The San Diego Comic-Con played host to the 20th Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards on Friday July 25. The Awards are named in honor of pioneering comic book artist and writer Will Eisner. The Eisner Awards are often referred to as the "Oscars" of the comic industry. You can check out this year's winners or go behind the scenes to find out how the nominations are determined.

Harold and Kumar had a presence at this year's Comic-Con. You could get your photo taken with a unicorn at their booth; buy the DVD or Blu Ray release of "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo" before it came out in stores; snap a pic in a GB style prison cell complete with dirty toilet; get an orange jumpsuit; or ask questions of stars Kal Penn and John Cho at their panel. The suprise success of the first indie film, "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," has paved the way for an unlikely pot comedy franchise. At the Comic-Con panel, director Jon Hurwitz talked about how the film's success allowed them to pack this new DVD/Blu Ray release with extras to please the loyal fan base. Here are a few highlights, plus you can find out if Penn and Cho are anything like their on-screen characters.

A new study shows that men who inject drugs and are deported to Tijuana are four times more likely to carry the HIV infection than injection drug users in Tijuana. Researchers from UCSD interviewed more than 1000 people who inject drugs in the border city. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

A playground designed by kids -- for kids -- is under construction today at Lakeside's biggest elementary school. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Frank Miller and Will Eisner had a long history together. Their friendship and artistic viewpoints (which were not always the same) were brilliantly laid out in the book Eisner Miller by Charles Brownstein. At this year's Comic-Con, Frank Miller discussed his upcoming adaptation of Eisner's classic comic The Spirit. He recalled his first meeting with Eisner and the 25-year long debate their first encounter led to. He also unveiled some amazing footage of The Spirit, which opens this Christmas.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding a public meeting tonight in San Clemente to talk about problems at the San Onofre Nuclear Power plant. Federal regulators plan to inspect the facility next week. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

San Diego stages are full of good productions to round out the summer. We'll talk about The Receptionist, The Pleasure of His Company, Pretty Fire, the Fritz Blitz and Sailor's Song.

Mark O'Connor is a violinist admired by lovers of classical, jazz, and country music alike. He's won two Grammy Awards, one for his album New Nashville Cats and one for Appalachian Journey, an album he collaborated on with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer. O'Connor is known for his varied musical interests and his ability to integrate them in his compositions. One of his projects is a chamber group called the Appalachia Waltz Trio.

As technology advances, governments and private companies are using more sophisticated surveillance to monitor people's every move. From public transportation to public parks, from banks to bars, cameras and sensors are recording our actions and our lives. Many argue that increased surveillance prevents crime and makes us safer. But others say surveillance technology is infringing on our rights to privacy with little evidence that we're any safer. As part of our on-going series on ethics and technology, we'll explore surveillance technology and society.

Volunteer divers will be at La Jolla Cove Friday as part of a statewide scientific survey of California's rocky reefs. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

New research shows eight out of ten students in the San Diego Unified School District graduated last year. That graduation rate compares favorably to other large urban school districts -- however it still doesn't satisfy federal academic standards. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Officials in Tijuana have converted what they call the city's biggest crack den into a concert venue for a Grammy winner. Alejandro Fernandez will perform this evening. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

More than 200 volunteer divers have completed a statewide scientific survey of California's rocky reef ecosystems and now they're at it again. Divers will survey three sites in San Diego County starting Friday at La Jolla Cove. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Earlier this month, President Bush lifted the executive ban on offshore oil drilling as a way to combat escalating gas prices. Democrats in Congress and environmentalists oppose the plan. A Congressional moratorium on drilling remains in place and it appears there is no consensus in Congress to lift it. We'll explore the politics behind offfshore oil drilling with KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner.

California School Superintendent Jack O'Connell says the state's money problems and the high price of gas are forcing school districts to slash their bus services. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Camille Zombro is a force to be reckoned with in the San Diego Unified School District. She's president of the local teachers union -- the San Diego Education Association. Her job is to make sure teachers get paid fairly and have clean, safe classrooms. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis sits down with Zombro to find out what makes her tick, and the challenges ahead for teachers.

The vegetarian diet is considered healthy and viable. And vegetarians in San Diego have a wide array of options available to them. As part of our series: "The Food We Eat," we'll explore all the various vegetarian diets, the nutritional needs of eating a plant-based diet, and the history of vegetarianism.

What are some tips for keeping your pets cool during the hot Summer months? How can you tell the healthy pet foods from the rest? And, what are the basic things you should know and what supplies do you need if you are thinking about adding a pet to your family in the near future? Host Tom Fudge talks to Dr. Katy Allen and Dr. Crystal VanLom about the dos and don'ts of pet ownership.

Which side will blink first in the showdown over the California state budget? Why can't the Democrats and Republicans reach a compromise on this year's budget? Why is the governor threatening to cut wages and lay off state workers until the budget is signed? Host Tom Fudge speaks to Stephen Levy, with the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy, about the latest news on the state budget deadlock.

California Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer is calling on the head of the Environmental Protection Agency to resign. Yanmei Xie reports.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he's activated state and regional emergency services in response to yesterday's earthquake in Los Angeles.

Our These Days production assistant is a life-long vegetarian. Some people may not think that's very interesting, but having been born and raised in the Midwest, where a meal without meat was not considered a meal, I was fascinated that she has never had meat of any kind. No burger or bacon ever crossed her lips. No seafood or fowl ever entered her digestive tract. For her, this was a normal way of life - a vegetarian way of life.

Today, as part of our These Days series on food and nutrition, we talked about water and the body. I recently came across an article about the myth that we need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to be healthy. I was surprised because I, like most Americans, assumed this recommendation was based on sound medical science. But no, there was no scientific basis for the recommendation that's been around for more than 50 years.

The Western Climate Initiative released its final draft recommendations in San Diego today for reducing global warming pollution. The group favors a regional carbon trading system called "cap-and-trade." Environmental groups are divided. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The California Ocean Protection Council today released its plan to reduce and eliminate ocean litter. The plan calls for a statewide ban on plastic bags and takeout containers. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Business leaders and Chambers of Commerce on both sides of the border from the Pacific Ocean to Arizona have joined forces. The new Bi-national Chamber of Border Commerce plans to lobby for for faster border crossings and more efficient inspections. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The comic book convention that comes to San Diego every year was a hit once again, drawing an estimated crowd of 125 thousand people. But the show's organizers say Comic-Con has gotten so big that its convention center digs are staining at the seams. Will it take another convention center expansion for Comic-Con to stay in San Diego once its lease expires in 2012? We'll get some answers from people who represent the San Diego Convention Center and Comic-Con itself.

