♪ >>> 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 40 YEARS.

CALL 1-800-BILL-HOWE OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION, DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY AND BY THE FOLLOWING AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU!

♪ >>> THE NEW YEAR IS BRINGING NEW CHARGES TO SAN DIEGO'S CROWN JEWEL.

>> THANKS FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

>>> STARTING TODAY BALBOA PARK HAS PARKING FEES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS LONG HISTORY.

KPBS REPORTER JACOB AERE SAYS HOW MUCH YOU PAY WILL DIFFER FOR RESIDENTS AND THOSE BEYOND CITY LIMITS.

>> TO HAVE TO PAY, IT'S NOT RIGHT.

>> Reporter: AFTER MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF FREE ENJOYMENT, TODAY MARKS THE FIRST TIME THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO WILL CHARGE VISITORS TO PARK A VEHICLE IN BALBOA PARK.

THE SAN DIEGO ZOO LOCATED INSIDE THE PARK WILL DO THE SAME FOR NONMEMBERS.

THAT'S UPSET SOME LOCAL RESIDENTS LIKE ROBERTA HENRY AND JOYCE CLAGETT.

THEY VISIT THE PARK MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK.

>> I DON'T CARE FOR IT.

I THINK IT WILL KEEP LOCALS AWAY.

>> Reporter: IT'S A TIER-BASED SYSTEM THAT COMES WITH HIGHER COSTS THE CLOSER A CAR IS TO THE HEART OF THE PARK.

PARKING METERS AND KIOSKS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ALONG ROADS AND SURFACE LOTS TO COLLECT THE FEES.

METERS START AT 2.50 AN HOUR AND THE COST FOR DAILY PARKING LOT USE RANGES FROM FIVE TO $16.

>> THE PARKING REVENUES FROM BALBOA PARK MUST BE REINVESTED IN THE PARK.

>> Reporter: CITY SPOKESPERSON NICOLE DARLING SAYS DISCOUNTED RATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR CITY RESIDENTS IF THEY REGISTER THEIR LICENSE PLATE THROUGH AN ONLINE PORTAL BEFORE PURCHASE.

VERIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP TO TWO BUSINESS DAYS.

SHE SAYS THE PORTAL WENT LIVE FRIDAY.

>> IF THEY SHOW UP AT THE PARK AND HAVEN'T DONE THAT ONLINE VERIFICATION, THEY WILL PAY THE NONRESIDENT RATE.

SO THAT'S WHY WE REALLY WANT SAN DIEGANS TO KNOW THEY CAN GO ONLINE THROUGH THE PORTAL, GET REGISTERED AND THEN THEY'LL RECEIVE THOSE PARKING DISCOUNTS.

>> Reporter: DARLING SAYS THERE WILL BE A ONE-MONTH GRACE PERIOD FOR ENFORCEMENT.

THERE ARE ALSO MONTHLY, QUARTERLY, AND ANNUAL PRICING OPTIONS.

ANNUAL RATES FOR RESIDENTS ARE $150 AND $300 FOR NONRESIDENTS.

>> IT'S NOT FINE FOR ABOUT ALMOST HALF OF OUR MEMBERS BECAUSE HALF OF OUR MEMBERS LIVE OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS.

>> Reporter: 79-YEAR-OLD PHILIPPE GAGNE IS A MEMBER OF REDWOOD BRIDGE CLUB LOCATED INSIDE BALBOA PARK.

GAGNE SAYS HE AND THE ROUGHLY 400 OTHER SENIORS IN THE ORGANIZATION ARE BURDENED BY THE NEW PARKING COSTS, AS MANY ARE ON FIXED INCOMES.

>> BECAUSE SOME OF US ARE MORE AFFLUENT THAN OTHERS, THIS GROUP HAS BEEN ABLE TO RAISE A FUND IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THOSE THAT CANNOT AFFORD EVEN THAT ANNUAL PARKING PASS.

SO WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO MAKE IT WORK.

>> Reporter: THE NEW PARKING FEES ARE PART OF THE CITY'S EFFORT TO INCREASE REVENUE TO BALANCE THE 2026 BUDGET.

THE NEW FEES AT BALBOA PARK WILL BE ENFORCED FROM 8:00 A.M.

TO 8:00 P.M.

EVERY DAY.

JACOB AERE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> WE ARE DRYING BACK OUT AND IT'S GOING TO BE A BIT OF A COOLER NIGHT FOR MANY OF US, DOWN TO 55 IN SAN DIEGO, 47 IN ESCONDIDO, RAMONA 42 TONIGHT.

