>>> 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, AND RESTORATION SERVICES FOR OVER 45 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.

>>> FOR WEEKS SOME PUBLIC RESTROOMS IN MISSION BAY PARK HAVE BEEN CLOSED, DRAWING A SHARP PUBLIC BACKLASH, BUT THAT'S ABOUT TO CHANGE.

GOOD EVENING, AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO SAYS BATHROOMS IN MISSION BAY WILL REOPEN ON FRIDAY.

KPBS REPORTER KATIE ANASTIS SAYS THE MAYOR'S OFFICE AND TWO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE FOUND A WAY TO FUND THEM.

>> Reporter: IN JULY THE CITY CLOSED 13 OF THE 28 BATHROOMS IN MISSION BAY PARK.

IT'S ONE OF THE WAYS THE CITY CLOSED A GAP BETWEEN ITS SPENDING AND REVENUE.

>> IN CLOSING THESE PUBLIC RESTROOMS WERE AMONG THE DIFFICULT CHOICES THAT WE HAD TO MAKE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET.

>> Reporter: MAYOR TODD GLORIA SAYS HE UNDERSTANDS THE PUBLIC'S FRUSTRATION.

>> OF COURSE MISSION BAY IS ONE OF OUR MOST HEAVILY USED PARKS IN THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO PARTICULARLY DURING THE SUMMER SEASON, AND FAMILIES AND VISITORS REASONABLY EXPECT BASIC PUBLIC AMENITIES TO BE OPEN LIKE PUBLIC RESTROOMS.

>> Reporter: NOW HE AND OTHER CITY LEADERS HAVE FOUND A WAY TO REOPEN THEM, AT LEAST THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.

COUNCIL MEMBERS JENNIFER CAMPBELL AND JOE LUCAVA WILL EACH USE $50,000 TO MAINTAIN THE BATHROOMS THROUGH DECEMBER.

MISSION BAY PARK IS IN BOTH OF THEIR DISTRICTS.

LUKOVA SAYS HE HAS $100,000 IN COMMUNITY FUNDS TO SPEND THIS YEAR.

>> THE ISSUE OF THE CLOSED RESTROOMS REALLY ROSE TO THE TOP, AND SO I AM DEDICATING HALF OF THAT MONEY I AM ALLOCATED TOWARDS REOPENING THESE PUBLIC REST ROOMS ALONG MISSION BAY.

>> Reporter: GLORIA SAYS OTHER FUNDING FOR THE BATHROOMS WILL COME FROM THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND.

CITY LEADERS WILL CONSIDER WHETHER THEY CAN KEEP THE BATHROOMS OPEN THROUGH JUNE WHEN THEY REVIEW THE MIDYEAR BUDGET.

KATIE ANASTIS, KPBS NEWS.

>>> A PROJECT IS UNDERWAY IN SOUTHEAST SAN DIEGO TO REDEVELOP PART OF AN ABANDONED FREEWAY AND RECONNECT THE COMMUNITIES ON EITHER SIDE.

WORKSHOPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN PLACE THIS SUMMER AROUND HIGHWAY 252.

THAT FREEWAY WAS PLANNED TO GO THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF SOUTH CREST, BUT CAL TRANS ABANDONED IT IN THE 1980s AMID NEIGHBORHOOD OPPOSITION.

THE NON-PROFIT MONDO GARDENS IS WORKING WITH RESIDENTS TO REIMAGINE WHAT THE LAND COULD BE.

>> SO WE HAVE RESIDENTS FROM NATIONAL CITY, FROM SOUTHEAST, FROM CHARL TOWN, FROM THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS SHARING WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES OUTSIDE THEIR DOORS, YOU KNOW, THE THINGS THAT NEED IMPROVEMENTS, BUT ALSO HOW WE'RE GOING TO WEAVE THAT INTO THE NEW SPACE AND CONNECT OUR COMMUNITIES BECAUSE THIS LAND DIVIDES OUR COMMUNITIES.

>> THURSDAY'S WORKSHOP IS FROM 5:00 TO 8:00 P.M.

AT THE MUNDO GARDENS HOME BASE IN NATIONAL CITY.

>>> WELL, OVERNIGHT LOWS STILL IN THE LOW 70s.

WE HAVE THE CLOUDS BECAUSE OF THAT MONSOONAL MOISTURE AND THE HUMIDITY THAT GOES WITH IT AS WELL.

WE'RE GOING TO SEE OUR TEMPERATURES CONTINUE TO COOL, BUT NOT FOR TOO LONG.

AND WE HAVE SOME RAIN AND THUNDERSTORM CHANCES TO TALK ABOUT, TOO.

