>>> GOOD EVENING.

IT IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4th.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, I AM MAYA TRABULSI .

A DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR TENS OF MILLIONS OF AMERICAN WORKERS TO GET VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 OR TAKE WEEKLY TESTS.

COMPANIES OF 100 PEOPLE OR MORE MUST FOLLOW THE FEDERAL MANDATE OR BE PREPARED TO PAY UP.

KITTY ALVARADO EXPLAINS WHAT IT MEANS FOR WORKERS HERE IN SAN DIEGO.

>> THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH DEMONSTRATION ISSUED THE EMERGENCY STANDARD TO PROTECT THE NATION UNVACCINATED WORKERS.

UNDER THE NEW RULES COME A PEOPLE WHO WORK AT COMPANIES WITH 100 OR MORE EMPLOYEES MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 BY JANUARY 4th.

MEDICAL RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED BUT THOSE WHO QUALIFY WILL FACE WEEKLY TESTING AND MUST WEAR MASKS.

EMPLOYERS ARE OFF THE HOOK FOR THE COST OF TESTING AND WILL BE FINED $14,000 PER VIOLATION.

>> THE UNION POSITION AS THEY DO NOT WANT TO SEE MEMBERS LOSING THEIR JOBS BECAUSE OF THE VACCINE MET ITS.

TOM WALTERS IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNION IN SAN DIEGO.

HE SAYS UNIONS STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO NEGOTIATE TERMS WITH EMPLOYERS.

HE SEES ISSUES WITH WEEKLY TESTING.

>> SOME OF THE PROMS WE ARE LOOKING AT IS HOW WILL TESTING BE CONDUCTED?

THERE WILL BE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS SITUATION WITH A NEED FOR TESTING A REGULAR BASES.

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN, THE COUNTY WILL RAMP UP OR OWN PRIVATE WILL BE GREAT TESTING SITES OR HAVE HEALTHCARE PLANS DUE TO.

>> Reporter: IN THE END, THOSE THAT ARE A VACCINATED COULD PAY THE PRICE TOO.

>> AS UNION WE NEGOTIATE FOR MEMBERS AND THERE HAS BEEN DISCUSSION ABOUT THE COST OF HEALTHCARE BEING AFFECTED BY MANDATORY TESTING.

>> Reporter: THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT WORKS FOR ONE OF SAN DIEGO COUNTIES LARGEST EMPLOYERS.

BECAUSE SHE IS IMMUNE COMPROMISED, SHE HAS BEEN WORKING FROM HOME THE PAST TWO YEARS.

SHE SAYS THIS WILL GIVE PEOPLE LIKE HER SOME HOPE.

>> SOME SORT OF NORMALCY IS WHAT I REALLY REALLY WISH FOR AT THIS TIME.

IT IS REALLY AFFECTING ME.

TRUCK EMPLOYEES WHO >>> ME WORK FROM HOME COUNT TOWARDS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES BUT ARE EXEMPT FROM THE STANDARD.

KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> FEDERAL CONTRACTORS AS WELL AS A 79 WORKERS AT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES RECEIVING EITHER MEDICARE OR MEDICAID ARE NOW REQUIRED TO MEET THE SAME JANUARY 4th DEADLINE.

>>> NOW THE CHILDREN AGES 5-11 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A COVID VIXEN, DOCTORS ARE TRYING TO EASE PARENTS CONCERNS.

COMING UP ON EVENING EDITION.

THE TRUTH BEHIND VACCINE MYTHS MAKING THE ROUNDS ONLINE.

STRUCK THE FAMILY OF A MAN KILLED BY PATROL IS CALLING FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO SECRET SHADOW UNITS ALLEGEDLY COVERING AGENT MISCONDUCT.

TONYA THORNE HAS MORE.

TRUCK 11 YEARS SINCE THE DEATH OF ANASTASIO WHO WAS BEATEN BY BORDER PATROL AGENTS NEAR THE PORT OF ENTRY.

