>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KB BS EVENING ADDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ANDERSON PLUMBING, HEATING, AND AIR.

CLOUD TO SUPPORT K PBS.

HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAINTAIN DRAIN, HEATING, COOLING SYSTEMS SINCE 1978.

AND BY THE CONRAD PROVOSTS FOUNDATION.

AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

>>> GOOD EVENING, IT IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21st.

AN FOR JOINING US, I AM MAYA TRABULSI.

TONIGHT THE WHITE HOUSE IS PUTTING IN MOTION A PLAN TO RESPOND TO THE INCREDIBLY CONTAGIOUS VARIANT OF COVID-19 BY RICHARD THIS COMES AS AMERICANS ARE PLANNING FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS AND OTHER CHRISTMAS ADVENTS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

WE WILL SEE THE SCENE AS SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, BUT IT FIRST IS PRESIDENT BIDEN'S ACTIONS ON TESTING AND HELPING OUT OUR HOSPITALS.

>> WITH A NEW SURGE COMES A NEW PLAN, THE WHITE HOUSE TAKING EXTRA MEASURES AGAINST COVID- 19.

>> WE ALL WANT THIS TO BE OVER.

BUT WE ARE STILL IN IT.

THIS IS A CRITICAL MOMENT.

WE ALSO HAVE TO SEE NEVER HAD BEFORE.

>> AMONG THE INITIATIVES, 500 MILLION AT HOME TEST TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO AMERICANS NEXT MONTH.

WITH EXPANDED VACCINATION AND TESTING SITE WITH INCREASED ACCESS AND DEPLOYMENT OF 1000 SERVICEMEMBERS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY TWO HOSPITALS OVERWHELMED BY THE SURGE.

>> WE ARE PUTTING UP ABOUT 20,000 TESTING SITES WITH GETTING HALF 1 BILLION TEST, VERY QUICKLY, LITERALLY WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

>> THE PRESIDENT ALSO REASSURE PEOPLE WHO ARE VACCINATED, BUT WHEN HE THOSE WHO ARE UNVACCINATED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL THREAT OF SEVERE ILLNESS.

>> IF YOU ARE NOT FULLY VACCINATED, YOU HAVE GOOD REASON TO BE CONCERNED.

YOU ARE AT A HIGH RISK OF GETTING SICK.

IF YOU GET SICK YOU ARE LIKELY TO SPREAD IT TO OTHERS, AND ALMOST EVERYONE WHO HAS DIED FROM COVID-19 IN THE PAST MANY MONTHS, HAS BEEN UNVACCINATED.

>> THE WHITE HOUSE MOVING QUICKLY AS THE OMICRON VARIANT SURGES NATIONWIDE.

THE CDC PROJECTS 72% OF NEW CASES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE OMICRON.

>> IF YOU ARE VACCINATED, AND FOLLOW PRECAUTIONS THAT WE ALL KNOW WELL, YOU SHOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN THE HOLIDAYS, AS YOU PLANNED IT.

>>> TO THE SAN DIEGO AIRPORT, NOW, WHERE THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS IS UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

OUR KPBS REPORTER, JOHN CARROLL, SHOWS US THE BIG CROWN BEATS IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR THOSE SEEKING TO THE AIR.

>> Reporter: IT IS THE THIRD BUSIEST IN CALIFORNIA.

THIS HAS BEEN A REBOUND YEAR, FROM THE DARKEST DAYS OF THE PANDEMIC.

THEY STRETCH FROM DECEMBER 17th TO JANUARY THIRD, WILL BE THE BUSIEST IN THIS YEAR.

>> THIS YEAR WE ARE ANTICIPATING ABOUT 1 MILLION PEOPLE COMING TO THE AIRPORT, DURING THAT TIME.

>> Reporter: THEY SAY THUS FAR THE AIRPORT HAS SEEN 25% MORE PEOPLE PASTOR IN 2021, THAT IN 2020.

BUT, WHEN COMPARED TO 2019, ABOUT 20 PERCENT LESS PASSENGERS WILL HAVE TRAVELED THROUGH THIS YEAR.

40s OUT FROM CHRISTMAS, AND EVERYTHING AT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL SEEMS TO BE GOING ALONG SMOOTHLY.

NOT JUST HERE, BILL LEFT WATERTOWN, NEW YORK, TO SEE HIS SON FOR THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT >> THE CROWDS WEREN'T TOO BAD, FLIGHT OUT EARLY.

