♪ >>> 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, CALL 1-800-BILLHOWE OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM.

AND BY THE THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION , DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, I AM MAYA TRABULSI.

NEARLY A WEEK AFTER A NEW YORK TIMES REPORT ON SEXUAL ALLEGATIONS AGAINST CESAR CHAVEZ, SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD IS CONSIDERING THE PROCESS OF RENAMING A SCHOOL THAT BEARS HIS NAME.

KPBS REPORTER JACOB AERE JOINS US LIVE FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL WHERE THE BOARD MEETING IS TAKING PLACE.

JACOB?

>> HI, MAYA.

TONIGHT, THE DISTRICT'S BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL CONSIDER BEGINNING THE PROCESS TO FORMALLY CHANGE THE NAME OF CESAR CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN SOUTHWEST.

THE SCHOOL'S LOGO IS THE UNITED FARM WORKERS UNION FLAG.

REGULATIONS TYPICALLY LIMIT THE SCHOOL TO ONE NAME CHANGE OR MASCOT CHANGE PER YEAR.

THE DISTRICT SAYS THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT AND IT NEEDS TO RESPOND TO COMMUNITY CONCERNS.

EARLIER TODAY, WE SPOKE WITH BOARD VICE PRESIDENT SABRINA TALKED ABOUT WHAT COULD COME NEXT.

>> WE ARE TOWARDS THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, WE WILL BE DONE IN MAY, SO WE WILL START THE PROCESS NOW, YOU KNOW, GO THROUGH THE SUMMER AND I WOULD IMAGINE, YOU KNOW, HAVE SOMETHING DECIDED FOR THE FALL SEMESTER.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS PHYSICAL CHANGES WOULD TAKE PLACE AFTER THAT DECISION WAS MADE.

SHE ALSO SAID THE DISTRICT IS WORKING ON COVERING UP ANY CHAVEZ SIGNAGE ON ITS BUILDINGS.

THIS IS THE FIRST STEP IN A COMMUNITY DRIVEN PROCESS.

THAT PROCESS INCLUDES ESTABLISHING A NAMING COMMITTEE, AS WELL AS HAVING AT LEAST TWO DIFFERENT COMMUNITY MEETINGS FOR THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT ON THE MATTER.

MAYA?

>> JACOB, THANK YOU.

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED ISN'T THE ONLY LOCAL INSTITUTION CONSIDERING REMOVING CHAVEZ'S NAME FROM BUILDINGS AND MEMORIALS.

WHILE OTHERS CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT?

>> Reporter: THAT'S RIGHT.

ALREADY, WE HAVE SEEN DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS LIKE CAL STATE SAN MARCOS AS WELL AS SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE REMOVE STATUES AND HIS NAME ON BUILDINGS, AND NOW THEY'RE GOING TO MOVE HIS NAME.

JACOB AERE, KPBS NEWS.

>> THE HEAT WAVE CONTINUES ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST.

OVERNIGHT RELIEF, SOMETHING WE ARE PROBABLY ENJOYING IN MOST NEIGHBORHOODS.

RAMONA, 48.

THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME PATCHY CRYSTAL CLOUDS, BUT OTHERWISE A CLEAR SKY FOR THE INTERIOR.

THE HEAT IS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE EXPANDING INTO MORE OF THE PLANES THIS WEDNESDAY, BUT WE'RE STILL ABSOLUTELY IN ON IT.

AREAS JUST A LITTLE BIT INLAND WILL STILL BE FLIRTING WITH RECORD HIGHS OR BREAKING DAILY RECORD HIGHS POINT WE WILL HAVE YOUR LOCAL FORECAST, FINDING RELIEF IN THE END, IN A BIT.

>>> A DEAL TO FIND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, WHICH INCLUDES TSA AGENTS, MIGHT BE GETTING CLOSER TO REALITY.

THE POTENTIAL DEAL COMES NOW AS DHS HAS A NEW LEADER AND AS AIRLINES ACROSS THE COUNTRY FACE WORSENING SECURITY LINES AT AIRPORTS POINT MICHAEL YOSHIDA REPORTS.

>> Reporter: FRUSTRATIONS FOR FLYERS.

>> WE HAVE BEEN HERE AT LEAST AN HOUR AND 15 MINUTES IN LINE.

>> TO GET AN 8:15 FLIGHT POINT >> Reporter: TRAVELERS STILL SING HOURS LONG SECURITY LINES AT SOME MAJOR AIRPORTS POINT >> YOU THINK IT IS NOT GOING TO BE THAT BAD, BUT THEN YOU GET HERE AND YOU THINK, OH MAN, IT REALLY IS AS BAD AS THEY SAY IT IS POINT >> Reporter: CALLOUTS FROM TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS CONTINUE AS THEY HAVEN'T BEEN PAID SINCE MID FEBRUARY.

