>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING EDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY, BILL HOWE FAMILY OF COMPANIES.

PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING, AND AIR RESTORATION.

REMODELING SERVICES FOR OVER 40 YEARS.

CALL 1-800-BILL HOWE OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION.

DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>>> BALBOA PARK IS BUSTLING TONIGHT.

THANKS FOR JOINING US, I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

IT'S THE DECEMBER NIGHTS FESTIVAL.

THIS YEAR THERE IS EXTRA EXCITEMENT ABOUT THE REOPENING OF THE BOTANICAL REOPENING AFTER A YEARS LONG RENOVATION.

AND JOHN CARROLL IS LIVE AT THE PARK WHERE HE HAS BEEN CHECKING OUT ALL THERE IS TO SEE AND DO.

JOHN.

>> Reporter: HEY, MAYA.

IT IS NOT OVERSTATING IT TO SAY THIS IS A GRAND EVENT.

IT STARTED BACK IN 1978, AS CHRISTMAS ON THE PRADO, A MODEST EVENT BY COMPARISON.

IT CHANGED ITS NAME TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE.

NOW DECEMBER NIGHTS HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF THE BIGGEST CELEBRATIONS ALL YEAR IN SAN DIEGO.

FRIDAY MORNING IN BALBOA PARK.

THE PLACE IS BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY.

>> DECEMBER NIGHTS IS A CHERISHED COMMUNITY TRADITION FOR SO MANY PEOPLE.

IT HAS GROWN YEAR OVER YEAR.

>> GROWN, NOT ONLY IN THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE ATTENDING, ABOUT 350,000 EXPECTED TONIGHT AND TOMORROW.

BUT ALSO IN THE VARIETY OF THINGS TO DO.

NEW THIS YEAR, A FREEFERRIS WHEEL.

ANIMAL PRESENTATIONS, FEATURING A FESTIVE TWIST, AND DISNEY LAND IS REPRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THEY CALL WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE, ACTIVATIONS.

BASICALLY DISNEY THEMED BACKGROUNDS FOR SPECIAL HOLIDAY PICTURES, AND ARTS AND CRAFTS FOR THE YOUNG ONES.

ALL OF THAT HAPPENING IN THIS AREA CALLED, THE FAMILY ZONE.

>> THE PROGRAMMING IN THIS PARTICULAR AREA REALLY IS DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO YOUNG FAMILIES AND CHILDREN.

WE ALSO HAVE A BREASTFEEDING STATION AND A DIAPER CHANGING STATION INSIDE THE GYM.

>> AND OF COURSE, ALL THE OLD FAMILIAR STUFF.

THE BIG CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE ORGAN PAVILION.

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER, AND FOOD OF ALL KIND, INCLUDING FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COTTAGES.

>> IT'S A LITTLE HECTIC.

>> THEY ARE GETTING THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS READY AT THE HOUSE OF MEXICO FOOD STAND.

>> WE'RE TRYING TO DO OUR TECHNOLOGY PIECE TO IT.

BUT WE'RE GETTING READY.

>> THIS IS MY FIRST DECEMBER NIGHT EVENT.

VOLUNTEER FOR HOUSE OF MEXICO AND I'M SUPER EXCITED.

>> AND AS IS THE TRADITION, MOST OF THE MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS WILL BE OPEN.

MOST WITH FREE ADMISSION.

>> Reporter: OKAY, REMEMBER WHEN I SAID THEY ARE EXPECTING WELL NORTH OF 300,000 PEOPLE THIS YEAR?

THAT, OF COURSE, MEANS PLENTY OF TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING CHALLENGES.

FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE A LOT OF OPTIONS.

LET'S GO OVER JUST A FEW OF THEM FOR YOU.

YOU CAN TAKE FREE SHUTTLES AND PARK AT CITY COLLEGE PARKING GARAGES.

THAT IS LOCATED AT 16th AND B.

THAT PARKING IS FREE.

THERE'S ALSO PARKING NEAR CITY HALL AT 3rd AND B STREETS.

AND IN LITTLE ITALY AT BEACH AND KETTNER.

THOSE PICK UP AT LAUREL AND 6th.

THERE ARE ALSO PAID PARKING LOTS CLOSER TO THE PARK.

RIDE SHARING OR TAKING MTS BUSES AND TROLLEYS IS ENCOURAGED.

MORE ON ALL OF THAT CAN BE FOUND AT DECEMBERNIGHTS.ORG.

