>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY BILL HOWE FAMILY OF COMPANIES , PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR, RESTORATION, FLOOD, AND REMODELING SERVICES FOR OVER 40 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.

>>> GOOD EVENING.

IT IS THURSDAY AUGUST 11th.

REJOINING A SPEAR GUN MAYA TRABULSI.

>>> IT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF QUESTIONS, CURIOSITY, AND EVEN CONTROVERSY.

SAN DIEGO HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE HOLDING A MONKEYPOX TOWN HALL OPEN TO EVERYONE.

AS MATT HOFFMAN TELLS US, THE GOAL TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS IS THE CURRENT OUTBREAK STANDS AT 13 CASES IN SAN DIEGO AND 1700S STATEWIDE.

>> Reporter: AS A MONKEYPOX INFECTIONS SLOWLY INCREASE IN SAN DIEGO, HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE COMING TOGETHER TO VIRTUALLY BRIEF THE COMMUNITY THURSDAY EVENING.

>> IT ALLOWS US TO PASS INFORMATION AS WELL AS HEAR FROM THE COMMUNITY ABOUT WHAT IT IS THEY ARE NOT HEARING AND WHAT THEY NEED TO HEAR MORE ABOUT.

>> Reporter: DR. ERIC McDONALD IS THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE COUNTY.

THEY HAVE BEEN COLLECTING QUESTIONS AHEAD OF THE MONKEYPOX TOWN HALL.

HE SAYS MANY ARE ASKING ABOUT THE VACCINE, AND WHERE THEY CAN GET IT.

THERE IS A SHORTAGE NATIONWIDE, AND DOSES ARE BEING RESERVED FOR THOSE MOST AT RISK.

RIGHT NOW THE MAJORITY OF CASES ARE AMONG GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN, BUT MONKEYPOX CAN INFECT EVERYONE.

>> AND IMPORTANT MESSAGES IF YOU ARE DOING THE THINGS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR COVID IN A TIME WHERE WE ARE HAVING HIGH TRANSMISSION IN THE COUNTY, THEN YOU ARE DOING THE THINGS TO ELIMINATE YOUR RISK FOR MONKEYPOX.

>> Reporter: MONKEYPOX CAN CAUSE PAINFUL RASHES AND SORES.

IT IS SPREAD THROUGH CLOSE CONTACT INCLUDING SEX.

>> THERE ARE A LOT OF FOLKS WHO ARE ALARMED ABOUT MONKEYPOX WHO DON'T HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT IT, WHO WANT THE VACCINE, AND ARE JUST VERY CONCERNED IN GENERAL.

>> Reporter: STEPHEN WITT BERM WAS THERE WHEN THE COUNTY ANNOUNCED ITS EMERGENCY DECLARATION LAST WEEK.

OFFICIALS DON'T WANT TO STIGMATIZE GET TALKS, AND THEY BEEN WORKING WITH LOCAL LGBTQ GROUPS ON MESSAGING AND INFORMATION PANELS LIKE THE ONE TONIGHT.

>> LGBTQ LEADERS REALLY WANT TO ENSURE THAT THIS IS GETTING THE ATTENTION THAT IT DESERVES.

NOBODY WANTS TO SEE ANY TYPE OF STIGMATIZATION.

MONKEYPOX IS AN ILLNESS THAT CAN AFFECT ANYBODY.

>> Reporter: THE TOWNHALL FRIENDS THIS EVENING FROM 6:00 TO 7:30.

TO VISIT, VISIT THE COUNTY NEWS CENTER WEBSITE.

MATT HOFFMAN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> A CORRECTION, THE NUMBER OF MONKEYPOX CASES IN SAN DIEGO ARE 130.

>>> THE CDC RELEASED NEW GUIDANCE TODAY DOING AWAY WITH MANY RECOMMENDATIONS PUT IN PLACE FOR THE PANDEMIC.

PEOPLE NO LONGER HAVE TO QUARANTINE AFTER AN EXPOSURE TO COVID-19, OR MAINTAIN SIX FEET OF SOCIAL DISTANCING.

FOR SCHOOLS, STUDENTS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID NO LONGER HAVE TO TEST NEGATIVE TO REMAIN IN CLASS.

THE CDC CITES THE HIGH VACCINATION RATES AND NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO AFFORD A CONTRACTED THE VIRUS IS A REASON FOR THE CHANGE.

NOW THE FOCUS IS ON PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM SEVERE ILLNESS DUE TO THE VIRUS.

>>> SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS NO LONGER IN THE CDC'S HIGHEST TIER FOR THE COMMUNITY LEVELS.

