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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Early voting is underway in a special election for California’s 80th Assembly District covering parts of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City. More Ukranians and Russians are seeking refuge through San Ysidro as the war intensifies. Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons grocery store workers could soon be striking.
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Dueling proposals from Democrats and Republicans in the California legislature aim to provide relief from soaring gas prices. Meanwhile, funding is on the way for mental health treatment for San Diego’s health care workers. Plus, we continue our series on how the pandemic has impacted San Diego’s arts scene.
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A 25-year-old from Kiev is saying the same thing as other asylum seekers and advocates: border officials continue to deny asylum to people of color while letting in white Europeans. Meanwhile, San Diego’s November ballot could include a measure on charging single-family homeowners for trash pickup. Also, in the first of a three-part series exploring two years of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performing arts industry, we look at classical performance through the eyes of a chorus, a ballet dancer, an opera singer and a music teacher.
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A pilot program that provides no-strings-attached income to 150 families countywide launched Tuesday and will run for two years. It is among dozens of guaranteed income programs that have sprung up nationwide in recent years. Meanwhile, San Diego law enforcement is facing criticism over a shooting at a Little Italy condo. Also, a local group opens a place where seniors can learn technology skills.
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As the Marine Corps investigate extremist ties to the reservist son of a former local GOP leader, there are questions regarding the effectiveness of new policies aimed at rooting out white supremacy. Meanwhile, treatments are now available for immunocompromised to ease back into a new normal. Plus, local farmers confront food inequality and climate change through the creation of a “Farm Hub” in City Heights.
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The images of violence from the war in Ukraine that are all over the news and social media can have a profound effect on veterans who have suffered trauma in combat. Also, there will be a memorial service in San Diego today to honor the victims of shootings in Atlanta that killed eight people, a majority of them Asian women. Also, the San Diego City Council will hear a presentation about their office space needs.
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The Metropolitan Transit System says ridership numbers have been on the upswing for months. Meanwhile, rental rates and home prices continue to climb in San Diego County, forcing many families and seniors out of traditional housing. A new affordable residential complex is set to open later this summer in City Heights to make a dent in the issue. Plus, the San Diego Latino Film Festival is back.
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The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will be pursuing financial penalties after an early review of Falck’s contract found the company was regularly understaffing ambulances. Meanwhile, efforts to expand the San Diego Convention Center are facing more legal setbacks. Plus, Victoria Mature appears in a multimedia production alongside her late father and renowned actor Victor Mature at Bodhi Tree Concerts.
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Falck ambulances have been on the streets in San Diego for about three months now. They’ll be getting their first progress report today. Meanwhile, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria talks about his new “Bridge to Home” program for funding affordable housing projects throughout the city. Also, “El Borracho” is now playing at The Old Globe Theater.
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Gas prices are over $5 a gallon at most San Diego gas stations, and while most of us complain about paying that much at the pump, people who drive for a living, like rideshare drivers, are hurting the most. Meanwhile, the largest corruption scandal in Navy history is finally getting a hearing in a federal courtroom in San Diego. Plus, KPBS is collecting your questions on race, gender and equity.
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.