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

I AM JOHN CARROLL.

>>> COMING UP, IT'S BEEN 50 YEARS SINCE THE END OF THE VIETNAM WAR.

WE WILL SHARE A PORTION OF OUR NEW KPBS DIGITAL THEORIES, HIGHLIGHTING THE STORIES OF SAN DIEGO'S VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY.

>>> A FORMER SAN DIEGO MAYOR HAS DIED.

WE LOOK AT THE CONTROVERSIAL AND TO BOB THE BUILDER'S POLITICAL CAREER.

>>> AND SEE HOW MOUNTAIN BIKING IS HELPING KIDS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM IN THE SOUTH BAY.

WE START WITH A FOLLOW-UP TO THE RECENT IMMIGRATION RAID IN EL CAJON.

ONE OF THE MEN WHO WAS DETAINED TALK TO GUSTAV OSA LEASE ON THE IMPACT IT HAD ON HIS FAMILY.

>> WHEN IMMIGRATION, AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT ARRESTED HER HUSBAND, HER LIFE WAS THRUST INTO CHAOS.

IN AN INSTANT, SHE WAS SHOULDERING TREMENDOUS FINANCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL BURDENS.

>> NOW I HAVE TO PICK UP MORE THAN I NORMALLY PICK UP.

THEN WE HAVE TO TAKE OUR KIDS TO PRACTICE.

AND IT'S TIRING.

>> Reporter: COLONNA'S HUSBAND, JORGE LOPEZ WAS ONE OF 15 PEOPLE ARRESTED NEAR EL CAJON IN MARCH.

LOPEZ CAME TO THE U.S.

WHEN HE WAS 13.

AND HAS BEEN THE PRIMARY BREADWINNER OF HIS FAMILY, BUT HE DOES NOT HAVE LEGAL STATUS.

CORONA IS A U.S. CITIZEN COMMANDS OVER THE COUPLE'S FOUR CHILDREN, BUT THEY ARE STILL DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY DONALD TRUMP'S MASS DEPORTATION CAMPAIGN.

CORONA IS WORKING EXTRA HOURS TO KEEP THE FAMILY AFLOAT, AND SHE'S ALSO COPING WITH THE EMOTIONAL TOLL ON HER CHILDREN.

ANOTHER DAUGHTER BECAME OBSESSED WITH THE IDEA THAT HER FATHER WOULD MISS HER UPCOMING BIRTHDAY.

>> SHE WAS EVERY DAY, IS MY DAD COMING BACK ON MY BIRTHDAY?

NO, THE ONLY THING I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY AS MY DAD TO BE HOME.

>> Reporter: BUT, LAST SATURDAY ON HER EIGHTH BIRTHDAY, THAT LITTLE GIRLS WISH CAME TRUE.

ON APRIL 18th, AN IMMIGRATION JUDGE RELEASED LOPEZ ON BOND.

HE WILL FIGHT THE PENDING DEPORTATION CASE FROM HIS HOUSE -- HOME IN ESCONDIDO.

THE MONTH HE SPENT AT THE DETENTION CENTER IS THE LONGEST HE'S EVER BEEN AWAY FROM HIS CHILDREN.

>> I DON'T LIKE SEEING MY FAMILY CRY.

I FEEL LIKE I HAVEN'T SEEN THEM FOR SO LONG.

WE ALWAYS BEEN TOGETHER MOST OF THE TIME.

YEAH.

WE ARE PRETTY CLOSE.

>> Reporter: LOPEZ REMAINS IN TOUCH WITH COWORKERS WHO ARE STILL INSIDE THE DETENTION CENTER.

HE SAYS, MOST OF THE MEN ARE TERRIFIED OF BEING DEPORTED.

>> SOME PEOPLE WERE CRYING MOST OF THE TIME.

>> Reporter: HE ALSO NOTICED, MOST OF THEM WERE NOT VIOLENT OR DANGEROUS.

SOME HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE.

IN LOPEZ'S CASE, HIS ONLY BLEMISH IS A DUI CONVICTION, AND HE COMPLETED MORE THAN 350 HOURS OF COURT-ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE.

>> YOU SEE DIFFERENT PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT SELLERS.

THEN YOU START TALKING TO PEOPLE.

I'M HERE FOR A LICENSE, OR A DUI HAD 20, 30 YEARS AGO.

>> Reporter: HIS OBSERVATIONS STAND IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S RHETORIC.

THAT THE ROUNDING UP OF MURDERERS, , AND OTHER DANGEROUS CRIMINALS IS TO KEEP AMERICANS SAFE.