THE MEDICAL EXAMINER RULED THE DEATH A HOMICIDE, BUT NO CHARGES AGAINST THE AGENTS INVOLVED HAVE BEEN FILE.

NOW, NEW EVIDENCE SUGGESTS AN INTERNAL PATROL TEAM INTERFERED WITH THE INVESTIGATION.

AN INVESTIGATION TO BE IN A JURISDICTION OF THE SAN DIEGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.

>> WE DISCOVERED BORDER PATROL CRITICAL IN THE INCIDENT AND THE INVESTIGATIVE TEAMS.

THEY OPERATE WITHOUT ANY LAWFUL AUTHORITY TO DO SO.

THIS LAST MONTH, WE WERE ABLE TO VIEW THE PARALLEL REPORTS AND COMPARE ITS WIDTH REPORTS FINDING IT ALTERED DOCUMENTS INTERFERING WITH THE INVESTIGATION, AND WITHHELD CRITICAL INFORMATION FROM THE SAN DIEGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.

>> Reporter: THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL FOR ALLIANCE SAN DIEGO ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING HIS WIDOW.

TODAY, JUST AS ADVOCATES DELIVERED A LETTER TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE SO-CALLED SHADOW UNITS COVERING AGENT MISCONDUCT.

SPOKE WITH MY HEART IN MY HEAD I ASKED THE DISTRICT TO INVESTIGATE THE AGENTS THAT OBSTRUCTED THE INVESTIGATION OF MY HUSBAND.

IT IS NOT FAIR MY FAMILY CONTINUES TO SUFFER AFTER 11 YEARS BECAUSE AGENTS PLACED THERE DARKENED IN THE CASE.

THEY CHANGE INFORMATION AND DESTROYED EVIDENCE.

A SIMILAR LETTER REQUESTING INVESTIGATION INTO THE TEAM WAS SENT TO CONGRESS LAST MONTH.

OTHERS HAVE TAKEN PLACE ALL ALONG THE SOUTHERN BORDER.

THEY HAD NOT ONLY OBSTRUCTED THE CASE, IT IS THOUSANDS OF CASES.

THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES SUFFERING LIKE ME.

A STATEMENT FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE SAID THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS READY TO PURSUE JUSTICE WHEN EVIDENCE SUPPORTS IT AND WHERE WE HAVE JURISDICTION.

WE CANNOT COMMENT ON THE JUSTICE REVIEW OF THE MATTER.

A SPOKESPERSON TOLD US THE U.S. BORDER PATROL DISBANDED THE CRITICAL INCIDENT TEAM IN SAN DIEGO SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

TONYA THORNE, KPBS NEWS.

>> THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS STILL NEGOTIATING A SETTLEMENT FOR FAMILIES SEPARATED AT THE U.S. SOUTHERN BORDER UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

THERE WERE REPORTS FAMILIES CAN RECEIVE PAYMENTS OF $430,000.

THE DOJ TOLD ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING FAMILIES THE NUMBER WAS TOO HIGH.

A SOURCE WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE MATTER SAYS THIS CAME AFTER JOE BIDEN COMMENTS YESTERDAY.

>> THIS IS A GARBAGE REPORT.

>> $450,000 PER PERSON, IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?

>> SEPARATED FROM A FAMILY MEMBER AT THE BORDER UNDER THE LAST ADMINISTRATION.

>> THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

>>> THE ACLU SUED THE GOVERNMENT SEEKING DAMAGE FOR SEPARATIONS TAKING ON FAMILIES.

MORE THAN 3000 CHILDREN WERE SEPARATED FROM THEIR FAMILIES AT THE BORDER UNDER THE TRUMP SO-CALLED ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY.

ACCORDING TO A FEDERAL COURT FILING, ATTORNEYS ARE STILL LOOKING FOR PARENTS OF 270 CHILDREN.

>>> HOW TO REDUCE TARGETED SCHOOL VIOLENCE.

THE SUBJECT OF A LARGE-SCALE SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT TODAY HOSTED BY THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE.

MELISSA MAE SPOKE TO ATTENDEES WHO SAY IT'S A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT.

