>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY BILL HOWELL FAMILY OF COMPANIES, PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR RESTORATION.

FLOOD AND REMODELING SERVICES, FOR OVER 40 YEARS.

CALL ONE 800 OR GO ONLINE.

AND BY THE CONRAD CREVICE FOUNDATION.

STARLING MARTE COACH REILLY AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

>> IT HAS BEEN FOUR MONTHS SINCE FLOODS DEVASTATED PARTS OF SAN DIEGO AND THE RECOVERY CONTINUES.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

I'M JOHN CARROLL.

NEARLY 1700 PEOPLE ARE STILL IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY'S TEMPORARY LODGING PROGRAM.

KPBS REPORTER MELISSA MAY SAYS FEDERAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE IS WINDING DOWN WITH THE TWO REMAINING DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTERS CLOSING TODAY.

>> Reporter: THE BEST WESTERN IN NATIONAL CITY IS ONE OF THE 65 HOTELS INCLUDED IN THE COUNTY'S EMERGENCY TEMPORARY LODGING.

THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN HOUSING FLOOD VICTIMS SINCE FEBRUARY 12, INCLUDING FORMER MOUNTAIN VIEW RESIDENT MICHAEL RIOS, WHO HAS LIVED IN A SHELTER, ON A FRIEND'S COUCH, AND AT FIVE DIFFERENT HOTELS IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS.

HE SAYS IT HAS TAKEN A TOLL.

>> THE STRESS OF NOT KNOWING WHERE YOU WILL STAY THE NEXT WEEK OR THE NEXT NIGHT.

>> HE SAYS HE LOST EVERYTHING IN HIS APARTMENT ON JANUARY 22nd.

HIS RENTERS INSURANCE CLAIMS DENIED.

HIS APARTMENT HAS STILL NOT BEEN REPAIRED.

THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY, J AND J NATIONAL LLC TOLD KPBS THE PLAN TO RENOVATE AND ALLOW PREVIOUS TENANTS TO MOVE BACK IN BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A TIMELINE .

HE SAYS LITTLE -- LOCAL LEADERS NEED TO DO MORE TO HELP PEOPLE GET BACK INTO THEIR HOMES.

>> WE DON'T WANT TO KEEP STAYING IN A HOTEL.

WE WANT TO GO BACK TO OUR PLACE.

SO HOW PEOPLE PAY TO FIX THEIR PLACES OR INCENTIVIZE THEM TO GET PEOPLE TO MOVE TO GET THEM IN, IT WOULD BE HELPFUL AND PEOPLE WOULD BE IN BETTER SITUATIONS.

>> Reporter: IS ONE OF 530 HOUSEHOLDS STILL IN HOTELS.

THE TEMPORARY HOUSING PROGRAM IS SET TO END ON JUNE 21st.

HE SAYS HE HAS BEEN SEARCHING FOR ROOMS TO RENT BUT DOES NOT YET HAVE A PLACE TO GO.

>> IN THE BEGINNING WAS REALLY BAD.

IT HAS IMPROVED BUT IT'S GOING BACK TO THE BEGINNING AGAIN.

>> Reporter: IS ALSO PREPARING FOR SPINAL SURGERY NEXT MONTH.

>> NOT KNOWING WHERE I'M GOING TO RECOVER, OR I'M GOING TO SLEEP AT WHILE I RECOVER FROM SURGERY.

>> JEFF TONY IS THE DIRECTOR OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES.

HE SAYS THE TOP HOUSING MARKET AS PART OF THE REASON WHY THERE ARE STILL FLOOD VICTIMS IN HOTELS.

>> PEOPLE MAY NOT WANT TO MOVE OUT OF THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD OR THEIR HOUSE MAY NOT BE READY, AND IT IS KIND OF A SAD TRUTH AND REASON READY -- REALITY OF DISASTERS.

PEOPLE MAY HAVE TO MOVE.

>> Reporter: IS WORKING WITH THE SAN DIEGO HOUSING COMMISSION AND THE NATIONAL AUTHORITY TO GET THE REMAINING FLOOD VICTIMS INTO MORE PERMANENT HOUSING BEFORE JUNE 21st.

RIOS SAYS THE HOUSING COMMISSION TOLD HIM THE WAITLIST FOR A SECTION 8 HOUSING VOUCHER IS 12 TO 15 YEARS.

