♪ >>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY BILL HOWE FAMILY OF COMPANIES, PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING, AIR, RESTORATION AND FLOOD SERVICES FOR OVER 45 YEARS.

CALL 1-800-BILL-HOWE, OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION.

DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING -- AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU!

>>> CALMER WINDS AND AN ONSHORE BREEZE ARE HELPING FIREFIGHTERS MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON FIRES IN NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND SOUTHERN ORANGE COUNTY.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

I'M JOHN CARROLL IN FOR MAYA TRABULSI.

INVESTIGATORS ARE NOW LOOKING INTO HOW THOSE FIRES STARTED.

KPBS ENVIRONMENT REPORTER TAMMY MURGA SAYS SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC CONFIRMS IT HAD A POWER OUTAGE NEAR WHERE ONE OF THE FIRES IGNITED.

>> Reporter: HOT, GUSTY SANTA ANA WINDS PLUNGED HUMIDITY TO AS LOW AS 15% LAST WEEK.

THAT COMBINATION INTENSIFIED WILDFIRES ON CAMP PENDLETON AND IN SAN CLEMENTE.

>> ANYTHING 15 AND IS HIGH FIRE DANGER IN MOST CASES ADVISERS CHANDLER PRICE IS WITH THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

HE SAYS A SHIFT IN PATTERN OVER THE WEEKEND OFFERED RELIEF TO FIREFIGHTERS.

LEFTOVER MOISTURE FROM A TROPICAL STORM SYSTEM PASSED THROUGH THE REGION.

>> SO THAT DID TWO THINGS.

NUMBER ONE IS IT RAISED HUMIDITIES.

SO EVEN THOUGH SANTA ANA WINDS GOT STRONGER ON SATURDAY VERSUS FRIDAY, IT WAS ACTUALLY MORE HUMID, WHICH IS A GOOD THING.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO CAL FIRE, THE HENDERSON FIRE ON CAMP PENDLETON IS NOW 95% CONTAINED.

IT HAD BURNED MORE THAN 3200 ACRES.

THE FIRE AGENCY SAYS ONE STRUCTURE WAS DESTROYED AND THE CAUSE REMAINS UNKNOWN.

JUST NORTH IN SAN CLEMENTE, THE NORDA FIRE IS NEARLY 600 ACRES AND 80% CONTAINED.

SHAWN DORAN IS WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY.

HE SAYS THAT FIRE WAS HEAVILY WIND-DRIVEN AND HAD A LOT OF DRY FUEL TO FEED ON.

>> MOST OF THE VEGETATION IS AT CRITICALLY LOW MOISTURE.

SO THAT PREHEATING, THAT PRESOLAR HEATING WITH THE SUN HEATS THEM UP IN THE EARLY MORNING SO WHEN IT DOES IGNITE, IT'S ALREADY READY TO SPREAD PRAPDLY RECORDS HE SAYS THE NORDE FIRE SPREAD IN AN OPEN SPACE ON FRIDAY.

SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC HAD A POWER LINE OUTAGE NEAR THE LOCATION MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO CAL FIRE DATA AND THE UTILITY'S ONLINE OUTAGE MAP.

THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.

IN A STATEMENT, THE UTILITY SAYS "IT IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF THE OUTAGE.

IT ALSO SAYS, QUOTE, SMOKE AND ASH FROM ELECTRIC FIRES CAN CAUSE AN OUTAGE AND THERE IS CURRENTLY NO BASIS TO CONCLUDE THAT THERE IS A CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR FACILITIES AND THE IGNITION.

COOLER TEMPERATURES CONTINUE.

SOME RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.

TAMMY MURGA, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M ARIELLA SCALESE.

AND COMING UP TONIGHT UNDER MOSTLY CLEAR SKY, YES DOWN TO 67.

TALK ABOUT A BIG PATTERN CHANGE.

HERE WE GO FROM THE HOT, DRY WINDY WEATHER TO NOW A STORM.

THAT'S GOING BRING US SOME SHOWERS, EVEN A THUNDERSTORM.

WE'LL HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FORECAST, COMING UP.

>>> HE SPENT MORE THAN A MONTH IN FEDERAL CUSTODY, BUT TODAY CITY COLLEGE STUDENT RENATHO CASSEUS IS A FREE MAN.

KPBS REPORTER JACOB AERE SPOKE WITH HIM EXCLUSIVELY ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE AND THE COMMUNITY'S RESPONSE.

>> Reporter: ON FRIDAY, A FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERED THE RELEASE OF 20-YEAR-OLD RENATHO CASSEUS.

ON SATURDAY, HE WAS DRIVEN OUT OF OTAY MESA DETENTION CENTER AND DROPPED OFF NEAR THE BORDER.

