KPBS Roundtable

KPBS

KPBS Roundtable offers perspectives from those who tell San Diego’s stories. Join host Andrew Bracken for a weekly discussion with reporters, adding depth and context to the headlines driving the news in the San Diego region. KPBS Roundtable airs each Friday at 12 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. across San Diego on 89.5 FM and Imperial County on 97.7 FM. You can also catch the show on all podcast apps. New episodes drop every Friday afternoon.

  1. 1d ago

    Man dies inside Otay Mesa Detention Center 'safety cell'; Proposition 38; Día de Muertos

    On Oct. 9, ICE agents arrested a 43-year-old Guatemalan man during an operation in Escondido. He died two weeks later in the Otay Mesa Detention Facility, inside an "assigned safety cell." While ICE says his death is under investigation, San Diego county officials are demanding an outside probe into his death. On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the state of immigration detention and enforcement ahead of the midterm election. Then, we break down the arguments for and against Proposition 38 — which would create an $8 billion bond to fund immunology and immunotherapy research. Plus, we talk about local celebrations for Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, including a KPBS digital ofrenda to honor community members' loved ones. Guests: Kate Morrissey, immigration reporter, Daylight San Diego co-founder, "Beyond the Border"Elliot Spagat, U.S. Immigration News Editor, Associated PressJonathan Wosen, West Coast biotech and life sciences reporter, STAT NewsMarielena Castellanos, South Bay engagement producerJacob Aere, general assignment reporter, KPBS Keep reading: ICE detainee dies at Otay Mesa Detention Center in San DiegoFamily of man who died at Otay detention center says he had no previous medical conditionsGuatemalan man who died inside Otay Mesa Detention Center was misidentified by ICE‘We can’t become desensitized': Día de Muertos vigil mourns deaths in ICE custodyTortured in El Salvador, injured in the U.S. and deported to MexicoHow AP obtained and analyzed data on 4.5 million migrants released in the US at the borderTop immunology association divided over $8.4-billion California ballot measure to fund the field, emails showDía de Muertos Digital OfrendaWhere to celebrate Day of the Dead in San Diego 2026

  2. Oct 23

    Data center pushback; Montgomery-Gibbs airport pollution; New day center offers homeless services

    New reporting from Voice of San Diego has revealed that a developer is exploring plans to build a large-scale data center in San Diego. We talk about how city leaders and community members are responding, and break down Mayor Todd Gloria's executive order to establish a temporary moratorium on new data centers in the city. Then, an investigation from inewsource finds that San Diego's Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is the highest lead-polluting general aviation airport in the United States, according to federal data. We discuss why the process to transition away from leaded fuel has seen many delays, despite community members calling for action. Plus, a new day center has opened in downtown San Diego, after the Neil Good Day Center was closed last month due to city budget cuts. We talk about the value of day centers and how they fit into San Diego's overall efforts to address homelessness. Guests: MacKenzie Elmer, environment and energy reporter, Voice of San DiegoPhilip Salata, environment and energy reporter, inewsourceEmmy Burrus, Gloria Penner Fellow and audio producer, KPBS Keep reading: Manchester Group Pitches Massive Data Center at NAVWAR SiteManchester Group Promises Housing Will Be ‘Major Part’ of NAVWAR DevelopmentThis San Diego airport is the nation’s worst lead polluter. Its planes fly past 30 schoolsFather Joe’s opens new day center for people experiencing homelessness, filling critical needStudent homelessness is on the rise in California, including San DiegoCity of San Diego Inclement Weather Shelter Program

  3. Oct 2

    Plug-in solar bill; Julian center expands care for wolves; Padres advance to the NLDS

    Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill legalizing balcony, or "plug-in," solar. It could offer a smaller, relatively inexpensive option for people who cannot afford rooftop solar. On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the intricacies of plug-in panels. And, whether they can provide relief as electricity bills skyrocket. Plus, the California Wolf Center in Julian has long played a key role in revitalizing the state's population of gray wolves. We talk about the unique challenges wolves are facing today, from climate change to uncertain federal protections. Also, the nonprofit's plans to expand and continue promoting coexistence with wolves. Then, we celebrate the Padres hot streak this week as they gear up for their next challenge — a match against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. We talk about what it will take to keep the momentum going. Guests: Laura Klivans, science reporter, KQEDMackenzie Elmer, energy and environment reporter, Voice of San DiegoTammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBSKarthik Venkataraman, sports anchor and reporter, CBS 8Keep reading: California Officially Legalizes Balcony Solar, Opening the Market to the New TechnologyCalifornia formally legalizes smaller, cheaper 'balcony solar' panelsEnvironment Report: Plug-In Solar or Have My Power Cut?Environment Report: Is Plug-In Solar Actually Dangerous? Julian Wolf Center is expanding care for wolves at a time when federal protections seem uncertainTrump order directs officials to consider stripping protections for gray wolvesPadres rout Cubs 8-0 in emphatic Wild Card opener with Tatis’ leadoff homer, King’s no-hit bidThe Padres streak into October playing their best ball. They're even ready for the mighty BrewersPadres Manny Machado likes San Diego reporter's brown jacket better than the blue one

  4. Sep 25

    Trash fee fallout; Padres clinch playoff spot; the voice behind the KPBS surf report

    This week, we learned that tens of thousands of San Diegans may have been overcharged on their property tax bills for trash fees. The city of San Diego blames the problem on a "technical error." We talk about the latest with San Diego Union-Tribune City Hall reporter David Garrick, who broke the story. Plus, the San Diego Padres have clinched a spot in the playoffs — after beating the Dodgers 4-2. Spanish-language broadcaster Eduardo Ortega joins us to talk about the 2026 regular season and look ahead to the Padres' third straight trip to the postseason. Also, how he's celebrating 40 years behind the microphone. Then, we sit down with a familiar voice for KPBS listeners — Scott Bass. We hear more about his process behind his signature surf report, and how he describes San Diego surf culture. Guests: David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-TribuneEduardo Ortega, Spanish-language broadcaster, San Diego PadresScott Bass, surf forecaster, KPBS Keep reading: San Diego is overcharging thousands of people for trash pickup, some by $1,000 or more‘This is incompetence’: San Diego council members rail against Gloria for city over-billing thousands for trashFacing ire for overcharging for trash pickup, San Diego reveals how many households are affectedPadres beat Dodgers to clinch third straight postseason berthPadres clinch 3rd straight postseason berth as they seek 1st World Series titleUnique radio surf reports attract mostly non-surfers

4.4
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

KPBS Roundtable offers perspectives from those who tell San Diego’s stories. Join host Andrew Bracken for a weekly discussion with reporters, adding depth and context to the headlines driving the news in the San Diego region. KPBS Roundtable airs each Friday at 12 p.m. and again Sunday at 6 a.m. across San Diego on 89.5 FM and Imperial County on 97.7 FM. You can also catch the show on all podcast apps. New episodes drop every Friday afternoon.

More From KPBS

You Might Also Like