As the year comes to a close, we look back at some of our favorite KPBS stories in 2014: the gluten-free product craze; cars becoming more like smartphones; a retiring San Diego cop who worked with the homeless; and a daycare center for kids whose parents are homeless.
Gluten: The Marketing Versus The Science
It was a big year for gluten-free food. Shoppers spent close to $9 billion on gluten-free products in 2014. That's up 68 percent from just two years ago. But as KPBS science reporter David Wagner found out earlier this year, gluten-free marketing doesn't always square with science. Foods that have always been gluten-free are suddenly scrambling to advertise the fact. Even products that no sane person would eat, such as shampoo, are now labeled gluten-free.
Smartphones On Wheels: A Safer Alternative To Texting While Driving?
Cars are becoming more and more like huge smartphones on wheels. Smartphones, however, can be distracting. Will the car of the future take drivers' minds off the road?
San Diego Officer’s 15 Years Working With The Homeless Coming To An End
Rick Schnell was a police officer for 35 years and worked with San Diego's homeless population for the last 15 of those years. He retired in the spring of 2014. KPBS reporter Claire Trageser profiled Schnell in March prior to his retirement.
New Children’s Center Keeps Homeless Toddlers Off San Diego’s Streets
The San Diego Rescue Mission opened its Children Center in September. The president and CEO of the Rescue Mission said the center provides a safe and nurturing environment for children whose parents are homeless.