TODAY HE SPOKE TO KPBS TO SHARE HIS STORY.

>> I'M HAPPY TO SEE MY MOM, MY DAD, MY FRIENDS, MY BROTHERS.

>> Reporter: CASSEUS HAD BEEN HELD AT THE DETENTION CENTER FOR OVER A MONTH.

HE WAS ARRESTED BY I.C.E.

ON SEPTEMBER 8th ON HIS WAY TO CLASSES AT SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE.

>> WHILE I WAS GOING TO THE PARKING LOT OF MY SCHOOL, I SAW THE I.C.E.

AGENTS COMING UP FROM THEIR CARS AND ASKING ME TO PULL DOWN MY WINDOW.

AND I DID IT, AND THEY ARREST ME.

>> Reporter: HIS ARREST AND THE ARREST OF OTHER HAITIANS FOLLOWING THE END OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS SPARKED AN OUTCRY FROM THE LARGER SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY.

HE'S GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT.

HE SAYS PRIOR TO HIS ARREST, HE WASN'T WORRIED ABOUT HIS OWN STATUS.

>> I WAS WORRIED FOR THE HAITIAN COMMUNITY, BUT I WASN'T WORRIED FOR ME BECAUSE I WAS A STUDENT.

I DIDN'T THINK I.C.E.

AGENTS WOULD TARGET A STUDENT.

>> Reporter: HE WASN'T AWARE OF THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNTIL HE SAW HIMSELF ON LOCAL NEWS REPORTS WHILE INSIDE THE DETENTION CENTER.

IT CAUSED MIXED EMOTIONS.

>> I WAS A LITTLE BIT SAD.

>> Reporter: CASSEUS SAID HE MADE UNEXPECTED CONNECTION WAS OLDER DETAINEES INSIDE THE FACILITY WHO SHARED ADVICE WITH HIM.

IT HELPED HIM STAY STRONG, A MESSAGE HE NOW WANTS TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.

>> IF THAT CAN HAPPEN TO ME, THAT COULD HAPPEN TO ANY IMMIGRANT STUDENT WHO IS -- THAT WHO ARE GOING TO STUDY AT CITY COLLEGE OR ANY STATE.

>> Reporter: MEANWHILE, OFFICIALS AT SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE SAY MUCH HAS CHANGED SINCE CASSEUS' ARREST.

THERE IS NEW SIGNAGE AROUND CAMPUS THAT STATES IMMIGRATION AGENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CARRY OUT ENFORCEMENTS ON PROPERTY.

>> I THINK IT CHANGED THE WAY STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS IS THIS A SAFE CAMPUS, IT SAFE FOR ME TO BE IN SCHOOL.

SO WE'VE REALLY HAD TO LOOK AT OUR POLICY, LOOK AT OUR PRACTICES.

>> Reporter: THE COLLEGE DISTRICT SAYS IT'S EXPANDED COUNSELING AND LEGAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS, PLUS, IT NOW USES TEXT ALERTS IF IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS COME ON TO CAMPUS.

STILL, AT AN INSTITUTION WITH A LARGE IMMIGRANT AND MIXED STATUS POPULATION, THERE'S BEEN A RIPPLE EFFECT FROM THE ARREST.

>> WE SAW AN INCREASE IN STUDENTS WHO WERE REACHING OUT ASKING ABOUT THE PROCESS FOR WITHDRAWING FOR THIS SEMESTER, WHETHER THAT WAS TAKING A TEMPORARY PAUSE OR COMPLETELY WITHDRAWING.

WE HAD STUDENTS WERE REACHING OUT TO THE INSTRUCTORS SAYING HEY, I'M AFRAID TO COME TO CLASS, BUT YOU HAVE AN ATTENDANCE POLICY IN PLACE.

I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN GET TO CAMPUS SAFELY.

WHAT ARE MY OPTION.

>> Reporter: CASSEUS SAYS HE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING TO CAMPUS AND RETURN TO HIS STUDIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> I'M PLANNING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND FOLLOW MY EDUCATION TO MAKE MY DREAM COME TRUE AND HELP OTHER STUDENTS, HELP OTHER IMMIGRANT STUDENTS.

>> Reporter: CASSEUS' ATTORNEY SAYS HE HAS A PENDING ASYLUM CASE.

HE ESTIMATED IT COULD TAKE UP TO A YEAR FOR A FINAL DECISION.

JACOB AERE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAYS IT HAS ARRESTED 28 PEOPLE IN CALIFORNIA ON CHARGES OF ILLEGALLY REGISTERING FOR AND VOTING IN ELECTIONS.

FOUR ARE FROM SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

PROSECUTORS SAY ALL WERE ON A LIST OF 20,000 NAMES PROVIDED TO THE STATE LAST WEEK.