FEDERAL DATA BACKS OF HIS .

.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DETAINED AT THE DETENTION CENTER ARE CATEGORIZED AS NONCRIMINAL.

BECAUSE LOPEZ HAS BEEN TO THE U.S.

MOST OF HIS LIFE, HE SAYS HE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO LIVE IN MEXICO.

>> I HAVEN'T BEEN TO MEXICO IN SO LONG.

MY WHOLE FAMILY IS HERE.

I ASKED MY LADY, DO YOU WANT TO GO TO MEXICO?

WHAT YOU WANT TO DO THEN?

NO.

I WANT TO FIGHT.

>> Reporter: HE WON AN EARLY ROUND OF THAT FIGHT BY GETTING OUT OF THE DETENTION CENTER.

IN THE DAYS LEADING UP TO THE BOND HEARING, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY OFFERED HELP ANYWAY THEY COULD.

TESSA CABRERA IS HIS IMMIGRATION LAWYER.

>> WE GET LETTERS OF SUPPORT, SO THE JUDGE, IN THE COURT CAN HEAR FROM THE COMMUNITY.

AND HOW MUCH HE MEANS TO THE COMMUNITY, AND HIS FAMILY, AND CHILDREN.

>> ARE YOU READY?

>> Reporter: CABRERA FOUND A LOT OF SUPPORT FROM PARENTS, AND COACHES FROM A YOUTH SOCCER TEAM THAT LOPEZ COACHES WITH.

PEOPLE LIKE BERNICE LOPEZ, WHOSE DAUGHTER PLACE ON THE TEAM.

>> THAT'S A LOT OF WHAT I WROTE IN THERE.

HE IS ALWAYS WILLING TO SEE OR HELP THOSE AROUND HIM.

MY KIDS LOVE HIM.

SO, TO ME IT WAS A BIG THING WHEN I FOUND OUT.

>> Reporter: AND HEAD COACH, RAFAEL BLANCO.

>> THE GIRLS LEFT HIM.

THEY WILL BE UPSET WHEN THEY FOUND OUT WHAT HAPPENED.

NO, THEY ARE EXCITED TO SEE HIM BACK AGAIN ON THE FIELD.

ARE YOU GUYS EXCITED?

>> Reporter: BUT, THE HAPPIEST PERSON TO HAVE HIM BACK ON THE FIELD WITH HIS DAUGHTER.

>> IT WAS REALLY GREAT.

EVERYBODY WAS THERE TO SEE MY DAD HAPPY.

THEY ENJOYED IT.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS THAT EVEN HER LITTLE SISTERS BIRTHDAY PARTY FELT MORE LIKE FATHER'S DAY.

>> IT FELT LIKE IT WASN'T EVEN MY SISTERS BIRTHDAY.

IT FELT LIKE MY DAD'S.

>> Reporter: LOPEZ SAYS THAT COACHING HELPS THEM DEAL WITH THE STRESS OF THE DEEP -- PENDING DEPORTATION CASE.

HE'S HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THE COMMUNITY SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS, AND FAMILY.

GUSTAV OSA LEASE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THIS WEEK BROUGHT THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF SAIGON.

THE END OF THE VIETNAM WAR LEFT BEHIND A LASTING LEGACY OF TRAUMA.

A NEW KPBS DIGITAL SERIES DETAILS THE MULTIGENERATIONAL STORIES OF THE VIETNAMESE DIASPORA.

HERE ARE SOME OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS FROM KPBS REPORTER ALEXANDRA NGUYEN.

>> BECAUSE OF THE WORK, AND THE REFUGEES COMING OVER, I THINK THE STARS OF THE TRAUMA ARE STILL HERE.

>> SOME OF THEM ARE STILL FIGHTING THE WAR.

>> SOME OF THE EXPERIENCES, AND TRAUMAS STILL FOLLOW MY MOM.

STILL HAUNT HER.

>> FOR A LOT OF OUR VETERANS, THE WAR IS NOT DONE.

BECAUSE OF THAT EMOTIONAL TRAUMA.

AND ESPECIALLY IN OUR VETERANS WITH PTSD.

>> FOR MY DAD, HE DOESN'T SPEAK TOO MUCH ABOUT THE TIME HE SERVED IN THE WAR ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

BUT, I CAN TELL HE'S BEEN TRAUMATIZED.

I CAN TELL THERE IS PTSD.

THERE IS ANXIETY AND THERE AS WELL AS SOME DEPRESSION.

>> THEY PUT MY DAD IN JAIL.

MY MOM HAD TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING.

