Stories for May 5, 2009

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San Diego Council Declares Level 2 Drought, Approves Water Restrictions

The San Diego City Council voted Tuesday to declare a level two drought in the city. Council members say this is the first step in creating a more comprehensive water conservation policy for the city. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

These Days

Cult Favorite Chuck Palahniuk Talks About His New Novel Pygmy

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Chuck Palahniuk's tenth novel is a biting cultural satire narrated by Pygmy, a 13-year-old terrorist who has infiltrated the US disguised as a foreign exchange student. Written as a series of dispatches from Pygmy, the prose doesn't follow grammatical rules or sentence structure, but includes Palahniuk's propensity to push the boundaries.

SD Council Considers Pros, Cons of New City Hall

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San Diego’s City Council is facing a difficult decision. Should it move forward with plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to build a new City Hall? KPBS Metro Reporter Katie Orr spoke with several Council members to see where they stand on the issue.

SD Schools That Closed Over Swine Flu Cases Will Reopen Wednesday

  • May 5, 2009

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is working with local school district officials to reopen three local high schools where students were dismissed, based on new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Blue Collar Workers Still Fighting Imposed Settlement

San Diego City Council votes on a new Salary Ordinance today. But the city’s lowest paid workers are still fighting for more flexibility in how to meet the 6 percent cut in pay and benefits. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Your Political Opinions Might Be Genetic

A UCSD professor says liberal or conservative politics might run in your family. KPBS Reporter Tom Fudge explains.

These Days

Ad Exec Says Seduction is Key to Woman's Success in Business

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

These Days

UCSD Professor Discovers Important Franklin Letters

A UCSD political science professor's discovery of 47 letters written by, to and about Benjamin Franklin shed new light on the relationship between the British crown and colonists during the French and Indian War.

These Days

Local Nonprofits Giving Loans to Small Businesses

Small businesses are an important part of the local economy. We'll look at how microloans are stepping up and providing credit and hope to small businesses.

SDSU Could Go Smoke-Free

San Diego State University could become a smoke-free campus or increase current restrictions. KPBS Environment Reporter Ed Joyce says the faculty senate meets Tuesday to consider clearing the air.

Afghans Fear More U.S. Troops Will Bring More Violence

  • May 5, 2009
  • | By Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, NPR
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U.S. and Afghan officials agree that most of the 21,000 U.S. troops President Obama plans to send to Afghanistan in the coming months should be deployed in Kandahar and its surrounding areas to fight the Taliban resurgence.

No Ransom Demand, No Motive in Abduction of 3 Year Old

  • May 5, 2009
  • | By Associated Press

Authorities investigating the abduction of a 3-year-old boy from his home received dozens of tips from the public but none of the calls had resulted in solid information, officials said Tuesday.

Calif. Budget Problems Could Affect Fire Protection

  • May 5, 2009
  • | By Marianne Russ - California Capitol Network
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Governor Schwarzenegger has signed an executive order ensuring all state resources will be available to battle wildfires this summer. But, the announcement comes on the heels of reports that the governor plans to cut Cal Fire funds by ten-percent-or roughly 1,700 workers.