TRUCK OVER 145 COMMUNITY MEMBERS MET AT THE OPERATIONS IT.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE BEST PRACTICES TO PREVENT AND REDUCE SCHOOL VIOLENCE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

>> NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN LETTING A STUDENT FEEL SAFE SO THEY CAN LEARN TO GO.

>> Reporter: THE DEPUTY TICKET ATTORNEY SAYS ONE DISCIPLINE CANNOT DO THIS ALONE.

THEY HIGHLIGHT YOUTH AS AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE.

>> THERE IS NO WAY TO PREVENT THESE WITHOUT STUDENTS.

STUDENTS ARE THE GREATEST SOURCE OF INFORMATION BACKED BY EVIDENCE THAT THEY HAVE TO BE COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO COME FORWARD AND MENTION THAT THEY NOTICE CONCERNING BEHAVIOR NOT DISMISSIVE.

>> Reporter: THE SCOTTY PROTOCOL ESTABLISHED IN 2018.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE RECEIVED ABOUT 150 SCHOOL FOR STREP CASES TO REVIEW AND FILE CHARGES IN MORE THAN 40 OF THE CASES.

>> EVEN THE ONES THAT DO NOT TURN INTO MASSIVE ATTACKS AND ARE JUST FRIENDS, VICTIMS ARE GREATLY IMPACTED.

STUDENTS AND STAFF NEED TO SUPPORT THESE VICTIMS AND RECOGNIZE HARM THAT IT DOES.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYBODY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES AND EDUCATORS TO GET ON THE SAME PAGE AND WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE THIS PUZZLE CALLED TARGETED VIOLENCE.

>> Reporter: THE COORDINATOR FOR SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION.

>> WE HAVE TO SHORE UP A FOUNDATION FOR THE SOCIAL STANDPOINT AND NOT JUST CONTINUE TO PUT BAND-AIDS ON THIS.

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO OPEN THE EYES OF PEOPLE AND SAY WE NEED TO DO MORE.

>> THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION IS INTRODUCING THE ONLINE SCHOOL SAFETY TOOLKIT THAT CAN HELP ADMINISTRATORS, EDUCATORS AND TEACHERS KEEP STUDENTS SAFE.

MELISSA MAE, KPBS NEWS.

STARK HOUSE COULD VOTE ON A VERSION OF THE PRESIDENT BIDEN BUILD BACK BETTER BILL TONIGHT.

THAT'S PELOSI ADDED A PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM WITH WORK PERMITS FOR IMMIGRANTS IN A STATE OR LOCAL TAX BREAKS TO THE BILL RAISING THE PRICE TAG TO $1.5 TRILLION.

IT GIVES THE LEGISLATION AN EASIER PATH FOR THE HOUSE BUT EXIT UNLIKELY TO ADVANCE THROUGH THE SENATE'S.

MODERATE DEMOCRAT SENATOR JOE MANCHIN SAYS HE DOES NOT THINK PAID LEAVE BELONGS IN THE BILL.

>> THAT IS A PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT REALLY IS NEEDED FROM THE SAME POINT IF WE DO IT AND DO IT RIGHT.

WHEN THERE IS PARTICIPATION BETWEEN THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE.

WE CAN DO THAT WITH A BIPARTISAN WAY AND MAKE SURE IT LAST.

>> I DISAGREE AND THINK THIS IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE LEGISLATION.

VERY COMFORTABLY WITH CHILDCARE AND HEALTH CARE AND HOME CARE WITH FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE.

FOR SUPPORT OF THE CAUCUS.

>> MEANWHILE, THE $1.2 TRILLION BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL IS STILL AWAITING A VOTE IN THE HOUSE WHICH COULD COME AS SOON AS TOMORROW MORNING.

STRUCK THE PENTAGON RELEASED A NEW REPORT SHOWING SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS ONE OF THE TOP AREAS IN THE NATION FOR DEFENSE SPENDING.

STEVE WALSH TALKS TO A STARTUP ABOUT WHAT IS DRIVING THESE DOLLARS.

