♪ >>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY, ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR, PROUD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KPBS AND PRIVILEGED TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

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

AND BY THE CONRAD CREVICE FOUNDATION, DARLENE MARCO SHYLY AND BY THE FOLLOWING AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU, THANK YOU.

>>> GOOD EVENING, IT IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8th.

THANKS FOR JOINING US, I AM MAYA TRABULSI .

THE US-MEXICO BORDER IS NOW REOPENED FOR NONESSENTIAL TRAVELERS.

ALL INTERNATIONAL VISITORS WILL NEED TO SHOW VACCINATION PROVED TO CROSS INTO THE U.S. KPBS REPORTS ARE ALEXANDRA ROD HILL HAS MORE FROM THE POINT OF ENTRY.

>> Reporter: FULLY VACCINATED FOREIGNERS CAN FINALLY CROSS INTO THE U.S., A DAY MANY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN SEPARATED FROM THEIR LOVED ONES FOR NEARLY 2 YEARS NOW.

AS SOON AS THEY OPENED, I AM CROSSING, THIS WOMAN SAYS.

IT DID NOT MATTER HOW MANY HOURS IT WOULD TAKE HER TO CROSS, ON NOVEMBER 8th, SHE WOULD BE IN LINE WITH DOCUMENTS AND VACCINATION CERTIFICATE IN HAND.

AFTER BEING SEPARATED FROM HER FAMILY FOR SO LONG, SHE SAYS HER BIGGEST WISH IS TO SEE THEM.

SHE WAS ONE OF MANY MEXICAN CITIZENS ON MONDAY STEPPING INTO THE U.S. FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BORDER RESTRICTIONS WERE PUT IN PLACE 20 MONTHS AGO.

THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO MARKED THE LONG-AWAITED DAY ALONG WITH OTHER LOCAL OFFICIALS.

NEWLY ELECTED BAJA CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR WAS THERE.

SHE APPLAUDED THE BINATIONAL EFFORT IT TOOK TO LIFT BORDER RESTRICTIONS AND TALK ABOUT THE ECONOMIC IMPACT BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE LOSS OF CROSS-BORDER COMMERCE.

MAYOR TODD GLORIA SAYS IT IS TIME TO BRIDGE THE GAP THAT RESTRICTIONS CREATED.

VIC MET THIS REOPENING COMES AT ESPECIALLY A CRITICAL TIME BECAUSE IT ALLOWS LOCAL BUSINESSES TO SEIZE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED BY THE HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITY SHOPPING SEASON.

>> Reporter: THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAYS MORE THAN 200 BUSINESSES WERE LOST DURING THE BORDER CLOSURE AND MORE THAN 2000 PEOPLE LOST THEIR JOBS.

WITH AN UPTICK IN TRAFFIC EXPECTED, THE CHAMBER IS HOPING BUSINESSES WILL GET BACK ON TRACK.

SHOPPERS WHO CROSSED'S AND HIS SIEGE OF MONDAY MORNING SAY THEY WERE SURPRISED BY SHORT WAIT TIMES.

GARCIA ARRIVED EARLY, EXPECTING A LONG LINE, BUT SAYS IT IS THE SHORTEST WEIGHT SHE HAS EVER MADE.

SHE SAYS U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICERS DID NOT ASK HER TO SHOW VACCINATION PROOF WHEN SHE CROSSED, BUT OTHERS WE SPOKE TO SAY THEY WERE ASKED TO SHOW DOCUMENTATION.

ACCORDING TO CDP, VEXING DOCUMENTS WILL BE REQUESTED AT RANDOM.

ALEXANDRA ROD HILL, KPBS NEWS.

>>> SHOWDOWN TAKING PLACE THIS AFTERNOON OVER A MASK IN SCHOOLS, THE LOCAL GROUP, LET THEM BREATHE, FIGHTING TO MITIGATE THE MANDATE.

TANIA THORNE IS LIVE AT THE VISTA COURTHOUSE WITH THE ARGUMENTS BEING MADE BY BOTH SIDES.

>> Reporter: WE ARE OUTSIDE OF THE VISTA COURTHOUSE WHERE THE HEARING BROUGHT ON BY THE LET THEM BREATHE THE GROUP AGAINST THE STATE AND GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM ENDED ABOUT AN HOUR AGO, BUT NO DECISION WAS REACHED TODAY.

THE FOUNDER OF THE GROUP.

