Bay Area-raised host Ericka Cruz Guevarra talks with local journalists about what’s happening in the greatest region in the country. It’s the context and analysis you need to make sense of the headlines, with help from the people who know it best. New episodes drop Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
What It’s Like to Date in the Bay Area
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked listeners to share their stories about dating in the Bay Area. Today, we meet some daters from all around the region and hear how they're navigating the highs and lows of the Bay Area dating scene. This episode was hosted by Jessica Kariisa. Mel Velasquez and Dana Cronin produced this episode, with additional support from Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How the Bay Area’s AI Boom Is Fueling a Dirty Energy Dilemma
Soaring demand for AI has accelerated the building of massive data centers to support the technology, including in the Bay Area. As more centers are built, local residents and environmentalists are concerned about how they disrupt local communities and pose significant health and environmental risks.LinksAs California AI Data Centers Grow, So Does Dirty Energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Anti-Trans Politics Made San Jose State’s Volleyball Team a National Target
On February 5, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, fulfilling a promise he made on the campaign trail. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into San Jose State University for allowing a transgender athlete to play on the volleyball team. Today, we’re revisiting an episode from December 2024 about how San Jose State’s volleyball team got caught up in the fight over women’s sports. This
Fear and Anger in Martinez After Another Refinery Incident
On February 1, 2025 a massive fire broke out at the Martinez Refinery Company’s petroleum refinery leading to unsafe air conditions and a shelter in place order. It’s the third major incident at the refinery in the past five years. KQED’s Julie Small explains what led to the fire and how residents are responding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alameda County's New District Attorney
Ursula Jones Dickson, a superior court judge, has been chosen as Alameda County’s new District Attorney, 3 months after voters recalled Pamela Price from office. KQED’s Samantha Lim explains why Jones Dickson was picked, and how she promises to be different from her predecessor.This episode was produced by Mel Velasquez and Jessica Kariisa, and guest hosted by Alan Montecillo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Japanese Americans Draw on WWII Trauma to Resist Trump
President Donald Trump has vowed to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as part of his plans for mass deportations. During World War II, this law was one of several legal tools the government used to imprison nearly 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry. Now, Japanese Americans in the Bay Area are drawing on their stories of trauma and survival to resist the Trump administration's immigration plans.Links:Bay Area Japanese Americans Draw on WWII Trauma to Resist Deportation Threats Learn more abou
Threats Against Immigrants, More Walgreens Closures, and Budget Cuts at Sonoma State
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, we hear how President Trump’s immigration rhetoric is impacting farmworker communities in Half Moon Bay. Later, we discuss why so many Walgreens are closing San Francisco and how a major budget shortfall is impacting academic and athletic departments at Sonoma State. Links:
‘Trump's Coming’: California Farmworker Groups Rattled by Threatening Postcards
Walgreens closures leave entire SF neighborhoods without a pharmacy
Sonoma State Is Reeling Af
‘It’s a Mixed Feeling’: Palestinian Americans React to the Gaza Ceasefire
On Monday, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians started returning to northern Gaza after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire is currently in its first stage; 33 hostages will be returned to Israel and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released. Despite initial celebrations, many are nervous about whether this ceasefire will hold, and what Gaza’s future will look like. Today, we hear reactions to the ceasefire from three Palestinians in northern California who have fa
What’s the Deal With All Those Old Military Bases?
From Vallejo to Richmond, Concord to Alameda, military bases were once huge parts of life in the Bay Area. These days, it can be hard to believe whole cities were built around them. So why are there so many abandoned military bases today? KQED's Pauline Bartolone looked into it for Bay Curious.Links:Part II: Surprising Ways Former Bay Area Military Bases Are Transforming (and Why It Takes So Long) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s Dating in the Bay Area Like? Call Us.
We’re working on an episode about dating in the Bay Area — the good, the bad, and everything in between — and we’d love to hear from you. What’s your experience been like? What’s dating like in your city?Leave us a voicemail at 415-710-9223, or send a voice memo to thebay@kqed.org. Let us know your name, your city, and your story. Also, if you’re open to being interviewed for the podcast, tell us and we may follow up with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Indictment of Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao
Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled from office in the November election, has been charged with eight counts of conspiracy and bribery. Last week, federal officials unsealed an indictment which includes Thao, her longtime romantic partner, and two prominent businessmen affiliated with the city’s recycling contractor. KQED's Alex Hall breaks down this news.This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo, Jessica Kariisa, and Mel Velasquez, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Learn more
What Big Tech Sees in Donald Trump
Some of the biggest names in tech — Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai — got priority seating at President Donald Trump’s inauguration this week. But what will Silicon Valley’s turn towards Trump mean for the rest of us?This episode was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and produced by Alan Montecillo and Jessica Kariisa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trump Takes Office Again
As Donald Trump is sworn in as president for the second time, we hear from Bay Area residents and officials about their hopes and fears for the next 4 years.Special thanks to Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, Juan Carlos Lara, Alastair Boone, Tessa Paoli, and KQED's Forum team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Incarcerated Firefighters Seeking Work After Release Still Face Barriers
The wildfires in Los Angeles County have placed renewed attention on the dangerous, low-wage work of California’s inmate firefighters. In 2021, a new law aimed to help formerly incarcerated people get firefighting jobs after release. But many still face significant barriers. Links:Join us on Wed, Jan. 22 for our Fixit Clinic event at KQED HQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can Speed Cameras Help Reduce Traffic Deaths?
Starting in March, San Francisco will have speed cameras at 33 different locations throughout the city. Many advocates and city officials hope these cameras will help improve road safety in San Francisco, which saw its highest traffic death toll in nearly two decades last year.Links:Join us on Wed, Jan. 22 for our Fixit Clinic live event!
This episode was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and produced by Jessica Kariisa and Alan Montecillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi
‘A Tragedy Waiting to Happen’: Oakland Shutters 2 Fire Stations
Wildfires in Los Angeles have brought fire department budgets under scrutiny. In Oakland, the recent closures of two fire stations in the city’s hills have left firefighters warning of a tragedy waiting to happen. Links:
2 Oakland Fire Stations Close Amid Budget Crisis, and More Could Soon Follow
How to Help People Affected by the L.A. Fires
Got Loved Ones Affected by LA Fires? These Wildfire Resources May Help
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To Tackle Addiction, Medi-Cal Now Covers Native Healing Practices
Starting this month, Medi-Cal has expanded coverage to include traditional healing practices like music therapy, rituals and ceremonial dances to support those suffering from addiction. For years, Native people have argued that this more holistic, culturally-specific approach can help fill an important gap in the state’s approach to drug and alcohol treatment. Links:
How to Help People Affected by the L.A. Fires
Got Loved Ones Affected by LA Fires? These Wildfire Resources May Help
This epis
Immigrants With Temporary Protected Status Brace for Trump 2.0
The Bay Area is home to thousands of people with Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. Immigrants with TPS are provided a temporary shield from deportation and a work permit as a result of upheaval in their home countries. But as Donald Trump prepares to enter his second term, many fear deportation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vallejo’s New Mayor Wants to Turn ‘Potential Into Progress’
On Tuesday, Vallejo will swear in its new mayor. Andrea Sorce, chair of the city’s Surveillance Advisory Board and co-founder of the ACLU’s Solano County chapter, won by running as a political outsider promising change. Today, Ericka sits down with the mayor-elect in Vallejo to discuss what barriers she sees to fulfilling Vallejo’s “potential,” the Vallejo Police Department, housing and homelessness and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An Exit Interview with San Francisco Mayor London Breed
Next week, San Francisco mayor London Breed will pass the baton off to mayor-elect Daniel Lurie. Breed led the city through most of the first Donald Trump presidency, the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. In this exit interview with the Political Breakdown podcast, Breed reflects on her six years as mayor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best of 2024: The A's Last Game in Oakland
Sept. 26 marked the A’s last game in Oakland. Next season they’ll play in Sacramento ahead of a planned move to Las Vegas, after more than 50 years representing The Town. Today, we share the sights and sounds of that day with help from KQED’s Joseph Geha.This episode first aired on Sept. 27, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best of 2024: An Evening at San Jose’s Story Road Night Market
This holiday season, we’re sharing our favorite episodes of 2024. Producer Jessica Kariisa’s pick is our episode featuring San Jose’s Story Road Night Market in the Little Saigon neighborhood.This episode first ran on Oct. 18, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best of 2024: The Student Journalists Covering Pro-Palestine Protests on College Campuses
This holiday season, The Bay team is sharing their favorite episodes of 2024. Ericka’s pick highlights the work of student journalists covering pro-Palestine protests on college campuses across the Bay earlier this Spring. This episode first published on May 3, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Reflecting on ‘One Beautiful Thing’ From 2024
As we wrap up 2024, we hear from members of KQED’s arts and culture desk about the ‘One Beautiful Thing’ each of them experienced over the past year.Links:Read all of KQED arts and culture’s 2024 ‘One Beautiful Thing’ essays Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Snoopy’s Home Ice: A Santa Rosa Holiday Tradition
Santa Rosa is home to an ice skating rink unlike any other. In 1969, Snoopy’s Home Ice was built by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz and his first wife Joyce. Since then, generations of Santa Rosa residents have visited and skated there — and it's extra special during the holiday season.Today, KQED’s Gabe Meline takes us inside Snoopy’s Home Ice, where he goes to skate with his family every Christmas Eve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Three Coastal Cities Are Tackling Sea Level Rise
Today, we’re sharing this episode from the podcast Sea Change, a show by WWNO in New Orleans and WRKF in Baton Rouge. In it you’ll hear about how three different cities – including San Francisco — are addressing unique challenges around sea level rise.Links: Sea Change Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trump Has Promised Mass Deportations. Can California Fight Back?
President-elect Donald Trump has doubled down on his campaign promise to deport millions off undocumented people living in the United States. In turn, California officials have promised to protect the state’s undocumented population. KQED’s Political Breakdown podcast sat immigration senior editor Tyche Hendricks to talk about how far Trump’s deportation plans can go in California, and how immigrant communities and legal advocacy groups are preparing to fight back. Links:California Is a Sanctuar
In Downtown SF, Hotel Workers Have Been Striking for Months
Since Sept. 22, thousands of hotel workers at some of San Francisco’s largest hotels have been in a stalemate with employers, demanding wage increases and affordable health care. KQED’s Farida Jhabvala Romero explains why this dispute has dragged on, and why everyone has a stake in what happens to the city’s hotel industry. This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Jessica Kariisa, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:
Episode transcript
Slow San Francisco Tourism Complicates Hotel St
SF Supervisor Faces a Recall Campaign Over Great Highway Closure
The Great Highway is the last road in San Francisco before you hit Ocean Beach. And in this past election, voters passed Prop. K, which permanently closes a portion of it. Supporters hope the highway will become a beachfront park, open to the entire city.But a majority of people living near the Great Highway voted against Prop. K — particularly those in the city's Sunset neighborhood. Now, a group of residents have filed papers to recall District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, who led the effort to
A Tsunami in the Bay Area?
People across the Bay Area were rattled by a tsunami warning alert on Thursday morning, after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the coast of Humboldt County. The warning triggered evacuation orders before it was eventually canceled at approximately 12:00 pm. But it begs the question: What would really happen if a tsunami hit the Bay Area? Back in 2017, our friends at Bay Curious set out to answer this question.This episode first aired on June 15, 2017.Links:
How to Prepare for the Big One
What Woul
How Anti-Trans Politics Loomed Over SJSU's Volleyball Season
The push to ban transgender athletes from competitive sports reached San Jose State University this year. In September, the co-captain of the women's volleyball team joined a lawsuit targeting trans women in college sports — including one of her own teammates.This episode was produced by Jessica Kariisa and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:
Anti-Trans Suit Seeking to Ban San José State Volleyball Player Is Denied on Appeal
Inside San Jose State's polarizing volleyball s
Oakland’s Lead Funding Sits Untouched As Residents Face Exposure
83% of Oakland’s rental housing may contain lead. Despite winning millions of dollars in settlement money from paint companies to help address the problem, the funds have remained unused as residents face potential exposure. This episode was updated for clarity. It was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Jessica Kariisa. It was edited by Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:Toxic Inaction: Oakland’s lead funding languishes as residents live with serious health risks Learn m
The Sacred History of Indian and Mortar Rocks in Berkeley
Nestled in the Berkeley Hills, Indian and Mortar rocks are popular hangout spots known in part for epic views of the Bay. For climbers like Berkeleyside reporter Ally Markovich, they’re known for their outsized role in the development of bouldering. But for the native Ohlone, the boulders are a symbol of a destroyed cultural landscape, and an urgent call to protect native history.This episode first ran on Dec. 23, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Reflecting on the Fight for Marriage Equality
In 2010, Sandy Stier and Kris Perry were part of a landmark case challenging California’s Prop. 8, which eliminated the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples after being approved by voters two years earlier. Their trial eventually resulted in Prop. 8 being struck down.More than a decade later, Stier and Perry joined KQED to watch the unsealed tapes of their younger selves taking the stand, and reflected on what it meant to be part of that fight.This episode originally aired on Dec. 22, 2023
Want Fresh Local Crab for Thanksgiving? You'll Have to Get It Yourself
Many Bay Area families swear by local Dungeness crab at the holiday dinner table. But for the last 6 years, commercial crabbing season has been delayed to mid-December. So if you want that fresh crab for Thanksgiving, you'll need to either pay for a chartered boat or go catch one yourself.This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Jessica Kariisa, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:California’s Dungeness Crab Season Delayed Again, But Could Open in Time for Holidays Learn more about
Prop Fest Roundup!
It’s been more than 2 weeks since Election Day, but all 10 of California’s statewide ballot measures have been called. Olivia Allen-Price, host of Bay Curious, and Alan Montecillo, senior editor of The Bay, join Ericka to break down the results and what they mean for you.This episode was produced by Jessica Kariisa and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SF Muni Could Face Devastating Cuts
San Francisco residents could face a future with fewer bus and train lines — and even the suspension of the city’s iconic cable cars — if SFMTA, the agency that runs Muni, can’t get the funds to close a nearly $300 million budget deficit.Links:SF Muni Is in Dire Need of Funding. Without It, Cuts Could Be ‘Devastating’This episode was hosted by Jessica Kariisa, and produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Alan Montecillo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Omar Torres Resigns From San José City Council, Is Arrested
In early October, residents in San José’s District 3 learned that their city councilmember, Omar Torres, was being investigated for child sexual misconduct. After weeks of public pressure — and new sexual assault allegations stemming from when he was a young man — Torres resigned. He has since been arrested and charged with three felonies. KQED’s Joseph Geha explains what happened, and how all of this has affected local residents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oakland Has Recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. Now What?
Oakland has voted overwhelmingly to recall Mayor Sheng Thao, now the first sitting mayor to be recalled in city history. The Oaklandside’s Eli Wolfe explains how the recall campaign won, and the uncertain future ahead.Links:Who is running for Oakland mayor after Sheng Thao's recall? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Attorney General Rob Bonta on Fighting Trump 2.0
California leaders are gearing up for another 4 years of fighting back against President Donald Trump’s administration. Attorney General Rob Bonta sits down with KQED’s Political Breakdown podcast to talk about how his office is preparing — and what might be different this time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Daniel Lurie Is San Francisco's Next Mayor
Daniel Lurie, the nonprofit founder and Levi Strauss heir who ran one of the most expensive races for mayor in modern city history, will succeed London Breed as the next mayor of San Francisco. Lurie ran as the only major candidate without experience in city hall — and that outsider message resonated with voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Bay Area Reacts to Trump’s Win
In the wake of Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris, most Bay Area voters have reacted with a mix of shock, sadness, and disappointment. Meanwhile, California's leaders have vowed to fight back during Trump’s second term. Today, we hear from voters, community advocates, and elected officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Behind the Scenes on Election Day
The last day to vote in the 2024 election has come and gone. We know some California results, like Adam Schiff winning the race for U.S. Senate and Proposition 36 passing. But many votes still need to be counted.Today, we hear from voters, and then take you inside the KQED newsroom on Tuesday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Many Eligible Voters in Jail Can’t Cast a Ballot
Thousands of people locked up in California jails are eligible to vote, but by Tuesday, most won’t. CalMatters politics reporter Sameea Kamal explains why it's hard to vote from the inside of county jails.Links:KQED voter guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Santa Clara County Is About to Elect Its First Vietnamese American Supervisor
Santa Clara County is about to elect its first ever Vietnamese American to the Board of Supervisors. In District 2, which includes downtown San Jose and the east side, Madison Nguyen and Betty Duong are vying for a seat that is open for the first time in over a decade. Whoever wins will play a major role in overseeing how the county spends money on issues like health care, housing, and human services.Links:
Prop Fest
KQED’s Voter Guide
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SF Mayoral Race Update, Hotel Worker Strike, and Oil Industry Campaign Spending in…Belmont?
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, we check in on how we're feeling before the election and get a status update on the San Francisco mayoral race. Then, we dive into the ongoing hotel worker strike in San Francisco and discuss why the oil industry is getting involved in a local election in a city with no refineries. Links:
KQED Voter Guide
Prop Fest 2024
Oil Industry Spends Thousands on Local Bay Area Election in City With No Refineries
New Polls in San Francisco Mayor’s Race Sho
How Local Churches Are Becoming Hubs for Climate Solutions
Black churches in the Bay Area are taking the lead on retrofitting their buildings with clean energy to become ‘resilience hubs’ in the event of a major storm or climate-related event. It’s part of a national movement called Green The Church, an organization merging the Black faith community and environmental justice.Links:Apply to be The Bay's next intern! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could the Oakland Hills Burn Again?
The Keller Fire, which ignited last Friday in the Oakland Hills, has been contained after burning 15 acres. It temporarily displaced more than 500 residents and damaged two homes. 33 years ago — almost to the day — a much larger and more catastrophic fire burned through the Oakland Hills, killing 25 people and destroying thousands of buildings. It’s a stark reminder of what can happen when wildfires spread in an urban area. This episode originally aired on Oct. 20, 2021. Learn more about your a
SF School Closures Are on Pause – For Now
A new superintendent is taking the helm of the embattled San Francisco Unified School District as it faces a December deadline to close a $113 million budget deficit. That’s after a series of crises, including a botched process around school closures, led to the resignation of Superintendent Matt Wayne over the weekend.Links:Apply to be The Bay's next intern! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sonoma County's Measure J Could Reshape Farming
In Sonoma County, no ballot measure has gotten more attention than Measure J.Put on the ballot by animal rights groups, Measure J would ban “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations” in the county. It would be the first law of its kind in the nation. Supporters say this ban on so-called factory farms is an issue of animal welfare and environmental protection, while opponents see it as an existential threat to the farming economy.Links:
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KQED voter guide
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An Evening at San Jose’s Story Road Night Market
Night markets have exploded in popularity over the past few years in the Bay Area. Many local downtowns and shopping districts have invested in night markets as a way to regain the foot traffic of the pre-pandemic years. In this episode, we go to the Story Road Night Market in San Jose’s Little Saigon neighborhood to eat some delicious food and talk about whether night markets are here to stay.Links:
Bay Area Night Markets Fall Guide
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Two Big Recall Elections in the East Bay
Voters in Alameda County and the city of Oakland could recall District Attorney Pamela Price and Mayor Sheng Thao in November. Price and Thao are progressives who some residents blame for issues like crime, homelessness, and drug use. Opponents say the recalls are undemocratic and unfairly target two women of color who took office less than 2 years ago.Links:
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Close All Tabs: The Evolution of Online Campaigning
Online campaigning has changed dramatically since the early days of dial-up modems. In a new miniseries from KQED called Close All Tabs, internet culture journalist Morgan Sung takes us on a trip down digital memory lane to understand how internet culture is influencing this year’s election. Links:
Listen to Close All Tabs on KQED's Political Breakdown feed, every Saturday until the election.
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$100 Million Is Coming to Deep East Oakland
Deep East Oakland used to be a thriving community with movie theaters and bowling alleys. But the crack cocaine epidemic and decades of disinvestment hit the community hard. Now, a $100 million philanthropic investment is coming to this part of Oakland, and people from the community will decide how to use it. Reporter Olivia Cruz Mayeda joins us to talk about ‘Deep Down,’ a new series on KQED Arts and Culture that explores the hopes and dreams of Deep East Oakland residents as they look towards
Explaining Ranked Choice Voting
Some Bay Area cities like Oakland and San Francisco use a system known as ranked choice voting in the November election. Ranked choice voting is also used in Alaska and Maine and dozens of other American cities.Today, KQED Political Breakdown host Scott Shafer speaks with Lisa Bryant, professor of political science at California State University, Fresno, about how ranked choice voting works.Links:
Vote for us in the Signal Awards
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'It's Been a Year. This Must End.'
One year ago, Hamas killed more than 1,200 people in an attack on Israel and took at least 250 hostages. In response, Israel’s bombardment and invasion of Gaza has killed more than 41,500 Palestinians and displaced millions. This conflict has sparked huge reactions all over the world, especially here in California. Today, we hear from four local residents about how it has affected them over the past year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prop. 36: Increase Penalties for Certain Theft and Drug Crimes
10 years ago, Californians passed Prop. 47, which reclassified certain petty theft and drug possession crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. At the time, it was part of an effort to reduce prison overcrowding and promote alternatives to incarceration.Supporters of Prop. 36 say that it's time to roll back parts of that ballot measure in order to address drug crimes and retail theft. Opponents fear that it will take money away from rehabilitation services and revive the War on Drugs.Prop Fes
Prop. 35: Changes to the MCO Tax for Medi-Cal Funding
In recent years, the expansion of Medi-Cal has allowed millions of low-income Californians to get access to health care. But while demand for services has increased dramatically, providers have not seen the same increase in payments, leading to many patients being denied care. Prop 35 would make an existing tax on health insurance companies permanent and restrict the allocation of funds to certain Medi-Cal providers. Supporters say it will help address health inequities and guarantee Medi-Cal fu
Prop. 34: Prescription Drug Spending (But Also...Rent Control?)
Prop. 34 takes aim at how revenues earned through a federal drug pricing program are spent by a very specific number of providers. On the surface, it seems like a health care ballot measure — but underneath it all is a proxy war over rent control.
Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November 2024 ballot. Check out KQED’s Voter Guide for more information on state and local races.
Learn m
Prop. 33: Removing Limits on Local Rent Control
Since 1995, California has banned certain types of local rent control laws — specifically, on single family homes, condos, properties built after 1995, and new tenants. If Prop. 33 passes, this ban would be repealed and cities would be allowed to impose these kinds of new rent control laws in the future.Links:Is Rent Control Working and Should We Have More or Less of It?Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 statewide propositions t
Prop. 32: Raising the Minimum Wage to $18 an Hour
California is an expensive place to live. That's why advocates for Prop. 32 believe it's important to raise the minimum wage for all employees to $18 an hour. Some business groups warn that it will lead to job losses and increased prices.
Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November 2024 ballot. Check out KQED’s Voter Guide for more information on state and local races.
Learn more abou
The A’s Last Game in Oakland
After 57 years, the A’s played their final game in the Oakland Coliseum on Thursday afternoon. Next season, they’ll begin play in Sacramento ahead of a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028. Today, we bring you sounds from the Oakland A’s last home game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prop. 6: Abolishing Involuntary Servitude in Prisons
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution banned slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for convicted crimes. In dozens of states, including California, this exception has meant that thousands of incarcerated people have been forced to work or risk punishment, oftentimes for less than $1 per hour. Prop. 6 would amend the state constitution to ban forced labor in prisons.Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 sta
Prop. 5: Should It Be Easier to Pass Local Bonds?
Right now, passing a local bond measure requires a two-thirds majority to pass. Supporters of Prop. 5 say it should be easier to fund things like affordable housing or public infrastructure. If Prop. 5 passes, local bonds would require 55% of voter support instead of two-thirds.Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November 2024 ballot. Check out KQED’s Voter Guide for more information on
Prop. 4: A $10 Billion Bond to Address Climate Change
Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a $10 billion climate bond on the ballot. Supporters of Prop. 4 say it is urgently needed to address the wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events that are becoming more commonplace in the state. Opponents say the state should not incur more debt to pay for these projects.Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November 2024 ballot. C
Prop. 3: Enshrining the Right to Marry for Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex marriage is already legal in the state and across the nation. But thanks to Prop. 8, passed in 2008, California still has an unenforceable "zombie law" on the books that bans it. Prop. 3 would formally repeal that ban and explicitly establish marriage as a fundamental right afforded to everyone in the state constitution.
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Prop. 2: A $10 Billion Bond to Repair School Facilities
For the next 2 weeks, we're collaborating with our friends at Bay Curious to bring you Prop Fest — a breakdown of all 10 statewide ballot measures.First up: Proposition 2. Roof leaks, faulty air conditioning and contaminated water are just some of the issues facing many California school buildings. Supporters of Prop. 2 want the state to borrow $10 billion to help address these problems, especially in lower-income districts. But a similar bond measure failed in 2020. Will voters accept it this y
KQED Live: San Francisco Mayoral Debate
On Thursday night, KQED and the San Francisco Chronicle hosted an hourlong debate with 5 of the candidates for mayor of San Francisco: London Breed, Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, Aaron Peskin, and Ahsha Safai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
‘It’s Just Killing Me’: The Palestinian Americans Trying to Get Family Out of Gaza
Many Palestinian Americans have been trying — for nearly a year — to evacuate family members out of Gaza. But evacuating loved ones is an opaque process with rapidly changing conditions at the borders.
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The Oakland Coliseum Has Been Sold. What Now?
Big changes are coming to the Oakland Coliseum. Next Thursday, the A’s will play their last home game there. And earlier this month, the stadium was sold to the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, whose vision for the land includes a $5 billion housing and business development. The Oaklandside’s Eli Wolfe explains what this sale means for the future of the Coliseum — and for the city of Oakland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SF Mayoral Candidates Court Chinese American Voters
Nearly 1 in 5 San Francisco residents are Chinese American. So if you want to be mayor, you need to win over the city’s Chinese communities. KQED’s Sydney Johnson tells us how the candidates are trying to woo voters in this year’s mayoral race, especially when it comes to public safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inside a Community For Farmworkers and Low-Income Families Near Half Moon Bay
Moonridge is an affordable housing community of 160 homes for low-income residents and farmworkers just outside of Half Moon Bay. It was built more than 20 years ago.As Half Moon Bay debates the issue of farmworker housing construction, reporter Sebastian Miño-Bucheli visits Moonridge to see how living there stacks up with negative comments from city residents.Links:
Take a closer look at Moonridge
More Than a Year After Shooting, Half Moon Bay is Making Progress on Farmworker Housing
Learn mor
The Golden Gate Bridge’s Suicide Prevention Net
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.This summer, activists and families of people who have lost loved ones to suicide commemorated the official completion of a stainless steel safety net under the Golden Gate Bridge.Back in January, KQED’s Lesley McClurg told us the story of how family members advocated for this addition to the bridge.This episode originally aired on Jan. 16, 2024. Learn more about your ad
‘Right to Repair’ Communities Help Consumers Fix Their Own Stuff
This summer, a new right to repair law went into effect in California, giving consumers more access to information and tools to fix their own electronics and appliances.In one of our most popular episodes (ever!) from February, KQED’s Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman takes us to a Fixit Clinic in Redwood City.Links:Fixit Clinic Calendar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Child Care Relief Is Finally Coming to Alameda County
It’s been 4 years since Alameda County voters passed Measure C, a sales tax measure aimed at increasing access to social services for low-income families.After years of legal battles, the county can finally use the money it has been collecting, and advocates hope it will provide relief to families struggling with child care costs.Links:As state cuts loom, a court ruling provides a lifeline for child care access in Alameda County Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Scarlot Harlot Fought for Sex Worker Rights in SF
This episode contains explicit language.This Labor Day, Bay Curious brings us the story of Carol Leigh — better known as “Scarlot Harlot” — the woman who coined the term “sex work,” and the history of the sex worker rights movement in San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Bay’s August News Roundup
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, KQED California politics and government senior editor Molly Solomon joins us to talk about how Kamala Harris tells her life story to a national audience — and why she might be reluctant to mention Berkeley. Also, we discuss a lead water crisis at Oakland schools, and why some journalists are dismayed with a deal Google just reached with state lawmakers to pay millions of dollars to support local news.Links:
As Kamala Harris Claims Oakland, Berke
In Oakland and Berkeley, 16 and 17-Year Olds Can Now Vote for School Board
In 2016 and 2020, Berkeley and Oakland passed ballot measures giving 16 and 17-year olds the right to vote in local school board races. It took years — and a lot of pressure from student activists — but in this election, Alameda County is finally ready to let students cast their ballots. Links:
Register to vote online (click “pre-register”)
How Teen Voters in Berkeley, Oakland Can Shape Upcoming School Board Elections
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California Forever Pulls Ballot Measure to Build New City in Solano County — For Now
It seemed like California Forever, the billionaire-backed company intent on building a brand new city in Solano County, was going full speed ahead with a ballot measure that would have authorized construction. But late last month, the group abruptly pulled the measure, promising to bring it back in 2026. So what changed?Background: This Tech-Backed Company Tried to Disrupt California’s Housing Crisis. It Couldn’t Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How the Black Panthers Changed American Schools
In 1973, the Black Panthers opened the Oakland Community School in East Oakland. It is regarded as one of the nation’s first community schools — a model where public schools partner with community organizations to provide comprehensive support services alongside academic instruction. Many of the school’s practices formed the blueprint for community schools today. Today, our friends at KQED’s Mindshift podcast dive into the pioneering initiatives of the Black Panthers, and show how Oakland school
Richmond’s $550 Million Deal with Chevron
Last week, the Richmond City Council scrapped a November ballot measure that would have imposed a new oil-refining tax on the nearby Chevron refinery. Instead, the council voted unanimously to approve a $550 million settlement with the company.KQED’s Dan Brekke explains why city leaders chose to strike a deal instead of taking the issue to the ballot box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
California Democrats Flock to Chicago for DNC
Nearly 500 Californians are in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, where Democrats will rally around Vice President Kamala Harris as their party’s nominee for president. One of them is Igor Tregub, a newly elected member of the Berkeley City Council and chair of the Alameda County Democratic Party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are We Ready for More EVs?
If you’ve ever driven an electric vehicle, you know that finding a public charging station can be stressful.But we’ll need a lot more of them soon. California plans to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035, and by then the charging crunch could get much worse. Today, our friends at Bay Curious explore what it will take to get more charging stations across the Bay Area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bay Area Schools Face Sea Level Rise Threat
52 Bay Area public schools are already at risk of being inundated with ocean and groundwater, according to a new analysis by KQED and Climate Central.KQED’s Ezra David Romero tells us how the threat of sea level rise has already ignited a debate over rebuilding a middle school in Marin County.This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Alan Montecillo, edited by Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:Schools in Deep Water: Bay Area Faces Uphill Battle Against Climate
Once-Rising Star in SF Politics Charged With Sexual Assault
Last week, Jon Jacobo, a once-rising star in the progressive wing of San Francisco politics, was arrested on charges of sexual assault and domestic violence.These charges come nearly 3 years after a former colleague, Sasha Perigo, publicly accused him of rape. Earlier this year, reporting in the San Francisco Standard found that three more women filed police reports against Jacobo, detailing allegations of stalking, harassment, and physical violence. On Tuesday, Jacobo pleaded not guilty.Today,
South Bay Doctor Returns to Gaza
Dr. Mohammad Subeh, a Palestinian-American ER doctor from the South Bay city of Saratoga, went to Gaza for his first medical mission in February. When we spoke with him back in April, his next steps were clear: he wanted to go back. Today, Dr. Subeh tells us about his second trip to Gaza.This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SF Promises ‘Very Aggressive’ Homeless Sweeps
San Francisco Mayor London Breed has promised ‘very aggressive’ sweeps of homeless encampments this month, on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that gives cities more leeway to fine or jail people for camping in public. KQED’s Sara Hossaini joins us to talk about what’s changed on the ground — and what hasn’t. This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Bay Area Politics Shaped Kamala Harris
This week, Vice President Kamala Harris will officially become the Democratic Party’s nominee for president.But before she burst onto the national stage, Harris got her start here in the Bay Area. She was born in Oakland, raised in Berkeley, and worked as a prosecutor in Alameda County and in San Francisco, where she served as District Attorney from 2004 to 2010. So today, we're revisiting this episode from January 2019 — back when Harris first ran for president — about how Bay Area politics sha
Why Millbrae Voters Recalled 2 City Councilmembers
In late July, voters in the city of Millbrae, in northern San Mateo County, overwhelmingly recalled 2 of their 5 city councilmembers. It’s a fight that started nearly a year ago, when former Councilmembers Angelina Cahalan and Maurice Goodman declined to publicly oppose a permanent supportive housing project. KQED’s Adhiti Bandlamudi tells us how that dispute snowballed into yet another recall election in the Bay Area.Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to
Bay Area Reactions to Biden Dropping Out
We’re still technically on our July break, but...breaking news is breaking.Today, we bring you reactions to Sunday’s news that President Joe Biden will not be running for re-election.Links:
How San Francisco Shaped VP Nominee Kamala Harris
Biden Drops Out, Endorses Kamala Harris. Now What?
