People who've been laid off by small businesses in California could get a break on their health insurance. A bill in the Legislature would extend a federal subsidy to Californians who worked in businesses with fewer than 20 employees. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The San Diego City Council will get an update tomorrow on negotiations between the Mayor’s office and the city’s five labor unions. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details on what the largest union is being asked to concede.

A young gray whale that wandered into San Diego Bay and became a popular tourist attraction passed the three-week mark in the harbor today. A U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant saw the 30-foot cetacean surfacing about 150 yards offshore from the maritime agency's local headquarters about 10 this morning, USCG Petty Officer Jetta Disco said.

The battle over the right to own guns is turning into a movement to wear them -- openly. And the local campaign is playing out at San Diego beaches, malls and restaurants. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

There are more than 70,000 children in the foster care system in California, and around 5,400 foster care kids in San Diego County. What steps does a family need to take if they are interested in adopting, or becoming a foster family? Why do almost half of the foster care adoptions end in the first 18 months? We speak to a representative from San Diego County Adoptions, and to the CEO of Walden Family Services about the local foster care system, the challenges associated with adopting, and rewards associated with bringing a child in need into your family.

What job protections do military service employees have when called to duty? Can a MySpace be sued for defamation and invasion of privacy? And is the film "Hillary: The Movie" a campaign ad or free speech? We'll get a legal updates on these cases with KPBS legal analyst Dan Eaton.

Can drugs make us smarter? Some students are taking drugs developed for people with cognitive deficits like ADHD to help them learn faster and remember better. As part of our monthly series on ethics and science and technology, we'll look at the social, medical, and ethical implications behind the use of smart drugs.

A major donor of the Republican Party has switched political allegiances. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy (MICK-Elroy).

Good news for several public works projects on hold for months in California because of the credit crunch.

Students at a couple San Diego County high schools are learning some life lessons through making their own music. It’s part of the John Lennon Education Bus Tour. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis hopped aboard.

The CEO of Arena Pharmaceuticals says he's very pleased by clinical trial results for the company's weight-loss drug, despite negative reaction from investors. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge has more.

California is the first state in the nation to require health plans to provide translation services for people in their primary language. State officials are trying to raise awareness of the new law. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The Alliance Clinic is expanding its services to San Diego's refugee population. It will now include surgery. KPBS Radio's Tom Fudge explains.

Morgan Hill police say they haven't received any calls for service after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.4 hit outside Morgan Hill.

Music students and community musicians from the North County have united to form the Miracosta Latin Jazz Orchestra. The 22-piece orchestra joins us in studio.

Tijuana-born novelist and poet Luis Alberto Urrea talks about immigration, being multicultural, and the push and pull of life in a border region.

2009 started with a bang. Or, more precisely, a crash of the economic kind. So in the midst of a recession, as people are losing their jobs and retirement savings vanishing overnight, what kind of financial planning should people be thinking of? We'll talk with two financial experts about making ends meet today while still planning for the future.

The SDSU Aztecs men's basketball team are going to the Big Apple for the NIT Final Four. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

Congressional Democrats are trying to pass a bill to keep more California residents in their homes, but opponents say the legislation will raise the cost of homes. Matt Laslo reports.

At their meeting this afternoon San Diego City Council members will consider whether to give themselves a pay raise. But Council President Ben Hueso isn’t expecting any discussion on the matter. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I spent mine surrounded by boxes since I'm moving tomorrow. I moved so much as a kid, the mere sight of a U-Haul truck makes me twitch. Needless to say, the weekend was a little unsettling. But all of you San Diego photogs did some great weekend exploring and looking at those images made me feel connected to my community so, thank you! Here are some top picks.

"The Haunting in Connecticut" (opened March 27 throughout San Diego) is based on the supposedly true story of a Allen and Carmen Snedeker who moved their family into an old Connecticut home in order to be closer to a treatment clinic for their teenage son. But what they didn't know was that their bargain of a house had once been a funeral home and now it was possessed by demons. The case was turned into a book "In A Dark Place: The Story of a True Haunting" (by Ray Garton with Ed and Lorraine Warren and Al and Carmen Snedeker) and into a Discovery TV show, "A Haunting in Connecticut," with actors re-enacting events as some of the real participants recall what happened. For that "documentary," the parents were called Karen an

Nine South Bay schools will undergo major renovation beginning this month. It's part of the Sweetwater Union High School District's multi-million dollar school bond spending. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Fifties sci-fi is back in style. Or at least it's been the inspiration for a pair of new films coming out this spring - "Alien Trespass" (opening April 3) and the animated film "Monsters Vs. Aliens" (opening March 27 throughout San Diego). "Monsters Vs. Aliens" boasts an alien invasion plot that could have been ripped off from any number of films - anything from "Invaders from Mars" to "War of the Worlds" (the first one). And then it grafts on something from the Universal horror films of the 30s by introducing a set of sympathetic monsters that the government's been grooming as part of its national defense system. Sounds fun, right?

The Center for Biological Diversity says a federal agency is not protecting two rare butterflies that live in the coastal and mountain areas of San Diego County. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce says the group is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to have the butterflies included on the Endangered Species List.

California officials say the state won't receive enough federal stimulus money to avoid raising taxes and cutting social spending. As a result, three-million Californians on Medi-Cal will lose some health benefits. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

It could become more expensive to use a parking meter in San Diego, especially if you want to park in a popular area. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders is calling on city residents to cut their outdoor water use by 45 percent, and their indoor use by 5 percent starting this summer. Plus, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority voted in favor of a plan to overhaul Lindbergh Field. And, President Barack Obama held a prime-time press conference earlier this week to discuss "signs of progress" in turning around the economy, and to encourage patience while the nation works through its current economic problems.

The evolution of military medical services is discussed in the second part of KPBS's interview with Major General Keith Meurlin.

It may be only a matter of time before mandatory water restrictions are imposed in San Diego County. The County Water Authority will wait until next month to decide whether to impose limits on water use. But, as KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce tells us, some members wanted to start restrictions now.

San Diego school board president Shelia Jackson says San Diego Unified will become a smarter, healthier and greener school district despite massive budget cuts. She made that promise in the first-ever State of the District address yesterday. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

"12," the Russian remake of the 1957 classic "12 Angry Men" was one of the films up for discussion on the March KPBS Film Club of the Air. The new film from Academy Award-winning director Nikita Mikhalkov translates the Reginald Rose's screenplay from 1950s America to present day Russia but still explores issues of prejudice. The device used as the premise of both films is a jury of twelve men deliberating a murder case in which all but one man believes the defendant to be guilty. Take a listen to our discussion. The film opens March 27 at Landmark's Hillcrest Cinemas.

The superintendent of an Orange County school district has postponed all nighttime activities this week because of concern over an earthquake swarm near the San Andreas Fault.

Mid-century has been the hottest design trend for the last 10 years. It is everywhere. I searched Craig's List and Ebay for mid-century and let's just say, people use the term VERY liberally. I mean, if you purchase an IKEA futon labled mid-century, then I have a pretty bottle of elixir I want to sell you.

A measure in the state assembly would require all individual health insurance policies sold in California to include maternity coverage. Supporters say a growing number of policies don't include that benefit. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

There’s some renewed support among San Diego leaders for an idea that would consolidate a number of governmental agencies in a new Downtown City Hall. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

Director Nikita Mikhalkov wanted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of "12 Angry Men" back in 2007 and he decided to pay tribute by adapting the film to Russia and the present day. Mikhalkov's "12" (today is the last day of its limited engagement at Landmark's Ken Cinema) serves up s re-imagining of Reginald Rose teleplay and movie script of "12 Angry Men." The 1957 film directed by Sidney Lumet had Henry Fonda as a decent citizen who - much to the chagrin of eleven other jurors -- cannot in good conscience vote to convict a young boy of murder. This concise premise of 12 men locked in a jury room to decide the fate of a young defendant also inspired a 1997 TV movie by William Friedkin and more recently a Broadway play, where the confined setting proves very appropriate. Take a listen to my Film Chat from last week to hear the trailer for the 1957 film starring Fonda and Lee J. Cobb.

The San Diego art scene was rich and flourishing during the middle of last century. We'll talk with local mid-century art enthusiast and Objects USA co-founder, Dave Hampton about the San Diego artists from the mid-century modern period.

These days, the term mid-century is used to describe all kinds of furniture and interior design, but what exactly does it mean? A new exhibit at the Mingei International Museum gives us the opportunity to describe mid-century modernism and talk about the work of two defining California artists, Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman. We'll speak with the curators of Masters of Mid-Century California Modernism - Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman.

An index used to gauge the health of the local economy suffered its largest one-month decline ever in February, a University of San Diego professor announced today.

