Friday marks the beginning of Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year.

A new children's book, "Celebrate Nowruz!" by a local mother-daughter duo honors the holiday and its significance to millions of Iranian families across the world.

Then, the San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off its 33rd year with nearly 150 films showcasing the best in Latino cinema. KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando brings us a preview.

And if you're looking for things to do this weekend, don't fret. KPBS arts reporter Julia Dixon Evans has you covered. From protest art to a musical about public toilets, we dive into all the arts events in your weekend preview.

Guests:

• Zohreh Ghahremani, author, "Celebrate Nowruz!"
• Susie Ghahremani, illustrator, "Celebrate Nowruz!"
• Ethan van Thillo, founder, San Diego Latino Film Festival
• Luis Martinez, programmer, San Diego Latino Film Festival
• Catherina Cojulún, filmmaker
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

There's nothing like a good friend.

They're the people who make you laugh. They have your back. And, they take care of you when times get tough.

But making new friends as an adult can be challenging, especially as we try to balance jobs, families and big life changes.

On Midday Edition, we take a deep dive into all things friendship — how to make friends, keep friends and everything in between.

Our journey takes us from Kate Sessions Park, to the therapy room, Lestat's on Adams Ave, and improv at Liberty Station.

Guests:

• Julianna Domingo, producer, KPBS
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS
• Mitzy Ruelas, licensed marriage and family therapist
• Dan Singley, psychologist and director of The Center for Men's Excellence
• Lauren Mapp, co-founder and journalist, Daylight San Diego
• Maura Fox, communities reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Links:

• Daylight San Diego's Third Spaces Series
• Let Me Have It! All Femme Improv Group

The U.S. Postal Service released a new commemorative set of

stamps honoring lowrider culture on Friday.

The stamps, which highlight five classic lowrider cars, are the latest recognition for lowriding as an important form of expression in Mexican-American communities across the Southwest.

Lowriding also faced bans in many communities, including a ban in National City until it was repealed in 2023.

On Midday Edition Tuesday, we hear more about the rich history of lowriding and what it has meant for Chicano culture in San Diego through the years.

Guest:

Alberto López Pulido, professor of ethnic studies, University of San Diego

Links:

Lowrider stamps

San Diego Archival Project

Lowriding: Everything Comes from the Streets

The California legislature has been on a housing blitz, passing major housing policy reforms in recent years.

Now, Congress is finalizing a package of housing bills — some of the proposed changes were inspired by California.

Some experts say it would be the federal government's most significant housing reform in decades.

We talk about what the bill package could mean for housing affordability moving forward, in California and beyond.

Guest:

• Adhiti Bandlamudi, housing reporter, KQED

On Tuesday, the San Diego City Council will be voting on adopting a new working definition of antisemitism.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn is proposing adopting a definition crafted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, also known as the IHRA.

The definition has been widely adopted by countries, states, cities and schools. But critics say it's imprecise and could have broader implications for freedom of speech.

Tuesday on Midday Edition, we look at the history of the IHRA definition, how it's been interpreted and put into practice and competing perceptions of antisemitism.

Guests:

• Jonathan Graubart, political science professor and chair, San Diego State University

Last Tuesday, the city of San Diego recognized 10 local women for their leadership and service, as part of its “Women of Distinction” event.

Mayor Todd Gloria named immigration attorney Maria Chavez as this year’s citywide honoree.

Monday on Midday Edition, we sit down with Chavez to talk about the recognition, her career journey and how current policies and immigration enforcement are impacting her work today.

Guest:

• Maria Chavez, immigration legal director, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans

Back in January, the City of San Diego implemented paid parking in Balboa Park, incurring both anger and confusion from residents and organizations based out of the park.

The city responded with a grace period followed by reductions in fees for city residents and free parking in certain lots.

KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando checked in with arts organizations in the park about how the parking policies are affecting them.

Guests:

• Tim Shields, managing director, Old Globe Theatre
• Michael Warburton, executive director, San Diego Model Railroad Museum
• Peter Comiskey, executive director, Balboa Park Cultural Partnership

Gov. Gavin Newsom last week announced the latest allocation of more than $1 billion for mental health treatment projects and shelter beds.

The funding comes through Proposition 1. Passed in 2024, the measure created a $6.4 billion bond to remake California's behavioral health system and expand the availability of treatment beds statewide.

A CalMatters report, however, found that none of the programs expected in 2025 under that measure have opened yet.

On Midday Edition Monday, we hear about that and about some of the San Diego projects expanding mental health and substance abuse care through Prop. 1.

Guest:

Marisa Kendall, homelessness reporter, CalMatters