WHEN HE CAME HOME, HE CHANGED QUITE A BIT.

BECAME A LOT QUIETER.

DIDN'T SHARE A WHOLE LOT.

THE PTSD THAT A LOT OF MEN OR OLDER MEN THAT MY FATHER FELT, AND THEY COPE WITH IT THROUGH DRINKING.

YOU CAN TALK ABOUT IT.

IT WAS LIKE A GHOST IN THE ROOM.

>> A LOT OF THE MEMORIES, EXPERIENCES, AND TRAUMAS STILL FOLLOW MY MOM.

STILL HAUNT HER, TO BE HONEST.

SHE CAN'T TALK ABOUT MUCH OF IT, BUT WHEN SHE DOES, SHE REMEMBERS ALL THE DETAILS AS CLEAR AS DAY.

A VERY ENDURING, AND EMOTIONAL ASPECT FROM THE WAR THAT STILL FOLLOWS HER TODAY.

50 YEARS LATER.

IT'S ACTUALLY HER SENSE OF PATRIOTISM TOWARDS SAIGON.

A LOVE, AND A LONGING FOR HER BIRTHPLACE.

FOR HER BIRTH CITY.

A FORM OF NOSTALGIA, AND ATTACHMENT TO SAIGON.

SHE WAS BORN, AND RAISED THERE.

AND A LOT OF IMMIGRANTS.

YOU KNOW, IF YOU GET HOMESICK, YOU CAN ALWAYS TRAVEL BACK TO YOUR COUNTRY.

BUT, FOR HER, SHE OCCASIONALLY --.

OCCASIONALLY SHE WILL ADMIT TO ME THAT SHE MISSES VIETNAM.

SHE MISSES SAIGON.

AND IT'S A COUNTRY THAT SHE CAN ACTUALLY NEVER REALLY VISIT OR GO HOME TO.

IT'S A COUNTRY THAT NO LONGER EXISTS.

>> I THINK IT'S TOO PAINFUL.

AND I ALSO THINK BECAUSE WITHIN THE VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY, AND IN GENERAL, API'S ASIAN-PACIFIC ISLANDER POPULATIONS.

WE TEND NOT TO AROUND OUR DIRTY LAUNDRY.

THERE IS A STIGMA AGAINST PAIN, TRAUMA, MENTAL HEALTH.

SO, I THINK MY PARENTS FALL WITHIN THAT RANGE >> Reporter: OF NOT WANTING TO TALK ABOUT IT, BECAUSE IT BRINGS UP TOO MUCH UNPLEASANTRIES.

AND IN THEIR MIND, NOTHING'S GOING TO BE RESOLVED ANYWAY.

SO, WHY BOTHER TALKING ABOUT IT?

>> WHEN I THINK ABOUT IS GENERATIONAL TRAUMA, AND I FEEL LIKE THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS TRYING TO OPEN UP THESE CONVERSATIONS, AND HAVE THESE DIALOGUE.

AND A LOT OF THE ELDERLY GENERATION IS STILL VERY MUCH LIKE NOPE, IT'S THIS.

>> IT'S A VERY FRAGILE SUBJECT IN MY FAMILY.

WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER WAS TO LIFE COMMITTEE TO MY DAD, AND UNCLES GET DRUNK, AND TALK ABOUT IT SHE WOULD TELL THEM TO SHUT UP BASICALLY.

ANYTIME I REALLY HEARD ABOUT IT WAS WHEN MY DAD WAS DRUNK, AND MY BROTHER, AND MOM WOULD TALK ABOUT IT.

>> TWO FOLKS IN MY PARENTS GENERATION.

SOME OF THEM ARE STILL FIGHTING THE WAR IN THEIR MIND.

EVERY TIME I GO BACK TO VIETNAM ONCE A YEAR TO DO MEDICAL MISSIONS, YOU KNOW MOM OR DAD WOULD BE TELLING ME YOU KNOW, BE CAREFUL.

RIGHT?

SO, THAT A SENSE OF FEAR.

THAT SENSE OF TREPIDATIONS.

>> I ACTUALLY REMEMBER I WAS SO FASCINATED ABOUT LEARNING ABOUT VIETNAM THAT AFTER MY FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE, I ACTUALLY RECEIVED A FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP TO GO STUDY IN VIETNAM.

FOR THREE MONTHS.

I BOUGHT MY PLANE TICKETS.

I RECEIVED MY STUDENT VISA FOR THE ENTIRE THREE MONTHS.

AND IT MUST'VE BEEN MAYBE TWO TO THREE DAYS BEFORE THE TRIP.