Two years ago, dreadful conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center focused a harsh light on military health care. Major General Keith Meurlin from the office of the Secretary of Defense for personnel and readiness tells us how services have improved.

One of the most popular books in the world, the Christian Bible continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration and guidance for many people. We'll explore the history of the Bible and the people who read and cherish it with the author of "The Bible and The People."

How is your oral health connected to your overall health? What are some of the most common oral health problems for children? Have people been cutting back on dental care because of the nation's economic downturn? We speak to the Dental Director of the Family Health Centers of San Diego about the most common dental problems he encounters, and to get some oral health care tips for adults and children.

Projects to restore sand on some San Diego County beaches are in limbo. Federal and state funding for the projects has been cut or delayed. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

Remakes of "My Bloody Valentine," "Friday the 13th" and "The Last House on the Left" have already left a bloody trail at theaters and "The Haunting in Connecticut" opens tomorrow. So there's no shortage of horror fare in theaters. The problem is finding good horror. Listen to the KPBS Film Club of the Air discussion about "The Last House on the Left" -- both the old and the new -- and about what makes a good horror film. Lionsgate's "The Haunting in Connecticut" is not being screened for critics and that's becoming the standard for most new horror films. The reasons range from the film being a piece of crap and the studios are afraid of press to fear on the part of filmmakers that preview screenings often mean spoliers are out befopre the film hits the theaters to the fact that to a certain degree these genre films don't need press coverage. If you are a horror fan you already know what's coming out and if you are a ravenous horror fan like I am then you don't care what reviewers say, you just want to see everything in the hopes that one of these releases will actually be scary. So here's hoping that "The Haunting in Connecticut" will deliver some scares even though the title sucks. I mean Connecticut just doesn't conjure up scary connotations (people actuaklly laughed at the title when I saw the trailer in a theater). I'll catch the film when it opens and have a review this weekend.

The Italian crime drama Gomorra, based on Roberto Saviano's best-selling book, will be held over at Landmark's Ken Cinema for at least another week. Listen to our lively discussion of the film from the March KPBS Film Club of the Air. The book and film explore the extensive reach the crime families in Naples have over the local residents as well as reaching into aspects of the global economy. It rejects the romanticization of "The Godfather" films and the glamorization of "Scarface" for something more realistic.

San Diego Unified school officials are demanding Sacramento lawmakers give the district its fair share of federal economic stimulus money. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

I was all excited to see Nick and Norah's Ininite Playlist when it came out last fall and then I missed it in theaters. Imagine how pleased I was to find it On Demand this past Monday night.

Tens of thousands of words certainly have been written about President Obama's March 24th prime-time press conference. Maybe I've underestimated and the number is closer to hundreds of thousands or even a million or more. But I can't resist adding just a few more -- very few -- to the torrent of reaction.

The current cupcake crazy was (arguably) begat by Sex and the City, whose leading ladies swooned over the petite wonders at the West Village cupcake emporium, Magnolia.

San Diego scientists are close to figuring out why our bodies age and why old age is the leading cause of disease. KPBS reporter Joanne Faryon has the story.

HBO Documentary Films presents "They Killed Sister Dorothy" tonight, Wednesday March 25, on HBO2 and will repeat a number of times after. Daniel Junge's documentary nabbed both the jury and audience awards at the SXSW Film Festival for its examination of the life and brutal murder of Sister Dorothy Stang. Junge's film seeks to explain what this 73-year-old nun from Ohio was doing in the Amazon jungle, and then follows the court case after her killers are apprehended.

Palomar Mountain and the Interstate 8 corridor between Alpine and the Laguna Mountains are the two most important areas for clearing brush as a way of preventing wildfires, according to report delivered to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors today.

On this Film Club of the Air, we'll talk about five new movies, including Sunshine Cleaning, the Italian mafia movie Gomorrah, and the Russian remake of Twelve Angry Men.

The California Public Interest Research Group says the state’s public transits systems are in trouble. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details on a new study from CALPIRG that explores the issue.

More private school families are expected to turn to San Diego public schools next year as a result of the economic recession. That's based on a student enrollment forecast released yesterday. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego Unified school officials say there's a nine million dollar surplus in the district's textbook budget to buy more books. But the school board wants to use that money on other things. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Dozens of small earthquakes continue to shake the desert of southeastern California, the day after a moderate temblor struck on the edge of the Salton Sea.

Pres. Obama addresses the nation in a prime-time news conference to talk about the economy. KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner brings us some analysis.

Like other shorelines around the world, San Diego County's coast is at risk of being swallowed by the ocean. UC San Diego researchers say the sandy beaches we walk on today could be gone in our lifetime. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce tells us that could hurt the state's number one industry - tourism.

San Diego scientists are close to figuring out why our bodies age and why old age is the leading cause of disease. KPBS reporter Joanne Faryon has the story.

What causes us to age? Is there a gene that prevents some people from getting diseases that eventually kill us? We'll look at the work of local researchers into the aging process.

Pensions are a touchy subject these days, mainly because anyone with a 401(k)-type plan is dealing with the shock of opening statements that show in black and white just how much their hard-earned savings have shrunk.

One of the Encore cable channels has been playing old James Bond movies for the past few weeks. I don't know if that was a strategic ploy to whet our appetites for today's DVD/BluRay release of "Quantum of Solace" or just a testament to the popularity of the forty-year-plus franchise. Either way I had a blast seeing "Goldfinger" and "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," which boast the best Bond babes ever in Honor Blackman's Pussy Galore and Diana Rigg's Tracy Di Vicenzo respectively. Watching those old Bonds also reminded me that Sean Connery was perfection, George Lazenby was wooden, Roger Moore was silly, Pierce Brosnan was bland, and Timothy Dalton was wasted (a good actor but he got saddled with the worst Bond films). But now I can finally look forward to new Bond installments since Daniel Craig has taken over the role and returned the 007 agent to the grit and edge he displayed in Ian Fleming's novels. Gone is Moore's smirkiness and Brosnan's forced double entendres, and in their place is a muscular, no-nonsense action hero for the new millennium.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders says the city’s border with Mexico is secure. But he says he applauds the Obama administration’s plan to send more resources to the southwest to fight Mexican drug cartels. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

San Diego County Supervisors voted unanimously today to pay for beach water quality testing. The money is intended to be a short-term fix until the state resumes funding the program. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A military pilot who ejected from a crippled fighter over a San Diego neighborhood "screamed in horror" when he saw the jet had crashed into a home.

Why are geeks the new chic? And how will they dominate the world? We'll talk with the author of "The Geeks' Guide to World Domination" to find out how you can empower your inner geek.

Newspapers are failing, networks and local television stations are rapidly losing revenue. What's a democracy to do? How will we keep an eye on the powers that be if local journalists and investigative reporting disappear? There seems to be general acknowledgement that we need independent journalism if we are to govern ourselves. But who is going to pay for it?

How is the military justice system different from the civilian system? What kinds of military cases occur in San Diego and how are they handled? These Days takes a look at some recent high-profile military cases handled by San Diego attorney Jeremiah Sullivan.

A moderate earthquake struck early Tuesday on the edge of the Salton Sea in Southern California's Imperial County, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries or damages.

More than 1.6 million Americans have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and San Diego State University wants to be a leader in helping our nation's veterans reach their higher education goals. What programs and services does SDSU offer to veterans? How will the GI Bill be enhanced this summer? We speak to the president of the SDSU Student Veterans Organization, and the assistant veterans coordinator about the challenges they faced, and how improvements to the GI Bill can benefit veterans who are considering college.

Two of the nation's most well-known politicians are continuing an interesting alliance. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy (MICK-Elroy).

San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso recently announced his intention to run for the 79th District State Assembly seat in 2010. KPBS Metro Reporter Katie Orr sat down with Mr. Hueso to talk about his candidacy and why he decided to run.

Students are demanding the San Diego Unified School District protect magnet school bus transportation next year. The district wants to cut magnet school buses to save 10 million dollars. Parents and teachers also plan to speak-out against that idea at today's school board meeting. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Cities around the region are gearing up as fast as they can to apply for their share of the billions in federal stimulus money. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more on projects that will happen if Chula Vista’s applications are successful.

After the screening I saw of "Sunshine Cleaning" (opened March 20 at Landmark's Hillcrest and La Jolla Village Theaters) people came out remarking how much the film was like "Little Miss Sunshine" - after all both films had "Sunshine" in the title, shared the same producers, and starred Alan Arkin as an eccentric grandpa. But "Little Miss Sunshine" was a dark film ironically polished up to a high glossy sheen with the bright backdrop of a teen beauty contest whereas "Sunshine Cleaning" is a perky, positive tale that tries to give an edge to its upbeat story by using crime scene clean up as its grim backdrop. But there's no irony to its appealing message of two sisters who manage to turn their lives around.

