>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING EDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE BILL HOWE FAMILY OF COMPANIES, PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING, AIR RESTORATION, FLOOD AND REMODELING 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.

[ MUSIC ] >>> JUST OVER ONE MONTH BEFORE DONALD TRUMP RETURNS THE WHITE HOUSE, MIGRANTS ARE IN A STATE OF LIMBO.

TRUMP PROMISED TO SEAL THE BORDER ON DAY ONE OF HIS ADMINISTRATION.

PART OF THAT INCLUDES SHUTTING DOWN A FARM APP USED BY MIGRANTS SEEKING ASYLUM.

WE SPOKE TO PEOPLE WAITING IN THE SHELTER WHO WOULD BE DIRECTLY IMPACTED.

>> Reporter: IT IS CHRISTMAS TIME AT THIS SHELTER.

CHILDREN PLAYED BY THE TREE, WHILE PARENTS DECORATE THEIR TEMPORARY HOME.

AND, LIKE MARY AND THE JOSEPH, THIS FAMILY IS HOPING FOR ROOM AT THE END.

ASYLUM-SEEKERS WHO FLED THEIR HOME IN SEARCH OF PROTECTION IN THE UNITED STATES.

SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN WAITING MORE THAN 10 MONTHS TO PURSUE ASYLUM CLAIMS.

[ SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH ] THEY ARE ALL USING THE CBP ONE MOBILE APP, WHICH ALLOWS ASYLUM SEEKERS TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES.

IT HAS BECOME THE ONLY WAY TO ACCESS THE ASYLUM SYSTEM.

THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF APPOINTMENTS, WHICH IS WHY PEOPLE ARE WAITING SO LONG.

THE FAMILIES ARE STRESSED.

[ SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH ] ADDING TO THAT STRESS IS DONALD TRUMP'S PROMISE TO SHUT DOWN THE APP, LEAVING THESE FAMILIES WITH VIRTUALLY NO ACCESS TO THE U.S. ASYLUM SYSTEM.

ADVOCATES ARE CALLING ON THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF APPOINTMENTS.

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICIALS SAY THERE ARE NO PLANS TO DO THAT.

WITH NO HELP IN SIGHT, FAMILIES IN THE SHELTER ARE TURNING TO OUR HIGHER POWER.

THIS WOMAN SAYS A LITTLE PRAYER EVERY TIME SHE OPENS THE MOBILE APP.

[ SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH ] SHE FLED HER HOME IN MEXICO AFTER A RELATIVE MOLESTED HER SON.

OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS THREATENED TO BEAT HER FOR REPORTING IT TO THE POLICE.

THEY HAVE NOW BEEN WAITING SIX MONTHS FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

FLOREZ IS TERRIFIED THAT HER RELATIVES WILL TRACK THEM DOWN IN TIJUANA.

ROUGHLY 100 PEOPLE LIVE IN THIS SHELTER, AND HALF OF THEM ARE CHILDREN.

PARENTS SAY THIS IS ALL FOR THEM, A SACRIFICE, TO GIVE THEIR KIDS A SAFE AND HAPPY LIFE.

WE SPOKE WITH ANOTHER MEXICAN ASYLUM SEEKER.>> [ SPEAKING NON- ENGLISH ]>> Reporter: SHE SAYS HER FAMILY FLED HOME AFTER A GANG MURDERED HER SON-IN-LAW, FOR FAILING TO PAY EXTORTION FEES.

HER DAUGHTER WAS BORN IN THE SHELTER A MONTH AGO.

SHE NEVER GOT TO MEET HER FATHER.

>> [ SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH ] >> Reporter: HER FAMILY SPENT THE LAST FOUR MONTHS TRYING TO SECURE AN APARTMENT.

SHE SAYS OTHER FAMILIES HAVE GOTTEN SO TIRED OF WAITING, THEY'VE DECIDED TO CROSS THE BORDER ILLEGALLY.

THEY'VE THOUGHT ABOUT DOING THE SAME, BUT SHE DOESN'T THINK THEY CAN MAKE THE DANGEROUS JOURNEY WITH A NEWBORN.

THEIR ONLY HOPE IS TO GET AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE TRUMP'S INAUGURATION.

[ SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH ] MEANWHILE, GARCIA WONDERS HOW MUCH LONGER HE CAN KEEP THE SHELTER RUNNING.

