Kpbs Roundtable

Pollution and trash from the Tijuana River Valley have impacted the San Diego-Tijuana border region for decades. New research shows that it's not just the water that's affected. Toxic materials are also degrading the region’s air quality.A panel of environment reporters in the San Diego-Tijuana region joins us to talk about the origins of the cross-border sewage crisis. How did it all start? We look into the Tijuana River Valley’s eco-history — and how its water and air came to be polluted.Then, a look ahead to the Major League Baseball playoffs. The Padres are set to face the Chicago Cubs in the wildcard round on Tuesday. This weekend will determine where the series begins — it’s looking like Chicago, but there's still a chance it could come to Petco Park.Padres beat writer AJ Cassavell says this will be the first time these two teams have met in the playoffs since 1984.And finally, our weekly roundup of other stories from the week.Guests:Tammy Murga, environmental reporter, KPBSMackenzie Elmer, environment

The San Diego City Council this week approved a minimum wage increase to $25 per hour for most hospitality workers.It will be phased in over several years.We discuss the significance of the ordinance and what it means for organized labor in city politics.Plus, Andrew Keatts is the new general manager and editor of Times of San Diego, a local news outlet. We sit down with Keatts and outgoing editor Chris Jennewein for details on their vision for the Times moving forward.Then, the weekly roundup of other stories from the week.Guests:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBSScott Lewis, editor in chief and CEO, Voice of San DiegoAndrew Keatts, general manager and editor, Times of San DiegoChris Jennewein, founder and senior editor, Times of San DiegoAshley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Happy Birthday, KPBS!September 12, 2025 marks KPBS' 65th anniversary of public broadcasting in San Diego.On this special edition of Roundtable, we catch up with some familiar voices who helped build KPBS into what it is today.Guests:Ken Kramer, host and producer of Ken Kramer's About San DiegoAlison St. John, longtime KPBS reporterScott Horsley, chief economics correspondent for NPR and former KPBS reporterThomas Fudge, science and technology reporter, KPBS

Immigration enforcement is escalating in San Diego and across the country, with more than 60,000 people currently in immigration detention nationwide.On KPBS Roundtable, we check in with immigration reporters in the San Diego-Tijuana region to break down the state of enforcement on the ground and how communities across southern California have been responding.Then, a roundup of your weekly stories.Guests:Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBSElliot Spagat, U.S. Immigration News Editor, Associated PressKate Morrissey, immigration reporter, Daylight San Diego co-founder, "Beyond the Border"Stories mentioned in Roundup:"ICE" — Throughline, NPR"Newsom promised real progress on mental health with CARE Court. Here’s what the numbers show" — CalMatters"How focused is Gavin Newsom on his job? His official schedule remains a mystery" — CalMattersSan Diego Public Library cuts slash Monday hours, prompt ‘great reshuffling’ of librarians citywide — San Diego Union-TribuneAM13 Jersey Retirement match — San Die

A group of people in San Diego's Safe Sleeping Program filed a lawsuit this week alleging that the city program is failing to live up to its name.KPBS Roundtable takes a closer look at the lawsuit and discusses the larger landscape of homelessness in the region.Then, San Diego is facing a senior population boom, what this historic shift means for the region's future.That's followed by our roundup of the week's local stories, from the latest on the Tijuana River's sewage crisis to San Diego's newest basketball franchise.Guests: Blake Nelson, homelessness reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneWill Huntsberry, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San DiegoJulianna Domingo, producer, KPBS

This week marked the first day of school for tens of thousands of kids in the San Diego Unified School District.With the promises of the new school year also come challenges for local schools and their students, from ongoing enrollment declines to how to navigate our age of smart phones and AI.We speak to three education reporters about those challenges and more.Guests:Katie Anastas, education reporter, KPBSJakob McWhinney, education reporter, Voice of San DiegoJemma Stephenson, education reporter, The San Diego Union- Tribune

Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading an effort to change district maps in California in response to redistricting efforts from GOP leaders in Texas.We discuss what it could mean for the future of political power in California and across the nation.Plus, a San Diego news startup is fighting the loss of local media by prioritizing solutions-oriented, community-focused storytelling. We hear the details.Then, the weekly roundup of other stories from the week.Guests:Alexei Koseff, reporter, CalMattersKate Morrissey, co-founder, Daylight San Diego; immigration reporter, Beyond the Border NewsLauren J. Mapp, co-founder, Daylight San DiegoBritney Cruz-Fejeran, co-founder, Daylight San DiegoAshley Rusch, producer, KPBS

San Diego is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States.One proposed solution involves increasing the housing supply with an emphasis on affordable development mandates. But the process of permitting new homes depends on many factors.A new KPBS and Voice of San Diego investigation digs into housing data to find out where new homes are being built. We discuss the details with the reporters behind the series.Plus, the weekly roundup of other stories we're watching.Guests:Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBSJake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBSWill Huntsberry, senior investigative reporter, KPBSAshley Rusch, producer, KPBS

