The San Diego City Council has voted to send construction of a new downtown central library out for bids. We look at why (and whether) a viable, robust central library is necessary, what it would cost, if the city can afford it and if now is the right time to go ahead with it.

40 historical, high-fashion costumes worn by San Diego women from the late 19th century to the present are showcased at the Museum of San Diego History's "San Diego style" exhibit to honor the 20th anniversary of the museum's Costume Council. The SDHS's costume collection (7,000 pieces) is the state's second-largest.

The new city council-appointed task force on medical marijuana held its first meeting over the weekend. We ask why the mayor's office, District Attorney's office and police department did not participate and find out what the task force hopes to accomplish.

El Cajon Boulevard has been San Diego's hub of prostitution for decades. Reporter Keegan Kyle, from voiceofsandiego.org, found out why and also looked into how the business of prostitution is changing.

In the fourth installment of our series on California prisons, we'll be discussing the problems with the parole system, and discussing how to reduce the high recidivism rate through rehabilitation and reentry programs.

Determinate sentencing, get-tough enhancements to prison sentences and the enactment of California's Three Strikes initiative in 1994 have combined to greatly expand the prison population, advance the age of California's inmates and produce an overcrowded, dangerous system the state can no longer afford.

More that 20 years ago, California decided to get tough on criminals. Crackdowns included longer prison sentences, the "Three Strikes" law and tougher parole restrictions. Voters decided to keep criminals off the streets and away from society for as long as possible but we seem to have overlooked what affect all that might have on our prisons.

The second season of the Inspector Lewis mysteries has just ended on KPBS’s “Masterpiece Mystery” series, and a third is already completed and waiting in the wings. At first I found the whole package delightful.

Who's allowed to sell marijuana for medical use in San Diego County and who's keeping tabs on the pot outlets springing up everywhere? Our guests discuss the confusing state law, city and county ordinances and efforts to clarify what is and what is not allowed.

The movement to openly carry unloaded firearms in public places in San Diego County is centered in Escondido. Escondido Open Carry will appear at 19 events this month. We look at what's been happening, why they do it, and find out what law enforcement thinks about it.