A group of elementary school kids are sending letters to the San Diego Unified school board, demanding the district protect magnet school bus transportation. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Thousands of San Diego residents will have to boil their water for the next three days. People living in Torrey Pines, Del Mar and Carmel Valley are affected. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has details

The state Assembly has passed a bill to extend unemployment benefits in California, marking the first step in drawing billions of dollars from the federal stimulus package.

Cases of tuberculosis were down last year in California. But a drug-resistant strain of the disease is cause for concern. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge has more.

A committee charged with scrutinizing San Diego's finances today endorsed Mayor Jerry Sanders' nomination of the city's internal auditor as city auditor.

The victims of a Montana plane crash were three California families traveling to the Yellowstone Club for a skiing vacation.

City officials are calling some residents about a possible water contamination in their area.

The San Diego Chamber Orchestra under Jung-Ho Pak presents Asian Silk Road a concert featuring both traditional western music and exotic eastern instruments. The concert features instruments rarely heard in San Diego: the Chinese pipa (guitar), the Japanese Koto and the Turkish oud as well as music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Ravel and Puccini.

The California economy is in bad shape. The state's unemployment rate currently sits at 10.5 percent, compared to the national rate of 8.1 percent. Can we expect the state's unemployment to continue to grow, or are there signs of improvement on the horizon? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to Steve Levy, from the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy, to get his take on the state's economic health.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors controls more than a $5 billion budget and serve the county's 3 million residents. We continue our series of interviews with the five supervisors by talking to Chair Dianne Jacob about the state of the economy and the challenges the county will face in the year ahead.

SDUSD Superintendent Terry Grier will discuss San Diego's showing in the statewide report on the school dropout rate. The report will quantify the economic impact of dropouts in San Diego.

The shootings of four Oakland police officers on a single day was remarkable not just for its death toll, but for the years of law enforcement experience Mark Dunakin, John Hege, Ervin Romans and Daniel Sakai had racked up between them.

Tomorrow marks the first year Dr. Terry Grier has been superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District. Many observers say he took the reins at the worst time for public education in California. KPBS Education Reporter sat down with Grier to talk about the coming year and his first year in the district.

March Madness is in full-swing and a San Diego high school stand-out is leading an underdog into the Sweet 16. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

A small plane that crashed in Butte, Montana, killing more than a dozen people, was reported today to have taken off from Otay Mesa. Before the doomed single-engine turboprop flew from Redlands to Butte, it took off from Brown Field in Otay Mesa on Saturday, Rachel Laing, a spokeswoman for Mayor Jerry Sanders, toldThe San Diego Union-Tribune.

A San Diego lawmaker says the California Coastal Commission needs help enforcing the law. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

The Chula Vista Police Department is using a modern form of communication to let the public know what’s going on in the city. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

The federal stimulus money is beginning to trickle down to cities in San Diego County. KPBS reporter Alison St John discovered Chula Vista is holding workshops today to find out how residents think they should be spent.

"Up", the new animated film from Disney/Pixar studios has been chosen as the Opening Ceremony film of the 62nd Festival de Cannes. The Disney Digital 3-D film is scheduled to screen on May 13. The animated comedy adventure concerns 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen who fulfils his dream of travel when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America, only to discover that he has brought with him his biggest nightmare, a 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer stowaway. The film is directed by Pete Docter.

"I Love You, Man" (opened March 20 throughout San Diego) is a funny movie about a guy named Peter (Paul Rudd) that has proposed to Zooey, the girl of his dreams, and realized he has no real guy friends to have as his best man in the wedding. Zooey and her friends believe it's creepy that Peter doesn't have any male friends and think that he may become clingy. Peter overhears the girls' conversation and becomes desperate to find a best guy friend. Peter seeks his gay younger brother for help in attracting a straight guy for a friend. His brother says that he needs to go on a "man date" and try to make friends before the wedding. Peter tries out a few guys. One thinks he's gay and makes a move on him. Finally, while Peter is at work (he works for a real estate company and was showing Lou Ferrigno's house) Sydney (Jason Segel) walks in and brightens his day. He tells Peter the showing is great, loves the food, and even entertains him by predicting that one of the guests needs to fart but doesn't want to in front of his hot lady friend. Peter gets a good laugh out of the play-by-play that Sydney provides. They exchange business cards and go on about their business. Later Peter calls Sydney and leaves a ridiculous message on his answering machine because he wants to hang out but is nervous to ask him. One thing leads to another and they become inseparable.

Julia Roberts and Clive Owen generated some nasty sparks as lovers prone to cruelty in "Closer." Now they hook up for the romantic spy comedy "Duplicity" (opening March 20 throughout San Diego) in which issues of trust and betrayal are also explored but within a much cuter context. This time out they play former government spies who are now working in corporate espionage and decide to engineer a scam to take their bosses and the corporation for millions. But what's getting in the way is a troubled past (she bested him in the field by seducing him) and a mutual lack of trust. So can two former spies who have been trained to suspect everyone of duplicity find true love and pull off the perfect con? Will you really care?

Two of San Diego’s troubled redevelopment organizations would keep their independence under a new plan being recommended by Mayor Jerry Sanders. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

San Diego residents could see their water supply cut 20 percent if the Mayor’s new rationing plan is implemented. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

San Diego Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña says the economy dominated an open house she held last night. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce tells why the legislator is now changing plans for a town hall in May.

Researchers at San Diego universities are struggling to deal with unexpected riches as new grant money comes available from the federal stimulus package. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge has more.

Newspapers all over the nation are dealing with financial problems that are forcing some to shut down their print operations. Despite the bad news about the newspaper industry, Beverly Hills firm Platinum Equity agreed to buy the Union-Tribune earlier this week. Plus, six years ago this week, the United States launched its invasion of Iraq. And, anyone who's looked at their e-mail inbox lately knows the number of scams on the internet is growing faster than our spam filters can keep up with.

The head of the California Guard just returned from Iraq and he says morale is "good" among local troops. Steve Shadley reports.

A brief return to wet, colder winter weather is in store for San Diego County this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

In San Diego one-third of the population falls within the age range of 45 to 65 that defines the boomer generation. Joining us on Morning Edition to talk about the San Diego State University titled "The Baby Boomer Lecture Series" is Doctor Steven Barnes.

"The Great Buck Howard" (opening March 20 at Landmark's La Jolla Village Cinemas), as with "My Favorite Year," pairs a temperamental performer in the twilight of his career with a young man in search of his own. In the case of both films, it's the central performances of the actors playing the fading stars that make the films. In "My Favorite Year" it was Peter O'Toole, in "The Great Buck Howard" it's John Malkovich.

Imagine being in a hospital for an operation, and becoming infected with potently deadly bacteria. It happens more often that you might imagine. In fact, one out of every 20 hospital patients contracts an infection. Hospitals are taking a variety of measures to reduce these incidents. But it's a constant battle. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Members of the med school class of 2009 got their residency assignments yesterday at UC San Diego. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge was there to see how they reacted.

President Barack Obama says California will receive $145 million to help communities hard-hit by the foreclosure crisis.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders says the city is going to finance millions of dollars in infrastructure repairs with a private bond. The money will cover road, sidewalk and storm drain repairs. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

Roberto Saviano described his book "Gommora" as "a personal journey into the violent international empire of Naples' organized crime system." Since the book's release in 2006 the author has been under police protection, which has apparently helped boost sales. Now his book has been adapted into a film that challenges the more glamorous Hollywood depictions of mob life. Gomorra (opens March 20 at Landmark's Ken Cinema) has already nabbed the Grand Prize at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival as well as multiple nominations for Best Foreign Language Films.

Top California lawmakers say this could be the year Congress finally passes immigration reform. They spoke at a border issues conference on Capitol Hill. Tanya Snyder reports.

President Barack Obama walked out to thunderous applause at a town hall meeting near downtown Los Angeles today, where he told the crowd his administration is taking steps to resolve the housing crisis that is at the root of the economic crisis.

The Persian New Year begins on March 20, the first day of spring. The history of modern-day Iran and the Persian people date back 2,500 years. We'll talk about Persian history and culture and how it's alive and well in San Diego.

An author and advocate for the hungry is slamming San Diego County for making it difficult to sign up for the federal food stamp program. KPBS reporter Katie Orr went to the National City church where Joel Berg was speaking and has this story.

What events are endangering local journalism and access to the Internet? We'll look at media consolidation, newspapers going under, and attempts by telecom companies to control access to online search engines.

Pension obligations for local governments continue to rise. We'll look at how San Diego County's cities are dealing with escalating pension costs and the future of pensions for city workers with KPBS radio's Alison St John.

