♪ >>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THIS LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST STORIES FROM KPBS NEWS THIS WEEK.

I'M JOHN CARROLL.

THE ROLE OF A.I.

IN THE MILITARY.

HOW THIS TOPIC PLAYED A BIG PART IN A RECENT CONVENTION FOR TECH COMPANIES THAT PARTNER WITH ARMED FORCES.

HOW SHOULD SPEND $125 BILLION?

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY CONSIDERS A LONG-TERM PLAN FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS.

AND BLACK COMIX DAY 2026 IS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND , WE HAVE A PREVIEW OF THE COMIC BOOK CONVENTION AT BALBOA PARK.

WE BEGIN WITH THE HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY VISIT TO SAN DIEGO.

CHRISTINE OM IS ONE OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HIGHEST RANKING OFFICIALS WHEN IT COMES TO THE NATIONAL IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN.

AND WHILE THAT WASN'T OFFICIALLY THE TOPIC, PROTESTERS MADE IT CLEAR THE ISSUE WAS ON THEIR MIND.

MORE FROM METRO REPORTER ENTER.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

I'M CHRISTINE OM.

>> SPOKE TO REPORTERS AT THE PORT OF ENTRY IN FRONT OF EVIDENCE BOXES SHE SAID WERE FULL OF DRUGS.

SHE SPOKE WITH HER SIRENS TURNED ON IN AN APPARENT EFFORT TO DROWN OUT PROTESTERS JUST OUTSIDE THE FACILITY.

NOEM PRAISED THE OFFICERS MOSTLY AT LEGAL BORDER CROSSINGS.

>> HERE AT OTAY MESA AROUND THE CLOCK TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE KEEPING AMERICANS SAFE.

FENTANYL HAS KILLED TELL US AMERICANS WHO STILL SHOULD BE HERE WITH US TODAY.

I MET WITH MANY PARENTS WHO HAVE LOST CHILDREN TO FENTANYL POISONING.

>> Reporter: FENTANYL DRESSED DEATHS BEGAN TO DROP UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN.

THE GROWING AVAILABILITY OF NARCAN WHICH CAN REVERSE OVERDOSE.

ONE RECENT STUDY SUGGESTED A CRACKDOWN IN CHINA COULD ALSO BE DISRUPTING THE SUPPLY OF THE NARCOTIC.

WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE PROTESTERS, NOEM SHRUGGED.

>> OBVIOUSLY EXPRESSING THEIR RIGHTS AND WE WELCOME THAT.

AS LONG AS THEY DO SO PEACEFULLY I THINK IT'S A WONDERFUL THING.

>> Reporter: COINCIDED WITH THE DRAWDOWN OF FEDERAL AGENTS FROM MINNEAPOLIS FOLLOWING THE KILLINGS OF RENEE GOOD AND IN EXCHANGE FOR FUNDING NOEM DEPARTMENT.

MANY DHS EMPLOYEES WILL BE WORKING WITHOUT PAY STARTING ON SATURDAY.

KPBS IS.

>>> A DIFFERENT SENTIMENT IN CHULA VISTA WHERE CITIZENS AND LEADERS RECENTLY SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE LEASE CHIEF.

ROXANA KENNEDY SAYS SOME LEADERS ARE TRYING TO FORCE HER OUT OVER AN INCIDENT AT A HOLIDAY PARTY.

SOME OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT AND THE CITY'S RESPONSE.

>> Reporter: PASTORS FROM AROUND CHULA VISTA WENT TO THE MICROPHONE AT TUESDAY'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO SPEAK OUT IN SUPPORT OF POLICE CHIEF ROXANA KENNEDY.

>> IT'S NOT BY ACCIDENT THAT CHULA VISTA IN COMPARISON TO OTHER CITIES IS IS A CITY SAFE CITY, WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NOT AN ENEMY BUT AN ALLY.

I'M GRATEFUL FOR THAT.

I LIKE TO ITS CITIZENS AND THE ONCE THEY HAVE MADE AN OATH TO PROTECT AND SERVE.

A DIRECT REFLECTION OF ROXANA KENNEDY'S LEADERSHIP AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THAT.

