♪ >>> 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!

♪ >>> WORSHIPERS ARE RETURNING TO PRAY INSIDE THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THIS WEEK'S DEADLY ATTACK.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

THE REOPENING COMES DURING ONE OF THE HOLIEST PERIODS IN THE ISLAMIC CALENDAR.

10 DAYS OF DEEP SPIRITUAL DEVOTION, PRAYER CHARITY, AND REFLECTION.

OUTSIDE THE MOSQUE, THERE IS A GROWING MEMORIAL OF FLOWERS, CANDLES, AND PHOTOS OF THE THREE MEN KILLED IN MONDAY'S SHOOTING.

>> THIS IS A SAFE SPACE, THAT BRINGS LIFE, BRINGS HAPPINESS, BRINGS JOY, TO MANY PEOPLE.

SO, THIS IS AN IDEA THAT WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM US, THAT IT IS ONLY TEMPORARY AND WE ARE GOING TO COME BACK AND STAY STRONG.

>> THE SCHOOL AT THE ISLAMIC CENTER REMAINS CLOSED AS THE COMMUNITY GRIEVES AND BEGINS THE HEALING PROCESS.

SAFETY AT RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND NONPROFITS ACROSS THE STATE IS GETTING ATTENTION FROM GOVERNOR NEWSOM.

HIS REVISED BUDGET INCLUDES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS.

KPBS REPORTED JOHN CARROLL SAYS TWO MEMBERS OF THE SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL HAVE BEEN URGING HIM TO DO THAT FOR MONTHS.

>> Reporter: COUNCILMEMBERS MARNI VON WILPERT AND RAUL CAMPILLO SAY MONDAY'S SHOOTING AT THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO TRAGICALLY UNDERSCORES THE NEED TO GIVE RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER NONPROFITS THE MONEY THEY NEED TO DEAL WITH HATE VIOLENCE.

>> IT IS AN INCREDIBLE FINANCIAL BURDEN TO INSTALL SECURITY CAMERAS, IRONCLAD GATES, HIGHER SECURITY GUARDS.

THIS IS NOT WHAT OUR SCHOOLS AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS SHOULD HAVE THE FUND RAISE FOR.

>> THAT IS MONEY THAT THEY SHOULD BE SPENDING ON CLASSES FOR THEIR PARISHIONERS, OR PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMMING, OUT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

>> Reporter: VON WILPERT AND CAMPILLO HAVE BEEN URGING GOVERNOR NEWSOM TO REVIVE FUNDING FOR THE CALIFORNIA STATE NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM, SINCE JANUARY.

BOTH SAY MONDAY'S TRAGEDY MADE THAT FUNDING ALL THE MORE URGENT.

>> IN 2024, THE PROGRAM WAS CLOSED AND THE FUNDING HAD EXPIRED, SO WE CALLED ON GOVERNOR NEWSOM TO REOPEN IT, AND LAST WEEK, GOVERNOR NEWSOM RESPONDED, HE INCLUDED THE $40 MILLION IN HIS MAY REVISED BUDGET PROPOSAL.

>> Reporter: THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS SECURITY GRANTS BEING USED AROUND SAN DIEGO.

ONE OF THE EXAMPLES IS AT THE OFFICE OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SAN DIEGO.

>> WE HAVE LOCKS ON DOORS, WE HAVE KEY CARD SYSTEMS, WE HAVE A WHOLE NUMBER OF CAMERAS, SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS, AND EVERYBODY THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.

I THINK THIS IS GREAT, AND GIVES MANY MORE CHURCHES THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY THE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES THEY NEED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

>> Reporter: CHRIS IS THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE DIOCESE.

HE SAYS THE INCUR -- ORGANIZATION ENCOURAGES ALL CHURCHES TO APPLY FOR THE GRANTS.

>> THE FUNDS THAT WERE GIVEN TO US ARE USED TO STRENGTHEN THE SECURITY AROUND OUR CHURCHES AND TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE AND IT IS -- UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS A MUCH-NEEDED RESOURCE FOR US.

>> Reporter: MARNI VON WILPERT AND RAUL CAMPILLO ARE URGING ALL OF US TO CONTACT OUR STATE LEGISLATORS AND DEMAND THEY INCLUDE THE $40 MILLION IN THEIR FINAL BUDGET, AND AS MARNI VON WILPERT SAID, IT'S NOT A LINE ITEM, IT'S A LIFELINE.

JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AS THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO REOPENS, SURVIVORS AND FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF MONDAY'S DEADLY SHOOTING THERE NOW FACE ANOTHER DIFFICULT REALITY.

THE EMOTIONAL TRAUMA LEFT BEHIND.

KPBS REPORTER HEIDI DE MARCO HAS MORE ON HOW THE GRIEF CAN RESURFACE IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS FOLLOWING A TRAGEDY.

>> [ SINGING IN A GLOBAL LANGUAGE ] >> Reporter: HUNDREDS GATHERED TUESDAY NIGHT AT LINDBERGH NEIGHBORHOOD PARK NEAR THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO PRAYING, LEANING, AND GRIEVING ON ONE ANOTHER AFTER WHAT SHOOTING INVESTIGATORS ARE CALLING A POSSIBLE HATE CRIME.

>> I LOOK AROUND AND SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

>> Reporter: POLICE SAY SECURITY GUARD AMIN ABDULLAH HELPED INITIATE LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES THAT HELP SAVE LIVES, INCLUDING ABOUT 140 CHILDREN INSIDE THE ISLAMIC SCHOOL.

HIS DAUGHTER, SAYS THAT HE SOMETIMES SKIPPED MEALS OR AVOIDED BRAKES, FEARING SOMETHING COULD HAPPEN WHILE HE WAS AWAY.

>> I FEEL LIKE AT THIS MOMENT, WE CAN COME TOGETHER AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER TO REMEMBER WHO HE TRULY WAS.

>> Reporter: RESEARCH SHOWS TRAUMA MAY SURFACE IN WAYS PEOPLE MAY NOT IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZE.

SURVIVORS MAY EXPERIENCE ANXIETY, TROUBLE SLEEPING, EMOTIONAL NUMBNESS, OR PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS, LIKE HEADACHES AND EXHAUSTION.

CHILDREN CAN ALSO SHOW SYMPTOMS DIFFERENTLY, THROUGH CLINGINESS, BEHAVIORAL CHANGES, NIGHTMARES, OR FEAR OF RETURNING TO FAMILIAR PLACES.

THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION SAYS, CONNECTING WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY, AFTER TRAUMA, CAN HELP PEOPLE COPE AND RECOVER.

THE ASSOCIATION ENCOURAGES THOSE AFFECTED TO LEAN ON SUPPORT SYSTEMS, RATHER THAN ISOLATE.

>> SOMETIMES, THINGS THAT HAPPEN TO YOU EITHER CAN MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU.

I BELIEVE IT WILL MAKE US.

>> Reporter: ONE OF THE ISLAMIC CENTERS IN MOMS.

HE SAYS, STAYING CONNECTED MAY BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS FORWARD.

>> PLEASE, DON'T BE INTIMIDATED, DON'T BE SCARED.

COME TO THE MOSQUE.

THIS IS YOUR PLACE.

ESPECIALLY IN THIS TIME, WE NEED TO BE TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: THE ISLAMIC CENTER REOPENED WEDNESDAY.

FAITH LEADERS ENCOURAGED WORSHIPERS TO RETURN TOGETHER, DESPITE THE FEAR AND HEARTBREAK LEFT BEHIND.

HEIDI DE MARCO, KPBS NEWS.

>>> TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS WEEK'S SHOOTING CAN BE ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT FOR CHILDREN TO PROCESS.

COMING UP, WE GET EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT SUCH EVENTS.

>>> WELL, WE HAVE SOME COOL AIR ACROSS THE INTERIOR, AT LEAST AT NIGHT, BUT WE HAVE ANOTHER WARM DAY AHEAD OF US ON THURSDAY.

WHILE WE WILL SEE SOME OF THOSE COASTAL CLOUDS RETURN LATE TONIGHT, THAT MARINE LAYER, SOMETIMES WE CALL IT MAY GRAY.

ANOTHER BIG FACTOR IS THAT SMOKE FROM THE ONGOING WILDFIRES OFF TO OUR NORTH.

AND YOU CAN SEE, WE ARE GOING TO BE DEALING WITH AT LEAST LIGHT SMOKE THROUGH THE NIGHT AND YOU MAY NOTICE A LITTLE BIT OF A HAZE IN THE SKY EARLY TOMORROW, AS WELL.

DETAILS ON ALL THIS, AHEAD.