This episode was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and produced by Alan Montecillo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's Time For Our July Break
We work really hard to bring you 3 episodes a week. But we’ll admit: sometimes it's good to take a break from the news.We won't be making new episodes during the month of July. We’re using this time to reset, rest, do some team bonding, and brainstorm what we want to make for you in the coming year. We will resume our regular schedule starting on Friday, August 2.You can still reach us on Twitter at @thebaykqed or via e-mail thebay@kqed.org. We always love hearing from you. Learn more about your
FBI Raids Home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, a State Budget Deal, and Wildfire Season
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, we discuss last week’s FBI raid on the home of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, what lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom cut in order to close California’s budget deficit, and what climate experts are expecting this fire season. Plus, we. say goodbye to our intern, Ellie Prickett-Morgan.In this episode we state that the FBI raided three homes belonging to the Duong family. The FBI raided two homes belonging to the Duong family, along with the corporate hea
A Bay Farewell to the Rightnowish Podcast
For the past 5 years, KQED’s Rightnowish podcast spotlighted artists and culture keepers from all over the Bay Area. In doing so, Host Pendarvis Harshaw and producer Marisol Medina-Cadena showed a love for the culture that is unmatched.On July 18, Rightnowish will air its last episode. Today, we sit down with Pen and Marisol to reflect on the rich archive of culture they’ve built.Episode TranscriptThis episode was produced by Ellie Prickett-Morgan and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz G
‘This is Where My People Are’: A Queer Person’s Journey to the Bay
For many queer people, the Bay Area is seen as a place of safety and community. This Pride month, we hear the story of one queer person’s journey to the Bay, in their own words.This episode was produced by Ellie Prickett-Morgan, Adhiti Bandlamudi, Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and Alan Montecillo.Episode transcript Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Tribute to Willie Mays, the ‘Say Hey Kid’
Willie Mays, the San Francisco Giants’ baseball legend, died Tuesday at age 93. Mays played 21 seasons with the Giants and is considered by many to be the greatest all-around baseball player ever. Today, KQED Morning Edition host Brian Watt brings us a tribute to the ‘Say Hey Kid’.Episode transcript Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Sunol, A School Board Recall Divides the Town
An election to recall 2 school board members is underway in the 900-person town of Sunol in Alameda County. The recall targets 2 of the town's 3 school board members, who voted in September to ban all flags other than the state and federal flags, which recall supporters saw as an attempt to prevent a LGBTQ Pride flag from being flown at the district's only school.Links:
California Recall Elections Test Strength of Conservative School Board Movement
Episode Transcript
This episode was pr
San Francisco’s First Mayoral Debate
San Francisco’s mayor’s race kicked into high gear after 5 candidates took to the stage for their first debate last Wednesday evening. Today, in Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez’s last act as a KQED journalist, he opens up his reporter’s notebook to break down his key takeaways from the debate, and what it told us about the upcoming race ahead.Links:
Watch the first debate here
S.F.'s second mayoral debate: Mon, June 17 at 7:30 pm
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Episode transcript
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A Conversation With Banko Brown’s Chosen Family
On April 27, 2023, an armed security guard shot and killed a Black trans man named Banko Brown outside of a San Francisco Walgreens.Brown’s killing sparked outrage. But San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins decided not to charge the security guard who shot him, saying that he acted in self-defense. And just last Friday, Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office announced that it supported that decision. This announcement has crushed Banko Brown’s loved ones, including those who say that his k
For High Schoolers in the South Bay, Silicon Valley Looms
At elite high schools in Silicon Valley, the pressure to succeed is intense. And according to Sophia Shao, a former student at Los Altos High School, her proximity to California’s tech capital is a big reason why. In this special collaboration with KQED’s Youth Takeover, a yearlong project to highlight compelling stories written and produced by local teens, Shao talks with us about going to school in a place where everyone is expected to excel.This episode first ran on Aug. 15, 2022 Learn more a
Inside Sutro Baths In Its Prime
The ruins of Sutro Baths, at the far western edge of San Francisco, are mysterious. Clearly something big used to stand here. Today, the folks from the Bay Curious podcast take you back in time to what visiting this grand swimming facility would have been like.Episode Transcript Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Should We Do About AI?
California is in the middle of figuring out exactly how it wants to regulate artificial intelligence. CalMatters’ Khari Johnson joins us to explain how these efforts are going — and how AI could affect all of our lives soon.
Links:
Episode Transcript
How California and the EU work together to regulate artificial intelligence
Apply to be The Bay’s Producer!
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Applying For Student Aid Was Supposed to Be Easier This Year. It Wasn’t
Applying for student aid this year was supposed to be easier for incoming college students, with a more simplified application process for FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. But technical problems and missed deadlines for the new form’s rollout has led to disastrous results for students, especially those who are undocumented or come from mixed status families. These issues are likely a big reason why California saw a major drop in FAFSA applications for the Class of 2024.This ep
Advocates Protest Planned Closure of East San Jose Trauma Center
The company that owns the Regional Medical Center of San Jose says it plans to close the hospital’s trauma center on August 12. The trauma center is the only one of its kind on Santa Clara County’s east side.Now, local leaders, patient advocates, and even some doctors from the hospital want the state to intervene, warning that this closure will have devastating ripple effects on the entire region.Links:
Episode Transcript
Advocates Urge State to Intervene in Closure of San Jose Trauma Center
L
A Chevron Tax(?), More Farmworker Housing, and Berkeley’s Baby Falcons. Plus, a Visiting Journalist From the Republic of Georgia
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka, Alan, and intern Ellie talk about a possible tax on oil refining in Richmond, the debate over farmworker housing in Half Moon Bay, and Berkeley’s baby falcons. Plus, an interview with Tamuna Chkareuli, a visiting journalist from the Republic of Georgia who has been working at KQED for the past few weeks.Links:
After 'Foreign Agent' Law Defeat, Georgian Protesters Set Sights on Elections
Richmond Oil Refining Tax on Chevron, a Major Pollu
A Morning with BART’s Crisis Intervention Specialists
If you ride BART, you may have seen uniformed employees with the words ‘Crisis Intervention Specialist” on their backs. About 20 of these ‘CIS-es’ — who are not police officers — can be seen walking through trains, seeking out and offering help to the many people in the sprawling transit system struggling with lack of shelter, mental health problems or addiction.
KQED’s Matthew Green joins us to talk about what he learned about this program, and what a morning on the job was like.
Links:
'We Ap
D Sharp: The DJ Behind the Warriors Games
During his 12 years with The Golden State Warriors, DJ D Sharp has seen it all — from the team’s lowest point to the championship rings. Raised in East Oakland, D Sharp talks Rightnowish host Pendarvis Harshaw about his journey, inspiration and a go-to Warriors song.This episode originally aired May 2, 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fate of Uber, Lyft Workers’ Benefits Now Up to the State Supreme Court
In 2020, California voters passed Proposition 22, which allowed app-based companies to classify their drivers as independent contractors and not employees with full benefits. It was a big win for companies like Uber and Lyft, who spent unprecedented amounts of money to get the measure passed.Now, the issue is back — this time before the California Supreme Court, which heard a case on Prop. 22 this Tuesday. KQED’s Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos explain in an episode of the Political Breakdown podc
How SF Hopes to Make This Critical Opioid Addiction Treatment More Available
Less than half of all San Francisco pharmacies carry buprenorphine, one of the most powerful medications used to treat opioid addiction, according to San Francisco’s Department of Public Health. The city hopes to change that.
This episode was produced by Ellie Prickett-Morgan and Maria Esquinca, edited by Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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Silicon Valley’s Deep Ties With Israel
Last week, protesters blocked the entrance of Google’s largest development conference in Mountain View to protest the tech giant’s ties with the Israeli government. At issue is Project Nimbus, Google and Amazon’s $1.2 billion cloud computing contract with the Israeli government, including the Israeli Defense Ministry. But as KQED’s Rachael Myrow explains, Silicon Valley’s ties to Israel run much deeper — which makes divesting a tall order.Episode TranscriptThis episode was produced by Ericka Cru
Displacing People for “Progress": The Origins of BART
Back in the 60s, BART was just a plan in the making. And located through its path were communities of mostly low income people of color. But thanks to a legal tool known as eminent domain, many in that community were forced to sell their homes or face eviction. This is an episode of Bay Curious that originally aired on May 16, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
'I Am Still Haunted': Women Accuse Rising SF Political Star of Rape and Abuse
Jon Jacobo was a rising star in the progressive wing of San Francisco politics when a colleague publicly accused him of rape in 2021. At that time, he largely escaped scrutiny from members of his own party.But as Josh Koehn of the San Francisco Standard reported in mid-April, three more women have publicly accused Jacobo of sexual abuse and domestic violence. And they say that leaders treated their allegations with indifference.Links:
Episode Transcript
Women accused a rising SF politi
Naatak Theatre, A Staple of Indian American Life in the South Bay
This Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, we’re replaying this look back at a thriving Indian American theater company in the South Bay.This episode originally aired Sept. 9, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Berkeley Schools Chief Testifies Before Congress on Antisemitism
On Wednesday, Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel testified before Congress on the district’s handling of antisemitism allegations in public schools.
The hearing comes after a group of Jewish parents, along with the Brandeis Center and Anti-Defamation League, filed a federal complaint in February alleging “severe” antisemitism in the district. However, many pro-Palestinian parents, educators and students have pushed back, arguing that the complaint unfairly confl
Billionaire-Backed Bid for New Solano County City Inches Closer to the Ballot
California Forever, the billionaire-backed group behind an effort to build a city from scratch in Eastern Solano County, is plowing ahead in its campaign to convince voters.
Last week, the company announced that it has gathered enough signatures to qualify its measure for the November ballot. KQED’s Adhiti Bandlamundi unpacks the last few months of campaigning and speaks to voters.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Ellie-Prickett Morgan, edited by Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Er
How The Bay Gets Made
Making this podcast is a lot of work, but we do it because we care. Help us keep it going by becoming a KQED member. Today, we take you behind the scenes and show you how an episode gets made.
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The Student Journalists Covering Pro-Palestine Encampments
Pro-Palestine protests have popped up on college campuses nationwide, with some becoming the epicenters of violent counter-protests and arrests by police. In the Bay Area, however, what have become known as ‘solidarity encampments’ have remained largely peaceful so far. Today, we hear from student journalists at San Francisco State, UC Berkeley, and Sonoma State about what’s been happening on their respective campuses.Episode TranscriptThis episode was produced by Alan Montecillo, Maria
Nursing Home Staff Shortages Leave Patients Waiting in Hospitals
Some of the state’s sickest patients are stranded in hospitals for weeks, months, and even years as they wait to be moved into nursing homes and psychiatric facilities. This backup is caused in part by nursing home staffing shortages, coupled with a rapidly aging population.
KQED’s Lesley McClurg tells us the story of one Berkeley resident’s struggle to find adequate care for his wife.
Links:
Episode Transcript
Systemic Neglect: How Staffing Shortages In Nursing Homes Leave Patients Trapped i
April News Roundup: Berkeley’s Newest Councilmember, Reviewing Death Row Sentences, and Pandas in S.F.
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka, Maria and Alan talk about Berkeley’s newest (and youngest) District 7 city councilmember, allegations of prosecutorial misconduct in death row sentencing in Alameda County, and efforts to bring giant pandas to San Francisco.
Episode Transcript
Links:
Cecilia Lunaparra declares victory in District 7 race for Berkeley City Council
Allegations of Prosecutorial Bias Spark Review of Death Penalty Convictions in Alameda County
SF Mayor Br
The Bay Area’s Stakes in SCOTUS Homelessness Case
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, in what’s been described as the most significant case on homelessness in decades.
Many Californians are watching this case closely — from politicians, to advocates, to unhoused residents. KQED housing reporter Vanessa Rancaño breaks down the basics of this case, and why people in the Bay are closing following it.
Episode Transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, an
Silicon Valley House Seat Race Gets a Recount
Ballots are being recounted in the race for California’s 16th Congressional house seat, which ended in a tie for second between Assemblymember Evan Low and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian. One or both of them will move on to face former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo in November.KQED’s Guy Marzorati explains how the recount is working, and why it’s gotten a little ugly.Episode transcriptThis episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Ellie Prickett-Morgan, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guev
Why Renaming Oakland’s Airport is a Big Deal
Oakland officials are moving ahead with a plan to rename the city’s airport to “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.”
Residents, business groups, and airlines all have a lot to say about it, and San Francisco has also filed a lawsuit to try and stop the renaming from happening. The Oaklandside’s Eli Wolfe joins us to talk about why the name change feels existential.
Episode transcript
Editor’s note: Oakland International Airport is a financial supporter of KQED.
This episode was p
Half Moon Bay is Making Progress on Farmworker Housing
After last year’s mass shooting at two mushroom farms in Half Moon Bay, officials learned that some of the farmworkers had been living in shipping containers. State, federal, and local officials promised to do something about it.
Now, the city is close to breaking ground on housing for the survivors and other low-wage farmworkers in the area.
Links:
Episode transcript
Half Moon Bay Prepares to Break Ground on Farmworker Housing
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This episode was produced by Alan Montecil
Feds Shut Down Infamous Women's Prison in Dublin
The Federal Bureau of Prisons abruptly announced that it will shut down Federal Correctional Institution Dublin, the federal women’s prison infamous for an alleged culture of sexual abuse. KQED's Alex Hall tells us why this news took many people by surprise, and what it could mean for the hundreds of women inside.This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Ellie Prickett-Morgan, with production support from Maria Esquinca and Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Episode
How Aaron Peskin Shakes Up S.F.’s Mayoral Race
Earlier this month, San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin announced his entry into the race for mayor in November.
Peskin has been in San Francisco politics for a long time, and is the first prominent mayoral candidate from the city’s progressive camp. KQED’s Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez tells us how Peskin shakes up this mayoral race.
Links:
Episode Transcript
Chinatown Rally Launches Aaron Peskin Mayoral Run
SF Supervisor Aaron Peskin Announces Mayoral Run
This episode wa
Poetry in Service of Politics: A Conversation with Darius Simspon
Darius Simpson is the author of the collection “Never Catch Me.” In this episode in celebration of National Poetry Month, Simpson talks about how his poetry has changed over the years, his involvement in People’s Programs in Oakland, and how he hopes his poetry can inspire people to organize towards liberation of all oppressed people.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca, Alan Montecillo, and Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and guest hosted by Maria Esquinca.
Links:
Episode transcript
A’s to Play Their Next Season in Sacramento
It’s official: The A’s are leaving Oakland. The Athletics announced last week that they’ll play their home games for the 2025-27 season at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento as part of bigger plans to relocate to Las Vegas for the 2028 season. But A’s fans vow to continue speaking out about the move and how its long goodbye to Oakland has been handled.Episode TranscriptThis episode was produced by Ellie Prickett-Morgan, Maria Esquinca, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
Why are There So Few School Buses in California?
Have you ever noticed how few school buses there are in California? A survey by the Federal Highway Administration found that nationally, almost 40% of school-aged kids ride a school bus. In California, that number is only 8%. Why? It goes back to a state constitutional amendment passed in 1978. In this episode from Bay Curious, producer Katrina Schwartz dives into how this proposition led to California’s lack of school buses.
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Hope and Loss in Gaza: A Bay Area Doctor Reflects on His Aid Mission
This episode contains graphic descriptions of death and violence.
At least 33,000 Palestinians — including an estimated 13,000 children — have been killed by Israel’s bombardment and invasion of Gaza. The region’s health care infrastructure has been decimated, as an estimated 12 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are considered operational.
Dr. Mohammad Subeh, an emergency room physician from the South Bay, recently returned from a volunteer medical mission to the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. In this ep
A Toxic Dust Threatens Salmon. Can We Do Something About It?
California’s salmon are still in decline — so much so that fishery managers may cancel the state’s salmon season for the second straight year.
Lawmakers, environmental groups and tribes have identified one part of the problem: toxic dust that comes from our tires. KQED’s Ezra David Romero tells us how we can fix this problem.
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Toxic Dust Threatens California Salmon Population, Lawmaker Seeks Solution
This episode was produced by Ellie Prickett-Morgan, Dana Cronin, and Maria Esquinca, and
Oakland’s Queer Nightlife Renaissance is Here
There are no signs of a doom loop in Oakland’s queer nightlife scene, where brick and mortar nightclubs and bars quadrupled in the last year, and the events to go along with them have grown too. KQED Arts and Culture Editor Nastia Voynovskaya explains what’s behind this flourishing scene.
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A Queer Party Renaissance Brings New Life to Downtown Oakland
'Something's blooming': Queer nightlife in Oakland is approaching a renaissance
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Mon
March News Roundup: Street Spirit Lives On, MACRO Oakland, and Aaron Peskin for SF Mayor?
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka, Maria and Alan talk about the resurgence of the East Bay’s Street Spirit newspaper, a new non-emergency phone line for Oakland residents, and Aaron Peskin’s potential bid for San Francisco mayor.Links:
Berkeleyside: Street Spirit homeless newspaper is back in print
The Oaklandside: MACRO, Oakland’s non-emergency crisis response team, now has a phone number
KQED: Aaron Peskin's Rumored Run for SF Mayor Has Same Strength and Wea
Babies With Developmental Delays Are Entitled to Care. Many Aren’t Getting It
Every child in California under 3 is entitled to early intervention services like physical, speech, and occupational therapy if they show signs that they need developmental support. Experts say getting these services early and in-person is critical for babies’ development, and that it can actually reduce the need for special education services later in life.
But many families aren’t receiving the care they need. KQED’s Daisy Nguyen explains why.
Links:
Episode transcript
'Early Start' 101: He
Prop. 1 Passes...Barely
Well, it’s been a minute since the March 5 primary, but we finally know the results of Proposition 1.
California voters narrowly approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to build new treatment facilities and direct a larger share of mental health funding to housing. KQED politics correspondent Guy Marzorati joins us to unpack the results, and what this could mean for the state moving forward.
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Links:
A New Pro Women’s Soccer Team Kicks Off
The Bay is home to a new professional women’s soccer team. Bay FC, founded by four former U.S. Women National Team players, kicks off its home opener at PayPal Park in San Jose on Saturday, March 30.Marisa Ingemi with the San Francisco Chronicle joins us to talk about how this team got started, which players to watch, and the Bay Area’s history as a hotbed for women’s soccer.Links:
‘I’m here to win trophies’: Bay FC’s African strikers eager to make mark in NWSL
A beginner’s guide to the
Defending Against Deportation in Contra Costa County
Advocates and lawyers are scrambling to provide immigration legal assistance in Contra Costa County, where a new immigration court has opened to help tackle a nationwide deportation backlog and record numbers of asylum claims.
KQED’s Tyche Hendricks takes us to a high school gym in Concord where nonprofit groups helped provide free legal advice to people ahead of their court hearings.
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Episode transcript
New Bay Area Immigration Court Opens, Aims to Tackle Deportation Backlog
Become a
At This Women’s Prison in Dublin, Sexual Abuse is Pervasive
This episode discusses sexual abuse.
For decades, the Federal Correctional Institution Dublin, a women’s prison, has been known for a pervasive culture of sexual abuse towards the women incarcerated there.
There have been firings, settlements, and trainings, but the problems haven’t gone away. Now, the FBI has raided the prison as a group of survivors have filed a total of 63 lawsuits against the facility. On Friday, a federal judge ordered an independent third party to oversee reforms and polic
US Navy Acknowledges Toxic Groundwater Threat in Bayview-Hunters Point
Activists and scientists have been sounding the alarm about radioactive contamination at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, the site of former U.S. Navy activity, for years.
In January, the Navy released a report acknowledging that, through human-caused climate change, toxic chemicals could rise with groundwater in parts of the site.
Today, we’re sharing an episode from August 2022 with KQED climate reporter Ezra David Romero. In it, we meet residents of Bayview-Hunters Point who have been figh
A Roundup of Local Alameda County Election Results
Alameda County is notoriously slow at counting votes, but we do have some results to discuss. Today, KQED’s Annelise Finney dives into the Board of Supervisors elections, a very expensive state Senate race, and a measure that aims to change the county’s recall rules.Episode transcriptThis episode was produced by Ellie Prickett-Morgan and Maria Esquinca, and guest hosted by Alan Montecillo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
San Francisco Moderates Win Big
San Francisco moderates, especially Mayor London Breed, are celebrating after Propositions C, E and F appear headed to victory.
Props E and F will expand police powers and drug screen welfare recipients. Now that they’ve passed, Mayor London Breed hopes to show voters she’s addressing the worries on voters’ minds ahead of a competitive mayoral race this November.
Links:
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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Rep. Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey Advance in U.S. Senate Race
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey finished in the top 2 in the race for California’s U.S. Senate seat, with Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee finishing third and fourth.
KQED’s Guy Marzorati gives a quick rundown of some of the local races we know about so far, and then breaks down the results of the biggest race on the California primary ballot.
Links:
Episode Transcript
Live Election Results
This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra, Alan Montecillo and Maria
Most People Don’t Vote in Primaries. How Can We Change That?
Election Day is over, and the votes are being tallied. And while we don’t know what the final voter turnout numbers will be, we do know that most people don’t vote in primaries.
Primary elections aren’t sexy. They never turn out as many voters as a November general election because most people are motivated by national stuff, like presidential races.
But the issues on a primary ballot, especially locally, are perhaps more consequential to people’s everyday lives. Today, we talk with Mindy Romer
Call Us: Are You Voting in the March Primary? Why Or Why Not?
Are you voting in the March Primary today? Why or why not?
Maybe there’s a particular issue you’re fired up about where you live. Maybe you’re not happy with the candidates in your area. Or maybe you’re just hella confused by all the measures with letters on your ballot.
Either way, we wanna hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 415-710-9223. And maybe you’ll hear yourself in an upcoming episode of The Bay! Tell us your name, where you’re from, and whether you’re voting in the March primary.
Le
Breaking Down Napa County’s Board of Supervisors Election
In Napa County, 3 out of the 5 seats on the Board of Supervisors are on the ballot, in nonpartisan races that will be decided in the March 5 primary. (In these races, nobody is advancing to November— voters will pick the winner in this election!)
The wine industry looms large, but so do issues about housing, wildfire protection, and environmental conservation. KQED’s Carlos Cabrera-Lomeli tells us about the stakes, and focuses on the race in District 5.
Links:
Episode transcript
KQED Voter Gui
How the Racial Justice Act Could Shake Up California’s Criminal Court System
This episode contains explicit language.Race has been a mostly silent character in criminal courtrooms. Historically, people accused of crimes haven’t been able to raise claims of racial bias in the justice system to defend themselves from a criminal accusation.But in 2020, California passed the Racial Justice Act, a groundbreaking law that allows criminal defendants to argue that racism may have played a role in how the justice system handled their case and ask for the court to provide
February News Roundup: A Silicon Valley Assembly Race, Oscar Grant’s Mother Gets His Phones Back, and Fast Food Politics
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka, Maria and Alan talk about an assembly race where housing development has taken center stage, the mother of Oscar Grant getting his cell phones back 15 years after his killing, and how the politics of fast food are heating up in San Jose.
Links:
Palo Alto's Lydia Kou Channels Anti-Sacramento Anger in Challenge to Assemblymember Marc Berman
Oscar Grant's Cellphones Returned to His Mother, 15 Years After Notorious Police Killing on BART P
A Growing ‘Right to Repair’ Culture
When one of your appliances or electronics breaks, do you buy a new one or try to fix it yourself?
Manufacturers have made it hard for consumers to fix their own stuff. But people have been pushing back in what's called the "right to repair" movement. KQED's Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman takes us to a "Fixit clinic" in Redwood City, where people learn how to fix their broken items.
Episode Transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Le
Will S.F. Voters Expand Police Powers in This Election?
This March, the politics of crime in San Francisco can be found up and down the ballot, from judicial races to local ballot measures.
KQED’s Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez joins us to unpack Proposition E, a measure put forward by Mayor London Breed that would expand the power of the San Francisco Police Department.
Links:
KQED Voter Guide: Proposition E
Subscribe to KQED's Political Breakdown newsletter
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and host
‘I Feel Like the Palestinian Issue is a Queer Issue”
Queer Palestinian artists in the Bay are calling for a ceasefire as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza. Some say that the conflict has forced them to “come out as Palestinian” to the Bay Area LGBTQ+ community.
KQED’s Nisa Khan talks to us about how Palestinian artists are pushing San Francisco’s queer community to stand up for Palestine.
Links:
Episode Transcript
‘This Is Resistance’: Queer Palestinian Artists and Activists in the Bay Area Are Speaking Out
This episode was produced by
How AI Could Threaten Our Elections
As we head into the 2024 election, voters will have to navigate a slew of disinformation created by AI, like deep fakes and robocalls. In this episode of KQED’s Political Breakdown, Scott Shafer speaks to Jonathan Mehta Stein, executive director of California Common Cause, to discuss the threats AI could pose to our election process and efforts to regulate it in California.
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A ‘Decisive Victory’ for Cutting Air Pollution
The people who regulate air quality in the Bay Area say they’ve scored a “decisive victory” in a legal fight with Big Oil. On Tuesday, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced that Chevron, which runs a 120-year-old refinery in Richmond, and the Martinez Refining Company have dropped lawsuits against a rule that will require them to drastically cut air pollution from their facilities.
Links:
Bay Air District Hails 'Decisive Victory' in Battle to Cut Refinery Pollution
Episode tr
Loving and Losing a Mural in the Mission
This Valentine’s Day, KQED community engagement reporter Carlos Cabrera-Lomeli joins us to talk about growing up in San Francisco’s Mission District — and one particular mural that he loves and remembers dearly.
Episode Transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca, Alan Montecillo and Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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Bay Curious Breaks Down Proposition 1
The California primary is coming up, and ballots have been sent out! Today, our friends at Bay Curious break down Proposition 1.
Prop. 1 asks two big questions: Should mental health funding be used for housing? And should California borrow money to build more housing and treatment facilities?
Links:
Episode transcript
KQED Voter Guide
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Let's Go Niners!
The San Francisco 49ers are back in the Super Bowl, and fans are chomping at the bit for the team to bring home its first championship since 1994. They’ll be facing the Kansas City Chiefs, who defeated them in the Super Bowl 4 years ago.David Lombardi with The Athletic breaks down why the Niners have a great chance of winning it all this time. Episode transcriptThis episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Dana Cronin, and guest hosted by Alan Montecillo. Learn more about your ad cho
Why Were There So Many Power Outages?
A huge storm system hit the Bay Area this past weekend, leaving many across the nine counties without power. At its peak, an estimated 1.5 million customers were without electricity statewide, marking the third-largest single-day outage in PG&E’s history.
KQED’s Dan Brekke tells us why this storm was so bad, what about our infrastructure is lacking, and how we can be better prepared for more storms like this one going forward.
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Dana Cronin and Alan
Were You Affected By the Storms? Call Us.
We're making an episode about the fallout from this weekend's storms.
Have you been affected? If so, consider leaving us a voicemail at 415-710-9223, and we may play it on Wednesday's show.
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How San Francisco Counts Unhoused Residents
The biannual “point in time” count of unhoused residents is imperfect but an important part of tracking the homelessness crisis in cities across the country. KQED’s Sydney Johnson joined city workers as they drove around one San Francisco neighborhood to count the number of people living on the streets.Episode TranscriptThis episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
How Oakland’s Marquee Gun Violence Prevention Program Broke Down
From 2012-2019, Oakland’s Operation Ceasefire has been credited with helping the city reduce homicides by nearly half. At its height, it targeted the handful of individuals responsible for the bulk of gun violence and offered services.
But a recent audit requested by Mayor Sheng Thao revealed several factors that led to the breakdown of the program. Now, she wants to revive it.
Episode Transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
January News Roundup: Tech’s Role in Media Layoffs, San Mateo County Criminalizes Camping, SF’s District Attorney Race
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka, Maria and Alan discuss how mass layoffs at the LA Times have brought renewed attention to a California bill that would force tech companies to pay news outlets, San Mateo County’s vote to make it a crime to camp in certain areas when shelter beds are available, and a former prosecutor under Chesa Boudin who’s decided to enter the race for San Francisco District Attorney. Plus, we introduce our new intern!
Links:
Episode Transcript
As l
What to Know About California’s Senate Race
This March, Californians will be voting in a competitive Senate race. The top two finishers will advance to a run-off in November, regardless of party affiliation.
KQED’s Marisa Lagos tells us about the stakes of this race, and we discuss four of the candidates: Democrats Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee, and Republican Steve Garvey.
Transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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How a Mass Shooting Changed Half Moon Bay, One Year Later
A year ago this Tuesday, a gunman entered two mushroom farms in Half Moon Bay and killed 7 farmworkers — all of them Chinese and Latino immigrants.
The shooting brought attention to the living and working conditions of farmworkers in Half Moon Bay and across the state. State and local officials promised to do something about it. So, what’s changed?
Transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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In California, Anti-Abortion Centers Outnumber Abortion Clinics
Despite California’s reputation as a sanctuary state for abortion rights, it is also home to hundreds of “crisis pregnancy centers” located directly next to abortion clinics like Planned Parenthood.
These centers are designed to look like community health clinics, but most of them don’t have a medical license. And they have an explicit goal: to persuade people not to have an abortion.
This episode originally aired on Feb. 17, 2023.
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After Cruise’s Implosion, What’s Next for Robotaxis?
Robotaxis had their Icarus moment in 2023, writes Joshua Bote, tech reporter for The San Francisco Standard. After Cruise’s rise and fall in San Francisco, what's ahead for the robotaxi industry?
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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California Forever Unveils Ballot Measure Plans for Its New City
California Forever, the billionaire-funded company behind the controversial plan to build a new city from scratch in Solano County, has released language for a ballot measure they hope to bring before voters. KQED’s Erin Baldassari tells us what’s in the plan, and how residents are feeling about it.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca, Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and Alan Montecillo, and was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Links:
Transcript
'Not Just a Crazy Idea': California Forever Releas
A Safety Net Under the Golden Gate Bridge
This episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
After decades of advocacy, a stainless steel safety net underneath the Golden Gate Bridge is nearly finished. Officials and loved ones affected by suicide hope it will save lives by deterring people from jumping.
Episode Transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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Rightnowish: Boots Riley on Art, Oakland, and Labor Movements
Today, we’re sharing an episode from our colleagues at KQED's Rightnowish. Host Pendarvis Harshaw talks to Oakland filmmaker, organizer and MC, Boots Riley. They talk about his latest T.V show, I’m a Virgo, participating in the Writers Guild of America Strike, and the ways he believes the media has failed in its coverage of violence in Oakland.
This episode originally aired on Jan.4, 2024.
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San Francisco Approves Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution
On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza in an 8-3 vote, making it the largest city in the country to do so. San Francisco trails other cities in the Bay Area like Richmond and Oakland who’ve passed similar resolutions meant to put pressure on Israel and the Biden administration.Episode TranscriptThis episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra, Maria Esquinca, and Alan Montecillo and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
Will UC Berkeley Finally Win the Battle Over People’s Park?
Since its founding in 1969, People’s Park has been a symbol of Berkeley’s radical history of protest, resistance and mutual aid. But after years of efforts by UC Berkeley to build on the land, the university is getting closer and closer to taking back control. KQED's Vanessa Rancaño breaks it down.
