>>> THANKS FOR JOINING US FOR THIS LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST STORIES FROM KPBS NEWS.

NOW MORE ARE TAKING OFF FROM MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL AIRPORTS.

PLUS ELECTRIC BILLS KEEP GOING UP IN OUR REGION.

HOW MUCH RESIDENTS CAN SAVE IF THE CITY FORMED A PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY AND WHAT COULD KEEP THAT FROM HAPPENING.

SOUTH DAKOTA -- SAN DIEGO BOOK CRAWL IS RETURNING FEATURING 15 STORES.

WE BEGIN WITH MAYOR TODD GLORIA RELEASED A SPENDING PLAN WITH DEEP CUTS.

WHAT IS AFFECTED AND WHAT'S BEING SPARED?

>> Reporter: FROM JUST ABOUT EVERY ANGLE THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO'S BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 IS GRIM.

>> EVERY DEPARTMENT MADE REDUCTIONS.

NO AREA OF CITY GOVERNMENT WAS EXEMPT INCLUDING MY OFFICE.

>> DEPENDING ON HOW YOU CALCULATE IT, BUDGET SHORTFALL IS BETWEEN 120 AND $146 MILLION.

MAYOR GLORIA SAYS IT'S BEEN BUILDING OVER DECADES.

HE SAYS THE CITY IS DEALING WITH RISING COSTS OUT PACING REVENUE, SIGNIFICANT DEFERRED MAINTENANCE, UNCERTAINTY WHEN IT COMES TO STATE AND FEDERAL DECISIONS.

NOT EVERY DEPARTMENT IS GETTING CUT.

>> WHEN YOU CALL 911 FOR HELP IN AN EMERGENCY, TRAINED PROFESSIONALS SHOULD SHOW UP TO HELP YOU.

WITH THIS PROPOSAL, THEY WILL.

THIS DRAFT BUDGET INCLUDES $725 MILLION FOR POLICE SERVICES AND 547 MILLION FOR FIRE RESCUE.

>> Reporter: ROAD REPAVING PROJECTS WILL CONTINUE.

311 MILES OF STREETS WILL BE RESURFACED.

WHEN IT COMES TO ROADS AND TRAFFIC, CUTS ARE COMING SPECIFICALLY TO THE CITY'S VISION ZERO PLAN WHICH AIMS TO ELIMINATE ALL TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURIES.

THAT PROMPTED THIS FROM CIRCULATE, PLANNING, AND POLICY WHICH POINTED OUT MORE IN SAN DIEGO DIE FROM FATAL CRASHES EVERY YEAR THAN VIOLENT CRIME.

IT IS HIS CUTTING ENGINEERS WHO DESIGN SAFE STREETS MEANS SANDING ANS -- WILL PAY WITH THEIR LIVES.

>> IT'S GOING TO AFFECT A LARGE AMOUNT OF ORGANIZATIONS.

>> THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAN DIEGO ART MATTERS, THE AREAS'S LARGEST ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION.

HE SAYS THE CUTS ARE SHORT SIDED.

>> IT'S LIKE QUITTING YOUR JOB TO SAVE GAS MONEY.

WE BRING IN DOLLARS.

IF YOU STOP FUNDING US, THAT AMOUNT OF FLOW OF DOLLARS WILL DECREASE AGAIN.

>> SAN DIEGO TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION THE PROPOSAL.

IT SAYS RESIDENTS ARE PAYING MUCH MORE FOR SERVICES TODAY THAN THEY WERE 15 YEARS AGO.

IT BLAMED SOME OF THAT ON A STEEP RISE IN MIDDLE MANAGERS BUT THE HEAD OF THE SAN DIEGO MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION SAID THE CRITICISM IS OFF BASE.

>> MEA HAS BEEN RAISING THIS FLAG FOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS AND THIS MAYOR, GLORIA, IS THE FIRST PERSON TO LISTEN BETWEEN LAST YEAR'S BUDGET AND THIS YEAR'S BUDGETS CUTTING NEARLY 100 POSITIONS AND REVERSING A LOT OF THE GROWTH.

