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.

Via Tom Fudge

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