SO THINGS GO UNTIL 11:00 TONIGHT HERE.

TOMORROW FROM 11:00 A.M. UNTIL 11:00 P.M. YOU KNOW, MAYA, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE A TON OF PEOPLE OUT HERE, THERE'S SUCH A NICE FEELING IN THE AIR.

IT IS JUST A REALLY LOVELY WAY TO RING IN THE HOLIDAYS IN ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARKS ON THE PLANET.

LIVE IN BALBOA PARK, JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS, MAYA.

>> SOME GREAT INFORMATION THERE.

AND JUST IN TIME FOR DECEMBER NIGHTS.

BALBOA PARK'S BOTANICAL BUILDING IS BACK OPEN TO VISITORS.

KPBS REPORTER VISITED THIS MORNING AND SHOWS US SOME OF THE RESTORED DESIGN FEATURES AND NEW PLANTS INSIDE.

>> Reporter: AFTER THREE YEARS OF WORK AND NEARLY $30 MILLION SPENT, ONE OF BALBOA PARK'S ICONS IS BACK.

ALL OF THE REDWOOD AND MOST OF THE STEEL FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER YEARS OF WEAR AND TEAR.

AND IF IT SEEMS BRIGHTER INSIDE THAN IT USED TO, THAT'S IN PART BECAUSE OF THE NEW WINDOWS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING.

>> IN THE 1950s, THERE WAS A MAJOR RENOVATION, WHERE THEY PRACTICALLY REMOVED ALL OF THE WINTER ARKWAYS AND REPLACED WITH WOOD LATTICE COMING ALL THE WAY DOWN.

OUR JOB IS TO BRING IT BACK TO THE 1915 DESIGN.

ALL OF THE WINDOW ARCADES CAME BANG.

>> WHILE THE BUILDING IS TRUE TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN, MANY OF THE PLANTS ARE NEW.

THE CITY TAPPED A FAMILIAR FACE TO KPBS AUDIENCES TO DESIGN THE GARDEN.

SHE SAYS SOME OF THE LARGER PLEASANTS WERE MOVED TO A NURSERY OFF SITE DURING THE RENOVATION.

THEY MAKE UP ABOUT 10% OF THE PLANTS HERE TODAY.

>> THE WAY THIS GARDEN IS DESIGNED, WE HAVE A SUNNY SIDE ON THE WEST.

WE HAVE A SHADY SIDE ON THE EAST, AND WE HAVE A TRANSITION ZONE IN THE CENTER.

MOST OF THE SALVAGE PLANTS, WHICH ARE THE TROPICAL PLANTS THAT PEOPLE REMEMBER, THEY ARE ON THE EAST SIDE.

THE WEST SIDE IS ALL NEW.

THE EAST SIDE IS REALLY GREEN.

THE WEST SIDE IS PURPLE AND ORANGE AND RED AND YELLOW.

>> STERMAN SAYS IT WILL TAKE TIME FOR THE BUILDING TO LOOK AS LUSH AS IT USED TO.

IT'S A NEW GARDEN FOR PEOPLE TO GROW UP WITH.

ON THE WEST SIDE, SHE PICKED PLANTS THAT CAN SURVIVE IN DRYER AIR.

SOME OF HER FAVORITES ARE THE THREE TREES IN THE MIDDLE PLANTER.

>> THOSE ARE GOING TO GROW TO 30 FEET TALL AND THEY WILL HAVE ALL KINDS OF BRANCHES AND BE VERY SCULPTURAL.

I HOPE WITHIN MY LIFETIME, I GET TO SEE THEM START TO TAKE ON THAT STRUCTURE.

BUT I CHOSE THOSE THINKING 100 YEARS AHEAD.

BECAUSE THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE GARDEN THAT WILL BE HERE IN 100 YEARS.

>> THE BOTANICAL BUILDING IS OPEN UNTIL 7:00 TONIGHT AND TOMORROW FROM NOON TO 6:00.

REGULAR HOURS START ON MONDAY.

KATIE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AFTER DIFFICULT DENSE FOG THIS MORNING, WE SHOULDN'T HAVE AS MUCH DEVELOP TONIGHT.

HOPEFULLY IT WILL STAY FARTHER OFFSHORE, KEEPING US CLEAR AND COOL.

TEMPERATURES FALLING TO THE MID 40s.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FULL FORECAST COMING UP.

