil prices are now at their lowest level in almost two months. Oil prices have fallen below the $120-per-barrel range, down from the high of nearly $150-per-barrel just a few weeks ago.

The largest state employees union has filed a third legal action against the governor's executive order to cut state jobs and pay. SEIU Local 1000 filed suit against the state in Sacramento County Superior Court today.

The California Coastal Commission has approved one of two conditions for construction of a desalination plant in Carlsbad. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has this update on the meeting in Oceanside.

County Supervisors voted this morning to ask San Diegans this November if they want to tax themselves for more fire protection. The measure would raise money for more fire engines and aerial resources. Mayors of the 18 cities in the County are divided over the proposal. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

There's a new documentary about the man who walked a wire between the World Trade Towers in the 1970's and a horror movie that satirizes indie movies. We talk about these films and more on this Film Club of the Air.

Some people are angry at San Diego County Supervisors for continuing a legal challenge against California's medical marijuana law. Supervisors say they'll ask the State Supreme Court to review last week's appellate court ruling that rejected the County's suit. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

There's a new documentary about the man who walked a wire between the World Trade Towers in the 1970's and a horror movie that satirizes indie movies. We talk about these films and more on this Film Club of the Air.

Authorities say three people have been charged with bombing a federal courthouse and a FedEx building in San Diego.

This Friday is the deadline for getting ballot measures submitted to the County Registrar of Voters. A number of issues - from banning alcohol at the beach to adding a hotel to the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal - have qualified for the ballot. We'll talk about them with KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner.

Divorce is never pleasant. After all, it's the breakup of a family. But children can suffer serious trauma when parents battle over custody rights. We talk about high conflict divorce and how parents can get past the fighting and move forward with their lives, while looking out for the best interests of their kids.

A new study says sharks are necessary for healthy oceans, but commercial fishing is taking a toll on their populations. Each year, tens of millions of sharks are caught only for their fins. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce spoke with a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography about the role of sharks in the ocean ecosystem.

The average price of gas continues to fall from the record high set earlier this summer.

The San Diego Unified school board shot down a plan that would have made failing eighth grade students go to a special school.

The agency that is lining a border waterway with concrete agreed Tuesday to consider adding ladders and buoys to prevent migrants from drowning when they cross illegally from Mexico into Southern California.

"Pineapple Express" opens today so I thought it would be appropriate to run a highlight from the panel at this year's Comic-Con. Producer Judd Apatow moderated and actror-writer Seth Rogen, actor James Franco, and indie director David Gordon Green were on hand to answer questions about their "weed action comedy." They sneaked about ten minutes of the film at the panel. You can also check out the official trailer from Sony below.

Numerous breeches in patient privacy at UCLA Medical Center are prompting a new piece of legislation from state lawmakers. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

The San Diego County Water Authority has resumed its rebate program for people replacing grass with synthetic turf. The water-saving program had been suspended when reports suggested the turf might pose a lead exposure risk. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The California Coastal Commission is expected to decide Wednesday morning whether to approve conditions for the construction of the largest desalination project in the country. Poseidon Resources wants to build the plant in Carlsbad. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The San Diego County Water Authority has resumed its rebate program for people replacing grass with synthetic turf. The water-saving program had been suspended when reports suggested the turf might pose a lead exposure risk. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, banning gays in the military from serving openly, has been a rule for 14 years. A coalition of legislators and retired military are seeking to repeal the act and allow gays to serve openly in the military for the first time.

The 2008 Summer Olympics begin in Beijing, China, this Friday. As part of our ongoing coverage of the games, we talk with a former San Diegan who now lives in Beijing and writes about food.

Are employers in California required to ensure that employees take their breaks? Is the Mount Soledad cross unconstitutional? And what privileges does membership to a club or team entail? We'll discuss a number of legal issues with KPBS Legal Analyst Dan Eaton.

What's causing the increase in rape cases in San Diego County? Local police are seeing an increase in rape cases involving women who are too intoxicated to say "no". The rise in rape cases that involve binge drinking is one of the factors causing the increase in rapes overall. Host Alan Ray speaks to Dave Hendren, with the District Attorney's office, and Jim Lange, from SDSU, about the dangers of drinking too much alcohol, and to talk about what can be done to reduce the number of rape by intoxication cases.

State Controller John Chiang says it would take his office six months to enforce the Governor's executive order to reduce workers' pay.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing a new tax as part of a deal that would include budget reform. That could include a spending cap, which he's been pushing for some time.

California's budget stalemate has been making headlines for weeks, but lawmakers returning to Sacramento this week will be taking up another challenging task, voting on hundreds of bills before session ends at the end of the month. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on a historic plan that would levy a parcel tax on county landowners to create a regional fire protection agency. But city leaders in La Mesa call the plan unfair. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

As we head into the new school year, San Diego Unified is facing the question of whether some parents should have the freedom of picking their child's classes or teachers. School board members are considering a new program that would limit a parent's choice regarding early childhood education. The new range of choices is one of the proposals under new School Superintendent Terry Grier. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.

Dozens of state workers rallied at the Chula Vista Department of Motor Vehicles today. They don’t like the governor’s decision to lay off thousands of state workers and cut the pay of tens of thousands of others. The governor says it’s necessary to avoid a cash crisis.