I'LL BREAK DOWN EXACTLY WHAT TO EXPECT COMING UP.

>>> THE MARINE CORPS IS PROVIDING AN UPDATE ON LAST WEEK'S DEATH OF A RECRETE.

TODAY THAT RECRUIT WAS IDENTIFIED AS 18-YEAR-OLD AIDAN CRAIG.

THE MARINE CORP SAID CRAIG EXPERIENCED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY ON AUGUST 1st WHILE UNDERGOING A PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST AT CAMP PENDLETON.

FOUR DAYS LATER HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT TRICENTER MEDICAL CENTER IN OCEANSIDE.

THE MARINE CORP SAYS CRAIG WAS SEVERAL WEEKS INTO HIS INITIAL TRAINING AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH.

>>> NEW BEDS FOR UNHOUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN WILL BECOME AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO.

KPBS PENNER FELLOW EMMY BURRESS REPORTS THE HOMELESS WOMEN'S SHELTER PROGRAM, RACHEL'S PROMISE, WILL SEE A 160-BED EXPANSION.

>> Reporter: THE NEW PRIVATE AND SEMIPRIVATE BED OPTIONS BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AVAILABLE BEDS AT RACHEL'S PROMISE TO 210.

THE SHELTER WILL OFFER MEALS, CLOTHES, LAUNDRY, AND SHOWER ACCESS.

THE PROGRAM'S OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ARE FUNDED BY THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE CITY'S NEW BUDGET.

>> NO MATTER THE BUDGET CHALLENGES OR THE COMPLEXITIES OF BUREAUCRACY, WE STAY LASER FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE WE CAN GET ADDITIONAL BEDS OPEN AND MORE FOLKS OFF THE STREETS AGAIN FOR GOOD.

>> Reporter: THE WOMEN WHO STAY HERE WILL ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO RELATED CASE MANAGEMENT, ASSISTANCE FOR APPLYING FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS AND MORE RESOURCES.

IT'S OPERATED BY CATHOLIC CHARITY.

THEIR CEO SAYS THEY STRIVE TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AND SUPPORT THEIR INDIVIDUAL JOURNEYS.

>> FOR THE SOME OF THEM IT IS FINDING SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.

FOR SOME OF THEM IT IS GETTING A JOB.

FOR SOME OF THEM IT IS GETTING INTO SOME KIND OF THERAPY OR RECOVERY.

AS LONG AS YOU ARE ENGAGED, WE'RE GOING TO ACCOMPANY YOU IN THAT PROCESS.

>> Reporter: THE SAN DIEGO HOUSING COMMISSION ADMINISTERS REFERRALS TO RACHEL'S PROMISE.

AFTER THAT, THERE'S NO TIME LIMIT TO HOW LONG SOMEONE CAN SAY.

THE PRESIDENT LISA JONES SAYS THERE HAVEN'T BEEN ENOUGH SHELTER OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN SAN DIEGO.

>> EVERY DETAIL IS THOUGHTFUL AND PERSON-CENTERED AND FOCUSED ON THE WELLNESS, THE HEALTH, THE HEALING, AND THE PATHWAY TO HOUSING FOR THESE WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

>> Reporter: THEY PLAN TO ADD MORE RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN STAYING AT THE SHELTER, AND DOWN THE LINE THEY HOPE TO BUILD MORE PERMANENT HOUSING NEARBY.

SINGLE WOMEN WILL START MOVING TO THE SHELTER NEXT WEEK, AND WOMEN WITH CHILDREN WILL MOVE IN NEXT MONTH.

EMMY BURRESS, KPBS NEWS.

>> YOU CAN SEE MORE OF OUR STORIES AT KPBS.ORG/PUBLICMATTERS.

>>> HEALTH SECRETARY ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.

WAS AT THE SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION IN NATIONAL CITY TODAY UNFAILING A NEW FEDERAL APPROACH TO HOMELESSNESS AND ADDICTION.

THE ADMINISTRATION CALLS IT "TREATMENT FIRST."

KPBS HEALTH REPORTER HEIDI DeMARCO SAYS SAN DIEGO COUNTY CURRENTLY HAS LIMITED TREATMENT CAPACITY.

>> Reporter: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.

SAYS THE CURRENT ADDICTION TREATMENT SYSTEM IS FRAGMENTED.

PEOPLE MOVE FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT TO DETOX, REHAB, AND HOUSING.

>> NOBODY IS IN CHARGE OF THE ADDICT ALL THE WAY THROUGH.

NO ONE IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUTCOME.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS A NEW FEDERAL TOOL KIT IS MEANT TO CHANGE THAT.

