>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THIS LOOK AT THE BEST OF THE REPORTING FROM KPBS.

I AM ANITHA SHARMA.

ONE STUDENT CLAIMS HER CASE WAS MISHANDLED.

>>> WORK IN LEADING THE CITY AS HIS TIME IN OFFICE COMES TO A CLOSE.

>>> AN UNEXPECTED GIFT IN NORTH COUNTY.

ONE OF THE WORLD'S RICHEST WOMEN GIVES MILLIONS TO KIDS IN ESCONDIDA.

>>> EIGHT MAKE A MERGER BETWEEN ALBERTSONS AND KROGER FULLY CONSOLIDATES THE INDUSTRY.

KATIE ALVARADO TALKED TO SHOPPERS WHO WERE WONDERING WHAT MIGHT COME NEXT.

>> CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BEEN FACING HIGHER PRICES ARE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THE PROPOSED ALBERTSONS AND KROGER MERGER WILL DO TO THEIR BOTTOM LINE.

THE TWO CHAINS ON 5000 STORES BETWEEN THEM.

>> THAT IS DISCONCERTING TO ME BECAUSE ANYTIME YOU HAVE SOMEONE THAT HAS THAT MUCH OF THE MARKET SHARE, WHERE IS THE COMPETITION.

I THINK FOR GROCERY STORES, OR ANY STORE, TO BE BENEFICIAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS, THERE HAS TO BE COMPETITION.

HOW MUCH MORE ARE WE GOING TO TAKE?

>> EVERYTHING IS ALREADY HIGH.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT IT.

WE ARE PAYING THE SAME PRICE.

THERE IS NO COMPETITION.

>> IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, THOSE WORKERS ARE REPRESENTED BY UFC W LOCAL 135, WHICH IS CALLING ON REGULATORS TO STOP THE MERGER.

PLAN FOR A PAYOUT BY ALBERTSONS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

IN A STATEMENT, THE UNION SAYS THEY WANT THEM TO INVEST 4 BILLION AND WORKERS AND LOWER PRICES FOR FAMILIES.

THEY ASK, WHY SHOULD SHAREHOLDERS BE REWARDED FOR THE HARD WORK BY UNION MEMBERS LIKE YOU?

MIKE RYAN HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF 135 FOR YEARS.

HE SAYS HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE AND IT'S NOT GOOD.

>> THE FIRST THING THAT YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT A COMPANY COMING IN TO PURCHASE OUR COMPANY, IS STORE CLOSURES.

>> RYAN SAYS WORKERS HAVE SACRIFICED A LOT IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS WORKING THROUGH A PANDEMIC, INCLUDING LOSING SOME OF THEIR OWN.

HE IS ASKING THAT THOSE MAKING THE DECISIONS CAREFULLY CONSIDER THEIR EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS.

>> YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE WORKED HARD OVER THE YEARS TO HELP YOU PROFIT OFF OF OUR SACRIFICE.

I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY DEALS THAT CAN SACRIFICE JOBS, ESPECIALLY FOR THESE PEOPLE THAT HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO DURING A PANDEMIC.

>> UNION LEADERS ARE IN CHICAGO TO TALK ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER AND PAYOUT.

THEY ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES CALLING OUT THE GROCERY STORE GIANTS.

>> HE IS ONE OF SIX ATTORNEY GENERALS THAT SENT OUT A LETTER TO ALBERTSONS, DEMANDING THEY DELAYED THE PAYOUTS UNTIL THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION REVIEWS THE MERGER AND PAYOUT.

>> WE REACHED OUT TO ALBERTSONS AND KROGER FOR COMMENT.

WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY.

KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> SOME OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE PROPOSITIONS IN STATE HISTORY WOULD BRING SPORTS BETTING TO THE DELMAR RACE TRACK.

MATT HOFFMAN TELLS US WHAT IS AT STAKE FOR PROPS 26 AND 27.

>> ANOTHER SPECIAL-INTEREST BALLOT PROPOSITION.

>> HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS ARE BEING SPENT ON PROPOSITIONS 26 AND 27.

IT IS HARD TO MISS THEIR TV ADS.

>> WE WANT THE PROPOSITION TO SUPPORT TRIBES LIKE OURS.

>> YES ON PROP 27.

>> TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR SPORTS WAGERING IN CALIFORNIA, PROPOSITION 26 WOULD INTRODUCE DICE GAMES LIKE ROULETTE AND INNS PERSON BETTING AT TRIBAL CASINOS.

IT WOULD ALLOW SPORTS BETTING AT RACETRACKS, INCLUDING THOSE IN DELMAR.

>> PEOPLE BETTING WILL HAVE TO SHOW THEIR IDS.

SOMEONE WILL CHECK THEIR IDS AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE ADULTS AND THAT THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE LAWS AND GAMBLING LEGALLY.

>> FAIRBANKS REPRESENTS A COALITION OF BUSINESS GROUPS AND MORE THAN 50 TRIBES.

LUCKILY, THE BANDS OF INDIANS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CAMPAIGN.

TRIBES WOULD NEED TO WORK WITH THE STATE TO DETERMINE GOVERNMENT PAYOUTS AT RACETRACKS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY 10% OF DAILY BETS, MINUS WINNINGS.

>> THE INDEPENDENT NONPARTISAN LEGISLATION SAYS THAT PROPOSITION 26 WOULD RESULT IN TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS GOING TO CALIFORNIA COFFERS TO FUND TRANSPORTATION AND EVEN HOMELESSNESS EFFORTS.

>> THE OTHER PROPOSITION 27 WOULD LEGALIZE ONLINE SPORTS BETTING FOR TRIBES AND ONLINE GAMBLING COMPANIES.

BUSINESSES WOULD HAVE TO PARTNER WITH THE TRIBE TO GET A LICENSE.

IT IS BACKED BY BETTING COMPANIES LIKE FAN DUEL, BUT MGM, AND DRAFTKINGS, ALONG WITH A FEW SMALLER TRIBES.

NATHAN CLICK IS THE SPOKESPERSON FOR PROP 27.

>> THEY ARE PROVING THAT THEY CAN DO SO SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY AND CREATE REVENUE FOR STATES.

>> UNDER PROP 27, THE 10th OF BETTING WOULD GO TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS.

>> THE STATE'S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TAKES A LOOK AT EVERY INITIATIVE THAT CROSSES ITS PATH.

THEY FOUND THAT ONLY PROP 27 WOULD RAISE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EACH YEAR, BEING DIRECTED TOWARDS HOMELESSNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT.

>> IT IS SUPPORTED LOCALLY BY THE CEO OF SAN DIEGO'S REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS.

>> I AM SUPPORTIVE OF WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET FUNDING ON A PERMANENT BASIS.

>> SHE SAYS IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO FINALLY SECURE A PERMANENT FUNDING SOURCE.

>> THIS FUNDING IS NOT JUST FOR SUPPORTING, YOU KNOW, THAT HOUSING SOLUTIONS, BUT ALSO MENTAL HEALTH, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, TREATMENT SUPPORT, AND ABOVE ALL, HOUSING.

>> IF PROP 26 PASSES, IT WILL MEAN THAT SPORTS BOOK COULD OPEN AT THE DELMAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB.

JOSH RUBENSTEIN SAYS HIS ORGANIZATION IS SUPPORTING THE MEASURE.

HE THINKS SPORE >> WOULD HELP SUPPORT RACING BUSINESS AND INCREASE TAX REVENUE.

>> YOU WOULD THINK THAT THAT WOULD TRANSLATE TO ADDITIONAL BUSINESS FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

>> THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN HAMMERED WITH ADS FROM BOTH PROPOSITIONS AND YET A UC BERKELEY L.A. TIMES POLL FOUND THAT MEASURES POLLING UNDER 50%.

BOTH NEED A SIMPLE MAJORITY TO PASS.

>> ARE PRIORITY -- THE TRIBES PRIORITY FROM DAY ONE, WITH 27 SHOWING UP WAS TO DEFEAT THAT MEASURE.

SO WE ARE LOOKING AT THE POLL RESULTS IN A POSITIVE LIGHT BECAUSE OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IS BEING MET.

>> WITH THE PROPOSITION 27 CAMPAIGN, THEY SAY THEY ARE UNDAUNTED.

>> THE VOTERS I TALK TO UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY.

WE NEED A SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS.

THEY SUPPORT ONLINE SPORTS BETTING.

>> FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT THE KPBS VOTER HELP ONLINE.