AND YOU KNOW, IT WAS A GREAT FLIGHT.

>> Reporter: SMOOTH SAILING FOR JODY CHRISTOPHERSON, WHO IS HERE FROM MADISON, WISCONSIN, TO SEE A NEW FRIEND.

>> IT WAS A PIECE OF CAKE, NOT CREDIT AT ALL.

>> Reporter: WITH THE OMICRON VARIANT SPREADING RAPIDLY, WE WANTED TO KNOW IF ANY PASSENGERS HAD CONCERNS ABOUT TRAVELING DURING THIS TIME.

ANYTIME YOU ARE TRAVELING WITH CROWDS AND THINGS, IT JUST TAKES PRECAUTIONS.

>> FOR THE MOST PART, YOU CAN'T LIVE IN FEAR.

>> I AM DOUBLE VAX AND LISTED.

AND CONSTANTLY WEAR MY MASK.

THAT IS ALL YOU CAN DO.

>> Reporter: NICOLE HOUSES ARRIVE TWO HOURS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE TIME IF YOU ARE FLYING TO DOMESTIC LOCATIONS, THREE HOURS INTERNATIONALLY.

MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES ON AIRPORT PROPERTY.

IF YOU FORGET TO BRING WHEN YOU CAN BUY THEM AT THESE VENDING MACHINES, OR GET ONE FOR FREE AT ANY AIRPORT INFORMATION COUNTER.

JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS.

>>> STUDENTS AT ONE OF SAN DIEGO'S BIGGEST UNIVERSITIES WILL BE GOING BACK TO CAMPUS AFTER THE HOLIDAYS.

UCSD IS PIVOTING TO REMOTE LEARNING.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UC SYSTEM PUT OUT THE ALERT ON THE UC SCHOOLS GOING BACK TO ON MY CLASSES FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS IN JANUARY.

A RETURN TO HIM PERSONALLY WILL VARY, BASED ON THE COVID SITUATION AT EACH CAMPUS.

STUDENT TRAVEL AND THE OMICRON VARIANT ARE DRIVING THE DECISION.

UCSD IS TRYING TO GET STUDENTS PROTECTED FROM THE VIRUS, AND THERE IS NOW AN INCENTIVE TO HELP CLASSMATES IN NEED.

K PBS REPORTER MELISSA MAY DESCRIBE THE CHALLENGE AND THE REWARD.

>> Reporter: ON DECEMBER FIRST, UC SAN DIEGO LAUNCHED ITS LISTING OUT FOR BASIC NEEDS CHANCELLOR CHALLENGE.

>> AS WE ARE APPEARING TO MOVE INTO WINTER BREAK, AND THINKING A BIT ABOUT HOW TO BEST ENGAGE OUR STUDENTS IN ACTIVITIES THAT WILL ENSURE THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, AND HEALTH AND WELL- BEING OF THOSE THEY WILL BE VISITING WITH, - >> Reporter: THE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS, DESCRIBES WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TO GET EASTER SHOTS.

>> WE SEE MORE AND MORE FAMILY MEMBERS AND COLLEAGUES, AND FRIENDS, NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THE VIRUS.

ULTIMATELY, GETTING LISTED PROVIDES YET ANOTHER LAYER OF PROTECTION.

AGAINST THAT.

BUT SKI THE GOAL IS TO GET 10,000 STUDENTS BOOSTED BEFORE THE END OF 2021, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION, RYAN MATTIMORE, DESCRIBES THE CHANCELLOR'S PLEDGE.

AND THE CHANCE TO DONATE $50,000 TO THE BASIC NEEDS HAVE, AND EVERY 10,000 STUDENTS AFTER THAT WILL BE ANOTHER DONATION.

TO THE BASIC NEEDS HUBS.

>> Reporter: THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT SAID THE BASIC NEEDS HAVE IS THE STUDENT CENTER RESOURCE ON CAMPUS THAT HELPS PROVIDE BETTER FOOD AND HOUSING SECURITY FOR UCSD STUDENTS.

>> SOME OF THE PROGRAMS THEY OFFER, ARE THE TRITON FOOD PANTRY.

GROCERY SHUTTLE PROGRAM TO HELP BRING STUDENTS ON CAMPUS INTO THE COMMUNITY TO WORK FOR AFFORDABLE GROCERY AND DINING OPTIONS.