>> TREATMENT FIRST BRINGS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, HOUSING, PUBLIC SAFETY, EMPLOYMENT, FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER AROUND A COMMON GOAL.

>> Reporter: THE ADMINISTRATION ALSO EMPHASIZES ABSTINENCE AND LONG-TERM RECOVERY RATHER THAN REDUCING DRUG USE.

IT REPRESENTS A SHIFT FROM THE HOUSING FIRST MODEL SAN DIEGO HAS USED, GETTING PEOPLE INTO STABLE HOUSING AND CONNECTING THEM WITH SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY SCOTT TURNER CALLS THE TOOL KIT A ROAD MAP FOR COMMUNITIES.

>> IT'S A PLAY BOOK, IF YOU WILL, THAT BRINGS TOGETHER PROVEN AND PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

>> Reporter: HOMELESSNESS ADVOCATE JOANNE STANLEY SAYS THE PROBLEM WITH THE PLAYBOOK IS A LACK OF LONG-TERM TREATMENT OPTIONS.

>> 30 DAYS DOES NOT HEAL ANYONE.

12 MONTHS, 18 MONTHS RESIDENTIAL, THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE REALLY NEED.

>> Reporter: SAN DIEGO COUNTY HAS ADDED DETOX BEDS IN RECENT YEARS, BUT DETOX IS ONLY ONE STEP IN RECOVERY.

THE QUESTION IS WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A LONGER TERM TREATMENT BUT CAN'T FIND A BED.

KENNEDY SAYS HE'S LESS CONCERNED WITH HOW MANY SERVICES SOMEONE RECEIVES AND MORE CONCERNED WITH WHETHER THOSE SERVICES ACTUALLY LEAD TO RECOVERY.

>> IT HAS TO BE MEASURED ON WHETHER PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY GETTING BETTER.

>> Reporter: HERE IN SAN DIEGO ADVOCATES SAY THE CHALLENGE MAY BE WHETHER THERE ARE ENOUGH RESOURCES TO PUT THAT ROAD MAP INTO PRACTICE.

HEIDI DeMARCO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> I'M WILLIAM BREGHAM.

TONIGHT ON THE NEWS HOUR, TUESDAY'S PRIMARY ELECTIONS YIELD MIXED RESULTS FOR PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS AND TRUMP-BACKED REPUBLICANS.

COMING UP AT 7:00 AFTER "EVENING EDITION" ON KPBS.

>>> WE'RE EXPECTING A BIG CROWD FOR THE SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL OF BOOKS.

IT IS NOW LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY.

JOIN US SATURDAY, AUGUST 22nd AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO.

THE QR CODE ON YOUR SCREEN LEADS TO ALL THE DETAILS AND AN RSVP FORM.

WE'LL HAVE SPECIAL PANELS, VENDORS, AND OUR PICKS FOR THE NEXT CYCLE OF ONE BOOK, ONE SAN DIEGO.

>>> STUDENTS IN VISTA RETURNED TO SCHOOL TODAY BUT FOR ONE GROUP OF KIDS THIS IS NO ORDINARY START.

THEIR CAMPUS WAS COMPLETELY REBUILT WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES.

KPBS NORTH COUNTY REPORTER ALEXANDER WYNN SHOWS US WHAT THE NEW CAMPUS HAS TO OFFER.

>> Reporter: IT WAS A SPECIAL DAY FOR THESE STUDENTS.

>> YOU EXCITED?

YEAH.

>> Reporter: THEY ARE THE FIRST TO ATTEND THE BRAND NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

>> THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.

>> Reporter: THE OLD CAMPUS WAS TORN DOWN TWO YEARS AGO AFTER VOTERS APPROVED A BOND MEASURE GIVING THE GREEN LIGHT FOR A $100 MILLION REBUILD.

THE PRINCIPAL SAYS IT WAS SORELY NEEDED.

>> THE OLD ONE WAS OVER 60 YEARS OLD AND IN DEFINITE NEED OF REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENTS.

>> Reporter: MONEY FOR THE REBUILD CAME FROM MEASURE LL, A $247 MILLION BOND PASSED IN 2018.

SO WHAT DOES THE NEW SCHOOL HAVE THAT THE OLD ONE DIDN'T?

SHE SAYS A LOT.

>> WE'RE PRETTY SUSTAINABLE.

MOST ALL OF OF OUR POWER WILL BE GENERATE RIGHT HERE FROM OUR SOLAR PANELS.

IT'S JUST VERY MODERN.

OUR HVAC SYSTEMS, OUR PLAYGROUNDS, EVERYTHING IS VERY INNOVATIVE AND MODERNIZED AND SAFE FOR ALL STUDENTS.

