San Diego News Now

San Diego news; when you want it, where you want it. Get local stories on politics, education, health, environment, the border and more. New episodes are ready weekday mornings. Hosted by Debbie Cruz and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial County's NPR and PBS station.
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Results are coming in from San Diego’s experimental “complete communities” program that allows developers to build apartments without height or density restrictions if they’re near public transit. Meanwhile, reaction in the community after San Diego law enforcement agencies unveiled new procedures for investigating cases where an officer shoots and kills someone. Plus, San Diego Unified is making multi-million dollar investments into schools in Logan Heights.
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Climate advocates are giving the San Diego region mixed reviews when it comes to developing climate action plans. Meanwhile, the president of the San Diego Humane Society has returned from his trip to Poland to help the pets of Ukraine. Plus, a recent study suggests military veterans might be more likely than civilians to develop eating disorders.
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For the seventh time this year, an inmate has died while in custody of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. The department has been under scrutiny since a state audit found inmate deaths at San Diego County jails rank among the highest in the state. Meanwhile, residents may be willing to vote to make single-family homes pay for trash pickup, if they get their trash bins replaced for free. Also, we bring you the next installment of KPBS’ new series “Let’s Talk About It,” where we answer tough questions from listeners.
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In 2019 Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new state program meant to expedite wildfire prevention projects. To date, it hasn’t accomplished a single project. Meanwhile, a Chula Vista church that was providing temporary shelter to thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the war sees its role change as more refugees come through. Plus, a San Diego State University lab is helping NASA look for molecular life on Mars.
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A temporary shelter for hundreds of migrants who had escaped deadly situations in Mexico and Central America shut down abruptly in February. Now, many are homeless and in more danger. Also, construction is delayed on Oceanside’s first homeless shelter. Plus, the effects of racial discrimination against homebuyers more than 50 years ago is still being felt today in San Diego.
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Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, medical support is needed and Palomar Health is looking to help. Meanwhile, San Diego County officials say they’re seeing lower demand for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, so they’re changing their pandemic response operations. Plus, the legacy of legendary Tejano singer Selena lives on among young, diverse generations, and at a class at San Diego State University.
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Hot and windy conditions are heating up San Diego County, bringing triple digit heat and gusts up to 50 miles per hour. Cal Fire says it’s taking the conditions seriously, and so should you. Meanwhile, new bike lane markings in Mira Mesa meant to keep cyclists safe are confusing many. Plus, a sanctuary for feral cats in San Diego.
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The San Diego City Council officially established the city’s first Privacy Advisory Board on Tuesday. Meanwhile, legislators and victims advocates say the recent mass shooting in Sacramento has increased their resolve to push for tougher gun laws in California. Plus, the Studio Door in Hillcrest will soon be opening a new show highlighting young people's art about climate change.
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On Monday the San Diego City Council voted to advance a “no fault” eviction moratorium. Meanwhile, the U.S. Surgeon General was in southeast San Diego on Monday, speaking to students about a growing mental health crisis among youths. Plus, a Haitian family has made it into the U.S. on an exemption in Title 42, a Trump-era pandemic policy that prevents migrants from seeking asylum.
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California extended its statewide eviction moratorium last month, but San Diego could adopt even stronger tenant protections. Also, today is the last day of early voting in the special election for California's 80th assembly district. Plus, one of the hidden challenges for families in the military is how much they have to move.
Debbie Cruz is the local anchor for All Things Considered and the host of the San Diego News Now podcast. Debbie has over 20 years of experience in the news industry. She joined KPBS in 2020.