San Diego County gained more than 6,000 jobs in 2010. It was the first year since 2007 that the county added any jobs. The increase could bode well for a continuing recovery.

San Diego Congressman Duncan D. Hunter introduced legislation this week that would slow down the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. We'll find out what kind of support Hunter is getting from his colleagues in the House and how the bill could impede the implementation of the repeal.

A sewage spill in Playas de Tijuana just south of the border with Mexico reached imperial beach weeks ago, but residents only found out about it recently. The 31 million gallon spill is expected to be contained Friday. We speak to Ben McCue, conservation director for Wildcoast about the implications of this spill on San Diego.

Governor Jerry Brown has proposed that local redevelopment agencies be eliminated and their funds moved to counties, cities and schools. These agencies are mandated to devote 20 percent of their funding to develop affordable housing. Some say that if the redevelopment agencies go, affordable housing will as well. Susan Tinsky, executive director of the San Diego Housing Federation explains what's at stake.

The New Year brought with it a new superintendent of public instruction for the State of California. Tom Torlakson replaces Jack O'Connell who served in the position for nearly a decade. Torlakson faces the monumental task of lobbying the state legislature and Governor Jerry Brown to restore funding to state education that was victim to massive budget cuts. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis talked with Superintendent Torlakson about education in this new year.

Maintaining the ability to drive is a sensitive issue for seniors because it contributes to their independence. But there's no getting around the fact that physical and cognitive issues can affect the ability to drive safely. To help keep seniors driving as long as they can, the California Department of Motor vehicles created a senior driver program. We'll hear about resources for senior drivers and what options are available to those who can no longer drive.

Alfonso Bustamante, considered one of the architects of modern Tijuana, died at his home on Wednesday. He was 95.

San Diego gets lousy marks in the latest tobacco control report card from the American Lung Association. The city received a "D" overall.

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a high surf advisory from 2 a.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Tuesday in San Diego.

We don't often get film from Estonia so "The Temptation of St. Tony" (opening January 21 at Reading Gaslamp Stadium 15 Theaters) is a rare opportunity I do not want to miss. You can listen to our discussion of the film on the KPBS Film Club of the Air from last November (it's taken the film a bit of time to open here).

Known everywhere as the quintessential American cultural identity, Westerns filled small screens across the country night after night and were some of the most successful television shows in history. This episode features TV Western pioneers, including Fess Parker (Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett), James Garner, Linda Evans, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Conrad and James Arness.

California Governor Jerry Brown has declared a fiscal emergency. The move is designed to get lawmakers to act quickly on the budget.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts this year’s California almond harvest to be a record breaking 1.65 billion pounds. That would make it the fifth-straight year of record breaking harvests.

On August 15th, 1914, the Panama Canal opened, connecting the world’s two largest oceans and signaling America’s emergence as a global superpower. American ingenuity and innovation had succeeded where, just a few years earlier, the French had failed disastrously. But the U.S. paid a price for victory. "Panama Canal" features a delightful cast of colorful characters ranging from an indomitable president to visionary engineers to tens of thousands of workers from around the world, rigidly segregated by race.

The Chula Vista Police Officers Association ratified a new contract it hopes will prevent up to 20 layoffs, it was announced today.

In this episode, test cook Yvonne Ruperti shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate classic bread pudding. Chris then discusses the virtues of stale versus dried bread while baking with science expert Guy Crosby. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals the best small appliances in the equipment corner. And finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to the best shortbread.

"Roadtrip Nation" follows two groups of young people as they traverse the United States, meeting fascinating leaders who share their stories of following their passions and realizing their dreams. In this episode, meet team "Tabula Rasa" and follow their first attempts at cold calling, from local restaurants to the White House. They meet each other and their RV for the first time in Southern California, before heading to interview Christian Jacobs, lead singer of The Aquabats, and co-creator, writer, and director of the hugely popular "Yo Gabba Gabba" pre-school television show.

The family of a college student killed during a knife fight in San Diego is suing former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. They’re accusing him of violating their constitutional rights.

The grand opening of San Diego County's newest library is set this weekend in Fallbrook. Visitors will discover a spacious, art-filled facility almost twice the size of the old library.

Culture Lust contributor and film noir buff Randy Dotinga wants to know if you think San Diego could be the setting for a noir film. Are there dark corners perfect for clandestine meetings? Murders? Femme fatales?

Patti Smith's memoir "Just Kids" was one of my favorite books of 2010. A local DJ is programming an evening of music inspired by the book at The Whistle Stop this weekend.

The talk about building a new NFL stadium in Los Angeles got more serious this week. First, billionaire Phillip Anschutz said he would be willing to finance a new stadium in downtown L.A. if certain conditions are met. Plus, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn is leading efforts to fast track the Anschutz Entertainment Group's stadium proposal. What does this all mean to the Chargers? Which city will win the race to build a new NFL stadium?

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to repeal the health-care-reform bill this week. While Democratic leaders in the Senate said they will not consider a repeal, the House's symbolic vote indicates that efforts to change the legislation will continue. We talk about why the Republicans want to change the law.

University of California regents met in San Diego this week to discuss how to close a $1 billion budget gap. UC President Mark Yudof said thousands of qualified applicants will be turned away because of a proposed $500 million budget cut for 2011-2012, and other "unavoidable" expenses. The California State University system is also facing massive budget cuts that could lead to layoffs, and higher tuition. We discuss how the budget cuts could impact California colleges.

Abortion, the issue so contentious that it almost prevented the health law from passing last year, is back. But this time Republican leaders are raising it on purpose. And if another divisive debate helps further weaken the health law they would like to see repealed, that would be an added bonus.

"The Illusionist" (opening January 21 at Landmark's Hillcrest Cinemas) is just arriving in San Diego but it was the best animated film of 2010. You can listen to my radio feature or read my review.

The University of California's Board of Regents capped its three-day meeting in San Diego this week with a dire message: The UC system that put California on the map could unravel.