>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THIS LOOK AT THE BEST ORIGINAL REPORTING FROM KPBS NEWS THIS WEEK.

I AM JOHN CARROLL.

COMING UP, COMIC-CON IS STILL SEVEN MONTHS AWAY, BUT THOSE WHO WANT TO ATTEND IN JULY HAVE SOME WORK TO DO THIS WEEKEND.

BETH WILL HAVE ADVICE FOR ANYONE WHO WILL BE ON THEIR COMPUTERS, TRYING TO SECURE A PRIZED BATCH FOR THE 2024 EVENT.

MANY OF US WILL BE PLANNING OUR THANKSGIVING SPREADS IN THE DAYS TO COME.

BUT, NOT ALL SAN DIEGANS WILL BE AS FORTUNATE.

WE CHECK IN WITH THOSE WHO WORK YEAR-ROUND TO HELP ADDRESS HUNGER.

>>> AND SHOULD PARENTS BE NOTIFIED IF THEIR CHILD REVEALS THEIR SEXUAL IDENTITY TO A TRUSTED ADULT?

ONE NORTH COUNTY SCHOOL ANNOUNCED IT WILL REVERSE A POLICY THAT COULD WILL OUT VULNERABLE KIDS.

>>> THIS WEEK BROUGHT US A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER, RAIN AND COLDER OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES ARE A THING MIGRANTS ARE ENDURING IN A REMOTE CAMP.

KPBS REPORTED JACOB ERROR SAYS THEY ARE STILL BEING HELD OUTDOORS WITHOUT SHELTER.

>> Reporter: IT IS QUITE THE SCENE, IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO LOOK.

ONE MIGRANT CAMP NEAR COLOMBO HOT SPRINGS, THEY ARE STILL GOING STRONG.

I AM HERE AT THE CAMP, YOU CAN SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO STAY SHELTERED FROM THE RAIN.

THE CONDITIONS ARE STARTING TO GET COLDER AND WETTER HERE, AND THEY ARE JUST LOOKING TO STAY DRY AND WARM.

BEFORE THE RAIN STARTED TO COME DOWN, WE SPOKE WITH A MIGRANT, BOOLEAN, WHO DIDN'T WANT TO USE HIS LAST NAME, FROM COLUMBIA FLEEING PERSECUTION IN HIS HOME COUNTRY DUE TO ANTI-LGBTQ DISCRIMINATION.

HE DESCRIBES THE CONDITIONS AT THE MAKESHIFT CAMP IN THE SINGLE THAT HE HAS BEEN THERE.

>> [ SPEAKING IN A GLOBAL LANGUAGE ] >> Reporter: SAM SCHOLZ IS THE BOOTS ON THE GROUND HELP FOR MANY MIGRANTS, WORKING ALONGSIDE THE MIGRANTS AND BORDER KINDNESS, HIS TEAM HAS BEEN PROVIDING FOOD, WATER, AND WARMTH SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

HE SAID IN ADDITION TO FIREWOOD, BLANKETS, WARMER CLOTHING, AND BETTER SHELTER, OR WHAT THE MIGRANTS ARE MOST DESPERATE FOR.

>> THE MOVEMENT IS ACTUALLY ACCELERATING.

THERE WERE MORE PEOPLE GOING THROUGH EVERY DAY, AN AVERAGE OF 355 PER DAY, THROUGH THE CAMPS.

THE BIG CHANGE IS, THE BORDER PATROL HAS BECOME MORE EFFICIENT ON MOVING THEM OUT.

>> Reporter: SCHOLZ SAYS CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION STARTED CAN'T -- DETAIN MIGRANTS AT OPEN AIR DETENTION SITES BACK IN MAY.

BUT, NOW, THE WEATHER IS VERY DIFFERENT.

>> EVEN THOUGH 40 DOESN'T SOUND COLD COMPARED TO OTHER PLACES, BUT REMEMBER THESE ARE PEOPLE WITHOUT PROPER CLOTHING, IT IS NIGHTTIME, EXPOSED, SOME ARE REALLY YOUNG, SO WE ARE WORRIED MOSTLY ABOUT THE KIDS.

>> Reporter: KAISER PERMANENTE'S DR. V NGUYEN SAYS THAT THESE ARE CONCERNS AT THE SITES.

>> MY MAIN CONCERN IS HYPOTHERMIA ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE YOUNG OR WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS, AND SPREADING INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

WORRIED PARTICULARLY ABOUT FLU.

>> Reporter: SCHOLZ SAYS IT CAN SNOW IN THE COLDER MONTHS, AND TEMPERATURES OFTEN FALL INTO THE 30s.

HE SAYS THE SITUATION IS NOW DIRE, AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION.