What are some of the most common behavioral problems that children deal with? How do you know when it is time to seek out professional help for a child with behavioral issues? What are some of the most effective ways to help a child overcome their social, emotional and educational challenges? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to San Diego First Lady Rana Sampson, and Kevin Robertson about helping children with mental health challenges, and the services provided by the San Diego Center for Children.

The city of San Diego gained national notoriety with its billion dollar pension deficit. KPBS reporter Alison St John surveyed the other 17 cities in the county, and found many cities are paying more of their annual budgets towards pensions than San Diego.

Just a quick reminder that the San Diego Latino Film Festival is not the only festival in town screening films this week. The San Diego Italian Film Festival will screen Incantesimo Napoletano/A Neopolitan Spell on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 pm at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. The tageline for the film asks: "In Naples, what could be worse than not being Neapolitan?" Written and directed by Paolo Genovese, "Incantesimo Napoletano" serves up a fanciful tale about the shock felt by a fifth-generation Neopolitan couple whose daughter's first words are in Milanese. Mama mia! This film features Chiara Papa, Gianni Aiello, Serena Improta and Clelia Bernacchi. Although it's nice to have choice it's too bad these festivals are up against each other.

An author and advocate for the hungry is slamming San Diego County for making it difficult to sign up for the federal food stamp program. KPBS reporter Katie Orr went to the National City church where Joel Berg was speaking and has this story.

More people were born in the U.S. in 2007 than in any time in our history. And birth rates have become the driving force of California's population growth. KPBS reporter Tom Fudge has more.

The California Department of Water Resources says it will increase the amount of water delivered from the state water project this year. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce says local water agencies will take every extra drop of water they can get.

California's construction industry will get a major boost from the federal stimulus package. But a new study predicts new spending on construction will do little to reduce the high number of uninsured workers. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The San Diego Union-Tribune is being sold to a Beverly Hills-based private equity firm, it was announced today.It wasn't disclosed how much Platinum Equity would pay The Copley Press for the newspaper, only that the transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of the year, according to a joint statement.

Proposed rules changes that are meant to make the back country safer during fire season were well received at a public hearing yesterday. But there were some points of disagreement. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

What are the benefits of living in a multicultural society? Why is it important that different age, ethnic, and cultural groups are recognized and valued in their community? How do our community bonds affect our identity, and the decisions we make? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to Kyoto Prize winner Dr. Charles Taylor about his research into the value of living in a diverse society.

Most people agree that the current health care system in America needs changing. But there is no consensus on how to do it. We'll talk about the politics behind healthcare reform with KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner.

Is a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine good for you or not? News reports highlighting the latest medical study findings, often with contrasting results, are everywhere. Add in the information available on the Internet, and consumers can feel downright overwhelmed about what to believe. We'll talk about ways people can navigate through the maze of medical information and make the best decisions for their health.

The government reports gas prices helped push consumer prices up slightly last month, but a market analyst says they could stay steady through the rest of the year.

Plans are being developed to create a fish farm in the ocean, five miles off of Mission Beach.Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute scientist Don Kent will lay out the details and goals of the plan at a San Diego Surfrider Foundation meeting tonight.

Faced with shrinking incomes and home values, more people are opening up their houses to strangers. Homeowners rent out bedrooms in order to keep making the mortgage payment as Marianne Russ reports.

Parents in the San Diego Unified School District are upset over a plan that requires principals to juggle two elementary schools at one time. They’re also angry the district wants to cut school bus transportation to magnet schools. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Proposed rules changes that are meant to make the back country safer during fire season were well received at a public hearing yesterday. But there were some points of disagreement. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

In honor of these tough economic times...

A gray whale that wandered into San Diego Bay last week was still cruising the harbor's waters today, seemingly determined to extend its break from annual migration duties.

San Diego police fear there may be a growing number of gun activists who want to carry their weapons openly. The trend is part of a national "open carry" movement keen on exercising gun rights. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

More than 100,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students in San Diego County and around Southern California are taking part in a campaign to combat childhood obesity, it was announced today.

A San Diego researcher says the increasing acidity of seawater may cause widespread damage to marine life. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Senator Dianne Feinstein wants to toughen U.S. gun laws to prevent violence in Mexico. Tanya Snyder reports.

Only about one-third of construction workers in California have health insurance provided by their employers, according to a study released today by the San Diego-based Center on Policy Initiatives.

In 2003, a San Diego family of six set out to sail around the world in a 55-foot catamaran. After two years at sea, they hit a reef in the South Pacific, destroying the boat and seriously injuring the father. The Silverwood's recount their extraordinary journey at sea in the new book "Black Wave: A Family's Adventure at Sea and the Disaster that Saved Them."

Father Maurice Chase is celebrating his 90th birthday by giving away some green.

Why did the SDSU men's basketball team get snubbed by the NCAA Tournament committee? What's the latest news on the sale of the San Diego Padres? Now that the Chargers have re-worked the contract of star running back LaDainian Tomlinson, what's on their agenda for the rest of the off-season? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to sports talk show host Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton about the latest news on the local sports scene.

A tracking firm says the median home price in Southern California dropped 39 percent in February from a year ago.

Have you seen the value of your home drop in the last year or so? If your answer to that question is "yes", have you also asked to have your property taxes reduced to reflect the change in your home's value? Many people in San Diego County have had their property taxes reduced in the last year, and are saving money as a result. Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to the County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk about how you can have your property taxes reduced. We also speak to the co-founders of a website that helps people navigate through the property tax appeal process.

Here's a little twist on Trailer Tuesday: Instead of posting a preview of a big Hollywood movie or cool indie title you get to see an entire movie.

The city of El Cajon is close to 100 years old. But many folks around the county probably haven't spent much time in the eastern town. Maybe it's because the city has a reputation as being a rough and unsophisticated place. Writer Bill Manson explores El Cajon to find out what makes the city tick.

It took months of debate, political horse trading and a sleep over at the capital to get Sacramento politicians to pass a budget. But a new report from a legislative analyst says the state is still $8 billion in the hole. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

Consumer groups and San Diego Gas & Electric have been at odds for years over everything from rate increases to the need for the Sunrise Power Link. But now a deal may be in the works between one of those groups and the company on what solar technology might be the best for the region. An agreement could save consumers could save $125 million. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has details.

The teen critics have spoken out on "The Last House on the Left" (opened March 13 throughout San Diego) and I was curious to hear what they had to say since they weren't even born when the original film came out (okay that made me feel old). I was glad that at least one of them had seen the original and found it more disturbing than the remake. But as someone who saw Wes Craven's feature debut when I was a teenager in the 1970s I'd just like to remind people of what that was like. As with Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" (in some ways the granddaddy of the slasher film), "The Last House on the Left" was disturbing in the way it undermined the audience's sense of security and made us something of an accomplice in its crimes. Hitchcock was a master and Craven is a cruder craftsman but both of their films unnerved the audience with violence early on and then implicating viewers to a degree in the crimes committed. With "Psycho," we got caught up in the minutia of Anthony Perkins' killer cleaning up after his bloody murder and some reluctantly wanted to see him get away with the crime because they were so wrapped up in his process. In the case of "Last House," we relish the revenge taken by a pair of parents who were not all that different from us. The horror, as in the best of the genre, we discover can lie within ourselves.

This week my relationship to Twitter took odd twists and turns.

The city of San Diego could see an exodus of experienced staff in the next 3 months. The city’s pension board recently changed a benefit originally designed to motivate employees to retire later. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

"The Last House On The Left" (released throughout San Diego Friday 13th, 2009) failed to live up to my expectations but at the same time still pleased me. The movie features a family, the Collingwoods, that vacations at a lake house every summer. The daughter of the family, Mari(Sarah Paxton) is granted permission to take the car into town to visit her childhood friend Paige. Mari and Paige are kidnapped and assaulted by a gang of convicts on the run. A storm comes and the gang takes refuge at the warm comforting home of the Collingwood family. Soon after the convicts are led to the guesthouse where they are to stay for the night. The Collingwoods hear a bizarre sound on the porch and go to investigate the noise to find their daughter. Mari had miraculously made her way back home after being shot. The Collingwoods realize that the people who brutally assaulted their daughter are the exact same people taking refuge in their guesthouse. And to think they gave them coffee and cocoa! So in fear that the gang would realize that they were Mari's family they take the pre-emptive and decided to strike with vengeance.

David Eagleman is a neuroscientist who has imagined multiple versions of the afterlife, and none of them resemble a devil in a big chair surrounded by flames, or pearly gates that greet you when you arrive. His novel Sum: Forty Tales From the Afterlives is full of imaginative vignettes that say as much about life as they do the afterlife.

