>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US REPORTING FROM KPBS NEWS THIS WEEK.

I AM MAYA TRABULSI.

YOUNG KIDS NAMED IN A BOWLING LAWSUIT.

KPBS INVESTIGATES AN UNUSUAL CASE INVOLVING A PARENT RUNNING FOR STATE OFFICE.

A FAMILIES PRICED OUT.

SERVICEMEMBERS TELL KPBS ABOUT THE STRUGGLE TO FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SAN DIEGO.

BRINGING BROADBAND TO THE MASSES.

SEE THE WORK HAPPENING TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN RURAL PARTS OF CALIFORNIA.

TWO WE START WITH A PROTEST MOVEMENT AROUND THE WORLD THIS WEEKEND ARRIVED ON THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO.

KPBS REPORTER JOHN CARROLL SHOWS US THE LOCAL SUPPORT FOR WOMEN IN IRAN .

>> Reporter: IN FRONT OF DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO'S HOME OF JUSTICE, CALLS FOR THEM, WHETHER IN ENGLISH OR PERSIAN, OR WRITTEN ON SIGNS, THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR.

SOFIA SAID THE IRANIAN PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THE ISLAMIC REGIME THAT TOOK OVER IN 1979.

FOR A MOVEMENT TO GROW INTO A REVOLUTION, A SPARK WITH A EVENT IS NECESSARY, AND THAT HAPPENED LAST MONTH WHEN 22- YEAR-OLD MUSLIM MEANEY DIED UNDER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.

THE SO-CALLED MORALITY POLICE HAD ARRESTED AND CHARGED HER WITH NOT WEARING HER HIJAB CORRECTLY.

THEY SAY SHE HAD A HEART ATTACK AND DIED.

THE PROTESTERS HERE, AND MANY MORE IN IRAN, SAID SHE WAS BEATEN TO DEATH.

PROTESTS BEGAN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY MAINLY FROM WOMEN ACROSS IRAN.

PROTESTS COMING WITH DEMANDS, NOT JUST OF THE REGIME IN TEHRAN, BUT OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AS WELL.

>> WE WANT TO STOP WHETHER IT IS A AGREEMENT OR ANY CONTRACT WITH THIS REGIME REGARDING NUCLEAR WEAPON OR ANY OTHER ITEMS.

>> Reporter: THE PROTESTS HEAR ABOUT WORDS AND DEEDS.

SEVERAL YOUNG WOMEN FOLLOWING THE NEED OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN IRAN CUTTING THEIR HAIR.

>> THAT WAS TO SHOW MY SUPPORT FOR WOMEN IN IRAN.

THAT WAS FOR THE YOUNG TEENAGERS .

THEY HAVE BEEN KILLED JUST BECAUSE OF SHOWING SOME PART OF THEIR HAIR.

>> Reporter: SAFAIEH RASHTI SAID WE CAN HELP THE PEOPLE OF IRAN IN THIS MOMENT IN NEED.

>> THEY CAN SEND A LETTER TO THE REPRESENTATIVES, SEND A LETTER TO CONGRESS TO SIGN AND MR. BIDEN, THE PRESIDENT, AND HAVE HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE FOR US.

>> Reporter: A MOVEMENT THAT BEGAN AROUND AWAY MAKES ITS WAY TO THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO, A MOVEMENT WITH A SIMPLE DEMAND, SOMETHING A LOT OF US TAKE FOR GRANTED, FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY.

FROM DOWNTOWN, JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS .

>>> WE ARE LESS THAN A MONTH FROM THE NOVEMBER 8th ELECTION.

KPBS NEWS HAS A LOT MORE CONTENT TO HELP YOU GET INFORMED .

YOU CAN START BY GOING TO OUR WEBSITE AT KPBS.ORG AND CLICK ON THE VOTER HUB LINK ON OUR HOMEPAGE.

WE HAVE LOCAL AND STATE RACES AND BALLOT MEASURES CONTENT.

WE HAVE A SPANISH-LANGUAGE VERSION AS WELL.

KPBS WILL HAVE A LIVE ONLINE SPECIAL ON ELECTION NIGHTS .

>>> ONE OF THE NAMES APPEARING ON THE BALLOT IS GETTING ATTENTION 4726-YEAR-OLD BOYS.