STILL A LOT OF CLOUDS WILL LURK NEAR THE COASTLINE.

IN THE BIG PICTURE, THOUGH, THERE WILL BE A DRYING TREND THIS WEEK.

THERE'S ONE SNEAKY DISTURBANCE THAT PASSES BARELY TO OUR SOUTH, MAINLY JUST SOUTH OF TIJUANA.

>>> OUSTED VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO AND HIS WIFE PLEADED NOT GUILTY IN NEW YORK FEDERAL COURT TODAY.

HE IS FACING DRUGS AND WEAPONS CHARGES AFTER BEING CAPTURED IN A LARGE-SCALE U.S.

MILITARY OPERATION OVER THE WEEKEND.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SAYS THE U.S.

WILL CONTROL VENEZUELA INDEFINITELY AS WELL AS ITS OIL RESOURCES.

A LOCAL VENEZUELAN FAMILY TOLD OUR MEDIA PARTNER KGT V THAT THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO HAPPEN FOR A LONG TIME.

>> WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO HAPPEN FOR SUCH LONG TIME, BREAKS MY HEART TO SAY WE DON'T WANT IT.

VENEZUELAN PEOPLE WANTED THIS.

IT'S JUST SAD TO SEE THE BOMBS WERE GOING THROUGH MY COUNTRY, BUT JUST FIGURING THAT THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY, IT MADE ME HAPPY.

>> YVETTE SAYS SHE PLANS TO RETURN HOME TO VISIT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SOON.

>>> KPBS MIDDAY EDITION SPOKE WITH LOCAL CONGRESSMAN SCOTT PETERS ABOUT THE U.S.

ATTACK ON VENEZUELA.

YOU CAN LISTEN TO THAT INTERVIEW NOW AT KPBS.ORG OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

>>> A DIVIDED CONGRESS RETURNED TO WASHINGTON TODAY WITH SEVERAL HIGH STAKES POLICY BATTLES LOOMING.

HEALTHCARE, FEDERAL SPENDING, AND VENEZUELA ARE SOME OF THE KEY THINGS LAWMAKERS ARE SET TO FOCUS ON.

MICHAEL YOSHIDA HAS THE LATEST.

>> Reporter: CONGRESS IS BACK AND ALREADY BRACING FOR HIGH STAKES BATTLES.

>> REPUBLICANS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PARTNER WITH US AS DEMOCRATS.

>> THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN PARTICULAR NEEDS TO GET BACK IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHEN IT COMES TO, YOU KNOW, TACKLING THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTRY.

>> Reporter: THE 2025 FIGHT OVER HEALTHCARE IS CONTINUING IN THE NEW YEAR AFTER CONGRESS RECESSED WITHOUT PASSING LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS THE ENHANCED OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES THAT EXPIRED DECEMBER 31st.

>> IN SOME INSTANCES HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS WILL INCREASE BY 1,000 OR $2,000 PER MONTH.

THAT'S COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.

>> Reporter: SOME REPUBLICANS ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN DEMOCRATS THIS WEEK IN PASSING A BILL THAT WOULD EXTEND THOSE SUBSIDIES FOR THREE YEARS, BUT IT HAS AN UNCLEAR FUTURE IN THE SENATE.

>> WE WANT TO WORK WITH ANYBODY TO LOWER THE PRICES.

>> Reporter: OVERSHADOWING MUCH OF THE DOMESTIC POLICY DEBATE, U.S.

MILITARY SEIZURE OF VENEZUELA'S PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO PUTTING A VOTE ON LIMITING PRESIDENTIAL WAR POWERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

THIS WEEK'S VOTE HAD BEEN IN THE WORKS BEFORE MADURO'S LATE NIGHTCAP TOUR AND NOW BECOMES A REPUBLICAN TEST OF LOYALTY TO TRUMP AFTER THE OPERATION.

>> IT'S ALWAYS AN OPTION FOR OUR MILITARY TO PROTECT AMERICAN CITIZENS, OF WHICH WE HAVE MANY IN VENEZUELA.

>> VIRTUALLY NO CONSULTATION WITH CONGRESS AND THERE'S NO PLAN THAT WE CAN SEE FOR WHAT COMES NEXT.

>> Reporter: AND ON THE HEELS OF THE COUNTRY'S LONGEST GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, THERE'S THE THREAT OF ANOTHER.

CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS HAVE UNTIL JANUARY 30th TO REACH A DEAL ON FUNDING THE GOVERNMENT.

IN WASHINGTON, MICHAEL YOSHIDA.

>>> LAST MONTH ALMOST EVERY MEMBER OF THE U.S.