Water is necessary for the human body to survive. And for decades, healthcare providers, nutritionists and trainers have recommended that people drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. But a comprehensive study of scientific research on water intake found no evidence for the recommendation. As part of our special series "The Food We Eat," we'll explore how much water the body needs to be healthy.

When the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012, what will happen? Many people would probably say "nothing special". Others might fear the day because they believe it will mark a global transformation into an end of days scenario. While another group of people believe that 2012 will mark the dawn of a new age of global consciousness. Host Tom Fudge speaks to author Marie Jones about her new book 2013: The End of Days or a New Beginning?, which explores the theories about 2012.

The Southern California Intertribal Court, the first of its kind in Southern California, will soon have a new permanent home on the Rincon reservation. The Law Center marks a tribal shift towards a more Western-style of law as a way to combat civil and criminal violations on reservations. We'll explore the problems on reservations and how the Intertribal Court hopes to solve them.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has threatened to cut the hourly pay of about 200,000 state workers until a new budget is approved. Instead of their normal salaries, these workers would receive the federal minimum wage of $6.55 per hour. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

San Diego County politicians are asking state lawmakers to keep their hands off local tax dollars.

The UC San Diego continues its effort toward generating its own energy using green sources such as solar and wind. A major solar project on a campus parking structure is one of many planned in coming months. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Some gas stations in Tijuana have run out of gas. They've had to close while they wait for more supplies. This comes after diesel shortages in the region earlier this month. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The UC San Diego campus today took another step toward generating more of its own power. Crews began installing a solar panel system on top of a six-story parking structure. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

US federal officials say an experiment at the Otay Mesa border crossing cut wait times nearly in half for passenger vehicles Sunday. In fact, they say the test worked so well they may do it again Labor Day weekend. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Meat has been a staple of the human diet for all of recorded time and the human being is one of the world's most successful omnivores. But meat has become controversial for the amount we eat today. We'll continue our conversation about food by taking a close look at the meat we eat. What are the health risks of eating too much and what are dietary consequences of trying to do without it?

The San Diego Unified School District is asking local taxpayers to pass a bond that would raise $2.1 billion to repair and upgrade local school campuses. School Board President Katherine Nakamura joins us to talk about the bond, what it's for, and how good a chance it has to pass at a time when the economy and home values are lagging.

What does one of the nation's foremost journalists think went wrong following the 9/11 terrorist attacks? What evidence does Robert Scheer provide to validate his argument that our country's industrial military complex used the 9/11 terror attacks as an opportunity to sell high-tech weapons to a nation that was primed for a war? What does Scheer think is a better approach to fighting the world's terrorists? Host Tom Fudge speaks to the acclaimed writer about his new book :The Pornography of Power: How Defense Hawks Hijacked 9/11 and Weakened America."

San Diego is technically a desert. But you wouldn't know it from the lush lawns and landscaping. With record drought conditions upon us, does it make sense to continue living the way we do? We'll talk with an ecologist who says San Diego can and must return to its ecological roots in order to survive.

Travelers from both sides of the border who use Tijuana's International Airport may have a tougher time flying out as airlines cut services. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Schwarzenegger Administration officials have said the governor could sign an executive order as soon as Monday to lower state workers' pay. Jenny O'Mara has more.

The State of California says it can't afford to make Medi-Cal payments to community clinics until a new budget is approved. Officials say an emergency fund used to cover Medi-Cal costs has run out of money. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

About one in three family farmers and ranchers in California don't have access to low-cost group health insurance. A new report from the California Endowment says farmers' out-of-pocket expenses and premiums average more than 88-hundred dollars a year. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi says a detailed report on trash in the ocean is on the right track to toughen state laws to clean-up the state's waterways and beaches. Garamendi was in San Diego this morning to promote a ban on plastic bags. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

It's not easy for people in the armed forces to shift from combat duty back to civilian life. That's particularly true with those who've been injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A special team in San Diego's V-A medical system helps veterans make the transition. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Sunday afternoon, federal officials will answer a wish many of us have made while stuck in line at the border. Customs and Border Protection officials will open four more lanes to vehicle traffic at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Legislation aimed at rescuing the nation's struggling housing industry easily passed the House yesterday, and appears headed for approval by the Senate and President Bush within the next few days. Plus, the head of the Southeastern Economic Development Corp., Carolyn Y. Smith, was forced out of her job after it was revealed that she and other SEDC staffers were giving themselves hidden bonuses. And, reports of murders and kidnappings south of the border are hurting the tourism business in Baja California.

The publisher of The San Diego Union-Tribune is considering putting the newspaper on the market. The newspaper industry has been rocked in recent years with declining circulation and advertising dollars. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Poway Unified and San Dieguito Union High school districts are getting a big chuck of state money to help them build three new campuses. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the details.

The publisher of the San Diego Union-Tribune is looking to sell the paper. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Carolyn Smith has been dismissed as President of San Diego's Southeast Economic Development Corporation.

Today thousands of fans are in San Diego for Comic-Con International, the largest pop culture convention in the world. KPBS will be following Comic-Con related news about film, video games, television, comic books and graphic novels. We have an entire blog devoted to the topic which you can find at www.kpbs.org/comic-con.

On Friday, the San Diego Comic-Con plays host to the 20th Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. The Awards are named in honor of pioneering comic book artist and writer Will Eisner. The Eisner Awards are often referred to as the “Oscars” of the comic industry. KPBS’ Beth Accomando takes us behind the scenes of the Eisner Awards.

