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Stories by Maureen Cavanaugh
Astronaut Scott Kelly On His Yearlong Journey To Space And Back
- Nov. 14, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Astronaut Scott Kelly has been back on Earth for over a year now, after setting a record for the single-longest American space mission. But in a sense, his mission is far from over.
Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan Discusses California Sanctuary State Law
- Nov. 10, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
Next week, KPBS and inewsource will present special coverage on the Trump administration's effort to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. In preparation for that coverage, KPBS Midday Edition spoke with the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Thomas Homan.
San Diego's Top Weekend Events: To The Theater!
- Nov. 10, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Nina Garin
'The Grinch' returns, plus standout productions in Rolando and Carlsbad.
IMAX Film About Aircraft Carriers Opens Friday At The Fleet
- Nov. 9, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
Captain Craig A. Clapperton, former commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt, which is home-ported in San Diego, is featured in the film.
Union-Tribune: Two San Diego Tourists Contract Hepatitis A
- Nov. 9, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that two tourists who visited San Diego for a Metallica concert in August, developed cases of hepatitis A when they returned home to Utah.
Issa Won't Support Tax Reform Bill In Its Current Form
- Nov. 8, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
House Republicans are planning to vote on the tax reform bill by Thanksgiving. The Senate is expected to release its version of the tax reform bill later this week.
Documentary Follows Navajo Code Talkers As They Return To WWII Battlefields
- Nov. 8, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
The film, "Navajo Code Talkers: A Journey of Remembrance," will be screened Wednesday at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park.
The Old Globe Is Bringing Shakespeare To New Audiences
- Nov. 6, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
The Old Globe's arts engagement program, Globe for All, is offering free performances of "Twelfth Night," Shakespeare's comedy of disguise and mistaken identity, this month at venues throughout San Diego County.
UC San Diego Students Join Annual U.N. Climate Meeting
- Nov. 6, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Thousands of scientists and diplomats from around the world gathered in Bonn, Germany on Monday for the latest United Nations climate conference, the first since President Trump announced intentions for the U.S. to leave the historic Paris climate agreement.
San Diego's Top Weekend Events: 'Homegrown' Dances And San Diego Songs
- Nov. 3, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Nina Garin
San Diego's 'Homegrown' talent takes center stage in a weekend that is filled with locally-produced ballet, visual arts and music.
Harvard Professor To Critique U.S. Foreign Policy In San Diego Speech
- Nov. 2, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Harvard international affairs professor Stephen Walt is in favor of using America’s military forces as sparingly as possible and saw some promise in President Trump’s campaign promises. But since the election, Walt sees Trump as basically following the status quo.
San Diego Journalist Tackles America's Obsession With Gambling
- Nov. 2, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The San Diego Union-Tribune editor David Clary isn't much of a gambler. He rarely goes to casinos, has never bought a lottery ticket and doesn't even play fantasy football. But he has spent the past six years researching America's gambling industry.
Gold Star Father Khizr Khan Brings Message Of Civility And Unity To San Diego
- Nov. 2, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Khan was the keynote speaker Wednesday at the Anti-Defamation League's "No Place For Hate" Leadership Conference. His new book, "An American Family," traces his family's pursuit of the American dream.
San Diego Beer Week Kicks Off Friday
- Nov. 1, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
San Diego Beer Week will celebrate the craft brew industry with festivals, and tasting and pairing events across San Diego County. The events run through Sunday, Nov. 12.
Book Celebrates 'Literary Witches'
- Oct. 31, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Halloween is the day to celebrate witches. A new book, "Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Women Writers," helps readers celebrate witches throughout the year.
California Gas Tax Hike Goes Into Effect Wednesday
- Oct. 31, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Gas taxes will go up by 12 cents per gallon Nov. 1 to raise money for rebuilding roads and highways. But drivers may not see a bump at the pump right away.
San Diego Housing Commission Questioned About Large Reserve Fund
- Oct. 30, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
The hepatitis A outbreak has brought San Diego's lack of low-income housing into the spotlight. Now questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the San Diego Housing Commission.