MONDAY, IMMIGRATIONS AND COST AS ENFORCEMENT AGENTS WERE SENT TO 14 AIRPORTS, INCLUDING SOME OF THOSE HIT HARDEST BY TSA STAFFING SHORTAGES.

ICE AGENTS ARE HELPING WITH SIMPLER TASKS.

>> I DON'T BELIEVE THEY ARE TRAINED IN A WAY THEY CAN HELP US.

SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE, I HAVE SEEN THEM OUTSIDE.

I DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE DOING ANYTHING, I DON'T KNOW.

>> Reporter: MONDAY, REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS EMERGED FROM THE WHITE HOUSE WITH A PLAN TO MOSTLY FUND THE DHS AND BEGIN PAYING TSA AGENTS AGAIN.

ACCORDING TO A SOURCE FAMILIAR WITH THE TALKS, A PORTION OF IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUNDING AND PIECES OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S VOTER I.D.

BILL KNOWN AS THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, WHICH THE PRESIDENT SAID IS NEEDED FOR ANY DEAL, WOULD BE LEFT OUT AND REQUIRE SEPARATE LEGISLATION.

A PLAN KEY DEMOCRATS SEEM OPEN TO, BUT WANT TO SEE IN WRITING POINT >> THE CLEANEST THING TO DO IS JUST FUN TO TSA, LET'S DO IT TODAY.

>> Reporter: AS NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE, TUESDAY, MARK WAYNE MULLEN WAS PLACED AS THE HEAD OF DHS, REPLACING KRISTI NOEM.

>> THE SAN DIEGO'S EAST COUNTY HAS BECOME THE EPICENTER FOR A LARGE CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT IN THE REGION, AND THAT INCLUDES SOLAR, WIND, AND LITHIUM BATTERY STORAGE, BUT KPBS'S REPORTER ELAINE ALFARO SAYS RESIDENTS HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURAL SITES.

>> Reporter: LIKE MUCH OF EAST COUNTY, THE COMMUNITY OF BOULEVARD IS HOME TO RUGGED LANDSCAPES, RICH CULTURAL HISTORY, AND DIVERSE WILDLIFE.

THE UNINTERRUPTED NATURE IS PART OF WHY IVONNE AND ABRAHAM MOVED HERE IN THEIR RETIREMENT COULD >> THIS IS WHAT REALLY SOLD US TO THIS PROPERTY.

WE WALKED UP AND CAME THROUGH HERE, AND I WILL SHOW YOU, COME ON AND YOU WILL SEE, IT'S BEAUTIFUL.

>> Reporter: BUT ABRAHAM WORRIES THE NATURAL SPACE NEAR THEIR PROPERTY COULD SOON BE ERASED BY A PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT.

>> IT'S GOING TO AFFECT REALLY THE LIFE OF THE HUMANS THAT LIVE HERE AND THE ANIMALS, AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

YOU CAN SEE THAT IT'S ALIVE, THE BUSHES, THE WHOLE THING, THE ECOSYSTEM IS TOTALLY GOING TO CHANGE.

>> Reporter: THE PROJECT IS CALLED STARLIGHT SOLAR AND COULD SPAN NEARLY 600 ACRES.

IT WOULD BE JUST THE LATEST IN A LONG LIST OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS THAT HAVE TRANSFORMED EAST COUNTY IN THE LAST TWO DECADES.

THESE PROJECTS ARE HELPING STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS BUILD TOWARD THEIR ZERO CARBON EMISSION GOALS IN THE COMING YEARS.

THESE TARGETS AIM TO REDUCE THE HARMFUL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE CAUSED BY GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.

BUT THOSE EFFORTS ARE RUNNING UP AGAINST COMPLEX REALITIES ON THE GROUND.

AND PUSHBACK FROM RESIDENTS AND TRIBAL LEADERS.

JOHN IS AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES AT SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE.

HE CHARACTERIZED THE TREND IN EAST COUNTY AS GREEN COLONIALISM.

>> AGAIN, THIS KIND OF SECOND WAVE COLONIZATION, GREEN COLONIZATION, YOU KNOW, IN THE NAME OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND BEING FRIENDLY TO THE ENVIRONMENT, AND, YOU KNOW, COMES AT THE EXPENSE OF, YOU KNOW, DESTROYING IN PART THE ENVIRONMENT AND DESTROYING NATIVE CULTURAL RESOURCES.

>> Reporter: SAN DIEGO'S REGION IS HOME TO 19 NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES AND 18 RESERVATIONS, INCLUDING THE MANZANITA BAND.

