>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS "EVENING EDITION" HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR, PROUD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KPBS, AND PRIVILEGED TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR, HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAINTAIN TRAIN, HEATING, AND COOLING SYSTEMS SINCE 1978.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION , DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY , AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>>> GOOD EVENING.

IT'S WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS GETTING READY TO OPEN UP CORONAVIRUS VACCINATIONS THE MORE PEOPLE.

MORE GOOD NEWS, CASE COUNTS ARE DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY WITH 658 NEW CASES REPORTED TODAY, ALONG WITH 12 DEATHS.

KPBS REPORTER MATT HOFFMAN BREAKS DOWN WHO IS NEXT IN LINE FOR A VACCINE, AND WHEN THEY CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT.

>>> WE BEGAN TO SEE SOME SLACK IN THE FIRST DOSE APPOINTMENT UTILIZATION BY OUR SENIORS.

BACK NATHAN FLETCHER SAYS STARTING THIS WEEKEND, VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY IS BEING EXPANDED FOR HALF 1 MILLION SAN DIEGANS.

>> WE ARE PREPARED STARTING THIS WEEKEND ON SATURDAY TO OPEN UP VACCINATIONS TO OUR SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE SECTORS, OUR EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE SECTORS, OUR NON-MEDICAL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS, AND OUR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SECTORS.

WE AS A COUNTY WILL BE SETTING ASIDE NOT THE 10% THAT THE STATE SHOULD SHE GO TO K-12, BUT 20% TO TRY TO GET HER TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF VACCINATED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

>> Reporter: THEY ARE ANNOUNCING THE EXPANSION AS NOW JUST UNDER 70% OF SAN DIEGO SENIORS HAVE GOTTEN VACCINATED.

>> THAT'S IT.

>> Reporter: OR VACCINATION SITES ARE BEING ADDED COUNTYWIDE, LIKE THIS ONE INSIDE OF THE GYMNASIUM OF THE BORDER VIEW YMCA.

THIS IS THE COUNTY'S NEWEST.

WHEN IT OPENED YESTERDAY, IT WAS THE ONLY SITE DOING FIRST DOSE VACCINATIONS.

>> IS GOING TO TAKE ALL OF US TO ENSURE WE PUT A VACCINE IN EVERY PERSONS ARM.

>> MY APPOINTMENT WENT WELL.

THEY CALLED AND GAVE ME MY APPOINTMENT AND WE CAME HERE.

>> Reporter: EVERYONE WE TALKED TO WAS GETTING FIRST DOSE IS HERE.

COUNTY OFFICIALS SAY TEACHERS SHOULD NOT RUSH OUT TO VACCINATION SITES THIS WEEKEND.

THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION IS WORKING WITH THEM TO SCHEDULE SHOTS.

>> IF YOU ARE IN THE EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE SECTOR, BUT NOT RELATED TO K-12, OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR HIGHER EDUCATION OR CHILDCARE, THAT HE WILL GO TO VACCINATION SUPERSTATION SD.COM , AND YOU CAN GO TO ANY OF THE PODS THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS SAY VACCINATIONS FOR SCHOOLTEACHERS WILL BE PRIORITIZED FOR THOSE WORKING IN COMMUNITIES HIT HARDEST BY COVID-19, AND SCRIPPS HEALTH IS LEADING THE PUSH TO VACCINATE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ACROSS THE COUNTY.

MATT HOFFMAN, KPBS NEWS .

>>> WE HAVE MORE INFORMATION AT KPBS.ORG .

JUST CLICK ON THE VACCINE TAB ON OUR HOMEPAGE, AND YOU WILL FIND A SEARCHABLE MAP WITH CLINIC LOCATIONS, AND LINKS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE.

>>> A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19.

TODAY FOR THE FDA ANNOUNCED A THIRD CORONAVIRUS VACCINE ITS REQUIREMENTS TO BE AUTHORIZED FOR EMERGENCY USE.

IS MITIGATED TELLS US, THERE IS JUST ONE MORE HURDLE TO CLEAR BEFORE IT WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE.

>> Reporter: IT'S ANOTHER STEP CLOSER TO A THIRD COVID-19 VACCINE IN THE U.S..

IN A NEW ANALYSIS, THE FDA SAYS THERE WERE NO SPECIFIC SAFETY CONCERNS IDENTIFIED IN THE ONE DOSE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE .

THEY WILL BE RECOMMENDING AUTHORIZATION DURING AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SET FOR FRIDAY.

>>> THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON VACCINE IS DIFFERENT THAN THE OTHERS, NOW ON THE U.S. MARKET.

IS MADE BY TAKING A SMALL AMOUNT OF MATERIAL THAT CODES FOR A PIECE OF CORONAVIRUS, AND INTEGRATING IT WITH AN ALTERED MAMA WE CAN VERSION OF A COMMON COLD VIRUS, ALLOWING IT TO ENTER CELLS BUT NOT REPLICATE ITSELF AND MAKE PEOPLE SICK.

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WILL THEN REACT AGAINST THESE PIECES OF THE CORONAVIRUS, OFFERING PROTECTION FOR THOSE WHO GET THE SHOT.

THE FDA ANALYSIS SHOWS THIS VACCINE HAS A LOWER EFFICACY IN THE OTHERS, NEARLY 67% EFFECTIVE AGAINST MODERATE TO SEVERE COVID-19, AT LEAST 2 WEEKS AFTER THE SHOT.

>> WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE VACCINE?

TO PREVENT YOU FROM GETTING REALLY SICK, MEANING HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH.

THIS SEEMS TO WORK PRETTY WELL IN THAT REGARD.

BACK FOR HEALTH MINUTE, I'M MANDY GAITHER.

>>> MODERNA HAS COME UP WITH AN UPDATED VERSION OF ITS VACCINE THAT MAY PROTECT AGAINST THE SOUTH AFRICAN VARIANT OF COVID- 19.

IT HAS BEEN SHIPPED TO THE U.S. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH FOR A CLINICAL STUDY.

THE VACCINE WILL BE EVALUATED BOTH AS A BOOSTER SHOT FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN INOCULATED, IT IS A PRIMARY VACCINE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT.

STUDIES HAVE SUGGESTED THE SOUTH AFRICAN VARIANT IS MORE RESISTANT TO VACCINES THAN THE ORIGINAL STRAIN.

>>> WE ARE LEARNING MORE AND GETTING REACTION TO THE NEW REOPENING BY THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

PARENTS GENERALLY PRAISED THE PLAN TO OPEN CAMPUSES IN APRIL, BUT AS KPBS EDUCATION REPORTER JOE HONG SHOWS US , A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER CRITICIZED THE DISTRICT FOR WAITING TOO LONG.

>> Reporter: SAN DIEGO UNIFIED OFFICIALS PLAN TO REOPEN ON APRIL 12th SO THAT STUDENTS OF ALL GRADES CAN BE ON CAMPUS AT LEAST PART-TIME, BUT THAT IS ONLY IF COVID INFECTION RATES CONTINUE TO DECLINE, AND TEACHERS WORKING ON CAMPUS ARE VACCINATED.

PARENT EMPHASIZED THE URGENCY OF REOPENING.

>> EACH DAY IS A DAY MY 7-YEAR- OLD IS BATTLING AS I PICK HIM TO SIT FOR ZOOM.

WE WILL PERSEVERE TO APRIL 12th, BUT PLEASE RECOGNIZE THAT ANY DELAY WILL BE A STRUGGLE FOR SO MANY FAMILIES.

>> Reporter: MOST OF THE PARENTS WHO SPOKE AT THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUPPORTED THE PLAN FOR PRIORITIZING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.

PARENT AND VIROLOGIST AT UC SAN DIEGO.

>> I DO THINK THAT THIS REOPENING TIMELINE NEEDS TO BE CONTINGENT UPON THE COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION RATE DECREASING, AND OFFERING VACCINES TO ALL OUR TEACHERS.

>> Reporter: A NUMBER OF PARENTS SAID SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE REOPENED MONTHS AGO.

JOHN PRINCE WAS ONE OF THOSE PARENTS.

>> REOPENING CAN AND HAS BEEN DONE SAFELY IN CALIFORNIA, AND CAN BE DONE ALONG WITH VACCINATIONS.

THEY ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

IF WE WAIT TOO LONG, IT WILL BE TOO LATE.

WE WILL MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET KIDS BACK IN SPRING, GIVING SCHOOLS THE CHANCE TO TEST THINGS OUT AND MAKE IMPROVEMENTS OVER SUMMER TO FALL THE BEST IT CAN BE.

>> Reporter: TEACHERS AND STAFF BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINE STARTING MONDAY.

