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.
MORE STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR
-
Rewriting the quest: How tabletop role-playing games took on a life of their own south of the borderThe Port of Entry team takes a deep dive into the world of tabletop role-playing games and discovers how they were transformed to include more voices and narratives -
In this episode of Port of Entry, recorded live at the KPBS San Diego Book Festival, poet and journalist Adolfo Guzman-Lopez reflects on growing up between Tijuana and San Diego and turning those experiences and memories into his book "California Southern: Writing from the Road, 1992–2025." -
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.
MORE STORIES FEATURING WORK BY THIS AUTHOR
-
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.
- California Gov. Newsom says he will commute all death sentences in state to life without parole
- Live election results: San Diego County sales tax Measure B
- Live election results: Crosby leads in race for San Diego City Council District 2 seat
- Live election results: Martha Abraham takes early lead in San Diego City Council District 4 race
- Live election results: Tamayo concedes Chula Vista mayoral race, paving way for McCann to serve 2nd term