♪ >>> 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 45 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!

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

AND WE BEGIN TONIGHT WITH BREAKING NEWS.

A CLAIREMONT MESA MOSQUE THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF A SHOOTING LAST YEAR WENT INTO LOCKDOWN FOR REASONS THAT ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY CLEAR AS OF NOW.

THE CENTER'S IMAM HAS TOLD KPBS VIA TEXT THAT EVERYONE IS SAFE.

SAN DIEGO POLICE SAY THEY WERE PROVIDING A PRESENCE IN THE AREA OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION.

THE DEPARTMENT DID NOT DISCLOSE WHAT LED TO THE ACTION.

THE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS ONE SCHOOL IN THE AREA WAS ALSO PUT ON LOCKDOWN, BUT THAT ORDER WAS LIFTED.

LAST MAY, TWO TEENAGERS OPENED FIRE ON THE MOSQUE, KILLING A SECURITY GUARD AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION.

>>> WE NOW KNOW THE IDENTITY OF THE MAN WHO DIED IN U.S.

IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENTS CUSTODY OVER THE WEEKEND.

I.C.E.

IS IDENTIFYING HIM AS 43-YEAR-OLD ROBERTO JIMENEZ GUTIEREZ, AN IMMIGRANT FROM GUATEMALA.

KPBS REPORTER ALEXANDER NGUYEN HAS REACTION FROM COUNTY OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS.

[ SPEAKING IN SPANISH ] >> Reporter: THIS IS THE VIDEO OF THE ARREST ON OCTOBER 9th.

THE MAN IS IDENTIFIED AS I.C.E.

AS ROBERTO JIMENEZ GUTIEREZ WAS SEEN HERE BEING DETAINED.

ACCORDING TO I.C.E., HE WAS DEPORTED TO MEXICO THREE TIMES BETWEEN 2006 AND 2008.

HE THEN REENTERED THE U.S.

IN NOVEMBER 2016 SEEKING ASYLUM, BUT FAILED TO APPEAR FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

I.C.E.

SAID HE DIED IN CUSTODY HERE AT THE CORECIVIC OTAY MESA CENTER.

GUTIEREZ WAS FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN HIS CELL AROUND 11:30 SATURDAY MORNING.

STAFF CALLED 911 AND PERFORMED CPR UNTIL PARAMEDICS ARRIVED.

IN A STATEMENT, CORECIVIC SAID EMS ARRIVED AND CONTINUED THE EFFORTS BUT THE INDIVIDUAL WAS PRONOUNCED DECEASED BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED FROM THE CENTER.

ACCORDING TO THE COURT, HE DIED ABOUT AN HOUR EARLIER.

HIS DEATH IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

>> WHEN OUR GOVERNMENT TAKES SOMEONE INTO RESPONSIBILITY, IT TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR LIFE, HEALTH AND SAFETY.

>> Reporter: AT A MEETING THIS AFTERNOON TERRA LAWSON-REMER CALLED FOR STOPPING DOING INSPECTIONS.

THE COUNTY WAS SUED AND LIMITED GRANTED ACCESS.

>> WHEN OUR ACCESS SUED TO GAIN ACCESS, IT WASN'T A POLITICAL EXERCISE.

IT WAS A NECESSARY STEP TO PROTECT HUMAN LIVES.

AND WHAT OUR COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTORS UNCOVERED INSIDE THOSE DOORS VALIDATED OUR WORST FEARS.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO I.C.E.

'S OWN REPORT, 29 PEOPLE DIED IN CUSTODY THIS YEAR.

HOWEVER, THE NONPROFIT NATIONAL IMMIGRANTS PROJECT PUT THE NUMBER AT AROUND 30.

LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER WAS 33.

>> IT'S SUCH AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT.

I BELIEVE, WE BELIEVE AS AN ORGANIZATION THAT IT'S A PREVENTIBLE DEATH.

ALL OF 30 PLUS THIS YEAR.

>> Reporter: PETER RIOS WITH THE AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE SAID INCIDENTS SUCH AS THIS ARE THE REASON WHY DETENTION CENTERS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.

WE TALKED TO HIS WIFE, AND SHE SAYS HE IS A FATHER OF FIVE AND THEY'RE TRYING TO GET HIS BODY BACK TO GUATEMALA.

IN DOWNTOWN, ALEXANDER NGUYEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS.

KPBS AND METRO REPORTER ANDREW BOWEN SAYS THE MOVE CANNOT STOP A DATA CENTER FROM BEING CONSIDERED ON FEDERAL LAND.

>> Reporter: EARLIER THIS MONTH, VOICE OF SAN DIEGO REPORTED DEVELOPERS WERE EXPLORING BUILDING A MASSIVE DATA CENTER AT NAVWAR.

THAT'S THE NAVY'S CYBER SECURITY CAMPUS IN THE MIDWAY DISTRICT.

