Thursday, September 4, 2025
Season 1 Episode 3636 | 28m 28sVideo has Closed Captions
Spirit Airlines is now departing San Diego — what recent service cuts mean for travelers.
Spirit Airlines is now departing San Diego — what recent service cuts mean for travelers and what’s ahead for Terminal 1 at the International Airport. Plus, the future of Palomar Health’s mental health facility in North County is uncertain after funding stalled. And a push is underway to breathe new life into the long-closed Carlsbad Theater as the building nears a major milestone.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
KPBS Evening Edition is a local public television program presented by KPBS
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Season 1 Episode 3636 | 28m 28sVideo has Closed Captions
Spirit Airlines is now departing San Diego — what recent service cuts mean for travelers and what’s ahead for Terminal 1 at the International Airport. Plus, the future of Palomar Health’s mental health facility in North County is uncertain after funding stalled. And a push is underway to breathe new life into the long-closed Carlsbad Theater as the building nears a major milestone.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch KPBS Evening Edition
KPBS Evening Edition is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>>> MAJOR FUNDING HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY BILL HOWELL CALL 1800 BILL HOWELL OR VISIT BILL HOWELL.COM.
>>> AND BY THE CONRAD PREVIS FOUNDATION, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.
AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.
THANK YOU.
>>> GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
THE PENTAGON IS CONSIDERING A PLAN TO LEASE PARTS OF CAMP PENDLETON TO HELP FUND THE PRESIDENT'S PROPOSED MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM.
NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
>> Reporter: A SPOKESPERSON FOR NAVY SECRETARY CONFIRMS THAT DURING HIS VISIT TO THE BASE LAST WEEK THERE WERE INITIAL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT POSSIBLE COMMERCIAL LEASING OPPORTUNITIES OF CAMP PENDLETON LAND.
THE BASE SPANS MORE THAN 125,000 ACRES AND IS THE LARGEST UNDEVELOPED STRETCH OF SHORELINE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
SAILORS WERE TOLD LAST WEEK THEY WERE BRINGING A DIFFERENT MIND SET TO RUNNING THE SERVICE.
>> MORE BUSINESS PRACTICES AND THOUGHT PROCESSES TO HOW WE APPROACH THINGS.
WE ARE RIGHT NOW -- I THINK WE HAVE TO FUNDAMENTALLY MAKE HUGE NUMBER OF CHANGES.
>> Reporter: FURTHER DEVELOPMENT RAISES ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS.
THE BASE IS HOME TO SEVERAL THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.
IT'S AN IMPORTANT STOP FOR BUTTERFLIES AND LAST YEAR THE BASE PARTNERED WITH THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO PRESERVE THEM.
WILDFIRES ARE ALSO COMMON ON THE BASE.
THE NAVY SECRETARY SAID THAT ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIONS ARE NEEDED AND NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
>>> JUST WEEKS BEFORE THE NEW TERMINAL OPENS IN SAN DIEGO ONE OF ITS TENANTS SAID THEY ARE STOPPING SERVICE HERE.
SPIRIT AIRLINE SERVICE WILL END IN EARLY OCTOBER.
>> Reporter: SPIRIT IS A BUDGET AIRLINE THAT CAN GET YOU FROM SAN DIEGO IT PLACES LIKE LAS VEGAS FOR AS LITTLE AS $25 ONE WAY.
IT'S FACED RECENT FINANCIAL TROUBLES AND LAST WEEK ANNOUNCED IT WAS ENTERING CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY FOR THE SECOND TIME IN JUST UNDER A YEAR.
A CHAPTER 11 FILING LETS THEM KEEP FLYING WHILE IT RESTRUCTURES.
IN THAT RESTRUCTURING THEY ARE DROPPING SERVICE TO TEN CITIES.
A SPOKESPERSON SAID THEY ARE ADJUSTING THEIR NETWORK TO FOCUS ON ITS STRONGEST PREFORMING MARKETS.
THEY ARE SET TO BE ONE OF SEVEN CARRIERS AT THE NEW TERMINAL BUT IT'S SERVICE CUTS WILL HAPPEN ON OCTOBER 4th SAID AIRPORT SPOKESPERSON NICOLE HALL.
