KPBS Launches Social Media Video Series 'Where I Come From'

Tell us about where you came from.

It’s a big question that brings out a slew of responses and emotional reactions. And it’s a different story depending on who you ask.

KPBS set out to hear and document the stories of those of varying ethnicities, ages and economic status about their particular slice of San Diego County and the Imperial Valley.

We asked them to explain the cultural makeup of their community, what they worry about, what they wished city council folks would worry about, what was overlooked and what they wanted others to know.

The video series: "Where I Come From" is a reflection of their responses.

The project will focus on the areas of Southeast San Diego (encompassing the neighborhoods of Encanto, Paradise Hills, Grant Hill, Logan Heights and Sherman Heights among a number of others). It will also profile Oceanside, Escondido, the South Bay (including National City, Chula Vista, San Ysidro and Imperial Beach) and the Imperial Valley.

A second season, which debuted on July 12, 2019, also features interviews from El Cajon, Imperial Beach and Fallbrook.

The project launched May 11, 2018, on KPBS’ social media accounts and on KPBS-TV's Evening Edition, with videos coming weekly over the course of the summer.

Why on social media?

That’s where people engage and share about their neighborhoods, which is exactly what we want people to do with this project.

“KPBS wanted to facilitate a conversation that would allow frank opinions about community and an opportunity to dispel myths,” KPBS Director of Programming John Decker said. “We -- and all of our communities -- are more alike than we are different. We know that everyone who sees these videos will recognize something about themselves regardless of where they live.”

To join the conversation, head to our Facebook page.