>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR A LOOK AT THE BEST ORIGINAL REPORTING FOR KPBS THIS WEEK, I AM MAYA TRABULSI.

COMING UP, THE SAN DIEGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, HEAR FROM TWO FINALISTS BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE ROLE OF SUPERINTENDENT DURING A CHALLENGING TIME FOR THE DISTRICT.

>>> GAS PRICES SURGING FROM CALIFORNIA, CAN THEY DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?

WE RUN THROUGH SOME OF THE IDEAS BEING FLOATED TO GIVE DRIVERS SOME RELIEF.

>>> MIDGLEY BASEBALL DELAYS STARTING THE NEW SEASON.

RELYING ON THE GAMES AND HOW A LOCKOUT WILL HURT THE BOTTOM LINE.

>>> WE START WITH A MAJOR STORY IN THE MINDS OF SO MANY, UKRAINE PUMMELED BY RUSSIAN ATTACKS.

24/7.

SAN DIEGANS ARE WATCHING THE WAR AND WONDERING HOW THEY CAN HELP.

KITTY ALVARADO HAS BEEN TELLING THE STORIES ALL WEEK.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE ACTS OF GENEROSITY SHE HAS COME ACROSS.

>> WE EVER GETS IT I PRAY THEY WILL BE SAFE.

>> Reporter: MOVEMENT TO DONATE A MILITARY GRADE HELMET.

THE IMAGES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE IN UKRAINE DEFENDING THEIR COUNTRY.

>> PEOPLE IN THE STREET IN FRONT OF VEHICLES WITH NO PROTECTION.

>> THE HOUSE OF UKRAINE WITH ONE OF THE INTERNATIONAL PARKS WITH AN EFFORT UNDERWAY TO HELP THOSE BEHIND IN COUNTRIES BOMBED BY RUSSIA AROUND THE CLOCK.

>> A VOLUNTEER SAYS THEY ESPECIALLY NEED GENTLY USED MILITARY ARMOR AND BOOTS.

>> WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WANT TO FIGHT IN UKRAINE, MAN.

BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY PROTECTION.

THEY COULD BE KILLED ANY TIME.

>> Reporter: AMONG THEM, HER OWN FAMILY.

>> THE BOMBING.

THE KIDS ARE SCARED.

HER HUSBAND IS MILITARY AS WELL.

I PRAY AFTER TODAY AND I'M SCARED BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY BOMB SHELTER.

>> Reporter: A VIETNAM VET SAYS HE KNOWS HOW UGLY WAR CAN BE AND WAS COMPELLED TO BRING IN A BULLETPROOF VEST HE HAD IN HIS STASH.

>> IT IS HEAVY.

>> YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

I HOPE IT HELPS SOMEBODY.

>> YES.

>> IT IS A HORRIBLE CHOICE.

THEY WILL SEE IT THROUGH.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

MAY I HUG YOU?

>> OH YEAH.

>> Reporter: THE DONATIONS WILL HELP ORDINARY PEOPLE TURNED HEROES LIVED TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY, JUST LIKE HER COUSIN WANTED PEOPLE HERE TO KNOW JUST HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO THEM.

>> ANYTIME.

>> Reporter: DONATION FROM THE HEART EXCEPTED FROM LOVE FOR UKRAINE >> I WANT TO PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY .

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> Reporter: KITTY ALVARADO , KPBS NEWS .

>>> A LOT OF LOVE FROM CUSTOMERS AT THE NEW BAKERY IN THE HILLCREST NEIGHBORHOOD OF SAN DIEGO.

HER DREAM OF OPENING A BAKERY HAS BECOME A REALITY AND HER FAMILY IS LIVING A NIGHTMARE.

>> MY FAMILY ARE IN KYIV WHICH IS GETTING BOMBED RIGHT NOW.

PROBABLY THE SECOND WE ARE TALKING.

GOT FOR BID ANYTHING WILL BLOWUP NEXT TO THEM.

>> Reporter: FEELING HELPLESS SHE DECIDED TO USE HER TALENTS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR UKRAINE SINCE GETTING THINGS DIRECTED TO HER FAMILY IS NOT EASY.

SHE IS DONATING 25% OF SALES TO THE NATIONAL BANK OF UKRAINE SPECIAL TALENT.

>> SO EDUCATION, ANY TYPE OF PROTECTION.

TO PROVIDE AND HELP THEM.

