Wong Kar Wai's "Ashes of Time" was one of the first Hong Kong movies I saw and it captured that giddy sense of energy and experimentation that typified the Hong Kong New Wave of the '80s and early '90s. Of those New Wave Hong Kong filmmakers, no one was more rapturously romantic than Wong, even when he was obstensibly doing a martial arts action flick. The film was released in 1994 but Wong recently went back to give it a makeover -- improving the colors, adjusting the sound and making other tweaks for what would become "Ashes of Time Redux."

As Hollywood shows off its state of the art computer animation in family comedies like "Bolt" and "Madagascar 2," I'd like to turn your attention to an animated French film aimed squarely at adults.

Employment and labor analysts say there are some baffling aspects to this week's report of large unemployment increases in San Diego, and throughout California. KPBS reporter Alan Ray has details.

The holiday shopping season officially kicked off today, and many San Diegans were out looking for bargains. Retailers are hoping steep discounts will draw in the crowds, despite a drop in consumer spending. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Southern California shoppers will help decide just how black Black Friday will be this year. KPBS reporter Erik Anderson has details.

An environmental group has rated TV manufacturers on national recycling or take back programs. And KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce tells us most of the companies get failing grades.

I first heard about "Twilight" two years ago from one of my pen pals. She told me it was a great vampire romance. I thought it sounded totally cool, but then kept forgetting to go read it. But this summer, the previews started running and I rushed to my friend and begged her to let me borrow the series. I absolutely loved it!! And now I can say I absolutely love the movie, too.

Filmmaker Gus Van Sant leaves his usual dreamy, elliptical storytelling behind to deliver a more conventionally structured narrative about unconventional activist and politician Harvey Milk in his new film "Milk." It's equal parts biography and look back on the roots of gay activism.

Last Thursday, I went to the Edwards Mira Mesa Cinemas to do a feature for NPR on "Twilight" fans waiting in line for the first minute-after-midnight screening of their long-awaited film. When I confessed to the throng of teenaged girls waiting in line to not having read any of the books, I was chastised and urged to immediately go out and get them. I have to admit there was a distinct sense of fun and excitement seeing people -- mostly teenaged girls and women -- bundled up outside a movie theater where some had been waiting since 9:30 a.m. That's the kind of frenzy you usually see with Star Wars or Harry Potter. But I had made a decision to see the film without reading the book so I could make an objective judgment on the film as a stand alone work.

The economic downturn is hitting the cargo business at San Diego’s two Marine Terminals. But Port officials say there are bright spots the picture. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Will 20 relatives be roaming around your house waiting to taste the turkey or the pumpkin pie? Well we have two of San Diego's premiere chefs in studio to answer your cooking questions and put any hosting anxieties to rest. We'll talk turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes and pie today on These Days.

A bio-pic about Harvey Milk proves timely, teenage vampires rule the box office, another Bond movie is in theaters and Danny Boyle tells the story of a plucky quiz-show contestant from India. Oh, and we'll talk about what Jean Claude Van Damme is up to these days.

Officials at the San Diego Blood Bank say they've got an ample supply of blood to last through the holidays. That's thanks to yesterday's Chargers blood drive. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The California Legislature did nothing about the state's massive budget gap Tuesday. And a San Diego legislator says she's frustrated with the budget stalemate in Sacramento. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

A bio-pic about Harvey Milk proves timely, teenage vampires rule the box office, another Bond movie is in theaters and Danny Boyle tells the story of a plucky quiz-show contestant from India. Oh, and we'll talk about what Jean Claude Van Damme is up to these days.

State lawmakers failed to pass a last-minute proposal last. It would have reduced California's multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. Battle lines between Democrats and Republicans were crystal clear. Now, Governor Schwarzenegger says he plans to call a fiscal emergency to force lawmakers to address the problem. Marianne Russ reports.

What is there to say about "Transporters 3?" The movie itself was good, but I preferred the previous films in the series. I'm not sure if it was because of the basic storyline or the need for even more action. There were plenty of amazing stunts and fight scenes, and Jason Statham delivers an awesome performance as usual.

People who have a mental illness face a number of challenges. Navigating through San Diego County's mental health system can be one of them. In recent years, the County has provided specially-trained partners to help people access mental health care and other support services. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg talks with Alfredo Aguirre, the County's director of mental health.

Most families are stocking up this week on turkey and all the trimmings from the local grocery store. But for more and more families, there simply isn’t enough left in the budget to cover basic meals, forget about a Thanksgiving feast. KPBS reporter Alison St John went down to the Helping Hand Church on Imperial Avenue, where hundreds of people lined up for the chance to get some free food.

The city of San Diego’s libraries are safe from budget cuts for the moment. But the round of budget cuts the city council approved this week may not be the last during this fiscal year. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The California state auditor says five state agencies improperly tossed hazardous electronic waste into the trash. That material is supposed to be recycled. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The San Diego City Council has rejected Mayor Sanders' proposal to close libraries and recreation centers to balance the budget. What's next, and how will the budget come into balance? We speak with city councilman Tony Young, who sponsored the measure that was approved by the council.

Scott Paulson reprises his role as Sam the Sound Effects Man in Cygnet Theater's production of It's a Wonderful Life. As the foley artists for this 1940's radio drama, he creates the sounds of walking through snow, things breaking and people kissing. We'll get a behind-the-scenes look at his arsenal of sound effects.

What's next for Chula Vista following the news that Gaylord Entertainment has withdrawn its proposal to develop a 32-acre site along the city's bayfront? Is this an opportunity to redraw plans for the South Bay's future? How might this news affect the Chargers' interest in building a new football stadium in Chula Vista? Host Tom Fudge speaks to Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, and journalist Carlos Davalos about the future of the South Bay.

