>>> 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!

>>> TWO YEARS AGO, CATASTROPHIC FLOODING STRUCK THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF SOUTH CREST IN SOUTHEAST SAN DIEGO.

THANKS FOR JOINING US, I AM JACOB AERE IN FOR MAYA TRABULSI.

TONIGHT, WE ARE TAKING A LOOK AT HOW NEIGHBORS ARE STILL DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH FROM THAT HISTORIC STORM.

KPBS METRO REPORTER, ANDREW BOWEN, HAS AN UPDATE ON THE CITY'S EFFORTS TO UPDATE THE STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> Reporter: THETA STREET IN SOUTH CREST SITS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TIJERAS CREEK WATERSHED, WHEN TORRENTIAL RAINS HIT THE CITY ON JANUARY 22nd, 2024, THE CHANNEL HERE WAS OVERWHELMED.

HOUSES, FLOODED.

RESIDENTS FLED TO THEIR ROOFS.

SINCE THEN, THE CITY HAS BEEN WORKING TO KEEP THE BETA STREET CHANNEL CLEAR OF DEBRIS, AND INVASIVE PLANTS, SAYS LESLIE REYNOLDS OF THE NONPROFIT, GROUNDWORK SAN DIEGO.

>> IT'S BASICALLY JUST MAINTAINING THE CHANNEL, TAKING OUT WHAT IS THE MOST INVASIVE PLANT IN THE WATERSHED, WHICH IS A RANDO.

IT IS A LARGE, BAMBOO LIKE GROWTH THAT TRAPS THE WATER, EXPANDS THE FLOODING, AND IS EXTREMELY UNMANAGEABLE.

IT'S A HARD MAINTENANCE TASK, BUT IT'S ONE THAT THE CITY IS UNDERTAKING.

YOU WON'T SEE ANY OF THAT HERE IN THIS SEGMENT, NOW.

>> Reporter: IN ADDITION TO THE ONGOING CHANNEL MAINTENANCE, THE CITY IS ALSO DESIGNING A LARGER STORM DRAIN SYSTEM FOR THE AREA.

IT IS COMPLICATED AND EXPENSIVE WORK, DIGGING UNDERGROUND TO EXPAND PIPES AND INSTALLING A NEW PUMP.

PRICETAG RECENTLY EARMARKED $1.1 MILLION FOR THE PROJECT, ENOUGH TO COVER ABOUT 1% OF THE TOTAL COST.

REYNOLDS SAYS DESIGN WORK IS UNDERWAY, WITH CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULED TO START IN 2029.

MEANWHILE, SHE IS WORKING WITH THE CITY AND RESIDENTS TO IDENTIFY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRAILS THAT RUN PARALLEL TO THE TRENTO.

>> WHAT KINDS OF ASSETS CAN BE BROUGHT TO THIS PARK, WHILE ALL OF THE UNDERGROUND AND SO ON OF A NEW DRAINAGE SYSTEM IS GOING ON?

SO, IT REALLY ULTIMATELY WILL BE A MULTI-BENEFIT PROJECT, WITH CLIMATE RESILIENT RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SO ON FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: GREG MONTOYA IS A HOMEOWNER ON A BETA STREET, THE FLOODING TWO YEARS AGO DAMAGED HIS HOME AND PROPERTY.

>> THE REFRIGERATOR WAS TOSSED OVER, THE TRAILER, THE JET SKIS THAT I HAVE HERE WERE TOSSED AGAINST THE FENCE.

IT WAS PRETTY DEVASTATING.

I WAS AT A LOSS FOR WORDS.

>> Reporter: JUST YESTERDAY, MONTOYA GOT A LETTER FROM THE CITY WITH SOME MAPS, SHOWING WHERE THEY WILL SOON BE CONDUCTING SOIL TESTING FOR THE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS, BUT, STILL, HE IS SKEPTICAL.

>> MY OPINION IS, I WON'T BELIEVE IT UNTIL I ACTUALLY SEE IT DONE AND COMPLETED, BECAUSE THE CITY WILL COME IN AND DO SOMETHING AND THEN ABANDON IT.

>> Reporter: EVEN IF THE IMPROVEMENTS ON BETA STREET GET FULLY FUNDED, THE CITY STILL HAS A DEFICIT OF MORE THAN $3.7 BILLION IN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

THE CITY INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST SAYS, UNTIL ENOUGH VOTERS ARE WILLING TO PAY HIGHER TAXES, THAT PROBLEM WILL ONLY GET WORSE.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> SURVIVORS COMMEMORATED THE TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE JANUARY 22nd FLOODS THIS MORNING.

KPBS REPORTER, KATIE HYSON, SAYS THEY ARE STILL FIGHTING FOR RECOVERY AND JUSTICE.

>> Reporter: ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE FLOODS, NEIGHBORS GATHER IN SHELL TOWN TO PRAY.