POWER WAS CUT OFF DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER, BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T PAY THE $1000 ELECTRICAL BILL.

THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON ONLY AFTER DONORS PAID THE BILL.

BUT HE IS STILL NOT SURE HOW HE WILL KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.

HE'S NOT SURE HOW HE WILL COME UP THE MONEY TO PAY THE NEXT MONTH'S BILL.>> AS WE GET INTO YOUR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, I'M TRACKING REALLY NICE WEATHER, NICE AND SUNNY.

THIS WEEKEND, I WILL BE TRACKING CLOUDY, BUT MILD WEATHER.

IN ADDITION, I'M TRACKING THE NEXT CHANCE OF RAIN, A LOOK AT THE FORECAST, COMING UP.>>> THE SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL IS FORMING A SPECIAL MIDI IN DEBT LOWERING THE COST OF LIVING.

HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, AND FOOD COSTS ARE ON THE AGENDA.

TO THE NEW COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY A VOCAL ADVOCATE FOR THE CITY COUNCIL SETTING ITS OWN POLICY AGENDA, RATHER THAN SIMPLY TAKING ITS CUES FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE.

THAT'S HIS INTENT WITH THE COMMITTEE, CREATE A NEW SPACE TO PASS LAWS THAT HAVE A DIRECT AND IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON THE CITY'S HIGH COST OF LIVING.

>> IT IS THE THING THAT MOST THREATENS THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.

MORE AND MORE CINDY AKINS, FROM COLLEGE STUDENTS TO SENIORS, ARE LEGITIMATELY WONDERING IF THEY HAVE A FUTURE HERE.

WE CAN'T BE OKAY WITH THAT.>> Reporter: RIVERA HAS ONE CONCRETE PROPOSAL FOR HIS NEW COMMITTEE, A BAN ON GROCERY STORES OFFERING DIGITAL ONLY COUPONS.

HE ANNOUNCED THE PROPOSAL IN OCTOBER, WITH A COUNCIL MEMBER WHO WILL ALSO SIT ON THE COST OF LIVING COMMITTEE.

>> IT HAS A REAL IMPACT, ESPECIALLY SENIORS.

WE KNOW THAT FOLKS ARE PAYING SOMETIMES FIVE DOLLARS, $10, $20 MORE THAN THEY INTENDED TO PAY AT THE GROCERY STORE, THEY THINK THEY HAVE SECURED THE DEAL THAT THE GROCERY STORE IS PRESENTING TO THEM, BUT IT HASN'T ACTUALLY BEEN APPLIED.

THESE THINGS ADD UP.

>> Reporter: RIVERA IS WORKING WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO DRAFT AN ORDINANCE.

HE HOPES TO PRESENT IT AS SOON AS NEXT MONTH.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE FEDERAL RESERVE MADE A FINAL DECISION ON INTEREST RATES THIS YEAR, AND OFFERED SOME INSIGHT INTO WHERE THE U.S. ECONOMY MIGHT BE HEADED IN 25.>> WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING THE ECONOMY STRENGTH BY SUPPORTING MAXIMUM LIMIT AND RETURNING INFLATION TO THE 2% GOAL.

>> Reporter: THE FEDERAL RESERVE MAKING A THIRD INTEREST RATE CUT OF THE YEAR.

CONSUMERS LOOKING TO THE LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR TO GAUGE HOW QUICKLY FURTHER RELIEF ON INTEREST RATES AND LOWER COSTS FOR CREDIT CARD DEBT, AUTO LOANS, AND OTHER DARLING MIGHT COME IN 2025.

BUT INFLATION IS STILL NOT QUITE WHERE THE FED OR CONSUMERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT.

A READING OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SHOWS PRICES UP 2.7% YEAR- OVER-YEAR, TAKING UP SLIGHTLY FROM OCTOBER, AND FURTHER AWAY FROM THE FIFTH STARTER RATE OF 2%.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE LABOR MARKET HAS REMAINED RESILIENT, WITH THE ECONOMY ADDING ON AVERAGE 180,000.JOBS SO FAR THIS YEAR.

CONSUMERS SHOULD EXPECT THE FED TO TAKE THINGS SLOW IN THE YEAR AHEAD.>> WE WILL SEE A SLOW DECLINE IN INTEREST RATES IN 2025, BUT NOT RATES THAT ARE FALLING SHARPLY.