>> Reporter: AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS CAMPUS IS HUGE WITH 8,400 SQUARE FEET OF NEW CLASSROOM SPACE AND A NEW STEAM LAB.

>> SO THIS IS OUR STEAM LAB.

>> Reporter: SHE'S THE STEAM LAB TEACHER.

SHE GAVE US A TOUR OF THE CLASSROOM.

>> WE'RE SUPER EXCITED ABOUT KIDS BEING ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART, AND MATH PROGRAM.

WE BEGAN IT LAST YEAR, BUT WE DIDN'T QUITE HAVE A -- OUR STEAM PROGRAM TO THIS SCALE.

>> Reporter: TEACHERS AREN'T THE ONLY ONES EXCITED ABILITY THE NEW CAMPUS.

PARENTS ARE TOO.

>> IT'S BEAUTIFUL.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT.

ACTUALLY COMPARED TO THEIR OLD SCHOOL IT'S, LIKE, HUGE AND REALLY NICE.

>> I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW NICE IT WAS INSIDE, AND I NEVER REALLY HAD THE TIME TO SEE IT FROM THE OUTSIDE.

SO EVEN BEING HERE NOW, AND IT'S NEAR McDONALD'S.

>> Reporter: BUT THIS FOURTH GRADER'S MIND IS STILL ELSEWHERE.

IS THAT THE MOST EXCITING THING ABOUT THIS SCHOOL IT'S NEAR McDONALD'S?

>> I GUESS.

>> Reporter: ALEXANDER WYNN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT'S BOARD MAJORITY HAS BOOSTED ATHLETICS FUNDING IN THE CURRENT BUDGET.

KPBS EAST COUNTY REPORTER ELAINE ALFARO SAYS THIS COMES JUST OVER A YEAR AFTER THE BOARD CUT THE DISTRICT'S TEACHER LIBRARIAN POSITIONS.

>> Reporter: IN SPRING OF 2025 GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERS CLAIMED A BUDGET DEFICIT OF $2.4 MILLION, SO THE BOARD MAJORITY VOTED TO CUT A NUMBER OF POSITIONS INCLUDING TEACHER LIBRARIANS.

TO SAY THE DECISION WAS CONTROVERSIAL IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC YELLED SO LOUD DURING A FEBRUARY MEETING THAT THEY HAD TO FINISH IT IN ANOTHER ROOM.

FAST FORWARD TO THE BOARD'S REGULAR MEETINGS IN RECENT MONTHS, MEMBERS OF THAT SAME BOARD MAJORITY INCLUDING SCOTT ECKERT, GARY WOODS, AND JIM KELLY VOTED TO INCREASE THE ATHLETICS BUDGET BY ROUGHLY $3.9 MILLION.

AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MONEY WILL INCREASE STIPENDS AND PAY TO COACHES AND ATHLETIC DIRECTORS.

THEY MADE THIS VOTE KNOWING IT WOULD ADD TO THE DISTRICT'S BUDGET DEFICIT.

HERE'S THE SUPERINTENDENT AT THE JULY MEETING.

>> AND I DO AS YOUR SUPERINTENDENT HAVE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT, AGAIN, THIS WILL ADD TO OUR DEFICIT SPEND.

WE DON'T HAVE THIS MONEY.

I FULLY SUPPORT ATHLETICS, PERFORMING ARTS, BUT WE HAVE SOME WORK TO DO TO PRIORITIZE PRIORITIES.

AND THAT TAKES TIME, SO IT'S REALLY HARD TO DO THIS WORK IN THIS WAY.

>> Reporter: THE TRUSTEES SAY THEY NEED TO SPEND THE MUN SO THE DISTRICT CAN COMPLETE ENROLLMENT AND COMPETE WITH OTHER ATHLETICS PROGRAMS.

HERE'S ECKERT AT THE JULY MEETING.

>> WE ARE LOSING LOTS OF STUDENTS.

AND WHEN WE PROMOTE THE ATHLETICS, WE'RE GOING TO RETAIN MORE STUDENTS, WE'RE GOING TO TRACK MORE STUDENTS.

>> Reporter: ECKERT DID NOT DOCUMENT THIS ASSERTION WITH ANY SPECIFIC ENROLLMENT NUMBERS, AND ONE EXPERT IS SKEPTICAL THAT THE SPENDING WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.

>> I THINK IT MIGHT INCREASE ENROLLMENT AT THE MARGINS.