>>> LOCAL EXPERTS ARE WEIGHING IN ON GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM'S PLAN TO INCREASE NATIONAL GUARD PRESENCE AT THE BORDER.

YESTERDAY, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT HE PLANS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS AT THE BORDER TO STOP ELICIT ACTIVITY.

THE GOVERNOR NEEDS TO DEFINE THEIR SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES.

>> WE NEED TO HAVE VERY CLEAR DISTINCTION THAT THEIR PRESENCE AT THE BORDER IS NOT TO CONDUCT IMMIGRATION.

THERE TENDS TO BE AN UNACCOUNTABLE AND LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN HOW THEY OPERATE.

WHAT I WOULDN'T WANT TO SEE IS THAT LEVEL OF IMPUNITY ALSO TRANSLATES TO HOW THE NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS OPERATE.

>> AND RIOS ADDS THE GOVERNOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT SEEMS LIKE A RESPONSE TO THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S POLICIES AND CAUTION THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE THE STATE A POLITICAL TARGET.

>>> ISSUED AN UNUSUAL WARNING TO THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.

RETURN FROM THE HOLIDAY BREAK BEFORE PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP BEGINS HIS SECOND TERM.

TOM EXPLAINS WHY.

>> Reporter: ON THE USC CAMPUS, AN AIR OF UNCERTAINTY HEADING INTO THE HOLIDAY BREAK.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS RECEIVED THIS LETTER FROM THE UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION.

URGING THEM TO RETURN BEFORE PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP IS SWORN IN ON JANUARY 20.

>> I THINK IT WAS A SCARY REALITY.

>> THEY ARE BOTH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WHO GOT THE WARNING ABOUT STAYING OUT OF THE COUNTRY FOR TOO LONG.

SHE IS HEADED TO AUSTRALIA AND BOTTA IS GOING TO INDIA FOR THE HOLIDAY BREAK.

THEY SAY THE WARNING FROM THE UNIVERSITY TO COME BACK BEFORE THE NEW ADMINISTRATION TAKES OFFICE WAS SOBERING.

>> I THINK THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME WHERE IT HIT ME, THINGS ARE GOING TO CHANGE, AND IT'S GOING TO BE DIFFERENT.

>> I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS GOING TO AFFECT ME AT ALL.

I ASSUMED BECAUSE I ALREADY WORKED OUT A LOT OF MY IMMIGRATION STUFF BEFORE COMING HERE, I ASSUMED IT WOULDN'T REALLY CHANGE.

SO THE FACT THAT I GOT THAT LETTER, IT MADE ME NERVOUS.

I IMMEDIATELY TEXT MY PARENTS.

>> THE LETTER SAYS IT'S UNCLEAR WHAT, IF ANY EXECUTIVE ORDERS MIGHT COME DOWN ONCE TRUMP RETAKES THE WHITE HOUSE.

IMPLORES STUDENTS TO AVOID ANY ISSUES BY COMING BACK TO THE U.S.

SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

AND IT LAYS OUT WHICH DOCUMENTS THEY MUST HAVE IN ORDER.

THE WARNING COMES IN THE WAKE OF TRUMP'S PROMISE OF IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWNS AND MASS DEPORTATIONS FOR PEOPLE HERE ILLEGALLY.

ERIC LEE SAYS THE UNIVERSITY IS DOING THE RIGHT THING BY NOTIFYING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.

>> THIS IS NEW TERRITORY AND THE STUDENTS -- IF YOU'RE A STUDENT ON A VISA, YOU NEED TO GET BACK TO THE UNITED STATES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

IT WILL BE HARDER THAN STUDENTS REALIZE TO CHALLENGE LEGALLY ACTIONS THAT RESULT IN THEIR BEING EXCLUDED PHYSICALLY FROM THE TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES.

>> BOTTA AND HODDLE TELL US THEIR DOCUMENTS ARE IN ORDER AND THEY PLAN TO RETURN BEFORE TRUMP TAKES OFFICE.

OTHERS ARE SCRAMBLING TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE BACK BEFORE TRUMP'S INAUGURATION.

>> TALKING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WHOSE FAMILIES ARE BEING AFFECTED, WHOSE PERSONAL STUFF ARE BEING AFFECTED.

I HAD FRIENDS WHO PUSHED THEIR FLIGHT BACK A COUPLE OF WEEKS JUST TO BE SAFE, WHICH MEANS THEY ARE CUTTING DOWN ON TIME WITH THEIR FAMILY.

