Friday on Roundtable, we check in on the latest military reporting coming out of the KPBS newsroom.

Then, Roundtable has always been a place for journalists to come share more about the stories they are telling — but the San Diego-Tijuana region is home to many other kinds of storytellers, too.

This National Poetry Month, we speak with the region's first ever poet laureate for our San Diego Storytellers series.

And finally, book lovers are in for a treat this weekend — the San Diego Book Crawl is back for its ninth year in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day. We hear about some of the bookstores participating.

Guests:

• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Ron Salisbury, former San Diego poet laureate
• Audy McAfee, arts and culture reporter, KPBS

Stories:

• Navy says Campa-Najjar's use of uniform in campaign warranted 'corrective action' — KPBS
• Advocates slam Trump plan to send wartime Afghan allies to Congo — KPBS
• San Diego Book Crawl returns for its 9th year, bigger than ever — KPBS

On KPBS Roundtable, we sit down with one of the journalists who broke the story and talk more about the rigorous investigative process and reporting behind it.

Then, for many bike riders, San Diego’s Velodrome has become a place to come together and connect through sports.

But recent changes have led to trans women riders being excluded from some upcoming races.

And finally, many of San Diego's most iconic landmarks have a vibrant history — one that's been preserved through the actual architecture itself. We look at what it means to preserve a building, and the financial and policy challenges that are faced in that process.

Guests:

• Alexei Koseff, Washington D.C. correspondent, San Francisco Chronicle
• Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS
• Amelia Rodriguez, freelance journalist, former senior editor at San Diego Magazine

Links:

• Ex-staffer says Eric Swalwell, candidate for California governor, sexually assaulted her — San Francisco Chronicle
• ‘Keep digging’: What happened in the days leading up to the Chronicle’s Eric Swalwell story — San Francisco Chronicle
• San Diego Velodrome begins hosting bike races that exclude trans women — KPBS
• Preserving San Diego’s Historical Properties — San Diego Magazine

It finds some tapped influential companies, associations and individuals for monetary gifts. Some of the entities had business before the county at the time. We discuss the details.

Plus, we explore whether the melting pot metaphor is accurate in the U.S. today ahead of its 250th anniversary.

Plus, "Local News Day," a national effort to highlight the work of local newsrooms, was this week.

We sit down with three local storytellers to discuss their community-oriented approach to journalism.

Guests:

• Scott Rodd, investigative reporter, KPBS
• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS
• Kate Morrissey, co-founder and reporter, Daylight San Diego
• Drew Sitton, community reporter, Times of San Diego
• Yamir Aguilar, reporter, Calexico Chronicle, Imperial Valley Weekly

Links:

• New SNAP rules push more San Diegans to find no-cost groceries - Daylight San Diego
• ‘No Data Center’ Chants Ring Out at Imperial County Board Meeting - Calexico Chronicle
• For trans San Diegans, lack of public restroom access is causing lasting medical harm - Times of San Diego
• San Diego woman says her credit card information was stolen while she was in ICE custody - Daylight San Diego
• Most immigrants no longer qualify for CalFresh. Agencies ‘scrounging’ for food - Times of San Diego
• Movimiento Celebracion and March Honor Farmworkers, Not Idols - Times of San Diego

But one North County city — San Marcos — is exceeding its state-mandated housing goals.

From new housing projects to school board meetings, we sit down with three North County reporters to talk about their reporting and what it's like to cover the beat.

Plus, a new KPBS series introduces us to some of San Diego's most interesting and underrated museums.

Guests:

• Alexander Nguyen, multimedia producer for North County, KPBS
• Tigist Layne, North County reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Katie Futterman, community reporter covering North County, inewsource
• John Carroll, reporter and anchor, KPBS

The audit was announced in light of recent charges against a former executive at the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, who misappropriated large sums of money meant for behavioral health care.

We talk about how San Diego County is re-examining its oversight of contractors.

Plus, California is one of 13 states where certain terminally ill patients can request medication to end their life. New KPBS reporting shares the story of one woman's end of life journey.

Then, why concert tickets are more expensive than ever, as part of a series on the high price of living in San Diego.

And, a look into one of San Diego's home kitchen businesses.

Guests:

• Lisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter and host of The Finest podcast, KPBS
• Carlos Castillo, video journalist, KPBS

Stories mentioned:

• "After Contractor Scandal, County Announces Outside Contracting Audit" by Lisa Halverstadt, Voice of San Diego
• "California moves to strengthen end-of-life decisions, but gaps in access remain" by Heidi de Marco, KPBS
• "From $20 to $1,200: How San Diego concert ticket prices got out of control by Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS
• "From family recipes to a home business" by Carlos Castillo, KPBS

California lawmakers announced that they intend to change the name of César Chávez Day — just weeks away — to Farmworkers Day.

