>>> 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-BILLHOWE OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM.

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

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU, THANK YOU.

>>> THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT, I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

THE PROJECT TO CONVERT THE OFFICE TOWER AT 101 ASH STREET INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING TOOK A STEP FORWARD THIS WEEK.

KPBS METRO REPORTER ANDREW BOWEN SAYS THE BUILDING ALSO HAS A NEW NAME.

>> Reporter: 101 ASH IS NOW 107 ASH.

THE CITY PURCHASED THE DOWNTOWN HIGH-RISE IN 2022, FOLLOWING A STRING OF SCANDALS AND LAWSUITS.

LAST YEAR THE CITY COUNCIL GREEN LIT A DEAL WITH THE DEVELOPER TO TURN THE BUILDING INTO 250 AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS.

ON TUESDAY, THE COUNCIL APPROVED TWEAKS TO THAT DEAL THAT INCLUDE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF UNITS TO 252.

COUNCILMEMBER STEVEN WHITBURN SAYS OFFICE TO RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS ARE NOT EASY.

>> FOR INSTANCE, OFFICE BUILDINGS DO NOT HAVE KITCHENS OR BATHROOMS IN EVERY OFFICE, BUT APARTMENTS DO.

AND CONVERTING OFFICES TO APARTMENTS REQUIRES A COMPLETE REWORK OF THE BUILDING STRUCTURE AND PLUMBING SYSTEM.

>> Reporter: ABOUT HALF THE UNITS WILL BE STUDIOS AND ONE BEDROOMS WHILE THE OTHER HALF WILL BE FAMILY SIZED WITH TWO AND THREE BEDROOMS.

THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES RETAIL SPACE AND A CHILDCARE FACILITY ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

THE CITY'S HISTORY WITH 101 ASH BEGAN IN 2016 WHEN THE CITY BEGAN LEASING THE BUILDING FOR OFFICE SPACE.

OFFICIALS GROSSLY UNDERESTIMATED THE RENOVATIONS NEEDED TO MAKE THE BUILDING USABLE.

THOSE RENOVATIONS ULTIMATELY DISLODGED ASBESTOS, FORCING THE CITY TO EVACUATE THE BUILDING AND LEAVE IT VACANT FOR MORE THAN SIX YEARS.

A FEW YEARS FROM NOW, THE BUILDING'S FIRST RESIDENTS COULD BE MOVING IN.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M ARIELLA SCALESE, COMING UP TONIGHT, WE'LL WATCH SOME AREAS OF LOW CLOUDS.

THAT'LL BE THE THEME THE NEXT COUPLE NIGHTS AND MORNINGS, SO GRAY DAY, SUNNY AFTERNOONS.

TEMPERATURE DOWN TO 69 DEGREES, SO KEEPING COOLER TEMPERATURES, BUT WE WILL WATCH A WARMING TREND.

A CLOSER LOOK IS COMING UP.

>>> OFFICIALS SAY THE FIERY CRASH OF A NEWS HELICOPTER IN LOS ANGELES YESTERDAY LEFT AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE DEAD AND MULTIPLE OTHERS INJURED.

THE STATION IDENTIFIED THE TWO PEOPLE IN THE HELICOPTER AS AN AERIAL PHOTOJOURNALIST AND REPORTER AND A PILOT.

REED REPORTS.

>> THIS IS A VERY, VERY TRAGIC DAY IN LOS ANGELES.

>> Reporter: L.A.

MAYOR KAREN BASS SPEAKING AFTER MULTIPLE VICTIMS WERE KILLED WHEN A NEWS HELICOPTER CRASHED TUESDAY NIGHT.

>> THERE'S A HELICOPTER DOWN OVER THERE.

>> THERE'S A HELICOPTER DOWN JUST OUTSIDE THE AIR SPACE.

>> Reporter: LOCAL TELEVISIONS SAY THES KNBC AND TELEMUNDO 52 SAID THEIR HELICOPTER CRASHED JUST BEFORE 7:00 P.M.

IN CHATSWORTH, A NEIGHBORHOOD ABOUT 25 MILES NORTHWEST OF DOWNTOWN L.A.

EMERGENCY OFFICIALS AND NEWS CREWS IN THE AREA HAD BEEN RESPONDING TO A SEPARATE DEADLY INCIDENT.