YOU KNOW, THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS HAPPENING THAT I DIDN'T THINK WOULD AFFECT ME AS QUICKLY AS IT WOULD, AND IT'S FOR SURE VERY, YOU KNOW, UNSETTLING.

>> TOM WITH THAT REPORT.

A MOTHER IS SUING THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO AFTER A HIGH SPEED CHASE BY POLICE ENDED IN THE DEATHS OF HER FOUR AND EIGHT- YEAR-OLD SONS.

THE CAR THAT HIT THEM LAST DECEMBER WAS SPEEDING FROM POLICE.

THE LAWSUIT CLAIMS THE PURSUIT STARTED OVER A TRAFFIC STOP.

SDPD DATA SHOWS MOST OF THEIR CHASES START OVER MINOR INFRACTIONS.

THE LAWSUIT IS THE LATEST IN A YEARLONG PUSH FOR REFORM TO THE DEPARTMENT'S VEHICLE PURSUIT POLICY.

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SAY THEY DON'T COMMENT ON PENDING LITIGATION.

>>> SAN DIEGO'S COMMISSION POLICE PRACTICES BEGAN REVIEWING K-9 POLICIES AFTER COMPLAINTS OF EXCESSIVE FORCE.

KATIE SAYS POLICE DATA SHOWS LARGE RACIAL DISPERTIES IN WHO IS BITTEN.

THE STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC VIOLENCE.

>> OFFICERS SURROUNDED A VALENCIA PARK HOME SIX WEEKS AGO.

RESPONDING TO A CLAIM THAT MARCUS EVANS THREATENED A WOMAN WITH A GUN.

HE CAME OUT HANDS IN THE AIR AND BASKETBALL SHORTS.

NO SHIRT, NO SHOES.

I HAVE NO NOTHING, HE SAID.

TURNED AROUND TO SHOW THEM.

SAT DOWN, HANDS STILL UP.

AN OFFICER FIRED A BEAN BAG AT HIS STOMACH.

EVANS COLLAPSED.

>> WHY DID YOU SHOOT ME?

>> MARCUS, YOU NEED TO COMPLY WITH MY COMMANDS.

>> HE SAT UP, HANDS UP, THEY SHOT ANOTHER BEAN BAG, INJURING HIS SHIN.

THEN RELEASED A K-9.

>> HEY, STOP.

STOP.

>> THE DOG DIDN'T BITE.

THEY SHOT ANOTHER BEAN BAG.

IT HIT NEAR HIS GROIN.

AND RELEASED ANOTHER K-9.

THE DOG LATCHED ON TO HIS ARM, WRENCHING IT BACK AND FORTH.

EVANS FELL ON HIS BACK.

THE DOG CONTINUED FOR HALF A MINUTE BEFORE OFFICERS GOT IT TO RELEASE.

THEY NEVER FOUND A GUN OR BOOKED EVANS INTO JAIL.

ACCORDING TO HIS LAWYER, HE HAD JUST JOINED A CONSTRUCTION UNION.

WEEKS AFTER THE ARREST, HE STILL COULDN'T WORK OR WALK.

HAD TROUBLE OPENING AND CLOSING HIS LEFT HAND, A BRUISED RIB MADE IT HARD TO BREATHE.

PRIDE SAYS EVANS PLANS TO SUE.

>> WE'RE GOING TO ASK THAT THE COURT ORDER SDPD NOT TO ALLOW THEIR DOGS TO BE RELEASED TO SOMEONE ON THE GROUND.

>> T SHA FILED EXCESSIVE FORCE COMPLAINTS WITH THE POLICE.

THE FBI, AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

>> WE ARE ASKING THE CHIEF TO PROTECT US.

>> SAN DIEGO'S K-9 UNIT IS BIG.

TRIPLE THAT OF A SIMILAR SIZE CITY.

THE UNIT STARTED IN THE 80s AFTER A STRING OF SUSPECT AND OFFICER DEATHS.

K-9s ARE LESS LETHAL THAN GUNS.

THEY ARE MEANT TO FIND MISSING PEOPLE AND EVIDENCE AND DEESCALATE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.

THIS YEAR, SDPDK-9s HAVE BITTEN MORE THAN 30 PEOPLE.

BLACK PEOPLE ARE NINE TIMES LIKELIER TO BE BIT BY K-9s THAN WHITE PEOPLE.

THE CHIEF SAYS THEY ARE REVIEWING EVANS ARREST.