WE ARE IN THE MEDIUM ALONG WITH LAKE COUNTY.

ALSO DID A LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIALS ALSO REPORTED NEW CASE NUMBERS FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS WITH JUST OVER 1000 INFECTIONS REPORTED YESTERDAY.

>>> THE SAN DIEGO HOUSING COMMISSION IS SEEKING PARTNERS TO OPERATE A SO-CALLED SAFE VILLAGE WHERE PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO CAMP.

METRO REPORTER ANDREW BOWEN HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: THE HOUSING COMMISSION THIS SUMMER PUT OUT A CALL TO SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS INTERESTED IN OPERATING A SAFE VILLAGE.

THE GOAL IS TO OFFER ANOTHER OPTION FOR UNFILTERED PEOPLE WHO CAN'T OR DON'T WANT TO STAY IN TRADITIONAL SHELTERS.

JOSH COHEN OF THE NONPROFIT DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO PARTNERSHIP, WHICH FLOATED THE IDEA IN FEBRUARY, SAYS UNSANCTIONED, UNSAFE VILLAGES EXIST TODAY.

>> WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IS MOVE FOLKS FROM THOSE UNSAFE, UNHEALTHY, UNSANCTIONED KIND OF VILLAGES THAT FOLKS HAVE CREATED, AND MOVING THEM MORE INTO TRADITIONAL SANCTIONED VILLAGES TO RECEIVE THE CARE AND RESOURCES THEY DESERVE.

>> Reporter: THERE ARE PLENTY OF REASONS WHY PEOPLE AVOID HOMELESS SHELTERS.

THEY ARE CROWDED.

MANY HAVE STRICT CURFEWS.

SOME DON'T ALLOW PETS, OR THEY MAY SEPARATE PEOPLE FROM THEIR PARTNERS.

HOPE IS FOR THOSE WANTING MORE INDEPENDENCE, A SAFE PLACE FOR THEM TO CAMP IS BETTER THAN A SIDEWALK OR UNDERPASS.

THE DEADLINE FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS TO DECLARE INTEREST IN THE SAFE VILLAGE CONCEPT IS MONDAY.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> AN ANTI-DRUG OVERDOSE MEDICATION RECENTLY MADE AVAILABLE ON ALL SAN DIEGO COUNTY JAILS SAVED A LIFE THIS WEEK.

THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BEGAN PLACING LOCKS AND KIDS IN COMMON AREAS IN ALL COUNTY JAILS IN JUNE.

THE NASAL SPRAY REVERSES AND BLOCKS THE EFFECTS OF OPIOIDS OR NARCOTICS.

ON TUESDAY, A DRUG OVERDOSE VICTIM WAS GIVEN THE LOCKS OWNED BY OTHER INMATES AT THE OTAY MESA DETENTION CENTER.

RESPONDING DEPUTIES THEN ADMINISTERED IT TO ANOTHER INMATE SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF AN OVERDOSE.

A SEARCH OF THE HOUSING UNIT TURNED UP A SUBSTANCE THAT TESTED POSITIVE FOR FENTANYL.

THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS FACED CRITICISM OVER A HIGH NUMBER OF DEATHS IN JAILS, INCLUDING 15 SO FAR THIS YEAR.

>>> GAS PRICES ARE FALLING EVEN MORE LOCALLY AND NATIONWIDE, BUT WHILE FUEL DROPS, MORTGAGE RATES ARE RISING, DESPITE SIGNS THE HOUSING MARKET IS STABILIZING.

>> Reporter: A WELCOME SIGHT FOR DRIVERS NEEDING A BREAK.

>> IT IS A BIG PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIER.

>> Reporter: GAS AVERAGING $3.99 NATIONALLY ACCORDING TO AAA.

UNDER FOUR DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MARCH.

>> AMERICAN DRIVERS CAN LOOK AT THIS AS A BIT OF A THRESHOLD.

WE ARE NOW BELOW THAT FOR DOLLAR BARRIER WHERE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE DECIDED THEY ARE GOING TO CHANGE THEIR DRIVING HABITS AND LIFESTYLE.

>> Reporter: GAS PRICES MAY BE COMING DOWN, BUT MORTGAGE RATES AND LOW INVENTORY CONTINUED TO PRESENT OBSTACLES FOR POTENTIAL HOMEBUYERS.

MORTGAGE RATES CLIMBING THIS WEEK NEARLY A QUARTER POINT TO MORE THAN 5% ON AVERAGE, SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THIS TIME LAST YEAR.

>> THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE CONFRONTING A PROSPECT OF HER HOMEBUYER RIGHT NOW IS SIMPLY AFFORDABILITY.