>> Reporter: PEOPLE ARE RESPONDING AND BUYING UP HER DELICIOUS TREATS.

>> THEY ARE COMING LIKE CRAZY, YESTERDAY THE SHELVES RAN OUT OF CAKE.

AM JUST OVERWHELMED WITH SUPPORT.

>> Reporter: DURING THIS TIME PEOPLE WITH LOVED ONES IN UKRAINE ARE TRYING TO HELP.

SHE SAYS THE NATIONAL BANK OF UKRAINE IS A SAFE OPTION.

>> THE MILITARY ALSO IN FIRST RESPONDERS, FIREMEN AND POLICEMEN.

PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO HELP, TEACHERS ARE STILL TEACHING CLASSES BECAUSE THEY NEED TO KEEP THE CHILDREN COMP.

THE NATIONAL BANK IS THE BEST WAY TO GET MONEY STRAIGHT TO UKRAINE.

THERE'S NO WAY TO INTERFERE WITH THE BANK TRANSFER.

>> THE ACTUAL CONFLICT ON UKRAINE.

>> Reporter: THIS ECONOMICS PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO SAYS HE WORRIES FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO FLEE IN THE HUMANITARIAN DISASTER LOOMING.

HE SAYS HAVING AN ORGANIZATION OFF THE GROUND LIKE THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS AND WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN IS IMPORTANT.

IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO THAT ORGANIZATIONS BEFORE YOU GIVE.

MANY WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CRISIS AND TAKE FROM THOSE IN NEED.

THE TOUGHEST SANCTIONS WILL BE ON ORDINARY RUSSIANS IF THEY ARE NECESSARY.

>> THE HOPE MAYBE IS IF THERE IS WIDESPREAD DIFFICULTY THAT IT MIGHT CAUSE PEOPLE TO RISE UP IN PROTEST AND MAYBE IMPACT THE GOVERNMENT THAT WAY.

>> HE SAYS THE EFFECTS WILL BE FELT HERE TOO WITH HIGHER PRICES.

NOT JUST OIL.

>> HIGHER PRICES FOR WHEAT AND GRAIN AND CORN.

THE BIGGEST EXPORTER OF WHEAT.

>> Reporter: WE HOPE TO KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE.

>> IT IS MINOR COMPARED TO WHAT THE PEOPLE IN UKRAINE ARE SUFFERING THROUGH RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: WITH THE EFFORTS OF ORDINARY SAN DIEGANS REACHING OUT TO EASE THE SUFFERING AND HELP CAN BE AS EASY AND DELICIOUS AS CAKE OR AS SHE SAYS, CAKE IS LOVE.

KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>> KITTY ALVARADO COVERED LOCAL REACTIONS TO THE JOE BIDEN STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS THIS WEEK WHICH FOCUSED HEAVILY ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE.

COVERAGE CONTINUES ONLINE WHERE YOU CAN FIND ALL OF OUR LOCAL REPORTING AND NATIONAL COVERAGE FROM NPR AND THE PBS NEWS HOUR.

GO TO KPBS.ORG TO LISTEN TO THE KPBS PODCAST AND STREAM ALL OF OUR CONTENT ON THE KPBS YOUTUBE PAGE.

>>> THE WEEKS AHEAD WILL BE DECISIVE FOR THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AS IT MEETS THE NEW LEADER.

PARENTS GOT A CHANCE TO DIRECTLY HEAR FROM THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT FINALISTS.

M.G.

PEREZ WAS THERE AS THEY MADE THE CASE ON THE PUBLIC FOR THEM.

>> Reporter: BOTH DOCTORS STARTED THEIR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CAREERS AS TEACHERS IN A CLASSROOM.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON THEY WERE BACK ON CAMPUS ON THE AUDITORIUM STAGE OF WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL FACE-TO-FACE FOR THE FIRST TIME, DETERMINED TO BECOME THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED NEXT SUPERINTENDENT.

>> I THINK THIS IS A COMMUNITY THAT DEEPLY CARES ABOUT THE CHILDREN AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THAT IS A PLACE I THINK ANY SUPERINTENDENT WOULD BE HONORED TO LIVE, LEAD, AND SERVE IN IT.

>> WE WILL BE ABOUT DIVERSITY.

WE WILL BE ABOUT EQUITY AND WE WILL BE UNAPOLOGETIC ABOUT BEING INCLUSIVE IN THE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

>> Reporter: INTERPRETERS TRANSLATE EVERY RESPONSE AS THEY ANSWERED QUESTIONS SUBMITTED IN PERSON AND ONLINE DURING A LIVE STREAM OF THE EVENT.

