Imperial Valley Update: Signs of Economy Improving, Concerns About Program at SDSU-IV

By Maureen Cavanaugh / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, Hank Crook / Producer

Published April 22, 2009 at 6:32 AM PDT

What are some of the signs that the Imperial Valley economy is starting to improve? Why are certain Imperial County residents concerned about a plan to eradicate non-native fish from the Colorado River? And, can bargains be found right now in the IV housing market? Brad Jennings, editor of the Imperial Valley Press, join us to talk about the latest news out in the Imperial Valley. Jennings also talks about concerns that were recently raised relating to the quality of the teacher education program at San Diego State University's Imperial Valley campus.

Maureen Cavanaugh: The news from the Imperial Valley in recent months hasn't been so good. The area has been hard hit by the recession, with soaring unemployment, job losses and foreclosures. But checking in on recent news, it seems there's been just a little improvement: a few more car sales, and some houses are selling. There's been a little good news for a change.

And, recent Imperial County headlines also highlight the search for a new police chief for El Centro, a controversial EPA plan to kill off some fish by using a pesticide in the Colorado River and some high-level criticism of SDSU-Imperial Valley's teachers' education program.

Guest

Brad Jennings, editor of the Imperial Valley Press.

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Maureen Cavanaugh

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Maureen Cavanaugh has been a familiar voice for KPBS listeners for more than 15 years, serving in a variety of capacities including announcer, host, and producer. As host of KPBS Midday Edition, Maureen has interviewed a wide range of notables, such as comedienne Sandra Bernhardt, actor John Lequizamo, author Chuck Palahniuk, composer Marvin Hamlisch, artist Robert Irwin, and designer Zandra Rhodes. But of all the interviews Maureen has conducted, her most special was with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Before joining KPBS in 1997, she worked as a news anchor for KSDO and KOGO News Radio in San Diego. While working for commercial radio stations in San Diego and in Salt Lake City, Utah, Maureen reported on both hard news and lifestyle features. Maureen has received three "Golden Mike" awards from the Radio and TV News Association of Southern California for economic reporting and breaking news. She has also received a "Best of Show" and “Best Radio Newscast” awards from the San Diego Press Club and the "Flo" Award from Public Radio Program Directors Association for Best Public Radio Announcer in a large market. Maureen is a native of Queens, New York, but after more than 20 years in San Diego she feels she qualifies as a real Southern Californian.

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Hank Crook

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Hank Crook was the producer for "KPBS Midday Edition" as well as Friday's "Roundtable on KPBS Midday Edition" and KPBS TV's "San Diego Week" until 2011. He produced shows about a wide variety of topics. Some of Hank’s favorite topics include: local politics, economics, the environment and anything sports-related. Hank graduated with a degree in journalism from San Diego State University, and has been a professional journalist in San Diego since 2003. As an SDSU student, Hank served as an intern for the KPBS Radio newsroom. Hank grew up in San Diego, and is an alumnus of Point Loma High School. When Hank is not at work, he likes to exercise, listen to music, hang out with friends and manage his fantasy sports teams.

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