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Gloria Penner is the host of KPBS Radio’s weekly Editors Roundtable. She was the host of the first hour of KPBS Radio's These Days from 1995 to 1999, and the host of KPBS TV's Full Focus from 2003 to 2007. Gloria started her radio career in San Francisco in the 1950s as an associate producer on a program called Housewives Protective League. Her first job in television came after a move to Washington, D.C. where she was associate producer of the Washington segment of the Today Show. After a stint in Hawaii and a return to Washington, D.C., she relocated to San Diego and took a few years off for family life. She joined KPBS Television in 1969 as director of community relations. Subsequently, she oversaw production of television programs for nine years. From 1993 to 1995, she was the host and writer for KPBS Weekend Edition, a locally produced television program featuring highlights from the MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour. National credits include reporting and producing assignments for Nightly Business Report and the MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour. She’s played an active part in KPBS’ election coverage for 30 years. Since 1996, she has moderated scores of town hall meetings on candidates races and propositions for KPBS, Envision San Diego and the League of Women Voters; conducted interviews with congressional, state and local candidates; and reported for television documentaries on issues and candidates.
Her awards include 7 Emmys, 5 Golden Mikes, 2 Gracies from the American Federation of Women in Radio and Television, The San Diego Press Club’s Harold Keen Award for excellence in journalism, the John Swett Award from the California Teachers Association, and many honors from the Society for Professional Journalists and the San Diego Bar Association. An annual Gloria Penner Award for Civic Service was established in 2003 by the League of Women Voters of San Diego County, and Gloria was the first recipient. Gloria earned her bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College. She did graduate work in English at New York University and earned her Master’s Degree in English from Syracuse University. She is married to Bill Snyder, a retired manufacturer, with whom she lives in La Jolla. She has two grown sons and two grandchildren.
Recent Stories
A Special Burden for Politicians: Liars
Why hasn't President Obama hauled people into court who accuse him of outrageous acts? He's been the target of a range of charges including allegations about his birthplace, religion, political affiliations, patriotism, tax policies, terrorism, infanticide and attitude toward seniors.
House And Senate Release Health Care Bills
The House and Senate Democrats have released health care reform bills recently. Although, the bills are very similar, finding agreement on a few of the key differences could take awhile. What are the key elements of the House and Senate bills? And, what are the main areas of disagreement between the plans?
State of Calif. Starts Taking More From Your Paycheck
Most workers in California will see a decrease in their next paycheck. The state will add 10 percent to what it already takes from taxpayers in an effort to balance the budget. How will the additional state tax withholdings affect California workers? And, what does this story tell us about the state budget prospects for next year?
SDG&E Wants To Charge More For Using Less
San Diego Gas & Electric wants to charge residents who use the least amount of electricity more than those residents who use the most. SDG&E says the proposed rate change will allow the utility to bill customers for the real cost of electricity. How will the rate change affect your utility bills?
Political Analysis: When Do Political Attacks Become Libelous?
As President, Barack Obama is a target for all manner of criticism both political and personal. But when do allegations against the President, or any public figure, cross the line and become libelous? KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner discusses the protections and limits of the First Amendment.
Playing Politics With Downtown Library
Should San Diego officials be focused on rebuilding the downtown library when the city is facing a $200 million budget deficit? The editors give you the pros and cons of rebuilding the aging main library, and talk about the battle among city councilmembers over the plan.
Assessing Rebuilding Progress, Future Fire Preparedness
Is San Diego County better prepared for a wildfire than it was in 2007? We discuss local changes in fire preparedness, and the struggles that fire victims are still dealing with. Plus, what else can our community do to enhance fire protection?
City Eases Water Policies, State Discusses More Conservation
Mayor Jerry Sanders announced this week that the city will modify its water conservation plan for the winter. San Diego residents have conserved more than the city expected, and will not be asked to reduce watering to one day a week. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are discussing ways to improve California's water delivery system, and to prevent the state from going dry.
Furloughs And Overtime = Doubtful State Savings
It’s not hard to understand the desperation Governor Schwarzenegger must be feeling. After all, his approval rating at 27 percent is just five points higher than the 22 percent earned by Governor Gray Davis just before Davis was recalled from office. In fact, the current governor’s disapproval rating at 65 percent is identical to the percentage of Californians who approved of his performance in 2004. What a rapid descent! He certainly didn’t add to his stature this week when he included an encoded vulgar message in his veto letter to a Democratic assemblyman.
Political Analysis: A Political Nightmare For Governor Schwarzenegger
A recent drop in poll numbers is showing how disappointed Californians are with Governor Schwarzenegger and the budget cuts he's approved. We'll discuss how those budget cuts are working and if there are any other ways out of California's budget mess.
