♪ >>> 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 PREVIS FOUNDATION, DARLENE MARCO SHYLY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

SOME MAJOR ARTS ORGANIZATIONS IN SAN DIEGO HAVE CUT STAFF RECENTLY TO FUNDING STRUGGLES.

BUT AS BERNIE SANDERS REPORTS, FORMER STAFF AT ONE OF THESE INSTITUTIONS CLAIMS THERE'S MORE TO THE STORE.

>> Reporter: -- ARTS AND CULTURE SPACES.

BUT THOSE INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE REGION ARE STRUGGLING WITH FUNDING.

RECENTLY IT'S LED TO LAYOFFS AT BOTH THE SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART AND THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO.

>> I DIDN'T KNOW IT WOULD END LIKE THIS.

I THINK IT REALLY BOILS DOWN TO FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, WHICH I THINK IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT.

>> Reporter: LAST MONTH THE ICA SAID IT WAS CUTTING ITS STAFF BY 42%.

THE ICA BOARD SAYS THERE WERE 21 STAFF MEMBERS ACROSS THEIR CAMPUSES IN ENCINITAS AND SAN DIEGO.

THESE PEOPLE WERE AMONG THOSE LET GO BETWEEN LATE JULY AND MID-AUGUST.

THEY SPOKE TO KPBS.

>> EVERY YEAR OUR RESOURCES DWINDLE.

THE EXHIBITION BUDGET WAS CUT IN HALF NEARLY EVERY YEAR BEFORE I STARTED.

>> THE FOUR FORMER EMPLOYEES SAY THEY'RE PART OF A GROUP CALLED CURRENT AND FORMER STAFF OF THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO.

THAT GROUP SENT AN EMAIL TO KPBS ALLEGING FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT LEFT THE ICA UNABLE TO MEET PAYROLL, OR SUSTAIN PUBLIC FACING OPERATIONS.

THE GROUP PROVIDED DOCUMENTATION POINTING TO THE TAX FILINGS.

KPBS REVIEWED THOSE FORMS AND SAW THERE WAS A $221,000 BUDGET DEFICIT IN 2023, WHICH MORE THAN DOUBLED IN 2024, TO OVER 448,000.

>> WE REALLY WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT SOMEONE WAS BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE, WHETHER THAT IS BOARD DIRECTORS OR THE DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

>> Reporter: ICA MADE OTHER CHANGES AS WELL DUE TO ITS FINANCIAL SITUATION.

>> THIS IS THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART'S CENTRAL CAMPUS.

WHILE IT'S NORMALLY OPEN THURSDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS, THE INSTITUTE ITSELF SAYS THIS SITE IS TEMP RARLY CLOSED DUE TO FINANCIAL CHALLENGES.

>> Reporter: THE ICA DIRECTOR WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT.

THE BOARD PROVIDED KPBS IN A STATEMENT ADDRESSING A LETTER FROM CURRENT STAFF EXPRESSING NO CONFIDENCE IN LEADERSHIP.

THAT LETTER CALLED FOR AN URGENT LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AND A FORMAL AUDIT OF THE RECENT FISCAL YEAR.

WE HAVE ENGAGED COUNSEL AND REVIEWED -- THE BOARD TAKES THE CONCERNS RAISED SERIOUSLY AND IS NOT COMMENTING FURTHER WHILE THE REVIEW IS UNDERWAY.

WE EXPECT TO BE IN A POSITION TO SHARE MORE LATER THIS MONTH.

JUST ACROSS BALBOA PARK'S PROMENADE, THE SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART CUT ITS WORKFORCE TOO.

THEY LAID OFF 11 STAFF MEMBERS.

IN A STATEMENT THE ORGANIZATION'S CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER SAID, THE DIFFICULT DECISION BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WAS DEEMED NECESSARY IN THE FACE OF THE ONGOING FUNDING DOWNTURN.

THE STATEMENT WENT ON TO SAY, SIMILAR REDUCTIONS HAVE BECOME NECESSARY ACROSS A BROAD SWATH OF ARTS ORGANIZATIONS AND MUSEUMS IN THE U.S., AS INSTITUTIONS ADJUST TO NEW REALITIES.

FOR NOW, A GROUP OF FORMER ICA STAFF SAY THEY'RE REASSESSING THEIR CAREERS IN JOB HUNTING.