THE CITY HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER THAT DEVELOPMENT, BUT OFFICIALS SAY IT SHOWS THERE'S DEMAND FOR DATA CENTERS IN SAN DIEGO, AND THE CITY NEEDS RULES AROUND WHERE AND HOW THEY CAN BE BUILT.

COUNCILMEMBER SEAN ELO-RIVERA SAYS IT'S AN ISSUE OF ECONOMIC JUSTICE.

>> BILLIONAIRES WANT TO PARK THEIR COMPUTERS ON OUR LAND AND THEN SEND US THE BILL.

WITHOUT A MORATORIUM, SAN DIEGANS RISK SUBSIDIZING A MILLIONAIRE'S PROFIT MACHINE WHILE WE LOSE CLEAN WATER, CLEAN ENERGY, CLEAN AIR AND LAND WE COULD USE FOR HOUSING.

>> Reporter: CURRENTLY SAN DIEGO HAS NO LAND USE REGULATIONS SPECIFICALLY FOR DATA CENTERS.

THERE ARE DATA CENTERS IN SAN DIEGO.

CITY OFFICIALS SAY THEY WERE PERMITTED UNDER RULES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOE LaCAVA SAYS FEW THINGS HAVE UNITED SAN DIEGANS MORE THAN OPPOSITION TO DATA CENTERS.

>> SO WHILE OUR ABILITY TO CONTROL ACTION ON FEDERAL LANDS IS LIMITED, WE MUST USE EVERY TOOL IN OUR TOOL BOX, CONTINUING TO BUILD A BROAD COALITION FROM SAN DIEGANS TOWARDS CITY LEADERS TO OUR FEDERAL LEGISLATORS IS WHERE WE HAVE BEEN WORKING AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK.

I WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHATEVER IS NEEDED OR NECESSARY TO KEEP THAT MOMENTUM GOING.

>> Reporter: THE MORATORIUM LASTS 45 DAYS.

IT CAN BE EXTENDED UP TO 10 1/2 MONTHS WHILE THE CITY CRAFTS PERMANENT REGULATIONS FOR DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M ARIELLA SCALESE.

COMING UP TONIGHT, PARTLY CLOUDY.

TEMPERATURES DOWN TO 60 DEGREES.

COOLER AIR CONTINUES TO BE TRENDING.

WE'RE TRACKING SOME SHOWERS, EVEN RAIN BY THE WEEKEND, AND ALSO THOSE TIDES CONTINUE TO BE ELEVATED.

PROBLEMS ALONG THE COAST.

LOTS TO TALK ABOUT.

IT'S ALL COMING UP.

>>> NEIGHBORHOODS ALONG SAN DIEGO'S COASTLINE ARE DRYING OUT AND CLEANING UP AFTER FLOODING ON MONDAY.

KPBS REPORTER JOHN CARROLL SHOWS US WHAT'S BEING DONE TO KEEP HOMES AND BUSINESSES DRY.

>> Reporter: A SOGGY SCENE ON THE BAYSIDE OF MISSION BEACH YESTERDAY.

UNDER SUNNY SKIES, HIGH TIDES HELPED ALONG BY A KELVIN WAVE PUSHED THEIR WAY ON TO THE SCENIC SIDE STREETS, LEAVING RESIDENTS TO DO WHAT THEY COULD TO KEEP THE WATER OUT OF THEIR HOMES.

THE CITY IS NOW ENGAGED IN AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO KEEP THE BAY FROM BREACHING THE SHORELINE AGAIN.

UNLESS YOU'RE REALLY FAMILIAR WITH MISSION BAY, IT MAY NOT LOOK LIKE IT, BUT A CITY CREWMEMBER WORKING OUT HERE JUST TOLD ME THAT THE WATER IN THE BAY IS VERY HIGH RIGHT NOW.

SO THEY HAVE BUILT THIS HUGE BERM STRETCHING FROM THIS SIDE KIND OF NEAR WHERE THE WOMEN'S CLUB IS ALL THE WAY AROUND THE BAY, JUST ABOUT TO OVER WHERE THE CATAMARAN HOTEL IS.

IT KIND OF MAKES YOU APPRECIATE THE VALUE OF SAND.

FROM BERMS TO BAGS.

>> THE BAY OVERFLOWED WITH THE HIGH TIDE AND THE FULL MOON.

>> Reporter: BUT AT GET IT ON SMOKE SHOP ON MISSION BOULEVARD, LEO SANTOS IS USED TO DEALING WITH UNWELCOME WATER.

HE HAD SANDBAGS AT THE READY.

>> WE HAVE WATER FILL UP TO PRETTY MUCH RIGHT UP ALL THE WAY TO MY DOORSTEP.

AND SO WE WERE LUCKILY ENOUGH PREPARED TO MAKE SURE THAT NONE OF THAT DAMAGED THE INSIDE OF THE BUILDING.

>> Reporter: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS MORE FLOODING IS POSSIBLE.