MELISSA MAY, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE FAMILIES OF FOUR U.S. MARINES KILLED IN AN OSPREY CRASH OR SUING THE MANUFACTURERS OF THE AIRCRAFT.

IN JUNE 2022, FIVE MARINES STATIONED AT CAMP PENDLETON WERE KILLED WHILE CONDUCTING A TRAINING MISSION ON BOARD AND MV-TWO TO OSPREY.

THE LAWSUIT ACCUSES FOLLOWING AND ROLLS-ROYCE OF FAILING TO ADDRESS ISSUES WITH THE AIRCRAFT THAT RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC MECHANICAL FAILURE.

THE COMPANIES HAVE NOT YET RESPONDED TO REQUESTS FOR COMMENT.

THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS IN THE PROCESS OF INVESTIGATING ITS OWN SUPERINTENDENT.

TRUSTEES HAVE HIRED A LOS ANGELES FIRM TO INVESTIGATE WHAT THE COMPANY'S CONTRACT CALLS A SENSITIVE INTERNAL ISSUE.

KPBS NEWS HAS CONFIRMED THAT DR. JACKSON IS THE SUBJECT OF THE INVESTIGATION, WHICH IS COSTING TAXPAYERS AROUND $100,000.

WE'VE REACHED OUT TO SEVERAL TRUSTEES WHO WOULD NOT COMMENT.

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR MAUREEN McGEE SAYS THE DISTRICT IS PRECLUDED FROM COMMENTING ON PERSONNEL MATTERS.

JACKSON WAS HIRED AS PERMANENT SUPERINTENDENT IN 2022, AFTER SERVING A YEAR PRIOR TO THAT AS INTERIM.

A BIG SHIFT IS COMING TO CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS IN THE FALL.

RECESS AS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE.

CHANGES TO STATE LAW MEANS ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOULD BE GETTING MORE TIME TO PLAY EVERY DAY.

BUT AS KPBS REPORTER COREY SUZUKI TELLS US, MANY SAN DIEGO SCHOOLS ARE NOT READY TO TALK ABOUT HOW THEY WILL MEET THOSE NEW REQUIREMENTS.

>> Reporter: STARTING IN THE FALL, ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE 30 MINUTES OF RECESS EVERY DAY.

TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS ALSO CANNOT TAKE IT AWAY AS PUNISHMENT.

THAT IS BECAUSE OF A NEW STATE LAW THAT IS MEANT TO ENSURE STUDENTS ARE GETTING TO PLAY IN A FREE, UNSTRUCTURED WAY.

SOMETHING THAT A GROWING BODY OF RESEARCH ARGUES IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN YOUNG KIDS.

EVEN THOUGH THE CHANGES ARE SET TO KICKING IN JUST A FEW MONTHS, A LOT OF SAN DIEGO'S BIGGEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE STILL NOT READY TO SHARE HOW THEY PLAN TO MAKE SURE THEY FOLLOW THE LAW.

LAST MONTH, KPBS REACHED OUT TO THE FIVE LARGEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE COUNTY.

THREE OF THEM DECLINED REQUESTS FOR INTERVIEWS AND DID NOT ANSWER DETAILED QUESTIONS.

ONE DISTRICT DID AGREE TO TALK.

>> WE ARE FOLLOWING IT AND DOING IT TO MAKE SURE OUR POLICIES REFLECT WHAT IT SAID.

>> Reporter: CHRISTINE IS THE SUPERINTENDENT AT VISTA UNIFIED.

SHE SAID THE DISTRICT ALREADY LARGELY MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS AND THEIR WORKING DIRECTLY WITH ALL OF THEIR PRINCIPALITIES TO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT SOME POLICIES ARE UNDERSTOOD AS STATE LAW.

>> THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE NOW REQUIRING.

>> COREY SUZUKI, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE SO-CALLED SHALLOW SUBSIDY PROGRAM IS EXPANDING, HELPING MORE OLDER ADULTS WHO ARE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE, THE PILOT PROGRAM PAYS $500 DIRECTLY TO LANDLORD BREAKING MONTHS.

THE COUNTY IS NOW ACCEPTING AN ADDITIONAL 160 APPLICATIONS.

BARBARA JIMENEZ WITH THE COUNTY'S HOMELESS SOLUTIONS AND EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT SAYS THE PROGRAM HAS ALREADY HELPED 220 PEOPLE AVOID LIVING ON THE STREET.