JACOB AERE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION IS PUSHING BACK ON PLANES IT IS RUNNING OPEN AIR DETENTION SITES.

THEY SENT US A STATEMENT SAYING IT IS LEVERAGING ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND PARTNERSHIPS TO VENT AND PROCESS MIGRANTS.

AND THAT IT PRIORITIZES THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL ENCOUNTERS BY PROVIDING APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE AND COORDINATING WITH THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.

>>> SAN DIEGO IS THE FIRST COUNTY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO OFFER FREE LAWYERS TO PEOPLE IN IMMIGRATION COURT.

KPBS BORDER REPORTER, GUSTAVO SALINAS, SAYS THE PROGRAM IS MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE.

>> Reporter: IMAGINE STANDING IN FRONT OF A JUDGE AND HAVING TO REPRESENT YOURSELF IN COURT, IN A LANGUAGE YOU DON'T SPEAK, AND UNDER A LEGAL SYSTEM YOU KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

YOUR RIGHT TO CONTINUE LIVING IN THIS COUNTRY.

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IMMIGRATION COURT IS LIKE FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FACING DEPORTATION.

SHOWS LIKE "LAW AND ORDER" GIVES US THE BASICS OF OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

DEFENDANTS GET A FREE LAWYER AND EVERYONE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNLESS CONVICTED, BUT THOSE RIGHTS DO NOT EXIST IN IMMIGRATION COURT.

>> THESE ARE LIFE AND DEATH PROCEEDINGS OF TREMENDOUS GRAVITY, DONE IN THIS CRAZY SORT OF -- SOMETIMES YOU CALL IT LIKE A FAST FOOD SETTING, WHERE IT IS LIKE, YOU DON'T GET A LAWYER, YOU DON'T GET A RIGHT TO ACCESS EVIDENCE.

>> Reporter: IS A CIVIL RIGHTS AND IMMIGRATION LAWYER.

>> YOU HAVE TO GO UP AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER FROM I.C.E.é AND YOU HAVE TO DO IT IN FRONT OF A JUDGE.

MORE TIMES THAN NOT, A FORMER ICE ATTORNEY.

SO, THE CHIPS ARE JUST STACKED AGAINST FOLKS.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS DEPORTATION CASES ARE VERY DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY IF A CLIENT IS LOCKED UP IN A DETENTION CENTER.

>> FROM WITHIN THE PRISON, THE I.C.E.

JAIL, THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE INTERNET, SO YOU CANNOT GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CASE.

YOU DON'T GET APPOINTED A LAWYER, YOU CAN'T WORK AND MAKE MONEY SO YOU CAN'T HIRE A LAWYER.

IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TALK TO YOUR FAMILY FROM INSIDE.

>> Reporter: THERE IS A CANDY PROGRAM TRYING TO MAKE IMMIGRATION COURTS THERE ARE.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY'S IMMIGRANTS RIGHTS THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM USES TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO GIVE IMMIGRANTS ACCESS TO FREE REPRESENTATION.

KEELEY IS PART OF THIS PROGRAM.

HE SAYS THE GOAL ISN'T NECESSARY TO STOP DEPORTATIONS.

>> NOT EVERYBODY WINS THEIR IMMIGRATION CASE BUT WE SHOULD GET IT RIGHT, THE WINNERS AND THE LOSERS, HAVING A LAWYER HELPS WITH THAT.

THAT IS WHAT THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS, JUST TO TRY TO CHECK THAT.

>> Reporter: THE PROGRAM STARTED LAST APRIL AND IS GOING TO COST ABOUT $4 MILLION A YEAR.

DATA SHOWS IT IS ALREADY HAVING AN IMPACT.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH LEGAL REPRESENTATION HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED SINCE THE START OF THE PROGRAM, AND IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE LAWYERS ARE FIVE TIMES LESS LIKELY TO BE GIVEN DEPORTATION ORDERS, COMPARED TO PEOPLE WHO HAD TO REPRESENT THEMSELVES.

FOR IMMIGRATION LAWYERS LIKE LAUREN, THAT STAT IS KIND OF OBVIOUS.

>> WELL, LET'S START WITH LANGUAGE.

ANY EVIDENCE THAT YOU PRESENT TO AN IMMIGRATION COURT HAS TO BE PRESENTED IN ENGLISH.

ANY APPLICATION OR FORM THAT THE COURT GENERATES IS WRITTEN IN ENGLISH, HAS TO BE COMPLETED IN ENGLISH.

>> Reporter: IMAGINE DOING ALL OF THAT WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY AND THAT IS NOT EVEN MENTIONING THE LEGAL ARGUMENT YOU WOULD HAVE TO MAKE.

>> THE BURDEN IS ON THAT APPLICANT TO PROVE THAT THEY ARE ELIGIBLE.