THEY'VE ISSUED A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING FOR LOW-LYING AREAS ALONG THE COUNTY COASTLINE THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

RAIN IS IN THE FORECAST THIS WEEKEND, AND IN A SIGN THAT WE MAY HAVE MORE FLOODING IN OUR FUTURE, THE CITY ANNOUNCED TODAY THEY'LL BE DISTRIBUTING FREE SANDBAGS AT ROBB FIELD AND FOUR OTHER ATHLETIC CENTERS STARTING THIS SATURDAY.

SO WILL THERE EVER BE A DAY WHEN SANDBAGS ARE NO LONGER NEEDED HERE?

>> WE'RE IMPROVING THE CAPACITY OF THE SYSTEM IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD, WHICH WILL HELP WITH SOME OF THIS.

>> Reporter: ON KPBS MIDDAY EDITION TODAY, MAYOR TODD GLORIA TALKED ABOUT WORK UNDER WAY COURTESY OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL PASSED DURING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION.

>> THESE PROJECTS ARE NOT QUICK.

THEY TAKE YEARS TO BUILD.

BUT WE'RE BUILDING THEM RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: IN THE MEANTIME, UNDERGROUND PUMPING STATIONS LIKE THIS ARE HUMMING AWAY, AND CITY SKIP LOADERS ARE AT THE READY TO PATCH BREAKS IN THIS BERM.

HOPEFULLY PREVENTING SCENES LIKE THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.

JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS.

>>> IF IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE GETTING MORE MOSQUITO BITES, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY IS USING SEVERAL METHODS TO CONTROL THEM.

BUT WHAT RESULTS ARE OFFICIALS SEEING?

KPBS HEALTH REPORTER HEIDI DE MARCO SPOKE WITH COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL.

>> Reporter: WARMER TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY HAVE CREATED FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR MOSQUITOS TO THRIVE THIS SEASON.

>> YOU KNOW, MARCH WAS ACTUALLY QUITE WARM THIS YEAR.

SO WE DID SEE A SLIGHTLY EARLIER START TO, YOU KNOW, WHAT WE USUALLY THINK OF MOSQUITO SEASON IS ABOUT APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER.

>> Reporter: ALLISON BRAY TRACKS MOSQUITO ACTIVITY AT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL.

>> WE'RE PROBABLY GOING TO BE CONTINUING TO SEE SOME MOSQUITO ACTIVITY INTO NOVEMBER.

>> Reporter: OVER THE PAST DECADE, SAN DIEGO COUNTY HAS ALSO SEEN THE ARRIVAL OF INVASIVE MOSQUITOS THAT BITE DURING THE DAY.

BRAY CALLS THEM ANKLE BITERS.

>> NOT NECESSARILY THAT THERE'S MORE MOSQUITOS TOTAL, BUT THAT THERE ARE SPECIFICALLY MORE OF THESE LITTLE MOSQUITOS THAT LIKE TO LIVE IN BACKYARDS, APARTMENT COMPLEXES, PLACES LIKE THAT.

>> Reporter: THE COUNTY IS TRYING TO REDUCE MOSQUITO NUMBERS AND THE RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS.

CREWS MONITOR ABOUT 1500 POTENTIAL BREEDING SITES, USE HELICOPTERS TO TREAT LARVA, AND WHEN NEEDED SPRAY ADULT MOSQUITOS FROM TRUCKS.

BUT MORE RAIN FROM EL NINO COULD COMPLICATE THOSE EFFORTS.

>> YOU KNOW, THE INCREASED AMOUNT OF RAIN POTENTIALLY LEADING TO INCREASES IN STANDING WATER, WHICH IS BASICALLY JUST MOSQUITO HABITAT.

>> Reporter: THIS YEAR, THE COUNTY HAS REPORTED 11 HUMAN WEST NILE CASES COMPARED TO ZERO LAST YEAR.

>> WEST NILE VIRUS TENDS TO HAVE THESE KIND OF CYCLES WHERE WE WON'T SEE ANY SIGNIFICANT WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY FOR YEARS.

WE'LL SEE A MOSQUITO HERE AND THERE.

WE'LL GET REPORTS OF BIRDS THAT HAVE DIED FROM WEST NILE, BUT IT'S SCATTERED.

IT'S NOT CONSISTENT.

>> Reporter: BRAY SAYS CONTINUED MONITORING WILL HELP DETERMINE WHETHER MORE TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED.

RESIDENTS CAN ALSO HELP BY EMPTYING STANDING WATER AROUND THEIR HOMES, REQUESTING MOSQUITO-EATING FISH, AND USING MOSQUITO REPELLENT.

THE NEXT AERIAL TREATMENT IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY.

HEIDI DE MARCO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> FOR DECADES, THE SMALL WATERFRONT TOWN OF IMPERIAL BEACH HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS ACTIVIST SPIRIT.

MOST RECENTLY, THE CITY'S MAYORS HAVE WAGED PUBLIC BATTLES TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE TIJUANA RIVER SEWAGE CRISIS.

