Stories for May 14, 2010

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Envision San Diego

What Are County Board's Spending Priorities?

The County Board of Supervisors unveiled its budget plan for the upcoming year, and it calls for $145 million in cuts and the elimination of nearly 600 positions. We speak to KPBS reporter Joanne Faryon about why the budget is being reduced, and what programs are on the chopping block.

S.D. Food Bank Partners With Local Schools

The food stamp enrollment rate in San Diego is one of the lowest in the nation. In an effort to increase local enrollment in the food stamp program, the San Diego Food Bank is forming a partnership with five local elementary schools. Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis joins us to explain how the program works.

Is The Local Housing Market Stabilizing?

Home values in San Diego are rising at a higher rate than almost every other market in the nation. Is this a sign the local real estate market is stabilizing? San Diego Union-Tribune Staff Writer Roger Showley joins us to explain what's happening with local real estate.

San Diego Emits More CO2 Per Person Than Other Regions.

Global warming is already affecting San Diego’s regional planning. California’s Air Resources Board will set new carbon emission reduction goals this fall.

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Review: 'Robin Hood'

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Maybe “Robin Hood” (opening May 14 throughout San Diego) looked good on paper. Reuniting director Ridley Scott with his star Russell Crowe in order to retell the classic legend of Robin Hood does have a certain appeal… on paper.

Ground War: Battlefield Mobility

  • May 14, 2010
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"Ground War" explores the key technological advances that have defined ground warfare through the ages. From the gladius to the AK-47, from the chariot to the tank, from the trebuchet to the howitzer, and from the battle ramp to the star fort, the series follows the fascinating punch and counterpunch of battle tactics and new technologies. This episode explores mobility on the battlefield and the never-ending challenge to maximize effectiveness and find the right balance of protective armor, speed, mobility and firepower.

Ground War: Warrior Weapons

  • May 14, 2010
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"Ground War" explores the key technological advances that have defined ground warfare through the ages. From the gladius to the AK-47, from the chariot to the tank, from the trebuchet to the howitzer, and from the battle ramp to the star fort, the series follows the fascinating punch and counterpunch of battle tactics and new technologies. This episode traces the evolution of soldiers and their gear, from the phalanx formations of Alexander the Great to the the development of wearable exoskeletons that will one day soon make human soldiers stronger and faster.

Secrets Of The Dead: Deadliest Battle

  • May 14, 2010
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This film uncovers the truth behind the Battle of Stalingrad, the the horrific battle that changed the course of World War II. 70 years after the battle was fought, newly uncovered documents, survivor accounts and stunning archival footage are revealing a different picture. “Deadliest Battle” uncovers evidence that describes a forced retreat by the Russians, not a tactical one, in addition to much fiercer fighting in the countryside than previously thought.

La Jolla Students Compete In International Science And Engineering Fair

Some of the smartest high school students in the world are competing in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose this week, and two of them are from our own backyard. Morning Edition host Pam Davis spoke with La Jolla students Aaron Schild and Rafael Cosman.

Frontline: The Wounded Platoon

  • May 14, 2010
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"The Wounded Platoon" tells the dark tale of the men of Third Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st battalion of the 506th infantry and how the war followed them home. It is a story of heroism, grief, vicious combat, depression, drugs, alcohol and brutal murder; an investigation into the Army's mental health services; and a powerful portrait of what multiple tours and post-traumatic stress are doing to a generation of young American soldiers.

The House Of Windsor: The First Windsors, 1911 - 1936

  • May 14, 2010
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"The House Of Windsor" explores the turbulent reign of England's Windsor family, the most prestigious monarchy in the world. This in-depth series illuminates the storied history of the family which has held the English throne for nearly a century. They persevered through two World Wars, but in addition to their triumphs, they also endured the pain of both scandal and tragedy.

Governor's Budget Plan Includes Deep Health Care Cuts

Governor Schwarzenegger's revised budget plan contains nearly $2.5 billion of cuts in health and social service programs. The governor wants new restrictions on Medi-Cal.

