NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
A WORD FROM OUR INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER, NANCY WORLIE
The end of the year always puts me in the spirit of giving. Giving thanks, giving cards, giving presents, giving time to volunteer and giving donations to organizations that match my values. There’s a reason Giving Tuesday is in late November: It’s the season of giving!
Members like you share with us the myriad reasons why they give to KPBS—to educate young children, preserve the arts, deepen a sense of community through shared experiences and ensure KPBS will be here for generations to come. KPBS exercises your brain with thought-provoking and local programs like the ones we are featuring in this issue. After all, what is more local than the history of Southern California skateboarding with Tony Hawk? Or as entertaining as celebrating the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor? Or as educational as getting lost in wildlife with “Nature”?
All of this wonderful content is possible—and our gift back to you—because of your membership. Thank you for all you do to support KPBS.
“Nature” Season 40
This fall, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series “Nature” celebrates its 40th anniversary with new wildlife episodes full of action and emotion.
“The Elephant and the Termite”
First, “The Elephant and the Termite” explores the creation of one of Africa’s greatest wildlife meeting places and the site of extraordinary drama: the water hole. From mighty elephants to tiny termites, an entire community of creatures call the water hole their home.
“The Elephant and the Termite” premieres Wednesday, November 3, at 8 p.m.
“Born in the Rockies”
And, on “Born in the Rockies,” you’ll journey deep into the wild heart of North America’s Rocky Mountains in a two-part immersive special. Discover the iconic wildlife and rugged land of the Rockies while following newborn animals as they make their way in one of the most challenging and spectacular habitats on Earth.
“Born in the Rockies” (two-part special) premieres Wednesdays, November 10 & 17, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Later episodes include “Animals with Cameras,” “Penquins: Meet the Family,” “The Ocean’s Greatest Feast,” “American Horses” and “Running with the Beest.” Watch live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
Tony Hawk Hosts “Skate SD”
Skateboarding originated as an activity for Southern California’s youth, and San Diego has since been the hub for its industry and top professionals. With a surge of worldwide popularity in the sport as it is finally being included in the Summer Olympics, San Diego’s influence on the world of skateboarding is more impactful than ever.
Hosted by famed skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, “Skate SD” explores San Diego as home to a diverse community of skaters and the way San Diego’s deep roots in skateboard culture have promoted positive growth.
Premieres Thursday, November 18, at 8 p.m. and again on Sunday, November 21, at 2 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
“VOCES: American Exile”: The Issue of Deported U.S. Veterans
Brothers Valente and Manuel Valenzuela volunteered and fought in Vietnam. Now, 50 years later, they are being deported—and they are not the only ones.
“VOCES: American Exile” follows the brothers as they learn about thousands of U.S. military veterans, many with distinguished records, who are being deported and embark on a journey to bring them home. It is estimated that exiled veterans number in the tens of thousands, but because no government agency tracks deported veterans, no one knows the true number.
This compelling documentary film asks the question “Should the people who risked their lives to defend this country be forced to leave it?”
Airs Tuesday, November 16, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
Uncover Estate Secrets with Mary Berry
If you’re one of the many fans of “The Great British Baking Show,” then you’re likely familiar with host and British food writer Mary Berry.
This December, Berry returns to KPBS with her own series, “Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets.” The show will whisk you away from well-trodden tourist paths to meet the families who own some of the United Kingdom’s most lavish country houses.
Berry will unearth house secrets that only friends and family get to see by exploring the gardens, kitchens and private quarters in homes, including the Highclere Castle, as seen on “Downton Abbey” and the regal Scone Palace in Perthshire, Scotland. There will also be a Country House at Christmas special.
Each episode culminates in a unique feast as Berry—inspired by what she discovers—takes to the house kitchens to create her own dishes that celebrate the rich history of the estate.
Premieres in December on KPBS-TV, check kpbs.org/tv/schedule for the latest information. You can also watch live or stream with KPBS Passport.
Give Smart: Support KPBS through your IRA
Those who are 70 ½ or older have the option of a unique way to give to KPBS: a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA. It’s an easy and tax-smart way to support KPBS. With a QCD, you can avoid income tax and reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize; satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year; and advance KPBS’ mission to educate and inspire our community.
For questions about this or other planned gifts, call Jared Blakeley at (619) 594-0851 or email [email protected].
Martin Scorsese Presents “The Oratorio”
An oratorio is a large-scale musical performance—and this month, icons Martin Scorsese and Jim Gaffigan team up to tell the story of one such performance in “The Oratorio: A Documentary with Martin Scorsese.”
The film showcases a special performance, lost to history for nearly 200 years, that introduced Italian opera to New York City and forever changed America’s cultural landscape. Now, it’s been rediscovered. Scorsese and Gaffigan will take you on a journey about the richness of the immigrant experience as it examines bridges between the old and new world. It will also explore the beginning of a cultural awakening in America.
The documentary is followed by “Da Ponte’s Oratorio: A Concert for New York,” a special restaging of the oratorio by an Italian opera company at the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The documentary and concert air Friday, November 5, beginning at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2.
“Independent Lens” Uncovers Racism, Ageism, and More
Stay in the know about today’s most pressing issues with two brand-new “Independent Lens” documentaries.
“Ferguson Rises”
On “Ferguson Rises,” Michael Brown Sr. reveals his personal story in seeking justice and healing after his son was killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.
“Ferguson Rises” airs Monday, November 8, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Duty Free”
And on “Duty Free,” you’ll take a look at the state of older Americans and the complicated obstacles they face. It often seems that our elders are invisible to the people around them—sometimes, that even includes their own families. Without help from their loved ones, millions of older people do not have enough money to get through retirement. Sian-Pierre documents his own mother’s journey to find work and uncovers the pervasive ageism older Americans face that leads many to financial instability.