>> REALLY HURT BECAUSE SHE DESERVES BETTER.

SHE DESERVES BETTER.

SHE WAS LOYAL, FAITHFUL TO EVERY ONE OF YOU THAT ARE HERE TODAY.

>> Reporter: THEY JOINED THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO SPOKE IN FAVOR OF KENNEDY.

AFTER NEWS REPORTS ABOUT KENNEDY'S ALLEGATIONS THAT CITY OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO FORCE HER OUT.

>> SHE'S BEEN THERE OVER 30 YEARS.

CHIEF SINCE ROUGHLY 10 YEARS.

GOT NOTHING BUT PRAISE.

>> Reporter: CITY LEADERS ARE USING SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED THAT A POLICE UNION HOLIDAY PARTY AS A REASON TO REMOVE HER BEARD AND INVOLVED OFF-DUTY OFFICERS DANCING.

ONE INDIVIDUAL TOOK OFF HIS SHIRT AND SWUNG IT AROUND HIS HEAD DURING THE CONTEXT.

>> SHE DIDN'T TOUCH HIM.

DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE.

WASN'T DANCING.

SHE TURNED AROUND, TOOK A BOW.

EVERYONE STARTED LAUGHING AND CLAPPING.

>> Reporter: CITY STAFF TOLD KENNEDY THEY RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ABOUT HER CONDUCT AND WERE GOING TO AUDIT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

BUT HE SAYS HE BELIEVES SOME CITY LEADERS ARE LOOKING FOR A REASON TO GET RID OF KENNEDY TO BRING IN SOMEWHERE ELSE.

>> YOU'VE GOT A SUPER MAJORITY ON THE CITY COUNCIL.

I THINK THEY WANT SOMEONE WHO LOOKS MORE LIKE THEM.

TO BE THE CHIEF.

AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE SPINE TO SIT DOWN WITH CHIEF KENNEDY AND SAY IT'S GOING TO DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

>> Reporter: SENT THE CITY A LETTER ASKING TO PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE RELATED TO THE INCIDENTS AND ALLEGED ADVERSE ACTIONS AGAINST KENNEDY.

THE CITY DECLINED AN INTERVIEW BUT THEY SENT US A STATEMENT SAYING THE POLICE CHIEF IS ON APPROVED PERSONAL LEAVE.

AND THE CITY REJECTS THE ALLEGATIONS HANG THE SUGGESTION THERE IS A CONSPIRACY TO REPLACE THE CHIEF IS ENTIRELY FALSE.

IT ALSO NOTES COUNCILMEMBERS ARE LATINA AND SAYS THE ASSERTION THAT A MAJORITY OF THEM WANT TO REPLACE KENNEDY WITH A LATINO IS OFFENSIVE AND ROOTED IN A RACIST ASSUMPTION THAT LATINO LEADERS CANNOT ACT WITH PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY.

THE CITY SAYS THEY CANNOT COMMENT ON THE HOLIDAY PARTY DUE TO LEGAL CONSTRAINTS.

KENNEDY IS ON APPROVED MEDICAL LEAVE UNTIL THE END OF FEBRUARY.

>>> THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HAS RECORD BUDGETS TO WORK WITH UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

AND LIKE SO MANY ASPECTS OF MODERN LIFE, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS BECOMING A BIGGER PART OF THE CONVERSATION.

KPBS MILITARY REPORTER ANDREW DYER ATTENDED THE ANNUAL WEST CONFERENCE HELD THIS WEEK IN SAN DIEGO.

>> Reporter: EMERGENT TECHNOLOGY IS ALWAYS A HOT TOPIC AT THE CONFERENCE.

THE PROMISE OF MORE DEFENSE SPENDING, FEWER GUARDRAILS AND ADMINISTRATION ALL IN ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAS IGNITED A FEEDING FRENZY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES LOOKING FOR A PIECE OF THE ACTION.

BUT EXPERTS TALKED IN BROAD GENERALITY ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY ESPECIALLY SPEED PROCESSING DATA.

THE NAVY'S CHIEF A.I.

OFFICER.

>> THAT IS SUPERHUMAN SPEED IN MY OPINION.

