Debbie Cruz

Shifting soil has plagued the coastal rail line between San Diego and Orange counties the past few years, often causing monthslong shutdowns. Now the project to fix the rail is getting a $125 million financial boost from the state. And last week, the Pentagon upgraded discharge codes for hundreds of LGBTQ+ veterans. The problem is it only applied to those forced out under Don't Ask, Don't Tell, leaving out the thousands separated before that became policy. Plus, a new documentary focuses on efforts to get Iraqi refugees living in El Cajon counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.

Work is now underway at the Oceanside Pier to remove debris from a fire earlier this year. In other news, by the end of 2024, the city of San Diego is expected to lose more than 600 shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria wants to address that by expanding the city’s safe sleeping site program. Plus, we hear from Democratic Congresswoman Sara Jacobs about the upcoming election.

This week the nonprofit EcoFlight gave a group of advocates, nonprofit leaders and government representatives a bird’s eye view of the Tijuana River Valley. In other news, voters across San Diego County will decide on local tax measures this year. We learn about the tax proposals in Chula Vista and National City. Plus, one of our KPBS web producers joins the podcast to talk about the KPBS Voter Guide.

Nine months ago today, an overflowing storm channel flooded San Diego homes, making them unlivable. Now there’s a call for accountability and transparency about the response. In other news, this fall, low-income community college students who live in Mexico, but go to school in San Diego or Imperial county will pay in-state tuition. Plus, local Democrats are supporting a plan to expand access to contraceptives.

College students across California were arrested this year protesting university investment supporting Israel, and now, some UC San Diego students are getting a crash course on legal defense. In other news, young adults with disabilities are gaining valuable work experience while helping shelter dogs become more adoptable. Plus, we have details on San Diego Comic Fest, which returns this week.

In Chula Vista, homeowners can build one ADU on their property. Now, the city will research whether to allow two. And, we take a look at what's at stake in this election, both nationally and in the region. Plus, thousands of sailors on the USS Roosevelt returned home after an extended deployment to the Middle East.

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.