ListenAmita Sharma has worked at KPBS since 2000 and has covered a wide range of stories for KPBS Radio and KPBS Television. Most recently, she worked on Full Focus, a news magazine show on KPBS Television. She is now part of the KPBS Investigative Reporting unit. Recent investigations include the San Diego angle to the U.S. attorney firings, private security firm Blackwater’s controversial training camp proposal and the Sunroad development controversy. Amita has also interviewed a number of local and national newsmakers including former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean, Wisconsin Congressman James Sensenbrenner, and fired U.S. Attorney David Iglesias. In 2005 she landed an exclusive interview with three federal prosecutors who worked on the bribery investigation resulting in the guilty plea of former San Diego Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham.
As the legal reporter for KPBS radio, she covered the murder trial of David Westerfield, the 2001 shooting at Santana High School and how three of the 9/11 hijackers spent their time in San Diego. Amita has also worked as a newspaper reporter. She has degrees in journalism and international relations from the University of Southern California.
Recent Stories
Why San Diegans Don't Buy San Diego Oranges
Oranges grown in San Diego County are considered some of the tastiest in the world. They’re sweet, with a hint of acid. But few San Diegans are eating them.
Larger Plume Of Contamination Discovered Under Qualcomm Stadium
The groundwater contamination in San Diego County is apparently bigger than thought. Kinder Morgan Energy says the newly discovered extension of the plume under Qualcomm Stadium means the site will take longer to clean up.
San Diegans Buy Imported Oranges Over Locally Grown
San Diego County grows 95,000 tons of oranges each year, yet it sends those oranges as far away as China. Oranges purchased locally come from as far away as Africa. It all comes down to the consumers' demand for oranges that are brightly colored, easy to peel, and seedless.
Judge Halts Cuts To Calif. In-Home Care Program
A federal judge today ordered the State of California not to cut a quarter of a billion dollars from a program that provides care to the disabled in their homes. The judge stopped the cuts until she rules on whether they are legal.
San Diego's Complaint Over Qualcomm Contamination Is Rejected
Lawyers for the California Water Resources Control Board have rejected a complaint by the City of San Diego. The city wanted the board to intervene in its dispute with local regulators over the cleanup of groundwater at Qualcomm Stadium.
San Diego Files Complaint Over Qualcomm Contamination Cleanup
The City of San Diego has filed a complaint against local regulators for what it alleges is indifference in monitoring the contamination cleanup at Qualcomm Stadium.
National City Wants To Plow Back To Its Roots
National City has long been known for the mile of cars stretching along its coastline. But that image could soon change. The city has a vision of returning to its agricultural roots, and to a time when people were healthier.
Memo on Navy Broadway Complex Stirs Up Semantics Debate
Opponents of the Navy Broadway Complex are seizing on the Navy's choice of a single word inserted into a city memo to describe whether its contract with San Diego to build the project can be reconsidered.
Caregiver Sick About IHSS Cuts
Next month, thousands of San Diegans suffering from an array of debilitating conditions -- from blindness to mental impairment -- will lose help in bathing themselves, cooking or taking their medication. Governor Schwarzenegger cut In Home Supportive Services to deal with the state's budget crisis.
In-Home Care Program Fraud Claims Don't Add Up
Thousands of disabled, blind and elderly people in San Diego County will no longer have help to cook their meals, bathe, change their sheets or take their medicine. Gov. Schwarzenegger cut In-Home Supportive Services to help resolve the state budget crisis. But in slashing the program he also alleged massive fraud.