>> I KNOW SINCE I WAS INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL REOPENING LAWSUIT, WE DID HEAR A RULING QUICKLY, BUT IT WAS NOT THE DAY OF BECAUSE SHE WILL NOT ONLY MAKE THE DECISION, BUT WRITE A PROBABLY REALLY EXTENSIVE RULING ON THIS AS WELL.

>> Reporter: TODAY, BOTH PARTIES PRESENTED THEIR ARGUMENTS.

LET THEM BREATHE CLAIMING THAT GOVERNOR NEWSOME HAS EXCEEDED HIS POWER ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY AND THAT THERE IS NO LONGER AN EMERGENCY AND THAT CONDITIONS HAVE CHANGED.

THE STATE ARGUED THE SAFETY GUIDELINES OR RECOMMENDATIONS PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS HAVE SUPPORTED AND ENSURED SAFE SCHOOLS.

THE JUDGE COULD NOT COME TO A DECISION TODAY AND WILL SET ANOTHER DAY FOR BOTH PARTIES TO PRESENT THEIR EVIDENCE.

IN VISTA, TANIA THORNE KPBS NEWS.

>>> SOME DRAMA AT THE VISTA COURTHOUSE TODAY THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CASE.

THE NORTH BUILDING HAD TO BE EVACUATED AFTER THE CEILING COLLAPSED IN ONE OF THE COURTROOMS.

NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE BUILDING WHERE THE CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE MATTERS ARE HANDLED IS CLOSED.

AN ENGINEER IS EXPECTING INSPECTING THE DAMAGE TO DETERMINE WHEN IT CAN REOPEN.

>>> IT WILL NOT BE A FOUR DAY WEEKEND FOR STUDENTS AT THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER ANNOUNCING THE POSSIBILITY OF TAKING A MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY, THE DECISION IS WALKING BACK IF DECISION ON THE MATTER SAYING, IT WELCOMES STUDENTS ON NOVEMBER 12th.

THE SCHOOL DECIDED TO KEEP THE SCHOOL OPEN AFTER HEARING ABOUT CHILDCARE CONCERNS BECAUSE OF THE SHORT NOTICE THAT WAS GIVEN.

PARENTS DO WISH TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN HOME FOR A MENTAL HEALTH DAY, ABSENCES WILL BE MARKED AS EXCUSED.

>>> AS WE HAVE REPORTED, SAN DIEGO UNIFIED HAS A SEVERE SHORTAGE FOR APPLICANTS FOR HUNDREDS OF JOBS.

NOW THE DISTRICT IS PUTTING UP THE HEALTH HELP WANTED SIGN WITH FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, ESPECIALLY THOSE QUALIFIED TO TEACH AND SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

KPBS REPORTER ANGIE PEREZ HAS MORE ON THE LATEST TWISTS AND RECRUITMENT.

>> SIT.

SIT.

GOOD BOY.

>> Reporter: JENNY KINGSTON IS A DEDICATED MOTHER WHO LOVES HER FOR AN BABIES ON THE FOUR CHILDREN SHE AND HER HUSBAND, BRIAN, HAVE RAISED.

EACH KINGSTON KID ADOPTED A DOG FOR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, AN IMPORTANT PART OF THEIR EDUCATION AS STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

JENNY IS ALSO A SUBSTITUTE PARA EDUCATOR WITH THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

SHE CAUGHT HER OWN CHILDREN I GOT THEM THROUGH COVID DISTANCE LEARNING AND IS NOW READY TO APPLY FOR A PERMANENT POSITION TO HELP OTHERS.

>> I TEND TO WANT TO CONNECT WITH A GROUP OF KIDS FOR A LAZIER PERIOD OF TIME SO I CAN SEE THE GROWTH, WHERE THEY ARE STRUGGLING AND WHERE THEY NEED MORE HELP.

>> Reporter: SAN DIEGO UNIFIED IS NOW AGGRESSIVELY SEEKING QUALIFIED APPLICANTS TO FILL TEACHING US UP OR JOBS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

SPECIAL EDUCATION REQUIRES A SPECIAL SKILL SET AND THE DISTRICT IS OFFERING A $4000 SIGNING BONUS FOR TEACHERS THEY HIRE.

THERE ARE ALSO BENEFITS FOR SUPPORT STAFF.

>> WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE THE BEST.

WE ARE FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE THAT THEY HAVE THE BEST AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT FOLKS KNOW HOW SERIOUS WE ARE ABOUT THAT.