NATHAN FLETCHER AND SAN DIEGO CITY MAYOR TODD GLORIA BOTH APPLAUDED THE DISTRICT PLAN.

JOE HONG, KPBS NEWS.

>>> OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE COUNTY ARE ALSO A DATING THERE REOPENING PLANS.

ENCINITAS UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL BRING BACK STUDENTS IN GRADES K THROUGH SIX, FIVE DAYS PER WEEK DARTING ON APRIL 12th, AND LA MESA SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCED K THROUGH EIGHTH STUDENTS WILL RETURN TO IN PERSON LEARNING ON APRIL 19th.

>>> FRIDAY NIGHT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WILL SOON BE BACK IN MANY CALIFORNIA COUNTIES, BUT NOT SAN DIEGO JUST YET.

33 COUNTIES, INCLUDING LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE, WILL BE ALLOWED TO RESUME OUTDOOR HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ON FRIDAY, BUT WITH AN UPDATED CASE RATE OF 15, SAN DIEGO COUNTY JUST MISSED THE CUT OFF OF 14 CASES PER 100,000 RESIDENTS.

TEAMS HOWEVER ARE STILL ABLE TO RESUME PRACTICE, AND THERE IS TIME TO REACH THAT GOAL BEFORE THE FIRST FOOTBALL GAMES SET FOR MARCH 11th.

>>> A PUSH IS ON TO EXPAND EMERGENCY PAID SICK DAYS, ALONG WITH PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS IN CALIFORNIA.

KPBS REPORTER JOHN CARROLL SAYS THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IS AT THE HEART OF THE NEWLY PROPOSED LEGISLATION.

>> Reporter: IT IS A TERRIBLE CONUNDRUM FACED BY WORKERS IN CALIFORNIA EVERY DAY, MADE WORSE BY THE PANDEMIC.

YOU FEEL SICK MAMA BUT YOU HAVE USED UP ALL OF YOUR SICK LEAVE.

YOU LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK, SO YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO GO TO WORK.

>> WE NEED EMERGENCY CARE FOR OUR WORKERS.

THAT IS CLEAR.

>> Reporter: DEMOCRATIC SAN DIEGO ASSEMBLY MEMBER LORENA GONZALEZ IS PARTNERING WITH WENDY KOREA ON A BILL THAT WOULD EXTEND THE CURRENT SICK DAYS REQUIRED BY STATE LAWS TO 2 WEEKS.

OF PAST IN ITS CURRENT FORM, THE COVERAGE WOULD BE RETROACTIVE TO JANUARY 1st OF THIS YEAR, IT WOULD EXPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 30th, 2021.

TODAY'S VIRTUAL NEWS CONFERENCE FEATURED A WORKER AT AN L.A. McDONALD'S RESTAURANT.

SUPPORTERS OF EXTENDING SICK LEAVE SAY BARTOLOMEO PARIS'S STORY DRIVES HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING LEGISLATION PASSED INTO LAW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> THE PROOF IS THAT IN DECEMBER , ON DECEMBER 16th, A COWORKER OF MINE GOT SICK ON THE JOB, AND EMPLOYERS DID NOT TELL US UNTIL THE 20th.

THEY WAITED 4 DAYS BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT TO QUARANTINE ANY OF US, AND AS A RESULT I BECAME ILL ON THE 21st.

>> Reporter: PEREZ SAYS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AND ALL GOT COVID.

>> THIS IS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND ABOUT PROTECTING SMALL BUSINESS.

WHAT WE KNOW IS THIS.

WORKERS WHO DON'T HAVE PAID SICK LEAVE, ESPECIALLY UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS ARE WORKERS WHO ARE VULNERABLE, WILL GO TO WORK ANYWAY IF THEY ARE NOT FEELING WELL.

THEY HAVE TO.

OFTEN THIS CREATES A WORKPLACE OUTBREAK, AND WILL AFFECT CUSTOMERS.

WHEN THERE IS A WORKPLACE OUTBREAK, THAT MEANS HIGHER COSTS FOR THE BUSINESSES.

THEY OFTEN HAVE TO SHUT DOWN.

BACK WORKERS HAD BEEN COVERED FOR EXTENDED SICK LEAVE UNDER LEGISLATION PASSED LAST SPRING BY CONGRESS, BUT THOSE PROTECTIONS EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31st LAST YEAR GONZALEZ SAYS THEY ARE MAKING MINOR CHANGES TO THE BILL RIGHT NOW.