HOW THAT IMPACTS WERE FAIR WARFARE IS NOT KNOWABLE.

WE CAN GUESS BUT IT'S NOT KNOWABLE.

>> Reporter: THE CONFERENCE HOSTED MORE THAN THREE DOZEN PANELS EITHER EXPLICITLY ABOUT A.I.

OR THAT INCLUDED A.I.

EXPERT.

ONE PANEL ON A.I.

WEDNESDAY FORMER JOINT CHIEFS VICE CHAIRMAN CHRISTOPHER GRADY TALKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF A TOP-DOWN APPROACH TO A.I.. >> WE HAVE TO TREAT OUR OPERATORS AND OFFICER ON HOW WE USE THE DATA, RIGHT ONTO WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY.

>> WHAT WAS MADE CLEAR IS THE PENTAGON IS READY TO SPEND.

IN DECEMBER IT ROLLED OUT ITS OWN GENERATIVE A.I.

PLATFORM.

LAST MONTH DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH UNVEILED HIS STRATEGY FOR THE DEPARTMENT.

A PLAN TO FAST-TRACK CONTRACTS WITHOUT NORMAL SAFEGUARDS.

THE NAVY'S CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER TOLD AN AUDIENCE OF DEFENSE CONTRACTORS AT THE CONFERENCE THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO COME WITH DATA TO GET IN ON THE WEIGHT.

>> IF WE CAN SHOW THAT THE ACQUISITION RISK GOES UP BUT THE OPERATIONAL RISK GOES DOWN THAT SOMETHING WE CAN GET BEHIND.

>> Reporter: NAVY SECRETARY GAVE THE KEYWORD ADDRESS.

HERE IS HOW HE SUMMED UP THE APPETITE FOR RISK.

>> THE RATE FOR ACTION OUTWEIGHS THE COMFORT OF CAUTION.

IT IS BETTER TO BURY THE BURDEN OF OLD ATTEMPTS AND CARRY THE REGRET OF WHAT COULD'VE BEEN.

>> Reporter: THE PENTAGON PLANS TO SPEND MORE THAN 145 BILLION ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

ANDREW DYER, KPBS NEWS.

>> THE REGIONAL PLAN PROPOSES SPENDING MORE THAN $125 BILLION OVER THE NEXT 25 YEARS.

THE GOAL IS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FROM FREEWAYS TO BIPLANES.

PREVIOUS PLANS INCLUDED LOFTY GOALS LIKE NEW TROLLEY SEGMENTS.

THE NEW PLAN FOCUSES ON MORE IMMEDIATE INVESTMENTS THAT WILL IMPROVE EXISTING SERVICE.

>> Reporter: THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IN SAN DIEGO IS BUSES, AND A WHOLE LOT OF THEM.

SANDAG APPROVED A $125 BILLION REGIONAL PLAN IN DECEMBER, LESS MONEY THAN THE 2021 AND PUSHES BACK THE TIMELINE ON BIG IDEAS LIKE THE PURPLE LINE OR AIRPORT TROLLEY.

TRANSIT ADVOCATES ARE LESS EXCITED ABOUT THE SCALED-BACK PLAN.

>> I MEAN, IT WAS A LOT OF DISAPPOINTMENT THAT SOME OF THE VERY AMBITIOUS PROJECTS WERE DOWNSCALED.

MOST NOTABLY THE PURPLE LINE, THE 2021 PLAN, THE VERY AMBITIOUS VISION.

>> Reporter: BUT SANDAG CEO SAYS THE FOCUS IS ON DELIVERING IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THEIR FINANCIAL MEANS.

>> WE TOOK AN APPROACH BASED ON MORE INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE NOW.

FROM THE ASSUMPTION OF REVENUE AS WELL AS COST OF PROJECTS AND WE SCALED IT DOWN TO MANAGE OUR REALITY.

>> Reporter: SUPPORTS THIS MORE PRACTICAL APPROACH.

>> IT'S WONDERFUL TO HAVE BIG VISIONS AND PUT OUT GREAT IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE BUT IF THEY CAN'T BE DONE WHAT IS THE POINT?