SHE CLAIMS THEY WERE BULLYING HER SON AT SCHOOL.

KPBS INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER CLAIRE TRAGESER LOOKS INTO THE UNUSUAL CASE.

>> Reporter: WHEN CHRISSY FELT HER 6-YEAR-OLD SON WAS BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL, SHE TOOK TWO AGGRESSIVE AND UNUSUAL STEPS.

FIRST, SHE FILED A LAWSUIT SEEKING MORE THAN $40 MILLION IN DAMAGES.

SHE SUED THE SCHOOL, THE HEAD OF THE SCHOOL, AND THE MOTHERS OF THE 6-YEAR-OLD BOYS SHE THOUGHT WAS BULLYING HER SON.

SHE DID SOMETHING UNUSUAL.

ACCORDING TO LEGAL EXPERTS, SHE PUT THE BLISSFUL NAMES IN THE LAWSUIT.

THAT MEANS LEGAL ACTION WILL LIKELY BE IN THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

>> THAT IS UNUSUAL TO HAVE SCHOOLYARD BULLYING RESULT IN A LAWSUIT.

DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS ARE NORMALLY HANDLED AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL.

THAT IS WHY THIS IS SO IS ORDINARY.

>> Reporter: BRUCE LANES SON ATTENDED THE SAN DIEGO FRENCH- AMERICAN SCHOOL IN LA BREA BEGINNING WHEN HE WAS TWO YEARS OLD.

IN THE COMPLAINT FILED LAST APRIL, BRUCE CLAIMS THAT WHEN HER SON ENTERED FIRST GRADE, HE WAS PUNCHED, PUSHED, AND CALLED STUPID BY TWO CLASSMATES.

SHE SAID SHE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH THE SCHOOL, AND NOTHING HAPPENED.

THEN, THE SCHOOL SAID HER SON WAS NOT WELCOMED BACK THE NEXT YEAR BECAUSE SHE AND HER HUSBAND PREVENTED A POSITIVE OR CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP, AND SERIOUSLY INTERFERED WITH THE SCHOOLS ACCOMPLISHMENT OF ITS EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE.

ACCORDING TO COURT DOCUMENTS, BRUCE LANE FILED THE DOCUMENT A MONTH LATER.

THEY RESPONDED TO THE LAWSUIT.

THE SCHOOL ARGUED IT REPEATEDLY ADDRESSED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ALLEGEDLY OVER A PERIOD OF 10 MONTHS.

THE SCHOOL'S EFFORTS INCLUDED THE FORMATION OF A BEHAVIORAL RESPONSE TEAM SEPARATING THE INVOLVED CHILDREN EXCHANGING NUMEROUS EMAILS WITH THE APPEARANCE, MEETING WITH PARENTS IN PERSON AND MULTIPLE OFFERS TO SET UP THE ROOM MEETINGS.

THE SCHOOL'S RESPONSE GOES ON TO SAY THAT BRUCE LANE AND HER HUSBAND REFUSED TO COOPERATE AND BECAME ABUSIVE AND THREATENING TO TEACHERS AND STAFF AND AMENDED THE SCHOOL COMPLETELY IGNORE THEIR OWN SON'S MISBEHAVIOR.

>> THAT IS A EXTREMELY STRANGE TWIST.. >> COUNSEL FILMORE SAID WHETHER THE LAWSUIT IS SUCCESSFUL, IT IS PROBABLY BAD POLITICS.

>> THAT IS INTERESTING POLITICAL CHOICE.

>> HE IS RUNNING ON A ANTITAX ANTIGOVERNMENT PLATFORM AGAINST DEMOCRAT BREGMAN SIGN.

NEITHER BRUCE RESPONDED TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS FOR KPBS PRIOR TO THE STORY BEING AIRED AND PUBLISHED.

DOUGLAS, AN ATTORNEY FOR ONE OF THE MOTHERS BEING SUED, SAID BRUCE LANE AND HER HUSBAND NEVER ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT HIS CLIENT BEFORE FILING THE LAWSUIT.

>> THERE WAS NEVER ANY APPROACH BY MS. BRUCE LANE TO COME .2 POINT INDICATING ANY PROBLEM.