BUT KPBS'S KORI SUZUKI SAYS THEIR NEXT MAYOR COULD BE DIFFERENT.

>> Reporter: FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE EVENING, THE ELECTION FORUM IS PRETTY LIGHT-HEARTED.

IT'S MID-SEPTEMBER.

THE FORUM IS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL RACES IN IMPERIAL BEACH.

THE MODERATOR STARTS OUT WITH SMALL-TOWN ISSUES.

SHE ASKED THE CANDIDATES WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT A NEW DOG BEACH AND ABOUT THEIR ACTION PLANS FOR ADDRESSING THE SUMMER BUG INFESTATION.

>> NEXT QUESTION, WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST PRACTICES THAT WE WOULD UTILIZE TO COMBAT THE ONGOING MOSQUITO PROBLEM?

>> Reporter: BUT AS THE NIGHT GOES ON, THE DISCUSSION TURNS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS FACING IMPERIAL BEACH.

THE SEWAGE FLOWING ACROSS THE BORDER FROM TIJUANA, POLLUTING THE WATER, THE BEACHES, AND THE AIR.

>> ON THE -- THEY STOOD ON THE ROOFTOPS AND MADE THIS A NATIONAL ISSUE.

>> Reporter: THAT'S KARL BRADLEY.

HE IS A RETIRED SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR RUNNING FOR MAYOR.

IT'S A LITTLE HARD TO HEAR, BUT BRADLEY SAYS HE DOESN'T THINK THE CITY'S CURRENT MAYOR IS TAKING THE RIGHT APPROACH.

>> THE MAYOR HAS STATED THAT HE LIKES TO WORK BEHIND THE SCENES.

BUT WHAT I'VE SEEN IS INACTION.

SO I WOULD DO PROACTIVE THING TO INFORM MY COMMUNITY, TO PRESSURE OUR REPRESENTATION TO FUND THESE PROJECTS.

>> Reporter: MITCH McKAY IS THE CITY'S CURRENT MAYOR.

HE SEES THINGS DIFFERENTLY.

McKAY SAYS IT'S TIME FOR A MORE DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY.

>> IF YOU COME IN GUNS ABLAZING AND PITCHFORKS AND TORCHES, HUMAN NATURE JUST DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY.

>> Reporter: THIS YEAR'S MAYORAL ELECTION IS A BIG ONE IN IMPERIAL BEACH.

McKAY, AN INDEPENDENT, IS RUNNING AGAINST TWO DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGERS.

BRADLEY, THE FORMER ADMINISTRATOR, AND FELLOW CITY COUNCIL MEMBER MATTHEW LEYBA-GONZALEZ.

WITH A NOVEMBER ELECTION JUST AROUND THE CORNER, THE RACE HAS BECOME PARTLY ABOUT THE CITY'S ACTIVISTS ROOTS AND WHETHER IT'S TIME TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

>> WELL, I THINK THERE IS A LONG TRADITION IN IMPERIAL BEACH THAT STARTED WITH MAYOR BRIAN BILBRAY, WHO WAS A MAYOR BACK WHEN I WAS A KID IN THE '70s.

>> Reporter: SERGE DEDINA IS A FORMER MAYOR OF IMPERIAL BEACH AND THE DIRECTOR OF AN OCEAN CONSERVATION GROUP, WILD COAST.

HE SAYS THERE IS A DEEP LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM HERE, MOST RECENTLY AROUND THE SEWAGE CRISIS.

DEDINA SAYS THE MAYOR CAN PLAY A REALLY IMPORTANT ROLE.

THEY MAY NOT HAVE JURISDICTION OVER NATIONAL BORDERS OR WATERWAYS.

WHAU WHAT THEY CAN DO IS LIMIT PEOPLE'S LIVES BEING AFFECTED.

>> ASSUME I WAS ESSENTIALLY THE AMBASSADOR OF IMPERIAL BEACH TO MEXICO AND I MET WITH THE PRESIDENT OF MEXICO ALONG WITH MAYOR KEVIN FAULCONER.

AND I MET WITH THE GOVERNOR OF BAJA CALIFORNIA.

I MET WITH OUR PRESIDENT.

I WENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE, MET WITH OUR GOVERNOR.

SO THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHAT A SMALL-TOWN FEISTY BEACHTOWN MAYOR CAN DO.

>> Reporter: AFTER DEDINA, THE NEXT MAYOR WAS PALOMA AGUIRRE.

SHE ALSO BELIEVES IN SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOPS.

SHE LED A DELEGATION OF LOCAL MAYORS TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

AND BROUGHT LAWMAKERS TO TOUR THE TIJUANA VALLEY.

LAST YEAR SHE WON A RACE FOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR.

McKAY WAS APPOINTED TO SERVE THE REST OF AGUIRRE'S TERM AND ARGUE HE HAS BEEN JUSTICE PERSISTENT.

HE HAS HELD HIS OWN MEETINGS WITH STATE AND OFFICIALS.

