Kpbs Midday Edition

With cooler weather and holidays approaching, hospitals are bracing for a surge in COVID-19 cases that could exhaust medical staff and resources. Plus, hate crimes across the U.S. have risen to the highest level in more than a decade. And, the San Diego VA is making access to mental health care harder for local veterans, outraging therapists who say the agency’s actions are dangerous and irresponsible. Also, students at public colleges and universities in California continue their fight to diversify their campuses despite the failure of Proposition 16. In addition, airlines are hoping new safety protocols they’re adopting, including COVID-19 testings, will bring back flyers. Finally, the Old Globe Theatre is transforming the stage production "Dr Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" into a made-for-radio musical.

Some San Diego businesses are calling foul on be placed back on restrictions following a surge of the coronavirus in the region. They are vowing to defy closure orders. Plus, news of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy gives hopes of things returning to normal. Also, meet Nora Vargas, a Democrat who will be presententing San Diego County Supervisor District 1 — the first time in 25 years the seat is not held by a Republican. And, nearly 20 years later, how 2-year-old Jahi Turner died was never fully solved. Finally, how you can help local restaurants during Thanksgiving while staying safe inside.

San Diego County health officials reported a record number of 1,087 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, the highest one day total yet. Plus, the Port of San Diego has been working on an update to its master plan, which will set the vision for future development on San Diego’s waterfront. Also, President-elect Joe Biden will inherit President Donald Trump’s border wall construction and all of the lawsuits that come with it. In addition, Biden has pledged that on his first day in office he will end Trump’s “travel ban,” which bars entry for most nationals from several Muslim-majority nations, including Iran. And, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is planning to deploy 500 new robotic floats to study what’s going on underneath the waves as the planet warms. Then, if you’re cooking a Thanksgiving meal for the first time because of the pandemic, we have some tips for you. Finally, if you ask people in the city of Mexicali, Mexico, about their most notable regional cuisine, they won’t say street tacos or mole. They’ll say

Leading by example, National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis participated in the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine trial conducted by UC San Diego. Plus, while San Diego is falling back into the purple tier, the most restrictive of the state’s four-tier reopening guidelines, the Bay Area is able to move to the less restrictive tier. And, here’s a guide for your socially distanced weekend fun.

California voters rejected a proposal to partially dismantle the state’s 42-year-old cap on property taxes, a move that would have raised taxes for many businesses in a pandemic-hobbled economy. Plus, two new ordinances passed by the San Diego City Council will give the public more say over how surveillance technology, such as cameras and smart street lights, are used. Also, now that San Diego has sunk back into the purple tier, what does it mean for businesses and could it have been prevented? In addition, voters passed Measure B, which will establish an independent commission to oversee the San Diego Police Department. But there are still many details to be worked out regarding how the commission will operate. And, San Diego City College and the San Diego Housing Commission collaborated to create a class that will train people who are interested in working with the homeless. Finally, the rich sounds of the ocean right off San Diego’s coast in this replay of “Rad Scientist” episode.

The news that San Diego County is back in the purple tier of COVID-19 precautions affects every household in the region. What we can do to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed here like is happening in other parts of the country. Plus, San Diego's Mayor-Elect Todd Gloria joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss his plans for the city, he will be sworn in on December 10. And this Veterans Day, African-American veteran Luther Hendricks recalls fighting WWII in the Pacific — and racism at home. Then, the transportation department at Poway Unified has taken cleanliness to a new level as it promises students safe rides to and from school. Plus, a multi-billion dollar energy franchise deal for San Diego could be delayed another year. Finally, in a new episode of KPBS' cross-border podcast "Port of Entry," people who’ve left the U.S. to find some refuge from racism south of the border share their stories.

San Diego county falls back into the most restrictive “purple tier” impacting some indoor businesses. Also, reaction to news that Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is over 90% effective. And, we talk to Oceanside’s Mayor-Elect Esther Sanchez, the city’s first Latina mayor and the first woman to lead the city. Then, how a majority vote may not be enough to overturn Midway’s 30-foot height limit. Additionally, The Poet’s Tree at the Old Globe takes a modern spin on poetry workshops. Finally, a San Diego author takes you on a journey from the Mexican border to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Todd Gloria will be the next mayor of San Diego, City Councilmember Barbara Bry conceded the race. Next, Governor Newsom will decide who will replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate. Also, how Harris’ political rise will change presidential politics forever. Additionally, how one of Arizona’s largest wildfires has affected forest management. Finally, following Vanessa Guillen’s murder, the Army launched an independent investigation into the climate of Fort Hood, but critics say the problems are systemic.

Biden takes the lead in key battleground states. But with the country clearly divided, what’s needed to move the nation toward a more civil discourse? Plus, Faulconer pushes for one final affordable housing plan. Next, our top picks for art events this weekend. Finally, discussing San Diego’s Blue Wave on our Roundtable podcast.

As more battleground states are called for former Vice President Joe Biden, the path to the White House narrows for President Donald Trump. Also, San Diego takes one step toward the dreaded “purple tier,” the most restrictive of the state’s four-tier reopening plan. Plus, two North County measures meant to create more housing there received different results Tuesday night. In addition, the VA is cautiously reopening its medical clinics, which is happening at a slower pace than many civilian health systems. And, a pilot project to replace police intervention with social workers to help San Diego’s homeless population has been called a success. So, last week, the San Diego city council officially approved the Coordinated Street Outreach Program. Finally, with the election far from being over, there is a list of the 10 best Hollywood films about politics to help you escape the real-life political drama happening now.