SHE SAYS SHE HOPES TO HAVE IT ON THE GOVERNOR'S DESK IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO.

JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS .

>>> A FEDERAL JUDGE IN TEXAS BLOCKED THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S 100 DAY MORATORIUM ON DEPORTATIONS.

THE JUDGE ISSUED A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER ON THE MORATORIUM LAST MONTH, BUT HAS NOW MADE IT PERMANENT.

IT PROHIBITS ENFORCEMENT OF THE POLICIES PRESIDENT BIDEN LAID OUT IN HIS JANUARY EXECUTIVE ORDER.

THE DECISION STANDS PENDING.

A FINAL RESOLUTION OF THE MERITS OF THE CASE, OR UNTIL ANOTHER FEDERAL COURT RULES OTHERWISE.

>>> THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY IS BEGINNING TO ADMIT HUNDREDS OF MIGRANTS LIVING AT A CAMP ACROSS THE BORDER FROM BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS.

MANY WERE SUBJECT TO A TRUMP ERA POLICY REQUIRING THEM TO STAY IN MEXICO WHILE AWAITING THEIR IMMIGRATION COURT DATE IN THE US.

THE SLOW PROCESS TO END REMAIN IN MEXICO STARTED WITH 25 PEOPLE ALLOWED THROUGH THE PORT OF ENTRY LAST WEEK.

>>> CALIFORNIA IS EXTENDING TAX CREDITS TO AN ESTIMATED 600,000 UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS.

CAL MATTERS REPORTER JACKIE BOTTS EXPLAINS THE NEW LAW.

>> Reporter: IN 2019, GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM OR THAN DOUBLED HOW MUCH MONEY THE STATE SPENDS ON ITS TAX CREDIT FOR LOW INCOME WORKERS.

SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 2015, THE CREDIT HAS BEEN UNAVAILABLE FOR UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS WHO PAY TAXES UNTIL NOW.

>> MY NAME IS JACKIE BOTTS AND I WILL EXPLAIN A NEW STATE LAW THAT EXTENDS TAX CREDITS TO UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS IN 1 MINUTE.

DEPENDING ON HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND INCOME, THE CALIFORNIA EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT CAN RANGE FROM HUNDREDS TO AS MUCH AS $4000 FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS.

UNTIL RECENTLY, IT WAS ONLY AVAILABLE TO WORKERS WITH A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, WHICH EXCLUDED THE STATES OVER 1 MILLION UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS.

THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT FOR THOSE WORKERS.

COVID-19 RELATED JOB LOSS SPIKED IN INDUSTRIES WITH LARGE UNDOCUMENTED WORKFORCES, LIKE FOOD SERVICE, RETAIL, CHILDCARE, FARM WORK, AND LANDSCAPING.

UNLIKE MANY OTHER WORKERS, UNDOCUMENTED CALIFORNIANS CANNOT GET UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS OR FOOD STAMPS.

THEY ALSO WERE LEFT OUT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PANDEMIC RESPONSE, LIKE THE STIMULUS CHECK.

CALIFORNIA CREATED A PROGRAM TO GET $500 TO DON DOCUMENTED ADULTS, BUT THERE WAS ONLY ENOUGH FOR 150,000 PEOPLE.

THE NEW LAW ALLOWS ANYONE WITH AN INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO QUALIFY FOR THE CREDIT, MAKING UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

TO LEARN ABOUT OTHER NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT IN 2021, VISIT CAL MATTERS.ORG, OR CHECK OUT OUR NEW LAWS PLAYLIST.

FOR CAL MATTERS, I'M JACKIE BOTTS.

>>> IT APPEARS IT IS TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO FRIES.

THE GIANT ELECTRONICS RETAILER IS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS.

ALL 31 STORES IN NINE STATES, INCLUDING THOSE HERE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, ARE CLOSING UP.

FRY'S HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 36 YEARS, BUT THE COMPANY SAYS CHANGES IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY, AND THE CHALLENGES POSED BY THE PANDEMIC, LED TO THE DECISION.

THE COMPANY WILL IMPLEMENT THE SHUTDOWN THROUGH AN ORDERLY WIND DOWN PROCESS.

THEY ARE ASKING CUSTOMERS WITH QUESTIONS TO CONTACT THEM ONLINE, OR CALL THERE ONE 800 NUMBER.