HE SAYS K-9s BITE LESS THAN 2% OF TIMES THEY ARE BROUGHT OUT.

AND THE RACIAL DISPARITIES.

>> OUR BITES ARE NOT BASED OFF SOMEONE'S COLOR OF THEIR SKIN.

BITES ARE BASED OFF OF A PERSON'S ACTIONS.

>> A RECENT CHANGE IN STATE LAW REQUIRED THE DEPARTMENT TO RELEASE 2021 BODY CAM FOOTAGE OF AN SDPD SERGEANT SAYING A K- 9 QUOTE, ONLY LIKES DARK MEAT.

>> HE ONLY LIKES DARK MEAT.

>> HE IS STILL ON THE FORCE.

SO IS ALLEN MARTIN.

SOURCES SAY HIS K-9 BIT EVANS.

HE IS YET TO CONFIRM.

IN 2018, HE WAS DISCIPLINED FOR EXCESSIVE FORCE ON SOMEONE WHO SPOKE SPANISH AFTER HE TOLD THEM TO SPEAK ENGLISH.

HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER DIVISION, PROMOTED.

HIRED TO THE K-9 UNIT, AND SENT BACK TO THE MAJORITY BLACK AND LATINO NEIGHBORHOOD OF VALENCIA PARK.

>> EXCEPT THIS TIME WITH A DOG.

>> OFFICER JOHN COCHRAN HAS BEEN WITH SPDPD.

HE POINTS TO SOMETHING CALLED THE USE OF FORCE MATRIX.

HOW SDPD OFFICERS SHOULD RESPOND TO DIFFERENT SITUATIONS, INCLUDING PASSIVE RESISTANCE.

>> REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH VERBAL COMMANDS AND DOES NOT CONVEY A THREAT OF PHYSICAL RESISTANCE TO OFFICER OR ANOTHER PERSON, WHICH THAT IS WHAT I BELIEVE MARCUS EVANS WAS DISPLAYING.

>> FOR PASSIVE RESISTANCE, OFFICERS SHOULD USE THINGS LIKE BATONS AND PRESSURE POINTS.

NOT BEAN BAG GUNS, NOT K-9s.

HE SAYS K-9s ARE USED ON PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF NONVIOLENCE, LOW LEVEL OFFENSES.

CRISTIE LOPEZ SAYS THAT'S A NATIONAL PATTERN.

SHE INVESTIGATED K-9 UNITS ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

AND FOUND THEY CONSISTENTLY DISPROPORTIONATELY BITE BLACK PEOPLE.

>> THESE ARE DOGS THAT ARE BRED BECAUSE OF HOW STRONG AND DESTRUCTIVE THEIR BITE IS.

IT HAS BEEN COMPARED TO A SHARK BITE, EVEN WORSE THAN A SHARK BITE.

YOU KNOW, PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEIR SCALPED RIPPED OFF.

THEY HAVE BEEN KILLED.

>> AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION SAY K-9s SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED HUNDREDS OF CALIFORNIANS.

NEARLY HALF SHOWED SIGNS OF MENTAL HEALTH DISABILITY.

>> WHEN YOU USE AN ANIMAL TO ATTACK A PERSON, YOU ARE TO SOME EXTENT, YOU KNOW, TREATING THAT PERSON LIKE PREY.

>> K-9s HAVE BIT AN UNARMED NAKED MAN.

STAYED LATCHED ON TO SOMEONE ALREADY HANDCUFFED, ALLEGEDLY JUMPED A FENCE AND ATTACKED A MOTHER WITH HER FIVE-YEAR-OLD.

>> YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO BE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE DOG ISN'T GOING TO ATTACK THE WRONG PERSON OR NOT LET GO WHEN THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO, AND THE PERSON SURRENDERED.

AND WE WOULD NEVER LET AN OFFICER USE A GUN ON THEM, FOR EXAMPLE, THOUGH RANDOMLY SHOOT.

EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE.

NOT VERY OFTEN.

>> RECENT CALIFORNIA BILLS TRIED TO LIMIT THE USE OF K-9s.

POLICE CAMPAIGNED AGAINST THEM.

NONE OF THE BILLS SUCCEEDED.

IN 2020, SALT LAKE CITY SUSPENDED THE USE OF K-9s FOR APPREHENSION.

RESEARCHERS FOUND NO NEGATIVE EFFECT ON OFFICER OR SUSPECT SAFETY.

CHIEFBALL SAYS THE REVIEW WILL LIKELY TAKE MONTHS.