THEY SAY WITH BUDGET CUTS IN RECENT YEARS, IT'S TIME TO THINK ABOUT HOW TO BUILD A LASTING ECOSYSTEM FOR ARTS IN SAN DIEGO.

>> WE NEED TO BE THINKING ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THE FOUNDATION, AND THAT'S ARTISTS.

THAT'S ART WORKERS.

AND, YOU KNOW, THE SPACES THAT ARE OPEN EVERY DAY TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE THAT ARE KEEPING ART IN SAN DIEGO.

>> JACOB AIR, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AIR POLLUTION AND A WARMING CLIMATE HAVE AFFECTED PEOPLE'S QUALITY OF LIFE.

KPBS REPORTER -- SAYS THERE'S A NEW HAVEN FOR RESIDENTS VULNERABLE TO THE CHANGING CLIMATE, AND IT OPENED TODAY.

>> Reporter: AIR POLLUTION FROM A BUSY PORT OF ENTRY, EXTREME HEAT, AND VERY FEW GREEN .

IN THE HEART OF SAN YSIDRO -- >> ALL THOSE THINGS, WE WERE THINKING ABOUT IT WHEN WE COLLABORATED WITH THE COMMUNITY AS TO WHAT THIS SHOULD BE.

>> Reporter: THIS IS THE CEO OF -- THE NON-PROFIT BUILT THE HUB.

IT'S CALLED -- SPANISH FOR THE SEED.

IT WAS AN EMPTY LOT.

TODAY IT'S A PLACE RESIDENTS CAN COOL DOWN DURING HEAT WAVES AND ACCESS POWER DURING BLACKOUTS.

IT'S ALSO A PLACE TO LEARN.

>> THIS HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY EDUCATIONAL SPACE ON HOW TO REACT AND HOW TO RESPOND AND HOW TO GET READY FOR DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES.

SO, THAT.

BUT IT'S JUST A BEAUTIFUL SPACE.

AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PARK REALLY CLOSE TO YOU THAT YOU CAN WALK TO, THIS FEELS LIKE IT.

>> Reporter: THE CENTER IS BUILT WITH MASS TIMBER, THESE LARGE WOOD PANELS CAN STORE CARBON AND HAVE A LOWER FOOTPRINT THAN STEEL AND CONCRETE.

THEY ALSO HAVE SOLAR PANELS, AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION, WATER SYSTEMS, AND A GARDEN.

[ SPEAKING IN A NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE ] [ CHEERS AND APPLAUSE ] >> Reporter: -- RUIZ HAS LIVED IN SAN YSIDRO FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS.

SHE HELPED CUT THE RIBBON AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

[ SPEAKING IN A NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE ] SHE SAYS SHE DIDN'T KNOW HOW BADLY POLLUTED SAN YSIDRO WAS.

SHE ONLY KNEW HER FAMILY HAD RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS.

-- SHE SAYS IS BRINGING NATURE TO HER NEIGHBORHOOD.

ON SEPTEMBER 23rd, THEY WILL HOST THE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP TO PREPARE FOR EL NINO.

TAMMY -- KPBS NEWS.

>>> COMING UP TONIGHT UNDER A MAINLY CLEAR SKY, TEMPERATURES DROP BACK INTO THE 60s.

WE STAY COOLER AND DRIER TO END THE WEEK.

BUT TRACKING SOME CHANGES FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

A CLOSER LOOK IS COMING UP.

>>> A NEW SENIOR COMMUNITY A DECADE IN THE MAKING IS COMING SOON TO IMPERIAL BEACH.

COMMUNITY LEADERS BROKE GROUND TODAY ON THE IMPERIAL BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER IN THE HAVEN AT PALM ON PALM AVENUE.

THE SENIOR HOUSING COMPLEX WILL FEATURE 50 AFFORDABLE HOMES.

ABOUT HALF OF THOSE WILL BE DESIGNATED FOR SENIORS WHO EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS.

IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE SENIORS WITH ON-SITE SERVICES, INCLUDING HEALTH CARE COORDINATION, BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT, TRANSPORTATION, WELLNESS PROGRAMMING, AND DAILY LIVING ASSISTANCE.

>> SO, WE KNOW THAT ALL OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY IN GENERAL IS EXPERIENCING A REAL HOUSING CRISIS, BUT WHO IT'S REALLY AFFECTING THE HARDEST IS OUR SENIORS WHO ARE ON FIXED INCOMES, WHO ARE LIVING IN SITUATIONS WHERE THEY DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO KEEP UP WITH THE RISING RENT, WHO MIGHT HAVE A MEDICAL BILL.