>> Reporter: MORE SHOCKING, JACKIE SAYS, IS THE DECISION TO INCLUDE THE BLISSFUL NAMES.

>> IT PUTS UNSUPPORTED, IN OUR OPINION, ALLEGATIONS OUT THERE WITH THE MINOR'S NAME.

THAT SHOULD NOT BE THERE.

>> Reporter: THE SCHOOL HAS FILED A JUDGMENT TO DISMISS THE LAWSUIT IN A HEARING ON SET FOR APRIL 2023.

THE TRIAL IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 2023 IF THAT GOES THROUGH.

CLAIRE TRAGESER, KPBS NEWS.

.

>>> FINDING ITS WAY INTO OUR SCHOOLS WITH SUCH REGULARITY, STEPS BEING TAKEN TO EDUCATE KIDS AND INTO DANGER.

AS JACOB HELLER REPORTS, KIDS DO NOT REALIZE THEY ARE USING THE DRUG UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE IN MANY CASES.

>> Reporter: 12 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 DIED FROM AN OVERDOSE IN FRONT BENDIGO COUNTY.

THAT'S MORE THAN TWICE THE NUMBER IN 2020.

>> OUR YOUTH IS ACCIDENTAL.

>> Reporter: HE IS ALCOHOL AND PREVENTION COORDINATOR AT THE SAN DIEGO OFFICE OF EDUCATION.

HE SAID THE BIGGEST RISKS ARE COUNTERFEIT PILLS, DRUGS THAT KIDS MIGHT THINK ARE ONE THING, BUT CONTAINED FENTANYL.

>> THEY COULD BE SELF- MEDICATING.

THEY MIGHT THINK THEY ARE GETTING ADDERALL OR OXYCODONE, AND THAT WILL CONTAIN FENTANYL.

>> Reporter: HE SAID SMALL DOSES OF FENTANYL CAN KILL.

SINCE 2009, CALIFORNIA'S EDUCATION CODE HAS NOT MANDATED CURRICULUM IN SCHOOLS.

NOW, FENTANYL EDUCATION CAN BE ON THE WAY TO CAMPUSES ACROSS SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

ON TUESDAY, THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO WORK WITH SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO REQUIRE FENTANYL AWARENESS EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOM.

>> WE KNOW THAT PREVENTION WORKS AND KIDS ARE SMART, THEY JUST NEED THE TOOLS IN THE EDUCATION.

THEY MAY BE EVIDENCE-BASED SCREENING.

>> Reporter: THE BOARD'S ACTION WILL INCLUDE AMERICAN DISTRIBUTIONS FOR BOTH PARENTS AND STUDENT FIRST RESPONDERS.

IT WILL ALLOW THE COUNTY TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT ON-CAMPUS DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS PROGRAMS.

>> IT IS A CRISIS.

WE SHOULD NEVER LOSE STUDENTS IN THIS WAY.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO KEEP THEM SAFE.

THAT MEANS EDUCATING STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ON HOW TO BE SAFE.

AWARENESS IS GREAT.

>> Reporter: DATA FROM THE CDC SHOWS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS, CAUSED BY FENTANYL, IS NOW THE NUMBER ONE KILLER OF PEOPLE BETWEEN 18 AND 45.

JACOB HELLER, KPBS NEWS .

>>> A MOVE TO ESSENTIALLY CLOSE THE BINATIONAL MEETING FOR THE PARK MIGHT BE ON HOLD.

OUR REPORTER GESTAPO ELISE HAS A PLAN ON WHAT IS GETTING PUSHED BACK.

>> OUR FEAR IS THIS PROPOSAL, THE CONSTRUCTION OF 30 FOOT WALLS WOULD EFFECTIVELY RENDER FRIENDSHIP PART CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.

>> Reporter: ON WEDNESDAY MORNING, HE STOOD IN FRONT OF CBP HEADQUARTERS IN CHULA VISTA WITH LETTERS SIGNED BY HUNDREDS OPPOSED.

THE AGENCY STATED REASON BEHIND BUILDING THE WALL IS PUBLIC SAFETY.