>> THIS IS REALLY FOCUSED ON A COUPLE OF THINGS.

THE INCREASE THAT WE HAVE SEEN IN SENIORS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING ARE AT RISK OF BECOMING HOMELESS.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN IT'S THE RENTAL SUBSIDY BETWEEN 300 AND $500 PER MONTH THAT WOULD HELP THE SENIORS AVOID BECOMING HOMELESS.

>> IT CAN BE A REAL LIFESAVER.

>> THE LATEST POINT IN TIME COUNT SHOWS SENIORS MADE UP ABOUT 30% OF THE REGION'S HOMELESS POPULATION, A SLIGHT UPTICK FROM LAST YEAR.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS WORKING ON A PLAN TO EXPAND PSYCHIATRIC CARE SERVICES.

REPORTER KATIE ANASTAS SAYS COUNTY LEADERS ARE CALLING THE NEED URGENT.

>> Reporter: THE COUNTY IS WORKING WITH UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH THROUGHOUT UP TO 45 NEW PSYCHIATRIC CARE BEDS FOR MEDI- CAL ELIGIBLE PATIENTS EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CRISES.

THE SUPERVISOR SAYS THE STATE NEEDS AN ADDITIONAL 1900 ACUTE CARE BEDS.

>> RESEARCH ESTIMATES THAT IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, ONE IN 20 INDIVIDUALS ARE CURRENTLY LIVING WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS, AND THAT RATE INCREASES TO ONE AND 13 IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS IN A LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLD.

>> UC SAN DIEGO PURCHASED THE FORMER ALVARADO MEDICAL CENTER NEAR SAN DIEGO STATE LAST YEAR.

THIS DOCTOR IS A CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGIST WHO SAYS THE AREA NEEDS ADDITIONAL SERVICES.

>> THIS AREA IS CRUCIAL FOR THE SOUTH BAY, SOUTHEAST AND EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES, WHICH ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY UNDERSERVED.

>> Reporter: PATTY MASN IS THE CEO OF UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH.

SHE SAYS IT'S A CHANCE TO MAKE THE SPENDING REQUIRED BY PROPOSITION ONE APPROVED BY VOTERS IN MARCH.

>> THIS WILL PROVIDE THE BIGGEST RETURN ON THE COUNTY'S INVESTMENT.

>> Reporter: ON TUESDAY, THE BOARD VOTED UNANIMOUSLY IN FAVOR OF STARTING NEGOTIATIONS WITH UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH.

THEY DIRECTED THE INTERIM CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO GIVE AN UPDATE WITHIN FOUR MONTHS.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> PROTESTS RESUMED AT UCLA TODAY IS THE UNIVERSITY'S CHANCELLOR TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS.

PROTESTERS HAVE USED TABLES, METAL FENCES, AND PLYWOOD TO CONSTRUCT A BARRICADE.

THE BARRICADE BLOCKED OFF TRAFFIC IN AN AREA OF THE SCHOOL'S CAMPUS BUT HAS SINCE BEEN DISMANTLED.

THE WORKFORCE IS INVESTIGATING SCHOOL RESPONSES TO THE PRO- PALESTINIAN PROTESTS WHICH HAVE RESULTED IN MORE THAN 3000 ARRESTS NATIONWIDE.

MEANWHILE, A SECOND WAVE OF WALKOUTS OVER THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA'S RESPONSE TO PRO- PALESTINIAN PROTESTS IS COMING NEXT WEEK.

UNIONIZED ACADEMIC WORKERS AT UCLA AND UC DAVIS ARE SET TO STRIKE ON TUESDAY.

UAW LOCAL 4811 IS ASKING YOU SEE SCHOOLS TO GIVE AMNESTY TO ALL ACADEMIC EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS WHO FACE ARREST OR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR PROTESTING.

THEY ALSO WANT RESEARCHERS TO BE ABLE TO OPT OUT OF FUNDING SOURCES TIED IT TO THE ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCE.

IF YOU'VE EVER PURCHASED A TICKET TO A LIVE CONCERT OR SPORTING EVENT, YOU HAVE LIKELY EXPERIENCED HIGH PRICES AND ADD- ON FEES.

THE U.S. GOVERNMENT IS NOW STEPPING INTO CURB LIVE NATION AND TICKETMASTER'S POWERFUL HOLD ON THE TICKETING INDUSTRY.

