In case you missed it, there was a special election this week in California.We take stock of Proposition 50 and other political headlines from the week, including Nancy Pelosi's retirement announcement after a 20-term career in Congress.Plus, National City this week rejected a proposed biofuel depot project over air quality concerns.And, we sit down with our colleagues at "The Finest" podcast to hear about their season one finale and their reflections from their first 25 episodes.Guests:Alexei Koseff, Washington, D.C. correspondent, San Francisco ChroniclePhilip Salata, environment and energy reporter, inewsourceKori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBSJulia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of "The Finest", KPBSAnthony Wallace, podcast producer, "The Finest"

Water bills are going up for San Diegans.Despite ongoing cost of living concerns, San Diego’s city council voted this week to increase water and sewer rates by 31% over the next two years. We talk about what that means for you and your water bill.Plus, for Halloween, local horror writers talk about their approach to telling scary stories, and why we love to be scared.Guests: Mackenzie Elmer, energy and environment reporter, Voice of San DiegoDavid Garrick, reporter, San Diego Union-TribuneKC Grifant, horror, fantasy and science fiction writerShane Hawk, horror writer and editorJon Cohn, horror writer and board game designerHorror stories:Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger (Monster Gunslingers Book 1)Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction AnthologyKill Beth

San Diego soccer fans are gearing up for playoffs season, rallying behind Major League Soccer’s San Diego FC and the National Women’s Soccer League’s San Diego Wave FC.Both teams are headed to the playoffs in the next few weeks. We take a look at their seasons and what they'll need to reach their championship goals.Then, we hear about one San Diego preschool making a difference in the lives of children recovering from family trauma, including domestic violence.Guests: Alejandro Villaseñor, co-founder of SanDiego.Futbol and co-host of the podcast "Two Balls and a Mic"Hector Trujillo, sports journalist and contributor to The Times of San DiegoAdriana Heldiz, assistant visuals editor, CalMattersIf you or a loved one are in need of support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.Resources:City of San Diego Domestic Violence ResourcesYMCA San Diego: Domestic Violence ServicesCenter for Community SolutionsSouth Bay Community Services (SBCS)Community Resource CenterWomen's Resource CenterInterfaith Shelter NetworkCrisis House San DiegoFather Joe’s Villages

Housing challenges in San Diego's North County reflect much of the region — from a lack of affordable options to rising rents.We discuss how new state legislation and recent legal challenges over development could affect housing stock in North County.Plus, convention goers are back on the streets of downtown San Diego this weekend for TwitchCon. The conference celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, bringing hundreds of online creators and their fans to San Diego.We talk about how streaming has changed culture over the past decade.Guests:Alexander Nguyen, North County multimedia producer, KPBSTigist Layne, North County reporter, Voice of San DiegoDrew Harwell, technology reporter, The Washington PostConnorEatsPants, Twitch streamer and content creator

Voice of San Diego brought a "solutions showdown" to its annual Politifest last weekend.A pair of panels took on different facets of San Diego's homelessness crisis: what to do about street homelessness and how to respond when people with behavioral health problems refuse treatment. We discuss the takeaways.Plus, a new book by a local science journalist tackles how to prevent future pandemics.Guests:Lisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San DiegoJim Hinch, South County reporter, Voice of San DiegoJon Cohen, science journalist and author of "Planning Miracles: How to Prevent Future Pandemics"

The San Diego Padres finished their season after losing to the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the 2025 National League Wild Card Series.We recap how they played this season and the biggest questions ahead for the team.Plus, we sit down with local theater makers to hear what makes San Diego theater so unique. And, why theater remains a powerful art form in an increasingly digital world.Guests:Darren Smith, longtime sports radio host, host of the Section 1904 podcast and broadcaster with the San Diego FCWilfred Paloma, director of education and community engagement, Diversionary TheatreDesireé Clarke Miller, executive artistic director, Moxie TheatreCraig Campbell, producing director, Cygnet Theatre

Pollution and trash from the Tijuana River Valley have impacted the San Diego-Tijuana border region for decades. New research shows that it's not just the water that's affected. Toxic materials are also degrading the region’s air quality.A panel of environment reporters in the San Diego-Tijuana region joins us to talk about the origins of the cross-border sewage crisis. How did it all start? We look into the Tijuana River Valley’s eco-history — and how its water and air came to be polluted.Then, a look ahead to the Major League Baseball playoffs. The Padres are set to face the Chicago Cubs in the wildcard round on Tuesday. This weekend will determine where the series begins — it’s looking like Chicago, but there's still a chance it could come to Petco Park.Padres beat writer AJ Cassavell says this will be the first time these two teams have met in the playoffs since 1984.And finally, our weekly roundup of other stories from the week.Guests:Tammy Murga, environmental reporter, KPBSMackenzie Elmer, environment and energy reporter, Voice of San DiegoPhilip Salata, environment reporter, inewsourceAJ Cassavell, writer, PadresAndrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBSJulianna Domingo, producer, KPBS

The San Diego City Council this week approved a minimum wage increase to $25 per hour for most hospitality workers.It will be phased in over several years.We discuss the significance of the ordinance and what it means for organized labor in city politics.Plus, Andrew Keatts is the new general manager and editor of Times of San Diego, a local news outlet. We sit down with Keatts and outgoing editor Chris Jennewein for details on their vision for the Times moving forward.Then, the weekly roundup of other stories from the week.Guests:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBSScott Lewis, editor in chief and CEO, Voice of San DiegoAndrew Keatts, general manager and editor, Times of San DiegoChris Jennewein, founder and senior editor, Times of San DiegoAshley Rusch, producer, KPBS