Transcript
Links:
A Brief History of the Never-Ending Battle for People’s Park
Berkeley Locals Lament the Closure of People’s Park as Shipping Container Barricades Go Up
This episode was produced
What’s Next in the Recall of Progressive DA Pamela Price
A recall effort to remove Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price from office is well underway, but when voters will actually be asked this question is still up in the air. A lot needs to happen before we get to that point, including one consequential decision voters will have to make in March that will have a big impact on how recalls work in Alameda County.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Ericka Cruz Guevarra, who is also the host.
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With Climate Change, What is the Future of Bay Area Fog?
Foggy days are a fact of life in the Bay Area, but climate change could lead to fewer of them in the coming years. While that might be welcome news to some, the truth is fog is an important weather phenomenon for all kinds of reasons. In this episode of Bay Curious, KQED reporter Dana Cronin demystifies the mist and finds out what we might expect for the future of fog.
Episode Transcript
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Forum: Reclaiming Our Relationship With Time in 2024
Time flies, time is money, time waits for no one. We are so conditioned to obsess over time, how we use it, and getting the most out of it – or else, we feel guilty.
In this episode of KQED’s Forum, co-hosts Becca Rashid and Ian Bogost of the Atlantic’s ‘How to Keep Time’ talk with Grace Won about optimizing “free” time, and why we struggle to comfortably do nothing.
Episode transcript
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Best of 2023: A Queer Elder’s Reflection on SF Pride
The Bay team is sharing each of their favorite episodes of 2023. This episode, picked by editor Alan Montecillo, first published on June 28. In it, we hear from Gwenn Craig, a queer elder who reflects on the transformation — and corporatization — of San Francisco Pride, and why it still matters now more than ever.
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Best of 2023: A Music Class is Helping Farmworkers Heal in Half Moon Bay
The Bay team is sharing each of their favorite episodes of 2023. This episode, picked by producer Maria Esquinca, was first published on Nov. 15. In it, KQED reporter and producer Blanca Torres talks about a nonprofit that organized accordion classes to help farm workers affected by the Half Moon Bay shooting heal from their trauma.
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Best of 2023: Finding Community in Pickleball
The Bay team is sharing each of their favorite episodes of 2023. This episode, picked by host Ericka Cruz Guevarra, was first published on June 12. In it, The Bay team visits a pickleball court in Oakland’s Bushrod Park, where the sport has grown in part because of its intergenerational draw.
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The Couple Who Helped Overturn California’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban
Sandy Stier and Kris Perry were plaintiffs in a landmark case challenging California’s Prop 8, which banned gay marriage in 2008. Their trial went all the way to the Supreme Court, and would eventually restore marriage equality to California. This year, KQED invited Stier and Perry to watch unsealed tapes from the trial of their younger selves taking the stand for marriage equality, and to reflect on what it meant to be part of that fight all these years later.
Episode Transcript
Links:
Inside
Connecting Climbers with the Native History of Indian and Mortar Rocks
Nestled in the Berkeley Hills, Indian and Mortar rocks are popular hangout spots known in part for epic views of the Bay. For climbers like Berkeleyside reporter Ally Markovich, they’re known for their outsized role in the development of bouldering. But for the native Ohlone, the boulders are a symbol of a destroyed cultural landscape, and an urgent call to protect native history.Links:
Transcript
Part I: The stories Indian and Mortar rocks can tell us
Part II: How Berkeley’s famous bo
Housing or Wetlands? Newark Faces a Difficult Choice
Two very Bay Area crises – sea level rise and the housing crisis – are colliding in the East Bay city of Newark, where the city will consider plans to build housing on one of the few remnants of the Bay’s vast marshland. It’s a fight for the marshes’ future, which environmentalists say should be maintained as natural flood protection. Links: Bay Area Housing Project Raises Concerns About Sea-Level Rise This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Gue
When Disaster Strikes in English Only
Despite the many languages spoken in the Bay Area, Alameda and Solano Counties only send out emergency alerts in English, leaving at least one in ten Bay Area residents at risk of missing life-saving information in the face of disaster. El Timpano senior reporter Jasmine Aguilera explains why that is, and which counties are succeeding in disseminating critical information to everyone.
Links:
ALERT: This is an emergency — but for English speakers only
The Tiny Radio Station Relaying Critical
How We Grieve a Changing California
Our beautiful state is in danger. Human-caused climate change has dramatically increased the risk of destructive wildfires — and now we anticipate them every year. So how do we process the grief of what we’re losing? And how can we use that pain as fuel to make change?
Links:
Grieving California
Good Grief Network
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra. The interview was conducted by Erin Baldassari.
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An Interview with the CEO of PG&E
Patti Poppe started a new job as CEO of PG&E in 2021, after the company emerged from bankruptcy for the second time in two decades. She sat down with KQED’s Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer of the Political Breakdown podcast to discuss the future of the utility.
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Cal State Faculty Hold a Series of One-Day Strikes
The California State University system is the largest public university system in the nation. This week, faculty at four campuses — Cal Poly Pomona, San Francisco State, Cal State Los Angeles, and Sacramento State — launched a series of 1-day strikes. KQED’s Juan Carlos Lara takes us to Tuesday’s strike at SF State, where faculty and staff say they’re fed up with working conditions, low pay, and looming job cuts.
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Maria Esqu
Inside Oakland's Largest Housing Megaproject
Brooklyn Basin is poised to become Oakland’s largest housing project, promising 3,700 new homes on the site of a former shipping dock. In a state where building just about anything can be a challenge, how did this one finally get off the ground?
Links:
Episode transcript
Oakland's Largest Housing Project Aims to Build 3,700 Homes On-Site
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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Can Silicon Valley Investors Win Over Solano County?
California Forever, the group of Silicon Valley investors and billionaires who want to build a new city from scratch in Solano County, are on something of a public relations campaign.
The group held its first town hall meeting in Vallejo on Wednesday night. And it will be the first of many — because if they really want to build a new city on the county’s outskirts, they’ll need to win over the hearts and minds of voters first.
Links:
Episode transcript
LISTEN: The Silicon Valley Giants Who Wa
San Francisco Bans Vending Along Mission Street
San Francisco has banned street vending on Mission Street for 90 days, citing concerns about crime and sales of stolen goods. It’s the latest in a long saga around public safety in the neighborhood. KQED’s Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman explains how we got here and what this means for vendors.Links:
Episode transcript
KQED: SF’s Mission Street Ban Begins
KQED: On First Day of Mission Street Vending Ban, Vendors Implore City to Reconsider
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Es
November News Roundup: Transit Funding, Prison Wages, and Tupac Shakur Way
In this edition of The Bay's monthly news roundup (our last one of the year!), Ericka, Maria and Alan talk about how public transit agencies have temporarily averted a fiscal cliff, a proposal to increase the minimum wage for incarcerated workers, and the newly unveiled Tupac Shakur Way in Oakland.
Links:
Episode transcript
In Transit: Bay Area Transportation News on Everything That Moves
KQED: California Prison Officials Aim to Raise Hourly Minimum Wage for Incarcerated Workers — to at Lea
Why Your PG&E Bill is About to Go Up
Starting in January, PG&E ratepayers can expect their monthly bills to increase by an average of about $30. The utility says the money will go toward important infrastructure projects, including work on power lines that will reduce the risk of wildfires. But is this the best way to pay for it?
Links:
PG&E Gets Green Light to Raise Rates for Wildfire Prevention Efforts
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and guest hosted by Alan Montecillo.
Lear
Public Libraries Are Sacred Spaces
As an anxious, homeschooled kid, Mychal Threets found a haven in his local public library. Now he’s a librarian in Fairfield, and he’s recently become famous for talking about his passion for books and libraries on TikTok. In this episode we’re re-running from Rightnowish, host Pendarvis Harshaw and producer Marisol Medina-Cadena talk to Threets.
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What It Takes to Give Land Back
Last year, Oakland returned 5 acres of Joaquin Miller Park to the Sogorea Te’ land trust and the Confederated Villages of Lisjan, marking the first time a Bay Area city has given land back to Native Americans.Despite no significant opposition to this plan, the process took more than 5 years. So what does it actually take to give land back?This episode originally aired on Nov. 28, 2022.Episode transcript
A Personal Story from Ericka
Last summer, Ericka told a story live on stage at KQED, at an event hosted by the San Francisco chapter of the Asian American Journalists’ Association called “Hella Asian.”
It’s a story about a camping trip she went on with her best friend during the pandemic. It’s also a story about the mental impact of the news, and her sense of safety as attacks on Asians were in the headlines. Today, we’re sharing that story again.
This episode originally aired on Aug. 8, 2022.
This episode was produced by E
Here’s Where Bay Area Electeds Stand on Israel’s Siege of Gaza
With thousands of people taking to the streets on either side of the issue of Israel’s siege of Gaza, how are the Bay Area’s representatives in Congress weighing their position on the issue?
Links:
Apply to be our intern!
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Guy Marzorati, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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A Music Class is Helping Farmworkers Heal in Half Moon Bay
In January, a gunman killed 7 farmworkers at two mushroom farms in Half Moon Bay. Months later, one community group has been trying to use accordion classes as a way to help farmworkers heal from the trauma.Links:
Apply to be our intern!
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sold Out: The Oakland Block That’s Ditching Natural Gas
A quarter of California’s carbon emissions come from homes and buildings -- from the appliances we use to keep ourselves warm and our families fed. In this episode of KQED’s Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America, we head to a neighborhood in Oakland that is taking a revolutionary approach to reducing their emissions: by electrifying together, all at once.
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How APEC Will Affect Daily Life in San Francisco
Next week, San Francisco is hosting its largest international event since 1945. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference — or APEC — is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors and foreign dignitaries to the city. With lots to prove to its guests, including President Joe Biden, San Francisco has ramped up preparations that have already affected local residents.
Links:
Apply to be our intern!
APEC 2023 San Francisco City Guide
KQED: From Street Closures to Security Checks, Wha
South Bay Conservatives Are Trying to Gain a Foothold on Local School Boards
As red states pass laws targeting transgender rights and LGBTQ-inclusive education, conservatives in the South Bay have formed their own strategy: focusing on local, nonpartisan school board races.
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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A Palestinian-American Elected Official Speaks Out
Foster City is home to one of the largest annual gatherings of Palestinians in the Bay Area. It’s also where Councilmember Sam Hindi holds office as the only current elected official of Palestinian heritage in the region.
Today, we talk with Hindi about how the war in Gaza has affected him — as an elected official, as a father, and as a Palestinian-American.
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Episode transcript
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California Lifts Decades-Old Ban on Lowrider Cruising
California has lifted a decades-old ban on lowrider cruising. The state, widely understood as the birthplace of lowrider culture, has also historically been unfriendly to it. For decades, lowriding was blamed for traffic and alleged connections to gang violence. KQED’s Paloma Yaritza Abarca explains the years-long fight by community members to let their cars ride freely.
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Should Some Drug Dealers Be Charged With Murder?
Mayor London Breed and Gov. Gavin Newsom have announced a plan for San Francisco to charge some drug dealers with murder starting next year. Will it scare suppliers from selling in San Francisco, or deter people from seeking help?
Episode transcript
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This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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KQED Live: Listening to Young Elected Leaders
Last week, KQED and the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good at the University of San Francisco convened some of the Bay Area’s youngest elected officials — Assemblymember Alex Lee, Hercules Mayor Alexander Walker-Griffin, and Sunnyvale Councilmember Alysa Cisneros — to share their experiences in conversation with politics correspondent Guy Marzorati and USF student fellow Caitlin Kennedy.
Links:
Apply to be our intern! Deadline is Nov. 17.
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The Bay’s October News Roundup: Richmond Stands With Palestine, Cruise Suspended in SF, A Win For Child Care Workers
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka, Maria and Alan talk about how Richmond became the first city in the country to pass a resolution in support of Palestinians in Gaza, the Department of Motor Vehicles decision to pull Cruise’s permit in San Francisco, and a big labor win for childcare workers in California.
Episode Transcript
Links:
LA Times: California city first in U.S. to officially back Palestinians, accuses Israel of ‘ethnic cleansing’
KQED: How a California
Can the State Force Vallejo PD to Change?
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a new, legally binding reform agreement with the Vallejo Police Department last week. Scott Morris with the Vallejo Sun joins us to talk about what’s in the agreement, and why meeting it will be a tall order.
Links:
State DOJ announces new reform agreement with Vallejo police under court supervision
Episode Transcript
Apply to be our intern!
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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On X, Misinformation About the Israel-Hamas War is Spreading
The Israel-Hamas war has put Elon Musk’s transformation of Twitter to the test. Changes to its verification policy, major cuts to the company's Trust and Safety teams, and Musk’s own rhetoric have led to a worsening in the spread of misinformation on the platform — with real life consequences.
Episode Transcript
Links:
Bloomberg: Israel-Hamas Conflict Was a Test for Musk’s X, and It Failed
‘Verified’ OSINT Accounts Are Destroying the Israel-Palestine Information Ecosystem
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100 Years of Mystery at the Winchester House in San Jose
To understand the Winchester Mystery House – and how it came to be – you have to understand the woman behind it. KQED’s Boo Curious (also known as Bay Curious) takes us inside to do just that.
This episode of Boo Curious first published Oct. 5, 2023
Episode transcript
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Sorrow, Fear, and Rage: Local Reactions to the Israel-Hamas War
People across the Bay Area have been watching in horror at the war between Israel and Hamas. Today, we bring you voices from three different rallies and gatherings that took place over the weekend.
Links:
How to talk to children about the violence in Israel and Gaza
Episode transcript
This episode was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and produced by Alan Montecillo, Maria Esquinca and Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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Are We Burning Enough ‘Good Fires’?
Ecologists, indigenous groups, and forest management agencies agree that burning more ‘prescribed fire’ – where overgrown areas of forests are burned off — is critical to preventing dangerous megafires in the future. KQED’s Dana Cronin explains how this process works, and whether we’ve done enough so far this year.
Episode transcript
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Most People Seriously Injured, Killed by San José Police are Mentally Ill or Intoxicated
A full transcript will be available 1–2 workdays after the episode’s publication.
A new investigation from the Bay Area News Group, KQED, and the California Reporting Project finds that the vast majority of people seriously injured or killed by San José police are either mentally ill or intoxicated. KQED’s Rachael Vasquez spoke with one of the reporters, Robert Salonga, about how that trend has only continued, if not slightly worsened, with crisis intervention training.
Links:
Losing control: Wh
The Untold Story of Richard Oakes’ Killing, Part 2
Listen to Part 1 of this story about the killing of Richard Oakes.
The 1972 killing of Richard Oakes, the face of the Red Power movement, still sticks with the people who worked on the case. The detective who was at the scene of the killing remembers feeling suspicious of Michael Morgan, the man who shot Oakes. The prosecutor remembers the holes in Morgan’s story that he shot Oakes in self-defense.
And yet, Morgan was acquitted of manslaughter charges. Today, they admit that the trial was botch
The Untold Story of Richard Oakes' Killing, Part 1
Richard Oakes was the face of the burgeoning ‘Red Power’ movement when he led the famous Native occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969.
But like other civil rights leaders at the time, he died too soon. In 1972, Oakes was gunned down in in rural Sonoma County. His killer, Michael Oliver Morgan, stood trial for manslaughter and was found not guilty.
The official story of Richard Oakes' death, and the circumstances surrounding Morgan's trial, are part of the reason why Oakes' legacy has been large
More Than 22,000 Bay Area Kaiser Permanente Workers Are On Strike
From San Jose to Santa Rosa, more than 22,000 Bay Area Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers walked off the job Wednesday for a three-day strike, demanding better wages to help fix what they say is an urgent understaffing crisis. The effort spans 8 states and the District of Columbia, and some are calling it the largest health care strike in US history.
This episode was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo.
Episode transcript
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Hyphy Kids Got Trauma
2006 was the height of the hyphy movement — a time of exuberant, goofy, frenetic energy. But there was so much more going on beneath the surface.Rightnowish Host Pendarvis Harshaw would know — he was a budding journalist with a front row seat to the culture. Today, he talks with us about his four-part series ‘Hyphy Kids Got Trauma.’Links:Hyphy Kids Got Trauma: A Rightnowish Podcast SeriesThis episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Episode
Dianne Feinstein’s San Francisco Legacy
On Thursday night, Sen. Dianne Feinstein passed away at age 90. Before becoming a U.S. Senator in 1992, she was best known for her time as San Francisco mayor. Today, we revisit an episode with KQED’s Scott Shafer about how she got her start in local politics.
Links:
Senator Dianne Feinstein Dies at 90: Live Updates
What Feinstein’s Death Means For Control of the Senate and the Looming Government Shutdown
How San Francisco Punk Reacted to Dianne Feinstein in the 1970s
Gov. Newsom Names Lapho
Distrust in Martinez, Decriminalizing Psychedelics, and a New WNBA Team
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka, Maria and Alan talk about continued tensions between Martinez and the local refinery, a bill that would decriminalize certain psychedelics, and an effort to bring a WNBA team to the Bay Area.Links:
Residents skeptical after toxicology report finds no ill effects from Martinez refinery incident
California Decriminalizing Mushrooms and Other Psychedelics
Warriors finalizing agreement to bring WNBA team to Bay Area: Sources
This episode wa
Should Farmworkers Be Allowed to Pick Wine Grapes in Wildfire Evacuation Zones?
Sonoma County will now allow wine grape harvests in fire evacuation zones for some farmworkers, in a reversal of a contentious 2022 decision. The Press Democrat’s Phil Barber explains how it happened.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Episode transcript
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Theft and Vigilante Justice in the Oakland Estuary
Boats are being stolen and stripped of precious metals in the Oakland Estuary, in a crime spree that has divided the community of traditional boat owners and people living in derelict boats out on the water.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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Saving SF’s Ferry Building from the Sea
Sea level rise threatens communities along the Bay and some iconic cultural heritage sites along the San Francisco shoreline.
So when the water comes for iconic sites like San Francisco's Ferry Building, how do we save it?
Links:
NPR: Protecting Cultural Heritage in a Warming World
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Episode transcript
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A New Home for La Pulga?
San Jose city leaders are looking for a new site for the nearly 500 vendors at the Berryessa Flea Market, which will be moved to make way for the new Berryessa BART Urban Village.
The Singleton Road landfill has risen to the top. Is an abandoned landfill the right place for a new flea market?
Links:
Why the Future of San José's Flea Market Could Be an Abandoned Landfill
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Ericka Cruz Guevarra, who also hosted.
Episode Transcript
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California is On the Verge of Banning Caste Discrimination
California might become the first state in the nation to ban discrimination based on caste, a hierarchical system based on birth that affects South Asians all over the world. Senate Bill 403, which was introduced by State Sen. Aisha Wahab, passed the state legislature and is now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature or veto. In this episode that originally aired in June, reporter Sonia Paul breaks down the complexity of this issue and why it has divided South Asians in the Bay Area.
This
California is On the Verge of Banning Caste Discrimination
California might become the first state in the nation to ban discrimination based on caste, a hierarchical system based on birth that affects South Asians all over the world. Senate Bill 403, which was introduced by State Sen. Aisha Wahab, passed the state legislature and is now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature or veto. In this episode that originally aired in June, reporter Sonia Paul breaks down the complexity of this issue and why it has divided South Asians in the Bay Area.This
BART’s Plan to Win Us Over
On Monday, BART rolled out a new schedule and changes to its system. They’re calling it a ’reimagined’ service plan. Combine that with increased police and non-uniformed personnel, and it’s clear that BART is trying to make changes that woo riders back onto its trains. Will it work?
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
Episode Transcript
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Tell Us How You Feel About BART
On Friday's episode, we’re going to talk BART and discuss some of the big changes the agency has made, including the new scheduled that began this week. And we want to hear from you: How’s riding BART for you these days? Or have you stopped riding? If so, what would it take for you to come back?
Leave us a voicemail at (415) 710-9223, and we just might play it on the show.
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Nancy Pelosi is Running Again. Should She Step Aside?
On Friday, Nancy Pelosi — former Speaker, minority leader, and representative in Congress since 1987 — announced plans to run again. KQED’s Marisa Lagos breaks down what this means for San Francisco amid debate over when a politician's time is up.
This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Episode transcript
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How Santa Clara County is Fighting Wage Theft
California faces a big problem in labor law enforcement: when businesses are found to have committed wage theft, many still don’t pay workers what they’re owed. KQED’s Farida Jhabvala Romero tells us how Santa Clara County is implementing a local solution to this statewide issue.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Episode transcript
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You’re Not Imagining It: COVID Cases Are Up Again
A full transcript will be available 1–2 workdays after the episode’s publication.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise (again). But this isn’t the surge of years’ past..it’s more like a “swell”.
We also have more immunity, there are effective treatments, and a new booster is on the way. KQED Health Correspondent Lesley McClurg explains what you need to know about this increase in COVID cases.
Links:
The New COVID 'Eris' Variant and Rising Cases: What You Need to Know
Fueled by 'Eris,' COVID Escape
‘I Think of Him Every Day’: A Conversation With Banko Brown's Trans Family
This episode contains explicit language.Banko Brown was a Black trans man who was shot and killed by a Walgreens security guard in late April. Today, KQED’s Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez interviews three members of Banko Brown’s community from the Young Women’s Freedom Center — Xavier Davenport, Kazani Kalani Finao, and Juju Pikes-Prince — about Brown’s life, and what they believe is necessary for trans people to be truly safe in San Francisco. Links: What Banko Brown's Queer, Trans Communit
Are the Redwood Trees OK?
On this Labor Day weekend, we're sharing an episode from KQED's Bay Curious podcast about what's happening to our state's iconic redwood trees, and how we can support them.
This episode originally published on June 22, 2023.
Episode transcript
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A Group of Tech Billionaires Want to Build a New City in Solano County
Some of the richest, most outspoken investors in the tech world are behind a company that has bought nearly 60,000 acres of mostly farmland in Solano County. They say they want to build a new city from scratch. But who are they? And why do they want to do this? Erin Griffith with The New York Times explains.Links:
The Silicon Valley Elite Who Want to Build a City From Scratch
Elected Officials to Meet with Silicon Valley Investors Behind $800 Million Solano County Land Grab
This episod
S.F.’s Encampment Sweep Debate
Under what circumstances should San Francisco be able to clear homeless encampments? Last week, protesters and counter-protesters went head-to-head outside the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals over an injunction that limits the city’s ability to do that. KQED’s Sydney Johnson unpacks this legal battle, and explains why it has sparked such strong feelings.
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Episode transcript
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Belmont Students Honor Classmate’s Life After Fentanyl Overdose
In 2021, students at Carlmont High School in Belmont were shocked when 17-year-old senior Colin Walker died of a fentanyl overdose. In this episode of TBH, a podcast from KALW made by, for, and about teenagers, one of his classmates tells the story of how students honored Colin’s life after his death, and educated each other about the dangers of fentanyl.Subscribe to TBH at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Radio Public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our August News Roundup
We bring you 3 stories a week, but there’s so much more that’s happening in the Bay Area than we can get to. Today, Ericka, Maria and Alan each bring a story they’ve been following in a new monthly news roundup segment.
Links:
Near $1 Billion Land Purchase Around California Air Base Under Investigation
San Jose City Council Approves Agreements With Unions to Avoid Strike
Henrietta Lacks’ Family Sues Bay Area Company Over Use of Stolen Cells
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How Silicon Valley Ate Hollywood
Hollywood is no stranger to changes brought on by technology. But KQED’s Rachael Myrow says that for writers and actors currently on strike, this moment is existential — thanks in no small part to Silicon Valley.
Many KQED staffers are also members of SAG-AFTRA, but journalists have a different contract from Hollywood actors.
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo, Maria Esquinca and Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra
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‘All That’s Old is New Again’: OPD’s Long Road to Reform
Oakland is looking for a new police chief after Mayor Sheng Thao fired LeRonne Armstrong back in mid-February. Whoever takes the job next will inherit a department that has been under federal oversight for 20 years.
Today, we revisit a conversation with Ali Winston about the events that led to Armstrong’s downfall, and why OPD’s challenges run far deeper than who the chief is.
This episode originally published on Feb. 8, 2023.
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How a Coffee Boycott Helped End a Civil War
An often-overlooked moment in Bay Area activism took place in the 1980s and 90s, when a broad coalition of activists targeted San Francisco’s coffee industry to protest the civil war in El Salvador. KQED’s Sebastian Miño-Bucheli joins us to talk about how it happened.
Links:
The Time a Bay Area Coffee Boycott Helped Stop a Civil War
A timeline of Fred Ross Jr., executive director of Neighbor to Neighbor
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Get Ready For More Robotaxis in S.F.
This episode contains explicit language.
San Franciscans can expect to see more driverless cars on the road after California regulators approved a permit to allow Waymo and Cruise to charge fares.
Once again, the city is the testing ground for new technology. And people on both sides have strong feelings about it. Ida Mojadad from the San Francisco Standard breaks it all down for us.
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College-Bound Californians Prepare For Abortion Bans Out of State
I’laysia Vital is about to leave Oakland to start college in Texas, where she’s excited to attend a historically Black college. But Texas is also one of more than a dozen states that has banned abortion.
KQED’s April Dembosky takes us inside a health clinic at Oakland Technical High School, where staff have been helping college-bound students prepare for the barriers to reproductive health that await them in other states.
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and host
‘The Bay Area Was Hip-Hop Before There Was Hip-Hop’
This episode contains explicit language.
Hip-hop turns 50 years old today, and it’s no secret that the Bay Area gets overlooked.
Today, Eric Arnold and Nastia Voynovskaya join us to talk about KQED’s yearlong series exploring the history of Bay Area hip-hop — and how our region has shaped hip-hop through the years.
Links:
That’s My Word
The Bay Area Was Hip-Hop Before There Was Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary: Where to Celebrate in the Bay Area
That’s My Word, Spotify Playlists celebratin
San Jose City Workers Are About to Go on Strike
Next Tuesday, nearly 4,500 San Jose city workers are planning to walk off the job for 3 days. Garbage, fire, and police won’t be affected, but many critical services like the airport, libraries, and housing construction will be. If the strike goes forward, it would be San Jose's largest since 1981.
KQED’s Guy Marzorati explains how we got here, and what could happen next.
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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In Martinez, More Residents Want to Hold the Refinery Accountable
On the morning after Thanksgiving last year, Martinez residents woke up and found a strange, white powder coating their neighborhoods. It came from the nearby refinery. Will McCarthy from the Mercury News tells us what happened next, and how this incident spurred angry neighbors into action for the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why California’s Salmon Season Was Canceled
For the first time since 2009, there is no salmon fishing season in California. This decision has hit fishers, coastal towns, and Native communities hard.
But it wasn’t inevitable. KQED climate and science reporter Danielle Venton explains how the state’s choices around water management played a major role.
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
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A Campaign to Recall Alameda County’s Progressive DA Kicks Off
A committee called Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE) has filed documents for a recall campaign against progressive Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. KQED’s Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez explains why this is happening — and whether DA Price could face the same fate as Chesa Boudin did in San Francisco.
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
A previous version of this episode incorrectly stated the number of Al
Bay Listeners, We Want to Hear From You!
We hope you’re having a lovely Summer, Bay listeners.
We’re spending this month gaming out the next year of our show, and we need your help! It’s important to us to hear from you and what you want to hear more (or less) of on The Bay. Just fill out our listener survey. The deadline is Friday July 21. Just go to kqed.org/thebaysurvey
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Baycation: It’s Time For Our July Break
Breaking news from the Bay Team: we are taking our annual break from making new episodes for the month of July. We’re using this time to reset, rest, do some team bonding, and brainstorm what we want to make for you. We will be back with new episodes starting Wednesday, August 2.
You can still reach us on Twitter @TheBayKQED or via e-mail thebay@kqed.org. We always love hearing from you.
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California Now Has a Reparations Proposal
California’s Reparations Task Force, the first of its kind in the nation, wrapped up 2 years of work studying reparations for Black Californians on Thursday. The task force, made up of scholars, community members and politicians, held days-long meetings studying what reparations could look like.
The proposal is now in the hands of state legislators, who will decide whether to turn their recommendations into actual policy. So what’s in the plan?
Episode transcript
Guest: Annelise Finney, KQED r
A Queer Elder’s Reflections on SF Pride
One of the longest running pride celebrations in the country, SF pride has brought generations of queer communities together to march, celebrate, grieve, and organize. For this episode we hear from Gwenn Craig, a queer elder. She moved to San Francisco in 1975 as a young woman eager to explore her lesbian identity. She got involved in politics and was a close collaborator of Harvey Milk. She talks about her political organizing, what pride has meant to her over the years, and what she hopes for
Growing Up With Gun Violence
A generation of young people has been traumatized by gun violence. Mass shootings year after year, especially at schools, draw international headlines.
But students, and even young children, are also being exposed to everyday gun violence hat an alarming rate. In the city of Richmond — which is seen as a national model for gun violence prevention efforts — 40% of shootings over the past 10 years have happened near a K-12 campus, and out of those shootings, around 80% happened within a half mile
Saving Downtown San Francisco
You’ve probably seen and heard the stories about downtown San Francisco. Fears about crime and safety, as well as low foot traffic because of the move to remote work, have left many buildings and businesses hollowed out. Downtown is in trouble, and the stakes (and dollar figures) are high. So what’s being done to save it from this so-called urban ‘doom loop’?
Episode transcript
Guest: Kevin Truong, business and economics reporter for The SF Standard
This episode was produced by Jehlen Herdman a
Mayors Want to Get Unhoused People Off the Streets Faster
Fear of crime and blight in some of California’s biggest cities is increasing pressure on mayors to reduce visible street homelessness fast — even if it means not putting everyone into permanent affordable housing.To do this, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and San Francisco’s London Breed have pushed for more funding for shelters and temporary housing in their city budgets. But homeless advocates worry that more funding for temporary solutions means less funding for permanent housing.Guests: Joe Fitz
South Berkeley’s Black History Walking Tour
If you have ever driven down Sacramento Street in South Berkeley, you have probably seen the statue of William Byron Rumford Sr that is prominently displayed on the median just off of Ashby Ave. Rumford was a civil rights advocate. He became the Bay Area’s first African American elected to the California Legislature in 1948. He also owned the pharmacy across the street from the site of the statue. Both are stops on the South Berkeley Legacy Project’s Black History walking tour. The tour
Oakland Event Series Aimed at Gun Violence Prevention Returns for Summer 2023
A spate of deadly shootings across the Bay are highlighting an ongoing surge in gun violence in the region, especially since the pandemic, which in part interrupted some of the work that had been trying to prevent gun violence.
In Oakland, community groups and the city’s Department of Violence Prevention (DVP) say it's going to take creative thinking to solve this problem — and that includes investing in arts and culture. Starting Friday and through July, DVP is bringing back Town Nights, a seri
Armed Security Guards Are Taking On More Responsibility. California Wants to Train Them Better
The recent killing of Banko Brown by an armed Walgreens security guard has put a focus on the work of these employees. While they often take on similar roles to cops, armed security guards are not public employees but often low-paid civilians with few protections when they kill someone on the job, and they don’t get proper training on things like use of force or de-escalation either.That’s all supposed to change after the 2019 killing of a man by a security officer in Sacramento, which
Finding Community in the Oakland Pickleball Scene
Designated “the fastest-growing sport in America” by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association in the last three years, pickleball is blowing up here in the Bay Area, too. Local enthusiasts say the sport has helped them stay active during the pandemic and find community.
Today on the Bay: a field trip to Bushrod Park, the heart of Oakland’s pickleball scene, to see what all the hype is about.
Episode transcript
Guest: Alix Wall, Freelance writer, Darlene Vendegna, Oakland’s USA Pickleball As
One Neighborhood’s Strategy For Curbing Homelessness? Turn Off the Library Wi-Fi
So much of life is online these days, but barriers to internet access remain, especially for folks who are unhoused. Resources at public libraries, like free Wi-Fi, are aiming to fill that gap. A 2022 study by the American Library Association found that 93 percent of libraries provide or plan to provide Wi-Fi 24 hours a day because of the high demand for internet.
But San Francisco’s Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library has moved in the opposite direction after neighbors raised conc
The Ethics of Photographing Addiction in the Tenderloin
San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood has been at the forefront of the opioid epidemic, amassing a reputation as a place of open air drug dealing, crime, and homelessness. Viral images and videos of open-air drug use have been seen around the world.