CREDIT CARD DATES WILL NO DOUBT BE ELEVATED, AND THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY WIN IN THIS GAME ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOP AROUND FOR THE HIGHEST RATE WITH THEIR SAVINGS AND THOSE WHO SHOP AROUND FOR THE LOWEST RATES FOR BORROWING.>>> GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM IS DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY OVER BIRD FLU.

A NEW - - THE VIRUS SPREAD TO COWS IN 16 STATES AFTER WAS FIRST DETECTED IN TEXAS, THEN KANSAS, EARLIER THIS YEAR.

STATE, LOCAL, AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS HAVE MOBILIZED TO TRACK AND CONTAIN THE SPREAD.

PERSON TO PERSON TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN DETECTED SO FAR.

34 HUMAN CASES HAVE BEEN DETECTED IN COMPANY.

>>> CITY STAFF ARE COMMENDING REMOVING A FOOTNOTE FROM CODE, DEVELOPERS WILL BE ABLE TO BUILD MUCH MORE DENSELY, BUT ONLY IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS WHICH HAVE THE MOST BLACK RESIDENTS.

PLANS DEVELOPERS ARE STILL MOVING FORWARD.>> Reporter: CITY STAFF SAY REMOVING THE FOOTNOTE WOULD INCREASE DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT BY 455 HOMES.

THE REPORT SAYS THE CITY DIDN'T USE BEST PLANNING PRACTICES TO PASS THE FOOTNOTE.

A CITY SPOKESPERSON SAYS STATE LAW PREVENTS THEM FROM STOPPING PLANS DEVELOPERS, BUT RELY ON THE FOOTNOTE.>> THAT WAS THE PRIMARY CONCERN, THEY KNEW THAT, TO SAY THAT WE WOULD TAKE IT OUT OF LAW, THAT WAS NOT THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT THEY ARE VERY CAREFUL TO SAY IT IS NOT UNLAWFUL.>> Reporter: SHE SHARES THE PLANNING GROUP THAT OPPOSES THE DEVELOPMENT.

>> IF IT IS WORTHY OF REPEAL, IT IS WORTHY OF NOTIFYING DECISIONS MADE ON IT.

>> Reporter: THEY PROVIDE HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

TAYLOR DISAGREES.

>> WE DON'T HAVE THIRD PLACES OR WELL APPOINTED PARKS OR LIBRARIES, WE DON'T HAVE WELL APPOINTED RETAIL SPACES.

TELL ME HOW BUILDING MORE HOUSING HERE THAT WILL SELL BELOW MARKET RATE AND OTHER PLACES OF THE CITY IS DOING ANYTHING MORE THAN JUST CREATING A SLUM?

WHEN YOU BUILD RATER DENSITY, BUT YOU DON'T ADD TO THE AMENITIES, YOU DON'T ADD INFRASTRUCTURE, THAT'S THE RECIPE, THAT IS THE ARCHITECTS PLAN FOR A SLUM.

>> Reporter: THE PLANNING COMMISSION WILL VOTE ON THURSDAY ON WHETHER OR NOT TO REPEAL THE FOOTNOTE.>>> NOT EVERYONE KNOWS THIS, BUT LA JOLLA IS NOT ITS OWN CITY.

VOICE CEO SCOTT LEWIS EXPLAINS THE LATEST.

>> Reporter: FOR DECADES, LA JOLLA RESIDENTS HAVE TALKED ABOUT WANTING TO BE THEIR OWN CITY.

THEY SOMETIMES PUT THE CITY NAME YOU ON THEIR PASSPORTS.

WHEN SCIENTISTS FROM UC SAN DIEGO WIN THE NOBEL PRIZE, NEWS REPORTS SAY THEY ARE FROM O'HARE, BUT LA JOLLA IS JUST A NEIGHBORHOOD OF SAN DIEGO LIKE OCEAN BEACH, NORTHPARK, AND SEND YOU CEDRO.

AT LEAST, FOR NOW.

THE MOST SERIOUS EFFORT YET TO SEPARATE LA JOLLA HAS GOTTEN ONE STEP CLOSER TO A VOTE.

SUPPORTERS GATHERED 7000 SIGNATURES, ENOUGH TO ADVANCE IT TO AN AGENCY YOU MAY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF, THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION, WHICH HANDLES THESE SORTS OF DISPUTES.