>> Reporter: BY THE WAY, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS STILL LOOKING FOR A SUPERINTENDENT TOO.

HR OFFICIALS SAY THE DOORS ALWAYS OPENED TO NEW APPLICANTS, THE SPECIAL FINANCIAL INCENTIVES ARE AVAILABLE NOW.

AND THROUGH MARCH 15th , 2022.

JENNY KINGSTON IS NOT ONLY A POTENTIAL APPLICANT, SHE CONTINUES TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR THE SHE LOVES AND THE STUDENTS SHE WANTS TO HELP THE DISTRICT SUPPORT.

HER INVITATION IS CLEAR.

>> YOU CAN LEARN THE TOOLS, YOU CAN LEARN THE TECHNIQUES TO ASSIST A CHILD, BUT THE CORE OF IT IS THAT YOU HAVE TO GO FILL A PASSION OR DRIVE TO WANT TO HELP KIDS LEARN.

>> HELP WANTED A MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> KAISER PERMANENTE PHARMACY WORKERS HAVE GIVEN THEIR NOTICE OF AN IMPENDING STRIKE.

NEARLY 2500 EMPLOYEES FROM SAN DIEGO TO KERN COUNTY AND THEY WILL STRIKE NOVEMBER 18th IF THERE IS NO MOVING THE BARGAINING TABLE.

THE WORK COMES AFTER STALLS IN NEGOTIATIONS AND CONTRACT OFFERS THAT ARE CONSIDERED LOW BY SIX LOCAL CW UNIONS HEAR THE NOTICE ALSO INFORMS KAISER OF THE EMPLOYEES' INTENTION TO PICK IT AT KAISER PERMANENTE LOCATIONS.

THE STRIKE WOULD ALSO INCLUDE PHARMACY TECHS, INSISTENCE AND INTERNS AND NEARLY 120 LOCATIONS.

>>> GLORIA STOOD ATOP OF THE MIDWAY TODAY TO ANNOUNCE A NEW ADVISORY COUNCIL TO HELP SUPPORT MILITARY MEMBERS, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

KITTY ALVARADO SPOKE WITH THE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE NEW COUNSEL AND THEIR FAMILIES.

AN >> Reporter: MARY TANAKA REMEMBERED THE DIFFICULTIES OF BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE.

HER HUSBAND WAS IN THE AIR FORCE FOR 15 YEARS.

>> IT WAS A LOT TO KIND OF NAVIGATE, YOU KNOW MOVING FROM PLACE TO PLACE EVERY TWO TO THREE YEARS, TRYING TO SETTLE DOWN, TRYING TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY.

>> AS VETERANS-->> Reporter: NOW, SHE IS A PART OF THE NEW MAYOR ORIOLE COUNCIL FOR MILITARY MEMBERS, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

>> PEOPLE ASK ME WHAT IS THE TOUGHEST JOB IN THE MILITARY?

BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE OR MILITARY FAMILY MEMBER.

>> HEARING SOMETHING LIKE THIS WERE A COUNSEL FOR MAYOR GLORIA WANTS TO HELP OUR CHILDREN AND HELP THE SPOUSES CREATE THAT COMMUNITY AND IDENTIFY RESOURCES THAT WE CAN UTILIZE IS WONDERFUL.

>> Reporter: TODAY, MAYOR TODD GLORIA ANNOUNCED THAT THE COUNCIL ABOARD THE USS MIDWAY FLANKED BY STATE, LOCAL LEADERS AND HIS NEW ADVISORS.

>> AND A PLATFORM TO BE ABLE TO LOOK AT DIFFERENT WAYS FOR US IN SAN DIEGO TO DO BETTER.

>> Reporter: INCLUDING KEISHA JARVIS JONES, A MARINE COMBAT VETERAN.

>> FOR OUR FAMILY MEMBERS, THEY HAVE TO RELY ON EACH OTHER AND GET TOGETHER ON THEIR OWN IN ORDER TO FEEL WELCOME.

SOMETIMES THE TAKES A LONG TIME AND CREATES A LONELY SPACE.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS IF MILITARY FAMILIES FEEL WELCOME HERE, THEY WILL STAY AT SAN DIEGO WILL BE BETTER FOR IT, BUT IN ORDER TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN, THEY NEED TO BE HEARD AND FEEL LIKE SOMEBODY HAS THEIR BACKS.