THEY ASK GOD TO HELP THEM HEAL.

AND, TO WIN IN COURT AGAINST THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO.

>> SO THEY WILL TAKE US SERIOUSLY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NEVER TAKEN US SERIOUSLY BEFORE.

OR ELSE, THIS AREA WOULDN'T LOOK THE WAY IT DOES, OR WOULDN'T BE FLOODED THE WAY IT FLOODS.

>> Reporter: THEIR LAWSUIT CLAIMS THE CITY FAILED TO MAINTAINARE MAJORITY LATINO AND LOW INCOME.

AND, THEY SAY NOT ENOUGH HAS CHANGED SINCE THE FLOODS.

>> BECAUSE THE CANAL, OR THE CREEK, IS NOT CLEAN.

>> Reporter: BEBA ZARATE WANTS THE CITY TO MORE REGULARLY MAINTAIN THE STORM CHANNELS.

>> SO, WHENEVER THE REIGNING IS COMING, THERE ARE SOME KINDS OF ISSUES BECAUSE THE TRASH IS OUT THERE.

>> Reporter: THE CITY DIDN'T IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM KPBS.

ZARATE SAYS, THE SURVIVORS STILL CARRY TRAUMA.

>> I FEEL LIKE, HERE, AND NOT HERE.

YOU KNOW?

WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO BE YOURSELF, THEN THERE IS SOMETHING THAT TAKES YOU BACK TO THE DAY, WHAT HAPPENED TWO YEARS AGO.

>> [ SPEAKING IN A NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE ] >> Reporter: AFTER A BLESSING, THEY RELEASE BALLOONS INTO THE SKY, TO SHOW THAT THEY, TOO, WILL RISE FROM THE WRECKAGE.

KATIE HYSON, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I AM RE: ALASKA LEASE.

AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO TONIGHT, SHOWERS CONTINUE, KEEPING OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES MORE ELEVATED, DOWN TO ABOUT 54 DEGREES.

COMING UP, WE WILL TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT HOW LONG THE SHOWERS AND SOME PERIODS OF RAIN LAST AND WHEN WE COULD SEE SOME IMPROVEMENTS WITH DRIER AND WARMER WEATHER.

>>> SAN DIEGO COUNTY LEADERS SAY THEY HAVE A PLAN TO HELP REDUCE TOXIC SEWAGE POLLUTION IN THE TIJUANA RIVER VALLEY AND MEASURE EFFECTS ON RESIDENTS' HEALTH.

SUPERVISORS AND TARA LAWSON REAMER ARE PROPOSING NEARLY $5 MILLION IN COUNTY RESERVES FOR TWO INITIATIVES.

ONE WOULD GO TO BUILD A TEMPORARY PIPELINE EXTENSION AT A SEWAGE HOTSPOT TO REDUCE AIRBORNE POLLUTION.

>> THIS IS A MEANINGFUL STEP WE CAN TAKE NOW, WHILE WE CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR THE LONG-TERM INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS OUR REGION DESERVES.

>> THE OTHER INITIATIVE WOULD FUND TWO STUDIES TO SEE HOW SEWAGE EXPOSURE HAS IMPACTED RESIDENTS' HEALTH.

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IS EXPECTED TO CONSIDER THEIR PROPOSAL ON TUESDAY.

>>> MOST OF SAN DIEGO'S MILITARY COMMUNITY IS COMPOSED OF SAILORS AND MARINES.

KPBS MILITARY REPORTER, ANDREW DYER, TAKES US TO CAMP PENDLETON, WHERE A SMALL ARMY UNIT IS DOING BIG THINGS FOR ANIMALS.

>> I WOULD AGREE, MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THERE ARE A LOT OF VETERINARIANS IN THE ARMY.

>> Reporter: LIEUTENANT COLONEL CRAIG HAWKINS IS THE COMMANDER OF U.S.

ARMY READINESS VETERINARY SAN DIEGO AND ALSO A VETERINARIAN.

THIS CAMP PENDLETON BASED UNIT IS OPENING A BRAND-NEW CLINIC, NEW, LARGER SPACE WILL TAKE CARE OF MILITARY DOGS, BUT THE REST OF THE MILITARY COMMUNITY WILL ALSO BENEFIT.

>> FIRST AND FOREMOST, THIS BUILDING EXISTS TO TAKE CARE OF THE MILITARY WORKING DOGS, BUT BECAUSE THERE ARE SO FEW ON ANY ONE INSTALLATION, WE OFFER THE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY -- WELL, THE MILITARY COMMUNITY, RATHER.

>> Reporter: COSTS OF PET CARE HAVE SKYROCKETED OVER THE LAST DECADE.

A RECENT STUDY FOUND THAT SINCE OCTOBER 2024, HALF OF ALL PET OWNERS SAY THEY SKIP RECOMMENDED TREATMENT FOR THEIR PETS.