WE HAVE TO BE REALISTIC AND LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS.

GET MORE PROJECTS DELIVERED AND SOONER.

>> WHAT WILL WE GET FOR $125 BILLION?

A LOT OF RAPID BUS LINES AND WHAT SANDAG CALLS MANAGED LANES ON THE HIGHWAYS.

PROPOSES SPENDING $41 BILLION THROUGH 2035.

19 BILLION WOULD GO TO PUBLIC TRANSIT.

SANDAG WAS TO HELP CREATE 40 OF WHAT THEY CALL RAPID BUS ROUTES.

A FEW OF THESE RAPID ROUTES THAT EXISTS NOW HAVE THE HIGHEST RIDERSHIP IN THE SYSTEM.

>> IN ORDER FOR US TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A TRANSIT SERVICE THAT WILL START AT POINT A AND POINT B AND THE USER WILL HAVE INFORMATION THAT THEY CAN MAKE THAT TRIP IN A CERTAIN TIME THAT ALLOWS THEM TO PLAN THEIR TRIP.

BUT IT MAKES IT ATTRACTIVE ALSO.

>> Reporter: WHY SANDAG WANTS TO SPEND MORE THAN 4 BILLION CREATING MANAGED LANES ON THE HIGHWAY.

PARTS OF I-15 ALREADY HAVE THEM BUT THESE AREN'T ALWAYS EXCLUSIVELY FOR BUSES.

SOMETIMES THEY ALLOW CARPOOL OR SOLO DRIVERS FOR A FEE.

THEY CAN GO TO THE ADVOCATES AND SAY THIS IS YOUR DREAM, WE ARE IMPLEMENT IN YOUR DREAM.

IT'S GOING TO BE HOV OR MAYBE EXPAND THE HIGHWAYS WE HAVE MORE SPACE.

>> Reporter: THE PLANS AS THOSE MANAGED LANES CAN INCREASE VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED.

STILL, OR SO SAYS THE PLAN WILL ACHIEVE CLIMATE GOALS.

>> THE REDUCTION IS VERY IMPORTANT.

AND MILES TRAVELED SOMETIMES MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST PROXY.

>> Reporter: ONE BIG REASON IS THE AGENCY ISN'T EXPECTING AS MANY NEW SOURCES OF REVENUE.

>> THERE WAS A PREVIOUS ERA OF PEOPLE BELIEVE IN WHAT WE ARE DOING AND MEASURES TO BE ABLE TO FUND THAT.

AND WHAT I THINK WE ARE STARTING TO SAY THERE IS MUCH MORE SENSITIVITY IN THE VOTERS IN TERMS OF WHAT THEY ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT.

>> Reporter: A TRANSIT AGENCIES NEED ALMOST 7 BILLION OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS TO SUPPORT SERVICE ON THE SYSTEM WE ARTY HAVE.

>> THE STATE COULD UP THEIR GAME AND GIVE US MORE IN OPERATIONS DOLLARS.

>> Reporter: TRANSIT AND HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT MAKE UP 75% FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

THE REST WILL COVER EVERYTHING.

YOU CAN READ THE WHOLE STORY AT KPBS.ORG AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR UPDATES.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> PUBLIC MATTERS IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN KPBS AND VOICE OF SAN DIEGO.

YOU CAN SEE MORE OF OUR STORIES AT KPBS.ORG/PUBLIC MATTERS.

THE KAISER PERMANENTE STRIKE WILL ENTER ITS FOURTH WEEK ON MONDAY.

IT GREW LARGER WITH MORE WORKERS JOINING THE PICKET LINE.

KPBS HEALTH REPORTER HEIDI DiMARCO SAYS HUNDREDS OF PHARMACY AND LABORATORY WORKERS ALSO LEND THEIR SUPPORT.

>> Reporter: ABOUT 500 PHARMACY TECHNICIANS, CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS AND OTHER LAB WORKERS WALKED OUT THIS WEEK.

JOINING NURSES AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ALREADY ON STRIKE AGAINST KAISER PERMANENTE.

ASKING FOR HIGHER STAFF LEVELS AND BETTER PAY.