>> THIS CREATES THAT DIRECT LINE OF COMMUNICATION TO CITY HALL SO THEIR VOICES CAN BE HEARD AND WE CAN IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS THAT CAN HELP SUPPORT THEM, WHICH MEANS SUPPORTING OUR SERVICEMEMBERS.

>> Reporter: GLORIA SAYS FINDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND CHILDCARE SOLUTIONS ARE BIG PRIORITIES FOR THIS COUNSEL.

KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY IS IN SAN DIEGO.

STEVE WALSH SAYS HE IS URGING MARINES AND DEFENSE WORKERS TO GET VACCINATED AHEAD OF THE DEADLINE.

>> Reporter: THE NAVY HAS THE HIGHEST VACCINATION RATE OF ANY OF THE SERVICES, ROUGHLY 99% OF SAILORS HAVE HAD AT LEAST ONE SHOT AHEAD OF THE NOVEMBER DEADLINE FOR ALL ACTIVE-DUTY AND NAVY MEMBERS TO BE VACCINATED.

CARLOS EL TORO WAS IN SAN DIEGO MONDAY.

>> I THINK WE ARE ON TRACK TO GET THOSE NUMBERS AS CLOSE TO 100% AS POSSIBLE AND WE WILL WORK WITH THOSE THAT DECIDE TO GET VACCINATED FOR IT WHATEVER REASON.

WE WILL COUNSEL THEM, TALK TO THEM.

>> Reporter: THE LOWER THAN THE NAVY, ROUGHLY 95% OF THE MARINES HAVE BEEN PARTIALLY VACCINATED.

>> A SLIGHTLY YOUNGER FORCE.

THE MARINE CORPS HAS A MUCH YOUNGER POPULATION IN THEIR EARLY YEARS, ESSENTIALLY, IT IS A MATTER OF CONVINCING THEM AND HAVING THEM UNDERSTAND THAT THE VACCINES ARE SAFE.

>> Reporter: EL TORO DISTANCED HIMSELF FROM MARINES THAT DECLARED IN ONE WITHOUT AN EXEMPTION WHO MINCES THE DEADLINE WILL IMMEDIATELY BEGIN THE PROCESS OF THE COURT APPEARANCE >> WE WILL WORK WITH THOSE FOR WHATEVER REASON, COUNSEL THEM, TALK TO THEM, GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE VACCINATION AND AT SOME POINT IN TIME, FOLKS WHO DECIDE NOT TO GET VACCINATED WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE OF WHETHER THEY WANT TO STAY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY OR NOT.

>> Reporter: THIS WAS EL TORO'S FIRST VISIT TO THE NAVY.

HE PAID SURPRISE VISITS AS THE NAVY GRAPPLES WITH THE FALLOUT FROM THE 2020 ARSENAL ON THE USS BOTTOM SHARD.

>> THERE WERE A LOT OF THINGS BROUGHT TO LIGHT, A LOT OF MATERIAL ISSUES BROUGHT TO LIGHT AS WELL TOO.

THAT IS MY JOB NOW TO BASICALLY FIND THE RESOURCES AND MECHANISMS NECESSARY TO CORRECT THOSE DEFICIENCIES MOVING FORWARD SO THAT THEY DON'T HAPPEN AGAIN.

>> Reporter: ALTHOUGH TAURO SPOKE MONDAY BEFORE THE MILITARY ADVISORY COUNCIL, SATURDAY HE WAS AT THE CHRISTENING OF THE USS HARVEY MILK, BUILT IN SAN DIEGO.

THE OILER IS DEDICATED TO THE GAY CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE AND SLAIN CITY COUNCILMAN, WAS ALSO A NAVY VETERAN.

STEVE WALSH, KPBS NEWS.

>>> U.S. OFFICIALS HAVE DECIDED TO BUILD NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER AS THEY TRY TO FIX THE REGION'S RESISTANCE SEWAGE FLOWS.

THEY PLAN TO EXPAND THE EXISTING INTERNATIONAL PLAN, BUILD SOMETHING TO CATCH THE RIVER FLOWS AND ADD OTHERS TO WITCHCRAFT RIVER CAPTURE SYSTEMS NEAR THE BORDER.

FEDERAL OFFICIALS HOPE TO ELIMINATE NEARLY 95% OF THE SEWAGE FLOWS, WHICH CURRENTLY FOLLOW U.S. WATER SPIRITS >> THESE ARE ALL SUCH CRITICAL PROJECTS THAT REALLY REPRESENT IN OUR REVIEW A HOLISTIC AND COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION TO THE CHALLENGE.

>> ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS AND DESIGN, WORK WILL START RIGHT AWAY IN THE FIRST PROJECT CAN BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN 2024.

THE U.S. HAS $300 MILLION SET ASIDE ALREADY, BUT ANOTHER $330 MILLION WILL BE NEEDED TO COMPLETE ALL OF THE PROJECTS THEY HOPE TO BUILD.

>>> SAN DIEGO MAYOR TODD GLORIA IS ON HIS WAY TO THE TOP SIX GLOBAL CONFERENCE IN SCOTLAND TO HIGHLIGHT THE CITY'S CLIMATE INITIATIVES.

GLORIA HAS BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK ON PANELS LED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND CLIMATE MAYORS .

THE CONFERENCE EARLIER TODAY, FORMER PRESIDENT OBAMA LED A ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ALSO ADDRESSED CRITICISM THAT THE U.S. IS NOT ACTING FAST ENOUGH TO CUT EMISSIONS AND UPHOLD THE PLEASURES OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT.

>> IT IS NOT FOR LACK OF TRYING, NOT BY THE KINDS OF PEOPLE YOU ARE WORKING WITH HERE.

WE HAVE GOT OUR CONTENTIOUS BATTLE.

IT IS ONE OF THE THINGS ABOUT DEMOCRACY, IT TURNS OUT YOU DON'T ALWAYS GET YOUR WAY.

>> OBAMA IS URGING REPRESENTATIVES OF 200 NATIONS TO DO THEIR PART SAYING, RICH NATIONS HAVE AN EXTRA BURDEN.

>>> A COUPLE OF COOL DAYS AHEAD FOR AREAS NEAR THE COAST AND A LITTLE FURTHER INLAND, BUT THERE IS A BIG WARM UP MOVING IN FOR THE WORK WEEK.

THERE IS NO RAIN IN THE FORECAST FOR US ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

WE WILL STAY DRY.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GOING TO GET IN ON A LITTLE RAIN.

FOR US HERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

TEMPERATURES AS WE HEAD INTO TONIGHT, LOW 50s IN OCEANSIDE, MID-40s IN ESCONDIDO.

AGAIN, HERE IS THAT RAIN THAT TRIES TO PRESS FURTHER SOUTH, DUSTY MINT PICKING UP ACROSS CENTRAL AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA , BUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BASICALLY FROM LOS ANGELES SOUTHWARD LOOKS TO REMAIN DRY.

TEMPERATURES WILL GET UP INTO THE UPPER 60s FOR YOU IN OCEANSIDE AND SAN DIEGO.

LAVISTA GETTING UP TO 78, MT.

LAGUNA, 50s FOR YOU, EL CAJON, 73 DEGREES FOR YOUR DAYTIME HIGHS.

WEDNESDAY IT IS COOL ACROSS THE INTERIOR SECTION, BUT PLEASANT ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, OUT IN ARIZONA.

TEMPERATURES REALLY WILL WARM UP AS WE HEAD FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY OF THIS WEEK.

NEAR THE COAST, WE GO FROM THE MID TO UPPER 60s TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY INTO THE LOW 80s BY THE TIME WE GET TOWARDS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

PLENTY OF SUNSHINE MOVING FORWARD TOO.

WE MIGHT HAVE A LITTLE IN THE WAY OF CLOUD COVER TOMORROW, BEYOND THAT, PLENTY OF SUNSHINE AHEAD.

FURTHER INLAND, TO JUST GO FROM THE 70s TO THE 90s.

SUNSHINE ALSO, PLENTY OF THAT IN THE FORECAST MOVING FORWARD.

A LITTLE BIT OF CLOUD COVER TUESDAY, BUT NOT A WHOLE LOT TO WORRY ABOUT THERE.

IN THE MOUNTAINS, WE DON'T SEE TOO MUCH IN THE WAY OF CHANGES.

WE WILL SIT IN THE UPPER AND MID-50s, EVENTUALLY IN THE LOW 60s THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY.

A LITTLE BIT OF A WARM-UP, NOTHING TOO MAJOR THERE.

AND THE DESERT IN THE 80s, BACK INTO THE 90s WE GO WITH DRY CONDITIONS AND PLENTY OF SUNSHINE AS WE MOVE FORWARD.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I AM METEOROLOGIST JESSICA PASH.