>> SEND YUBA COUNTY RECEIVES MORE MONEY FROM THE PENTAGON THAT ALMOST ANY OTHER COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY.

A NEW REPORT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SHOWS MORE MONEY FLOWS INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY THAT IS SPENT IN 37 STATES.

THE COFOUNDER.

>> A TON OF CUSTOMERS IN THE SETTING AREA.

>> Reporter: THE FORMER NAVY SEAL FOUNDED THE DRUG COMPANY IN 2015 AND NOW IT IS ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING DEFENSE CONTRACTORS IN THE COUNTRY.

BUT THEY WANTED TO BRING AI AND THE ECONOMY AND I CANNOT THINK OF A BETTER PLACE TO BE WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT STARTING THE DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AND HAVING THE PROXIMITY TO THE CUSTOMER.

>> Reporter: THEY SPECIALIZE IN SOFTWARE THAT SUPPLEMENTS SELF- DRIVING CARS.

DRONES CAN OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY FOR TROOPS ON THE GROUND THOUGH MOST DECISION STILL HAPPEN IN WASHINGTON EVEN BAY AREA INVESTORS TOLD HIM IT WAS BETTER TO BE CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE ACTUALLY USING THE TEST.

>> YOU ARE JUST ABLE TO BUILD A BETTER PRODUCT SPEAKING WITH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO BE USING THE PRODUCT.

>> ASIDE FROM DEFENSE CONTRACTORS, THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY LEADS THE COUNTRY IN THE AMOUNT SPENT ON MILITARY PAYROLL GO MORE THAN $7 BILLION SPENT LOCALLY IN PERSONNEL IN 2020, WELL ABOVE THE SECOND- LARGEST PAYROLL WHICH IS HONOLULU, HAWAII.

CALIFORNIA IS THE THIRD HIGHEST GROSSING STATE BEHIND TEXAS IN VIRGINIA THE PENTAGON SPENT $61 BILLION IN CALIFORNIA LAST YEAR, ROUGHLY.

STEVE WALSH, KPBS.

>>> THE BACKLOG IN THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN IS AFFECTING MORE THAN TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS.

WHILE PURCHASING IS UP, MANUFACTURING AND SHIPPING ARE WAY DOWN.

CALIFORNIA FARMERS SAY THEY ARE HAVING A HARD TIME EXPORTING THEIR CROPS DUE TO DELAYS.

SHIPPING COSTS ARE SO HIGH RIGHT NOW ONCE SHIPS OFFLOADED AT BIG REPORTS THEY HEAD BACK TO ASIA INSTEAD OF STOPPING AT THE SMALLER PORT IN OAKLAND.

WALNUTS AND ALMONDS IN THE PART ARE NOT MAKING IT OUT.

>> ONE OF THE MEMBERS LOST OVER $7.5 MILLION IN ONE MONTH OF SALES BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY FOR TIME AND COMMITMENT.

EXPECT SOME EXPERTS CANCELED WHILE FARMERS ARE PAYING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS PER MONTH IN STORAGE FEES THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA SUPPLIES 60% OF THE COUNTRY AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS.

>>> WITH ALL OF THAT IN MIND, THE ADVICE FROM THE OWNER OF ONE TRUCKING COMPANY IS DUE HOLIDAY SHOPPING NOW.

THE SHORTAGE IN THE U.S. WILL CONTINUE TO RAISE PRICES AND WORSEN THE SUPPLY CHAIN SLOW DOWN.

DESPITE EFFORTS BY THE WHITE HOUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, MANY IN THE INDUSTRY DO NOT SEE A QUICK SOLUTION.

>> Reporter: BEING A TRUCK DRIVER AS A SECOND CAREER.

>> THE PANDEMIC AND THE NEED FOR TRUCK DRIVERS AND A POSSIBLE HIGHER INCOME MOTIVATED HIM TO ENROLL IN A TRUCK DRIVING ACADEMY.