I THINK THE REALLY IMPORTANT THING ABOUT THIS PROJECT IS THAT IT SHOWS THAT WE CAN ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS, THAT WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS HOUSING CRISIS WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER.

>> THIS COMPLEX WILL ALSO FEATURE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR GATHERING SPACES, A COURTYARD, A COMMUNITY ROOM, A COMPUTER LOUNGE, AND A GARDEN.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 2028.

>>> PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WANTS TO RETAKE CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS, INSISTING THAT INFANTS SHOULD RECEIVE FEWER IMMUNIZATIONS OVER A LONGER PERIOD.

BUT THE STATE-BY-STATE VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE NOT CHANGED.

THIS CAN CAUSE CONFUSION FOR PARENTS.

LEE WALTMAN EXPLAINS WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VACCINE SCHEDULES.

>> Reporter: DESPITE LAST MONTH'S EXECUTIVE ORDER TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF IMMUNIZATIONS THAT CHILDREN RECEIVE, THE ACTUAL IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE HAS NOT CHANGED.

MOST EXPERTS SAY THIS MOVE BY TRUMP IS NOT BACKED BY SCIENCE.

>> EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, MY ADMINISTRATION IS RECOGNIZING GOLD STANDARD CHILDHOOD VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ONLY 11 CORE VACCINATIONS AGAINST THE MOST SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS DISEASES.

>> Reporter: PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S WIDE RANGING ORDER LAST MONTH AIMS TO CUT DOWN ON THE NUMBER OF VACCINES KIDS RECEIVE AND BREAK UP THE MUMPS, MEASLES, AND RUBELLA VACCINE INTO THREE INDIVIDUAL SHOTS.

>> THE EO ITSELF DOESN'T ACTUALLY CHANGE THE SCHEDULE, BUT IT'S CONFUSING BECAUSE WHEN THE PRESIDENT COMES OUT AND HAS THIS KIND OF POLICY STATEMENT, A PARENT WOULD OF COURSE WANT TO KNOW, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

>> Reporter: -- WITH THE RESEARCH POLICY GROUP IS SYMPATHETIC TO PARENTS WHO ARE CONFUSED, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS TRIED TO MAKE CHANGES TO VACCINE SCHEDULES.

>> THERE'S NO NEW DATA, NO EVIDENCE.

VACCINES ARE SAFE.

THEY'RE EFFECTIVE.

>> Reporter: THE ONLY CHANGE SHE SEES IS A GROWING DISTRUST IN SCIENCE.

DR.

-- AGREES.

>> WE FRANKLY HAVEN'T DONE A GOOD JOB IN HEALTH CARE IN EDUCATING AND BEING PRESENT ON THE PLATFORMS.

AND AS A RESULT, ALL THESE PEOPLE THAT PEDDLE MISINFORMATION HAVE USED SOCIAL MEDIA TO THEIR BENEFIT.

>> Reporter: HE BELIEVES THE SOLUTION TO THE MISTRUST IS ENGAGING AND EDUCATING PARENTS.

THIS YEAR WE'VE SEEN MULTIPLE MEASLES OUTBREAKS, WHICH KATE SAYS COMES FROM DECLINING VACCINATION RATES.

>> THAT TRANSLATES INTO POCKETS OF THE COUNTRY WITH MUCH MORE REDUCED COVERAGE.

AND THAT'S WHEN OUTBREAKS OCCUR.

>> THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS SIGNALLED THEY WILL PUSH STATES TO REWORK THEIR VACCINE REQUIREMENTS TO INCORPORATE THESE NEW FEDERAL GUIDELINES.

KFS SAYS MORE THAN HALF OF U.S.

STATES ARE DE-LINKING THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FEDERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.

IN NEW YORK, I'M LEE WALTMAN.

>>> I'M JEFF BENNET.

TONIGHT ON "THE NEWS HOUR," WE REMEMBER FEMINIST ICON GLORIA STEINEM, A TRAILBLAZER THAT TRANSFORMED THE RIGHT FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS.

THAT'S AFTER "EVENING EDITION" ON KPBS.

>>> A MEMORIAL SERVICE WAS HELD THIS MORNING FOR ONE OF THE REMAINING ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF THE SAN DIEGO BLACK PANTHER PARTY.