MANZANITA CHAIRWOMAN ANGELA ELLIOTT SANTOS SAYS THERE IS A COMPLICATED HISTORY OF COLONIALISM IN SAN DIEGO.

OVER A CENTURY AGO, EAST COUNTY BECAME A SAFE HAVEN FOR HER TRIBE.

>> THIS HAS BEEN OUR LAND FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE USED IT FOR A COUPLE HUNDRED YEARS AGO WAS AS A PLACE -- A FAMILIAR PLACE TO GO TO INSTEAD OF BEING MISSION EYES, INSTEAD OF BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO AND TAKEN OVER COMPLETELY.

>> Reporter: ELLIOTT SANTOS SUPPORTS THE IDEA OF CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY, BUT SHE WORRIES ABOUT HOW THE EAST COUNTY LANDSCAPE AROUND THE RESERVATION HAS CHANGED.

>> IT IS, IT IS VERY SAD WHEN YOU SEE THAT THERE ARE PLACES WHERE THESE PROJECTS COULD HAVE GONE THROUGH WITH MUCH LESS IMPACT.

>> BUT THE LAND-USE CONSULTANT WORKING ON STARLIGHT SOLAR ARGUES THIS PROJECT IS DIFFERENT FROM PAST EAST COUNTY PROJECTS.

>> BECAUSE WE WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY.

SO, THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN WITH SOME PROJECTS.

>> Reporter: THAT IS JIM WHELAN.

HE EMPHASIZED THAT THE PROPERTY OWNER ADVANCING THE PROJECT HAS OWNED THE LAND IN BOULEVARD FOR DECADES.

WHELAN SAYS THIS WILL PRESERVE OVER 400 ACRES OF THE NATURAL LAND AND ALL OF THE IDENTIFIED INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SITES IN THE PROJECT.

BUT COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE WARY, IN PART BECAUSE OF THE SEPARATE, SIMILARLY SIZED SOLAR PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN NEARBY HAAKON BUT THAT ALSO FACED PUBLIC SCRUTINY.

STARK LIVES THERE AND WORKS IN BOULEVARD.

SHE REMEMBERS THE DAY THE PROJECT BROKE GROUND.

>> IT FELT LIKE GETTING RUN OVER FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, AND IT JUST FEELS LIKE, UM, LIKE THERE IS NO LIKE -- I HAVEN'T CONSENTED TO THIS POINT >> Reporter: THE COMMUNITY SECURITY FOR MILLION-DOLLAR BENEFIT ON FROM THE DEVELOPER.

LAST FALL, THE BOULEVARD COMMUNITY PLAYING GROUP APPROVED THE PROPOSED STARLIGHT SOLAR PROJECT WITH SOME STRINGS ATTACHED.

THE GROUP IS ASKING FOR A $7 MILLION COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND, ALONG WITH OTHER COMMITMENTS.

WHELAN SAID THE BOULEVARD PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE INVESTED IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN YEARS PAST.

FOR STARLIGHT, HE SAYS THEY WILL PAY TO REFURBISH THE LOCAL RESOURCE CENTER AND ARE OPEN TO INCREASE SETBACKS FOR THE PROJECT, BUT THEY HAVEN'T AGREED TO A BENEFIT FUND.

>> WE HAVE ALREADY DONE A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT THEY ASKED FOR.

>> Reporter: STILL, SOME COMMUNITY MEMBERS WANT TO SEE STRONGER PROTECTIONS AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, SUCH AS WATER CONTAMINATION AND FIRE HAZARDS.

IN AN EMAIL, A COUNTY SPOKESPERSON SAID, "A UTILITY SCALE ENERGY PROJECT'S IMPACTS UNDERGO A LENGTHY PUBLIC PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE.

THE COUNTY'S ROLE IS TO EVALUATE WHETHER A PROJECT IS APPROPRIATE FOR A PARTICULAR SITE AND WHETHER IT'S IMPACTS CAN BE AVOIDED, REDUCED, OR MITIGATED TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL UNDER STATE LAW."

THE SPOKESPERSON SAID IT IS POSSIBLE THE PROJECT MAY GO TO THE COUNTY'S PLANNING COMMISSION IN EARLY MAY.

ELAINE ALFARO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M JEFF BENNETT.

TONIGHT ON THE NEWS HOUR, THE GROWING COST OF THE WAR ON CIVILIANS IN ISRAEL, IRAN, AND ACROSS THE REGION THAT IS AT 7:00 AFTER EVENING EDITION ON KPBS.