>> A CRASH OCCURRED BETWEEN A BUS AND A VEHICLE, THEN THERE WAS A CRASH OF A HELICOPTER THAT CRASHED NEAR THE SCENE, NEAR THE EARLIER COLLISION.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS SAID THE HELICOPTER CRASHED NEAR SEVERAL VEHICLES AND TWO LARGE CARGO CONTAINERS AND SPARKED A FIRE.

VIDEOS FROM THE SCENE SHOWED FLAMES AND THICK PLUMES OF SMOKE BILLOWING FROM THE SITE.

DOZENS OF FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDED TO THE INCIDENT.

>> THANKFULLY, LAFD EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE CAUSED BY THE CRASH.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS SAID SEVERAL PEOPLE DIED AT THE SCENE, WITH AT LEAST ONE PERSON TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL.

A FIRE OFFICIAL SAID ONE OF THE VICTIMS KILLED WAS A PEDESTRIAN WHO WAS OUTSIDE IN THE PARKING LOT.

AS OF LATE TUESDAY, THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH WAS UNKNOWN.

>> THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD WILL BE LEADING THE INVESTIGATION.

>> Reporter: I'M REED REPORTING.

>> A NEW KIND OF FIRST RESPONDENT COULD SOON BE ANSWERING 911 CALLS IN OCEANSIDE.

OCEANSIDE CITY COUNCIL HAS BEEN TESTING THIS TECHNOLOGY FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, CAN THEY'RE SET TO DISCUSS A NEARLY $700,000 PLAN.

THE IDEA IS FOR THESE DRONES TO GET A 911 CALL IN OCEANSIDE BEFORE AN OFFICER, POLICE, DOES WITHOUT A PILOT ACTUALLY FLYING IT.

THE PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHED LAST AUGUST.

POLICE SAY IT CUT RESPONSE TIME TO ABOUT TWO AND A HALF MINUTES.

>>> A BILL ON THE GOVERNOR'S DESK WOULD EASE THE WAVE OF PLUG-IN SOLAR PANELS THAT FIT ON A BALCONY OR IN A YARD.

THEY'RE EXPECTED TO MAKE RENEWABLE ENERGY MORE ACCESSIBLE AS MANY RATE PAYERS FACE SOARING POWER BILLS.

TREVOR VISITED ONE LOCAL HOMEOWNER WHO ALREADY INSTALLED HIS OWN SET.

>> Reporter: DAVE KESNER'S HOUSEHOLD WAS THE FIRST ON HIS HILLY LA MESA STREET TO INSTALL ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS IN 2000.

THAT'S WHEN A MASSIVE ELECTRICITY SHORTAGE CREATED BLACKOUTS AND PRICE SPIKES ACROSS CALIFORNIA.

>> OUR UTILITY RATES VIRTUALLY DOUBLED VERY, VERY QUICKLY, AND I JUST THOUGHT THIS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE.

>> Reporter: KESNER IS HAPPY WITH HIS ROOFTOP SETUP, UNTIL IT FINALLY DIED LAST YEAR.

CONTRACTORS SAID IT WOULD HAVE COST AT LEAST $5,000 TO REPLACE.

>> IT DIDN'T MAKE FINANCIAL SENSE.

WATCH YOUR STEP, BUT YEAH.

>> Reporter: KESNER LATER LEARNED ABOUT PLUG-IN SOLAR AT A COMMUNITY FORUM.

FOR UNDER $2,000, HE BOUGHT A KIT THAT'S CHEAPER, SMALLER, AND MUCH EASIER TO SET UP THAN HIS OLD ROOFTOP ARRAY.

NO ELECTRICIAN REQUIRED.

>> I GOT IT ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON, AND BY SATURDAY AFTERNOON IT WAS UP ON THE ROOF, PLUGGED IN, MAKING POWER.

>> Reporter: FOUR 250 WATT PANELS SIT ON TOP OF HIS GARAGE.

HE DIDN'T NEED TO DRILL THEM DOWN, THEY PLUG INTO A REGULAR WALL OUTLET, AND GENERATE MORE ENERGY THAN 16 OF HIS OLD ROOFTOP PANELS, ENOUGH TO TURN KESNER INTO A SMALL SCALE SOLAR EVANGELIST WITH HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

>> LOVE SOLAR, I THINK IT'S A WIN-WIN ENVIRONMENTALLY.

FINANCIALLY, TAKE A LITTLE BIT OF POWER AWAY FROM LOCAL UTILITIES, SO I VERY MUCH WANTED TO DO THAT.