The Cleveland National Forest is considering opening up more of the forest to motorized travel. There's an open house to explain the proposal tonight at the Cleveland National Forest office in Alpine. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The San Diego Unified School District will place a $2.1 billion school bond measure on the November ballot. District officials are now trying to get approval from the local taxpayers association. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Research shows 15 percent of middle and high school students in San Diego County think about committing suicide. A new state law is designed to help more teachers spot the warning signs. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

A report says California can solve its water crisis and restore its struggling salmon fishery at the same time. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants answers as to why the military uses private contractors for training. His questions follow concerns from a Virginia lawmaker regarding Blackwater Worldwide's new Naval Training Center in Otay Mesa. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

Governor Schwarzenegger has signed a measure that bans health insurers from rewarding employees for cancelling policies. At the same time, the governor's staff has drafted a bill some say would make it easier for insurers to terminate coverage. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Gay Talese is the bestselling author of eleven books. He was a reporter for “The New York Times” from 1956 to 1965, and since then he has written for “Esquire,” “The New Yorker,” “Harper's Magazine,” and other national publications. His groundbreaking article, “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold,” was named the "best story ‘Esquire’ ever published," and he was credited by Tom Wolfe with the creation of an inventive form of nonfiction writing called "New Journalism."

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and the city's three non-public safety unions have agreed upon a revised pension plan for future employees that could save the city tens of millions of dollars down the road. We'll get analysis of the new agreement with voiceofsandiego.org reporter David Washburn.

What motivates a woman to carry a child for another couple? How are surrogate mothers compensated for carrying that child for another family? Why do military wives make great surrogate moms? Host Tom Fudge speaks to Dr. Samuel Wood about the growing trend of military wives becoming surrogate mothers. We also speak with a military wife who has been a surrogate mother about her experience.

The Neighborhood House Association is the largest social services provider in San Diego County. It runs the largest Head Start program in the nation. But federal and state officials are concerned that the agency is not properly ensuring the safety of the children in its care. We'll talk with the head of Neighborhood House about criticism of its agency and what they are doing to correct any problems.

A new study is giving Californians insight into why some homes burn and others don't during wildfires. The research was done by the Institute for Business and Home Safety. It's a non-profit agency funded by the insurance industry.

Former San Diego Congressman Randy Cunningham wants the president to grant him clemency. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has details.

San Diego voters may have a chance to decide if they want to ban alcohol permanently from city beaches. Councilmen Scott Peters and Kevin Faulkner say they want the issue to be on the ballot next November.

So many new places to eat, so little time. There's Italian in Mission Hills, sushi in Banker's Hill, and a new french joint in Point Loma to name a few. Join Erin Chambers, editor of San Diego City Search, as she tells us about the hot new restaurants in town.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders announced a pension compromise with city labor unions. It came just hours before the city council was due to vote to put pension reform on the November ballot. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Federal immigration officials say they arrested 81 foreign nationals in a recent crackdown on San Diego County gangs. However, more than half of those in custody do not have gang ties. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Foreclosure activity hit a record high in California in spring. Banks foreclosed on more than 63,000 properties in April May and June. That's the highest number of foreclosures since 1988.

An environmental group says California leads the country in offering alternatives to gasoline. But the study says the state could be doing more. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Host Tom Fudge talks with ethnomusicologist and Klezmer musician Yale Strom and the members of his band Hot Pstrami.

Dan Eaton talks about civil service job protections and the power Internet providers have to censor your comments. Those are two of the subjects we'll discuss in this week's legal update.

On the November ballot, voters will have a chance to weigh in on what may become a controversial proposition regarding the redevelopment of the San Diego port. We'll talk with KPBS reporter Alison St John about the initiative and what people see as the best use of San Diego bay front land.

Marines, Border Patrol, Homeland Security and some non-government organizations spent yesterday practicing disaster relief exercises at San Diego's Brown Field.

California's water future is not getting brighter, and could get worse if we don't get a normal amount of rain next year. So there's a serious attempt to revive one of the most bitterly fought concepts in the history of California politics. On the November ballot you'll see a proposal to build a waterway that would bypass the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Once the plan was called "The Peripheral Canal." We're joined on Morning Edition by Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

Blackwater Worldwide executives said today they plan to downsize the firm's security business. The controversial contractor plans to instead focus its efforts on expanding military training similar to what's offered at its new Otay Mesa facility. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma.

The California unemployment rate rises to 6.9 percent. And the possible financial collapse of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has forced the government to assure investors that the companies would not go under. That's some of the latest fallout from the steep fall of home prices that has put the economy on the brink of recession. We'll talk about that, and how rising oil prices could change the nature of our economy and the nature of our lives.

California pharmacists will head back to an appeals court this week, to see if they can convince judges to temporarily block a ten percent Medi-Cal pay cut. Pharmacists say the cut is forcing them to lose money on Medi-Cal prescriptions. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

A prosecutor has decided to charge a California mother with escaping a Detroit-area prison 32 years ago.

In January, 2008, San Diego's 1-year trial beach alcohol ban went into effect despite vocal opposition from some groups. The real test of the ban's attempt to make the beaches safer and saner for all visitors was the July 4th holiday. As we hit mid-summer, we'll find out how the beach ban is going and explore whether the ban should be made permanent.

In 2009, the Urban Corps of San Diego will celebrate its 20-year anniversary. The Corps is a job-training and education service for at-risk young adults. Local reporter Elsa Sevilla features nine Corps members in a new documentary on KPBS TV called "A New Beginning for At-Risk Youth."

The Major League Baseball season has just passed the half-way point, and your home town Padres are the worst team in the league. Host Tom Fudge speaks to Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton about the Padres disappointing season, and the chances the team will unload one of its players before the trade deadline. We also talk about the Chargers, who are gearing up for training camp later in the month. And, is professional hockey on its way back to San Diego?

Federal officials will have to consider a rare desert plant as they draw up plans to manage the Imperial Valley's sand dunes. The Bureau of Land Management is squeezed between off roaders who want the freedom to ride and environmentalists who want to protect a delicate habitat. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has details.

We're just a few weeks into the new fiscal year, and the firefighting costs are adding up quickly. From Sacramento Jenny O'Mara reports.

For the first time since the early 1900's a European has won back-to-back British Opens. The weather was dreadful. The scores were high. And Tiger Woods was nowhere to be seen. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

Officials at San Diego’s Lindbergh Field have revised the growth forecast for the airport, because both airlines and passengers are being affected by the price of oil. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

This is the week that comic book fans and film buffs start descending on San Diego for Comic Con, the world’s largest comic book and popular arts festival. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more on the projected economic impact of Comic Con, which opens on Thursday.