>>> ANOTHER SIGN WE ARE IN PEAK FIRE SEASON, CREWS ARE FIGHTING A FIRE THAT BROKE OUT IN TODAY.

THE FIRE WAS REPORTED AROUND 1:00 THIS AFTERNOON ON MORRO HILLS ROAD.

EVACUATION FOR STRUCTURES AROUND THE AREA WERE ORDERED BRIEFLY BUT HAVE SINCE BEEN LIFTED.

IT BURNED TWO ACRES BEFORE CREWS HALTED THE SPREAD.

NO INJURIES OR DAMAGES HAVE BEEN RECORDED.

>>> MEANWHILE, RESIDENTS WHO WERE TOLD TO FLEE A FAST-MOVING WILDFIRE NEAR GOLDEN ACORN CASINO RETURNED TO THEIR HOMES TODAY.

CREWS WORKED TO RE-CONTAIN THE SMOLDERING REMNANTS OF THE TULSA FIRE IN BOULEVARD.

THE FIRE BROKE OUT 1:00 P.M.

YESTERDAY, BURNING ABOUT 1000 ACRES NORTH OF INTERSTATE 8, FORCING EVACUATIONS.

AS OF 11:00 A.M.

TODAY, RESIDENTS WERE TOLD THAT THEY CAN RETURN TO THEIR HOMES.

THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS STILL BEING INVESTIGATED.

>>> SAN DIEGANS COULD SEE FREE PARKING AT BALBOA PARK BY JANUARY AND LOWER TRASH FEES BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

CITY LEADERS SAY THEY REACHED A LEGAL SETTLEMENT TODAY.

A GROUP OF HOMEOWNERS WHO SUED THE CITY ARGUED THAT THE NEW FEES WERE ILLEGAL UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW.

THE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE SETTLEMENT IN CLOSED SESSION TODAY.

A VOTE IN OPEN SESSION TO ADOPT THE AGREEMENT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE IN JUNE.

SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCILMEMBER STEPHEN WEBER AND SAYS THE TRUSTEE WILL DROP FROM $65 PER MONTH, TO $38.75.

>> SAN DIEGANS CAN REJOICE IN THE FACT THAT BALBOA PARK PAID PARKING WILL COME TO AN END AND THE CITY TRASH FEES WILL DROP SIGNIFICANTLY.

THIS IS WHAT WE CAN DO, WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF OUR CITY.

>> THE AGREEMENT ALSO ENDS AN ATTEMPT TO CHALLENGE THE NEW FEES ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

OFFICIALS SAY THE MEMBER -- MEASURE COULD COST THE CITY $140 MILLION, BUT OFFICIALS SAY IF TRASH FEES ARE REDUCED IMMEDIATELY, THE CITY WOULD HAVE HAD TO CONSIDER INCREASING FEES ELSEWHERE.

>>> SAN DIEGO COUNTY RESIDENTS THIS FALL WILL VOTE ON A PACKAGE OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE COUNTY CHARTER.

THE CHANGES WILL INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT WOULD ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO SERVE UP TO THREE TERMS OF FOUR YEARS, RATHER THAN THE CURRENT LIMIT OF TWO.

THE PACKAGE WILL NOT CONTAIN TERM LIMITS FOR THE SHERIFF, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND OTHER COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO CURRENTLY HAVE NONE.

THE BOARD VOTED, 3-2, TODAY, TO PUT THE MEASURE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.

>>> SAN DIEGO COUNTY LEADERS DECLINED TO VOTE TODAY ON CLOSING SAM PASCUAL ACADEMY.

EDUCATION REPORTER KATIE ANASTAS SAYS ADVOCATES URGED THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO SEEK MORE PUBLIC INPUT.

>> Reporter: LAST WEEK, COUNTY STAFF PUBLISHED A PROPOSAL TO "WIND DOWN" AND" ACADEMY PROGRAM FOR FOSTER YOUTH.

THE ACADEMY HAS OFFERED A HIGH SCHOOL, THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, AND HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 2001 THROUGH CHANGES IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM HAVE LED TO FEWER STUDENTS BEING PLACED THERE AND LAST -- LESS STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT IT.

COUNTY LEADERS SPENT THREE MONTHS GATHERING PUBLIC INPUT.

THEY SAY, MOST PEOPLE AGREED THAT THE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM SHOULD AND IF THEY CAN'T INCREASE ENROLLMENT.

