>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING ADDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ANDERSON PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR.

PLOWED TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KC PS AND PRIVILEGE TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

ANDERSON PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR HELPING OWNERS MAINTAIN TRAIN, COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEMS IS 1978.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREFACE FOUNDATION.

DARLENE MARCO SHYLY AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

>>> AND, BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>>> GOOD EVENING.

IT IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14th.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, I AM MAYA TRABULSI.

AS PREDICTED, COLD, GLOOMY, WINDY AND WET WEATHER HITTING SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE SCENE THIS AFTERNOON AND LEUCADIA WHERE THE WIND WAS PICKING UP.

THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE OUR MOST SIGNIFICANT STORM IN A WHILE AND WITH DROUGHT CONDITIONS UP AND DOWN OUR STATE, WE WILL TAKE IT.

JOHN CARROLL SHOWS US MORE OF THIS STORM A DAY IN SAN DIEGO.

>> Reporter: WHEN THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD AND THERE IS A LOT OF RAIN ON THE ROAD, THINGS LIKE THIS CAN HAPPEN.

JUST ONE OF MANY SPINOFFS ACROSS THE COUNTY TODAY.

RESCUE CREWS CUTTING TO THE ROOF TO GET THE DRIVER OUT.

>> IT IS INSANE.

IS IS A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR.

>> Reporter: TORRENTIAL RAINS, HIGH WINDS, THE OFFICIAL START OF WINTER MAY STILL BE A WEEK AWAY, BUT YOU CAN CHECK THE BOX FOR OUR FIRST WINTER HE STORM OF THE SEASON.

>> THIS PARTICULAR STORM THAT WE ARE GETTING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS ALL THE INGREDIENTS WE LOOK FOR.

>> Reporter: TREACHEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS ASIDE, NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGIST, EVE ALEC STARTED, SAYS THIS IS JUST WHAT THE METEOROLOGICAL DOCTOR ORDERED.

EVEN WITH THE STRONG WINDS.

>> THE WIND REALLY DRIVES THE PRECIPITATION -- ESPECIALLY ON THE MOUNTAIN SLOPES.

>> Reporter: TARDY SAYS WE WILL SEE ANYWHERE FROM A DUSTING OF SNOW IN JULIAN TO SEVERAL INCHES IN THE COUNTRY'S HIGHEST TERRAIN.

WELCOME MOISTURE ALL AROUND.

BUT FOLLOWING A NOVEMBER WITH NO RAIN, HOW MUCH WILL THE STORM HELP?

>> WE SHOULD BE CLOSE TO 3 INCHES.

SO, THIS RAIN, LET'S SAY WE GET AN INCH AND A QUARTER IN SAN DIEGO.

THIS RAIN WILL PUT US CLOSE TO AVERAGE.

>> Reporter: AVERAGE PRE-SIP IN DECEMBER IS 2 INCHES.

SO, WITH ANOTHER TWO WEEKS TO GO, WE COULD GET THERE.

BUT FOR NOW, THE TREES AND THE BIRDS SEEM TO BE SINGING A SONG OF RELIEF.

EVEN AS THE HUMANS BELOW STRUGGLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE FIRST BIG STORM OF THE SEASON.

>>> THAT WAS JOHN CARROLL REPORTING.

HERE IS ANOTHER LOOK AT SOME OF THE RAIN VIDEO COMING IN FOR OUR KPBS CREWS OUT AND ABOUT TODAY.

YOU CAN SEE THE RAIN COMING DOWN HEAVY AT TIMES AND DOWNTOWNS EAST VILLAGE.

WE WILL HAVE OUR FULL WEATHER FORECAST COMING UP A BIT LATER.

>>> KEEP YOUR MASKS READY.

A NEW MANDATE FOR FACE COVERINGS IN INDOOR PLACES, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS, STARTS TOMORROW.

KPBS REPORTER KITTY ALVARADO WENT OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY TO SEE WHAT SAN DIEGO'S ARE SAYING ABOUT IT.

ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO RUN LOCAL BUSINESSES.

>> Reporter: A 47% JUMP IN THE COVID CASE RATES ACROSS CALIFORNIA AND A MORE CONTAGIOUS VARIANT, FORCED THE STATE'S HEALTH SECRETARY TO REINSTATE INDOOR MASK MANDATES.

STARTING WEDNESDAY, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS, YOU MUST WEAR A MASK INSIDE UNTIL JANUARY 15th, 2022.

MOST PEOPLE WE SPOKE WITH SAY THEY ARE OKAY WITH IT AND HAVE NOT STOPPED WEARING A MASK INDOORS.