With the failure of Prop A, the fire tax, earlier this month, what's the future for firefighting in San Diego County? We'll talk about the new San Diego County Fire Authority and whether that's the answer to fighting the region's wildfires.

Many families in San Diego are struggling to make ends meet as the economic downturn continues. We'll look at how the recession is impacting the San Diego Food Bank and Catholic Charities as they struggle to meet the needs of the community.

"Four Christmases" is an amazingly funny movie. It's about this couple -- Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) -- that has been dating for three years, yet still don't know each other as well as they think they do. Every year, they go on some vacation around the world for the holidays and make up some lame excuse to tell their families as to why.

The Drug Enforcement Administration says outdoor marijuana growing operations are damaging public and private land in San Diego County. So far this year, a local-federal task force has found nearly 200 outdoor illegal marijuana growing operations in the county. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A wet storm is making its way to San Diego today. But too much rain could mean mud slides in some rural areas. Joining us on Morning Edition is Stan Wasowski with the San Diego National Weather Service.

California's financial problems may not be resolved until a new legislature is sworn-in next month. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

State lawmakers are on the way back to Sacramento for a last-ditch attempt to balance the state's budget. Floor sessions are scheduled today in both houses of the state legislature. However, there's no deal yet. Marianne Russ reports.

"Twilight," as both a movie and a book, is an overall excellent story: A young, clumsy girl falls in love with the most dangerous person she could ever meet and gets in to even more trouble from there.

California's Department of Education stands to lose about $1 million in federal funding because its eighth-grade Algebra mandate is tied up in court. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego County supervisors say residential solar users should be able to reap the benefits of their investment. The supervisors say allowing homeowners to sell their excess power would be good for the economy and the environment. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Drug Enforcement Administration says so far this year it has found nearly 200 outdoor illegal marijuana growing operations in San Diego County. And the DEA says those growing sites cause environmental damage to public lands in the county. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A conversation with American author Joyce Carol Oates about her five decades of writing novels, short stories, poetry, plays and essays.

What kind of plan should the San Diego region implement to deal with climate change in the future? What kinds of changes will the San Diego region likely face as a result of global warming? Host Alison St. John speaks to Dr. Emily Young about The San Diego Foundation's Regional Focus 2050 Study. The Regional Focus 2050 Study examines the potential impact global climate change will have on San Diego.

President-elect Obama announces his economic team. These Days follows up with local analysis.

The San Diego Chargers lost yet another heart-breaker, losing to the Indianapolis Colts 23-to-20 on a last-second field goal. It was the fourth game the Chargers have lost during the final 30-seconds of a game. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

Homeowners in California that use solar can't sell their excess energy back to the local utility. San Diego County supervisors say residential solar users should be able to reap the benefits of their investment. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The city of San Diego’s Winter Shelter tent opens today . It is the one of a network of homeless shelters around the County scheduled to open in the next week. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Many experts say the academic achievement gap is the single most persistent and pressing issue facing public schools today. Now San Diego State professors are exploring ways they can train future teachers to help close the gap. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

JCVD provides a nice lead into the upcoming release of "The Wrestler." Both films focus on former stars who have faded: "JCVD" offers Jean-Claude Van Damme and "The Wrestler" serves up a battered Mickey Rourke. They also focus on two men who have relied on their bodies and physical appearances, and now, with age, have found that both are letting them down in one way or another. But while we've always known that Rourke was a skilled actor, Van Damme actually surprises us with his turn as himself in "JCVD," which proves to be part autobiography and part satire

The California Department of Water Resources predicts a normal winter this year in the north, but drier than normal in Southern California. The department brought together scientists to come up with the prediction at a winter outlook workshop today in San Diego. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Community members around San Diego plan protests this weekend outside the 7 libraries slated for closure under the city of San Diego’s proposed budget cuts.

State officials say California's unemployment rate jumped to 8.2 percent in October from 7.7 percent in September.

The California State University system announced it will move up enrollment deadlines, and increase admissions requirements due to a reduction in state funding. Plus, America's Big Three automakers pled for federal assistance in Washington, D.C. this week. And, Gaylord Entertainment announced plans to drop its bayfront development proposal in Chula Vista.

Many of us will be using the weekend getting in supplies for the Thanksgiving feast. And, that's something the San Diego Food Bank is trying to do too not just for next Thursday, but the entire holiday season. Joining us on Morning Edition is Mitch Mitchell, board chairman for the San Diego Food Bank.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to extend the sales tax to many services as a way to generate revenue for cash strapped California. Schwarzenegger unveiled his proposals earlier this month to help fill an $11-billion shortfall this year.

"Twilight," one of the top-selling books across America, is written by Stephenie Meyer. Now it has become a major motion picture. "Twilight" is a story about a pair of star-crossed lovebirds, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) who, at first, become friends and then happen to fall deeply in love with each other. It's that typical romance story between two teenagers. The only odd thing about it is that Edward is a vampire. Even though that is a factor that Bella discovers about him, she doesn't care one bit who or what Edward really is; the only thing that matters to her is that she is "unconditionally and irrevocably" in love with him.

One in four seniors in San Diego County says they're in poor health. A new report from UCLA offers a detailed look at the health status of California seniors. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The California Ocean Protection Council approved plans Thursday to reduce the trash that reaches beaches and other marine areas. One approved option is a statewide ban on polystyrene take-out food containers. While the ban is intended to reduce pollution, it could also cost thousands of jobs. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

San Diego County has opened a new $24 million terminal at the McClellan Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Marijuana smugglers dumped bales of pot worth $32 million into the sea when a Newport Beach-based Coast Guard cutter started chasing a suspicious boat about 100 miles southwest of San Diego.