ON MONDAY, ADVOCATES FOR THE SCHOOL SAID, THEY NEED A CHANCE TO RESPOND TO THAT PROPOSAL.

>> THIS IS ABOUT WHETHER DECISIONS IMPACTING VULNERABLE PEOPLE, ARE MADE WITH THEM, OR SIMPLY MADE FOR THEM.

>> TODAY, SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND SAID HE WANTS TO KNOW THE LARGER PLAN FOR THE CAMPUS, BEFORE DECIDING WHAT TO DO WITH THE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, FROM STAFF, WHAT IS THE PLAN?

WHAT IS THE BIG, OVERALL PLAN, BEFORE WE START WINDING ANYTHING DOWN?

>> THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DIRECTED STAFF TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS, AND REPORT BACK WITHIN 90 DAYS.

THEY SAID, IT SHOULD INCLUDE GETTING FEEDBACK FROM CURRENT STUDENTS.

STAFF WILL ALSO GIVE AN UPDATE ON OTHER WAYS THE COUNTY COULD USE THE CAMPUS WITHIN THE YEAR.

KATIE ANASTAS, KPBS NEWS.

>>> TONIGHT, ON "THE NEWS HOUR," THE U.S.

INDICTS FORMER CUBAN PRESIDENT RAUL CASTRO.

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

>>> CONCERN IS ESCALATING OVER THE GROWING EBOLA OUTBREAK IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.

AT LEAST ONE AMERICAN TESTED POSITIVE IN THE DRC AND IS BEING TREATED IN GERMANY.

MY APRIL HAS THE LATEST EFFORTS AND THE UPHILL BATTLE TO CONTAIN THE VIRUS.

>> Reporter: THE SPREAD OF A PARTICULAR STRAIN OF THE EVIL OF -- EBOLA VIRUS, WITH NO VACCINE, IS THREATENING TO EXPLODE.

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION SAYS THERE ARE MORE THAN 50 CONFIRMED INFECTIONS AND 100 SUSPECTED CASES WITH 140 DEATHS ASSIST SUSPECTED TO BE THE RESULT OF THE STRAIN THAT IS SPREADING IN THE DRC AND UGANDA AND THE W.H.O.

BELIEVES THE VIRUS HAS BEEN SPREADING FOR MONTHS.

>> WE ARE SEVERAL WEEKS BEHIND, AND WHEN THE VIRUS TAKES 2-21 DAYS, YOU KNOW, TO INCUBATE, WHAT IT MEANS IS THAT PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXPOSED AND WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SEE MORE CASES BEFORE IT CAN GET UNDER CONTROL.

>> AT LEAST ONE AMERICAN INFECTED, A U.S.

DR.

WHO HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE DRC IS BEING TREATED IN BERLIN, HEALTH AUTHORITIES SAY, WELL SIX HIGH- RISK CONTACTS OF THAT AMERICAN ARE BEING MOVED TO EUROPE FOR EVALUATION.

THE GLOBAL RISK REMAINS LOW, BUT IS CONCERNED WITH THE SCALE AND SPEED OF THIS OUTBREAK, A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY REQUIRING A NATIONAL RESPONSE.

LISTING FIVE REASONS, THE EARLY SPREAD, CASES IN URBAN AREAS, HEALTHCARE WORKER DEATHS, AREA POPULATION MOVEMENT, AND THE VIRUS STRAIN WITH NO VACCINE OR TREATMENTS.

ABOUT 17 TONS OF LAB EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL ARE BEING DISPATCHED FROM THE W.H.O.

AFRICA CDC, AND CONGOLESE GOVERNMENT.

THE U.S.

ALSO COORDINATING SHIPMENT OF AN EXPERIMENT OF TREATMENT TO THE REGION FOR POTENTIAL USE IN AMERICANS ACCORDING TO U.S.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

WHILE THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION SAYS IT COULD TAKE 6-9 MONTHS TO DEVELOP A VACCINE SPECIFIC TO THIS STRAIN OF EBOLA.

BRIAN QUERYABLE, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE TARGET OF MONDAY'S MASS SHOOTING WAS NOT ONLY OF THE LARGEST MOSQUE IN SAN DIEGO, BUT ALSO HOME TO A SCHOOL FOR PRE-K THROUGH THIRD GRADE STUDENTS.

KPBS HUNTER FELLOW, AMY BARRIS, HAS MORE ON HOW PARENTS CAN ADDRESS THE NEWS WITH THEIR CHILDREN.