Gardner Sentenced To 3 Life Terms For Murders Of Chelsea King And Amber Dubois

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Judge David Danielsen sentenced John Gardner to three life terms without the possibility of parole for the murders of 14-year-old Amber Dubois and 17-year-old Chelsea King.

NOVA: Storm That Drowned A City

  • May 14, 2010
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NOVA presents a minute-by-minute eyewitness account of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, exploring why the flood defenses and disaster relief planning failed to match Katrina's fury. What made this storm so deadly? How accurately did scientists predict its impact? And why are powerful hurricanes like Katrina likely to strike more often?

Calif. Students' Test Scores Up Almost 2 Percent

  • May 14, 2010
  • | By Associated Press

California students scored almost 2 percent higher on statewide standardized tests that measured academic performance last year.

Amber Dubois' Father Expresses Outrage At The Courts

  • May 14, 2010
  • | By City News Service

The father of slain teenager Amber Dubois blasted the court system today for releasing his victim-impact statement a day before his daughter's killer was to be sentenced.

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Interview: Dieter Laser

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Well if you missed "The Human Centipede" at midnight, it is returning to Landmark's Ken Cinema tonight at 11:00 pm. Here's my interview with Dieter Laser. The German actor who plays the twisted doctor who plans on joining three human beings together.

Gardner To Be Sentenced Today For Teenage Girls' Murders

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The parents of two San Diego County teenage girls confront their daughters' killer in court today. John Gardner has admitted to raping and killing Amber Dubois and Chelsea King.

The Marines

  • May 14, 2010
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This documentary examines the unique warrior culture of the United States Marine Corps. The corps' "Warrior Ethos" is ingrained into Marines from their earliest training. The program focuses on this training and considers what it takes to become and to be a Marine. The program also examines the strong bonds between Marines and their devotion to the corps, and explores some of the key moments in Marine Corps history.

American Experience: The Hurricane Of '38

  • May 14, 2010
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In September of 1938, a great storm rose up on the African coast and began to cross the Atlantic. The National Weather Bureau predicted it would blow itself out at Cape Hatteras, just as such storms usually did. But there was nothing typical about this storm. Without sophisticated forecasting tools, the East Coast was taken by surprise as the storm suddenly headed north. Within 24 hours of the Weather Bureau’s benign forecast, the so-called “Florida cyclone” ripped into the New England coast with a fury that set off seismographs in Alaska.

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Guest Blogger: Networking in Cannes

  • May 14, 2010
  • | By Giancarlo Ruiz
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Cannes -- in my most humble opinion -- is a monster when it comes to film festivals. Everyone is selling, everyone is buying, everyone is pitching. It is the major league of film festivals and the sensory overload I have been experiencing is intense.

Editors Roundtable

More Fire Stations Are Needed But Who Will Pay?

The regional fire services deployment study found that 14 more fire stations are needed to provide adequate coverage. What does this mean for the upcoming wild fire season?

Editors Roundtable

Political Parties In A Nonpartisan Election

We discuss how partisan politics could affect the June primary election in San Diego County.

Editors Roundtable

Prospects For College Grads Entering The Workforce

How hospitable is the job market and what sectors are good places for grads to look for jobs in San Diego?

Nitrates in Our Drinking Water, Part 1 - The Present Threat

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California is facing a hidden threat to its drinking water supply. Nitrate pollution is a problem for both cities and rural areas, and it could get worse as the state's population grows. Yet, regulators aren't really paying attention.

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Video: NPR's Robert Siegel And Crew Spoof Lady Gaga

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Robert Siegel and Nina Totenberg join an NPR crew's admirable spoof of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video. A public radio fan's dream entree into the Gaga internet craze.

Sexual Predators: Are Tougher Laws The Answer?

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Later today, a man who's admitted to raping and killing two San Diego-area teenage girls will be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Some say the murders of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois could have been prevented had the state had tougher sanctions on sexual predators. But others question whether stricter laws make a difference.

San Diego Salon Donates Hair For Gulf Cleanup

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Hair salons around the world are sweeping up hair from their floors and sending it to soak up oil from the spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A San Diego salon is also pitching in to help.