MATT HOFFMAN, KPBS NEWS.

>> MATT MENTIONED THE KPBS VOTER HUB.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE HAVE ENGLISH AND SPANISH VERSIONS.

YOU CAN TAILOR IT AND FIND BALLOT DROP BOXES AND VOTING SITES IN YOUR AREA.

JUST CLICK THE VOTER HUB LINK ON OUR HOMEPAGE.

NEXT WEEK IS HOMECOMING FOR SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY.

IT IS USUALLY A TIME OF CELEBRATION.

THIS YEAR, IT COMES UNDER A CLOUD OF SCRUTINY OVER HOW THE SCHOOL HANDLES CLAIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT.

ALEXANDER WYNN REPORTS THAT AN OUTSIDE TEAM IS TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT IS BEING DONE.

>> QUANTUM PHYSICS HAS ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME.

>> LAST YEAR, SHE WAS JUST ANOTHER FRESHMAN ON ANITHA SHARMA FORCE CAMPUS.

>> I WAS ASSAULTED IN A DORM HALL.

>> SHE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED THE ASSAULT TO THE TALK OFFICE, WHICH IS IN CHARGE OF INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON CAMPUS.

INSTEAD OF BEING HELPED, SHE SAID SHE FELT PUSHED BACK.

>> I DID NOT FEEL SUPPORTED BY THE SDSU TITLE IX OFFICE AT ALL.

I FEEL LIKE I WAS WORKING MORE AGAINST THEM THAN THEY WERE WORKING WITH ME.

>> SHE SAID THAT THE UNIVERSITY DID NOT INFORM HER OF HER RIGHTS AS A SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM.

SHE HAD TO HIRE A LAWYER FOR THAT.

THAT IS NOT WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN UNDER TITLE IX, SAYS ATTORNEY JENNA WREN HELP.

>> WHEN THE SCHOOL RECEIVES ANY REPORT, THEY HAVE A DUTY TO PROMPTLY RESPOND AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT THEIR GRIEVANCE PROCESS IS.

AND THEN WHAT MEASURES THEY MIGHT HAVE AVAILABLE.

>> SHE IS CURRENTLY REPRESENTING THE WOMEN'S ROWING TEAM.

THEY ARE NOT A PARTY TO THIS CASE.

>> SDSU IS THE ONLY CAMPUS IN THE SYSTEM WITH ISSUES SURROUNDING TITLE IX.

IN FACT, THE CSU BOARD OF TRUSTEES ORDERED EIGHT SYSTEMWIDE AUDIT OF THE PROCESS ON ALL 23 CAMPUSES.

>> THE AUDIT STARTED IN MARCH AT FRESNO STATE.

THEY EXPECT AUDITORS TO EXAMINE HOW THE OFFICE HANDLES COMPLAINTS.

>> I THINK THEY'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT ALL INSTANCES IN WHICH COMPLAINTS WERE MADE.

HOW THOSE COMPLAINTS WERE MADE, MEANING, DO THEY HAVE EFFECTIVE NOTICES IN PLACE?

>> SHE SAYS THE UNIVERSITY NEEDS TO DO A BETTER JOB OF MAKING VICTIMS FEEL PROTECTED.

SHE TALKS ABOUT LIVING IN FEAR OF HER ALLEGED ATTACKER, EVEN AFTER GETTING A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST HIM.

>> I FELT SO MUCH ANXIETY EVERY SINGLE DAY WAS ON CAMPUS BECAUSE I EVEN BROUGHT THE RESTRAINING ORDER TO THAT SAN DIEGO STATE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND OFFICIALS ON CAMPUS.

I GIVE A COPY TO TITLE IX.

HE ACTUALLY VIOLATED THAT RESTRAINING ORDER AND I REPORTED IT, AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT.

>> ROSENQUIST SAYS THE OFFICE TOLD HER THEY WAITED TO INVESTIGATE HER ALLEGATION BECAUSE IT IS POLICY TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE POLICE INVESTIGATION IS OVER.

IN A STATEMENT TO KPBS, ANITHA SHARMA FORCE IS NO SUCH POLICY IS IN PLACE.

THIS WAS THE SAME REASON SDSU GAVE FOR NOT STARTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO THREE FOOTBALL PLAYERS AND A PARTY OFF CAMPUS.

