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Amita Sharma
Investigative Reporter
Amita Sharma has worked at KPBS since 2000 and has covered a wide range of stories for TV and radio. She is part of the KPBS Investigative Reporting unit and occasionally hosts KPBS Evening Edition.
Among the reports Amita has produced are a three-part series on child sex trafficking in San Diego, a two-part series on how the state is using survivors' benefits for foster children to pay for their upkeep, and a four-part series on the Port of San Diego's finances. Other 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. She also 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
Conflicting Poll Numbers In California's U.S. Senate Race
Attorney General Kamala Harris boosts her lead over Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez in the new Field Poll, but the lead shrinks in the latest survey from the Public Policy Institute of California.
Two Dozen Donors In Dumanis' Mayoral Run Linked To Key Figure In Azano Case
The donors are tied to former San Diego Police Det. Ernie Encinas, who was scheduled to be sentenced Monday in connection with the campaign finance scandal involving Mexican businessman Jose Susumo Azano Matsura.
Mexican Tycoon Convicted Of Illegally Pumping Money Into San Diego Campaigns
Jose Susumo Azano Matsura was convicted on more than 30 counts. The jury also found two others — social media services expert Ravneet Singh, and Azano’s son Edward Susumo Azano Hester guilty on several counts. The jury found lobbyist Marco Polo Cortes not guilty.
U.S. Senate Candidate Sanchez Criticizes Opponent Harris On San Onofre Probe
Rep. Loretta Sanchez said Attorney General Kamala Harris has “failed” in her inquiry of the shutdown of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, and that’s why a federal investigation is needed.
U.S. Senate Candidates Can't Agree On Debate Schedule
California Attorney General Kamala Harris has signed on to two debates, while her opponent Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez wants four. But the two haven't agreed to the same debates.
Azano Case Goes To Jurors
The illegal campaign finance case of José Susumo Azano Matsura is now in the hands of a jury. The Mexican businessman is charged with illegally giving money to San Diego candidates in the 2012 mayoral race.
Key Question May Never Be Asked Even If Dumanis Testifies In Azano Trial
Both the defense and the prosecution may benefit from never asking San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis what she knew of José Susumo Azano Matsura's immigration status.
Volume Of Dumanis Donors Linked To Mexican Businessman Renews Questions About What DA Knew
A KPBS analysis of the money trail in San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ candidacy for mayor in 2012 shows the number of alleged illegal contributions was particularly high on a single day in 2011.
DA Bonnie Dumanis, Bob Filner Subpoenaed In Azano Trial
The attorney for José Susumo Azano Matsura said others he expects to subpoena in the political corruption trial include Rep. Juan Vargas, San Diego developer Douglas Manchester and San Diego Union-Tribune Publisher and Editor Jeff Light.
Witness Says Azano's San Diego Mayoral Campaign Donations For Dumanis Seemed 'Fishy'
Mexican billionaire Jose Susumo Azano Matsura is accused of unlawfully channeling nearly $600,000 to San Diego candidates.
- Convoy District Looks To San Diego's Little Italy For Inspiration | 70 commentshttp://www.kpbs.org/news/2016/sep/14/convoy-could-become-san-diegos-asiatown/
- San Diego Ballot Measures Attract Big Money | 41 commentshttp://www.kpbs.org/news/2016/sep/19/san-diego-ballot-measures-attract-big-money/
- Religious Voters May Lean Republican, But Feel Conflicted About The Candidates | 30 commentshttp://www.kpbs.org/news/2016/sep/21/religious-voters-may-lean-republican-but-feel/
- Mexicans Respond To Haitians, Africans With Unusual Hospitality | 26 commentshttp://www.kpbs.org/news/2016/sep/23/mexicans-respond-haitians-africans-unusual-hospita/