THAT IS A FEW MORE STUDENTS MAY SHOW UP, BUT MOST LIKELY THAT WOULD BE TO RECRUIT POTENTIAL SUPERSTAR FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

>> Reporter: THAT'S LAWRENCE PIKUS, A PROFESSIONAL OF EDUCATION POLICY AND FINANCE AT THE USC ROSSIER SCHOOL OF EDUCATION.

HE SAID THE MONEY MIGHT BE BETTER SPENT AT COLLEGE ASEPTANCE.

AMONG THEM IS MOUNT MIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL HISTORY TEACHER JASON BALESTRARI.

>> I UNDERSTAND THE PLIGHT OF ATHLETICS COACHES TO PAY FOR REFS AND TRAINERS, AND THERE'S SOME GOOD, BUT THIS JUST SEEMS AN OBSCENE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES AWAY FROM WHAT I WOULD BIASLY SAY, YOU KNOW, THAT SHOULD BE FIRST SPENT IN THE CLASSROOM, IN LIBRARIES, IN ACADEMICS.

>> Reporter: AT THE BOARD'S PREVIOUS MEETING TRUSTEE JIM KELLY DEEPENED THE CONTROVERSY WITH RACIALLY CHARGED COMMENTS FROM THE DAIS.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN TELL THE STORY, THERE'S A LUFT KIDS, A LOT OF MINORITY KIDS, A LOT OF FATHERLESS KIDS, BLACK, HISPANIC POOR.

SOME OF THESE KIDS I'VE HEARD FROM COACHES -- ONE COACH HAD TAUGHT AT A CERTAIN HIGH SCHOOL -- I WON'T MENTION IT -- FOUR OF THESE KIDS THAT HAD GOTTEN INTO SPORTS WERE SUICIDAL.

AND THEY HAD TOLD THE COACH IF IT WASN'T FOR THIS, I WAS GOING TO KILL MYSELF.

BUT SPORTS CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR THEM.

>> Reporter: AT THE JULY MEETING KELLY SAID THAT QUALITY COACHES ARE NOT ALL THE HIGH SCHOOLS NEED.

THEY ALSO NEED QUALITY TRAINERS WHO CAN BETTER HANDLE SERIOUS INJURIES LIKE CONCUSSIONS.

DURING PUBLIC COMMENT AT THAT MEETING JANAE LETRELL ADDRESSED KELLY'S STATEMENTS REGARDING BLACK AND HISPANIC ATHLETES.

SHE'S A FORMER EDUCATOR IN THE DISTRICT AND RUNNING FOR A TRUSTEE SEAT THIS FALL.

>> USED STEREOTYPES ABOUT THEIR FAMILIES, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND FUTURES.

HIS REMARKS REDUCED STUDENTS OF COLOR TO A STEREOTYPE DEFINED BY ABSENT FATHERS AND POVERTY WHILE SUGGESTING THAT ATHLETICS MAY BE THEIR ONLY PATHWAY TO A BETTER LIFE.

>> Reporter: CHRIS IS A HISTORY TEACHER AND FORMER FOOTBALL COACH.

HE'S ALSO A UNION OFFICIAL.

>> OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THAT THIS WAS NEGOTIATED BEHIND THE UNION'S BACK.

I BELIEVE COACHES SHOULD GET PAID.

BUT I'VE TALKED TO TEACHERS SLASH COACHES THAT ARE UNION MEMBERS, AND THEY EVEN FEEL THIS HAS BEEN BARGAINED IN BAD FAITH.

>> Reporter: THE DIVISION AMONG BOARD MEMBERS WERE CLEAR IN BOTH THE JUNE AND JULY VOTES.

TRUSTEE CHRIS FIGHT CAST ONE OF THE DISSENTING VOTES.

>> I'M NOT AGAINST ATHLETICS, BUT THERE IS NO DATA TO SHOW THAT WE WILL RECOUP THIS MONEY.

>> Reporter: THE DISTRICT WILL PRESENT THE REVISED BUDGET AT A SPECIAL MEETING ON THURSDAY.

ELAINE ALFARO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AS KIDS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL, FEEDING SAN DIEGO IS RAMPING UP EFFORTS TO ADDRESS CHILD HUNGER.

THE NON-PROFIT PLANS TO ADD NINE NEW SCHOOLS TO ITS SCHOOL PANTRY PROGRAM DURING THE 2026, 27 SCHOOL YEAR.

THAT WILL MAKE IT A RECORD 72 TITLE ONE SCHOOLS PARTNERED WITH THE PROGRAM.

IT COMES AT A TIME THE WAIT LIST OF SCHOOLS LOOKING TO JOIN THE PROGRAM IS THE LONGEST IT HAS EVER BEEN.