THAT HAPPENED NEARLY A MONTH AFTER.

>> I REALLY FELT FOR THAT PERSON BECAUSE ALTHOUGH OUR INCIDENTS WERE NOT THE SAME, I KNEW WHAT THEY WERE GOING THROUGH.

>> THE UNIVERSITY SAID IT WAS ASKED BY POLICE NOT TO START ITS OWN INVESTIGATION BECAUSE DOING SO MIGHT TAINT THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION.

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THERE HAS BEEN A TITLE IX AUDIT AT SDSU.

IN 2014, AN AUDIT FOUND THAT FACULTY AND STAFF WERE NOT SUFFICIENTLY TRAINED IN REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT.

THE REPORT ALSO PROMPTED SDSU FOR NOT REQUIRING STUDENTS TO UNDERGO YEARLY SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT TRAINING.

SINCE THEN, THE UNIVERSITY HAS MANDATED THAT TRAINING FOR ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF.

ROSENQUIST HOPES THAT THE NEW AUDITS WILL LEAD TO MUCH-NEEDED CHANGES TO THE TITLE IX OFFICE AT SAN DIEGO STATE.

>> THEY REALLY NEED TO PUSH FOR PROTECTING THEIR STUDENTS IN PROTECTING THEIR SURVIVORS THAT HAVE GONE THROUGH THIS RATHER THAN JUST BEING PASSIVE IN THE PROCESS.

>> ALEXANDER WYNN.

KPBS NEWS.

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

WE HAVE A RECAP OF THE ONE AND ONLY DEBATE BETWEEN THE CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR, GAVIN NEWSOM, AND BRIAN DALL.

AND ALSO, YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT THE ROLLOUT OF THE MIDDLE TAX REFUND AS THE STATE ISSUES DIRECT PAYMENTS.

>>> AND McKENZIE SCOTT MAKES A BIG DONATION TO SCHOOLS IN ESCONDIDO.

THOSE STORIES ARE COMING UP LATER IN THIS NEWSCAST.

STRIKE ONE NAME THAT IS NOT ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR IS --.

HE CAUGHT UP WITH THE IMPERIAL BEACH MAYOR.

HE REFLECTED ON HIS EIGHT YEARS IN OFFICE AND THE PROGRESS MADE ON THE CITY'S BIGGEST ISSUES.

>> THE IMPERIAL BEACH LIBRARY HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN SERGE DEDINA'S HEART.

>> EVERYBODY GOT IT.

YOU DON'T NEED TO MAKE IT FANCY, BUT YOU NEED TO MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE, COLORFUL, WARM, AND FRIENDLY, AND A RESOURCE FOR EVERYBODY.

>> COUNTY OFFICIALS AND BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ADVOCATES ALL BROUGHT IN AND SPENT MILLIONS TO TURN THIS COMMUNITY HUB INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL.

>> AND IT HELPED US FUSE EVERYTHING THAT WE DID AT IMPERIAL BEACH OF THE LAST EIGHT YEARS TO REALLY RENOVATE AND JUST RESTORE THIS BEAUTIFUL DYNAMIC WE HAVE AT IMPERIAL BEACH WITH THE COMMUNITY THAT MAKES THE CITY BETTER.

THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.

>> SERGE DEDINA'S ENERGY AND ABILITY TO BUILD COALITIONS EXEMPLIFIES HOW THIS COMMUNITY CHANGED DURING HIS TENURE.

THE LIBRARY, SR. CENTER, AND PARK ARE A FOCAL POINT, BUT NOT THE ONLY MEASURE OF SUCCESS.

THIS COMMUNITY-BASED COALITION SPARKED REINVESTMENT IN THE CITY.

COLORFUL MURALS CAPTURED THE SPIRIT OF IMPERIAL BEACH.

BUSINESSES INVESTED IN THE BEACH TOWNS FRONT DOOR.

THE SURROUNDING AREA EXUDES LIFE.

DEDINA USED TO THOSE RESOURCES TO INVEST IN THE CITY.

>> HE HAS BEEN A GREAT VOICE FOR THE CITY.

HE REALLY HAS BEEN DRIVEN TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

SO HE HAS VERY MUCH BEEN AN ACTIVIST HERE.