THEY ARE FACING THAT ASSAULT ON TWO FRONTS, THE SHARP RISE IN MORTGAGE RATES, AND THE CONTINUING RISE IN HOME PRICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

>> Reporter: BUT THERE IS SOME HOPE THAT SOARING INFLATION COULD BE EASING.

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REVEALS WHOLESALE PRICES DECREASED HALF A PERCENT OVER THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BUT THE INDEX WAS STILL 9.8% HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO.

MEANWHILE, HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI SAYS THE HOUSE WILL PASS THE INFLATION PRODUCTION ACT ON FRIDAY AND ANOTHER BID TO EASE THE PAIN FOR AMERICANS.

>> OUR FOCUS IS TO KEEP THIS PROGRESS GOING.

THAT IS WHY YOU SEE IS FOCUSED ON THIS LEGISLATION THIS WEEK.

>> Reporter: KPBS NEWS.

>>> GAS PRICES HAVE NOW DROPPED 57 CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

REGULAR UNLEADED WENT DOWN ONE CENT TO $5.30 BEEN PER GALLON.

THIS IS THE LOWEST AMOUNTS SINCE MARCH 7.

PRICES HAVE DROPPED MORE THAN A DOLLAR IN THE PAST MONTH.

>>> AS THE WEST GETS HOTTER AND DRIER, GOVERNOR NEWSOM IS CALLING FOR CALIFORNIA TO INVEST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO BOOST THE STATE'S WATER SUPPLY.

THE STRATEGY THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED TODAY RELIES ON WATER RECYCLING, STORAGE, AND DESALINATION.

IT COMES AMID PRODUCTIONS THAT THE STATES WATER SUPPLY WILL DECREASE 10% BY THE YEAR 2040.

CALIFORNIA IS IN THE THIRD YEAR OF A DROUGHT, AND CONSERVATION GOALS HAVE FALLEN SHORT.

THE PROPOSED WATER RECYCLING PROJECTS WOULD MAKE TREATED WASTEWATER SAFE FOR DRINKING AND WOULD COST $27 BILLION OF THE NEXT TWO DECADES.

>> STORMWATER CAPTURE, WASTEWATER CAPTURE.

THERE IS PLENTY OF WATER THAT FLOWS THROUGH THAT JUST FLOWS RIGHT OUT THAT WE CAN REUSE THAT IS HIGH QUALITY, SAFE, AND AFFORDABLE.

>> THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY APPLAUDED THE GOVERNOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT, SAYING EFFORTS TO INCREASE CAPACITY FOR WATER STORAGE, PRODUCTION, AND DISTRIBUTION ARE WELL UNDERWAY IN SAN DIEGO, AND THAT INCLUDES DEVELOPING RE- PURIFICATION PLANTS TO TREAT WASTEWATER.

THE GOVERNOR'S PLAN RELIES ON MONEY APPROVED AND PASSED A STATE BUDGETS, AS WELL AS MONEY STATE AND FEDERAL SOURCES.

>>> SAN DIEGO IS THE FIRST COUNTY IN THE NATION TO HAVE ACCREDITED GERIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS IN ALL OF ITS ELIGIBLE HOSPITALS.

REPORTER JACOB AERE EXPLAINS WHY THIS DESIGNATION IS SO IMPORTANT.

>> Reporter: A FIRST IN THE NATION.

ALL ELIGIBLE HOSPITALS IN SAN DIEGO HAVE OFFICIALLY EARNED GERIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OR GED CERTIFICATION.

THEY SPECIFICALLY CATER TO SENIORS WHO MAY HAVE DEMENTIA, COGNITIVE DECLINE IN PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

UC SAN DIEGO'S JACOBS MEDICAL CENTER IS ONE OF THE SITES, AND SUSAN NELSON WAS A PATIENT.

>> THIS IS QUITE DIFFERENT THAN THE REGULAR E.R.

HAD SMALLER VENUES.

THERE ARE 18 BEDS, VERY COMFORTABLE, SOUNDPROOF WALLS.

THE FLOORS WERE NONSKID.

>> Reporter: RIGHT NOW, 13% OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 65 , BUT THAT NUMBER IS PREDICTED TO RISE TO ABOUT 21% BY THE END OF THE DECADE.

AND OVER THE SAME PERIOD THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU ESTIMATES OLDER PEOPLE WILL OUTNUMBER CHILDREN NATIONWIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY.

>> FOR ALL OF US WITH AGING PARENTS, WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT REALLY IS.

HITS CLOSE TO THE HEART FOR ALL OF US THAT WE COULD CREATE A SITUATION WHERE OUR FAMILY, OUR MOTHERS AND FATHERS, CAN COME IN AND GET THE KIND OF CARE THAT THEY CAN GET AN HOUR GERIATRIC ED.