Senator Barbara Boxer joined other Democrats in announcing new legislation they hope will put the brakes on global warming - without stalling the economy. Eric Niiler reports from Capitol Hill.

Should every high school student be prepared to go to college? Or should those who will never go to college get vocational education on a separate track? SDUSD is interested in multiple pathways as a way to combat low graduation and high dropout rates.

A new documentary looks at this dramatic turn of events and the motley group of real eccentrics who still live there. It's called Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea and it's narrated by another true eccentric, filmmaker John Waters.

On November 4, Californians passed Prop. 8 by a vote of 52 to 48. The measure reversed a California Supreme Court ruling that made same-sex marriage legal in the state. How did this happen in a blue state where 61% of the population voted Barack Obama, an African-American Democrat, for president? What role did religion and race place? And what's the future of the gay rights movement and same-sex marriage? We'll explore gender, race, religion and the law in a hour-long These Days special.

The Department of Defense has reaffirmed its decision not to award the Medal of Honor to a San Diego Marine who witnesses say threw himself on a grenade to save his colleagues during fierce fighting in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004.

A new survey reveals one in five California farmers is struggling financially because of the high cost of health insurance. A large percentage of farmers and ranchers say they have to buy insurance on the individual market. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Both of California's green propositions were defeated on Nov. 4, so where is the state headed to ensure it utilizes clean energy? SDSU backpack journalist Amanda Strouse has the story.

School records show far too many San Diego students are getting suspended and expelled at local campuses. District officials hope a $175,000 plan will curb the problem. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the details.

San Diegans descended on city hall for an emotional public hearing to protest the closure of Libraries and Rec. Centers.

San Diego city attorney Mike Aguirre is pushing for bankruptcy to deal with the growing pension deficit. But the city’s pension fund administrator urges against panic. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

A National City-based environmental group is displeased with state plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Environmental Health Coalition will make its case in Sacramento today (Thursday). KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

As of today, San Diego County assumes responsibility for fire protection of hundreds of thousands of acres in San Diego’s back country. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The U.S. auto industry is in big trouble. It's being hammered by costly pensions and health care for retired employees but mostly by a terrible economy, which has resulted in (even more) abysmal sales and very tight credit. These Days looks at the state of the industry, how the recession is affecting local car dealers, what the Big 3 are asking for this week from Congress, and what the ramifications would be if one or all went under.

Barack Obama made history this month by becoming the first African-American president of the U.S. Some are now comparing him to Pres. Franklin Roosevelt. Can Obama save the country from economic ruin? We'll explore the future of America with KPBS TV's "Envision San Diego: Change."

What can we expect from the SDSU Men's Basketball team this season? Host Lee Hamilton speaks to Men's Basketball Coach Steve Fisher about the team's goals for the season. We also discuss the general state of the SDSU Athletic Department with two local sports reporters.

How do you raise good, decent kids in today's fast-paced, high-achieving, conflict-driven world? Is it harder to raise kids today than in years past? We'll talk with an author of a new book on parenting and a child psychologist about raising kids with character in today's world.

In a brutal economic environment, gas prices may be the silver lining. Prices continue to drop as the price of oil plummets. We're joined on Morning Edition by Phil Flynn, a Senior Market Analyst at Alaron Trading in Chicago and a Fox Business News contributor.

There are now three alternative proposals for the Sunrise Powerlink project. The California Public Utilities Commission President Tuesday issued another choice for San Diego Gas and Electric Company's 150-mile electric transmission line project. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A new nationwide survey of primary care doctors shows widespread dissatisfaction with the medical business. Nearly half of the physicians who responded said they would get out of medicine if they could. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Principals in the San Diego Unified School District will soon be getting a report card of their own. The San Diego school board has voted to revamp the way the district evaluates administrators. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The city of San Diego will be the first city in the state to experiment with a kind of water reclamation called “indirect potable reuse.” KPBS reporter Alison St John explains.

San Diego city council decided not to chose a new president until four newly elected members are seated next month. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Authorities say a bonfire built by a group of young adults is what sparked a massive wildfire in Santa Barbara.

The cost of a home in San Diego County plunged nearly 30 percent last month. Real Estate tracking firm Dataquick Information systems says it now costs just over $325,000 for the average home. That's down from $460,000 a year ago. Dataquick's Andrew LaPage says more than half of the sales in the six county Southern California region are foreclosed properties.

The California Public Utilities Commission has released an Alternate Proposed Decision by President Michael Peevey that approves San Diego Gas and Electric Company's construction of the 150-mile Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project in order to meet renewable power goals.

“The Big Sort” examines the increasing cultural segregation of America, and the way people of different views and backgrounds are being isolated from each other.

The Border Patrol has installed razor-sharp, curled wire atop a fence on the Mexican border, saying it has contributed to a sharp drop in attacks on its agents by assailants hurling rocks, bottles and bricks.

The city of San Diego is the first city in California to embark on a method of water recycling called “potable reuse.” KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Are women getting equal access to college sports? We'll take a look at a recent case in California that gets to the heart of Title IX, the law that forbids discrimination based on sex in higher education. We'll also look at the Supreme Court's recent ruling on sonar testing by the Navy. And the use of fleeting expletives in broadcasting.

What are some of the more innovative, impactful things you can do to conserve water at your home? What changes can you make to your landscaping to save water and money in the long run? We speak to Brock Dolman, from the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center's Water Institute, about "thinking like a watershed". Dolman also talks about what we've learned from nature that can be applied to our home's landscaping.