♪ >>> PRESIDENT TRUMP REPEATEDLY PROMISED THAT TAX REFUNDS WOULD BE LARGER THIS YEAR FOR AMERICANS THANKS TO THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL.

THE LATEST DATA FROM THE IRS SHOWS REFUNDS ON AVERAGE ARE HIGHER THAN IN 2025, BUT NOW, AS IVAN RODRIGUEZ REPORTS, THE WAR WITH IRAN COULD WIPE OUT A SIGNIFICANT SLICE OF THAT REFUND FOR MANY PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: AS OF MARCH 13, THE AVERAGE REFUND AMOUNT FOR INDIVIDUAL FILERS WAS $3623, UP FROM $3271 ABOUT A YEAR AGO, ACCORDING TO THE IRS.

THAT IS A NEARLY 11% INCREASE.

>> IF YOU'RE FALLING INTO A SPECIFIC CATEGORY LIKE A SENIOR WHO IS GETTING AN ADDITIONAL TAX BENEFIT OR TAX REDUCTION, YOU MAY BE SEEING LARGER REFUNDS, BECAUSE AGAIN, THAT IS A NICE BOOST TO THE NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME.

>> Reporter: WHILE MANY AMERICANS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE EXTRA MONEY, THE WAR WITH IRAN IS MAKING GASOLINE MORE EXPENSIVE.

GAS PRICES HAVE SOARED TO NEARLY FOUR DOLLARS NATIONWIDE ACCORDING TO AAA, UP ALMOST A DOLLAR FROM FEBRUARY 28th.

THOSE GAS PRICE HIKES ARE FUELED BY DEFECTIVE CLOTHING -- CLOSING OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ THAT CUT OFF 20% OF THE WORLD'S OIL SUPPLY AND SENT OIL PRICES SKYROCKETING.

>> IT'S GOING TO BE A TRICKY SITUATION FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY ANYBODY WHO MIGHT HAVE MENTALLY STARTED TO PLAN FOR WHERE THIS MONEY IS GOING TO GO, THERE WILL BE OTHER DOWNSTREAM IMPACTS OF HIGHER PRICES FOR DIESEL, SHIPPING COSTS, AIRPLANE TICKETS, THOSE ARE ALL GOING UP.

>> Reporter: PATRICK DE HAAN AT ONLINE FACE TRACKER, GASBUDDY, SAYS HE EXPECTS HIGH GAS PRICES TO CONTINUE INTO THE SUMMER EVEN IF THE WAR ENDS.

>> IT IS GOING TO BE A SNAILS PACE FOR AS LONG AS THIS CONTINUES TO STRETCH OUT BECAUSE IT WILL TAKE MUCH MORE TIME FOR MARKETS TO GLOBALLY MEND THEM FOR THEM TO RESUPPLY THEMSELVES, SO THE STICKER SHOCK MAY CONTINUE, THERE COULD BE RELIEVED IF IT DOESN'T IMPROVE.

>> Reporter: I'M IVAN RODRIGUEZ REPORTING POINT >> THE WAR IN IRAN CONTINUES TO HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT ON SAN DIEGO BUSINESSES.

INFERNAL WOODFIRED PIZZA KITCHEN SAYS IT IS SHELLING OUT MORE THOUGH BEFORE THEY EVEN SERVED THE FIRST SLICE, AND THAT IS BECAUSE RISING FUEL PRICES ARE DRIVING UP THE COST OF INGREDIENTS AND TRANSPORTING THEM.

>> $200 NOW.

IT WAS 130, NOW IT IS ABOUT 200.

>> YOU KNOW, IT'S AN UNEXPECTED EXPENSE AND WE DON'T RAISE OUR PRICES, WE HAVEN'T FOR A LONG TIME, SO I KNOW IT IS GOING TO TRICKLE DOWN INTO EVERYTHING ELSE WE BUY.

>> Reporter: THAT IS OWNER, SCOTT, WHO SAYS HE HAS EXPLORED SOME EXTREME OPTIONS FOR BUYING FUEL IN BULK OUT OF STATE JUST TO SAVE MONEY.

HE ADDS THEY ARE LOOKING AT ALL OPTIONS TO ENSURE PRICES FOR CUSTOMERS STAY CONSISTENT.

>>> RV OWNERS AND TOWING BUSINESSES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE ALSO FEELING THE EFFECTS OF RISING GAS PRICES.

JEFF NGUYEN HAS MORE ON THE CHALLENGES THEY ARE FACING.

>> Reporter: WRIGHT [ INAUDIBLE ] OWNS AN ONLINE RENTAL BUSINESS THAT HE SAYS HAS BEEN STRUGGLING OVER THE PAST YEAR.

