The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to replace neighborhood polling places with large-scale vote centers. Plus, the state mandated requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has county officials pushing hard to develop a legally defensible climate action plan. Then, officials with the San Diego County Water Authority are calling on the region to voluntarily cut its water usage by 10% after Governor Gavin Newsom announced he is extending the drought emergency across the state. Also, the far right group Defend East County is trying to be a player in San Diego politics. And, California turned to an unusual partner for COVID-19 response: The same company that built former President Donald Trump’s border wall along the state’s southern border. Lastly, California was likely named after a mythical Black female warrior in an early 16th century Spanish novel -- most Californians don’t know this origin story, but a Bay Area theater company hopes to change that.

KPBS Midday Edition

San Diego County board approves replacing polling places with voting centers

The Biden administration today said it is ready to quickly roll out vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 once the FDA and CDC give their approvals. Plus, Navy leaders say they're making changes and increasing oversight to correct widespread failures that led to the loss of the USS Bonhomme Richard as a result of arson more than a year ago. Meanwhile, a former police officer works to increase transparency and improve community relations in local law enforcement. Also, who is behind Let Them Breathe, which has become known nationally for its fight against mask mandates and other COVID restrictions in schools? And, from the archive, Julian this year was named an official Dark Sky community, just the second one in California after Borrego Springs. Finally, KPBS Arts Calendar Editor and Producer Julia Dixon Evans speaks to San Diego author Ari Honarvar about her debut novel, "A Girl Called Rumi."

White House ready to roll out COVID vaccines for kids

We speak with a pediatric infectious disease doctor about the status of vaccine approval for children 5 to 12 and keeping kids safe during Halloween activities. Plus, a recent initiative put forth by the governor, the city of San Diego, and the state department of transportation aims to help homeless individuals camped along the area’s highways. Meanwhile, we meet a man who is getting help from a statewide initiative that converts motels into housing for the homeless. And, we speak to the authors of the new book “Dear White Women: Let’s Get Uncomfortable Talking About Race.” And a new initiative from the San Diego Tourism Authority is aiming to increase diversity in the tourism industry. Lastly, a Film Noir film festival is coming to Palm Springs.

Infectious disease doctor has Halloween advice for parents

The Force Analysis Unit is tasked with reviewing use of force incidents with the aim of improving training and decreasing future incidents. Plus, mounting evidence suggests that the COVID-19 vaccine could help lessen “long COVID” symptoms. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have decriminalized jaywalking when no cars are present. The bill was aimed at tackling racial disparities in how jaywalking laws are enforced. And, a piece of classical music is examining California's colonial history and our state's long and complex relationship with Mexico. Finally, it's Halloween season so we are gathering our Midday Movies crew to recommend some appropriate viewing options.

New SDPD unit to scrutinize use of force by officers

The city of San Diego has taken bold measures to greatly expand the number of bike lanes on its streets, a move partly in response to a number of traffic deaths that have occured in recent months. Plus, California will now study how to set up its own zero-fee public bank accounts, the latest step in the state’s exploration of public banking. And, this weekend in the arts, check out a performance from the Takács quartet, a solo exhibition from Perry Vasquez, San Diego Zine Fest and a sugar skull pinata workshop at the Mingei.

In wake of cycling deaths, San Diego ramps up biking infrastructure

The Biden administration announced a new plan to help combat the nation's supply chain shortage ahead of the holiday season. Plus, San Diego has one of the highest inflation rates in the nation, according to data recently released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for the month of September. Then, California’s Reparations Task Force met this week to explore the impact of racism on housing, education, banking and the environment. And, oceanographer and author Kim McCoy offers his insights on the fascinating world of ocean science and how it furthers our understanding of climate change through his new book: “Waves and Beaches: The Powerful Dynamics of Sea and Coast.” Lastly, just six weeks after the death of the San Diego-born Chicana artist and activist Yolanda Lopez, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will reopen this weekend with an exhibition of Lopez's work — surprisingly the first solo museum exhibition of her long and celebrated career.

Holiday shopping expected to be impacted by supply chain shortage

The Biden administration announced Wednesday it's easing travel restrictions at land border crossings, after 19 months of closure to all but essential travel. The number of new COVID infections are finally going down in California and nationally, but Dr. Eric Topol is warning everyone not to drop their guard. Plus, the San Diego Housing Commission is out with a report on “lessons learned” from its own pilot program building five granny flats in the city of San Diego. Also, in a new episode of KPBS’ border podcast “Port of Entry,” the story of one person’s trash being another person’s treasure often happens in an actual journey from San Diego to Tijuana. Later, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is back in San Diego after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Finally, the first ever San Diego Filipino Film Festival will run Oct. 14th through 19th in a mix of virtual and in person events.

U.S. will soon allow nonessential travelers from Canada and Mexico again

Federal transportation investigators are on the ground Tuesday, trying to piece together what led to the deadly crash in Santee on Monday afternoon. Plus, in-person school just started up again and now parents have a chance to send their children to their preferred school. And, doctors and hospitals are looking at a new way to treat drug addictions, asking patients, “What do you need from us?”