A growing number of Californians are losing their jobs and their health insurance. But now there's a free service that helps people figure out what subsidized coverage plans they may be eligible for. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The Schwarzenegger administration told a federal judge Monday that a court-appointed receiver has outlived his usefulness and is no longer needed to improve medical care in the state's prison system.

Mexican tourism officials in San Diego today announced the start of a campaign intended to draw tourists back across the border, despite the ongoing drug-related violence.

Mexico says it will increase tariffs on about 90 U.S. products in retaliation for last week's decision to cancel a pilot program that allowed some Mexican trucks to transport goods within the United States.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors controls more than $5 billion and serve the county's 3 million residents. We continue our series of interviews with the five supervisors by talking to Ron Roberts about the state of the economy and the challenges the county will face in the year ahead.

The San Diego State Aztecs men played well in their conference, but not enough to get them into the NCAA tournament. In the end, it came down to one possession on Saturday. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

State and local water officials are warning residents that hot, dry days of summer may worsen drought conditions and force manditory water rationing. Our gardening talk today will focus on ways to reduce water use in your yard and garden with two local plant and landscape experts.

A new study finds most seniors aren't choosing the lowest cost Medicare drug plan available. The report says seniors may be paying hundreds of dollars more a year than they need to. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

A local non-profit group can’t convince surfers to stay out of the polluted water near Imperial Beach, so now it’s trying to at least keep them healthy. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

Last week UC San Diego launched a new research center that will study traumatic injury as a disease. KPBS Radio's Tom Fudge has more.

The 16th San Diego Latino Film Festival kicked off last night with films, music, and a gala party. Now we can get down to the business of seeing films. Here are a few suggestions for what you might want to seek out and mini-reviews of some of the films that I had a chance to screen in advance. All films are at the UltraStar Mission Valley Theaters at Hazard Center.

It's March already. It seems like just yesterday that the 2008 election season ended, with the next California primary more than a year away on June 8, 2010. This feels like breathing time between campaigns. Yet here we go again. Already potential candidates for the state Legislature have made their move for 2010. They've filed their "Statements of Intention" with the California Secretary of State. This they must do before beginning to fundraise for their campaigns.

A German film that chooses the title "Cherry Blossoms" (opening March 13 at Landmark's Ken Cinema) is definitely trying to stir thoughts of culture clash or at the very least grab your attention with the unexpected mix of cultures. But Doris Dorrie's film proves to be less about clashes and more about subtle blendings and exchanges between different cultures. The film concerns an older German couple, Rudi (Elmar Wepper) and Trudi (Hannelore Elsner) Angermeier. When Trudi discovers her husband has a terminal disease she hides the information from him and instead urges him to take a trip to visit their somewhat indifferent children in Berlin. Once there, Trudi is the one who unexpectedly dies. This prompts Rudi to the realization that his wife had always wanted to live a different life than the one she had tending to him and their children. One of her dreams was to go to Japan in part because she had always been fascinated by enigmatic and beguiling Butoh dancing.

The San Diego region will receive $127 million in highway funds from the federal stimulus package. And planners say the money will free up resources for other regional projects too. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

"The Last House on the Left" (opened March 13 throughout San Diego) is a movie about a girl, Mari (Sara Paxton), and her family that go on vacation but Mari decides she wants to spend some time with her friend instead of being with her parents all night. Mari goes and meets up with her friend at work and they meet a guy named Justin, who takes them back to his hotel to get high. When Justin's father comes home, he gets mad. He won't let the girls leave because he doesn't trust them. (The father's girlfriend and brother have just helped him escape going to prison and killed a few cops on the way.) Justin's dad takes Mari's car and they head toward the mountains. They don't know how exactly to get there and Mari gives them directions, but instead of taking them to the mountains she leads them towards her home and tries to escape. Her escape attempts fail and only make the situation worse. Mari is raped and left for dead (this isn't a spoiler because it's all in the trailer). Justin and the others walk to a nearby house that just happened to be Mari's house. Eventually Mary's parents discover the truth about the new strangers and set out for revenge.

Thousands of teachers across California, including San Diego and Imperial counties, are marching today. They're protesting against the wave of "pink slip" layoff notices sent to teachers as a result of the state budget crisis. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

In the last 10 weeks, 33 daily newspapers in the U.S. have filed for bankruptcy. Large newspapers like the "Seattle Post-Intelligencer," the "Philadelphia Enquirer," and the "Minneapolis Star-Tribune" are dealing with major financial problems that could lead the papers to shut down their print operations. Also, President Barack Obama signed an executive order earlier in the week that overturns federal funding restrictions for embryonic stem cell research. And, a battle is brewing over a piece of legislation that could give more power to labor unions.

San Diego County farmers have had some challenges over the past few years -- threats from pests, a crop freeze, wildfires... and climate change. But water may trump them all. Joining us on Morning Edition is Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau.

The Vista Unified School Board made it clear yesterday that its students must get parental consent to leave campus to see a doctor about sensitive issues like pregnancy, sexual assault or mental health issues. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

The proposed Sunrise Powerlink faces another legal challenge. Two San Diego residents are appealing a federal agency decision that approved the route for the electric transmission powerline. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The recession is spreading pain throughout California. But UCSD Medical School says it's hanging tough. In fact, the school has expansion plans in the works. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

There's a kind of serendipity to the themes in this post, and when this occurs, it always make me happy. Let me see if I can lay out the relationship for you.

The closest most of us get to personalized medicine is having a personal relationship with a doctor. But in the future, medicine itself may be personal. Customized medicine is a growing trend that's being driven by knowledge of the human genome. KPBS Health reporter Tom Fudge says a lot of this kind of research is being done in San Diego.

Real life French teacher François Bégaudeau plays an on-screen version of himself in "The Class/Entre les murs" (held over at Landmark's La Jolla Village Theaters), based on his book about his own classroom experiences. We discussed the film on last month's Film Club but I also wanted to highlight the film on my blog. Director Laurent Cantet (who also made "Time Out" and "Heading South") collaborated with Bégaudeau to bring his story to the screen. The ressult is a documentary style portrait of teaching in a contemporary French school. Cantet chose to shoot multiple improvised takes using real students and multiple cameras to chronicle what happens in a single classroom of middle school age students. The film was nominated this year for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and took home the Palm D'Or at Cannes. While there were definitely more worthy films to pick as the best of the year, the Cannes Award is telling because it reflects France's need and maybe desire to try and come to terms with its increasing multi-ethnice make-up, a fact that's been harder to ignore inlight of recent riots and protests.

The value of Pfizer stock shot up yesterday, following good news about a drug that was developed in La Jolla. The company says the next step is FDA approval. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge has more.

David Plotz is a proud but not observant Jew, who decided to seriously read the Old Testament from cover to cover. He blogged about his experience at Slate.com and has just published a book called Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Leaned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible. Plotz joins us to talk about his book.

Two legal groups are asking the Vista Unified School District to change a controversial policy that requires teenagers to get parental consent to leave campus for confidential medical services. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Researchers say sea level rise could be even higher than official estimates two years ago. A UC-San Diego scientist says the previous estimates did not anticipate the pace of ice melt. KPBS Environnment Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

A federal agency's approval of the Sunrise Powerlink is being appealed. The appeal claims the Bureau of Land Management used incomplete fire data when it approved the San Diego Gas and Electric project. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

A judge has tentatively ruled that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger can cut pay for an additional 15,000 state workers who don't directly report to him.

Teachers from around San Diego County will take part in a statewide "Pink Friday" demonstration after school Friday to protest budget cuts that could lead to tens of thousands of layoffs.

The San Diego Police Department has a new tool to help catch car thieves in the act. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

The San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off its 16th season tonight and will run through March 22 at the UltraStar Mission Valley Theaters at Hazard Center. There will be an opening night gala that begins at 9:00 pm and goes 1:30 am at the Sè San Diego Hotel on 5th. But pace yourself, there are more than 150 films and plenty more parties during the eleven-day event. Opening night tickets are $15 with proceeds benefiting the Media Arts Center San Diego's Teen Producers Project. The gala features a live performance by Orquestra Binacional de Mambo. If you buy a combo ticket you also get to choose from one of the four opening night films. My suggestion for your film choice would be either the heist film "Sultanes del Sur" or the innovative sci-fi film "Sleep Dealer." But make sure you get your tickets in advance to avoid arriving for a sold out show. Opening night is always popular.

Filmmakers Peter Galison and Robb Moss's thought-provoking documentary, "Secrecy," has its San Diego premiere on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 pm at MCASD La Jolla. The film explores the massive labyrinth of U.S. government secrecy.

Escondido firefighters used their boots this morning to collect donations from passing motorists for the family of missing teen Amber Dubois.