As the gravity of the allegations settle in, many are asking what comes next. We sit down with two journalists to talk about their coverage of the ongoing fallout from the stunning revelations.

Plus, a new Marine Corps report found that a rare fuse malfunction caused an artillery shell to explode over Interstate 5 last fall.

Plus, we bring you a Padres season preview ahead of opening day next week.

Guests:

• Gustavo Arellano, columnist, Los Angeles Times
• Farida Jhabvala Romero, labor correspondent, KQED
• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Jesse Agler, play-by-play radio broadcaster, San Diego Padres

Stories mentioned:

• "The grief behind the cascade of online Dolores Huerta photos" by Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times
• "And just like that, the Cesar Chavez myth is punctured. What’s next?" by Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times
• "César Chavez Was a Hero to Farmworkers. Now They Confront the Pain of Alleged Abuse" by Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED
• "'One in a million' defect led to October I-5 artillery explosion, Marines say" by Andrew Dyer, KPBS

The case involved a scheme to siphon money from concession stands at some of San Diego's most well-known stadiums, including Petco Park — the home of the San Diego Padres.

The scheme was originally uncovered through reporting from Voice of San Diego. We sit down with the lead reporter for more details.

Plus, farmers in Mexicali are protesting low payouts as part of an international agreement where they agreed to conserve Colorado River water.

And, we sit down with the hosts of the KPBS podcast "Port of Entry" to learn about what drives them to tell cross-border stories about the San Diego-Tijuana region.

Guests:

• Will Huntsberry, assistant editor, Voice of San Diego
• Mackenzie Elmer, energy and environment reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Vicente Calderón, founder and editor in chief of Tijuanapress.com
• Natalie Gonzalez Rodriguez, co-host, Port of Entry
• Alan Lilienthal, co-host, Port of Entry

We break down the upcoming ballot measures and the state of the city's budget.

Then, we sit down with two military reporters to discuss the week on their beat after the U.S. and Israel began their attacks on Iran.

Plus, we feature Peyk Magazine — a local arts and culture publication highlighting Persian culture, events and news in San Diego.

Guests:

• Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS
• David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS
• Jeff Schogol, senior Pentagon reporter, Task & Purpose
• Soheil Bigdeli, editor, Peyk Magazine

All of this comes in reaction to the killing of a high-ranking cartel leader — "El Mencho" — on Sunday.

We talk about the continued fallout in Mexico and what comes next with a longtime Tijuana journalist.

Also this week, immigration officials detained at least four volunteers documenting arrests at the federal building downtown. And, new reporting reveals an operation by authorities to monitor activists supporting immigrants in San Diego. We talk to a reporter who covered both those stories.

Plus, how the border fence is impacting natural habitats near the Jacumba mountains — especially the endangered bighorn sheep.

Guests:

• Vicente Calderón, founder and editor in chief of Tijuanapress.com
• Kate Morrissey, immigration reporter and co-founder, Daylight San Diego
• Tammy Murga, environment reporter, KPBS
• Matthew Bowler, photojournalist, KPBS

That's an average of 20 people each day.

We talk about the network of volunteers organizing community patrols to watch out for immigration enforcement in their neighborhoods.

Plus, more North County transit riders are evading fares amid a "hands off" enforcement strategy from the North County Transit District. We talk about fare evasion and increased safety concerns on public transit.

And, a familiar San Diego voice breaks down what it means to be a play-by-play announcer ahead of San Diego FC's upcoming season.

Guests:

• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS
• Elaine Alfaro, reporter, KPBS
• Adrian García Márquez, broadcaster and play-by-play announcer, San Diego FC

Federal records show that more than 150 leases on office spaces for new facilities in nearly every state — including a facility in San Diego.

We discuss the findings and what this could mean for ICE's expansion moving forward.

Plus, some RV dwellers are protesting newly issued tickets from the city following the opening of the H Barracks safe parking site.

And, a romance literature convention, LoveLitCon, is celebrating love in San Diego just in time for Valentine's Day.

Guests:

• Leah Feiger, senior politics editor, WIRED
• Blake Nelson, homelessness reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• Leslie Gonzalez, web producer, KPBS

Then, the journalism landscape is rapidly shifting amid mass lay-offs and the changing consumption of news.

On KPBS Roundtable this week, we hear from some of San Diego's student journalists about their outlook on the current media landscape, as they start their journalism careers during a precarious time for the industry.