THE DOJ SAYS THAT LIST WAS OF LIKELY NONCITIZENS REGISTERED TO VOTE.

STATE OFFICIALS SAID THERE WAS NO PROOF OF THAT.

>> WHEN WE SUBMIT A LIST OF 20,000 NONCITIZENS TO CALIFORNIA THAT WE ARE PRETTY SURE ARE NOT CITIZENS, IT IS OUTRAGEOUS THAT THE RESPONSE FROM THE STATE IS WE DON'T BELIEVE YOU AND WE'RE NOT EVEN GOING TO LOOK AT IT.

THAT IS NOT GOOD FAITH ACTORS.

THEY ARE BEING COMPLICIT IN NONCITIZENS VOTING IN OUR ELECTIONS.

>> THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO FILED AN EMERGENCY NOTICE ASKING A JUDGE TO IMMEDIATELY BLOCK CALIFORNIA ELECTION OFFICIALS FROM COUNTING THE BALLOTS OF SUSPECTED NONCITIZENS.

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ROB BONTA SAYS THERE IS NO WIDESPREAD VOTER FRAUD IN CALIFORNIA.

>>> TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE BY MAIL IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION.

IF YOU MISS THE DEADLINE, YOU CAN REGISTER IN PERSON AND CAST A PROVISIONAL BALLOT AT THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OFFICE IN KEARNY MESA, STARTING TOMORROW.

OR AT A COUNTY VOTE CENTER STARTING SATURDAY.

YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION AT THE KPBS VOTER HUB.

LOOK FOR THE LINK ON OUR HOME PAGE AT KPBS.ORG.

THE VOTER HUB IS WHERE YOU'LL FIND ALL OF OUR COVERAGE IN ONE PLACE.

WE ALSO HAVE A SPANISH VERSION.

USE THE VOTER HUB TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND BALLOT MEASURES AT THE STATE, COUNTY, AND LOCAL LEVEL.

>>> WE'RE ENTERING THE FINAL TWO WEEKS BEFORE NOVEMBER'S MIDTERM ELECTION DAY.

NEWLY RELEASED FUNDRAISING FIGURES ARE SHEDDING LIGHT ON WHERE CRUCIAL BATTLES FOR SENATE AND HOUSE SEATS STAND.

WHILE REPUBLICANS ARE SITTING ON HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, LARGELY FROM SUPER PACS, DEMOCRATS ARE GAINING GROUND.

MADDIE GANNON EXPLAINS WHAT THE NUMBERS TELL US.

>> Reporter: WHILE REPUBLICANS HAVE A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE IN THE 2026 MIDTERMS, FRESH FUNDRAISING FIGURES FOR THE CAMPAIGN CYCLE'S THIRD QUARTER SHOW DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES OUTRAISING THEIR GOP OPPONENTS IN ALL TEN OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE SENATE RACES.

THERE IS A LOT OF ENTHUSIASM AMONG DEMOCRATS.

>> Reporter: WHILE PUNDITS SAY THE NUMBERS SIGNAL CAMPAIGN MOMENTUM, EXPERTS STRESS THAT A BIG WAR CHEST DOESN'T GUARANTEE A WIN.

>> YOU A HUGE POINT OF DIMINISHING RETURNS WHERE THE NUMBER BECOMES MORE ABOUT I RAISE MORE THAN YOU DID.

IT'S NOT EVERY DOLLAR IS EQUAL TO X NUMBER OF VOTES.

>> Reporter: THE LATEST FILING SHOWS SOME DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES BURNING THROUGH THEIR COFFERS, LEAVING SOME OF THEIR GOP CANDIDATES WITH MORE CASH IN THE BANK AT THE MOST CRITICAL TIME.

>> THE CASH ON HAND ALLOWS YOU TO DO EVERYTHING THAT A CAMPAIGN DOES IN THE MOST IMPORTANT STRETCH WHEN EVERYONE IS PAYING ATTENTION.

>> Reporter: NATIONALLY, REPUBLICAN PARTY COMMITTEE STILL HOLDS A MASSIVE CASH ADVANTAGE, WHICH CAN HELP BOOST GOP CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN OUTRAISED IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL RACES.

>> FOR MY SIDE OF THE AISLE, I HOPE THOSE DOLLARS ARE GOING WHERE THEY NEED TO GO AND ARE BEING UTILIZED IN CLOSE RACES THAT ARE EITHER LEANING ONE WAY OR THE OTHER TO DRIVE OUT REPUBLICAN VOTERS.

>> Reporter: IN MICHIGAN, FOR INSTANCE, DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE ABDUL EL-SAYED OUTRAISED MIKE ROGERS BY MORE THAN $20 MILLION IN QUARTER 3.