MY MOM SUDDENLY BROKE DOWN.

AND BEGGED ME NOT TO GO.

AND THIS IS ME AT 18, 19 YEARS OLD NOW.

SO, FOR HER 30, TO 40 YEARS AFTER THE WAR.

AND THAT STILL HER REACTION TO IT.

THESE -- BECAUSE, AND YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER HER LAST MEMORY OF THE WAR WAS LEAVING TO ESCAPE PERSECUTION.

>> THERE IS THIS WAY OF LIKE, YOU SHOULD FILE, AND NOT TALK ABOUT IT.

AND THEN AMERICA IS LIKE, LET'S TALK ABOUT IT.

IT'S LIKE THERAPY.

THERE'S ALSO THAT CULTURAL DISSONANCE THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO HEAL.

>> SO, IF YOU ARE IN YOUR 20s, IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHY YOUR PARENTS ARE THE WAY THEY ARE.

IN YOUR 30s.

IMAGINE BEING NOW, THIS WORLD IS IN CHAOS, AND YOU GETTING EXILED.

IF YOU GETTING KICKED OUT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND NOW YOU GOT TO GO START YOUR LIFE SOMEWHERE ALL OVER WITH NOTHING.

RIGHT?

HOW WOULD YOU MANAGE THAT?

SO, HAVING THAT KIND OF EMPATHY, SYMPATHY FOR THAT FIRST GENERATION.

IT'S VITAL TO PART OF THE HEALING.

I THINK THAT IS STILL, THE MAJORITY OF SAY, THE AMERICAN POPULATION DON'T TO KNOW THAT THE VIETNAM WAR WAS A CIVIL WAR.

THE SOUTH VIETNAMESE VOICE IS SO ERASED, EVEN HERE.

THAT IS WHY THERE'S A LOT OF HURT.

AND I THINK OF WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THE HEALING THAT HASN'T BEEN DONE IN THE COMMUNITY, IT COMES FROM THAT ERASURE.

>> ALEXANDER NGUYEN REPORTED THAT STORY.

HE PRODUCED IT AS WELL.

THAT STORY IS PART OF A FOUR PART SERIES -- OR, DIGITAL SERIES, EXCUSE ME.

CALLED SAIGON 50.

STORIES OF LOSS, LEGACY, AND IDENTITY.

YOU CAN WATCH THE ENTIRE SERIES ONLINE AT KPBS.ORG OR ON THE KPBS YOUTUBE PAGE.

>>> SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS TO GET A LIST OF OUR MOST POPULAR STORIES EVERY DAY.

HERE ARE SOME FROM THIS WEEK.

>>> A ROSARITO BEACH HOTEL OWNER REFLECTS ON THE STATE OF BAJA CALIFORNIA TOURISM.

>>> ANDREW BOWEN REPORTS ON THE PLACES WHERE SAN DIEGO MAI TAI IN ITS 80 U REGULATIONS.

>>> AND THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CUTS MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS.

>>> FORMER SAN DIEGO MAYOR BOB FILNER HAS DIED.

ANDREW BOWEN SAYS THE GROUPING, AND HARASSMENT SCANDAL THAT BROUGHT HIM DOWN LEFT A MARK ON CITY POLITICS.

>> I BOB FILNER DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR.

>> Reporter: IN 2012, BOB FILNER BECAME THE FIRST DEMOCRAT ELECTED TO THE SAN DIEGO MAYOR'S OFFICE IN 20 YEARS.

BUT, HE RESIGNED LESS THAN NINE MONTHS INTO HIS TERM.

AFTER MORE THAN A DOZEN WOMEN ACCUSED HIM OF UNWANTED TOUCHING, AND VERBAL, SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

HE LATER PLEADED GUILTY TO BATTERY, AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT.

THE FIRST ACCUSER TO COME FORWARD WAS IRENE McCORMICK.

HE WORKED AT FILNER'S COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR.

>> HE WAS A DETRIMENT TO THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO, AND THE PEOPLE WHO WORK THERE.

AND I LEARNED THAT COMMUNITY IS EVERYTHING.

WHEN YOU CAN GATHER PEOPLE TOGETHER TO RIGHT A WRONG, IT CAN WORK.

>> Reporter: McCORMICK SAYS SHE BELIEVES JUSTICE WAS SERVED, AND THAT KEREM SHALOM WAS HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS ACTIONS.

FILNER HAD A LONG CAREER, AND 20 YEARS IN CONGRESS.

>> THEN HE CAME TO SAN DIEGO.