Guests:

• Katie Anastas, education reporter, KPBS
• Alina Ajaz, production director, KCR, student assistant, KPBS
• Sydney Brammer, editor-in-chief, The Point
• Roman Aguilar, sports editor, The Daily Aztec

Stories mentioned:

• "Price of San Diego"— KPBS
• "Young Adults and the Future of News" — Pew Research Center
• "Letter from the Editor in Chief" by Sydney Brammer — The Point
• "San Diego’s phantom stadium costs taxpayers nearly $5 million annually" by Roman Aguilar — The Daily Aztec
• "How Lahore Became One of the World's Most Polluted Cities" by Alina Ajaz — Pulitzer Center

But after the latest killing by immigration officers in Minneapolis — the second this month — multiple reports say Bovino is now returning to El Centro to lead the Border Patrol sector there.

On KPBS Roundtable this week, we talk about how community members there are pushing back.

Then, a new HBO documentary, "Critical Incident: Death at the Border" explores the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández-Rojas at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after a violent altercation with Border Patrol officers — and his family's pursuit of justice.

Finally, the San Diego Unified School District is moving forward with a series of new proposals that would bring thousands of affordable housing units to district-owned land.

We talk about what this could mean for San Diego's housing landscape.

Guests:

• Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS
• John Carlos Frey, investigative journalist, host of "The Raid" podcast
• Richard Rowley, director, "Critical Incident: Death at the Border"
• Jakob McWhinney, education reporter, Voice of San Diego

Stories mentioned:

• "With Unprecedented Housing Moves, San Diego Unified Enters Its YIMBY Era" — Voice of San Diego

In San Diego, enforcement has included an ICE raid at an industrial paint business in El Cajon, arrests at green card appointments and yet another raid at Buona Forchetta in South Park. We've also seen student visas revoked and arrests at their immigration court hearings.

KPBS reporting has found that the increase in detention by ICE is fueled by immigrants without criminal records.

On KPBS Roundtable, we discuss changes to the immigration system in Trump's first year in office and how covering immigration has changed.

Guests:

• Gustavo Solis, investigative reporter, KPBS
• Shelby Bremer, reporter, NBC7 San Diego
• Elliot Spagat, U.S. immigration news editor, Associated Press

Plus, a former San Diego sailor is sentenced for selling Navy secrets to China.

And, we check in on the state of San Diego sports ahead of San Diego FC's upcoming season.

Guests:

• Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS
• Mariana Martínez Barba, City Hall reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Ryan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has since defended the Balboa Park fees in response to a memo earlier this week calling the parking system "haphazard." We break down the parking saga and what you should know.

Plus, we discuss how Los Angeles communities are recovering one year after wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and killed dozens.

Then, a New York Times investigation finds that home insurers are pushing families back into homes still contaminated by smoke. We unpack the findings.

Guests:

• David Garrick, reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune
• Libby Rainey, general assignment reporter, LAist
• Rukmini Callimachi, real estate and housing correspondent, The New York Times
• Blacki Migliozzi, reporter, The New York Times

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, KPBS
• Jake Gotta, social media host and reporter, KPBS
• Will Huntsberry, senior investigative reporter, KPBS
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

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 San Diego content creator developed her passion for pop culture and fandom — and her relationship with the convention.

And finally, hear from two KPBS staff members about what they've seen at the convention so far, and the passion that fuels it.

Guests:

• Philip Molnar, senior business reporter, San Diego Union-Tribune
• Aaron Nabus, host, "Hall H" podcast
• Tiffie Starchild, content creator
• Julianna Domingo, producer, KPBS Midday Edition
• Leslie Gonzalez, web producer, KPBS

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, KPBS
• Crystal Niebla, infrastructure and government accountability reporter, inewsource
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

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 anchor
• Ryan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• Tony Sanchez, founder, SanDiego.Futbol

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 Diego
• Beth Demmon, food and drink writer for San Diego Magazine
• Farley Elliot, SoCal Bureau chief, SFGATE
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Food & drink recommendations:

Read Candice Woo’s Guide to San Diego Dining

• Lilo - Carlsbad
• Read Beth Demmon’s Review on Lilo
• Jeune et Jolie - Carlsbad
• Addison - Del Mar
• Valle - Oceanside
• Atelier Manna - Leucadia
• Soichi - North Park