PARENTS AND TEACHERS AND EVEN STUDENTS WANTED TO HEAR ABOUT SOLUTIONS TO RACISM AND INEQUITY IN THE SAN DIEGO SCHOOLS.

STATISTICS SHOW BLACK STUDENTS IN SAN DIEGO UNIFIED ARE THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE SUSPENDED THEN WHITE STUDENTS.

>> LEADERSHIP IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST.

YOU ARE GENUINELY, AUTHENTICALLY LEADING FOR A CUTIE TO SERVE ALL CHILDREN WELL AND YOU WILL MAKE A POPULAR DECISION.

YOU HAVE TO STAND BY WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN AND I BELIEVE DEEPLY THAT WE CAN DO BETTER IS A PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM.

>> WE NEED TRAINING FOR ADULTS.

WE RECOGNIZE WE HAVE BIAS.

WE DO ACT THROUGH RACIST BEHAVIOR.

WE HAVE TO LIVE IN THE FEAR THAT THIS MAY HAVE BEEN HOW WE WERE RAISED.

IT DOES NOT MEAN THIS IS HOW WE WILL REMAIN.

>> Reporter: ON THE TOPIC OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, THE DOCTOR HAS A PLAN OF INCLUSION INSTEAD OF THE SEPARATION.

CHANGES TO INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

>> OFTEN WE HAVE GOALS WHERE WE ARE NOW TEACHING TO THE PROGRAM RATHER THAN THE CHILD.

THAT IS FUNDAMENTAL.

>> FIGURING OUT HOW TO MAKE SURE EVERY CHILD SEES THEMSELVES AS INCLUDED IN THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY.

THAT MEANS WORKING TO DISMANTLE AS MANY SELF-CONTAINED PROGRAMS AS WE CAN.

>> Reporter: PUBLIC REVIEWS CAN QUICKLY CONSIDERING HER SON AS A PARENT.

>> WE LIKE THAT DR. JACKSON MENTIONED THE FACT OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS.

>> Reporter: A CO-PRINCIPAL AT LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL.

>> I GET THE MODERATOR WANTED TO ASK QUESTIONS AROUND COLOR AND QUESTIONS AROUND SPECIAL- EDUCATION.

>> Reporter: THE PUBLIC INPUT IS NOT OVER YET.

DISTRICT OFFICIALS SET UP AN ONLINE OPTION FOR ANYONE WHO STILL IS TO MAKE A COMMENT WITH A QUICK CLICK ON THE SEARCH TAB ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE.

A DECISION WHO GETS THE JOB IS EXPECTED WITHIN A MONTH.

M.G.

PEREZ, KPBS NEWS.

>>> HERE ARE SOME OF THE STORIES GETTING THE MOST ATTENTION FROM THE ONLINE AUDIENCE THIS WEEK.

THE SELECTION TO CREATE A HOUSING PLAN THAT MEETS STATE LAW.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO WHY NONPROFITS IN CHULA VISTA SAY THE CITY IS NOT A HELP PARTNER.

PULLING IN BIG EARNINGS WHILE CONTINUING TO RAISE RATES FOR CUSTOMERS.

>>> IF YOU DRIVE A CAR RUNNING ON GAS, YOU ARE FEELING IT.

PRICES NOW PUSHING PAST $12 A GALLON AT MANY LOCAL GAS STATIONS WITH NO RELIEF IN SIGHT.

JOHN CARROLL REPORTS THERE ARE IDEAS SWIMMING AROUND, BUT IT WILL TAKE POLITICAL WILL TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

>> Reporter: THE AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON WITH THE LARGEST INCREASE SINCE SEPTEMBER 2019.

THE 14th RECORD HIGH IN 16 DAYS.

STORIES OF HIGH GAS PRICES TYPICALLY INCLUDE INTERVIEWS WITH DRIVERS AT THE PUMP UPSET ABOUT THE PRICES BUT WE ALREADY KNOW MOST OF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE PRICES SO THE STORY INSTEAD IS FOCUSED ON IDEAS FROM DIFFERENT SIDES OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

THE SAN DIEGO CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE SHANE HARRIS WANTS GOVERNOR NEWSOM TO DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY WHICH WOULD ALLOW HIM TO SUSPEND THE STATE AZTECS UP TO 90 DAYS.

