Local News

Water rationing may be a part of San Diego's near future if the city's suppliers follow through on threatened cutbacks. Yet amid the prospect of shortages, officials say San Diegans are being denied millions of gallons of potentially drinkable water every day because of contamination from spills dating back to 1986. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.

Nine North County cities have coordinated with non-profit agencies and the County of San Diego to run a winter shelter network designed to get people off the streets. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

 More Toys Needed After Warehouse Floods

Salvation Army officials in downtown San Diego say they're slowly rebuilding their toy collection after a flood destroyed their inventory last week. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Thirty-four people were killed in Tijuana this weekend. A four-year-old boy, a thirteen-year-old and the state director of tourism's teenage nephew are among the dead.

 Sports Columnist Jay Paris Discusses Another Disappointing Chargers Loss

The Chargers are turkeys and not the ones you eat. The under-performing San Diego Chargers went head-to-head with their former back-up running back and lost. We're joined on Morning Edition by North County Times sports columnist Jay Paris.

 New Legislature, Same Problem

A new session of the California State Legislature starts Monday but with the same old problem. One San Diego legislator says she hopes that newly-elected members can reach agreement on a state budget. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

 End of An Era at S.D. City Council

Half of San Diego’s city council members are termed out, and this week marks their final week on the job. The four council members are the last of those whose votes in 2002 led to a billion dollar pension deficit. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

 Parents, Educators Upset Over 'Testing Frenzy'

Most adults remember taking a test or two in grade school. But few would recall taking upwards of 16 tests in a single year. That's the reality some school kids face in the San Diego Unified School District. Parents and teachers are calling it a 'testing frenzy.' But administrators say the exams are needed. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis has this report.

 Labor Analysts Baffled by Unemployment Numbers

Employment and labor analysts say there are some baffling aspects to this week's report of large unemployment increases in San Diego, and throughout California. KPBS reporter Alan Ray has details.

 San Diegans Hit the Malls

The holiday shopping season officially kicked off today, and many San Diegans were out looking for bargains. Retailers are hoping steep discounts will draw in the crowds, despite a drop in consumer spending. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Retailers Face Make or Break Holiday Season

Southern California shoppers will help decide just how black Black Friday will be this year. KPBS reporter Erik Anderson has details.

 Most TV Makers Don't Recycle

An environmental group has rated TV manufacturers on national recycling or take back programs. And KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce tells us most of the companies get failing grades.

 Some Cargo Imports Hit by Downturn, Others Not

The economic downturn is hitting the cargo business at San Diego’s two Marine Terminals. But Port officials say there are bright spots the picture. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

 Blood for the Holidays

Officials at the San Diego Blood Bank say they've got an ample supply of blood to last through the holidays. That's thanks to yesterday's Chargers blood drive. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

 Saldaña Frustrated With Budget Deadlock

The California Legislature did nothing about the state's massive budget gap Tuesday. And a San Diego legislator says she's frustrated with the budget stalemate in Sacramento. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has the story.

 No Fix for Deficit Leads to a Fiscal Emergency

State lawmakers failed to pass a last-minute proposal last. It would have reduced California's multi-billion-dollar budget deficit. Battle lines between Democrats and Republicans were crystal clear. Now, Governor Schwarzenegger says he plans to call a fiscal emergency to force lawmakers to address the problem. Marianne Russ reports.

 Support Partners Lend a Helping Hand

People who have a mental illness face a number of challenges. Navigating through San Diego County's mental health system can be one of them. In recent years, the County has provided specially-trained partners to help people access mental health care and other support services. KPBS Health Reporter Kenny Goldberg talks with Alfredo Aguirre, the County's director of mental health.

 Tight Family Budgets Swell the Food Lines

Most families are stocking up this week on turkey and all the trimmings from the local grocery store. But for more and more families, there simply isn’t enough left in the budget to cover basic meals, forget about a Thanksgiving feast. KPBS reporter Alison St John went down to the Helping Hand Church on Imperial Avenue, where hundreds of people lined up for the chance to get some free food.

 City's Budget Not Yet Out of the Woods.

The city of San Diego’s libraries are safe from budget cuts for the moment. But the round of budget cuts the city council approved this week may not be the last during this fiscal year. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

 State Agencies Toss E-Waste In Trash

The California state auditor says five state agencies improperly tossed hazardous electronic waste into the trash. That material is supposed to be recycled. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.