>> Reporter: SYSTEMS LIKE KESNER'S, OFTEN CALLED BALCONY SOLAR, ARE POISED TO GET MUCH MORE POPULAR ACROSS CALIFORNIA.

LAST MONTH, STATE LAWMAKERS PASSED LEGISLATION ALLOWING HOUSEHOLDS TO INSTALL PLUG-IN SETUPS WITHOUT GOING THROUGH A POTENTIALLY TIME CONSUMING AND PRICEY APPLICATION PROCESS.

A BALCONY SYSTEM CAN BE UP TO 1,200 WATTS, ENOUGH TO POWER A FRIDGE OR WINDOW A/C UNIT.

IT'S TREATED LESS LIKE A ROOFTOP CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND MORE LIKE AN APPLIANCE.

DURING HEARINGS AT THE STATE HOUSE, CALIFORNIANS FROM A RANGE OF BACKGROUNDS SUPPORTED THE BILL.

>> I'M JOEL BLACKWELL FROM AND I REPRESENT OLD PEOPLE WHO NEED AIR CONDITIONING.

>> Reporter: PLUG-IN PANELS ARE GAINING MOMENTUM.

CONGRESS CUT A 30% TAX CREDIT FOR SOLAR LAST YEAR, AND CALIFORNIA'S CURRENT NET METERING RULES PROVIDE HOUSEHOLDS MUCH LESS CREDIT FOR EXCESS ELECTRICITY SOLD BACK TO THE GRID.

HE SAYS PLUG-IN PANELS CAN EMPOWER HOUSEHOLDS THAT MAY NOT ARE IS CAPITAL OR LONG-TERM STABILITY TO GET ROOFTOP PANELS, LIKE RENTERS.

>> THERE'S A HUGE SEGMENT OF CONSUMERS THAT HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT.

>> Reporter: SAN DIEGO IS WELL SUITED FOR PLUG-IN SOLAR, WHICH HAS BECOME MORE AFFORDABLE.

THE REGION GETS SUNLIGHT AND ELECTRICITY BILLS ARE TYPICALLY MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.

>> IF YOU CAN UTILIZE THAT INVESTMENT IN A SMALL BALCONY SOLAR SYSTEM TO OFFSET SOME OF YOUR HIGHEST COST ELECTRICITY AND SAVE SOME MONEY ON UTILITY BILL, THEN IT'S A REALLY GOOD FIT.

>> Reporter: CALIFORNIA'S POLICY DOES INCLUDE SOME COMPROMISES.

SEVERAL UTILITIES OPPOSED THE LEGISLATION OVER CONCERNS ELECTRICITY COULD BACK FEED ON TO THE GRID.

BLACKWOOD WITH SDG&E SAID GOING THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS ENSURES EVERYTHING IS SAFE.

>> THE CURRENT PROCESS IS STREAMLINED.

ELIMINATING IT DOES NOT INCREASE ACCESS, IT REMOVES CRITICAL SAFEGUARDS FOR WORKERS AND CUSTOMERS.

>> Reporter: CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS DECIDED BALCONY SETUPS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED, THAT MEANS ABOVE A CERTAIN WATTAGE, A USER MAY NEED TO HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN TO CONNECT TO A SPECIAL WALL OUTLET.

>> BUT OF COURSE, THAT IS NOT VERY CONDUCIVE TO ADOPTION.

AS SOON AS YOU HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN, YOU MIGHT SPEND MORE ON THE ELECTRICIAN WORK THAN ON THE SOLAR PANEL.

>> Reporter: SELLING SOLAR KITS AT WHOLESALE PRICES, HE SAYS CALIFORNIA ISN'T QUITE AS CONSUMER FRIENDLY AS OTHER STATES.

>> YOU SEE SOLAR ON EVERY SHED, ON EVERY BARN, ON EVERY HOUSE NEXT TO THE FREEWAY, NEXT TO THE RAILROAD TRACKS.

IT IS AMAZING.

>> Reporter: MAHER COMPARED THE CURRENT U.S.

BALCONY SOLAR LANDSCAPE TO THE FIRST ERA OF ROOFTOP PANELS WHEN HOMEOWNER INTEREST OUTPACED LAWS IN MANY PLACES.

SOME REFERRED TO IT AS GUERILLA SOLAR.

>> IN MY MIND, WE'RE ALMOST IN A SOLAR GUERILLA MOVEMENT 2.0 NOW, 30 YEARS LATER, WHERE AGAIN, EARLY ADOPTION WILL DRIVE THE LEGISLATION AND THE CODE MAKING AND ESTABLISH THIS AS A USEFUL THING THAT EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM.