BUT REPUBLICANS HAVE BOOKED MILLIONS OF MORE DOLLARS ON ADS IN THE CAMPAIGN'S FINAL SPRINT.

>> THEIR MESSAGE IS THEY DON'T LIKE ME.

BUT THAT DOESN'T FIX YOUR GAS, YOUR GROCERIES.

THEY CAN SPEND ALL THE MONEY THEY WANT ON MIKE ROGERS' MESSAGE.

>> Reporter: IN WASHINGTON, I'M MADDIE GANNON.

>>> SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, OUR PUBLIC MATTERS PARTNERS AT I NEWS SOURCE REVEALED A LOOPHOLE IN SAN DIEGO LAW.

IT ALLOWS PROPERTY OWNERS TO OBTAIN A SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE EVEN AFTER MAKING AN ILLEGAL EVICTION.

AND NOW THE COUNCILMEMBER WHO PROMISED TO FIX IT IS ABOUT TO LEAVE OFFICE.

I NEWS SOURCE REPORTER CODY DELANEY JOINS ME TO TALK MORE ABOUT IT.

WELCOME, CODY.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE LOOPHOLE.

HOW DOES IT WORK, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR RENTERS?

>> YEAH, PROPERTY OWNERS IN SAN DIEGO, IF THEY WANT TO RENT OUT A UNIT ON A SHORT-TERM BASIS, THEY HAVE TO FIRST OBTAIN A LICENSE WITH THE CITY TO DO.

SO AND WE FOUND THAT SOME PROPERTY OWNERS ARE USING WHAT'S CALLED A NO-FAULT EVICTION.

AND THAT'S WHEN YOU END A LONG-TERM TENANT'S LEASE DUE TO NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN.

AND STATE LAW HAS SPECIFIC CUTOUTS FOR WHEN THAT'S LEGAL.

FOR EXAMPLE, SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL OR IF A PROPERTY OWNER'S FAMILY MEMBER WANTS TO MOVE IN.

BUT FOR THIS TO BE LEGAL UNDER THE TERMS OF THAT EVICTION, IN THE CASE OF A SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL, YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN ITEMIZED LIST SHOWING ALL OF THE WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE, AND YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE PERMITS SHOWING THAT YOU'RE ALLOWED TO DO THAT WORK.

IN THE CASE OF A FAMILY MEMBER MOVING IN, THEY HAVE TO MOVE IN WITHIN 90 DAYS.

AND IT HAS TO BE THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE FOR 12 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.

SO WE FOUND SEVERAL SITUATIONS PRIMARILY WITH FAMILY MOVE-IN WHERE PEOPLE ARE TOLD YOU'VE GOT TO LEAVE SO THAT MY FAMILY MEMBER CAN MOVE IN, ONLY WEEKS LATER FOR THEM TO OBTAIN A SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE.

>> SO, OKAY, YOU'RE KIND OF GETTING THERE.

BUT WHAT EXAMPLES OF THIS LOOPHOLE IN ACTION DID YOUR REPORTING REVEAL?

>> YEAH.

WE'RE SEEING SITUATIONS WHERE INVESTORS ARE COMING IN, BUYING UP MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES.

THESE ARE PROPERTIES THAT HAVE FIVE, TEN UNITS APIECE, AND THEY'RE USING THESE NO-FAULT EVICTIONS TO CLEAR OUT THESE LONG-TERM TENANTS AND THEN TURN AROUND AND OBTAIN A LICENSE FOR EACH UNIT.

>> Reporter: SO THIS IS SORT OF BEEN THE BAILIWICK OF JEN CAMPBELL.

THAT DISTRICT HAS A LOT OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS.

I KNOW YOU KNOW THAT.

SHE'S TAKEN THE LEAD ON FIXING THIS ISSUE.

SO WHAT HAS SHE DONE SO FAR?

AND WHAT IS HER PLAN TO GET IT DONE BEFORE SHE LEAVES OFFICE IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS?

>> YEAH, WELL, SHE'S REALLY CHAMPIONED THIS ISSUE, AND SHE IS THE ONE THAT BROUGHT THE ORDINANCE ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

PRIOR TO HER, THERE WAS NO REGULATION.

AND REALLY, TO BE FAIR, THIS HAS BEEN TOUTED ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES OF SHORT-TERM REGULATION IN THE COUNTRY.

BUT WHEN I ASK HER SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS LOOPHOLE, I'VE GOT NOTHING.

SHE WILL NOT RESPOND TO ANY OF MY QUESTIONS.

I HEAR THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE, THROUGH SOME OF HER COUNCIL COLLEAGUES THAT SHE INTENDS TO BRING THIS UP TO A COMMITTEE.

SO I PLAN ON WATCHING THAT.