ERICA SONDHEIM OR SAYS SHE SAW THE MANDATE COMING.

>> MASKS, MASK WEARING IS ONE OF THE LAYERS OF PROTECTION.

SO, WITH THE NEW VARIANT, IT DIDN'T SURPRISE ME.

>> IT FEELS LIKE AN OVERREACTION TO A FEW CASES.

>> Reporter: ROGER ALCARAZ SAYS HE IS VACCINATED, WILL FOLLOW THE RULES TO PROTECT HIMSELF AND HIS LOVED ONES.

BUT THINKS A GOVERNMENT MANDATE GOES TOO FAR.

>> I WANT TO BELIEVE IN THE PEOPLE'S, JUST OWN ABILITY TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHERS.

THE FIRST QUESTION I WAS ASKED WHEN I WALKED IN THIS MORNING, WAS ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO WEAR MASKS ALL WEEK?

AND, FOR THE NEXT MONTH.

>> Reporter: SHANNON KIRBY SAYS AS A BUSINESS OWNER, THIS PUTS HIM AND HIS 29 EMPLOYEES, ALL WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED, IN A TOUGH SPOT.

>> IT IS JUST ADDING ANOTHER LAYER OF SLOWING OUR BUSINESS DOWN.

TO ACCOMMODATE A MASK REQUIREMENT.

SO, IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING.

>> Reporter: STEPHEN, WHO DIDN'T WANT HIS LAST NAME USED, IS THE STORE DIRECTOR AT THE TARGET IN MIRA MESA.

HE SAYS THE 200 EMPLOYEES AT HIS STORE WILL BE COMPLYING WITH THE MANDATE.

>> TARGET HAS BEEN ALLIED WITH THE CDC SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC.

>> Reporter: AND WILL REMIND OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.

>> FORTUNATELY IN CALIFORNIA, WE ARE PRETTY USED TO WEARING MASKS ALREADY.

SO, THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE A LOT OF, THERE WILL NOT BE A LOT OF ISSUES THAT WE ANTICIPATE.

BUT, WE WILL BE REMINDING GUESTS POLITELY THAT MASK MANDATES ARE BACK IN EFFECT.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL MANDATES.

AND THAT IS FOR THEIR PROTECTION AND OUR PROTECTION.

TARGET HAS BEEN A RELIABLE SOURCE FOR THE COMMUNITY SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO THAT.

>> Reporter: KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> DESPITE SOME RESISTANCE TO MASKS AND VACCINES, SAN DIEGO IS ACTUALLY A LEADER WHEN IT COMES TO PEOPLE GETTING ON BOARD COMING UP A BIT LATER, KPBS HELPED REPORTER, MATT HOFFMAN, TALKED WITH THE LOCAL LEADERS, INCLUDING THE COUNTY'S TOP DOCTOR, WILMA WOOTEN, ABOUT THE PROGRESS MADE OVER THE PAST YEAR AND THE CHALLENGES STILL FACING OUR COMMUNITY.

>>> IT IS A FAMILIAR STORY FOR BUSINESSES ALONG THE U.S.- MEXICO BORDER.

FINANCIAL DEVASTATION DUE TO THE PANDEMIC AND BORDER CLOSURES.

BUT ONE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS TRYING TO HELP STOREOWNERS RECOVER QUICKLY.

KPBS REPORTER ALEXANDRA -- ALEXANDRA RANGEL TRAVEL TO BACK MEXICO, THE MAIN BORDER TOWN FOR THE STORY.

>> IT IS NOT EVEN 50%.

-- 90% DOWN.

>> Reporter: DOWNTOWN CALEXICO WITH A STRING OF RETAIL STORES JUST NORTH OF THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER OF ENTRY.

THESE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE OWNED AND OPERATED BY LOCAL FAMILIES.

THEY RELY HEAVILY ON CUSTOMERS COMING FROM MEXICALI.

BUT SINCE BORDER CROSSING RESTRICTIONS WERE PUT IN PLACE, BUSINESS HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY SLOW.

THAT IS HAD DAVID TO DUEL, THE STORE OWNER OF CASA IMPORTS, DESCRIBES THIS PAST YEAR.

HE SAYS THE LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS ON NOVEMBER 8th HASN'T BROUGHT BACK MANY OF HIS OLD CUSTOMERS.

>> -- ONLY MAKE ONE SALE.

$10, $20 SALE.

USED TO DO $1000, WORST THEY I USED TO DO $500 AND I COMPLAIN ABOUT IT.