AND SAID HE'LL KEEP PRESSING FOR ACTION BEHIND THE SCENES.

>> I'VE BEEN CRITICIZED BY ONE OF MY CANDIDATES FOR NOT BEING OUT HERE IN THE PARK WITH A BULLHORN AND SCREAMING AND YELLING.

I SAID, I'M MORE PRAGMATIC.

THAT'S NOT MY STYLE.

>> Reporter: LEYBA-GONZALEZ IS THE THIRD CANDIDATE IN THE RACE.

HE HAS ALSO BEEN MORE RESERVED.

AT THE SEPTEMBER FORUM, HE SAID HE'D FOCUS ON SUPPORTING THE COUNTY'S EFFORTS.

>> I SUPPORT THE MEASURE, AND I FEEL THAT WE GRAVITATE TOWARDS SOLUTIONS TO TREAT THIS SEWAGE.

>> Reporter: SO FAR LEYBA-GONZALEZ HASN'T OUTLINED MANY ACTION PLANS OF HIS OWN.

BRADLEY IS PITCHING HIMSELF AS SOMEONE THAT WOULD BRING THAT ACTIVIST SPIRIT BACK TO CITY HALL.

HE SAID HE WOULD ASK THE CITY ATTORNEY TO FILE OFFICIAL RECORDS REQUESTS WITH THE U.S.

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION AND DEMAND TO SIT IN ON CONSTRUCTION MEETINGS IN THE U.S.

AND TIJUANA.

>> SO MY JOB IS TO PUBLICIZE THIS AND MAKE SURE IT CONTINUES TO BE A NATIONAL ISSUE.

MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON, D.C., PEOPLE IN SACRAMENTO KEEP THEIR FEET TO THE FIRE ON THIS ISSUE.

>> Reporter: BACK AT THAT SEPTEMBER CANDIDATE FORUM, SUPERVISOR AGUIRRE IS THERE TO LISTEN.

AFTERWARDS, SHE SAYS SHE DOES WANT TO SEE A MAYOR WHO TACKLES THE CRISIS HEAD-ON, LIKE INVESTING IN SMALL BUSINESSES.

>> WELL, AS ANNI -- AN IB RESIDENT, I WANT MY MAYOR TO BE LOCAL, PROGRESSIVE, PURSUING SOLUTIONS.

THIS IS NOT JUST AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS TO THIS TOWN, BUT TO THE ENTIRE COUNTY.

>> Reporter: SO AS MUCH AS THE CANDIDATES DISAGREE, AGUIRRE SAYS SHE DOES SEE SOME IMPORTANT SIMILARITIES TOO.

NO MATTER WHO VOTERS CHOOSE, SHE SAYS THEY'RE GOING TO GET SOMEONE WHO LOVES IB AND WANTS THE BEST FOR THEIR LITTLE BEACHTOWN.

KORI SUZUKI, KPBS NEWS.

>>> A JUDGE HAS DENIED A FORMER POWAY CITY COUNCILMAN'S BID TO ENTER A MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION PROGRAM.

TONY BLAIN FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES OF PERJURY AND SOLICITING BRIBES IN EXCHANGE FOR VOTING TO APPOINT ANOTHER COUNCILMEMBER.

IN A COURT FILING, HIS ATTORNEYS ARGUE BLAINE DEVELOPED POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER FROM HIS MILITARY SERVICE.

THEY FILED IT LAST MONTH.

ENTERING THE DIVERSION PROGRAM COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE DISMISSAL OF HIS CRIMINAL CASE, BUT THE JUDGE AGREED WITH THE PROSECUTION'S ARGUMENT THAT THE DIAGNOSIS DID NOT PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE.

BLAINE RESIGNED FROM OFFICE LAST YEAR ONE DAY AFTER VOTERS RECALLED HIM.

>>> EXACTLY ONE WEEK FROM NOVEMBER 3rd, RESOURCES ARE BEING DIRECTED TO PLACES ONE MAY NOT TYPICALLY EXPECT SO CLOSE TO AN ELECTION.

A FEW TRADITIONALLY RELIABLY RED STATES IN THE SOUTH.

MADDIE GANNON REPORTS AND SPEAKS TO THE BROADER POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH BOTH PARTIES FIND THEMSELVES.

>> Reporter: CONTROL OF THE SENATE IS STILL VERY MUCH UP FOR GRABS, BUT DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN BOLSTERED BY HOW CLOSE RACES SEEM IN STATES LIKE TEXAS AND KANSAS.

NOW THERE ARE SIGNS SOME ARE SETTING THEIR SIGHTS ON EVEN REDDER TERRITORY.

STATES IN THE SOUTH LIKE MISSISSIPPI, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND FLORIDA ARE FINDING THEMSELVES IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS REPUBLICANS PLAY DEFENSE.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP KICKING OFF THE LAST FULL WEEK OF MIDTERM CAMPAIGNING IN FRIENDLY TERRITORY.