Some argue publishing pictures and videos of people experiencing addiction is dehumanizing and has long-term effects that follow them for the rest of their lives. Others argue the images raise awareness and showcase the reality of San Francisco’s o
Caste Has Hit a Nerve in South Asian Communities
Caste is a hierarchical system, based on birth, that affects South Asians on the subcontinent and around the world.
Many hesitate to discuss it out in the open. But over the years, people from marginalized caste backgrounds have been speaking up — including in Silicon Valley, home to thousands of workers of South Asian descent, where allegations of caste discrimination have hung over some of the area’s largest tech companies.
Now, a bill has been introduced to ban caste discrimination in Calif
The Headache of Catalytic Converter Thefts
San Francisco is re-upping a program to make catalytic converters more traceable, in hopes of slowing down the theft of the highly sought-out car part containing highly valuable metals.
The program comes months after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two statewide laws hoping to address the problem, which has caused big headaches for car owners. When people lose their catalytic converters, they sometimes have to go months without a car, and are often on the hook for thousands of dollars in costs.
Episod
San Francisco Prepares to Roll Out CARE Court
Gov. Gavin Newsom has been talking a big game about CARE (Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment) Court, the state’s new plan for treating people with severe mental illness. CARE Court, which every county in California will have to implement by next year, focuses on steering people suffering from severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia, and addiction into treatment. It will allow first responders, family members, clinicians and others to ask a judge to order treatment plans for unhoused
Rightnowish: Protecting Sacred Land in the South Bay
In Santa Clara County, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is fighting for one of their most sacred sites, known as Juristac. Beginning In the late 1700s, Spanish colonizers forcibly removed the tribe from Juristac, and currently, the land is owned by a private firm that has proposed a plan to develop a mine onsite.
For the last 7 years, the tribal band, with support from many residents and local officials, has organized to block the project. They want the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to den
The A’s Are One Step Closer to Leaving Oakland
It’s a bad time to be an Oakland Athletics fan.
First off, they're just having an awful season. But the A's are also the latest pro sports team to announce plans to leave Oakland. And earlier this week, the A’s made a significant step towards a future in Las Vegas, as Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo announced a tentative agreement with the A's over public funding for a new A’s ballpark on the Las Vegas strip.
These days, the Oakland Coliseum feels pretty empty, save for some of the die-hard fans who wa
Workers Accuse an East Oakland Popeye’s of Child Labor Violations
Two 17-year old girls working at a Popeye’s in East Oakland have filed labor complaints, alleging harassment and potential violations of child labor law. They say they’ve witnessed violence at work and experienced harassment, and that one 13-year old employee was working longer than the legal limit for minors. At least one state agency is now investigating the complaints.
For labor advocates and fast food employees, this story is just another example of why changes are needed in how the state ho
East San Jose is Ready to ‘Welcome the Stranger’
With the end of a pandemic-era immigration policy known as Title 42, Bay Area cities and nonprofits in Santa Clara County have been preparing for the arrival of asylum seekers who’ve been waiting months, if not years, to find refuge in places like the South Bay.
Title 42 left thousands of asylum-seekers on the other side of the U.S. border or back to the countries they fled. Since the Biden administration lifted the order earlier this month, Amigos de Guadalupe in East San Jose has helped severa
Sean Moore’s Mother Waits for Justice
Cleo Moore has been waiting for justice for years. On Jan. 6, 2017, SFPD Officer Kenneth Cha shot her son, Sean Moore, outside of his home after responding to a noise complaint. Moore died in 2020 from complications related to the shooting.
Moore's family saw a glimmer of hope in 2021, when then-District Attorney Chesa Boudin charged Cha with manslaughter and assault, marking the second time the city has ever filed homicide charges against an officer for an on-duty incident.
But since Boudin’s
The End of the Oakland Teacher Strike
The Oakland teacher’s strike ended on Monday, when the teachers union reached a tentative agreement with the district. Classes were canceled for tens of thousands of students for seven days. The deal not only includes pay raises for teachers and other school staff, but also so-called “common good” proposals that address broader community needs, like support for unhoused families and improvements to transportation access and infrastructure.
Episode transcript
This interview was produced by Natali
Child Care is Getting More Affordable in S.F.
Child care is too expensive and inaccessible for kids and families. That’s why in 2018, San Francisco voters approved Baby Prop. C, a tax on commercial landlords that would be used to expand access to child care, particularly for lower-and middle-income families, and to help pay early educators a living wage.
After being held up in court battles spearheaded by taxpayer and business groups, money from the tax finally began trickling down to families and providers last year. And while there are st
Banko Brown's Killing is 'a Tragedy of San Francisco's Making'
In late April, a 24-year old transgender Black man named Banko Brown was shot and killed by an armed Walgreens security guard on San Francisco’s Market Street for allegedly shoplifting. The guard was held for a few days but has since been released. And now, community members and the Board of Supervisors are pressuring District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to release the video footage of the shooting. Jenkins has declined to file charges.
Despite San Francisco’s bold commitments to support the trans c
The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Turns 100. How Will Climate Change Affect Its Future?
For the last 100 years, the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite has supplied millions of Bay Area residents with some of the cleanest water in the country. A feat of human engineering, Hetch Hetchy has both an impressive and tainted history; its construction came at both an environmental and human cost to the indigenous people of the area.
Now, climate change is making it harder to manage the reservoir, and scientists say something has to change to adapt Hetch Hetchy to the future.
Guest: Ezra Da
Living with Long COVID
The federal COVID emergency will officially end on Thursday. But for those living with long COVID, the end of the pandemic couldn’t feel farther from reality.
Dubbed by some as a “mass disabling event,” long COVID has left millions of Americans unable to work and stuck navigating the system of disability benefits in order to survive. Doctors and researchers have yet to pin down the exact cause of long COVID. Meanwhile, patients feel that not enough has been done to help find an effective treatm
Oakland Public School Teachers Go On Strike
On Thursday morning, nearly 3,000 educators and staff at the Oakland Unified School District went on strike in a push for higher wages and better resources. The union and the district have not had an active contract since the last one expired in October. This marks the third walkout this year and the second official strike since 2019.
Guest: Erin Baldassari, KQED reporter
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Links
San José Plans to Build More Temporary Housing Sites. But Housed Neighbors Are Pushing Back
San José Mayor Matt Mahan has been pushing to build more emergency interim housing as a cost-effective approach to get unhoused residents off the streets more quickly. It’s intended to be a temporary step toward more permanent housing.
But one big roadblock to building it? Local housed residents, who say they want to see solutions to homelessness...just not in their own backyards.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, politics and government correspondent for KQED
Episode transcript
Links:
The Bay Survey
Emer
BART Director Lateefah Simon is Running for Congress
BART Board Director Lateefah Simon is running to replace East Bay Rep. Barbara Lee in Congress, who herself is running to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
On KQED’S Political Breakdown podcast, Simon talks with Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos about growing up with a single mom in San Francisco’s Western Addition, her early work with Kamala Harris, facing threats in office, and her run for Congress.
Episode transcript
This conversation first aired April 13, 2023.
Your support makes KQED podcasts poss
The End of Alameda County’s Eviction Moratorium
Alameda County’s eviction moratorium helped keep hundreds, potentially thousands of people housed during the pandemic.
But after increased pressure from local landlords who face hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent, as well as the deaths of two tenant-friendly members of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the county has decided to officially end the eviction moratorium at midnight April 29.
Some cities, like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro, are phasing out their moratoriums
One of the Nation’s First Asian American Bookstores is Closing
Eastwind Books, one of the nation’s first Asian American bookstores, has closed its doors after more than four decades in business.
The store has been run by Harvey and Beatrice Dong, two activists who were part of civil rights movements in the Bay Area in the 1960s, including the fights over ethnic studies and evictions at the International Hotel in San Francisco.
Now in their seventies, Harvey and Beatrice say higher rents and maintenance bills have prompted them to close up shop.
Guest: Iris
How an Antisemitic Propaganda Group Started in the Bay
There were more than 2,700 incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault in 2021, the highest count since the Anti-Defamation League’s Center for Extremism began tracking these incidents four decades ago.
In October, a group called the Goyim Defense League hung a banner off I-405 in Los Angeles that read “Kanye Was Right About the Jews.” Although this happened in southern California, this group was actually founded right here, in the Bay Area.
Guests: Julie Small, KQED reporter an
‘I Need to Feel Safe More Than I Need Forever’: Poet Antmen Pimentel Mendoza
To commemorate National Poetry Month, producer Maria Esquinca talks to Bay Area-based poet Antmen Pimentel Mendoza about his Chapbook collection, “My Boyfriend Apocalypse.” He talks about surviving the apocalypse, queer love, and finding play in poetry.
You can listen to Antmen Pimentel Mendoza read live on Tuesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at Fabulosa Books in San Francisco. You can find him on Twitter and instagram @antmenismagic.
Episode transcript
This episode was hosted and produced by Maria Es
Call The Bay! We Want to Hear Your Thoughts About the Oakland A’s
On Wednesday night, the Oakland A's announced that they have signed an agreement to buy land for a stadium in Las Vegas. This news doesn't mean the move is complete, but it does make it even more likely that yet another major pro sports team will leave the city of Oakland.
We want to know what you're thinking about this. How are you feeling about the team's likely move to Las Vegas? How has it felt to be a fan of the A's? What's going through your mind?
Leave us a voicemail at 415-710-9223. Plea
'I've Been Contributing': The Push to Extend Unemployment Insurance to Undocumented Workers
An estimated 1.1 million undocumented immigrants work in California, with large numbers laboring in low-wage jobs like agriculture, construction, and food service. But none of those workers are eligible for unemployment insurance, even though their wages contribute to the system.
That’s why workers and advocates have been pushing the state to step in. Senate Bill 227 would use state funds to extend unemployment benefits to undocumented workers: provide unemployed workers $300 per week for 20 wee
The Antioch Police Department's Racist Text Messages
This episode contains explicit, racist and offensive language, as well as descriptions of violence.
For years, police officers in the city of Antioch used racist and homophobic slurs with their colleagues in text messages, and openly bragged about targeting people of color with violence. These messages were released to the public in a Contra Costa County District Attorney report last week.
These racist texts were released as the department is already being investigated by federal authorities, a
Sactown vs. The Bay
The last time the Sacramento Kings made the NBA playoffs, the iPhone hadn't been invented yet. For 17 years, Sacramento-area sports fans have endured losing season after losing season.
But not this year. The Kings turned things around with a young, fast, high-scoring team, securing a spot in the playoffs. Standing in their way are the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors, who are looking to win their 5th title in 9 years.
This is the first time in the history of American pro sports t
A New Bill Could Help Get Teens Closer to Recovering From Addiction
This episode contains descriptions of drug addiction and attempted suicide. The national crisis and suicide hotline is 988.
In 2021, about 1 in 5 deaths among people ages 15-24 were from fentanyl overdoses in California. As this crisis worsens, doctors are seeing more and more demand for life-saving addiction treatment.
One crucial piece of the puzzle is a medication called Suboxone, or buprenorphine. It helps block withdrawal symptoms and can allow people to go to school, work, and maintain rel
‘I’m Literally Not Going to be Able to Eat:' CalFresh’s Pandemic Benefits Expire This Month
From extra unemployment assistance to free COVID testing and eviction moratoriums, pandemic-era assistance is fading away.
The latest to fall are extra payments for recipients of CalFresh, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.
Over 3 million households around California use CalFresh, ranging from families to seniors and students. Data shows these extra payments lifted 1 million people out of poverty. So why are the extra
The Oakland Program Helping Khmer Rouge Survivors Heal
Nearly 320,000 Cambodians live in the US, with about a third living in California. Many are survivors or descendants of those who fled the country during the Cambodian genocide. An estimated 2 million people died under the communist Khmer Rouge, leaving survivors with emotional, physical and psychological trauma.
Barriers such as language access or cultural stigma often prevent survivors from accessing mental healthcare to address the trauma. But one program in Alameda County has spent the last
An End of an Era for Oakland's Wood Street Commons
The city of Oakland plans to evict the 60 remaining residents of the Wood Street encampment on Monday, April 10. This comes after months of ramping up sweeps in order to move forward with plans to build 171 affordable housing units.
At its height, Wood Street was a self-sustaining community of about 300 people and spanned several city blocks. The remaining residents, some of whom have lived there for more than a decade, are feeling an immense sense of loss and uncertainty about whether they can
Tech Boom? What About A Carbon Removal Boom?
We’ve delayed action on climate change for so long that scientists say eliminating greenhouse gas emissions isn’t enough anymore — we also need to explore ways of removing carbon from the atmosphere.
One potential method is carbon removal, which is exactly what it sounds like. Forests and wetlands can naturally do this, and engineered approaches are starting to take shape as well. And some of these new climate technology companies have been formed here in the Bay Area.
How to do it fast, and saf
S.F’s Iconic Castro Theatre is in Limbo
The iconic Castro Theatre faces an uncertain future. Historically operated as a movie palace, the building’s new managers want to renovate the space for more events — like concerts, performances and weddings.
The plans have not been received well by everyone. Some point to the theater’s historical significance in San Francisco’s gay community as a reason to restore the space rather than renovate it, and this tension has resulted in a fight for the theater’s future.
This episode of Bay Curious fi
As a Therapist, I See the Damage of Anti-Trans Hate Firsthand
Anti-trans hate is on the rise. Republicans have introduced more than 400 anti-trans bills in state legislatures around the country. 1 in California would force educators to out trans kids who may not be ready to come out to their parents.
Last year, California became the first sanctuary state in the country for trans youth. But a transgender therapist in the Bay Area says the anti-trans hate is still having a real effect on her trans clients.
Guest: Veronica Esposito, a writer, transgender adv
These Proven Schizophrenia Treatments Work. Why Won't Insurance Companies Cover Them?
This episode contains mentions of suicide.
Too often, psychosis isn’t treated until it’s too late. But studies from early psychosis clinics show that patients see a greater reduction of symptoms, like voices or delusions, and a greater improvement in functioning at school, at work and in their social lives, compared to people who get treatment as usual.
But too often, private insurers don’t cover these treatments, leaving many families to navigate the byzantine system of insurance on their own.
We Don’t Know Whether Most of the Bay’s Levees Are Safe
Residents of Pajaro in Monterey County were finally allowed to return home Thursday after destructive flooding from last week’s storms. When the levee broke, causing the town to flood, it wasn’t a huge surprise; problems with that levee have been well-known for decades, but it wasn’t enough to address the problem fast enough.
The Bay Area has hundreds of its own levees. And it turns out, we don’t really know how safe or vulnerable most of them are.
Guest: Ezra David Romero, climate reporter for
These Affordable Housing Projects Are Affected by Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse
Silicon Valley Bank is best known for its relationships with the tech industry. But the bank also had billions out in loans to developers working on affordable housing projects in the Bay Area.
Unlike larger banks, regional banks like SVB are more likely to fund local affordable housing projects.
But now that the bank has collapsed, the future of these projects is precarious, and calls into question how these much-needed affordable housing projects are funded in the first place.
Guest: Sydney Jo
In East San Jose, One District is Seeing Success with Universal Preschool
California is in the middle of rolling out a plan to make preschool universal across the state. Also known as “transitional kindergarten,” it’s all part of an ambitious plan to make childcare more accessible, and close some big learning gaps between children from low and high income families. So far, the implementation has been mixed.
But some districts have been providing transitional kindergarten already. The Alum Rock Union School District in East San Jose is one of them, and its program is a
Alameda County’s Answer to Black Maternal Mortality is Working
The U.S. ranks 55th in the world in maternal mortality rates. Those rates are even worse for Black women, whose maternal mortality rate is more than two times higher than any other racial or ethnic group. Patients and advocates cite lower access to quality care and racism in the medical system as main drivers of these outcomes.
A program in Alameda County is providing an answer to that problem. BElovedBIRTH Black Centering, operating through the Alameda Health System, is completely rethinking w
In Monterey County, the Town of Pajaro Has Flooded
As residents across California continue to cope with heavy wind and rain, perhaps no community has been hit harder than Pajaro, where thousands of residents have evacuated after a levee broke late last Friday, flooding the town.
An unincorporated community in Monterey County, Pajaro is home to mainly low-income Latino farmworkers who provide a large portion of California-grown produce. They've lost not only their homes and vehicles to flooding, but also their livelihoods as farms across the coun
The Success of S.F’s Mobile Opioid Treatment Clinics
San Francisco’s mobile opioid treatment clinics popped up as a way to address overcrowding at San Francisco General Hospital during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These vans distribute methadone, a medication used to reduce withdrawal symptoms — while offering program patients snacks, water and canisters of naloxone, an overdose-reversal nasal spray.
In San Francisco alone, nearly 2,000 people have died of drug overdoses since 2020. And surprisingly, these temporary mobile clinics are
The Oakland Tech Girls Basketball Team’s ‘Mini Dynasty’
A potential dynasty is building at Oakland Technical High School, where the girls’ basketball team is on its way to clutching its 3rd state championship in 5 years.
Not only are the Lady Bulldogs skilled, but they’re hella fun to watch. The team boasts height, three point shooters, phenomenal defense — and swag. And their coaches have a message for their city with a chip on its shoulder over the loss of the Raiders and the Warriors t: come watch these girls play.
Guest: Ariana Prohel, culture re
Bay Area Men Sentenced for Plot to Blow Up Democratic Party HQ
Two men who worked at an auto shop in Napa have been sentenced to federal prison for plotting to blow up the California Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento in 2021. Ian Benjamin Rogers, of Napa, was sentenced to 9 years and 3 years of supervision after he is released. Jarrod Copeland, of Vallejo, was sentenced to 4 1/2 years. He also has 3 years of supervision after he is released.
Their case is part of a surge in violent extremist activity the FBI is investigating in Northern Californi
Dianne Feinstein’s San Francisco Roots
Sen. Dianne Feinstein is retiring after more than 30 years in Washington. Her retirement has gotten many people talking about her legacy and career in the U.S. Senate.
But before that, Feinstein was a local official in her hometown of San Francisco. In 1969, she won a seat on the Board of Supervisors and eventually became Board President. In 1978, she became mayor after the shocking assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Feinstein would serve in that role until 1988.
BART is Staring Down a Fiscal Cliff
People just aren’t taking public transit like they used to.BART’s ridership is still less than 40% of what it was before March 2020. On top of that, the agency’s federal emergency funding is scheduled to run out in January 2025.Leaders of BART and other public transit agencies are now trying to bring back riders and find sources of funding as soon as possible. This will mean everything from new construction, increased policing, and asking for financial help from state lawmakers and vote
How Alameda Became the First Bay Area City to Set Its State Housing Goals
If you’ve been to the City of Alameda, you’ve probably noticed its beautiful Victorian homes lining the shore of the San Francisco Bay. This has been by design. For decades the city has fought against building new housing, but last November, members of Alameda City council agreed that it was time for a change. They passed a plan to build over 6400 new housing units on the island, making Alameda the first Bay Area city to get its housing plan approved by the state.
The state requires cities to co
Getting Ready for the Big One
In early February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeastern Turkey and northern Syria.
Here in California, we know the Big One is coming someday. In fact, the same kind of fault runs across our state.
This makes it all the more important to be prepared. So today, we’re sharing an episode with former KQED science reporter Peter Arcuni, who narrated his experience creating an earthquake preparedness plan over the course of 4 days.
Episode transcript
This episode originally aired on October 18,
An Uphill Battle to Unionize at One of the Bay’s Oldest Nonprofits
Workers at nonprofits like the Felton Institute are on the front lines of our region’s biggest problems, like poverty, homelessness, and addiction. Employees say the work is meaningful yet grueling, with low pay and high turnover.
For nearly 3 years now, a group of workers at Felton, one of the Bay’s oldest social service agencies, have been campaigning to unionize the organization’s nearly 500 employees. But the campaign is currently in limbo, as organizers encounter difficulties reaching their
California’s COVID Emergency Ends Feb. 28
For many members of the public, COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror. People are tired. Governments have dropped things like mask and vaccine mandates. And the virus isn’t as lethal as it once was.
On the other hand, this virus is still very much a part of our lives, especially for people who are vulnerable, immunocompromised, or have long COVID.
Now, California is going to end its COVID state of emergency at the end of month. We’ll dive into what that means.
Guest: Carly Severn, KQED senior engag
Tracing Hip Hop’s Beginnings in the Bay With Davey D
Originally from The Bronx, New York, Dave “Davey D” Cook was there when this thing we call hip-hop was in its nascent form, before it even had a name. When he arrived in the Bay Area in the early ’80s, one of his missions as a UC Berkeley student was to lend some insight to this burgeoning culture. So he put on a few events, one of which was The Day in Hip-Hop on Oct. 24, 1984. Rightnowish host Pendarvis Harshaw looks back on that day with Davey D, and traces how far hip hop has come si
In Deep Blue California, Anti-Abortion Centers Outnumber Abortion Clinics
Crisis pregnancy centers, or anti-abortion centers, are designed to look like community health clinics. But the vast majority of them don’t have a medical license, and all of them have an explicit goal: to persuade people to not have an abortion. There are thousands of these centers all over the country. They advertise aggressively — especially in lower-income communities of color — and are in many cases located directly next to abortion clinics. And despite California’s reputation as a sanctuar
Brooke Jenkins Plans to Drop Charges Against SFPD Officer Who Killed Keita O’Neil
In November 2020, then-San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin filed criminal charges against former SFPD officer Christopher Samayoa. In 2017, Samayoa, who had been on the force for just 4 days, shot and killed 42-year old Keita O’Neil through a police vehicle window. But now, Boudin’s successor, Brooke Jenkins, has announced she plans to drop the charges, arguing that Boudin pursued the case for "political reasons and not in the interests of justice." Meanwhile, O’Neil’s aunt, April Green
Did Chevron Fire Workers in Richmond for Going on Strike?
Last spring, workers at Chevron’s Richmond refinery went on strike for 10 weeks, demanding higher pay, better health benefits, and safer working conditions. When the strike ended, union leaders say that Chevron initially encouraged managers and workers to put the strike behind them.
But now, USW Local 5, the union representing Richmond refinery workers, alleges Chevron has fired at least 5 workers for their role in the strikes, a claim that Chevron denies.
Guest: Ted Goldberg, KQED supervising s
After 6 Years, South Berkeley's Here/There Encampment Closes
The Here/There homeless encampment was familiar to anybody who drove between Oakland and Berkeley. The camp had its roots in the Bay Area’s Occupy movements in the early 2010s, and was founded in 2017 to highlight the problem of homelessness. It once had its own structure, rules, and a good relationship with the neighborhood.
But over the last few years, the camp changed. Its founders passed away and people moved on. And last week, the city officially closed it down.
Read the episode transcript
Oakland’s Police Chief and the Long Road to Police Reform
Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong was placed on administrative leave last month, after an external investigation into the handling of two police misconduct cases found he failed to hold officers accountable. This latest chapter comes two decades into the department’s reform efforts under the oversight of a federal court.
Recent headlines have focused mostly on Armstrong’s suspension and his efforts to get reinstated. But as journalist and author Ali Winston puts it, this latest scandal is
Her Murder Conviction Was Overturned. ICE Still Wants to Deport Her.
Sandra Castañeda was convicted for a murder she didn’t commit and was sentenced to 40 years to life. She thought she was going to spend the rest of her life in prison.
In 2018, she got hopeful news: California dismissed her sentence and ordered her release. But instead of finding freedom, she was immediately detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being released from prison.
Even though her crimes were dismissed in California, federal immigration authorities still consider
‘Under the Radar’: Half Moon Bay and the Vulnerability of Farmworkers
The mass shooting last Monday in Half Moon Bay that left 7 farmworkers dead has brought renewed attention to the living conditions of California farmworkers. State and local officials say they plan to investigate potential wage theft and safety violations at the two farms.
But more broadly, the issues that this mass shooting highlighted are not new: farmworkers across California make very low wages, struggle to afford housing, and are vulnerable to exploitation. And looming over it all is the fa
A Layoff Spree At Bay Area Tech Companies
You’ve seen the news by now: tech companies are laying people off in droves. Nearly 60,000 people have been laid off from Bay Area-based tech companies since November 2022, according to the latest estimates from Layoffs.fyi, a website that has tracked tech layoffs since the start of the pandemic.Companies cite everything from the need to cut costs, to over-hiring during the pandemic, to fears of a looming recession. But what's really going on? And what does it mean for the tens of thous
Why Sewage Flooded the Bay
An estimated 62 million gallons of sewage — or about 94 Olympic-sized swimming pools — spilled into the San Francisco Bay during the storms in late December and January.
Those storms are now behind us, and officials say the water is now safe. But now is actually the perfect time to unpack what went wrong with our sewage system, and how we can better prepare our infrastructure for the next big storm.
Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED health correspondent
This episode was produced and edited by Alan Mo
Oakland's Lunar New Year Parade
Organizers of Oakland’s Lunar New Year Parade hope it marks a new start for Chinatown and the city’s Asian communities. Over the past few years, the neighborhood has been hit hard by the pandemic and violent attacks on Asians.
Now, the mass shootings in Monterey Park, Half Moon Bay, and East Oakland this past week have revived fears over safety. But Stewart Chen, who is involved in organizing the parade, hopes that the city and the Bay Area truly show up for Oakland Chinatown this Sunday — and t
7 Farmworkers Killed in Half Moon Bay Mass Shooting
7 people were killed and 1 injured in a mass shooting in Half Moon Bay on Monday afternoon. The suspect, 66-year old Chunli Zhao, is in police custody. County Sheriff Christina Corpus says all evidence points to a workplace dispute.
Half Moon Bay, known both as a tourist destination and an agricultural community, is still recovering from the impact of the massive storms in the past few weeks. Law enforcement say the victims were Latino and Asian, and that some were migrant workers.
This shooting
The Great Soaking is Over. What Now?
The sun is back, and it’s a huge relief. And while the state largely avoided widespread, catastrophic disaster, communities all over California were hit hard. Cities are estimating tens of millions of dollars in damage, and at least 21 people have died since Dec. 26.
Meanwhile, one silver lining: all this rain has put a meaningful dent in the drought. So, with the rain gone for now, what did we learn these past few weeks?
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED editor and reporter
Episode Transcript
Links:
Tak
Alameda County’s New DA Wants to Shake Things Up
Pamela Price has been sworn in as Alameda County District Attorney. In the 2022 Election, Price won the seat with 53% of the vote, defeating her more tough-on-crime opponent, Terry Wiley.
She is the first Black woman ever elected to this position and promises to make a big shift in the office's approach to prosecution; Price’s campaign emphasized changing the system in favor of a more holistic approach to public safety.
What exactly are the new DA’s plans for criminal justice reform? And what r
‘You’re Taking On A Lot of Risk’: Rain and Recovery in the Santa Cruz Mountains
When the rain storms first started to hit Hannah Hagemann’s community in the Santa Cruz mountains, she was lucky enough to evacuate before landslides could block the only roads in and out of her neighborhood in Felton. Those left behind were left without electricity and internet for several days, virtually cutting the community off from the rest of the region.
Clean up from landslides, high winds and downed power lines are the immediate focus; But surviving another storm in this remote mountain
Blues Town: Remembering Russell City
Etta James, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker all played in Russell City, a once thriving blues town located in Hayward. The town was home to Black and Latino residents who couldn’t find a residence elsewhere due to redlining and other racist housing policies. The city of Hayward used eminent domain to take the land and by 1966, the town had been annexed and replaced by an industrial park that is still there. In 2021 the Hayward city council voted unanimously to issue a formal apology to the resid
A ‘Rare’ Archive of Angela Davis’ Life On Display At OMCA
A rare showcase of archives and memorabilia from the life of Angela Davis is on display at the Oakland Museum of California. The exhibit includes photos, speeches and posters collected over the span of several years. The archive highlights Davis’ legacy and a fight for abolition and Black lives — one that is still relevant today.
Guest: Ariana Proehl, Culture Reporter for KQED
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Adhiti Bandlamudi. Ericka Cruz Guevarra is the host.
Your support makes
Rain and Eviction Loom Over Oakland’s Wood Street Encampment
California’s temperate weather is one reason why homelessness is so visible. But with climate change, warmer and wetter weather are making the emergency on the streets even more dire.
At what remains of the Wood Street encampment in West Oakland, people without shelter are experiencing flooding and a fight to stay warm amid a series of atmospheric rivers hitting the Bay Area in recent weeks. Residents of Wood Street say the services the city is offering doesn’t meet their needs.
But it’s not j
Oakland Swears in Mayor Sheng Thao
On Monday, Oakland will swear in Sheng Thao as the city’s new mayor and now one of the most prominent Hmong-American politicians in the country. Last November, she narrowly won the election against fellow-council member Loren Taylor by fewer than 700 votes and is getting ready to lead one of the largest cities in the Bay Area.
In a recent episode of Political Breakdown, hosts Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer spoke with Thao about her journey to the mayor’s seat and how her experiences as a daughter
Storms Pummel the Bay Area With More to Come
Storms caused by back-to-back atmospheric rivers pummeled the Bay Area this week;, prompting evacuation orders, heavy flooding on roads and in rivers, and bringing down power for 100 thousand PG&E customers Thursday.
More atmospheric rivers are expected this weekend.
Guest: Ezra David Romero, climate reporter for KQED
Links:
How to Prepare for This Week's Atmospheric River Storm: Sandbags, Emergency Kits and More
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Adhiti Bandlamudi. Ericka Cruz Gu
Matt Mahan Begins His First Year As San Jose’s New Mayor
The new mayor of the Bay Area’s biggest city started his new job this week, and he has to work fast. Matt Mahan’s first job is to address a winter storm hitting San Jose, which could bring floods and heavy rains.
What can we expect from Mahan in his first year in office? And what roadblocks could he face in accomplishing the goals he ran on?
Guest: Guy Marzorati, Producer and Reporter for KQED’s Politics and Government Desk
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Adhiti Bandlamudi. Eric
The Bay’s Favorite Episodes of 2022
It’s our last episode of the year! Today, host Ericka Cruz Guevarra, producer Maria Esquinca, and senior editor Alan Montecillo unpack 2022 and share their favorite episodes. We’ll have new episodes for you starting Jan. 4, 2023!
Links:
The Bay Survey (it takes just 8 minutes!)
Alan’s favorite: ‘It’s an Unimaginable Amount of Fish,’ Sep. 2, 2022.
Ericka’s favorite: An Audio Love Letter to Traxamillion, an Architect of the Hyphy Movement, Jan. 10, 2022.
Maria’s Favorite: He Designed a Gar
Is Vallejo Rushing Its Police Oversight Commission?
It’s been a bad few months for people in Vallejo who are fighting for police accountability. The police chief who promised reforms abruptly stepped down. A police union president who allegedly threatened a journalist has been reinstated. And the city recently revealed that it “inadvertently” destroyed records of 5 police shootings.
Now the city is trying to move forward with a model for police oversight, which many have wanted for a long time. But members of the public are pushing back, arguing
tbh: The Problem With The 'Clean Girl Aesthetic'
Teenagers like Elise Muchowski aspired to the “Clean Girl Aesthetic,” a trend that blew up on TikTok and that prioritizes looking clean and effortless, with videos of skincare, makeup routines, and a minimalist wardrobe.Today, we're sharing an episode of the tbh podcast from KALW. In it, teenagers unpack what's behind the clean girl aesthetic, why it's harmful, and what role social media plays in their lives right now.Links:tbh: The Dirty Truth About the Clean Girl Aesthetic
When the Tenderloin's Addiction Crisis Goes Viral
San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood has a reputation for drug addiction, poverty, and homelessness — all big problems that have not been solved by city and state leaders. But the neighborhood’s image is also shaped by disturbing pictures and videos of people taking drugs outside that go viral on social media.
These images, which circulate around the world, can evoke anger, fear, and frustration. They also shape opinion about what should be done and galvanize support for harsher, tougher crac
Will Casual Carpool Ever Come Back?
Before the pandemic, there were a few ways to endure the traffic into downtown San Francisco. One very Bay Area method was the casual carpool, a completely organic system of riding with strangers to get across the bridge faster and for cheap. But after March 2020, those long lines at casual carpool stops vanished — and they haven’t come back.