ACCORDING TO PITTSBURGH, THE PRICES COINCIDE WITH OVER $50 MILLION PRIVATE EQUITY FIRMS HAVE POURED INTO THE VETERINARY SERVICES INDUSTRY SINCE 2017.

>> I THINK ESPECIALLY FOR CALIFORNIA, WE ARE CHEAPER, SIGNIFICANTLY CHEAPER THAN THE OUTSIDE.

WE DON'T UPSELL STUFF.

WE DON'T GET ANY COMMISSION FROM SELLING STUFF.

WE ARE JUST HERE, OFFERING YOU A SERVICE, JUST PRACTICING HIGH- QUALITY MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

>> Reporter: STAFF SERGEANT TIMOTHY BENTON IS A VET TECH AT THE CLINIC.

>> SO, OUR PRICES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY CHEAPER THAN OUT OF TOWN, WHERE IF YOU CAME TO US AND GET ALL THE VACCINES, IT WOULD BE $150, 160.

OUT IN TOWN, YOU ARE LOOKING TO PAY $500, $400 FOR THE SAME VACCINES.

>> Reporter: THE NEW CAMP PENDLETON CLINIC IS EQUIPPED WITH EVERYTHING A MODERN VETERINARY HOSPITAL WOULD HAVE, WITH SEVERAL EXAM ROOMS AND AN OPERATING ROOM.

BENTON SAYS HE IS EXCITED TO START SEEING ANIMALS.

>> I AM EXCITED ABOUT EVERY INCH OF THIS PLACE, IT'S A HUGE UPGRADE FROM OUR PREVIOUS CLINIC.

>> Reporter: ANDREW DYER, KPBS NEWS.

>>> CALIFORNIA COUNTIES ARE STARTING THEIR HOMELESS POINT IN TIME COUNTS THIS WEEK.

THE COUNT GIVES AN ANNUAL SNAPSHOT OF WHETHER CALIFORNIA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS IS IMPROVING, OR GETTING WORSE.

SAN DIEGO'S COUNT IS SET TO BE HELD NEXT THURSDAY, JANUARY 29th.

JEN KOHLER IS THE LEADER OF THE TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS, WHICH LEADS THE COUNT.

>> WE HAVE 58 DEPLOYMENT SITES, SO WE HAVE A COUPLE MORE DEPLOYMENTS THAT WE WILL BE PUTTING PEOPLE UP FROM, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, THE PROCESS, WE HAVE REALLY GOTTEN IT DOWN TO A SCIENCE AND IT IS ONLY A ONE NIGHT COUNT.

WE ALWAYS KNOW IT IS A MINIMUM COUNT.

SOME THINGS, THOUGH, WE ARE LOOKING FOR TO SEEING HOW WE ARE TRENDING ON SENIORS.

>> HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED IN SAN DIEGO.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER, YOU CAN STAND UP AT THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE FOR HOMELESSNESS WEBSITE.

>>> CONTROVERSY IS FLARING IN IMPERIAL COUNTY FOR A PLAN FOR A MASSIVE DATA CENTER.

THE PROJECT DEVELOPERS ARE OPENLY SEEKING TO AVOID CALIFORNIA'S ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS, DESPITE THE FACT THE PROJECT COULD USE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF ENERGY AND WATER.

BUT, IT TURNS OUT THE ENTREPRENEUR LEADING THE PROJECT HAS FACED CONTROVERSIES OF HIS OWN.

IN THE SECOND OF A THREE-PART SERIES, KPBS' KORI SUZUKI FOUND HIS PREVIOUS BUSINESS VENTURES HAVE LED TO STATE AND FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS.

>> Reporter: WHEN YOU MEET SEBASTIAN, IT IS HARD NOT TO NOTICE HIS CONFIDENCE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO HIS PLANS TO BUILD A MASSIVE DATA CENTER IN THE IMPERIAL VALLEY.

>> I THINK IMPERIAL COUNTY IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE A LOT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY DOWN THERE, THEY HAVE A LOT OF POTENTIAL.

ALSO, ECONOMICALLY, IT IS A PLACE WITH VERY, VERY HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT.

>> Reporter: RITCHIE IS AN ENTREPRENEUR AND LAWYER WHO LIVES JUST OUTSIDE PALMDALE IS THE -- PALM DESERT IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY.

I COULD SEE GOLF CARTS RIDING DOWN THE MANICURED GREEN IN HIS WINDOW.

WHEN RICHIE SPEAKS, IT'S WITH CERTAINTY EVEN THOUGH HE IS NOW FACING SOME FIERCE OPPOSITION TO THE DATA CENTER FROM PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEAR THE PROPOSED PROJECT, AS WELL AS STATE AND LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS.