AND IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR THE LAWSUIT I FILED WITH MY ATTORNEY GLORIA ALLRED.

AND THEN ALL THE PEOPLE THAT CAME TO SUPPORT ME IN WHAT I WAS DOING.

IT WOULD'VE JUST CONTINUED FOR YEARS.

AND I'M NOT KIDDING, THREE MONTHS LATER, HE RESIGNED.

>> Reporter: IN THE WAKE OF THE SCANDAL, CITY VOTERS PASSED A BALLOT MEASURE CREATING A PROCESS FOR REMOVING ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO ARE CONVICTED OF CRIME, OR FAIL TO PERFORM DUTIES.

FILNER'S EX-FIANCE TOLD KPBS HE HAD BEEN DEALING WITH A VARIETY OF HEALTH ISSUES.

IN HIS LAST RESIDENCE WAS IN ASSISTED LIVING HOME IN ORANGE COUNTY.

HE DIED APRIL 20th AT THE AGE OF 82.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> SOCIAL MEDIA HAS THE POWER TO INFLUENCE PEOPLE.

AND ON NINE -- ONLINE DEBATE OF HOMELESS HOMELESSNESS HAS BUILT INTO COUNCIL CHAMBERS, AND THE COMMUNITY.

TANIA THORNE SAYS IT COMES ON THE HEELS OF A PROPOSED EXPANSION TO THE CITY'S RESOURCE CENTER.

>> Reporter: FOR OVER 40 YEARS, PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY HAVE RELIED ON THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER IN AMES THAN HE DOES -- ESCONDIDO.

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO THE BEACH, A HOSPITAL, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, AND PUBLIC RESIDENTS.

SOME BLAME THE CRC.

>> THERE IS AN ASSUMPTION BEING MADE.

THAT EVERY PERSON EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN ENCINITAS COMES TO CRC.

THAT ASSUMPTION IS FALSE.

>> Reporter: JOHN VANCLEAVE IS THE CEO OF THE CRC.

HE SAYS THE FOOD PANTRY SERVES A TOTAL OF 410 PEOPLE.

BUT, ONLY 85 OF THEM ARE HOMELESS.

ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE CENTER GROUP.

WHEN A SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE BEGAN POSTING PICTURES, AND VIDEOS ABOUT THE CRC, AND HOMELESS IN THE AREA.

>> SOMEONE TOOK THE TIME TO CREATE A CARTOON THAT HAD CRC IN THE BACKGROUND, AND A HAND THROWING CRUMBS OUT TO RATS, AND SEAGULLS.

THERE CAN BE A LOT OF VIEWS ABOUT PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

THERE CAN BE A LOT OF PERSPECTIVES ON THE VALUE OF OUR BUILDING PROJECT OR NOT.

BUT, TO PRESENT PEOPLE IN THIS WAY, IN SUCH A DEHUMANIZING, AND MORALLY REPREHENSIBLE WAY, REALLY CROSSED A LINE.

>> Reporter: THAT POST HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN.

THAT PAGE GOES BY THE NAME OF SAVE ENCINITAS NOW.

THEIR BIOS SAYS THEY COVER KEY ISSUES LIKE HOMELESSNESS, HOUSING, CRIME, AND TOURISM WITH HUMOR.

BUT, THE ISSUE HAS GAINED ENOUGH TRACTION TO SPILL OVER INTO THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS.

ESPECIALLY, AS THE CRC LOOKS TO EXPAND THEIR FOOD PANTRY INTO THE BUILDING NEXT DOOR.

>> IT REALLY DISAPPOINTS ME THAT THERE IS AN EXPANSION BEING CONSIDERED.

WITH THAT EXPANSION, IT'S ONLY GOING TO EXPAND THE PROBLEM WE HAVE.

>> Reporter:.NET POOL IS IN THE DOWNTOWN MANAGER OF THE BISTRO.

SHE SAYS SHE HAS SEEN THE HOMELESS POPULATION GROW, AND BECOME MORE AGGRESSIVE.

>> I'VE ALREADY BEEN ATTACKED.

I'VE HAD TWO EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE HAD HANDS-ON BY MENTALLY ILL. BY THE HOMELESS THAT ARE AGGRESSIVE WHEN WE HAVE CUT OFF.

WE DON'T GIVE THEM COFFEE ANYMORE OR FOOD.

>> Reporter: LAST YEAR'S DATA SHOWED A 68% INCREASE IN THE UNSHELTERED POPULATION IN ENCINITAS.

DATA FOR 2025 HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED.