Guest: Nico Savidge, senior City Hall reporter for Berkeleyside
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Ericka Cruz
A Frantic Job Hunt for H-1B Visa Holders in Tech
Silicon Valley companies rely on thousands of H-1B visa holders who have come to the Bay Area from all over the world. H-1B visas grant temporary status to work and live in the U.S. But in the wake of mass layoffs in the tech industry, visa holders have 60 days to find a new job or face the threat of deportation.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, KQED Silicon Valley senior editor
Read the transcript
Links:
Mass Bay Area Tech Layoffs Thrust Thousands of H-1B Visa Holders Into Frantic Job Hunt
Survey: Help
In the Bay, Hundreds Are Coming Out to Support Chinese Protesters
Even in the Bay Area, it’s a big risk for Chinese residents to protest against the Chinese Communist Party. Many fear retaliation against themselves and their loved ones in China.
But over the past week, hundreds of people have attended candlelight vigils in multiple cities, including San Jose and San Francisco. These protests have been held to support people in China and to remember the 10 people who died in an apartment fire in China’s Xinjiang province. The public outrage from these deaths —
Got Climate Anxiety? Here’s How to Deal With It
Leaders from nearly 200 countries recently met during COP27, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. While some gains were made, like the creation of a “loss and damage” fund to help vulnerable countries, negotiations were stalled by oil-producing nations. The overwhelming scope of Climate Change and the inevitable losses on the planet can lead to feelings of paralysis, discouragement, sadness and stress. In this episode from November of l
Oakland Plans to Return 5 Acres to East Bay Ohlone
Oakland is on the verge of returning 5 acres of Joaquin Miller Park to the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust and the Confederated Villages of Lisjan. This would be the first time a California city has returned land to Native American tribes.Despite no significant opposition to this plan, this process has taken more than 5 years. So what does it actually take to return land back to tribes?Guest: Annelise Finney, KQED reporterEpisode TranscriptApply to be an intern with The Bay!Your support makes KQ
Thousands of UC Academic Workers Are on Strike
Universities across the country rely on students and academic workers to grade papers, run classes, conduct research, and provide student support. It’s demanding work, often for little pay.
But now, the unions representing 48,000 University of California students and academic workers say they’ve had enough, and on Monday thousands of people across the system's 10 campuses went on strike.
Guest: Bria Suggs, journalist and graduate student at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism
Links:
'
Twitter's Implosion is Hurting Local Charities
Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter has led to complete chaos: layoffs, advertiser panic, and concerns all around the world about what this means for speech on the internet.But here in the Bay, what happens at Twitter has ripple effects too. Not only has the company laid off thousands of employees and contractors, but the company’s donations and charitable programs are in disarray, leaving dozens of Bay Area nonprofits stunned, confused and angry.Guest: Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, KQED politi
A Settlement in the Vallejo Police Killing of Angel Ramos
The city of Vallejo is notorious for being forced to pay out millions in legal settlements to victims of police violence. In the latest example, The Vallejo Sun reports that the city reached a $2.8 million dollar settlement with the family of Angel Ramos, the 21-year-old shot and killed by Vallejo Police during a family gathering in January 2017.
It’s the latest update in the long, grueling process for families left with the aftermath of a police killing. Today, we’re re-running an episode from
How California Voted on the 7 Statewide Ballot Measures
Votes are still being counted, but the races for all 7 statewide propositions have been called. Californians approved Prop. 1 (abortion rights), Prop. 28 (arts education funding), and Prop. 31 (ban flavored tobacco), and shot down Props. 26 and 27 (sports betting), Prop. 29 (dialysis regulations), and Prop. 30 (green infrastructure). Today, we’ll break down these results.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED politics and government reporter/producer
Links:
KQED Election Results page
This episode was prod
Election Night in the Bay
The last day to vote in the 2022 election has come and gone. Californians overwhelmingly approved an amendment to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution, and both Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Alex Padilla have been reelected. But it’ll be a minute before we know the full results.
Today, we hear from voters, and then take you inside the KQED newsroom on Tuesday night.
Read the transcript
Links:
KQED Election Results page
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Oakland's Measure S Would Open the Door to Noncitizen Voting in School Board Elections
In the past few years, a handful of California cities have explored allowing noncitizens to vote in various local elections. The most famous example has been San Francisco, which passed a measure allowing noncitizen parents of public school students to vote for school board.
This momentum to expand the vote has stalled as of late, thanks to lawsuits brought forward by a conservative group based in Southern California. Nevertheless, Oakland voters are about to weigh in on Measure S, which would a
Who Will be Oakland’s Next Mayor?
Oakland voters will decide on a new mayor this month. It’s a packed race; 10 candidates are vying for the seat, including 4 current and former members of Oakland City Council. The issue taking center stage in this election? Public safety.
Guest: Maria Fernanda Bernal, KQED reporter
Links:
Playlist: The Bay x Bay Curious’ Prop Fest
KQED’s Voter Guide
Correction: the original version of this episode stated that it is too late to register to vote. Voters can still register in person at a votin
'It’s a Despicable Act’: Rep. Jackie Speier on the Attack on Paul Pelosi
On Tuesday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against David DePape, the 42-year-old man accused of breaking into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood before attacking her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer. Speaker Pelosi was in Washington D.C. at the time.
Rep. Jackie Speier, a survivor of violence herself, says preventing something like this from happening again will require a “wholesale change” in how business is don
‘Making Something That’s Our Own’: Día de Los Muertos in the Bay
The roots of Día de los Muertos celebrations in San Francisco can be traced back to 1972, when a collective of Chicano artists formed the first day of the dead show not only in California but the entire West Coast.
The collective opened up their own gallery; Galeria La Raza. Inspired by a film that showcased the massive day of the dead altars in Oaxaca, Mexico, Rene Yañez and Ralph Maradiaga set up their own altar outside Galeria la Raza, laying down the foundation for a much larger celebration
For the First Time in 24 Years, Santa Clara County Will Have a New Sheriff
In the Bay’s most populous county, Laurie Smith has served as sheriff since 1998. But in this election, amid a wave of scandals and an ongoing corruption trial, she will not be on the ballot.
Now, two men are running to take over the office. Kevin Jansen, a retired sheriff’s captain, says he knows the department well enough to make changes that will restore public trust. Bob Jonsen, the former Palo Alto police chief, says his perspective from outside the department will lead to real reforms. Who
A Sanctuary State for Gender Affirming Care
21 states have attempted to limit, ban, or criminalize access to medical care for transgender and nonbinary youth.
California is going in the opposite direction. In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that ensures transgender kids from out-of-state can safely access hormones or puberty blocker. The law also shields families from child abuse investigations or from being prosecuted for seeking gender affirming care. It’s the first law of its kind in the nation.
Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED h
California's Only Gubernatorial Debate
On Sunday afternoon, incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom debated his Republican challenger, State Senator Brian Dahle. This was their first and only debate, which was held at KQED's headquarters in San Francisco. The conversation was moderated by KQED's Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer.
Links:
'Newsom, Dahle Spar Over Abortion, Gas Tax and Crime in California Governor Debate,' by Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, Oct. 23, 2022.
KQED Voter Guide
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San Francisco’s District Attorney Race
Back in June, San Francisco voters recalled Chesa Boudin from the office of District Attorney. In his place, Mayor London Breed appointed Brooke Jenkins, who once worked in Boudin’s office and became a paid spokesperson in the recall effort.
Now, as many San Francisco residents worry about public safety, voters will weigh in about the city’s chief prosecutor once again in the November election. And the results could tell us what kind of law enforcement approach people want.
Guest: Joe Fitzgerald
In Benicia’s City Council Race, Valero is on People’s Minds
Benicia is home to an oil refinery operated by Valero, which employs hundreds of people and contributes tax revenue totaling an estimated 20% of the city’s general budget.
The company has also played a very active role in local elections. Valero’s political action committee spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2018 and 2020.
Now, with this year's city council race underway — and residents frustrated over recent controversies at the refinery — Valero’s role in Benicia looms large once again.
KQED Live: A San Jose Mayoral Candidates Forum
This November, San Jose residents will make a big decision about the future of the nation’s 10th largest city. The San Jose’s mayor’s race is between two candidates: Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez and San Jose City Councilmember Matt Mahan. Whoever becomes mayor will be responsible for big issues like homelessness, affordable housing, policing, and the future of the city’s downtown.Today, we’re sharing a mayoral forum hosted by KQED in partnership with Univision, where Chave
A Rise in Catalytic Converter Thefts
Unless you work on cars for a living, you probably weren’t very familiar with catalytic converters until the last few years, when reported thefts of this particular car part started to skyrocket. It’s part of the exhaust system and contains valuable metals.
These thefts have set car owners back thousands of dollars, and some people lose access to their car for months while it’s getting fixed. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws last month in an attempt to address the problem, but whether or not it
‘Who Are We Here For? Iran!’
After protests erupted in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old Kurdish Iranian woman who died in police custody after being arrested for not wearing a proper hijab, the Iranian government responded with police crackdowns and internet blockages.
California is home to one of the largest populations of Iranians outside of Iran. And for many, including here in the Bay Area, protesting and sharing on social media is a critical tool for keeping momentum of this moment alive.
Guest: Ida M
Preventing Gun Violence Through Arts and Culture
Several Bay Area cities, including Oakland, are dealing with increased levels of gun violence. In Oakland, the city has hit triple-digit homicides for the third straight year.
This has reversed years of positive progress, which was happening in part because of violence intervention work in communities — work that was disrupted during the pandemic.
Communities are trying to do what they can to stop violence before it happens. One important piece of the puzzle? Investing in culture, and in events
Prop. 31: Banning Flavored Tobacco
In 2020, California lawmakers passed SB 793, which banned the retail sale of flavored tobacco products that can be smoked, vaped, or eaten statewide.But shortly after that, tobacco companies worked to put Prop. 31 on the ballot, taking the issue directly to the voters. It asks California voters whether to uphold that 2020 ban, or do away with it.Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED health correspondent
Prop. 30: Green Infrastructure
We need to spend a lot of money on green infrastructure if we want to lower emissions and adapt to the climate crisis. Supporters of Proposition 30 say this measure would help the state do just that — by raising the state income tax by 1.75% on Californians who make more than $2 million a year. That money would be guaranteed for 3 things: electric car debates, electric car charging, and wildfire suppression.
The political coalitions on this one are super confusing: The ‘Yes” side includes enviro
Prop. 29: Dialysis Clinics
Launched for a third time by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, Prop. 29 would add new rules on dialysis clinics. If approved, dialysis clinics would be required to have a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on site during all treatment hours, among other requirements. Opponents say Prop. 29 imposes unnecessary requirements and would cause clinics to shut down.
Guest: Kevin Stark, KQED science senior editor
Your support makes KQED podcas
Prop. 28: Arts and Music Education Funding
Studies show that arts and music education benefit students, reducing things like depression and truancy. However, when budgets are slashed, they’re the first programs to go. The problem is exacerbated in low-income schools, which already face under-staffed and low budgeted music and arts programs, argues former Los Angeles Unified School School District Superintendent, Austin Beutner, who launched Prop. 28.
Prop. 28 would increase the amount of funding allocated for music and arts education i
Props 26 and 27: Sports Betting
There’s a pair of dueling ballot measures in California that would affect whether we have legalized sports betting in the state, and what form it should take.
It’s a super expensive campaign. Prop 27 is already the most expensive ballot measure in state history. And that’s because big money is on the line.
On this episode of Prop Fest, Bay Curious host Olivia Allen-Price talks to KQED’s Guy Marzorati about Propositions 26 and 27.
Episode Transcript
Voting season is coming up. Check out KQED’s
Prop. 1: Reproductive Freedom
For the next 2 weeks, we’re teaming up with our friends at Bay Curious to bring you Prop Fest, where we’ll break down the 7 statewide ballot propositions in the November election.
First up: Proposition 1. It was added to the ballot by the state legislature after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Prop 1 would amend the state constitution to include reproductive freedom, which includes the right to an abortion and to accept or refuse contraception, as a fundamental right.
Guest: April
Pushing to Make BART Safer for Women and Girls
The Not One More Girl campaign launched in 2020 after a survey of Bay Area youth found that women and girls feared for their safety when using public transportation. Spearheaded by youth, the campaign outlined ways to make BART safer. More than a year since we first aired this episode, the BART board amended its code of conduct to explicitly prohibit sexual harassment.
Guests: Haleema Bharoocha, senior advocacy manager at Alliance for Girls and Santana Tapia, with the #NotOneMoreGirl campaign a
San Jose Sweeps One of Its Largest Homeless Encampments
At its peak, an estimated 500 people lived in tents, vehicles, and camper vans at an encampment near San Jose’s airport. The city has tried to clear it for years, under pressure from the Federal Aviation Administration. Now, it's almost done.San Jose also promised to find housing and fix the vehicles of the people who were moved out of the encampment. But just a fraction have been moved into housing, and only 14 vehicles have been fixed. In the meantime, most people have had to salvage
Black Women Are Changing California's Victim System
Communities of color in California are the most affected by violent crime. But historically, they haven't had a seat at the table when it comes to defining what survivors of violent crime want and need.Now that's starting to change. Advocacy groups, led by Black women, say that the state needs to reform and rethink the way victim support in California works.Guest: Marisa Lagos, politics and government correspondent for KQED and co-host of the Political Breakdown PodcastRead the transcri
Poetry, Burritos, and The Border: Meet Our Producer, Maria Esquinca!
Maria Esquinca is the newest producer for The Bay, taking over after Ericka Cruz Guevarra left the position to become the host of the show.
In this episode we get to know Maria a little bit more. We talk about her hometown of El Paso, Texas (a border town nestled next to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico) burritos, poetry, and finding home in the Bay Area.
KQED reporter Carlos Cabrera-Lomeli also takes us on a brief tour of the Mission, a neighborhood in the Bay Area that reminds Maria of home.
Last Week’s Historic Heat Wave
The Bay Area experienced record-setting heat last week, with temperatures reaching up to 115 degrees in some parts, threatening to overload the state’s power grid.
It won’t be the last. Climate change makes it even more likely that these heat waves will be more frequent and severe. So today, we talk about takeaways from the historic heat wave, and how we just barely avoided rolling blackouts this time around.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED editor and reporter
Read the transcript
Your support makes KQ
'Welcome Black to the Land'
In California, less than 1% of farmland is Black-owned, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. One such farm is in Sebastopol in Sonoma County. EARTHseed farm is Sonoma County’s first Afro-Indigenous permaculture farm. It’s a place for Black and brown people to reconnect with indigenous land stewardship and to build community, at a time when the effects of climate change are challenging us to change our relationship to the earth.Guest: Ariana Proehl, KQED culture reporterLinks:
An
Naatak Marks 100 Productions of Indian American Theater in the Bay Area
Naatak is one of the largest Indian American theater companies in the country. Started in 1995 out of a dorm room at UC Berkeley, Naatak is staging its 100th production this month.
In that time, an estimated 1,000 people have participated in Naatak’s productions — all volunteers, many of whom have day jobs in the tech industry. It’s become an important part of the Indian American community in Silicon Valley, by and for people who do this in their free time.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, KQED Silicon Va
In Sonoma County, Cities Are Banning New Gas Stations
Sonoma County is trying to set a trend for other cities in banning the construction of new gas stations. In 2021, Petaluma became the first city in the whole country to do so. Now nearly half of the county has followed suit, including Santa Rosa.
For the residents who’ve pushed this forward, these bans are a small but important step to fighting climate change, in a county that has experienced some of the worst wildfires in the state.
Guest: Paulina Pineda, Santa Rosa Press Democrat city hall rep
‘It’s an Unimaginable Number of Fish’
You’ve probably seen pictures or even smelled them by now. This past week, thousands upon thousands of dead fish have washed up on shorelines all over the Bay Area. And there are way more beneath the surface.
So, what's behind this? And is this a one-off, or a sign that we need to do something to prevent it from happening again?
Guest: Jon Rosenfield, senior scientist with SF Baykeeper
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and hosted by Alan Montecillo.
Links:
How Safe Injection Sites Can Help Address Our Addiction Crisis
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed a trial run of safe injection sites in San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles. These sites, where people can use illicit drugs under supervision, would have been the first legal ones in the state.
But the idea isn’t new. Safe injection sites have been used as a harm reduction tool for decades in Canada, Australia, and in parts of Europe. They exist in other parts of the United States — two have opened in New York City, and Rhode Island has
Taking Your Eviction to Court
More than 2 years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most emergency housing protections have expired. This means millions of renters are facing eviction.
Today, in an episode of The California Report Magazine, journalist Kori Suzuki tells the story of a group of tenants in Walnut Creek who tried to fight their evictions in court.
Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcasts.
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California Will Phase Out New Gas-Powered Cars by 2035
It’s official: by 2035, California will end the sale of new gas-powered vehicles. State air regulators approved the plan yesterday, but it started back in 2020 when Gov. Gavin Newsom first presented the idea through an executive order. So how big of a dent could this make in addressing the climate crisis?
Guest: Kevin Stark, KQED climate editor
Read the transcript
This episode first aired on Sept. 25, 2020.
Links:
Electric day in California: State phases out sales of gas cars
California Moves
The Future of Street Vending at the 24th Street Mission BART Plaza
Over the weekend, protesters tore down a fence that had been put up around the 24th Street Mission BART plaza at the request of San Francisco Supervisor Hilary Ronen. Proponents of the fence said it was necessary to curb the sale of stolen goods and improve safety. Opponents said it further marginalized people who were already struggling and who relied on the public space to make a living.The fence was supposed to be a temporary measure before the city finishes setting up a new street vending pe
S.F's Noncitizen Voting Law Was Struck Down. What's Next?
Noncitizen voting isn’t a brand new idea. White, landowning, noncitizen men were once allowed to vote in 40 states.
Today, a handful of cities have granted noncitizen residents the right to vote in various local elections. Until recently, San Francisco was one of them: in 2016, voters approved Proposition N, which granted the vote to noncitizen parents of SF Unified students in school board races.
But late last month, a state Superior Court judge struck down San Francisco's law in a suit brough
How We Talk About Wildfires
A heat wave that swept through the Bay Area this week made way for fires again. That, plus a slew of other fires burning across California sent smoke hovering over areas of the state. So we thought it’d be a good time to re-evaluate how we talk about fires in the first place, so that we can better understand how to address them.
Guest: Danielle Venton, Climate Reporter for KQED
Read the transcript
This episode first aired Aug. 20, 2021. It was hosted by Devin Katayama and produced by Alan Montec
A Year Later, One Afghan Family’s Resettlement in the Bay
It’s been one year since the Taliban took control of Kabul. Millions of Afghans have fled the country, in many cases becoming separated from their families in the process.
Thousands of refugees have since come to northern California, thanks to the help of resettlement agencies and Afghan community organizations. But many are still in limbo, as they try to secure permanent legal status while also juggling daily life in the Bay Area and staying connected with people back with Afghanistan.
Guest: T
High School in the Shadows of Silicon Valley
At elite high schools in Silicon Valley, the pressure to succeed is intense. And according to Sophia Shao, a senior at Los Altos High School, her proximity to California’s tech capital is a big reason why.In this special collaboration with KQED’s Youth Takeover, a yearlong project to highlight compelling stories written and produced by local teens, Shao talks with us about growing up in a place where everyone is expected to succeed.Guest: Sophia Shao, senior at Los Altos High SchoolRead
SFUSD Teachers (Still) Haven’t Been Fully Paid
School starts again at San Francisco Unified next week. But some teachers and staff still haven’t been fully paid what they’re owed for last year.
Since at least January, SFUSD has had problems with its new payroll system, EmpowerSF. These problems still haven’t been fully resolved, and hundreds of teachers and staff say they’re still being shortchanged.
District leaders, including the new superintendent, say fixing this is a top priority. But this problem has left educators feeling furious, an
Project Roomkey is Closing Its Doors
Project Roomkey is coming to an end. Its goal was to temporarily house some of the state’s most vulnerable homeless people in hotel rooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This would also hopefully serve as a stepping stone to permanent housing.
So, how successful was Project Roomkey at getting people out of homelessness? Today, we look at how it worked in Alameda County.
Guest: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED housing reporter
Read episode transcript
Links:
Last Days at the Radisson: As State Shelter Progra
Remembering Joy: A Personal Story from ECG
Ericka here, bringing you all something different for today’s episode.
Every week, our job here at The Bay is to tell stories about this place and the people in it. But recently, I got the chance to tell a different kind of story: one about…me.
Earlier this summer, the San Francisco chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association hosted a live storytelling event at KQED called Hella Asian. It was a gathering of local journalists and storytellers sharing reflections on how we come back as
A Standoff Over People’s Park in Berkeley
In 1969, a group of protesters took over a plot of land owned by UC Berkeley and turned it into a green, public space now known as People’s Park. Since then, it’s become a place synonymous with Berkeley’s history of protest, resistance, and mutual aid. Over the last 2 years, it also became home to dozens of unhoused people, prompting reports of crime and complaints from some residents.
Now, UC Berkeley is planning to replace the park with student housing. Supporters say it’s necessary to address
What's Going On with Monkeypox?
A state of emergency over monkeypox has been declared in San Francisco and in the state of California. More than 5,800 cases have been confirmed nationwide so far.
Getting this virus can be a very painful experience. So far, a majority of confirmed cases are among queer men. And here in the Bay, people trying to keep each other safe while also pushing back on stigma.
Guest: Carlos Cabrera-Lomeli, KQED community engagement reporter
A transcript of this episode is available.
Links:
Monkeypox Reso
Why Cleaning Up Bayview-Hunters Point is an Issue of Reparations
If you talk to longtime residents of San Francisco's Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, you'll hear lots of stories about people getting sick from cancer or respiratory illnesses.
Many people believe that the polluted areas in the neighborhood, like the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, are a big reason why. For decades, people in the Bayview have been surrounded by toxic chemicals coming from this Superfund site.
Now, the community is facing a combination of this historic pollution and the future
A Message From The Bay: We’re Taking July Off!
We work really hard to bring you three episodes a week. But we’ll admit: Sometimes, it's good to take a break from the news. The Bay is taking a break from making new episodes for the month of July. We’re using this time to reset, rest, do some team-bonding, and brainstorm what we want to make for you in the coming year.
We will resume our regular schedule on August 2.
You can still reach us on Twitter @TheBayKQED or via e-mail thebay@kqed.org. We always love hearing from you.
Thank you for lis
‘We Will Continue to Be Here’: Accessing Abortion Services After Roe
We've known for a minute that, if Roe v. Wade was overturned, California would play a big role in helping Americans access abortion services.
Now, it's no longer hypothetical: the Supreme Court ended federal abortion rights on Friday, and reproductive justice groups like California-based ACCESS have gotten tons of calls from people both inside and outside the state.
Guest: Sasha, healthline coordinator for ACCESS Reproductive Justice
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'I Knew It Was Coming, But I Still Can't Believe It'
Here in California, abortion is still legal. And an overwhelming majority of Bay Area residents support the right to have one.
Which is why, over the weekend, many people marched in protest against the Supreme Court’s decision to end federal abortion rights. In today’s episode, KQED reporter Adhiti Bandlamudi takes us to one protest in San Francisco.
Guest: Adhiti Bandlamudi, KQED reporter
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, who also edited.
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Black, Queer, and Searching for Safe Spaces
Before moving to the Bay Area from Jacksonville, Florida, friends told KQED Rightnowish production intern Corey Antonio Rose he was heading to ‘gay mecca.’
As the months went by, Corey Antonio said, as a Black queer man, he felt invisible in the Bay's queer spaces.
That experience kicked off a 3-part series called ‘Searching for a Kiki,’ in which he sets out to understand whether the Bay Area actually is a safe place for Black queer people, and finds people who have created those spaces themse
The Story Behind the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco
The National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is the nation’s first and only federally designated memorial of those who have died of AIDS (though ironically, it doesn’t receive federal funding.) The folks behind it say its existence is not just about remembering those who’ve died, but also the activism of the queer community who stepped up when the government wouldn’t.
This story is part of the Bay Curious series "A Very Curious Walking Tour of Golden Gate Park." It orig
He Designed a Garden at UC Santa Cruz from Death Row. Now Students Want Him Free
In California, the death penalty is in limbo. On the one hand, the state hasn’t executed anyone since 2006. On the other, the death penalty in still legal. In practice, this means that hundreds of incarcerated people have been languishing on death for row years, even decades.
Timothy James Young, who’s on death row at San Quentin State Prison, believes he was wrongfully convicted of murder and still hopes that someday he will be freed. And he has reason to hope: over the last few years, a garden
Dub Nation Against the World
The Golden State Warriors are one win away from another NBA championship, which would be their fourth since 2015. But as OG fans know, they haven’t always been this good.
Writer and Bay Area native Alan Chazaro remembers those days, when tickets at Oracle Arena in East Oakland were affordable, attracting working class folks from across the Bay Area and street vendors selling hotdogs outside the stadium. Still, the Warriors have represented a kind of underdog mentality that the Bay Area has alway
Organizing a Gun Buyback in San Mateo County
This episode contains mentions of suicide.
On a weekend in early June, hundreds of San Mateo County residents drove to a courthouse parking lot in South San Francisco to voluntarily give up their guns.
The buyback was conducted by the county sheriff’s office and organized by Citizens for San Mateo Gun Buyback. The group formed in 2018 after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and then raised money from local city governments to pay for the program. The
Chesa Boudin Has Been Recalled. So What Does it Mean?
San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin has been recalled. This race has gotten a ton of attention both inside and outside the Bay Area, which is uncommon for a local DA race. And shortly after election night, national outlets proclaimed that these results show an indictment of criminal justice reforms in California.But the truth is a lot more complicated. Today, we’ll dig into the many different reasons why Boudin was voted out of office.Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQED political corresp
We Need to Talk About Wage Theft
In California, tens of thousands of workers aren’t getting paid what they’re owed by their employers. Many of these workers are low-wage earning immigrants in industries like construction, home care, and food service.
The state actually has a system in place where people can file claims of wage theft. But the system currently has a huge backlog, leaving people waiting years before they can try and and recover their money. In some cases, workers claim their employers stole tens or even hundreds o
Will ‘CARE Court’ Help People Dealing with Mental Illness and Homelessness?
California’s mental health care system is a mess. And at the same time, unsheltered homelessness is increasing and voters want their leaders to do something about it.
Those are some of the reasons why Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a proposal called the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Court — or CARE Court. The idea is to provide a coordinated mental health treatment plan for a patient, under the supervision of a judge.
But there’s also a catch: if the patient refuses that treatment,
Attacks on Asians in SF Shook the Community and Went Viral. What Happened Next?
There are so many horrifying incidents of attacks on Asians that have gone viral. Many of them took place in San Francisco. There’s a lot of fear, anxiety, and anger among Asian communities in the city. And many people want justice for these attacks.
Whether that is truly or happening or not is a huge sticking point in Tuesday’s recall election of District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who ran on a progressive platform and says incarcerating people should be a last resort.
KQED and The San Francisco St
San Jose is Choosing a New Mayor
For the first time since 2014, the race for mayor in San Jose has no incumbent running, since Mayor Sam Liccardo is term-limited. On June 7, San Jose voters will decide between 7 candidates, ranging from current elected officials to complete outsiders. If no candidate wins a majority of the votes in the June primary, the top 2 finishers face a November runoff.
Today, we’ll hear from voters and from the candidates who think they should be mayor of the Bay Area’s largest city.
Guests: Carlos Cabre
Solano County’s Race for District Attorney
In Solano County, two high-profile police killings loom large over the race for District Attorney on June 7. That’s because the incumbent, Krishna Abrams, recused herself from investigating the deaths of Willie McCoy in 2019 and Sean Monterrosa in 2020, citing the public’s lack of confidence in her office.Now she’s running against her own chief deputy DA, Sharon Henry, who argues that the DA’s office hasn’t been independent enough to make tough, politically fraught decisions.
Guest: Scott Morr
Mindshift: Community, Trauma, and Helping Children Heal
On Tuesday, an armed gunman killed at least 18 children and 3 adults at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
There’s still a lot of questions about what happened. But here’s what we do know: That Robb Elementary is 90% Hispanic. That the students’ last day of school was scheduled for Thursday. And that when the camera crews move on, and the national media leave, this community will be coping with this for the rest of their lives.
Because we as a nation have done so little to stop gun violenc
Your Biggest Ideas on How to Solve the Housing Crisis
More than 35,000 people are living unhoused across the Bay Area – up 9 percent in the last three years, according to an annual count of folks living on the streets.In light of the release of those most recent statistics, we wanted to re-up an episode of Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America that asks: what are your biggest ideas on how to solve the housing crisis?This episode first published on Apr 25, 2022
The Workers’ Right to COVID Sick Pay in California
Just because COVID sick pay exists doesn't necessarily mean employees always feel comfortable using it. Between Americans’ unhealthy relationship with work and a sense that the world is opening back up again, employers have a lot to gain from the lack of widespread knowledge of COVID sick pay benefits in California.
But if you work in California and get infected with COVID, you may be able to claim up to 80 hours of paid leave. And now that the Bay Area isin another COVID surge because of the om
An Extremist Plot to Blow Up the California Democratic Party HQ
The threat of domestic extremist violence is all over the country. Just last weekend, an 18-year old white man drove to a predominantly Black part of Buffalo, New York, and shot 13 people at a grocery store. 10 have died.
The Bay Area is not immune to this threat. Last year, two men who worked at an auto shop in Napa were arrested and accused of plotting to blow up the California Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento.
Guests: Julie Small and Alex Hall, KQED reporters
This episode was prod
Activists Lobbied for a New, Diverse District. An Old White Congressman is the Frontrunner
California’s new 8th Congressional district, which includes Vallejo, Fairfield, Richmond, Pittsburg, and part of Antioch, is the most diverse in the region. It’s the only district in the entire state with at least 15% white, Latino, Black, and Asian populations.
That’s no coincidence. Grassroots activists in Contra Costa and Solano counties pushed for these communities to be included in the same district — and succeeded.
Now, there’s an election coming. And in the race to represent this distric
SFPD’s Former Comms Director is Now on the Board of Supervisors
Lots of high-profile jobs in San Francisco have opened up lately — whether it’s because of a recall, a corruption scandal, or a simple job promotion. And as a result, Mayor London Breed has been able to appoint a lot of people.
Most recently, Breed was tasked with filling the District 6 Board of Supervisors seat left vacant by the election of Matt Haney to the state Assembly. She picked Matt Dorsey, an openly gay, longtime political insider who most recently served as a spokesperson for the SFPD
A New Wave of COVID is Hitting the Bay. How’s it Different?
Currently, the Bay Area is California’s COVID hot spot.
The good news? Fewer people are being hospitalized or dying from COVID, thanks to the vaccine and the increased availability of treatments. This wave might also be a window into what life will look like going forward, without the public health mandates we saw at the pandemic’s peak.
Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED health correspondent
Episode transcript
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz G
KQED Live: An Interview with Chesa Boudin
It’s election season again. On June 7, Californians have some big decisions to make in elections both locally and statewide.
In San Francisco, voters will decide whether or not District Attorney Chesa Boudin will keep his job. Boudin was a public defender who grew up with parents in prison. And when he was elected in 2019, he promised progressive reforms around prosecution and police accountability.
Now, he faces a recall election. The people who want him out of office say he hasn’t been tough
In Sebastopol, Students Want Adults to Do More About Racist Bullying
At West County High School in Sebastopol, there are way fewer students of color compared with schools in many Bay Area cities. And the students there have been fighting racist bullying for years. In 2016, the federal government investigated the West Sonoma County Union High School District for how it handled racist bullying at its schools.
Over the past month, this issue has gotten a ton of attention from the community again — and students of color say not much has changed.
Guest: Julia McEvoy,
Even in California, Abortion Services Can Be Hard to Find
A majority of the Supreme Court plans to strike down Roe v. Wade, according to leaked documents obtained by Politico. In California, most public officials have pledged to double down on our state’s protections for abortion rights.
But that doesn’t mean getting access to an abortion is always easy. An estimated 40% of mostly rural counties in California — home to hundreds of thousands of people in the state — have no clinics that provide abortions.
Guest: Katie Orr, former KQED politics and gove
Letting go of La Pulga
Growing up, Katrina Ramos White helped her immigrant parents run a toy stand at the Berryessa Flea Market in San Jose. A few years ago, with hopes of buying her own home in SIlicon Valley, she took over the family business on top of her tech job. But big change is on the horizon for La Pulga, which sits on privately-owned land and is now slated for redevelopment. For Katrina and her family, saying goodbye to La Pulga could mean saying goodbye to the Bay Area altogether.