MILITARY RECEIVED A ONE-TIME TAX-FREE PAYMENT OF $1,776.

PRESIDENT TRUMP CALLED IT A WARRIOR DIVIDEND FUNDED BY TARIFFS.

KPBS MILITARY REPORTER ANDREW DYER SAYS THE MONEY WAS, IN FACT, ALLOCATED TO TROOPS BY CONGRESS TO SUBSIDIZE THE HIGH COST OF RENT IN PLACES LIKE SAN DIEGO.

>> THE SO-CALLED BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL PROVISIONED $2.9 BILLION TO THE PENTAGON TO "SUPPLEMENT THE BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING" SOME SERVICE MEMBERS RECEIVE.

>> NO ONE IS AGAINST BONUSES OR BETTER PAY FOR SERVICE MEMBERS.

>> Reporter: THE CEO OF THE VET VOICE FOUNDATION, A NONPROFIT THAT HELPS VETERANS GET INVOLVED IN POLICY MAKING.

>> THE CONCERN IS NOT THE IDEA OF SUPPORTING TROOPS WITH MORE MONEY, BUT IT'S HOW THE PROPOSAL WAS FUNDED AND WHAT IT DISPLACES.

>> Reporter: BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING OR BAH IS A MONTHLY PAYMENT TO SERVICE MEMBERS APPROVED TO LIVE IN PRIVATE HOUSING.

BAH CHANGES BASED ON A PERSON'S RANK AND WHETHER THEY HAVE A FAMILY.

IT ALSO DEPENDS ON WHERE THEY'RE STATIONED.

>> SO IF YOU'RE STATIONED IN SAN DIEGO, YOUR BAH IS GOING TO BE A CERTAIN AMOUNT.

IF YOU'RE STATIONED IN SOMEPLACE LIKE OKLAHOMA, IT'S GOING TO BE PROBABLY LOWER BECAUSE THE AVERAGE RENTS ARE LOWER THERE.

>> THAT'S TRUE.

THIS YEAR AN E5 WITH DEPENDENTS IN SAN DIEGO CAN EXPECT ALMOST $4,000 A MONTH.

IN OKLAHOMA THEY'D GET JUST OVER $1,700 A MONTH.

MANY SERVICE MEMBERS WHO RECEIVED THE $1,776 PAYMENTS DON'T QUALIFY FOR BAH, THOSE LIVING ON BASE OR IN BARRACKS.

>> THIS ONE-TIME CASH PAYMENT IS A GREAT DEAL FOR THEM.

THEY DESERVE THAT MONEY AS MUCH AS THE NEXT SERVICE MEMBER, BUT FOR THE E5 SERGEANT LIVING IN TOWN STRUGGLING TO PAY RENT, THEY NOR LONGER ABLE TO SEE THAT ADJUSTMENT BECAUSE THESE FUNDS HAVE BEEN REALLOCATED IN ONE FLAT WAY.

SO IT REALLY DOES A DISSERVICE TO THE SERVICE MEMBERS LIVING HERE WHO CAN'T AFFORD THE RENT IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

>> SEPARATE FROM THE $1,776, SERVICE MEMBERS ARE GETTING A 3.8% PAY RAISE THIS YEAR AND AN AVERAGE BAH BUMP OF 4.6%.

ANDREW DYER, KPBS NEWS.

>>> FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES HAVE MISSED A DEADLINE TO RELEASE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEATH OF ACHINESE IMMIGRANT IN THEIR CUSTODY.

KPBS REPORTER KORI SUZUKI SAYS THE DELAY COMES AS MORE IMMIGRANTS ARE DYING IN FEDERAL DETENTION.

>> Reporter: WHEN A PERSON DIES IN I.C.E.

CUSTODY, THE AGENCY HAS 90 DAYS TO PUBLIC A REPORT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED.

THAT DEADLINE WAS ESTABLISHED BY CONGRESS IN 2018 DURING THE FIRST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

THE PERSON IN THIS CASE WAS HUABING XIE, AN IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA.

HE HAD A SEIZURE IN CALEXICO.

THE AGENCY HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS FOR COMMENT.

JESSE INGROW IS WITH THE NATIONAL IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CENTER.

HE SAID THE DELAY IS KEEPING INFORMATION FROM CONGRESS AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WHO COULD CHOOSE TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER.

>> IT IS PRETTY CHILLING THAT THEY CAN'T EVEN MEET THESE DEADLINES, PARTICULARLY AS THEY ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY EXPANDING THE DETENTION SYSTEM TO FAR LARGER THAN WE HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE.