SHE SAYS SHE HAS CONSIDERED HIRING PRIVATE SECURITY, BUT CAN'T AFFORD IT DUE TO A DROP IN PATRONS.

>> I THINK THE CITY ISN'T DOING ENOUGH.

THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT PLASTIC STRAWS.

THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT PARKING.

>> Reporter: SHE WANTS THE NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR TO KEEP HIS CAMPAIGN PROMISE.

TO INCREASE PATROLS IN THE AREA.

MAYOR BRUCE EHLERS SAYS SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES ARE DOING THEIR BEST TO KEEP UP WITH THE ISSUES.

HE WANTS TO EXPLORE ALL OPTIONS.

>> EITHER A SECURITY SERVICE WE HIRE.

OR, USING A VOLUNTEER PATROL.

WE MIGHT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY THERE TO USE EMPLOYEES/VOLUNTEERS THAT ARE THERE FOR THIS REASON.

AND THEY CAN BE THE EYES AND EARS FOR THE POLICE.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THE CITY HAS AN OBLIGATION TO CONTINUE OFFERING RESOURCES TO THOSE IN NEED.

AND ENFORCING THE LAW.

ADDITIONAL SECURITY NEAR THE CRC WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING IN TWO WEEKS.

TANIA THORNE, KPBS NEWS.

>> THE HOMELESS SERVICES PROVIDER FATHER JOE'S VILLAGES SAYS THEY ARE SEEING A 25% INCREASE IN RESIDENTS SEEKING OUT MENTAL HEALTH CARE THIS YEAR COMPARED TO LAST.

KPBS HEALTH SUPPORTER HEIDI DiMARCO SAYS PROGRAMS LIKE THERE'S THAT PAIR HOUSING WITH SOCIAL SERVICES ARE MORE LIKELY TO HELP PEOPLE LEAVE HOMELESSNESS FOR GOOD.

>> Reporter: WHEN ANNETTE CULVER FIRST MET HER THERAPIST, MARK STEVENSON'S AT FATHER JOE'S VILLAGES, SHE GAVE HIM JUST 15 MINUTES.

>> I WAS VERY DEFIANT JUST WAITING FOR HIM TO MAKE A WRONG MOVE.

AND I STAYED THE WHOLE TIME.

YOU KNOW, THE WHOLE HOUR OF TALKING TO HIM.

>> Reporter: THOSE 15 MINUTES TURNED INTO A COUPLE OF YEARS OF REGULAR THERAPY SESSIONS.

CULVER IS DIAGNOSED WITH PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA, DEPRESSION, AND EXTREME PARANOIA.

>> AND I'VE DEALT WITH AT ALL MY LIFE.

SO, IT'S NICE TO HAVE SOME CONTROL, AND TO KNOW WHAT I'M FACING, AND HOW TO FACE IT.

AND I'VE GOT THE TOOLS.

I'VE GOT THE TOOLS TO KEEP GOING ON.

>> Reporter: SHE'S NOT ALONE.

MARK STEVENSON OVERSEES THE THERAPY PROGRAMS.

>> I'VE SEEN 200 MORE INDIVIDUALS, AND FAMILIES, AND CHILDREN THAN WE DID LAST YEAR THAN WE REALIZED.

THIS ISSUE WITH MENTAL HEALTH, AND HOMELESSNESS IS NOT ONLY PERSISTENT, BUT IT'S PROGRESSIVE.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORT LIKE GROUP THERAPY, PSYCHIATRY, AND STREET HEALTH TEAMS IS KEY TO ADDRESSING NOT JUST HOUSING, BUT HEALING.

>> WE DON'T KNOW WHAT OUR FOLKS HAD BEEN THROUGH BEFORE THEY GOT HERE.

A LOT OF THEM MIGHT HAVE HAD TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES WITH CERTAIN SERVICE PROVIDERS.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS BY COMBINING HOUSING, THERAPY, AND HEALTHCARE, FATHER JOE'S VILLAGES REMOVED SOME OF THE BIGGEST BARRIERS TO RECOVERY, AND INNOVATION.

>> AND WHEN PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN THE MODE OF SURVIVAL, THEY DON'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO CHASE DOWN THOSE RESOURCES.

SOMETIMES THEY NEED TO DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO TO STAY SAFE.

PUT SOMETHING IN THEIR MOUTH, AND FIGURE OUT A GOOD PLACE TO SLEEP FOR THE KNIFE.

>> Reporter: RESEARCH BACKS THIS UP.

IT SHOWS ONLY ABOUT ONE IN FOUR PEOPLE WHO STAYED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHELTERS BETWEEN 2018, AND 2023 MOVES STRAIGHT INTO PERMANENT HOUSING.

