Debbie Cruz

Chula Vista City Councilmember Andrea Cardenas and her brother, Jesus Cardenas, have been charged with felony counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, money laundering and other charges stemming from an alleged fraudulent loan for their political consulting business. Then, Palomar Health is being sued for allegedly suppressing a public official’s speech. One of its directors says the health district threatened to sanction her for speaking to the media. And how a San Diego program brings healthy meals from the ocean to hunger relief nonprofits.

Southern California home sales, including in San Diego County, hit one of the lowest levels ever last month. What does that mean for home buying in the region? And Scripps Institution of Oceanography scientists are studying an underwater canyon just off the shore of La Jolla. They believe the canyon makes the vibrant marine environment near La Jolla Cove possible. Finally, Día de Muertos celebrations are happening across San Diego. A group of volunteers is standing guard at an ofrenda in Hillcrest. Last year’s got vandalized.

A recent report from San Diego's Office of the City Auditor found funding for pedestrian safety projects like crosswalks and street lighting fell far short of the need. Then, students across California are starting to receive new resources and opportunities in their arts education thanks to Prop 28. The funding is also helping children with special needs. And Día de Muertos celebrations are underway. KPBS is celebrating the holiday with the community in a special way this year.

Federal prosecutors say they’ve unraveled another Navy corruption scheme centered in San Diego, after a civilian employee pleaded guilty to bribery last week. In other news, it’s been nearly a year since California voters passed a measure to guarantee arts and music funding in public schools. We learn about some of what that funding has accomplished so far. Plus, our KPBS Cinema Junkie is joined by a special guest with some movie suggestions for Halloween.

A new law will pave the way for more affordable housing across California. In other news, in the past several years, San Diego has managed to slash greenhouse gas emissions from electricity, but despite that progress, the city's carbon footprint actually increased slightly in 2021. Plus, the next stop on our KPBS public art tour takes us to Imperial Beach. We learn about two sculptures, both inspired by the city's surf culture.

County Supervisor Jim Desmond wants to close the border. He says Hamas fighters could enter the country illegally, but Middle East experts say those concerns are preposterous, unhinged and irresponsible. In other news, California utility regulators are looking ahead to the winter to see if natural gas prices will spike like they did last year. Plus, we have details on arts events happening in San Diego County this weekend.

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.