FOR MAC DAVID FLOREZ IS A GERIATRIC NURSE AT JACOBS MEDICAL CENTER, WHICH WAS THE FIRST HOSPITAL IN THE REGION TO INTRODUCE THE GERIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT BACK IN 2019.

HE WILL SOON BE A SENIOR HIMSELF, AND SEES THE PROGRAM AS A HUGE BOOST TO THE REGION.

>> I THINK THERE IS A NEED.

WE BABY BOOMERS ARE GROWING, AND WE ARE LIVING LONGER.

WE WANT TO KEEP DOING THAT.

WE WANT TO KEEP LIVING LONGER AND HEALTHIER.

I THINK IT'S A GREAT PROGRAM.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO COUNTY A VESSEL, THEY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO REACH OVER 275,000 SENIORS WHO ACCOUNT FOR ROUGHLY A THIRD OF ALL ED VISITS IN SAN DIEGO.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS NOW HOME TO 18 ACCREDITED GED'S ACROSS THE REGION.

JACOB AERE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE LA MESA CITY COUNCIL IS FACING BACKLASH FOR APPROVING A NEW CANNABIS DISPENSARY IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD.

BACK IN FEBRUARY, THE COUNCIL DENIED THE REQUEST FROM URBAN BEEF .

AFTER SOME CHANGES, THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE LOCATION ON HILLSIDE DRIVE.

THE CITY SAID THE LOCATION WAS UNOCCUPIED, BUT THREE PEOPLE LIVE THERE.

ONE OF THEM TOLD OUR MEDIA PARTNER THAT HE HAD NO IDEA HIS HOME WAS BEING CONSIDERED FOR DEMOLITION.

>> YOU'VE GOT FAMILIES.

YOU'VE GOT DOGS.

GIVE LITTLE COMMUNITIES.

THEY DON'T NEED THAT DISTRACTION RIGHT HERE ON THE STREET.

>> PUBLIC SPEAKERS AT TUESDAY'S MEETING ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE NEW DISPENSARIES PROXIMITY TO AN EXISTING ONE LESS THAN 1000 FEET AWAY.

URBAN LEAFS REPRESENTATIVE SAID HE UNDERSTANDS RESIDENCE FRUSTRATIONS, BUT PROMISES TO MAKE THE TRANSITION SMOOTH, AND TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR.

THE TIMELINE FOR CONSTRUCTION HAS NOT YET BEEN DECIDED.

>>> A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WAS HELD IN SAN MARCUS TODAY FOR A NEW MEDICAL FACILITY THAT WILL SERVE ABUSED FOSTER YOUTH.

KPBS NORTH COUNTY REPORTER TANIA THORNE HAS THIS STORY.

FOR MAC HOME OF PROTECTION SITS ON 11 ACRES IN SAN MARCO'S.

IT SERVES FOSTER YOUTH AGES 12 TO 18 THAT HAVE SUFFERED CHILDHOOD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.

WHILE THE COTTAGES ON SITE LOOK- ALIKE, THIS ONE HAS A NEW AND IMPORTANT PURPOSE SAYS MICHAEL BARNETT, THE CEO.

>> WHAT IT DOES IS PROVIDE THE ABILITY TO HAVE ON-SITE RADICAL SERVICES.

WE'VE ALWAYS HAD ON-SITE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.

THE GIRLS RECEIVE DAILY ONE-ON- ONE THERAPY IN GROUP SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY, BUT ACCESSING MEDICAL CARE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE.

>> Reporter: BEFORE THE NEW FACILITY WAS OPEN, YOUTH WOULD NEED TO TRAVEL TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION, BUT HE SAYS THOSE TRIPS AREN'T ALWAYS EASY.

>> BECAUSE THEY DON'T TRUST MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

THEY SAY THIS IS A DOCTOR HERE TO HELP YOU.

THEY'VE BEEN ABUSED AND THEY HAVE A LOT OF ANXIETY WHEN YOU SAY WE ARE GOING TO DRIVE YOU OUT TO ESCONDIDO OR VISTA AND HAVE YOU SEE THE DOCTOR.

>> Reporter: LOCAL LEADERS GATHERED TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE NEW FACILITY RUN BY TRUE CARE.

MICHELLE GONZALES IS THE CEO.