>>> THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS SET TO OPEN WHAT IT CALLS A WORLD-CLASS AQUATIC CENTER THIS SUMMER, BUT THE PLAN IS NOT WITHOUT CONTROVERSY.

PROTESTERS GATHERED OUTSIDE OF CITY HALL TODAY, WORRIED THAT THE CITY'S PROPOSAL TO CLOSE AN OLDER PUBLIC POOL WILL IMPACT THE CHILDREN IN THE UNDERSERVED NEIGHBORHOOD.

KPBS NORTH COUNTY REPORTER TONYA THORNE HAS MORE ON THE DEBATE HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

>>> THE BOOK STREET SWIMMING CENTER HAS BEEN SERVING THE COMMUNITY HERE IN OCEANSIDE FOR OVER 50 YEARS.

BUT NOW I'M A OCEANSIDE CITY COUNCIL IS ANSWERING CLOSING DOWN THE FACILITY IN ORDER TO OFFSET COSTS FOR THE NEW AQUATIC CENTER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN.

THE NEW AQUATIC CENTER WILL OFFER TWO BIG POOLS, A SPLASH PAD, LOCKER ROOMS, AND MUCH MORE.

THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT ITS OPERATING COSTS, SO IN A RECENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCILMEMBERS OFFERED AN IDEA TO COVER THOSE COSTS'S.

>> YOU ARE BASICALLY PROPOSING TO CLOSE THE BROOKE STREET POOL ?

>> YES.

WE HAVE MORE IMPORTANT BUDGETARY ITEMS THAT WE SHOULD BE SPENDING THESE FUNDS ON THE POOL.

>> Reporter: THE SUGGESTION IS OPPOSED BY THE MAYOR, ESTHER SANCHEZ.

>> I'M REALLY SURPRISED THAT THIS WOULD COME UP, AND THAT WE WOULD BE TAKING FROM THE POOR TO GIVE TO THE RICH.

THAT IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

>> Reporter: BROOKE STREET POOL IS LOCATED IN THE HIGHEST DENSITY NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE CITY, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF OCEANSIDE HIGH SCHOOL AND THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF OCEANSIDE.

BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC, RIGHT NOW IT'S ONLY OPEN FOR ADULT LAP SWIM THE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS, AND OCEANSIDE SWIM CLUB.

BUT OCEANSIDE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB CEO JODY DIAMOND SAYS IT SERVES AN IMPORTANT PURPOSE FOR HER MEMBERS.

63% OF WHOM ARE CHILDREN OF COLOR.

>> EVERY SUMMER, WE HAVE WALKING FIELD TRIPS TO THE PARK STREET POOL, AND OVER 500 YOUTH EVERY SUMMER ARE ABLE TO LEARN WATER SAFETY SKILLS, PRACTICE SWIMMING.

THEY ARE ALSO ABLE TO JUST BE A KID AND SWIM.

BACK THE NEW AQUATIC CENTER IS LOCATED IN THE RANCHO DEL ORO NEIGHBORHOOD, OVER 4 MILES AWAY FROM THE BOOK STREET POOL.

>> THERE NOT ABLE TO WALK TO THE L CORAZON POOL, THAT'S NOT REALISTIC FOR THE FAMILIES THAT WE SERVE AND THE DEMOGRAPHICS WE SERVE.

>> Reporter: COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE STARTED A PETITION TO KEEP THE POOL OPEN.

IT SAYS CLOSING BROOKE STREET POOL WOULD ESSENTIALLY TAKE COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM A LOW INCOME AREA AND ALLOCATE THOSE BENEFITS TO A MORE AFFLUENT NEIGHBORHOOD.

COUNCILMEMBERS WILL DECIDE WHETHER TO KEEP THE BROOKE STREET POOL OPEN AT TONIGHT'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING.

TONYA THORNE, KPBS NEWS .

>>> THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN DIFFICULT FOR MENTAL HEALTH, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE STUCK INSIDE WITHOUT GROUP ACTIVITIES.

KPBS REPORTER TELLS US ABOUT A CITY HEIGHTS YOUTH GROUP THAT IS TRYING TO GET YOUNG BLACK MEN HIKING, AND THEY ARE FINDING A HUGE RESPONSE.

>> Reporter: IT'S A SATURDAY MORNING AT CHILDRESS LAKE NEAR CITY HEIGHTS.

A GROUP OF YOUNG MEN ARE GOING FOR A HIKE AROUND THE LAKE.

