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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Some San Diegans priced out of the region are turning to Tijuana for affordable housing. Meanwhile, ballots go out today for the Assembly District 80 race. Also, more than two-million American children and teenagers live with a wounded or ill veteran. Many help with the veteran’s care.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom wants to create "Care Courts" that would have the power to compel people with debilitating psychosis into longer-term mental health treatment. Meanwhile, a new study shows San Diego’s existing climate action measure won’t put the city on track to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions by 2035. Plus, this weekend the Will Eisner Week panels open at the Comic-Con Museum.
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During Tuesday's State of the Union speech, President Joe Biden announced a new "test to treat" plan for COVID-19 using Pfizer antiviral pills. KPBS speaks with a local expert about what you need to know about it. Meanwhile, a new report from the United Nations’ panel on climate change lays out a grim picture of the future. Plus, we go behind the scenes of La Jolla playhouse’s new musical that takes inspiration from competitive Bhangra, a dance style that mixes Indian and Western influences.
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President Biden gave his first State of the Union address last night amid rising tensions with Russia. We have reactions from San Diegans with loved ones in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the San Diego City Council on Tuesday formally accepted $8.3 million in additional aid to help low-income tenants pay rent and utility bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, there’s been long delays for state hearings on wage theft cases, and that’s hurting low wage workers hoping to recover the money they're owed.
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Cities need nonprofits to serve their most vulnerable. But in Chula Vista, some nonprofit leaders say dealing with difficult city officials isn’t worth the trouble. Meanwhile, a year after voters approved the ballot measure, the process has finally begun towards establishing San Diego City’s Commission on Police Practices. Plus, a new YA fantasy novel by San Diego author Lizz Huerta builds a magical Mesoamerican-inspired world where a lineage of seers — women known as Dreamers — can see truth beyond reality.
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Sempra Energy, the parent company of San Diego Gas & Electric, earned $1.25 billion in profits in 2021, according to its earnings report released Friday morning. Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath wants to know why SDG&E increased rates amidst high profits. Meanwhile, Coronado is out of compliance with state affordable housing laws, but the state doesn’t appear to be taking action on it anytime soon. Plus, author Heather McGhee discusses her book on how racist politics in America costs everyone, as part of a Black History month lecture series from the San Diego Public Library and the University of San Diego Copley Library.
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Volunteers were out in chilly temperatures Thursday morning for the point in time count, an annual event that counts how many people are experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. Meanwhile, NOAA predicts that sea levels on the west coast will rise by eight inches by 2050. That means more flooding for San Diego. Also, movie musicals made a comeback last year.
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Rick Gentry, CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission, will resign from his job at the end of March. That gives the City Council an opportunity to remake the agency. Meanwhile, we bring you an interview with one of the finalists for the San Diego Unified school district superintendent position. Plus, local civil rights hero Harold K. Brown reflects on his 1960s-era radio show.
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Last night, San Diego Unified passed a plan to require all students 16 and up to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Meanwhile, nonprofits in San Diego are feeling the pinch due to record breaking prices at the pump. Plus, a new cooking school in Barrio Logan is teaching children culinary arts and has plans to help those who are struggling with homelessness.
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Hearings into leadership have yielded few answers for parents after the tragic July 20 accident where 9 troops drowned off the coast of San Clemente Island. Also, not everyone is ready for California’s move into an endemic phase of covid-19. Those who are immunocompromised may not receive full or any protection from COVID-19 vaccines. Plus, the Oceanside International Film Festival opens for in-person events today.
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.