ALL OF THAT PUTS SAN DIEGO'S NEW COUNCIL PRESIDENT IN AN AWKWARD POSITION.

HE REPRESENTS LA JOLLA AND LIVES IN LA JOLLA, BUT NOW HE'S ALSO ONE OF THE TOP CITY LEADERS.

HE WANTS TO REMAIN OPEN TO THE IDEA OF LA JOLLA LEAVING.>> I'VE CHOSEN, AT THIS TIME, TO REMAIN NEUTRAL, BECAUSE CLEARLY LAYINS - - LA JOLLA RESIDENTS ARE ASKING FOR THIS, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

WHEN WILL I GET MORE DETAILED INFORMATION?

SO THAT PROMPTS AND ALMOST ENDLESS LIST OF QUESTIONS.

TO LEAVE, THE HOLY HANDS HAVE TO PAY THE PENSION DEBTS FOR FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE, SEWAGE LINES, EVEN FORM MANAGING THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO.

THE PEOPLE OF LA JOLLA WOULD HAVE TO VOTE TO LEAVE.

SAN DIEGO MAYOR TODD GLORIA TOLD US ON THE PODCAST THAT HE THINKS THEY WOULD VOTE AGAINST IT, WHEN THEY SEE HOW HARD AND EXPENSIVE IT WOULD ALL BE.

>> I WANT TO MAKE THIS CLEAR, IF THERE IS A SEPARATION, THERE IS A SEPARATION, SO THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO WILL NOT BE PROVIDING POLICING SERVICES, LANDFILL SERVICES, SEWAGE SERVICES, THOSE WILL NOT BE CONTRACTED.>> THE LAST CITY TO SEPARATE FROM A CITY THAT WAS LARGER THAN IT WAS CORONADO, IN 1890.

LA JOLLA WILL HAVE A LONG ROAD IF IT WANTS TO BE THE NEXT ONE.

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

>> VOICE OF SAN DIEGO IS ONE OF OUR PUBLIC MATTERS PARTNERS.>>> LOCAL SCHOOL IS OUT FOR WINTER BREAK, AND SOME FAMILIES ARE FINDING IT HARD TO FIND WAYS TO FEED THEIR CHILDREN.

50 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS HAVE WORKED TO ORGANIZE FOOD DISTRIBUTION, LIKE THIS ONE.

>> MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO SURVIVE FOR THE BREAK, AND TO CONTINUE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, AND IT'S HARD, YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GIVE THEM EVERYTHING YOU CAN.>> THE CHARTER SCHOOL SAYS THE COMMUNITY IS UNIQUE, 70 FAMILIES ARE UNSHELTERED, MANY OTHERS FACE ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS.

>>> TELEHEALTH HAS BEEN AROUND IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER SINCE THE EARLY 1900S, WHEN HEART SOUNDS COULD BE LISTENED TO A DOCTOR OVER THE TELEPHONE.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE BENEFITS BECAME AVAILABLE FOR PETS IN CALIFORNIA.

KPBS REPORTER JOHN CARROLL SHOWS US HOW IT WORKS.>> Reporter: LIKE PET HOSPITALS EVERYWHERE, ANIMALS ARE DIAGNOSED AND RECEIVE TREATMENT EVERY DAY AT THE SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY, BUT EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE SOCIETY SHEPHERDED A BILL THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE THAT MAKES CARE FOR PETS MUCH MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN TELEHEALTH.>> TELEHEALTH IS ONE WAY TO PROVIDE CARE WHEN THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH VETERINARIANS NECESSARILY TO DO OFFICE VISITS FOR PEOPLE, AND PEOPLE CAN'T GET INTO CLINICS TO GET CARE FOR THEIR VETS.>> Reporter: THERE ARE OTHER BENEFITS, SAYS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER ZARA.

>> THERE MAY NOT BE A CLINIC WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE, FOR EXAMPLE, WE KNOW THAT TRANSPORTATION CAN BE A BARRIER.

A LOT OF CLINICS ARE BOOKED OUT FOR MANY WEEKS.>> Reporter: WALKING DISTANCE IS ONE THING, BUT THIS IS A BIG COUNTY, SOME PEOPLE LIVE ONE HOUR OR MORE FROM THE NEAREST CLINIC.