TATTING, JOKING AMMA AND ENJOYING BEING AROUND EACH OTHER, SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN HARD FOR YOUNG MEN DURING THE PANDEMIC, MOST SOCIAL INTERACTIONS HAVE TO BE VIRTUAL.

THAT DISTANCE IS MAKING AN IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF YOUNG MEN.

DURING SUCH A PIVOTAL TIME IN THEIR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE YOUTH MENTOR AT THE UNITED WOMEN OF EAST AFRICA RUNS PROGRAMMING FOCUS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG MEN.

>> IT'S TOUGH BECAUSE YOU DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH, YOU KNOW?

I KNOW A LOT OF COME UP BEFORE COVID, WE WERE AMMA LIKE, IN TUNE WITH WHAT THE KIDS WERE FEELING, ALL THE YOUTH.

THEY WERE OPEN AND TALKED ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS.

>> Reporter: THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN HARD-HIT BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

AHMED SAYS HE CAN COUNT TO 10 DEATHS IN THEIR TIGHTKNIT COMMUNITY.

MANY FAMILIES ARE FACING HARDSHIP AFTER LAYOFFS.

>> EVER SINCE COVID, WE HAVE LOST TOUCH WITH A LOT OF THEM.

A LOT DON'T HAVE LAPTOPS.

A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH DEPRESSION AND FAMILY, LIKE A LOSS IN THEIR FAMILY AND STUFF.

IT SUCKS TO NOT BE THERE FOR THEM.

>> Reporter: TO DEAL WITH STRESS AND GRIEF, SOME OF THE YOUNG MEN IN THE PROGRAM HAD AN IDEA.

GOING OUT FOR HIKES.

ALLOWING YOUNG MEN TO SOCIALIZE, GET SOME ENERGY, AND DO IT IN A SAFE, SOCIALLY DISTANCED WAY.

HAMED MUSIES HELPED PUT TOGETHER THE FIRST HIKES.

>> INSTEAD OF BEING AT HOME, WE ARE EXERCISING AT THE SAME TIME, GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER, NEWCOMERS, WE ARE BUILDING THAT BOND.

WHEN EVERYTHING FINISHES UP, WE CAN STILL HAVE THAT FRIENDSHIP.

IT IS A SAFE SPACE FOR US TO BE WITH EACH OTHER.

>> Reporter: AHMAD MAHMOUD SAYS THIS IS ALL TAKING A TOLL ON MENTAL HEALTH.

>> IT PUTS A LOT OF PRESSURE ON YOUNG MEN TO WITNESS THEIR MOTHERS AND FATHERS AND SIBLINGS STRUGGLE, FACE-TO-FACE, 24 HOURS BECAUSE THEY ARE AT HOME.

IT CAUSES A LOT OF ANXIETY.

SOMETIMES IT LEADS TO DEPRESSION , NOT BEING ABLE TO BE WITH YOUR BROTHERS AS HE USED TO BEFORE, YOUR FRIENDS.

>> Reporter: AS MUSLIMS, THE INTERRUPTION OF THE FRIDAY PRAYER AND HANGING OUT AFTERWARDS WITH OTHER YOUNG MEN HAS REALLY HURT THE COMMUNITY.

>> THEY NEED PLACES WHERE THEY CAN ASK QUESTIONS AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND BE A BROTHER IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: THE ORGANIZATION'S PROGRAM MANAGER SAID WAS THE IDEA OF HIKES GOING OUT THERE STARTED, YOUNG MEN STARTED SHOWING UP BY THE DOZENS.

>> I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR WAYS TO GET ACTIVE.

WE ARE VERY SOCIAL YOUNG MEN IN THE COMMUNITY.

EVER SINCE WE HAVE BEEN LOCKED DOWN IN THE HOUSE IS PLAYING VIDEO GAMES AND EATING AND CHILLING, EVERYONE HAS BEEN PUTTING ON WEIGHT.

THEY HAVE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

BACK THAT UPENDS A STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH HIKING AND SOME OUTDOOR SPORTS.

THAT IT IS A WHITE SPACE AND NOT INCLUSIVE FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY.

>> TWO WEEKS AGO, WHEN WE WERE HIKING, AND I INVITED A LOT OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, 90% OF THE RESPONSE WAS, WHY ARE WE GOING TO GO DO THAT?

THAT'S A WHITE PEOPLE THING, YOU KNOW?