>> Reporter: THAT'S AS LONG AS BALCONY SOLAR IS ACCESSIBLE IN CALIFORNIA.

THE NEW STATE POLICY SUNSETS IN 2030 AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES FOR THE POWER GRID.

MAHER THINKS THERE WILL BE ENOUGH DEMAND TO EXTEND IT, THOUGH.

THERE'S A WAIT LIST FOR BRIGHT SAVER KITS WITH THREE SHIPPING CONTAINERS SCHEDULED TO REACH CALIFORNIA IN THE COMING WEEKS.

TREVOR, KPBS NEWS.

>> PUBLIC MATTERS IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH KPBS, INEWSOURCE, AND SAN DIEGO.

>>> I'M JEFF BENNET, TONIGHT ON THE NEWS HOUR, THE FEDERAL RESERVE RAISES INTEREST RATES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS.

THAT'S AT 7:00 AFTER EVENING EDITION ON KPBS.

>>> THE FEDERAL RESERVE RAISED ITS BENCH MARK INTEREST RATE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS.

THE DECISION COMES AS THE CENTRAL BANK ATTEMPTS TO TAME INFLATION STOKED IN PART BY THE CONFLICT WITH IRAN.

KARIN CAIFA IS IN WASHINGTON WITH A LOOK AT WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR MONEY.

>> Reporter: WEDNESDAY'S RATE HIKE DECISION WAS A UNANIMOUS ONE FROM THE FEDERAL RESERVE COMMITTEE, THAT INCLUDED THE CHAIR, KEVIN.

THE FED SAID IN A STATEMENT IT WILL HELP HIT THE CENTRAL MAG'S TARGET AND PROVIDE RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS IN A TIMELIER FASHION.

THE FEDERAL RESERVE ON WEDNESDAY ANNOUNCING ITS LATEST DECISION ON INTEREST RATES.

>> PLAIN FACT IS THAT INFLATION IS TOO HIGH AND HAS BEEN FOR TOO LONG.

>> Reporter: IN RECENT MONTHS, INFLATION CONCERNS HAVE OVERTAKEN PREVIOUS WORRIES ABOUT THE LABOR MARKET, WHICH THE FED NOW SEES AS SOLID.

>> WHAT WE'RE SEEING RIGHT NOW IS A STABLE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, 4.1% IN THE LAST READING.

>> Reporter: THE ONGOING WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST HAS PUSHED UP ENERGY PRICES AND THREATENS TO MAKE ALREADY STUBBORN INFLATION MORE PERSISTENT, ACCELERATING THE PRICES OF GOODS AND SERVICES ACROSS THE BOARD.

>> THE FACT THAT WE'VE SEEN CONSTRAINT IN SUPPLY OF CRUDE OIL AND THE RELATED PRODUCTS OF GASOLINE, JET FUEL, AND DIESEL FUEL, THAT'S WHERE THE PROVERBIAL RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD WITH RESPECT TO CAUSING HIGHER INFLATION.

>> Reporter: WITH NO CERTAINTY AS TO WHEN THE IRAN CONFLICT WILL END AND WHEN ENERGY PRICES WILL FALL, THE FED SEEKING TO PUT THE BRAKES ON INFLATION BY RAISING IT KEY INTEREST RATE AND MAKING IT MORE EXPENSIVE TO BORROW.

>> THAT WOULD FOLLOW THROUGH TO THINGS LIKE CREDIT CARDS, AUTO LOANS, PERSONAL LOANS.

>> Reporter: BUT RAIK RATE HIKES IMPACT BUSINESSES TOO, AND THEY'RE HIRING PLANS.

>> IT ALSO RAISES THE RATES THAT BUSINESSES PAY TO SECURE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL OR GROW THEIR BUSINESS.

THAT MAKES IT MORE CHALLENGING FOR THEM TO EXPAND, WHICH IN TURN SLOWS DOWN HIRING.

>> Reporter: MAKING THE BALANCE BETWEEN CURBING INFLATION AND KEEPING AMERICANS EMPLOYED A DELICATE DANCE FOR THE FEDERAL RESERVE.

AND HISTORY HAS SHOWN THAT WHEN THE FED IS REALLY WORKING TO TAME INFLATION, AS FED CHAIR KEVIN HAS PROMISED, IT REALLY HIKES RATE JUST ONCE, MEANING ONE INCREASE COULD TEE OFF MORE TO COME.