>> CITY DEPARTMENTS WILL GO OVER THE DEPARTMENTS AGAIN WITH A FINE TOOTH COMB.

MORE CUTS CAN BE COMING.

SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE UP THE BUDGET AT THE JUNE 9 MEETING.

IT MUST BE COMPLETE BY JUNE 15.

>>> FORMING A PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY COULD SAVE $500 A YEAR ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT THE CITY COMMISSIONED.

OUR REPORTER SAYS IT WOULD COST BETWEEN 2.4 AND 7.6 ABOUT BILLION DOLLARS.

>> PUBLIC POWER ADVOCATES SAY THE STUDY PROVES THEIR POINT.

>> THIS STUDY IN ONE OF THE MOST CONSERVATIVE WAYS POSSIBLE AND STILL SHOWS LONGTERM SAVINGS.

>> THE PROGRAM CORRESPOND FLAY TORR FOR PUBLIC POWER SAN DIEGO.

>> IT'S NO LONGER A DEBATE LIKE IF IT IS CHEAPER.

IT'S A MATTER OF WHEN SAVINGS HIT AND HOW MUCH THEY ARE.

>> THE STUDY IS CALLED FLAWED SAYING IT OMITS MAJOR RISKS TO SAFETY, RELIABILITY, UNDER STATES COSTS OF SEIZING ITS ELECTRIC GRID.

THEY VALUE THE INFRASTRUCTURE AT $9 BILLION.

RATES ARE MORE THAN SIX TIMES WHAT THEY WERE IN 2000.

AT THE END OF LAST YEAR MORE THAN ONE IN THREE CUSTOMERS WERE BEHIND ON THEIR BILL.

THERE ARE DOZENS OF PUBLIC UTILITIES IN CALIFORNIA.

THEY DON'T ARE TO EARN PROFITS FOR SHAREHOLDERS.

THE STATE LEGISLATIVE ANALYSTS OFFICE SAY THEY CHARGE ABOUT HALF THE RATES ON AVERAGE.

A POLICY ADVOCATE FOR CLIMATE ACTION CAMPAIGN.

>> 50% LESS EXPENSIVE IS NOT A DROP IN THE BUCKET.

THAT IS SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS THAT CAN GO TO TAKING STRESS OFF OF FEEDING YOUR FAMILIES, OF HAVING MORE LEEWAY IN YOUR BUDGETS EVERY MONTH.

>> A PUBLIC UTILITY WOULD OFFER LOCAL CONTROL SO THE CITY COULD MAKE DECISIONS THAT ALIGN BETTER WITH ITS CLIMATE AND EQUITY GOALS, THE REPORT SAYS.

IT SAYS MAKING THE UTILITY PUBLIC COULD TAKE A DECADE, LONGER IF THE CITY AND SDG&E CAN'T AGREE ON A PRICE AND THE CITY HAS TO SEIZE THE PROPERTY THROUGH IMMINENT DOMAIN.

THE REPORT WAS PRESENTED TO THE CITY'S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE THURSDAY.

THE MAYOR SAID WEDNESDAY THE CITY IS FACING BUDGET DEFICIT OF AT LEAST $118 MILLION.

>> SAN DIEGO HAS ONE BALLOT MEASURE GOING BEFORE VOTERS THIS JUNE.

OUR REPORTER EXPLAINS HOW MEASURE A AIMS TO ADDRESS THE CITY'S HOUSING AND BUDGET CRISES WITH A NEW TAX.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO LOCAL TAX RECORDS THERE ARE MORE THAN 5000 HOMES IN SAN DIEGO EMPTY FOR MOST OF THE YEAR AND NOT CLAIMED AS OWNER'S PRIMARY RESIDENCE.

THESE ARE HOMES MEASURE A WOULD TARGET WITH $8000 ANNUAL TAX.

THEY INCLUDE MANSIONS, DOWNTOWN CONDOS, HIGH RISE BUILDINGS AND MORE MODERATELY PRICED HOMES SCATTERED ACROSS THE CITY.

>> PEOPLE ARE BEING CRUSHED BY COST OF HOUSING.