YOU HAVE 19 RVs TO RENT OUT, HOW MANY ARE CURRENTLY SITTING IN THE YARD?

>> WE HAVE 16.

>> Reporter: USES FOLLOWING THE IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS AND THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S TRADE WAR, RENTAL TO PEOPLE COMING FROM OUT OF THE COUNTRY DROPPED ABOUT 90%.

THEN CAME THE WAR WITH IRAN AND RISING GAS PRICES.

>> WE ARE SEEING A BIG DECLINE IN OUR LOCAL CUSTOMER BASE BECAUSE OF GAS PRICES.

>> Reporter: AT THIS GAS STATION, THE OWNER OF THE STUDIO EQUIPMENT TRUCK PAID $200 FOR DIESEL FUEL, JUST SHY OF 28 GALLONS.

DIESEL ALSO POWERS THE TOW TRUCKS AT KEYSTONE TOWING.

THIS BUSINESS RUNS 24/7.

GENERAL MANAGER SAYS THE PRICE OF DIESEL HAS GONE UP ABOUT 60% OVER THE PAST MONTH.

>> GOING FROM PAYING, YOU KNOW, $25,000 A MONTH TO OVER $30,000, THAT IS A DRAMATIC INCREASE FOR US.

>> Reporter: AND HE SAYS HIS DRIVERS DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY OF BEING ABLE TO SHOP AROUND.

>> WE CAN'T CHARGE OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THE FUEL, SO THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION.

>> Reporter: WHILE [ INAUDIBLE ] SAYS THE UNCERTAINTY OF FUEL PRICES MAY MEAN THE END OF THE ROAD FOR HIS BUSINESS.

>> AFTER NINE YEARS OF HAVING A FIVE-STAR REVIEW MOTORHOME RENTAL BUSINESS, THIS MIGHT BE TIME TO CALL IT A DAY.

>> THE NAVY SAYS IT IS INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS SAN DIEGO NAVY RESERVE OFFICER [ INAUDIBLE ] VIOLATED PENTAGON RULES IN HIS CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS.

KPBS MILITARY REPORTER ANDREW DYER SAYS HIS WEBSITE CHANGED MONDAY AFTER KPBS STARTED ASKING QUESTIONS.

>> Reporter: UNTIL MONDAY, THE DEMOCRATS CAMPAIGN WEBSITE DESCRIBED HIM AS A U.S.

NAVY OFFICER.

HIS RESERVE STATUS WAS ONLY NOTED IN A SMALL BLURB TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

EMAILS OBTAINED BY KPBS SHOW HIS OFFICIAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT ALSO DESCRIBED HIM AS A NAVY OFFICER.

THE SAN DIEGO REGISTER OF VOTERS REQUESTED IT BE UPDATED TO SAY NAVY RESERVE OFFICER AFTER A RIVAL CAMPAIGN COMPLAINT.

PENTAGON RULES SAY RESERVISTS RUNNING FOR OFFICE MUST CLEARLY STATE THEY ARE IN THE RESERVES AND CAMPAIGN MATERIALS.

MARK SPENT 10 YEARS IN THE NAVY AS AN OFFICER, TWO OF THOSE IN THE RESERVES.

>> THERE IS A REASON WHY I SAY I DID ALMOST 10 YEARS, AND THE LAST TWO WAS AS A RESERVIST, BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT LIKE THERE IS THAT ONE OF DISTINCTION BETWEEN ACTIVE DUTY AND THE RESERVE SIDE.

>> Reporter: IS STARTING 1 BILLION MILITARY RELATIONS AS PART OF THE MASTERS PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO.

HE SAYS HE CAME ACROSS [ INAUDIBLE ]'S CAMPAIGN WHILE RESEARCHING VETERAN CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE.

>>'S PAGE, HIS CAMPAIGN, EVERYTHING KIND OF MAKES IT SOUND LIKE HE IS ACTIVE DUTY NAVY OR WAS ACTIVE DUTY NAVY, WHEN THE REALITY IS AS FAR FROM IT AS POSSIBLE.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS WHAT YOU SEE IS ON THE WEBSITE IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT NOT TO DO.

REX AND THE BIGGEST TAKE AWAY FROM THAT IS JUST DON'T MISREPRESENT YOUR SERVICE.

LIKE CALL IT AS IT IS.

IF YOU ARE A RESERVIST, LET IT BE KNOWN.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT GOING TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE, BUT THE VETERANS WERE MILITARY COMMUNITY WILL KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

>> Reporter: IN A STATEMENT, THE CAMPAIGN SAID HE HAS BEEN COMPLIANT WITH DIRECTIVES ON PERMISSIBLE POLITICAL ACTIVITY.