“Duty Free” airs Monday, November 22, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
Celebrate the Holidays with KPBS!
KPBS has everything you need to make this holiday season one you and your family will never forget. On November 25, start the giving season with “Turkey Confidential” as Francis Lam comes to the rescue of Thanksgiving cooks, kitchen helpers and dinner guests during the biggest cooking day of the year. You will also want to mark your calendar for “Holiday Hurdles with David Sedaris” as the famed author puts a new twist on classic holiday rituals and traditions.
The holiday festivities at KPBS don’t end there. Join Belmont University students and the Nashville Children’s Choir for “Christmas at Belmont”—a fun-filled evening of beautiful music and great fun! We will also air “20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir” on December 13. It will be a wonderful day of celebration filled with inspiration, unity and peace that you don’t want to miss.
Finally, KPBS has fantastic holiday specials the entire family will enjoy! Tune in Friday, December 17, to catch the re-imagination of the classic Nutcracker story that is narrated by Alan Cumming and features the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. And don’t miss the chance to watch holiday Peanuts classics “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with KPBS. Last but not least, “Call the Midwife Holiday Special” premieres Christmas Day, and it will leave you wanting more!
“Turkey Confidential” airs Thursday, November 25, at 11 a.m. on KPBS Radio.
“Selected Shorts: Holiday Hurdles with David Sedaris” airs Thursday, November 25, at 8 p.m. on KPBS Radio.
“20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir” premieres Monday, December 13, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” premieres Friday, December 17, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-2.
“Christmas at Belmont” premieres Monday, December 20, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Call the Midwife Holiday Special” premieres Saturday, December 25, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” airs Sunday, November 21, at 5:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” airs Sunday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
All TV programs (with the exception of Charlie Brown specials) are available to stream with the PBS video app. Radio programs are available live on KPBS Radio or the KPBS Radio livestream.
“Earth Emergency”
With captivating illustrations, revealing imagery, stunning footage and interviews with leading climate scientists, the film “Earth Emergency” explores four key feedback loops: the forests, the atmosphere, the permafrost and the albedo effect. It examines how human activity is setting off dangerous warming loops that are pushing the climate to a point of no return and what we need to do to stop them. With support from Greta Thunberg and the Dalai Lama, this film is sure to give you a new appreciation for our planet and the urgent need to save it.
Premieres Wednesday, December 29, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
Join Lidia Bastianich in “America: Overcoming the Odds”
The COVID–19 pandemic left many people feeling uncertain about the future. Yet, despite the overwhelming challenges that people still face today, we as a society continue to persevere and move forward. We have been united by resilience and our drive to find purpose in our own lives, no matter the obstacles. In this hour-long special, Lidia Bastianich travels—either in‑person or virtually—from big cities to small pockets of rural America to share the inspiring stories of resilient Americans who have overcome extraordinary odds in their own lives and found purpose in serving their communities.
Premieres Tuesday, December 14, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch live or stream anytime with the PBS Video app.
Catch Up On Your History With KPBS!
It is always important to remember the past to make way for a better tomorrow. That’s why KPBS is giving you the chance to go back in time and visit two pivotal moments in U.S. history—the U.S. government’s plan to assimilate Native Americans in the 1950s and the Pearl Harbor Attack.
In the documentary “Uprooted,” you’ll get a chance to hear the unique voices of people who survived a devastating plan to solve “the Indian problem”—a campaign to assimilate Native Americans by eliminating reservations, terminating tribal governments and persuading Native people to move to cities. Finally, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, “BBC Witness History” brings you an hour of personal stories from actor and writer George Takei about his time in a U.S. internment camp, a Pearl Harbor survivor, and the son of a Japanese soldier who spent 28 years in the jungle.
“Uprooted: The 1950s Plans to Erase Indian Country” airs Sunday, November 28, at 2 p.m. on KPBS Radio.
“BBC Witness History: World War Two in the Pacific” airs Tuesday, December 7, at 9 p.m. on KPBS Radio.
Sponsor Message
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is encouraging the community to use its Virtual Food Drive platform to donate food online for families in need this holiday season.
“Our Virtual Food Drive is an easy and efficient way to donate food to the Food Bank for families in need,” said Food Bank Vice President Chris Carter. “Supporters simply select and scan food items on a virtual checkout register and then pay for the items securely via credit card.”
The Virtual Food Drive is an excellent giving platform for schools, businesses and faith-based groups. The Food Bank can customize an organization’s Virtual Food Drive with an organizational logo in the “shop sign” and provide food drive organizers with a unique URL to share in eblasts with supporters and customers.
The Food Bank can also help food drive leaders set up internal competitions between departments, classes and groups while also providing online access to monitor an organization’s progress towards their food drive goal. Check out the Virtual Food Drive online at SanDiegoFoodBank.org/Virtual.
“The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor”
If you received our printed newsletter, then you may be looking forward to “The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.”
The special has been postponed by PBS. You can always get the latest program information at kpbs.org/tv/schedule.
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It’s a Great Day to Donate Your Vehicle
There’s another way to support the station that means a lot to you. Donate a used car, truck, RV or boat!
Vehicle donations have the potential to drive hundreds or thousands of dollars to support the programs you love on KPBS. Donating is easy, the pick up is free and your gift is tax deductible.
When you give, your car will help KPBS continue to inform, educate and inspire everyone in San Diego.
Call 877-572-7227 or donate today at kpbs.org/car.