>> Reporter: MARINA ARTEAGA IS WITH THE IMPERIAL COLLABORATION CALLING FOR OFFICIALS TO INVESTIGATE.

SHE SAYS IT'S BECOMING A PATTERN FOR I.C.E.

TO VIOLATE ITS OWN RULES AND POLICIES.

THE MISSED DEADLINE CAME IN THE FINAL DAYS OF 2025.

RESEARCHERS SAY AT LEAST 30 PEOPLE DIED IN CUSTODY LAST YEAR.

KORI SUZUKI, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M JEFF BENNETT.

TONIGHT ON "THE NEWS HOUR," WHAT'S NEXT FOR VENEZUELA NOW THAT MADURO HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM POWER?

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

>>> 2026 IS GOING TO BE A BIG YEAR IN LOCAL POLITICS.

NOT ONLY IS IT AN ELECTION YEAR, BUT SOME POLICY DECISIONS COULD HAVE MAJOR IMPACTS ON THE FUTURE OF SAN DIEGO.

FOR THIS YEAR'S FIRST WHY IT MATTERS SEGMENT, VOICE OF SAN DIEGO SCOTT LEWIS OFFERS THREE THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE NEW YEAR.

♪ >> AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, A POSSIBLE SALES TAX BALLOT MEASURE TO ADDRESS THE BORDER SEWAGE CRISIS.

YOU MAY SOON SEE SIGNATURE GATHERERS PROMISING TO FIX THIS LONGSTANDING PROBLEM.

A COALITION OF LABOR UNIONS AND NONPROFITS IS ASKING VOTERS TO PUT A HALF CENT SALES TAX ON PURCHASES COUNTY-WIDE AND THE FIRST OFFICIAL PURPOSE LISTED ON THE PETITION IS A BIG ONE, "STOPPING THE TIJUANA RIVER TOXIC SEWAGE FLOWS CONTAMINATING LOCAL BEACHES, BAYS, AND COASTAL WATERS WITH CROSS-BORDER SEWAGE TREATMENT INFRASTRUCTURE."

PROPONENTS SAY THE MONEY WILL ALSO GO TOWARDS HEALTHCARE, CHILD CARE, PUBLIC SAFETY AND MORE.

THE TAX IS PROJECTED TO BRING IN $360 MILLION PER YEAR, ABOUT 80 MILLION OF IT WOULD FUND A SOLUTION TO THE SEWAGE CRISIS THAT HAS PLAGUED THE BORDER FOR DECADES.

THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THEY'RE NOT SURE WHAT EXACTLY THAT SOLUTION IS.

WE'LL BE MONITORING TO SEE WHAT THEY COME UP WITH.

NUMBER TWO, THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO HAS A WASTE PROBLEM OF ITS OWN.

PROPONENTS WILL SOON BE GATHERING SIGNATURES TO REPEAL THE TRASH FEE THE CITY STARTED CHARGING SINGLE-FAMILY HOMEOWNERS LAST YEAR.

BECAUSE IT'S A FEE, THEY CAN DO WHAT'S CALLED A PROP 218 REFERENDUM AND THAT REQUIRES A LOWER THRESHOLD OF SIGNATURES TO GET IT ON THE BALLOT.

IN THIS CASE THEY WOULD ONLY NEED 20,000 SIGNATURES FROM SAN DIEGO RESIDENTS AND THAT'S RELATIVELY EASY.

IF VOTERS SUPPORT THE REFERENDUM, THE CITY'S ALREADY SERIOUS BUDGET PROBLEMS COULD GET VERY INTENSE.

NUMBER THREE, FINDING A PATH FORWARD FOR MIDWAY RISING, THE PROJECT AIMS TO REVITALIZE THE SPORTS ARENA NEIGHBORHOOD AND BUILD THOUSANDS OF NEW HOMES, BUT THE COURTS THREW OUT THE TWO BALLOT MEASURES THAT LIFTED THE BUILDING HEIGHT LIMIT IN THE MIDWAY AREA EFFECTIVELY STALLING THE PROJECT.

THE DEVELOPER SAID NO PROBLEM.

THEY COULD USE ANOTHER STATE LAW TO BUILD HIGHER THAN 30 FEET, BUT THE CITY ATTORNEY AND THE MAYOR HAVE STILL NOT SAID WHETHER THEY AGREE THAT'S A VIABLE PATH.

WE'RE WAITING STILL TO HEAR FROM THEM.

LOCAL POLITICS WILL BE FUN THIS YEAR AND WE'LL BE THERE TO HELP YOU FOLLOW IT.

FOR VOICE OF SAN DIEGO, I'M SCOTT LEWIS AND THAT'S WHY IT MATTERS.