PROGRAMS FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE.

>> Reporter: MORE THAN 9000 STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN THE BOOSTER.

>> THIS IS AN EXTRA INCENTIVE, THE TRITON HOLIDAY SPIRIT, BEING SELFLESS.

AND BEING SELFLESS IN HELPING THE COMMUNITY, TO GET TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM COVID.

THE SECOND, IS WE HAVE THIS CHALLENGE GOING ON AS WELL.

TO PROVIDE A LITTLE BIT OF EXTRA FUNDING IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON FOR THE BASIC NEEDS HELP.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO LATTIMORE UCSD HAS UNDER A ONE- PERSON COVID INFECTION RATE SINCE CLASSES RESUMED ON CAMPUS.

>> THIS BOOSTER IS ANOTHER STEP IN A BIG DIRECTION THAT IS GIVING US RESULT THAT WE ARE REALLY PROUD ABOUT WHEN WE SAY THE ACTUAL, TANGIBLE IMPACT, THAT IT HAS ON THOSE STUDENTS AND THE FACULTY.

AND THE STAFF.

AND THE LOW, LOW RATES OF INFECTION AND COVID WAS THE ON CAMPUS.

>> Reporter: STUDENTS CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THE CHALLENGE BY GETTING A BOOSTER NEAR THEM.

A STUDENT CAN UPLOAD THE INFORMATION INTO MY STUDENT CHART.

MARISSA MAY, K PBS NEWS.

>>> EVEN WITH THE DEMAND FOR COVID TESTING, FEWER CUSTOMERS ARE HITTING BRICK-AND-MORTAR DRUGSTORES FOR THEIR PRESCRIPTION NEEDS.

AND AS A RESULT, RIGHT AID IS ANNOUNCING A ROUND OF CLOSURES.

THE COMPANY IS CLOSING 63 STORES, WHICH IT SAYS WILL SAVE THEM $25 MILLION EACH YEAR.

THAT EQUATES TO 2% OF ITS STORES.

WE DON'T KNOW YET IF ANY OF THOSE STORES ARE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

ANOTHER DRUGSTORE, CVS HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED CLOSURES OF 900 OF ITS STORES OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.

>>> WE ARE HEARING A LOT ABOUT THE SPIKE IN NEW CASES LINKED TO THE OMICRON VARIANT, IT IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN.

BUT DR. ANTHONY FAUCI SAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW NOT JUST THE NUMBERS, BUT THE SEVERITY OF THESE CASES.

>> IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LOOK AT THE TRUE IMPACT ON SOCIETY, IT'S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO SEE WHO GETS SICK AND WHO DOESN'T, WHO REQUIRES HOSPITALIZATION.

OR DOESN'T.

IF WE HAVE A LARGER NUMBER OF PEOPLE GETTING INFECTED, BUT THE DEGREE OF SEVERITY IS VERY, VERY LOW, THAT WOULD BE VERY IMPORTANT.

AND IF YOU DISCOUNT THE NUMBERS OF INFECTIONS, YOU MAY GET A MISREPRESENTATION AS TO WHAT IS ACTUALLY GOING ON.

THAT IS THE REASON WHY YOU SEE THE SHIFT, NOW, IN THINKING.

YOU OBVIOUSLY WANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE NUMBER OF INFECTION, BECAUSE THEY COULD BE THE FORERUNNER OF SEVERITY.

IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF INFECTIONS, AND LESS SEVERITY, IT IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO FOCUS ON HOSPITALIZATIONS.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF RENEWED INTEREST RIGHT NOW IN RESOURCES FOR COVID-19, LOCAL CASE NUMBERS, TESTING LOCATIONS AND OF COURSE, OUR LOCAL REPORTING.

WE HAVE IT ALL AT KPBS.ORG.

JUST FIND THE TRACKING COVID- 19 PAGE UNDER THE NEWS SECTION.

>>> TODAY, CATALOG SERIAL WORKERS ANNOUNCED THEY WILL AND AN 11 WEEKS STRIKE AFTER REACHING A DEAL WITH THE COMPANY.

HERE IN SAN DIEGO IN DIFFERENT FIELDS ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.

KITTY ALVARADO TELLS US ABOUT A WORK STOPPAGE THAT AFFECTS ONE OF OUR MOST ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

>> Reporter: OVER 200 SANITATION WORKERS EMPLOYED BY REPUBLIC SERVICES ARE ON STRIKE.

