Debbie Cruz

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 KPBS Public Matters team looked at how San Diegans voted in the last election. They found the most pronounced shift from Democrat to Republican votes in South Bay cities and neighborhoods in Southeast San Diego. Plus, smoke from the Los Angeles fires hasn’t made its way to San Diego because of the Santa Ana winds. And, Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner has been tapped to chair SANDAG’s board of directors.

More than three dozen dogs were evacuated to help make room for animals lost or displaced by the fires in Los Angeles. Now, the San Diego Humane Society is asking for help fostering the dogs. Then, Tijuana officials plan to open a shelter in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations. Plus, we hear from Congresswoman Sarah Jacobs on what she expects as President-elect Trump takes office.

We check in on the power shut offs affecting San Diego County communities. In other news, the new Chuckwalla National Monument designation blocks any future development on the 600,000 acres of high desert to the east of the Salton Sea. The landscape there is sacred to several tribes who are celebrating Biden’s decision. Plus, Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis explores some of the theories for former county supervisor Nora Vargas’ resignation.

San Diego Gas and Electric is monitoring conditions for possible public safety power shut offs to prevent wildfires from downed power lines. Meanwhile, residents are preparing for an outage. Then, health reporter Heidi de Marco speaks with a doctor about tips for “dry January.” Plus, “S-Town” podcast host, Brian Reed, shares his thoughts on the future of journalism.

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.