FOR THAT TO BE REALITY FOR SO MANY IN SAN DIEGO WHILE OVER 5000 HOMES SITS EMPTY FOR MOST OF THE YEAR, THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THAT.

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DIRECT WAYS WE CAN ADDRESS THAT PROBLEM.

>> PRESIDENT OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION WHICH OPPOSES MEASURE A. HE SAYS IT HAS A LONG HISTORY AS A PLACE FOR VACATION HOMES AND OWNERS SHOULDN'T BE PUNISHED.

>> THE OVERALL MESSAGE IS THIS IS BAD POLICY.

FROM A LEGAL STANDPOINT IT IS POORLY TIMED AND WE ARE JUMPING THE GUN ASKING VOTERS TO WEIGH IN ON SOMETHING THAT CAN BE RENDERED MOOT AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

>> A JUDGE?

SAN FRANCISCO RULED A SIMILAR TAX MEASURE THERE WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

THAT CASE IS ON APPEAL.

REVENUE FROM MEASURE A WOULD GO TO THE GENERAL FUND WHICH SUPPORTS SERVICES LIKE PARKS AND PUBLIC SAFETY.

>> ONE BY PRODUCT OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S MASS DEPORTATION CAMPAIGN IS BIG INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DEPORTATION FLIGHTS.

OUR REPORTER SAYS MORE AND MORE OF THE FLIGHTS ARE COMING FROM MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR.

>> Reporter: IF YOU LIVE IN MIRAMAR, YOU ARE PROBABLY FAMILIAR WITH THIS SOUND.

THAT'S AN F-18 SUPER HORNET.

AND THIS IS WHAT ONE OF THEM SOUNDS LIKE FLYING RIGHT OVER YOUR HOUSE.

DAVID KENNEDY HAS LIVED UNDER THE FLIGHT PATH FOR MORE THAN A DECADE.

>> I HAVE ALWAYS KIND OF LIKED PLANES.

I LIVE NEXT TO MIRAMAR SO I HAVE GOTTEN USED TO LISTENING TO THEM AND KNOWING WHAT AN F- 18 SOUNDS LIKE HARK A C130 SOUNDS LIKE.

ABOUT A YEAR AGO I STARTED NOTICING A PLANE THAT SOUNDED DIFFERENT.

>> THAT DIFFERENT SOUND WASN'T A HYPER SONIC JET OR SOME NEW TOP SECRET MILITARY PROTOTYPE.

IT SOUNDED LIKE A REGULAR COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE, THE KIND YOU WOULD HEAR AT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

>> I STARTED LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW AND SAW THESE COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS.

>> Reporter: HE DID A LITTLE DIGGING AND NOTICED THAT THE FLIGHTS WERE GOING TO MEXICO, PANAMA, EVEN INDIA.

HE LOOKED UP THE PRIVATE CARRIER AND REALIZED THAT IT DOES A LOT OF WORK FOR IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT.

THAT'S WHEN KENNEDY REACHED TO KPBS AND ASKED US TO CONFIRM WHETHER I.C.E.

WAS USING MIRAMAR FOR DEPORTATION RIGHTS BY REACHING OUT TO HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST.

>> THE SCALE HAS DRAMATICALLY PICKED UP IN THE PAST YEAR.

>> RUNNING THE ORGANIZATION'S I.C.E.

FLIGHT MONITOR PROGRAM.

>> THIS HAS BEEN A REALLY IMPORTANT INITIATIVE IN GIVING PEOPLE ACCESS TO DATA TO UNDERSTAND THE SCALE AND SCOPE OF WHAT IS GOING ON AND HOW IT IS AFFECTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

>> HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST DATA CONFIRMED KENNEDY'S OBSERVATIONS.

THEY DOCUMENTED 85 I.C.E.

FLIGHTS OUT OF MCAS MIRAMAR IN 2025.

THERE WERE ZERO IN 2024.

OF THE 85 FLIGHTS, 53 WERE DEPORTATIONS.

THE REST WERE TO TRANSPORT DETAINEES TO VARIOUS CENTERS WITHIN U.S.

>> AROUND JULY FLIGHTS OUT OF THERE BEGAN TO RAMP UP.

>> DURING SECOND HALF OF 2025, I.C.E.