THEY SAY THE NAVY HASN'T REQUESTED CHANGES.

RYAN IS A VETERAN AND DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGN CONSULTANT IN LOS ANGELES.

HE HAS WORKED ON SEVERAL CAMPAIGNS, INCLUDING PRESIDENTS BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN.

>> YOU KNOW, IF YOU'RE RUNNING FOR OFFICE, I WOULD ADVISE PERSONS TO BE ULTRA CAREFUL, ULTRACONSERVATIVE IN HOW THEY DESCRIBE THINGS.

>> Reporter: PREVIOUS REPORTING IDENTIFIED PHOTOS ON THE CAMPAIGN SITE COULD ALSO RUN AFOUL OF PENTAGON RULES ABOUT USING UNIFORM PHOTOS AS PRIMARY IMAGES IN CAMPAIGN MATERIALS.

ADDITIONALLY, HIS UNIFORM SHOWS HIS PREVIOUS RANK.

NAVY RECORDS SHOW HE WAS PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE ALMOST A YEAR AGO.

HE RECEIVED A DIRECT MISSION AS A RESERVE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER IN 2023.

PRIOR TO THAT, HE RAN FOR CONGRESS TWICE AND ONCE FOR MAYOR IN CHULA VISTA.

HE IS RUNNING AGAIN FOR CONGRESS AND THE NEWLY DRAWN 40th DISTRICT.

ON MONDAY, THE CAMPAIGN ADDED LANGUAGE TO ITS WEBSITE, MAKING HIS RESERVE STATUS MORE PROMINENT AFTER KPBS CONTACTED THEM FOR COMMENT.

ANDREW DYER, KPBS NEWS.

>>> A WORLDWIDE SHORTAGE OF AIRCRAFT MECHANICS IS LIKELY IMPACTING YOUR TRAVEL PLANS, CAUSING DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS.

AS MARYBEL GONZALEZ SHOWS US, A NEW GENERATION OF TECHNICIANS IS STEPPING UP TO ANSWER THE CALL.

>> Reporter: JUST AS CRITICAL AS THOSE FLYING THE AIRPLANES ARE THOSE TEST WITH MAINTAINING THEM, BECAUSE WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY, EVERY SINGLE DETAIL ON THESE AIRCRAFTS MATTER.

FOR THESE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, >> [ INAUDIBLE ] HAVE TO HAVE FIRE PROTECTION TO FLY.

>> Reporter: THE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SKILLS THEY ARE LEARNING AREN'T JUST FUELING THEIR PASSION.

>> [ INAUDIBLE ] >> Reporter: TO THEM, THEY ARE SAVING LIVES.

>> IT IS AN IMPORTANT JOB, BECAUSE EVERYONE SAYS YOU CAN'T PULL A PLANE OVER IN THE SKY.

>> Reporter: IS MECHANICS ARE IN DEMAND.

THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY NEEDS 17,000 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS RIGHT NOW IN NORTH AMERICA AND WILL NEED AS MANY AS 30,000 BY 2028, ACCORDING TO THE CONSULTING FIRM, OLIVER WYMAN.

>> YOU WILL SEE A LOT MORE RETIRING THAN COMING INTO THE INDUSTRY.

THAT'S WHY YOU SEE SUCH A LARGE GAP.

>> Reporter: THIS MEANS MAINTENANCE TAKES LONGER AND PLANES SPEND MORE TIME ON THE GROUND, NOT JUST AFFECTING COMMERCIAL TRAVEL.

>> EVERYTHING FROM CARGO TO CONSTRUCTION.

A LOT OF TIMES, IT IS ON A PLANE AT SOME POINT IN TIME, SO WE'VE GOT TO FILL THOSE VOIDS.

>> Reporter: THE 18 TO 24 MONTH LONG PROGRAM AT UTI LONG BEACH IS WORKING TO DO JUST THAT.

STUDENTS HERE LEARN EVERYTHING FROM THE THEORETICAL -- >> WE START WITH MATT AND WE GO THROUGH THE ENTIRE AIRCRAFT.

>> THE WATER GOES INTO THE FUEL LINE AND EXCESS WATER IS DRAINED NEAR THE REMOTE OVERFLOW LINE.

>> Reporter: TO THE TECHNICAL.

>> AS A MECHANIC, YOU WANT THEM TO BE ABLE TO WALK UP TO THEIR AIRPLANE AND LOOK, OH, THERE IS CORROSION.

>> Reporter: AND TRAINING DOESN'T END HERE, TECHNOLOGY KEEPS EVOLVING.

>> WHEN YOU COME OUT HERE, WE SET YOU UP FOR AN ENTRY-LEVEL PATH, THIS IS LIFELONG LEARNING.