What's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan these days? Now that the election is over, will changes be made to the United States' strategies in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? Host Lee Hamilton speaks to Tony Perry, who joins us from Iraq. Tony updates us on the morale of the Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, and discusses how things have changed since the last time he was in the Middle East.

New lawmakers are infiltrating Sacramento, but a special session looms. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

A new report looks at how prepared California is for the predicted effects of climate change. Those effects range from sea level rise to droughts, heat waves and wildfires. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

California has lost its status as one of the nation's leader in tobacco control. A new report says California ranks 31st in the nation in spending on smoking prevention. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

San Diego Unified school board member Sheila Jackson wants the district to stop hiring outside consultants. The trustee, who was reelected earlier this month, is working on a proposal that would freeze district expenditures when it comes to bringing independent experts into San Diego Unified.

Colleges, universities and school districts in San Diego County are struggling to cut costs from their already dwindling budgets. That's because the Governor is calling for mid-year cuts to education funding. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the details.

At last night's Film School Confidential showcase, former Point Loma High School teacher Larry Zeiger received the San Diego Film Critics Society's Kyle Counts Award.

San Diego City Council voted this morning to approve a water rate increase. Residents had mixed reactions to the rate hikes. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Researchers have come up with an action plan for San Diego County to use in preparing for climate change. A UC-San Diego scientist says it's the first plan of this type at the county level in California. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County, part of a four-county area scorched by the Freeway Complex fire.

Are you concerned about growth in San Diego County? If so, you might want to check out the first draft of the County's General Plan Update, which was released last Friday. Host Alison St. John speaks to a representative from the County about the General Plan Update. One of the highlights from this most recent update, is a plan to reduce growth by 15 percent.

The Orchids and Onions awards ceremony celebrating San Diego's built environment took place last Thursday. We'll talk about the winners and losers with some of the jurors who doled out the praise and the barbs.

The San Diego City Council will hold a public hearing this afternoon to discuss two proposed water rate increases for the city. One of the proposed increases is due to an increase in the water rates from the San Diego County Water Authority, which is the agency that provides imported water to the city. The second proposed rate increase would pay for a "Demonstration Project to help determine the feasibility of using reclaimed drinking water to augment local drinking water supplies." Host Alison St. John speaks to Jim Barrett, Director of Public Utilities for the City of San Diego, about the proposed rate increases. We also speak with Bruce Reznik, from San Diego Coastkeeper, about the water reclamation pilot project.

What options do California lawmakers have for cutting down the state's $27.8 billion budget deficit? Host Alison St. John speaks to Marianne Russ, with Capital Public Radio, about the debate over how to close the state's budget gap. We also discuss a plan in Sacramento to reduce the number of foreclosures in California.

We'll talk about Sushi's new digs downtown and their upcoming season as well as a farce currently on stage at North Coast Rep. San Diego Rep features a play from Culture Clash and we'll preview some holiday plays on this Weekend Preview.

The San Diego Natural History Museum has a new exhibit called "The Art of Robert Bateman." A renowned wildlife painter and conservationist, Bateman will talk about his 70-plus years of painting the natural world and his efforts to bring attention to the need to protect it. We'll also talk with the exhibit's curator.

Both labor and business groups are voicing concerns over the Governor's plan to fix the state Unemployment Insurance Fund. He's called on lawmakers to address the issue in this month's special legislative session. From Sacramento, Jenny O'Mara reports.

On a chilly afternoon in Pittsburgh, the San Diego Chargers fell to a strong AFC foe. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris. He'll tell us if he thinks the erratic Chargers are still have hopes of a playoff bid.

A group of volunteers in San Diego County will be testing the waters along the beaches and other waterways next weekend. It's part of an effort to assess the health and quality of the water. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A large garbage fire in Tijuana is blowing a plume of smoke into southern San Diego County. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Smoke from the blaze was seen Sunday along the San Diego coast.

Southern Californians in three counties are weathering a second straight day of devastation as wind-blasted wildfires have destroyed 500 mobile homes, shut down major freeways and forced thousands of residents to flee.

The California Highway Patrol has shut a second freeway due to a wind-driven wildfire that has burned at least 10 homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate in northern Los Angeles.

The mayor of Los Angeles is urging residents to conserve power and says a devastating fire in Sylmar could cause rolling blackouts.

San Diego County’s blueprint for future growth in the backcountry has not been updated for 30 years. But a Draft Update includes plans that take into account the increased risk of devastating backcountry wildfires in San Diego. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego County education and military leaders want to make it easier for military kids to transfer schools when mom or dad is reassigned. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the details.

An Arizona company will upgrade a sewage treatment plant that collects and treats 25 million gallons of Tijuana's sewage. Environmental leaders say it's a significant step toward reducing pollution along a stretch of San Diego County's coastline. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Community clinic officials in San Diego are reacting angrily to news that the state may cap enrollment in Healthy Families. The program provides health coverage to kids whose families make too much to qualify for Medi-Cal. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

More than five-thousand people are gearing up for the San Diego Breast Cancer Three Day Walk that begins this Friday. Participants will walk 60 miles to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson now wants to use a large portion of the $700 billion financial rescue plan to help consumers, and to stimulate the nation’s credit markets. Plus, California Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor says the state is facing a $27.8 billion budget deficit. And, the City of San Diego is facing a $43 million deficit of its own.

