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.
-
California's governor wants to know why the state power grid managers were forced to initiate rolling blackouts as a heatwave bakes the state. Also, after six straight days of a case rate of fewer than 100 positive COVID-19 tests per 100,000 people in San Diego, Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday said it was "very likely" the county would come off the state's monitoring list by Tuesday. Plus, California is ill-prepared to protect the nearly 2 million older Californians living in areas where wildfire is a formidable threat.
-
The California Independent System Operator issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Sunday and extending through Wednesday. And, with housing courts set to reopen on Sept. 1, thousands of tenants in San Diego now face possible eviction. Two bills now working their way through the legislature aim to keep people in their homes. Plus, of 56 requests received by San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency seeking waivers to the state’s restrictions for reopening schools amid the pandemic, 51 came from private schools.
-
Evictions are set to begin once again in California starting on September 1st. Plus: For the second consecutive day on Thursday, the county's COVID case count has stayed below 100 per 100-thousand people, two big virtual events you won’t want to miss and more of the local news you need. Support San Diego News Matters by becoming a member today: http://www.kpbs.org/donate
-
The county's case rate per 100,000 residents as of Wednesday is 94.2. This is below the metric of 100 cases per 100,000 people set by the state. This is the first time the case rate has been below 100 since the county was placed on the state's County Monitoring List on July 3. Plus: Several cities in San Diego County are eligible for a new rental assistance program, a loophole in the state eviction moratorium that has forced hundreds from their homes after shelter-in-place orders and more local news you need. Support San Diego News Matters by becoming a KPBS member today: www.kpbs.org/donate
-
Two recent reports show that predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods in San Diego County not only have the highest COVID-19 infection rates and are hardest hit by unemployment, but also experience a significant gap in access to testing. Plus: San Diego County health officials reported 182 new COVID-19 infections Tuesday, the City of San Diego is about to crack down on large gatherings of people at Ocean Beach and more local news you need. Support KPBS’ San Diego News Matters podcast by becoming a member today: http://www.kpbs.org/donate
-
A local ICU doctor calls COVID-19 a “scary disease” when it comes to the physical and psychological effects of the virus on the brain. Plus: A gym in city heights remains open in defiance of county and state shut down orders, San Diego Unified School District won’t be back for in-person classes anytime soon and more local news you need.
-
San Diego County is launching free COVID testing at the San Ysidro border crossing. The local action comes months after funding for support at the border never arrived from state and federal agencies. Plus: The city of San Diego is cracking down on a vacation rental that officials say hosted large parties against COVID-19 health orders, Californians are seeing their electricity bills rise as they're forced to spend more time at home due to the Covid pandemic, how to fix the living-at-work feeling and more locals news you need. San Diego News Matters is our daily news podcast supported by listeners like you. Donate today: https://www.kpbs.org/donate
-
People gathering for "drum circles" in Ocean Beach have not been wearing face coverings or practicing social distancing. Residents say they're fed up. And, arrest warrants have been issued for Jeffrey Brooks, 38, and Henry Brooks Jr., 32, for the alleged attacks on Marcus Boyd and a group of protesters on June 7. Plus, The San Diego Urban Corps works to clear brush in the urban San Diego canyons.
-
County supervisors approved a measure Wednesday to allow gyms and houses of worship to meet outdoors at county parks, as more activities move outside to limit the spread of COVID-19. And, clean air advocates fall short in their bid to protect communities of color from fossil fuel extraction in urban areas. Plus, County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said Wednesday that California had reported issues with private labs and reporting, meaning some additional cases might be retroactively added to both local and statewide case totals in coming weeks.
-
The U.S. military announced Tuesday it located an amphibious assault vehicle that sank last week off the coast of San Diego County. The Navy confirmed the presence of human remains where the vessel came to rest on the sea floor. And, the county reports its lowest daily COVID-19 case count compared to the last month. Also, a new pilot program will have sheriff's deputies patrolling parts of Del Mar to educate and cite those not in compliance with rules meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. And, election day is three months away, but voting will start much earlier. San Diego County Registrar of Voters, Michael Vu, answers your voting questions.