DEEP RED MISSISSIPPI, WHERE AN INCUMBENT REPUBLICAN SENATOR, CINDY HYDE-SMITH IS FACING A MORE SOLID THAN ANTICIPATED DEMOCRAT CHALLENGE.

>> I'M HERE BECAUSE CINDY IS DOING GREAT, BUT I JUST GOT TO MAKE SURE.

I CAN'T TAKE A CHANCE.

>> Reporter: MISSISSIPPI IS ONE OF A COUPLE OF STATES IN THE SOUTH SEEING SENATE RACES GETTING MORE ATTENTION.

A TOP GOP SUPER PAC HAS SHIFTED MORE MONEY TO THE CONTEST IN MISSISSIPPI AND SOUTH CAROLINA.

SOME MISSISSIPPI VOTERS ATTENDING TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN RALLY SAID THEY'RE UNDECIDED IN THE STATE SENATE RACE.

>> I WILL BE OPEN TO LISTENING TO EVERYTHING.

>> WE'LL SEE AFTER TONIGHT.

>> Reporter: IN SOUTH CAROLINA, REPUBLICAN SENATOR DARLENE GRAHAM HAS BEEN BOOSTED THROUGHOUT THE ELECTION BY TRUMP.

HER DEMOCRATIC OPPONENT, ANNIE ANDREWS NOTCHED THE ENDORSEMENT MONDAY FROM BIPARTISAN DUO OF SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNORS.

>> I THINK THAT'S WISE SO CLOSE, BECAUSE DEMOCRATS ARE POURING MONEY INTO SOUTH CAROLINA, TRYING TO TURN OUR STATE BLUE.

>> Reporter: SOME ELECTED DEMOCRATS HAVE TRAVELLED TO OTHER STATES LIKE FLORIDA RECENTLY TO CAMPAIGN WITH DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR AND SENATE.

AND IT COMES AS OTHERS ARE URGING THE PARTY TO FOCUS MORE ON THE REGION.

>> THE SOUTH WILL HAVE AN OUTSIZED ROLE IN DETERMINING WHO HAS THE MAJORITY.

AND I WORRY, TO BE VERY HONEST, THAT DEMOCRATS ARE MISSING A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN A SERIOUS AND SUSTAINED WAY IN THE SOUTH.

>> Reporter: DEMOCRATS FLIPPING A STATE LIKE MISSISSIPPI IS STILL CONSIDERED A LONG SHOT.

THE STATE HASN'T ELECTED A DEMOCRATIC SENATOR IN MORE THAN 40 YEARS.

AT THE WHITE HOUSE, I'M MADDIE GANNON.

>>> ONE OF THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSITIONS ON YOUR BALLOT THIS NOVEMBER WOULD ONLY DIRECTLY TAX A COUPLE HUNDRED PEOPLE IN THE STATE.

SUPPORTERS OF THE BILLIONAIRE TAX ACT, OR PROP 40 SAY IT WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO HELP PROTECT HEALTH CARE AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES FROM FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS.

OPPONENTS ARGUE THE WAY IT'S WRITTEN COULD ACTUALLY DO MORE HARM THAN IT WOULD GOOD.

>> EVERYBODY AGREES THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT THERE IS NO SOLUTION.

THIS IS THE ONLY SOLUTION.

>> SO IF THEY LEAVE BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THIS, BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO PAY 5% OF THEIR NET WORTH, THEN YOU'RE NOT ONLY LOSING THE REVENUE FROM THIS, RIGHT, FROM PROP 40, YOU'RE ALSO LOSING THE INCOME TAX REVENUE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE ORDINARILY GENERATED JUST BY LIVING HERE.

>> PROP 40 SAYS THE TAX WOULD HIT BILLIONAIRES WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA ON JANUARY 1st, 2026.

IF THE PROPOSITION DOES PASS, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE IT WOULD EVER TAKE EFFECT BECAUSE PROPS 41 AND 42 COULD OVERRIDE IT.

>>> EARLIER WE REPORTED ON THE SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL'S VOTE TO PAUSE ANY APPROVALS RELATING TO DATA CENTERS.

IT'S PART OF A LARGER DEBATE OVER HOW SOCIETY IS DEALING WITH TECH AND AI, AND THAT INCLUDES FLOCK CAMERAS.

ON KPBS MIDDAY EDITION, MAYOR TODD GLORIA DEFENDED HIS SUPPORT OF THIS TECHNOLOGY AS A PUBLIC SAFETY TOOL.

>> LAST WEEK, THE SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL TOOK ITS FIRST STEP TO MOVE FORWARD TO END THE USE OF AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS, OR ALPRs, AND THE CITY'S CONTRACT WITH THE TECH COMPANY THAT RUNS THE FLOCK SAFETY CAMERAS.

YOU HAVE REMAINED IN SUPPORT OF THE TECHNOLOGY.

WHY?

>> BECAUSE IT KEEPS SAN DIEGANS SAFE.