>> VOICE OF SAN DIEGO IS ONE OF OUR PARTNERS FOR THE PUBLIC MATTERS INITIATIVE.

YOU CAN LEARN MORE AT KPBS.ORG/PUBLICMATTERS.

>>> STARTING THIS YEAR, SOME MEDI-CAL PATIENTS MAY NOTICE CHANGES WHEN PICKING UP PRESCRIPTIONS OR OVER-THE- COUNTER ITEMS AT THE PHARMACY.

KPBS HEALTH REPORTER HEIDI de MARCO EXPLAINS WHAT'S DIFFERENT AND WHAT PATIENTS CAN DO TO AVOID DELAYS OR EXTRA COSTS.

>> Reporter: IF YOU'RE ON MEDI- CAL, YOU MAY NOTICE SOME ITEMS AT THE PHARMACY NOW WORK A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY.

STARTING JANUARY 1st, SEVERAL MEDICATIONS AND OVER-THE- COUNTER PRODUCTS NOW REQUIRE DOCTOR APPROVAL AND SOME ARE NO LONGER COVERED.

HERE'S WHAT'S CHANGING.

AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS NOW NEED PRIOR AUTHORIZATION.

FOR CHILDREN UNDER 21, TESTS MAY STILL BE COVERED WITH A PEDIATRIC PRESCRIPTION, BUT APPROVALS ARE LIMITED TO FOUR TESTS PER MONTH.

ADULT COMBINATION MULTI VITAMINS ARE NO LONGER COVERED.

SINGLE VITAMINS AND DRY EYE DROPS MAY NOW NEED A DOCTOR'S APPROVAL BEFORE MEDI-CAL WILL PAY FOR THEM.

FOR ALLERGY MEDICATIONS, MEDI- CAL NOW COVERS GENERIC VERSIONS ONLY, MEANING BRAND NAME OPTIONS MAY COME WITH A COST.

POPULAR WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS, INCLUDING GLP-1 DRUGS LIKE WEGOVY ARE NO LONGER COVERED WHEN PRESCRIBED SOLELY FOR WEIGHT LOSS.

SOME MAY STILL BE COVERED WHEN USED TO TREAT DIABETES.

IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY MORE THAN 850,000 PEOPLE RELY ON MEDI- CAL, CALIFORNIA'S MEDICAID PROGRAM.

STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY THE CHANGES HELP CONTROL RISING DRUG COSTS, BUT RESEARCH SHOWS PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS CAN ALSO MEAN LONGER WAITS AT THE PHARMACY, DELAYED CARE, AND HIGHER OUT-OF- POCKET COSTS FOR PATIENTS.

BEFORE HEADING TO THE PHARMACY, CHECK WHETHER A MEDICINE OR OVER-THE-COUNTER ITEM NOW NEEDS PRIOR APPROVAL AND ASK ABOUT GENERIC OR LOWER-COST ALTERNATIVES.

RESEARCH SHOWS A FEW QUESTIONS AHEAD OF TIME CAN HELP AVOID SURPRISES AND EXTRA COSTS AT THE COUNTER.

HEIDI de MARCO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THERE'S ANOTHER LEGAL CHALLENGE FOR THE HARMONY GROVE VILLAGE SOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH COUNTY.

KPBS NORTH COUNTY REPORTER ALEXANDER NGUYEN SAYS A NEW LAWSUIT CLAIMS THE PROJECT DOES NOT MEET NEWER, STRICTER, SAFE FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS.

>> Reporter: WITH THE BIRDS CHIRPING, THE SCENE IS VERY SERENE AND PASTORAL, BUT THAT IS WHAT WORRIES J.B.

WITH THE HARMONY FOREST TOWN COUNCIL.

>> SUMMER IT DRIES OUT.

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, ALL THAT BECOMES TINDER.

>> Reporter: HE'S ESPECIALLY WORRIED BECAUSE THE COUNTY RECENTLY APPROVED A 453-UNIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT HERE CALLED HARMONY GROVE VILLAGE SOUTH.

HE SAYS THE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN A VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE.

>> EVERY DECADE THERE'S BEEN A MAJOR FIRE THAT'S DESTROYED HOMES.

>> Reporter: THE SCARS AROUND THOSE FIRES CAN STILL BE SEEN ON THIS POWER POLE HERE.

THE TOWN COUNCIL IS SUING BECAUSE OF FIRE CONCERNS.

THE SUIT SAYS THE COUNTY USED OUTDATED INFORMATION WHEN APPROVING THE PROJECT IN OCTOBER.

