San Diego News Now

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 for...

SDG&E 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.

Allyson Ford’s suit details widespread sexual harassment in the police department. She claims that culture enabled her then-husband to abuse her. Then, reporter Alexander Nguyen checks in with the new mayor of Encinitas. Plus, Pope Francis named San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy as the next archbishop of Washington, D.C. A local religion professor shares how McElroy, a Trump critic, could challenge...

Former San Diego County Supervisor and board chair Nora Vargas announced her surprise resignation on Dec. 20. The board will be selecting a new chair on Jan. 7. Then, a new study shows the challenges women at the Las Colinas jail face when trying to access reproductive health care. Plus, a judge has ruled that part of the San Diego Humane Society’s community cats program is unlawful.

After months of failed contract negotiations, Scripps Health has been removed from the Anthem Blue Cross insurance networks of 125,000 San Diegans. Reporter Melissa Mae shares what could happen next. Then, a Catholic school in El Cerrito is fighting to keep its doors open after the diocese of San Diego said it could no longer cover its budget deficit. Plus, reporter Amita Sharma shares how people...

The San Diego County Sheriff reported 9 in-custody deaths in 2024. Advocates say there were 10. And, with norovirus outbreaks increasing, health officials are urging extra precautions. Plus, a part of California history in North County is making its way into the digital age.

California launched a new program offering vouchers for electric bikes. The vouchers were exhausted in a matter of minutes, but more could be made available in the new year. Then, car insurance minimum coverage limits are increasing. The new requirements take effect Jan. 1. Plus, law enforcement officials are reminding San Diegans not to drink and drive on New Year’s Eve. Free public transportatio...

The FBI detained Alexander Paffendorf on Tuesday. He was allegedly plotting a mass shooting with the Wisconsin school shooter Natalie Rupnow. Then, a controversial provision in next year’s defense budget will strip coverage for gender-affirming care for military family members under the age of 18. Plus, Sweetwater Union High School District moves forward with new cuts to the schedule at Chula Vist...

The San Diego City Council is forming a special committee focused on lowering housing, transportation and food costs. Then, city staff are recommending removing a footnote from San Diego code, after community pushback and KPBS coverage. Plus, portable classrooms at Ramona Elementary School have needed to be replaced for decades. Voters in Ramona had the chance to fund renovations in November, but...

San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez said she won’t comply with a new county policy limiting local agencies’ cooperation with Immigration Customs and Enforcement. A local immigration attorney said that violates state law. Then, the city of San Diego is considering upping parking meter prices as it faces a potential budget deficit next year of more than a quarter billion dollars. And holidays mean spen...

The Escondido City Council voted last night to spend $4 million to put up a fence and restore habitat in an area near the Escondido Creek that was being used as a homeless encampment. Prior to the vote, dozens of people were cleared from the camp. Then, the leader of San Diego’s Commission on Police Practices announced his resignation, six months into the job. Plus, President-Elect Donald Trump ha...

The bill would put 172 acres owned by the Jamul Indian Village into trust, which makes the tribe eligible for certain federal programs and services. Then, Poway and Ramona are exploring how they can share water resources. Plus, the monarch butterfly could be added to the threatened species list. Reporter Andrew Dyer visited Camp Pendleton where the Marines say they have an important role to play i...

Harborside Park in Chula Vista has been at the center of citywide debates on housing and environmental justice since 2022. The park is scheduled to reopen on Dec. 15. Then, a proposal for a 22-story apartment building in Pacific Beach is causing a stir among neighbors. Plus, reporter Tania Thorne gives us a preview of Vista’s annual Krampus procession.

Key polls on the presidential race gave Vice President Kamala Harris a slight edge over President-elect Donald Trump in November, but modeling by political scientists predicted Trump’s win a month before the election. A local professor tells us how. Then, a recent study found social media use is affecting young men in unexpected ways. Plus, a local ride-share program helps seniors get to their med...

San Diego County supervisors voted to prohibit the use of county staff, funds or time to assist ICE, unless they have an arrest warrant. Then, researchers at UCSD say their colleagues are chilling their own speech out of fear their federal funding may be cut off. Plus, we hear from a volunteer with Books through Bars San Diego, an organization that gathers and ships books to people who are incarce...

A Virginia family came to San Diego to demand answers about their son’s death at the Vista jail in March. Then, an update on a new and improved public transit connection to the San Diego International Airport. Plus, President Donald Trump’s picks for his administration may mean the Project 2025 plan is still in play.

The San Diego City Council will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 10, to select their next president. In other news, a mother is suing the City of San Diego after a high-speed chase by police ended in the deaths of her sons. Plus, the Botanical Building in Balboa Park reopened on Dec. 6. Reporter Katie Anastas takes us inside the renovated building.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the president elect’s proposed 25% tariff on Mexico would cripple the state’s economy. Also, San Diego County held a grand opening for its newest immigration and refugee welcome center on Thursday. Plus, San Diego Police department's K-9 policy is under review after complaints of excessive force. Police data show large racial disparities in bites.

After a proposed tax increase from Measure E failed this election season, the city is facing cuts to city services and freezes on hiring and nonessential overtime. Then, San Diego Unified School District and its former superintendent, Lamont Jackson, are being sued by a former district employee, who alleges sexual harassment and demotions for refusing his advances. Plus, two local Filipino filmmak...

The city of Escondido will consider implementing its first regulations on short-term rentals, which could include a ban near schools. Plus, conservative advocates express support for a proposed law to protect foreign-born military members from deportation. And, an update to the sand retention plan for Oceanside beaches.

The potential for flooding in local beach communities continues for a second day. Plus, strengthening abortion rights is part of the agenda in a special session held by California lawmakers. And, a city fund for homeless support falls short of its goal.

President elect Donald Trump has plans for broad tariffs. A local expert shares how that could affect San Diego. Then, a local college is supporting judicial reform in Mexico. We hear about those efforts. Plus, Proposition 36 passed this election cycle and could impact support services for people suffering from drug addiction.

Thousands of travelers are passing through San Diego International Airport and local freeways to reach their Thanksgiving destinations. Plus, those affected by the January flood in San Diego, welcome guests for the holiday. And, a local judge criticizes the process for releasing sexually violent predators in San Diego County.

Residents at Green Oak RV Park in Vista have only a few days left before they are evicted. In other news, this year the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Plus, the founders of “City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light & Sound” join the podcast to talk about the immersive art installation that opens soon.

Community members wondered whether palm trees and overgrown brush could have been removed to prevent last month’s fire near SDSU. Then, San Diego is considering an ordinance that aims to preserve so-called "at-risk" affordable housing. Plus, residents of an affordable RV community in Vista have less than a week to move out -- or face legal action.