The California Public Utilities Commission says the state has reached a milestone with its solar initiative. And San Diego County is doing its part to go solar. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders has asked the head of the Southeastern Development Corporation to resign, because of financial improprieties. SEDC faces mounting criticism for inadequate disclosure of generous executive bonuses. The agency is also in trouble with the State Attorney General’s office. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

California regulators have been cracking down on insurers that cancel health policies after a person files medical claims. Now, a California congressman says he's going to look into the issue. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

More than one out of four workers in major blue-collar jobs in California is uninsured. A new report from the San Diego-based Center for Policy Initiatives takes a look at what occupations are most affected. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

More California voters say they would oppose a November ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage in the state's constitution than would support it, according to a survey released Friday.

Customers waited for hours at IndyMac bank branches across Southern California to withdraw their funds from the failing bank. Plus, a satirical New Yorker magazine cover inspired outrage from the Obama campaign. Later in the week, both presidential candidates traded jabs over foreign policy differences. And, a Union-Tribune editorial focusing on the funding sources for the Utility Consumers' Action Network, or UCAN, drew sharp criticism from the organization's executive director, Michael Shames.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and a coalition of business, labor, environmental and other leaders say California's water supply is at the tipping point. The group is urging the state legislature to put a water bond measure on next November's ballot. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Fire Protection Committee headed up by Supervisor Ron Roberts and Mayor Jerry Sanders meets today. It is their last chance to decide on the details of a new parcel tax on all San Diego property owners, to pay for more fire protection. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

We'll talk about the latest Batman movie, hear some music from Feist and Wolf Parade, and hear about an art exhibit in Tijuana.

There’s little doubt that, in addition to Tiger Woods, The Torrey Pines Golf Course came out the big winner at the U.S. Open. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more on a San Diego State University Report on the economic impacts of the Golf Tournament.

Pharmacists say a ten percent cut in the rate Medi-Cal pays to fill prescriptions is putting them under enormous financial strain. Pharmacists had gotten an appeals court to block the cut, but the court reversed itself. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and a coalition of business, labor and environmental leaders say California is in a water crisis that threatens its environment and economy. The group called on the state legislature to put a water bond issue on the November ballot. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A controversial initiative has qualified for the November ballot that would create 97 acres of new waterfront property along San Diego Bay. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Black Sabbath fans in Morocco? Lebanese teens swaying to Bob Marley? We'll look at the heavy metal, punk, hip-hop and reggae scenes in the Muslim world with Mark LeVine, author of the new book Heavy Metal Islam.

Treating mass casualties is what hospitals need to do in response to a serious terrorist attack or a natural disaster. But it's a special set of skills that are not found at your average ER. We'll hear from two doctors who teach a continuing medical education class to bring those medical and administrative skills to local doctors. Also, the CEO of Scripps Health tells us about an excercise at Scripps La Jolla Hospital involving a mock bio-terrorist attack.

Both the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates are courting the Latinos, a powerful group that some think could swing the election in close states. We'll explore the Latino vote with the KPBS Citizen Voices bloggers. We'll also discuss Prop 2, the farm animal welfare initiative, on the November ballot.

It seems soaring gas prices have pushed a lot of us to change our habits, big time. That's the word from a new Field Poll. Marianne Russ reports.

The “Port of San Diego Marine Freight Preservation and Bay Front Redevelopment Initiative” qualified for the November ballot this week. The initiative is an ambitious plan that will pull voters into the long running debate over how to make the best use of one of San Diego’s finest assets. Alison St John takes us to the waterfront.

The California Department of Education says nearly a quarter of San Diego public high school students dropped out in the 2006-07 school year. The San Diego Unified School Superintendent calls that an embarrassment. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Dry conditions in California the past two years are predicted to give way to more normal rainfall next year. But a state meteorologist says if those long range forecasts are wrong, a third dry year would challenge the state's water supply. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A freshly elected San Diego city council member has come under fire for failing to adequately disclose the source of his income prior to running for office. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego County Health officials say they've never seen so much West Nile virus activity this early in the summer. Officials concede the disease hasn't infected people yet this year…but warn that could change at any time. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

As many as 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, but little is known about why the body reacts to things auch as pollen, mold or peanuts. We'll explore what is known about allergies and how local research may lead to better treatment for allergy sufferers.

Thousands of people are in Del Mar for the opening day of the track's six week horse racing season. The trainers haven't been the only ones racing around the track in the last week and a half. The Thoroughbred Club's Mac Mcbride says crews have scrambled to turn the County Fair venue into a race track.

The Southeastern Economic Development Corporation, which is responsible for redeveloping seven square miles just east of downtown, is under investigation for questionable pay practices to its top executives. Voice of San Diego reporter Will Carless broke the story and joins us to discuss his investigation and how the city is responding.

What are some of the potential ballot measures that will be put to San Diego voters in November? How might the city change the pension benefits it offers to future non-safety employees? Why are some people in city government arguing that deputy city attorneys should have civil service protection? Host Tom Fudge speaks to KPBS News Reporter Alison St. John about last night's City Council meeting where the local propositions for the November ballot were discussed.

With the start of the new horse racing season at Del Mar today, there are questions about national regulation of thoroughbred racing. Congress is looking to take the reins on safety issues and the use of performance-enhancing drugs in horses. In California, the racing industry is already making changes. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports from Capitol Hill.

Summer is a great time for movies, but what movies are good for the whole family? Sean Phillips of Yahoo Movies demystifies the movie ratings system for families, and Dan Bennett of the North County Times shares his picks for best family movies this summer. Dan will also give us a preview of the upcoming San Diego International Children's Film Festival.

The turf meets the surf today. The annual Del Mar Racing season begins. The first day at the races means crowds, great hats, and the anticipations of an exciting season of racing. We're joined on Morning Edition by Joe Harper, the President, CEO and General Manager of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

The Carlsbad City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to ban smoking on its mile-long stretch of beach and in its parks. Carlsbad is the last San Diego County coastal community to snuff out cigarettes.

Most teenagers are eager to get their drivers license so they can hit the road. But some North San Diego County teens are urging their classmates and adults to drive slow or not drive at all. It's part of their grassroots campaign to encourage motorists to ease up on the gas pedal. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis rode shot-gun recently with two of the teens.