Guests: Adhiti Bandlamu
Bay Curious: Oakland’s 16th Train Station Helped Build West Oakland and the Civil Rights Movement
Now a derelict building, the 16th street train station in West Oakland was once a thriving center of transportation during the golden age of rail travel in the 1900s when trains were the only way to get around. The station expanded the working-class Black community in Oakland, who migrated to live and work close to the station. It also played a crucial role in the creation and development of Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters — the first Black union in the country. This Bay Curious epi
‘Love me Before the City Disappears’: Poet Nijla Mu’min
Tell me memories mean something
and I will carve your face on a tree.
Never cut it down.
Guarded with what slaps and surprises
sage and old E-40 cassettes from an OG’s trunk.
Can we love in a city lost?
Can we touch in a city gone?
– An excerpt from “Love Me Before The City Disappears”
April is National Poetry Month! And before it ends, we want to celebrate contemporary poetry inspired by life in the Bay Area. Producer Maria Esquinca interviews writer and director Nijla Mu’min about her
An Immigrant Visa Problem is Hitting Silicon Valley
For many families waiting decades for the right to live and work permanently in the U.S. through the crazy, byzantine rules of America’s immigration system, a special nightmare occurs when a child turns 21—they age out of their parent’s work visas and are at risk for deportation.
In California, there are over 40,000 ‘Documented Dreamers' aging out and labeled foreign nationals, with few options for permanent residency. And in Silicon Valley, where tech companies run on immigrant labor, this cri
Masks Are Optional. But Not For the Medically Vulnerable.
A federal judge in Florida ruled on Monday that the federal mask mandate was unlawful. Hours later, the Transportation Security Administration lifted mask rules inside airports, airplanes and on public transportation.
Transportation agencies around the Bay soon followed suit, raising concerns among disability rights and medically vulnerable communities.
In light of the recent changes to public mask mandates, we revisit an episode we aired in January. Two years into the pandemic, as restrictions
San Francisco is Limiting What Police Can Do With Your DNA
On Tuesday afternoon, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that would limit how police store and use DNA profiles obtained from evidence and kept in their labs. The changes happened after the district attorney’s office found the San Francisco Police Department had used DNA from a survivor’s rape kit to link her to an unrelated crime years later. It’s hard to know just how many people’s DNA was used in this way, raising concerns about what power law enforcement yields with
Could Schools Be Held Accountable in Court for How They Handle Sexual Assault?
When a student makes an allegation of sexual assault, their options for redress are often unsatisfying. Few cases end up in the legal system, and rarely do schools get sued for how they respond to those allegations.
In one rare, recent case, one student’s allegations did end up in a courtroom — and in front of a jury. The student sued the East Side Union High School District alleging administrators didn’t do enough to protect her from further abuse after an alleged explicit video of her circulat
San Francisco’s Redistricting Disaster
Redistricting is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to redraw a city’s political map. It’s an important yet arcane process that should ultimately lead to fair, equitable representation in local government — and it’s really hard to do.
In San Francisco, the process hasn’t just been hard; it's been chaotic, confusing, heated — and as Mission Local columnist Joe Eskenazi writes, "indefensible." Ultimately, the commission did not meet its legal deadline of April 15 to complete its maps, leaving the fut
Why Does Uber Want to Team Up with Taxis?
The rise of Uber in San Francisco a decade ago marked the beginning of the end for much of the taxi industry. Taxi companies went bankrupt and drivers struggled to pay off their medallions, pushing many of them into debt.
But now, Uber sees an opportunity in the same industry it nearly destroyed. Uber has struck a deal with taxi hailing apps in San Francisco and New York that will allow riders to hail taxis through Uber’s app. Some taxi drivers see an opportunity to boost their pay; others are
Support for Mutual Aid Came and Went, But the Need is Still There
In 2020 call outs for mutual aid donations flooded social media, and people responded with an abundance of money, food and time. Two years later, interest and support has waned while the needs have not gone away. As government aid like the child tax credit and stimulus checks expire, organizers across the Bay look at filling in the gaps.
Guest: Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí, community engagement reporter for KQED
Episode transcript
Recommended listening:
What Mutual Aid Means — And Why It's Worth Prote
A Mass Shooting in Downtown Sacramento
It may feel a little far from the Bay Area, but Sacramento is home to our state Capitol. And just a stone’s throw away from that building, in the downtown area, is where the city experienced its deadliest mass shooting ever on Sunday. 6 people have been killed, and at least 12 have been injured.
Guest: Saul Gonzalez, host of KQED's The California Report
This episode was produced by Maria Esquinca and Alan Montecillo, and hosted Ericka Cruz Guevarra,
Recommended listening:
Let's Talk About Rac
‘It’s Like Groundhog Day’: Another Year of Drought
The rainy season is over. But it didn’t feel like much of a rainy season at all. And now, California is in another year of drought. In the Bay Area, the North and South Bay are getting hit the hardest.
Being asked to save water isn’t new to Californians. So what other solutions are on the table for how we can adapt to drier winters and shrinking dams?
Guest: Ezra David Romero, climate reporter for KQED
Recommended listening:
Our Fire Conversation Needs to Change
This episode was produced by Ala
Bay Curious: The History of the Bay’s 425 Shellmounds
Before the Emeryville shoreline was a shopping center and commercial area, it was the site of a sacred burial site belonging to the Ohlone people, natives of the San Francisco Bay Area.
There were once more than 425 of these shellmounds across the Bay Area. And today, native people are still working to protect what’s left of them. Bay Curious explores the history of these shellmounds, and what happened to them.
Episode transcript
This episode of Bay Curious originally aired Nov. 8, 2018. Since t
The ‘Sustained Excellence’ of Stanford Women’s Basketball
When it comes to basketball in the Bay Area, there’s no team that’s done more winning than Stanford’s women’s team.
Since 1990, the Cardinal have won 15 conference championships, 3 national championships, and have made the Final Four 15 times. Now, they're two wins away from back-to-back national titles, with a semifinal matchup against the UConn Huskies tonight at 6:30 pm PT. And under the helm of longtime head coach Tara VanDerveer, the winningest coach in women's college basketball history, S
How BART Removed — and Then Reinstated — Director Lateefah Simon
It’s been a weird month for BART’s Board of Directors. In the span of just 2 weeks, the agency removed — and then reinstated — Director Lateefah Simon.A Black, legally blind, regular BART rider, Director Simon was initially removed over a mix-up with her home address, which is barely 300 feet outside her district. But this abrupt decision sparked a huge outcry from constituents, who suddenly couldn’t reach the person they elected.Now Director Simon is back on the board, but there are st
KQED Live: Finding Asylum in California
Landing in a new country is never easy, even if you’re landing in a place like the Bay Area, which is already home to so many immigrants, refugees, and people who’ve sought asylum. And between Russia's invasion of Ukraine, chaos in Afghanistan, and the ongoing crisis at the US-Mexico border, this topic has been on our minds a lot.
On Wednesday, March 23, KQED Live held an event called Finding Asylum in California. It included visual art by Caleb Duarte, and a discussion moderated by KQED Newsroo
What Happened at Vallejo's Project Roomkey?
In April 2020, Vallejo became one of the first cities to opt into the state’s Project Roomkey, a program designed to provide hotel rooms for medically vulnerable people without homes during the pandemic.
The program was touted as a success by city leaders. But reporting from The Vallejo Sun found at least 5 people who participated in the program died in their hotel rooms, including 3 who weren’t found for days. So how did this happen?
Guest: Scott Morris, investigative journalist for The Valle
A Strike at Chevron’s Richmond Refinery
About 500 operators and technicians at Chevron’s Richmond refinery went on strike starting Monday. It’s the first labor strike at the plant in more than 40 years.
The union representing these workers says that Chevron hasn’t offered enough in the way of pay increases, benefit contributions, and worker safety. Chevron claims the union has asked for too much, and in the meantime has promised to keep the refinery running using non-union workers. This strike is also laying bare the tensions within t
Paying for Gas as a Ride Service Driver
It’s no fun getting gas these days. The average price in many Bay Area counties reached $5.80 a gallon. And that's making it tough for people who drive for gig companies like Uber and Lyft, or who are taxi drivers.
Guest: Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, KQED reporter and producer
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Maria Esquinca, and hosted by Devin Katayama.
Episode transcript
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Many SF Teachers Haven't Been Getting Their Paychecks
From Monday to Thursday, a group of teachers staged a sit-in at the SF Unified School District building to protest the fact the district mishandled their paychecks. Some even went months without receiving the money that they're owed for their work.
The district says it is working to resolve this, and blamed the problems mainly on its new payroll system. But teachers and union members say the issues run much deeper.
Guest: Julia McEvoy, KQED senior editor
This episode was produced by Alan Montec
Finally, California's Unemployment System Adds More Language Support
For the last 2 years California’s unemployment system has been completely overwhelmed. One of the biggest issues: The lack of language access for people who don’t speak English or Spanish.Now, the Employment Development Department — the agency that runs this system — is finally turning a corner. Late last month, EDD committed to adding critical multilingual support. But it wouldn't have happened without constant pressure from advocates, who point out that the agency has always been lega
Remembering the Atlanta Spa Shooting — And How We Move Forward
This week marks one year since a gunman killed 8 people in Atlanta, Georgia in a targeted attack against Asian massage parlors. 6 of those killed were Asian women.
Since that time, the fear and violence hasn’t gone away. A new study by the National Asian Pacific Women’s Forum found that 74% of Asian American and Pacific Islander women reported having personally experienced racism or discrimination in the last 12 months.
One year ago, Devin Katayama talked with local activist and organizer Hyej
Rightnowish: Self Love is a Communal Act
It's been an intense few weeks. And we believe that all of us deserve to take a break and take care of ourselves. So in the spirit of that, we’re going to play an episode to help keep us all going despite all that’s happening in the world.
In this episode of Rightnowish, host Pendarvis Harshaw speaks with AB Banks, in the first of a four-part series called Big Love. Banks works with the People’s Programs in Oakland, serving unhoused people through clinics and food donations. Banks is also deep i
Students, Growth, and Housing at UC Berkeley
A group of homeowners sued over UC Berkeley's plans to increase enrollment, claiming that the university has not adequately studied the environmental impacts of a higher student population.
This legal battle has been going on for years, but in the last few weeks it's gotten national attention. That's because the courts recently ruled against the university, which is now required to cap enrollment levels. It's set off arguments in Berkeley and across the state about growth, housing, and more. And
SF Students Are Still Pushing for a Reckoning With Sexual Abuse
Since the summer of 2020, SFUSD has seen waves of protests against sexual harassment and assault. Students say a familiar pattern has emerged: survivors share experiences of sexual abuse on Instagram, more people pay attention and talk about it, and then the conversation dies down for a few months.
But the issue is still on many students' minds. And while some changes have been made — including some student-led efforts at accountability — many students feel that administrators and district offic
How the War in Ukraine is Affecting Former Soviet Immigrants
KQED’s Nastia Voynovskaya was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. In the late 90s, she and her family immigrated to the Bay Area.
Growing up, Nastia’s community included Russians, Ukrainians, Armenians, Georgians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, and many other ethnic groups from the former Soviet Union.
Now, as Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, communities of immigrants from the former Soviet Union are speaking out, pulling together, and trying to support one another.
Episode Transcript
Guest: Nastia Voynov
For 15 Years, Valero’s Benicia Refinery Released Toxic Chemicals — And No One Knew
Valero’s Benicia oil refinery is one of the largest refineries in the state. And from 2003 to 2018, it secretly released excessive amounts of hazardous chemicals into the air before Bay Area regulators found out and investigated. Meanwhile, local officials and the broader community were only informed this year.
Guest: Ted Goldberg, KQED supervising senior editor for news
Episode Transcript
Links:
'First I Had Heard of It': Valero's Benicia Refinery Secretly Released Toxic Chemicals for Years
Remembering the Fight for Japanese American Reparations
Reparations in California is a series of KQED stories exploring the road to racial equity in the state.California is in the process of a first-of-its-kind study into reparations for Black Californians.The process of hashing out reparations can seem daunting. and the U.S. has not fully reckoned with its deepest harms, like enslavement of Black Americans or the genocide of Native Americans.However, the U.S. has provided reparations before — namely, for Japanese Americans, who were taken f
Reacting to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
On Wednesday night, Berkeleyside journalist Ally Markovich sat in front of her living room TV with her housemates and watched as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, where she was born.
Ally is one of the more than 100,000 Ukrainian Americans living in California — roughly 20,000 of whom live in the Bay Area. She, like other members of the diaspora here, are watching and worrying for the safety of people in Ukraine.
Guest: Ally Markovich, Berkeleyside reporter
This episode was produced and edited by
How Disaster Planning Leaves Out Queer People
Living with climate change means we’re going to have to plan for more disasters. That includes things like emergency shelters, food, and financial help.
But there are many people who don't feel safe or welcome accessing help when disaster does strike — including queer people. New research from Yale University, the University of Georgia and UC Irvine found LGBTQ+ communities are rendered invisible within disaster policies, even in California.
In the face of natural disasters, the dangers for qu
The SF School Board Recall Won in a Landslide. Now What?
San Francisco voters decided overwhelmingly to recall 3 board of education members from office: Board of Education President Gabriela López and commissioners Faauuga Moliga and Alison Collins. That leaves Mayor London Breed with the unilateral decision of who should replace them.Whoever the mayor picks will have many difficult issues to tackle, including hiring a superintendent and hashing out the future of the district’s budget. So what happens next? And what are supporters and opponents of the
SOLD OUT: A Suburb with an Eviction Problem
Antioch has been a destination for Bay Area residents looking for affordable housing. But now, it’s at the center of a growing eviction crisis.
In the first episode of the newest season of SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America, KQED housing reporters Molly Solomon and Erin Baldassari take us to the Sycamore Corridor in Antioch, where renters are fighting for protections like never before.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
California Will Close Death Row at San Quentin. The Next Steps Are More Complicated
California is in limbo with the death penalty. We have an execution moratorium, and no one has been put to death in the state since 2006. But it’s still legal to sentence someone to die, which means there are hundreds of people sitting on death row, often in solitary confinement.
But a move by Gov. Gavin Newsom begins to chip away at this system. The nation’s largest death row at San Quentin State Prison will close, and the men inside will be sent to other maximum security prisons where they can
'You Think You Can Just Close My School Down? No.'
Over the past few weeks, students, families and educators in Oakland have pushed back hard against plans by OUSD's Board of Education to close or merge public schools.
A majority of board members say the closures are necessary to address the district's budget problems. But they've faced fierce opposition from many local residents. Two educators, Moses Omolade and Andre San-Chez, have also been on a hunger strike since the beginning of the month.
On Tuesday night, the board voted 4-2 in favor of
Have You Felt 'COVID Shame?'
Way more people gotten sick with COVID-19 during these past few weeks. If you've tested positive, you may have felt a range of emotions: Surprise, fear...even anger.
There's also another emotion members of KQED's audience are reporting: shame. For some, it's a gut feeling upon seeing that "positive" result. Others also fear being judged by their peers after being careful for so long.
Today, we're sharing a conversation about this issue of 'COVID shame', with KQED senior engagement editor Carly S
Is ‘Uber for Nurses’ Coming to California?
A proposal to spread the gig economy to health care could be on the ballot this fall. A group calling itself Californians for Equitable Healthcare Access has filed a measure to classify nurses, dental hygienists, occupational therapists and other health care workers who find work online as independent contractors.
The law firm that submitted this proposal also worked on Proposition 22, which allowed companies to make app-based drivers independent contractors, instead of employees with benefits l
An Example of 'Land Back' in Northern California
A conservation group representing Northern California tribes has gotten 523 acres of land back.
The Sinkyone call the land Tc'ih-Léh-Dûñ, meaning "Fish Run Place,” located about 170 miles north of San Francisco in northern Mendocino County. It's a pristine, ecologically rich area that Indigenous people lived in for thousands of years before white settlers violently displaced them.
Guest: Matthew Green, digital producer and editor for KQED
Corrections: This episode states, at 3:28, that the Sinky
The SF School Board Recall is Motivating First-Time Chinese Voters
The recall election of 3 San Francisco Board of Education members has motivated many Chinese voters to get involved in local politics for the first time. Early evidence suggests that much of this enthusiasm is coming from the "yes" side of the campaign. So why and how is this election speaking to first-time Chinese voters?
Guests: Han Li, reporter with the San Francisco Standard and Scott Shafer, KQED politics and government editor and co-host of the Political Breakdown podcast.
This episode was
San Francisco’s School Board Recall Election
Whether you have a kid in San Francisco public schools or not, if you’re a registered voter, you’ll have a say in the potential recall of three San Francisco Board of Education commissioners.Voters have between now and Feb. 15 to choose whether to individually vote ‘Yes’ or “No’ on recalling Commissioners Alison Collins, Gabriela Lopez and Faauuga Moliga.Recall supporters say the many SFUSD controversies over the years reflect a lack of competence overall. Opponents of the recall say the campaig
‘Crowchella’ in Sunnyvale
Clouds of crows have taken over downtown Sunnyvale like a scene out of The Birds. A combination of factors are leading them there, including the increase of outdoor dining due to the pandemic.
Now, the city is trying to figure out how to get them out of the area without harming them. Residents have some strong opinions about it, too. But even if the city successfully drives them out of downtown, there’s no guarantee they’ll be gone for good.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED editor and reporter
This episo
‘There’s an Element of Risk No Matter Where I Go’
We've all had to weigh the risks of leaving our homes during this pandemic that has lasted for nearly 2 years. For lots of people, the risk of getting severely ill from the coronavirus is currently very low, even amid the Omicron surge of the past few weeks.
But for many disabled, immunocompromised, and medically vulnerable people, the stakes of getting COVID-19 are still very high. Many also feel that public discussions about the future of the virus are not taking their health into consideratio
Santa Clara's County Sheriff is Being Investigated
Trouble could be ahead for Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith. A civil grand jury has accused her office of 7 counts of misconduct related to corruption, and on Wednesday California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that his office is launching a civil rights investigation. It's the latest in a long backstory of officials and members of the public attempting to hold Sheriff Smith accountable, for accusations like corruption, bribery, and even jail abuse.Today, we’re sharing an e
Why Are There So Many Driverless Cars in San Francisco?
A self-driving car is not an uncommon sight in San Francisco. And it can feel like more and more of them are out there on the roads. But why?
Today, an episode from our friends at Bay Curious about this, and whether we're headed towards a driverless future.
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‘I Hope a Lawyer Will Answer’
The U.S. currently has an immigration court backlog that surpasses 1.5 million cases — and that includes many people who are seeking asylum from violence or persecution in their home countries.In northern California, asylum cases are typically heard at an immigration court in San Francisco’s Financial District. That’s where KQED immigration editor Tyche Hendricks met Pablo Lopez, a Nicaraguan man living in Walnut Creek as he awaits his opportunity to make his case before an immigration judge. Bu
San José Considers Expanding the Vote to Noncitizens
On Tuesday, the San José City Council voted to study the possibility of giving noncitizens the right to vote in local elections. Community organizers in the city, where 40% of residents are foreign-born, have talked about the idea for years. They argue it’s time to enfranchise the city’s immigrants, regardless of their citizenship status.
If successful, San Jose would join New York as one of the biggest cities to do this nationwide.
Guest: Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí, community engagement reporter fo
A Chaotic Return to School
Last week, students, teachers and staff returned to class after the winter holidays…and right in the middle of a record-high surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases across California.The result? Lots of classroom absences and disruptions, thanks to huge numbers of positive cases among students and educators alike. So, what happens next?Guest: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED education reporterThis episode was produced by Alan Montecillo, Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and Christopher Beale, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guev
RIP Traxamillion, an Architect of the Hyphy Movement
Traxamillion, born Sultan Banks, was a producer from San Jose who helped define the Bay Area’s sound and propelled the Hyphy Movement to the national stage. If there’s a Bay Area hip-hop anthem you love, whether it’s Sideshow, Super Hyphy or San Francisco Anthem, Traxamillion had his fingerprints on it.
Traxamillion died on Jan. 2 in Santa Clara from a rare form of cancer at the age of 42. So today, we remember his legacy on the hyphy movement, the Bay Area, and local artists.
Guest: Nastia Voyn
Examining January 6 with Rep. Zoe Lofgren
Rep. Zoe Lofgren was in the U.S. Capitol a year ago when a mob of Trump supporters, white supremacists, and conspiracy theorists stormed the building to try and overturn the results of the presidential election. Now she’s one of 9 House members — and the only one from the Bay Area — charged with investigating what happened leading up to that day, and who was involved.
On this episode, we share an interview between Rep. Lofgren and KQED’s Brian Watt.
Guest: Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), representing
Keeping Up With California's COVID Testing Surge
Long COVID test lines and empty shelves where the rapid at-home tests used to be — all signs of another post-holiday pandemic surge.
It’s hard to know just how big of a testing deficit we’re in, but with the Omicron variant spreading and a huge spike in demand after the holidays, just how prepared were we for another testing surge?
Guests: Kristen Hwang, CalMatters health reporter and Yolanda Oviedo, COVID-19 Response Coordinator at Canal Alliance in San Rafael
This episode was produced by Alan
The Cost of Crossing Bay Area Bridges, And Who Pays the Most
As of Jan. 1, 2022, it’ll cost $7 to cross a bridge in the Bay Area. But if you thought that was expensive, wait until you hear how much it has cost those who don't pay: One Bay Area resident racked up $30,000 in unpaid toll debt. A report that came out late last year shed new light on how this problem hurts low-income people the most. And it turns out that racking up thousands of dollars in debt is easier than you might think.
So what’s being done to try to help make this late payment system le
The Bay Looks Back at 2021
New year, same pandemic. The Bay team reflects on another year of covering local news from the Bay Area, and discusses both the hard — and hopeful — stories from 2021.
Our top picks!
Rain! With Dan Brekke
‘Our People Are Not Disposable’: How East San Jose Is Coping With the Pandemic with Farida Jabvala Romero
This episode was produced by Carlos Cabrera-Lomeli, Mary Franklin Harvin, Raquel Maria Dillon, and was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Alan Montecillo.
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When a Covid Expert Gets Covid
Alexis Madrigal was super-cautious about COVID-19 from the beginning. He co-founded the COVID Tracking Project through The Atlantic and has been reporting on the virus since the earliest days of the pandemic.
But in the summer 2021, he got invited to a wedding where he would eventually contract COVID (despite being fully vaccinated). The positive test turned his life upside down and sent ripples of anxiety through his family and extended network. His story points to where we are right now — a un
Vallejo Plans to Fire the Cop Who Killed Sean Monterrosa
This episode contains descriptions of police violence.
After Vallejo police officer Jarrett Tonn shot and killed Sean Monterrosa on June 2, 2020, the Vallejo Police Department hired the OIR Group, a firm that provides independent reviews of police actions, to investigate what happened the night of Monterrosa’s death.
The findings of the yearlong investigation were released earlier this month. They conclude that the officers involved in the shooting failed to follow department policy and de-escal
Rightnowish: A Bay Area Rollerskating Legend
Ericka took up roller skating during the pandemic, and a lot of other people have, too. Maybe you've seen it along Lake Merritt or in front of City Hall in San Jose.
Skating also has a long history in the Bay Area, and for more than 50 years, Richard Humphrey has been at the forefront, especially at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
Humphrey talked with Rightnowish host Pendarvis Harshaw on what it was like to skate in the Bay Area during the 70s, what it was like skating as a Black person back
Abortion Services Are Still Hard to Find for Rural and Low Income Californians
If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, Californians won’t lose the right to an abortion. The right to have one is codified into state law.
But having the right to an abortion isn’t the same as having good access to one — especially if you’re low income or live in rural parts of the state, where 40% of mostly rural counties in California — home to hundreds of thousands of people in the state — have no clinics that provide abortions.
Guest: Katie Orr, KQED politics and government reporter
Thi
When Police Need PR Help, Many Turn to One Firm in Vacaville
When the police kill or hurt someone, the public has a right to know what happened. But in many cases, the police’s story is carefully crafted to protect officers. And in California, it’s often done with the help of a Vacaville-based PR firm known as Cole Pro Media, which has at least 100 clients across the state.
Cole Pro focuses on helping police departments and sheriff’s offices improve their public image. But they’ve also helped law enforcement agencies avoid scrutiny and transparency.
Guest
A Second Pandemic Holiday Season for Food Banks
During the first few weeks of sheltering in place, food banks saw a huge explosion in demand as thousands lost their jobs and income. Food banks also had to stop or restrict volunteer programs for fear of spreading COVID-19.
Now, as we go into our second holiday season during the pandemic, many still can’t afford to buy the food they need for themselves and their families. And on top of that, prices for many food items have increased as well.
Guest: Carly Severn, KQED senior engagement editor
Li
Omicron: What We Know (and Don't Know)
Federal health officials are expanding the search for the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the U.S, including at San Francisco International Airport, where there’s increased testing for some international travelers.
There’s still a lot we don’t know — Omicron could be a big deal, or it could change very little about the pandemic. Medical experts are currently trying to figure out whether this variant is more contagious, whether it's more deadly, and how the vaccines hold up against it.
Guest:
For Afghan Artists in the Bay, It’s a Painful Time
Artists in Afghanistan are in trouble now that the Taliban are back in charge. Visual artists and performers are fleeing the country for fear of being harassed, persecuted, and even killed.
This has ripple effects here in the Bay Area, which is home to a well-networked Afghan community and many Afghan American artists. They fear that creativity and freedom of expression are under attack once again. And they’re responding in different ways — through raising money, through changing their artistic
Meeting My Husband During the Pandemic
Meeting new people as an adult is hard enough, whether it’s dating or meeting new friends. Then the pandemic happened, and it got even more difficult.
But there are success stories out there. KQED Silicon Valley reporter Adhiti Bandlamudi did start dating someone during the pandemic. And in a recent episode of The California Report Magazine, she spoke with host Sasha Khokha about what that was like — and how it led to a connection she wasn’t expecting.
We're hiring a producer! Please apply by De
A Win For Indian Farmers and Their Bay Area Supporters
A movement to support Indian farmers scored a win this past week. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, announced plans to roll back three controversial laws that had sparked protests for more than a year.
The Sikh community in California had rallied behind this movement and staged several marches here in the Bay Area, including one that stopped traffic on the Bay Bridge. Many said they wanted to take a stand against privatization. Some wanted to stand in solidarity with relatives back hom
'That Walgreens Was Essential'
This month, Walgreens closed 5 stores in 5 different San Francisco neighborhoods. The company claims it was because of “organized, rampant retail theft,” although available information doesn't quite back that up.
These Walgreens locations also got national attention, and became part of heated local debates about policing and a fear of increased crime. And all the while, many San Francisco residents — especially older people and lower-income families — have lost an essential resource in their nei
How to Overcome Climate Anxiety
The United Nations COP26 climate summit was billed by conference organizers as the “last, best hope” to save our warming planet. In the end, countries left with an agreement that makes some progress, but ultimately doesn’t go far enough. And if you’re worried about climate change, it probably didn’t do much to ease your anxiety.But we don’t have to rely on world leaders alone. Today, we discuss how to take feelings of climate anxiety and turn them into meaningful action. Guest: Laura Klivans, KQ
Remembering the Native American Occupation of Alcatraz
52 years ago this month, a group of Native Americans began to occupy Alcatraz to assert their right to self-determination. The 19-month occupation is still known as one of the most important actions in contemporary Native American history and in the fight for American Indian civil rights.
On Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2019, Native people from across the West Coast gathered in San Francisco for a ceremonial canoe journey to Alcatraz Island.
This episode originally aired on Oct. 16, 2019.
Learn mo
The California Latinos at COP26
California sent many representatives to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland — including many Latinos, who are California's largest ethnic group and are also more likely to say that climate change affects their local community.
They include some of the state's most powerful people, academics, leaders of non-profits, and activists. They also include protesters who are skeptical that this summit will lead to meaningful climate action.
Guest: Raquel Maria Dillon, K
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Rolling Out for Kids Ages 5-11
After a review process from the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pediatric COVID-19 shots are now available for kids ages 5-11.
It's a long time coming for many kids and families who have been waiting for nearly a year. Today, we talk about what this means and answer some listeners' big questions about the rollout.
Guest: Carly Severn, KQED Senior Engagement Editor
More information about where to get a Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for kids.
This episode
Drawing the Bay Area's New Political Maps
What if parts of the Bay and parts of the Central Valley were represented by the same person in the U.S. House of Representatives? What about Filipino voters in Daly City and Chinese voters in the western part San Francisco? Or South Asians living in Santa Clara County?
These are just a few of the thorny questions being debated right now during California’s redistricting process. Soon, California will have a new political map that will decide how we’re all represented — in the state legislature
Our New Host
On this very special episode, meet the new host of The Bay.
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The SFUSD Board Recall Election is Set. We Revisit Student Voices
3 members of the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education will be facing a recall vote in February. The special election encompasses a whole host of polarizing issues in the district: in-person learning, the admissions policy at Lowell High School, the effort to rename schools, Commissioner Alison Collins’ 2016 tweets that were seen as anti-Asian, and more.
Throughout these crises, student voices have often remained on the periphery. So today, we’re revisiting an episode from Apr
Oscar Grant, Rob Bonta, and Upcoming Police Reforms
Less than six weeks after our KQED colleagues from On Our Watch published an episode that revealed new information about the police killing of Oscar Grant, California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he was opening an external investigation into the 12-year old case, which he says remains unsolved.
KQED's Sukey Lewis spoke with Bonta to discuss systemic issues in California policing, and how he wants them to be addressed. She also covers some upcoming police reforms that could lead to mor
An Investigation Into COVID-19 Outbreaks at Foster Farms
In 2020, hundreds of workers at Foster Farms plants in California tested positive for COVID-19. 16 people have died and at least 20 others have been hospitalized.
A KQED investigation found that as Foster Farms' Central Valley plants stayed open, and essential workers got sick, or even died, the company didn’t always give a complete picture of the problem to health officials, state regulators and their own employees.
KQED’s Alex Hall has been following the story since the start, and in this epis
The Struggle to Hold Chevron Accountable
Over the past few days, the Chevron refinery in Richmond has been intermittently sending flames and toxic fumes into the air, and people living in the area have complained of a strong gas smell.
Meanwhile, the public still has not received details about the cause behind another incident at the same refinery more than 8 months ago: a pipeline leak on Feb. 9 that sent 750 gallons of fuel into the San Francisco Bay.
Guest: Ted Goldberg, supervising senior editor for news and newscasts at KQED
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The ‘Invisible’ HelloFresh Workers Trying to Unionize in Richmond
During the pandemic, the meal kit delivery company HelloFresh has made record profits. But some employees at HelloFresh factory kitchens like the one in Richmond say they’re not sharing in those gains, and that they feel invisible and underappreciated.
Instead, they say they’re being asked to work harder and faster as more white-collar employees working remotely use the service. Now, they want to form what would be the first union in the meal kit industry.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED tech reporter
Rain!
We’re getting an unusual amount of rain this week, with the potential for strong storms during the weekend. And after a summer of drought and wildfires, the rain’s just got us feeling some type of way.
So this all begs the question: Could this rain actually put a dent in this year’s fire season or our drought?
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED editor and reporter
This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Kate Wolffe, and hosted by Alan Montecillo.
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30 Years Ago, the Oakland Hills Burned. Could it Happen Again?
On Oct. 19, 1991, a fire started to burn and spread in the Oakland Hills. By the time it was done, an estimated 25 people were killed and thousands of homes were destroyed.
30 years later, a warmer climate and drier conditions mean that another wildfire could break out in or near the city of Oakland. So, are we more prepared this time?
Guest: Brian Krans, contributing reporter for The Oaklandside
Listen: Remembering the 1991 Oakland-Berkeley Firestorm
This episode was produced by Kate Wolffe and
Vallejo's 'Participatory Budgeting' Process
Nearly a decade ago, Vallejo launched an experiment: what if citizens played a more active role in deciding how to spend public money?
It's a process called 'participatory budgeting', and Vallejo is the first city in the nation to try this citywide. Now, more local governments in California are considering this approach, too.
