Amita Sharma
Investigative ReporterAs the public matters investigative reporter, Amita leads KPBS’ coverage on efforts to undermine democracy, including threats to public officials, bolstering the Big Lie, chipping away at voter’s rights, attempts to overturn election results, eroding institutions and weakening the government's capacity to do its job, as well as civic efforts to engage people with opposing views without rancor.
The goal of the position is to report on the stakes, from a San Diego County perspective, on the United States’ current political moment.
She has spent the last two years reporting on local threats to democracy, including regional extremism, the shrinking of local news coverage while the number of hyper partisan “news” websites grow, censorship at libraries and incivility at public meetings.
Her previous coverage includes: exposing abuses in local nursing homes at the height of the pandemic, including a serial rapist who had worked in several El Cajon facilities and was arrested following her reporting; unearthing a contract between the city of Chula Vista and Motorola that allowed the company to sell data collected by the Chula Vista Police Department; and reporting on discrimination and retaliation in the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office that led to court settlements and the retirement of the Public Defender.
-
KPBS Midday EditionA ten-acre power generation plant with 100-foot-tall stacks is proposed near the Sycamore Canyon landfill site, just west of Santee. Nearby residents are protesting, but SDG&E says we need it to fill peak demand. Listen to KPBS Midday Edition today at noon for details. -
California Attorney General Kamala Harris has determined that Sara Kruzan - who was convicted in the premeditated murder of her pimp when she was 16 – was not a victim of domestic violence. -
KPBS Midday EditionSunshine laws are aimed at making government open and transparent to the public. We'll speak to three of San Diego's most ardent activists about life as a civic watchdog. -
A judge postponed a decision on whether to allow San Diego’s largest watchdog – the Utility Consumers Action Network – to dissolve. Two UCAN whistleblowers interpreted the delay as good news.
-
KPBS Midday EditionWhat's important to San Diegans for our future, transportation, water conservation, affordable housing? We find out with an update on Our Greater San Diego Vision. -
KPBS Midday EditionIn 2008, the San Diego Police Department began a series of curfew sweeps in urban neighborhoods in an effort to curb violent crime and protect juveniles. Four years later, voiceofsandiego.org has taken a look at the numbers to find out if the sweeps are doing the job.
-
County requiring employees of grocery stores and many other retail outlets to wear masks as of midnight Friday. That’s a tall order, says the California Grocers Association.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth requires new 'pledge' for reporters at the Pentagon
- Cal State San Marcos sorority charter revoked for hazing
- Flushable wipes and Iran: Water treatment facility adds cyberattacks to worry list
- Social media is shattering America's understanding of Charlie Kirk's death
- Young surfers mentored by pros at Super Girl Surf Festival in Oceanside