The California Coastal Commission Thursday approved plans from two cities in San Diego County to put sand on thinning beaches. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A new report from the UC-Berkeley puts a price tag on the potential damage to the state's economy from climate change. The study says at least $4 trillion in state assets are at risk. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

For the first time in 10 years, a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation has been discovered in San Diego County. State crews will begin eradicating the flies Friday in El Cajon. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A wildfire in Santa Barbara County has destroyed at least 100 homes in the upscale community of Montecito. Joining us on Morning Edition is Mike Marcotte, a media consultant and the former news director of KPBS Radio who lives in the Santa Barbara area. Mike explains what it looks like this morning.

More than one-million residents of Southern California took part in the largest earthquake drill in U-S history. Ron Lane with the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services to talks about how it turned out.

Seniors can be easy targets for purse snatchers and other thieves. Especially during the busy holiday shopping season. The San Diego County Department of Aging and Independent Services wants seniors to learn how to defend themselves. Yesterday at the Vista library, seniors got some practical tips from a 69-year-old black belt in karate. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Alex Kajitani is not your average math teacher. Sure, he loves dealing with fractions, negative numbers and decimal points. But instead of lecturing about them, he chooses to rap. Kajitani's offbeat approach to teaching is the main reason state education officials picked him as a teacher of the year.KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The California Coastal Commission has failed to approve a Coastal Development Permit for two high rise hotels on San Diego’s downtown waterfront. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

KPBS Presents CHANGE: ELECTION 2008 An Envision San Diego Special Presentation SAN DIEGO –The political landscape of San Diego has shifted. For the first time in 24 years, there are more registered Democrats than Republicans in the County. The 2008 election was an historic one: Barack Obama will be the nation’s first black president, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have a Democratic majority and California voters chose to repeal the rights of same-sex couples to marry one another.

Thirty years ago, on November 18, 1978, more than 900 people died in what became known as the Jonestown Massacre. Most of the dead were members of People Temple, a religious cult founded by Jim Jones. We'll talk about Peoples Temple and the tragedy at Jonestown as well as new religious groups today.

California voters approved Prop 11, which reforms the state's system of legislative redistricting. But the budget is also a big concern for the state. We'll talk about redistricting and the budget on These Days.

City Attorney Mike Aguirre called on the San Diego City Council to reconsider the possibility of bankruptcy reorganization. He based this conclusion from the latest report from the pension fund.

An analyst says the deficit in the San Diego city employee pension system has more than doubled to $2.78 billion since the Wall Street meltdown.

About one out of ten babies in California is born prematurely. That rate has earned the state a "C" in a new report card from the March of Dimes. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The San Diego City Council got an earful from citizens at a public hearing on the mayor's proposed mid-year budget cuts. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

An environmental group that wanted the Navy to use precautions during sonar testing off the California coast says it's disappointed in a U.S. Supreme Court decision lifting restrictions. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

San Diego city council got an earful from citizens at an all day public hearing on the mayor’s proposed mid year budget cuts. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Over two years in the making, the historic presidential race peaked last week with the election of Barack Obama, America's first black president. In California, voters were also subjected to an onslaught of local and state races and propositions, including several controversial measures like same-sex marriage, abortion and animal rights. We'll talk to a group of novice politicals bloggers about the year in politics and what it was like putting their opinions on line for the world to see.

The Great Southern California Shakeout is a major earthquake drill that will simulate a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. At 10 a.m. on November 13, 2008, over five million people throughout Southern California will participate in the ShakeOut Drill, the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history. What will San Diego look like following the big one? We'll talk with geologists and emergency services personnel about preparing for, and responding to, a major earthquake in Southern California.

The U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-to-4 to lift restrictions on the Navy's use of sonar in training exercises off the California coast.

The number speaks for itself, $28-billion. That's the size of California's budget deficit. The figure comes from the state's non-partisan legislative analyst. He says lawmakers must act quickly to fix the problem before it gets worse. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

Hot weather and Santa Ana winds are expected in the coming days around San Diego County. Captain Nick Schular with CAL FIRE explains what this warm weather means for San Diego County.

The makeup of the San Diego City Council changes next month. That's when four new members join the council. One environmental leader says the past council has left a "green" legacy, but there's room for improvement. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Crowds lined up along Main Street in Fallbrook today to watch a Veterans Day Parade. Two Navy jets roared overhead as a salute to those who have served. KPBS reporter Alison St John was there.

"Hellboy II: The Golden Army," inspired by Mike Mignola's comics and graphic novels, arrives today on DVD and Blu-ray. The film is one of my favorites from this year. The fabulous Ron Perlman returns as the big-hearted and big-fisted red demon working for a secret paranormal government agency. This time out he's trying to announce himself to the world while he fights Prince Nuada (a beautifully tragic Luke Goss) from the underground elf world. Once again, filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro creates a vivid fantasy world where we feel the greatest connection to the monsters and creatures.

Dr. Heidi Kraft has an amazing story. She was deployed to Iraq in 2004 to serve as a psychologist with a Marine Corps surgical company, leaving behind her 15-month-old twins. While in Iraq, Dr. Kraft met with numerous service men and women who were dealing with the mental and emotional trauma of living and working in a war zone. We speak to Dr. Kraft about her experiences.

The Veterans Administration's Hospital in San Diego has beefed up its suicide prevention measures during the last few months. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Sixty-three years ago, the Nuremberg Trials of accused Nazi war criminals began. One of the reporters who covered the trials is a retired San Diego judge who's still alive today. For Norbert Ehrenfreund, the Nuremberg Trials taught the world how to seek post-war justice rather than simply revenge. He joins us to talk about his experience and the book he's written called “The Nuremberg Legacy: How the Nazi War Crimes Trials Changed the Course of History.”