>>> THE ONGOING CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST CONTINUES TO AFFECT FUEL PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES.

DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA ARE FEELING THE PAIN AT THE PUMP AFTER DIESEL PRICES BROKE A NEW RECORD.

>> DIESEL HAS HIT AN ALL-TIME HIGH.

YESTERDAY WAS THE REPORT, AND THEN TODAY IT WAS BROKEN AGAIN.

>> Reporter: AAA SAYS CALIFORNIA'S STATEWIDE AVERAGE FOR REGULAR DIESEL IS $8.21 A GALLON, FAR ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF $6.26.

IN PARTS OF THE BAY AREA, IT'S EVEN HIGHER.

AT THIS 67 STATION IN BELMONT, DIESEL IS NEARLY $9.

DOUG JOHNSON WITH AAA SAYS GLOBAL CONFLICTS ARE IMPACTING OIL MARKETS.

>> IT'S THE GLOBAL OIL MARKETS.

THERE IS OBVIOUSLY EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON WITH IRAN IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, BUT WE ALSO SEE THAT THERE'S ANOTHER CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST BETWEEN SAUDI ARABIA AND HOUTHI REBELS IN YEMEN.

>> Reporter: THAT VOLATILITY HITS EVERY PART OF THE ECONOMY FROM TRANSPORTATION TO AGRICULTURE, EVEN YOUR GROCERY PRICES.

>> REALLY IN A BAD SPOT FOR EVERYBODY.

IT DOESN'T MEAN JUST MY BUSINESS, IT MEANS EVERYBODY'S FAMILY.

>> Reporter: HE RUNS A TRUCKING COMPANY IN FRESNO.

THE SPIKE IN PRICES IS FORCING HIM TO RETHINK EVERY TRIP.

>> THREE WEEKS AGO WE WERE $25,000, $30,000 FOR A LOAD OF FUEL.

IN THE LAST FEW WEEK, JUST LAST WEEK, THE BILL I GOT WAS $54,000.

>> Reporter: JOHNSON SAYS THAT JUMP OF NEARLY $30,000 WAS FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF FUEL AND WOODS SAYS THOSE COSTS WILL SOON HIT CUSTOMERS.

>> WE HAVE TO DO SOME SPEAKING WITH THEM AND FIGURE OUT HOW THEY'RE GOING TO PAY ME MORE FOR ME TO DO WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DO AND STAY IN BUSINESS.

>> Reporter: SO WHEN MIGHT THESE PRICES START TO DROP?

JOHNSON SAYS USUALLY IT'S AFTER LABOR DAY, BUT THIS YEAR ISN'T FOLLOWING THAT PATTERN.

>> TYPICALLY WE WOULD HAVE SEEN A DROP IN DEMAND, A DROP IN PRICES, BUT THAT JUST HASN'T HAPPENED THIS YEAR.

AND AGAIN, THAT'S IN A TYPICAL YEAR, AND THIS YEAR HAS BEEN FAR FROM TYPICAL.

>>> NOW LET'S TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT LOCAL GAS PRICES.

THE AVERAGE PRICE OF GAS ROSE THREE CENTS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

DRIVERS CAN ALWAYS CHECK BUDDY OR AAA'S WEBSITE FOR THE BEST PRICES.

>>> TODAY ON CAPITOL HILL, A GROUP OF LAWMAKERS SAID CONGRESS NEEDS TO MOVE FASTER ON AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAFETY.

CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE NEED FOR A.I.

GUARDRAILS CONTINUE FOLLOWING RECENT HEADLINES ABOUT THE POTENTIAL DANGERS THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY POSES TO JOBS, TO PRIVACY, AND TO HUMANITY.

MICHAEL YOSHITA REPORTS.

>> Reporter: SOME ARE URGING IMMEDIATE ACTION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAFETY.

>> WE CANNOT WAIT FOR THE A.I.

DISASTER TO OCCUR.

>> Reporter: MEMBERS OF THE CAUCUS SAY IT'S MOVING FASTER THAN WASHINGTON'S AND THE INDUSTRY'S ABILITY TO REGULATE IT.

>> LET US GET THIS DONE SO THAT WE CAN TAKE IT UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THE FAMILIES WE REPRESENT DON'T GET A RECESS FROM THIS TECHNOLOGY, NEITHER SHOULD WE.

>> Reporter: FEARS AROUND RAPID ADVANCEMENT OF A.I.