THE TAXES NOW $.51 A GALLON.

SPIKE EVERYDAY PEOPLE I AM THINKING ABOUT IN THE INNER- CITY STRUGGLE EVERY TIME THEY GO TO THE PUMP.

>> Reporter: THE UNFOLDING DISASTER IN UKRAINE GETTING MUCH OF THE BLAME FOR THE MOST RECENT SURGE IN PRICES AND HARRIS SAYS THAT IS ROOM FOR HIM TO ACT BUT CALLS TO SAY THE TAX IS NOT NEW.

>> THE REASON I WANT TO CONSIDER A GAS TAXES GAS PRICES ARE OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH.

>> Reporter: HE REPRESENTS THE WEST OF SACRAMENTO IN THE SUBURBS AND INTRODUCED A BILL TO SUSPEND THE STATE TAX FOR SIX MONTHS.

>> ESPECIALLY SINCE THE GOVERNOR IS TALKING ABOUT THE BILLION-DOLLAR SERVICE PLUS.

IT IS THE LEAST THAT WE CAN DO TO GIVE CALIFORNIA TEMPORARILY ALTHOUGH AT LEAST SIX MONTHS.

AT LEAST.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR NEWSOM OFFERED TO SUSPEND THE NEXT GAS TAX BUT ONLY ABOUT THREE CENTS.

EVEN THAT RECEIVED A COOL RESPONSE FROM LEGISLATIVE LEADERS WHEN THEY ASKED THE STATE SENATOR ABOUT IT HER OFFICE ISSUED A STATEMENT SAYING IN PART THAT SHE WILL EVALUATE PROPOSALS OF THE STATE FINANCIAL CONDITION IN THE COMING MONTHS.

FROM AN ECONOMISTS POINT OF VIEW, SUPPORT FOR SUSPENDING THE TAX.

>> NORMALLY IT FUNDS INFRASTRUCTURE TYPE OF PROGRAMS BUT THE STATE MONEY WITH THE SURPLUS I COULD SEE SOME OF THE SURPLUS COULD BE DIRECTED TO REPLACING THE GAS TAX THEM SELVES.

>> Reporter: EVEN IF THE TAXES ARE SUSPENDED, CURRENT ESTIMATES SAY WE COULD EASILY SEE PRICES BETWEEN 50 $-.75 IN THE COMING WEEKS, GOBBLING UP ANY TAX SUSPENSION SAVINGS AND PUTTING US RIGHT BACK IN THE UNENVIABLE POSITION WE ARE IN NOW.

JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS.

>>> SINCE THE STORY THE AVERAGE PRICE OF GAS IN SAN DIEGO HAS JUMPED BEYOND FIVE DOLLARS A GALLON.

THAT INCLUDES A $.13 JUMP OVERNIGHT FROM THURSDAY TO FRIDAY ACCORDING TO AAA.

CURRENT MARKUPS INCLUDE A MIDDAY ADDITION WITH THE UNION TRIBUNE ENERGY REPORTER YOU CAN LISTEN TO THAT ANYTIME AT KPBS.ORG.

>>> COLLECTOR CARS LOOKING PRETTY GOOD RIGHT NOW IF YOU CAN FIND ONE.

CALIFORNIA IS WORKING TOWARDS A FUTURE WITH ALL NEW CARS SOLD AS ZERO EMISSION.

EVEN READABLE BATTERIES HAVE A SHELF LIFE.

WE MET WITH THOSE FINDING WAYS TO RECYCLE BATTERIES WHEN THE TIME COMES.

>> Reporter: LAB AT THE SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY FILLED WITH BUNDLES OF WIRES.

SOME TESTING BATTERIES AND THIS LEXICAL CASE WHICH CONTAINS ABOUT 300 CELLS AND WEIGHS MORE THAN 1000 POUNDS.

ELECTRIC CAR BATTERY THAT ONCE INHABITED A NISSAN.

NOW IMAGINE 1 MILLION BATTERY CASES LIKE THAT IN THE CALIFORNIA WASTE AND RECYCLING STREAM EVERY YEAR AS ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND BATTERIES REACH THE END OF THEIR LIVES.

THAT IS WHAT COULD HAPPEN SOON AFTER 2035 WHEN ALL NEW CARS SOLD IN CALIFORNIA MUST USE ZERO CARBON EMISSION BASED ON THE EXECUTIVE ORDER BY GOVERNOR NEWSOM.

>> THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION IS FUNDING FOUR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS TO FIND WAYS TO REPURPOSE LET YOUR CAR BATTERIES.

TWO PROJECTS ARE HAPPENING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND ONE IS RIGHT HERE IN THE ENGINEERING BUILDING OF SAN DIEGO STATE.

>> SOME MAY HAVE ENOUGH POWER CAPACITY TO START OTHER PROJECTS.

>> Reporter: THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PROFESSOR IS ONE PERSON LOOKING FOR A WAY TO REUSE ELECTRIC CAR BATTERIES.

>> YOU CAN EXTEND THE LIFE AND DELAY THE LIFECYCLE OF THE BATTERY.

>> Reporter: WHEN HE SPEAKS ABOUT USING THE BATTERIES FOR ENERGY STORAGE HE IS TALKING ABOUT STORING SOLAR ENERGY.

THAT WOULD TURN CAR BATTERIES INTO SOLAR ENERGY BANKS FOR BUSINESSES AND AGENCIES TO MAKE WITHDRAWALS WHENEVER THE SUN DOES NOT SHANE.

WHEN HE TALKS ABOUT THE LIFECYCLE OF THE BATTERY IT IS A COMPLEX STORY OF BOTH ENERGY GENERATION AND ENERGY INPUT REQUIRED TO MAKE THE BATTERY.

FIRST YOU HAVE TO FIND THE MATERIALS TO MAKE IT ALL OF THE LITHIUM, COBALT, MANGANESE, THEN MANUFACTURE IT.

IT COMES AS A BATTERY THEN THE SECOND LIFE COULD BE AS THE BANK FOR A SOLAR POWER ARRAY.

FINALLY IT HAS TO BE RECYCLED.

THE PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ALSO WAS WORKING ON A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FUNDED BY THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION.

HE SAYS LITHIUM ION CAR BATTERIES ARE TYPICALLY RETIRED WHEN THE LETTER CAR LOSES THE CRUCIAL MILEAGE RANGE.

EVEN AT THAT POINT THE BATTERY STILL HAS 60 MINUTES 80% OF THE ENERGY LIFE LEFT.

>> WHY DON'T WE TRY TO UTILIZE THE BATTERIES RIGHT?

USE THOSE SYSTEMS ALREADY IN PLACE FOR GRID SCALE ENERGY STORAGE.

>> Reporter: CALIFORNIA IS LEADING THE WAY IN THE USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE REPORTED A SWITCH WITH THE ZERO EMISSION CARS.

THE SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY SAYS USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES ARE HAZARDOUS WASTE AND ELEMENTS ULTIMATELY NEED TO BE RECYCLED EVEN IF THEY HAVE A SECOND LIFE AS AN ENERGY STORAGE VESSEL.

THERE IS ANOTHER GOOD REASON TO RECYCLE THEM.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE CRITICAL MATERIAL IN THE BATTERY, IT'S A SOURCE OF CRITICAL MATERIAL.

TO PUT BACK INTO THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

>> Reporter: SCIENTISTS SAY ONE KEY ISSUE IS FINDING A WAY TO MAKE BATTERY REUSE ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE.

WITH CHINA EXPORTS NEWLY MINED LITHIUM ION PHOSPHATE BATTERIES, THEY ARE NOT AS GOOD AS CAR BATTERIES BUT THEY ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO USE FOR SOLAR ENERGY STORAGE.

HE SAYS IT'S MAY NOT MAKE SENSE FOR A CUSTOMER TO BUY A REPURPOSED ELECTRIC CAR BATTERY WHEN A NEW ONE FROM CHINA COSTS NOT MUCH MORE.

>> SUSTAINABILITY COSTS ARE IMPORTANT.

THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS SUSTAINABLE.

IT ALWAYS COST MORE MONEY.

>> Reporter: A LOT OF CHALLENGING THINGS TO COME ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND THE COST OF IT.

>> THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION IS A LOT OF TIMES IT WINDS.

>> Reporter: THE CAR BATTERY ADVISORY GROUP EXPECT TO FINALIZE THE REPORT ON REUSE AND RECYCLING OF BATTERIES THIS MONTH.

THEN IS PASSED TO THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT NEW LAWS FOLLOW.

THE BIG QUESTIONS REMAIN LIKE WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REUSING AND RECYCLING THESE BATTERIES?