>> PhD'S EVACUATION EXPERTS, FIRE, SAFETY PROFESSIONALS, FIRE CHIEFS, YOU NAME IT, THEY'VE ALL WEIGHED IN AND SAID THIS IS A RISK.

THIS IS GOING TO CREATE ENTRAPMENT.

>> Reporter: THOSE 450 HOMES WILL BE RIGHT HERE, BUT THE PROBLEM IS RIGHT HERE.

THIS IS THE ONLY ACCESS ROAD WITH ONE WAY IN, ONE WAY OUT.

AT A TOWN COUNCIL MEETING IN SEPTEMBER RANCHO SANTA FE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FIRE CHIEF DAVE McQUEEN SAID HE COULDN'T APPLY TODAY'S STANDARDS TO -- >> YESTERDAY'S GAME.

>> Reporter: THE PROJECT WAS APPROVED IN 2018.

APPROVAL WAS RESCINDED IN 2022 BECAUSE OF A SEPARATE LAWSUIT BY THE TOWN COUNCIL.

IT WAS REAPPROVED IN OCTOBER.

>> TODAY YOU COULD NOT PASS THAT PROJECT WITHOUT SECONDARY, CORRECT.

>> Reporter: DURING THE APPROVAL PROCESS FIRE OFFICIALS TOLD THE COUNTY A SECONDARY ACCESS WAS NOT NECESSARY.

DAVID KOVACH SAID THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND REPEATEDLY AFFIRMED BY CALIFORNIA'S HIGHEST COURTS AND ALL THE STATE COUNTY, LOCAL FIRE SAFETY AND LAND PLANNING AUTHORITIES.

THE DEVELOPER PLANS TO WIDEN THE BRIDGE OVER THE ESCONDIDO CREEK TO HELP WITH FIRE EVACUATION.

THE TOWN COUNCIL ESTIMATED MORE THAN 2,000 CARS COULD BE ADDED TO THE EVACUATION ROAD MEANING EVACUATION COULD TAKE AS LONG AS SEVEN HOURS, BUT COUNCIL DECLINED COMMENT DUE TO ACTIVE LITIGATION.

THIS IS THE SECOND LAWSUIT AGAINST THE DEVELOPMENT.

THE SIERRA CLUB SUED IN OCTOBER CITING ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS.

ALEXANDER NGUYEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> SAN DIEGO CAN EXPECT DRIER WEATHER LATER THIS WEEK.

FAMILIAR TROUBLE SPOTS NEAR FASHION VALLEY MALL SAW A RETURN OF FLOODING IN RECENT DAYS.

THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO ENACTED SOME ROAD CLOSURES AND HAD SOME CLEAN-UP CREWS IN THE AREA THIS MORNING.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS A CHANCE OF LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN WILL CONTINUE INTO WEDNESDAY.

>>> IT'S BEEN A VERY ACTIVE HOLIDAY SEASON.

WE HOPE YOUR NEW YEAR'S OFF TO A GOOD START.

WE'VE HAD A FEW ROUNDS OF LOCALLY HEAVY SOAKING, DRENCHING RAIN, ONE OF OUR 15 WETTEST DAYS OF ALL TIME LATE LAST WEEK IN SAN DIEGO HISTORY WITH SOME SERIOUS FLASH FLOODING IN THE CITY.

THAT WAS A MESS.

THE MOST RECENT ROUND OF WEEKEND RAIN PRODUCED UP TO 3.23 INCHES IN CREST PARK.

THAT WAS THE TOP LOCAL REPORT, BUT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A DRIER WEEK AND MOST OF THE MOISTURE IN THE PACIFIC MOVING INTO THE WESTERN PART OF THE NATION HERE IS GOING TO BE WELL TO OUR NORTH WITH THE PRIMARY STORM TRACK TO THE NORTH, BUT THERE IS ALSO A WEAK STORM SYSTEM THAT'S GOING TO BE KIND OF DRIFTING BARELY SOUTH OF US THROUGH FAR NORTHWEST PARTS OF MEXICO EVEN BEFORE WE SEE FEET OF SNOW UP IN THE CASCADES WAY TO THE NORTH.

LOCALLY WE'RE STAYING DRY, BUT BY NOT A LARGE MARGIN.

THE STORM PASSES BARELY TO OUR SOUTH.

WE'LL LOOK AT THAT WITH FUTURE RADAR IN A MOMENT.

RESERVOIR LEVELS CONTINUE TO DO GREAT, OROVILLE JUMPING FROM 131 TO 134% OF AVERAGE.