Today, we're sharing an episode of California State of Mind, a podcast from Capital Public Radio and CalMatters. Hosts Nicole Nixon and Nigel Duara explore this topic with
‘40 Acres and a Tesla’? California Considers Reparations for Black Americans
California’s Reparations Task Force has a huge challenge before them: to study and recommend reparation proposals for Black Californians and descendants of enslaved people.
The task force wrapped up a series of meetings this week ranging from housing discrimination, to environmental racism to educational inequities. But this formal public process is also a time for people to share their personal emotions and experiences — and tell the state what reparations would mean to them.
View past meetings
Unpacking the Rise in Gun Violence
In 2020, homicides in the Bay Area increased by about 25%, according to a Guardian analysis of census and state data. Many of those deaths involved guns. The majority of people killed were Black and Latino, and some of the largest increases took place in Oakland, Vallejo, and Stockton.
We don't yet know all of the reasons why this increase occurred, but many local practitioners of gun violence prevention point to factors like economic hardship, and the closures of important community spaces duri
How Tahoe Protected Itself From the Caldor Fire
The Caldor Fire came very close to burning thousands of homes and businesses in South Lake Tahoe. But in the end, while the wildfire has done a lot of damage, the city was largely spared.
That’s no accident. South Lake Tahoe was protected from the Caldor Fire thanks to the hard work of firefighters, some favorable wind shifts, and years of forest preparation.
Guest: Danielle Venton, KQED climate reporter
This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Adhiti Bandlamudi, and hosted by Alan
Sonoma County Vineyard Workers are Demanding More Protections
Vineyard workers already have hard jobs that usually don’t pay high wages. And as wildfire season increasingly overlaps with harvest season, their work has gotten even more dangerous.
Now, advocates and farmworkers in Sonoma County are demanding that wine businesses provide stronger protections for the laborers who make the industry possible in the first place.
Guest: Nashelly Chavez, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion reporter for the Press Democrat
Follow The Bay to hear more local Bay Area stori
California Can Soon Strip Badges from Cops for Serious Misconduct
Currently, there's little stopping a police officer accused of serious misconduct from simply resigning and moving to a new department.
But that's about to change. The Kenneth Ross Jr. Police Decertification Act of 2021, named after a Black man who was shot in the back by an exonerated Gardena Police Officer in 2018, makes it possible for the state to strip bad cops of their badges so they are barred from working in law enforcement for good.
Guest: Sukey Lewis, KQED criminal justice reporter and
What’s the Deal with COVID-19 Booster Shots?
The news about COVID-19 booster shots has been confusing. In mid-August, President Biden announced that a COVID-19 booster shot would roll out to all eligible U.S. residents starting the week of Sept. 20. But then, amid disagreement among federal health officials, that plan was scaled back.
Now, the federal government is recommending that some people get a third shot. Today, we break down who is eligible, and how to get one.
Read more about the COVID vaccine rollout and information on how to get
An Intergenerational Welcoming for Afghan Refugees
Since July, at least 2,000 refugees from Afghanistan have arrived in California, with most settling in Northern California and the Bay Area.
Since the Taliban took over Kabul in mid-August, the pace of resettlement has ramped up, and many of the people supporting newly arrived refugees come from already-established communities of Afghan Americans in the Bay — who know what it means to be displaced and start anew.
Guest: Tyche Hendricks, KQED immigration senior editor
Click here to find more in
The Immigrant Renters the Eviction Moratorium Didn't Protect
California’s eviction moratorium is set to expire tomorrow, September 30. But in many parts of the Bay, Latino immigrant tenants have still been getting evicted by their landlords.
That’s because protections on paper haven’t necessarily added up to protections in practice, as many renters have not been made aware of their rights and face barriers to receiving rental assistance.
Guest: Madeleine Bair, founding director of El Tímpano
Episode transcript: https://bit.ly/3F3jQTW
This episode was prod
How Two Wineries are Dealing With Climate Change
Wineries have been affected by heat, drought and wildfires. Many have seen lower yields and have even lost grapes. But winemakers are also adapting, and finding creative ways to make sure their livelihoods continue.
Today, we follow two wineries in the North Bay and learn how they're experiencing and adapting to climate change.
Guest: Ezra David Romero, KQED climate reporter
Episode transcript: https://bit.ly/3zQBiXD
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Mary Franklin Harvin, and host
California Passed a Law to End Single-Family Zoning
Two days after the recall election, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 9, which effectively ends single-family zoning in California. The law is part of a larger effort to increase the supply of housing, at a time when prices are at an all-time high and rents remain unaffordable for many people.
Guest: Erika Kelly, senior editor of KQED’s housing affordability desk
Episode transcript: https://bit.ly/2W84lZ0
This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Mary Franklin Harvin, and hosted b
Will Oakland Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for Public School Students?
Oakland Unified’s Board of Education is considering a proposal that would require all students 12 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Some say it’s a necessary step to make schools safer, while others worry that it will create another barrier to in-person learning.
The resolution could be voted on as early as tonight, and if passed, OUSD would become the first district in Northern California to mandate vaccines for students.
OUSD's Board of Education meeting today starts at 4 p.m.
Gues
Mountain View's Mobile Home Parks Could Have Rent Control Soon
In Mountain View, residents of mobile home parks are on the verge of winning protections under the city’s rent control law — which they have been excluded from so far. But in this expensive Silicon Valley city, the political fight about rent control in mobile homes is far from over. Guest: Adhiti Bandlamudi, KQED Silicon Valley reporterEpisode transcript: https://bit.ly/2XHJcWu This episode was produced by Christopher Beale and Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and hosted by Alan Montecillo. Learn
Where Our Water Comes From
Most Bay Area residents rely on water that travels a long way to get here. And as we experience another drought, it’s more important than ever to understand how our water works, especially in our different local communities.
Today, we’re sharing an episode from our friends at Bay Curious. This is one episode in their six-part series on drought.
Episode transcript
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Gov. Gavin Newsom Easily Defeats the Recall
19 months, 46 candidates, and hundreds of millions of dollars later, Gov. Gavin Newsom has easily defeated the effort to remove him from office. It marks the end of a campaign that was first launched in February 2020 by a retired Yolo County sheriff’s deputy.
The governor will stay in office until at least January 2023, when his first term ends — or longer, if he wins re-election next year.
Guest: Marisa Lagos, political correspondent for KQED and co-host of the Political Breakdown podcast
Epis
Two Latino Families on the Recall Election
Latinos are roughly 28% of the voting public in California. And over the past 20 years or so, most have voted for Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom. Now, the recall election is here, and millions of Latino voters across California are deciding how to vote (or whether to vote).
Today, we meet two families — one from Modesto, and one from Oakland.
Guests: Maria Peña, producer for KQED en Español, and Scott Shafer, senior editor of KQED’s politics and government desk
Episode transcript here: h
What Could A Republican Governor Do?
The last day to vote in the recall election is Tuesday, Sept. 14. And if Gov. Gavin Newsom is replaced, his most likely successor is conservative talk radio host Larry Elder — who, if elected, would be the only Republican statewide elected official.
He would also have just one year before the next election in 2022. So how much could a new Republican governor actually do in that time?
Guest: Marisa Lagos, political correspondent for KQED, and co-host of the Political Breakdown podcast
Episode tra
Many Communal Housing Residents in SF's Chinatown Want More Distance Learning
Residents of communal housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown are organizing to keep their students home. According to a survey of residents living in Single Room Occupancy hotels in Chinatown (or SROs) by the Chinatown Community Development Center, 70% of families in communal housing oppose in-person learning for their kids. A combination of factors — like a reliance on public transportation and the inability to quarantine in communal housing — are contributing to these feelings.
Guest: Joe Fitzg
Why Was Angelo Quinto’s Death Ruled an Accident?
In December 2020, 30-year old Angelo Quinto died after an encounter with Antioch police. His family says that, after calling 911 for help, they witnessed officers using a knee-to-neck restraint, causing Quinto to die of asphyxiation in the hospital days later.
In August, a coroner’s inquest for Contra Costa County declared Quinto’s death an accident. But the inquest process itself had some significant red flags — and it has left Quinto’s family and many other Antioch residents feeling like that
What’s at Stake as the Caldor Fire Threatens Lake Tahoe
The Caldor Fire continues to burn, and tens of thousands of people have evacuated areas around Lake Tahoe, including the 22,000 residents of the city of South Lake Tahoe. The fire is threatening homes, livelihoods, and a place that so many in California know and love.
Guest: Ezra David Romero, climate reporter for KQED
Episode transcript here: https://bit.ly/3mQugiP
This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Christopher Beale, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.
Listen and subscribe to the
Benicia Breaks with Solano County on Masks
In early August, 8 Bay Area counties reinstated mask mandates in indoor public spaces due to the spread of the Delta variant. Solano County was the only one that didn't.Last week, the city of Benicia broke with the county by approving its own indoor mask mandate.Today, we speak with the city's mayor about this decision, and what it says about differences within Solano County.Guest: Steve Young, Mayor of BeniciaTranscript here: https://bit.ly/38oe6VJ Learn more about your ad choices. Vis
A Farewell to Our Host, Devin Katayama
It’s time to say goodbye to our host. Devin Katayama is leaving The Bay to become KQED’s first Editor of Talent and Development, where he'll help support interns and on-call staff develop their careers.To commemorate his three and a half years on the show, The Bay team took a field trip to a couple of Devin's treasured spots in the Bay Area to reflect on his time on the show, and what's next for him.Transcript here: https://bit.ly/3gErxFl
Meet the Top 6 Recall Election Candidates
When California voters look at their ballots for the Sept. 14 recall election, they will see 46 candidates who are running to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. If a majority of voters mark “Yes” on the recall, Newsom will be removed from office, and 1 of these 46 people will become the state’s next leader.
Today, we’ll meet the top 6 candidates: Larry Elder, Kevin Faulconer, John Cox, Kevin Kiley, Caitlyn Jenner, and Kevin Paffrath.
Guest: Katie Orr, reporter with KQED’s Politics and Government Desk.
Some Santa Clara County Leaders Want the Sheriff Out
In Santa Clara County, there are a series of controversies surrounding Sheriff Laurie Smith. They range from abuse in jails, to bribery — to even potential allegations of corruption and political influence.
Now some South Bay leaders are saying enough is enough. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo wants Smith to resign, and county supervisors want her office investigated.
Guests: Adhiti Bandlamudi, KQED Silicon Valley reporter, and Alex Emslie, KQED criminal justice editor
Read the episode transcript h
Our Fire Conversation Needs to Change
Several wildfires are burning in Northern California — again. Fire is now a regular part of our lives, and we need to address it with the nuance and complexity it deserves.
But in order to do that, we need to rethink how we talk about and report on fire in the first place. Today, KQED Science reporter Danielle Venton shares what she’s learned in 6 years of wildfire reporting — and what needs to change.
More Resources:
The Karuk Used to Manage the Forest for Centuries. Now They Want To Do That
An ‘All-Hands-on-Deck’ Moment for Afghan Refugee Resettlement
The Bay Area is home to some of the largest Afghan communities in the U.S. And now, as the Taliban have taken over control of Afghanistan, refugee resettlement organizations here like Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay say the pace of people seeking refuge is "like nothing we've seen in recent years."
Guest: Fouzia Azizi, Director of Refugee Services for Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay
You can find opportunities to donate or help JFCS here.
Read the episode transcript he
A Bay Curious Guide to Gov. Newsom’s Recall Election
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recall election is coming. Ballots have been mailed out and the last day to vote in Sept. 14.
Feeling unprepared? Here’s a primer with nitty-gritty voting details, some context for the campaign, and what you’ll find on your ballot from our friends at Bay Curious.
Transcript here: https://bit.ly/3sdB4I2
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Some Families Still Want Virtual Learning This Fall
For the vast majority of families, this fall means a return to in-person school. But some have opted to stick with remote learning because of concerns over COVID-19. And in many cases — including in Oakland — the rollout of virtual learning this time around has been rocky.
Guest: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED education reporter
Transcript here: https://bit.ly/3sgb8vn
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Getting Ready to Teach in Person Again
Bay Area teachers have been preparing to teach in-person again. There’s so much to get ready for — whether it’s taking steps to keep people safe from COVID-19, or figuring out how to navigate student group projects. But above all, these two Bay Area teachers are excited to return to what was lost: connecting in person with their students.
Guests: Andreanna Yanez-Vierra, 1st grade teacher at Hoover Elementary School in Burlingame; Ralph Bedwell, English teacher at Pinole Valley High
Transcript h
Bay Area Students Are Going Back to School. Are Families Ready?
Many Bay Area students are starting school this week, and in California, classes will mostly be in-person. At the same time, COVID cases are rising due to the delta variant. But after a year of remote learning, families and students have mixed feelings about going back to school in person.
Guest: Julia McEvoy, KQED senior editor of education and equity. Read the episode transcript here.
Follow The Bay to hear more local Bay Area stories like this one. New episodes are released Monday, Wednesday
The Youth Making BART Safer for Women and Girls as Service Increases
Even before the pandemic, public transit did not feel safe to many women and girls. That’s why the #NotOneMoreGirl initiative was launched and spearheaded by Bay Area youth — and they've already helped create changes at BART.As BART service resumes at near pre-pandemic hours, advocates say keeping vulnerable people safe is more important than ever.Guests: Haleema Bharoocha, senior advocacy manager at Alliance for Girls and Santana Tapia, with the #NotOneMoreGirl campaign and co-founder
The Race Against Time to Stop the Delta Variant in the Bay
Just when there was a palpable sense that everything might be OK, the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 came along.
The race to vaccinate more people is now even more urgent; healthcare workers who are seeing more patients say another surge is entirely preventable, if only more people would get vaccinated.
Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED science reporter
Read the episode transcript here.
Follow The Bay to hear more local Bay Area stories like this one. New episodes are released Monday, We
Eating Inside? This Restaurant Requires Proof of Vaccination
COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, fueled by the contagious Delta variant. And over the past few weeks, many Bay Area restaurants and bars have responded by requiring customers to prove they've been fully vaccinated before dining inside.
Today, we visit one San Francisco business that recently made this decision.
Guests: Eduardo Sandoval and Eva Lee of Santería margarita bar in San Francisco
Read the transcript here.
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We’re Taking a Break in July
For the next few weeks, we’re taking a break from making new episodes. It’s a lot of work to bring you 3 shows a week, and we’re going to use this time to rest up and reflect.
We’re still going to be accessible if you want to hit us up with questions, comments or story ideas. We’re on Twitter @TheBayKQED, and reachable via email at thebay@kqed.org.
Our next episode will be on Monday, August 2. Thank you all so much for listening and for supporting the show, and we’re looking forward to sharing
On Our Watch: The Brady Rule
Our colleagues at KQED and NPR have spent countless hours analyzing the world of police discipline, thanks to a police transparency law that unsealed thousands of files.
And over the past few weeks, they’ve been sharing that work in the form of On Our Watch, a limited-run podcast that brings you into the rooms where officers are interrogated and witnesses are questioned, to find out who this shadow system of police accountability really serves, and who it protects.
Many episodes of On Our Watch
California Extended Its Eviction Moratorium (Again). Now What?
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law that extends California’s eviction protections for people economically impacted by COVID-19 — and who have paid at least 25% of the rent they owe — until Sept. 30. The state also has a plan to use $5.2 billion in federal money to pay for 100% of rental debt owed by eligible tenants.
So for now, California has prevented thousands of landlords from evicting tenants who have been behind on rent due to the pandemic. But if we don’t want to be in the same situation
‘We Don’t Want to See a Drop Wasted'
California is in a second year of drought. And depending on where you live, you might already have water restrictions in place. Healdsburg, for example, has a mandatory 40% water restriction, while Santa Rosa has a voluntary 20%. In Mendocino County, and in areas of the North Bay that rely on the Russian River for water, cities, farmers and residents are trying to save for current and future droughts.
Guest: Ezra David Romero, KQED climate reporter
Episode transcript here. Subscribe to our news
Tips on How to Address Your City Council (Also, It’s Our 500th Episode!)
It’s our 500th episode! One of the great joys of working on the show has been using our space to help people in the Bay Area get excited about or involved in issues they care about. Often that starts with local government.
So we want to share one of our favorite episodes with you from earlier this year with tips about how to publicly address your elected leaders. Then, after that, we all hop on the mic to talk a little bit about why we love this episode, and share some stories from The Bay's ear
From AIDS to COVID-19, Gay Activists in San Francisco Have Been Organizing in Public Health for Decades
Forty years after the AIDS epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens those most at risk in the LGBTQ community across the world. Community organizers in the Bay Area have been building on the work of people like Bobbi Campbell, a San Francisco nurse who became the first person to go public with a cancer associated with AIDS. His work to educate the other gay men in the city was the beginning of an activist-led campaign that helped protect the queer community from AIDS even before the federal gov
A Pivotal Moment for Regulating Oil Companies in the Bay
On June 2, so many people spoke during a Bay Area Air Quality Management District board meeting that the agency had to postpone a vote to regulate air pollution from two Bay Area refineries — one run by Chevron in Richmond, and one run by PBF Energy in Martinez.The proposal would force Chevron and PBF Energy to install potentially hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment to clean the particulate matter released every day by their refineries. Now, the Air District board is has been res
The Uncertain Future of La Pulga in San Jose
On Tuesday, San Jose’s City Council will vote on a plan to rezone parts of the Flea Market on Berryessa Road, where hundreds of immigrant vendors have set up shop for more than 60 years.
The new development would include commercial and residential space near transit, including some affordable housing units. But it would also shrink the space for vendors dramatically, so much so that many fear they will lose their businesses altogether.
Guests: Adhiti Bandlamudi, KQED Silicon Valley reporter and
Live Events Are Coming Back, But Challenges Remain for Arts Workers and Venue Owners
Many live concerts and events are returning to the Bay Area, as COVID-19 cases remain low and the state ends capacity limits, social distancing and mask requirements in most places.
But not everyone working in live events is comfortable with the idea of working indoors with unmasked guests, and independent venues are still waiting for federal relief money that was promised months ago.
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED arts and culture associate editor
Episode transcript here. Subscribe to our new
Why Some Fully Vaccinated Californians Will Keep Wearing Masks After June 15
California will fully reopen for “business as usual”on June 15. That means, among other things, that fully vaccinated people will no longer be required to masks in most places around the state. But there are plenty of reasons you’ll still see people in the Bay Area continuing to wear masks. We’ll tell you about some of them.
Guest: Carly Severn, KQED senior engagement editor
Episode transcript here. Subscribe to our newsletter here.
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One Native American Tribe in Lake County is Creating Housing for Homeless Members
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians doesn’t have its own reservation. Like many Native communities, many members also struggle with poverty and homelessness.
But recently, using funds from California’s ‘Project Homekey,’ the tribe bought an apartment building in Lake County to house members most in need. And leaders are also hoping it’ll be the start of a new community hub for the tribe.
Guest: Molly Solomon, KQED housing affordability reporter
Read the transcript here. Subscribe to our newsl
Can California's 'Red Flag Law' Stop Gun Violence Before it Happens?
After the mass shooting at a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority rail yard in San Jose two weeks ago, some politicians started talking about California’s “Red Flag” gun control law, which uses the power of restraining orders to take guns away from people a judge deems at risk of harming themselves or others.
Many people aren’t even aware of the red flag law. And using it as a way to prevent gun violence of all kinds — including mass shootings, suicides and domestic violence — is much mo
The ‘Golden State Stimulus’ Includes Undocumented Californians, But Many Can’t Access Their Checks
Undocumented Californians have been mostly shut out of three rounds of federal stimulus checks. So when the ‘Golden State Stimulus’ was approved in February by the State Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, undocumented immigrants were hopeful that they’d finally receive some direct relief. But bureaucratic hoops have prevented many people from accessing this money in a timely fashion.
Guest: Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí, reporter for KQED en Español
Episode transcript here. Subscribe
Why The Vote to Recall Gov. Gavin Newsom Could Happen Sooner Than You Think
The effort to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom picked up steam in late 2020, during the height of the pandemic.
Now, COVID-19 has slowed down in California, and Gov. Newsom is currently in a strong position; one recent poll showed that just 40% of likely voters support recalling him from office.
This has left some Democrats debating a thorny question: whether they should use the current recall laws to hold the election earlier, or wait until the fall, when most voters expect elections to take place.
Gue
Fentanyl Overdoses are Claiming Younger People’s Lives in Santa Clara County
Deaths from fentanyl overdoses have been on the rise during the pandemic. In Santa Clara County, the ages of the victims are trending younger, according to an analysis by KQED and the Documenting COVID-19 project at Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation.
Fentanyl can be laced into pills that look like common painkillers — and thanks in part to COVID-19, buying these drugs online has become even more convenient. Now, parents and officials alike are trying to educate kids and
The #VTAfamily is Mourning the Loss of Friends and Co-Workers
The deadliest mass shooting in Bay Area history happened Wednesday at a rail yard for the Valley Transportation Authority, the Santa Clara County transit agency made up of around 2,000 employees. The 9 victims who died were maintenance workers, light rail operators, mechanics and supervisors.
Public transit workers haven't had the privilege of sheltering at home during the pandemic, and for the past year they’ve kept transit going. Now, VTA workers are mourning the loss of friends and colleagues
The Black and Brown Families in Oakland Reimagining Education for Their Kids
For years, Black and brown parents of Oakland Unified students have been pushing the district to do more to support kids in low-income communities of color.
Then the pandemic hit, prompting fears of even more disparities in learning. So a group called The Oakland REACH decided to take matters into their own hands, and use the pandemic as an opportunity to continue reimagining their kids’ education.
Guest: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED education reporter
Episode transcript here: https://bit.ly/3oSiQu0
S
South Hayward’s Trailing Vaccination Rate — and What’s Being Done About It
South Hayward has one of the highest rates of per capita deaths in Alameda County. It also has one of the lowest vaccination rates. Some aren’t sure whether they want the vaccine, but there are also many other barriers related to language, work, and access.
For volunteers, county officials and community clinics, addressing these barriers is central to a monthslong, on the ground effort to get more people vaccinated in a neighborhood with many immigrants and low-wage workers.
Guest: Farida Jhabva
San Francisco’s ‘Guaranteed Income’ Pilot for Artists Starts Today. But Some Arts Groups are Unhappy with the Process So Far
Starting Friday, May 21, 130 artists in San Francisco will receive $1,000 a month for the next 6 months through the city’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, which was announced in March to help artists from marginalized communities who have struggled during the pandemic.
Most artists agree a guaranteed income would help. But as the program officially rolls out, some arts groups are concerned that the process of launching the experiment was inequitable from the beginning.
Guest: Chloe Veltman, KQE
After Nearly A Year, California’s New AG Will Investigate Vallejo Police Killing of Sean Monterrosa
It’s almost been a year since Vallejo police officer Jarrett Tonn shot and killed Sean Monterrosa on June 2, as protests against police violence were happening nationwide.
Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his office would review the investigation. Monterrosa’s family — and those who have been fighting for more police reform in Vallejo — hope this is a turning point in police accountability in the city, and even across the state.
Guest: Brian Krans, freelance reporter
E
PPP Loans Were Meant to Help Businesses, But Many in Bay Area Communities of Color Didn’t Get Them
On International Boulevard in East Oakland, just 5% of businesses received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from April to August of 2020. Meanwhile, in the nearby, mostly white neighborhood of Montclair, 49% of businesses received a PPP loan. Advocates and small business owners point to factors like language barriers, a complicated application process, and a legacy of banks not serving communities of color.
This kind of disparity exists all over the Bay Area, and as the region reopens, th
The California Republicans Who Are Still Enabling Trump's Election Lies
Just four months ago, a pro-Trump mob violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in support of the former president's conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. And even after that, most of California’s Republican elected officials stuck with Trump by voting to overturn the certification of the results.
Trump may be out of office now, but many of those same Republicans — including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy from Bakersfield — are still enabling his lies, most recently when House Republicans
The PG&E Fire Victim Trust Owes Billions to Survivors — and Most Are Still Waiting
The vast majority of the nearly 70,000 fire survivors are waiting for the compensation they're owed as a result of PG&E's bankruptcy settlement — while the trust responsible for managing the money racked up over $51 million in operating costs in 2020.
Many families who have been displaced by fires caused by PG&E’s equipment are living in precarious situations. Some live unhoused or with relatives, and many have been forced to dip into savings while also experiencing the trauma of living with fe
Are More Hate Crime Charges A Solution to Anti-Asian Violence?
When people see attacks on Asians — including a recent near-fatal stabbing on San Francisco’s Market Street — many refer to them as hate crimes, in order to call out anti-Asian racism and violence.
But the legal use of a hate crime charge is much trickier. And it raises some hard questions about whether the state should add harsher penalties for racially motivated attacks, or focus on rehabilitation and restorative justice.
Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQED politics correspondent and co-host of KQED's P
A New Generation of Filipinx Organizers is Building on the Legacy of Stockton’s Little Manila
In the 1920s and 1930s, Stockton’s Little Manila grew into the largest Filipino community outside of Manila itself. Thousands of Filipinos worked as farm laborers in the San Joaquin Valley, and over the years they opened businesses, restaurants, hotels and organized labor unions.
Over time Stockton’s urban renewal policies led to the destruction of Little Manila. But today, Filipinx organizers in Stockton are working to preserve that centurylong history, organize the community and educate the ne
As Pandemic Slows in the Bay, Diaspora Turns Attention to India
Indians and Indian Americans in the Bay Area are facing a dual reality when it comes to COVID-19: while businesses start to reopen here, COVID-19 cases and deaths are exploding in India — and many are worried for the safety of friends and family thousands of miles away.
The Indian diaspora is also turning that worry into action, raising money for oxygen tanks and setting up virtual doctor's visits.
Guest: Lakshmi Sarah, KQED reporter
Episode transcript here: https://bit.ly/2QWM7Ht
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Sea Levels Are Rising in the Bay — and East Palo Alto is on the Front Lines
When it comes to sea level rise, East Palo Alto will be one of the first and hardest-hit areas of the Bay Area. It’s already prone to flooding now, and the city is leading the way when it comes to community-led solutions. But no matter how hard East Palo Alto works to build its resiliency against sea level rise, it won’t be enough; the Bay Area’s interconnected ecosystem suggests what its neighbors do to combat the issue matters to the entire region’s survival.
Follow the group Bay Adapt to stay
What’s Next for Public Transit in the Bay Area?
Bay Area transit agencies lost huge numbers of riders during the pandemic — and with it, enormous amounts of revenue. Federal money has saved them from big layoffs and service cuts. But as the region reopens and more people get vaccinated, public transit leaders still need to convince riders it’s safe and worth the trip.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED editor and reporter
Episode transcript here: https://bit.ly/3e9dMhj
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The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 in San Quentin State Prison
Last summer, confirmed COVID-19 cases ballooned inside San Quentin State Prison. Now, with many incarcerated people and staff now vaccinated, infections are very low and the worst of the outbreak seems to be over.
But the programs that many relied on before the pandemic still haven't returned — and incarcerated people are still coping with the scars of a traumatizing year.
Guest: Kate Wolffe, KQED reporter
Read the episode transcript here.
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Rob Bonta Supports Police Accountability. Now He’s California’s Attorney General
The state legislature last week confirmed East Bay assembly member Rob Bonta California’s new Attorney General. His confirmation happened the same week Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd. Bonta, the first Filipino American to take the position, has been a longtime supporter of more police accountability and takes over the AG role at a time when there’s momentum around police accountability in California and across the country. While there’s a lot of power in the AG position, t
What Derek Chauvin's Conviction Means for the Bay Area’s Ongoing Anti Policing Work
Oakland has been the epicenter of on-the-ground anti-policing efforts since Oscar Grant was killed by BART police in 2009. That same movement saw its latest iteration after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and months of protests and organizing culminated into a rare conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. So what does the verdict mean now for Bay Area efforts against policing?
Guest: Cat Brooks, executive director of the Justice Teams Network and co-founder of the
A Quick Message From The Bay on George Floyd
A jury has convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of all three charges for murdering George Floyd. There’s a lot to process, so today we don’t have a new episode — just a short message.
Episode transcript here: https://bit.ly/3n6nLGR
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Amid SFUSD Controversies, Where Are the Student Voices?
San Francisco Unified School District has been mired in several controversies over this past year, and the politics around its school board have been especially tense. Whether it's the attempt to rename 44 schools, the debate over Lowell High School's admissions process, or tweets by Commissioner Alison Collins, adults have been taking up the most space in these public debates. And some student leaders say that the way these adults have been handling these conversations needs to change.
Guest: H
Nursing Home Residents Are Finally Starting to See Their Loved Ones
About 9,000 nursing home residents in California have died of COVID-19. At the height of the winter surge, more than 80 residents were dying every day.
But now, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines, there are now fewer than 20 confirmed cases daily. And now, many families are reuniting with loved ones after more than a year apart.
Guest: Barbara Feder Ostrov, contributing writer for CalMatters
Episode transcript here: https://bit.ly/3wY0LhK
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Uncle Bobby X on Supporting Families Who’ve Lost Loved Ones to Police Violence
Oscar Grant’s name has been circulating after police in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center claimed that 20-year-old Daunte Wright was “accidentally” killed after a veteran officer shot him with a gun instead of her taser. It's similar to what BART police claimed after an officer shot and killed Oscar Grant in 2009.
Cephus Johnson, Grant’s uncle, talked with us last September following a summer of protests against police violence about what it’s like for family members who are thrust into
A Grandmother’s Fight to Keep Her Home — From a Corporation Paying in Cash
A corporation known for flipping houses in the Bay Area has been buying even more homes at foreclosure auctions during the pandemic. Jocelyn Foreman lives in one of these homes and is now trying to compete with Wedgewood’s bid. She has the help of a new state law, which gives potential homeowners more time to match any bid made at a foreclosure auction. But the law doesn’t include financial help. So what does it take for regular people to compete against all cash bids by corporations?
Guests: Mo
What California’s June 15 ‘Reopening’ Goal Means
On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California’s economy will ‘reopen’ by June 15, as long as there’s enough vaccine supply for everyone 16 and older and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state remain low.
This doesn’t mean all precautions — like the state’s mask mandate — will get scrapped. But it is a big step towards businesses and public spaces operating like they were before the pandemic.
So what’s it going to take to stay on track for “reopening” by June 15?
Guest: April Dembos
Will Anti-Asian Violence Lead to More Policing in Oakland’s Chinatown?
After months of local and national attacks against people in the AAPI community, Oakland Chinatown has rallied together to support their elders and businesses.
But the community is divided — and a generational gap exposed — over whether they want more policing to be part of the solution or not.
Guest: Julie Chang, KQED reporter
Episode transcript here: https://bit.ly/3dHToSN
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California’s Unemployment System Still Isn’t Working for Many People Who Need It the Most
California’s Employment Development Department (or EDD) is responsible for paying out the state’s unemployment insurance. Ever since the pandemic began, the agency has struggled to close its huge backlog of claims. The system is even more frustrating for people who struggle with technology and language access, and advocates say these issues are still a big problem today.
Guest: Mary Franklin Harvin, KQED reporter and producer for The California Report
Claiming unemployment in California? Here's
Strategies for Finding a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment — Now That Everyone 16+ Will Be Eligible April 15
Californians ages 50 and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. They have two weeks to book appointments before the state opens up eligibility to people ages 16 and older on starting April 15.
But booking an appointment is easier said than done; many people have already been struggling to find them; sometimes there’s a lack of supply, technology issues, and the process can be confusing. Today, we’ll give you some strategies for finding an appointment when you're eligible.
Guest: Carly
How the Bay Area Shaped Mills College (and Vice Versa)
Earlier this month, leaders at Mills College announced that the school, which has been in the Bay Area for 169 years, will no longer be awarding degrees starting in 2023.
This news came as a shock to many students, faculty, and alumni, who know Mills as a unique place for women and LGBTQ people who care about the arts and about social justice.
Today, we’ll learn about the history and legacy of Mills College and its impact on the Bay Area.
Guest: Chloe Veltman, KQED arts and culture reporter
Epis
The Long Fight Against Ableism and Ageism During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Throughout this pandemic, disabled people and seniors have been at risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. And all this time, advocates and community organizers have been pushing to make sure that people in power listen to their concerns.
