Julio C. Ortiz-Franco
Producer, Port of EntryAt KPBS, Julio C. Ortiz-Franco produces the podcast "Port of Entry," focusing on cross-border life. A U.C. Berkeley philosophy graduate, Julio is a writer, producer, filmmaker and educator from the San Diego/Tijuana border region.
His past projects include "While We Wait," "Ruta 40" and "Cocineras." He partners with local creators on multimedia projects and serves as media director for Transfronterizo Futures, aiding transborder students. Passionate about all things Baja, Julio mentors Tijuana and South Bay San Diego youth.
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In this episode of Port of Entry, recorded before a live audience, we talk with Lourdes Ayon, a Tijuana native, comedian, advocate, and lobbyist, about how comedy can become a powerful form of protest. -
Port of Entry producer Julio makes his case to hosts Alan and Nat about why the World Cup is so special, recruiting both old and new friends to help him explain. -
The Port of Entry team traces the origins and impact of a unique U.S.-based graduation ceremony held in Mexico. This event was created to reunite families separated by immigration policies and give them the chance to celebrate together. -
The Port of Entry team sits down with Tijuana native Jorge Meraz, host of “Crossing South,” to unpack the fear, headlines and misconceptions that shape how many people in the U.S. see the border — and what the reality is actually like. -
The Port of Entry team takes a deep dive into what it took to pass California Assembly Bill 91 and what it means for U.S. students living south of the border. -
The Port of Entry team follows 71-year-old singer, actor and film producer Emilio Montiel on the set of his films. We discover there's more to his direct-to-YouTube movies than meets the eye — and are reminded of the value of believing in your dreams.
MORE STORIES FEATURING WORK BY THIS AUTHOR
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The Port of Entry team had a busy 2025, and we want to share some behind-the-scenes and reflections of our Public Engagements of 2025. -
In 2025, Port of Entry went beyond the mic. Here's how the team connected with listeners and creators across San Diego and Tijuana — and the community that makes these stories possible. -
Mikey Varas' San Diego squad became the second expansion team to advance to a conference final, joining the 1998 Chicago Fire.
- Why truckers always seem to be on the phone while they drive on the highway
- Marine recruit dies during boot camp at Camp Pendleton
- Beaver Fire forward progress stopped, 5% contained
- What it means for Chula Vista’s police chief to allege racial discrimination
- SDSU plans to build a senior living community at its Mission Valley campus