NOW YOU KNOW, I AM DOWN TO 1 SALE.

>> Reporter: HE ISN'T EXAGGERATING.

THE, A DUAL KEEPS TRACK OF EVERY SINGLE ITEM HE SELLS.

AND TODAY, >> I HAVEN'T MAKE A SALE.

I OPENED UP 8:00.

I OPENED UP AT 8:00.

TUESDAY.

NOVEMBER 23rd.

21.

NO SALE.

>> Reporter: FROM THE PANDEMIC, ORDER CLOSURES, SUPPLY-CHAIN ISSUES, AND AN INCREASING GAS PRICES, TO DUEL HAS TAKEN HIT AFTER HIT.

>> THIS IS THE WORST I EVER SEEN.

I HAVE BEEN HERE 10 YEARS?

11 YEARS?

>> Reporter: HE SAYS ABOUT 70%- 80% OF HIS CUSTOMERS COME FROM SOUTH OF THE BORDER IN MEXICALI.

HE BELIEVES LONG WAIT TIMES AND VACCINE REQUIREMENTS HAVE NOT ENTICED MANY TO CROSS THE BORDER AND SHOP LIKE THEY USED TO.

JUST A BLOCK DOWN FROM THE DUAL IS FRANCISCO LEGRAND'S STORE.

>> Reporter: WE WERE HOPING FOR MORE SALES AND MORE PEOPLE TO COME.

BUT, WE STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED TO THE PEOPLE WE WERE WAITING FOR, HE SAYS.

ABOUT 80% OF HIS CLIENTS ARE ALSO FROM MEXICALI.

AND 20% ARE LOCAL SHOPPERS.

>> Reporter: REGRETTABLY, LOCALS DON'T SHOP HERE.

THE PEOPLE WHO COME HERE ARE PEOPLE FROM MEXICALI.

WE MAKE A LIVING FROM THE PEOPLE IN MEXICALI HE SAYS.

WALKING THROUGH THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN CALEXICO, UC STORES THAT HAVE GONE OUT OF BUSINESS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

>> YOU SEE EMPTY PARKING LOTS OFTEN.

AND IT IS JUST HEARTBREAKING THAT THOSE ARE BUSINESSES.

THOSE ARE PEOPLE THAT OWN THOSE THAT ARE TRYING TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

>> Reporter: BARRY SMITH BEEN IS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW IMPERIAL VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN EL CENTRO.

THE CHAMBER OPENED IN SEPTEMBER, BUT HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS FOR NEARLY 2 YEARS.

THE REGIONAL CHAMBER, COMBINED THE EL CENTRO IMPERIAL AND WESTMORELAND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

UNITED AS ONE, BEEN SAYS, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT IN IMPERIAL COUNTY.

AND THEY ARE HOPING TO REACH NEIGHBORING CITIES LIKE CALEXICO.

>> NOW MORE THAN EVER, THE BUSINESSES JUST NEED OF SUPPORT.

>> Reporter: CALEXICO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CLOSED DOWN DURING THE PANDEMIC, LEAVING CALEXICO BUSINESSES TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES AND FIND OUTSIDE HELP.

>> WE WANT TO REALLY LAUNCH COMING INTO THIS NEW YEAR OF 2022 AT THE CHAMBER, WE WANT TO LAUNCH SOME OF THOSE INITIATIVES WHERE WE ARE ABLE TO WORK WITH THE BUSINESSES AND SAY, SHOW US WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING, AND LET US HELP YOU EVOLVE.

LET US HELP YOU FIND WAYS THAT YOU CAN REACH MORE PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: THE REGIONAL CHAMBER REPRESENTS ABOUT 300 THIS IS IN THE COUNTY.

ALTHOUGH SOME BUSINESS OWNERS LIKE MY AND -- HAVE NOT SEEN AN UPTICK LIKE THEY WANTED.

BEEN SAYS, OVERALL, THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE OF TRAFFIC FLOW COMING INTO THE COUNTY.

AND AS SOME BUSINESSES HAVE CLOSED, OTHERS HAVE THRIVED.

>> THERE HAS BEEN SUCCESS STORIES AS WELL THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC.

AND I THINK THE BIGGEST THING THAT WE CAN DO IS, WE HAVE TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION, SALES ARE STILL DOWN, COMPARED TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS.

BUT STORES SAW AN INCREASE IN FOOT TRAFFIC COMPARED TO LAST YEAR.

DURING THANKSGIVING WEEK, BILL GRAND DIDN'T SEE MANY CUSTOMERS.