SO, UNLIKE A CRIMINAL COURT WHERE WE ALL KNOW THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE BURDEN OF PROOF BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, IN IMMIGRATION COURT, IT IS ALMOST ALWAYS THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

>> Reporter: IN OCTOBER, JOE ANDERSON TRIED TO PLACE LIMITS ON WHO COULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION, SAYING PEOPLE WITH CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS SHOULDN'T BE PART OF THE PROGRAM POINT >> WE HAVE GOT TO BE THOUGHTFUL IN OUR APPROACH, AND WE HAVE TO DRAW DEFINITE LINES.

ALL I AM ASKING TODAY IS THAT WE ADD GUIDELINES THAT STOP US FROM WASTING MONEY ON PEOPLE WHO PREY ON OTHERS.

>> Reporter: BUT, DOZENS OF ADVOCATES OPPOSED HIS PLAN, ARGUING IN A COUNTY MEETING THAT IT WOULD VIOLATE THE SPIRIT OF UNIVERSAL REPRESENTATION.

>> MANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE LIVED IN SAN DIEGO FOR MOST OF THEIR LIVES.

THEY HAVE JOBS IN THE COMMUNITY, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT THEM.

>> Reporter: ANDERSON'S PROPOSAL FAILED.

BELLA REYES IS A LAWYER, SHE SAYS THERE IS A MISCONCEPTION THAT PEOPLE FACING DEPORTATION AREN'T MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.

CRITICS OF THE PROGRAM OFTEN SAY TAXPAYER DOLLARS SHOULD ONLY BENEFIT SAN DIEGANS.

>> WE ARE ALL SAN DIEGANS, THIS IS MY NEIGHBOR, THIS IS MY FELLOW CHURCH MEMBER THAT IS GOING THROUGH THIS PROCESS, IT AFFECTS EVERYONE.

>> Reporter: REYES SAYS DEPORTATIONS TEAR FAMILIES APART, AND THAT IMPACTS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

>> WE HAVE SEEN IT, TOO, AND SO MANY CASES WHERE ONE OF THE PARENTS MIGHT BE DEPORTED TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD COMPLETELY, AND THAT LEAVES A SINGLE PARENT ALONE WITH CHILDREN.

>> Reporter: KEELEY ARGUES THAT GIVING FREE REPRESENTATION TO DIRECTLY BENEFIT AMERICAN CITIZENS.

>> SOMETIMES, IT IS WHETHER THE PERSON IS EVEN AMERICAN IS IN QUESTION.

THERE ARE CASES WHERE SOMETIMES THEY DETAIN PEOPLE THAT I THINK ARE NOT U.S. CITIZENS AND IT TURNS OUT THE PERSON IS A U.S. CITIZEN.

>> Reporter: SO FAR, LAWYERS IN THE PROGRAM HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED 868 CASES.

MOST OF THEM ARE STILL GOING THROUGH THE COURT PROCESS.

OF THE COMPLETED CASES, ONLY ABOUT 10% OF THEM ENDED IN DEPORTATIONS, WHICH IS MUCH LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

GUSTAVO SOLIS, KPBS NEWS.

>>> CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK IN NORTH COUNTY RECENTLY DROPPED ITS POLICY PROTECTING TRANSGENDER STUDENTS' POLICY BECAUSE OF A THREAT OF A LAWSUIT.

ADVOCATES TELL KPBS NORTH COUNTY REPORTER, ALEXANDER WINN, THAT CLASSICAL ACADEMY'S NEW POLICY ESSENTIALLY OUTS STUDENTS TO PARENTS.

>> Reporter: THE CLASSICAL ACADEMY IS A CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK SERVING MORE THAN 5300 IN NORTH COUNTY, INCLUDING COASTAL ACADEMY IN OCEANSIDE.

CLASSICAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TIM AND CRAIG, SAID IN A STATEMENT TO KPBS THAT THE SCHOOL CHANGED ITS POLICY AFTER A THREAT OF LEGAL ACTION BY A CONSTITUTIONAL LAWYER, AFTER REVIEWING THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIONS ISSUED IN A RECENT CASE AGAINST THE CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ASKING TITO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT, IT WAS CLEAR THAT OUR POLICY WAS VERY SIMILAR TO THE ONE ENJOINED BY THE FEDERAL COURT.

THIS MADE KEEPING THE OLD POLICY LANGUAGE IN TENABLE.

HE SAID DEAN ORIOLES IS THE ATTORNEY WHO THREATENED CLASSICAL ACADEMIES WITH THE LAWSUIT.

HE SAYS THERE WAS NO THREAT, HE SAYS HE WAS INFORMIX THE BOARD OF LEGAL CONSEQUENCES AS IT READ -- WENT TO PARENTS.