>> Reporter: AS MANY AS 140 CHILDREN WERE WITHIN 15 FEET OF THE TWO GUNMEN DURING THE ATTACK ON THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO.

THE CENTER ALSO SERVES AS A SCHOOL FOR PRE-K THROUGH THIRD GRADERS WITH BRIGHT HORIZON ACADEMY.

AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

FIVE SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS IN THE AREA WENT ON LOCKDOWN, INCLUDING CLAREMONT CANYONS ACADEMY, WHICH IS ONLY ABOUT A HALF MILE AWAY FROM THE ISLAMIC CENTER.

A SCHOOL CRISIS SPECIALIST TOLD KPBS, THE SHOOTING WILL NOT ONLY IMPACT THE KIDS AT THE ISLAMIC CENTER AND STUDENTS AT THE NEARBY SCHOOLS ON LOCKDOWN, BUT POTENTIALLY ALL CHILDREN WHO HEAR ABOUT IT.

>> SO, I REALLY THINK YOU HAVE TO SAY TO KIDS, "THIS HAS HAPPENED IN OUR COMMUNITY, OR YOU MAY HAVE HEARD ABOUT THIS IN THE NEWS, WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING?

AND WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE?"

AND THEN, YOU CAN GO INTO, "HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?"

WHEN KIDS TALK ABOUT THEIR REACTIONS.

>> THAT IS DR.

DAVID, HE TOLD KPBS "MID-DAY EDITION" HOST, JANE HEINEMAN, ADULTS MAY NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, ESPECIALLY AS THE SHOOTING AT THE ISLAMIC CENTER IS BEING INVESTIGATED AS A HATE CRIME.

HE SAID, OFTEN, A CHILD SIMPLY NEEDS SOMEONE TO LISTEN AND OFFER COMFORT.

AT A PRESS CONFERENCE YESTERDAY, OF CARE SAN DIEGO WARNED OF THE EFFECTS THAT HATE SPEECH CAN HAVE ON CHILDREN.

>> AND ANTI-MUSLIM HATE IS NORMALIZED IN POLITICAL DISPUTE -- DISCOURSE, AND ONLINE SPACES, THERE ARE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCES.

OUR CHILDREN HEAR THAT, OUR FAMILIES LIVE WITH THAT FEAR, AND INCREASINGLY, OUR SCHOOLS, OUR HOUSES OF WORSHIP ARE FORCED TO THINK ABOUT SECURITY IN SPACES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLACES OF PEACE.

>> Reporter: EMMY BURRUS, KPBS NEWS.

>>> AS THE COMMUNITY MOURNS THE TRAGEDY AT THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO, MANY ARE ASKING HOW THEY CAN HELP AND WE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF WAYS TO SUPPORT THE IMPACTED FAMILIES, INCLUDING DONATION FUNDS ORGANIZED BY THE CENTER.

WE ALSO HAVE GATHERED MENTAL HEALTH, LEGAL, AND CRISIS RESOURCES FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS SUPPORT RIGHT NOW.

YOU CAN FIND THE FULL LIST OF RESOURCES AND THE LATEST UPDATES AT KPBS.ORG.

>>> MORE THAN 45,000 AMERICANS DIED BY SUICIDE IN 2022.

IT WAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER EVER RECORDED IN THE U.S., SINCE THE CDC STARTED KEEPING DATA SEVERAL DECADES AGO.

MANDY GAITHER EXPLAINS HOW THE FAMILY OF A TEEN HOCKEY STAR IS TURNING TRAGEDY INTO HOPE, BY SPREADING AWARENESS ON THREE SIMPLE ACTIONS ANYONE CAN TAKE, TO HELP SAVE A LIFE.

>> YOU HAVE PICTURES AS THEIR KIDS, AND AS THEY GROW UP, FROM THE TIME HAYDEN WAS LIKE, 3, TO THE TIME HE WAS 16, HE IS ALWAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PHOTO WITH HIS ARMS AROUND EVERYBODY ELSE WHO IS IN THE PICTURE OF HIM, THAT IS JUST WHO HE WAS.

>> Reporter: AT SIX FOOT THREE, 200 POUNDS, THE 16-YEAR-OLD HOCKEY STAR STOOD OUT, AND IT WASN'T HAYDEN THORSON'S SIZE THAT MADE AN IMPRESSION, IT WAS HOW HE MADE PEOPLE FEEL.