Acclaimed Chef David Tanis On The Simplicity Of 'Market Cooking'
- Oct. 30, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
David Tanis, the former head chef of the famed Chez Panisse restaurant, will be speaking this week about his new cookbook, "Market Cooking," at two San Diego events.
San Diego's Top Weekend Events: 'Swan Lake' And Halloween Musicals
- Oct. 27, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Nina Garin
Halloween may not be until Tuesday, but many events are happening this weekend. Here's a look at some arts-related options.
Opioid-Related Deaths In San Diego County Keep Steady
- Oct. 27, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
County health officials say there were 253 opioid-related deaths in 2016, that is up just slightly from the year before. The county report was released days before President Trump declared opioid abuse a public health emergency.
Homeland Security Marks Completion Of Border Wall Prototypes
- Oct. 26, 2017
- By Jean Guerrero, Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
The prototypes for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border have made their official debut.
Report: San Diego Nonprofits Face Growing Demand For Services
- Oct. 26, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
A new report by the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego shows the region's nonprofit sector contributes $6 billion in total wages to the economy yet faces growing demand for services outpacing the support for their work.
Amid Calls For Trump's Impeachment, Debunking Myths
- Oct. 26, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
As California billionaire Tom Steyer is pledging to spend at least $10 million in a national TV ad campaign to get President Trump impeached, Harvard law professor Cass Sunstein says the process can be arcane to most Americans.
Archtoberfest To Showcase Tiny Homes As Solution To San Diego's Housing Shortage
- Oct. 25, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Tiny homes will be on display at an event on Friday and Saturday at Market Creek Plaza at Euclid and Market. On Friday, workshops will also be held on tiny homes and modular construction. The event is part of San Diego Architecture and Design Month or Archtoberfest.
New KPBS Podcast Introduces 'Rad' San Diego Scientists To The World
- Oct. 25, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
A new KPBS podcast is trying to bridge the connection between San Diego's scientific community and non-scientists. It's called "Rad Scientist," and its host, Margot Wohl, is working towards her Ph.D. in neuroscience at UC San Diego.
Lawsuit Seeks To Curb California Voting Rights Act, Local District Elections
- Oct. 25, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Former Poway mayor Don Higginson wants to stop the city from electing its city council based on districts and arguing the California Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional.
San Diego Nonprofit Helps Children Orphaned By Domestic Violence
- Oct. 25, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
When a child loses a parent in a domestic-violence related death and the other parent ends up behind bars—Kathy’s Legacy Foundation steps in.
Men Accused Of Traveling To Tijuana To Have Sex With Minors
- Oct. 24, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Several California men are now facing prosecution in a new effort to crack down on sex tourism in Tijuana and other locations overseas. Investigators are making use of a recent law against traveling with the intent of having sex with a minor.
'Heaven's Gate' Podcast Looks Back At San Diego Mass Suicide
- Oct. 24, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The show is hosted by Snap Judgment's Glynn Washington, who grew up in a cult himself.
Frida Kahlo Joins Latin American 'Modern Masters' At San Diego Museum Of Art
- Oct. 23, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The museum is showing nearly 100 works from the collection of Juan Antonio Pérez Simón, a major Latin American art collector.
How To Prepare For The Next San Diego Wildfire
- Oct. 20, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
In the aftermath of the 2007 wildfires, RB United played a key role in helping Rancho Bernardo residents rebuild their homes. Now the volunteer-run organization focuses on disaster preparedness.
State To Rule On SDG&E Request To Charge Ratepayers For $379M Wildfire Cost
- Oct. 20, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The California Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to decide Thursday whether SDG&E can charge ratepayers $379 million to recover costs from the 2007 wildfires.
San Diego Educator Named California Teacher Of The Year
- Oct. 19, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Jaime Brown, an English and film studies teacher at San Diego High School has been selected as one of five educators honored with the California Teacher of the Year award.
La Jolla Playhouse's Without Walls Hits Downtown San Diego
- Oct. 19, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The festival features more than a dozen events, including an improvised film from the European collective Gob Squad and a series of tiny homes in Horton Plaza inspired in part by San Diego's housing crisis.