San Diego city council members decided not to put an initiative on the ballot this November which would have tied their salary increase to those of State Superior Court Judges. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

China is a country that's growing in stength and influence. Will it become a serious rival to the U.S? Economist Peter Navarro has written a book called The Coming China Wars. We'll ask him what the wars will be and how they might be fought.

The state legislature has passed a measure that would require regulators to fine insurance companies that don't pay or underpay doctors' claims. H-M-Os call the bill unnecessary. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego home sales continue to drop when compared to numbers from a year ago. San Diego based Dataquick Information Systems says just over three thousand homes changed hands last month. That's down more than 12 percent from last June. Dataquick's John Karevoll says the only thing he can say for certain is that there's uncertainty in the housing market.

Ben Hernandez and Nathan James play bluesy American roots music right here in sunny San Diego. We'll talk with the versatile duo about the blues, playing the jug and the washboard and their many influences.

Environmental groups are waiting to hear whether the Commerce Department will reschedule a public hearing on a controversial six-lane toll road. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Seated behind the wheel of a fire engine, Dave Breglia follows a map dotted with expensive homes threatened by wildfires. His job: protect high-end real estate and save an insurance company millions of dollars.

A housewife arrested at her upscale home near San Diego 32 years after escaping a Detroit-area prison is asking a judge to set aside her sentence for selling heroin.

The National Council of La Raza, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., is wrapping up its annual conference in San Diego today. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain both spoke at the convention. Organizers hoped to hear the candidates address some of the issues of concern to Latinos, like healthcare, immigration and the housing crisis. We'll get analysis of McCain's address from NPR Reporter Scott Horsley.

President Bush is pressuring Congress to allow more offshore drilling. Most Democrats -- like San Diego's Bob Filner -- say it won't solve America's energy problems. In Washington, Jodi Breisler reports from Capitol Hill.

Hundreds of UC San Diego service workers hit the picket line Monday to protest unfair wages. It marked the beginning of a five-day walkout at University of California facilities across the state.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain courted Latino voters yesterday, when he spoke to the annual meeting of the National Council of La Raza in San Diego. Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama addressed the group on Sunday. And like Obama, Senator McCain touched on the economy, education, and immigration reform. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Two plagues in California, fires and foreclosures, may be increasing the risk of another: West Nile virus. Wildfires have sullied the air in the Sacramento area so badly that officials there have held off aerial spraying of insecticide to combat the virus, which is spread to humans and animals by infected mosquitoes.

San Diego’s city attorney has won the first case against a company for violating the city’s Living Wage Ordinance. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Senator John McCain says he remains committed to immigration reform, but securing the nation's borders must be part of the deal. The Republican presidential candidate made his remarks in San Diego today at the National Council of La Raza meeting. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Democratic legislative leaders are putting forward a plan to pump money into California's economy to deal with the state's water issues. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata are pushing legislation to speed up grant funding for some water projects.

North County high school students have adopted an unconventional tactic to urge motorists to drive slow and save gas. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Sixty may not quite be the new forty. But people are living longer and living healthier into what we call their retirement years. So why do most people still stop working at age 65... or even earlier? Working a couple of extra years does a lot to bolster individual retirement accounts and it would improve the health of entitlement programs like Social Security. We'll talk about the challenges of continuing to work, and we'll hear what are listeners have to say about what they want, or what they've gotten, out of their lives over 65.

Acclaimed author Anchee Min talks about her latest historical novel, “The Last Empress.” The book follows Orchid’s transition from a strong-willed young woman to a politically savvy leader who ruled China for more than four decades.

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease now affects 24 million Americans, or 8 percent of the population. An additional 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes. While diabetes is treatable, there is no cure. We'll talk about the rise in diabetes and how to manage it with local experts.

The National Council of La Raza, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., is wrapping up its annual conference in San Diego today. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are both speaking at the convention. Organizers hope to hear the candidates address some of the issues of concern to Latinos, like healthcare, immigration and the housing crisis. We'll get analysis of Obama's address from KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg.

Officials in this San Diego County city are trying to discourage illegal immigration by enacting ordinances that crack down on border-crossers and the residents who harbor them.

Hundreds of homeless veterans gathered at San Diego High School's athletic field this weekend to get help from volunteers and community groups.

The Latino vote is considered to be crucial in this year's presidential election. That's why both major candidates are actively courting Latinos.To that end, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama came to San Diego yesterday. He spoke at the annual meeting of the nation's largest Latino civil rights group. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

The California state budget is now almost two weeks late and still $15 billion short. So, what are lawmakers doing to come to some agreement? From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara checks in.

Senator Barack Obama says the Latino community holds the upcoming presidential election in their hands. He made the remark in San Diego yesterday at the annual convention of the nation's largest Latino civil rights organization. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The last place Padres enter the All-Star break at 37 and 58. They are 10 games behind Arizona in the National League West. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

A San Diego County water agency is in favor of a proposal to fix the states water supply problems. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

San Diego Gas & Electric has proposed what it calls the largest solar power installation in San Diego. The utility filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission on Friday to review and approve the solar program. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and County Supervisor Ron Roberts are pushing for a parcel tax to pay for more fire protection in the region. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The high cost of healthcare is taking its toll on Californians' well-being. A new survey reveals more than one out of three Californians say they neglected needed care last year. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The Governor of Baja California says enough diesel is on the way to Tijuana to end the shortage in the city. This comes after Mexico’s oil monopoly cut the region’s supply fearing U.S. drivers were draining the tanks of Mexico’s subsidized fuel. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain will be in San Diego this weekend to speak at the National Council of La Raza conference. Plus, consumer spending in San Diego is down for the third year in a row. And, the budget stalemate drags on in Sacramento.

This Sunday night, HBO premieres a new miniseries that captures what it's like to be a Camp Pendleton marine in a war zone. It's called Generation Kill and it's about an elite marine recon unit stationed in Iraq at the start of the war. Since the series is about Camp Pendleton, HBO screened the film for marines on the base. KPBS arts producer Angela Carone was there.