Fine dining

• Lucien - La Jolla
• Dora - La Jolla
• Fleurette - La Jolla, UTC
• Bosforo - Normal Heights
• Read Beth Demmon’s Look into Bosforo
• Vulture (Vegan & Cocktails)- University Heights
• Read Candice Woo’s Review on Vulture
• Trust - North Park
• 3131 by Deckman’s - North Park
• Trattoria Cori Pastificio - North Park

Food & casual dining

• Odie's Pizza Co - Oceanside
• New Wave Bagel - Leucadia
• Read Beth Demmon’s Review on New Wave Bagel
• Chick & Hawk - Encinitas
• Read Candice Woo’s Review on Chick & Hawk
• La Perla #3 - Point Loma
• Read Candice Woo’s Favorite Burritos in San Diego
• Wildflour Delicatessen - Liberty Station 
• Read Beth Demmon’s Review on Wildflour
• Sonny’s Pizza - University Heights
• Zion Market (Food Court and Rooftop Bar) - Kearny Mesa
• Marigold Bagels - North Park
• Read Beth Demmon’s Review on Marigold Bagels
• Bica - Normal Heights

Drinks & breweries

• Happy Medium - North Park 
• Read Candice Woo’s Guide to Cocktail Bars
• Green Cheek Beer Co. - Oceanside
• Artifex Brewing - Oceanside
• Brewery X - Downtown
• Asylum Brewing - North Park
• Brewjeria Taproom & Kitchen - Chula Vista
• Athletic Brewing Co. 

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

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

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

Then, the San Diego Unified School District is easing its graduation requirements. We discuss what the changes mean for students' access to higher education.

Plus, the weekly roundup of other stories from the week.

Guests:

• Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS
• Jacob McWhinney, education reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Then, a KPBS investigation into San Diego's highest-paid city employees: cops, and why one officer is making $430,000.

Plus, a deep dive into Baja's Valle de Guadalupe as a winemaking hub in our region, and what it's like to be a travel writer.

Guests:

• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Scott Rodd, investigative reporter, KPBS
• Michele Bigley, freelance journalist 

Then, we discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom's push for California cities and counties to ban homeless encampments. All 18 cities in San Diego County have some sort of camping ban. We break down how the governor's "model ordinance" could affect local policies.

Plus, we discuss more stories from a busy news week on The Roundup.

Guests:

• Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS
• Marisa Kendall, homelessness reporter, CalMatters
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Plus, California’s high speed rail ambitions have been scaled back significantly in recent years. Yet it’s still billions over budget and no tracks have been laid. We discuss what’s really slowing down the project.

Then, we talk about more stories from the week on The Roundup.

Guests:

• John Carroll, reporter and anchor, KPBS
• John Branch, features reporter, New York Times
• Jacob Aere, reporter and producer, KPBS

United States citizens were eventually allowed to leave, but 15 people who could not prove citizenship were transported to the Otay Mesa Detention Center. 

Jorge Lopez was one of them. He's now free after a month in federal detention, and shared his story with KPBS. We discuss the details.

Plus, bot students are scamming California community colleges out of financial aid. CalMatters reporting into the issue has caught the attention of congress members who are calling for a federal investigation into the fraud.

Then, we discuss more stories from the news cycle this week on the roundup.

Guests:

• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS
• Adam Echelman, higher education and workforce reporter, CalMatters
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Then, we take a look at recent reporting on special interest spending in California, and what it tells us about how lobbying impacts state policymaking.

Plus, we dive into other stories making news this week on the roundup.

Guests:

• Andrew Keats, reporter, Axios San Diego
• Tammy Murga, South County reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune
• Jeremia Kimelman, data reporter, CalMatters
• Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS

We break down the proposed fees — and the debate surrounding them — with Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis.

Plus, the 2028 Olympic surfing competition will be hosted at a local surf break, Lower Trestles. We talk about the significance of the spot and what to expect in the world of Olympic surfing.

Then, we take a look at other stories this week on the roundup.

Guests:

• Scott Lewis, CEO and editor-in-chief, Voice of San Diego
• Laylan Connelly, beach reporter, The Orange County Register
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Then on KPBS Roundtable, the California Environmental Quality Act was passed in 1970 in order to protect natural habitats, protect its sensitive species and minimize pollution. But some state lawmakers argue it is often used to hinder housing production in the state and are pushing for reform.

Plus, we take a look at other stories from the week on the roundup.

Guests:

Kori Suzuki, south bay and Imperial valley reporter, KPBS

Deborah Brennan, reporter, CalMatters, Voice of San Diego

Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS

This week on Roundtable, we talk about the impact of the administration's efforts on the San Diego-Tijuana region.

Plus, we sit down with KPBS' most recent Gloria Penner news fellow to hear her reflections on the year-long fellowship.