LAURA AGUIRRE HAS MORE.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL MERRICK GARLAND MAKING OFFICIAL WHAT MANY HAVE EXPECTED.

>> EARLIER TODAY, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE JOINED BY 29 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SUED LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT AND ITS WHOLLY- OWNED SUBSIDIARY TICKETMASTER FOR VIOLATING THE TRUST ACT.

>> Reporter: THE LEGAL ACTION COMES AFTER YEARS OF GROWING PUBLIC OUTCRY REGARDING THE LIVE EVENT TICKETING DRAIN.

>> IN RECENT YEARS, LIVE NATION AND TICKETMASTER'S EXORBITANT FEES AND FAILURES HAVE BEEN CRITICIZED.

>> Reporter: SOME OF THESE FAILURES DREW WIDESPREAD MEDIA ATTENTION DURING THE START OF TAYLOR SWIFT WILDLY POPULAR TOUR.

FANS BECAME ENRAGED ONE ONLINE WAITING LINES WERE IN THE THOUSANDS OR IN SOME CASES, PUBLIC TICKET SALES WERE SUDDENLY CANCELED.

SENATOR AMY KLOBUCHAR INTRODUCED LEGISLATION IN APRIL 2023 AIMED AT IMPROVING COMPETITION IN LIVE EVENT TICKETING MARKETS.

>> WHEN YOU HAVE A MONOPOLY, AT FIRST IT SEEMS OKAY.

HEY, IT'S EASY TO USE.

OVERTIME, THE FEES AND THE MONEY GOES UP AND UP AND UP BECAUSE THERE'S NO COMPETITION.

>> Reporter: THE COMBINED TICKETING SERVICES WITH CONTROL OF MANY VENUES.

CONTRACTS THAT CAN RANGE FROM 7 TO 10 YEARS.

LIVE NATION IS PUSHING BACK, SAYING IN A STATEMENT THAT TICKETMASTER IS NOT A MONOPOLY AND THAT THE LAWSUIT WILL NOT SOLVE ISSUES THAT FANS CARE ABOUT RELATING TO TICKET PRICES, SERVICE FEES AND ACCESS TO IN DEMAND SHOWS.

>> IT'S TIME TO BREAK UP LIVE NATION AND TICKETMASTER.

>> Reporter: I'M LORI GEARY FOR KPBS NEWS.

>>> THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF EXCITEMENT AS THE LITHIUM INDUSTRY PREPARES TO START OPERATIONS IN THE IMPERIAL VALLEY.

THERE IS ALSO A LOT OF SKEPTICISM.

DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY HAS BEEN PLEDGED IN THE PAST BUT HAS FAILED TO BRING PROSPERITY TO THE AREA.

KPBS IMPERIAL VALLEY REPORTER COREY SUZUKI WONDERED WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR THINGS TO BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME AROUND?

>> Reporter: THE TOWN OF CALIPATRIA IS A SMALL WORKING- CLASS FARMING COMMUNITY ON THE NORTH END OF IMPERIAL COMMUNITY -- COUNTY.

ONE STORE, ONE MAIN STREET SURROUNDED BY ACRES OF FIELDS.

IT'S A SLEEPY PLACE BUT THERE IS A CHANCE THAT COULD ALL CHANGE IN THE COMING YEARS.

>> WE SEE THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR LIFETIME AND WE WANT CALIFORNIA TO DOMINATE IN THIS SPACE.

>> Reporter: THAT IS CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM WHO IS HERE TO HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE IN FRONT OF ANY LITHIUM PLANT, UNDER CONSTRUCTION A FEW MILES WEST.

RECENT STUDIES HAVE FOUND THAT THE IMPERIAL VALLEY IS HOME TO HUGE AMOUNTS OF LITHIUM.

A KEY ELEMENT TO ELECTRIC CAR BATTERIES AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY.

DEMAND IS SOARING AROUND THE WORLD AS COUNTRIES LIKE THE U.S. FIGHT TO GET GAS POWERS OFF THE ROAD AND SLOW CLIMATE CHANGE.

OFFICIALS AND OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY CAN TRANSFORM LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITH NEW JOBS AND TAX DOLLARS.

>> 100 CENTS TO THE DOLLAR WE WANT TO GO BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

80 SENT SPECIFICALLY TO THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND 20% TO THE SEED.

THAT'S NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.