>> HMM, THAT'S INTERESTING.

SO ANOTHER WRINKLE TO THIS WHOLE THING.

YOUR REPORTING UNCOVERED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS INVOLVING HER CHIEF OF STAFF.

SO WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THAT?

>> RIGHT.

SO WHEN I FIRST REACHED OUT TO JENNIFER CAMPBELL'S OFFICE ABOUT THIS BACK IN FEBRUARY, HER CHIEF OF STAFF, VENUS MOLINA TOLD ME YES, WE ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE.

I AM, IN FACT, VENUS TOLD ME THIS, I AM IN FACT RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING THESE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS FORWARD, BRINGING THIS TO COMMITTEE.

SHE TOLD ME BACK IN FEBRUARY THAT THEY HAD PLANNED TO HAVE SOMETHING AVAILABLE IN JULY.

THEN IT CAME TO AUGUST.

AND THEN SHE STOPPED ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS ALL TOGETHER.

YOU MAY RECALL THIS IS ALSO A TIME WHEN SHE WAS RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL.

SHE WAS RUNNING TO REPRESENT DISTRICT 8 ON THE SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL.

AND SHE WAS ALSO BRINGING IN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SHORT-TERM RENTAL OPERATORS, FROM PROPERTY OWNERS, FROM PROPERTY MANAGERS, AIRBNB ITSELF, AT LEAST $22,000 IN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.

SO ALL OF THIS MONEY WAS FLOWING AT A TIME THAT SHE WAS TASKED WITH BRINGING FORWARD AMENDMENTS TO A REGULATION FOR THESE VERY SAME INTERESTS.

>> HENCE WHY WE HAVE REPORTING.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE LOOPHOLE?

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO FIX IT IF IT DOESN'T GET FIXED BEFORE SHE LEAVES OFFICE?

>> YEAH, I'VE REACHED OUT TO EVERY MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO FIGURE THAT OUT.

I MEAN, SHE SAYS SHE'S BRINGING THIS TO COMMITTEE OCTOBER 21st.

THAT LEAVES HER LESS THAN TWO MONTHS BEFORE SHE IS TERMED OUT OF OFFICE.

YOU KNOW, I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW QUICKLY THEY CAN DO THAT.

AND I'VE GOT SOME ASSURANCES FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOE LaCAVA.

HE TOLD ME THAT IF THIS IS NOT SOLVED BY THE TIME SHE LEAVES OFFICE FOR IT FALLS SHORT, THAT HE WILL COMMIT TO BRINGING THIS UP HIMSELF.

>> THAT WAS INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER CODY DULANEY, AN INDEPENDENT NONPROFIT PARTNER OF KPBS.

THAT STORY IS PART OF OUR PUBLIC MATTERS PARTNERSHIP.

TO FIND OUT MORE, GO TO KPBS.ORG/PUBLICMATTERS.

>>> A RECENT ROLLER COASTER DEATH AND REPORTS OF OTHER SERIOUS INJURIES ARE RENEWING QUESTIONS ABOUT AMUSEMENT PARK SAFETY.

SERIOUS INCIDENTS ARE RARE, BUT NO RIDE IS COMPLETELY RISK-FREE.

SO WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES LOOK FOR BEFORE GETTING ON?

MICHAEL YOSHIDA HAS MORE ON WHAT RIDERS SHOULD SNOW.

>> Reporter: ROLLER COASTERS ARE BUILT TO THRILL, BUT RECENT INCIDENTS ARE RAISING QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE EXPECT BECAUSE THESE ARE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS THAT THEY'RE ABSOLUTELY SAFE ENVIRONMENTS.

AND THAT'S A MISNOMER.

THERE IS INHERENT RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE RIDES THAT PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING.

>> Reporter: BRIAN AVERY SPECIALIZES IN RIDE SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT.

HE SAYS REGULAR MAINTENANCE, INSPECTIONS, AND PROPER OPERATION CAN REDUCE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AMUSEMENT RIDES.

AND WHILE SERIOUS INCIDENTS REMAIN UNCOMMON, RIDERS ACCEPT SOME RISK.

BUT ATTORNEY MATT CAHN SAYS THEY ALSO RELY ON OPERATORS TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.

>> IT'S AN UNSPOKEN PROMISE IT IS GOING TO BE SAFE.

>> Reporter: HE AGREEING TO GET ON A RIDE DOESN'T ERASE EVERY LEGAL RIGHT.

>> WHEN YOU GET A TICKET WITH A WAIVER, YOU STILL HAVE RIDES AND CLAIMS FOR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL AND WANTON MISCONDUCT.

>> Reporter: IN OTHER WORDS, A WAIVER MAY NOT SHIELD AN OPERATOR OF ESPECIALLY RECKLESS CONDUCT.