>> I MAKING THESE PRIMARY CARE MEDICAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THESE YOUNG WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN, WE ARE INVESTING IN EACH OF THEM, BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN THE PROMISE THAT THEY HOLD FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

>> Reporter: THE FACILITY WILL OFFER A MEDICAL EXAM ROOM, MINI LAB, AND OFFICE SPACE, AND OFFICE THAT BARNETT SAYS HE IS THRILLED AND HAVING IN SUPPORT OF THE YOUTH.

>> THE DOCTORS ARE RIGHT HERE ON CAMPUS WHERE YOU KNOW YOU ARE SAFE.

WE JUST HAVE TO TAKE A WALK UP THE HILL AND GO TO THE CLINIC.

THAT IS A MUCH LOWER BARRIER FOR OUR GIRLS.

THEY GO TO THE DOCTOR.

THEY FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF DR.

IT GIVES THEM, AND THAT LEADS TO BETTER OUTCOMES FOR ALL.

>> Reporter: TANIA THORNE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AN HISTORIC COME COMING TODAY FOR THE CREW ABOARD THE USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

STEVE WALSH WAS THERE AS THEY RETURNED FROM A SEVEN MONTH DEPLOYMENT.

>> Reporter: FAMILIES LOOKED AS THE USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN PULLED INTO PORT THIS MORNING.

HAS BEEN A LONG YEAR FOR JESSICA AND HER THREE CHILDREN.

THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR PATIENTLY FOR HIM TO ARRIVE HOME.

HOW IS IT BEING SEPARATED FOR SEVEN MONTHS?

>> HARD.

IT HAS ITS GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS, BUT WE TRIED TO JUST KIND OF MAINTAIN HOME BECAUSE HE'S OUT THERE AND THEY HAVE EDGE JOB TO DO, AND HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT HE HAS A CLEAR MIND WHEN HE'S OUT THERE DOING IT.

>> Reporter: THE USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS DEPLOYED TO THE WEST PACIFIC.

THIS CARRIER ALSO MADE HISTORY.

THE CAPTAIN IS THE FIRST FEMALE COMMANDER OF A NUCLEAR POWERED AIRCRAFT CARRIER.

THIS WAS HER FIRST DEPLOYMENT AS CAPTAIN OF THE CARRIER.

>> THERE IS NO MORE HUMBLING EXPERIENCE THAN TO BE IN CHARGE OF PROFESSIONALS LIKE THIS, AND MUCH THEM COME HOME AND SEE THEM WITH THEIR FAMILIES AGAIN.

I'M EXCEPTIONALLY HAPPY TO BE HOME.

>> Reporter: THIS WAS THE FIRST CARRIER DEPLOYMENT FOR THE LIGHTNING TO SQUADRON STATIONED AT MIRAMAR.

THE CARRIER IS SCHEDULED FOR A SHORT-TERM MAINTENANCE IN SAN DIEGO BEFORE AGAIN HEADING OUT TO SEA.

STEVE WALSH, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE ARCTIC REGION IS FEELING THE HEAT FROM CLIMATE CHANGE.

A STUDY IN THE JOURNAL NATURE COMMUNICATIONS EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT SAYS THE ARCTIC HAS BEEN WARMING MORE RAPIDLY THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD FOR THE PAST FEW DECADES.

RESEARCHERS SAY HEAT TRAPPING EMISSIONS FROM THE BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS IS CAUSING TEMPERATURES TO INCREASE IN THE NORTH POLE REGION FOUR TIMES AS MUCH AS EVERYWHERE ELSE.

THE PHENOMENON IS CALLED ARCTIC AMPLIFICATION.

THE FINDINGS ARE BASED ON TEMPERATURE TRENDS RECORDED IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE FROM 1979 THROUGH 2021.

>>> IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, A BRUSHFIRE SPAWNED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SMOKE TORNADO.

YOU CAN SEE THE WHIRLWIND OF SMOKE RISING FROM THE BRUSHFIRE BELOW AS LARGE PLUMES BILLOWED OVER THE AREA.

IT HAPPENED AN HOUR NORTH OF LOS ANGELES AND GORMAN, WERE MORE THAN 200 FIREFIGHTERS BATTLED THE FLAMES.

IT GREW TO 50 ACRES IN JUST AN HOUR AND A HALF YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

NO STRUCTURES HAVE BEEN DAMAGED.

IT IS STILL UNCLEAR WHAT SPARKED THE FIRE.

>>> THE MONSOON MOISTURE IS MAKING A RETURN, BUT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR WIDESPREAD SHOWERS OR STORMS.

JUST SOME SPOTTY STORMS FAVORING THE MOUNTAIN AREAS.

THE MOISTURE IS COMING BACK.

INLAND AREAS WILL BE HOT AND HUMID.