>> WE DEFINITELY HAVE SEEN A MAJOR INCREASE.

>> Reporter: DESPITE THE INCREASE IN TEACHER TRUCK DRIVERS, EXPERTS SAY IT IS JUST NOT ENOUGH FOR DELIVERY OF FOOD, CLOTHING AND ESPECIALLY NOW, HOLIDAY GIFTS.

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, THE INDUSTRY IS ABOUT 80,000 DRIVERS SHORT.

>> MY FATHER AND MY -- TRUCK WITH THIS TRUCKING COMPANY OWNER SEES A FIRST-HAND.

>> I AM ADVERTISING EVERY DAY AND WEEKS GO BY AND I DO NOT GET A CALL.

>> Reporter: TRUCK DRIVERS HAVE 70% OF THE U.S. ECONOMY GOODS.

THE SHORTAGE IS ALREADY IMPACTING MANY OTHER INDUSTRIES.

>> TRUCKING COMPANIES STOP, AMERICA STEMS.

EVERYTHING WE CONSUME, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THINGS, WHETHER IT IS KAISER CLOTHING OR FOOD, EVEN FOOD PRODUCTS.

A LOT OF STUFF COMES FROM OVERSEAS.

>> Reporter: JOE BIDEN DIRECTED THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES IN LONG BEACH TO MOVE TO 24/7 OPERATIONS BUT IT IS BELIEVED IT WILL NOT BE ENOUGH.

>> IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW LONG THEY ARE OPEN BECAUSE THERE ARE OTHER THINGS PREVENTING US FROM PICKING UP DRIVER SHORTAGES AND EQUIPMENT SHORTAGES.

>> Reporter: IT IS CREATING A SNOWBALL EFFECT.

>> IF YOU DO HOLIDAY SHOPPING, DO IT NOW.

THINGS ARE GOING TO RUN OUT.

IT IS GOING TO BE SCARCE.

>> Reporter: MEANWHILE, STEWART HOPES TO BE BEHIND THE WHEEL BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

>>, HE AND OTHERS EXPECT THE SHORTAGE TO REMAIN FOR YEARS TO COME.

REAL POSSIBILITY OF DISAPPOINTMENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

>> HOPEFULLY I CAN BE ON THE ROAD AND I COULD BE MAKING THE MONEY.

>>> PRESIDENT BIDEN CALLING FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MORE OIL IN AN EFFORT TO EASE SOARING ENERGY PRICES.

THEY PLAN TO GRADUALLY INCREASE PRODUCTION BY ABOUT 400,000 BARRELS PER DAY IN DECEMBER.

THEY WANT THE U.S. AND OTHER MAJOR ENERGY CONSUMERS LIKE JAPAN AND INDIA TO OPEN TAPS WIDER TO BRING GLOBAL CRISIS DOWN.

DURING THE CLIMATE SUMMIT, BIDEN BLASTED RUSSIA FOR CAUSING THE SPIKE BY NOT PUMPING MORE OIL.

U.S. GAS PRICES SURGED TO A SEVEN-YEAR HIGH IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY WITH THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A GALLON OF REGULAR GAS GROWS TO $4.54.

>>> THANK YOU FOR TUNING INTO KPBS NEWS.

THIS IS YOUR ACCUWEATHER FORECAST.

I AM MARTIN GOMEZ.

THE NEXT COUPLE OF MORNINGS ALONG THE COAST , CONDITIONS EXTENDING FURTHER INLAND AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

OVER THE WEEKEND, WE ARE ANTICIPATING TEMPERATURES TO START COOLING DOWN ACROSS MOST OF THE AREA AND INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK, THERE WILL BE AREAS WHERE LIGHT RAIN IS A POSSIBILITY.

I TELL YOU MORE IN JUST A SECOND.

FIRST LET'S TALK ABOUT TONIGHT'S FORECAST AND SAN DIEGAN COUNTY.

YOU CAN SEE TEMPERATURES COOLING DOWN TO 49 DEGREES FOR PLACES LIKE RAMON ESCONDIDO.