>> HE WAS THE GUY WHO WAS QUICK WITH A JOKE, NEVER PUT ANYONE DOWN, HE ALWAYS BROUGHT PEOPLE TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: IN MAY 2022, HAYDEN DIED BY SUICIDE.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE CALLED, WROTE LETTERS, ASKED QUESTIONS, "WHO IS GOING TO DO WHAT HAYDEN DID FOR US, NOW THAT HAYDEN IS GONE?"

AND IT TOOK ME A BEAT TO KNOW WHAT THAT MEANT, HAYDEN WAS THE GUY WHO CHECKED IN ON EVERYBODY.

>> Reporter: THAT IS WHY THE SHOULDER CHECK WAS CREATED BY HAYDEN'S FATHER, NAMED AFTER A DEFENSIVE MOVE IN HOCKEY AIMING TO TURN KINDNESS INTO A CONTACT SPORT BY PROMOTING THREE SIMPLE ACTIONS ANYONE CAN DO, TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS STRUGGLING.

REACH OUT, CHECK IN, AND MAKE CONTACT.

>> ♪ WE ALL NEED SOMEBODY ♪ TO LEAN ON ♪ >> Reporter: PLAYERS FROM ACROSS THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE ARE HELPING TO SHARE THE MESSAGE THAT WE ALL NEED SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON, AND CONNECTION MATTERS.

>> THE THREE HARDEST WORDS TO SAY IN ANY LANGUAGE AREN'T, "I LOVE YOU," BUT, "I NEED HELP."

AND IF WE CAN HELP PEOPLE SAY THOSE WORDS, I THINK THAT'S A GOOD THING.

>> Reporter: FOR HEALTH MINUTE, I'M MANDY GAITHER.

>> FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT SHOULDERCHECK.ORG.

AND IF YOU FEEL YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, HELP IS AVAILABLE, CALL OR TEXT 988 TO REACH THE 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE.

>>> AS THE BUSY SUMMER DRIVING SEASON KICKS OFF, IT'S NOT JUST GAS PRICES.

OWNING AND MAINTAINING A CAR IS TAKING A GREATER TOLL ON BUDGETS.

KAREN CAVA CRUNCHES THE NUMBERS.

>> Reporter: BEYOND SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES DUE TO THE WAR IN IRAN, THE COST OF CAR OWNERSHIP IS CONSUMING A GROWING SHARE OF HOUSEHOLD BUDGET.

RECENT ANALYSIS BY LENDING TREE FOUND THAT LOAN PAYMENTS ARE THE GREATEST BURDEN FOLLOWED BY INSURANCE, GAS, AND MAINTENANCE.

>> WITH THE COST OF GAS, AND MAINTENANCE, AND INSURANCE, AND THE STICKER PRICE OF THE CAR IT SELF, ALL THOSE RISING PRICES ARE MAKING THINGS EVEN LESS AFFORDABLE THAN THEY WERE.

>> Reporter: AMERICANS ADDED $18 BILLION IN AUTO LOAN DEBT DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR, CARRYING A RECORD $1.69 TRILLION, ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORK.

APRIL GOVERNMENT INFLATION DATA SHOWED A 28.4% INCREASE IN GASOLINE PRICES YEAR-OVER-YEAR, BUT ALSO A 4% CLIMB IN TIRE PRICES AND A JUST OVER 5% JUMP FOR MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR.

MEANWHILE, LENDING TREE FINDS INSURANCE COSTS HAVE SHIPS SURGED 37% SINCE 2021.

MATT SCHULTZ, LENDING TREE CONSUMER FINANCE ANALYST, SAYS THE RISING COST IS A COST OF CONCERN FOR MANY HOUSEHOLDS.

>> IT'S WHERE AN AWFUL LOT OF AMERICANS, THEIR CAR, THEIR VEHICLE, IS THEIR LIFELINE TO THEIR JOB.

AND IF THEY CAN'T -- IF THEY DON'T HAVE THAT TRANSPORTATION, THINGS GET REALLY CHALLENGING FOR THEM.

>> Reporter: THERE ARE CONCERNS THAT THE WAR IN IRAN COULD SPARK ANOTHER SHORTAGE FOR DRIVERS, THE SHUTDOWN OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND DAMAGE TO MIDDLE EAST FACILITIES, CONFRONTS THE SUPPLY OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR KINDS OF MOTOR OIL.