AND OVER THE WEEKEND THERE WILL BE A FEW STORMS ON THE PROWL, AND FAVORING THE MOUNTAINS AND HIGH DESERTS.

LOOK AT THE WATER VAPOR LOOP.

THE UPPER LOW OFFSHORE DRIFTING NORTH.

AS IT DOES SO, IT IS ALLOWING HIGH-PRESSURE TO BUILD BACK JUST A LITTLE BIT, SO THAT IS ALLOWING SOME MOISTURE TO SNEAK INTO PARTS OF THE DESERTS.

IT IS HEATING UP AS WELL.

IN THE INLAND EMPIRE, THERE IS A HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT RIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING RIGHT ON UP TOWARDS BEAUMONT.

LOOKING AT OUR WEATHER TONIGHT, A FEW CLOUDS, 69 IS THE FORECAST LOW.

OCEANSIDE 64.

EL CAJON 71.

RAMONA 65.

MOUNT LAGUNA N64.

HERE IS THE FUTURECAST FOR YOUR FRIDAY.

NOTICED THE FLOW COMING UP FROM THE SOUTHEAST.

THESE BLOBS INDICATE WHERE THERE COULD BE SPOTTY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS FAVORING THE MOUNTAINS AND HIGH DESERTS.

NOT A LOT OF COVERAGE AS WE LOOK AT THE EXCESSIVE RAINFALL OUTLOOK.

ONLY MARGINAL FOR THE MOUNTAINS OUT INTO THE DESERTS.

AND AS WE TAKE A LOOK AHEAD AT THE TEMPERATURES, SEE HOW IT HEATS UP IN THE INTERIOR.

RAMONA AND EL CAJON, UPPER 90s.

MOUNT LAGUNA IS AT 82.

OCEANSIDE IS AT 82 AS WELL.

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE EXCESSIVE RAINFALL POTENTIAL.

IT IS SNEAKING A BIT WEST, SO THERE COULD BE THAT SPOTTY SHOWER OR STORM.

AT THE COAST, HOT AND HUMID.

STORMS WOULD BE ISOLATED.

SAME IS TRUE INLAND.

IT WILL BE HOT WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE 90s.

THE MOUNTAINS, BETTER CHANCE FOR STORMS OVER THE WEEKEND.

IS A TAKE YOU TO THE DESERT, A FEW STORMS ON THE PROWL.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I'M METEOROLOGIST MARK MANCUSO.

>>> DOGS, THEY ARE CONSIDERED MAN AND WOMAN'S BEST FRIEND.

THE BEAGLE BREED IS SWEET SPIRITED AND QUICK TO FORGIVE.

IN THIS FIRST PART OF A SPECIAL REPORT, I TAKE A LOOK AT HOW THOSE TRAITS HAVE MADE THEM MORE LIKELY TO BE USED IN MEDICAL RESEARCH.

>> Reporter: A GREETING AMONG TWO DOGS, THEIR EGO TALES WAVE BACK AND FORTH LIKE A METRONOME KEEPING TIME.

THE IN QUESTIONABLE SIGN OF HAPPINESS.

BUT THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THESE TWO HAVE MET.

IN FACT, IT IS A REUNION.

>> WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS DONE WITH THEM.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS GIVEN TO THEM.

WE DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE DAY WE MET THEM.

>> Reporter: THEY WERE RESCUED IN 2020 AFTER SPENDING SEVEN YEARS BEING TESTED ON ANY SAN DIEGO RESEARCH LAB.

ONCE KNOWN ONLY BY A SERIES OF NUMBERS, THEIR NEW FAMILIES NAMED THEM MORITZ AND THEO.

A BEAGLE'S FORGIVING SPIRIT IS ALSO THEIR CURSE.

>> THEY GENERALLY LIKE TO BE HANDLED, SO THAT IS WEAPON ICED AGAINST THEM.

THEY WILL CAUSE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS FOR THE PEOPLE DOING THE TESTING.

>> HE HAS HIS LAB NUMBER TATTOOED ON THE INSIDE OF HIS EAR.

>> THE STUCCO HAS BEEN TESTED ON FOR SEVEN YEARS IS LETTING ME HOLD HIM AS A STRANGER, LETTING ME TOUCH HIS HEAD, COMPLETELY TRUSTING.

>> Reporter: WHILE MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT SURPRISED THAT ANIMALS ARE USED IN RESEARCH, WHAT MOST DON'T KNOW IS THAT NATIONWIDE, NEARLY 60,000 BEAGLES PER YEAR ARE BRED AND USED SPECIFICALLY FOR THAT PURPOSE.

RECENTLY ADVOCATES AND OTHERS HAVE SHINED THE SPOTLIGHT ON SAN DIEGO-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY CRITICS.