I DON'T BLAME THEM BECAUSE IF YOU LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY, WHEN IT COMES TO RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES LIKE HIKING AND SWIMMING, IT WERE ACTIVITIES THAT BLACK PEOPLE WERE BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN.

>> Reporter: THAT'S WHY THE GROUP FEELS IT'S IMPORTANT TO SHOW SOLIDARITY, TRYING SOMETHING NEW WELL BEING CLOSE TOGETHER, AND CHANGING THE PERCEPTION OF WHO HIKES IN AMERICA.

>> THAT MEANS A LOT JUST FOR MY EYES TO SEE SEE THIS.

THANK YOU.

>> Reporter: THE GROUP HAS ALREADY TAKEN TRIPS TO KOHL'S MOUNTAIN AND MISSION TRAILS.

THE GROUP IS LOOKING TO FIND WAYS TO BE ABLE TO GET FURTHER OUT OF THE CITY FOR OTHER HIKES.

WITH TRANSPORTATION BEING A MAIN BARRIER BETWEEN THIS COMMUNITY AND THE OUTDOORS, AND TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM YACHT JUST YOUNG MEN.

>> WE WANT TO GET THE WHOLE COMMUNITY INVOLVED TO GET EVERYBODY UP AND ACTIVE ESPECIALLY WHEN EVERYONE IS SITTING AT HOME.

>> Reporter: YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GROUP AT THE UNITED WOMEN OF EAST AFRICA'S INSTAGRAM PAGE.

KPBS NEWS .

>>> LEGOLAND IS OPENING UP MORE OF ITS PARK TO VISITORS.

STARTING MARCH 5th, IT WILL DEBUT WHAT IT IS CALLING ITS BUILD AND PLAYS DAYS.

CHILDREN'S WILL HAVE ACCESS TO PLAY STRUCTURES IN THE PARKS ALONG WITH VARIOUS BUILDING ACTIVITIES AND A SCAVENGER HUNT.

THERE WILL ALSO BE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET COSTUMED CHARACTERS.

A COMPLETE REOPENING DATE HAS YET TO BE ANNOUNCED DUE TO STATE COVID GUIDELINES.

>>> BIRCH AQUARIUM IS ALSO GETTING READY TO REOPEN ITS OUTDOOR AREAS.

THE AQUARIUM IS HOLDING A MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW DAY ON FRIDAY, THEN REOPENING TO EVERYONE ON SATURDAY.

INDOOR EXHIBITS WILL BE CLOSED, BUT OUTDOOR SPACES WILL BE USED FOR A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, AND THAT INCLUDES TIDE POOL PLAZA, WHERE GUESTS CAN TOUCH ANIMALS LIKE SMALL SHARKS, STINGRAYS, AND SNAILS.

>>> STRONG WIND RETURNS TO THE AREA WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND INTO THE DAY ON THURSDAY, WITH THE SANTA ANA EVENT.

IT LOOKS LIKE WE WILL STAY PRETTY MUCH DRIVE THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

WE WILL HAVE SOME TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS AND WIND AT TIMES.

OUR NEXT BEST CHANCE FOR ANY PRECIPITATION, PROBABLY NOT UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY.

KEEP THE FINGERS CROSSED ON THAT ONE.

AS WE CHECK OUT THE ADVISORIES, WE HAVE HIGH WIND WARNINGS IN EFFECT HERE, THE DARKER SHADE OF PURPLE, OTHERWISE WIND ADVISORIES IN THE LIGHTER PURPLE.

THIS IS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON ON THURSDAY.

THEY ARE REALLY INCREASING OVERNIGHT AND DURING THURSDAY MORNING.

TAKE A LOOK AT TEMPERATURES TONIGHT.

43 IN OCEANSIDE, 41 AND EL CAJON.

SAN DIEGO 48.

PREGO SPRINGS 46.

LAGUNA AT 35.

HERE IS EVER WIND SET UP.

STRONG OFFSHORE FLOW THAT MAKES A RETURN.

GUSTS HERE 40 TO 60 MILES PER HOUR, AND SOME OF THE USUALLY WINDIER SPOTS CAN SEE GUSTS TO 80 MILES PER HOUR AND MAY BE HIGHER.

HERE IS A LOOK AT OUR TEMPERATURES.

UPPER 60s OCEANSIDE TO SAN DIEGO.

A BIT ABOVE AVERAGE.

