San Diego Brews on the Rise

Artisan beers are popular these days. We'll talk about the art to making, and enjoying, the malty brews with local beer crafters and critics.

 CA Schools Superintendent Discusses Budget Deadlock

How will the budget deadlock, and the state's $15 billion deficit impact California schools this year? Host Tom Fudge speaks to state schools' Superintendent Jack O'Connell about what parents and students can expect this fall. We also speak to O'Connell about how the state is doing with it's No Child Left Behind requirements.

 Many Changes on the Horizon for SD City Schools

Is the San Diego Unified School District in a state of flux? Host Tom Fudge speaks to KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis about a number of significant changes that could affect day-to-day operations at San Diego City Schools. Tintocalis details new Superintendent Terry Grier's plan to "right-size" the district. We also discuss the potential impact of a $2.1 billion school bond that will appear on the November ballot, and how the teachers union has responded to Grier's plans.

 Biographer-Turned-Felon Talks about Her Literary Crimes

Can an author redeem herself after being convicted of literary forgery and theft? We'll talk with Lee Israel, author of "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" about what drove her to forge letters of famous people, and ultimately steal literary works from libraries.

 A Night of Short Films at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Alt.pictureshows is a curated short film showcase uniquely staged throughout the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. The one-night only event has become a San Diego favorite with attendance growing each year. Visitors can "physically channel surf" throughout the museum, moving from screening to screening where the short films play on a continuous loop.

 The Evolution of the Movie Comedy

Comedy is one of the oldest genres in film, going back to the silent film days where comedians like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin made their mark. We'll trace the broad lines of cinema's relationship with comedy through one of its biggest fans, Scott Marks.

 Sizing Up the Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention is underway in Denver and KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner is on hand to witness history in the making. We'll get analysis from Penner on the speeches and Super Delegates, as well as party unity and diversity.

 UCSD Trauma Surgeon Urges Prevention First

More than 150,000 Americans die from trauma each year. It is the leading cause of death for people aged 1-45, and a growing problem for seniors who are living longer, more active lives. Unfortunately, most people do not think trauma will happen to them. We'll explore trauma care in San Diego and what you need to know to prevent - and survive - trauma.

 UCAN Confronts California's Water Crisis

The great California drought is bringing hard times to farmers, and it's making a lot of people take a hard look at the way we use water. San Diego's Utility Consumers Action Network has called the water crisis San Diego's Challenge of the Century. They have come out with a report and a list of suggestions that goes by that name. UCAN Executive Director Michael Shames joins us to tell us what his group thinks should be done about water.

 Free Speech Rights at Airports

The California Supreme Court lays down the law on non-compete contracts and makes it easier for prisoners to be paroled. Those are two of the cases Dan Eaton will talk about during his These Days legal analysis.

 Owl Lure - Fact Versus Fiction

Harry Potter and his owl, Hedwig, may have once again popularized the mysterious and scholarly owl. But unlike the owls in the children's books, owls are wild raptors protected by the U.S. Government. We'll talk about the behavior and habitat of owls with a biologist who spent nearly 20 years observing one, and a local rapture rescuer and educator.

 Former Head of CCDC Accepted Money from Developer with Project in Downtown SD

How will the fallout from former CCDC President Nancy Graham's departure impact pending and future downtown redevelopment projects? Why didn't City of San Diego overseers do a more thorough investigation into Graham's past real estate dealings to make sure she didn't have an improper relationship with developers who were negotiating contracts with CCDC? Host Tom Fudge speaks to Rob Davis, with voiceofsandiego.org, about his investigation into Graham's past.

 Homeowners Associations Struggle with Upkeep

Home Owners' Associations as a necessary part of shared living space, but disputes often arise. We'll discuss the problems between HOAs and residents, from dispute resoluations to paying membership dues to deferred maintainance.

 Exploring the Culture of San Diego's Original Inhabitants

Long before the Spanish, Mexicans and now Americans settled in San Diego, it was home to the Kumeyaay, Luiseno, Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. We'll explore the culture and history of the original inhabitants of San Diego County with SDSU Indian historian and archeologist Richard Carrico.

 Local Foods Plentiful at County's 30 Farmers Markets

San Diego is a bountiful place to grow food and agriculture is a large part of the region's economy. So it is no surprise that San Diego County is home to 30 farmers markets. We'll talk about the variety of wonderful foods to be found at San Diego's farmers markets and how some markets are finding innovative ways to reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

 New Musical Memphis Explores Rock 'n'Roll Roots in Black Music

The new musical Memphis explores the birth of rock 'n' roll by paying homage to its roots in the gospel, blues, and soul music of Memphis. Set in the early 1950's on the legendary Beale Street, the musical is loosely based on the life of white Memphis deejay Dewey Phillips who was one of the first to play black music at the center of the radio dial.

 Artist and Film Critic Manny Farber Dies at 91

San Diego-based artist and influential critic Manny Farber died Monday at the age of 91. We'll talk about his career and unique voice.

 Some Local Farmers Are Being Hit Hard By Water Restrictions

How are local farmers dealing with the order to cut their water usage by 30 percent? Why are farmers the first group of people to deal with mandatory water restrictions? Host Tom Fudge speaks to KPBS Reporter Joanne Faryon, and the president of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, about the water supply issues the local agricultural community is dealing with. We also speak to a representative from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to discuss whether or not the water agreement with California farmers needs to be changed.

 Many CA ER Visits are Considered Avoidable

Who is using California's emergency rooms and why? Host Tom Fudge speaks to a researcher from the PPIC about a new report on "Emergency Department Care in California". We discuss who are the most common users of the state's ERs, and if some of those visits can be avoided.

 Presidential Candidates Gear Up for Big Conventions

The Democratic presidential convention is next week, immediately followed by the Republican convention. We'll talk about what to expect from the conventions and how the candidates are gearing up for the race of their lives.