KATIE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M JEFF BENNETT.

TONIGHT ON THE NEWS HOUR, RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE IN A NATO MEMBER'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SENDS SHOCK WAVES THROUGH EUROPE.

THAT'S AT 7:00 AFTER EVENING EDITION ON KPBS.

>>> LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES PASSED IN SEVERAL COUNTIES IN CALIFORNIA.

KPBS REPORTER SAYS THE INITIATIVES RAISE HOPES FOR SAN DIEGO'S OWN MEASURE CURRENTLY IN THE WORKS.

>> THE COUNTY OF PAMONA AND SU'A KNOW MA AND SANTA CRUZ SUCCEEDED IN PASSING BALLOT MEASURES THAT FUND CHILDCARE AND YOUTH PROGRAMS.

SOME MEASURES CREATE A DEDICATED BUCKET OF FUNDING WHILE OTHERS TAX SUGARY DRINKS TO PAY FOR THE PROGRAMS.

>> I THINK THERE'S A MIX OF GOOD AND BAD NEWS IN CALIFORNIA FOR COMING OUT OF THE ELECTION, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTMENTS IN KIDS, I THINK THERE IS MORE GOOD THAN BAD.

>> DAVE IS THE PRESIDENT OF FM3 RESEARCH, WHO CONDUCTED A STATEWIDE POLL AFTER THE ELECTION.

>> AND TODAY MOST PEOPLE THINK THEIR KIDS WILL BE LESS WELL OFF THAN THEY ARE.

AGAIN, THAT CREATES A SENSE OF ECONOMIC ANXIETY AND YOU'LL NOTE BY THE WAY, THAT THIS HOLDS TRUE REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH MONEY YOU'RE MAKING.

THE MOST AFFLUENT HOUSEHOLDS FEEL THE SAME WAY.

>> THE RESEARCH SHOWS A TOP CONCERN OF VOTERS WAS THE FUTURE OF CALIFORNIA'S YOUNGEST RESIDENTS.

>> TO CREATE SOME ECONOMIC ANXIETY, BUT IT ALSO PUTS PEOPLE IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SAY, KIDS HAVE IT TOUGH THESE DAYS.

WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO GET THEM STARTED IN LIFE IN THE BEST POSITION THEY CAN POSSIBLY BE.

>> AS EVIDENCE, THE LOCAL MEASURES THAT PASSED ACROSS THE STATE.

THEY FUND CHILDCARE, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, PARKS, AND YOUTH AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS.

SAN DIEGO COULD HAVE SEEN AN EXPANSION IN FUNDING WITH MEASURES E AND G, BUT THEY FAILED.

>> CLEARLY, THERE'S BROAD SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AND HAD, YOU KNOW, SOME OF THOSE EFFORTS, YOU KNOW, MEANINGFULLY INCLUDED, LIKE A CHILD FOCUS, THEY WOULD HAVE STOOD TO A MUCH BETTER CHANCE OF PASSING.

>> ERIN IS WITH SAN DIEGO FOR EVERY CHILD.

IT IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE UP THE CHILDREN FIRST COLLECTIVE.

THEY ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO TACKLE THE CHALLENGES OF HAVING AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE AND PAYING PROVIDERS FAIRLY.

AND THAT WORK INCLUDES A FUTURE BALLOT MEASURE TO FUND LOCAL PROGRAMS.

>> I MEAN, THE COMMITMENT IS DEFINITELY THERE.

THE NEED IS THERE.

THE VOTER SUPPORT IS THERE.

SO, IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIMING AND FUND RAISING AND REALLY NARROWING IN ON WHAT WE WANT AND HOW TO GET THERE.

>> COURTNEY WITH THE YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY SAYS THE COLLECTIVE IS BEGINNING TO WORK ON THE INITIATIVE AND FUND RAISING.

THEY ARE WORKING ON DECIDING WHEN THE MEASURE GETS INTRODUCED TO VOTERS AND THEIR BALLOTS.

TONYA THORNE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> STUDENTS AT ROSA PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GOT A BIG SURPRISE TODAY COURTESY OF THE SAN DIEGO PADRES.

200 SECOND AND THIRD GRADERS THOUGHT THEY WERE HAVING AN ASSEMBLY TO REWARD THEM FOR ESSAYS THEY WROTE.

WHAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WAS THAT THERE WOULD BE A SPECIAL GUEST AND THAT WAS PADRES PITCHER, JOE MUSGROVE.