>> WE DIDN'T THREATEN A LAWSUIT TO CLASSICAL ACADEMY OVER THEIR PARENTS' SECRETS POLICY, BUT WE DID INFORM THEM THAT THEIR POLICY WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL, AND NEEDED TO BE CHANGED.

>> Reporter: THE OLD POLICY SAYS THAT TEACHERS AND STAFF COULD NOT DISCLOSE A STUDENTS' GENDER IDENTITY TO ANYONE, INCLUDING THE STUDENTS' PARENTS, WITHOUT THE STUDENTS' CONSENT.

IT IS THE SAME POLICY THAT GOT THE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT SUED.

TWO TEACHERS THERE SAID IT WAS AGAINST THE RELIGIOUS BELIEF TO LIE TO PARENTS, BUT FEDERAL JUDGES RECENTLY RULED THAT THE POLICY WAS LIKELY UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

THE LAWSUIT IS UNDER REVIEW BY THE NINTH CIRCUIT OF APPEALS.

THE ISSUE WAS FRONT AND CENTER AT LAST NIGHT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT'S MEETING.

>> WE PROTECT STUDENTS FROM LIFELONG DECISIONS WITHOUT THEIR PARENTS INVOLVED.

>> Reporter: CLASSICAL'S NEW POLICY REQUIRES PARENTS TO BE NOTIFIED IF THE STUDENT CHANGES THE PRONOUN OR NAMES TO MATCH THEIR GENDER IDENTITY.

MAX, FROM THE NORTH COUNTY LGBTQ RESOURCE CENTER, CALLS THAT FORCED OUTING.

>> EVEN A STUDENT WITH A FAMILY THAT IS SUPPORTED, THEY NEED THEIR OWN TIME TO BE ABLE TO COME OUT.

IT IS THEIR STORY TO TELL, IT IS NO ONE ELSE'S STORY TO BE DISCLOSED.

THAT IS REALLY A BASIC PRIVATE PRE-PROTECTIONS THAT CALIFORNIA HAS FOR MANY YEARS.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT TRANSIT STUDENTS' MENTAL HEALTH THERE IS BETTER WITH SCHOOLS WITH SAFE GROUNDS FOR THE GENDER JOURNEY.

A PARENT AT CLASSICAL AGREES.

SHE SAYS HER RIGHTS WERE NOT VIOLATED UNDER THE OLD POLICY, BUT THE NEW POLICY IS DEEPLY CONCERNING FOR HER CHILDREN AND THEIR FRIENDS.

>> TO ME, IT CREATES AN AURA OF DISTRUST AROUND RELATIONSHIPS THAT KIDS HAD PREVIOUSLY FELT FOR SAFE SPACES ON CAMPUS WITH TRUSTED ADULTS, TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, THAT NOW THEY ARE QUESTIONING, YOU KNOW, ARE THESE SAFE SPACES?

WILL MY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION BE SHARED WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?

>> Reporter: ORIOLES SAYS THAT FEAR IS OVERBLOWN, IT IS A PARENTS' RIGHT TO KNOW.

>> FOR OVER 100 YEARS, THE SUPREME COURT HAS RULED THAT THE 14th AMENDMENT INCLUDES THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF PARENTS TO DIRECT CARE, EDUCATION, AND HELP BRING THEIR CHILDREN.

>> Reporter: CLASSICAL SAYS THE NEW POLICY STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS.

ALEXANDER WINN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THIS IS TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK, A TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE GENDER DIVERSE COMMUNITY.

CONFRONTATIONS OVER PRONOUNS AND POLITICS HAVE OFTEN MARGINALIZED PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO LIVE AS THEIR AUTHENTIC SELVES.

KPBS EDUCATION REPORTER M.G.

PEREZ SHARES SOME TRANSGENDER STORIES HAPPENING RIGHT NOW AT ONE SCHOOL KNOWN AS A SAFE SPACE FOR INCLUSION.

>> Reporter: THE BLOW DRYERS AND BEAUTY ARE A CONSTANT HERE AT THIS STREET CORRIDOR HERE IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO, WHERE PAUL MITCHELL THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN EDUCATING FUTURE PROFESSIONAL STYLISTS FOR 20 YEARS.

THAT IS ALMOST AS LONG AS BO O'NEILL HAS BEEN ALIVE.

>> AS SOMEONE WHO DOES USE PRONOUNS THAT ARE THEY/THEM, I CAN KIND OF PASS EITHER WAY.

>> Reporter: BO ALSO USES HE/HIM PRONOUNS, AS HE TRANSITIONS IN WHAT HE CALLS A GENDER QUEER IDENTITY.

HE IS LEARNING HOW TO CUT AND COLOR HAIR AT THE SCHOOL, THE GRADUATION WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE SPRING.