THE AVAILABILITY OF A TELEHEALTH VISIT CAN BE RADICALLY IMPORTANT FOR THEM.>> YOU CAN POTENTIALLY SEE A VETERINARIAN SOONER AND DETERMINE IF WHATEVER IS GOING ON WITH THE PET IS SOMETHING THEY NEED TO GO IN PERSON FOR, OR SOMETHING THAT CAN BE MANAGED THROUGH TELEMEDICINE.

>> Reporter: IT CAN BE DONE WITH A SIMPLE PHONE CALL, OR WITH A VIDEO LINK.

TELEHEALTH VISITS ARE A HUGE HELP FOR FOLKS WHO FOSTER ANIMALS.>> IT'S NOT UNCOMMON FOR A FOSTER PARENT TO REACH OUT THROUGH AN EMAIL OR CALL AND SAY THIS IS GOING ON.

SOMETIMES WE WILL SAY CAN YOU SEND US A PICTURE OR A VIDEO?

THAT WILL HELP US DECIDE IF THEY NEED TO BRING THAT ANIMAL IN.

>> Reporter: ANOTHER BENEFIT OF TELEHEALTH, AFFORD ABILITY.

>> THEY MAY NOT WANT TO WALK INTO A VET HOSPITAL, BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CANNOT AFFORD THE COST, BUT MAY BE A TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT IS MORE AFFORDABLE.>> Reporter: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN CHECKING OUT THAT TELEHEALTH, A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH WILL BRING PLENTY OF OPTIONS THAT CAN LOWER COSTS AND BRIDGE DISTANCES TO BRING NEEDED CARE TO THE ANIMALS IN OUR LIVES, ONES THAT BRING US HUMANS, A VERY SPECIAL KIND OF JOY.>>> AS WE APPROACH ONE YEAR SINCE CATASTROPHIC FLOODS HIT PARTS OF SAN DIEGO, A WARNING, OFFICIALS ARE WARNING EVERYONE TO START MAKING PREPARATIONS FOR THE RAINY SEASON.

THEY ARE SENDING OUT 10,000 PAMPHLETS WITH TIPS TO RESIDENTS.

SAN DIEGO EXPECT MORE RAIN FROM JANUARY THROUGH MARCH.

THE TIME IS NOW FOR RESIDENTS TO REPORT ISSUES THEY SEE ON THE GET IT DONE APP.

>>> AS WE HEAD INTO TONIGHT, OVERNIGHT LOWS IN THE MID 40s, SOME CLOUDS NEAR THE COAST, OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPS IS IN THE 30s AND 40s.

CHILI TONIGHT, AND OVERNIGHT LOW OF 39 DEGREES.

AS WE HEAD INTO YOUR THURSDAY, A VERY MILD STRETCH OF WEATHER, IT WILL BE MILD FROM THE FOUR CORNERS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

THE HIGH ACROSS SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOR YOUR THURSDAY, A MIX OF 70s AND 80s, PRETTY WARM FOR SOME AREAS, INCLUDING ESCONDIDO, LOTS OF SUNSHINE, AND THE HIGH MAKING IT PRETTY MUCH INTO THE 80s.

FRIDAY, A VERY SIMILAR SET UP WITH RAIN ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

OTHER THAN THAT, MOST A CARBON COPY, THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY.

BOTH DAYS WILL BE PRETTY NICE FOR US.

HEADING INTO THE EVENING, HEADING INTO TONIGHT, MOSTLY CLEAR SKIES, SOME COVERAGE ALONG THE COAST, OVERALL, A LACK OF SUNSHINE.

THERE WILL BE SHOWERS THAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THURSDAY AND INTO FRIDAY, BUT OVERALL, A PRETTY NICE FORECAST SHIPPING UP OVER THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS.

WITHOUT COASTAL FORECAST, ONCE AGAIN, I'M CHECKING REALLY NICE WEATHER AGAIN ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, LOTS OF SUNSHINE, MIX OF UPPER 60s AND LOWER 70s, A CHILLY START ON THURSDAY MORNING ALONG THE COAST WITH THE OVERNIGHT LOW IN THE 30s, BUT AFTER THAT, AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND, LITTLE BIT MORE CLOUD COVER STARTS TO WORK ITS WAY THROUGH THE FORECAST ON SATURDAY, MUCH CLOUDIER ON SUNDAY, BEFORE TEMPERATURES DIP INTO THE MIDDLE 60s.