JEFFREY JENNINGS JOINED THE ORGANIZATION IN THE LATE '60s IN A TIME WHEN BLACK PEOPLE IN SAN DIEGO ENDURED DISCRIMINATION DUE TO REMNANTS OF JIM CROW ERA BELIEVE BELIEFS.

HENRY WALLACE SAYS JENNINGS WAS KNOWN FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND SERVING THOSE IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

JENNINGS SERVED TIME IN JAIL BUT UPON HIS RELEASE, HE WAS RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR HIS ACTIVIST ROLE.

THE BLACK PARTY FOR SELF-DEFENSE AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT WILL CELEBRATE THEIR 60th ANNIVERSARY IN OCTOBER.

>>> A GROUP OF SAN DIEGO LAW SCHOOL STUDENTS IS PAVING THE WAY FOR FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE TO PRACTICE LAW.

KPBS REPORTER KATEN EISEN SAYS TOGETHER THEY'RE OVERCOMING HIGHER BARRIERS THAN A TYPICAL LAW STUDENT.

>> LOOK FORWARD TO A VARIETY OF LIVED EXPERIENCES.

>> Reporter: COLLEEN MURPHY IS ENTERING HER THIRD YEAR AT CALIFORNIA WESTERN SCHOOL OF LAW.

>> WE'RE HERE FOR ALL OF THAT.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S HARD.

>> Reporter: AGAINST ALL ODDS.

>> IN MY 20s, LIKE, I HAD EXPERIENCED A LOT OF, LIKE, ADVERSITY AND ENDED UP INCARCERATED.

AND AT THAT POINT I REALLY THOUGHT MY LIFE WAS OVER.

BUT, YOU KNOW, AFTER YEAR OF STRUGGLING THROUGH THAT, I ENDED UP HOMELESS AND FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT SHORTLY AFTER.

>> Reporter: BECOMING A SINGLE MOTHER FUELED HER TO CHANGE HER TRAJECTORY.

SHE STARTED COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

IT CONFRONTED HER WITH QUESTIONS.

>> WILL I QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID?

DO I FIT IN HERE?

>> Reporter: SHE THOUGHT PEOPLE TRYING TO CHANGE THEIR LIVES SHOULDN'T FACE THESE KINDS OF BARRIERS AND FIGURED LAW WAS THE TOOL TO CHANGE THAT.

SHE MET WITH A SCHOOL COUNSELOR.

>> WHEN SHE SAID, WHY ARE YOU DOING LAW?

SO, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO THAT?

THAT, TO ME, WAS LIKE, OKAY, I'M NOT GOING TO ASK FOR HELP FROM YOU.

SO, I HAD TO FIGURE IT OUT ON MY OWN.

>> Reporter: SHE LANDED A SPOT AT CALIFORNIA WESTERN.

>> THE FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL WAS INCREDIBLY HARD.

I LAUGH ABOUT IT NOW BUT I FELT LIKE I WAS DYING.

>> Reporter: EXPERIENCE MADE HER DETERMINED TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR OTHER FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE.

>> I THINK THAT'S A COMMON CHARACTERISTIC OF OUR DEMOGRAPHIC.

WE KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO NOT HAVE SUPPORT AND TO FEEL ALIENATED.

A LOT OF US COME BACK THAT NURTURING, CARE GIVING, BEING A LADDER DOWN FOR PEOPLE BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE THAT.

>> Reporter: LAW SCHOOL IS NOTORIOUSLY TOUGH.

BUT THERE ARE ADDED BARRIERS FOR PEOPLE EXITING INCARCERATION.

>> BASIC NEEDS IS A HUGE COMPONENT.

IF YOU CAN'T FIND HOUSING, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT SCHOOL BECAUSE YOUR FLOOR IS FALLING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH YOU ALL THE TIME.

>> Reporter: THE TOTAL TUITION FOR LAW SCHOOL IN AMERICA IS CLOSE TO $200,000.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO THE EDUCATION DATA INITIATIVE.

THERE ARE ADDED COSTS FOR FORMERLY INCARCERATED STUDENTS, LIKE HIRING A LAWYER TO HELP THEM PASS THE MORAL CHARACTER PART OF THE BAR.

MURPHY SAYS IT'S ALMOST GUARANTEED THE BAR WILL CHALLENGE THE MORAL APPLICATION OF STUDENTS WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS.