FAN IS QUICK TO POINT OUT THAT THE VOLUNTEERS THAT WORK AT FRIENDSHIP PARK HAVE BEEN INJURED AND INCREASING THE HEIGHT FROM 17 TO 30 HAS LED TO A SPIKE IN SERIOUS INJURIES WHEN MIGRANTS TRIED TO CLIMB THE.

>> THAT'S THE RATIONALE FOR THIS PROJECT, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.

THERE WILL BE GREATER THREATS TO HEALTH AND SAFETY.

>> Reporter: FRIENDSHIP PARK IS THE ONLY PLACE ALONG THE TWO MILE THOUSAND U.S. MEXICAN BORDER WHERE EITHER CAN SEE EACH OTHER WITHOUT CROSSING THE BORDER.

THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THAT SOME CROSS-BORDER FAMILY CAN SEE EACH OTHER IN PERSON.

ACTIVIST MONA SAID BUILDING THE 30 FOOT WALK WOULD DESTROY THAT SPECIAL DYNAMIC.

>> THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BUILD 30 FOOT WALLS.

THIS IS THE TIME TO REIMAGINE FRIENDSHIP PARK AS A TRUE PLACE OF BINATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AND BINATIONAL CELEBRATION.

>> Reporter: FRIENDSHIP PARK HAS BEEN CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC SINCE EARLY 2020.

CBP IS EXPECTED TO HAVE A FINAL DECISION ON THE PART FEATURE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

ESTABLISHED THE LEASE, KPBS NEWS .

>>> SAN DIEGO IS KNOWN AS MILITARY TOWN.

IT IS BECOMING HARDER FOR SERVICEMEMBERS TO LIVE IN THE CITY.

SOME HELP ON HOUSING COSTS IS ON THE WAY.

KITTY ALVARADO TALKED WITH ONE MILITARY FAMILY THAT STANDS TO BENEFIT.

>> Reporter: HAVING RETIRED FROM THE NAVY AFTER SERVING FOR TWO DECADES.

HE WORKS IN SAN DIEGO WITH HIS WIFE SERVED OUR COUNTRY.

THEY USED TO LIVE IN.

NO WITH THEIR LARGE FAMILY.

HIS COMMUTE IS OVER AN HOUR.

THEY LOOKED AT MOVING CLOSER TO WORK.

>> WE LOOKED TO MOVE TO SAN DIEGO SO THE COMMUTE IS NOT ONE.

YOU CANNOT GET A HOUSE FOR SIX BEDROOM OUT HERE UNDER $1 MILLION.

YOU CANNOT AFFORD THAT.

>> Reporter: THEY BOUGHT ONE IN MINISTRY, EVEN FOR THE NORTH.

THAT IS WHAT MANY MILITARY FAMILIES IN SAN DIEGO DO TO FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MOVE FURTHER AWAY.

WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, HICKS SAYS IT IS THE BASIC HOUSING ALLOWANCE THAT HAS THE ULTIMATE SAY.

RIGHT NOW, THAT WILL NOT COVER THE MARKET IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY.

>> WITH THE STIPEND WE ARE GETTING, IT IS HELPFUL, BUT IT IS NOT COVER MY MORTGAGE.

THAT IS WHERE YOU USE YOUR PAYCHECK OR YOU GET A SIDE JOB, OR DRIVE UBER OR LYFT.

>> Reporter: THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IDENTIFIED 28 HOUSING UNITS IN SAN DIEGO WAREHOUSING COSTS WENT UP 20%.

NOW, THEY ARE GETTING MILITARY MEMBERS IN THOSE AREAS AN INCREASE IN THE HOUSING ALLOWANCE, OR BE AH.

THE INCREASED STARTS THIS MONTH AND RUNS TO THE END OF THE YEAR.

A NEW RATE TAKES EFFECT ON JANUARY 1st.

>> IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TOUGH FOR THE VETERANS.

IN CALIFORNIA, EVERYTHING IS MORE EXPENSIVE.

>> Reporter: THAT IS MICHAEL, A NAVY VETERAN TURNING INTO A REAL ESTATE AGENT.

HE SPECIALIZES IN MILITARY FAMILIES FINDING HOMES IN THE SAN DIEGO REGION.

HE EXPLAINED THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IS THIS ANALYSIS EVERY YEAR.

