Good morning, San Diego!
We're looking ahead at Monday morning's San Diego City Council meeting, during which councilmembers are scheduled to discuss and potentially vote on the hotly-debated proposal to charge visitors to park at Balboa Park.
Plus, we have updates on the shooting death of conservative political influencer Charlie Kirk, including reports of the accused shooter being uncooperative in the investigation.
Ava Kershner has the latest microclimate forecasts to help you plan your work week, and we have more news you can use in the September 15 edition of your morning newsletter:
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The San Diego City Council on Monday is expected decide on the implementation of paid parking at Balboa Park, and ABC 10News has learned that how much drivers will pay will depend on the lot they park in and where they live.
According to the proposed ordinance, different parking lots will be color-coded, with “high demand” lots that are closest to museums charging $12 per day.
Parking lots further away towards Interstate 5 will cost $6 per day, but the first two hours would be free.
As part of the plan, the City Council has proposed a 50% discount on the high demand/Level 1 lots for residents that would start in January.
Metered parking at Balboa Park is projected to generate about $10.3 million for the city, with all money going back into the park for operations, roads, lighting, signage, and more.
If the council passes the plan, paid parking at Balboa Park lots would begin Oct. 6 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Should the parking plan pass, city residents will have a chance after January to apply for a local discount; applicants will need a proof of city residency and pay a $5 fee to apply.
A separate proposal being considered by the council on Monday would have metered parking on the outside perimeter of Balboa Park cost $2.50 an hour.
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BREAKING OVERNIGHT:
(AP) — Authorities are still trying to learn more about what motivated the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah, as memorials for the conservative activist were held Sunday for his life and legacy.
Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felony offenses. Prosecutors are drawing up formal charges that could be filed early next week, when he will make his first court appearance.
Investigators have spoken to Robinson's relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family's home in Washington, about 240 miles southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.
Here are things to know about the killing:
What do we know about motive?
Authorities have not provided many details about why they think Robinson carried out the attack on Kirk.
“There clearly was a leftist ideology,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” noting that family and friends described Robinson's politics as veering left in recent years. They recounted to authorities a dinner table conversation in which he mentioned Kirk's upcoming visit to Utah Valley University.
Cox said Robinson is “not cooperating” and that friends paint a picture of someone radicalized in the dark corners of the internet. Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on the father of two and confidant of President Donald Trump.
State records show Robinson is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.
Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Kirk was engraved with taunting messages.
What do we know about Robinson?
He grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah, between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
Robinson became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.
Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts. Online activity by Robinson’s mother reflects an active family that took vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska.
Like many in that part of Utah, they frequently spent time outdoors — boating, fishing, riding ATVs, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with assault rifles. A young Robinson is seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.
A high school honor roll student who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardized tests, he was admitted to Utah State University in 2021 on a prestigious academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter that was posted to a family member’s social media account.
But he attended for only one semester, according to a university spokesperson. He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.
Robinson’s partner is transgender, Cox said. Some politicians have pointed to that as a sign Robinson was targeting Kirk for his anti-transgender views, but authorities have not said whether it is relevant to the investigation. Cox said the partner has been “incredibly cooperative,” and “had no idea that this was happening.”
What has the fallout from the assassination been?
It prompted calls for greater civility in the country's political discourse, especially on social media. But many people have made comments about Kirk and the shooting that brought consequences. Numerous workers have been fired for their comments on Kirk’s death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd.
It’s not the first time people have lost jobs over things they say publicly, but the speed of the firings has raised questions about free speech rights.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ education commissioner warned teachers in the state that making “disgusting” statements about Kirk’s assassination could draw sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of their teaching licenses.
A conservative internet personality who is embedded with immigration agents in Chicago filmed a video outside Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s private home in which he urged viewers to “take action” after Kirk’s assassination. Pritzker's office said his security has been increased in recent days.
Partisans have been fighting over who’s to blame for Kirk’s death, but experts on political violence say many of those who commit such crimes seem to act on beliefs that don’t map clearly onto partisan lines. They say the broader political environment is more important: The more heated the atmosphere, the more likely it is to lead unstable people to commit acts of violence.
Memorials are held in Washington, Arizona and elsewhere
A vigil at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., was among numerous tributes to Kirk on Sunday. The line of mourners in Washington wrapped around the center.
Kirk also was memorialized at Dream City Church in Phoenix, where he hosted one of his “Freedom Night in America” gatherings. Attendees viewed clips of Kirk discussing his desire to be “remembered for courage for my faith.” Angel Barnett, a church pastor, called on the crowd to honor Kirk by carrying on his message.
Flowers, U.S. flags and handwritten messages were left at a makeshift memorial at Utah Valley University’s main entrance. The school has said there will be increased security when classes resume Wednesday.
Turning Point USA, Kirk's conservative organization, will hold a memorial for him Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix, where the Arizona Cardinals play. Kirk's casket arrived Thursday in his home state aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance.
His widow, Erika Kirk, vowed to continue his campus tour and his radio and podcast shows.
“To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die,” she said Friday in a livestreamed video. “It won’t. I refuse to let that happen.”
CONSUMER:
It can be a challenge to launch your own business, but there are many resources out there to help get you started.
WATCH — Consumer reporter Marie Coronel shows us the tools anyone in the community can use that are available for free at the University of San Diego:
WE FOLLOW THROUGH:
"For him to have his life taken in the way, it’s just a huge shock and devastating.”
An Imperial Beach family is grieving the loss of 36-year-old Joe Rivera, whose life was abruptly cut short in a deadly shooting outside of a bar on Sept. 6.
WATCH — Reporter Michael Chen follows through with family members trying hard to move forward without the father of four:
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