SHE SENT A WRITTEN STATEMENT SAYING SPIRIT'S DECISION WILL HAVE NO IMPACT ON OPERATIONS AT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
HALL ALSO SAID THAT OTHER AIRLINES ARE SEVENNING MARKETS THAT SPIRIT HAD BEEN FLYING TO FROM SAN DIEGO THIS SUMMER.
SPIRIT SAID IT APOLOGIZES TO ITS GUESTS AND SAID IT'LL REACH OUT TO AFFECTED PASSENGERS ABOUT THEIR OPTIONS INCLUDING REFUNDS.
AIRPORT AUTHORITIES SAID THEY OPERATE HERE AT ONE GATE AT THE OLD TERMINAL AND ONLY WILL OPERATE AT ONE AT THE NEW TERMINAL AS WELL THE GATE WILL BE USED BY ANOTHER CARRIER WHEN SPIRIT IS NO LONGER USING IT.
KPBS NEWS.
>>> COMING UP WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MORE THUNDERSTORMS, AN AREA OF SHOWERS TO IMPACT SOME PARTS OF THE AREA BUT DRYER WEATHER AHEAD AND SOME COOLER TEMPERATURES AROUND NEXT WEEK.
TONIGHT WE DROP DOWN TO THE 60s AND ARE MOSTLY CLOUDY SKY.
MORE ON THE FORECAST IS COMING UP.
>>> HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY ROBERT KENNEDY JR. WAS IN THE HOT SEAT AMID CALLS FOR HIS RESIGNATION.
KAREN IS ON CAPITOL HILL WITH THE LATEST ABOUT THE NATION'S VACCINE POLESIS AND MORE.
>> Reporter: THIS THREE HOUR SENATE HEARING GOT CONTENTIONOUS RIGHT OFF THE BAT WITH A PROTESTOR INTERRUPTING THE OPENING STATEMENT AND THEN DEMOCRATS QUICKLY SLAMMING KENNEDY'S LEADERSHIP AND RESHAPING OF GOVERNMENT HEALTH AGENCIES.
ROBERT F KENNEDY JR.
DEFENDING HIS DECISION TO FIRE THE DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES CDC.
>> WE NEED BOLD, COMPETENT, CREATIVE NEW LEADERSHIP AT THE CDC.
PEOPLE THAT ARE ABLE AND WILLING TO CHART A NEW COURSE.
>> Reporter: THE HEARING BEFORE THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE WAS SCHEDULED TO FOCUS ON THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S 2026 HEALTH KARA AGAINA BUT ON THE HEELS OF HIS OUSTER OF THE FORMER DIRECTOR DEMOCRATS QUICKLY SLAMMED HIS LEADERSHIP AND LONG TIME CLAIMS AGAINST VACCINES AND HOW THAT UNDERMINES PUBLIC TRUST.
>> SIR YOU ARE A C HALATAN.
YOU CONFLATE DISEASE WITH THE NEED FOR VACCINES.
>> Reporter: TWO REPUBLICANS EXPRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT THE CHANGES TO VACCINE POLICY.
ONE SAYING KENNEDY ISN'T UP HOLDING VACCINE STANDARDS AS PROMISED.
>> THE PUBLIC HAS SEEN MEASLES OUTBREAKS, LEADERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH QUESTIONING MNRA VACCINES.
>> Reporter: BILL CASSIDY OF LOUISIANA CRITICAL OF NEW LIMITS ON COVID VACCINES.
>> WE ARE DENYING PEOPLE VACANT SEEMS.
>> Reporter: KENNEDY ARGUED CURRENT POLICY DOESN'T DENY ANYONE A BOOSTER BOOSTER.
>> IF WE DON'T END THIS CHRONIC DISEASE.
WE ARE THE SICKEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.
THAT'S WHY WE HAVE TO FIRE PEOPLE AT THE CDC.
THEY DID NOT DO THEIR JOB.
>> Reporter: KENNEDY'S APPEARANCE CAME THE DAY AFTER MORE THAN A THOUSAND FORMER AND EMPLOY CURRENT EMPLOYEES CALLED ON HIM TO RESIGN.
ON CAPITOL HILL.
>>> A HOSPITAL PLANNED FOR THE NORTH COUNTY HAS JUST LOST A BIG PART OF STATE FUNDING.
WE LOOKED INTO WHY THE STATE REMOVED THE $50 MILLION GRANT.
>> Reporter: LAST YEAR A CROWD OF LOCAL OFFICIALS PICKED UP SHOVELS TO HELP BREAK GROUND FOR A 120 BED HOSPITAL.