SERVICE PROVIDERS HOOPER REPAIR HOUSING WITH HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ARE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL AT HELPING PEOPLE LEAVE HOMELESSNESS FOR GOOD.

>> I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR MARK FOR OPENING ON THE DOORS, AND STICKING WITH ME, BECAUSE I'M NOT EASY.

>> Reporter: FOR CULVER, THE JOURNEY FROM SURVIVAL TO STABILITY STARTED WITH A SMALL LEAP OF FAITH, AND A THERAPIST WILLING TO LISTEN.

NOW, SHE'S IN LOW INCOME HOUSING.

MANAGING HER MENTAL HEALTH, AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.

>> THIS IS THE DOOR.

IF YOU WANT TO GROW.

IF YOU WANT TO GET OUT OF YOUR SITUATION, THIS IS THE DOOR TO WALK THROUGH.

>> Reporter: IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2025, FATHER JOE'S VILLAGES HELPED 77 PEOPLE MOVED FROM SHELTER INTO PERMANENT HOUSING.

SLIGHTLY FEWER THAN THE 86 LAST YEAR.

AS DEMAND FOR HEALTH CARE RISES, THE ORGANIZATION SAYS IT'S EXPANDING ITS SERVICES TO KEEP PACE.

HEIDI DiMARCO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> IN SOUTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY, A MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAM AS WELCOMING KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES.

KPBS EDUCATION REPORTER KATIE ANASTAS HAS MORE ON WHY THE KIDS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM CAN THRIVE IN THE SPORT.

>> WE DO CLIMBS UPHILL.

DOWNHILL .

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING.

THE GOAL IS TO BE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR SKILL MATCHING THAT SPEED.

>> Reporter: THREE TIMES A WEEK, THE EASTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL IN SOUTH BAY COMPOSITE BIKING TEAM MEETS AT THE RESERVOIR.

THEY COMPETE AGAINST OTHER TEAMS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LEAGUE.

>> AT THE START OF THE RACE, YOU FEEL SO SCARED, AND YOUR HEART IS BEATING.

AND WHEN YOU HEAR THEM COUNT DOWN THREE, TWO, ONE.

IT'S SO SCARY.

AND YOU JUST RACE AHEAD.

AND YOU FIGHT TO GET THAT SPOT.

>> Reporter: THE KEY TEAM IS OPEN TO KIDS FROM SIXTH THROUGH 12th GRADE.

MANY OF THE COACHES ARE PARENTS OF THE ATHLETES.

>> I DON'T THINK THERE'S EVER A PRACTICE OR TEAM TRAINING THAT I COME BACK FROM WHERE I AM IN A BAD MOOD.

>> Reporter: TEAM DIRECTOR ALAN OLSON SAYS THAT'S TRUE FOR THE KIDS TOO.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF RESEARCH ABOUT THE BENEFIT OF BEING IN NATURE WITH MENTAL HEALTH.

AND JUST LIKE EMOTIONAL WELL- BEING.

AND WE REALLY SEE THAT IN OUR KIDS.

WE REALLY SEE THEM COME BACK FROM A RIDE, JUST IN A GREAT MOOD.

SO EXCITED.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS THEY ARE WORKING ON BUILDING THEIR INVENTORY OF DONATED BIKES THEY CAN LEARN TO KIDS WHO DON'T HAVE THEM.

>> ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IS, AS THE KIDS GROW REALLY QUICKLY, MAKING SURE THEY HAVE A BIKE THAT FITS.

WE ARE 100% VOLUNTEERS, AND RELY ON DONATIONS, AND SPONSORS TO PROVIDE SOME OF OUR KIDS WITH BIKES WHO MAY NOT HAVE THOSE.

>> Reporter: THIS WEEKEND, RIGHT FOR AUTISM IS HOSTING A FUNDRAISER FOR THE TEAM.

THE LOCAL GROUP OF MOUNTAIN BIKE WRITERS BEGAN ORGANIZING CHARITY EVENTS FOR NONPROFITS TO SUPPORT THE AUTISTIC COMMUNITY AND 2022.

OLSON SAYS PROCEEDS WILL HELP PAY FOR THINGS LIKE EQUIPMENT, AND TEAM FEES.

>> OUR TEAM WILL BE THE RECIPIENTS OF THOSE PROCEEDS THIS YEAR, BECAUSE THEY RECOGNIZE HOW MUCH OUR TEAM HAS DONE TO BE REALLY INCLUSIVE.

KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES.