>>> LAWSUITS ARE NOW BEING FILED FOLLOWING THAT DEADLY ASTROWORLD CONCERT TRAGEDY THAT CLAIMED EIGHT LIVES.

REPORTER KRYSTAL LIND LOOKS AT WHAT WENT WRONG AND WHAT THE PERFORMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE FAN SURGE THAT PROVED TO BE FATAL.

>> Reporter: IN HOUSTON, ASTROWOLD FESTIVALGOERS DESCRIBE THE MOMENTS LEADING TO A CROWD SURGE THAT LEFT AT LEAST EIGHT PEOPLE DEAD AND DOZENS MORE HURT.

>> YOU CANNOT CONTROL WHERE YOU ARE GOING.

>> Reporter: THE CROWD OF 50,000 PACKED TIGHTLY IN PLACES AS A HEADLINER TREVOR SCOTT BEGAN HIS SET WITH MANY CRUST AND TRAVELED OVER AS MANY WAVES OF PEOPLE MOVED TOWARDS THE STAGE.

>> THE FOCUS RIGHT NOW IS ON THE OTHERS IN THE CITY, TO MAKE SURE THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES, THAT THEIR NEEDS ARE BEING MET.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS SAY CAUGHT SCOTT CONTINUE TO PAY ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER THE CONCERT WAS DECLARED A MASS CASUALTY EVENT AND THEY ARE INVESTIGATING WHAT HE KNEW AND WHEN.

IN A STATEMENT, SCOTT SAYS HE STOPPED HIS SHOW QUOTE, ANYTIME HE REALIZED THE PROBLEM.

A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST THE WRAPPER, THE COMPANIES THAT ORGANIZE THE EVENT AND OTHERS CLAIMING A PROFIT OVER SAFETY.

>> IF THE CROWD IS IN DISTRESS, NOT IDENTIFIED BY A EXPERIENCED SPOTTER, THAT NEEDS TO BE COMMUNICATED.

>> Reporter: IN A STATEMENT, LIVE NATION SAID IN PART QUOTE, HEARTBROKEN FOR THOSE IMPACTED AND LOST AT ASTRAL WORLD.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AS MUCH ASSISTANCE AS POSSIBLE TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES AS THEY INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION HERE THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEADLY CROWD SURGE COULD TAKE WEEKS AS CONCERTGOERS PROCESS THE DRAMA.

>> NOW I AM RECOLLECTING JUST THE FACT THAT I WAS BREATHING THE SAME AIR AS SOME PEOPLE THAT TOOK THEIR LAST BREATH IS NOT EVEN REAL.

>>> A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL SAYS PFIZER COULD BE LOOKING TO GET EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION FOR ITS COVID BOOSTER SHOT FOR ANYONE ABOVE THE AGE 18, AND THAT IS ACCORDING TO THE WASHINGTON POST.

THAT REQUEST COULD COME THIS WEEK.

THE FDA HAS ALREADY AUTHORIZED A BOOSTER FOR THOSE 65 OR OLDER FOR ANYONE AT RISK OF CONTRACTING THE VIRUS OR GETTING SEVERELY ILL FROM IT.

THE AUTHORIZATION WOULD GET A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CLOSER TO ITS GOAL OF BOOSTERS FOR ALL ADULTS.

>>> IN L.A. TODAY, ANYONE GOING TO A MALL, THEATER, GYM OR NAIL SALON MUST VERIFY THEY ARE VACCINATED.

THE MANDATE IS ONE OF THE STRICTEST IN THE COUNTRY.

IT REQUIRES PROOF OF SHOTS FOR ANYONE ENTERING A WIDE VARIETY OF DISMISSES YOUR TRADE GROUPS SAY THE MANDATE CAUSES CONFUSION AND COULD PRESENT SAFETY CONCERNS FOR EMPLOYEES TASKED WITH CHECKING THE VACCINATION STATUS IS.

CITY OFFICIALS SAID THEY WILL NOT START ENFORCING THE RULES UNTIL NOVEMBER 29th.

FINES UP TO $5000 COULD BE IMPOSED.

>> I AM JUDY WOODRUFF TONIGHT ON THE NEWS HOUR, THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL CLEARS CONGRESS.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION PROMOTES THE WIN.

COMING UP AT 7:00 AFTER "EVENING EDITION" ON KPBS.

>>> THE SAN DIEGO PORTS IS WORKING OVERTIME TO HELP RELIEVE THE BACKLOG AT PORTS IN LOS ANGELES AND LONG BEACH.