>> IT WAS DIFFICULT TO WALK OUT TODAY AND SAY I'M NOT GOING TO DO MY JOB TODAY.

BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE CARE TO OUR PATIENTS.

>> Reporter: A CLINICAL LAB SCIENTIST AT KAISER.

SHE SAYS UNDERSTAFFING IN LABORATORIES CREATES RISKS FOR PATIENTS.

>> WHETHER IT IS DIAGNOSING A HEART ATTACK OR BLOOD CLOT THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO LABORATORY RESULTS AND IF WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE WORKING IN THE LABORATORY TO DO THAT IT'S HARD ON THOSE OF US THAT ARE THERE.

>> Reporter: KAISER SAYS THEY WERE DISAPPOINTED THE UNION CHOSE TO STRIKE KNOWING THE EFFECT IT COULD HAVE ON PATIENT CARE.

UNION LEADERS SAY CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEEN STALLED SINCE DECEMBER.

>> WE WANT THE KAISER EXECUTIVES TO BARGAIN WITH US IN GOOD FAITH.

WE ARE READY TO DO THAT AND WE NEED THEM TO SHOW UP.

>> Reporter: KAISER SAYS IT HAVE CONTINGENCY PLANS TO MAINTAIN PATIENT CARE DURING THE STRIKE.

BUT SOME PHARMACIES WILL BE CLOSED AND LABS SERVICES MAY BE DELAYED.

UNION LEADERS SAY THE STRIKE IS PLANNED TO LAST THREE DAYS BUT THEY RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EXTEND IF NECESSARY.

HEIDI DiMARCO, KPBS NEWS.

ONE MORE NOTE ON THAT STORY, KAISER PHARMACY AND LAB EMPLOYEES RETURNED TO WORK THURSDAY.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS FOR A LIST OF OUR MOST POPULAR STORIES.

HERE ARE SOME FROM THIS WEEK.

RV DWELLERS FORM A UNION TO DEMAND SAN DIEGO STOP TICKETING THEM.

THE SOUTH BAY GETS ITS FIRST COMMUNITY OWNED GROCERY STORE.

WE WILL HAVE THAT STORY A BIT LATER.

AND SHOULD YOU BUY A NEW CAR OR USED CAR?

OR KEEP AN OLD ONE?

ONE OF THE STORIES YOU WILL FIND IN OUR ONGOING PRICE OF SAN DIEGO SERIES AT KPBS.ORG.

>>> SAN DIEGO PRIDE IS KNOWN FOR ITS PARADE AND HELD EACH YEAR IN JULY.

KPBS METRO REPORTER ANDREW BOWEN SAYS THE ORGANIZATION IS PLANNING ITS FIRST EVER FASHION SHOW.

>> Reporter: FIRST GOT INTO FASHION AFTER HE MOVED TO SAN DIEGO IN 2017.

HE STARTED MAKING LOOKS FOR HIMSELF WHEN HE WOULD GO TO THE BARS IN HILLCREST.

>> I JUST RENTED OUT A ROOM IN SOMEBODY HOUSE AND I BOUGHT TOOLS AND SEWED SOME SUE STUPID ORGANZA CAPE AND THAT'S WHAT I STARTED.

>> Reporter: ONE OF FIVE LOCAL DESIGNERS SHOWCASING THEIR WORK AND FABRIC OF PRIDE, THE FIRST EVER FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER FOR SAN DIEGO PRIDE.

MUCH OF HIS WORK HAS BEEN INSPIRED BY COSPLAY.

>> I TEND TO CORRECT A TWO WORD- - GRAVITATE TOWARD DRAMATIC SILHOUETTES.

THIS COLLECTION I AM RAINING NOT BACK AND MAKING SOMETHING MORE DELICATE WITH STRONG SILHOUETTES AND A LOT MORE FEMININE.

I WANT TO CELEBRATE THE FACT WE CAN BE FEMININE BUT WE CAN ALSO BE POWERFUL AS WELL.

SO I THINK YOU CAN USE PASSION TO SHOW YOUR STRENGTH AND SHOW YOUR COMMUNITY HAS STRENGTH.

>> A WAY TO DEFY, IT WAY TO SAINT.