RIDE RULES AND ENFORCEMENT VARY BY STATE OPERATOR.

AND AVERY SAYS PERMANENT PARKS MAY FACE DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS THAN TRAVELING RIDES AT FAIRS.

STILL, THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE.

READ AND FOLLOW HAIGHT, WEIGHT AND HEALTH RESTRICTIONS.

WATCH THE RIDE OPERATION BEFORE BOARDING.

ASK ABOUT UNUSUAL SOUNDS OR IF SOMETHING LOOKS DAMAGED OR NOT WELL MAINTAINED.

MAKE SURE THE RESTRAINT FEELS SECURE, AND TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

>> YOU'RE SEATED IN A RIDE AND YOU DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE, MY ADVICE TO YOU IS DON'T RIDE THAT RIDE.

GET UP.

ASK TO BE REMOVED FROM IT.

>> Reporter: I'M MICHAEL YOSHIDA REPORTING.

>>> TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SHOOTING DEATH OF A SECURITY GUARD IN PACIFIC BEACH, POLICE ARE INCREASING THEIR PRESENCE ALONG THE COAST.

IT'S CALLED OPERATION BLUE TIDE, AND IT BEGAN OVER THE WEEKEND.

DATA FROM CRIME MAPPING SHOWS 13 REPORTED VIOLENT CRIMES WITHIN A HALF MILE OF CRYSTAL PIER.

POLICE SAY THE EXTRA OFFICERS WILL HELP THEM RESPOND FASTER TO TROUBLE.

OUR MEDIA PARTNER KGTV SPOKE TO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CRYSTAL PIER HOTEL ABOUT SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE AREA.

>> EVERYBODY'S LOOKING AT THEIR RING CAMERAS.

AND EVERYTHING TO SEE IF SOME SOMEONE BASICALLY SAW THIS OR THAT.

SO WE HAVE A HUGE WATCH GROUP DOWN HERE.

>> IN A STATEMENT, SDPD SAYS "OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAINTAIN A SAFE, SECURE, AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS THROUGH SWIFT INTERVENTION AND STRONG ENFORCEMENT POSTURE, WE WILL DIRECTLY ADDRESS CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, ENSURING THAT PUBLIC SAFETY REMAINS OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY."

THIS OPERATION IS ON UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

.

>>> ONLINE SPORTS BETTING HAS RAPIDLY BECOME LEGAL IN MOST U.S.

STATES.

WHILE IT CAN BE A FUN HOBBY FOR SOME, IT'S NOT A HEALTHY HABIT FOR EVERYONE.

MANDY GAITHER TALKS TO THE SENIOR AUTHOR OF A NEW STUDY WHICH LINKS THE INCREASED USE OF ONLINE SPORTS BETTING TO SOME MAJOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

>> Reporter: GAMBLING ISN'T NEW.

BUT WITH THE ADVENT OF ONLINE BETTING, IT'S NOW EASIER THAN EVER TO PLACE MONEY DOWN ON A GAME.

>> WE'VE NEVER SEEN GAMBLING AND SPORTS BETTING AND OTHER FORMS OF GAMBLING BE MORE ACCESSIBLE OR REALLY INESCAPABLE THAN THEY ARE NOW.

>> Reporter: MARK MEISSELBACH WITH BLOOMBERG'S SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SAYS SAYS THAT'S ONE REASON HE AND OTHER RESEARCHERS STARTED THIS STUDY, WHICH COMPARES HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIMS FROM JANUARY 2016 TO DECEMBER 2023, A PERIOD THEY SAY ONLINE SPORTS BETTING BECAME LEGAL IN MANY STATES.

THAT SAME DATA WAS THEN COMPARED TO CLAIMS IN STATES THAT DID NOT LEGALIZE THE PASTIME BY THE END OF 2023.

>> WE FOUND IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN ANYWHERE BETWEEN A 5 TO 7% INCREASE IN BOTH PRESCRIPTIONS FOR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS, ANTIDEPRESSANTS, AS WELL AS DIAGNOSES IN OUTPATIENT SETTING FOR ALSO FOR DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.

>> Reporter: FOR MOST PEOPLE, GAMBLING IS AN INFREQUENT ACTIVITY DONE FOR FUN.

BUT FOR OTHERS, IT CAN BECOME A DISORDER.

SPORTS BET ASKING LEAD TO AN INABILITY TO CONTROL GAMBLING BEHAVIOR, LATE NIGHTS CHASING LOSSES, BETTING ON GAMES IN OTHER COUNTRIES, AND CONSTANTLY CHECKING SCORES.

IT CAN ALSO LEAD TO INCREASED SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES AS HE SAYS THE STUDY SHOWS.