AND I CAN'T SAY THIS ENOUGH.

LISTEN, I SHARE THE PUBLIC'S GENERAL CONCERNS ABOUT HOW MY DATA AND YOUR DATA ARE BEING USED OR NOT USED BY ANY NUMBER OF TECHNOLOGIES.

BUT WHAT IS OFTEN MISSED IN THIS CONVERSATION IS THE FACT THAT EARLY IN MY ADMINISTRATION, YOU MAY REMEMBER, MY PREDECESSOR HAD THESE CAMERAS, TOLD NOBODY ABOUT THEM AND WAS FORCED THROUGH PUBLIC PRESSURE TO TURN THEM OFF.

I SPENT THE FIRST TWO AS MAYOR WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY, ALL RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS TO PUT TOGETHER WHAT WE CALL THE TRUST ORDINANCE.

THIS IS WHAT PROTECTS PEOPLE'S PRIVACY AND PROVIDES CLEAR RULES FOR THE ROAD FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT WHO WANT TO USE THIS IN OUR CITY.

AND THAT I BELIEVE IS THE GOLD STANDARD.

WHAT OTHER COMMUNITIES ARE TALKING ABOUT ADOPTS, WE HAVE HAD IN PLACE SINCE 2022.

THAT SAID, FOLKS NOW ARE HAVING MAYBE A CHANGE OF HEART.

AND WHAT I CAN JUST TELL YOU, JADE, WE HAVE SEEN A DRAMATIC REDUCTION IN AUTOMOBILE THEFTS.

WE HAVE SEEN THE ABILITY TO LOCATE MISSING CHILDREN AND SENIOR CITIZENS AND REUNITE THEM TO FAMILIES.

WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE ROUGHLY ONE-THIRD OF THE HOMICIDES IN OUR CITY LAST YEAR UTILIZING THIS TECHNOLOGY.

THE BOTTOM LINE, I KNOW THIS IS HELPING KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE.

AND MY JOB AS MAYOR IS NOT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR CRIMINALS.

IT'S TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE IN OUR CITY, AND THAT'S WHAT THIS TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS US TO DO.

>> YOU SOLVED A THIRD.

WERE THOSE CASES THAT OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE GONE UNSOLVED?

>> IT'S HARD TO TELL BECAUSE WE HAVE INCREDIBLE POLICE OFFICERS AND DETECTIVES THAT ARE GOING TO WORK VERY HARD REGARDLESS WHAT TOOLS ARE PROVIDED FOR THEM.

BUT I KNOW IN A CITY WHERE WE ARE ROUGHLY 200 OFFICERS SHORT OF WHAT WE ARE AUTHORIZED AND BUDGETED FOR, NEED TO FIND WAYS TO FILL IN THE GAPS.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS IF YOUR CAR IS STOLEN, IF YOUR CHILD GOES MISSING OR YOU ARE SOMEHOW GOD FORBID INVOLVED IN A HOMICIDE WHERE YOU WANT TO SEE JUSTICE, I BELIEVE THAT THIS TECHNOLOGY MAKES IT MORE LIKELY THAT WE CAN PRESENT THAT JUSTICE.

THESE ARE NOT CAMERAS THAT ARE BEING MONITORED 24/7 BY A HUMAN BEING THAT IS TRYING TO GET IN YOUR BUSINESS.

WHAT IT IS AN INVESTIGATIVE TOOL.

WHEN WE SAY WE'VE HAD A HIT-AND-RUN, AS ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, THERE IS A WHITE SEDAN WITH THIS ATTRIBUTE, WE CAN PUT THAT IN THE SYSTEM AND HELP LOCATE THAT VEHICLE AND FIND THAT SUSPECT AND BRING THEM INTO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR THEM TO BE JUDGED, HAVE THEIR DAY IN COURT.

ABSENT THIS TECHNOLOGY, IT MAY BE THAT WE CANNOT FIND THAT INDIVIDUAL.

I DON'T WANT TO LOOK A PARENT OR VICTIM OF CRIME AND SAY I DID NOT DO EVERYTHING I DID TO HOLD THE CRIMINAL ACCOUNTABLE.

LOSING THIS TECHNOLOGY WOULD MEAN THAT'S MUCH MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN.

>> HOW HELPFUL HAS IT BEEN IN SOLVING CASES OF KIDNAPPINGS?

>> WELL, IT'S BEEN VERY HELPFUL.

AND WE'RE A LITTLE -- >> HOW MANY CASE DID IT SOLVE?

>> I CAN'T TELL YOU OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, BUT I CAN TELL YOU AN INCIDENT THAT WAS VERY EYE CATCHING FOR ME.

WE HAD AN INDIVIDUAL THAT WAS PREYING AT LOCAL MALLS IN THE MISSION VALLEY AREA LOOKING AFTER CHILDREN.

HE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT TWO DIFFERENT CHILDREN.

IT WAS THE LICENSE PLATE READER THAT ALLOWED US TO GET HIM INTO CUSTODY.