HE ROLLED IN WITH BRAND-NEW BIKES FOR ALL OF THEM.

>> I WANTED A BIKE.

>> YOU DID WANT A BIKE FOR CHRISTMAS?

>> WE GOT A BIKE.

WE GOT A CHRISTMAS BIKE, RIGHT?

>> READING SOME OF THE ESSAYS, SAME THINGS I DID, AND THE SAME CITY, AND THE OPPORTUNITIES MAY NOT SEEM REAL.

THIS IS WHERE IT ALL STARTS.

>> EACH STUDENT WROTE AN ESSAY ABOUT WHAT THEY WANTED TO BE WHEN THEY GREW UP AND WHY.

ORGANIZERS SAY THE EVENT NOT ONLY GIVES KIDS AN EXTRA GIFT UNDER THE TREE, BUT ALSO THE MOTIVATION TO DREAM BIG.

>>> REALLY COMING AROUND TO MORE OFFSHORE FLOW AFTER SOME CHALLENGES OUT TO START ABOUT FOR THE MORNING HOURS.

OF COURSE, WE DID HAVE SOME FOG EARLIER IN THE DAY.

DON'T THINK THAT WILL COME BACK ON SHORE AS MUCH AS WE HEAD THROUGH TONIGHT BECAUSE THAT OFFSHORE FLOW DOES CONTINUE UNTIL TOMORROW.

THEN, THE LOW CLOUDS, THE FOG DOES RETURN FOR US AS WE GO THROUGH SUNDAY, EVEN MONDAY MORNING BEFORE SANTA ANA WINDS KICK IN NEXT WEEK.

THAT WILL BE OUR BIG STORY AS WE GET INTO NEXT WEEK.

UNTIL THEN, TONIGHT GETS PRETTY CHILLY OUT.

45 THE LOW HERE IN SAN DIEGO.

HEAD TO OCEAN SIDE, WE'RE AT 39.

RAMONA COMING IN AT 38.

AND 35 FOR THE LOW.

AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW, SUNSHINE IS PRETTY MUCH WITH US IN FULL FORCE.

OFFSHORE FLOW HERE.

IT WILL BE A BRIGHT DAY FOR SO MANY LOCATIONS.

75 FOR YOU.

BUT AGAIN IN THE CITY, 74 AND AS YOU HEAD TOWARDS THE SPRINGS, WE'RE AT 78 FOR THE AFTERNOON.

WHERE DO WE GO AS WE HEAD INTO SUNDAY?

WELL, WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF DRY WEATHER IN PLACE, BUT BECAUSE STORM SYSTEMS WEAKEN OFF TOWARDS THE EAST, WE'LL SEE MORE ON SHORE FLOW KICK IN.

IT IS OUR USUAL DECEMBER PATTERN AS WE CLOSE OUT THE WEEKEND.

TAKING A LOOK AT THE UPCOMING DAY, YOU CAN SEE WITH THAT OFFSHORE FLOW, WE ARE WARM FOR TOMORROW, YET AGAIN, 75 FOR THE HIGH.

THEN WE START TO COOL OFF A LITTLE BIT AS THAT ON SHORE FLOW KICKS IN, RETURNING THEN TO THE SANTA ANA WINDS TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY.

PUTS US BACK INTO THE 70s.

AS WE TRANSITION THROUGH MOST OF OUR LOCATIONS HERE FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, YOU CAN SEE WE START OFF SATURDAY PRETTY WARM FOR OUR INLAND COMMUNITIES, IF YOU'RE WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS, THAT'S GOING BE YOUR WARM DAY.

SUNDAY, MONDAY, TRAILS OFF FOR US AS WE HOLD ON TO THE 70s.

STARTING TO RISE AGAIN TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK WITH MORE OFFSHORE FLOW.

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES HOLDING ON TO THE 50s THROUGHOUT.

REALLY NO BIG VARIATIONS HERE IN THE UPCOMING DAYS AS WE KEEP THINGS FAIRLY DRY AND BRIGHT.

NO SIGNS OF MOISTURE UNFORTUNATELY.

I KNOW WE NEED IT.

THERE WILL BE A MORE ACTIVE PATTERN VENTURING TO THE NORTHWEST FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK.

WE SHOULD MISS OUT ON IT, KEEPING US LARGELY DRY THROUGH THE UPCOMING DAYS.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I'M MELISSA.

