We’ll talk about the timely and controversial issue of press credentials at the KPBS studios near San Diego State University. Should the San Diego Police Department be in charge of who gets press passes as it is now? Who needs them and how does SDPD determine that? Who should get them? Who shouldn’t?

Our three-member panel will explore all sides of the issue. It consists of U-T San Diego public safety reporter Kristina Davis, who has a pass, and San Diego Reader journalist Dorian Hargrove and true crime author Caitlin Rother, who have been denied such credentials. (San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne turned down our invitation to be on the panel, citing a scheduling conflict through a spokesman, but we’ll save SDPD a seat at the table just in case.)

Here is some background in case you’d like to get up to speed on this issue, which was the subject of a recently-dismissed federal lawsuit:
1) A post Hargrove wrote after his request for a press pass was denied by SDPD.
2) A September San Diego CityBeat story on the issue.
3) U-T stories on the local lawsuit filed in September, and the ensuing attempt by SDPD to get the case dismissed, and the recent dismissal of the case.
4) An Associated Press story that explored the issue two weeks ago.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Who: Panelists U-T San Diego public safety reporter Kristina Davis, San Diego Reader journalist Dorian Hargrove and true crime author Caitlin Rother
What: A free discussion about press credentials.
When: 6:30 p.m. mixer, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. panel discussion and Q&A
Where: KPBS Studios, 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego CA 92182
Why: Because this issue is a controversial one and we wanted to shine a light on it
How: With you listening and participating in our crowd
Cost: Again, there’s no charge
RSVPs: Please email matthew.hall@utsandiego.com if you’re planning to come