Is Star Trek really the next generation or simply a reflection of us today? We'll explore the history and culture of the popular science fiction television series as it relates to war, race relations and technology.

Last week, Californians overwhelmingly passed Proposition 12, the Veterans' Bond Act of 2008. The measure provides $900 million in home loans to vets. We'll talk about the plight of vets in California as the U.S. enters an economic recession and continues fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of San Diegans will be recognized on this Veterans Day for their service to our country. San Diego is home to the largest veteran population in the nation. Phil Landis with Veterans Village of San Diego explains some of the most common issues veterans face today.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts to balance California's budget deficit isn't making many friends in the state Capitol. Democrats oppose program and service cuts while Republicans are dead-set against tax increases. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

The largest earthquake drill in U.S. history takes place Thursday morning. More than five million Californians are expected to 'duck, cover and hold.' KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to slash education funding in the middle of the school year in order to help plug the state's $11 billion budget gap. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego faces next year's fire season without increased fire protection, since Prop. A, the fire tax, failed to get the two thirds vote needed to pass. KPBS reporter Alison St John asked two San Diego CountySupervisors if they have a plan B.

The 22nd annual Veterans' Day Parade kicks off this morning at 11am, and marches south on Pacific Highway to Harbor Drive. Organizers say they expect four thousand vets from past wars to participate, but none from the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego city council President, Scott Peters, will join the Port Commission when his term on the city council ends in December.

"Pride and Glory" is another one of those films about good and bad cops fighting drug lords, but then joining them. This particular story is about a family of cops. The father was in the NYPD and has two sons that grow up to drive the black and whites. His daughter also married a man in a blue uniform. The son-in-law, Jimmy (Colin Farrell), is under the command of the eldest son. But Jimmy is dealing drugs and killing people behind his brother-in-law's back.

U-C-S-D Medical School is entering into a new partnership with Palomar Pomerado Health. Doctors say the arrangement should improve access to clinical trials for patients throughout the region. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego city council meets this afternoon to approve a new set of mandatory water conservation measures. The sliding scale of restrictions is likely to go into effect next year. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

There are 88 thousand American military servicemembers still either missing in action or unaccounted for. The vast majority of them are from World War II and can be assumed dead. But the Department of Defense says it hasn't given up trying to find them and to learn what happend to them. We'll hear from a member of the DOD's office of POWs and MIAs. He'll tell us about a coming trip to San Diego and he'll tell us some of the stories of learning what happend to some American soldiers, years after they disappeared.

Why are words like "Renaissance", "camaraderie", and "accommodation" so hard to spell? The answer to that question may lie in the history of the origins of the English language. Host Tom Fudge speaks to author David Wolman about his new book "Righting the Mother Tongue". In the book, Wolman explains why some Europeans spell the word "color" with a "u". We also learn about the contributions of Noah Webster to our modern vernacular. And, we discuss the future of spelling, and the impact the internet and text messaging will have in the future.

What's next for the Republican Party? After Barack Obama's victory and another election where the GOP lost numerous seats in the House and Senate, the Republican Party may need to revise its playbook. Host Tom Fudge speaks to U-T Editorial Writer Chris Reed, and Political Science Professor Thad Kousser about the divisions within the Republican Party, and what the GOP might do to attract to voters in the future.

Who was Lee Atwater, and what did he do to become one of the Republican Party's most influential political strategists? Host Tom Fudge speaks to filmmaker Stefan Forbes about FRONTLINE's "Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story". We learn how Atwater mentored Karl Rove, and what he did to help the GOP achieve some of its biggest election victories.

Political analysts are very skeptical about whether California lawmakers can whittle down the state's multi-billion-dollar budget deficit in just a few weeks. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has called state lawmakers back to Sacramento to tackle the problem. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ has more on the feasibility of a quick solution.

It was a nail-biter, but the San Diego Chargers escaped with a win yesterday. The Chargers didn't look all that great, but they got away with it against a terrible Kansas City team. North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris explains what happened.

Backlash to the passage of an anti-gay-marriage law continued to sweep across California on Sunday, with hundreds of protesters rallying outside an Orange County megachurch whose popular pastor brought Barack Obama and John McCain together last summer for a "faith forum."

The San Diego teachers union proves it's a force to be reckoned in shaping school board politics in the San Diego Unified School District. The union helped to elect all three of its candidates last week. The union's president says it was time for a change. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

"Let the Right One In" is definitely my favorite vampire and foreign film so far this year. It's a Swedish production originally called "Låt den rätte komma in," directed by Tomas Alfredson and written by John Ajvide Lindqvist. The film features a 12-year-old boy named Oskar, who is often bullied at school until he meets an unusual girl named Eli. After meeting her, many strange things occur as he discovers just how different she is from other girls. Their friendship soon turns into love while she helps him with his problems with the school bullies.

"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" is one of the best films I've seen this year. It features our four favorite New York zoo animals -- Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman-- finding themselves on yet another epic adventure in a foreign land. This time our friends are stranded in Africa, which at first seems like a wasteland, but soon becomes a long lost paradise.

When I first saw the title for "Loins of Punjab," I thought it was "Lion of Punjab." I think that was the filmmaker's intent: To have people misread the title. It refers to the name of a company run by a character who's a pork loin king.

"Madagascar 2; Escape 2 Africa" is a story of four animal friends -- Alex, Marty, Melvin and Gloria -- attempting to go back to New York and to their old lifestyle of living within the zoo. Unfortunately, on their way over to New York, their plane experiences some techinical difficulties and four infamous and mischievous penguins discover that the plane has run out of fuel. Their solution: Crashlanding in Africa.