HAVE MADE HEADLINES WITH WARNINGS FROM RESEARCHERS AND CALLS FOR A SLOW DOWN FROM TOP A.I.

LEADERS.

THE CONCERN IS CREATING UNUSUAL POLITICAL OVERLAP.

ON TUESDAY, FORMER TRUMP ADVISOR STEVE BANNON AND SENATOR BERNIE SANDERS BOTH SPOKE AT THE PRO-HUMAN ASSEMBLY, CALLING FOR STRONGER ACTION TO REIGN IN A.I.

>> WE'RE TRYING TO RAISE ABOVE PARTISANSHIP.

>> OUR JOB AS HUMAN BEINGS IN OUR COUNTRY AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD IS TO MAKE SURE THAT A.I.

WORKS FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE.

>> BUT THERE'S ALSO PUSHBACK FROM SOME WHO ARGUE TOO MUCH REGULATION COULD GIVE U.S.

COMPETITORS AN ADVANTAGE.

>> THE ONE WHO WINS WHEN AMERICAN A.I.

SLOWS DOWN OR PAUSES IS CHINA.

>> Reporter: THAT GLOBAL COMPETITION IS EXPECTED TO BE FRONT AND CENTER NEXT WEEK WHEN CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING VISITS WASHINGTON TO MEET WITH TRUMP.

TWO HAVE DISCUSSED A.I.

GUARDRAILS BEFORE.

>>> IMPERIAL VALLEY'S WATER AGENCY HAS ADOPTED NEW PRICING RULES, REQUIRING THAT DATA CENTERS BE THE FIRST TO LOSE POWER WHEN DEMAND SUFFRAGES.

IT'S A RESPONSE TO GROWING WORRIES ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE A.I.

BOOM ON POWER GRIDS.

>> Reporter: THE IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT SUPPLIES ELECTRICITY TO -- THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE NEW PRICING RULES.

THEY'LL REQUIRE BIG CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AND COMMIT TO A 15-YEAR CONTRACT.

THEY ALSO GIVE THE AGENCY THE TOWER SHUT THOSE USERS OFF FIRST WHEN ENERGY DEMAND SOARS, LIKE DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.

HERE'S DIRECTOR HANDY.

>> THIS IS AN EVOLVING SET OF ISSUES WE'RE TRYING TO GRAPPLE WITH IN REAL TIME.

>> Reporter: THE CHAIR, CORINNE, SAID OTHER LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS HAD FAILED TO PUT THE PUBLIC FIRST.

SHE SAID THEY WERE FULFILLING THEIR DUE DI TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS.

>> AS A PUBLIC UTILITY, WE MUST PROVIDE POWER TO APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE ESTABLISHED REQUIREMENTS, BUT WE HAVE AN EQUALLY IMPORTANT DUTY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC.

>> Reporter: IAD IS CONSIDERING AT LEAST ONE LARGE DATA CENTER PROPOSAL, WHICH IS FACING PUSHBACK FROM MANY IMPERIAL VALLEY RESIDENTS.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> IT'S SOMETHING MANY OF US DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT, AGING, BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE OPEN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS AS WE AGE AND TO UNDERSTAND THE HIGH COSTS THAT ARE INVOLVED.

JEN SULLIVAN LOOKS AT THE RISING PRICE OF LONG-TERM CARE AND THE VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES TO HELP LOWER THE MOUNTING BILLS.

>> Reporter: WHEN IT COMES TO SAVINGS, MANY PEOPLE BUDGET FOR THINGS LIKE A HOME, CHILDCARE COSTS, COLLEGE SAVINGS, AND RETIREMENT, BUT LESS COMMON IS BUDGETING FOR LONG-TERM CARE AS WE AGE.

>> IT'S REALLY HARD TO ANTICIPATE WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED IN THE FUTURE, WHEN WE CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE WHAT AGING IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS IT'S BEST TO HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS EARLY ON.

>> IT'S A MUCH LESS THREATENING CONVERSATION IF YOU START TALKING TO SOMEONE IN THEIR 50s OR 60s OR 70s ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT THEIR FUTURE LIFE TO LOOK LIKE.

>> Reporter: ANNUAL COSTS FOR LONG-TERM CARE CAN RANGE DRASTICALLY DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF CARE YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER NEEDS.

THE NATIONAL MEDIAN COST FOR ASSISTED LIVING LAST YEAR WAS MORE THAN $74,000.

IN-HOME CARE GETTING MORE THAN $80,000.