AT ITS CURRENT SIZE THE PROGRAM IS PROJECTED TO DISTRIBUTE AROUND 4.5 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD IN LOW INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS THIS FISCAL YEAR.

>>> FEDERAL NUMBERS RELEASED TODAY SHOW INFLATION SLOWED LAST MONTH, BUT PRICES ARE STILL RISING, AND THAT INCLUDES SOME POPULAR SCHOOL ITEMS, AS MANY DISTRICTS BEGIN A NEW YEAR.

KARIN CAIFA IS IN WASHINGTON, AND SHE HAS MORE ON THIS AND HOW SOME PARENTS ARE USING A.I.

TO HELP WITH BACK TO SCHOOL BUDGETS.

HI, KARIN.

>> HI THERE, MAYA.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THESE OVERALL INFLATION REPORTS, IT PAINTS ONE PICTURE.

BUT WHEN YOU DIG DEEPER INTO IT REPORT YOU SEE THESE EVERYDAY GROCERY ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN PUTTING SO MUCH PRESSURE ON HOUSEHOLDS.

PACKING SCHOOL LUNCHES THIS YEAR IS GOING TO ADD UP AND MAY REQUIRE SOME CREATIVITY.

ANNUAL INFLATION SLOWED IN JULY TO 3.4%, ACCORDING TO DATA RELEASED BY THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS WEDNESDAY, AND EASING GAS PRICES BETWEEN JUNE AND JULY ACCOUNTED FOR MUCH OF THE OVERALL COOLDOWN, BUT OVERALL PRICES ARE STILL ON THE RISE.

AND THE LATEST JOB REPORT SHOWED WAGE GAINS AREN'T KEEPING UP.

>> INFLATION IS KIND OF A -- IT'S A LAGGING INDICATOR FROM A CONSUMER SENTIMENT POINT OF VIEW, RIGHT?

WE TALK ABOUT NUMBERS WE'RE BANDING ABOUT ALL THESE STATISTICS, BUT AT THE END OF IT DAY IT'S HOW YOU FEEL.

>> WITH BACK TO SCHOOL SEASON REVVING UP FOR HOUSE HOELSDS, THE JULY INFLATION DATA SHOWS A NUMBER OF LUNCHBOX STAPLES MORE EXPENSIVE THANLIEST YEAR.

RED PRICES UP 3.7%.

LUNCH MEATS UP 8.1%.

PEANUT BUTTER UP 1.8% ANNUALLY.

FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UP 5.5%, AND JUICES AND OTHER NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES UP 2.9% FROM JULY OF LAST YEAR.

REGISTERED DIETICIAN BRENDA DAVY, A PROFESSOR IN THE VIRGINIA TECH DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN NUTRITION, FOODS, AND EXERCISE SAYS SHOPPERS SHOULD SCOUT SALES AND NOTE WHICH PRODUCE ITEMS ARE SEASONAL AND PLENTIFUL.

>> LOOKING FOR THOSE ITEMS SEASONALLY CAN HELP WITH BUDGETING.

THERE'S ALSO A LOT OF DISCOUNT RACKS AVAILABLE WITH GROCERY STORES, AND I SHOP THOSE REGULARLY.

>> Reporter: A RECENT SURVEY FROM DELOITTE ALSO FOUND SOME CAREGIVERS TURNING TO A.I.

FOR LUNCHBOX IDEAS INCLUDING HEALTHIER CHOICES AND INGREDIENTS.

>> YEAH, THAT'S SOME GREAT ADVICE.

BUT IF WE COULD DIG DEEPER INTO TODAY'S INFLATION REPORT, WHAT WERE SOME OF THE OTHER DRIVERS OF INFLATION DURING THE MONTH OF JULY, AND WERE THERE ANY SILVER LININGS THERE?

>> WELL, MAYA, PUSHING THE OVERALL INFLATION NUMBER UP WAS SHELTER, WHICH CONTINUES TO BEAL VERY STICKY AND PERSISTENTLY HIGH.

AND PUSHING THE OVERALL NUMBER DOWN SLIGHTLY WERE GAS PRICES.

ENERGY PRICES, OF COURSE, ARE STILL ELEVATED FROM WHERE THEY WERE AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF HIGHER OIL PRICES DUE TO WAR IN IRAN, BUT THERE WAS A SLIGHT DIP IN GAS PRICES BETWEEN JUNE AND JULY THAT HELPED TAKE THAT NUMBER DOWN.

AND, OF COURSE, ENERGY COSTS ARE IMPACTING OTHER SECTORS AS WELL.

AIR FARE IS UP 25% OVER ONE YEAR AGO.