Charlie Kaufman is one of America's best screenwriters and certainly the most inventive currently working in Hollywood. He has written scripts for "Being John Malkovich," "Adaptation," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." Now Kaufman has decided to direct one of his own scripts: "Synecdoche, New York." However, that choice may have been a mistake.

"Eloquent Nude"offers a thoughtful exploration of the creative process, in particular the relationship between photographer Edward Weston and his muse and model Charis Wilson.

San Diego’s Registrar of Voters estimates a record 79% of registered voters turned out county-wide for this week’s election. But workers still have to count tens of thousands of ballots to reach a final tally. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Governor Schwarzenegger says solving California's budget crisis will require dramatic solutions. But advocates for the poor say the governor's proposed Medi-Cal cuts go way too far. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger eliminated all state funding for beach water quality monitoring in September. But now, the state water board says it will provide money to continue the testing. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

California voters rejected two propositions this week that claimed to address greenhouse gas emmissions. But now that props 7 and 10 have been rejected, where do we go from here? I'll speak with two experts on the subject of renewable energy to talk about what are California's goals for reducing greenhouse emmissions and how we're going to get there.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been valuable in at least one way. They've taught surgeons a lot about dealing with serious traumatic injuries. Dr. Michael Sise joins us to talk about a conference taking place in San Diego called From the Front Lines to the Home Front: Lessons from the War for our Civilian Trauma Centers.

Barack Obama makes history and inspires the nation with his victory in the 2008 presidential election. Plus, the City of San Diego has a new city attorney, and three new city councilmembers. And, California voters approved proposition 8, the controversial ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage.

From oil to alcohol, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed billions in tax increases on goods and services. He thinks the money will help to fill an eleven-billion-dollar hole in the California state budget. And as Marianne Russ reports from Sacramento, he's also pushing for billions in cuts.

A refugee camp is coming to San Diego this weekend. Epidemiologist Brigg Reilly is with "Doctors Without Borders," an international medical humanitarian organization. Briggs explains why the organization brought the "Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City" exhibit to Balboa Park.

Pacific Coast fishery regulators are expected to vote Friday in San Diego on new rules that would dramatically change the way fishermen harvest snapper, flounder, cod and other fish that live near the ocean floor. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing a series of tax increases to fill an $11 billion hole in the state budget. The Governor called lawmakers back for a special session to address the shortfall today. The centerpiece of his plan is a temporary one-and-a-half percent hike in the sales tax. He also wants to permanently expand the sales tax to services like car repair, veterinary care and sporting events.

San Diego County is no longer issuing licenses or recording weddings for same sex couples. County Clerk Greg Smith says the change happened when it became clear Proposition 8 would win. That measure changes California's constitution, outlawing same sex weddings. Smith estimates about 3,000 same sex licenses were issued from June to election day.

San Diego school officials say they aren't wasting any time getting started with Proposition S. That’ the $2.1 billion school bond measure approved by voters this week. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The budget cuts at the city of San Diego will eliminate more than half of the top management positions that report directly to the chief operating officer, Jay Goldstone.

Since winning multiple San Diego music awards and garnering a strong following for their live shows, Lady Dottie and the Diamonds have become a popular staple in the San Diego music scene. They join us in studio to perform and talk about their love of the blues.

Republican Governor Arnold has something in common with the president-elect, Democrat Barack Obama. Barack Obama says fixing America's broken health care system is one of his top priorities. Californians have heard the same resolve from Governor Schwarzenegger.

By a narrow margin, voters approved Proposition One-A. It provides roughly $10 billion for work to begin on a statewide bullet train system.

"Role Models" is a story about two friends, Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott), who work together advertising an energy drink and end up conducting wild behavior. Their punishment: Work off 150 hours of commmunity service hours in a Big Brother program mentoring kids.

The city of Encinitas has approved an additional room tax to replenish sand on its beaches. Other beach projects in San Diego County could get state funding to do the same thing. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Barack Obama's win yesterday means San Diego will get a new U.S. Attorney sometime next year. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders says he’s proposing to close seven branch libraries and nine recreation centers. And those are just some of the cuts he says are necessary to close a $43 million mid year budget gap. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more

Children's Hospitals throughout California will get an influx of cash next year, thanks to the passage of Prop 3. Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego will be eligible for 98 million dollars. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Backers of the parental notification measure known as Prop 4 say they’re not discouraged by the initiative's defeat. In fact, supporters say they want to put a similar measure on the next ballot. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The day after...who won and who lost in local and state-wide races? We'll talk about the election results and hear from experts and the public.

The day after history was made...where does the country stand? We'll talk about the presidential election results and hear from experts and the public.

Voters in Encinitas approved a tax on short-term vacation rentals. The money would pay for projects to put sand back on the city's beaches. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more on Proposition K.

A measure that would ban alcohol at San Diego beaches and coastal parks has been approved. The measure would make the consumption of alcohol unlawful at all city beaches, Mission Bay Park and other coastal recreation areas. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A group formed after the 2000 Presidential Election will be monitoring polls today in San Diego County. The monitors are making sure every vote counts. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce explains.

In an election otherwise full of liberal triumphs, the gay rights movement suffered a stunning defeat as California voters approved a ban on same-sex marriages that overrides a recent court decision legalizing them.

Jan Goldsmith succeeded in ousting Mike Aguirre from the city attorney’s office, with help from the Republican Party. Goldsmith won 60 percent of the vote to Aguirre’s 40 percent. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego public schools will soon get a major facelift under Proposition S. Voters approved the $2.1 billion school bond measure yesterday. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Seven San Diego County school districts took their chances this election and put forth hefty school bond measures. And all of them got the 55-percent vote needed to pass.