THIS TIME, IT CAME MONTHS EARLY.

HE SAYS THAT'S A GOOD DECISION.

HE SAID FOOD AND GAS AND JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING WENT UP.

>> THIS WAS DESPERATELY NEEDED BECAUSE IF WE LOOK AT IT, OVER THE LAST YEAR, WE LOOKED AT 15%, 20% INCREASES IN PRICES.

>> Reporter: AS HOUSING SKYROCKETED, THE HICKS FAMILY STORY BECAME COMMON AMONG MILITARY FAMILIES.

>> THE SOUTH BAY HAS BEEN EXPENSIVE, ALL AROUND ON THAT AREA IS WHERE WE SEE A LOT OF MILITARY FAMILIES OPTING TO LIVE BECAUSE THE PRICES ARE NOT AS BAD AS NORTH COUNTY.

WE ALSO SEE WHERE THEY CAN GET MORE BANG FOR THEIR BUCK.

IF THEY WANT BANG FOR THEIR BUCK, THEY TO RIVERSIDE.

IT IS A 2 1/2 OR THREE HOUR COMMUTE SOMETIMES GOING HOME AND COMING BACK.

THAT'S THE DOWNSIDE.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THE MILITARY THOUGHT OF SOMETHING TO HELP OUT WITH THAT, TOO.

>> THEY HAVE A RIDESHARE PROGRAM WHERE IT OFFSETS MILITARY MEMBERS DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH WEAR AND TEAR ON THEIR NEW CARS AND ESPECIALLY WITH GAS BEING OUTRAGEOUS, ALMOST $7.00 A GALLON.

>> Reporter: KEVIN HICKS SAYS HIS FAMILY IS NOT WITHOUT STRUGGLE, BUT HE FEELS BLESSED.. >> WE HAVE FAMILY MY SENIOR, THAT WE GET A LOT MORE PAY.

I HAVE A NIECE WHO IS DOING A SAILOR WHO HAS A KID AND A STUDIO APARTMENT BECAUSE THAT'S ALL SHE CAN AFFORD.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS HE HURTS FOR THOSE STARTING OUT IN THE MILITARY KNOWING FROM EXPERIENCE WHAT THEY ARE ABOUT TO GO THROUGH.

>> THOSE JUNIOR SAILORS OR MARINES OR SERVICEMEMBERS THAT ARE HERE, IT WILL BE A BATTLE.

>> Reporter: THAT'S THE PICTURE HE WANTS TO PAY FOR OFFICIALS THAT MAKE POLICY DECISIONS THAT AFFECT MILITARY FAMILIES EVERY SINGLE DAY.

>> WE WANT OUR SAILORS AND OUR SERVICEMEMBERS TO BE ABLE TO FOCUS ON PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY AND NOT WORRY ABOUT THEIR FAMILIES AND HOUSING.

IS MY HIT FAMILY GOING TO BE HOMELESS?

THAT DISTRACTS OUR MISSION.

>> Reporter: KITTY ALVARADO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE WE HAVE SEEN EXPRESS WEEKEND LIKE THIS IN SAN DIEGO.

FRIDAY NIGHT, THE PADRES ARE HOSTING THEIR FIRST PLAYOFF GAME IN 16 YEARS.

THEY WILL PLAY SATURDAY AGAINST THE DODGERS AND THE BEST-OF- FIVE SERIES.

GAME FIVE, IF NECESSARY, WILL BE SUNDAY IN L.A. .

>>> WAVE OF C IS IN THE PLAYOFFS.

THE WOMEN'S SOCCER CLUB LED BY USA STAR ALEX MORGAN HOSTS THE RED STARS.

FIRST KICK IS 7:00 AT SNAPDRAGON STADIUM.

IF THEY WIN, THEY WILL TAKE ON THE PORTLAND HORNS.

>>> FANS OF BOTH TEAMS WILL LIKELY BE STREAMING GAMES ON THE TV OR SMARTPHONE.

SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGY MAKING IT MORE ACCESSIBLE IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

KPBS I TECH REPORTER THOMAS WEDGED IS SHOWING US HOW THE PROJECT IS GETTING STARTED.