>> Reporter: AN INTENSIVE PROGRAM ON THE GROUND TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE IN THE SKIES.

>> IT IS ON US TO KEEP AIRCRAFTS SAFE AND WE ARE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE BEFORE AN AIRCRAFT IS ALLOWED TO FLY.

>> Reporter: IN LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA, I AM MARYBEL GONZALEZ.

♪ >>> THE HEAT WAVE CONTINUES ALL ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

WE ARE GOING TO BE DEALING WITH A SLIGHT ESCALATION AND TEMPERATURES ALONG THE COASTLINE, BUT A LONG STREAK OF DAYS WITH YOUR RECORD HIGHS CONTINUES A LITTLE BIT INLAND.

A LITTLE HOTTER FOR THURSDAY FOR THE BEACHES.

THERE WILL BE RELIEF ARRIVING NEXT WEEK.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT, IT MIGHT NOT BE UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF ACTUAL WORK WEEK, BUT WE ARE GOING TO ENJOY A BREAK FROM THE HEAT HERE IS A HEAT WAVE FINALLY COMES TO AN END BY MONDAY AND TUESDAY.

TONIGHT, INCREASING CLOUDS FOR THE METRO WITH THAT INFLUENCE OF THE PACIFIC GIVING US A LITTLE BIT OF CLOUD COVER, BUT THE HEAT DOME HOLDS STRONG, AND ON WEDNESDAY, IT ACTUALLY EXPANDS A LITTLE FARTHER EAST.

WE'RE STILL ABSOLUTELY IN ON THIS HERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, BUT THE PLANES WILL STEP INTO IT AS WELL.

TEMPERATURES 15 TO 30 DEGREES ABOVE HISTORICAL AVERAGES FOR INLAND AREAS, AND STILL IN MANY AREAS NEAR THE COAST, MAYBE FIVE TO 10 DEGREES ABOVE AVERAGE.

72 IN SAN DIEGO, 75 OCEANSIDE, PRETTY COMFORTABLE THERE.

88 IN RAMONA.

IT IS EARLY IN THE SEASON FOR THIS, BUT WE HAVE BEEN INTO THIS NOW FOR A WEEK PLUS, A WEEK AND A HALF.

THURSDAY, STILL SUMMERLIKE OUT THERE, VERY WARM, IF NOT HOT IN MOST AREAS.

THERE IS A COLD FRONT ON THE MAP, BUT IT IS WAY TOO FAR TO THE EAST, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROCKIES, THOUGH IT WILL NOT HAVE A LOCAL PAYOFF.

SO, THURSDAY AGAIN, VERY BROAD ZONE OF HIGH PRESSURE SOUTH OF THAT SOUTHBOUND FRONT, THE AREAS FROM THE OHIO VALLEY TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FACING NEAR RECORD HEAT.

AND THE DROUGHT GETS WORSE FOR MORE AREAS TO OUR EAST AND SOUTHWEST SIZZLING ON FRIDAY.

AGAIN, A LOT OF HEAT INTO THE DESERT.

STILL VERY WARM ALONG THE COASTLINE.

NOT A DROP OF RAIN WITHIN HUNDREDS OF MILES HERE ALL WEEK LONG.

NO PRECIPITATION LOCALLY.

THE DROUGHT IS BEGINNING TO KIND OF SNEAK INTO SOME PORTIONS OF CALIFORNIA.

WORSENING DROUGHT IN THE INTERIOR WEST, THE GREAT BASIN.

SO, COASTAL FORECAST, THERE WE ARE AT OUR WARMEST ON THURSDAY, AND AGAIN THROUGH SATURDAY.

SO, MID-TO-UPPER 70s FOR THE COASTLINE.

A LITTLE WARMER THURSDAY, YOU WILL NOTICE A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE.

EVEN SUNDAY, WE'RE STILL IN THE MID-70s.

PRETTY COMFORTABLE THERE.

BUT INLAND AREAS WILL NOT FIND THAT TYPE OF COMFORT.

WE ARE PEAKING TO AROUND A CRESCENDO OF 88 ON FRIDAY JUST INLAND, WE WILL STILL BE IN THE MID 80s THROUGH SUNDAY.

THE RELIEF WON'T COME UNTIL NEXT WEEK.

IN THE MOUNTAINS, YOU'RE GOING TO BE HOLDING ONTO THE UPPER 60s, VERY WARM.

SOME MAY EVEN MAKE A RUN TO NEAR 71 RIGHT BEFORE THE FRONT ARRIVES.

THE PACIFIC AIR BEGINS TO SLIDE IN NEXT WEEK, BUT IT IS NOT HERE YET, EVEN THROUGH SUNDAY.