>> WITH SO MANY PEOPLE BEING EXPOSED, IT'S POSSIBLE THAT ISSUES WILL ARISE AMONG MANY PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: FOR HEALTH MINUTE, I'M MANDY GAITHER.

>>> ALL RIGHT.

LOTS TO COVER IN OUR WEATHER HEADLINES, STARTING WITH THE SHORT-TERM HERE AS LOW CLOUDS AND FOG MOVE IN TONIGHT INTO EARLY TUESDAY MORNING.

AND THEN AS WE WATCH OUR SYSTEM MAKE ITS WAY ONSHORE HERE, THIS UPPER LOW THAT'S GOING TO BRING A MUCH DIFFERENT PATTERN COMPARED TO THE HEAT THAT WE WERE DEALING WITH AND THE WIND LAST WEEK, HOW ABOUT SHOWERS AND EVEN A THUNDERSTORM CHANCE, ESPECIALLY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON INTO THURSDAY.

AND THEN LOOKING AHEAD TO THE UPCOMING WEEKEND, WE'RE GOING TO BE WARMER AND DRYER BY THE TIME WE GET THERE.

TEMPERATURES TONIGHT DOWN TO THE 50s IN BORREGO SPRINGS.

INVAND VALLEYS 50.

SAN DIEGO 67.

WATCH AUTHOR THOSE LOW CLOUDS AS WE HEAD INTO TONIGHT AND TOMORROW MORNING.

ALSO SOME RATHER ROUGH SURF.

SOME HUGE WAVES, DANGEROUS WAVES FOR SWIMMERS, RIP CURRENTS.

WE DO HAVE THAT BEACH HAZARD STATEMENT THAT CONTINUES HERE THROUGH TOMORROW MORNING.

SO NEXT KIND OF WINDOW HERE THAT WE ARE WATCHING, BE VERY CAUTIOUS IN THE WATER.

ALL RIGHT.

WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW AFTERNOON WHERE TEMPERATURES ARE QUITE NICE.

76 OCEANSIDE, SAN DIEGO, CHULA VISTA.

INLAND VALLEYS BACK TO THE 80s.

DESERT LOCATIONS ONLY 80s AND ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS INTO THE 50s.

PRETTY NICE TOMORROW.

BIG CHANGES BY TUESDAY NIGHT.

WE ARE CERTAINLY TRACKING A WET SETUP AS THIS UPPER LOW SWINGS IN AND SOME OF THAT TROPICAL MOISTURE FROM TRUDY MAKES ITS WAY ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST.

A FLASH FLOOD RISK OF LOCALLY GUSTY WINDS, BUT GOOD NEWS FOR DROUGHT RELIEF ACROSS THE REGION.

FUTURE RADAR YOU CAN SEE AS THE SYSTEM SWINGS ON THROUGH HERE, ESPECIALLY BY LATER INTO THE DAY WEDNESDAY, THAT'S BY THE CLOCK.

THAT'S WHERE WE'LL START TO SEE SHOWERS, MAYBE EVEN A THUNDERSTORM AND LINGERING FOR PARTS OF THURSDAY BEFORE WE BEGIN TO CLEAR OUT AS WE HEAD INTO THE END OF THE WEEK AND INTO THE WEEKEND.

TEMPERATURE-WISE OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, WE ARE QUITE COMFORTABLE.

BUT WATCH FOR A SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY ACROSS THE COAST BEFORE DRYER WEATHER FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

AND WE'LL SEE THE SAME PATTERN FOR INLAND LOCATIONS AS WELL, COOLING TEMPERATURES WITH A SHOWER AND A THUNDERSTORM.

ALL RIGHT.

FOR THE MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS HERE, BEST CHANCE OF SHOWERS IS THURSDAY.

WE'LL STAY A LITTLE BIT DRYER AND TURN COLDER.

BEYOND THE SHOWERS AND THE DESERT LOCATIONS, YOU SHOULD BE STAYING DRY, BUT YOU'LL CERTAINLY GET A COOLDOWN FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I'M ARIELLA SCALESE.

>>> ONE TINY CREATURE IS MAKING A BIG COMEBACK IN SAN DIEGO.

IT WAS ONCE THOUGHT TO BE EXTINCT.

KPBS REPORTER CARLY KAY SAYS A CONSERVATION PROGRAM IS GIVING THE POCKET MOUSE A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE.

>> SHE IS IN THERE, A LITTLE BURROW.

SORRY, I'M WAKING YOU UP, HONEY.

HERE SHE IS.

HI.

>> Reporter: MEET THE PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE.

SHE IS ONLY ABOUT THE SIZE OF A THUMB.

BUT THE FACT THAT SHE EXISTS IS SOMEWHAT OF A MIRACLE.