THIS WEEK, BO IS HAVING TOP SURGERY, REMOVING FEMALE BREASTS FROM HIS CHEST.

>> EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T BEEN COMFORTABLE WITH IT AND I DON'T LIKE IT, IT IS ALMOST SAD TO SEE IT GO AWAY, IF THAT MAKES SENSE?

BECAUSE WE HAVE GONE THROUGH JUST SO MUCH TOGETHER, MY CHEST AND I.

SO, WHAT YOU SEE HERE WITH THE CHOICES AND CUTTING?

>> Reporter: BO HAS A MENTOR AND LEADER AS THEY CALL THEM AT THE SCHOOL.

DICED MERINO IS NON-BINARY AND USES ALL PRONOUNS.

SHE WAS ONCE A STUDENT AND IS SHARING HER EXPERIENCE AT PAUL MITCHELL.

WITH A MASTERS DEGREE IN EDUCATION AND A LIFETIME OF SETBACKS, SUCCESSES, AND STRENGTHS.

DICE IS COMMITTED TO HELPING HER COMMUNITY FIND THEMSELVES.

>> THERE IS NUANCE TO LGBTQ EXPERIENCE AND SOMETHING LIKE HAIR IS SO PERSONAL THAT YOU REALLY HAVE TO BE GENTLE, MINDFUL OF THE WORDS THAT YOU USE AND THE ASSUMPTIONS THAT YOU MAKE ABOUT THE PERSON IN YOUR CHAIR, BECAUSE IF YOU ARE NOT MINDFUL, YOU MIGHT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS THAT ARE INCORRECT, THAT HURT THE PERSON.

>> Reporter: IN DICE'S STORY, HURT TURNED TO HEALING.

DICE HAS A WIFE, AND TOGETHER, THEY ARE PREPARING TO OPEN A NEW SALON IN THE HEART OF HILLCREST, A BUSINESS THAT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT MAKING MONEY, BUT MAKING PROGRESS IN TRANSGENDER AWARENESS.

THE RAISED $600 FOR THE TRANS YOUTH PROJECT IN JULY, GIVING HAIRCUTS AT THE SAN DIEGO PRIDE SHE FAST.

THEY TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SAY THE RIGHT THING WHEN THEY MEET A TRANSGENDER PERSON.

ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO PRONOUNS.

>> IF YOU MESS UP, IT'S OKAY, JUST SAY YOU'RE SORRY AND MOVE ON.

DON'T MAKE THEM DO THE EMOTIONAL LABOR OF CONSOLING YOU AFTER YOU MISSED GENDER THEM.

SO, MOVE ON.

THE SHORTHAIR HELPS TO PROVIDE THE VOLUME WE ARE SEEKING AND ALSO TAKES OUT SOME OF THE BOOK.

>> Reporter: ON THE CHAIR IN THE STATE IS A FRIEND AND CLIENT OF BOTH DICE AND BOW.

DEAN MILLER IS FULL OF LIFE.

THEY ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SERVICE TO THEIR TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY AND OTHERS WHO ARE MARGINALIZED BECAUSE OF HOW THE BRAIN WORKS.

>> NOT HOLISTIC, THAT MEANS YOU EITHER HAVE ADHD OR YOU HAVE AUTISM.

>> Reporter: DEAN IS A HEALTH COACH AND PERSONAL TRAINER FOR PEOPLE OF ALL GENDER IDENTITIES, WHO ARE NERO SPICY, A NEW POP-CULTURE TERM FONDLY REFERRING TO THOSE WHO ARE NERO DIVERGENT.

DEAN USES THEIR PROFESSIONAL PLATFORM TO EDUCATE, TOO.

>> EVEN IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND US, I THINK THAT AWARENESS AND PUTTING IT ON OUR RADAR COULD REALLY START THAT CURIOSITY PROCESS, BUT IT ALSO GIVES US CLARITY ON PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT INTERESTED.

>> Reporter: DEAN IS TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE IN THE CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE, LEGISLATING AGAINST TRANSGENDER RIGHTS.

BUT, THE PAUL MITCHELL SCHOOL IS A SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE.

ACCORDING TO THE EDUCATION DIRECTOR, KATIE GRAVES.

>> SO, THEY COME HERE AND THEY FEEL THAT THEY ARE HOME, THEY ARE INCLUDED, AND THEN IT GIVES THEM THAT CONFIDENCE IN THAT SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME THAT THEY ARE HERE IN SCHOOL, GIVES THEM THE CONFIDENCE, THEY BUILD A FOUNDATION AND IN MOST CASES THEY BUILD A FAMILY.

>> Reporter: A FAMILY BO O'NEILL WILL DEPEND ON THIS WEEK, AS HE HAS HIS LONG- AWAITED TOP SURGERY, EXCITED FOR THE CHANGE AND THE FUTURE.