THE COMPANY CONTRACTS WITH THE LAB IN INDIANA THAT IS PERFORMING TOXICOLOGY STUDIES ON 80 BEAGLES.

>> THE DOCILE NATURE OF BEAGLES IS WHAT MAKES HIM THE VICTIM.

>> Reporter: KATHLEEN CONNELLY IS AN ANIMAL RESEARCHER WHO NOW WORKS WITH THE NATIONAL HUMANE SOCIETY.

SHE SAYS THE ORGANIZATION CONDUCTED A SEVEN-MONTH INVESTIGATION AND PRODUCED UNDERCOVER VIDEO.

SHE TALKS ABOUT A PARTICULARLY WRENCHING PART OF THE VIDEO INVOLVING A DOG NAMED RILEY.

>> A LOCAL VETERINARIAN WAS CALLED TO COME IN, AND BECAUSE OF HOW BAD OF A CONDITION HE WAS IN, AND THE VETERINARIAN WASN'T ABLE TO MAKE IT BECAUSE OF PERSONAL REASON, SO THE ANIMAL SUFFERED OVERNIGHT JUST MOANING AND MOANING.

I'VE WORKED ON THIS ISSUE FOR A REALLY LONG TIME.

I'VE SEEN A LOT OF DISTURBING VIDEOS COME ABOUT THAT, JUST HEARING THAT ANIMAL GROANING LIKE THAT, I'VE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING SO AWFUL.

>> Reporter: COMPANY RELEASED A STATEMENT SAYING IT COMPLIES WITH ALL REGULATIONS IN ITS INDIANA AND MARYLAND FACILITIES WHICH ARE ACCREDITED BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF AND ASSESSMENT OF LABORATORY ANIMAL CARE.

NONETHELESS, PROTESTERS BACKED WITH A PETITION OF MORE THAN 250,000 SIGNATURES ARE CALLING FOR THE BEAGLES TO BE RELEASED FOR ADOPTION.

>> THEY'VE LOCKED THE DOORS.

>> Reporter: IN OTHER STATES, ADOPTING DOGS FROM LAB STUDIES IS BECOMING LAW.

IN 2019, 32 BEAGLES WERE RESCUED FROM A LAB IN MICHIGAN.

ONE OF THOSE BEAGLES INSPIRED AN ADOPTION BILL IN THAT STATE CALLED TEDDY'S LAW.

AND OTHER STATES SEEN ON THIS MAP IN GREEN PASSED LAWS IN RECENT YEARS REQUIRING THE DOGS ARE OFFERED FOR ADOPTION ONCE RESEARCH IS COMPLETED.

IN MAY A BIPARTISAN COALITION OF LAWMAKERS FROM 32 STATES SIGNED A LETTER ASKING FOR THE PUPPIES TO BE RELEASED INSTEAD OF EUTHANIZED.

OFFICIALS WOULD NOT AGREE TO AN INTERVIEW, SAYING A NUMBER OF THEIR EMPLOYEES HAVE RECEIVED PERSONAL THREATS.

IN A STATEMENT, THE COMPANY SAID IT IS CONDUCTING CLINICAL TRIALS ON POTENTIALLY LIFE-SAVING TREATMENTS FOR BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN, AND HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO USE AUTOPSY TISSUE SAMPLES FROM ANIMAL TRIALS.

THAT IS UNTIL THE FDA CHANGES ITS REQUIREMENTS, THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVES.

THE FDA WOULD NOT COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THIS STUDY, BUT SAID EUTHANASIA IS NOT REQUIRED AFTER STUDY COMPLETION UNLESS NECESSARY TO EXAMINE TISSUE.

ALL THE ATTENTION THESE COMPANIES ARE GETTING IS UNUSUAL , AND WHILE TESTING LABS ARE NOT.

IN FACT THE USDA WEBSITE HAS A SEARCH TOOL THAT SHOWS WHICH SPECIES ARE USED BY EACH LAB AND HOW MANY OF THE ANIMALS WERE IN STUDIES INVOLVING PAIN, DISTRESS, OR PAIN RELIEVING DRUGS.

KPBS OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR OF THREE OF THESE LOCAL LABS THAT REPORTED USING DOGS.

THE BUILDINGS ARE MOSTLY OBSCURE .

ONE OF THE SITES, A LAB TECHNICIAN TAKING HIS MORNING BREAK WAS WILLING TO TALK TO US ABOUT THE TESTING HE HAS DONE.

>> PIGS AND DOGS AND ALL KINDS OF SPECIES.

