Natalie Gonzalez Rodriguez

This past summer, our host Natalie and sound designer Adrian plunged into the heart of the pop culture phenomenon known as Comic-Con, experiencing it through the eyes of its most devoted fans in Tijuana. Their journey highlighted how the event transcends the San Diego border, evolving into a cross-border celebration that has become an annual ritual for many in Tijuana.Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!Social media and contactFrom KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Elma González Lima Brandão and Melissa SandovalEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirector of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa MorrisetteThis program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Members of the Kumeyaay community of San José de la Zorra in Baja California are seeking to preserve their language for future generations.

With a second Trump term around the corner, significant policy proposals have sparked widespread concern—from mass deportations to potential tariffs on Mexican imports. These developments, alongside Trump's cabinet selections, have particularly poignant implications for border communities. To delve into these issues and understand the expectations of border commuters, we invited Gustavo Solis, KPBS's Investigative Border Reporter, to join us for a discussion on what might lie ahead.Social media and contactFrom KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Elma González Lima Brandão and Melissa SandovalEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirector of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa MorrisetteThis program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Day of the Dead is a celebration of life and death that invites us to remember and honor the people we love who have passed away. In this special Day of the Dead episode, The Port of Entry team shares personal stories and cherished teachings from loved ones who have passed away. Through these memories, they reflect on the impact these individuals have had on our lives and the legacy they leave behind. Tune in for a touching tribute that celebrates life, memory, and family.Social media and contactFrom KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Elma González Lima Brandão and Melissa SandovalEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirector of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-ZappThis program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Like any other city, Tijuana is full of folklore and scary legends. One of those tales is the legend of La Faraona, the dancer who haunts the grounds of what used to be the old Agua Caliente Resort and Casino, now Lazaro Cardenas High School. We talk to Fernando Escobedo, a Tijuana historian who has researched the story of Esperanza Lopez Padilla, the woman behind La Faraona. We also hear from Ursula Mansur, a Tijuana actress who has dedicated much of her professional life to bringing to life La Faraona. You won't want to miss this episode where we demystify this iconic legend from the city of TijuanaSpecial thanks to Prof. Jose de Jesus Barajas, owner of Bungalow 21 and curator of the Museum of La Faraona.If you are interested in visiting the museum and taking a tour please contact Ursula Mansur through this link.Sources: Sor Abeja’s Leyendas de Tijuanavideo by Tijuana en el Tiempo. (Activate Subtitles)Cover art: Portrait of Ursuala Mansur as La Faraona by Carlos VarelaSocial media and contactFrom KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Elma González Lima Brandão and Melissa SandovalEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirector of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-ZappThis program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

We left our last episode wondering about the costs of building a house with earth or clay materials. Turns out it's cheap! So if it's cheap? Have more people jumped on the opportunity to build this way and why hasn't it taken hold in urban settings?To answer these questions, We follow up with Miguel Angel Perez an earthbuilder from Baja, and talk about the costs of earthbuilding and chat with Rachel Formanek, a New Yorker who moved from California to Baja to find better and affordable living conditions. Lastly, we sit down with Alex Ruiz, director of urban planning in Tecate, and ask for his take on the viability of earth building in city settings.Photo Credits: Carlos Jaime and Cuahtémoc HerreraAbout Season 6Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!Listen in and join us!Social media and contactFrom KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Elma González Lima Brandão and Melissa SandovalEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirector of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-ZappThis program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people

Border Investigative Reporter Gustavo Solís breaks down the impact of Mexico's upcoming election in our region during KPBS' first virtual bilingual conversation with politics experts.