Doctors, nurses, union leaders and lawmakers crowded around Senator Mark Leno as he touted the latest attempt for universal health care. It's round three. Kelley Weiss reports.

Scheming, deception and greed. The U.S. banking industry? No, it's the San Diego REP's production of the classic musical "The Threepenny Opera." We'll talk with the director, Sam Woodhouse, and Mack the Knife actor Jeffrey Meek about the production.

The 16th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks of today. We'll get a preview of some of the 173 films featured at the festival.

Are you getting ready to work on your 2008 tax return? What are the most common questions the IRS is dealing with this year? What issues should you be aware of before filing your state tax return? Host Alison St. John speaks to IRS Spokesperson Raphael Tulino, and California Franchise Tax Board Spokesperson Brenda Voet about the most common tax-related questions that are floating around this filing season.

From agricultural losses to devastation wrought by wildfires, California's economy is expected to see significant costs resulting from global warming in the decades ahead. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce tells us about a new report put together by the state's Climate Action Team.

Scripps Health is offering a home screening program to help people find out if they're at risk for colorectal cancer. The disease killed 50-thousand people in the U.S. last year. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Public transit systems throughout California were some of the biggest losers in the state’s financial crisis. In an effort to balance the 150 billion dollar budget lawmakers eliminated all state funding for public transit. Locally, that leaves San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System with a 14 million dollar gap. KPBS Metro reporter Katie Orr has the story as part of our ongoing series Rough Water: Navigating San Diego’s economy.

The president of San Diego teachers union says San Diego Unified's proposed spending plan for next school year is "appalling." The school board adopted that plan last night. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

San Diego's biotech community is closely watching the wave of mergers in pharmaceutical industry. Especially one that would change the ownership of an Oceanside plant. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge has more.

California's Climate Action Team is reviewing a report on the environmental and economic impacts of climate change in California. One part of the report looks at sea level rise. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce tells us how that may affect San Diego County.

San Diego city officials have failed to convince regulators to require a test ensuring gasoline is not recontaminating Qualcomm Stadium. The two sides met earlier this week. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has details.

Term limits in the state legislature was supposed to encourage citizen legislators. But career politicians continue to bounce from one termed-out elected office to the next. We'll take a look at the intriguing "family tree" of the legislature with KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner.

Veteran teachers throughout San Diego may be retiring early as part of a push to balance school budgets. We'll explore the cost to education of such a move. And, we'll talk about Vista Unified's policy on parental notification for students leaving campus to seek medical services.

Chargers fans can breath a sigh of relief today now that running back LaDainian Tomlinson has agreed to a new contract that will keep the fan favorite in San Diego for at least three more years.

The latest find at the future downtown campus of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law were fossils from a giant ground sloth, which likely lived about 600,000 years ago during an Ice Age, researchers said Monday.

A California gray whale has wandered into San Diego Bay after migration season is over.

What are your options if your cat or dog is not responding well to the medicine that was prescribed by your local veterinarian? What kind of alternative medical options are available for pets? Host Alison St. John speaks to Dr. Katy Allen and Dr. Patty Ungar about the growing popularity of alternative veterinary medicine. We discuss how acupuncture, homeopathy, and traditional chinese remedies are being used by veterinarians and pet owners nowadays.

Last week, we spoke with California State Senator Christine Kehoe about her opposition to Proposition Eight. We now speak with someone who supports the measure. Joining us on Morning Edition is Charles LiMandri. He is a San Diego attorney and former spokesman for Proposition 8.

What are the biggest challenges disabled veterans face when they try to find a civilian job, or start their own business? The military offers people the opportunity to learn skills that can be applied in the civilian workplace, but many of our country's disabled vets need help finding the right job, and creating a business plan for the future. Host Alison St. John speaks to the executive director of the California Disabled Veterans Business Alliance about the goals of that organization. We also speak to Michael Patton, owner of Pothos, about his business and how the DVBE Alliance has helped him throughout the years.

The San Diego Unified school board approved a proposed budget plan yesterday that could result in bigger classes, work furloughs and fewer bus routes for next school year. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the latest.

Planned Parenthood and the Americal Civil Liberties Union of San Diego County want the San Diego Unified School District to adopt a policy that would prevent school employees from calling a parent if a teenage girl is pregnant. But critics say moms and dads have a right to know. In the second of a three-part series, KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis takes a look at the issue of parental notification in San Diego public schools.

Benicio Del Toro stars as the title character of Steven Soderbergh's Che (IFC)

SAN FRANCISCO - WonderCon, like its big sister Comic-Con in San Diego, is a gathering of pop culture fans from around the globe. Once looked upon as geek fests, these conventions now draw tens of thousands of comic book, film, television and gaming fans. But what you might not realize is that these conventions can also be a place to look for work. At the recent WonderCon in San Francisco, Lucas Licensing held portfolio reviews.(You can also listen to my NPR feature.)

A gas commonly used to exterminate termites and other pests stays in the atmosphere much longer than researchers expected. A UC-San Diego study shows the chemical is a potent greenhouse gas. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

California regulators say health plans must cover physical and speech therapy for children who have autism. But regulators are not requiring insurers to pay for a type of behavioral therapy parents say is extremely effective. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Officials in San Diego are encouraging homeowners at risk of foreclosure to get help before it’s too late. But Mayor Jerry Sanders is also warning the public to be aware of scams. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

A growing number of teens and young men with narcotics taped to their bodies have been caught in recent months trying to cross the border at San Diego-area ports of entry, authorities announced today.

Spring begins on March 20 and with it comes the harvest of tender greens, juicy strawberries and crisp asparagus. We'll talk about buying, cooking and enjoying the foods of spring in our monthly Food Hour.

Prop 8, the ban on same-sex marriage that Californians approved last November, is before the California Supreme Court. We'll get some analysis from Dan Eaton on the case, as well as a look at videogame labels and religious symbols on public lands.

California voters will debate several proposition measures when they head to the polls in May for a special election. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy

What should Congress do to help stimulate our nation's struggling economy? How should the government deal with the housing crisis? What kind of risk does the violence on the U.S.-Mexico border pose to our national security? Host Alan Ray speaks to local congressional representatives Brian Bilbray and Bob Filner about the hot topics on the national political scene. We speak to Bilbray and Filner about the national issues that have local relevance in San Diego.

Two San Diego area Congressmen who opposed the stimulus bill say they are working hard to sure the money is spent properly.Democrats are crying foul, but the Republicans say they are just protecting taxpayer's dollars. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

The more I report on the state of our cities for the Hometown Accounts series, the more I wonder if this will be the next big story after the mortgage meltdown. Cities struggling to balance their budgets this year have much worse dynamics looming around the corner. If you can imagine a graph with the incomes headed south and the liabilities headed north, that's what it looks like: a great big parting of the ways, with the gap between income and expense getting wider and wider.

SAN FRANCISCO - At WonderCon "Watchmen" was all the buzz and it wasn't just about the movie. Clay Enos was the photogarpher hired by Zack Snyder to do publicity shots for the film. But like all things in the "Watchmen" universe it expanded to encompass much more than that. I spoke with Enos at WonderCon, just before the Saturday panel on "Watchmen" (you can listen to the full interview above). Enos explained how he began as the publicity photographer and then began taking portrait shots of everyone from the lead actors to crew members. These portraits are now gathered in a gorgeous coffee table book called "Watchmen: Portraits." Enos also took all the photos that you see used within the film. And then Enos was inspired to create an organic coffee product named after "Watchmen's" Night Owl. Here's the product description:

San Diego's researchers say a boost in embryonic stem cell funding will advance the search for cures at many local institutions.KPBS Radio's Tom Fudge has more.

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority wants to hear what people think about plans to reduce airplane noise. The authority holds a workshop Tuesday to talk about a federal noise study of Lindbergh Field. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

California is eligible for some ten-billion dollars in federal stimulus money to help provide healthcare for the poor. But in order to get it, the state must take away a restriction it passed last fall on Medi-Cal eligibility. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

Narcotics seizures at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry doubled in February, compared with the previous month, authorities reported today.

You'll catch a lot of students sleeping at the Price Center ballroom on the UC San Diego campus today. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge reports on the "Nap-In."

The conflict between God and science rages on in American society. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, has found a balance as a scientist and a born-again Christian.

Did you have trouble getting out of bed this morning? Do you usually have trouble adjusting to the daylight-saving time change? Host Alan Ray speaks to sleep expert Dr. Sara Mednick about the impact of daylight-saving time, and how napping can help people adjust to the time change.

An English band with strong underground support is making its San Diego debut Tuesday. The New Master Sounds is heavily influenced by African American soul…jazz and funk bands from the late '60's and early 70's. Joining us to talk about their West Coast Tour is guitarist Eddie Roberts.