>> HERE WE ARE, OCTOBER 2022, AND WE ARE INSTALLING OUR FIRST FIREBIRD.

>> Reporter: THE FIREBIRD, THE ANNA BAILEY CRIMMINS SPOKE ABOUT WAS BEING THREADED INTO THE GROUND AT THE FOOT OF IRON MOUNTAIN IN PAULY.

A LOT OF THE WORK WITH FIRE CABLES AND RUNNING THROUGH CALIFORNIA FOLLOWS TO CALTRANS.

>> WE ARE HOLDING THIS THAT WENT INTO THE GUN.

REPLACED 500 FEET OF A 10,000 MILE BROADBAND, TODAY WE JUST MADE HISTORY.

>> Reporter: THOSE THOUSANDS OF MILES WILL ARRIVE IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS.

OFFICIALS SAY ONE OUT OF FIVE PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE BROADBAND ACCESS.

THAT MEANS THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCESS RESOURCES THAT INVOLVE HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION.

CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY TAXONOMY SHOCK AND HAS A LIST OF THINGS THAT BEGIN WITH E THAT PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO FIND ON THE INTERNET.

>> THERE ARE SOME LETTER EASE THAT DRIVE THIS HOME FOR WHAT THIS WILL BE FROM AN ECONOMIC STANDPOINT, FROM AN EMPLOYMENT STANDPOINT AND EVEN EMERGENCY AND HEALTHCARE STANDPOINT, THIS WOMAN ACCESS.

>> Reporter: THE FIBER OPTIC CABLES WILL LIE 18 INCHES BELOW THE GROUND.

THE CABLE IS BEING CALLED THE MIDDLE MILE OF THE INTERNET BROADBAND SYSTEM.

THE LAST MILE IS THE CONNECTION FROM THE CABLE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES.

>> WE ARE BUILDING A MIDDLE MILE NETWORK, WHICH IS A BACKBONE IN ORDER FOR A DIVIDER SUCH AS AT&T AND OTHERS TO CONNECT, AND PROVIDE THE CONNECTIVITY THAT IS VITAL FOR INDIVIDUALS.

>> Reporter: TERESA IS WITH THE SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION THAT PROVIDES COMPUTERS TO LOW INCOME PEOPLE.

SHE SAYS CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE REQUIRES CONDUCTIVITY, WHICH MANY SAN DIEGOANS LACK.

>> THERE ARE SO MANY DISABLED STUDENTS, MOTHERS, REFUGEES, WHY DO THEY NOT HAVE IT?

MOST OF THE TIME, IT'S BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD IT.

>> Reporter: BAILEY SAID IN ORDER FOR INTERNET PROVIDERS TO BE A PART OF THIS, THEY MUST PROVIDE AFFORDABLE INTERNET SERVICES.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE NETWORK IS $3.8 BILLION.

A LOT OF THE MONEY COMES FROM THE FEDERAL AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT BOLSTERING THE ECONOMY DURING THE PANDEMIC.

HAS A MANDATE TO FEDERAL FUNDING, THE NETWORK MUST BE COMPLETED BY 2026.

THOMAS FUDGE, KPBS NEWS .

>>> HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST READ STORIES BY OUR ONLINE AUDIENCE THIS WEEK AT KPBS.ORG .

PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL IN DEL CERRO IS DEALING WITH AN OUTBREAK OF FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS THAT CAUSE HUNDREDS OF KIDS TO CALL OUT SICK.

THE PROMISE OF LITHIUM TO POWER EVERYTHING FROM ELECTRIC CARS TO SMART PHONES IS SPARKING A BOLD RUSH IN IMPERIAL VALLEY.

IN SAN DIEGO THE EIGHTH BEST TACO CITY IN AMERICA?

I THINK NOT.

KPBS MIDDAY ADDITION TALKS ABOUT THE NEW BOOK "TACO USA."

>>> SAN DIEGO LOVES MOVIES.

IS APPARENT THIS MONTH WITH FESTIVALS.

KPBS CINEMA JUNKIE BETH TELLS US ABOUT TWO UNDERWAY THIS WEEKEND.

>> Reporter: THIS WEEK, THERE IS A EMBARRASSMENT OF CINEMATIC RICHES AS TWO FILM FESTIVALS OPEN BACK-TO-BACK.