BUT HE SAYS, HE REMAINS HOPEFUL THAT THINGS WILL PICK UP DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

ALEXANDRA RANGEL COMIC KPBS NEWS.

>>> IN THE STORY WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP REPORTING PROJECT.

>>> YET ANOTHER SETBACK IN SAN DIEGO'S PUSH TO TRANSFORM THE MIDWEIGHT DISTRICT LAST YEAR VOTERS APPROVED A BALLOT MEASURE THAT WOULD HAVE ALLOWED DEVELOPERS TO BUILD HIGHER THAN THE CURRENT 30 FOOT LIMIT.

BUT TODAY, A LOCAL SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE FINALIZED A RULING THAT STATES THE CITY JUMPED THE GUN BY PUTTING THE MEASURE ON THE BALLOT BEFORE AN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.

THE CITY OWNS MUCH OF THE LAND IN THE AREA, AND WANTS A MAJOR RENOVATION THAT COULD INCLUDE A NEW SPORTS ARENA.

IT'S CURRENT, IT IS CURRENTLY FIELDING A NEW ROUND OF PROPOSALS AFTER BEING ORDERED TO RESTART THAT PART OF THE PROCESS.

>> THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD OF EDUCATION IS IN VIRTUAL SESSION AT THIS HOUR.

THIS IS THE BOARD'S LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR AND WILL INCLUDE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF 3 FINALISTS IN THE SEARCH FOR A NEW SUPERINTENDENT.

KPBS EDUCATION REPORTER MG PEREZ TAKES A LOOK AT THE NEARLY YEAR-LONG PROCESS TO FIND THE RIGHT LEADER.

>> Reporter: THERE ARE ALMOST 120,000 STUDENTS IN THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

A FEW OF THEM WERE HAND-PICKED TO HELP PROMOTE THE SUPERINTENDENT JOB OPENING.

>> WE ARE SEARCHING FOR A SUPERINTENDENT WHO WILL ENSURE THAT OUR SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PLACE OF EXCITEMENT HAPPINESS.

>> Reporter: THE STUDENTS ALSO SAY THEY WANT ENCOURAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND SAFETY AND INCLUSION, TOO.

BUT IT IS THE ADULTS WHO WILL MAKE THE ULTIMATE DECISION.

SINCE FEBRUARY, A DIVERSE GROUP OF 40 COMMUNITY LEADERS HAVE COME TOGETHER ONLINE TO FORM THE SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

APPOINTED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD.

THEY HAVEN'T ALWAYS AGREED.

BUT THEY DID UNITE TO RECOMMEND CANDIDATES WITH EXPERIENCE AND TRACK RECORDS OF SUCCESS IN EDUCATION.

THERE WERE MORE THAN 30 COMMUNITY INPUT SESSIONS IN THE PROCESS WHEN THE THREE FINALISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TONIGHT.

>> WHAT WE HAVE TRIED TO BUILD FOR THEM AS A FOUNDATION.

OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT.

BECAUSE YOU KNOW, NOBODY IS TRYING TO HIDE THE HISTORY HERE.

>> Reporter: THE HISTORY GOES BACK TO 2010, WHEN THE COMMUNITY WAS INVITED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE SEARCH THAT LED TO HIRING BILL COBA AS SUPERINTENDENT.

JUST 4 YEARS LATER, HE RETIRED.

THAT IS ONE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, CINDY MARTIN, WAS QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY APPOINTED.

SHE WAS AN UNCONVENTIONAL CHOICE WITH IMPRESSIVE CREDENTIALS AS A TEACHER.

RICHARD BARRERA WAS A BOARD MEMBER THEN.

AND THE BOARD'S PRESIDENT NOW.

HE REMEMBERS IT THIS WAY.

>> WE KNOW WHO WE WANT.

TO BE A SUPERINTENDENT.

DO WE WANT TO GO THROUGH, YOU KNOW, AND A LARGE COMMUNITY PROCESS LIKE THE ONE THAT WE HAD JUST GONE THROUGH IN 2010?

AND WE FELT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE DISINGENUOUS TO DO THAT.

>> Reporter: MARTIN IS NOW THE U.S. DEPUTY SECRETARY OF EDUCATION.

WHEN SHE RESIGNED AS SUPERINTENDENT IN MAY, DR. LAMAR JACKSON, A 30 YEAR VETERAN OF THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, STEPPED IN AS INTERIM.

WE DON'T KNOW IF HE IS ONE OF TONIGHT'S FINALISTS.