IN WASHINGTON, I AM KAREN KAFFA.

>>> WE ARE GETTING ANOTHER WARM ONE COMING UP FOR THE INTERIOR, THURSDAY.

WE TALKED A LITTLE BIT OF AN ESCALATION, THEN A COOLDOWN TO FOLLOW.

WARMTH CONTINUES INLAND THROUGH THURSDAY.

THERE WILL BE SOME RELIEF FROM THE HEAT AS WE DO STEP DOWN THEN, THIS WEEKEND, IN MOST AREAS.

AND BY THE WAY, THE SMOKE IS STILL A PROBLEM AS WE ARE TRACKING SOME MORE FIRES AND SMOKE PRODUCTION, ESPECIALLY TO OUR NORTH.

YOU GET OFFSHORE OUT THERE ON THE ISLANDS, SOME OF US COULD BE DRIFTING THROUGH THE REGION, WE WILL SHOW YOU THE ANIMATION OF OUR SMOKE AND AIR QUALITY FORECAST, BUT TONIGHT, 60 DEGREES, PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES, AND HERE IS THE SITUATION OF THE DEEPER MAROON, OR THE SOURCES OF MORE SMOKE PRODUCTION.

AND YOU CAN SEE THAT WE JUST REMAIN IN THIS AREA WITH LIGHT SMOKE ACROSS THE REGION, AN ONSHORE BREEZE FUNNELING SOME OF THIS IN AS A KIND OF MOVES SOUTH AND THEN EASTWARD INTO FAR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, INCLUDING THE AREA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

WE ARE STILL STEAMY IN THE DESERT FOR THURSDAY.

A WARM, DRY SET UP FOR US, COMFORTABLE FOR THE COAST, THOUGH, 75 IN OCEANSIDE, 72 IN SAN DIEGO OR CHULA VISTA.

A LITTLE SMOKE IN THE SKY, STILL HAZY, 92 IN BORREGO SPRINGS, SO STILL OUT THERE.

FRIDAY, THE HEAT STILL PRESENT ACROSS MUCH OF THE WEST, BUT WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET TO THIS BIG CHANGE UNTIL THE WEEKEND, A LITTLE BIT COOLER FOR US, ACTUALLY.

I KNOW WE ARE HIGHLIGHTING WARMTH FOR THE GREAT BASIN AND MOST OF THE WEST AT LARGE, BUT WE ARE TRIMMING THE HEAT AWAY FROM US IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA A BIT THIS WEEKEND.

EVEN IN THE DESERTS, YOU WILL NOTICE A LITTLE BIT OF COOLING.

FROM THE COAST, WE ARE GOING FROM 75, THURSDAY, BACK TO 70 ON SATURDAY, 72, SUNDAY.

INTERMITTENT CLOUDS, PARTLY SUNNY, GENERALLY PLEASANT, A HINT OF HAZE AND SMOKE IN THE SKY, BUT OTHERWISE, BRIGHTER AFTERNOONS, SOMEWHAT CLOUDIER IN THE MORNING.

INLAND AREAS, WE WILL GO FROM A WARM 82 ON THURSDAY, BACK TO MID-70s, NICE WEEKEND, LOOKING GOOD INTO MONDAY, AS WELL.

INTO THE MOUNTAINS, WE GO.

HERE, WE WILL BE IN THE 60s, AND THEN WE DROP INTO THE 50s, UPPER 50s, FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

ENJOY THE CHANGE, HERE.

NICE AND COOL OUT THERE FOR THE WEEKEND.

AND THEN, FOR THE DESERTS, HERE, WE WILL DROP FROM 96 ON A HOT AND SUNNY THURSDAY, TO 94 YOUR HIGH ON SATURDAY, 91, SUNDAY.

SO, IT IS STILL WARM, IT IS THE DESERT HERE IN LATE MAY, BUT NOT AS HOT AS IT COULD BE AND CERTAINLY, WE HAVE A LONG, DRY SEASON AHEAD OF US.

BEFORE LONG, WE WILL LOCKED INTO THOSE TRIPLE DIGITS, SO ENJOY THE 90 DEGREE COOLNESS, IN AIR FINGER QUOTES, WHILE WE HAVE IT HERE THIS WEEKEND.

I AM ACCUWEATHER METEOROLOGIST GEOFF CORNISH FOR KPBS NEWS.