THEY ARE TAKING SHIFTS PICKETING OUTSIDE REPUBLIC OFFICES, OUTSIDE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTY, AFTER CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE UNION, TEAMSTERS LOCAL 542 AND THE COMPANY, BROKE DOWN.

THEY HAVE A WORKING WITHOUT A CONTRACT SINCE NOVEMBER.

>> AT SOME POINT YOU KICK THE DOGS TOO MANY TIMES, IT WILL TURN AROUND AND BITE YOU.

>> Reporter: A DRIVER FOR THE COMPANY WAS AMONG THE PICKETERS IN CHULA VISTA, TUESDAY MORNING.

HE SAYS RAIN OR SHINE, RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COUNT ON THEM, INCLUDING DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THE COMPANY HAS TAKEN THEM FOR GRANTED.

>> WE WEREN'T ABLE TO SIT HOME AND NOT GO TO THE OFFICE.

WE WERE OUT THERE, GROUND ZERO, PICKING UP GARBAGE EVERY SINGLE DAY.

>> Reporter: REPUBLIC IS THE SECOND LARGEST WASTE MANAGEMENT COUNTRY, JUST DAYS AGO THEY REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH WORKERS IN ORANGE COUNTY WHO WERE ON STRIKE FOR OVER A WEEK.

THE UNION SAYS THE COMPANY CEO EARNS 154 TIMES THE PAY OF THEIR AVERAGE EMPLOYEE.

PROGRESS IS BEING ON STRIKE IS NOT EASY, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS.

>> WE KNOW WHAT THE SACRIFICE IS AND WE ARE WILLING TO DO IT.

WE WILL BE HERE 24 HOURS A DAY TO MAKE OUR STANCE.

>> Reporter: MEANWHILE, TRASH MAKES THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA PILING UP.

>> IS DISCUSSING.

>> Reporter: THE OWNER OF BAMBINO'S PIZZA HAS BEEN AT THIS LOCATION FOR FIVE YEARS AND HAS NEVER SEEN THE TRASH OVERFLOWING LIKE THIS.

SPIRIT USUALLY THEY PICK IT UP, EVERY DAY.

I NEVER HAVE SEEN THIS LIKE THIS.

>> Reporter: WE REACHED OUT TO REPUBLIC SERVICES TO ASK HOW LONG CUSTOMERS WERE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS.

THEY SENT US A STATEMENT THAT SAID, IN PART, WE CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH TO ACHIEVE A FAIR AND COMPETITIVE LABOR CONTRACT.

WE ARE WORKING HARD TO RESUME NORMAL SERVICES, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, AND WE THINK OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING.

PLUMAS SAYS MOST OF THE STRIKING WORKERS LIVE AND WORK IN CHULA VISTA.

I FEEL BAD FOR THOSE WHO DEPEND ON THEM.

>> WE APOLOGIZE, FOR THAT, AND AS SOON AS WE GET TO WORK, AND WE WANT TO GET BACK TO WORK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WE WILL CLEAN THIS WHOLE CITY UP AND WE ARE READY TO GO.

>> Reporter: TO THAT IS OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE GETTING UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC AND LOOK FORWARD TO REGULAR COLLECTION SERVICES RESUMING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> A LONG OVERDUE COMMUNITY PLAN IS NOW CITY LAW.

SAN DIEGO MAYOR TODDLER SIGNED THE LAW, THE GOAL IS TO PROTECT THE RESIDENTS FROM NOISE AND ADD AIR QUALITY, WHILE PRESERVING THE WORKING COURT.

AN UPDATED PLAN WAS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED IN 2013 BUT WAS REPEALED BY VOTERS LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, IN A BALLOT REFERENDUM.

>>> SAN DIEGO HIRED ITS FIRST CHIEF RACE AND EQUITY OFFICER OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THE QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT WHAT SHE WILL DO.

OUR NEWS SOURCE INVESTIGATIVE REPORT TELLS US WHAT IS NEXT.

>> Reporter: KIM DOZENS SAYS THAT SAN DIEGO IS WORKING TO ADDRESS THIS.

BUT, THE CITY'S NEW RACE AND EQUITY OFFICER, THE GOALS ARE STILL UNCLEAR.