What does it take to capture the thrill of San Diego Comic-Con and bring it to an even wider audience?On KPBS Roundtable, we get the lowdown on this year’s event from a local reporter who covers the con, and a podcast host who spotlights both established and up-and-coming comic book creators and artists.Then, how one content creator from San Diego developed her passion for pop culture and fandom — and her relationship to the convention.And finally, hear from two of our very own KPBS staff about what they have seen at the convention so far and the passion that drives it.Guests:Philip Molnar, senior business reporter, San Diego Union-TribuneAaron Nabus, host, "Hall H" podcastTiffie Starchild, content creatorJulianna Domingo, producer, KPBS Midday EditionLeslie Gonzalez, web producer, KPBS

National City has made efforts to reduce its number of industrial businesses in recent years with the goal of improving air quality and resident health.But a new new proposed biofuel depot is raining concerns in a city that has long sought to curb pollution.Also on KPBS Roundtable, the Chula Vista City Council passed an ordinance last week with new regulations on who can ride e-bikes and where. We take a look into the city's tighter restrictions on young e-bike users.Then, we share other stories in this week's roundup.Guests:Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBSCrystal Niebla, infrastructure and government accountability reporter, inewsourceAshley Rusch, producer, KPBS]]>

It’s time for a mid-season report card for San Diego sports teams this week.The Padres will enter next week’s All-Star break with a winning record. On today's show, we discuss what they need to do in the second half to make another playoff run come October.Plus, San Diego’s soccer landscape continues to bloom. We check in on both of the major soccer teams in San Diego: San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC.Guests:Derek Togerson, NBC 7 sports anchorRyan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-TribuneTony Sanchez, founder, SanDiego.Futbol]]>

The Michelin Guide has revealed which California restaurants earned a "star." Carlsbad's Lilo picked up one Michelin star. Meanwhile, Atelier Manna received a Bib Gourmand designation.San Diego now has five Michelin-starred restaurants.This week on Roundtable, we bring together a few journalists covering one of the things we love most about San Diego: food.Plus, the weekly roundup of other stories from the week.Guests: Candice Woo, freelance journalist and editor in San DiegoBeth Demmon, food and drink writer for San Diego MagazineFarley Elliot, SoCal Bureau chief, SFGATEAshley Rusch, producer, KPBSFood & drink recommendations:Read Candice Woo’s Guide to San Diego DiningLilo - CarlsbadRead Beth Demmon’s Review on LiloJeune et Jolie - CarlsbadAddison - Del MarValle - OceansideAtelier Manna - LeucadiaSoichi - North ParkFine diningLucien - La JollaDora - La JollaFleurette - La Jolla, UTCBosforo - Normal HeightsRead Beth Demmon’s Look into BosforoVulture (Vegan & Cocktails)- University HeightsRead Candice

San Diego Pride's parade and festival kicks off in less than a month. But this year, festivities are overshadowed by concerns about leadership and the overall vision for the organization. More than two dozen LGBTQ+ leaders have sent a letter to the board outlining issues like the lack of transparency and community engagement. The criticism comes weeks after a coalition of Jewish organizations, along with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, have pulled out of the festival over San Diego Pride's decision to invite singer Kehlani as a headliner. We discuss the details and what this could mean for Pride. Then, we hear about the firsthand impacts of the Trump administration's ban on transgender soldiers — through the story of one local sailor. Plus, the weekly roundup of other stories from the week. Guests: Maura Fox, communities reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Immigration raids, the protests against them, and President Trump's deployment of troops brought dramatic scenes to Los Angeles this week. As California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta challenge the legality of Trump's actions, we discuss where immigration enforcement is headed and the military’s role in it. Plus, what does it take to bring journalism to the world of social media? We hear about citizen journalism, news influencers and the ultimate potential for news on social media apps. Guests: Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS Bella Ross, social media producer, Voice of San Diego, @bellamayaross Jake Gotta, social media reporter and host, Public Matters, KPBS, @jakegotta

This week, the San Diego City Council passed new rules for street parking in the city. We discuss what it means for the state of free Sunday parking, parking in Balboa Park and more. Plus, a KPBS investigation looks into three separate civil rights lawsuits in National City brought by the families of people who died after police officers confronted them. We talk through questions over how police should respond to people experiencing mental health crises. Then, our weekly roundup of some feel-good stories from the week. Guests: Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune Kori Suzuki, South Bay and Imperial Valley reporter, KPBS

We hear about proposed changes to San Diego's ADU bonus program, and how they could prevent housing construction in the city's wealthiest neighborhoods. Plus, why SDUSD is changing its graduation requirements.

We discuss the impact of Thursday's plane crash on military families. Then, a KPBS investigation into police overtime pay. Plus, reporting on winemaking in Mexico's largest wine making region.

We break down the city of San Diego's revised annual budget. Then, we discuss how Governor Gavin Newsom thinks cities and counties should tackle homelessness.

The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs could impact the local farming industry in San Diego County. Plus, a look into if California's long proposed high speed rail project to connect major cities will ever come to light.

A man arrested in an ICE raid earlier this year shares his story. Plus, how bots are scamming community college students out of financial aid.