AT THE TIME THE COO SAID THAT IT WOULD MAKE A LASTING IMPACT ON NORTH COUNTY.
>> THE HEALTH INSTITUTE STANDS AS A PROMISE TO OUR COMMUNITY THAT MENTAL HEALTH CARE WILL BE ACCESSIBLE, AND INNOVATIVE.
>> Reporter: AND IN MAY THEY RECEIVED A $50 MILLION GRANT FOR THE STATE.
THE FUNDING COMES FROM PROPOSITION 1 WHICH SETS MONEY ASIDE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT.
THE GRANT REQUIRES A MATCHING FUND.
THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T MEET THE MATCH DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS WHICH THEY IDENTIFIED WOULD BE CASH.
AS A REALLOT THEY WERE TOLD THEIR CONDITIONAL AWARD WAS RESC IND ED.
THE DECISION IS FINAL AND CANNOT BE APPEALED.
WHEN ASKED WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE PROJECT A SPOKESPERSON SAID THAT IT HAS NO COMMENT AT THIS TIME.
JOHN CLARK IS THE BOARD MEMBER AND SAID HE DOESN'T KNOW IF THE PROJECT IS STILL GOING FORWARD >> IT'S DISAPPOINTING.
THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ON THE FOREFRONT OF TRYING TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE AREA AND WE HOPE TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.
>> Reporter: THIS IS WHAT THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INSTITUTE SITE LOOKS LIKE TODAY SAVE FOR ORANGE BARRICADES, CAUTION TAPE AND A SIGN INDICATING THAT IT'S A CONSTRUCTION ZONE NOTHING HAS HAPPENED SINCE LAST YEAR'S GROUND BREAKING.
KPBS NEWS.
>>> TONIGHT ON THE NEWS HOUR THE SECRETARY ROBERT F KENNEDY JR.
DEFENDS HIS STAFFING DECISION AND VACCINE POLICY ALT A SENATE HEARING.
AT 7:00 AFTER EVENING EDITION ON KPBS.
>>> NEW ORLEANS IS THE LATEST CITY WHERE THE PRESIDENT IS CONSIDERING SENDING NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS AS PART OF HIS CRACK DOWN ON CRIME.
PATRICK CORNELL REPORTS.
>> Reporter: SINCE DEPLOYING THE NATIONAL GUARD IN WASHINGTON D.C.
THE PRESIDENT HAS REPEATEDLY SAID HIS ADMINISTRATION COULD TARGET CHICAGO AND BALTIMORE NEXT.
NOW THE PRESIDENT IS LOOKING AT A NEW CITY, NEW ORLEANS.
>> WE ARE MAKING A DETERMINATION NOW.
DO WE GO TO CHICAGO OR DO WE GO TO A PLACE LIKE NEW ORLEANS WHERE WE HAVE A GREAT GOVERNOR WHO WANTS US TO COME IN AND STRAIGHTEN OUT A VERY NICE SECTION OF THIS COUNTRY.
>> Reporter: THE GOVERNOR THEN TAKING TO X WRITING WE WILL TAKE THE PRESIDENT'S HELP FROM NEW ORLEANS TO SHREVEPORT.
THROW CARTER PUSHING BACK ON THIS COURSE OF ACTION.
>> WE ENCOURAGE AND EMBRACE ANY HELP THAT THIS PRESIDENT WANTS TO GIVE BUT MAKING THE CITY MILITARY IS NOT THE WAY TO DO IT.
>> Reporter: THE DEPLOYMENT IDEA THE SAME DAY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED ITS OPENING A NEW IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT CAMP IN LOUISIANA.
IT'LL HAVE THE ABILITY TO HOLD MORE THAN 400 MEN THE GOVERNOR SAID.
>> THIS FACILITY WILL HOLD THE MOST DANGEROUS OF CRIMINALS THAT HAVE BEEN OUT THERE HARMING INDIVIDUALS IN THIS COUNTRY.
>> Reporter: MEANWHILE CHICAGO IS BRACING FOR POTENTIAL NATIONAL GUARD ACTIVITY WHILE THE VICE PRESIDENT TOLD REPORTERS WEDNESDAY THERE ARE NO IMMEDIATE PLANS TO DEPLOY TO CHICAGO OFFICIALS IN ILLINOIS SAY THEY ARE HEARING THE NATIONAL GUARD COULD BE READY TO TAKE ACTION BY SATURDAY.