RAMONA IS UP TO 71, AND EL CAJON 76.

SLIGHTLY ABOVE AVERAGE HERE.

MT.

LAGUNA AT 49.

OUR NEXT SYSTEM APPROACHING FROM THE NORTHWEST ON FRIDAY.

THAT WILL SWEEP DOWN ACROSS THE AREA SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, BUT WE DON'T SEE ANY PRECIPITATION WITH THIS.

HERE WE GO, TEMPERATURE -WISE, COOLING OFF A BIT SATURDAY, BUT NICE SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

INLAND SECTIONS NICE AND WARM ON FRIDAY, AND THEN A SLIGHT COOLDOWN ON MONDAY THAT LOOKS TERRIFIC.

IN THE MOUNTAINS, TEMPERATURES NEAR AVERAGE, AND THAT TURNS COOLER WITH THE SYSTEM OVER THE WEEKEND AND HERE IN THE DESERTS.

TEMPERATURES HERE ARE RISING WELL ABOVE AVERAGE, AND THEN COOLING CLOSER TO AVERAGE SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I AM METEOROLOGIST MARK MANCUSO.

>>> I'M JUDY WOODRUFF.

TONIGHT ON THE "NEWSHOUR," THE BIDEN AGENDA.

THE PRESIDENT PUSHES FOR COVERED RELIEF AS A NOMINEE FACES STIFF OPPOSITION.

COMING UP AT 7:00 AFTER "EVENING EDITION" ON KPBS .

>>> SO-CALLED "GHOST KITCHENS" ARE HELPING KEEP RESTAURANTS ALIVE AND EVEN GROW DURING THE ENDEMIC.

BARRIO FOOD HAVE RECENTLY OPENED IN A WAREHOUSE ON BOSTON AVENUE, AND THERE IS NO DINING SPACE.

ONLY SMALL KITCHENS, SO THEY OPERATE THROUGH PICKUP AND DELIVERY ONLY.

THE HUB IS HELPING SOME 23 BUSINESSES EXPAND LOCATIONS, OR GET THEIR START HERE ONE OF THEM IS WILLIAM STEWART, WHO CO-OWNS WILLIE'S WINGS WITH HIS GRANDMOTHER AND UNCLE.

>> WE ENDED UP COOKING OUT OF MY GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE, THEN WE ENDED UP HERE, WITH A BIG BLESSING.

THE IMPACT HAS BEEN REALLY BIG.

WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MARKET OUR FOOD TO THE WHOLE CITY, BASICALLY.

>> IT ALSO ALLOWS OTHER LIKE CALLIE'S COMFORT BARBECUE IN SPRING VALLEY TO EXPAND TO A SECOND LOCATION AMMA FOR ONLY A FRACTION OF THE COST OF OPENING ANOTHER RESTAURANT.

YOU CAN ORDER FROM THE RESTAURANTS ON APPS LIKE POST MATES OR GRUB HUB, AND CHOOSE DELIVERY OR PICK UP.

>>> GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN.

SPRING TRAINING TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE, IT IS YOUR FIRST CHANCE TO SEE THE SAN DIEGO PADRES IN ACTION.

WITH EXCITEMENT HIGH AND ATTENDANCE LIMITED, TICKETS FOR ALL 14 GAMES AT THE PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX ARE EXPECTED TO SELL OUT QUICKLY JUST UNDER 2000 FANS WILL BE ALLOWED BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS -RELATED RESTRICTIONS.

THE PADRES FIRST GAME IS ON SUNDAY AGAINST THE SEATTLE MARINERS.

>>> HERE IS ANOTHER LOOK AT OUR TOP STORIES.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS OPENING UP CORONAVIRUS VACCINATIONS TO THE NEXT GROUP STARTING ON SATURDAY.

THAT INCLUDES PEOPLE WORKING IN THE FIELDS OF EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE.

NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT, AS WELL AS FOOD AND AGRICULTURE.

SINCE THEY ARE PRIORITIZED AS SCHOOL DISTRICTS WORK TO REOPEN , THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION WILL WORK WITH K-12 TEACHERS TO SCHEDULE THEIR SHOTS.

SO FAR COME OUT 1 IN 5 SAN DIEGANS HAS RECEIVED THEIR FIRST DOSE.

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

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI .

HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

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ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING & AIR , HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAINTAIN DRAIN, HEATING, AND COOLING SYSTEM SINCE 1978.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION , DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY , AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.