WE DO KNOW, WHOEVER TAKES OVER IN LATE JANUARY WILL HAVE TO IMPRESS THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMUNITY OF ALL.

>> I AM PREPARED TO SUCCEED MATTER WHAT.

I AM ENCOURAGED TO WORK HARD AND DREAM BIG.

>> Reporter: MG PEREZ, KPBS NEWS.

>>> A TROUBLING UPDATE ON HOW ONE OF THE COLDEST PLACES ON EARTH IS WARMING UP.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER AGENCY, NOAH, JUST RELEASED ITS NEARLY, YEARLY HEALTH CHECK FOR THE ARCTIC.

SCIENTIST A THE POLAR REGION IS WARMING TWICE AS FAST AS THE REST OF THE PLANET.

ANOTHER SIGN OF CLIMATE CHANGE HAPPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR WHEN THE HIGHEST POINT IN GREENLAND SAW ITS FIRST EVER RECORDED RAINFALL.

>>> IS 2021 WRAPS UP, THE LATEST GREEN INNOVATION INDEX GIVES CALIFORNIA HIGH MARKS WHEN IT COMES TO HITTING AGGRESSIVE CLIMATE GOALS.

KPBS ENVIRONMENT REPORTER ERIC ANDERSON SHOWS US WHERE WE STACK UP, AND IF WE ARE MOVING FAST IN A.

>> Reporter: THE INDEX IS PUT TOGETHER BY THE NONPARTISAN GROUP NEXT 10 AND BEACON ECONOMICS.

FIND THAT CALIFORNIA IS MAKING PROGRESS, REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.

BUT THOSE REDUCTIONS ARE NOT COMING FAST ENOUGH TO STAY ON TRACK TO MEET CLIMATE GOALS.

NOTE PERRY REMAINS OPTIMISTIC.

>> WE ARE ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE STATES, NOT ONLY IN AMERICA, BUT IN THE WORLD.

AND WE HAVE THE TOOLS TO BASIC, TO BE SUCCESSFUL TO REDUCE THESE EMISSIONS.

>> Reporter: TRANSPORTATION REMAINS A KEY SOURCE OF GREENHOUSE GASES.

PERRY SAYS ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION IS NOT HAPPENING QUICKLY ENOUGH.

THAT HE IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE NEAR-TERM FUTURE.

>> WERE CHARGING STATIONS ARE COMING OUT.

WITH PRESIDENT BIDEN'S INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN, THE STATE IS COMMITTING A LOT MORE MONEY TO INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CHARGING STATIONS.

>> Reporter: THE INDEX FOUND THAT NATURAL GAS CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR SOURCE OF POWER IN CALIFORNIA.

THE REPORTS AS HOMES NEED TO START USING GAS IF THERE IS TO BE ANY HOPE OF HITTING THE STATES GOAL TO HAVE A NET ZERO CARBON ECONOMY BY 2045.

>> WE ADDED MORE CAPACITY, POWER CAPACITY FROM NATURAL GAS IN THE -- FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE.

>> Reporter: BEACON ECONOMIC SAYS ALSO WILDFIRE PRESENTS A UNIQUE PROBLEM.

THE FIRES ARE LARGER IT HAPPEN MORE OFTEN IN CALIFORNIA BECAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

OF STATE OFFICIALS DON'T EVEN TRACK THE OMISSIONS THEY PRODUCE.

>> IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A WILDFIRE, WILDFIRE ADMISSIONS TO EXCEED OMISSIONS FROM OTHER SOURCES.

>> Reporter: ADLER SAYS, HOWEVER, THAT THE STATE HAS A ROBUST, CLEAN ENERGY JOB MARKET AND THAT BODES WELL FOR THE STATE'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGIES.

ERIC ANDERSON, KPBS NEWS.

>>> OUR TOP STORY TONIGHT IS THE LATE FALL STORM, BRINGING MUCH-NEEDED RAIN TO SAN DIEGO.

IT HAS WHAT JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

THIS WAS THE SCENE IN RANCHO PENISINI DOES AROUND 1:00 THIS AFTERNOON.

FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY, IT WOULD BE WISE TO STAY INSIDE TONIGHT IF YOU CAN.

LET'S GET A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FORECAST WITH JESSICA PASH.

>>> THE WINDS ARE GOING TO BE SUBSIDING HERE LATER TONIGHT.

CALMING DOWN.

ESPECIALLY AS PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE DAY TOMORROW.