AVERAGED 12 FLIGHTS OUT OF MCAS MIRAMAR EACH MONTH.

IN A STATEMENT, MARINE CORPS BASE CONFIRMED IT ACCESSED LOCATION FOR CIVILIAN, MILITARY, AND FEDERAL FLIGHTS.

BUT THEY DID NOT COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON INCREASED FLIGHTS BY I.C.E.

SAYS THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION USING COUNTRY'S MILITARY STRUCTURE TO AMASS HIS DEPORTATION AGENDA.

>> LAST FALL WE SAW SOME OTHER MILITARY, SOME OTHER MILITARY AIRPORTS STARTED ALSO BEING IN PLACES WHERE I.C.E.

FLIGHTS WERE TAKING OFF FROM.

>> ALTHOUGH SAN DIEGO IS HOME TO THE BIGGEST LAND BORDER CROSSING IN NORTH AMERICA HISTORICALLY IT HAS NOT BEEN A HUB FOR DEPORTATION FLIGHTS.

FOR EXAMPLE, EVERY I.C.E.

FLIGHT OUT OF SAN DIEGO IN 2024 WAS FOR DOMESTIC SHUTTLES.

AFTER TRUMP TOOK OFFICE LAST YEAR, THERE WERE MORE THAN 120 DEPORTATION FLIGHTS OUT OUT OF BOTH COMBINED.

>> UNDER STRIKE WHAT'S BEEN STRIKING IS SAN DIEGO HAS BECOME A PLACE WHERE DEPORTATION FLIGHTS TAKE OFF FROM.

>> AVERY SAYS THAT THE PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK DEPORTATION FLIGHTS IN CIVILIAN AND MILITARY AIRPORTS.

>> SIGN UP FOR NEWS LETTERS FOR A LIST OF OUR MOST POPULAR STORIES.

IMPERIAL VALLEY'S WATER UTILITY COULD DECIDE THE FATE OF A MASSIVE DATA CENTER FOLLOWING A KEY VOTE.

GROSS MONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT FACING LAWSUITS THAT ALLEGE ANTILGBTQ AGENDA.

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL OFFER UNIVERSAL AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM THIS FALL.

OUR REPORTER HAS MORE ON WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW.

>> SAN DIEGO UNIFIED'S FREE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM IS IN HIGH DEMAND.

ENROLLMENT HAS NEARLY TRIPLED OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS AND HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES HAVE BEEN ON THE WAIT LIST.

NEXT SCHOOL YEAR THAT WILL CHANGE.

>> WE ARE LAUNCHING UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO 144 ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS FOR PRIMETIME, FALL 2026.

>> TOBY PACE OVERSEES SAN DIEGO UNIFIED'S PRIMETIME PROGRAM.

SHE SAYS ALL INTERESTED STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND NEXT YEAR IF THEIR PARENTS ENROLL BY MAY 1.

THE DISTRICT GOT ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDING LAST YEAR TO START EXPANDING THE PROGRAM.

ENROLLMENT GREW FROM 13,000 STUDENTS LAST YEAR TO 21,000 THIS YEAR.

>> THE POTENTIAL FOR NEXT YEAR IS EXCITING.

WE CAN ENROLL UP TO 30 OR EVEN 40,000 KIDS IN OUR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM NOW THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THIS FUNDING.

>> PACE SAYS THE DISTRICT SPENT THE LAST YEAR HIRING ADDITIONAL STAFF.

STAFF TO STUDENT RATIOS ARE ONE TO 20 FOR FIRST TO EIGHTH GRADE AND ONE TO TEN FOR 10-K AND KINDERGARTEN.

DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO RUN THE PRIMETIME PROGRAM INCLUDING YMCA AND STAY SAN DIEGO.

IT'S MORE THAN CHILDCARE.

SCHOOLS ARE OFFER TUTORING, SPORTS, STEM ACTIVITIES AND MORE.