WAY TO THE NORTH, FOLSOM RESERVOIR ABOUT 50% SURPLUS COMPARED TO WHERE WE WOULD TYPICALLY BE.

100% WOULD BE RIGHT AROUND AVERAGE FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR.

WE'RE DOING GREAT HERE WITH WATER SUPPLY.

TONIGHT WE'LL GET DOWN TO 55, MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES FOR THE COASTAL AREA.

A FEW SHOWERS WILL SCOOT THROUGH THE AREA AROUND THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COASTLINE.

WE'LL STAY GENERALLY DRY TO OUR SOUTH.

YOU CAN SEE MAYBE A FEW SHOWERS INTO OCEANSIDE.

THERE COULD BE A BRIEF SPRINKLE OR SHOWER AS FAR SOUTH AS SOUTHERN SAN DIEGO COUNTY'S COASTLINE, BUT THE BULK OF THE RAIN STAYS TO THE NORTH, GOOD DEAL OF CLOUD COVER IN THE INTERIOR, 66 THE HIGH IN SAN DIEGO.

WEDNESDAY YOU CAN SEE THE STORM TRACK GENERALLY SPLITS.

MOST OF THE MOISTURE STAYS TO THE NORTH.

THERE'S A SEPARATE SYSTEM THAT JUST SCOOTS BARELY TO OUR SOUTH.

I WANT TO SHOW YOU THIS HERE AND THERE ARE A FEW SHOWERS IN THE FORECAST, SPOTTY SPRINKLES AROUND, BUT THE BULK OF THAT DISTURBANCE STAYS JUST TO THE SOUTH THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

IT'S A NEAR MISS AND MAYBE A FEW SPRINKLES COULD IMPACT A FEW OF US, BUT THAT'S ABOUT IT AND THEN THURSDAY WE TURN COOLER WITH A LOT OF RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW INTO THE INTERIOR.

IT WILL BE GOOD TO SEE SOME SNOW INTO FLAGSTAFF.

THEY'VE ONLY HAD ABOUT 9 INCHES SO FAR.

THEY'D TYPICALLY BE OVER 30 INCHES.

AGAIN, A NOTICEABLY DRIER PATTERN FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MID TO LATE PART OF THE WEEK AND WE'LL HAVE SEVERAL STORMS BRING HEAVY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN STORMS INTO THE NORTHWESTERN U.S.

THERE COULD BE A SHOWER AROUND FOR COASTAL AREAS TUESDAY, 67 THE HIGH AS A LITTLE MOISTURE SCOOTS ON THROUGH.

MOST INLAND AREAS WILL STAY DRY AS THE CORE OF THAT STORM SYSTEM PASSES TO THE SOUTH.

MOSTLY CLOUDY AND COLD FOR THE MOUNTAINS, A LOT OF CLOUDS OUT THERE, 41 FOR YOUR HIGH TUESDAY, A LITTLE COLDER WEDNESDAY AND A GOOD DEAL OF CLOUD COVER WILL LINGER WITH THAT WEAK SYSTEM APPROACHING AND THEN HEADING SOUTH, SATURDAY BACK UP TO 67, A LITTLE WARMER.

>>> OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LOGAN HEIGHTS HAS A HISTORY OF IMMIGRANT ACTIVISM.

A FEW YEARS AGO IT OPENED A TEMPORARY MIGRANT SHELTER FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS.

NOW KPBS REPORTER GUSTAVO SOLIS SAYS THE CHURCH IS OPENING AN IMMIGRANT RESOURCE CENTER TO HELP PEOPLE TARGETED BY MASS DEPORTATIONS.

>> Reporter: ONCE THE PAINT DRIES THE ELECTRICAL WIRING IS REDONE AND ALL THE ROOMS ARE CLEANED.

THIS FORMER CONVENT FOR CATHOLIC NUNS WILL BECOME AN IMMIGRANT RESOURCE CENTER.

OVERSEEING THIS TRANSFORMATION IS FATHER HUN NGUYEN, THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH IN LOGAN HEIGHTS, AND HELPING HIM IS A CREW OF VOLUNTEERS.

>> PEOPLE LOVE THIS COMMUNITY.

PEOPLE LOVE TO BE OF SERVICE TO THE WORLD.

THEY WANT TO LEAVE THIS PLACE A BETTER PLACE, RIGHT?

AND SO EVERYONE YOU SEE COMING IN HERE ARE VOLUNTEERS AND MANY OF THEM ARE MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITIES.

>> Reporter: FATHER NGUYEN TOOK KPBS ON A TOUR.

>> ANOTHER CONSULTATION SPACE RIGHT NOW.