AND WE HAVE A NICE DRY STRETCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

IT'S LIKE WERE GOING TO BE A COOL DAY FOR US ON WEDNESDAY BUT AFTER THAT, WE ARE GOING TO BE WARMING UP AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

FOR NOW, THOUGH, WE STILL HAVE THE WIND ADVISORIES AND HIGH WIND WARNINGS FOR THE MOUNTAINS OUT THERE.

AGAIN, THOSE LASTING THROUGH EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WITH WINDS SUBSIDING THROUGHOUT THE DAY, WHICH IS GOOD NEWS.

AS WE HEAD INTO TONIGHT, TEMPERATURES FALL OFF TO ABOUT 40 DEGREES FOR YOU IN EL CAJON.

MID-30s IN ESCONDIDO.

30 OUT TOWARD RAMONA.

STILL A PASSING SHOWER OR TWO POSSIBLE OVERNIGHT FOR THE MOST PART, THAT RAIN SHOULD BE EXITING THE REGION.

HEADING TO THE DAY ON WEDNESDAY, AGAIN, COOL POOL OF AIR, SITTING HERE TO CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF CALIFORNIA.

BUT, IT IS GOING TO BE BRIEF.

WE ARE GOING TO BE WARMING THINGS UP OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

AGAIN, THE TREND IS OUR FRIEND.

COMES IN THE UPPER 50s FOR YOU IN OCEANSIDE.

60 TOWARD HECTIC SPRINGS.

40 DEGREES AND MOUNTAIN DEW LAGUNA.

AFTER GETTING TO 56.

THURSDAY, WE ARE WATCHING AS ANOTHER PIECE OF ENERGY COULD BE DIVING SOUTHWARD.

NOT QUITE AS IMPRESSIVE AS THIS LAST ONE.

IT REALLY DOESN'T LOOK TO GET DOWN INTO SAN DIEGO.

LOS ANGELES MAKE IT A LITTLE SHOWER ACTIVITY OUT OF THIS, BUT IT DOESN'T LOOK TO GET AS FAR SOUTH THIS TIME.

AS WE LOOK AHEAD THURSDAY, TEMPERATURES WILL BE ALREADY ON THE RISE HERE.

WE WILL GET BACK UP INTO THE 60s FOR YOUR NEAR THE COAST AND WE WILL KEEP THE LOW 60s AS WE HEAD INTO FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY.

>> FOR THE INLAND, TEMPERATURES GO FROM THE MID 650S UP INTO THE MID-60s AS WE CAN.

SO, NICE WARM UP THERE.

20 OF SUNSHINE TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

DRY CONDITIONS, TOO.

IN THE MOUNTAINS, TEMPERATURES, REALLY NOT LOOKING TO CHANGE A WHOLE LOT.

IN FACT, WE COULD DROP INTO THE UPPER 30s FOR HIGHS ON FRIDAY.

AFTER THAT, WE WILL GET BACK UP TO THE LOW TO MID 40s FOR SATURDAY.

AND HEADING INTO SUNDAY.

IN THE DESERTS, TEMPERATURES ARE SITTING IN THE LOW TO MID 60s OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS WITH PLENTY OF SUNSHINE TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I AM METEOROLOGIST, JESSICA PASH.

>>> I AM JUDY WOODRUFF.

TONIGHT ON THE NEWS HOUR, HOW FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES ARE BEGINNING TO PICK UP THE PIECES AFTER LAST WEEKEND'S STRING OF DEADLY TORNADOES.

THAT IS COMING UP AT 7:00 AFTER EVENING ADDITIONAL KPBS.

>>> MORE THAN A YEAR LATER, THE DEATH OF A LOCAL INMATE IS STILL A SOURCE OF CONTROVERSY.

AND NEW SOURCE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, JOE CASTELLANO GIVES US AN UPDATE ON A CASE THAT RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WAY COVID IS HANDLED IN OUR JAILS.

>> Reporter: MARK ROMANO'S FAMILY HAS INSISTED THE 34-YEAR- OLD CONTRACTED COVID-19 IN COUNTY JAIL.

LEADING TO HIS DEATH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS DENIED TO THOSE CLAIMS.

SAYING ARMANDO DID NOT CONTRACT THE VIRUS WILL IN CUSTODY.

BUT A NEW FORENSIC REPORT BY THE COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER CONTRADICTS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

SHOWS ARMENTA TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE VIRUS ON JUNE 19, 2020.

THE DAY HE WAS FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN HIS CELL.

APPARENT COVID-19 INFECTION WAS ADDED AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN HIS DEATH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WOULD NOT COMMENT BECAUSE OF AN ONGOING LAWSUIT BY ARMENTA'S FAMILY.