>> CREATING THE AFTER SCHOOL SPACE WHERE THEY'RE LEARNING, NOT ON A COMPUTER OR STARING AT TV BUT REALLY ENGAGING WITH EACH OTHER, BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS, LEARNING COMMUNICATION SKILLS.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS HAVE BEEN AMAZING AND REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

>> ENROLLMENT STARTS MONDAY AT 8:00 AND CLOSES MAY 1 AT 3:00 P.M.

PARENTS WILL GET AN APPLICATION LINK IN A TEXT AND AN E-MAIL.

>>> CONVERSATIONS ABOUT DEATH ARE MOVING INTO MORE SOCIAL SETTINGS.

KPBS HEALTH REPORTER SAYS ONE LOCAL GROUP IS MAKING THEM LESS INTIMIDATING BY HOSTING THEM AT A BAR.

>> IT LOOKS LIKE A TYPICAL NIGHT OUT.

DRINKS ARE POURED AT THE BAY PARK PUB.

CONVERSATIONS FLOW BUT THE TOPIC HERE IS ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL.

>> RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU KNOW WHAT MEDICALLY DYING IS.

>> ABOUT 50 PEOPLE PACK IN FOR AN EVENT CALLED DEATH OVER DRAFT.

IT'S A MODERN TWIST ON TRADITIONAL DEATH CAFES.

>> THE FIRST QUESTION WE GET WHEN WE SEE PEOPLE IN OUR LIFE IS WHAT?

THAT'S LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA?

>> CRISTA IS WITH AUTONOMY HEALTH.

IT'S A MEDICAL PRACTICE THAT HELPS PATIENTS NAVIGATE END OF LIFE DECISIONS.

THEY'RE HOSTING THE EVENT.

SHE SAYS THE GOAL IS TO NORMALIZE TALKING ABOUT DEATH AND DYING BY DISCUSSING AN UNCOMFORTABLE TOPIC IN A MORE COMFORTABLE SETTING WITH DRINKS.

>> PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT INTIMIDATED ABOUT GOING TO SOMETHING THAT IS AT A COMMUNITY CENTER AND ARE MORE COMFORTABLE IN A CASUAL BAR ATMOSPHERE.

>> INCLUDING A YOUNGER CROWD.

>> WE KNEW THAT BY OFFERING AN EVENT THAT WAS AT A BAR WITH ALCOHOL MIGHT APPEAL TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION WHO REALLY SEEMS MORE CURIOUS THAN THEY EVER HAVE.

>> THAT CURIOSITY IS WHAT DREW IN PAUL AMONS.

>> I BELIEVE THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE IN MY GENERATION THAT ARE FINDING INTEREST IN THESE CONVERSATIONS.

BUT COMING TO PLACES LIKE A BREWERY WHERE WE MIGHT HANG OUT, IT MAKES CONVERSATION EASIER AND MORE APPROACHABLE.

>> HE IS ONLY 26 BUT SAYS HIS INTEREST COMES FROM HOW RARELY THESE CONVERSATIONS HAPPEN IN HIS EVERY DAY LIFE.

>> IT'S OFTEN TRAPPED IN PLACES LIKE MORTUARIES OR CHURCHES, MOSQUES, TEMPLES.

>> HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE CONVERSATIONS OUT OF THE PUB AND INTO HIS LIFE.

>> I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE PART IN THE CONVERSATIONS WITH PEOPLE MY AGE, PEOPLE LIKE MY PARENTS WHO ARE NOT HAVING THE CONVERSATIONS, AND SEE WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TAKE CONTROL OF OUR DEATH SO MUCH AS WE CAN.

>> IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP CONTACT THE 988 SUICIDE CRISIS LIFE LINE BY CALLING OR TEXTING THE NUMBER 988.

>>> SAN DIEGO IS ONE OF THREE FINALISTS TO HOST 2029 INVICTUS GAMES, COMPETITION FOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES.

OUR REPORTER TAGGED ALONG WITH MEMBERS OF THE GAME'S FOUNDATION AS THEY TOURED SAN DIEGO.

>> MEMBERS OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE TOUR THE VENUES THAT WOULD HOST EVENTS SHOULD THE CITY BE AWARDED THE GAMES.

>> IT IS HUGE DAY TO DAY.

IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF JOURNEY.

>> THE COCHAIR OF SAN DIEGO'S BID COMMITTEE.

