KPBS Roundtable

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 ahe...

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-Gi...

We discuss changing attitudes from local leaders surrounding ALPRs, as police departments look to incorporate more AI tools. Plus, how a number of new state housing laws may be felt in San Diego. And, we sit down with MLB and Padres legend, Dave Winfield, to discuss his career and new memoir.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego Bay on Thursday afternoon after more than 10 months of deployment. Previous reporting revealed shortages of food and personal hygiene products aboard the ship, along with at least eight suicide attempts. On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the significance of the homecoming and what we've learned about conditions aboard the USS Abraham L...

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 pla...

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....

On Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a new executive order to take action on artificial intelligence safety through a number of efforts, including an "AI kill switch." The effort comes amid growing concerns about the safety of AI and potential dangers for the future of humanity. We sit down with a panel of technology reporters about the latest in AI news and what it's like covering the...

Earlier this week, immigration agents arrested a student near San Diego City College — at the corner of 16th and C streets. They chased another student onto campus. Both are Haitian immigrants. We talk about the reaction from City College students and the local Haitian community . And, what losing TPS means for Haitian immigrants. Plus, we explore how September 11, 2001 marked a defining moment fo...

A new state law makes it illegal to loiter in an area for the purpose of buying sex. But data show that here in San Diego, police are mostly citing Latino and Black men for the crime. We talk about KPBS reporting that raises questions about racial bias and how the new law is impacting sex workers. Plus, the county of San Diego announced the departure of its behavioral health director just minutes...

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a record number of people in July. In San Diego and Imperial counties, that was 2,000 people — the highest monthly total during President Trump's second term. We talk about the story behind the data, and what it reveals about immigration enforcement today. Plus, as concerns grow around e-bikes and safety, experts said San Diego County needs to add...

Earlier this month, state regulators allowed Waymo to bring its driverless taxi service to San Diego — and throughout much of Southern California. We give you a taste of what it's like to ride in an autonomous vehicle. Then, we zoom out to discuss how robotaxis are operating in other U.S. cities and the debate around them. Plus, National City is facing a money problem . The current expenses in the...

The city of San Diego is reopening more than a dozen bathrooms in Mission Bay Park, after months of public backlash. We break down the potty politics and what the story says about the city's budget process. Plus, new reporting from NBC News explores the financial struggles of a group of former MLB stars who feel the game has left them behind. And, local Indigenous horror writer and anthologist Sha...

On KPBS Roundtable, we talk about the impact of state and federal Medicaid cuts that could double California's uninsured rate over the next four years. Plus, why San Diego caregivers are owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen wages. And, why communities are rallying against data center development in Southern California.

San Diego lost a legend this week. Billy Ray Smith passed away at 64 after a long journey with dementia. His family said it was caused by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). On KPBS Roundtable, we remember the iconic San Diego Chargers linebacker and sportscaster with his long-time radio co-host, Scott Kaplan. Then, we unpack why voters rallied against a union-backed initiative to overhaul loc...

Friday marks the second official day of San Diego Comic-Con, with celebrities, cosplayers, creators and pop culture fans continuing to descend on downtown. Whether you have a badge or not, KPBS Roundtable is bringing you closer to the pop culture convention. We check in with local journalists about their experience covering the convention so far and what you need to know, from the latest news to o...

Community members in Southeastern San Diego have lost a decades-long fight over a hilltop in Emerald Hills. They had been pushing for a park there. But now, a housing development is coming. We sit down with KPBS reporter Katie Hyson to hear the story, from the beginning. Plus, California school districts are suing social media companies. And, a tribute for Kelly Davis, an important voice in San Di...

California lawmakers have introduced new legislation to stop detention centers from claiming charitable tax breaks. The state bill follows a KPBS investigation found that an Imperial County ICE detention center had been getting millions of dollars in tax breaks for years. Plus, San Diego's commercial fishing industry is a small fraction compared to what it once was. We take a deep dive into the re...

The Supreme Court handed down two major immigration rulings this week. On KPBS Roundtable, we discuss the significance of the cases, which strip temporary protected status for hundreds of thousands and give border officials the green light to turn away asylum seekers. Plus, new rules limiting technology and screens are coming for San Diego schools after a resolution passed this week. And, why a 6'...

A new series of investigations from inewsource outlines a pattern of concerns around medical care inside the Otay Mesa Detention Center, from isolation to medical delays. Then, what makes a good father? We look at the science of fatherhood and how dads are changed by the experience. And finally, we continue our San Diego Storytellers series with musician Parker Edison and talk about his journey as...

About twice a day, San Diego law enforcement charge someone with "resisting an officer" — and nothing else. Data show that Black San Diegans are nine times more likely to face the charge. We break down new reporting from KPBS. Plus, San Diego's controversial license plate reader system linked the wrong man to a violent crime — even though he was miles away from the crime scene. And, we invite a pa...

A few days out from primary election night, we have a clear picture of many of the races — though not a complete one. Hundreds of thousands of votes have yet to be counted. Still, there's a lot to gather from the results on city council races, local measures, congressional seats and more. We sit down with a roundtable of political reporters to help us make sense of local voting trends. Plus, a pre...

Election Day is right around the corner. On KPBS Roundtable, we continue our series breaking down primary races with a look at a new tax targeting empty homes in the city, as well as some San Diego City Council races . Plus, we explore the meaning of Eid al-Adha — also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. The holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. We also explore how the community is coping on...

Reading about climate change can leave us feeling helpless, anxious and disengaged. But focusing on solutions can have the opposite effect. For NPR's Climate Solutions Week , we're highlighting how San Diego communities are doing their part for the climate. Plus, we continue our election series in the run-up to the June 2 primary. This week, we break down the races for Superior Court judge seats....

Right now, more than 5,000 people are being held in California's eight Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. That includes the Imperial Regional Detention Facility in Calexico. A KPBS investigation found that the facility's nonprofit owner has received millions in tax breaks for more than a decade. Plus, we take a look into the race for California's 75th Assembly District seat, wit...

A new KPBS investigation found the nonprofit that owns the Imperial Regional Detention Facility has received millions in tax breaks over the years. Plus, we take a look into the race for California's 75th State Assembly seat. And, the challenges faced by journalists in Tijuana.