>> LOOK, DATA CENTERS RIGHT NOW, AS YOU AND I SPEAK, THEY ARE OF NATIONAL URGENCY, RIGHT?

IT IS NOT ME CREATING IT, OUR PRESIDENT HAS FILED EXECUTIVE ORDERS SAYING IT IS FOR NATIONAL PRIORITY AND WE NEED THEM, BECAUSE WE FEEL, THE COUNTRY, THAT THERE IS A COMPETITION WITH CHINA.

>> Reporter: BUT, TO SOME EXTENT, THAT CONFIDENT AIR IS AT ODDS WITH HIS PAST.

ACROSS THE COUNTRY, IN OHIO, HIS PREVIOUS BUSINESS VENTURES HAVE LEFT A TRAIL OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND LEGAL COMPLAINTS.

IN 2010, LOCAL PROSECUTORS CHARGED HIM AND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH MONEY LAUNDERING, PROMOTING PROSTITUTION, AND PERJURY, RELATED TO A NIGHTCLUB HE OWNED IN THE CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN.

THAT IS ACCORDING TO STATE COURT RECORDS.

>> I KNEW IT WAS ALL POLITICALLY MOTIVATED.

>> Reporter: RITCHIE HAS AN EXPLANATION, HE SAYS HE WAS UNFAIRLY TARGETED BY LOCAL OFFICIALS FOR POLITICAL REASONS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT HE WAS NEVER CONVICTED, THE FELONY CHARGES BETWEEN HIM AND OTHERS WERE THROWN OUT BECAUSE THE CASE TOOK TOO LONG TO GO TO TRIAL.

>> THAT CASE ENDED UP IN PROBABLY, I DON'T KNOW, 40, 50 DIFFERENT FILINGS?

I WON ALL OF THEM BUT ONE.

>> Reporter: AFTERWARDS, RUCCI STARTED A TREATMENT CENTER FOR DRUG ADDICTION, BUT THAT BUSINESS RAN INTO ITS OWN PROBLEMS.

OHIO HEALTH OFFICIALS INSPECTED THE FACILITY.

IN 2021, A REPORT FOUND STAFF HAD PROVIDED FALSE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITY CLIENT AND STAFF, FALSIFIED SIGNATURES, AND BROKEN VARIOUS HEALTHCARE PROTOCOLS.

RITCHIE DISPUTES THAT REPORT, WHICH HE SAYS WAS ONE-SIDED.

HE ALSO EMPHASIZES THAT THE TREATMENT CENTER PROVIDED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FREE CARE TO ITS PATIENTS, MILITARY VETERANS IN PARTICULAR.

BUT, RUCCI ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE CENTER GREW QUICKLY IN THE BEGINNING.

>> WE OPENED IN THE SUMMER THAT YEAR, AND IT WAS VERY MESSY.

WE EXPLODED VERY FAST, AND THE GROWTH WAS WAY MORE THAN WE COULD HANDLE.

>> Reporter: ALSO, IN 2021, THE FBI STARTED INVESTIGATING RITCHIE AND THE TREATMENT CENTER, ACCORDING TO FEDERAL COURT RECORDS.

THAT OCTOBER, FEDERAL AGENTS RAIDED THE CENTER AND SEIZED MORE THAN $600,000.

RITCHIE HAS AN INCLINATION FOR THIS, TOO.

>> POLICE ARE ALL WORKING TOGETHER, THAT'S THE PROBLEM.

THEY WERE ALL WORKING TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: FEDERAL OFFICIALS NEVER CHARGE RITCHIE OR THE TREATMENT CENTER WITH ANY CRIMES, BUT STATE OFFICIALS DID REVOKE THE TREATMENT CENTER'S CERTIFICATION, WHICH LED TO TERMINATION OF THE CENTER'S MEDICAID CONTRACT AND A FACILITY SHUT DOWN.

RITCHIE FOUGHT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, HE SUED THEM OVER THE RAID AND THE CONFISCATED FUNDS.

EVENTUALLY, THE GOVERNMENT RETURNED THE MONEY WITH INTEREST.

RUCCI IS STILL SEEKING COPIES OF THE WARRANTS THEY USED TO JUSTIFY THE RAID, AND RECENTLY WON AN APPEAL.

BETWEEN THE TWO BUSINESSES, RUCCI WAS EVER ONLY CONVICTED OF ONE CHARGE -- SELLING BEER WITH AN EXPIRED LICENSE AT THE NIGHTCLUB IN 2014.

HE SERVED 30 DAYS IN JAIL.

TO HEAR RITCHIE TELL IT IN THESE CASES, HE WAS UNFAIRLY SINGLED OUT BY LOCAL OFFICIALS IN OHIO AND SMALL-TOWN POLITICS.

HE SAYS HIS PAST BUSINESS HISTORY DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HE IS TRYING TO DO, HERE.

