Debbie Cruz

During the last days of the Biden administration, the Pentagon agreed to help LGBTQ+ veterans fix their so-called “bad paper” discharges. The settlement still needs court approval, but the Pentagon should have an online process in place this summer. Then, sci-tech reporter Thomas Fudge checks in on how UCSD’s technology has helped monitor the recent So-Cal fires. Plus, San Diego Restaurant week is back. We spoke to two chefs who are participating.

The administration has canceled all refugee flights – including those for people already vetted and approved to come to the U.S. Military reporter Andrew Dyer spoke to one group who assists Afghan refugees navigate the immigration system. Then, SANDAG plans to replace the more than 100-year-old San Dieguito rail bridge next year, but the Del Mar City Council wants to wait a little longer. Plus, local therapists are offering free therapy to first responders in Los Angeles to help them cope.

In one of the first acts of his presidency, Donald Trump cut off access to the CBP One program for asylum in the United States. Migrants who had appointments scheduled at the San Diego-Tijuana border are now stranded. Then, Public Matters reporter Amita Sharma speaks with three local voters about their thoughts on the presidential inauguration. In other news, today marks one year since the catastrophic flooding that affected many San Diegans. Our reporters spoke with communities who are still rebuilding.

President Donald Trump is being inaugurated and Tijuana migrant shelters say they’re not ready for the promised mass deportations. Migrant shelters are underfunded and city officials haven’t offered any direct aid. Plus, deportations are also on the minds of school district leaders and state lawmakers. They’re proposing policies to limit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s access to schools. And San Diego Fire-Rescue is trying a new product to protect homes from wildfires: Mighty Fire Breaker is a citrus-based spray that’s designed to keep fire from burning dry brush.

For next year’s budget, the city has to cut more than $258 million from its spending or about 12% of the total city budget. The mayor said Wednesday he intends to do away with the one-time budget tricks and make some tough choices. Then, residents in North County are calling attention to potential fire hazards in the proposed Harmony Grove Village South development. Plus, Voice of San Diego editor and CEO Scott Lewis explains how an ongoing dispute over Padres ownership could impact the team and the city.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted in favor of a special election to fill the District 1 seat left vacant by Nora Vargas. Then, the National Weather Service forecasts low temperatures in the 40s Wednesday and Thursday night, leading the city to activate their inclement weather shelter program. Plus, we hear about Imperial Valley’s political shift in the last election cycle.

The executive chef of the Marine Room in La Jolla shares some dinner, dessert and drink recipes for a Valentine's Day dinner at home.