DESERTS DEEP INTO THE UPPER 90s MOST DAYS, EVEN SUNDAY, VERY HOT, 99 POINT IT WON'T BE UNTIL MONDAY AND TUESDAY WHEN WE GET THAT PACIFIC AIR TO BRING US A LITTLE BIT OF RELIEF, WE LOOK FORWARD TO THAT.

I AM ACCUWEATHER METEOROLOGIST GEOFF CORNISH FOR KPBS NEWS.

>>> BASEBALL'S OPENING DAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND THE PADRES TODAY HAVE FELT THE OFFERINGS THAT ARE IN STORE FOR FANS.

HERE IS ALEXANDER NGUYEN WITH A PREVIEW OF WHAT IS NEW AT PETCO PARK FOR THIS SEASON.

>> Reporter: [ INAUDIBLE ] ROLLED OUT THE RED CARPET TODAY TO SHOW OFF THE DIAMOND RING.

IT IS A '70 IS DEEMED COCKTAIL LOUNGE AND SPEAKEASY.

TREVOR HOFFMAN WAS THERE, TESTING OUT ONE OF THE DRINKS.

>> THAT'S NICE, VERY SMOOTH.

>> Reporter: SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SPECIAL EVENTS, JACLYN, SAYS THE LOUNGE ACTS AS AN EXTENSION TO THE PARK FOR PEOPLE TO HANG OUT BEFORE AND AFTER THE GAME.

>> IT IS APPROACHABLE, BUT IT IS UPSCALE, SO GREAT DRINKS, GREAT FOOD, WHETHER YOU WANT PIZZA OR DIAMOND DOG, A REALLY BOMB HAMBURGER, SO WE ARE REALLY EXCITED.

>> Reporter: BUT THAT'S NOT ALL FANS CAN EXPECT, INSIDE THE PARK, THE PADRES ADDED TWO NEW VIDEO BOARDS TO THE FIRST AND THIRD BASE TOWERS.

THEY WILL DISPLAY REAL-TIME STATISTICS.

CEO ERIC SAYS IT IS TO ENHANCE FANS' EXPERIENCE.

>> SO, THEY CAN LOOK UP THERE AND SEE VERTICAL BREAK, HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT, SPEED, AND REALLY SEE ANOTHER LEVEL OF DATA THAT HISTORICALLY, THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO SEE WITHIN THE BALLPARK ITSELF.

>> EVERYTHING THE PADRES ARE DOING THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT FAN SERVICE.

LOOK AT ALL THESE GIVEAWAYS, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL.

LOOK AT ALL THESE FOOD OPTIONS, IT IS ALL ABOUT LOCALITY.

THEY ARE BRINGING THE NEIGHBORHOOD INTO THE PARK.

>> [ INAUDIBLE ] A SANDWICH AS WELL ON SOME FRESH-BAKED FOCACCIA BREAD.

ON A ROUND FOCACCIA VERSUS YOUR TRADITIONAL SQUARE.

[ INAUDIBLE ] IS BACK WITH OUR LOADED TOTS.

>> Reporter: IT IS ALL ABOUT CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY FOR THE FANS, AND THAT INCLUDES THE VARIOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE NIGHTS.

>> WHEN WE LEARN, WHEN WE DO DIFFERENT CULTURAL HERITAGE NIGHTS, HOW WELL-RECEIVED THEY ARE.

WE DID VIETNAMESE HERITAGE NIGHT PREVIOUSLY, IT WAS INCREDIBLY WELL RECEIVED.

AND IT IS REALLY NEAT TO SEE THE VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY ALL THE WAY UP IN ORANGE COUNTY RALLY AROUND IN AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TOGETHER AND BE HONORED HERE AT THE BALLPARK.

>> THE PADRES' SEASON OPENER IS THIS THURSDAY AGAINST THE DETROIT TIGERS BUT THE FIRST PITCHES AT 1:10 POINT ALEXANDER NGUYEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> VERY COOL.

TIME NOW TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON FOR TOMORROW IN THE KPBS NEWSROOM.

REPUBLICANS HOPE TO HAVE A DEAL TO FUND PARTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, BUT THOSE TALKS ARE HITTING SNAGS.

AND KPBS MORNING EDITION WILL BREAK DOWN THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.

>>> AND PBS NEWS HOUR CO-ANCHOR JEFF BENNETT TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK DETAILING THE HISTORY OF BLACK COMEDY.

THAT IS TOMORROW ON KPBS MIDDAY EDITION.

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

THANKS FOR JOINING US, I AM 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-BILLHOWE OR VISIT BILLHOWE.COM.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION , DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

♪