COOLING DOWN NEAR 51 DEGREES.

COUPLE OF CLOUDS AND OF COURSE IT INCREASES HOURS, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE COAST.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOLDING ONTO CONDITIONS AS WE HEAD INTO FRIDAY WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUNSHINE DURING THE AFTERNOON.

TEMPERATURES IN MANY AREAS ON THE COAST COME INTO THE MINIMAL 70s FURTHER INLAND, PLACES LIKE BORREGO SPRINGS WILL BE WARM.

90 DEGREES FOR THE AFTERNOON.

HERE IS A QUICK LOOK AT THE SATURDAY FORECAST.

IT WILL HELP US GET MORE OF THE MARINE LAYER NOT ONLY SATURDAY BUT INTO SUNDAY.

THE FOUR CORNERS WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK THE WARMER WEATHER AND TEMPERATURES DECREASING ACROSS SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOR THE WEEKEND.

74 FRIDAY ALONG THE COAST THEN ONLY STAYING IN THE UPPER 60s FOR MOST THE WEEKEND.

HERE IS A QUICK LOOK AT INLAND AREAS.

YOU COULD REALLY SEE THE CHANGE FRIDAY 74 TO FANS FORWARD TO TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK, SITTING AT IS A HIGH FOR OUR AREA WITH BOTH AQUATIC CONDITIONS.

IN THE MOUNTAINS, WE ARE TRACKING PLENTY OF SUNSHINE FOR THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS.

TEMPERATURES GETTING INTO THE UPPER 40s TUESDAY AND ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS ON TUESDAY, THIS IS GOING TO BE THE SPOT WHERE WE COULD SEE A LITTLE BIT OF LIGHTER RAIN.

THAT'S A POSSIBILITY AT LEAST IN THE DESERT.

TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO HOLD STRONG INTO THE UPPER 80s FOR MOST OF THE WEEK.

I AM MARTIN GOMEZ WITH YOUR FORECAST FOR KPBS NEWS.

>>> ACCESS TO BANKING IS AN IMPORTANT FACET OF THE HEALTH OF A COMMUNITY.

AS OUR EQUITY REPORTER FINDS A SHORTAGE OF BANK BRANCHES AND RISING TEMPERATURES CAN BE A DANGEROUS MIX.

>> Reporter: NOON STILL HOURS AWAY ON A TUESDAY IN EARLY AUGUST.

THE STREETS IN CALIFORNIA SO HOT IT FEELS LIKE THE SOLES OF YOUR SHOES COULD MELT INTO THE ASPHALT.

SUFFERING IN THE HEAT ARE LINES OF PEOPLE, MANY ELDERLY.

OUTSIDE OF THE BANK OF AMERICA AND WELLS FARGO BRANCH IS.

BEADS OF SWEAT FORM ON THE FACES OF CUSTOMERS AS THEY WAIT PATIENTLY TO USE THE ATM OR TALK TO A TELLER.

>> [ SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE ] >> Reporter: HE IS AN AGRICULTURAL WORKER FROM CALIFORNIA.

HE WAITED AN HOUR JUST TO USE THE BANK OF AMERICA ATM DURING HIS BREAK.

HE SAYS DURING THE HIGH HEAT SEASON, THE WAIT FOR ATM IS UNBEARABLE BECAUSE THERE IS NO SHADE.

MANY RETIRED ARE HERE AND NEARLY FAINTED WHILE WAITING AT THE BANK ON A HOT DAY.

[ SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE ] >> Reporter: SHE WAS RUSHED AND DOORS WERE IT WAS COLD HER.

TO THIS DAY, SHE CANNOT BE IN THE HEAT FOR LONG WITHOUT GETTING SICK.

THE LOCAL WELLS FARGO BRANCH DEVISED SYSTEM SO PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO SHADE AND SOMEONE IS ALWAYS THERE DIRECTING THE FLOW OF PEOPLE.

SO, HOW DID IT COME TO THIS?

AND IMPERIAL COUNTY SITUATED ON THE EDGE OF THE DESERT STATE PARK.