What kind of business practices led to the current financial crisis and recession? We'll talk with a former stockbroker who was convicted of fraud and now speaks out about the lack of ethics in the business world that led to the current crisis.

The Aztecs got a huge win this weekend over UNLV and the two teams will square-off again on Thursday. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

There are approximately 7,500 children in foster care in San Diego County. To help these children navigate the court system, they are assigned a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA. We'll talk about the important role these volunteers play in addressing the child abuse crisis in San Diego.

Cash-strapped counties say they're still not sure how they'll cover their costs of the May 19th special election.

The Society of Interventional Radiology is holding its annual scientific meeting in San Diego this week. Participants will discuss new advancements in minimally invasive treatments. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The San Diego Food Bank is reporting a dramatic decrease in donations while demands for assistance skyrocket. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

By Jason Lacsamana "Watchmen," (opened March 6 throughout San Diego and in IMAX at Edwards Mira Mesa) directed by Zack Snyder, is simply amazing. The movie features an alternate reality in which superheroes exist and Nixon is on his fifth term as president. Sadly superheroes are forced into an early retirement by the government, except for one, Rorschach. After one of their own, The Comedian, is brutally murdered, Rorschach sets off to investigate the murder to find that it was part of a bigger scheme -- scheme diabolical enough to bring the Watchmen out of retirement.

Tom Karlo can remember one of the first jobs he had as a student assistant with KPBS. Scrubbing toilets. “We had an apartment building on the edge of campus, and two rooms had all the production equipment,” he said. “The equipment was so valuable that the staff didn't want janitorial service to be entering those rooms at night. So I cleaned the bathrooms once a week." Karlo was focused. He wanted to tell stories. He was determined to do whatever was necessary to work in the industry that he loved.

A seven million dollar grant will help San Diego continue to remove lead-hazards from older city homes. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

The California Supreme Court listened to hours of arguments on the validity of the state's ban on same-sex marriage on Thursday. Plus, SDG&E is holding a series of public meetings around the county to respond to questions about the controversial Sunrise Powerlink project. And, multiple construction projects, worth close to $3 billion, are planned for local military bases in the next couple years.

The fate of the voter approved ban on gay marriage is now in the hands of the supreme court. Attorneys on both sides of the Prop 8 issue gave arguments to the State Supreme Court yesterday.

Attorneys arguing for and against Proposition Eight made their case the state's supreme court yesterday. Democratic State Senator Christine Kehoe was there.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia that affect the elderly.Mental health professionals believe there are activities that can enhance quality of life. One therapy uses gardening as a way to improve patient's moods and decrease problem behaviors. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

Are mandatory water restrictions in San Diego's future? What kind of water cutbacks can local residents expect to see this summer? What can be done to change local attitudes about water? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to a local reporter, and representatives from the County Water Authority, and the City of San Diego's Water Department about the future of our local water supply. We also talk about our current sources of water, the biggest local users, and some simple steps you can take at home to conserve.

The audio on this blog features the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation's Andrew Poat who, while not a household name, is known in political circles as an established state and then local government official. So I decided that if I wanted to know something about the new "in" industry, rumored to be a competitor for biotech and high-tech, Andrew would be the one to ask.

Southwest Airlines says no one is injured after two of its jets touched on the ground at San Diego's Lindbergh Field.

Beatboxing arrived in the 1980's with the dawn of hip hop. As rappers gathered on corners to rhyme, they needed a beat and thus the human beat box machine. San Diego is home to a veteran beatboxer who goes by Beehive. He joins us in studio to perform and talk about his craft.

Acts of Faith is the new play being staged by Laterthanever Productions and is based on the work of acclaimed writer and feminist Grace Paley. It tracks the shifting patterns of love, identity, and creativity across a woman's life through the story of Faith, a character in The Collected Stories of Grace Paley. We'll talk with the play's creative team.

This week, San Diego CityBeat publishes its local music issue. We'll talk to editors David Rolland and Seth Combs about the hottest bands in San Diego.

A top official at the San Diego County Employees Retirement Association resigned today. The pension fund’s Chief Investment Officer oversaw a multi-million-dollar investment into stock trading company now being investigated for securities fraud. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

The Vista Unified School District will vote today on whether to change a policy that requires students to get parental permission to leave campus for confidential medication appointments. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Doctors in California complain health plans don't fully reimburse them for the cost of vaccinations. A bill in the state assembly would rectify that situation. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

San Diego residents are not conserving enough water and may soon face mandatory rationing, Mayor Jerry Sanders warned again today.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon says he will not rest until Mexico is free of violence due to organized crime. President Calderon visited a solar panel plant in Tijuana Thursday. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has more.

This past weekend, fans of the graphic novel "Watchmen" gathered in San Francisco at WonderCon. The pop culture convention hosted a panel on the film as well as an advance screening of the eagerly anticipated adaptation. I spoke with fans about their expectations for and reactions to the film.

This past Saturday at WonderCon one of the most popular panels was for "Watchmen." Director Zack Snyder brought most of the cast -- Malin Akerman, Jackie Earle Haley, Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson -- along with the first 18 minutes of the film to show the 2500 or so fans packed into the ballroom at Moscone Center. Some of the fans had gotten in the previous night to a special advance screening of "Watchmen" and those who came up to the microphone to ask questions seemed pleased with what Snyder had done. One of the things that seemed to please fans of the Alan Moore-Dave Gibbons graphic novel was the casting. Fans gave Snyder kudos for going with actors rather than stars. At the panel Snyder discussed the casting and specifically how Jackie Earle Haley got the pivotal role of Rorschach. Highlight footage is courtesy of WonderCon.

Lawyers are fielding tough questions as California Supreme Court justices hear arguments seeking to overturn the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage.

The unemployment rate in San Diego County rose to 8.6 percent in January, reflecting a loss of 28,000 jobs compared to the previous month, the California Employment Development Department reported today.

The Marines Corps' detailed account of a string of bad decisions that led a fighter jet to crash into homes, killing four members of a family, is leaving neighbors wondering what the pilot and his commanders were thinking.

Republicans and Democrats are both pledging to put the federal government on a diet to cut the deficit. But when it comes to pork, they have the same big appetite. Sara Sciammacco reports

That plastic bag at the grocery check-out could cost you in the future. And your Chinese take-out food might not be in Styrofoam containers anymore, either. State lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at fighting litter that clogs waterways and hurts wildlife.

Well we finally have a film festival in San Diego that's for the birds. Okay it's really about birds and it's not exactly a film festival but a bird festival with a film event. San Diego County is home to nearly 500 bird species, that's two-thirds of all the species in every region of the country combined. That's a fact I discovered in the press notes for the 13th Annual San Diego Bird Festival sponsored by San Diego Audubon Society and running March 5 - 8. During the four-day event attendees can partake in classroom-style workshops, field trips to many different San Diego birding area (including the Salton Sea and Baja, Mexico). You will also have opportunities to spot land and sea birds, raptors, desert dwellers, and wintering freshwater fowl.

San Diego County and two other organizations have purchased 234 acres of land in the north county. The land purchase keeps the property from being developed and provides a home for endangered wildlife. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

The Vista Unified school board will vote today on whether to change a little-known but controversial policy. Currently the school district requires students to get parental permission to leave campus for confidential medical services. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis explains.

San Diego's Natural History Museum will open an exhibition today that displays the inner workings of real bodies in life-like poses. KPBS reporter Tom Fudge has more.

The federal government is awarding a record amount of money to fight homelessness in San Diego. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

California regulators are developing new rules that would require a reduction in carbon from transportation fuels. Supporters say lower carbon fuels would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But an oil industry group says that could lead to higher prices at the pump. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

California fish and wildlife managers are giving new protections to two fish species that play a crucial ecological role in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The city will get $6.17 million from President Barack Obama's recently approved economic stimulus plan to help those in San Diego at risk of becoming homeless, Mayor Jerry Sanders announced today.

President Obama signed into law a stimulus package that will have a big impact on the development of clean energy. We'll talk with KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner about the local politics around clean technology and San Diego's future as a leader in clean energy.

Should gender determine the division of labor at home? As more women work, families are trying to find a balance with child rearing and duties at home. The concept of equally shared parenting is being practiced - often with mixed results - by couples around the country. We'll explore what couples want and how they achieve it in a modern world.

The human heart is a complex organ. San Diego cardiologist Dr. Mimi Guarneri has been unlocking the mysteries of the heart to see how stress, anger and other emotions, as well as diet and lifestyle, affect the heart. She'll talk about an integrative approach to maintaining a healthy heart.