>> THE EQUITABLE OUTCOMES AND STRUCTURE IN OUR COUNTRY, SO AS THIS LOOKS LIKE FOR ME, LISTENING AND LEARNING, ESPECIALLY IN THE CONTEXT OF ME BEING NEW TO THIS PARTICULAR CITY, IS LISTENING AND LEARNING.

>> Reporter: I SPOKE WITH LOCAL ADVOCATES ABOUT THE NEW POSITION, MANY ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT THE CHANGES DOZENS CAN MAKE, WITH DEEP-ROOTED PROBLEMS, WITH THE HOMELESS CRISIS, AND RACIAL PROFILING OF BLACK AND LATINO RESIDENTS.

SO FAR DOZENS HAS MET WITH MORE THAN A DOZEN CITY DEPARTMENTS AND IS REVIEWING CITY POLICY.

SHE REPORTS TO THE MAYOR, FOR KPBS, I AM IN A SYNDROME.

>> THAT IS AN INDEPENDENTLY FUNDED PARTNER OF KPBS.

>>> EARLIER WE HEARD FROM JOHN CARROLL ABOUT THE TRAVEL SEEN THIS WEEK AT THE AIRPORT, ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, COVID IS FORCING SOME PEOPLE TO RECONSIDER THEIR PLANS.

CHRISTINE NAZZARO TALKS WITH THOSE WHO SAY THEY DON'T WANT TO RISK IT.

>> THERE IS TOO MANY UNKNOWNS, TOO MANY UNKNOWNS, AND TRAUMA >> Reporter: FEELING LIKE A GRINCH, WENDY DECIDED TO TRAVEL TO SEE HER PARENTS IN LAS VEGAS FOR THE CHRISTMAS BREAK, BUT THEN CANCELED.

BOTH HER MOM AND DAD ARE SENIORS, AND HER DAD IS IMMUNOCOMPROMISED.

>> I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT.

OH YEAH, WHAT IF I BROUGHT IT TO YOU?

>> Reporter: THERE IS ALSO THE ISSUE OF HER SONS SCHOOL POLICY ABOUT TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE STATE.

>> BECAUSE THE SCHOOL REQUIRES QUARANTINE.

AFTER THE RETURN FROM OUT-OF- STATE, WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO GO.

>> Reporter: THEY ARE CERTAINLY NOT ALONE, MELISSA WILL SAYS MANY OF HER CLIENTS ARE RETHINKING THEIR HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANS.

>> I GOT A REQUEST ON FRIDAY, THEY TOLD ME WHAT THE CANCELLATION POLICY IS, THEY WILL CANCEL THE TRIP, TODAY I HAVE HAD TWO REQUESTS FOR CANCELLATION AND ONE FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW HOW CLOSE TO THEIR TRIP AND THEY CANCEL.

>> Reporter: THIS DR. IS A PULMONARY CRITICAL CARE PHYSICIAN, AT PROVIDENCE CEDARS- SINAI MEDICAL CENTER.

>> THE DR. HAS ALSO CANCELED OUTDOOR GATHERINGS WITH VACCINATED FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

WE ASKED THEM, SHOULD WE DO THE SAME?

>> THAT REALLY BECOMES AN INDIVIDUAL CHOICE.

WITH A RISK PROFILE AND HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH THEIR PHYSICIAN AND I DO HAVE CERTAIN PATIENT POPULATIONS WHICH IS VERY HIGH RISK, THOSE ARE PATIENT WHO HAVE CANCER AND HAVE CHEMOTHERAPY OR ART IN RELAPSE.

I AVOID AND ASK THEM TO AVOID HIGH RISK EXPOSURE.

>> Reporter: IS USUALLY CONSUMER FRIENDLY, BUT THEY EXPECT TRAVELERS TO BE SAVVIER THAN THEY WERE AT THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

>> AIRLINES ARE WAITING CANCELLATION FEES, THEY ARE GIVING CREDITS FOR UP TO A YEAR, BUT HOTELS WITH NONREFUNDABLE POLICIES, ARE BEING MUCH LESS FLEXIBLE THAN THEY WERE BEFORE.

>> Reporter: THAT WAS CHRISTINE NAZZARO, REPORTING.

>>> A MAJOR SPORTS LEAGUE WILL NOT BE SENDING LETTERS TO CHINA FOR THE UPCOMING WINTER OLYMPICS, TODAY THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCED THE DECISION.

IT COMES JUST HOURS AFTER THE NHL PAUSED ITS REGULAR SEASON, DUE TO CONCERNS ABOUT THE VIRUS.