IT'S A BIG DEAL.

>> Reporter: IT'S A BIG COMMITMENT.

AT THE SAME TIME, COUNTY OFFICIALS WONDER HOW SERIOUSLY TO TAKE THE CLAIMS.

THEY'VE HAD PROMISES IN THE PATH -- PAST LIKE GEO THERMAL AND SOLAR.

>> I'M EXCITED, I'M OPTIMISTIC, BUT THERE ARE STILL THOSE THOUGHTS, YOU KNOW, WHAT IF LITHIUM DOES NOT COME?

>> Reporter: EVEN THOUGH THE LITHIUM INDUSTRY IS IN ITS VERY EARLY STAGES, EXPERTS SAY THINGS COULD BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME.

FOR ONE, THE MOMENTUM AROUND IT IS WRONG.

RIGHT NOW, THREE ENERGY COMPANIES ARE PLANNING EXTRACTION PLANTS AT THE NORTH END OF THE COUNTY.

THE STATE HAS THROWN THEIR FULL WEIGHT BEHIND THOSE PROJECTS.

IF THE COMPANIES HIRE LOCAL RESIDENTS FOR JOBS IN THOSE PLANS, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST DIRECT WAYS THE REGION WILL BENEFIT.

THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL RESEARCH CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO SAYS -- >> WE CAN EASILY SAY LET'S MAKE SURE LABOR IS LOCAL.

IF ANY TO UPSCALE THE LABOR, OR DO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES TO GET THEM THE SKILLS NEEDED.

>> Reporter: AND OTHER WAYS COMMUNITY COULD BENEFIT IS TO THE LITHIUM EXTRACTION TAX, PASSED IN 2022.

IT REQUIRES ALL LITHIUM PRODUCERS IN CALIFORNIA TO PAY BETWEEN 400 AND $800 INTO A STATEWIDE FUND FOR EACH TON OF LITHIUM PULLED OUT OF THE GROUND, 80% OF WHICH GOES BACK TO THE COUNTIES WHERE THE LITHIUM CAME FROM.

IN IMPERIAL COUNTY, OFFICIALS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO SET ASIDE ALMOST A THIRD OF THE TAX DOLLARS FOR A NUMBER OF FRONT- LINE COMMUNITIES.

A PORTION FROM THE FUND WOULD ALSO GO TO REACH TOURING THE TOXIC SALTON SEA.

THESE BENEFITS WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS THINGS LIKE THE TOWN'S CRUMBLING SEWER SYSTEM AND ITS PARKS AND SCHOOLS.

>> I CANNOT SPEAK FOR OTHERS, BUT EVERY CITY HAS ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP AND I BELIEVE THAT LITHIUM WILL HELP US WITH THAT.

>> Reporter: STILL EXPERTS WARN THAT THE BENEFITS ARE NOT A SURE THING YET.

>> NONE OF THE COMPANIES ARE DEVELOPING THAT LITHIUM EXTRACTION YET.

>> Reporter: CHRIS BENNER IS A PROFESSOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SOCIOLOGY AT SANTA CRUZ.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT NOBODY HAS STARTED PULLING THE THEME OUT OF THE GROUND AND INDUSTRIAL LEVELS.

>> THEY BROKE GROUND IN JANUARY ON A NEW GEO THERMAL PLANT.

THERE WILL BE A CONNECTION TO IT, BUT THEY'RE STILL TRYING TO GET ALL THE FINANCIAL INVESTMENT THEY NEED TO BUILD OUT THE FULL PLANT.

>> THE LITHIUM COMPANIES WITH PLANS IN IMPERIAL COUNTY HAVE NOT SIGNED BINDING COMMITMENTS TO OFFER WELL-PAID JOBS OR FOCUS ON HIRING LOCAL RESIDENTS.

THE LITHIUM EXTRACTION TAX IS ALSO IN JEOPARDY.

IN NOVEMBER, A BALLOT MEASURE TARGETING MANY STATE TAXES COULD WIPE IT OUT FORCING LAWMAKERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO START FROM SCRATCH.

IN THE LONGER TERM, MOST OF THE JOBS WILL COME AFTER THE LITHIUM IS SIX ERECTED WHEN FACTORIES TURN THE MINERAL INTO BATTERIES AND ELECTRIC CARS.

THAT COULD BE A BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPERIAL COUNTY, BUT IT'S ALSO A BIG OPEN QUESTION.