Piecing together what happened in Santee plane crash

A number of reforms being proposed to the county’s Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board would constitute the biggest changes to the board since its beginnings nearly 30 years ago. Plus, caught up in the chaos of the last days of the U.S. engagement in Afghanistan, one former interpreter is getting back to the difficult task of creating a new life in his adopted country. Also, being home to more recognized tribes than any other county in the country, we interviewed a tribal leader about Indigenous Peoples Day. Meanwhile, Project Homekey, California’s multibillion dollar plan to fight homelessness, has a surprising upside for cities — improving blighted properties in neglected neighborhoods. And, stuck at home during the pandemic, many people turned to yoga and some instructors have found ways to create culturally sensitive spaces for students of color, in an industry where many feel that white Westerners have co opted the practice. Finally, in an excerpt from Cinema Junkie, host Beth Accomando speaks with Bond aficionado Gary Dexter about the final Daniel Craig 007 film.

Proposal could change how jail deaths are reported

A huge housing development planned for Otay Ranch has been struck down in court. A San Diego judge agreed with environmental groups and California’s attorney general in a lawsuit against the Adara at Otay Ranch project. Plus, the federal commission charged with replacing Confederate names on military bases is getting thousands of suggestions, but that's just one step in a process that will likely take years. And, the big news in the art world this weekend is the celebration for winners of the San Diego Art Prize. Other art events around the county include the Symphony's take on Gabriel García Márquez, a mural walk and a new play commissioned by the Old Globe.

Judge blocks big Otay Ranch development over wildfire danger

County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher discusses the ongoing effort to combat misinformation surrounding COVID-19. Plus, in light of increasing gunfire incidents at schools nationwide, KPBS education reporter MG Perez talks about local efforts to keep our schools safe. Also, Congressman Mike Levin talks about his goal of phasing out offshore oil production in light of the Orange County oil spill. Then, a new job placement center in Lincoln Park just opened up to provide people with a pathway to middle-class careers in construction. And, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says as marijuana is legalized in more places across the country, more dogs are munching on edibles and it’s making them sick. Later, the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego finally opened its doors in September after a merger between two art spaces in the county. Lastly, the California Report visits a well-known restaurant in the Central Valley town of Goshen for their Hidden Gems series.

Addressing COVID-19 misinformation in San Diego County

Contentions over COVID-19 mandates have school boards dealing with increased hostility to the point where Attorney General Merrick Garland ordered the FBI to look into these incidents. Plus, child and teen obesity is believed to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, what should be done to address it? Also, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law intended to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Meanwhile, increased wildfires due to climate change are destroying ancient sequoia trees. And, in the California Report’s latest Hidden Gem: a tiny treat shop that sells hand-made mochi. Finally, KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando has a preview of the San Diego Italian Film Festival, which is returning to in-person tomorrow.

School board threats get Fed’s attention

Much of San Diego experienced hours of thunder, lightning and pouring rain, less than 24 hours after a mild Santa Ana. Another rainstorm may be on its way at the end of the week. Plus, the oil spill in Orange County could have an environmental impact for years. Also, San Diego Nobel Prize-winner Ardem Patapoutian talks about the journey that brought him to the U.S. and a career in science. In addition, how will the new sweeping laws on policing affect law enforcement and the people they serve? Meanwhile, as parts of the United States, such as Texas, are restricting access to abortion, in Mexico, things seem to be headed in the other direction. And, while the military has become more racially diverse, a recent survey found Black, Latino, and Asian service members don’t always feel welcome off-base. Finally, the Haunted Hotel reopens to scare people in person after being closed last year because of the pandemic. Owner Greg DeFatta speaks to KPBS Arts Reporter Beth Accomando about what to expect.

Storm gives San Diego a lightning show

Scripps Research scientist Ardem Patapoutian and his partner David Julius at UCSF won the award for their work in discovering how skin receptors allow people to sense temperature and touch. Plus, San Diego State receives a $15 million grant to research Latinx health disparities across San Diego and Imperial counties. Also, the military often falls short in recognizing how the “wounds of war” can lead to incidents of misconduct. How one Marine won a rare victory against the system. Meanwhile, now that California’s statewide eviction moratorium has expired, many tenants are looking for rent relief and legal guidance. And, the effort to establish the city’s first Black Arts and Culture District to bring resources and revitalization to a long-ignored Encanto neighborhood. Finally, if you've lived in California for long enough, you’ve probably seen one of those iconic yellow bumper stickers that say "mystery spot." But do you actually know what the 81-year-old roadside attraction called "The Mystery Spot" is all about?

San Diego scientist wins Nobel Prize

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the nation's first coronavirus vaccine mandate for schoolchildren once they received final approval from the FDA for various grade levels. Plus, legal scholars are calling for the disbarment of a law professor who worked to keep Donald Trump in office after his election loss. And a preview of the arts happenings this weekend.

California is first state to push COVID vaccine mandate for schoolchildren

KPBS Midday Edition is a daily talk show hosted by Maureen Cavanaugh and Jade Hindmon, keeping San Diegans in the know on everything from politics to the arts.

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