THE LEG IS REALLY RIGHT NOW AS COVID CASES PILE UP WITH MORE THAN 40 GAMES POSTPONED.

IN THE PAST WEEK.

>>> THE SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS ARE HOPING FOR A HAPPY TRIP ECHOED TONIGHT, THEY ARE PLAYING IN THE.

MOBILE AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO.

A WIN WOULD GIVE THEM 12 WINS, THE MOST EVER BY AN FOOTBALL TEAM IN A SINGLE SEASON.

AFTER TWO YEARS OF PLAYING AWAY FROM HIM, THE AZTECS WILL BE BACK IN SAN DIEGO NEXT YEAR TO OPEN A BRAND-NEW SNAPDRAGON STADIUM IN MISSION VALLEY.

>>> WE ARE EXPECTING RAIN LATER THIS WEEK AND THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY.

MARK MANCUSO, HAS A FORECAST.

>> HERE TO CHECK ON OUR WEATHER HEADLINES, OUR GRAY SKIES WILL BE STICKING AROUND FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS.

IT LOOKS LIKE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT RAIN COMES IN WITH OUR ATMOSPHERIC RIVER, AND THAT LOOKS LIKE IT IS COMING IN THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY MORNING.

THAT IS WHAT WE WILL SEE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT RAIN IN OUR AREA.

IT LOOKS LIKE SNOW LEVELS WILL BE FAIRLY HIGH, AT ABOVE 6500 FEET.

IF YOU ARE HIDING OR TRAVELING UP TO HIGHER RANGES, YOU MAY HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY AND FOG.

AS THAT MOVES BY AND SHOWERS AND COOL AIR LINGERS OVER THE WEEKEND.

FOR TONIGHT, CLOUDY SKIES, OUR LOW TEMPERATURE RIGHT AROUND 50 DEGREES, YOU CAN SEE THE CLOUDS GETTING THE REGION.

FROM OCEANSIDE AND DOWN THROUGH MOUNT LAGUNA, AND A BLANKET OF CLOUDS YOU WILL SEE A BIG SPREAD IN THE TEMPERATURES.

DURING THE DAY WEDNESDAY, WE HAVE CLOUDS AROUND BUT WE WILL STAY DRY.

UP CLOSE WE DO SEE THE RAIN, THAT PLUME OF MOISTURE EAST AND SOUTH OF THE RAIN WILL EDGE CLOSER IN.

THE FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, GRAY SKIES OVERHEAD, AND OUR TEMPERATURES ARE IN THE LOW TO MID 60s.

LOOKING AHEAD, THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY, THAT IS WHERE WE WILL SEE THE PLUME OF MOISTURE RIGHT OVERHEAD.

THAT IS WHEN WE SAY OUR HEAVIER PRECIPITATION.

THE RAIN IS COMING IN THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY, IT COULD BE HEAVY.

IT WILL GO INTO THE INTERIOR SECTIONS AND IT INCREASES THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY COME UP INTO THE MOUNTAIN REGIONS.

VERY WINDY AND WET ON FRIDAY.

WITH SUBSIDE SATURDAY, AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE DESERT, SO WE WILL SEE RAIN ON FRIDAY BUT DRYER OVER THE WEEKEND.

RAINFALL AMOUNTS RANGE FROM ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH TO CLOSE TO THREE INCHES IN THE MOUNTAINS.

I AM METEOROLOGIST, MARK MANCUSO.

>>> I AM JUDY WOODRUFF, THE PRESIDENT COMBATING THE OMICRON SURGE AND SHIPPING COVID TEST TO MILLIONS OF AMERICANS, COMING UP AT 7:00 AFTER THE EVENING EDITION OF KPBS.

>>> THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT OF GIVING WAS ON FULL DISPLAY TODAY, A LOCAL HUNGER RELIEF ORGANIZATION REACHED OUT TO FAMILIES HAVING A TOUGH TIME.

KPBS REPORTED MELISSA MAE WAS THERE.

>> Reporter: FEEDING SAN DIEGO A SPECIAL HOLIDAY DISTRIBUTION THINGS TO A LARGE TURKEY DONATION.

>> IT IS SO NICE TO HAVE THE EXTRA HELP AND SUPPORT FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

>> Reporter: REBECCA BROWN AND HER FAMILY ARE HAVING A TOUGH TIME.