THE GIANT DATA CENTER PROJECT HE IS WORKING ON WITH THE COUNTY -- >> IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT I'M DOING, HERE.

I AM THE GUY WHO PUT UP THE MONEY TO TRY TO MOVE THIS PROJECT ALONG IN IMPERIAL COUNTY.

I AM NOW THE GUY THAT TAKES ALL THE HITS.

>> Reporter: BUT, SOME PEOPLE IN IMPERIAL COUNTY STILL HAVE CONCERNS.

>> WHAT IS THE VETTING PROCESS FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPERS FOR THE COUNTY?

>> Reporter: CHRISTOPHER IS A IMPERIAL COUNTY RESIDENT AND CRITIC OF THE PROJECT.

IN A COUNTY MEETING LAST WEEK, HE RAISED PARTICULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW THE COUNTY OFFICIALS AND SCREEN DEVELOPERS THEY WORK WITH.

>> DO YOU DO EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECKS?

DO YOU ENSURE THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING DATA CENTER'S?

DO YOU ENSURE THEY HAVE AN OUTSTANDING LEGAL RECORD?

>> Reporter: RITCHIE CLAIMS THE SAME THING THAT WAS HAPPENING IN OHIO IS HAPPENING NOW, IN IMPERIAL COUNTY.

HE SAYS THERE IS A COORDINATOR CAMPAIGN GOING ON DISADVANTAGE THE DATA CENTER, BUT RITCHIE SAYS HIS EXPERIENCE FIGHTING PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS HAS GIVEN HIM STRENGTH TO KEEP GOING.

>> I AIN'T GOING NOWHERE.

YOU CAN BE CLEAR ON THAT.

>> Reporter: TOMORROW, WE WILL LOOK AT HOW RUCCI'S PROJECT HAS SPARKED A MOVEMENT AGAINST IT, IN IMPERIAL COUNTY AND HOW IT IS PART OF THE GROWING REBELLION AGAINST DATA CENTER'S ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

KORI SUZUKI, KPBS NEWS.

>> IF YOU HAVE A TIP FOR KPBS' INVESTIGATIONS TEAM, YOU CAN SEND AN EMAIL TO INVESTIGATIONS@PBS.ORG.

OR MESSAGE THEM ON OUR SECURE SIGNAL LINE AT THE NUMBER ON YOUR SCREEN, 659-894-8167.

>>> I'M GEOFF BENNETT.

TONIGHT, ON THE NEWS HOUR, PRESIDENT TRUMP LAUNCHES HIS BOARD OF PEACE TO REBUILD GAZA, THAT IS AT 7:00 AFTER "EVENING EDITION" ON KPBS.

>>> A SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUPERVISOR WANTS TO USE CALIFORNIA'S HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE TO CONDUCT AN EXPANSION -- EXPECTION -- INSPECTION OF THE OTAY MESA DETENTION CENTER, THIS COMES AMID A RISING DEATH TOLL IN I.C.E.

DETENTION CENTER'S NATIONWIDE.

>> Reporter: AS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES ITS MASS DEPORTATION CAMPAIGN, THERE IS A GROWING CONCERN ABOUT CONDITIONS INSIDE IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTERS.

AND NOW, COUNTY SUPERVISOR, CARRIER -- CAROL LAWSON REAMER, SAYS IT IS TIME FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS TO GET ACCESS TO THE PRIVATELY RUN DETENTION CENTER IN OTAY MESA.

>> IT IS TERRIFYING, TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN HAVE PEOPLE LOCKED AWAY, INCARCERATED, WITH NO OVERSIGHT, AND ESPECIALLY AS SOME OF THESE DEATHS HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

>> Reporter: LAST YEAR, 32 PEOPLE DIED IN IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT CUSTODY, THE MOST SINCE 2004, AND SO FAR, THIS MONTH, SIX PEOPLE HAVE DIED.

NONE OF THE DEATHS HAPPENED IN OTAY MESA, HOWEVER, KPBS HAS REPORTED ON SEVERAL INSTANCES OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT POOR CONDITIONS INSIDE THE FACILITY.

LACK OF OVERSIGHT OF IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTERS HAS BEEN A POINT OF CONTENTION THROUGHOUT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S SECOND TERM.

FEDERAL LAW GIVES MEMBERS OF CONGRESS THE AUTHORITY TO INSPECT I.C.E.

FACILITIES, BUT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS HAVE BARRED SEVERAL DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS FROM ENTERING OR INSPECTING DETENTION CENTERS IN SAN DIEGO AND THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

>> I THINK, IF I.C.E.

WAS ACTUALLY DOING WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO DO, AND WAS BEING ADEQUATELY MONITORED, MY FELLOW OFFICIALS, I WOULD FEEL LESS NEED FOR US, AS A COUNTY, TO STEP INTO THIS MOMENT, AND INTO THIS VACUUM.