>> NOT WEARING BINDERS, THEY ARE VERY CONSTRICTING, AND TIGHT.

I THINK I WOULD LOVE TO DO HAIR WITHOUT FEELING A COMPRESSION ON MY CHEST ALL THE TIME.

I'M JUST READY TO LIKE, FIX MY POSTURE AND NOT BE COMPRESSED.

>> Reporter: IT SOUNDS LIKE FREEDOM?

>> YEAH, YEAH.

>> Reporter: MG PEREZ, KPBS NEWS.

>> YOU CAN FIND ALL OF OUR STORIES AT KPBS.ORG.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST READ STORIES ONLINE THIS WEEK.

>>> THERE SIN HE SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY IS LIMITING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC AFTER TWO PATHOGENS WERE FOUND AMONG DOGS.

>>> A MILESTONE AT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AS CONSTRUCTION CREWS TALK ABOUT THE NEW TERMINAL ONE.

>>> AND THE DEATH OF PETER SEIDLER, READ HOUSE SAN DIEGO IS REMEMBERING THE PADRES' TEAM OWNER WHO CONTRIBUTED MUCH MORE THAN BASEBALL THEN SAN DIEGO.

>>> A WEEK AWAY FROM THANKSGIVING AND THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU SAYS THE COST OF THE BIG FEAST IS A LITTLE LOWER THAN IT WAS LAST YEAR.

BUT, AS KPBS REPORTER, MELISSA MAE, TELLS US, ADVOCATES TRYING TO END HUNGER IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY SAY THEY ARE NOT SEEING MUCH OF AN IMPROVEMENT.

>> Reporter: THE ROCK CHURCH CITY HEIGHTS OPENED THEIR CAMPUS TO HELP ABOUT 300 PEOPLE WHO ARE NUTRITION INSECURE.

>> I HAVE ACTUALLY SEEN AN UPTICK IN THIS SEASON MORE THAN WHEN WE WERE SHUT DOWN FOR COVID.

WE ARE ALSO SEEING AN UPTICK IN PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES THAT JUST MOVED HERE.

SO, UKRAINE, HAITI, DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, PEOPLE ARE COMING HERE AND -- >> Reporter: MITCHELL, WITH THE ROCK CITY HEIGHTS, SAY THEY HAVE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS AT ALL OF THEIR CAMPUSES EVERY MONTH TO MEET THE COMMUNITY'S NEEDS, AND ARE HELPING FAMILIES CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY.

>> TODAY, WE ARE GIVING OUT TURKEYS, WE ARE GIVING OUT THANKSGIVING STUFFING, AND BROTH, AND JUST THINGS THAT YOU CAN USE FOR THANKSGIVING DINNERS.

>> 1 IN 4 PEOPLE LIVING IN A HOUSEHOLD THAT DOESN'T HAVE SUFFICIENT INCOME TO PURCHASE THREE HEALTHY MEALS A DAY.

>> Reporter: THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE SAINT ANGER HUNGER COALITION SAYS WHILE THE STATE OF HUNGER IN THE COUNTY HAS NOT CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE LAST YEAR, ONE OF THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCES IS THE END OF PANDEMIC AID FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE.

>> IN MARCH, 2023 -- WHICH WAS THE LAST MONTH PEOPLE GOT THAT PANDEMIC BOOST TO THEIR CAL FRESH BENEFITS -- WE HAD ALMOST CLOSED THE MEAL GAP.

>> Reporter: FAMILIES WILL START GETTING ANOTHER MAJOR BENEFIT NEXT SUMMER, THEY WILL GET SUMMER EBT CARDS WITH $40 PER CHILD A MONTH, TO HELP BUFFER THE LOSS OF SCHOOL MEALS.

MELISSA MAE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> HARBORSIDE PARK HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR MORE THAN A YEAR.

THAT HAS BROUGHT RENEWED ATTENTION TO THE DIVIDE IN WHO HAS ACCESS TO PARKS.

KPBS SOUTHBAY REPORTER, KORI SUZUKI, SAYS MANY RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN FRUSTRATED FOR YEARS.

>> Reporter: HARBORSIDE PARK WASN'T ON THE AGENDA LAST MONTH, BUT IT WAS ON RESIDENTS' MINDS.

>> IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT -- I KNOW THESE PARKS, WHEN YOU CLOSE HARBORSIDE PARK, DO YOU FORGET ABOUT PEOPLE ON THE WEST SIDE?

>> FIRST AND FOREMOST -- >> Reporter: THE CITY COUNCIL WAS MEETING TO DISCUSS FUTURE PARK SITES.

BUT, SEVERAL RESIDENTS TOOK TO THE PODIUM TO POINT OUT THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WAITING FOR UPDATES ON THE PARKS THAT ALREADY EXIST.