Guests:

• Gustavo Solis, border reporter, KPBS
• Elliot Spagat, US immigration news editor, Associated Press
• Elaine Alfaro, investigative researcher and archivist, KPBS

Also, how San Diego veterans are organizing to fight proposed layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Plus, we take a look at this week’s top stories in the roundup.

Guests:

• Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS
• Andrew Dyer, military and veteran affairs reporter, KPBS
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

For the Padres, opening day is March 27 at Petco Park. Meanwhile, the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is preparing for their home opener at Snapdragon Stadium on March 22.

On Roundtable, we discuss what sports fans need to know from the sidelines.

Guests:

Ryan Finley, sports editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Tony Sanchez, founder, San Diego.futbol

Then we talk about a state bill to address cross border pollution changing course and raising concerns about the viability of a long-term fix.

Plus, we take a look at other stories from the week on the roundup.

Guests:

David Garrick, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Philip Salata, environment and energy reporter, inewsource

Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS

We hear how the day-to-day changes in tariffs are impacting the San Diego-Tijuana region.

Then, a new series tells the story of soccer in a cross-border community.

Plus, we take a look at this week’s top stories in the roundup.

Guests:

• Phillip Molnar, senior business reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune
• Jacob Aere, reporter, KPBS
• Ashley Rusch, producer, KPBS

Then, California's high-speed rail project is facing new challenges as the Trump administration announced plans to review federal funding for the project.

Plus, we take a look at other stories from the week in the roundup.

Guests:

Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Colleen Shalby, reporter, Los Angeles Times

Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS

Their first home game is Saturday, March 1, at Snapdragon Stadium.

SDFC is the 30th team in Major League Soccer, the top division of men's soccer in the U.S.

Today on Roundtable, it's San Diego FC 101: everything you need to know about the team and its significance to the San Diego-Tijuana region.

Plus, how to watch them play and what to look out for.

Guests:

• Cesar Hernandez, ESPN reporter covering North American soccer
• Alejandro Villaseñor, co-founder of SanDiego.Futbol and co-host of the podcast "2 Balls and a Mic"
• Ryan Finley, sports editor with The San Diego Union-Tribune

Then, Voice of San Diego looks back on its first 20 years of local investigative journalism.

Plus, we take a look at other stories from the week in the roundup.

Guests:

Amita Sharma, public matters investigative reporter, KPBS

Scott Lewis, CEO/Editor in Chief, Voice of San Diego

Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS

The assessment comes roughly five years since COVID-19 first emerged as a global health threat and reflects the continued impact of the pandemic on education.

While fourth graders in San Diego have seen some improvement in math, according to the exam scores, economic advantages continue to play a major role in success or failure.

Our education roundtable discusses what the results mean for San Diego's students, schools, and the future of education.

Guests:

Katie Anastas, education reporter, KPBS

Jakob McWhinney, education reporter, Voice of San Diego

Resources:

Voice of San Diego parents guide to San Diego schools

Guests:

Andrew Dyer, military and veterans affairs reporter, KPBS

Katie Hyson, racial justice and social equity reporter, KPBS

Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS

Then, as technology driven by AI continues to take hold in our workplaces, California labor groups look to push back to protect the future of work.

Guests:

• Kate Morrissey, immigration reporter, Beyond the Border News
• Maria Sacchetti, immigration reporter, The Washington Post
• Gustavo Solis, investigative border reporter, KPBS

Then, around 500 people who were homeless died in San Diego County last year. We take a look at the numbers and what they mean.

Plus, a look at other stories from the week on the roundup.

Guests:

Levi Sumagaysay, economy reporter, CalMatters

Blake Nelson, homelessness reporter, The San Diego-Union Tribune

Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS

Then, a suite of new state laws took effect in 2025. We take a closer look at some of them.

Plus, on Monday, Sheel Seidler, the wife of the late San Diego Padres chairman Peter Seidler, filed a lawsuit to gain control of the team. What is behind the conflict and what will it mean for the Padres future?

Guests:

• Ryanne Mena, crime and public safety reporter, Southern California News Group
• Jeanne Kuang, Capitol reporter, CalMatters
• Bryce Miller, sports columnist, The San Diego Union-Tribune

Then, we discuss how the city of San Diego will handle its budget deficit and the demand for new housing in 2025.

Plus, in the roundup, we hear about recent media trends heading into the new year.

Guests

• Lisa Halverstadt, senior investigative reporter, Voice of San Diego
• Andrew Bowen, metro reporter, KPBS
• Andrew Bracken, producer, KPBS