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Stories by Maureen Cavanaugh
Imperial County Assemblyman Proposes Bill To Address Farmworker Shortage
- Jan. 24
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
A bipartisan group of California assembly members announced Wednesday new legislation to address the shortage in the state: the California Resident Worker Program and Economic Stabilization Act.
The Pros And Cons Of Growing Your Own Marijuana
- Jan. 24
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
David Newman is the co-owner and head grower of A Soothing Seed in Oceanside, which sells marijuana cuttings to people with medical marijuana prescriptions. Newman will join Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss the pros and cons of personal cannabis cultivation.
Young Playwrights' Work Takes Center Stage At The Old Globe
- Jan. 23
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The best student playwrights in California are getting the chance to see their work come to life at The Old Globe.
Book Details How Kumeyaay Use Indigenous Plants
- Jan. 23
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
"Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias" explores the plants the Kumeyaay use to make food, medicine and traditional arts.
'Vietgone' Tells Story Of Playwright's Parents Falling In Love At A Refugee Camp
- Jan. 22
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
In "Vietgone," playwright Qui Nguyen tells the story of how his parents fled Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War and fell in love at a refugee camp in Arkansas.
Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Wants Redemption In New Interview
- Jan. 22
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner is apologizing yet again for sexually harassing numerous women during his political career, asking for redemption in his first substantive comments since the #MeToo movement prompted more public conversations about the sexual abuse women face.
San Diego County Republican Leader Discusses 2018 Elections
- Jan. 22
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Tony Krvaric has chaired the San Diego County Republican Party for more than 10 years. He joins Midday Edition to outline his priorities for the midterm elections and whether this will be his final year at the helm of the county's GOP.
'The Assassination of Gianni Versace' Reminds Audiences Of Murderer's San Diego Origins
- Jan. 18
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
The first episode of the mini-series "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" debuted on FX network Wednesday night. The series will no doubt revive interest in one of San Diego's most curious and tragic chapters — the 1997 cross-country murder spree of Andrew Cunanan.
San Diego Women’s March Organizers Focus On 'Power To The Polls'
- Jan. 18
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
The nonprofit Women’s March San Diego is planning to hold the second annual march Saturday in downtown San Diego. This year's theme is "hear our vote."
'The Last Wife' Gives Modern Voice To Tudor Royalty
- Jan. 18
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The play, making its West Coast debut at Cygnet Theater, puts the spotlight on Henry VIII's sixth wife in a contemporary, re-imagined history.
Sharp To Hold Blood Drive Amid Drop In Donations Due To Flu
- Jan. 18
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
This year’s flu season has already had devastating consequences with thousands of confirmed cases and a record number of deaths in San Diego County. But health officials say there’s been another consequence of the flu epidemic—a drop in blood donations.
Rep. Scott Peters Co-Authors Bipartisan DACA Bill
- Jan. 17
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
A new bipartisan proposal to fix the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was announced Tuesday. Supporters said the bill is backed by more than 40 members of Congress.
'ThriftStyle' Authors: Be Green By Shopping At Thrift Stores
- Jan. 17
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Textile waste accounts for 10.5 million tons of trash yearly in U.S. landfills. That's one of the reasons some people choose thrift shopping, the authors of "ThriftStyle: The Ultimate Bargain Shopper's Guide to Smart Fashion" said.
'It's About Time' Festival Brings Percussion To The Forefront
- Jan. 16
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
"It's About Time: A Festival of Rhythm. Sound. And Place." runs through Feb. 11. A dozen different arts organizations are putting on a total of 25 performances, installations, conversations and other events.
Councilman Ward Backs Mayor's Response To San Diego's Homelessness Crisis
- Jan. 16
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
In downtown San Diego, the city's struggle to help its neediest residents is most apparent. Nearly 1,300 people sleep on the street, according to the latest census from the Regional Task Force on the Homeless.
Civil Rights Attorney Eva Paterson Headlines All Peoples Celebration
- Jan. 15
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Civil rights attorney Eva Paterson was the keynote speaker at Monday's All Peoples Celebration in San Diego. She is the president and co-founder of the Equal Justice Society.