THE REGION IS AT RISK OF BECOMING ANOTHER TYPE OF DESERT.

A BANKING DESERT.

THERE ARE ONLY 12 BRICK AND MORTAR INSURED BANKS FOR THE COUNTIES FOR OVER 180,000 DUMBLY LATINO AND LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS.

DOWN FROM 19 AS RECENTLY AS 2013.

>> I THINK WE HAVE SEEN A FAIR AMOUNT OF BRANCH CONSOLIDATION IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS.

>> Reporter: A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE WESTERN BANKERS ASSOCIATION SAYS CONSUMER HABITS ARE DRIVING CHANGE MAKING BRANCH IS LESS IMPORTANT.

>> THERE HAS BEEN A LOT LESS PEOPLE GOING INTO BRANCH IS NOW WITH EVERYONE DOING MOBILE BANKING.

>> Reporter: THE DIRECTOR OF THE IMPERIAL VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER SAYS THAT EVERYONE IS ONLINE SAVVY AND THE LACK OF BANK BRANCHES CAN BE CHALLENGING FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER SHE WORKS WITH.

>> THE CULTURE HERE IS VERY DIFFERENT.

I HONESTLY CAN SAY MOST BUSINESS OWNERS WANT TO SIT DOWN AND SIT IN FRONT OF A PERSON AND NO WHO THEY ARE CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH.

MORE TRADITIONAL AS OPPOSED TO GOING ONLINE AND SAYING YOU KNOW, I WILL CHECK OUT THE SERVICES.

>> Reporter: SHE NEARLY FAINTED WHILE WAITING IN LINE THAT ONE TIME TELLS ME SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO BANK ONLINE AND IS NOT INTERESTED.

[ SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE ] >> Reporter: SHE WISHES THERE WERE MORE BANKS IN THE AREA SO PEOPLE WOULD NOT HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG.

[ SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE ] >> Reporter: A SPOKESPERSON FOR WELLS FARGO GREW UP IN IMPERIAL COUNTY IS NO STRANGER TO THE LINES.

HIS OWN MOTHER LIKES TO GO IN AND TALK WITH THE TELLER.

I ASKED IF HE THINKS MORE BRANCHES WOULD HELP ALLEVIATE LINES.

>> PROBABLY THE BEST PERSON TO ANSWER THAT I WOULD SAY, I WOULD SAY, A STRONG MAYBE?

>> Reporter: HE SAYS HOWEVER WHEN THE BRANCHES STARTED TO CLOSE IN CALEXICO A FEW YEARS AGO, THE LINES GOT LONGER.

>> THEY LEAVE THE COMMUNITY AND IT GETS PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

WE ARE THE ONLY BANK IN CALEXICO.

>> Reporter: LESS THAN A MILE FROM THE MEXICO BORDER AND LITTERED WITH CHECK-CASHING PLACES, CALEXICO ONLY HAS A SINGLE WELLS FARGO BRANCH.

THE LINES CAN TAKE UP TO THREE HOURS.

THE CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR REPRESENTS IMPERIAL COUNTY.

HE TOLD KPBS IN A STATEMENT BANKING ACCESS IS A HUGE PROBLEM IN THE VALLEY.

HE CO-AUTHORED TWO RECENT BILLS AND HAVE PAVED THE WAY FOR PUBLIC BANKING OPTIONS WHICH HE SAYS ARE NEEDED BECAUSE THIS ISSUE IS NOT GOING AWAY.

FOR NOW, PEOPLE ARE STILL LIGHTING UP AT THE FEW IMPERIAL BANK BRANCHES NO MATTER WHAT IT READS.

STRICT PRODUCTION IN SHIPMENT ISSUES AFFECTING SUPPLY OF SOME COVID-19 VACCINES.

MODERNA IS WARNING THEIR SUPPLY MAY FALL SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS.

INSTEAD OF THE 800 MILLION DOSES ORIGINALLY EXPECTED, THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY SAYS IT'S ME SHIP BETWEEN 700 MILLION AND 800 MILLION WHICH COULD MEAN 100 MILLION LESS DOSES THAN FIRST FORECAST.