AS WE LOOK AT THE OTHER INLAND FORECASTS, 80s ON THURSDAY, 70s ON FRIDAY, REALLY NICE WEATHER, AND WE START TO COOL OFF JUST A BIT FOR THE WEEKEND, BUT OVERALL, WE STILL SEE A LOT OF SUNSHINE, WITH AN OVERNIGHT LOW IN THE MIDDLE TO UPPER 40s.

ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS, LOTS OF SUNSHINE ON THURSDAY AND DAY, THE AFTERNOON HIGH WILL BE A MIX OF MID-50s.

TEMPERATURES WILL BE DIPPING JUST A LITTLE BIT IN THE EARLY PART OF NEXT WEEK.

IT LOOKS LIKE WE SEE THE OVERNIGHT LOW IN THE 30s ON MONDAY.

ACROSS THE DESERT, LOTS OF SUNSHINE AND A HIGH IN THE MIX OF 70s AND 80s.

>>> THE FEDERAL RESERVE AGAIN CUTS INTEREST RATES IN A DELICATE DANCE OF TRYING TO KEEP THE U.S. ECONOMY ON TRACK.

THAT'S AT 7:00 P.M., AFTER EVENING EDITION, ON KPBS.>>> IT'S THE SEASON YOU HEAR HOLIDAY SONGS EVERYWHERE, SOME ARE SO FAMILIAR IT'S LIKE OLD FRIENDS.

DO YOU KNOW THAT SAN DIEGO HAS A CONNECTION TO A HOLIDAY HIT THAT FIRST BECAME FAMOUS 70 YEARS AGO?

KEN KRAMER HAS MORE ON THE SINGER AND A FAMOUS SONG.

>> Reporter: SEE THIS PICTURE WITH A LITTLE GIRL?

GO BACK TO THE 1950s, SHE WAS A SINGING SENSATION.

A GREAT, BIG VOICE, SHE WOULD KNOCK THESE NOVELTY SONGS RIGHT OUT THE PARK.

[ SINGING ] [ MUSIC ]>> THE SEA IS WHERE THE SKY SHOULD BE.>> Reporter: THE CINDERELLA SWEETHEART OF LIVE TV, GAYLA PEAVY WAS HER NAME.

IN 1953, GAYLA SANG THE SONG.>> I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS, ONLY A HIPPOPOTAMUS WILL DO.

DON'T WANT A DOG OR TINKER TOY, I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS TO PLAY WITH AND ENJOY.>> Reporter: THAT SONG MADE HER A SUPERSTAR AT AGE 10, PUTTING HER ON THE CHARTS WITH TONY BENNETT, LIBERACE, AND THE FOUR LADS.

NEW TIME MAGAZINE, YOU WORRY MAJOR STAR AS A KID.

>> I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, IT WAS SO LONG AGO.>> Reporter: DECADES LATER, GUESS WHO MADE HER HOME IN SAN DIEGO?

GAYLA PEAVY, THE LITTLE GIRL THAT SAYING THAT MEMORABLE HIPPO HOLIDAY SONG.

>> THEY CALL IT A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC, I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS.>> Reporter: RAISED IN OKLAHOMA AS A KID, SHE LOVES TO SING.

SHE WAS DISCOVERED, DID A HOME SHOW, HER NAME IN LIGHTS, AND THEN TELEVISION ON PROGRAMS LIKE SOONERS, SHINDIG, AND THE CHUCK WAGON GANG.

>> THEY PUT ME IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, I SAYING WALKING MY BABY BACK HOME, READ, READ ROBIN, AND A COUPLE SONGS.>> Reporter: THE STATION MANAGER KNEW A RECORD PRODUCER WHO ARRANGED A CONTRACT.

>> I FELT SO BAD WHEN MOMMY SCOLDED ME THE OTHER DAY.>> Reporter: SHE STARTS WORKING WITH MITCH MILLER, JUST A KID, AFTER ALL.

LOOKING BACK, IT WAS FUN, MOSTLY.

>> THERE WERE THINGS ABOUT IT THAT WERE NOT FUN, YOU KNOW, WHEN YOUR FACE IS RECOGNIZED EVERYWHERE, IN PUBLIC, AND YOU CAN'T GO OUT, AS A KID, TO THE ROLLER RINK WITHOUT GETTING MOBBED, TO A MOVIE, SHOPPING, OR TO SCHOOL.>> THEN SHE SINGS THE SONG, I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR XMAS.>> IT WAS INTRODUCED ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW, I GOT TO SING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW.