>> Reporter: LAWSON REAMER SAYS CALIFORNIA'S HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE GIVES LOCAL OFFICIALS AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT AN INSPECTION.

>> WE, AS THE COUNTY, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF FACILITIES, COUNTYWIDE.

THAT IS A CORE COUNTY FUNCTION.

>> Reporter: BUT, SHE IS WORRIED THAT FEDERAL OFFICIALS WILL BLOCK THE COUNTY INSPECTION.

I.C.E.

DID NOT RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FOR THIS STORY.

GUSTAVO SOLIS, KPBS NEWS.

>>> VIDEO SHOWS THE MOMENTS LEADING UP TO A SHOOTING DURING AN IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, WEDNESDAY.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SEES AN AGENT OPEN FIRE AS THE SUSPECT TRIED TO DRIVE AWAY.

IN DOING SO, HE HAD LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH HIS CAR.

THE MAN WAS NOT SHOT AND LATER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY.

JASMINE VIEL REPORTS.

>> Reporter: SECURITY CAMERA VIDEO CAPTURES THE MOMENT U.S.

CUSTOMS BORDER PROTECTION OFFICERS CLOSED IN ON THE MAN THS IDENTIFIES AS WILLIAM EDUARDO MORAN CABELLO AS HE GOT INTO HIS CAR WEDNESDAY MORNING OUTSIDE OF HIS WILLOWBROOK APARTMENT.

>> HE JUMPED IN HIS CAR, AND TRIED TO RUN OFF, LIKE, SPEED OFF, SO HE MUST HAVE HIT A CAR A LITTLE BIT, ONE OF THE I.C.E.

AGENTS OR BORDER PATROL CARS A LITTLE BIT WHILE HE WAS GETTING OUT.

>> Reporter: NEIGHBORS SAID THEY HEARD GUNSHOTS MOMENTS AFTER HE PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT.

>> WE HEAR, LIKE, A LITTLE ALTERCATION AND SOMEBODY SAY, "NO, NO, NO."

THEN, WE HEAR BULLETS POP, AND DRIVE AROUND, AND THEN YOU HEAR MORE POP, POP, POP, POP.

>> IT WAS 7:20 IN THE MORNING WHEN I HEARD FOUR OR FIVE SHOTS.

>> Reporter: THE CART RIDDLED WITH FOUR OR FIVE BULLET HOLES IN THE WINDSHIELD, FINALLY COMING DOWN THE STREET, FRONT SMASHED AND AIRBAG DEPLOYED.

>> AND THEN, I GUESS THAT IS WHEN HE HAD THAT THING COME OVER THERE AND THAT IS WHEN HE TRIED RUNNING, HE TRIED RUNNING OFF, BUT THEN THEY ENDED UP GETTING HIM, LIKE THREE BLOCKS DOWN.

>> Reporter: DHS SAYS OFFICERS WERE CONDUCTED A TARGETING OPERATION AND SAID THIS WAS A DANGEROUS ATTEMPT TO EVADE ARREST, THIS CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS WEAPON VEHICLE AND RAMMED LAW ENFORCEMENT, FEARING FOR HIS LIFE AND SAFETY, AN AGENT FIRED DEFENSIVE SHOTS.

DHS SAYS A CPB OFFICER WAS INJURED, BUT CABELLO WAS NOT HIT AND TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, DHS SAYS CABELLO, A CITIZEN OF EL SALVADOR, IS CONNECTED TO A HUMAN TRAFFICKING OPERATION AND HAS PREVIOUS ARRESTS FOR VIOLENCE.

PROTESTERS GATHERED ON 126th STREET, AND -- BE MET FOR MY PEOPLE, THAT IS ABOUT IT, BUT IF HE IS A CRIMINAL, TAKEN BACK WHERE HE CAME FROM.

>> I THINK IT IS NOT CORRECT.

I THINK WE SHOULD LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE.

>> Reporter: THESE NEIGHBORS SAY THEY WANT REASSURANCE THAT THEIR COMMUNITY AND FAMILIES, THOUGH, ARE SAFE.

>> MY KIDS PLAY WITH HIS KIDS.

THEY NEED TO FEEL SAFE WHEN THEY COME OUTSIDE.

>> JASMINE VIEL WITH THAT REPORT.

IT IS UNCLEAR HOW THE CBP OFFICER WAS INJURED.

>>> THE HIGH COST OF LIVING HAS BOGGED DOWN MANY AMERICANS' WALLETS.

HOUSING, FOOD, AND ENERGY COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE, BUT ONE SOURCE OF RELIEF IS GAS PRICES.

JENN SULLIVAN EXPLAINS WHY PRICES ARE PLUMMETING AND HOW MUCH YOU CAN EXPECT TO SAVE.

>> Reporter: DRIVERS CAN EXPECT CHEAPER GAS IN 2026.

