San Diego City Council members last year approved a new placemaking program meant to encourage small-scale community beautification projects. Hear how advocates and critics say the program is doing. And, local firefighting crews were on high alert Thursday, while utility officials shut off power to nearly 8,000 East County homes and businesses in a bid to prevent wildfires. Plus, Mexican officials are seeking help from the United State to reduce gun trafficking across the border. Finally, a look into Robert Eggers new horror film,“The Lighthouse.”

Southern California firefighters are tapping the UCSD supercomputer to help track wildfires. Plus, San Diego transit officials next month will start deploying a small fleet of electric buses, the next phase of green transportation. And more San Diego community college students will have a chance at free tuition, thanks to the San Diego Promise program. San Diego high school students heard from a Holocaust survivor, who’s published a new memoir. Finally, Digital Gym Cinema is showcasing a trio of indie horror films full of blood and other bodily fluids.

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a red flag warning that lasts until Friday evening. Officials warn weather conditions create an elevated risk of wildfires. Plus, the military is testing a new system to identify drones. Hear how the military is designing this new tool. And, it’s the one-year anniversary of the first Central American migrant caravan. Also, Imperial Valley officials have declared a state of emergency for the Salton Sea, due to long-term erosion.

Two deadly shootouts between Mexican law enforcement and cartels last week underscore how the country’s drug war continues to rage on, driving more Mexican migrants to seek asylum in the United States. Plus, scientists in San Diego are looking at a way to stop an age old problem — marine gunk sticking to the bottom of a boat. Hear more about how science is being used to tackle this costly issue. And, San Diego city officials are warning people to be alert about wildfires under Santa Ana conditions. Last week’s Fairmont Fire is a stark reminder of the threat.

San Diego County health officials are urging the public to get a flu shot as confirmed cases rise more than three times the number at this point last year. Plus, Amador is one of six California counties without a physical community college. It also struggles to recruit mental health providers. But a small online learning program could offer a solution to both problems. And, the San Diego City Council is looking to change how the city selects its independent auditor.

Covered California is working to expand health coverage in the state, and enrollment is now open. Plus, two-thirds of people booked into San Diego County jails in 2018 had been homeless at some point in their lifetime, up from 50 percent back in 2007. Also, on today’s podcast, last week's power outage wreaked havoc on small businesses -- including restaurants and grocery stores -- across northern California. Now regulators are demanding PG&E do a better job next time around. And, California unveiled an early warning app for earthquakes on the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake.

A new trove of documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union sheds light on years of alleged abuse of detained minors by Border Patrol agents. Plus, managing climate change when the ocean comes knocking, Del Mar is working on a blueprint that may be adopted by other coastal cities. Also on today’s podcast, California spends more than $12B per year on its prison system and lawmakers gathered in San Diego to discuss ways to reform it. And, San Diego Italian Film Festival kicks off its 13th year at the Museum of Photographic Arts with a madcap murder mystery and new leadership.

San Diego Unified School District's students are doing better overall each year on standardized tests, beating county and state averages, but some gaps between schools have widened. Plus, the 50th Congressional District is one of the most closely watched races in San Diego County but the county Republicans failed to get the two-thirds majority they needed to officially endorse a candidate, including embattled Rep. Duncan Hunter. Also on today’s podcast, in San Diego's North Park, teens are getting a course in urban farming, along with a small stipend and a bus pass. Hear how the program also teaches kids to harvest confidence and life skills. And, discover what it means to do site specific work as part of La Jolla Playhouse's Without Walls or WOW festival.

San Diego County supervisors on Tuesday will discuss a ban on vaping products in unincorporated areas. San Diego County's top public health officer supports such a policy, but a UCSD tobacco researcher is raising concerns. Also on today’s podcast, many San Diegans have broken trash bins, but people who live outside San Diego don’t have the same problem. Find out why. Plus, activists say climate change is a planetary emergency. Hear why the Green New Deal matters to people lobbying for action on climate change.

In San Diego, there is no such thing as free trash bins. Residents must pay $95 to get a replacement trash bin if theirs is broken and broken bins happen a lot. Plus, San Diego State University is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Chicano and Chicana Studies Department this year. Also on today’s podcast, Write Out Loud kicked off its second Poefest at the Adobe Chapel in Old Town over the weekend. But you have two more weeks to catch this celebration of the macabre works of writer Edgar Allan Poe. And, SDG&E says ratepayers won't have to worry about being burdened with nearly $400 million in outstanding costs linked to the 2007 wildfires because the losses were written off two years ago.