THE ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHES ITS 16th YEAR.

THE FOUNDER IS VICTOR, WHO DIED IN MARCH.

SAYS THERE IS SADNESS, BUT JOY AT THE LEGACY LEFT BEHIND.

>> A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD GATHER AND ARGUE ABOUT TOPICS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO EACH OTHER , AND FIND SOMETHING NEW IN A MOVIE.

>> Reporter: HE PICKED THE THEME FOR THIS FESTIVAL, CHOICE.

>> THAT MEANS TO POTENTIALLY PUT OURSELVES IN DANGER.

THAT DANGER MAKES US WHAT WE ARE.

>> Reporter: THE OPENING-NIGHT FILM, THE KING OF LAUGHTER, IS A ACTOR WITH CHOICES.

>> IT IS A HISTORIC MOVIE ABOUT ART AND POLITICS.

IT IS INFORMATIVE WITH ITALY.

>> Reporter: IT IS IMPORTANT TO THE FESTIVAL, WHICH EMPHASIZES IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT ITALIAN FILMS, BUT WITH A ITALIAN PERSPECTIVE.

THE LAND OF SENTENCE CONSIDERS HOW THE WRITTEN WORD EXISTS TO OUR HUMANITY.

>> IT IS A SCIENCE FICTION MOVIE, SOMETHING VERY RARE IN THE ITALIAN CINEMA, BUT SOMETHING POWERFUL BASED ON THE ITALIAN GRAPHIC.

IT IS A POWERFUL STORY ABOUT THE SIDE THAT LOSES HIS FATHER AND EVERYTHING, AND HE NEEDS TO FIGHT FOR HIS SURVIVAL.

>> Reporter: THE FILM THAT SUMS UP THE FESTIVAL BEST EMBODIES HIS IDEA OF A PIAZZA IS THE LOOKING TO THE PEOPLE, WHO TO THIS DAY, TRAVEL WITH PROJECTORS AND SCREENS TO SHOW MOVIES IN RURAL ITALY.

CREATING A SENSE AROUND FILM IS AT THE HEART OF THE SAN DIEGO FILIPINO FILM FESTIVAL FOUNDED BY EMMA FRANCISCO AND BENITO BATISTA.

>> BECAUSE WHERE FILIPINO FILMMAKERS, HALF OF OUR EXPERIENCE AND OUR CULTURE IS HOSPITALITY.

THAT'S WHAT WE DO.

WE WELCOME STRANGERS INTO OUR HOUSE.

>> Reporter: THAT HOUSE HAPPENS TO BE A CINEMA SHOWCASING FILMS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE AND ACROSS THE U.S. THAT HIGHLIGHT THE FILIPINO EXPERIENCE.

THE FESTIVAL SHOWCASES DIVERSITY AS IT TAKES US FROM A SINGER IN LAS VEGAS AND SERENADE ON THE OPENING-NIGHT TO A A STATE WORKER IN HONG KONG FOR THE CLOSING NIGHT FILM "WE DON'T DANCE FOR NOTHING."

>> FOR A FEW HOURS EVERY WEEK, WE ARE FREE.

>> Reporter: MY PERSONAL FAVORITE IS MIKE LEAKE ESCOBAR'S NEVER DIE.

A WOMAN GETS HIT ON THE HEAD BY A TV AND GETS INTO A,.

SHE IMAGINED SHE ENTERED A FILIPINO ACTION FROM FROM THE 1970S.

>> WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE FILM IS THE IDEA OF THE WOMAN FILIPINO FILMMAKER ABOUT CONCEPTS AND STORIES THAT ARE NOT YOUR USUAL TAKE OF THINGS.

THIS IS COMING FROM A YOUNG PROSPECTIVE.

>> Reporter: THE FESTIVAL NOT ONLY HIGHLIGHTS NEW FILMS, BUT PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE PAST.

THIS YEAR, THERE IS A RETROSPECTIVE STREAMING FROM 1983.

>> I WANT THE AUDIENCE TO BE CURIOUS ABOUT HER WORK.

HER HUSBAND WAS THE CINEMATOGRAPHER.