>> FRANK SAYS THAT DEDINA'S PASSION FOR GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING ARE PART OF THE FOREFRONT OF HER EFFORT TO OPEN UP A CO-OP GROCERY STORE IN A CITY THAT DIDN'T HAVE A SUPERMARKET WHEN HE TOOK OFFICE.

THERE IS ONE ISSUE THAT DOMINATED DEDINA'S TERMS IN OFFICE, IT IS SEWAGE.

>> IT'S AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER.

IT HAS IMPACTED PEOPLE'S LIVES.

THEY HAVE THIS WONDERFUL BEACH HERE.

OUR KIDS AND OUR FAMILIES AND TOURISTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY IT EVERY DAY.

I KNOW, IN THE TIME THAT I HAVE BEEN HERE, THE NUMBER OF DAYS THAT IT HAS CLOSED HAS REALLY INCREASED.

>> DEDINA HAS PUSHED HARD TO FIX AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER THAT HAS PUMMELED THE BEACH FOR BOTH OF HIS TERMS.

IN 2018, THE CITY SUED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND AN EMOTIONAL DEDINA TOOK STOCK.

>> IT'S AN EMOTIONAL MORNING FOR ME.

VISIT MEMORIES OF TAKING MY KIDS TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

YOU KNOW.

OUR KIDS ARE GETTING SICK.

OUR LIFEGUARDS ARE GETTING SICK.

SORRY.

IT'S BEEN A LONG ROAD.

>> THAT FOCUSED ATTENTION ON THE ISSUE.

OTHER SOUTH COUNTY GOVERNMENTS JOINT.

DEDINA LOBBIED OFFICIALS FOR A SOLUTION.

THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE.

IN APRIL OF 2020, HE CHIDED PUBLIC OFFICIALS FOR NOT ACTING.

>> THE RIVER FLOW IN THE TIJUANA RIVER SHOULD BE ZERO GALLONS TODAY DURING DRY WEATHER.

TODAY, IT IS 60 BILLION GALLONS OF DAY.

THAT IS A MINIMUM FLOW.

THE ENTIRE SEWER SYSTEM OF T-1 HAS COLLAPSED.

IT APPEARS THERE ARE NO EFFORTS UNDERWAY IN MEXICO OR ON THE PART OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OR THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO MOVE FORWARD AND ASK FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS, SO WE DON'T ENTER AN ENTIRE SUMMER OF POLLUTED BEACHES.

>> IN 2018, $309 WAS INCLUDED IN THE UFC A TRADE DEAL.

THEY LOVE IT AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

FEDERAL OFFICIALS GRANTED A $630 MILLION PLAN TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, MEXICO PROMISED TO ADD 147 DOLLARS TO FIX T-1 AS SEWAGE ISSUES.

THE SOLUTION IS FINALLY IN SIGHT.

>> DAVID GIBSON IS THE HEAD OF THE REGIONAL QUALITY CONTROL BOARD.

>> THOSE ISSUES HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME.

I THINK SDSU FIVE OFFERED A LOT OF RESPECT.

>> HE SAYS THAT DEDINA'S PASSION FOR A SAFE PLACE TO SURF FUELED THE CHANGE.

IF A HAS THE SOUTH COUNTY BEACH TOWN IN REACH OF REOPENING OCEAN WATERS FOR RECREATION.

DEDINA SAYS THE JOURNEY WAS UNIQUELY IN IMPERIAL BEACH.

>> THIS IS NOT ANYWHERE ELSE.

YOU HAVE TO BE COOL AND FUNKY AND GRASSROOTS AND COMMUNITY.

THAT IS WHAT WORKS HERE.

>> HOWEVER THE NEXT MAYOR IS, THEY FIND THEMSELVES SURFING IN DEDINA'S WAKE.

ERIK ANDERSON, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO WANTS TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS -- GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2045.

AT THE SAME TIME, MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WILL BE SPENT TO WIDEN A LOCAL FREEWAY.

METRO REPORTER ANDREW BOWMAN EXPLAINS THE DISCONNECT WITH THE CITIES CLIMATE POLLS.

>> STATE ROUTE 56 IS A MAJOR THOROUGHFARE CONNECTING THE EMPLOYMENT HUBS OF SORRENTO VALLEY AND UNIVERSITY CITY WITH BEDROOM COMMUNITIES LIKE CARMEL VALLEY.