THEY HAVE TO PROVE THAT DESPITE THEIR HISTORIES ON PAPER, THEY'RE A GOOD ENOUGH PERSON TO PRACTICE LAW.

>> IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THERE'S A BASELINE THAT YOU'RE NOT FIT, SO YOU REALLY HAVE TO PROVE YOURSELF.

>> Reporter: JULIE HINTON SAYS SHE WAS QUOTED $15,000 TO RETAN A LAWYER TO HELP HER PASS MORAL CHARACTER.

THE PREPARATION IS CHALLENGING EMOTIONALLY TOO.

>> A LITTLE BIT TRIGGERING HONESTLY TO HAVE TO RE-GO THROUGH ALL OF YOUR COURT DOCUMENTS.

AND SO I AM IN THERAPY.

>> Reporter: SHE'S IN HER SECOND YEAR AT CALIFORNIA WESTERN.

SHE ALSO DEALS WITH IMPOSTER SYNDROME.

>> SCARY BECAUSE I THINK LAW SCHOOL STARTS, I'M LIKE, OH, THE COLD CALLS.

>> LAW SCHOOL COLD CALLS, WHEN THE PROFESSOR CALLS ON RANDOM STUDENTS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS THEY MAY OR MAY NOT BE READY FOR.

>> I'VE BEEN IN THE WORST SITUATION AT THE LOWEST POINT POSSIBLE, AND I WAS LIKE, I SURVIVED.

THIS COLD CALL IN LAW SCHOOL IS -- I'LL BE FINE.

>> Reporter: LAUREN TYLER RELATES.

SHE'S IN HER SECOND YEAR AT CALIFORNIA WESTERN.

>> I THINK WE ALL STRUGGLE WITH, YOU KNOW, WHETHER WE'RE DOING ENOUGH, WHETHER WE'RE GOOD ENOUGH FOR THESE SITUATIONS.

BUT THOSE FEELINGS ARE EXACERBATED WHEN YOU'VE BEEN IN THE SYSTEM.

BECAUSE IT'S SUCH A DEHUMANIZING SYSTEM, WHERE IT REALLY MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE LESS THAN.

>> Reporter: BUT HER PERSPECTIVE HAS CHANGED.

>> MY BACKGROUND IS AN ASSET, AND I'VE LEARNED THAT.

IT'S A SUPERPOWER BECAUSE IT ENABLES YOU TO HAVE PERSPECTIVE THAT NO ONE ELSE WHO'S BEEN ON THE INSIDE WILL EVER HAVE.

AND IT ALSO IS GOING TO BE A WAY FOR US TO SPEAK TO CLIENTS AND TO ACTUALLY RELATE TO THEM.

>> Reporter: FINDING EACH OTHER HAS BEEN A BIG REASON WHY MURPHY, HINTON, AND TYLER HAVE BEEN SUCCEEDING.

THEY FORMED ILSA LAST YEAR.

THEY HELP EACH OTHER NAVIGATE THOSE PRACTICAL, FINANCIAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS.

THEY ALSO ADVOCATE FOR CLIENTS IN THE COUNTY'S HOMELESS COURT.

IT'S ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL FOR MURPHY.

>> IT'S REALLY FULL CIRCLE AND IT REALLY -- IT ALMOST MAKES -- IT'S VERY EMOTIONAL.

>> Reporter: A DOZEN STUDENTS ATTENDED SILSA'S ORIENTATION THIS YEAR.

IT'S A SMALL REFLECTION OF WHAT MURPHY SAYS IS A GROWING MOVEMENT.

NEW STATE PROGRAMS AND THE FEDERAL RESTORATION OF PELL GRANTS HAVE MADE IT EASIER FOR FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE TO ACCESS LAW SCHOOL OVER THE LAST DECADE.

HINTON SAYS THAT MATTERS IF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS GOING TO REFLECT THE PEOPLE IT'S SUPPOSED TO SERVE.

SHE WONDERS HOW LONG SOCIETY CAN IGNORE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE LIKE HER.

>> ONE IN THREE AMERICANS HAS AN INVOLVEMENT WITH THE AMERICAN SYSTEM.

HOW ARE WE NOT PRETENDING THIS DOESN'T EXIST.

>> Reporter: KATIE HICEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> ENERGY BATTERIES ARE CENTRAL TO OUR CLEAN ENERGY GOALS, BUT BATTERY STORAGE FACILITIES ARE A FIRE RISK.