San Diego Gas and Electric could be fined and face other penalties for allegedly making false statements to the state Public Utilities Commission. The charges are related to the proposed Sunrise Powerlink project. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

After years on death row, Billy Neal Moore has been allowed to return to society after his sentence was commuted in 1991. He reflects on sixteen years behind bars in his book called I Shall Not Die: Seventy-Two Hours on Death Row.

San Diego resident and former L.A. detective Joseph Wambaugh is a best selling author of crime novels. We take a look at Wambaugh's Los Angeles in this special feature.

The Mingei International Museum's new exhibit: "India Adorned" features the everyday objects of Indian life. We'll talk about Indian tradition and culture and how modern life is tugging at the world's second most populous country.

San Diego's beaches are thinning out, according to a recent report by SANDAG's Shoreline Preservation Working Group which monitors sand along the coast. Despite a massive beach replenishment effort in 2001, some local beaches have less sand today than before the replenishment. We'll talk about how the county will address the issue.

How have recent increases in the price of gas, food and housing impacted local families? Host Alan Ray speaks to Mitch Mitchell, with the San Diego Food Bank, about the recent increase in the number of people the organization serves. The San Diego Food Bank distributed 9.1 million pounds of food last year, and has seen a large spike in distribution over the last three months.

A crucial federal highway funding bill is stuck in the gridlock of partisan politics. If the bill isn't passed soon, California could lose almost $1 billion in construction money. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

The Beijing Summer Olympics begin this week and The Padres dropped two-out-of-three in a weekend Series against the San Francisco Giants. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris. And because we're loyal, we'll talk about the Padres first.

The layoffs and pay cuts Governor Schwarzenegger ordered for state workers this week could take a bite out of the state's economy. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

For me, the San Diego Comic-Con is all about the contribution of artists to the realm of the Fantastic. While most of the attendees battle lines at Hall H for the Hollywood studio panels (that hardly ever hit the right note for the genre), I look forward to meeting the real artists in the industry. This year my focus is on the hard working woman of horror cinema. My interviews at this year's Comic-Con range from horror icons such as Elvira, to great solid actress like the amazing Ashley Laurence ("Hellraiser"), to well known horror expert Jovanka Vuckovic, editor-in-chief of Rue Morgue magazine and many more! Let's celebrate the Girl Power of horror cinema!

Every year Comic-Con invites special guests and puts a spotlight on them in solo panels. This year one of the special guests was cartoonist Mike Peters, creator of Mother Goose and Grimm and award-winning editorial cartoonist. In his solo panel, Peters delighted the audience with the most roundabout, rambling yet hilarious tales about his life. Panel moderator Mark Evanier only got to ask about three questions in the hour-long panel, and I'm not even sure any of them got answered. But it didn't matter because Peters was such an energetic and entertaining speaker.

My first post was about my passion for Jodorowsky. So how cool was it that when I met up with horror filmmakers Jacob Gentry ("The Signal") and Adam Wingard ("Pop Skull") we talked about the genius of Jodorowsky. These are the types of encounters that make for great Comic-Con moments.

I like the way Rick Baker -- make up artist extraordinaire -- keeps it real. Sure he uses computer effects to make his make up work even better, but he doesn't rely solely on CGI. Baker was at Comic-Con to discuss his work on the new Wolf Man starring Benicio Del Toro movie for Universal. I caught up with to talk about Guillermo Del Toro and CGI.

Samuel L. Jackson was a major presence at two panels this year at Comic-Con. He appeared on the Afro Samurai: Resurrection panel and on the panel for Frank Miller's adaptation of Will Eisner's The Spirit. If you haven't checked out Afro Samurai --the American made, anime style SPIKE TV series -- make an effort. It is awesome. Jackson is a popular celebrity at the Con because he seems to enjoy the fan interaction, and the characters he's played have become such iconic figures in pop culture. Someone at The Spirit panel asked him about all the action figures that have been made of his characters -- Shaft, Mace Windu, Afro Samurai and maybe upcoming ones for Nick Fury and the Octopus (the villain he plays in The Spirit). Jackson voiced preference for Mace as an action figure (because of all the various figures available) but says he has all his figures displayed. Jackson went on to discuss the comic book characters he has played, even though some of them began as white characters in the original comics.

We posted a video of Neil Gaiman recounting his first introduction to Tori Amos' music more than a decade ago at Comic-Con. Now check out the panel Tori Amos was on at this year's Comic-Con where she discussed the gorgeous Image Comics book Comic Book Tattoo, inspired by her songs. Rantz Hoseley joins her on the panel. Amos explains how she got to play "S&M artist with corporate." She also describes the special, limited edition version of the book. Sounds decadent.

San Diego County's Grand Jury wants community colleges to adopt stronger ethical guidelines. But the leader of San Diego's Community College District says she has some issues with that. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Starting Tuesday, federal officials will invite illegal immigrants in San Diego and four other cities to turn themselves in. Critics say federal officials are delusional if they think anyone is going to surrender. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Starting next week federal officials will help illegal immigrants in San Diego and four other cities deport themselves. The program is federal officials' newest strategy to get a handle on illegal immigration. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Charges of serious problems with patient-care and mismanagement at Sharp Grossmont Hospital could jeopardize the federal funds the East County medical facility receives each year.Plus, a federal judge has ruled that the giant cross can stay atop Mount Soledad. And, high gas prices have helped to re-ignite the debate over off-shore oil drilling.

San Diego regional leaders, including mayor Jerry Sanders, meet tomorrow to chew over the options to expand San Diego’s International Airport at Lindbergh Field. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.