>>> KYLE ATTENDS THE HIGH SCHOOL WHERE IMPROV CLASSES LED HIM TO SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

KPBS CINEMA JUNKY SPOKE TO MOONNY ABOUT HIS DEBUT, Y2K, WHICH HITS THEATERS TODAY.

>> AS A TEENAGER, SAN DIEGO NATIVE, KYLE MOONNY, WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE Y2K BUG WAS A BUST.

>> FOR THOSE OF US WHO LIVED IT, IT WAS A REALLY FASCINATING THING.

IT JUST NOTHING, IT WAS JUST LIKE A FULL LETDOWN.

>> THEN HE THOUGHT, WHAT IF?

>> Y2K IS REAL.

>> TRULY WITHIN A WEEK, WE HAD ALL OF THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF WHAT ENDED UP ON SCREEN.

>> SO THE THOUGHT OF TURNING THIS FULL-ON NOTHING INTO REALITY, INTO THIS DISASTER, YOU KNOW, END OF THE WORLD KIND OF TREK ACROSS TOWN TO TRY TO SURVIVE WAS, I DON'T KNOW, FELT LIKE A FUN WAY TO APPROACH IT.

>> Y2K.

>> THE RESULT IS Y2K, AN END OF THE WORLD TEEN COMEDY IN WHICH COMPUTERS TURN ON HUMANITY.

>> BYE BYE HUMAN RACE.

>> WE'RE TALKING GLOBAL COMPUTER APOCALYPSE.

>> HOW DO YOU DEPICT THE APOCALYPSE ON A BUDGET?

>> WE WANTED TO MAKE A MOVIE LIKE WHAT WE WOULD HAVE SEEN IN THE CINEMA IN 1998 OR 2000 OR WHATEVER.

AND YOU KNOW, YOU ARE WORKING WITH A LIMITED BUDGET.

IT'S HOW YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN AND MAKE IT LOOK DECENT?

>> YOU CAN START BY EMPLOYING THE NEW ZEALAND BASED WORKSHOP TO DO YOUR PRACTICAL EFFECTS.

>> THE BEST IN THE GAME.

EVERYTHING THEY SENT US WAS SO ALREADY PERFECT WHEN IT GOT TO US.

BUT IT WAS JUST COOL.

OH, LET'S THROW IN THIS MACHINE FROM 1998.

LET'S THROW IN THIS OLD VACUUM CLEANER FROM 1989.

IT WAS A LOT OF FUN.

THE CREATIVITY OF THE IMAGINATION WE GOT TO ROLL WITH.

OH, THIS WOULD BE A REALLY WEIRD, WILD THING TO HAPPEN.

LET'S GO OFF OF IT.

>> AND A CHALLENGE TO TURN THESE MACHINES INTO SUITS THAT CAN BE WORN AND OPERATED BY A PERSON.

>> SO THERE'S ALL OF THESE PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS, LIKE THE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION, AND HOW THEY CAN MOVE WHEN THEY ARE INSIDE OF IT.

THE AMOUNT OF TIME THEY CAN BE INSIDE OF IT.

HOW LONG IT TAKES TO PUT ON.

A LOT OF PRACTICAL ELEMENTS.

THE SCREENS WORK WITH REAL GLOW, SO THAT THE ACTORS HAVE SOMETHING TO PLAY OFF OF.

>> THE FILM MAKERS ALSO WANTED THE STORY TO HAVE GENUINE EMOTION.

>> NO ONE'S ACTUAL CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE IS FILLED WITH THIS TYPE OF STUFF.

THAT'S THE MOST EMOTIONAL TIME IN PEOPLE'S LIVES, YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU ARE THAT AGE AND THINGS ARE CHANGING.

SO I GUESS WE JUST WANTED TO MAKE SOMETHING THAT EVEN THOUGH THERE'S ALL THIS INSANE STUFF HAPPENING, IT FEELS LIKE THERE'S THIS HEIGHTENED EMOTION THAT I FEEL LIKE IS VERY TRUE TO BEING THAT AGE.

>> FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, LIKE OUR NOTE TO OUR ACTORS AND EVERYONE INVOLVED WAS LIKE, LET'S PLAY THIS AS HONESTLY AND AS GROUNDED AS POSSIBLE, EVEN THOUGH CRAZY IS HAPPENING.

>> Y2K PROMISES A DEBUT, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AND YOU CAN FIND TONIGHT'S STORIES ON OUR WEBSITE, KPBS.ORG.

THANKS FOR JOINING US, I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

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>>> AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.