More than 6,000 people died last year across Mexico in drug-related violence. The Tijuana region has seen its share of the drug war. We'll get an update on the continuing drug battle and its impact on tourism from KPBS border reporter Amy Isackson and Vicente Calderon, editor of Tijuanapress.com.

A group of attorneys who work to free the wrongly convicted is investigating whether further DNA testing is warranted in the case of a schizophrenic drifter who was found guilty five years ago in the stabbing death of young Stephanie Crowe in Escondido.

A San Diego legislator has introduced a bill to replace copper in brake pads. Copper and other material in the pads pollutes waterways and can harm marine life. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

Gasoline prices have been relatively stable for the last couple of weeks. We're joined on Morning Edition by Phil Flynn a Senior Market Analyst at Alaron Trading in Chicago, and a Fox Business News contributor.

More than 630 veteran teachers in the San Diego Unified School District now have the option of taking a financial buy-out to retire early. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

A San Diego lawmaker has introduced a bill to require legislative approval of any major development proposed in California State Parks. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce tells us the proposed law is a response to recent proposals involving state parks in San Diego County.

Plans to widen State Route 76 in North San Diego County began more than 15 years ago. The project has faced challenges from the beginning, coming up against financial constraints and environmental concerns. But now transportation officials say they’re ready to move forward on the long awaited second phase of the highway. KPBS Metro Reporter Katie has the story.

The Marine Corp says a series of bad decisions, a lack of communication and a failure to follow procedures all contributed to the crash of a F-18 military jet that killed four people.

The San Diego Taxpayers’ Association held a breakfast meeting this week to chew over the subject of San Diego city’s pension benefits. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Mexican Tourism officials says US federal agencys' alerts about travel south of the border are unfair. Baja California officials are again turning to a US public relations firm to help tell their story. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Scripps Mercy Hospital in Chula Vista has been fined 25-thousand dollars for a lapse that led to a patient's death. The California Department of Public Health says the hospital didn't have a safe and timely system for administering medications. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The San Diego teachers union struck a deal with the San Diego Unified School District to offer more than 600 veteran teachers extra money to retire early. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis hasa more.

San Diego is in the midst of its annual flu season... and this year it's not very severe. But the next one may very much worse, and a worldwide flu pandemic is bound to happen. The only question is when. KPBS health reporter Tom Fudge reports on the threat of pandemic, and some exciting research that may lead to a cure for influenza.

A new bill in the California legislature is raising some eyebrows. We're joined on Morning Edition by independent Sacramento political consultant Leo McElroy.

The Klezmatics are a Klezmer band for modern times. They perform traditional Jewish music but incorporate eclectic musical influences like gospel, punk, Arab, African, and Balkan rhythms. Their 2006 album “Wonder Wheel,” featuring the Jewish songs of Woody Guthrie, won a Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album.

Local wrtier Susan Arnout Smith, author of "The Timer Game," talks about her new thriller "Out at Night," about agricultural terrorism.

The Imperial County traditionally has one of the highest unemployment rates in California. With a large number of seasonal agriculture workers contributing to the region's unemployment rate, it is difficult to get a complete picture of the Imperial Valley's economic health by just analyzing statistics. The economy of the Imperial County is very unique, and different from many other communities in California. Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to Brad Jennings, from the Imperial Valley Press, and a couple of community leaders from El Centro about how the nation's economic crisis is affecting the Imperial County.

The latest measurement of the Sierra snowpack shows California is still lacking what's needed to replenish half-full reservoirs. San Diego water officials say continued dry weather makes mandatory rationing more likely. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

The San Diego city council has agreed to hold more evening meetings, to make it easier for people to get involved in city business. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The Justice Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is taking the unusual step of urging college students to avoid parts of northern Mexico during spring break.

Both houses of the state Legislature have passed resolutions stating that California residents did not have authority to put the gay marriage ban on last year's ballot.

The third snow survey in the Sierra shows California remains well below what's needed to replenish water supplies. Despite recent storms, reservoirs remain less than half-full and mandatory rationing appears more likely. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Tijuana's Tourism and Conventions Committee is offering tourists who visit the city a pass to cross the border back to San Diego more quickly. Long border waits, the economic downturn and the drug war have crippled tourism. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

The city of San Diego says regulators aren't being careful enough in checking if petroleum from a tank farm is re-contaminating the ground under the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. The city wants to use water under the lot to supply 5,000 homes. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

San Diego County attorneys say they are pressing ahead with a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to resolve conflicting state and federal medical marijuana laws. That’s in spite of comments from U.S. Attorney General, Erik Holder, suggesting federal enforcement of marijuana laws may change. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The U.S. Coast Guard says it intercepted an overloaded boat with 22 suspected illegal immigrants off the coast of Tijuana, Mexico.

It's going to be a different summer for students assigned to summer school in the San Diego Unified School District this year. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Today, we'll learn more about the state's grim water supply outlook. The Department of Water Resources will do its monthly snow survey to measure how much water we can expect to get out of the snowpack.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. His theory of evolution set in motion the scientific understanding of the origins of life. But according to recent polls, less than half of Americans adults believe in evolution. We'll talk about the persistence of some religious groups to perpetuate ideas like intelligent design and creationism in the science classrooms with noted historian Edward Larson.

How close are we to making robots that think and learn? Will more and more robots be cleaning our homes, providing companionship to our kids, and taking care of the elderly? As part of our monthly series on ethics in science and technology, we'll talk about the increased sophistication of robots and the ethical implications that arise from their use.

How does a military leader deal with the loss of one of his soldiers on the battlefield? What kind of training do our nation's military leaders receive in preparation for war? What does a person learn about themselves and the world after experiencing war first-hand? Host Maureen Cavanaugh speaks to former Army Captain Craig Mullaney about his new book "The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education."

Mexico's battered peso has weakened to a new record low of 15.3 against the dollar. The peso's fall came as the Dow Jones industrial average plunged below 7,000 Monday for the first time in more than 11 years.

One of the legal issues the city of San Diego faces is the employee retirement program. In Part Two of our series with Mayor Jerry Sanders, we ask him about the controversial DROP program.

San Diego Chargers fans may have been disappointed by a news conference last week. Not by what WAS said, but by what WASN'T. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

San Diego’s city council will discuss a number of new rules today that could change how it operates, including one rule that could shift the balance of power. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

The California Department of Water Resources says it will increase the amount of water delivered from the state water project this year. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce says local water agencies will take every extra drop of water they can get

SAN FRANCISCO - My second day at WonderCon would begin and end with R2D2. In the morning a pair of R2D2s were entertaining fans. One was the normal looking R2 unit while the other was like one of those visble man models where all the insides were exposed. At the end of the day I got sight of the little exposed R2 all alone on the curb in front of the Moscone Center and it was making the same sounds as R2 did in "A New Hope" when he was scared and traveling in Jawa territory. Fortunately the R2's owners came to his rescue. My favorite silly WonderCon moment from the day also involved "Star Wars": when I went into the restroom I heard someone whistling the Imperial theme. That only happens at places like WonderCon. The day was filled with panels on "Watchmen," "Star Trek" and "Terminator Salvation" so read on...

SAN FRANCISCO - Day Two of WonderCon brought the Hollywood panels. "Watchmen," "Star Trek" and "Terminator Salvation" all came to court fans with sneak peeks. At the "Star Trek" panel, J.J. Abrams brought stars Chris Pine (Captain Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), and Zoe Saldana (Uhuru) as well as producers Bryan Burk and Roberto Orci. The first question asked of Abrams and the question on every "Star Trek" fan's mind was how would this new film, a prequel of sorts, fit into the "Star Trek" universe? Would it respect the original series and the way storylines and characters were developed by Gene Roddenberry? Abrams took the question and attempted to assure the thousands of "Star Trek" fans at the Moscone Center's ballroom that yes indeed he would be respectful of the original series. You can view his answer as well as Abrams' response to an attendee who said that her friend was an extra on Star Trek claimed that Abrams would rap on the set. He claims he did not rap but you can judge for yourself. You can also judge for yourself whether or not you think Abrams is being properly respectful or not. Attendees were also treated to the premiere of the new theatrical trailer for "Star Trek," which reveals more of the characters and plot as well as some pumped up action. (But I didn't notice a single shot in this new trailer of Simon Pegg as Scotty.) But as with the "Star Wars" prequels it looks like the earlier technology (the ships, the weapons, the onboard computers) looks sleeker and more advanced than the what supposedly came after. I guess that's because filmmakers can't resist using their own state of the art technology to spruce up their prequels. The trailer looked action packed but then the trailer for the Abrams-produced "Cloverfield" got me pumped and then the film disappointed. It will be interesting to see what he does with such a revered franchise as "Star Trek." Panel highlights courtesy of Comic-Con International and WonderCon.