THAT IS ONE OF THOSE CHALLENGING DEBATES HE WILL HAVE TO HAVE BEFORE 2035 WHEN ALL NEW CARS IN CALIFORNIA WILL HAVE TO BE ZERO CARBON EMISSION.

THOMAS FUDGE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> TAKE A TRIP TO THE PARK AND YOU CAN'T MISS THEM.

VENDORS SELLING EVERYTHING FROM HOTDOGS TO HOMEMADE BRACELETS.

A THRIVING MARKET IN PUBLIC PLACES.

BUT AS WE REPORTS, NEW RULES MIGHT MAKE IT HARDER FOR THEM TO DO BUSINESS.

>> Reporter: THE CITY COUNCIL IN SAN DIEGO APPROVED STREET FUNDING AND REGULATION OF THE TIME AND PLACE AND MANNER STREET VENDOR BUSINESSES OPERATE INCLUDING CUTBACKS IN POPULAR TOURIST AREAS.

SHE IS THE CHINESE IMMIGRANT AND STREET VENDOR WHO STARTED SELLING JEWELRY AT THE PARK SIX MONTHS AGO AFTER HER OTHER JOB WAS IMPACTED BY THE PANDEMIC.

>> DURING COVID I LOST A LOT OF CUSTOMERS AND VENDING HELP ME PICK UP MY LIFE.

HERE IT IS TOURISTS.

WHEN I DO MY JEWELRY, PEOPLE LIKE MY ARTWORK.

>> Reporter: THESE STREET VENDORS ACKNOWLEDGE THE UPCOMING CHANGES IN WILL SAN DIEGO AND HELP WITH PERMITS AND LICENSING.

HE SAYS LOSING LOW-COST FOOD OPTIONS LIKE THE HOTDOG STAND COULD PRICE OUT VISITORS AND PUT STRESS ON HIS LIVELIHOOD.

>> IT IS A FULL-TIME JOB AND PAYS WELL BUT NOT FOR THE INFLATION BUILT UP.

TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY.

WE CAN'T AFFORD CHILDCARE TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE IN SAN DIEGO.

>> Reporter: A MEETING FEATURED LIVELY VOICES FROM BOTH SIDES ON WHAT IS A DIVISIVE ISSUE.

THIS COUNCIL MEMBER SPEARHEADED THE PROPOSAL AND SAYS IT AFFECTS ALL SAN DIEGO'S.

>> THE ORDINANCE WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO VENDORS AND PROMOTE ACCESS TO PUBLIC SPACES AND PROTECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS THERE IS A BETTER SOLUTION.

STREET VENDORS AT THE PARK.

>> A PARK TO GIVE A PERMANENT PLACE.

WE DO NOT MIND PAYING A FEE.

IF THEY CAN PUT US THROUGH THE LOTTERY SYSTEM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE IT READY.

>> Reporter: THE PROPOSAL WAS ADOPTED WITH ANY TO ONE VOTE.

THE PROPOSAL GOES INTO EFFECT AT THE END OF MARCH.

>> ONE PLACE THAT WILL NOT BE DOING BUSINESS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD AS PETCO PARK.

MAJOR-LEAGUE VETS BASEBALL ALREADY CANCELED THE FIRST GAMES AT HOME THAT WILL HURT THOSE LIVING IN THE AREA.

PART OF A DEADLOCK BETWEEN TEAM OWNERS AND THE PLAYERS UNION.

>> THE HIGH FLY BALL.

>> Reporter: THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF FANS OF EVERY MAJOR LEAGUE TEAM LONGING FOR.

THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS SUPPOSED TO BEGIN AT PETCO PARK MARCH 31st.

NOT NOW.

THIS FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND OWNER ON THE TEAM FACEBOOK PAGE.

WE ARE WORKING TO BUILD A CONSISTENTLY WINNING TEAM THAT YOU DESERVE AND I CANNOT WAIT TO BE TOGETHER WITH YOU AGAIN AT PETCO PARK.

THEY GO ON TO SAY THE TEAM NEEDS FAN SUPPORT.

SCROLLING DOWN SHOWS SUPPORT IS TENUOUS AND SAMPLED FROM HUNDREDS OF COMMENTS THAT SHOWS FANS ARE UPSET WITH OWNERS AND PLAYERS INSTEAD OF ADDRESSING FANS, MAYBE YOU SHOULD ADDRESS THE OTHER OWNERS AND MAKE SURE ALL OF YOU REALIZE THAT FANS DO NOT NEED BASEBALL, BASEBALL NEEDS FANS.