>> TRYING LIKE HELL TO KEEP THEM AWAY.
>> Reporter: PATRICK CORNELL, KPBS NEWS.
>>> AND THE TRUMP SAID HAS NOT GIVEN A SPECIFIC TIMETABLE FOR ANY OF THESE DEPLOYMENTS.
THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR SAID THAT HIS STATE WILL TAKE LEGAL ACTION IF THE NATIONAL GUARD IS USED IN THAT STATE.
>>> CHULA VISTA'S NEW RULES ON E BIKES AND SCOOTERS TOOK EFFECT.
IT BANS ANYONE 12 OR YOUNGER FROM RIDING A CLASS 1 OR 2E BIKE AND MAKE ITSELF A CRIME FOR AN ADULT TO KNOWINGLY ALLOW THEM TO DO SO.
NOBODY 18 OR YOUNGER CAN CARRY A PASSENGER ON ONE OF THESE VEHICLES BUT THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.
THE FIRST FEW MONTHS WILL FOCUS ON EDUCATION.
>>> THE CARLSBAD THEATER IS ALMOST A HUNDRED YEARS OLD BUT ITS BEEN A FEW YEARS SINCE AN AUDIENCE FILLED ITS SEATS.
NOW IT'S OWNERS HOPE TO SAVE THE HISTORIC THEATER'S LEGACY.
>> Reporter: RIGHT NOW THE THEATER SITS EMPTY.
THAT COULD CHANGE SOON.
THE THEATER HAS A LONG HISTORY AND WHEN RESIDENTS WORRY IT WOULD CHANGE THE STORES AND RESTAURANT ARE RESTAURANTS BUT IT'S OWNER SAID THAT'S NOT TRUE.
THE THEATER IS CURRENTLY OWNED BY THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP RPG.
UNTIL RECENTLY IT WAS LISTED FOR SALE IN AUCTION.
NOW THAT LISTING HAS BEEN REMOVED.
THE GOAL IS TO BRING IT BACK TO LIFE AS BOTH A THEATER AND ENTERTAINMENT CONVENIENT VENUE.
THEY WANT TO USE IT FOR WORKSHOPS, AND EVENTUALLY A FILM FESTIVAL.
THE THEATER HAS A RICH HISTORY DATING BACK TO ITS CONSTRUCTION AFTER WORLD WAR I. SEAN JONES IS A LOCAL HISTORY TEACHER.
HE WALKS US THROUGH THAT HISTORY IN A VIDEO FROM THE TELEVISION FOUNDATION.
>> IT WAS BUILT DURING THE 1920s WITH A LOT OF CONFIDENCE AND BUSINESS.
THE ROARING 20s WITH PROSPERITY.
IT WAS CLOSED IN THE 30s DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION.
>> Reporter: IT REOPENED IN THE 40s AND SAW A BOOM THROUGH THE 60s.
WHEN FOREIGN FILMS AND LIVE THEATER WERE ADDED.
>> DURING THE ECONOMIC CHAOS OF THE 70s IT FELL INTO DESREP AI R AND NOW IT'S A QUESTION MARK WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE THEATER.
>> Reporter: AS THE THEATER APPROACHES A LANDMARK BIRTHDAY SOME RESIDENTS EXPRESS CONCERN ABOUT IT'S FUTURE.
>> IN A YEAR AND A HALF OUR THEATER TURNS 100.
THAT IS HUGE.
IT WAS OPEN IN 1927.
RUMOR HAS IT CHARLIE CHAPLAIN SPENT TIME HERE BECAUSE THE STARS USED TO TOUR WITH THEIR FILM.
>> Reporter: MANY RESIDENTS HAVE LIVED THROUGH SOME OF THE THEATER'S HISTORY.
>> A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HERE A LONG TIME AND EVERYBODY LOVES THE THEATER.
I WENT THERE AS A KID.
>> Reporter: HE FOUNDED THE SAVE THE CARLSBAD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION.
>> THIS COULD BE A GATHERING GROUND FOR PEOPLE TO COME DOWNTOWN.
>> Reporter: NOW THAT DREAM MAY BE A REALITY.
RESIDENTS HAVE PLENTY OF IDEAS FOR HOW TO USE THE NEW ART SPACE.
