Debbie Cruz

Cross-border sewage continues to exacerbate the environmental crisis along the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach, but San Diego County officials say the air is safe for now. In other news, Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign unveiled an ad this week featuring some of former President Trump's senior officials who now say he’s unfit to be president. We hear from conservative pundit Bill Kristol on why he thinks the former president is a danger to democracy. Plus, as part of an ongoing KPBS series on San Diegans who volunteer in unusual ways, we hear from two women in Lemon Grove who want to transform the city into a bee pollinator city.

Several local members of Congress on Thursday announced a new bill to combat the impacts of raw sewage from across the border. In other news, with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees in some areas, extreme heat can be hazardous for anyone, and it’s especially dangerous for people with chronic conditions. Plus, a bill on Gov. Newsom’s desk could significantly boost voter registration at the DMV, but some are worried about unintended consequences.

San Diego's Measure C got court approval, reigniting the possibility of an expanded Convention Center. Plus, San Diego Humane Society President and CEO, Gary Weitzman, joins the podcast to tell us about “Clear the Shelters” month. And, A hidden gem in Vista is turning 25 this year.

Hundreds of hotel workers at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront were on strike for a third day Tuesday. In other news, California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring schools to come up with policies to limit the use of smartphones on campus, but some districts in San Diego County already have those rules. Plus, as part of our ongoing conversations with San Diego's congressional delegation about democracy, we hear a conversation with Democratic Congressman Mike Levin.

The San Diego Housing Commission was given more than $7 million to assist January flood survivors, but only about one in four of those displaced qualifies for it. In other news, according to a new Center for Disease Control report, about 80% of overdose deaths in the U.S. are from opioids, primarily illegal fentanyl. Plus, we learn how the California grid is balancing supply, and how an electrical test bed at UC San Diego wants to change the way we consume energy.

Local housing politics have found their way into the race for president and it reflects a shift in the Democratic Party to embrace the term YIMBY. In other news, state law limits how much landlords can raise the rent on most tenants, and in San Diego County increases cannot exceed 8.6%. We hear what happens when tenants have few resources available to fight back when landlords raise the rate higher. Plus, a local nonprofit furnishes homes for people emerging from homelessness.

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.