SEMIPRIVATE AND PRIVATE ROOMS AT A NURSING HOME TOPPING $100,000, ACCORDING TO FIDELITY.

AND THAT'S PER PERSON.

THOSE ARE TYPICALLY OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS BECAUSE MEDICARE GENERALLY DOESN'T COVER LONG-TERM CARE.

>> IT'S REALLY ONLY COVERED BY MEDICARE AFTER A HOSPITAL STAY AND A SKILLED NURSING STAY AND IT'S A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.

>> Reporter: THERE ARE LONG-TERM INSURANCE POLICIES, BUT THEY CAN BE EXPENSIVE.

YOU CAN PUT MONEY INTO A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT, KNOWN AS A HSA, WHICH IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE, TO HELP YOU PAY FOR LATER CARE.

THE BEST WAY TO SAVE IS TO HELP KEEP OLDER ADULTS AT HOME AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

CONSIDER INSTALLING REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEMS OR FALL DETECTION DEVICES.

THERE ARE ALSO ADULT DAY CARE PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE SUPERVISION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS DURING THE DAY.

THERE ARE ALSO GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS THAT OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS AND PEOPLE THAT ARE LOW INCOME.

FOR CONSUMER WATCH, I'M JEN SULLIVAN.

>>> LET'S START OUT WITH SOME WEATHER HEADLINES AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE WEEK AS INLAND AREAS STILL REMAIN BELOW THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE, AT TIMES FIVE TO TEN DEGREES BELOW THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE.

AS IS TYPICAL, COASTAL CLOUDS SPREADING INTO THE VALLEYS IN THE MORNING HOURS.

IT STARTS A LITTLE GRAY AND THEN WE'LL GET SUNSHINE BY THE AFTERNOON.

AND THEN TEMPERATURES WILL GRADUALLY REBOUND AS WE HEAD INTO NEXT WEEK.

TONIGHT DOWN TO 66 IN OCEANSIDE.

69 FOR SAN DIEGO.

BORREGO SPRINGS DOWN TO 66.

AND MOUNT LAGUNA 56 FOR TONIGHT.

ALL RIGHT, THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE ACROSS THE FOUR CORNERS REGIONS.

THOSE ARE AREAS THAT COULD ACTUALLY SEE SOME MORE FLASH FLOODING, BUT WE'VE GOT A REALLY PLEASANT STRETCH OF WEATHER AS WE HEAD INTO THE DAY ON FRIDAY -- I SHOULD SAY THURSDAY, BUT FRIDAY WILL BE QUITE PLEASANT AS WELL.

ALL RIGHT, ESCONDIDO, 82.

SAN DIEGO, 78.

CHULA VISTA, 78.

AND OCEANSIDE WARMING BACK UP TO 80 DEGREES.

95 FOR BORREGO SPRINGS WITH PLENTY OF SUNSHINE.

AND 67 IN MOUNT LAGUNA.

ALL RIGHT, HERE'S THAT TREND HERE ACROSS PART OF THE DESERT SOUTHWEST AS THE MONSOON CONTINUES.

FLASH FLOODING DEBRIS FLOWS, ESPECIALLY IN THOSE BURN SCAR AREAS, AND GUSTY WINDS UP TO THE NORTHERN ROCKIES AS WELL BUT CONTINUING TO STAY DRY FOR US HERE AS WE HEAD INTO THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK.

FIVE-DAY OUTLOOK ALONG THE COAST, 80 WITH CLOUDS ON THURSDAY.

TEMPERATURES BRIEFLY DOWN TO 78 ON FRIDAY.

BACK UP TO 80 ON SATURDAY, AND A PLEASANT START TO NEXT WEEK AS WE WRAP UP THE SUMMER SEASON WITH FALL BEGINNING NEXT WEEK.

ALL RIGHT, WE'LL HAVE A STRING OF 80s INLAND, AGAIN, THOSE COASTAL CLOUDS WILL STRETCH INTO THE VALLEYS.

82 ON THURSDAY, 83 ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, AND THEN LOWER 80s SUNDAY INTO MONDAY.

ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN LOCATION, TEMPERATURES STAY QUITE NICE.

IT WILL BE BRIGHT ON THE WAY FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

HAZIER SUNSHINE AND COOLER WEATHER ON THE WAY FOR MONDAY.

AND STAYS HOT HERE WITH UPPER 90 TEMPERATURE DEGREE DEGREE TEMPERATURES.