GREAT BRITAIN'S PRINCE HARRY STARTED THE GAMES IN 2014.

HE IS A VETERAN OF WAR IN AFGHANISTAN.

INVICTUS OFFICIALS HAVE VISITED THE OTHER TWO FINALISTS IN DENMARK AND SOUTH KOREA.

>> IT IS OUR TURN FOR SAN DIEGO TO PUT ITS BEST FOOT FORWARD.

>> USS MIDWAY MUSEUM AND MORE.

ROB IS CEO OF INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM.

HE SAYS SAN DIEGO IS A STRONG CANDIDATE FOR 2029.

>> MILITARY IS SUCH A BIG PART OF THE CULTURE OF THE CITY AND LOOKING AROUND HERE, YOU'VE GOT AIRCRAFT CARRIERS HERE.

YOU HAVE NAVAL BASES.

IT'S ALL SO INTEGRATED THAT IT IS PART OF THE FABRIC.

>> HE SAYS EACH FINALIST HAS SOMETHING UNIQUE TO OFFER AND SAN DIEGO IT IS ADAPTIVE SURFING.

>> INNOVATION WITH MAYBE SOME OF THE ADAPTIVE SURFING WILL BE FANTASTIC.

ANYTHING THAT BRINGS A NEWNESS, A STYLE.

BUT IT IS HOW DO YOU BRING THE CULTURE AND WHAT MAKES THAT CITY COME TO LIFE.

>> SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS FROM MORE THAN TWO DOZEN COUNTRIES WILL PARTICIPATE.

HE SAYS THE IMPACT GOES BEYOND THE MILITARY AND VETERAN COMMUNITIES.

>> IT IS ABOUT HOW DO WE HELP PEOPLE CHANGE TOWARDS ALL DISABILITIES, NOT JUST BECAUSE OF CONFLICT.

>> IN JUNE, SOLAR AND BID COMMITTEE FLY TO LONDON TO MAKE THE FINAL PRESENTATION TO THE INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION.

>> WE ARE FEELING CONFIDENT.

WE HAVE A PRETTY STRONG CASE THAT IT SHOULD BE SAN DIEGO.

>> THEY'LL ANNOUNCE THE 2029 HOST CITY IN JULY.

>>> MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ARTISAN DIEGO OPENS GIANTS ART FROM THE DEAN SELECTION THIS WEEK WITH FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY SATURDAY.

OUR KPBS ARTS REPORTER TAKES US INSIDE.

>> Reporter: GIANTS INCLUDES MORE THAN 130 SIGNIFICANT WORKS BY 37 ARTISTS.

THAT'S JUST 10% OF THE COLLECTION.

BUT THE COUPLE IS ALSO SIGNALING SUPPORT TO CREATIVES RIGHT HERE IN SAN DIEGO WHERE THEY CALL HOME.

>> THIS GALLERY IS ADJACENT AND FEATURES THE HOMETOWN.

THIS IS PHOTOGRAPHY BY THREE LOCAL ARTISTS AND IT WAS ACQUIRED WHEN WANDERED INTO A LOCAL CAFE AND BAR WITH THE WORK.

THESE WORKS CELEBRATE DAILY LIFE.

>> MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ARTISAN SAN DIEGO CURATOR SAYS INCLUSION OF LOCAL ART MIRRORS DEANS GLOBAL WORK.

>> THE ORIGINAL CONCEDE MAYBE FOR COMMUNITIES THAT HADN'T HISTORICALLY SEEN THEMSELVES ON THE WALLS OF MUSEUMS COULD SEE THEMSELVES AND FEEL WELCOME.

HOMETOWN HEROES FEELS LIKE AN EXTENSION OF THAT AND TO INVITE MORE PEOPLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT.

>> GIANTS HAS A RANGE OF SCULPTURE, PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, INSTALLATION.

>> GORDON PARKS WAS INCREDIBLY PROLIFIC PHOTOGRAPHER.

I BELIEVE HE WAS THE FIRST BLACK PHOTOGRAPHER HIRED BY LIFE MAGAZINE.