>> LESS THAN ONE HALF OF 1% OF ALL JOBS IN THE FULL SUPPLY CHAIN ARE IN LITHIUM EXTRACTION, SO IF WE WANT TO KEEP OUR EYE ON THE BALL OF THE BIGGEST IS IN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND BATTERY MANUFACTURING, NOT SO MUCH IN EXTRACTION.

>> BACK IN CALIPATRIA, HE SAYS HE UNDERSTANDS THOSE QUESTIONS ARE SIGNIFICANT.

STILL, HE IS HOPEFUL ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR.

>> I THINK THIS WILL BE RIGHT NOT JUST FOR CALIPATRIA BUT FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY.

>> Reporter: HE ALSO FEELS THE WEIGHT OF THIS MOMENT FOR THE REGION.

CALIPATRIA, HE SAYS, CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER BROKEN PREMISE -- PROMISE.

COREY SUZUKI, KPBS NEWS.

>>> IF YOU'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT ADOPTING A PET, NOW IS A GREAT TIME.

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY HAS A PROMOTION RUNNING TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

THE FEES WILL BE WAIVED THROUGH THE FIRST 100 PET ADOPTIONS.

AFTER THAT, FEES FOR CATS AND DOG ADOPTIONS WILL BE $25.

SMALL BIRDS, MICE, RATS AND HAMSTERS WILL BE $10.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY CURRENTLY HAS MORE THAN 1700 ANIMALS IN ITS CARE.

>> WE UNDERSTAND NOT EVERYBODY CAN ADOPT OR ADOPT RIGHT NOW.

CONSIDER IT WHEN YOU'RE READY TO ADOPT WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT ANIMAL.

BUT IF YOU CAN'T, VOLUNTEER OR FOSTER FOR US FOR A FEW DAYS OR A WEEKEND.

LONGER IF YOU CAN.

SUPPORT THE CAUSE AND LET'S GET ALL THESE ANIMALS AND HOMES.

>> SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY IS OPEN FOR WALKING ADOPTIONS TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 5:00.

THERE ARE LOCATIONS IN ESCONDIDO, EL CAJON, OCEANSIDE AND SAN DIEGO.

TO SEE THE ANIMALS WAITING FOR HOMES, VISIT SDHUMANE.ORG /ADOPT.

PLEASE CONSIDER ADOPTING.

IT'S A DESPERATE SITUATION NOT ONLY FOR THE HUMANE SOCIETY BUT OTHER SHELTERS AROUND THE COUNTY, AS WELL.

>>> DIVERS OFF THE SAN DIEGO COAST WERE TREATED TO A RARE SIGHT.

UNTOLD THOUSANDS OF TUNA CRABS COVERING THE OCEAN FLOOR.

TECH REPORTER THOMAS FARGE SPOKE TO DIVERS AND SCIENTISTS TO BRING US THIS STORY.

>> Reporter: THE SAN DIEGO COAST IS A GREAT PLACE TO SURF AND KAYAK.

WHAT IS REALLY EXCITING MIGHT BE HAPPENING BELOW THE SURFACE.

IT WAS HERE OFF OF LA JOLLA'S BEACH ABOUT A MONTH AGO WHEN HONEST TO GOD, I WENT FOR A DIVE ONE NIGHT AND SAW SOMETHING PRETTY AMAZING.

>> AS WE GOT CLOSER TO THE CANYON, IT WAS JUST A CARPET OF TUNA CRABS.

READ AS FAR AS MY DIVE LIGHTS GOOD AND ILLUMINATE.

IT WAS REALLY SECURE.

>> Reporter: EQUIPPED WITH CAMERA AND LIGHTS, SHE SAW THEM ON ONE END OF THE LA JOLLA CANYON.

THEY ARE CRABS, THOUGH THEY LOOK MORE LIKE LOBSTERS.

THAT'S WHERE THEY GET THEIR OTHER COMMON NAME, SQUAT LOBSTER.

VERY TASTY SNACK FOR MANY PREDATORS LIKE TUNA OR ROCKFISH.

>> I ACTUALLY DID SEE A PREDATION EVENT.

WHEN I WAS DOWN IN THE CANYON ON APRIL 21st, I GOT SOME FOOTAGE OF A ROCKFISH EATING ONE.