The National Council of La Raza's annual conference kicks off in San Diego Saturday. The presumptive presidential candidates from both parties will speak in hopes of courting the Latino vote. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Questions are being raised as to why some members of the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation have received salaries greater than what had been approved by the city of San Diego. Voiceofsandiego.org broke the story earlier this week and it has been uncovering new details by the day. We're joined on Morning Edition by Andrew Donohue, co-executive editor for Voiceofsandiego.org.

Officials from around San Diego County are expected to decide this afternoon whether to recommend a new “parcel tax” be put on the November ballot, to pay for more fire protection. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

We'll talk about new music with 94.9's Music Director and DJ Michael Halloran. We'll hear about the latest from Beck, Sigur Ros, The Wombats, Fleet Foxes, the Black Kids, and The Last Shadow Puppets.

Key Democrats in the state legislature have proposed a budget that eliminates some of the healthcare cuts the governor wants. But passage of the plan depends on whether Republican lawmakers stick to their "no new taxes" pledge. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego Unified School District's math director says she's disappointed California's Board of Education ruled in favor of requiring all students to take Algebra in the eighth grade. She says the change sets students up for failure. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

An alliance of civic organizations says it will work to register 500,000 new Latino, Asian and immigrant voters before this year's presidential election. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The San Diego Association of Governments can now ask voters to bump up the county sales tax by half a penny to pay for more than transportation projects. That's because the Governor signed a bill authored by State Senator Christine Kehoe. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Oceanside residents will offer ideas on possible future uses of the Goat Hill Golf Course, one of the sites the Chargers considered for a new stadium. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Does the glass ceiling still exist? According to one of the most powerful women in American business, it does. But Nina DiSesa, chairman of the advertising agency McCann Erickson New York, says to get to the top you have to play the game like a man.

What are the top stories in the Imperial Valley this summer? How is the housing slowdown affecting property tax revenue in the Imperial County? Why are IV leaders eager to get the Sunrise Powerlink project off the drawing board? And, how do leaders in El Centro plan to beautify their city? Host Tom Fudge speaks to Brad Jennings, editor of the Imperial Valley Press, about the hot stories in the Imperial County.

A power line "faulted" more than three hours before sparking the largest of Southern California's devastating wildfires last fall, state investigators reported Wednesday.

Sandcastles, Sake, and Cycles are just some of buzzwords for this weekend. Join Kinsee Morlan as she discusses where to go and what to do on Weekend Preview.

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla made a key discovery in how the Ebola virus kills humans. The research could be used to develop a vaccine or treatments for the deadly virus. We're joined on Morning Edition by Erica Ollmann Saphire, a scientist from the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, who led the study.

More than 100 San Diego school district administrators and principals will be reassigned to different campuses and positions over the summer break. Its part of Superintendent Terry Grier's reorganization plan. But as KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis reports, some parents and teachers don't like the changes.

The California High Speed Rail Authority has given its final approval to a route that would link the state's major cities and regions.

A California agency that monitors energy use says demand has been below expectations, but is likely to be high during the next few days.

The Navy faces more delays in its effort to develop its new Headquarters on San Diego Bay. The California Coastal Commission has postponed for a second time its hearings on the ambitious project. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more

The Border Patrol says agents discovered two dead bodies in some of the most inhospitable terrain along the U.S.-Mexico border.

A warehouse belonging to the San Diego Rescue Mission went up in flames last night. The fire engulfed the University Avenue building, destroying donated furniture, clothing and household appliances. Nothing was salvageable. The estimated replacement value is over a million dollars.

The public interest group CALPIRG says California spends nine-billion dollars a year on health insurance-related administrative costs. The group says much of this spending is wasteful. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

What's the latest news on the budget stalemate in Sacramento? How do lawmakers plan to tackle the state's $15 billion budget shortfall? How much has the state spent on fire suppression this year? Host Tom Fudge speaks with The California Report's Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers about the hot topics in the California State Capitol right now.

Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is fighting back accusations that he's moving towards the center to appeal to conservative voters. We'll talk with KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner about Obama's positions on things like gun rights, the death penalty and federally supported faith-based initiative. And we'll discuss the Obama-Clinton fundraising partnership.

A detailed report on the origin and causes of three devastating wildfires that swept across San Diego County in October is being released online.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders is questioning why the president and finance director of one of the city's two nonprofit redevelopment arms were paid more than their approved salary range.

The San Diego Democratic Party voted last night to endorse incumbent Mike Aguirre for city attorney. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

With high temperatures and wildfires burning to the North, California energy officials want consumers throughout the state to reduce power use. We're joined now on Morning Edition by Gregg Fishman with the California Independent System Operator, the agency that monitors the state's power grid.

Oil prices fell as much as $6 a barrel yesterday and the Oil Price Information Service says retail gas prices in the US held steady at a record $4.11 a gallon. We're joined on Morning Edition by Phil Flynn, a Senior Market Analyst at Alaron Trading in Chicago, and a Fox Business News contributor.

The San Diego Unified School District wants to place a $2.1 billion school bond measure on the November ballot. A long list of potential projects was presented to the school board yesterday. But trustees and local charter school officials say they are not impressed. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Governor Schwarzenegger has signed a bill that aims to stem the tide of foreclosures in the state. The new law requires lenders to contact homeowners by phone before sending a notice of default.

The California wildfires are yet another blow to the state's livestock industry…which is grappling with a drought. So far, the fires have scorched more than 630,000 acres -- much of it pasture and rangeland. That means the plants that ranchers were relying on to provide food for their animals has been destroyed.

Jobs in healthcare are among the fastest growing in San Diego County. And a new report on the healthcare workforce says that growth will likely continue. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story

Mexico's national oil company has begun rationing the supply of gasoline in Baja California, as it began doing with diesel a few weeks ago. This as soaring gas prices in the United States send drivers south. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

San Diego’s Registrar of Voters has completed her analysis of voter turn out in the June Primary Election. As anticipated, the figures reveal registered republicans turned out in greater numbers than registered democrats County-wide. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego’s Democratic Party will decide tonight whether to endorse Mike Aguirre for a second term as city attorney. The vote will be critical for Aguirre, who did not win the local Democratic Party endorsement before the June Primary. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Diversionary Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of the new musical "Yank!". The production is based on the memoirs and oral histories of gay and straight service members who participated in World War II. We'll talk with the playwright, director and composer about the production.