AND MANY OF THEM EITHER ALREADY HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE BUILT IN SAN DIEGO, AS FIRE PRONE BACK COUNTRY.

KPBS COUNTY REPORTER ELAINE ALFARO SAYS SOME RESIDENTS ARE WORRIED THERE AREN'T ENOUGH PROTECTIONS IN PLACE, AS THESE FACILITIES PROLIFERATE.

>> Reporter: WHILE WE ALL REAP THE BENEFITS OF GREEN ENERGY, A RELATIVE FEW BEAR THE BRUNT OF THE COSTS.

IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, IT'S THE BACK COUNTRY.

THAT'S WHERE YOU'LL FIND MANY RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND BATTERY STORAGE FACILITIES.

>> HOW MANY SPEAKERS DO WE HAVE?

>> WE HAVE 29 TOTAL REQUESTS TO SPEAK.

>> Reporter: AND AFTER YEARS OF HEARING COMPLAINTS FROM EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS ABOUT FIRE RISKS AND OTHER ISSUES, COUNTY OFFICIALS HAVE PRODUCED A DRAFT ORDINANCE THAT AIMS TO ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS.

THEY PRESENTED IT AT AN INFORMATION SESSION LAST WEEK.

>> OVERALL, THIS APPROACH HELPS US BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED FOR GRID SUPPORT AND ENERGY RELIABILITY WITH APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY SAFEGUARDS.

>> Reporter: AMONG OTHER THINGS, SHE SAYS THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHES HOW IT WILL GRANT PERMITS BASED ON THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF A PROJECT AND SPECIFIES WHERE PROJECTS CAN BE DEVELOPED.

MEETING ATTENDEE AND BOULEVARD RESIDENT MASON SMITH SAYS THIS DRAFT ORDINANCE DOESN'T GO FAR ENOUGH TO PROTECT AGAINST FIRE.

HIS COMMUNITY WAS HIT WITH MULTIPLE WILDFIRES THIS YEAR.

>> TO KNOW THAT AND TO STILL PUT IT IN THE HIGH FIRE SEVERITY ZONE IS VERY STRANGE TO ME.

AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT -- AT LEAST THE MUCH MORE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

>> Reporter: LEVY SAID AREAS LIKE THE BACK COUNTRY ARE AMONG THE FEW PLACES THAT HAVE ENOUGH AVAILABLE LAND FOR THESE PROJECTS.

>> MOST OF THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY AREAS ARE DESIGNATED AS HIGH OR VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD ZONES.

-- FACE A DEFACTO MORATORIUM WHICH THEN PREVENT US FROM REACHING THE RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS THAT THE STATE SET.

>> Reporter: COUNTY STAFF SAID THEY WILL GATHER THE PUBLIC'S FEEDBACK AND MAKE EDITS TO THE ORDINANCE, WHICH THEY HOPE WILL GO TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MY SPRING 2027.

ANOTHER INFORMATION MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 17th.

ELAINE ALFARO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> LABOR DAY TRAVELLERS WILL FIND THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR A GALLON OF GAS WELL ABOVE $4 ACCORDING TO AAA.

BUT GAS PRICES AREN'T THE ONLY THING PUMPED UP BY SOARING OIL PRICES RIGHT NOW.

KAREN -- IS IN WASHINGTON WITH A LOOK AT FRESH CONCERNS.

>> Reporter: AS AMERICANS PREPARE TO HIT THE ROAD FOR THE LONG WEEKEND THURSDAY, AAA SAYS THE NATIONWIDE AVERAGE FOR A GALLON OF REGULAR GAS SAT AT $4.40.

>> OIL PRICES HAVE GONE UP RATHER DRAMATICALLY THIS WEEK ON NEW ESCALATIONS BETWEEN THE U.S.

AND IRAN AND CONTINUED DRONE ATTACKS ON RUSSIA HAVE CONTINUED TO PUSH GAS AND DIESEL PRICES HIGHER.

DIESEL PRICES THIS MORNING NOW JUST 4 CENTS FROM AN ALL-TIME RECORD.

>> Reporter: ON THURSDAY, $5.78 JUST SHY OF THE ALL-TIME RECORD OF $5.82 SET IN JUNE 2022 WHEN FARMERS, DELIVERY DRIVERS, AND BUSINESSES PAY HIGHER FUEL AND TRANSPORTATION COSTS, IT CAN DRIVE UP COSTS FOR GROCERIES AND OTHER GOODS.