>>> THIS WEEK A NORTH COUNTY NONPROFIT IS CELEBRATING TEN YEARS SINCE IT REBRANDED AND REFOCUSED ITS MISSION.

KPBS MILITARY AND VETERANS REPORTER ANDREW DYER HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: 25 YEARS AGO, WOMEN MADE UP JUST OVER 6% OF THE MILITARY VETERAN POPULATION, NOW THEY'RE DOUBLE THAT.

THE VA ESTIMATES WITHIN 20 YEARS ABOUT 20% OF VETERANS WILL BE WOMEN.

MARINE VETERAN JODY SAYS VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS HAVEN'T ALWAYS KEPT UP.

>> WHEN WE LOOK AT WOMEN THAT SERVED IN THE MILITARY, THEY'RE NOT GETTING AS MUCH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AS THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS.

>> Reporter: SHE IS THE CEO OF FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN WARRIORS.

THE ORGANIZATION HAS HAD A COUPLE NAMES OVER THE LAST 106 YEARS, BUT TEN YEARS AGO IT RECOGNIZED THE NEEDS OF WOMEN WEREN'T ALWAYS BEING MET BY OTHER VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS.

THINGS LIKE HOUSING, EDUCATION, AND CHILDCARE.

>> SO WE ANSWERED THAT CALL BY EXPANDING OUR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

WE ALSO MOVED OUR LOCATION FROM L.A.

TO SAN DIEGO TO ENSURE THAT WE WERE MEETING WOMEN VETERANS BEFORE THEY EVEN TRANSITIONED OUT OF THE MILITARY.

>> Reporter: SHE EXPERIENCED THESE CHALLENGES HERSELF.

SHE WAS AN INTELLIGENCE ANALYST IN THE MARINES.

SHE SERVED TWO COMBAT TOURS IN IRAQ BEFORE LEAVING THE SERVICE IN 2005.

SHE SAYS MEN SHE SERVED WITH HAD A LOT OF CONNECTIONS WHEN THEY GOT OUT.

>> GETTING OUT OF THE MILITARY, A LOT OF MY MALE COUNTERPARTS HAD BUILT-IN NETWORKS.

THEY HAD SERVED WITH SO MANY MEN, AND THEY WERE MET WITH SUPPORT.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS SHE WAS MET WITH SKEPTICISM ABOUT THE NATURE OF HER SERVICE.

>> AND THAT WAS VERY FRUSTRATING TO HAVE SERVED MY COUNTRY, TO HAVE EXPERIENCED BOTH SACRIFICE IN DEPLOYING TO TWO WARS AND TO HAVE LOST FRIENDS, TO COME HOME TO A SOCIETY THAT LOOKED AT ME FOR THE SHEER FACT THAT I WAS A WOMAN LIKE I DIDN'T ACTUALLY SERVE IN A WAY THAT SHOULD BE HONORED.

>> Reporter: SHE HOPES THAT SHE CAN HELP WOMEN AVOID SOME OF THOSE CHALLENGES.

THE FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN WARRIORS PROVIDES WOMEN WITH MONEY TO HELP THEM WITH CHILDCARE AND TO HELP THEM GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

SHE SAYS THE FOUNDATION ALSO GIVES WOMEN A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN FINANCIAL NEED TO REACH OUT.

>> WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

WE HAVE A WHOLE TEAM THAT IS EITHER MILITARY VETERANS THEMSELVES OR MILITARY CONNECTED, AND THEY UNDERSTAND.

AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO IT ALONE.

>> Reporter: THE FOUNDATION IS HOSTING ITS ANNIVERSARY PARTY THURSDAY EVENING AT THEIR OFFICE IN VISTA.

ANDREW DYER, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AND HERE IS A LOOK AT WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON FOR TOMORROW IN THE KPBS NEWSROOM.

A LAW REQUIRES DEVELOPERS TO MAKE AMERICAN-MADE MATERIALS IF THEY WANT CERTAIN FEDERAL FUNDS.

NPR'S MORNING EDITION DIVES INTO HOW IT'S SLOWING DOWN CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND ON KPBS MIDDAY EDITION, WE ARE DISCUSSING LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE.

THIS WEEK WE SIT DOWN WITH THE PLAYWRIGHT AND DIRECTOR OF AN UPCOMING PLAY EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES OF THE U.S.

IMMIGRATION SYSTEM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

LOOK FOR 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, PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING, AIR, RESTORATION, AND FLOOD SERVICES FOR OVER 45 YEARS.

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

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

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.