>> ALWAYS BEEN OUR DREAM TO HAVE THIS THEATER RETURN TO KIND OF THE GLORY THAT IT ONCE WAS.
>> Reporter: NATE LARSON THINKS THE SPACE WOULD BE A GREAT FIT FOR STUDENTS AND MORE EXPERIENCED ENTERTAINERS.
>> I WORK AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
I WORK IN THE ARTS AND THEATER, VISUAL ARTS AND I PRODUCE EVENTS AND ALL THOSE THINGS GET ME SO EXCITED ABOUT -- BECAUSE THIS SPACE COULD BE ALL THOSE THINGS.
>> Reporter: HE SAID THERE'S A BIG NEED FOR SPACES LIKE THE CARLSBAD THEATER.
>> THERE'S A LOT OF LOCAL ART ORGANIZATION THAT GO ELSEWHERE FOR THEIR PERFORMANCES.
A LOT OF THEM HAVE USED THIS SPACE FOR THEIR PERFORMANCES BUT IT HASN'T BEEN AVAILABLE FOR THEM FOR A WHILE.
>> Reporter: THE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE NEW VILLAGE ART CENTER.
DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE THEATER.
>> ALWAYS HOPED THAT WE COULD HAVE THIS -- THIS EASTBOUND CREDIBLE ARTS DISTRICT IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE WITH THE VILLAGE ART CENTER DOING PROFESSIONAL THEATER ALL YEAR ROUND AND THEN WITH THE CARLSBAD THEATER ABLE TO FILL IN WITH FILMS AND COMMUNITY THEATER AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER EVENTS JUST IMAGINE THE KIND OF LIFE WE WOULD BRING TO THE VILLAGE.
>> Reporter: THAT NEW LIFE MAY BE WITH IN REACH SOON.
THE OWNERS TRYING TO GET PERMIT FROM THE CITY.
THEY HOPE TO WELCOME AUDIENCES LATER THIS YEAR.
>>> THERE IS A NEW READING SERIES IN NORTH PARK THAT COMBINES LITERATURE WITH MUSIC AND MOVEMENT.
JULIA DIXON EVANS TALKS ABOUT THE PARTY.
>> Reporter: BY DAY IT'S AN AIR CONDITIONED PLACE FOR BOOK LOVERS BURSTING WITH SHOPPERS BROWSING THE SEAMINGLY ENDLESS SUPPLY EVER USED BOOKS.
>> THIS IS THE DANCE FLOOR.
YES.
>> Reporter: THIS SATURDAY NIGHT THE NORTH PARK SHOP TRANSFORMS IN TO A >> A PARTY THAT WOULD BREAK OUT IN YOUR KITCHEN.
LIKE WHIT WHITNEY WHIT HOUSTON.
>> Reporter: A LOCAL WRITER AND ONE OF THE ORGANIZERS OF DESIRE CALLING A QUEER READING SERIES AND DANCE PARTY.
>> RIGHT NOW WITH EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON PEOPLE ARE REALLY SEEKING JUST A LITTLE BEYOND NORMAL SMALL TALK AND HEARING POETRY IS A WAY OF DOING THAT >> Reporter: THE LGBTQ PLUS READERS INCLUDE LOCAL WRITER MACK CRANE THE HOST WANTS TO SEE SAN DIEGO'S SCENE CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND GROW BEYOND THE USUAL BOOK COMMUNITY IN NEW WAYS.
>> IN GENERAL IT'S HARD TO FIND SPACES WHERE YOU CAN BE AT A DANCE PARTY WITH PEOPLE WITH ALL AGES IN A MULTIGENERATIONAL SPACE WITHOUT ALCOHOL AND WE ARE REALLY EXCITED TO CREATE AN ACCESSIBLE SPACE.
>> Reporter: SHE HOPES THAT BY SHARING ART AND MOVEMENT PEOPLE CAN FIND CONNECTION.
>> WE WANT PEOPLE TO WALK HOME FEELING A SENSE OF BEING MOVED BY THE WORDS THEY HEARD.
A SENSE THEY CAN COME OUT IN TO THE WORLD AND THERE IS GOOD PEOPLE, KIND PEOPLE WAITING FOR THEM THERE.
>> Reporter: SATURDAY'S FREE EVENT IS A FUNDRAISER FOR TRANSFAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES.
A LOCAL NONPROFIT THAT PROVIDES RESOURCES FOR TRANSGENDER AND NONBINARY YOUTH.