OIL PRICES ABOVE $90 A BARREL THIS WEEK ARE FUELING INFLATION CONCERNS FOR OTHER ITEMS TOO.

>> JET FUEL AND FOR ALL KINDS OF OTHER -- AND PLASTICS AND OTHER INSTANCES THAT ARE IN OUR ECONOMY BECAUSE OIL IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT FEED STOCK FOR SO MUCH OF MODERN LIFE.

>> Reporter: RISING OIL PRICES AND INFLATION FEARS ARE AMONG FACTORS ROILING THE BOND MARKET THIS WEEK.

WHEN BOND PRICES FALL ON WEAKER DEMANDS, BOND YIELDS RISE AND THOSE YIELDS SET INTEREST RATES FOR CONSUMER BORROWING, INCLUDING MORTGAGES, AUTO LOANS, AND STUDENT BORROWING.

INVESTORS WILL GET A LOOK AT THE -- IN WASHINGTON, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THOUSANDS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DRIVERS HIT THE ROAD FOR ONE LAST UNOFFICIAL SUMMER WEEKEND TODAY ACCORDING TO AAA.

LOS ANGELES AND ANAHEIM ARE AMONG THE TOP HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS THIS YEAR, RANKING SEVENTH IN THE NATION.

THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY TRAGS EXPECTS MORE THAN 17 MILLION TRAVELLERS TO PASS THROUGH AIRPORT CHECK POINTS BETWEEN TODAY AND WEDNESDAY.

AND A HEADS UP.

IF YOU FILL UP ON GAS LOCALLY BEFORE HEADING OUT, THE AVERAGE PRICE FOR REGULAR GAS IN SAN DIEGO IS $5.89 TODAY.

>>> LET'S CHECK OUT THOSE WEATHER HEADLINES HERE WITH COOLER AND DRIER WEATHER CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY, AS WE'VE BEEN KEEPING CLOSE EYES ON MARIE.

LUCKILY THAT SYSTEM IS GOING TO STAY WELL TO OUR SOUTHWEST.

BUT IT WILL HAVE SOME INFLUENCE WHEN IT COMES TO HIGH SURF FOR THE WEEKEND.

AND THAT MAY IMPACT SOME OF YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND PLANS.

SO, WE'LL HAVE A CLOSER LOOK.

AS FOR TEMPERATURES TONIGHT, THAT'S MORE LIKE IT AFTER SOME PREVIOUSLY WARM NIGHTS.

65 IN BORREGO SPRINGS, 53 IN MOUNT LAGUNA.

SAN DIEGO, 65, AND CHULA VISTA DROPS TO 63 DEGREES.

HOW ABOUT COMFORTABLE CONDITIONS FOR OUR FRIDAY WITH THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUING FOR ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO, BACK TOWARDS COLORADO.

AND SOME SHOWERS ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

BUT A PRETTY PLEASANT END TO THE WEEK, LOOKING GOOD WITH HIGHS BACK NEAR THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE.

SO, ALONG THE COAST THAT'S TEMPERATURES INTO THE UPPER 70s.

INLAND WE'RE TALKING ABOUT 80s.

AND STILL ACROSS THE DESERT LOCATIONS, UPPER 90s.

MOUNT LAGUNA WILL BE BACK TOWARDS 67 FOR TOMORROW.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND, TRACKING AT LEAST A PULL OF SOME TROPICAL MOISTURE.

AND THAT COULD SEND SOME AREAS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

ANY OF THOSE THAT DO SET UP COULD BRING SOME LOCALIZED FLASH FLOODING AND HUMID CONDITIONS NEAR THE COAST.

OTHERWISE, WE NEED TO WATCH FOR SIGNIFICANT RIP CURRENTS.

THAT COULD IMPACT SOME OF YOUR PLANS.

WE'LL START WITH THE COAST HERE.

THE NEXT FIVE DAYS, A CHANCE OF A SHOWER SATURDAY.

MOSTLY CLOUDY SUNDAY AS TEMPERATURES WARM BACK UP FOR EARLY NEXT WEEK INTO THE MID 80s.

INLAND, THE HEAT BUILDS A BIT MORE BY SATURDAY WITH A CHANCE OF A SHOWER BOTH DAYS OVER THE WEEKEND.