HE WAS SO INFLUENTIAL ON MANY GENERATIONS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS JUST GENERALLY.

>> THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM CURATOR SAYS DEANS HOLD THE LARGEST COLLECTION AS PARKS WORK, A MASSIVE INSTALLATION BY EBONY PATERSON DRAWS VIEWERS IN WITH VIVID AND CHILD LIKE DETAIL.

THEN A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS BULLET HOLES AND DESTRUCTION.

>> SHE'S SAYING LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL MOMENT.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT GETS DESTROYED?

>> THIS IS THE FIFTH STOP ON THE GIANTS TOUR BUT THE SAN DIEGO EXHIBIT IS UNIQUE.

IN ADDITION TO HOMETOWN HEROES, IT ALSO DEBUTS A NEW WORK BY THOMAS.

>> WHAT GIANTS HAS DONE SUCH A GOOD JOB OF IS KIND OF PAIRING THESE REALLY WELL KNOWN ARTISTS, THESE GIANTS OF THE ART WORLD, TOWERING FIGURES WITH PEOPLE THAT MAYBE ARE LESSER KNOWN.

>> JULIA IS HOST OF THE KPBS ARTS AND CULTURE PODCAST THE FINEST NOW IN ITS SECOND SEASON.

WE ASKED FANS TO VOTE ON A FAVORITE SEASON, ONE EPISODE TO REAIR THIS WEEK.

YOU CAN LISTEN AT KPBS.ORG/THE FINEST WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS.

>>> THE SAN DIEGO BOOK CRAWL IS BACK NEXT WEEK.

IT CONTINUES TO GROW WITH MORE STORES PARTICIPATING AND LARGER CROWDS.

OUR REPORTER SPOKE WITH SOME OWNERS ABOUT IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES AND WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT THE CRAWL.

>> INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES HAVE LONG BEEN SPACES WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS CAN COME TOGETHER.

THAT'S ESPECIALLY TRUE IN SAN DIEGO WHERE THERE ARE AT LEAST 15 SHOPS OPERATING ACROSS THE COUNTY.

BECK KALITTA IS OWNER -- THE ROMANCE BOOKSTORE OPENED IN 2022 WITH GOAL OF CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR ROMANCE READERS.

>> THE WAY THAT BOOK BANNING IS HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTRY, THE WAY THAT POLITICS ARE GOING, I THINK, IT'S EASIER OR THERE IS MORE INCENTIVE FOR LARGE CORPORATIONS TO SORT OF CAVE ON THEIR VALUES.

>> ACCORDING TO PAN AMERICA, THOUSANDS OF BOOKS WERE BANNED LAST YEAR ADDING TO MORE THAN 23,000 BANS RECORDED SINCE 2021.

THOUGH INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES IN CALIFORNIA DON'T HAVE TO COMPLY WITH BOOK BAN MANDATES THE SAME WAY LIBRARIES OR SCHOOLS DO THEY FACE OTHER CHALLENGES INCLUDING COMPETITION FROM CHAIN RETAILERS LIKE BARNES AND NOBLE AND ONLINE SELLERS LIKE AMAZON WHICH CAN OFFER LOW PRICES.

AUTHOR OF SING THE NIGHT, AVAILABLE AT MYSTERIOUS GALAXY SAYS SHOPPING LOCAL OFFERS MORE PERSONAL.

>> BIG CORPORATIONS DO NOT CARE.

IT DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHETHER YOU BUY FROM THEM OR NOT.

PUTTING MONEY BACK INTO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IS ALSO IMPORTANT.

YOU CAN'T SMELL THE INTERNET.

>> JOHN SAYS THE EXPERIENCE OF DISCOVERY IS LOST WHEN BOOKS ARE PURCHASED ONLINE.

>> ALL THE ALGORITHMS TELL YOU YOUR PAST CHOICES.

THEY SAY THIS IS WHAT YOU READ SO YOU SHOULD READ SOMETHING SIMILAR.

A BOOK SELLER IS DOING THE OPPOSITE.

WE ARE SHOWING THE POSSIBILITIES AND TRYING TO FIND THE BEST ONE FOR YOU IN THAT MOMENT AT THAT STORE AT THAT TIME SO YOU ARE GOING ON AN ADVENTURE.