San Diego's Top Weekend Events: Arts In North County
- Jan. 12
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Nina Garin
North County is in the midst of transforming into an arts hub, and this weekend's exhibition of work by Niki de Saint Phalle and play based on a Jules Verne novel are good examples why.
Goal Of New San Diego Company: Wellness Workshops At Affordable Price
- Jan. 11
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
RECHARGE Events plans to hold healthy eating, self-care, yoga and crafting workshops.
U-T: Grand Jury Subpoenas Witness In Investigation Of Rep. Hunter's Use Of Campaign Funds
- Jan. 11
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that a witness has been ordered to produce documents and receipts from a business in which Rep. Hunter's campaign spent thousands of dollars.
North County Students Pen Sci-Fi Series
- Jan. 11
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
High school students usually write book reports, not their own books. But that's exactly what students at High Tech High North County have done.
San Diego County Democratic Leader Discusses 2018 Elections
- Jan. 10
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
It's been nearly a year since Jessica Hayes was named chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. She joins Midday Edition for a discussion on how the party is preparing for the November election.
An American Finds Understanding After Travels In The Middle East
- Jan. 9
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
While working at New York University Abu Dhabi, Adam Levinson hopscotched across the Middle East, visiting Kuwait, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. Many of those trips took place in the midst of the Arab Spring.
What's The Word Of The Year For 2017?
- Jan. 8
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
"Fake news," a favorite of President Trump's, is one of several Trump-related phrases that made it onto the annual list.
Q&A With All Things Considered Host Robert Siegel As He Retires After 40 Years At NPR
- Jan. 2
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
KPBS Midday Edition host Maureen Cavanaugh spoke with Robert Siegel prior to his retirement on Jan. 5.
Rep. Peters On Tax Reform, Yucca Mountain, Healthcare For Veterans
- Dec. 28, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
The tax reform package passed the House and Senate earlier this month without a single Democratic vote. But Democrats are hoping to have more of a say in Washington, D.C., soon, as the party gears up for midterm elections in November 2018.
City Heights In 2017: Trump's Immigration Policies, Increasing Housing Costs
- Dec. 28, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
KPBS reporter Tarryn Mento covers the community of City Heights. She joins Midday Edition on Thursday to discuss the impact of President Trump's policies on residents of City Heights and other stories that have impacted the community in 2017.
Looking Back At The Impact Of The Trump Administration's Immigration Policies In 2017
- Dec. 27, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
One of the major stories of 2017, was how the Trump administration began moving forward on its hard-line immigration policies, and how those new policies affected U.S.-Mexico relations and immigrants living in the U.S.
Why Some People Choose Not To Evacuate During Wildfires
- Dec. 27, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Thousands of people who live in the path of the Thomas Fire were under mandatory evacuation orders which were lifted last week. But not everyone who is ordered to leave their homes evacuates.
Film Critics Discuss What's Coming Out For The Holidays
- Dec. 18, 2017
- By Beth Accomando, Maureen Cavanaugh
From box-office hit "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" to coming of age love story in "Call Me By Your Name," film critics give their take on the best holiday releases this year.
San Diego's Top Weekend Events: Motels, 'Cabaret' And Hova
- Dec. 15, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Nina Garin
This weekend features iconic names in theater and hip hop, as well as an unconventional art show.
Labor Leader Mickey Kasparian Accused Of Sexual Assault In New Suit
- Dec. 15, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
New sexual misconduct allegations have surfaced against San Diego labor leader Mickey Kasparian, who is now accused of sexual assault.
Elevated Flu Activity Continues In San Diego County
- Dec. 14, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
San Diego County is seeing an outbreak of flu much earlier than normal. The number of confirmed cases is three higher than at the same time last year.
Studies Show DACA Recipients Unlikely To Displace U.S. Jobs, Spur Large Family Sponsorships
- Dec. 14, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
When Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, one reason he gave was that the program recipients were taking jobs away from U.S. citizens. But a new study finds that competition for jobs between DACA recipients and their corresponding millennial U.S. population is not widespread.