AND WE STAY QUITE WARM AS WE HEAD INTO MONDAY AND TUESDAY.

MOUNTAIN FORECAST, WATCH FOR A SHOWER OR THUNDERSTORM ON SUNDAY.

WE HEAT UP IN A BIG WAY COME TUESDAY.

HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70s.

THE HEAT GETS TRIMMED THIS WEEKEND IN DESERT LOCATIONS.

WATCH FOR A THUNDERSTORM IN SPOTS ON SUNDAY BEFORE THE HEAT BUILDS BACK IN BY NEXT WEEK.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I'M ARIELA SOLIS.

>>> THE LUCA'S MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART IS SET TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN TWO WEEKS.

IT IS ENTIRELY SELF-FUNDED BY "STAR WARS" CREATOR GEORGE LUCAS AND HIS WIFE.

>> IT FEELS LIKE A SPACESHIP TO ME.

>> Reporter: WHETHER IT FEELS LIKE A SPACESHIP OR A CLOUD, THE 300,000 SQUARE FOOT MUSEUM APPEARS TO BE FLOATING OVER WHAT ONCE WAS AN ASPHALT PARKING LOT IN EXPOSITION PARK.

>> IT'S VERY FUTURISTIC BUT ALSO CONNECTED TO HISTORY AND THE PAST.

>> I'M A CONTRARIAN.

>> Reporter: BUT THE PERSON WHO MAY BE THE MOST EXCITED ABOUT THE MUSEUM OPENING IS GEORGE LUCAS HIMSELF.

>> WELL, THIS HAS BEEN A LONG HAUL, WHICH IS, LIKE, 17 YEARS BETWEEN BEING KICKED OUT OF CITIES.

>> Reporter: THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART FOUNDED AND ENTIRELY SELF-FUNDED BY LUCAS AND HIS WIFE IS THE FIRST MUSEUM DEDICATED TO THE TRADITION OF VISUAL STORY TELLING.

>> GEORGE STARTED BY ASPIRING TO HAVE A BUILDING SO UNIQUE THAT 8 YEAR OLDS AND 80 YEAR OLDS WOULD EQUALLY WANT TO COME INSIDE.

>> NARRATIVE ART CREATES A GROUP OF PEOPLE WITH COMMON BELIEF SYSTEM.

AND THAT COMMON BELIEF SYSTEM ALLOWS THEM TO WORK TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: FROM THE WORKS OF FREDA -- TO NORMAN ROCKWELL, COMICS, AND SCREEN ART.

BUT THE MAIN ATTRACTION IS THE STARR WARS IN MOTION EXHIBIT, WITH A SELECTION OF VEHICLE DESIGNS, PROPS, COSTUMES, AND ILLUSTRATIONS ACROSS THE FIRST SIX FILMS OF LUCAS' SAGA.

>> GEORGE, WITH THE ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE VISION AND MELANIE PUTTING COMMUNITY AT THE CORE OF IT.

>> Reporter: TRACY BAITS SAYS THE RESEARCH LIBRARY, TWO THEATERS, AND EXHIBITIONS THAT INCLUDE MORE THAN 1,300 OBJECTS IN 30 GALLERIES WILL BE FREE TO SOUTH L.A.

RESIDENTS LIKE CASSANDRA LANE, A MAGAZINE EDITOR.

>> WE DESERVE IT.

WE NEED ACCESSIBLE SPACES.

>> Reporter: LUCAS MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE LOOK POSSIBLE ON SCREEN.

NOW HE'S DONE IT AGAIN, TURNING AN EMPTY PARKING LOT INTO A PLACE WHERE STORIES COME TO LIFE.

>> AND THAT WAS JASMINE VEAL WITH THAT REPORT.

>>> HERE'S A LOOK AT WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON FOR TOMORROW.

THE U.S.

TREASURY AND IRS PROPOSE REMOVING TAX EXEMPT STATUS FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT HELP STUDENTS BASED ON RACE.

LIBERAL ARTS PRIVATE SCHOOL.

AND A NEW CALIFORNIA LAW MAKES IT A CRIME TO LOITER WITH THE INTENT TO BUY SEX.

WHILE THE LAW TARGETS CLIENTS, IT COULD BE HURTING WORKERS.

WE'LL HAVE MORE ON KPBS ROUND TABLE.

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

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

GOOD NIGHT.

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

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

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION, DARLENE MARCO SHYLY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

♪ ♪