The first-ever audit of San Diego County's food safety program has concluded the county does an "excellent" job overall inspecting businesses but there is room for improvement.

The art of the Shona people of Zimbabwe is the focus of a new exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. We'll talk about the 1,000 year history of the Shona people and their mythical, stylized art with the exhibit curator and a local collector.

China is an emerging superpower. It has a booming economy and will host the 2008 Summer Olympics. But there are major concerns over the country's human rights record. And fears about the balance of world power as the country grows. We'll explore the state of China's influence on the world with UCSD China expert Susan Shirk.

Just when firefighters thought they were beating the 330 wildfires burning in California, the weather turned against them. Steve Shadley reports.

The fires in Northern California have delayed work on fire hazard maps for San Diego. The maps are important because they will affect building codes for new homes. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

It's tough to get medical care when you're homeless. That's why many homeless people go to emergency rooms, where by law they can't be turned away. A unique program run by Scripps Mercy Hospital and Catholic Charities helps homeless patients get off the street, and back on track. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

At least 14 people were murdered in Tijuana this weekend, including six charred bodies found this morning. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details from Tijuana.

State and local education officials say more kids are showing up at schools and recreation centers to get a free meal this summer. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego gas prices edged lower this past weekend, but there was a significant jump in the cost of diesel. The Utility Consumer's Action Network says the average price of a gallon of gas fell two tenths of a cent over the weekend.

Former San Diego Chargers football player Steve Foley is getting $5.5 million from the city of Coronado to settle his lawsuit against the city. Foley was shot by off-duty police officer Aaron Mansker nearly two years ago. The injuries ended his professional football career. Coronado City Attorney Steven Boehmer says the city did not admit any liability in the case.

State agencies are gearing up for the heat wave hitting California this week. Governor Schwarzenegger has activated the state's plan for excessive heat emergencies. That involves regular communication between state and local officials - and could mean the opening of cooling centers across the state.

Just when firefighters thought they were beating the 330 wildfires that continue burning in California…the weather has turned against them. From Sacramento Steve Shadley reports.

Restricted access to Guantanamo Bay means that few non-military Americans have been able to get a good view of the place and learn what's really going on. The exceptions have been lawyers who have sought to represent the people locked up without the right to challenge their incarceration in American courts. Mahvish Rukhsana Khan was a law student when she went to Afghan prisoners. She would later represent one of them. She's written a book about her experiences called My Guantanamo Diary.

The musicians in the group So Percussion see the world as one big instrument. They create music with an amplified cactus, flower pots, duct tape and beer cans. But they go beyond the percussive acrobatic work of Stomp and are composing new music and working with today's cutting edge composers. So Percussion joins us in studio to perform and talk about their work.

People who celebrated fourth of July in San Diego say the beaches were much quieter compared to past years. About a million people showed up compared to 1.8 million a year ago.

The San Diego Minutemen are advising their members to vote for Jan Goldsmith as San Diego city attorney. The endorsement could prove to be an embarrassment for Goldsmith, who is trying to paint himself as a candidate with no political overtones. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

What can we learn from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that can be applied to the issues that affect the San Diego border region? What are the root causes of the conflict? And, what kind of job is the media doing in covering the story? Host Tom Fudge interviews a local man who recently participated in a peacekeeping delegation that visited Israel and Palestine.

People who want to cross the border more quickly on foot will have a new option come September. Customs and Border Protection will add a fast-pass program for pedestrians at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

As the U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its term last week, it ruled on a number of controversial cases, including gun rights and the death penalty for child rapists. We'll take a look back at the decisions made, and look ahead at how the court may change under a new president.

Sober beaches might mean cleaner beaches in San Diego. Volunteers who scoured the shoreline at six local beaches for the Surfrider Foundation's annual "Morning After Mess" clean-up on Saturday say Fourth of July bashes didn't generate even half as much trash as last year.

A plan to establish a network of marine protected areas is the focus of workshops in San Diego this week. The plan seeks to protect areas off the entire California coast including San Diego County. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Tijuana's Tourism and Conventions Bureau launched a new tour today designed to show off positive aspects of the city. The tour comes as tourism in the region has dropped off due to long border waits and security concerns. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today ordered another 200 National Guard troops to help fight wildfires burning throughout the state. It's the second time this week he's called on the Guard for reinforcements. Steve Milne reports.

Today is the first major test of the experimental one year alcohol ban on San Diego city beaches. KPBS reporter Alison St John visited Pacific Beach and found it less crowded than in previous years.

The 4th of July means parades, barbeques and fireworks - except this year, when it seems many people are getting by without that last one. With the tough economy and wildfires raging throughout the state, some of the small, local charities that sell fireworks to raise money say they're struggling. From Sacramento, Ben Adler reports.

While San Diegans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, thousands of Camp Pendleton-based Marines are making do with a July 4th without either fireworks or family. KPBS reporter Alison St John spoke earlier with Marine Lt Colonel Brad Hall, Commanding Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. He is stationed in Camp Ramadi, Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

A fire on the beach this Independence Day weekend might sound like fun, but the people at California's State Parks are reminding all of us that it's often illegal, and dangerous for others.

Filling up at the gas pump will cost you less this week in California. While you're getting a break on gas prices, the traffic around San Diego could cause you to idle away the savings. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A volunteer firefighter has died after collapsing while battling a blaze in Mendocino County.

A team of UC San Diego researchers are hoping San Diego's Supercomputer Center will help doctors develop new drugs to fight a potential avian flu outbreak. The disease has provoked worldwide concern because human have no natural protection against the virsu, and there is a limited medical arsenal.

San Diego officials today appealed a federal judge's ruling last month allowing Blackwater Worldwide to open a Naval training center in Otay Mesa. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has details.

Holiday drivers will get a break at the gas pump in Southern California. Gas prices have dropped a few pennies. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Californians are driving less and travel times on freeways are dropping in San Diego County. Berkeley Transportation Systems measures traffic data collected by California Department of Transportation road sensors. They record how many cars are on the road and how fast the vehicles are moving.