RIGHT NOW THE ONLY CONSULT YOU GET IS TOOLS AND WHAT THEY DO.

>> Reporter: OF WHAT WILL EVENTUALLY BE THE POPE FRANCIS CENTER, A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE IMPACTED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP'S MASS DEPORTATION CAMPAIGN CAN GET SOME HELP.

NGUYEN SHOWED US CONSULTING OFFICES WHERE PEOPLE CAN MEET IMMIGRATION LAWYERS, A DAYCARE SPACE FOR CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS HAVE BEEN DEPORTED, AND LARGE AREAS THAT CAN BE USED FOR COMMUNITY GATHERINGS.

>> IF YOU WALK OVER HERE, THIS WILL BE THE MAIN PRESENTATION ROOM.

SO THE IDEA IS WE GOT SO MANY PEOPLE COMING IN AND WE'LL DO A GROUP PRESENTATION, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND, YOU KNOW, THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE.

PEOPLE WILL WANT TO DO THE PRESENTATION HERE BEFORE THEY MEET INDIVIDUALLY WITH PRIVATE CONSULTATION.

>> Reporter: SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS WILL PROVIDE LEGAL AID SERVICES TO THE POPE FRANCIS CENTER.

THEY INCLUDE ALLIANCE SAN DIEGO, CASA CORNELIA LAW CENTER AND THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION'S IMMIGRANT JUSTICE PROJECT.

>> WHAT WE WANT TO DO HERE IS CREATE A SPACE OF HOPE AND A SPACE OF WELCOME.

WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO SOLVE ALL THE PROBLEMS.

IN FACT, WE CERTAINLY CANNOT AND WE AREN'T ABLE TO, YOU KNOW, REDUCE ALL OF THE SUFFERING OUR GOVERNMENT IS CAUSING, BUT WE WANT TO OFFER SOMETHING THAT IS MEANINGFUL AND WORTHWHILE.

>> Reporter: BRINKLEY JOHNSON IS MANAGING THE CENTER.

SHE HAS SPENT MONTHS WORKING WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS IMPACTED BY MASS DEPORTATIONS AND SHE SAYS THAT APART FROM THE LEGAL ADVICE FAMILIES ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

>> HOW DO YOU TELL YOUR CHILDREN HEY, IT'S POSSIBLE ONE DAY YOU COME HOME FROM SCHOOL AND I'M NOT GOING TO BE HERE ANYMORE AND YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO SEE ME.

HOW DO PEOPLE MANAGE THOSE CONVERSATIONS?

SO I'VE HEARD FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT THEY WANT PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

>> Reporter: MANY ALSO NEED FINANCIAL HELP.

THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE FOR FAMILIES WHOSE PRIMARY EARNER HAS BEEN DETAINED BY FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES.

THE VOLUNTEER CREW IS WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO MAKE SURE THAT THE POPE FRANCIS CENTER IS READY FOR A SOFT OPENING ON MONDAY AND ITS GRAND OPENING ON FEBRUARY 1st.

ONE ROOM THAT WILL NOT BE CONVERTED IS THE BUILDING'S CHAPEL.

FATHER NGUYEN SAYS IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PLACE FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING.

>> THE IDEA IS THAT AFTER A VERY HARD CONVERSATION WITH THE ATTORNEYS MANY OF THEM, IF THEY QUALIFY FOR SOME SORT OF RELIEF, IT MIGHT BE ASYLUM WHICH YOU MIGHT HAVE TO DIG UP VERY IMPORTANT ASPECTS AND TRAUMATIC ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO BE EVEN RECALLED AND SO THE IDEA IS THAT THEY'LL BE ABLE TO COME IN HERE AND SIT AND PRAY AND TO BE ABLE TO KIND OF PROCESS THE EXPERIENCE.

>> Reporter: THE CENTER IS BEING FUNDED ENTIRELY BY PRIVATE DONATIONS.

GUSTAVO SOLIS, KPBS NEWS.

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

THE WEGOVY PILL APPROVED IN DECEMBER ARRIVED IN PHARMACIES NATION-WIDE TODAY.

NPR'S MORNING EDITION WILL DIVE INTO THE DETAILS OF THE NEW WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION.

>>> MIDDAY IS TALKING TO THEIR REPORTER ABOUT CHRONIC ILLNESSES POPPING UP ALONG THE TIJUANA RIVER.

>>> YOU CAN FIND TONIGHT'S STORIES ON OUR WEBSITE, KPBS.ORG.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING!

>>> 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 40 YEARS.

CALL 1-800-BILL-HOWE OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION, DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU!

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