>> THE TWO CRABS EAT GRILL IN THE OPEN OCEAN AND THEY DID FIND THAT THEY SOMETIMES EAT EACH OTHER.

SHE SAW A GROUP OF THEM FEASTING ON A SINGLE ONE AND THIS ONE FINISHING OFF A FELLOW LOBSTERS CLAW.

IT WAS KIND OF DARK, SHE SAID.

SEEING TUNA CRABS THIS CLOSE TO SHORE IN SAN DIEGO IS NOT UNHEARD OF , BUT IT IS REMARKABLE.

SHE REMEMBERS A TIME SHE OPERATED CAMERAS ON AN OCEAN RESEARCH VESSEL WHEN SHE CAUGHT GLIMPSES OF THEM.

>> I HAD SEEN THESE SQUAT LOBSTERS THAT LIVED IN THE DEEP- SEA ENVIRONMENTS.

TO GO OUT HERE AND SEE THOUSANDS OF THEM WAS PRETTY COOL, BECAUSE IN THE DEEP-SEA ENVIRONMENTS, IT USUALLY MAYBE ONE OR TWO AT A TIME.

>> Reporter: TUNA CRABS ARE MOST OFTEN FOUND IN SUBTROPICAL WATERS.

RESEARCH OCEANOGRAPHER ED PARNELL SAYS WARM WATER CURRENTS THAT COME WITH EL NINO HAVE MOVED A LOT OF THE CREATURES NORTHWARD.

>> BECAME A FROM THEIR CENTER OF DISTRIBUTION IN BAJA CALIFORNIA, ACCOMPANIED WITH WHAT HAPPENED ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO AND REALLY HAVE NOT LEFT THE DEEPER WATER.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THE DEEPER WATERS WHERE THEY ARE LIKELY HEADED AS THE RECENT EL NINO WINS.

SHE SAYS SEEN SO MANY TUNA CRABS OFF THE SHORES WAS A SPECIAL MOMENT.

>> IT'S SPECIAL TO DISCOVER SOMETHING.

EVERY DIVE I GO ON, I FEEL A SENSE OF WONDER.

EVEN IF WE DON'T SEE ANYTHING EXTRAORDINARILY UNIQUE.

I LOVE BEING IN THE OCEAN.

>> Reporter: THOMAS FARGE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> TO THE UPCOMING DAYS, WE WILL GET THE OCEAN FLOW COMING THROUGH WHICH MEANS A THICKER MARINE LAYER FOR US AND SOME COOLER DAYS ARE AHEAD.

TEMPERATURES STAYING A LITTLE BIT LOWER DUE TO SOME OF THE EXTRA CLOUDS THAT LAST LONGER BECAUSE OF THE MARINE LAYER.

IT GETS WINDY AS WE HAD TO FRIDAY NIGHT FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERT LOCATIONS.

WE WILL HAVE SOME CHANGES THERE.

FIRST UP AS WE HAD THROUGH TONIGHT, TEMPERATURES BACK INTO THE 50s IN A FEW SPOTS.

MAYBE CLOSE TO 60 OCEANSIDE.

ONE OF THOSE SPOTS.

61 FOR MOUNT LAGUNA.

UPPER 40s THERE.

WE DEFINITELY HAVE SOME OF THE COOL AIR FLOW COMING IN AND IT ALLOWS FOR THE CLOUDS TO LAST QUITE A BIT LONGER.

WE WILL SEE THEM LATER AND EVEN INTO THE MID DAY TIMEFRAME.

OCEANSIDE HOLDING UP TO A FEW EXTRA CLOUDS.

WE GET THE SUN TO TRY TO BREAK OUT.

SAN DIEGO MAKING IT TO 67 FOR THE HIGH.

A LITTLE BIT BRIGHTER THERE IS WE MAKE IT TOWARDS THE UPPER 80s AND CLOSER TO 90 DEGREES.

WHY DO WE HAVE THIS PATTERN?

WE HAVE A NEW LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM COMING INTO CALIFORNIA.

THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO SPIN UP SOME EXTRA SHOWERS.

AS WE HAD THROUGHOUT YOUR FRIDAY, WE SEE THE AFTERNOON PICKING UP EXTRA SHOWERS ACROSS NEVADA, UTAH, ALL OF THE MOISTURE COMING IN.

SOUTH MOISTURE OFF THE PACIFIC ALLOWS FOR OUR COASTAL CLOUDS TO LINGER FOR US.

