KPBS Roundtable

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

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, KPBSKeep 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

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 industry today.Plus, a new series by SDSU college radio station KCR is coming to KPBS. "Basement Beats" highlights local talent through live performances and interviews. We talk with two of the producers behind the series.Guests:Stephen Council, senior tech reporter, Business InsiderChase DiFeliciantonio, AI and automation reporter, POLITICONitasha Tiku, tech culture reporter, The Washington PostKeyla Parra Gamiño, director of KCR's Basement Beats; KPBS student assistantSammi Thomas, KCR general managerKeep reading: Newsom signs executive order to explore new AI rules, consider 'kill switch'Newsom mulls a special session on AIPoll: Americans say there’s a serious risk of AI destroying humanityHow a fringe AI movement convinced Washington the end is nearHere's why it's so hard to keep AI agents from going rogueAI doom talk is everywhere. At a giant San Francisco tech conference, people have other worries about the tech.

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 for our military and border operations.Then, the presence of Islamophobia before and after 9/11.Guests:Alexander Nguyen, North County reporter, KPBSJacob Aere, general assignment reporter, KPBSGustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBSAndrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBSRozina Ali, investigative journalist and author, "Seasons of Fury: Four Families and the Rise of Islamophobia in America"Keep reading:ICE agents arrest driver while passenger flees near San Diego City CollegeSan Diego City College students rally to protest ICE arrest near campusHaitian community speaks out following recent ICE arrests in San Diego and across the USHow the 9/11 attacks changed life in uniformSeasons of Fury: Four Families and the Rise of Islamophobia in America

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 after releasing employee misconduct records. We talk about the story emerging from those documents.Then, how a recent court decision may change how public records requests are handled in the future.And, this month's issue of San Diego Magazine celebrates the creatives shaping our local arts and culture community.Guests:Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBSLisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San DiegoWill Huntsberry, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San DiegoAaryn Belfer, editor, San Diego MagazineKeep reading:Critics warned a state law targeting sex buyers could lead to racial bias. Here's how it's playing out in San DiegoRacist Comments Outed in Voice Records Request; Dept Head OutCounty Nursing Facility Plagued by Racism, Sexual Harassment and Sex Tapes Governments May Now Take ‘Months or Years’ to Fill Public Records RequestsSan Diego Magazine Editor’s Note, September 2026: More Than a Postcard31 People Shaping San Diego’s Creative Scene