Very few vacancies remain for pets and livestock at crowded animal shelters in communities evacuated because of the California wildfires. From Sacramento Steve Shadley reports

A ten percent cut in the rate Medi-Cal pays healthcare providers has gone into effect in California. A growing number of doctors say they can no longer afford to treat Medi-Cal patients. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders' spokesman, Fred Sainz, is leaving city hall. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

America has a recent history of fluctuating oil prices. In the past they've always droppped following a big spike, but this time they might be up for good.Economist Peter Navarro tells us why prices are high and why they're likely to stay high. Our listeners tell us how high gas prices have affected their lives, and what they're trying to do to adjust to them.

The Black Historical Society of San Diego has a new home downtown. The East Village building will house a new museum featuring a permanent exhibit on the history of African-Americans in San Diego, a genealogical research center and gift shop. We'll talk with the chairwoman of the Historical Society about the importance of the museum to the region.

A measure aimed at easing the foreclosure crisis in California is on its way to the Governor's desk. From Sacramento Jenny O'Mara reports.

An undisclosed settlement was reached yesterday in a lawsuit brought by former Chargers linebacker Steve Foley against the city of Coronado and an off-duty officer who shot him at the end of a DUI pursuit nearly two years ago. We're now joined on Morning Edition by KPBS legal analyst, Dan Eaton.

The San Diego Port District is defending a 60 thousand dollar ad campaign that opposes plans to redevelop the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal downtown. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Crews have broken ground on an Imperial Beach project that will help keep polluted stormwater from reaching the ocean. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The uproar over Blackwater Worldwide's new Navy training center in Otay Mesa has flared up in Washington. Virginia Senator Jim Webb wants more details about the facility. And he's stalling approval of four defense officials until he gets it. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

A bill that would reinforce restrictions on the use of public tidelands has passed the California Legislature. The California State Senate approved the bill Wednesday. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Increased demand for diesel in Tijuana is causing diesel shortages again in the border city. Baja California’s Governor says demand from locals is to blame, not U.S. drivers looking for a bargain. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

This month, the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library hosts its 10th annual Summer Festival featuring pianist Gustavo Romero. Romero will perform works by the seven composers he has featured over the years, as well as a few new favorites.

It's summer in San Diego, so it must be time for for the annual Old Globe Summer Shakespeare Festival. This year's selection includes the classic comedies All's Well That Ends Well and The Merry Wives of Windsor, as well as the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. Join us on These Days as we talk to the directors of the festival plays about all things Bard.

A survey of nonprofit mortgage counseling agencies in California suggests more homeowners are losing their homes to foreclosure than receiving loan modifications and other payment workarounds from lenders.

How can we fix the sewage pollution problems that have plagued the San Diego-Tijuana border region for decades? What can be done to improve Tijuana's sewage runoff problems, and who should pay the bill? Now that the proposal to build the Bajagua water treatment plant has been killed, the conversation about how to fix our region's cross-border sewage problems has been renewed. Host Tom Fudge speaks to representatives from a few of the many organizations involved in the cross-border pollution conversation.

Iran talks tough, drivers reduce their mileage, car sales fall off the table, and gasoline prices around the US continue above $4 a gallon. As we head into the 4th of July weekend, we're joined on Morning Edition by Phil Flynn, a Senior Market Analyst at Alaron Trading in Chicago, and a Fox Business News contributor.

A new study out of UCSD suggests our genetic makeup influences how much we get involved in politics. The authors claim these are the first results to link specific genes to political behavior. We're joined on Morning Edition by one of the authors, Dr. James Fowler, Associate Professor of Political Science at UCSD.

The Iraqi Ambassador to the United States will be in San Diego later today to meet with members of San Diego's large Iraqi community. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The day of reckoning is coming soon for a bill that would require terminally ill Californians to be told of end-of-life care options. The measure has squeaked through two committees, and the full Senate will vote on it over the next few weeks. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

A Marine sniper believed he was shooting at insurgents planting a roadside bomb when he killed two Syrians in Iraq, platoon members testified in military court Tuesday.

Customs and Border Protection officials are recruiting agents to fill a shortage in Calexico. Officials say the area is one of the busiest drug smuggling areas in the nation. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

San Diego Gas and Electric says it's on target to meet a state mandate to use renewable energy by 2010 - even though the utility is not even half-way to the goal. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Hunters can no longer use lead ammunition in California condor territory. That's because of a new law that goes into effect today. Democratic Assemblyman Pedro Nava wrote the law. He says lead poisoning is the number one cause of death for the endangered bird.

Several hundred San Diego firefighters are helping wage the battle against wildfires in Central and Northern California. CAL FIRE officials say nearly 19,000 firefighters are working to contain the flames from some 1,400 fires. CAL FIRE's Roxanne Provoznik says it is not unheard of for this area to be quite while fires rage in the rest of the state.

The head of the city of San Diego’s Firefighter’s Union is resigning after 28 years. Ron Saathoff was a key figure in the pension negotiations that became the subject of SEC investigations and several lawsuits. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Singer-songwriter Tristan Prettyman grew up in San Diego and didn't pick up a guitar until she was 15. Her newest record “Hello” came out in April.

What can today's business leaders learn from the CEOs of the past? How can Ray Kroc's plans for McDonald's be applied to a new franchise? Why did Estee Lauder succeed at selling high-end cosmetics? Host Tom Fudge speaks to economist and author, Todd Buchholz, about his new book New Ideas from Dead CEOs: Lasting Lessons from the Corner Office.

The novel "The World of Suzie Wong" was written by Richard Mason in 1957. It became a hit movie in 1960 starring William Holden, and Nancy Kwan as Suzie Wong. Now, former SDSU professor and world traveller James Clapp has written his own version of what happened to these characters in his new novel "For Goodness Sake: A Novel of the Afterlife of Suzie Wong."

Since 9/11, securing America's border has been a top priority of the Federal government. More and more technology is be developed and used to monitor the flow of people and goods across the borders. We'll explore the ethical issues that arise with the use of new technologies for U.S. security.

Your family and the state of California have at least one thing in common: health care costs are already cutting deep and they're growing. California reaches the first day of the new fiscal year with a deficit in the billions and almost no agreement about how to deal with health care costs. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

For the past two weeks, students interested in radio, television and print news immersed themselves in a two-week journalism program in San Diego.