>> IT IS ALWAYS HELPFUL TO GET ANYTHING WE CAN GET.

>> Reporter: HER HUSBAND IS IN THE NAVY AND WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A HOLIDAY MEAL WITH HER FOUR CHILDREN BECAUSE OF THE FOOD DONATION.

>> SUPER GRABLE, MY HUSBAND IS ON THIS YOUR, WE DIDN'T HAVE HIM LAST YEAR.

WE ARE SUPER EXCITED TO HAVE A FANCY MEAL TO MAKE.

>> Reporter: BESIDES THE 20 POUND TURKEY, FAMILIES ARE GETTING STUFFY AND GRAVY TO EAT WITH.

AND WE ARE SEEING A 20% INCREASE ACROSS ALL OF OUR DISTRIBUTION.

>> Reporter: ALLISON IS A MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT FOR FEEDING SAN DIEGO, AND DESCRIBES WHY MORE PEOPLE NEED HELP EATING THEIR LOVED ONES.

>> THE GAS LINE IS UP, FOOD IS UP, YOU CAN DEFINITELY TELL, WITH THE HOLIDAYS THEY NEED TO SPEND A LITTLE EXTRA.

TO GET GIFTS OR WHATEVER IT IS THEY NEED TO TRAVEL, SO HOPEFULLY THIS CAN HELP ALLEVIATE ONE WORRY AND HAVE FOOD ON THE TABLE.

>> Reporter: EVENTS LIKE THIS COULD NOT RUN WITHOUT THE HELP OF VOLUNTEERS, AND THIS WOMAN HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING IN SAN DIEGO FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND A HALF.

>> JUST A CONNECTION WITH THE PEOPLE AND SEE THEIR FACES.

IT'S PRICELESS.

YOU DON'T KNOW THE FEELING UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY DO IT, BUT IT IS HEARTWARMING.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

>> Reporter: IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY, OR WOULD LIKE TO DONATE OR VOLUNTEER WITH FEEDING SAN DIEGO, GO TO FEEDING SAN DIEGO.ORG.

MELISSA MAE, KPBS DOES.

>>> FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE TO THE BACK, IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGE IS FOR SAN DIEGO'S GOOD THING.

AS WE WRAP UP 2021, KPBS IS REVISITING SOME OF OUR BEST ORIGINAL REPORTING, AND THAT INCLUDES THE DEBATE OVER PARKING VERSUS PROCLUS.

IN MAY, ANDREW BOYD CAUGHT UP WITH LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNERS TRYING TO MAKE IT WORK.

>> Reporter: THIS WAS A PARKING SPACE, PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC.

A LOT OF OUR EMPLOYEES PARKAY.

TAMMY PEELE WALKS ME THROUGH THE PATIO DINING SPACE AT HER NORTH PARK RESTAURANT, ONE DOOR NORTH.

>> ONCE WE CLOSED INDOOR DINING, WE DECIDED TO MAKE THIS AN OUTDOOR SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO ENJOY, AND WE COULD CONTINUE TO BE OPEN.

>> Reporter: THIS LOT USED TO PROVIDE 12 PARKING SPACES FOR EMPLOYEES CARS, NOW IT CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 80 PAYING CUSTOMERS.

PEELE ALSO PUT CUSTOMERS ON FOR STREET PARKING SPACES, WITHOUT CONVERTING PARKING TO DINING SPACE THAT SHE LIKELY WOULD HAVE GONE OUT OF BUSINESS.

>> WE REALLY WANTED TO DO EVERYTHING WE COULD TO KEEP OUR EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED.

AND, THIS ALLOWED US TO LIMP ALONG SO THAT WE COULD CONTINUE OUR BUSINESS, AS BEGAN TO OPEN UP EVEN MORE.

>> Reporter: PARKING IS A SENSITIVE SUBJECT IN NORTH PARK, THEY PROPOSED REMOVING STREET PARKING TO CREATE PROTECTED BIKE WITH, AND A GROUP CALLED SAVE 30th STREET PARKING SUE THE CITY, TO STOP THE PROJECT.

A JUDGE ALLOWED IT TO PROCEED ANYWAY, BUT THE CONTROVERSY UNDERSCORES HOW PASSIONATE SOME SAN DIEGO'S ARE ABOUT PARKING.

BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, PEELE SAYS EMPLOYEES WORK COMPLAINING ABOUT TROUBLE FINDING A PARKING SPOT.

BUT NOW, EVEN WITH LESS PARKING AVAILABLE, THEY HAVE NOT COMPLAINED.

>> I HAVE NOT HEARD A PARKING COMPLAINT SINCE WE HAVE REOPENED AND EVERYBODY HAS BEEN BACK TO WORK.

>> Reporter: OVER THE YEARS BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS HAVE FOUGHT HARD FOR PARKING IN REALLY EVERY SAN DIEGO NEIGHBORHOOD.

WHEN THEY VOTED TO EXTEND OUTDOOR DINING PERMITS LAST WEEK, NO ONE CALLED INTO THE MEETING TO ASK FOR THEIR PARKING SPACES BACK.

>> THERE IS THIS MISCONCEPTION THAT PARKING IN FRONT OF MY STORE, IF I DON'T HAVE THAT SPACE, I AM GOING TO BE LOSING BUSINESS.

>> Reporter: MICHAEL TRIMBLE IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GASLAMP QUARTER ASSOCIATION, FOR THE PAST YEAR THE CITY HAS BEEN CLOSING AVENUE TWO PARTS IN THE AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS, TROUBLES US RATHER THAN CREATING PROBLEMS, THE CHANGE SOLVED THEM.

IT IS MORE WALKABLE, THERE IS NO DOUBLE PARKING, AND THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS CAN GET TO EMERGENCY FASTER.

>> THE LOSS OF PARKING REALLY HAS NOT BEEN A REAL ISSUE, BECAUSE THERE IS THOUSANDS OF SPOT, CLOSE TO 3000 SPOTS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE GAS LINE QUARTER.

STEAM AT THE GASLIGHT QUARTER ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN PLANNING FOR A FULLY PEDESTRIAN ICED FIFTH AVENUE PROMENADE FOR YEARS.

>> Reporter: ORIGINALLY CITY OFFICIALS THOUGHT IT WOULD COST $40 MILLION AND TAKE UP TO EIGHT YEARS TO GET DONE, BUT ONCE AGAIN, COVID-19 FORCED THEM TO THINK DIFFERENTLY.

>> EVERYONE GOT THE OUTDOOR DINING, THEY GOT THE EXPOSURE TO EAT ON THE STREET, WE GOT TO CLOSE THE STREET AND SHOW THEM IT REALLY DOES WORK AND THE PUBLIC WANTS IT.

AND REALLY, IT SPED UP THE PROJECT BY AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.

>> Reporter: WHILE THE CITY WORKS TO RECLAIM THE GAS LINE QUARTER FOR THE PEDESTRIANS, SUMTER OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.

>> EVERYTHING IS WET, WE SMOKE EVERYTHING WITH OUR OAK.

THIS IS A BRISKET THAT WE ARE COOKING.

RASPY >> Reporter: CARLOS TURNED HIS BACK PARKING LOT INTO A DINING SPACE, AND HAS BEEN A HUGE SUCCESS.

>> THIS KIND OF GOES WITH THE BARBECUE FLAVOR, IN THE BACKYARD, WE WANTED TO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE THAT WHEN YOU ARE OUTSIDE YOU CAN HEAR THE GOOD MUSIC AND HAVE A GOOD ATMOSPHERE FOR EATING YOUR FOOD.

>> Reporter: THIS PART OF MARKET STREET IS A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY.

CARS GO TOO FAST, AND THERE AREN'T ENOUGH TREES OR CROSSWALKS.

HE CAME UP WITH HIS OWN RESOURCES TO KEEP HIS BUSINESS AFLOAT DURING THE PANDEMIC.

BUT HE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE CITY INVEST IN MOUNT HOPE LIKE IT HAS IN NORTH PARK AND THE GASLIGHT.

SPIRIT WE ARE PAYING SALES TAXES, WE ARE PAYING PAYROLL TAXES WE ARE PUTTING YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORK.

SO, I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO US TO HAVE LONGEVITY AND THAT KIND OF SUPPORT, IT WOULD BE WELCOME.

>> Reporter: MOST RESTAURANTS HAVE HAD OUTDOOR DINING PERMITS EXTENDED TO JULY, 2022.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE CITY IS WORKING TO MAKE THE PROGRAM PERMANENT.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

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

THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING US I AM MAYA TRABULSI, GOOD NIGHT.