>> THEY ONLY LIVE UP TO FOUR KILOMETERS FROM THE COAST.

AND MOST OF THAT AREA HAS BEEN DEVELOPED.

SO BACK IN THE '80s, WE THOUGHT THEY WERE EXTINCT BECAUSE NO ONE HAD FOUND A POCKET MOUSE FOR QUITE SOME TIME.

>> Reporter: THEY USED TO BE FOUND IN SHRUBLANDS LIKE THESE.

THEIR RANGE STRETCHED FROM L.A.

TO THE MEXICAN BORDER.

THEY BUILT THEIR HOMES IN SHALLOW BURROWS NEAR THE COAST.

THEN FOR 20 YEARS THE PACIFIC MOUSE SEEMED TO VANISH.

DEBRA SHIER SAYS A LONG LIST OF THREATS IS TO BLAME.

>> AND SO HOUSING, ROADS, NIGHT LIGHT SAG PROBLEM, NOISE IS A PROBLEM.

BUT CONVERSION OF HABITAT REALLY, HABITAT LOSS HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST IMPACT TO THEM.

>> Reporter: NOW THE ENDANGERED MOUSE HAS FOUND A NEW HOME HERE.

IT'S WHERE RESEARCHERS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE ARE TRYING TO REPOPULATE WHAT'S LEFT OF THE SPECIES.

RECENTLY, THE TEAM RELEASED A NEW POPULATION OF THE PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE AT CAMP PENDLETON.

>> AND THE RECOVERY PLAN CALLS FOR TEN POPULATIONS BEFORE WE CAN CONSIDER DOWN LISTING TO THREATENED.

AND WE'RE REALLY JUST MAKING A HUGE, HUGE PROGRESS TOWARD THAT GOAL.

>> Reporter: IT'S ONLY THE THIRD REINTRODUCTION TO A NATIVE HABITAT.

ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL WILD POPULATIONS, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HABITATS IS NOW AT SIX.

MOVING THE CREATURES FROM THE FACILITY TO LAND WILL BRING BACK IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS TO THE COAST.

>> THE PACIFIC POCKET MOUSE IS A PRIMARY SEED DISPERSER.

THEIR BURROWING ACTIVITIES, THEIR DIGGING ACTIVITIES CREATE SOIL HYDROLOGY AND NUTRIENT CYCLING IN THE SYSTEM, AND THEY ARE PREY FOR A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT PREDATOR SPECIES THAT RELY ON THEM FOR SUSTENANCE.

>> Reporter: THE REMAINING WILD POPULATIONS ARE SMALL.

THAT MEANS THEY OFTEN INBREED, AND THE GENES THEY GET FROM MOM AND DAD ARE LESS LIKELY TO HELP THEM SURVIVE.

>> YOU END UP WITH THINGS LIKE PROBLEMS LIKE KINKED TAILS.

THEY MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO BREED VERY WELL, THOSE KINDS OF THINGS ACTUALLY MANIFEST.

AND SO WE'RE SEEING LOWERED FITNESS, LOWER REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN THE POPULATIONS WITH REALLY LOW GENETIC DIVERSITY.

>> Reporter: WHO THESE CAGED FEMALES MEET WITH IS IMPORTANT.

THEY'RE PUT INTO THIS BREEDING TANK WITH A MALE FROM A DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOOD.

THE RODENTS ARE NOCTURNAL, HENCE THE RED MOOD LIGHTING.

MIXING POPULATION GENES PROVIDES THEIR BABIES MORE TOOLS TO DEAL WITH STRESSFUL ENVIRONMENTS.

>> LET'S SAY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT REALLY HEAVY RAINS OR REALLY LONG DROUGHT YEAR OR THINGS LIKE THAT.

THERE ARE SOME INDIVIDUALS IN NORMAL POPULATION THAT COULD SURVIVE THAT BECAUSE OF THE GENETIC DIVERSITY.

>> Reporter: THE ALLIANCE HAS TUCKED MORE THAN 500 MICE INTO THEIR TUNNELS.

THEY'LL TEST TO SEE IF THEY HAVE OFFSPRING.

IF SUCCESSFUL, SHIER HOPES TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM TO DANE THAT POINT.

IT'S WHERE THE MICE HAVE THE LEAST GENETIC DIVERSITY.

CARLY KAY, KPBS NEWS.

>> THANKS, SAN DIEGO ZOO.

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

THANKS, EVERYONE, FOR JOINING US.

POCKET MOUSE AND ALL!

I'M JOHN CARROLL.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY BILL HOWE FAMILY OF COMPANIES, PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING, AIR, RESTORATION AND FLOOD SERVICES FOR OVER 45 YEARS.

CALL 1-800-BILL-HOWE, OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION.

DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING -- AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU!

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