FOR KPBS, I AM THE NEW SOURCE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, JOE CASTELLANO.

>>> NEWS SOURCES AND INDEPENDENTLY FUNDED NONPROFIT PARTNER OF KPBS.

>>> TODAY MARKS ONE YEAR SINCE THE COVID-19 VACCINE ARRIVED IN SAN DIEGO.

NEARLY 4400 PEOPLE HAVE DIED LOCALLY DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THE U.S. CAPITAL SAY, CONGRESS TOOK A MOMENT TO REMEMBER THE 800,000 AMERICANS LOST NATIONWIDE.

>> Reporter: THE HOUSE WILL BE IN ORDER.

>> THE CHAIR ASKS ALL MEMBERS IN THE CHAMBER AS WELL AS MEMBERS AND STAFF THROUGHOUT THE CAPITAL TO RISE FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 800,000 AMERICANS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY FROM COVID-19 VIRUS.

LET US PRAY THAT THEY REST IN PEACE.

SHOULD >> Reporter: DURING THE HOLIDAYS, COVID-19 CASES ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE.

BUT WITH MILLIONS VACCINATED, THIS IS A DIFFERENT WINTER THAT IT WAS A YEAR AGO.

KPBS HEALTH REPORTER MATT HOFFMAN SAT DOWN WITH THE COUNTY OFFICIALS LEADING OUR PANDEMIC RESPONSE, TO SEE WHERE WE ARE, AND WHAT ELSE IS ON THEIR RADAR.

>> WHILE WE HAVE BEEN AT THIS FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS, WE ARE STILL IN THE THICK OF THINGS.

>> Reporter: THIS PANDEMIC WINTER IS SHAPING UP TO BE DIFFERENT FROM THE LAST, WHERE HOSPITALS WERE NEARLY OVERWHELMED.

SINCE THEN, CASES AND HOSPITALIZATION RATES HAVE FALLEN HIM A THANKS IN LARGE PART BY 75% OF COUNTY RESIDENTS, SOME 2.3 MILLION PEOPLE GETTING VACCINATED.

>> WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE STATE, WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE NATION.

ACTUALLY, FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, WE ARE THE LEADER.

>> Reporter: COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER, DR. WILLIAM WOOTEN AND SERVE OPEN SERVICE DIRECTORS HAVE BEEN LEADING EFFORTS HERE.

>> I THINK THE BIGGEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE SOMEONE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON COMING UP, IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE, YOU CARE ABOUT THEM, IS GET VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: THERE HAVE BEEN UPTICKS IN COVID-19 CASES AND HOSPITALIZATIONS SINCE THANKSGIVING.

AND OFFICIALS ARE ASKING PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

>> OF PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT THEIR ACTIONS, THEIR BEHAVIOR, WE CAN GET THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS AS WELL.

BUT, THE ANTICIPATION OF CASES GOING UP OVER THE WINTER MONTHS IS A SIGNIFICANT CONCERN.

>> Reporter: THIS WINTER, THERE IS NO LARGE VACCINATION SUPERSTITIONS.

AND RECENTLY THE FOCUS HAS BEEN ON DELIVERING COVID BOOSTERS AND SHOTS FOR YOUNGER KIDS.

>> AXIS IS NOT A PROBLEM.

WHAT IS THE PRIMARY ISSUE IS, THOSE PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT VACCINATED MAKING THE DECISION TO BECOME VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: THE PANDEMIC REVEALED DISPARITIES IN THE WAY PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO RESOURCES IN HEALTHCARE.

THE STATE IDENTIFIED ZIP CODES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS THAT NEEDED EXTRA ATTENTION.

>> WE JUST MAINTAIN THAT APPROACH.

AND IN FACT, NOT JUST FOR COVID THIS IS THE WORK THAT IS INFORMING WHAT WE ARE DOING EVEN MORE BROADLY, BE IT FOR HOMES, BE IT FOR MENTAL HEALTH, HOUSING, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN NEED.

>> Reporter: WITH THE HELP OF THE NEW BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, THE COUNTY HAS BEEN INVESTING MILLIONS IN HOMELESS RESOURCES, ADDING EXISTING SHELTERS SERVICE STAFF -- PUBLIC HEALTH NEAREST SERVICES AND CONNECTING PEOPLE TO SERVICE PROGRAMS.

NO OFFICIALS ARE LOOKING TO OPEN THEIR OWN SHELTER IN EAST COUNTY AND SOME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER CITIES.

>> IT IS ABOUT SANITATION.