WE WANTED TO INTRODUCE ANOTHER WAY FOR PEOPLE TO ENGAGE WITH US AND TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE FASHION WORLD WAS AN UNTAPPED MARKET THAT WE HADN'T GOTTEN INVOLVED IN AND WE KNOW SO MANY VERY FASHIONABLE QUEER PEOPLE, ALL OF US KNOW A DESIGNER OR STYLIST AND YOU ARE GOING TO ASK HIM TO HELP ME WITH MY CLOSET.

>> Reporter: FABRIC OF PRIDE WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 28th AT THE U.S.

GRAND HOTEL.

PROCEEDS WILL GO TO SAN DIEGO PRIDE YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING AND PHILANTHROPY THAT SUPPORTS THE LGBTQ PLUS COMMUNITY.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>>'S ARTISTS FROM SAN YSIDRO HIGH SCHOOL ARE SHOWCASING THEIR UP BRINGING IN FUTURE PLANS IN A NEW EXHIBITION.

EDUCATION REPORTER SAYS IT IS ON DISPLAY AT THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN IN BALBOA PARK.

>> Reporter: SHE GREW UP IN TIJUANA.

SHE REMEMBERS WALKING THROUGH TOWN WITH HER GRANDFATHER VISITING THEIR FAVORITE STORES.

SHE HAS RE-CREATED THAT SCENE IN A COLORED PENCIL DRAWING ON DISPLAY AT THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN.

>> I HAVE SEVERAL NODS TO MEXICAN CULTURE.

WHAT A LUPE RIGHT HERE IN THE BACKDROP, SANTA MARIA, WHICH WOULD ALWAYS BE PUT UP FOR FESTIVALS, ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DECORATION.

>> Reporter: AT THE CENTER IS PADILLA.

THAT IS A REFERENCE TO A CHILDHOOD PET THAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN VETERINARY MEDICINE.

ONE OF THE ARTISTS FEATURED IN THE EXHIBIT.

IT IS CALLED ROOTS AND BLOSSOMS.

SHOWCASE HERITAGE AND DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE.

FOR 11th GRADER AMY VARGAS IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY OUT NEW TECHNIQUES.

SHE USUALLY PAINTS LANDSCAPES.

HERPES SHOWS CHERRY BLOSSOMS COMING OUT OF HER HEART.

HER MOM HELPED HER MAKE THE PAPIER-MACHE FLOWERS.

>> IT WAS NICE TO CONNECT WITH HER IN THAT MOMENT.

>> Reporter: NEXT TO EACH PIECE IS AN ARTIST STATEMENT.

SOMETHING MANY ART STATE STUDENTS DON'T WRITE UNTIL COLLEGE.

>> THEY GET A CHANCE TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE THIS IS WHY I CHOSE THIS FLOWER.

THIS IS WHY I CHOSE THIS COLOR.

>> Reporter: THEIR FIRST TIME SHOWING THEIR ART OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.

>> REALLY, REALLY PROUD OF ALL OF THE ENTITIES THAT CAME TOGETHER TO PROVIDE THE STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR ARTWORK PUBLICLY SO THEY KNOW THEY DESERVE TO BE PRAISED.

>> Reporter: FOR PADILLA, SHOWING HER ARTWORK AT THE GARDEN IS NERVE-RACKING BUT EXCITING.

PEOPLE VISITING THE EXHIBIT SHOULD REMEMBER.

>> WHENEVER AN ARTIST MAKES A PIECE IS A PIECE OF THEM.

>> Reporter: THE EXHIBIT RUNS THROUGH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19th.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> THIS WEEK IN BALBOA PARK IS ALSO HOSTING BLACK COMIX DATE EIGHT HEROES RISE.

THE EVENT RETURNS TO THE CULTURAL CENTER THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

ARTS REPORTER SAYS IT IS A CELEBRATION OF BLACK CREATORS STARTING WITH ITS FOUNDER.

>> Reporter: MY OWN SEQUEL TO EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

>> AND MY SIXTH GRADE TEACHER GAVE US AN ASSIGNMENT.

IF YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING FOR CHRISTMAS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE MY COMIC PUBLISHED.