San Diego Federal Judge Calls Out County Child Welfare Policy
- Oct. 18, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez ruled Child Welfare Service's policy of interviewing young children without a warrant or parental consent is unconstitutional.
Radioactive Water As A Cure-All? A Look At Medical 'Quackery' That Didn't Hold Up
- Oct. 17, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
There have been mavericks in the history of medicine whose crazy ideas have advanced the treatment of disease. But there were the other kind of medical mavericks who just had crazy ideas, like giving babies opiates to stop them from crying or eating tapeworms to lose weight.
Remembering The Migrants Who Lost Their Lives In The 2007 San Diego Wildfires
- Oct. 17, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Among the 10 people killed in the Witch Creek and Harris fires a group of immigrants from Mexico who were in the U.S. illegally who died as they made their journey across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Letter Calls Out Culture Of Sexual Harassment At State Capitol
- Oct. 17, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
The recent furor over the alleged serial sexual abuse by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has prompted conversations about sexual harassment in other places, including in Sacramento.
San Diego’s Top Weekend Events: Movie Roundup
- Oct. 13, 2017
- By Beth Accomando, Maureen Cavanaugh
It may be Friday the 13th, but there’s more than just horror at the box office this weekend.
Navigating San Diego School Choice? There's A Map For That
- Oct. 11, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
San Diego parents now through Nov. 13 have the chance to apply to public schools outside their neighborhood that might be a better fit for their kids. It's called the "school choice window." Families can apply to schools with a dual-language emphasis, an advanced placement focus or even arts and music. Voice of San Diego developed a map to help parents navigate the process.
San Diego Police Chief Search Wraps Up Community Forums
- Oct. 11, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Forum participants are asked for the top issues the next chief should address and what qualities they should possess. City officials expect to announce their final pick in January.
Governor Brown Signs Bill Allocating $2.1 Million To Address Tijuana Sewage Spills
- Oct. 10, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
Senate Bill 507 authored by state Sen. Ben Hueso D-Chula Vista and co-authored by Assemblyman Todd Gloria D-San Diego, is one of several efforts being made to solve the problem, as South Bay communities and residents are increasingly losing patience.
Data Breaches Expose Flaws Of Using Social Security Numbers As Identifiers
- Oct. 10, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Alternatives to social security cards include biometrics, such as fingerprints, iris scans and palm prints, and blockchain technology, which uses encryption to create a digital signature. But a San Diego privacy expert said there are flaws with both options.
City Attorney Says No Misunderstanding In Cate's 'Illegal' Memo Leak
- Oct. 9, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
City Attorney Mara Elliott on Friday dismissed Councilman Chris Cate’s defense of why he leaked a confidential memo on the Soccer City initiative to the measure’s backers, saying Cate’s actions were illegal.
Average Rent Hit Record High In San Diego County
- Oct. 9, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The average rental price in San Diego County hit a record high of $1,875 last month, growing faster than home price increases.
Succulents, Popular Water-Wise Plants, Also Act As Wildfire Barrier
- Oct. 9, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
San Diegans redoing their landscaping to make it water-wise have probably learned a lot about succulents. The thick, fleshy plants that store water in their leaves are now ubiquitous in neighborhoods across the region. But what might not be as well known is that succulents, including cactus, are big business in San Diego County.
CAIR San Diego Offering Bystander Intervention Training
- Oct. 5, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is offering training in bystander intervention to community members who want to learn what they can do to deescalate incidents of hate.
Do More Guns Make People Safer? Research Says No
- Oct. 5, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Gun advocates often claim that gun owners make the country safer, because responsible gun owners can stop criminals from committing gun violence. But science reporter Melinda Wenner Moyer looked into what decades of gun research has shown about gun violence and the answer is the exact opposite.
'Courageous Aging' Author To Speak At Saturday Expo
- Oct. 5, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Ken Druck, the author of "Courageous Aging: Your Best Years Ever Reimagined" will be speaking at the Successful Aging Expo at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday.
Science Ethics Center Reaches Milestone
- Oct. 4, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The questions raised by scientific research can be explosive. Should we edit our children’s genes? What safeguards should we put in place for artificial intelligence? How should the public be informed about clinical trials?