I AM MAD AT THESE GUYS, BOTH SIDES.

AT THIS TIME I DO NOT CARE IF THERE IS A SEASON OR NOT.

WAY TO GO.

SOCIETY HASN'T HAD ENOUGH GOING ON WITH COVID AND PUT HIM.

I HOPE YOU WORK OUT HOW MANY FERRARIS AND YACHTS YOU CAN EACH HAVE.

SADLY THE FANS ARE THE REAL LOSERS.

OVERPRICED PLAYERS AND GREEDY OWNERSHIP MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR A LOT OF FANS AND FAMILIES TO ATTEND THE GAME.

HERE AT PETCO PARK, THEY REFIX THE LAWNS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE PARK AND THINGS ARE NICE AND CLEAN BUT BUSINESS OWNERS LIKE HERE AT SOCIAL TAP SAY THEY ARE LOOKING DOWN THE BARREL .

>> WE ARE PRETTY DEFLATED AROUND HERE RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: LIKE FANS ON FACEBOOK HE SAYS THERE IS PLENTY OF BLAME TO GO AROUND.

>> MILLIONAIRES AND BILLIONAIRES FIGHTING OVER MONEY.

>> Reporter: THE FIRST TWO SERIES OF GAMES OR 91 IN TOTAL ARE COUNTED.

CRENSHAW SAYS THAT IS ALL IT TAKES TO TAKE THE STEAM OUT OF OPENING-DAY.

>> TO GET FIRED UP AND COME TO A NEW OPENING DAY A MONTH OR A WEEK OR TWO MONTHS LATER THAN THE NORMAL FUZZ APRIL 1st OPENING-DAY OR MARCH 31st.

IT WILL NOT BE THE SAME.

>> Reporter: BUSINESS OWNERS AND FANS WONDER IF BASEBALL WILL EVER BE THE SAME AND WHETHER IT CAN SURVIVE A SEASON DELAY SO FAR THAT HAS NO END IN SIGHT.

JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS.

>>> WE SEE A ROUGH WEEK WITH SOME JOY AND BEAUTY IN BURKE COUNTY.

WE VISITED THE FAMOUS FLOWER FIELDS NOW OPEN FOR VISITORS.

>> Reporter: THE FIELDS ARE OPEN AND THE GENERAL MANAGER IS EXCITED TO OFFER A COLORFUL ESCAPE TO VISITORS.

>> YOU COME AND YOU CAN'T HELP BUT HAVE A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND YOUR CARES AND WORRIES ARE LIFTED AT LEAST A LITTLE BIT AND YOU GET BACK TO REGULAR LIFE.

>> Reporter: LAST YEAR THE INDOOR COVID RESTRICTIONS HAVE PEOPLE FLOODING THE FIELDS.

THEY EXPECT THE SAME IF NOT MORE THIS YEAR.

THEY HAVE TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.

THE FLOWER FIELDS ARE OPEN FROM 9:00 UNTIL 6:00 AND A TIMESLOTS MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE FOR AN ENTRY.

THE BIGGEST DRAW IS A PHOTO OP.

>> WE HAVE SEEN INSTAGRAM PICTURES OF THE FLOWERS AND THE FIELDS AND WE WANTED TO BRING OUTFITS HERE.

>> Reporter: SHE IS VISITING AND HER COUSIN AND OCEANSIDE RESIDENT DID NOT HESITATE TO GET TICKETS OPENING WEEK.

>> LET'S GO NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

THE WEATHER IS PERFECT.

>> Reporter: A SIGN OF SPRINGTIME IN THE OPENING OF THE FIELDS.

VISITORS NEAR AND FAR TAKE A LOOK.

BUSINESSES ARE IMPACTED TOO BECAUSE THEY SEE A BOOST IN BUSINESS.

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAYS RETAILERS LOOK FORWARD TO THE WINDOW OF BUSINESS THE FLOWER FIELDS BRING IN.

>> 80 MILLION PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED.

ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT COME FOR THAT FEED THE RESTAURANTS AND LOCAL HOTELS AND RETAILERS IN THE AREA.

QUITE A BIT OF ACTIVITY HERE.

>> Reporter: THE FLOWER FIELDS ARE OPEN UNTIL TUESDAY.

>>> WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LOOK AT KPBS NEWS THIS WEEK.

I AM MAYA TRABULSI, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.