>> Reporter: BRIAN MARTIN HAS BEEN WORKING AT THIS LAB FOR FIVE YEARS AND SAYS THE ANIMAL HIS HERE ARE WELL CARED FOR.

FROM WHAT HE HAS SEEN, IT IS NOT TRUE FOR ALL LABS.

>> IF I'M DOING IT, I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, AND THE ANIMALS GOING TO BE OKAY.

SOMEBODY ELSE IS DOING IT, THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE AS MUCH CARE FOR THE ANIMALS AS WE DO.

>> Reporter: I ASKED HIM WHAT IT IS LIKE TO TEST ON COMPANION ANIMALS LIKE DOGS.

>> IT'S TOUGH, BUT WE DON'T EUTHANIZE THE DOGS WE ARE DONE WITH THEM.

WE WASH THEM OUT AND REUSE THEM.

4 WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

>> WE WILL GIVE THEM A DRUG, AND THEN WE WILL, YOU KNOW I'M A TAKE BLOOD TIME POINTS, LET'S SAY, FOR 3 TO 4 DAYS, AND THEN WE WILL LET THEM SIT FOR 2 WEEKS BACK IN THEIR PEN, AND THEN REUSE THEM AGAIN ON A STUDY.

SOME OF THE DOGS WE'VE HAD, WE'VE HAD THEM FOR 78 YEARS POINT >> Reporter: AFTER THE DOGS HAVE SPENT HALF OF THEIR LIFESPAN IN THE LABS, HE SAYS THEY ARE ADOPTED OUT TO HOMES, SOMETIMES BY THEIR OWN CLIENTS.

MEANWHILE, AS THE FATE OF THE BEAGLES IN INDIANA HANGS IN THE BALANCE, 4000 BEAGLES ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REHOMED AFTER A FACILITY IN VIRGINIA, OWNED BY A SUBSIDIARY, AGREED AS PART OF A SETTLEMENT TO RELINQUISH THEM AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF MULTIPLE WELFARE VIOLATIONS.

SOME OF THOSE DOCS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO SAN DIEGO FOR ADOPTION.

IN PART TWO OF THIS STORY, WE WILL LOOK INTO THE CURRENT STATE OF SCIENCE, AND THE REGULATION WHEN IT COMES TO ANIMAL TESTING, AND HOW THAT RESEARCH TRANSLATES TO HUMANS.

MAYA TRABULSI, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M WILLIAM BRING HIM.

ON THE NEXT "NEWS HOUR" THE LATEST ON THE FBI'S SEARCH ON FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP'S FLORIDA HOME COMING UP ON 7:00 RIGHT AFTER "EVENING EDITION" ON KPBS.

>>> PARENTS SENDING KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL HAVE TO DIG DEEPER INTO THEIR POCKETS FOR SUPPLIES THIS YEAR.

THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION SAYS FAMILIES ARE SPENDING $11 BILLION MORE ON SCHOOL SUPPLIES THIS YEAR THAN THREE YEARS AGO.

THAT IS $168 MORE PER FAMILY.

A CONSUMER DATA COMPANY SAYS THE PRICE OF SCOTCH TAPE PRODUCTS HAVE SURGED 78% FROM LAST YEAR.

SHARPIES ARE UP NEARLY 55%.

ELMERS GLUE UP 30%.

>>> WHEN YOU WALK AROUND DOWNTOWN ESCONDIDO, YOU WILL NOTICE A COUPLE OF THINGS, FROM THE MERRILL STEP RIGHT UP THE ALLEY WAYS, TO THE BUSINESSES THAT HAVE MOVED IN ALONG GRAND AVENUE.

IT'S PART OF AN EFFORT TO REVITALIZE THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

THE ART MURAL PROJECT LAUNCHED LAST SUMMER WITH 33 LARGE PAINTINGS, AND THIS WEEKEND THEY ARE UNVEILING MORE THAN 15 NEW WORKS OF ART.

>> I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE THAT REPRESENTATION, AND AN ARTIST BE SUPPORTED LOCALLY.

>> IS JUST REALLY ABOUT BEING SEEN AND BEING LOVED, SO I HOPE EVERYONE WHO PASSES BY THIS MURAL FEELS THE SAME WAY.

>> BUSINESS OWNERS ALSO APPRECIATE THE ARTWORK, SAYING THEY HAVE SEEN MORE FOR TRAFFIC IN THE AREA, AND MORE CUSTOMERS COMING THROUGH.

THE BIG REVEAL CEREMONY WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY.

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

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

GOODNIGHT.

>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY BILL HOWE FAMILY OF COMPANIES , PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR, RESTORATION, FLOOD, AND REMODELING SERVICES FOR OVER 40 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.