IT'S A RARE SOURCE OF RELIEF, AS MANY AMERICANS ARE DROWNING IN HIGHER PRICES.

>> IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY AFFORDABLE YEAR FOR MANY AMERICANS, WHEN IT COMES TO FILLING THEIR TANKS.

>> Reporter: PATRICK WITH FUEL SAVING PLATFORM, GAS BUDDY, SAYS NATIONAL GAS PRICES ARE SET TO AVERAGE AROUND $2.97 PER GALLON, THE CHEAPEST IT HAS BEEN SINCE COVID, THAT IS ABOUT $.13 CHEAPER THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR.

>> IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A WHOLE LOT.

IT IS STILL GOING TO SAVE AMERICANS $11 BILLION OVER THE COURSE OF 2026.

>> Reporter: THAT WOULD TRANSLATE TO AN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SPENDING OF JUST OVER $2000 ON GAS, FOR THE YEAR.

DOWN FROM $2700 IN 2022.

SO, WHAT IS CAUSING THIS?

>> OPEC IS PRIMARILY THE REASON WHY GAS PRICES THIS YEAR ARE GOING TO BE LOWER, BECAUSE OPEC IS PRODUCING MORE.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THERE ARE SOME WILDCARDS THAT COULD CAUSE PRICES TO GO UP, LIKE HURRICANES, POLITICAL CONFLICT IN IRAN OR THE WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE BECOMING MORE VOLATILE, BUT ULTIMATELY, HE SAYS THIS DOWNWARD TREND WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

FOR CONSUMER WATCH, I AM JENN SULLIVAN.

>>> HERE IS A LOOK AT THE LOCAL GAS PRICES TODAY.

THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A GALLON OF REGULAR GAS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ROSE NEARLY A CENT TODAY, TO $4.39, THAT IS ABOUT $.12 LOWER THAN A MONTH AGO AND NEARLY $.12 LOWER THAN LAST YEAR.

THE NATIONAL PRICE ALSO ROSE BY NEARLY TWO CENTS SINCE YESTERDAY, IT NOW SITS AT $2.85.

>>> WELL, A LOT OF OUR SHORT- TERM WEATHER DOESN'T STAY THE SAME, AS WE ARE TRACKING SCATTERED SHOWERS CONTINUING TONIGHT, INTO THE DAY FRIDAY AND SOME PERIODS OF RAIN LINGERING FOR SATURDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING, BUT NICE TO HAVE A DRIER AND TO THE WEEKEND AND SUNDAY EARLY NEXT WEEK LOOKS BRIGHTER, AND WARMER, AND THAT IS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO, HERE, AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR FINAL WEEK OF JANUARY.

TONIGHT IS GOING TO BE A WET NIGHT FOR MANY LOCATIONS.

RIGO SPRINGS MAY SQUEEZE OUT A DRIER OVERNIGHT PERIOD, 37.

MOUNT LAGUNA, 37, TEMPERATURE STAY IN THE 50s ON THE COASTLINE, THANKS TO THE CLOUDS KEEPING US A LITTLE BIT WARMER OVERNIGHT THAN WE HAVE PREVIOUS BEEN WITH THE CLEAR SKY.

WATCH THOSE SHOWERS OVER SAN DIEGO AND NOT MUCH CHANGING THROUGH THE DAY TOMORROW, STAYING CLOUDY WITH PERIODS OF SHOWERS, THAT DO STRETCH TOWARD BORREGO SPRINGS.

IT IS A CHILLY, WET DAY IN MOUNT LAGUNA, WET WEATHER AT 42 DEGREES.

WE WILL TAKE YOU TO FUTURE RADAR AND SATELLITE THROUGH TONIGHT, AS CLOUDS LINGER, I WILL STILL SEE SOME PERIODS OF SHOWERS STRETCHING ON THROUGH, YOU GET THAT OTHER BURST OF MOISTURE LATE TONIGHT, EARLY TOMORROW MORNING, THEN IT STAYS A CLOUDY DAY ON FRIDAY WITH SOME PERIODS OF LIGHTER SHOWERS BEFORE SOME RAIN RETURNS, AS WE HEAD INTO SATURDAY EVENING.

WATCH THAT, GOING TO SINK A BIT FURTHER SOUTH, THEN YOU NOTICE THE DRIER AIR, THAT STARTS TO RETURN ON THE ROAD.

SO, THE END OF THE WEEKEND SHAPES UP NICELY FOR US, BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY TRAVEL CONCERNS OR FAMILY ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN U.S., MAJOR WINTER STORM WITH ICE LEADING TO POWER OUTAGES, HUGE TRAVEL DELAYS AND WE COULD BE DEALING WITH FEET OF SNOW.

ALL RIGHT, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT A MORE PLEASANT FORECAST, HERE, BE ON FRIDAY WITH A SHOWER POSSIBLE BEYOND THE COAST.

