What does it take to live a happier, healthier and longer life?

The city of San Marcos is exploring that question through its recent partnership with the Blue Zones project. The term "Blue Zone" refers to a community where residents live longer.

Wednesday on Midday Edition, we hear from a San Marcos-based physician about what the initiative entails, what it means to be a "Blue Zone" community and what this approach could mean for wellness and care.

Guest:

• Dr. Jorge Otañez, associate chief medical officer, TrueCare San Marcos

Links:

• March 17 - Blue Zones Ignite San Marcos Community Keynote Event

February is Black History Month.

This year, there's even more reason to celebrate — as we recognize 100 years of commemoration.

Black History Month began in 1926 when Black historian Carter G. Woodson created a week to celebrate the vast achievements of Black men and women.

That week eventually grew into the monthlong celebration we know today.

On Midday Edition, we discuss the evolution and perseverance of Black History Month over 10 decades. And, the importance of celebrating Black history in 2026.

Guest:

• Olutoyosi "Toyo" Aboderin, professor of History and Africana Studies at the University of San Diego

Across the globe, more than one billion people are celebrating Lunar New Year — ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse with good food and good company.

We discuss local celebrations including the upcoming San Diego Tết Festival, featuring traditional performances and cultural activities.

Also, we sit down with two restaurateurs to learn about the culinary traditions of Lunar New Year from a Vietnamese and Chinese perspective.

Guests:

• Tri Luu, board director and chair of partnerships, Vietnamese American Youth Alliance
• Van Nguyen, 2025 Miss Vietnam San Diego pageant queen
• Kim Phan, owner of Kingfisher, Crab Hut and Phở Gà Go restaurants
• Allen Chan, owner of Jasmine Seafood Restaurant

Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at the age of 84.

Over his decades long career in activism and politics, Jackson advocated for disenfranchised communities across a range of issues, building an inclusive "rainbow coalition" in the process.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we take a look back at Jackson's memorable visit to the San Diego-Tijuana border in the summer of 1984, and how issues he highlighted decades ago remain relevant in 2026.

Guest:

• Seth Mallios, professor of anthropology, Kit and Karen Sickels Endowed Chair in University Heritage and Community Engagement, San Diego State University

President Donald Trump last week announced the repeal of a major Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation on greenhouse gasses — the 2009 "Endangerment Finding."

For the past 16 years, the scientific conclusions that: greenhouse gases in the atmosphere threaten public health and greenhouse gases from motor vehicles contribute to pollution threatening public health, have guided EPA emission standards under the Clean Air Act. Now, scientists and environmental groups warn that removing the finding could have grave implications for public health.

One of the scientific foundations of that policy is rooted in San Diego research dating back to 1958. We outline the connection and why local scientists are concerned.

Guest:

• Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS

Throughout Black History Month, we are profiling Black trailblazers with San Diego ties who have made an impact in their respective fields.

Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with a community leader who is fighting for racial and economic justice through her work at the San Diego nonprofit, Center on Policy Initiatives.

Then, photographer Atiba Jefferson has captured some of the biggest cultural icons and moments in skateboarding, sports and music.

On Feb. 18, he will speak at San Diego State University for a retrospective on his career. We hear from both Jefferson and SDSU professor Neftalie Williams about

Jefferson's legacy in skateboarding, and how his work has permeated into other parts of culture.

Guests:

• Kyra Greene, executive director, Center on Policy Initiatives
• Atiba Jefferson, skateboard photographer
• Neftalie Williams, professor, director, SDSU Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change

The city of San Diego has officially recognized Feb. 13 as Sew Loka Day.

Founded in 2013, the sewing shop and studio has been at the helm of San Diego's growing slow fashion movement.

Thursday on Midday Edition, we sit down with Sew Loka's founder to talk about the significance behind the recognition, what Sew Loka means to the community, and her own journey through fashion.

Then, Black Comix Day returns this weekend. Since 2018, it has celebrated Black creators and artists working in the comics industry. KPBS' Beth Accomando previews the event.

Guests:

• Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, founder, Sew Loka
• Keithan Jones, comic artist, founder of Black Comix Day
• Bryttney Mischele, artist

The psychological impacts of President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign are far and wide. On our Wellness Wednesday show, we hear from a local psychologist on the mental health impacts she is seeing in immigrant communities.

Then, a recently filed lawsuit alleges Costco misled shoppers about ingredients used in its popular rotisserie chickens. We hear more about what people need to know to better understand what's in their food.

Plus, last month's release of Chat GPT Health kickstarted a new era of AI chatbots as a tool for health care. We hear more about the ways artificial intelligence is changing how we get medical advice and treatment.

Guest:

• Mariela Shibley, clinical psychologist, founder, Immigration Psychology Partnerships
• Aaron Gross, professor, University of San Diego; director of USD's The Center for Food Systems Transformation
• Eric Topol, director and founder, Scripps Research Translational Institute