THAT'S BECAUSE OF JET FUEL COSTS TO AIRLINES AND ALSO SUMMER DEMAND IN THE CASE OF THE MONTH OF JULY.

LOOKING CLOSER TO HOME, LOOKING AT FOOD, UP 3% ANNUALLY.

BUT IN YOUR GROCERY AISLES IF YOU LOOKED AT CHICKEN, EGGS, BUTTER, AND CHEESE, YOU MAY SEE THOSE PRICES ARE DOWN YEAR OVER YEAR.

ONE OTHER INTERESTING NOTE ABOUT THESE NUMBERS, MAYA, LETTUCE.

THE PRICE OF LETTUCE DOWN 16% BETWEEN JUNE AND JULY LIKELY BECAUSE OF DECREASED DEMAND BECAUSE OF THAT CYCLOSPORA OUTBREAK.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, KARIN.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

>>> WELL, WE'RE STILL TRACKING SOME RAIN AND THUNDERSTORM CHANCES.

NOTHING TOO CRAZY BUT STILL JUST SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF.

TEMPERATURES CONTINUING TO COOL FOR NOW, BUT IT'S NOT GOING TO BE LONG BEFORE THEY START TO INCREASE ONCE AGAIN, AND THEN WE HAVE THE MARINE LAYER THAT'S BEEN DEEPENING.

CONTINUING TO SEE THE MORNING LOW CLOUDS ALONG THE COAST BUT ALSO STRETCHING ITS WAY A LITTLE FURTHER INLAND AS WELL.

OVERNIGHT LOWS IN THE MID-70s FOR BORREGO SPRINGS.

UPPER 60s FOR OCEAN SOOILD AND CHULA VISTA BUT 71 IN TO TOMORROW.

AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW BORREGO SPRINGS OUT OF THE TRIPLE DIGITS, NOT TOO BAD.

AND LOWER 70s ACROSS THE COAST OCEANBENSIDE TO CHILDA VISTA THERE.

NOT TOO MUCH CHANGE, BUT THAT'S WHAT WE EXPECT.

A LITTLE BIT OF A ROLLER COASTER HERE.

70s, 80s, BACK TO THE 80s BY THE TIME WE GET TO SUNDAY AND MONDAY, YOU SEE MORE DAYS HUMID THAN NOT BECAUSE THAT MONSOONAL MOISTURE, IT IS HERE.

FURTHER INLAND, WELL, THURSDAY JUST HUMID.

SO THAT 81, IT'S NOT GOING TO FEEL LIKE 81.

IT'S GOING TO FEEL A LITTLE HOTTER THAN THAT.

TEMPERATURE-WISE, WE'RE CONTINUING TO SEE THOSE TEMPERATURES COOL, BUT THEN WE START TO SEE THEM INCREASE ONCE AGAIN, ESPECIALLY 88 BY THE TIME WE GET BACK TO YOUR MONDAY.

AS WE HEAD TO OUR MOUNTAIN REGIONS, WELL, 68 FOR YOUR THURSDAY.

WE'RE BACK INTO THE 70s FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY.

BUT LOOK AT THAT JUMP SUNDAY TO MONDAY.

72, AND THEN WE GET TO 80 BY I'M WE GET TO MONDAY.

NOW, THIS WEEKEND NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION TO SEE A FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS HERE.

NOT EVEN ENOUGH TO POPULATE THE ICON BUT JUST SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF.

OVERALL AS WE LOOK AT OUR DESERT REGION, WE DON'T STAY IN THE 90s TOO LONG.

AS WE HEAD TOWARDS THE WEEKEND WE'RE IN THE 90s, AND THEN BACK TO THE TRIPLE DIGITS BY THE TIME WE GET TO SATURDAY.

AND EVEN 105 BY THE TIME WE GET TO SUNDAY.

BUT NOT 110.

WE'LL TAKE WHAT WE CAN GET.

I HOPE YOU'RE ABLE TO GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THE 90s WHILE YOU CAN.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I'M ACCUWEATHER ANNA AZALLION.

>>> THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS AND THE LOUD, HOLLYWOOD'S STUDIO IS ADDING TWO ADDITIONAL SOUND BARRIERS BETWEEN ITS FAST AND FURIOUS ROLLER COASTER.

IT COMES AFTER NEIGHBORS COMPLAINED ABOUT EXCESSIVE SCREAMING FROM RIDERS TESTING IT OUT.

THE RIDE IS IN THE TECHNICAL PHASE WITH REHEARSALS.

THE LEI CITY COUNCIL SAYS THE NEW SOUND BARRIER CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED BY EARLY SEPTEMBER.