WE DON'T GET THAT MUCH OF A BREAK TIME AS WE GET THROUGH THE AFTERNOON HOURS.

THAT'S WHY WE WILL KEEP THINGS COOLER FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

GETTING INTO SUNDAY IS WHEN THE WARMING TREND BEGINS.

NOT AS MUCH OF A MARINE LAYER FOR US.

TEMPERATURES BACK INTO THE UPPER 60s.

IN LANDS, BACK TO THE 70s BY THE MIDDLE OF WHILE THEY WEEKEND.

OF COURSE, WE WILL HANG OUT IN THE 60s AS SATURDAY STARTS OFF WITH MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.

PRETTY COOL IN THE MID-PLANT COMMUNITIES.

50s THROUGH SATURDAY.

THE SITES WILL BE CHILLY.

LOWS IN THE 40s.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE EXTRA YEAR AND TEMPERATURES WILL BE BACK IN THE 60s.

IN THE DESERTS, VENTURING TOWARDS 100 BY NEXT WEEK.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE ARRIVAL DATE IS NOT YET SET BUT THAT IS NOT STOPPING THE SAN DIEGO ZOO FROM PREPARING TO WELCOME TWO NEW PANDAS.

OUR MEDIA PARTNER OBTAINED A 168 PAGE APPLICATION THAT THE ZOO FILLED OUT AND SENT TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

IT DETAILS PLANS TO EXPAND THE CURRENT HABITAT WHICH HAS BEEN LEFT UNTOUCHED SINCE THE LAST PANDAS WENT HOME TO CHINA ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO.

THE NEW HABITAT WILL GREATLY INCREASE SPACE NOT ONLY FOR THE PANDAS BUT VISITORS, AS WELL.

VISITORS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE IMPENDING RETURN OF THE BLACK AND WHITE BEARS.

>> HAVING THEM BACK, WHO DOES NOT LOVE PANDAS.

>> I LOVE PANDAS.

I'M VERY EXCITED.

>> UNDER THE NEW CONTRACT, THEY WOULD STAY HERE FOR 10 YEARS BEFORE GOING BACK TO CHINA.

IF CUBS ARE BORN AS HOPED, THE ZOO SAYS THEY WOULD LIKE THEM TO STAY HERE UNTIL AT LEAST THEIR SECOND BIRTHDAY, BUT THEY WOULD NEED TO BE BACK IN CHINA BY THE TIME THEY TURN 4.

YOUR MEMORIAL DAY COOKOUT WILL COST MORE THIS YEAR.

JUST HOW MUCH CAN YOU EXPECT TO SPEND ON FOOD?

JENN SULLIVAN CRUNCHES THE NUMBERS.

>> IF YOU'RE PLANNING ON HOSTING A BARBECUE THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, HIGHER FOOD PRICES MAY BURN A HOLE IN YOUR WALLET.

THE PRICES OF SOME BARBECUE BASICS ARE HIGHER THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR.

EXPECT TO PAY MORE FOR HAMBURGERS.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST DATA FROM THE U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, NATIONAL AVERAGE OF A POUND OF UNCOOKED BEEF IS $5.56.

IT'S ABOUT $.31 HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR.

IF YOU WANT TO COOK FIVE ONE- POUND BURGERS, IT WILL COST YOU ABOUT $28 JUST FOR THE MEAT.

STEAK IS SEEING THE BIGGEST SPIKE IN PRICES.

ON AVERAGE, A BEEF STEAK WILL COST $10.75 PER POUND COMPARED TO $9.96 LAST YEAR ON $.79 INCREASE.

YOUR CHEAPER OPTIONS ARE PORK CHOPS COSTING $4.24 PER POUND AND BONELESS CHICKEN BREAST ABOUT FOUR DOLLARS PER POUND.

OTHER SUMMER STAPLES LIKE ALCOHOL WILL ALSO COST YOU MORE.

A 16 OUNCE MALT BEVERAGE LIKE BEER IS SLIGHTLY MORE THIS YEAR AT $1.78.

A LITER OF WINE WILL COST YOU ABOUT $.36 MORE THIS YEAR AT $13.66.

THERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS.

MILK AND EGG PRICES ARE DOWN FROM THIS TIME LAST YEAR.

FOR CONSUMER WATCH, I'M JENN SULLIVAN.

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I'M JOHN CARROLL.

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