SHE WAS ABLE TO MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME.

FAST FORWARD TO NOW, I DO THIS PROFESSIONALLY.

I MAKE MY LIVING.

I NOT ONLY DRAW FOR MYSELF, I HAVE CLIENTS THAT I DRAW COMICS FOR.

>> Reporter: HE NEVER FORGOT HIS ORIGIN STORY AND IN 2018 HE UNLEASHED HIS SUPERPOWERS TO CREATE BLACK COMIX DAY.

>> I NEVER KNEW HOW SUCCESSFUL THIS WOULD BE.

I JUST HAD A FEELING IT WAS A NECESSARY ENTITY THAT NEEDED TO EXIST.

I DIDN'T SEE A LOT OF REPRESENTATION ESPECIALLY BACK WHEN I WAS.

SO WE ARE STILL IN OUR JOURNEY TRYING TO CHANGE THAT NARRATIVE AND IMPROVE THE REPRESENTATION THAT CURRENTLY EXISTS.

I GET TO SEE A LOT OF THE ARTISTS THAT STARTED MATURE TO THIS SHOW AT A HIGHER LEVEL FROM WHERE THEY STARTED AS FAR AS THEIR CAREER.

SO THE EXCITEMENT OF SEEING THESE ARTISTS GROW IN FRONT OF ME, AT LEAST THEIR CAREERS.

>> Reporter: THIS YEAR, JONES IS TRYING SOMETHING NEW BY BRINGING IN FINE ARTIST BRITTANY MICHELLE.

>> I AM NOT AN ILLUSTRATOR OR COMIC BOOK ARTIST, I AM A FINE ARTS ARTIST SO I DO A LOT OF FAINTING WITH EXPRESSIONIST STYLE.

A LOT OF MY ART ILLUSTRATES WHAT BLACK CULTURE COULD MEAN BEYOND THE STEREOTYPICAL THINGS.

SO IT'S EXCITING TO BE ENGULFED IN THIS WORLD AND WELCOMED IN BY THE BLACK COMIX COMMUNITY.

>> SHE LIKES TO EXPRESS HER PERSONAL JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE.

AND I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO.

>> Reporter: MORE PEOPLE ATTEND EVERY YEAR, BLACK COMIX IS STILL INTIMATE WITH PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR ATTENDEES TO MEET CREATORS.

>> I WANT TO TELL IN THE COMMUNITY YOU CAN BE ANYTHING.

BUT THEY DON'T NECESSARILY SEE IT.

SO I'M EXCITED FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO COME DOWN HERE AND SEE ACTUAL REPRESENTATION VERSUS JUST HEARING ABOUT IT.

>> Reporter: THAT'S WHY THE FOUNDER OF THE WORLD BE CULTURAL CENTER OPENED HER DOORS TO JONES AND BLACK COMIX DAY.

>> I'M SO GLAD THAT HE IS HOSTING THE BLACK COMIX DAY HERE.

I SEE MY OWN SUPERHEROES AND HARRIET TUBMAN AS A NINJA WOMAN.

HAVING HER OWN BLACK COMIC-CON.

I LOVE IT.

>> THE MAJORITY ARE BLACK OWNED PUBLISHERS AND THAT IS WHAT MAKES THE SHOW DIFFERENT FROM SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON.

>> JONES IS THRILLED TO HOLD THE EVENT AT A BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS.

A THRIVING HUB FOR BLACK AND AFRICAN CULTURE.

THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUNG ARTISTS TO NETWORK.

>> PARTICULARLY ARTISTS OF COLOR.

BRING YOUR ART, SHOW YOUR WORK TO THESE WRITERS AS THEY ARE ALWAYS HIRING SOMEONE TO DO ONE OF THEIR FANTASTIC IDEAS.

>> Reporter: CONNECTING WITH YOUNG ATTENDEES EXCITES BRITTANY MICHELLE.

>> I WORK WITH THEM ALL THE TIME SO IT'S ALWAYS EXCITING TO SHOW THEM THIS POSSIBILITY.