THE PORT SAYS IT IS ACCEPTING TWO TO FOUR EXTRA CARGO SHIPS PER MONTH.

ALSO, CALIFORNIA PORTS ARE RUNNING 24 HOURS A DAY,, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, THE FIRST TIME THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED.

IS A MEDIUM-SIZED PORT, SAN DIEGO CANNOT ACCOMMODATE MEGA SHIPS.

IT ALSO HAS TO ACCOMMODATE CUSTOMERS FIRST, LIKE THE 3 BILLION BANANAS IT PROCESSES PER YEAR OR IMPORTED CARS AT THE NATIONAL CITY TERMINAL, WHICH MAKES UP 10% OF ALL OF THE CARS THAT COME INTO THE U.S. >> EVERYONE IS CLAMORING FOR THEIR GOODS AND SERVICES, BUT THERE WILL HAVE TO BE A PRIORITIZATION ALONG THE SPORTS.

>> Reporter: THE CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TOLD GOVERNOR NEWSOM TO KEEP THOSE PORTS OPEN FOR 90 DAYS TO EASE CONGESTION.

ECONOMIC ANALYST LEAVE THE ENTIRE SUPPLY-CHAIN BACKUP COULD LAST UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

>>> ONE OF THE KINKS CAUSING DISRUPTION IN THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN IS A SEVERE SHORTAGE OF TRUCKERS HERE KPBS REPORTER ALEXANDER ROD HILL EXAMINES THIS ISSUE AND VISITS A LOCAL SCHOOL WORKING TO KEEP UP WITH DEMAND.

>> A LITTLE BLOW ON THE HORN TO MAKE SURE NO ONE IS HANGING OUT.

IT IS ALL CLEAR.

>> Reporter: ANDRE WEST IS A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR AT UNITED TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL IN MISSION VALLEY.

>> I WILL TEACH THEM HOW TO DO A LITTLE UP SHIFTING.

WE WILL NOT WORRY ABOUT DOWNSHIFTING TOO MUCH INSIDE OF YOU.

>> Reporter: A YEAR AGO, THIS JOB WAS NOT IN HIS PLANS, BUT THE PANDEMIC HITS AND HE SAW A NEED FOR HIS ORTIZ.

>> I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO RETIRE.

I DID RETIRE AND I SEE THIS AD, AND I AM THINKING, WAIT A MINUTE, I'VE GOT 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

I AM THINKING, YOU ARE SITTING HERE WASTING IT.

WHY DON'T YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENS?

>> Reporter: CAREERS IN TRUCKING HAVE LONG BEEN A PATH FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS THAT DON'T HAVE COLLEGE DEGREES, BUT IT IS A GRUELING JOB THAT DOES NOT ATTRACT MANY YOUNGER WORKERS.

NOW, A WAVE OF RETIREMENT IS WASHING OVER THE INDUSTRY, LEAVING FIRMS IN DESPERATE STRAINS.

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

THAT NUMBER IS EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 2030 IF MAJOR PROGRESS IS NOT MADE.

PHILIP HARRIS IS ALSO A RETIRED TRUCKER AND ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR AT UNITED.

HE SAYS IT IS A SHORTAGE THAT HAS ACCUMULATED OVER THE YEARS, BUT THE PANDEMIC HAS MADE THE SITUATION WORSE.

>> COVID CAME OUT, THE GUYS THAT WERE GOING TO RETIRE IN THREE TO FOUR YEARS SAID, WE ARE DONE AND THE MPs WERE CLOSED, SO THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LICENSE NEW DRIVERS.

TAKES ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO GET A GOOD TRAINING.

>> Reporter: THE NEED HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.

IT IS ESTIMATED 72% OF THE NATION'S FREIGHT GETS MOVED BY TRUCKERS.

FROM BILLBOARDS TO CRAIGSLIST TO RECRUITING AND DIESEL GAS STATIONS, ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ SAYS HE HAS TRIED EVERY AVENUE TO LOOK FOR NEW HIRES.

>> DOWN HERE IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA ESPECIALLY, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH DRIVERS.

THE DRIVERS THAT DON'T HAVE THEIR PERMITS OR LICENSES, THEY ARE WORKING FOR BIG COMPANIES AND ARE PAYING A LOT BETTER WAGES THAN OTHER COMPANIES ARE.