THEY SAID THEY HAVEN'T BEEN GETTING MUCH ATTENTION.

>> IT IS NOT REALLY FAIR FOR THE SITE TO GET ALL OF THESE HIGH-QUALITY PARKS.

EVERYBODY IN THE CITY, WHAT THEY HAVE, THEY HAVE PICKLE BALL, TENNIS COURTS, THEY HAVE BASKETBALL, THEY HAVE EVERYTHING YOU WANT AND WHAT YOU PUT ON THE WEST SIDE?

NOTHING, ZERO.

>> Reporter: THE CITY COUNCIL MADE THE CONTROVERSIAL DECISION TO CLOSE HARBORSIDE PARK MORE THAN A YEAR AGO.

THEY WANT TO EXPLORE LEASING OR SELLING THE LAND.

BUT, THAT DECISION IS REIGNITED A DEBATE ABOUT THE WAY PARKS ARE DISTRIBUTED ACROSS CHULA VISTA.

THE DIVIDE IS BETWEEN THE NEWER, WEALTHIER SIDE OF THE CITY, EAST CHULA VISTA, AND THE OLDER SIDE, WEST CHULA VISTA, WHERE THERE IS LESS NEW DEVELOPMENT IN MORE WORKING- CLASS NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE WEST SIDE IS MOSTLY GRAY, BUT EAST CHULA VISTA IS COVERED IN PATCHES OF GREEN.

IN 2021, THE EAST SIDE HAD ALMOST THREE AND HALF TIMES MORE PARK SPACE THAN THE WEST SIDE, ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE CITY.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF RESEARCH THAT SHOWS POORER NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE LESS ACCESS TO SAFE PARKS.

>> Reporter: ELSA AARON DONALD IS A PROFESSOR AT INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, SHE SAYS PARKS HAVE A LOT OF BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEARBY, AND NOT HAVING ACCESS TO THEM IS A PROBLEM.

>> THEY MAE NOT HAVE FEATURES THAT WOULD MAKE IT EASY FOR FAMILIES TO COME AND BRING THEIR KIDS, OR THEY MAE HAVE BROKEN PATHWAYS, THEY MAE NOT HAVE THE GREENERY, OR THERE MIGHT BE LACK OF LIGHTING, OR OPEN SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO FEEL SAFE.

>> Reporter: THAT IS NOT TO SAY WEST CHULA VISTA DOESN'T HAVE NICE PARKS.

ALONDRA PADILLA SAYS THAT SHE VISITS HILLSIDE TOP PARK EVERY DAY, IT HAS A SWEEPING GRASS FIELD WITH LAY STRUCTURES, AND A TRICKLING RIVER.

HER SON, MATTEO, IS AUTISTIC AND LOVES THE SMELL OF THE EUCALYPTUS TREES.

SHE SAYS THE PARK RELAXES HIM.

>> SO, THIS IS RELAXING FOR MY AUTISTIC BOY.

WHEN WE WALK A LITTLE FORM -- SO, THAT IS THE REASON WE LOVE TO COME HERE.

>> Reporter: BUT EVEN STILL, PADILLA SAYS SHE WANTS TO SEE MORE PARKS ON THE WEST SIDE.

BECAUSE OF MATTEO'S AUTISM, IT HELPS TO MOVE FROM PARK TO PARK DURING THE DAY.

>> SOMETIMES, WHEN THE PARK HAS A LOT OF KIDS, WE HAVE TO WAIT TO GO, BECAUSE MY KID CAN START TO SCREAM, LIKE TODAY.

SO, WE HAVE TO GO TO ANOTHER PARK OR CHANGE THE ACTIVITY.

>> Reporter: THE CITY SAID IT IS A HARD PROBLEM TO SOLVE.

MUCH OF WEST CHULA VISTA WAS BUILT BEFORE THE REQUIREMENTS TO HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PARK SPACE.

THIS ALSO REQUIRED DEVELOPERS TO FUND NEW PARKLAND AS PART OF THE PROJECT WHICH MEANS MORE PARKS IN EAST TO LAVISTA WHERE MOST OF THE NEW CONSTRUCTION IS HAPPENING.

BUT, CITY LEADERS SAY THEY ARE WORKING ON WAYS TO BRING MORE PARKS TO THE WEST SIDE OF THE CITY.

>> WE WILL NOW MOVE ON TO ITEM 5.9.

MADAME CLERK, WHO PULLED THIS ITEM?

>> Reporter: AT THE SAME MEETING LAST MONTH, CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO EXPLORE SEVERAL FUTURE PARK SITES.

HERE IS MAYOR JOHN McCANN.