STAYS COOL ON SATURDAY, BUT THEN TEMPERATURES CLIMBED BACK TO THE UPPER 60s AND 70s NEXT WEEK.

CHANCE OF SHOWERS INLAND, AS WELL, ON FRIDAY AND STAYING COOL SATURDAY, BUT SUNNY AND NICE ON SUNDAY, THROUGH MONDAY AND TUESDAY.

WE WILL TAKE YOU TO THE MOUNTAINS, WHERE WE KEEP IT SHOWERY AND COOL FRIDAY, THEN CHILLY ON SUNDAY BEFORE NICER WEATHER RETURNS INTO THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK, THEN SHOWERS IN THE DESERT ON FRIDAY, BUT THEN SOME WARMER, DRIER WEATHER AS WE WRAP UP THE WEEKEND.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I AM ARIELLA SCALESE.

>>> WITH THE NFL PLAYOFFS UNDERWAY AND THE THRILLING CONCLUSION OF ANOTHER SEASON OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL, PEOPLE ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE EXPERIENCING THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF BEING A SPORTS FAN.

NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOUR TEAM IS, EXPERTS WARN IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP WINS AND LOSSES INTO PERSPECTIVE.

HERE IS LEE WALTMAN WITH WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN THOSE LOSSES INEVITABLY HAPPEN.

>> Reporter: FOR MANY PEOPLE, SPORTS FANDOM MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT HAPPENS ON THE FIELD.

IT IS THEIR IDENTITY, A WAY OF LIFE.

BUT, FOR THOSE OF US WHO LIVE AND DIE BY OUR TEAMS' WINS AND LOSSES, IT CAN BE POSSIBLE TO TAKE THINGS TOO FAR.

FROM THE THRILL OF VICTORY -- >> IT MEANS THE WORLD TO US.

>> WE ARE CHAMPIONS!

>> Reporter: -- TO THE AGONY OF DEFEAT -- >> THIS WAS TERRIBLE.

IT WAS SO CLOSE.

>> SO CLOSE.

WE SHOULD HAVE WON IT.

>> Reporter: -- BEING A DIEHARD SPORTS FAN CAN HAVE A REAL IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE.

>> IT BROUGHT EVERYBODY TOGETHER.

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE WHAT THE BEARS CAN BRING TO THE CITY.

>> HAPPENS EVERY YEAR, MAN.

THE BEARS LOSE IT EVERY SINGLE YEAR.

>> Reporter: EXPERTS SAY ROOTING FOR A SPORTS TEAM CAN HELP FOSTER A COMMUNITY, EASE FEELINGS OF LONELINESS, AND EVEN BOOST SELF-ESTEEM.

>> IF YOU LOOK AT THE VIDEOS ABOUT INDIANA, YOU ARE HEARING, "WE DID IT!

WE WON THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!"

AND BECAUSE THERE IS, LIKE, THAT SENSE OF IDENTITY THAT BECOMES CONNECTED TO US, AND IT DOES, THERE IS A CHEMICAL PROCESS GOING ON.

>> Reporter: ON THE FLIPSIDE, WHEN OUR TEAMS LOSE, IT CAN TRIGGER A NEGATIVE RESPONSE.

>> THERE CAN BE SOME ANGER, THERE CAN BE SOME AVOIDANCE, WITHDRAW.

IT CAN HURT RELATIONSHIPS, IN CERTAIN ASPECTS.

>> Reporter: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST DR.

PATRICK MAGALY SAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP WINS AND LOSSES INTO PERSPECTIVE.

>> TRY TO LOOK FOR CERTAIN WAYS THAT YOU CAN HAVE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.

LIMIT YOURSELF ON SOCIAL MEDIA, BECAUSE THAT CAN, YOU KNOW, KIND OF INCREASED THE ANGER, AND INCREASE THE FRUSTRATION AND DESPAIR.

FIND SOMETHING THAT IS HEALTHY, LIKE A HOBBY.

>> Reporter: MOST IMPORTANTLY, FANS SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER -- >> ALWAYS NEXT YEAR!

>> ALWAYS NEXT YEAR!

>> THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR.

>> Reporter: BEING A PASSIONATE SPORTS FAN IS AN EMOTIONAL INVESTMENT, BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO COME AT THE COST OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH.

IN NEW YORK, I AM LEIGH WALTMAN.

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

ON "MORNING EDITION," HEAVY SNOW AND ICE IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT A LARGE PORTION OF THE SOUTH AND NORTHEAST THIS WEEKEND.

>>> AND, KPBS "ROUNDTABLE" IS BRINGING LOCAL REPORTERS TOGETHER FOR AN UPDATE ON IMMIGRATION POLICY AND ENFORCEMENT.

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

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I AM JACOB AERE.

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!

♪ ♪