JULIA DIXON EVANS.
>>> AND SHE HOSTS THE PODCAST THE FINEST.
IT CAPTURES THE PEOPLE, ART AND MOVEMENT REDEFINING THE CULTURAL IDENTITY.
A NEW EPISODE IS OUT TODAY AND YOU CAN LISTEN NOW AT KPBS.ORG THE FINEST OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCAST.
>>> A STORY NOW ABOUT HOW ONE WOMAN CREATED A LASTING IMPRESSION ON SAN DIEGO COUNTY WITH THE PASSING OF TIME HER ACCOMPLISHMENT MIGHT HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN BUT FOR THE WORK OF A RESEARCHER WHO REDISCOVERED HER AFTER MANY YEARS.
KEN CRAMER HAS THIS MEMORY OF HER IN A STORY ABOUT SAN DIEGO.
>> SAN DIEGO UNION IN 1966.
>> Reporter: IT WAS A LONG TIME AGO THAT THE NEWSPAPER FROM BACK THEN HAD HER PICTURE AND THE STORY.
>> IT WAS SOMEONE --.
>> Reporter: ESTELLE WAS 91 WHEN WE TALKED HER.
SHE DOESN'T MAKE A BIG THING ABOUT IT BUT SHE IS THE BETSY ROSS OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY.
>> THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE FLAG.
>> Reporter: BETSY ROSS OF COURSE IS SAID TO HAVE MADE THE FIRST AMERICAN FLAG ACCORDING TO THE STORY PRESENTING IT TO GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON IN 1776.
WHAT ESTELLE DID WAS MAKE A DIFFERENT KIND OF FLAG.
>> RED AT THE TOP.
>> Reporter: THIS FLAG.
RECOGNIZE IT?
IT'S THE OFFICIAL ONE OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW WE HAD ONE, WE DO.
YOU SEE IT OUTSIDE COUNTY BUILDINGS AND AT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND WE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ESTELLE IF IT WASN'T FOR THIS MAN, JS JOHNSON WHO WAS WORKING ON A PROJECT GOING THROUGH SOME OLD ARTIFACTS.
>> I WAS JUST GOING THROUGH BOXES OF OLD NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS AND TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING ABOUT THE COUNTY FLAG AND THERE WAS THIS LITTLE TINY CLIPPING WITH HER FACE HOLDING UP THE FLAG.
THAT STARTED ME ON IT.
>> Reporter: IT SAID THAT MUCH LIKE BETSY ROSS ESTELLE, A COUNTY EMPLOYEE BACK THEN STAYED UP NIGHTS DESIGNING SEWING BY HAND OUR VERY FIRST COUNTY FLAG.
HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
>> I HAD DONE A LOT OF ARTISTIC WORK OVER THE COUNTY OVER THE YEARS AND EVEN THOUGH THAT WASN'T MY THING PEOPLE WOULD ASK ME TO DO THEM.
>> I HEARD IT WAS MORE LIKE WHO CAN WE GET TO DO THIS?
WHO HAS TALENT?
I KNOW, ESTELLA.
>> Reporter: SHE STARTED.
THERE WAS ALREADY A COUNTY EMBLEM SHOULD SO SHE PUT THAT ATCENTER.
>> I WOULD SIT IN THE EVENINGS AND I WOULD SEW.
>> Reporter: EVENTUALLY ADDING BOLD STRIPES OF RED AND GREEN THAT ARE FULL OF SYMBOLS.
>> IT HAS TO DO WITH THE POSSESSIONS.
EARLIER POSSESSIONS OF CALIFORNIA BY SPAIN, BY MEXICO, AND THEN BECAME CALIFORNIA.
>> Reporter: FOR YEARS HER FLAG WAS ON DISPLAY IN A LIGHTED BOX IN THE SUPERVISORS CHAMBERS BUT AGE TOOK ITS TOLL AND EVENTUALLY IT WAS JUST HANGING TOGETHER BY A FEW THREADS.
>> YOU CAN SEE HOLES BUT WHEN WE TOUCH THE FABRIC IT JUST FELL TO PIECES.
>> Reporter: HE WANTED TO PRESERVE WHAT WE COULD OF THE FLAG AND CREATE AN EXHIBIT AT THE COUNTY.
A TRIBUTE TO ESTELLE.
HE WENT TO VISIT HER.