SOME DELIVERIES MAY NOT BE EXPECTED BEFORE 2022.

MODERNA WANTS TO GIVE PRIORITY TO LOW INCOME COUNTRIES.

>>> ONE OF THE BIGGEST WORRIES FOR PARENTS WHEN IT COMES TO COVID-19 VACCINES.

COULD THE VACCINE SOMEHOW IMPAIR THE FUTURE OF THEIR CHILD'S FERTILITY?

WE SPEAK TO HEALTH EXPERTS WHO SAY THIS IS NOT A CONCERN AND THEY WANT TO DEBUNK THE VACCINE MYTHS.

>> Reporter: IS OFFICIAL.

CHILDREN AGES 5-11 ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE PFIZER COVID-19 VACCINE.

>> THE 5 TO 11 VACCINE AVAILABLE MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE FOR US.

WE ARE VERY EAGERLY EXCITED.

TO BE ABLE TO VACCINATE THIS AGE GROUP.

>> Reporter: A RECENT SURVEY FOUND 60 SICK% OF PARENTS WITH CHILDREN IN THAT AGE GROUP WORRY VACCINES MIGHT NEGATIVELY IMPACT FUTURE FERTILITY.

>> IT CAME FROM A BIT OF MISINFORMATION AND GOT PICKED UP IN TESTS AND PROPAGATED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.

>> Reporter: THE AMERICA ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS AT THE CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION AND THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS ARE UNITED WITH OTHER DOCTORS AND PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS SAYING FERTILITY IS A CONCERN WHEN IT COMES TO THE COVID-19 VACCINE.

>> I WOULD BE THE FIRST PERSON WHO WOULD JUMP UP AND DOWN AND MAKE A FUSS IF THERE WAS A CONNECTION.

SIMPLY THERE IS NOT AND YOU DO NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THIS.

>> Reporter: A SPOKESPERSON ALSO SAYS THE COVID-19 VACCINE WON'T AFFECT PUBERTY AND ONCE PRIMLY ALTER MENSTRUAL CYCLES.

ANY PARENT WITH FIXING CONCERNS IS URGED TO REACH OUT TO THEIR CHILD'S DOCTOR.

>> IT THAT MOST PEDIATRICIANS WILL BE ABLE TO TALK YOU THROUGH WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN ORDER TO MAKE THAT INFORMED DECISION.

IT IS BASED ON SCIENCE AND IT IS BASED ON RESEARCH.

IT IS NOT BASED ON THE INFORMATION WE SEE ON THE INTERNET.

>> Reporter: FOR HEALTH MINUTE.

>>> ANOTHER LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORIES, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED A NEW TIMELINE FOR FIXING MANDATES TO BE IMPLEMENTING.

TENS OF MILLIONS OF WORKERS OF COMPANIES WITH 100 PEOPLE OR MORE FACE A JANUARY 4th DEADLINE TO BE FULLY VACCINATED OR ELSE GET TESTED FOR THE VIRUS ON A WEEKLY BASIS.

OSHA SAYS COMPANIES THAT FAIL TO COMPLY COULD FACE PENALTIES OF NEARLY $14,000 PER VIOLATION.

>>> THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY DIFFERENT ATTORNEYS OFFICE HOSTED A SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT TODAY.

OVER 145 PEOPLE MET TO LEARN ABOUT THE BEST PRACTICES TO PREVENT AND REDUCE TARGETED SCHOOL VIOLENCE.

THE COUNTY SCHOOL THREAT ARTICLE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2018.

THE DA OFFICE HAS RECEIVED ABOUT 150 SCHOOL THREAT CASES TO REVIEW AND FILE CHARGES IN MORE THAN 40 OF THOSE CASES.

>>> IT IS ALWAYS, YOU CAN FIND TONIGHT'S STORIES ON OUR WEBSITE, KPBS.ORG .

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I AM MAYA TRABULSI , HAVE A GREAT EVENING.