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 Lawrence K. Jackson and produced by KPBS, San Diego and the Imperial County's NPR and PBS station.
-
San Diego has reported the first person to die of COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. This so-called “breakthrough” case was a 70-year old woman who had "many underlying health conditions." Meanwhile, Rady Children's officials are seeing a 25 percent increase in mental health emergency room visits. They’re attributing the increase to the adverse effects of the pandemic, both directly and indirectly. Plus, many American Legion posts have closed due to the pandemic. Some are reopening but are facing financial uncertainty.
-
15 months into the pandemic, San Diego has moved into California’s least restrictive yellow Covid-19 tier, opening up bars and restaurants to bigger crowds. And, a grassroots non-profit called Breakfast Block works to feed, clothe and provide other essential items to San Diego's growing unsheltered population. It was founded early this year by a woman who lost her job in the pandemic. Plus, changes to San Pasqual Academy have inspired a conversation about foster care in San Diego County.
-
The Building Industry Association of San Diego County announced last week it was hiring Lori Holt Pfeiler, an affordable housing developer, as its next chief executive, making her the first woman to lead the main lobbying organization for local developers. Meanwhile, San Diego County Supervisors Nathan Fletcher and Nora Vargas outlined the details of their proposed Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Plus, a look inside the California Reparations task force.
-
Mayor Todd Gloria decried a nationwide epidemic in gun violence on Friday, but he and other leaders offered differing solutions. Meanwhile, as the pandemic restrictions ease, airlines are eyeing San Diego. Plus, an examination of San Diego’s spending on outside agencies that handle public relations and social media.
-
The San Diego Police Department released new procedures this week for interactions between police and transgender and nonbinary people. Meanwhile, security cameras are poised to go up all over downtown Oceanside. Plus, a look at the San Diego Arab Film Festival and our KPBS Weekend Arts Preview.
-
Some asylum-seekers are finally making it into the United States after months waiting in Mexico. Meanwhile, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announces his ‘Parks For All of Us” initiative. Plus, what you need to know about changes to San Diego’s recycling program starting next year.
-
The nursing home industry is pushing a plan to have state public health inspectors double as advisors for the industry in an effort to improve care. Critics argue such a plan would weaken oversight, detracting from the inspectors watchdog role. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering reducing how many out-of-state and international students are admitted into the University of California system. Plus, new guidance has been given to national park managers in a response to climate change conservation efforts.
-
Monday was the last day for small business owners to apply for a federal Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP loans. The loans were part of the third round of federal aid aimed at giving businesses owned by people of color, and those in lower income neighborhoods better access to funding. Meanwhile, La Mesa is commemorating the anniversary of a major protest against police violence and racial injustice. Plus, how one community is preparing for wildfires this year in the face of extreme drought.
-
The long-term growth strategy of the regional planning agency tries to balance future transportation needs with climate change reduction goals. But–with no plan to widen freeways–It's already facing political opposition. Meanwhile, can businesses require you to show proof of vaccination? Plus, a feature on a local Japanese farming family that has persevered and thrived here despite legal barriers, internment camps, and the pandemic.
-
San Diego Authorities expect the beaches to be mobbed this memorial day weekend -- so be prepared for crowds and get there early to find parking. Meanwhile, a new report finds that more than 100,000 Californians don’t have access to affordable housing and local housing advocates are calling on the state to help preserve affordable housing. Plus, the department of veterans affairs is reopening veteran cemeteries, at a limited capacity, in time for the holiday weekend.