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Pat Finn
Contributor through April 2018
Pat Finn previously served as a producer for KPBS Midday Edition and KPBS Evening Edition.
Finn began her career in broadcasting at KTLA and KCET in Los Angeles. In 1979 she became KPBS’ Public Information Director, then Director of Advertising and Promotion, Program Director, and Director of Broadcasting. She oversaw the station’s local and national productions, including the one-hour documentary Los Romeros: The Royal Family of the Guitar, and Child Protective Services, a one-hour look inside the San Diego County agency responsible for the welfare of at risk children. Both programs also aired on public television stations nationwide.
Finn has earned honors from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Recent Stories by Pat Finn
San Diego International Film Festival Is Local, Too
- Oct. 9
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
Among the more than 100 entries in the San Diego International Film Festival are two of special interest to San Diegans: "Seau," the new ESPN documentary on the last days of Junior Seau, and "The Samuel Project," a dramatic feature film starring Hal Linden set in San Diego.
In San Diego Architecture, Orchids Outweigh Onions
- Oct. 8
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
In architecture, an onion is to be avoided at all costs. An orchid on the other hand is coveted, whether one is fond of that showy flower or not. Last week's Orchids And Onions design awards from the San Diego Architectural Foundation showed us why.
Limits On Rent Control Would Disappear Under Proposition 10
- Oct. 4
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
There have been limits on California cities' ability to enact rent control regulations since the passage of the Costa-Hawkins Act in 1995. Proposition 10 would repeal Costa-Hawkins, changing in the landlord-tenant dynamic in San Diego and elsewhere.
Supreme Court Begins New Session With Just Eight Justices
- Oct. 1
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
With Judge Brett kavanaugh still unconfirmed to take a seat on the Supreme Court of the United States, the court will deliberate some cases with just eight justices. More contentious issues are expected as the term progresses.
Film Follows Iraqi Translator And Torture Victim To New Life In US
- Sept. 27
- By Pat Finn
Gazwan Alsharif was a translator for the U.S. Army during the war in Iraq — until he was arrested as a double agent and tortured for over a month. Released with an apology, he attempted to rebuild his life as an openly gay man in San Francisco. His many-layered story is captured in the film "From Baghdad To The Bay" and will be screened Friday night at GI Film Festival.
Embattled Congressman Duncan Hunter Delivers Angry Speech To East County Women's Group
- Sept. 26
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
At a meeting Monday evening with Republican women, Congressman Duncan Hunter let fly with opinions on the "deep state," Brett Kavanaugh, Islamists, Donald Trump, and the role of the federal government.
Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins Recounts Her Very Big Year
- Sept. 21
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
Since Toni Atkins arrived in San Diego in 1985, her career has taken off. Her rise to the top jobs in both the California Assembly and Senate is extraordinary, as is the raft of important legislation she helped get passed and signed during the session that just ended.
In Tijuana, Plastic Bag Ban Goes Big
- Sept. 19
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
Tijuana has become the first Mexican city on border to ban plastic bags. The ban was inspired by the success of California's ban, but it goes much farther.
Tariq Khamisa Foundation Supports Parole For Killer
- Sept. 13
- By Maureen Cavanaugh, Pat Finn
Tariq Khamisa, a San Diego college student, was killed by Tony Hicks, a 14-year old gang member, in 1995. Hicks' first parole hearing is scheduled for November. The Tariq Khamisa Foundation is supporting his release on parole.
The Story Of The Brown Family Is The Story Of California
- Sept. 12
- By Pat Finn
In "The Browns of California," Miriam Pawel explores the family dynasty which produced two governors. During their terms in office, both father and son transformed the state and left an enduring legacy.