Exploring California's Indigenous History

A new documentary series, Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla, will delve into the history of California’s first inhabitants. Hosted by journalist Elsa Sevilla, the program explores the lives and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of the Kumeyaay Nation.

A Visit to a Kumeyaay Village

The program takes viewers to an Indigenous village located in the far-east county of San Diego. Here, Sevilla will highlight the multifaceted roles of the First People before contact with European settlers.

Beyond Survival: Skills and Knowledge

The documentary reveals how the First People were not simply surviving, but thriving as astronomers, horticulturists, healers, scientists, and storytellers. It will explain how they utilized the solar system for hunting and harvesting, and tracked weather patterns to strategically relocate their communities, known as Sha’muls, throughout their traditional territory.

How to Watch

Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla is available for streaming now on KPBS+. Viewers can also tune in to watch the program live on KPBS TV on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9 p.m. KPBS+ is accessible on various devices, including Roku, smart TVs, and mobile devices.

KPBS+ Features

KPBS+ offers access to four live TV channels – KPBS, KPBS 2, Create, and KPBS Kids 24/7 – as well as a new channel, FNX. Users can also log in with their KPBS Passport account to access even more content. This Emmy-Nominated and Award-Winning series connects viewers to the region’s past through exploration of historic sites and conversations with local experts.

Jen, a web producer at KPBS since 2000, is responsible for program promotion and the KPBS community calendar. She is originally from Las Vegas and a graduate of UNLV. KPBS provides local news and stories without a paywall, supported by community funding.