>> Reporter: SOME OF THE TEAM MEMBERS ARE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.

ANDREW SCHMIDT IS ONE OF THEM.

HE'S 12.

>> I LOVE HOW WHEN YOU ARE GOING UPHILL, IT FEELS LIKE IT'S BURNING HER LEGS.

I LOVE THAT, BECAUSE I KNOW MY MUSCLES ARE GROWING.

>> Reporter: HE LIKES KNOWING WITH HE TRIED HE'S GETTING STRONGER.

>> SOMETIMES I'M LIKE, MAYBE WE SHOULD GET THIS RIGHT OVER WITH, SO I CAN GO HOME, AND MACARONI AND CHEESE.

BUT, OTHER TIMES I'M LIKE UM I HOPE THIS RIGHT NEVER ENDS.

I'M HAVING SO MUCH FUN.

>> Reporter: HIS DAD IS A COACH.

>> A LOT OF KIDS ON THE SPECTRUM REALLY DO INDIVIDUALIZE SPORTS.

SO, THIS TEAM HAS BEEN GREAT, BECAUSE HE'S ABLE TO BE OUTSIDE, AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS.

AND REALLY, HE'S MADE FRIENDS ON THE TEAM.

IT'S BEEN AWESOME.

>> Reporter: HE SAID HE SEEN HIS GROW ON THE FIRST YEAR OF THE TEAM.

>> WHEN HE FIRST STARTED, HE WASN'T REALLY CONFIDENT IN HIMSELF.

NOW, HE'S SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENT IN HIS ABILITIES.

HE'S ALMOST OVERLY COMPETENT.

HE'S LIKE, I CAN DO THAT.

IT'S GREAT.

HE CAN CONQUER THIS LITTLE HILL.

NOW, HE'S GOING UPHILL 10 TIMES THAT.

IT'S REALLY A WONDERFUL THING.

>> Reporter: ANDREW SHARED HIS ADVICE FOR KIDS THINKING ABOUT TRYING MOUNTAIN BIKING.

>> IT MAY SEEM HARD AT FIRST, BUT DON'T GIVE UP.

>> Reporter: KATIE ANASTAS, KPBS NEWS.

>>> FOR A API HERITAGE MONTH, BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT, AND ART NTS -- BUS WRAP BY LOCAL ARTISTS QUAY .

JULIA DIXON EVANS TELLS US WHAT INSPIRES THIS COLLABORATION.

>> ONE CITY BUS IS ABOUT TO GET A LITTLE MORE ARTISTIC.

SHOWS A FAMILY ON A BUS SURROUNDED BY GROCERY BAGS OF FAMILIAR ASIAN PRODUCTS.

DRIVING ON THE DIVERSITY OF ASIAN FOOD, AND CULTURE IN SAN DIEGO.

>> YOU KNOW, IT'S A REFERENCE.

I MEAN, JUST THINGS LIKE THAT.

I'LL TRY MY BEST TO KIND OF HAVE THE BIG, AND OBVIOUS ICON THAT ARE RECOGNIZABLE.

AND I STARTED SLOWLY KIND OF FINDING MORE NICHE THINGS.

>> Reporter: NTS WORKED WITH BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT TO CELEBRATE A API HERITAGE.

>> THE FIRST ARTISTS THAT CAME TO MIND WAS QUAY, BECAUSE OF HOW BRIGHT, AND BOLD, AND REALLY THE ABILITY TO CAPTURE SOMEBODY'S ATTENTION ON THE STREET.

>> DAVID, AND WHIMSICAL SIGN PAINTING CAN BE FOUND THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

ADORING RESTAURANTS, IN BOOKSTORES.

CONNECTED TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY MOTIVATES, AND INFORMS HIS ART.

>> ONE OF THE DEEP APPRECIATIONS I HAVE THAT I WANT TO DO .

INSPIRE OTHERS TO KIND OF CONSIDER HOW MUCH ACCESS WE HAVE TWO ASIAN INGREDIENTS.

ASIAN CULTURE.

THINGS LIKE SEAFOOD CITY.

H MARK.

ALL THESE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GROCERY STORES THAT KIND OF MEAN A LOT TO ME.

>> IN ADDITION TO THE BUS, THE ARTWORK WILL ALSO BE FEATURED ON THE COLLECTIBLE PRONTO CARD.

AVAILABLE THROUGH PURCHASE THROUGH NTS.

JULIA DIXON EVANS, KPBS NEWS.

>>> WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS LOOK AT KPBS NEWS THIS WEEK.

I'M JOHN CARROLL.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.