Assemblymember Todd Gloria is leading against City Councilmember Barbara Bry in the race for San Diego’s next mayor. Plus, Republican Darrell Issa and Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar are neck and neck for the 50th Congressional District seat. And Democrat Terra Lawson-Remer upset Republican incumbent Kristin Gaspar in the District 3 County Board of Supervisors race. Plus, Sara Jacobs has been declared the winner in the race for the 53rd Congressional District. Finally, a roundup of the results of the state propositions.

Tuesday is the last day to vote in person, or drop off or postmark your mail ballot. Plus, the San Diego city Council has put plans in motion to preserve the city’s affordable housing. And in our ongoing series on the region's COVID-19 data, KPBS looks at how hospitals are maintaining staffing during the pandemic. Then, the Center for Ethics in Science and Technology will host an event about the new media ecosystem we are living in and technology designed to assess bias in media news stories. Finally, a marine scientist photographed evidence of what may be 500,000 barrels of DDT waste dumped near Catalina.

COVID-19 forced deep cuts in polling places and it’s hitting some neighborhoods harder than others, an inewsource analysis found. Plus, a look at the state propositions on the ballot this election. Also, climate change was a key talking point for national politics then the pandemic hit. And, a look at the local measures on the ballot for the city of San Diego. Finally, Día De Los Muertos ofendas honor the victims of COVID-19, which hit the Latino community harder than most others.

Nearly half of San Diego county residents support reallocating some law enforcement funding toward social services. Plus, a break down of Proposition 20, which would roll back some of the criminal justice reforms California has passed in recent years. And, a preview of some of the creepiest (in a good way) events this Halloween weekend.

SDPD waited over a week to release body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting. Also, a new poll shows the 50th Congressional District has a wider gap between the candidates than previously thought. Next, who and what is on the ballot for East County residents. Plus, the rundown on Prop. 18. Additionally, a look at how wildfire can damage drinking water. And, veterans traditionally vote Republican, but polls show their support for Trump are dwindling. Finally, an avant-garde show swaps out King George III with Donald Trump.

With COVID-19 infections occurring among students in school districts that have reopened in-person learning, San Diego Unified officials say they won’t consider expanding the district’s limited in-person learning until at least January. Plus, some of the biggest political players in town are pouring money into some of the most contentious local races this election. Also, a round up of some of the biggest political races in the South Bay. In addition, with revenue dropping by nearly 90% because of the pandemic, the Del Mar Fairground is struggling to survive and had to reduce its staff by nearly 60%. Also, San Diego researchers, using weather balloons, are getting a better understanding of the storm systems that bring the region most of its rain. And, the effects of wildfires don’t end when the fire’s out, some homeowners living nearby are also facing increased threats of flooding. Finally, meet Austin Coley, a neuroscientist researching mental illness who was once told he was not “Ph.D. worthy” in an excerpt

More than one-third of the county’s 1.95 million voters have already cast their ballots, almost doubling the number of people who voted by this time in the 2016 election. Plus, with Rep. Susan Davis retiring, the 53rd Congressional District race has opened up to a new generation — Democrats Georgette Gómez and Sara Jacobs. Also, the election next week will determine, among other things, the political majority of the county board of supervisors and what growth and development will look like in the North County. In addition, a first-generation college student is preparing to vote in her first election. As a Mexican-American, she's thinking a lot about how migrants have been treated along the border over the past four years. And, the coastal 78th Assembly District includes some of San Diego's most popular sites from Del Mar Fairgrounds and La Jolla Shores to Balboa Park and Imperial Beach, but the race between two Democrats isn't earning widespread attention. Finally, in a rematch of the March primary, voters in

San Diego Supervisor District 2 candidates Steve Vaus and Joel Anderson offer their stances on the issues as they vie to represent the East County. Plus, two teenage sisters are shedding light on what it means to be Black in the Poway Unified School District and they’re making a big impact. Also, for decades clinical trials have mostly recruited white men. A federal 10-year study called “All of Us” is trying to change that but some researchers believe the program may not actually benefit everyone. In addition, Phillip Halpern, a retiring federal prosecutor, has some choice words for Attorney General William Barr. And, the 1988 fires that scorched Yellowstone National Park captivated the nation and marked a new chapter of massive wildfires in the West. Finally, California theme parks could lose billions of dollars as the state’s coronavirus restrictions threaten to keep parks closed for the holiday season.

A federal judge wants the DOJ to participate more in reuniting separated families at the border. Next, President Donald Trump is losing support among suburban women. Plus, people on both sides of the US-Mexico border tell us how they’re voting in this upcoming election. Finally, how Measure E could impact San Diego’s climate plan and the Board of Supervisors.

Two San Diego physicians are among the 11 member panel which will determine the safety of and how a COVID-19 vaccine is distributed in California. It will take place, Governor Gavin Newsom said, at the “speed of trust.” Next, San Diego is a leader among large cities tackling climate change. Then, if voters pass Measure E it could be the biggest change to San Diego’s coastline height limit since 1972. Also, two lawyers with different stances on city issues vie for District 5’s council seat, additionally, military personnel votes may be more influential this year. Finally, a history professor revisits the rise of facism in the 1930s and reflects on what it could mean today.