>> I INTERVIEWED HER.
SHE SAID HERE IS MY OLD DRAWING TOOLS IF YOU WANT THEM FOR YOUR ARCHIVE.
>> Reporter: NOW THEY ARE PART OF THE EXHIBIT HE DESIGNED IN THE LOBBY OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER ALONG WITH THE COUNTY EMBLEM.
>> JUST THE JOY OF REDISCOVERING HER.
NOBODY AT THE COUNTY KNEW WHO SHE WAS.
IF WE HADN'T FOUND THAT CLIPPING SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN.
I NEVER READ HER NAME ON ANYTHING.
>> COUNTY FLAG RAISED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
>> Reporter: WHEN WE TALKED TO HER SHE HAD SO FAR PASSED UP CHANCES TO SEE THE EXHIBIT HONORING HER.
SHE IS SO LOW KEY WHEN YOU BRING UP HER BETSY ROSS ACCOMPLISHMENT.
SHE SAID THAT WAS SO MANY YEARS AGO.
>> WELL, I WONDER WHY YOU WOULD EVEN BOTHER WITH ME.
>> Reporter: THAT'S THE WAY SHE IS.
KIND OF MATTER OF FACT ABOUT IT ALL.
A LITTLE PUZZLED PUZZLED BY THE FUSS BUT WILLING TO ACCEPT THE ROLE.
>> I GUESS IF THE COUNTY HAD -- HAD A FLAG AND I MADE IT THEY CAN CALL ME BETSY ROSS.
YES.
>> Reporter: WITHOUT HER WE WOULD BE LACKING SOMETHING COLORFUL AND HISTORIC.
>> KEN HAS HALF STORIES EVERY WEEK AND YOU CAN SEE THEM THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 8:00 RIGHT HERE ON KPBS.
>>> AND TAKING A LOOK AT OUR WEATHER HEADLINES AS WE WILL STILL WATCH CARE AREAS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUING THROUGH THE DAY FRIDAY.
THE REGIONS TO WATCH ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS AND THE DESERTS.
MEAN WHILE A COOLING TREND ON THE WAY WITH TEMPERATURES RUNNING SOME 8 TO 12 DEGREES BELOW THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE AND MOSTLY DRY CONDITIONS PREVAIL INTO NEXT WEEK.
SO TONIGHT STILL A LITTLE BIT ELEVATED WITH THE TEMPERATURES AND THE HUMIDITY.
WE SHOULD HAVE A CLEAR SKY THROUGH TONIGHT AND MOUNT LAGUNA WILL DIP BACK IN TO THE 50s.
68 OCEANSIDE.
CHULA VISTA TEMPERATURES IN THE MID-60s.
IN THE FUTURE RADAR AND SATELLITE STILL, AREAS OF LINGERING WITH THE SHOWERS AND STORMS THROUGH THE OVER NIGHT HOURS AND THEN A LITTLE BIT COLLARRER AND MORE CLOUDS BUILDING IN AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW MORNING.
SO, LINGERING WITH THE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH LATER ON TONIGHT AND THEN CLEAR TO START THE DAY ON FRIDAY BEFORE WE WILL SEE MORE OF THOSE SHOWERS AND STORMS BUILDING BACK ON IN THROUGHOUT THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
WE CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT INCREASE OF MOISTURE HERE THAT HAS BROUGHT MORE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAP INTO MORE OF THAT MOISTURE THAT MOVES IN TO THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES.
WE CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE IMPACTS IN TO MEXICO AS WELL.
FOR TOMORROW WE WILL SEE CLOUDS STICK AROUND ACROSS MOUNT LAGU IN, A AND THE AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS, 66, HOT WITH MORE SUN AT 93 AND SUNNY 77 IN SAN DIEGO.
WE WILL TAKE THE COAST OUT FOR THE NEXT FIVE DAYS AS WE CONTINUE TO SEE TEMPERATURES RISE THROUGH SUNDAY BEFORE TURNING A BIT MORE PLEASANT AS WE HEAD INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK.
FURTHER INLAND HERE THE TEMPERATURES BUILDING THROUGHOUT THE DAY ON SUNDAY WITH A HIGH OF 9 TREES AND THEN THE LOWER 80s INTO TUESDAY WITH OVERNIGHT LOWS IN TO THE 50s.