HER HAS BEEN SAID, WHY DON'T YOU DIRECT A FILM?

SHE DID, AND SHE DID VERY WELL.

>> Reporter: SHE IS ONE OF THE STUDENT FILMMAKERS THAT WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED AT THE SAN DIEGO FILIPINO AND ITALIAN FILM FESTIVALS THAT KICKED OFF THIS WEEK.

IT IS ALL HAPPENING AT THE SAME TIME.

THE FICA MONDO, KPBS NEWS .

>>> WE WRAP UP WITH A RECOGNITION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES THEY OBSERVED THIS WEEK.

IT HAS BEEN A NATIONAL HOLIDAY SINCE LAST YEAR, A PLACE IN COLUMBUS DAY IN MOST OF THE U.S. ANGIE PEREZ SHOWS US THE SIGNIFICANCE IN SAN DIEGO, WHICH IS HOME TO 17 TRIBAL COMMUNITIES.

>> Reporter: YOU CAN HEAR THE PRIDE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, AND YOU CAN FEEL THEIR POWER.

THESE ARE MEMBERS OF THE INTERTRIBAL STAR DANCE GROUP REPRESENTING OTHER TRIBES ACROSS SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

IN THIS CASE, STAR STANDS FOR STRONG, TRADITIONAL, AND RESILIENT.

ALL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANCESTORS THEY SAY WERE DEMORALIZED AND DEGRADED BY EUROPEAN INVADERS INCLUDING CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.

>> HE SAID HE DISCOVERED AMERICA WHEN THERE WERE PEOPLE HERE.

OUR TRIBES WERE HERE, AND WE HAD OUR SOCIETIES, WE HAD OUR OWN WAY OF LIVING.

>> Reporter: THE HOLIDAY FOR THIS AUDIENCE COMMEMORATION OUR STUDENTS AT CANNON HILL HIGH SCHOOL.

ALONG WITH BEING ENTERTAINED, THEY ARE BEING EDUCATED BY SOME NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS THEIR OWN AGE.

16-YEAR-OLD JAMES ARNOLD IS A JUNIOR.

HE HAS A HERITAGE WITH THE NAVAJO AND LAKOTA TRIBES.

HE PROUDLY HAS BEEN A GRASSED ANSWER SINCE HE WAS 10 YEARS OLD.

>> BACK IN THE OLD DAYS, THEY WOULD SEND OUT GRASSED ANSWERS FOR CEREMONIES AND FOR POWWOWS, AND THE GRASS WOULD BE LONG LIKE SALT PLAINS GRASS, SO THEY WOULD SEND OUT GRASSED ANSWERS TO STOMP ON THE GRASS, SO THAT IS WHAT I DO.

>> Reporter: A LYNN ARNOLD IS 14.

HE IS HERE TO STOMP THE STEREOTYPES.

>> WE ARE NOT JUST HEADBANDS AND FEATHERS ON THE TOP OF OUR HEAD, WE ARE MORE THAN THAT.

>> Reporter: FOR 45 YEARS, THIS WAS JUNIPERO SERRA HIGH SCHOOL NAMED AFTER A SPANISH PRIEST WHO LED THE FORCED CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE TO RECOLONIZATION.

JUST LAST FALL, THE NAME WAS CHANGED TO CANYON HILLS AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN BY STUDENTS WHO DEMANDED IT.

ERIC EBRON FREE IS THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL WHO LED THE WAY THROUGH CONTROVERSY AND ULTIMATELY COMMUNITY AGREEMENT ON THE NAME CHANGE.

>> THE TRIBAL COMMUNITIES ARE A RICH PART OF OUR CULTURE.

WE WANT TO CONTINUE THAT, AND ALLOW THAT VOICE TO BE HEARD.

>> Reporter: TODAY, THAT VOICE WAS JUST A LITTLE BIT LOUDER.

ANGIE PEREZ, KPBS NEWS .

>>> THAT STORY, AND ALL OF OUR CONTENT, IS AVAILABLE ON THE KPBS YOUTUBE PAGE.

THAT IS WHERE WE LIFESTREAM EPISODES OF KPBS EVENING EDITION WEEKNIGHTS AT 5:00 .

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

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I AM MAYA TRABULSI.