>>> MEMORIAL DAY IS AT HAND AND IT CALLS TO MIND SOMETHING YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED ESPECIALLY IF YOU TRAVEL ALONG OUR NATION'S HIGHWAYS.

KEN KRAMER SHOWS US IN THIS STORY ABOUT SAN DIEGO.

>> Reporter: FORT ROSECRANS NATIONAL CEMETERY, AND HERE IS SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT HAVE SEEN, BUT IT'S WORTH A LOOK.

IT'S A BLUE STAR MEMORIAL.

BLUE STAR.

TO UNDERSTAND THIS STORY, YOU HAVE TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT BLUE STAR HIGHWAY SIGNS.

YOU EVER SEEN THEM?

THEY ARE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.

HERE'S ONE IN WASHINGTON ALONG INTERSTATE 90.

HERE IS ANOTHER ONE WE CAUGHT IN DERIDDER, LOUISIANA, HIGHWAYS 27, 112, AND 171 MEET UP, THERE.

IN CALIFORNIA, INTERSTATE 5, SOUTH OF TRACY, THERE IS A MEMORIAL DESIGNATING IT AS A BLUE STAR HIGHWAY.

IN FACT, IN SAN DIEGO, INTERSTATES 5, 8, OTHER ROADS IN THE COUNTY, TOO, HAVE BEEN NAMED BLUE STAR HIGHWAYS, SO WHERE DOES THE "BLUE STAR" COME FROM?

WELL, GO BACK, WORLD WAR II, YOU WOULD SEE THESE SERVICE FLAGS, THEY WERE CALLED, A BLUE STAR MEANT YOU HAD A FAMILY MEMBER IN SERVICE IN WARTIME.

HOWEVER MANY STARS YOU DISPLAYED ON YOUR SERVICE FLAG, THAT IS HOW MANY WERE IN THE MILITARY.

IF THERE WAS A GOLD STAR, THAT MEANS YOU LOST A FAMILY MEMBER.

SO, AFTER THE WAR, A GROUP CALLED THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE GARDEN CLUBS STARTED BEAUTIFYING ROADWAYS AND PUT UP THESE BLUE STAR MARKERS, TO HONOR VETERANS.

FIRST, ON A FEW HIGHWAYS, AND THEN MORE, AND MORE, AND NOW, 70,000 MILES OF ROAD ARE DESIGNATED AS BLUE STAR HIGHWAYS.

HERE, LINDA LAKE, LAKESIDE RIGHT AROUND A GROVE OF PEPPER TREES, OUT THERE ON THE LAWN ALL BY ITSELF, IS A LITTLE MEMORIAL MARKER THAT, IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS THERE, YOU COULD MISS READING THAT IT MARKED THAT SPOT AS A BLUE STAR BYWAY.

IF YOU TRAVEL AROUND THE COUNTRY, YOU FIND THEM AT PLACES LIKE ROADSIDE REST STOPS, HERE IS ONE OF A VETERANS PARK IN MEDFORD, OREGON, BUT THE TRUTH IS NOW, THERE ARE SO MANY BLUE STAR ROADWAYS -- HUNDREDS -- THAT NOBODY IS REALLY SURE WHERE THE HIGHWAY MARKERS ARE, LET ALONE, THE BYWAYS.

SOME PEOPLE TRY TO FIND THEM, CATALOG THEM, DOCUMENT THEIR ACTUAL LATITUDE, LONGITUDE, AND CONDITION.

THERE ARE WEBSITES DEVOTED TO KEEPING TRACK OF THEM AND ENSURING THEY ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND CONTINUE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE VETERANS THEY HONOR.

WHICH BRINGS US BACK HERE, FORT ROSECRANS NATIONAL CEMETERY, OUT IN PALOMA, WHERE THERE IS WHAT IS CALLED A BLUE STAR MEMORIAL, NOT ON A HIGHWAY OR A BYWAY, NO MENTION OF THAT ON THIS ONE, NO NEED, NOT HERE.

THIS BLUE STAR MONUMENT STANDS ALONE, AS A TRIBUTE TO VETERANS AND SOMETHING WELL WORTH NOTING ABOUT SAN DIEGO.

>> KEN KRAMER HAS A HALF HOUR OF STORIES EVERY WEEK ABOUT SAN DIEGO.

YOU CAN SEE THEM THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 8:00, HERE ON KPBS.

AND YOU CAN FIND OUR STORIES FROM TONIGHT 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 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!

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