I I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF WE DID NOT HAVE THAT ABILITY TO FIND HIM BEFORE HE CONTINUED ON HIS PATH.

BOTH OF THE CHILDREN WERE FINE.

THEY ULTIMATELY WERE NOT TAKEN BY HIM.

BUT IT'S JUST THAT RISK ALONE THAT I BELIEVE IS NOT WORTH TAKING.

I BELIEVE THE PROTECTIONS WE HAVE IN PLACE FOR PEOPLE'S INDIVIDUAL PRIVACY, THE TRANSPARENCY WE HAVE, THE FACT THAT WE HAVE THESE COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO WEIGH IN ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.

I BELIEVE WE COVERED THESE CONCERNS IN A WAY THAT IT BALANCES THE NEED FOR SAFETY AND PRIVACY.

AND WE SHOULD CONTINUE ON THE PATH WE'RE ON.

>> WOULD YOU VETO A COUNCIL EFFORT TO REMOVE ALPR CAMERAS FROM CITY STREETS?

>> I WILL USE EVERY POWER WE HAVE TO TRY TO MAKE SURE WE CAN KEEP SAN DIEGANS SAFE, AND THAT INCLUDE USING THAT TO PRESERVE THIS TECHNOLOGY.

>>> LET'S GET RIGHT INTO IT, BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT TO COVER.

COOLER TEMPERATURES ARE TAKING OVER.

WE HAVE WEEKEND RAIN CHANCES ON THE RISE.

AND STILL THOSE COASTAL FLOODING CONCERNS.

WE'VE SEEN PLENTY OF VIDEO AND IMAGES HERE SHOWING THAT COASTAL FLOODING.

AND THAT'S GOING TO BE A PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY AT TIMES OF HIGH TIDE.

COASTAL FLOOD WARNINGS STRETCH UP AND DOWN THE COASTLINE HERE.

AND THOSE GO UNTIL THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

SO IT'S A PERSISTENT PROBLEM.

QUITE A NUISANCE HERE.

AHEAD OF MORE FLOODING FROM WHAT'S GOING TO BE INCREASE IN SOME MOISTURE AND TROPICAL MOISTURE BY THE WEEKEND.

SO SOME IMPACTFUL WEATHER OVER THE COMING DAYS.

WE HEAD INTO TONIGHT, AND WE'LL DROP TO THE 50s INTO THE DESERTS.

40s IN MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS AND INLAND VALLEYS INTO THE UPPER 40s AND LOWER 50s.

ALONG THE COAST MID- TO UPPER 50s, AND 60s INTO SAN DIEGO.

AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO THE DAY TOMORROW, OTHERWISE TEMPERATURES INTO THE MID 70 ALONG THE COAST.

UPPER 70s, LOW 80s INLAND VALLEYS.

LOW 80s FOR THE DESERTS AND 50s AND 60s ACROSS SOME OF THE MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS.

SNAPSHOT OF THE FORECAST ACROSS THE COUNTRY LATER INTO THE WEEK WITH SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BACK ACROSS THE FOUR CORNERS INTO TEXAS.

AND STAYING QUITE PLEASANT ACROSS A LOT OF THE MID SOUTH AND NORTHEAST WITH COOLER WEATHER BACK TOWARDS CALIFORNIA.

BUT HERE'S WHAT WE'RE GOING TO BE WATCHING.

A PLUME OF TROPICAL MOISTURE.

HOW ABOUT THAT?

THAT ATMOSPHERIC RIVER STRETCHING ALL THE WAY FROM THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS BACK ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST HERE.

FLASH FLOODING RISKS, AND BENEFICIAL WHEN IT COMES TO DROUGHT RELIEF, BUT THERE WILL BE A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL SATURDAY NIGHT TO SUNDAY NIGHT.

ALL RIGHT.

WE'LL TAKE YOU OVER THE NEXT FIVE DAYS AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT ALONG THE COAST.

WITH CLOUDS INCREASING HERE AND TEMPERATURES STAYING COOLER, AND THERE IT IS.

QUITE A WEEKEND WASHOUT HERE WITH SHOWERS ON SATURDAY.

BUT THE RAIN TAPERS OFF AS WE HEAD INTO SUNDAY.

INLAND STAYS DRY UP UNTIL FRIDAY, AND SHOWERS TAKE OVER THE WEEKEND.

AND RAIN TAPERS OFF ON SUNDAY.

THE MOUNTAINS WILL GET IN ON SOME SHOWERS TO START THE WEEKEND AS THE RAIN SLOWLY EXITS BY SUNDAY.

AND INTO THE DESERTS, SAME SITUATION HERE.

SOME SHOWERS AND RAIN BY THE WEEKEND.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I'M ARIELLA SCALESE.

>>> AND YOU CAN LOOK FOR TONIGHT'S STORIES ON OUR WEBSITE, KPBS.ORG.

THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

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 45 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!

♪ ♪