One of the tightest school board races was in the San Diego Unified School District. For the first time in 30 years, a newcomer ousted an incumbent. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Proposition A, the parcel tax to raise money for more fire protection for San Diego, narrowly failed to win the necessary two thirds vote to pass.

Proposition B, the plan to build a deck over the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, was soundly defeated, with barely 30% of the vote.

Many people in North San Diego County said the presidential race wasn't the biggest reason they went to the polls yesterday. It was Prop 8, the measure to ban same sex marriage. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Democrats are holding on to leads for three seats in the California Legislature now controlled by Republicans. Former Democratic Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson leads former Assembly member, Republican Tony Strickland. They are vying for the state Senate seat held by termed out Republican Tom McClintock.

San Diego voters have decided to ban alcohol consumption on city beaches, making permanent a temporary ban that was imposed after a massive beach brawl last year.

Barack Obama's support among California voters cut across racial, gender and class lines. The Democratic president-elect appealed to voters regardless of education level.

A $5 billion bond that would have given Californians rebates to buy alternative fuel vehicles has failed. Voters defeated Proposition 10 after a coalition of environmentalists warned it would steer taxpayer money to Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens.

Supporters and opponents of a ballot initiative that would outlaw same-sex marriage in California braced for a long, tense wait Tuesday night after exit polls and initial returns showed neither side with a clear advantage.

Barack Obama's victory has sent supporters dancing into the streets in California.

Californians swept Democrat Barack Obama to the presidency as they voted in anticipated record numbers Tuesday. They also cast ballots on a dozen propositions, including high-profile initiatives aiming to ban gay marriage and require doctors to notify parents before minors receive abortions.

Voters in the San Diego area have rejected a measure to allow a vast deck to be built over a cargo terminal on some of the city's most valuable waterfront property.

After a long, bitter race for city attorney, neither candidate was ready to call it quits tonight, despite Jan Goldsmith's significant lead over incumbent Mike Aguirre.

Proposition 2, which outlaws cramped cages for egg-laying chickens, has passed.

California voters have weighed in on 12 propositions, several of which featured multimillion dollar campaigns and would have long-lasting consequences for state taxpayers.

KPBS reporter Amy Isackson visited some polling places in Chula Vista to get voter reactions to this historic election.

Hido Vera lives in Chula Vista. He's 20-years-old. He says this is the first election that's sparked discussion amongst his group of friends.

VAUGHN OLIVER WELTY JOINS KPBS New Director of Development brings Wealth of Experience SAN DIEGO - KPBS Associate General Manager for Development, Stephanie Bergsma is pleased to announce that Vaughn Oliver Welty is joining her staff November 18 as the Director of Development.

San Diegans are turning out in droves today to cast their ballots. And they're also weighing in on how they feel the media has covered the election. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Today's early morning showers did little to dampen enthusiasm among voters in City Heights. KPBS reporter Amita Sharma was there.

Can you believe that election day is here? The marathon presidential race that began almost two years ago is finally coming to an end. Host Tom Fudge speaks to Ron Elving, the guy who will "call" the race for NPR News, about how he will project a winner in the presidential election. We also speak to KPBS News reporters about what's happening at polling sites around the county, and to our Citizen Voices bloggers about their voting experiences.

San Diegans have been anticipating Nov. 4, 2008 for a long time. And so how will people be marking this historic election day? We'll talk about election night socializing with food writers.

The National Anthem can be heard at baseball games, the Olympics and political rallies. But research shows most Americans don't know the words to the song.

There are plenty of options for people looking for a congenial place to watch the election results come in. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

San Diego’s Registrar of Voters, Deborah Seiler, says she hopes to have the ballots cast at the polls tomorrow counted by dawn the next day. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

As we head into what could be a record-breaking election day, California's Secretary of State says she's confident California is prepared. Debra Bowen says she doesn't expect any major problems. The only thing that's given her pause is how to speed up possible long lines. And she has a suggestion . . .

A team of legal volunteers are monitoring the polls tomorrow in San Diego County. The monitors are there to ensure voters have no problems. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

U-C-S-D Medical Center is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first kidney transplant in San Diego County. Doctors say the science of kidney transplants has greatly improved in recent years. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Fifty years ago, the largest crowd ever to witness a football game tuned in to watch the blue collar Baltimore Colts take on the high rolling New York Giants in the first and only NFL championship game that has ever gone into sudden death overtime. Dubbed by many to be "The Best Game Ever", it was a time of great players, great coaches, new tactics, and the rise of television. Host Tom Fudge speaks with Mark Bowden, author of The Best Game Ever.

KPBS Takes Top Awards at the San Diego Press Club 35th Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards Including Best of Show for television “Meth Next Door” KPBS TV

We live in the digital age - from downloading videos to online banking to social networking. Yet the medical world has been slow to jump into the electronic world of record keeping. We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages to consumers, doctors, and healthcare managers of electronic health records.

Voter turnout is expected to be huge Tuesday, and that could mean some long lines at the polls in California. There are also a lot of first-time voters, so registrars are reminding people about the do's and don'ts of voting. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ has more on what to expect.

Proposition Eight on California's November ballot is one of the wilder political battles being fought this campaign season. The measure would ban same sex marriage in the state. Prop. Eight is attracting nationwide attention and big money to both sides, as well as an unusual mix of celebrities and churches. Jenny O'Mara reports.

Proposition 10 on the California ballot would use taxpayer money to provide rebates for buyers of alternative fuel vehicles. Opponents say the measure only benefits a Texas billionaire and natural gas investors. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.