THEY ARE NOT LEAVING THEIR COMPANIES TO GO AND WORK FOR SOMEBODY ELSE.

>> Reporter: HE HAS INCREASED PAY, BUT AS HE RAISES THE BAR, OTHER COMPANIES DO THE SAME.

>> PAY IS GOING UP.

ONE MAJOR COMPANY LAST YEAR WAS PAYING IN THE $20 RANGE, NOW ARE PAYING THEIR CLASS A DRIVERS FIVE DOLLARS AN HOUR.

>> Reporter: GARY SMITH SAYS COMPANIES ARE WILLING TO HIRE DRIVERS WITH NO EXPERIENCE, AS LONG AS THEY HAVE A LICENSE.

THAT USED TO BE UNHEARD OF, BUT RODRIGUEZ SAYS HE CAN'T BE CHOOSY.

RIGHT NOW HE HAS 1000 TRAILERS ON HIS LOT WAITING TO BE PICKED UP.

THE COMPANY IS NOW LOOKING TO MEXICO FOR HELP.

>> WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH A LOT OF LAWYERS, LAW FIRMS TO VERIFY THEY CAN HELP US TO DO ANY PROCESS SO WE CAN GIVE MEXICAN DRIVERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK DOWN HERE.

>> Reporter: AS COMPANIES SCRAMBLE TO FILL DRIVERS SEATS, UNITED TRUCKING SCHOOL IS DOING ITS PART TO FEEL THE NEED.

>> WE TAKE THEM FROM ALMOST GROUND ZERO, TEASED HIM ALL OF THE SKILLS AND ALL OF THAT IN ORDER TO BECOME PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS.

>> Reporter: STUDENTS EARNED THEIR CLASS A AND CLASS B COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE AND ARE HELPED WITH JOB PLACEMENT.

THE NEWS OF THE JOB SHORTAGE IN HIGHER PAY APPEARS TO BE HAVING AN EFFECT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, UNITED HAS A WAITLIST OF STUDENTS LOOKING TO JOIN THE PROGRAM AND APPLICANTS ARE COMING FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS.

>> WE HAVE BEEN VERY IN YOU DATED WITH STUDENTS.

WE ARE BOOKED OUT UNTIL JANUARY.

>> HE IS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM, BUT IT IS NOT HIS FIRST TIME HIS CDL.

HE LEFT TRUCKING A FEW YEARS BACK WHEN HIS DAUGHTER WAS BORN BECAUSE HE WANTED TO BE HOME MORE, BUT WITH INCENTIVES INCREASING FOR DRIVERS, HE'S READY TO BE BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOING INTO OTHER CAREERS THAT ARE MORE CORPORATE, WHITE-COLLAR, LEAVING THE BLUE-COLLAR JOBS BEHIND AND THESE COMPANIES NEED BODIES IN SEATS.

>> Reporter: YET, THE TRUCKER LIFESTYLE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE.

HARRIS SAYS HE'S VERY BLUNT WITH STUDENTS LOOKING TO ENROLL.

>> I WILL BE HONEST WITH YOU, YOU CAN.

YOUR SHIFTING IS GETTING REALLY GOOD LATELY.

ALL OF THAT IS REALLY COMING THROUGH, MUSCLE MEMORY.

>> Reporter: AS FOR WEST, HE'S JUST GRATEFUL HE GETS TO COME TO CONTRIBUTE TO TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRIVERS.

>> I THINK WE CAN GET THERE TOGETHER, KEEP AMERICA MOVING, SO TO SPEAK.

RIGHT NOW, WE ARE BACK UP AND IT IS BAD.

>> Reporter: ALEXANDER ROD HILL, KPBS NEWS.

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

>>> FOUR ASTRONAUTS ARE EARTHBOUND AFTER SPENDING NEARLY 200 DAYS IN SPACE.

AMONG THEM IS NESTOR ASH AND NOT MEGAN MacARTHUR, THE FOUR CREW MEMBERS DEPARTED THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION TODAY IN A CAPSULE BUILT BY SPACEX.

THEY ARE EXPECTED TO SPLASH DOWN NEAR FLORIDA TONIGHT.

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

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, I AM MAYA TRABULSI , GOOD NIGHT.

>>> FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY, ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR, PROUD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KPBS AND PRIVILEGED TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR, HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAINTAIN DRAIN, HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS SINCE 1978 AND BY THE CONRAD FOUNDATION, DARLENE MARCOS SHYLY AND BY THE FOLLOWING AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.