Prison Reforms Pressuring California's Inmate Firefighter Force
- Dec. 13, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The state estimates these inmates save California $100 million a year it would otherwise have to spend on firefighters.
Science Writer Gary Taubes Makes 'The Case Against Sugar'
- Dec. 13, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Gary Taubes says sugar is the cause of an increase in the number of people who suffer from obesity and diabetes.
Additional 27 Million Trees Have Died In California In The Last Year
- Dec. 13, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
A new U.S. Forest Service survey found that another 27 million trees died due to drought and disease since November 2016. That brings the total number of dead trees to a record 129 million since 2010.
The Zzymzzy Quartet Blends Gypsy Swing And Jazz Standards From The American Songbook
- Dec. 12, 2017
- By Kurt Kohnen, Maureen Cavanaugh
For over a decade the Zzymzzy Quartet has been transporting audiences back in time with their 1930’s era music. Inspired by Django Reinhardt and the American Songbook, these San Diegans have become an integral part of the swing dance scene.
Only 5 Percent Of Border Patrol Agents Are Women And That May Not Change Anytime Soon
- Dec. 7, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Journalist Sasha von Oldershausen writes in the latest issue of Marie Claire about the U.S. Border Patrol’s struggles to recruit more women.
Women In Sacramento Face Retaliation Amid Sexual Harassment Firestorm
- Dec. 7, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
Allegations of sexual harassment by state lawmakers continue to come out in Sacramento. And now, there are reports that there has been a backlash by some male legislators against the women who have come forward.
Imperial Beach Considers Polystyrene Ban
- Dec. 6, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Imperial Beach could become the third city in San Diego County to ban the plastic food containers at restaurants.
Racial Disparities Persist In Diverse California, Study Says
- Dec. 4, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
California may be a majority-minority state and pride itself on its racial diversity, but diversity does not mean equality.
Report: Border Patrol Agents Sickened By Sewage Spills Nearly Triples Since June
- Dec. 4, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
The number of U.S. Border Patrol agents sickened by the cross-border sewage spills in the Tijuana River Valley has grown to 83, according to a report Monday by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
San Diego's Top Weekend Events: Your Guide To December Nights 2017
- Dec. 1, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Nina Garin
You can say that in San Diego, the holidays don't officially begin until December Nights weekend. Here's a guide to navigating the popular Balboa Park event.
Comedian Herbert Siguenza On His Role In Pixar’s ‘Coco’
- Nov. 30, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
Siguenza served as one of several Latino cultural advisors who worked on Pixar's animated film inspired by Día de los Muertos. He is also part of the film's voice cast.
Climate Paper At Center Of Scientist-Versus-Scientist Legal Dispute
- Nov. 30, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
A Stanford University climate scientist has taken the relatively rare step of suing another scientist, arguing that a rebuttal paper critiquing his work amounted to defamation.
Rep. Susan Davis Discusses GOP Tax Plan, Sexual Harassment And A Possible Government Shutdown
- Nov. 29, 2017
- By Marissa Cabrera, Maureen Cavanaugh
The end of 2017 is shaping up to be busy for members of Congress as the debate over the GOP tax plan continues along with controversy over sexual misconduct allegations.
Anza-Borrego Desert Guidebook Helps Demystify California's Largest State Park
- Nov. 29, 2017
- By Brooke Ruth, Maureen Cavanaugh
California's largest state park covers 600,000 acres in eastern San Diego County.
Lawmakers' Sexual Harassment In The Spotlight, After Decades Of Allegations
- Nov. 29, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
San Diego Rep. Jim Bates was the first congressman to be reprimanded by the House Ethics Committee for sexual harassment, back in 1989.
Yearlong Investigation By LA Times Details 'Housing Debacle' In Mexico
- Nov. 28, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Megan Burke
A five-part series recounts the miscalculations and corruption that created substandard and hazardous housing developments from Baja California to the Gulf of Mexico.
Is It Okay To Leave Behind Sick, Aging Friends? Authors Take On Tough Questions About Getting Older
- Nov. 28, 2017
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Michael Lipkin
Even as the chance of living to old age increases, many people avoid thinking about old age, afraid of the choices and challenges it presents.