>> AS WE KNOW, MANY OF THE SPEAKERS TALKED ABOUT THE WEST SIDE OF CHULA VISTA, HAS A PARK DEFICIT, AND WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO FIND WAYS TO BUILD NEW PARKS.

>> Reporter: THAT PROPOSAL, HE SAID, COULD OPEN THE DOOR FOR AT LEAST ONE NEW PARK ON THE WEST SIDE.

KORI SUZUKI, KPBS NEWS.

>>> IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND COMIC- CON NEXT SUMMER, YOU HAVE ONE LAST CHANCE TO GET BADGES.

THIS SATURDAY AT 9:00 IN THE MORNING, OPEN REGISTRATION WILL COMMENCE, AND KPBS REPORTER BETH ACCOMANDO HAS HELPFUL TIPS.

>> Reporter: IN ORDER TO GET HERE, HOPEFUL COMIC-CON ATTENDEES MUST FIRST OPEN THE GAUNTLET OF REGISTRATION.

THAT'S RIGHT, COMIC-CON IS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN JUST CASUALLY DECIDE TO ATTEND.

>> IF YOU DO DECIDE, YES, I WANT TO GO THIS YEAR, I WANT TO STRESS AGAIN, WE RECOMMEND DOING SOME RESEARCH.

>> I DO HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU GO ON THE COMIC-CON WEBSITE JUST TO KIND OF READ THROUGH SOME OF THE STEPS TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED FOR IT.

>> Reporter: BECAUSE DEMAND FAR EXCEEDS SUPPLY, SO YOU BETTER KNOW THE ROPES TO EVEN HAVE A REMOTE CHANCE OF OBTAINING A BADGE IN OPEN REGISTRATION THIS SATURDAY FOR THE 2024 CONVENTION.

>> SO, THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT YOU NEED TO DO, IS YOU NEED A MEMBER I.D.

ON COMIC-CON'S WEBSITE, PRIOR TO THE SALE.

YOU ONLY ARE SIGNED UP PRIOR TO 8:00 A.M.

THIS SATURDAY.

>> THE WAITING ROOM OPEN UP AT 8:00 A.M., YOU CAN GET IN BEFORE 8:59 AND YOU CAN RANDOMIZE IT TO THE PURCHASE PROCESS.

9:00, THE SALE WILL OPEN.

AT THAT POINT, YOU HAVE TO COME ON AFTER 9:00 AND YOU ARE PUT AT THE BACK OF THE LINE.

>> ONCE YOU ARE IN THE WAITING ROOM, IT IS NOT GOING TO TELL YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE IN THE LINE, BUT IT WILL GIVE YOU AN ESTIMATED TIME.

YOU WILL ALSO HAVE -- WE CALL HIM THE LITTLE, GREEN RUNNING MAN, BASICALLY A STATUS BAR.

IT WON'T TELL YOU THE EXACT TIME, BUT THE LITTLE GUY WILL EITHER BE RUNNING FAST OR RUNNING REALLY SLOW.

>> THAT COULD BE PRETTY NERVE- RACKING, JUST CHILL, DON'T DO ANYTHING, DON'T BACK CLICK, FORWARD CLICK, JUST WAIT.

>> MAYBE YOUR TIMES AS 15 MINUTES AND TWO MINUTES LATER IT IS BACK UP TO 35, THAT IS OKAY.

THAT DOESN'T MEAN MORE PEOPLE ARE JUMPING IN FRONT OF YOU.

>> DON'T TRY TO REGISTER ON YOUR PHONE OR ON AN iPAD.

USE A LAPTOP AND THAT SORT OF THING.

>> WHEN IT IS YOUR TURN TO PURCHASE, YOU CAN PURCHASE BADGES FOR UP TO THREE PEOPLE.

>> BUYING IN GROUPS REALLY HELPS AND INCREASES YOUR CHANCES OF OBTAINING A BADGE, SO DEFINITELY DO ALL THAT.

>> IF ANYTHING DOES GO WRONG, TAKE A SCREENSHOT, TAKE A VIDEO RECORDING, ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN DO, CONTACT COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL -- THERE IS A CONTACT FORM ON THE WEBSITE SO YOU CAN CONTACT THEM -- AND HOPEFULLY, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.

>> Reporter: AND TO ALL THE NERDS AND GEEKS OUT THERE, NERVOUSLY AWAITING THEIR FATE -- >> GOOD LUCK!

>> Reporter: BETH ACCOMANDO, KPBS NEWS.

>> YOU CAN FIND MORE OF OUR CONTENT ON THE KPBS YOUTUBE PAGE.

IT IS ALSO WHERE WE LIVE STREAM KPBS "EVENING EDITION" WEEKNIGHTS AT 5:00.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LOOK AT KPBS "NEWS THIS WEEK", I AM JOHN CARROLL.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

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