>> HE ADDS INSTITUTIONS AND RESIDENTS ALIKE CAN HELP SUSTAIN LOCAL BOOK STORES.

>> SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES ALL SHOULD BE BUYING THROUGH THEIR LOCAL VENDOR, WHOEVER THAT IS, WHATEVER BOOKSTORE THAT IS I THINK.

MULTIPLIER EFFECTS FOR THE ECONOMY ARE GREAT FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> MULTIPLIER EFFECT MEANS INITIAL INCREASE IN SPENDING LEADS TO OVERALL INCREASE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

SO WHEN MORE PEOPLE BUY LOCALLY MORE CAN BE INVESTED IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

HE SAYS INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES ARE VITAL THIRD SPACE, PLACES WHERE PEOPLE CAN GAS DISTRIBUTIONER WITHOUT NECESSARILY SPENDING MONEY.

>> WE DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO COMMUNITY SPACES LIKE WE DID WHEN I WAS GROWING UP.

SO FINDING A PLACE THAT IS SUPPORTIVE AND COMMUNITY BASED WHERE YOU CAN CONNECT WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE SAME VALUES AS YOU AND READERS TEND TO BE INCREDIBLY EMPATHETIC AND SHARE THE VALUES.

IT'S NECESSARY.

>> BOOK STORES ARE PLACES WHERE AUTHORS CAN CONNECT DIRECTLY WITH READERS.

MYSTERIOUS GALAXY HOSTS EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

TURN OUT CAN VARY BUT IMPACT IS THE SAME.

>> IT'S ONE WONDERFUL THING TO BE IN A GROUP OF 300 OTHER READERS WAITING IN LINE TO GET YOUR BOOK SIGNED AND IT IS ALSO SPECIAL TO BE ONE OF TEN BEING ABLE TO BE IN CONVERSATION WITH THE AUTHOR.

ALL OF IT BUILDS PGH >> THESE BOOK STORES ALONG WITH ABOUT A DOZEN OTHERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE NINTH ANNUAL BOOK CRAWL WHICH SPANS SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

SHE'S ATTENDED SEVERAL CRAWLS AND PLANS TO RETURN THIS YEAR.

>> I LOVE THE SAN DIEGO BOOKSTORE CRAWL SO MUCH.

THERE IS A GAME ASPECT WHERE YOU GO TO A CERTAIN NUMBER OF STORES AND YOU GET THINGS.

I AM A SUCKER FOR AN ENAMEL PEN.

>> LAST YEAR ABOUT 4000 PEOPLE STARTED THE CRAWL AND ROUGHLY 400 VISITED EVERY PARTICIPATING STORE ALONG TO LIBRARY FOUNDATION SD.

IT BEGAN WITH NINE STORES AND HAS GROWN TO 15 PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS WITH PLANS TO EXPAND.

THE CRAWL OPENS PEOPLE'S VIEW OF WHAT BOOK STORES ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THEM.

>> PEOPLE WILL LEAVE THE AREA THEY'RE USED TO BEING IN AND REALIZE IT'S NOT THAT FAR.

PARKING IS NOT THAT BAD.

THERE ARE SO MANY CUTE BUSINESSES AROUND WHERE WE ARE ON THE MAIN STREET.

SO IT'S NICE TO BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.

>> FOR MANY BOOK STORES THE CRAWL IS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR, A CITY WIDE PARTY FOR INDEPENDENT SHOPS.

IT'S NOT TO BE MISSED.

>> IT'S A GREAT WAY TO GET TO KNOW THE BOOK STORES, GET TO KNOW OTHER PEOPLE.

IF YOU ARE NEW TO SAN DIEGO OR IF YOU ARE A NATIVE, YOU SHOULD COME OUT TO THE BOOK CRAWL BECAUSE YOU WILL JUST HAVE THE MOST FUN OF YOUR LIFE.

>> SAN DIEGO BOOK CRAWL BEGINS ON INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY APRIL 25 AND CONTINUES THROUGH APRIL 27.

>> WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK AT KPBS NEWS THIS WEEK.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.