IN A MEDIA STATEMENT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD SAID THEY APPRECIATE THE COMMUNITY'S INPUT AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENGAGE WITH THEIR NEIGHBORS AS THE COASTER REMAINS IN TECHNICAL REHEARSALS AHEAD OF ITS OPENING.

AN OFFICIAL OPENING DATE HAS NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED.

>>> SOCCER IS ONE OF THE MOST FOPLER YOUTH SPORTS IN AMERICA, BUT REACHING ONE OF THE HIGHEST LEVELS CAN COME WITH A STEEP PRICE.

NEW RESEARCH FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RISKING OVERLOOKING TALENTED YOUNG PLAYERS.

IVAN RODRIGUEZ EXPLAINS.

>> IN MANY OTHER COUNTRIES CHILDREN BEGIN IN COMMUNITY CLUBS, AND PROMISING PLAYERS CAN MOVE INTO MORE ELITE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

HERE IN THE U.S.

FAMILIES MAY HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO ACCESS MANY OF THE HIGHER LEVEL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

ACROSS THE COUNTRY MILLIONS OF CHILDREN GROW UP PLAYING SOCCER, BUT FOR THOSE HOPING TO REACH THE COLLEGE, PROFESSIONAL, OR NATIONAL TEAM LEVEL, TALENT MAY NOT BE ENOUGH.

A UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA STUDY FOUND AMERICA'S DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM IS DIVIDED AMONGST SCHOOL TEAMS, PRIVATE CLUBS, AND COMPETING ELITE LEAGUES.

>> IT'S SORT OF A FRACTURED PIPELINE IN IT'S HARD FOR PLAYERS TO MOVE UP.

>> Reporter: PRIVATE CLUBS HELP FILL THAT DEVELOPMENT GAP OFFERING PROFESSIONAL COACHING AND HIGHER LEVEL COMPETITION.

THE STUDY FOUND PLAYING AT THE PRIVATE CLUB OR ELITE LEAGUE LEVEL CAN COST FAMILIES BETWEEN $1,000 AND $10,000 A YEAR AFTER FEES, UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, AND TRAVEL.

>> IT'S GOING TO BE REALLY TOUGH TO COME UP WITH A THOUSAND TO $5,000 IT CAN TAKE TO PLAY A SEASON FOR AN LETE CLUB.

>> Reporter: AND MONEY IS NOT THE ONLY BARRIER.

PARENTS MAY NEED TO DRIVE TO SEVERAL PRACTICES EACH WEEK AND TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES FOR WEEKEND TOURNAMENTS.

RESEARCHERS SAY THAT CAN FAVOR CHILDREN WHOSE FAMILIES HAVE MORE MONEY, TIME, AND TRANSPORTATION.

WHILE LOWER INCOME PLAYERS MAY NEVER BE DISCOVERED.

SUGG SAYS COMMUNITIES NEEDS MORE AFFORDABLE PROGRAMS, BETTER COACHING, AND A CLEARER PATHWAY FOR PLAYERS WHO WANT TO ADVANCE.

>> IF WE CAN BROADEN THE BASE OF THAT PYRAMID AND CREATE MORE VERY LOW-COST RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND GOOD COACHING, THEN WE COULD DEVELOP A MUCH STRONGER SYSTEM.

>> Reporter: THE GOAL, MAKE SURE AMERICA'S NEXT GREAT PLAYER IS IDENTIFIED BY ABILITY, NOT BY WHAT HIS OR HER FAMILY CAN AFFORD.

HE SAYS PAY TO PLAY IS NOT THE ONLY REASON THE U.S.

HAS STRUGGLED TO DEVELOP MORE WORLD CLASS PLAYERS.

SOCCER ALSO COMPETES WITH FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, AND BASEBALL FOR THE COUNTRY'S BEST YOUNG ATHLETES.

BUT HE SAYS A LESS EXPENSIVE AND MORE COORDINATED SYSTEM WOULD EXPAND THE TALENT POOL WHILE ALSO GIVING CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY.

IN ATLANTA, I'M IVAN RODRIGUEZ.

>>> TIME TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON TOMORROW IN THE KPBS NEWSROOM.

A SIGN OF PROGRESS.

THE AMOUNT OF RESCUES OF PEOPLE BURIED UNDER RUBBLE AFTER THE MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE IN COLUMBIA ARE SLOWING.

WE'LL HAVE THE LATEST ON NPR'S MORNING EDITION.

AND TOMORROW'S KPBS MIDDAY EDITION IS ALL ABOUT ARTS AND CULTURE.

BETH COT MAUNDO SKBROINS THE TEAM AND SHE'LL BE JOINED BY A PANEL.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

GOOD NIGHT.

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