IT IS ABOUT PROVIDING PEOPLE WITH THE ELEMENTS OF DAILY LIVING THAT WE ALL EXPECT, AND ACTUALLY DESERVE.

>> Reporter: HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY THE DRUG CRISIS IS ALMOST EQUALLY A PANDEMIC.

THEY REPORT THAT 1 AND 13 SAN DIEGO'S HAVE A SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER AND SAY MORE RESOURCES ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED.

>> WE HAVE BUILT THE MOST WONDERFUL HOSPITALS AND CLINICS AND THEN MAYBE PUBLIC HEALTH, RIGHT?

AND WE ARE CATCHING UP ON INFRASTRUCTURE.

BUT, -- HAS NOT BEEN.

IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TRUE STIGMATIZE AS WELL.

IT IS NOT AN AREA THAT HAS BEEN INVESTED IN.

>> Reporter: COUNTY STAFF ARE WORKING TO OVERHAUL THE EXISTING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM.

NACION SAYS MENTAL HEALTH ADDICTION, EVEN HOMELESSNESS, CAN BE INTERCONNECTED AND SHOULD BE TREATED THAT WAY.

>> HOW DO YOU BUILD A TRULY, A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONTINUUM OF CARE?

THAT IS, THE TENTACLES A TOUCH NOT ONLY THE HOMELESS, NOT ONLY THE OPIATE, FENTANYL PANDEMIC, BUT ALSO, THE RISING NUMBER OF MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES WE HAVE BEEN SEEING, RIGHT?

SO, THAT IS BEING LED BY OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.

IT IS A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING.

IT IS NOT JUST BRICKS AND MORTARS AND ASSESSMENT CENTERS.

>> Reporter: ANOTHER FOCUS FOR HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE AGING SAN DIEGO'S.

>> WERE NOT GOING TO BE QUITE THE NEW MIAMI OR FLORIDA.

BUT, LET ME GIVE YOU AN IDEA.

IN 2010, WE HAD ABOUT 600+ THOUSAND SAN DIEGO'S 60 AND OLDER.

BY 2030, IT WILL BE PUSHING ABOUT 850,000.

THAT'S A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE.

THAT IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AGE GROUPS.

>> Reporter: THE COUNTY WANTS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE PREPARED.

THAT MEANS MORE INVESTMENTS IN ELDERLY CARE.

ANSAH GOOD NEWS FOR PREVENTION EFFORTS.

AFTER HISTORICALLY BEING UNDERFUNDED, PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE GETTING A BOOST FROM THE NEXT STATE BUDGET.

>> WE DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THAT WILL BE, BUT THAT IS WHAT WE ARE HEARING.

WILL HAPPEN.

AND I THINK THAT IT WILL GO A LONG WAY IN HELPING TO SHOW, SHORT OF THE UPPER STRUCTURE.

>> Reporter: LEGIONS IS A PRIORITY WILL BE UPDATING I.T.

SYSTEMS TO MAKE SURE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS ARE AS EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE.

MATT HOFFMAN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> HERE IS ANOTHER LOOK AT TODAY'S TOP STORY.

THE STORMY WEATHER IN SAN DIEGO.

THIS IS RAIN VIDEO FROM NORTH COUNTY THIS AFTERNOON WITH THE WIND WAS PICKING UP AND LOCATE YOU.

RAIN WAS EXPECTED TO LAST THROUGH THE EVENING.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EXPECTS THE STORM TO DO MORE THAN AN INCH OF RAIN IN OUR AREA.

>>> AND HERE IS A LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON FOR TOMORROW IN THE KPBS NEWSROOM.

NEWLY RELEASED TEXT MESSAGES AND OTHER CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS CHARGE.

IT IS ALL PART OF THE BUSY DAY FOR THOSE INVESTIGATING THE JANUARY 6 ATTACK ON THE CAPITAL.

NPR'S MORNING EDITION WRAPS UP NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN WASHINGTON.

AND THAT KPBS MIDDAY ADDITION, THE CONVERSATION WITH THE NEW CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, SEAN ILA RIVERA.

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

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

I AM MAYA TRABULSI.

GOOD NIGHT.

>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING ADDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ANDERSON HEATING, COOLING & AIR.

PAD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KPBS.

AND PRIVILEGED TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

ANDERSON HEATING, COOLING & AIR.

HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAINTAIN DRAIN, HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS SINCE 1978.

>>> AND BY THE CONRAD PREFACE FOUNDATION.

DARLENE MARCOS SHYLY.

AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

>> AND, BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

INC. YOU.