TRAFFIC IS PRETTY LIGHT MOST OF THE DAY, BUT DURING RUSH HOUR, IT GETS CONGESTED.

THAT IS WHY THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO WANTS TO PAY FOR 2.2 MILES OF NEW CARPOOL LANES.

>> IT IS COMMONLY MISUNDERSTOOD , THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENERAL PURPOSE LANES AND MANAGED LANES.

>> PHIL IS A MANAGER IN THE SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT.

HE SAYS THE NEW LANES WILL ENCOURAGE CARPOOLING AND FOR THAT REASON, THEY ARE GOOD FOR THE CITIES CLINICALS CUTTING BACK ON CAR DEPENDENCE.

AMY LEE IS A PHD CANDIDATE AT UC DAVIS.

SHE SAYS TICKETS OF RESEARCH AND DID A QUESTION HAS MADE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR.

EXPEND THROUGH HIS PUTS MORE CARS ON THE ROAD.

CONGESTION MIGHT EASE UP, BUT FASTER SPEEDS ENTICE MORE DRIVERS ONTO THE FREEWAY AND CONGESTION QUICKLY RETURNS.

A STUDY FROM UC BERKELEY LAST YEAR FOUND THIS PHENOMENON CALLED INDUCED DEMAND IS JUST AS TRUE FOR CARPOOL LANES AS IT IS FOR GENERAL LANES.

THAT'S BECAUSE THE NEW LANES FILL UP WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY CARPOOLING.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

YOU MOVE OVER, AND THAT SPOT IS BACKFILLED.

WE ALL KIND OF KNOW THE REST FROM THERE.

NEW TRAFFIC.

NEW TRACKS ARE MADE.

>> I HAD TO ASK CITY STAFFERS, WHAT IMPACT WILL THE NEW LANES HAVE ON TRAFFIC?

PHIL HAD TO PAUSE BEFORE ANSWERING.

>> WILL THERE BE LESS CONGESTION ONCE THOSE LANES ARE ADDED?

>> HARD TO SAY.

>> SO JUST HOW MUCH MORE DRIVING WILL THE NEW LANES INDUCE?

RESEARCHERS DEVELOPED AN ONLINE CALCULATOR TO ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS.

PUT IN THE DATA FOR THE SR 56 WIDENING, AND BOOM, 12.8 MILLION MILES OF NEW VEHICLE TRAVEL PER YEAR.

REMEMBER, THE CITY SAYS IT WANTS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC.

BY 2035, IT WILL BE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO OFFSET ALL OF THE EMISSIONS FROM CARS AND TRUCKS THAT ARE STILL ON THE ROAD.

>> I VOTE YES.

>> ON OCTOBER 12, A CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADVANCE THE WIDENING PROJECT TO THE ENTIRE COUNSEL.

IT WILL COST THE CITY $22.5 MILLION IN CITY STAFFERS SUGGESTED ANY COST OVERRUNS WOULD BE ABSORBED BY THE STATE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT.

HERE IS COUNCILMEMBER JOEL A COPOUT.

>> IS THAT THE TOTAL?

>> IT IS ALSO CONTRIBUTING.

>> OKAY.

I LIKE THE WORD CAPPED.

>> THIS IS NOT NECESSARILY TRUE.

THE STATE WOULD OVERSEE CONSTRUCTION, BUT THEY TOLD KPBS, THE STATE WOULD NOT BE CONTRIBUTING ANY MONEY.

DURING HIGH INFLATION, THE RISK OF COST OVERRUNS IS VERY REAL.

>> WE HAVE $22 MILLION TO COVER IT.

IF WE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND THAT, WE WOULD GO BACK TO THE CITY AND ASK IF THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO CONTRIBUTE ANYMORE.

IF THEY WERE UNABLE TO CONTRIBUTE MORE, WE WOULD REDUCE THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT.

>> IT IS GOING TO RELIEVE CONGESTION BY 17 SECONDS.

IS IT GOING TO BE TWO MINUTES?

>> KARINA CONTRERAS AS AN ADVOCATE FOR THE CAMPAIGN.

SHE SAYS THAT THE CITY IS NOT BEING HONEST WITH THE PUBLIC ABOUT WHAT THESE NEW HOV LANES WILL ACTUALLY DO.

FOR TRAFFIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT.