WE WILL WATCH FOR THUNDERSTORMS IN SPOTS AS WE HEAD IN TO THE DAY FRIDAY ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS AND THAT COULD LEAD TO SATURDAY AS WELL SUNSHINE LINGERINGERNS THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND EARLY NEXT WEEK AND WE WILL PUT IT OUT IN TO THE DESERT WITH THE TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT AS WE HEAD IN TO THE DAMON.
>>> THE NFL SEASON KICKS OFF TONIGHT AND FOR MANY FAN ITSELF ALSO MEANS FANTASY LEAGUES AND ONLINE SPORTS BETTING.
JEN SULLIVAN LOOKS AT THE BOOMING BETTING INDUSTRY AND THE WARNING ON GAMBLING.
>> IT'S A BILLION DOLLARS INDUSTRY.
IT WAS THE START MANY FANS WILL CREATE FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUES AND BETTING ON GAMES.
>> WE SEE THE MOST TRAFFIC ON OUR PLATFORM DURING NFL SEASON.
>> LAURA WITH DRAFT KING SAID MORE USERS ARE SIGNING UP EVERY YEAR.
GAMING IS NOW LEGAL IN ALMOST ALL 50 STATES WITH GAMING REVENUE REACHING $115 BILLION LAST YEAR ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION.
THEY PROJECT AMERICANS TO WAGER $30 BILLION THIS YEAR ON THE NFL SEASON ALONE.
>> IT'S AN ACTIVITY THAT'S OVERWHELMINGLY A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR PLAYERS AND THE VAST MAJORITY OF INDIVIDUALS THAT -- PLACE A WAGER OR GO DO A CASINO TO PLAY A SLOT MACHINE DO IT RESPONSIBLY.
>> Reporter: JOE WITH THE AGA WARNS CHASING LOSS IS WHEN FUN CAN BECOME A PROBLEM.
A SURVEY FOUND 68% OF PEOPLE WHO BET ON SPORTS ONLINE REPORTED AT LEAST ONE GAMBLING BEHAVIOR THAT'S CONSIDERED HARML.
MANY BETTING SIGHTS HAVE TOOLS TO HELP.
>> WE LAUNCHED MY BUDGET BUILDER WHICH IS A PERSONALIZED STEP BY STEP PROCESS THAT CUSTOMERS CAN WALK THROUGH TO REALLY PERSONALIZE THE WAY THEY WANT TO SET UP THE LIMITS OR EVEN ALERTS.
>> Reporter: EXPERTS ALSO WARN USERS TO ONLY PLACE BETS ON SITE THAT ARE REAL.
CHECK YOUR LOCAL STATE'S GAMING CONTROL BOARD OR AMERICAN GAMING.ORG.
>> YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN A LEGAL APP IF YOU ARE ASKED TO VERIFY YOUR AGE AND IDENTITY WHICH OFTEN TIMES REQUIRES A DISCLOSURE OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER OR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
>> Reporter: IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW THINKS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM YOU CAN CALL 1800 GAMBLER FOR HELP.
A LOT PEOPLE WILL STREAM THE GAMES.
YOU CAN FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE TO FIND STOREYS OUR NEWSROOM, PODCAST AND ORIGINAL PROGRAMS.
IT'S WHERE WE LIVE STREAM THE EVENING EDITION WEEK NIGHTS AT FIVE.
YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE AND GET NOTIFIED WHEN ITEMS POSTED.
>>> AND HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE FOR YOU FOR TOMORROW IN THE NEWSROOM.
THE PRESIDENT HOSTS TECH CEO'S FOR DINNER AT THE ROSE GARDEN.
THAT AND MORE ON NPR'S MORNING EDITION.
AND THE NUMBER 13 GOES UP FOREVER IN HISTORY AS SNAP DRAGON STADIUM SAN DIEGO FC CELEBRATING ALEX MORGAN'S JERSEY RETIREMENT ALL WEEKEND LONG.
WE WILL HAVE MORE ON THAT ON KPBS ROUND TABLE.
AND YOU CAN FIND TONIGHT'S STOREY ON THE WEBSITE.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
HAVE A GREAT EVENING.
- News and Public Affairs
Top journalists deliver compelling original analysis of the hour's headlines.
- News and Public Affairs
FRONTLINE is investigative journalism that questions, explains and changes our world.
Support for PBS provided by:
KPBS Evening Edition is a local public television program presented by KPBS