BEING ABLE TO SEE SOMEBODY ELSE THAT LOOKS LIKE YOU AND DOES THE THING YOU'VE BEEN WANTING TO DO THAT IS SUCH AN INSPIRATION.

>> Reporter: BLACK COMIX DAY IT'S A FREE EVENT BUT BALBOA PARK INITIATED A CONTROVERSIAL AND SOMETIMES CONFUSING PAID PARKING POLICY.

>> BALBOA PARK, WE FOUGHT IT HARD.

WE THINK THE PARKING SHOULD BE FREE FOR ALL.

>> Reporter: JONES HOPES THAT NEITHER PARKING CHALLENGES NOR THE WEATHER WILL BE A DETERRENT.

>> COME GET YOUR ART, EXPERIENCE BLACK CULTURE AND THAT'S ANOTHER THING I WANT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND IT IS CALLED BLACK COMIX DAY BUT THIS SHOW IS OPEN TO EVERYONE.

>> YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY DAILY PANELS AND FOOD MADE FROM ORGANIC GARDEN.

SO SPREAD THE LOVE THIS VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND BY CELEBRATING BLACK CREATORS.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE FIRST COMMUNITY OWNED GROCERY STORE IN SAN DIEGO SELF- PAY IS NOW OPEN.

KPBS REPORTER JACOB AIR SPOKE TO RESIDENTS IN IMPERIAL BEACH WHO SAY THEY ARE EXCITED TO FIND NUTRITIOUS FOOD OPTIONS CLOSER TO HOME.

>> Reporter: AFTER A DECADE OF WAITING, THE THE SHELVES AND AISLES ARE FULL AND CUSTOMERS ARE SHOPPING.

IT'S BEEN JUST OVER A WEEK OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY.

>> WE WALK OVER FOR DINNER, PICK UP SOME HOT FOOD WHICH IS FABULOUS.

WE CAME OVER HERE THIS MORNING TO PICK UP BREAKFAST BURRITOS.

>> Reporter: ISN'T JUST A CUSTOMER AT SUNCOAST.

SHE IS ONE OF ITS 1500 COMMUNITY OWNERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED A ONE TIME $200 SHARE.

THERE ARE LIMITED GROCERY STORE OPERATIONS NEAR IMPERIAL BEACH.

ONE OF MANY WHO USED TO SHOP FOR GROCERIES OUT OF TOWN.

>> WE WERE DRIVING TO CORONADO, INTO CHULA VISTA.

WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO GO ON THE COMMISSARY BUT NOT EVERYBODY CAN DO THAT.

>> I WAS COMPARING PRICES.

I'M WILLING TO PAY HERE VERSUS USING THE GAS TO GO THERE AND THEN COME BACK THE PRICES ARE GOOD.

>> Reporter: THE FULL-SERVICE GROCERY STORE SELLS LOCAL AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS AND FOOD FROM HOT AND COLD BARS.

KIM RIVERO IS BOARD PRESIDENT WITH THE MARKET.

AFTER TRADER JOE'S AND SPROUTS SAID THEY WOULDN'T EXPAND TO IMPERIAL BEACH THE MOVEMENT WAS BORN.

>> WE DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF ACCESS TO REALLY FRESH QUALITY PRODUCE, HEALTHY PREPARED FOODS, SO WE HAVE CREATED A GROCERY STORE FOR OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE LIKE TO SAY IS BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: THE CO-OP IS A $4 MILLION PROJECT FUNDED THROUGH COMMUNITY DONATIONS AND GRANTS.

THE SECOND CO-OP GROCERY STORE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

THE ONLY OTHER ONE IS IN OCEAN BEACH.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> A GOOD WAY TO FOLLOW EVERYTHING HAPPENING AT KPBS IS OUR YOUTUBE PAGE.

OUR PODCAST, AND LOCAL SHOWS LIKE KEN KRAMER'S ABOUT SAN DIEGO.

AND ALL OF THE WORK FROM THE KPBS NEWSROOM.

YOUTUBE IS ALSO WHERE WE LIVE STREAM KPBS EVENING EDITION WEEKDAYS AT 5:00.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LOOK AT KPBS "NEWS THIS WEEK".

I'M JOHN CARROLL.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.