>> MOM SAYS THE HIPPO WOULD EAT ME UP, BUT THEN, THE HIPPO IS A VEGETARIAN.

>> Reporter: IT'S THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW, MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE WATCHING.

IT'S ALL LIVE, NO DO OVERS.

>> I UNDERSTOOD WHAT A BIG DEAL THAT WAS.

>> Reporter: THE HIPPO SONG TURNED OUT TO BE A BIG HIT.

IN OKLAHOMA CITY?

>> THEY RAN A BIG CAMPAIGN TO GET ME A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS.>> Reporter: KIDS SENT NICHOLS AND DIMES, CHRISTMAS 1953, GAYLA WAS PRESENTED WITH A LIVING, BREATHING HIPPO.

>> THEY MADE A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT.

MY MOTHER SAID HOW ARE WE GOING TO KEEP HIPPO IN OUR GARAGE?

THIS IS JUST NOT GOING TO BE POSSIBLE.

I ENDED UP DONATING MATILDA TO THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO.

>> Reporter: LITTLE GAYLA PEAVY HAD BECOME A STAR, BUT SHE HAD NO PRIVACY, AND HER PARENTS KNEW IT.

>> THEY MADE THE DECISION TO TAKE ME OUT OF SHOW BUSINESS, AND MOVE SOMEWHERE WHERE I COULD JUST GO TO SCHOOL AND BE A REGULAR KID, NOBODY KNEW ME.>> Reporter: THAT PLACE ENDED UP BEING SAN DIEGO, WHERE SHE WENT TO GROSSMONT, THEN HOOVER HIGH.

SHE MADE RECORDINGS UNDER THE NAME JAMIE HORTON.

AND THE HIPPO SONG?

WELL, YOU ONLY HEARD IT VERY RARELY.>> THEN, FOR SOME REASON, 10 OR 15 YEARS AGO, THAT SONG CAME BACK WITH A VENGEANCE AND WAS REDISCOVERED BIG-TIME.>> Reporter: NOW IT'S EVERYWHERE.

THERE ARE HIP GOODIES ASSOCIATED WITH IT.>> THEY HAVE RECORDINGS WITH MY VOICE IN IT.>> Reporter: 65 YEARS LATER, GAYLA STILL LOVES THE SONG.

YOU CAN TELL.

[ SINGING ]>> I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS, ONLY A HIPPOPOTAMUS WILL DO.>> Reporter: THESE DAYS SHE ENJOYS LIVING IN SAN DIEGO, SINGS IN CHURCH, AND IS HONORED FOR THE REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION SHE MADE TO MUSIC SO EARLY IN HER LIFE.

SHE IS HAPPY.

>> I THINK IT'S LIKE GOD SAYING TO ME YOU KNOW WHAT?

YOU MAY NOT HAVE HAD A BIG CAREER WHERE YOU ARE GETTING EVERY TIME AT THE PARTY AND CELEBRATION, BUT THIS IS WORTH CELEBRATING.>> Reporter: INDEED, SHE'S MADE MILLIONS HAPPY YEAR AFTER YEAR, FOREVER YOUNG IN OUR MINDS, AND SUCH A TREASURE ABOUT SAN DIEGO.>> [ SINGING ] AND HIP WITH - - AND HIPPOPOTAMUSES LOVE ME TOO.>> YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE THAT.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MORE OF KEN KRAMER'S STORIES, HIS SHOW IS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT RIGHT HERE ON KPBS.

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

THE U.S. SUPREME COURT HAS AGREED TO HEAR TIKTOK'S CASE, WE HAVE MORE ON THE LEGAL BATTLE AND PENDING BAN IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND WE HAVE YOUR WEEKEND ARTS PREVIEW.

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

THAT WILL DO IT FOR US, FROM ALL OF US AT KPBS, I MAYA TRABULSI, GOOD NIGHT.

[ MUSIC ] >>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING EDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE BILL HOWE FAMILY OF COMPANIES, PROVIDING SAN DIEGO WITH PLUMBING, HEATING, AIR RESTORATION, FLOOD AND REMODELING 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.

[ MUSIC ]