>> I THINK WHEN WE START ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS AND WE DON'T GET ANSWERS TO THEM, IT REALLY IS TELLING ABOUT HOW WE ARE DECIDING TO USE THIS MONEY, THIS PUBLIC MONEY.

>> THE FULL CITY COUNCIL COULD VOTE ON THE WIDENING OF SR 56 AS SOON AS NOVEMBER 1st.

ANDREW GOING, KPBS NEWS.

>>> WHAT A SURPRISE FOR SCHOOLS IN ESCONDIDO.

A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR DONATION WILL HELP SHAPE EDUCATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

KITTY ALVARADO HAS REACTION FROM THOSE WHO WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT FROM THE GIFT NO ONE SAW COMING.

>> IT WAS A BIG DAY FOR ESCONDIDO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT.

>> I'M PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE McKENZIE SCOTT FOUNDATION HAS DONATED $16 MILLION TOWARDS SUPPORTING OUR WORK AND OUR STUDENTS.

WE ARE HUMBLED BY THIS RECOGNITION.

WE KNOW THE TRUST IT PLACES ON US WITH THIS EXTRA ORDINARY GIFT.

IT WAS VERY MUCH UNEXPECTED.

>> SUPERINTENDENT SAYS THE LARGEST DONATION IN HISTORY OF THEIR DISTRICT CAME AFTER THEY WERE CONTACTED LAST MONTH BY PHILANTHROPIST McKENZIE SCOTT.

>> THIS TIME, IT LET US KNOW THAT WE WERE GOING TO BE GIFTED $16 MILLION.

I HAD TO PAUSE AND SAY, WHAT?

$16 MILLION?

SHE SAID YES.

THAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE ENTIRE YEAR.

>> FRANK INZABARRA SAID IT CAME AT A PERFECT TIME BECAUSE THEY HAD A PLAN IN PLACE THAT CREATED A VISION FOR LEARNING.

>> WE HAVE A DAUGHTER THAT BELIEVES IN HER WORK.

WE REIMAGINED WHAT SCHOOL COULD BE LIKE FOR OUR KIDS.

HE SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING FOCUS GROUPS TO FIND OUT WHAT STUDENTS WANT TO LEARN.

>> THEY TOLD US THAT THEY WANT SIMPLE THINGS LIKE HOW TO BALANCE A CHECKBOOK.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MORTGAGE AND WHAT IS A MORTGAGE.

>> HE SAYS THE DISTRICT WAS AMONG THE FIRST TO OPEN, KNOWING THAT MANY STUDENTS RELIED ON THEIR SCHOOLS FOR A LOT MORE THAN AN EDUCATION.

JUST UNDER 80% OF THE STUDENTS QUALIFIED FOR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH.

MANY ARE FOOD INSECURE.

>> WE HAD MILLS SET UP FOR ALL OF OUR FAMILIES.

SOME STUDENTS DEPEND ON THAT.

>> HE SAYS THAT'S NOT THE ONLY CHALLENGE.

60% ARE ENGLISH LEARNERS.

HE SAYS THAT STATISTICS DO NOT DICTATE HOW BIG THESE CHILDREN DREAM, NOR WHAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE.

HE KNOWS SOMETHING ABOUT THAT.

>> I SEE MYSELF IN THESE KIDS.

I ALSO GREW UP IN A HOME VERY SIMILAR TO THESE STUDENTS.

THE KIDS NEED TO SEE THAT THIS IS POSSIBLE.

>> THIS REPRESENTS DREAMS AND HOPES.

>> DREAMS AND HOPES.

>> ALL SCHOOLS HAVE THE CHANCE TO HAVE MORE THAN THEY USUALLY WOULD WITH THE DONATION BEING ABLE TO PAY FOR PROJECTS AND DIFFERENT EXPENSES FOR THE KIDS TO LEARN FAR BEYOND WHAT THEY EVER THOUGHT.

>> KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> YOU CAN STREAM OUR CONTENT ON YOUTUBE IN ADDITION TO REPORTER STORIES, WE HAVE PROGRAMS LIKE CROSSING SELF AND KEN KRAMER'S ABOUT SAN DIEGO.

WE ALSO LIVE STREAM KPBS EVENING EDITION AT 5:00.

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

I AM ANITHA SHARMA.

THANK YOU.