Their activism has pushed the state to shift its policies several times — including this latest eligibility phase, which doesn't force people with disabilities to bring documentation in order to get vaccinated. But the struggle to make our entire COVID-19
Oakland and Marin County Are Starting ‘Guaranteed Income’ Pilot Projects
Oakland and Marin County are the latest California jurisdictions to announce plans to launch guaranteed income pilot programs. The idea is to give money to hundreds of low-income residents of color, every month, with no strings attached.
The two projects have their similarities and differences. But in general, supporters that the results will build a bigger case for even bigger guaranteed income projects in the future.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED politics reporter and producer for the Political B
With Calls to #StopAAPIHate, Specificity Matters
The killing of 8 people in Georgia, 6 of whom were women of Asian descent, has led to marches and rallies in the Bay Area in support of the AAPI community. It’s also prompted many people to share experiences they’ve had with racism and sexism.
But as organizer and advocate Hyejin Shim says, it’s also important to be specific about who was targeted in the Atlanta shooting. Because when we do that, we can also pave the way for solutions that protect those who are most vulnerable to racist and sexi
Tracking Anti-Asian Hate Through Stories and Stats
This past year, a group of organizations have been keeping count of reports of anti-Asian hate incidents across the country. Nearly 3,800 reports have been submitted since the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center was launched, and nearly 45 percent of those were reported in California. The attack on Asian businesses in Atlanta that killed eight, including six Asian women, is just the latest chapter of anti-Asian racism in America. And behind the numbers are people and stories.
Guest: Russell Jeung, C
Bay Curious Asks How This Year of COVID-19 Has Changed Us
Over the last year there has been a lot of heartbreak caused by the pandemic. There have also been moments of joy and communities coming together to help each other out. KQED’s Bay Curious podcast honors how lives have changed here in the Bay Area with its one-year anniversary show.Subscribe to Bay Curious here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Local School Boards Have a Lot of Power. Will the Pandemic Change That?
School boards in California have historically had a lot of power over decisions at the local level, but the choice to reopen for in-person learning has put that power to the test like never before.
More than a thousand California school districts are deciding whether to take advantage of financial incentives and reopen classrooms for the youngest and most vulnerable students. Many are facing intense pressure from lawmakers who question the power local school boards have, and from parents who are
‘A Big First Step’: Bay Area Cities Are Rethinking Single-Family Zoning
The single-family neighborhood has been foundational to American housing policy for decades. It’s also been a tool to keep Black and brown people out of homeownership, and is one reason why there isn’t nearly enough housing overall.
This policy has deep roots in the Bay Area. But now, a handful of cities are rethinking it, and allowing developers to build ‘fourplexes’ in these areas.
A change like this won’t solve the housing crisis overnight, and it won’t bring down rents unless it’s paired wit
Why the Attempt to Recall Gov. Gavin Newsom Has Gained Traction
Organizers behind the attempt to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom believe they will collect enough verified signatures to trigger a special election later this year.
It’s going to take a lot to actually unseat Gov. Newsom in a recall election and replace him with a Republican. But this campaign is already a lot bigger than any other effort to recall a California governor since 2003. So, why has it gained traction this time?
Episode transcript here: http://bit.ly/38zV0MG
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Navigating This Fragile and Hopeful Moment in the COVID-19 Pandemic
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines for fully vaccinated people. New, confirmed cases of COVID-19 are down in California. We have three vaccines in the U.S. This is all good news.
But the virus and its variants are still among us, and a vast segment of the population is still waiting their turn for the vaccine. So how should we navigate this in-between period without sabotaging the progress we’ve made?
Guest: Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, professor of globa
Will Angelo Quinto’s Death Lead to Police Reforms in Antioch?
Angelo Quinto was having a mental health crisis when his family called 911 for help. After Antioch Police arrived at Quinto’s home, his family says an officer kneeled on his back near the neck before his body went limp. Quinto, a 30 year-old Filipino American, died days later in the hospital. His death has drawn national attention, especially among Filipino Americans across the country, and spotlights a Bay Area suburb where a now majority-Black city council and young activists are trying to cha
What Students Think About Reopening Schools
On Thursday, the California state legislature approved a $6.6 billion plan to encourage school districts to resume in-person learning for the youngest public school students in the state. Meanwhile, some students have noticed their perspectives missing from the conversation about re-opening schools. Today, we hear from some.
Guests: Joy Cheng, senior at Lowell High School in San Francisco; Melina Kritikopoulos, senior at Santa Clara High School; Isabella Brenneman, junior at Kit Carson Internati
'All Eyes Should Be on Marin': A Racial Reckoning in the Bay’s Whitest County
Mill Valley in Marin County is one of the 10 most segregated cities in the Bay Area. During the rise of protests following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis last year, Mill Valley Mayor Sashi McEntee claimed the Black Lives Matter movement was “not of immediate local importance.” That summer, community activists held protests and sit-ins demanding a public apology from the mayor and plans for lasting change.
In response, the City Council created the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force,
'Our People Are Not Disposable': How East San Jose is Coping with the Pandemic
The ZIP codes in and near East San Jose have been hit the hardest by COVID-19 in the Bay Area. They’re predominantly immigrant neighborhoods with thousands of essential workers, many of whom work for the Silicon Valley tech giants located nearby.
Many say the pandemic has simply exposed generations of disinvestment in this corner of Santa Clara County. So how are community members in these neighborhoods surviving and helping each other during a pandemic that has affected the Bay so unequally?
Gu
The Hosts of ‘SOLD OUT’ Update Us on the Housing Crisis
Last fall, KQED launched a new, five-part podcast about possible solutions to the housing crisis. It’s called SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America, hosted by housing reporters Erin Baldassari and Molly Solomon.
Since then, Erin and Molly have also received lots of questions and comments from listeners who are curious about what’s happened on the housing front since the podcast dropped.
Today, we wanted to pass it off to them. Whether you’ve listened to SOLD OUT or not, this is a timely con
Why It’s Hard to Stop Chevron From Polluting the Bay
An oil spill from Chevron’s Richmond refinery earlier this month and the toxic fumes released last November are part of a long trend of dangerous spills into the Bay Area’s water and air. So why’s it so hard to keep the fossil fuel industry from releasing harmful stuff into our environment over and over again?
Guest: Ted Goldberg, KQED senior editor
Episode transcript here: http://bit.ly/3upixsZ
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We’re Learning the Wrong Lessons from the Tuskegee Experiment. That Matters for Vaccinating Black Americans.
Several surveys show that Black Americans are, on average, more hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine compared with white people. And when it comes to Black communities showing less trust in the health care system overall, many journalists, politicians and experts point to one specific historical incident: the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment.But many people, including KQED reporter April Dembosky, are worried that Tuskegee has become a scapegoat for the many structural inequities in the h
How the Pandemic Opened the Door for Organizing Bay Area Strippers
After the pandemic forced strip clubs in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood to close and protests against police violence erupted in the summer, many dancers were laid off and started to work virtually instead.
This created an unexpected opportunity to push for more worker power among strippers, and fight back against issues like sexual harassment, racism, and a culture of fear around speaking out. And now, some dancers are hoping that this organizing will lead to better working conditions
Helping Oakland's Chinatown From the Street Level
Sakhone Lasaphangthong spends his work day in Oakland's Chinatown helping people get the resources they need. He walks the streets and connects with merchants, elders, and people who don't have housing.Over the last few weeks, violence against Asian elders in the community received national media attention and sparked a lot of debate about race, policing, and community safety. Today, we speak with Sakhone about what he's been seeing in Oakland's Chinatown.Guest: Sakhone Lasaphangthong,
The Asian Americans Reclaiming Traditional Medicine in the Bay
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a complicated history in the Bay. In the 70s, a Chinese immigrant in Palo Alto named Miriam Lee was arrested and put on trial for practicing acupuncture — even though she learned it from a master in her hometown in China.
Today, Traditional Chinese Medicine is still often exoticized or dismissed. But now, some Asian Americans in the Bay Area are reconnecting with these practices — and building new communities in the process.
Guest: Cathy Erway, food writer and ho
The Messy Path to Reopening Public Schools
After months of debate on whether to reopen public schools in the Bay Area's largest districts, some families have finally had enough of distance learning. But parents are divided on whether it’s safe — and worth the risk — to send their kids back to school while the pandemic rages on. And even if everyone did agree on what to do, the path to reopening is sure to be a long one.
Guest: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED education reporter
Episode transcript here.
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‘There Would Be No Black Panther Party Without the Women’
There’s a long history of Black women in the Bay Area leading social justice work — including the hundreds of women who led the Black Panther Party. One West Oakland resident believes a celebration of these women and their contributions is long overdue. That’s why, after last summer’s protests against police violence, she decided to memorialize their legacy with a permanent mural on the home she's owned for more than 20 years.
Guests: Jilchristina Vest, curator and West Oakland homeowner
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There's Rising Toxic Groundwater in the Bay. But It's Not Too Late to Address it.
The climate crisis isn't just about big tropical storms and deadlier wildfires. Rising sea levels — as a result of climate change — are forcing contaminated groundwater to the surface in parts of the Bay Area. And the neighborhoods in most danger are places where there was once heavy industry, including areas that were once redlined.
Guest: Laura Klivans, KQED science reporter and host of Deep Look.
Episode transcript here. Subscribe to our newsletter here.
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California’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information Void
California’s vaccine rollout has been…confusing. Many people have been writing into KQED with basic questions about eligibility or where they go to get vaccinated. Our engagement editor has been fielding those questions. But she’s not the only one trying to fill the vaccination information void.
Guest: Carly Severn, KQED senior engagement editor
Carly answered the top five questions our audience wanted to know. You can read about those questions here. Plus, learn more here about eligibility for
Are You Really Protected From Evictions? Depends On Your Local Government.
It’s easy to think that California’s eviction moratorium means people can expect to remain in their homes during the economic crisis and global pandemic.
But a KQED investigation found that hundreds of evictions are still taking place across the Bay Area, to mostly Black and brown renters. So why hasn’t the state’s eviction moratorium stopped evictions from happening? And why is it worse in some counties than others? What your local governments are doing is a large part of the answer.
Guest: Mol
Gun Violence in the Bay Was Decreasing. Then the Pandemic Happened.
It takes a lot of hard work to curb gun violence at the community level. For the past few years, those efforts in Richmond and Oakland were paying off.
But then the pandemic happened, and a lot of in-person community building became unsafe, and advocates fear years of hard work has been lost to the pandemic.
Guest: Abené Clayton, reporter for The Guardian’s Guns and Lies in America project. You can read Abené's story here.
Episode transcript here.
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The Bay Live! What Will Living in the Bay Area Be Like in 2021?
In our first virtual live event of 2021, we invited KQED reporters to share what stories they’ll be looking out for this year. We want to share this conversation and ask what matters to you as the Bay Area adjusts to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. We also took your questions.
From wildfire prevention to free public transit, virtual learning to the changing arts scene, here’s what we might see in 2021 and what we can do about it.
This conversation is split into two halves: the first is called "W
By the People: How the Last Four Years Changed KQED
KQED wasn't alone in struggling to cover former President Trump. These last four years changed how many journalists think about their responsibilities to the public. It's also forced more members of the news media to reckon with their own role in perpetuating long-existing, systemic problems.
So we wanted to chat with KQED’s newsroom leaders about how they've changed over the past four years, and the role local news plays in a frail democracy.
Guests: Vinnee Tong, KQED’s Director of News and Eth
Introducing: A Series On Creators From the Bay Area, From Rightnowish
It’s been a week. So now, music.
We’re bringing you the first episode of a new series from our friends at Rightnowish that shines a light on all sorts of creators this year. In this episode, Pendarvis Harshaw introduces us to Brooklyn based and Oakland-raised artist Nappy Nina. Just don’t call her a femcee.
Sign up for our free live (virtual) event on Monday, Jan. 25 here.
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By The People: A New Presidency and A ‘Window’ of Opportunity for the Iranian Diaspora
It's Inauguration Day in the U.S. The end of the Trump administration, and the beginning of the Biden administration is a monumental moment for the country –and for the rest of the world. Today, we hear from members of the Iranian diaspora here in the Bay Area about what this change in power means for them, their loved ones in Iran, and for the future hopes of the relationship between their two home countries.
Guest: Kyana Moghadam, KQED podcast producer
Read the transcript here.
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Social Media Giants Banned Trump, But They Still Have Lots of Problems
Silicon Valley giants like Facebook, Twitter and Google have long struggled to deal with violent language and misinformation on their platforms.
But after the attack on the U.S. Capitol last week, a line was crossed — and these companies banned or restricted President Trump, along with some of his supporters who have incited violence.
So what took these companies so long to take action? And how should we feel about their continued role in how we communicate?
Guest: Rachael Myrow, KQED Silicon Va
Why California’s Vaccine Rollout Has Been So Slow
On Monday, California’s COVID-19 death toll reached 30,000. Gov. Gavin Newsom and health officials are relying on mass vaccinations to slow the spread, but there’s a lot of reason to believe accomplishing that will be hard. A majority of California is under stay at home orders until things get better, but the first phase of the rollout has already been slower than some hoped.
Guest: Barbara Feder Ostrov, Contributing Writer for CalMatters
Read the transcript here.
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By The People: You’ve Protested, Voted, and Donated. Cat Brooks on What’s Next
It takes a lot of work to undo white supremacy. For many who have been committed to this work, it’s a lifetime of protests, campaigning, donating, and showing up. And sometimes, it can feel like an impossible task.
Following the attack by the pro-Trump extremists at the U.S. Capitol last week, we invited longtime Bay Area activist Cat Brooks to talk with us about how she’s been processing everything, and how to make your activism sustainable.
Guest: Cat Brooks, executive director of the Justice
The California Republicans Who Helped Enable Wednesday's Attack on the Capitol
California is a state run by Democrats. But we have elected officials who have either ignored or enabled President Trump through the years — including on Wednesday, when a pro-Trump mob violently took over the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the certification of President-elect Joe Biden.
Even after the process resumed, 7 out of 10 House Republicans from California voted to overturn electoral votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Today, we'll talk about why this matters to Californians, even after Trump le
It’s Not Easy to Unionize at Tech Companies. But Google Employees Are Doing It.
This week, 200+ employees at Google announced that they've formed a union. The Alphabet Workers Union, which is supported by Communications Workers of America (CWA), is the first of its kind at Google, and will include dues-paying members, an elected board of directors, and paid organizing staff. For now, it still represents a small fraction of the roughly 260,000 workers at Alphabet. But it's still a big deal — especially in Silicon Valley, where it's so hard to organize at all.
Guest: Sam Harn
By The People: Oakland’s Longtime City Clerk On How to Make Use of City Council Meetings
If you want to get involved in local politics, your city council meeting can be a good place to start.
But it can also be a lot. It's where your elected representatives make decisions that directly affect your life. And it's where anybody can tell their local leaders what they really think about those decisions.
LaTonda Simmons knows all about this. Today, she looks back on 16 years running Oakland City Council meetings, and offers some advice for people hoping to participate for the first time.
We Remember Our Favorite Episodes of 2020
This year in news has changed us all in so many ways. And as we wrap up 2020 with our final episode of the year, we thought we'd take some time to reflect on the stories that have stuck with us the most.
Remembering San Francisco Lesbian Rights Activist Phyllis Lyon — Ericka Cruz Guevarra
'These Kids are Fearless': Vallejo Families Seeking Justice for Police Killings Reflect on Protests — Devin Katayama
Meet the Poll Workers Who Made Election Day in the Bay Area Possible — Alan Montecillo
Guests
We're Missing A Lot of Information About the COVID-19 Outbreaks at Foster Farm Plants
In August, a Foster Farms poultry processing plant in Livingston was temporarily shut down because of a a COVID-19 outbreak where at least 392 workers tested positive and 9 workers died. Now, Foster Farms is facing outbreaks at three of the company’s plants in the Central Valley.
But it’s been really hard to get basic information about what’s going on about things like worker safety and who makes the final decisions. Today, we talk about what we do and don’t know about these outbreaks, and what
By The People: The Plight of Farmers in India Hits Home for Thousands in the Bay
This is the fourth episode of By The People, The Bay podcast’s new series highlighting the way democracy shows up in the places around us, and how we can all plug in.
It's been called one of the biggest protests the world has ever seen. Farmers in India have been protesting for months over new agriculture laws passed by the Indian Parliament in September, which farmers feel would destroy their livelihoods.
People around the world are showing solidarity with them, including here in the Bay Area.
A Transgender Asylum Seeker's Quest to Come to the Bay Area
The Bay Area has a long history of providing refuge to migrants seeking asylum. And for some, like Luna Guzmán, a transgender woman who left Guatemala at 22, places like San Francisco are one of the few places where they feel safe. But the journey to seek asylum can be dangerous, especially when U.S. immigration policy fails to protect people who live outside the gender binary. Now, the Trump Administration plans to issue new rules for asylum that would restrict access to the U.S. even more. Tod
Why Parents, Doctors and Lawmakers Pushed Back Against Playgrounds Closing
Over the weekend, another surge in COVID-19 cases once again led to playgrounds being closed in many communities across California and in five Bay Area counties.
But some parents felt like this part of the new stay-at-home order goes too far — especially because some indoor shopping stayed open. Many also worried that losing access to a safe and free outdoor space could harm both kids and families.
Guest: Matthias Gafni, reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle
UPDATE: On Wednesday morning, the
By The People: How Black Activists Transformed Voting in Oakland
This is the third episode of By The People, The Bay podcast’s new series highlighting the way democracy shows up in the places around us, and how we can all plug in.
A vote in Oakland today goes farther than it did prior to 1980. That’s when voters passed Measure H, which moved the city from at-large to district-based elections . The change was huge for Black and brown voters, who now had the opportunity to elect candidates from their neighborhoods instead of being represented by white men backe
Why California Is Factoring in Historical Social Injustice in the Vaccine Rollout
California is planning its rollout of a coronavirus vaccine. Healthcare workers have already been prioritized, but figuring out who comes next and how that decision will be made is now in the hands of an advisory committee made up of health and community leaders. One factor they’ll use to decide who gets the vaccine next? A look at the nation’s history of social injustice, and which groups have been overlooked, and wronged, in the past.
Guest: April Dembosky, Health Correspondent for KQED
Read t
Charges Have Been Filed Against Police Officers in The Bay This Year. Why Just Now?
It's always been difficult to charge a police officer after they've killed someone while on the job. But in the Bay, it's happened a few times within the last three months. For example, in September, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley charged San Leandro police officer Jason Fletcher for killing Steven Taylor in April 2020, and last week San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin charged Christopher Samayoa for shooting and killing Keita O'Neil in 2017. So what led these two Bay Area DAs to file
By The People: Shakirah Simley's Journey From Activist to Local Government
This is the second episode of By The People, The Bay podcast's new series highlighting the way democracy shows up in the places around us, and how we can all plug in.
Many activists work their whole lives from outside the systems they want changed. That’s what Shakira Simley did, until recently. Simley is now Director of San Francisco’s Office of Racial Equity and says she brought a lot of the lessons she learned as an activist with her into City Hall. Simley talks with us about why it’s importa
A Filipino Nurse and The Patients She Won’t Forget
When Evelyn Legarte migrated from the Philippines to the Bay Area in 1980, she was part of a growing number of Filipinos that now make up about 20% of nurses in California. As the holidays approach, we want to acknowledge the many Filipino nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic who are caring for people like they’ve done in past public health crises. This episode originally ran on May 22, 2020.
Guest: Evelyn Legarte, retired Bay Area nurse
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By The People: Young, Queer Candidates of Color are Changing the Bay Area Political Scene
One way to change your hometown? Run for office. That’s what Alex Lee, James Coleman, and Lucy Shen decided to do in the 2020 elections. All three are among a number of young, queer candidates of color who ran in local races this year.
They’re from different parts of the Bay Area – with unique relationships to their hometowns – but they all found themselves looking for change and diving into politics.
This is the first episode of By The People, The Bay’s new series highlighting the way democracy
Some Hotels for Unsheltered People Are Closing. Where Will They Go?
When the pandemic hit, thousands of unsheltered people were moved into hotels under a plan known as Project Roomkey. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the goal was to eventually move people into permanent housing. But early data from eight Bay Area counties analyzed by KQED shows that most people discharged from hotels have not found a more secure home.
Now, some of those hotels are closing, and as coronavirus cases surge again the question still remains: where will the unhoused go?
Guest: Erin Baldassari,
California's COVID-19 'Emergency Brake'
On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that California has seen the fastest two-week increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started. Now, most counties, including six in the Bay Area, are under the state’s most restrictive pandemic mandates.
Guest: Katie Orr, KQED politics and government reporter
Read the transcript: https://bit.ly/2UzUKpp
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Why Some Seniors Are More Resilient During the Pandemic
We've heard a lot about how older people are vulnerable during this pandemic. And it's true that they're more vulnerable to the virus and that loneliness and depression among seniors has been rising.
But there's another part of the story we don't hear much about: how and why some seniors are finding ways to be more resilient right now.
Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED Science Reporter
Read the transcript here: https://bit.ly/32IXaXt
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With Prop. 22 Approved, Regulating Gig Companies Just Got A Lot Harder
California Proposition 22 was a big win for tech companies. Its passage allows a handful of corporations — like Uber and Lyft — to create a new "gig" contractor category for their workers that doesn’t have to include employee protections and benefits, like unemployment insurance and workers compensation. Now, those same companies that won in California want to expand beyond the state.
Read the transcript: https://bit.ly/3eSSCCw
Guest: Sam Harnett, Silicon Valley reporter for KQED
Listen to our
What Measure P in Sonoma County Says About Police Accountability
The Bay Area passed a number of local measures related to civilian oversight of police this election. This means an increase in access for what citizens get to know, and get to do, about issues within their local police departments – including policy changes and police misconduct.
We look at the recently passed Measure P, out of Sonoma County, which increases the powers of the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO). And the public outcry for police accountability, da
Laughing Through the Tears With Luna Malbroux
Things are still really stressful right now. But comedian Luna Malbroux navigates that stress but choosing laughter and joy in a time of extreme anxiety.Today, we're sharing an interview with Luna on an episode of Rightnowish, hosted by KQED columnist and host Pendarvis Harshaw.
Read the transcript: https://bit.ly/3kb2Qze
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How Voting Went Down in the Bay Area
Voting in the Bay Area seemed to go smoothly on Tuesday, thanks in part to California's efforts to get people to vote early and by mail. That says a lot, in an election where there's been so much misinformation about the process, and where a pandemic threatened the health and safety of people voting in person.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED Politics and Government reporter
Guy is following up with Bay Area counties to see what more we can learn about voting this election. If you experienced problems
The Poll Workers Who Made Election Day in the Bay Area Possible
California may have mailed all voters a ballot, but a lot of people still chose to cast their ballots in person. And thousands of people worked long hours to make sure voters could do just that.
Today, we're bringing you the stories of three poll volunteers from different corners of the Bay Area.
Guests: Amy Mar, Thuc Nguyen, and Ronak Chakraborty, poll volunteers in Hayward, San Jose, and San Ramon
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The Generational Political Divide in South San Francisco
The killing of George Floyd led to protests in South San Francisco, and the creation of a youth-led activist group called Change SSF.These last few months have also exposed a generational divide about how quickly the city should make changes — and how sweeping they should be. And that divide is also showing itself in South San Francisco's race for city council, where a 22-year-old political newcomer is running against the city's longtime mayor.Guest: Adhiti Bandlamudi, Silicon Valley reporter fo
The Seeds of Activism in Martinez
Martinez isn't known for its activism. But after George Floyd was killed, and after a white couple defaced a Black Lives Matter mural in Martinez, many residents decided it was time for that to change.
Now, they've started a conversation about race in Martinez that hasn't really happened in public before. That conversation has been difficult, especially with local leaders — but activists say this is just the beginning of a long struggle to build the Martinez they want.
Guest: Devin Katayama, The
The Police Shooting That Motivated Walnut Creek Residents to Run for City Council
Miles Hall was shot and killed by Walnut Creek police a year before many residents joined national protests supporting Black lives this past summer. The Hall family and friends have been showing up at City Council meetings demanding justice for a year, but it wasn't until George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police that more people began pressuring local politicians.
Now half of the eight City Council candidates in Walnut Creek are running because of what happened to Hall, and some activists s
What It's Like to Have Parents Who Are Essential Workers
Bela Gonzalez and Louie Licea are 15. Both of their parents are essential workers and need to leave the house every day.
It's all pretty stressful. And it's also brought more responsibility: while their parents are gone, Bela and Louie take care of their little sister, Mia.
Guests: Sasha Khokha, host of The California Report Magazine, Bela Gonzales and Louie Licea
This episode originally ran in April 2020.
Click here for info about power shutoffs. You can also check to see if your address will b
The Beginnings of San Quentin's COVID-19 Outbreak
On Tuesday, a California court ruled that officials at San Quentin State Prison have to either transfer or release half of the facility's population. That's because the outbreak at San Quentin got so bad that roughly 2,200 people got sick with COVID-19. 28 people have died.Today, we're revisiting how the outbreak first started at the beginning of the summer — and what incarcerated people and their loved ones were warning and worrying about at the time.Guest: Kate Wolffe, KQED reporterTh
What Would it Mean to Make Housing a Human Right?
Housing is not a human right in the United States. But more people are saying it should be.That growing movement has roots here in the Bay Area, where it's been nearly a year since the mothers behind Moms 4 Housing first occupied a house on Magnolia Street in West Oakland. Earlier this month, the moms announced that the home would soon be used for transitional housing.In the latest episode of the KQED podcast Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America, hosts Molly Solomon and Erin Baldassa
Armenians Came to SF to Escape Genocide. Now, Fears of That History Are Resurfacing
Generations of Armenians and descendants of those who escaped the Armenian Genocide have found refuge in San Francisco. That’s the epicenter of a robust church community center and where Armenian Americans can celebrate their culture, history and heritage. It’s also where a recent spate of suspected hate crimes are raising fears about the current border conflict — and painful memories of violence.
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED Arts and Culture editor and reporter
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What Mutual Aid Means — And Why It’s Worth Protecting
Community fridges have been popping up all over the Bay since the pandemic began as a form of mutual aid, which has deep roots here. There's a long history of this kind of community care, especially around food insecurity.
Private companies have also used similar language to describe some of their own efforts. But KQED food writer and columnist Ruth Gebreyesus writes that the values of mutual aid are distinct — and worth protecting.
Guest: Ruth Gebreyesus, food reporter and columnist for KQED Ar
Is Prop 25 California's Best Chance to End Cash Bail?
Proposition 25 is the culmination of a long fight over the bail system in California. A win for the "Yes" vote would uphold a law that abolishes cash bail and replaces it with a system that uses "risk assessment" algorithms to help judges decide whether to keep people locked up before trial. A win for the "No" vote would stop these changes and keep cash bail in place.
The bail industry is in the "No" camp, but so are some progressive groups who think this new system would also be unjust and want
The Digital Divide for Latino Immigrant Families in Oakland
Distance learning is hard enough. And once you get past acquiring the technology needed to make it happen, there’s an additional step for many immigrant families and Indigenous-language speakers: figuring out how to log on and communicate with your teachers. In Oakland Unified School District, where about half of students speak a language other than English at home, supporting all students has been a struggle.
Guests: Madeleine Bair, founding director of El Tímpano and Ashley McBride, Education
A Bay Curious Guide to Statewide Propositions
Bay Curious is exploring the 12 statewide ballot propositions with its Prop Fest series. Today, we're sharing their guides to Props 16 and 17, which make big decisions on affirmative action and voting while on parole respectively.
For more on Bay Curious’ Prop Fest, click here.
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Immigrant Workers Make ‘Wine Country’ Possible. Now Many Have Evacuated.
Latino and immigrant workers keep the economy of "wine country" going. And while many in the Bay Area sheltered in place at the start of the pandemic, farmworkers in Napa and Sonoma counties continued working.
Now, the Glass Fire is threatening their livelihoods. Many workers have evacuated, and likely won't get much support from the government to help stabilize their lives.
Guest: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED immigration reporter
These organizations offer cash assistance to undocumented immigra
South Asian Activist Kala Bagai Was Once Driven Out of Berkeley. Now There's A Street Named After Her.
Berkeley recently renamed a street after a South Asian activist Kala Bagai. But her story isn’t the typical one you hear about people who get streets or monuments named after them.
Nearly 100 years ago, Bagai and her family were driven out of town by racist neighbors who didn’t want them to move in. She and her family eventually left the Bay Area, and a lot of her later activism was the kind of work that didn’t make the headlines. But that’s exactly why some people feel like she’s the perfect pe
The North Bay Journalist Providing Vital Fire Information for Her Neighbors
North Bay journalist Sarah Stierch has become a resource for locals looking for critical fire information, down to their specific block. That’s because when the North Bay was burning in 2017, she knew the streets and roads and homes intimately enough to gain the trust of her neighbors seeking information. But aside from the latest fire reports, she’s also been a compassionate voice for many people during these traumatic times.
Guest: Sarah Stierch, writer and freelance journalist in Sonoma
Consi
The Final Push to Count Everyone in the Bay
There are still Californians who need to be counted for the 2020 Census. Here in the Bay Area, there’s the extra challenge of making sure we count people who don't have housing and families whose homes have been affected by wildfires. And this matters a lot, because who gets counted will help determine Congressional representation, federal funding, and how we define Bay Area identity for the next 10 years.
Guest: Tyche Hendricks, KQED editor and reporter covering immigration and the 2020 Census
More Than A Million Californians Are Still Waiting for Unemployment Benefits
California wasn’t ready for the spike in unemployment since the pandemic. And one big reason is because the agency that handles unemployment benefits has had a lot of problems: dated technology, lack of staffing, and a system that focuses more on stopping fraud than getting people the money they need now. Today, that means 1.6 million Californians are waiting for help while the pandemic rages on.
Guest: Mary Franklin Harvin, reporter and producer for KQED’s The California Report.
Recommended Rea
Gov. Newsom Wants to Ban Gas-Powered Car Sales by 2035. Is This A Big Deal?
This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state plans to eliminate the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035 in order to keep cutting California's greenhouse gas emissions.
Many environmentalists say we need to move even faster — and take bolder steps to ban fracking in our state. So what does this all mean for our climate future? And is this ban a big deal?
Guest: Kevin Stark, KQED science reporter
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We Still Need to Solve Our Housing Crisis
Before the coronavirus, orange skies from wildfires, and huge protests against police violence, housing was the issue in California. But still, even with multiple crises happening at once, so much of what's going on comes back to where we live.
In the new podcast 'SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America,' KQED's Molly Solomon and Erin Baldassari explore some of the solutions to our housing shortage that would make a meaningful difference — because we can't afford to wait.
Guests: Molly Solomon a
The District Attorneys Pushing Back on 'Tough on Crime' Politics
Since the 90s, law enforcement groups like police unions, correctional officer unions, and sheriffs' associations have had a huge influence on policing and criminal justice legislation, both in Washington and in Sacramento. This led to laws like the 'three strikes' rule and the 1994 Crime Bill that passed through Congress and was signed by President Clinton.
But law enforcement officials aren't speaking with one voice anymore. Some district attorneys want to focus on changing the system and focu
'These Communities Have the Knowledge That Will Save Us': Building Climate Resilience with Youth of Color
After the Tubbs Fire in 2017, Lil Milagro Henriquez felt she had to do more than just tell her students to mask up for the smoky air. She wanted to empower her students to face the challenges of climate change head on. That’s what moved her to found the Mycelium Youth Network, which provides programs that empower Black and brown youth to tap into indigenous ways of living with the land.
Guests: Lil Milagro Henriquez, founder and executive director of Mycelium Youth Network, and Phoenix Armenta,
The Bay Area Teen Who's Been Trying to Save TPS (And Isn't Backing Down Now)
Sixteen year-old Crista Ramos was in her high school Zoom class when her family got some stressful news: A federal court ruled in favor of ending the humanitarian protection known as Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. The program allows hundreds of thousands of immigrants who fled their home countries, including Crista’s mom, to work and live in the United States.
For more than two years, Crista has been a lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against President Trump’s plan to end temporary prote
A Hunger Strike in Antioch — And What it Says About the Changing Suburbs
Suburbs are some of the most diverse spaces in America. It's one reason why — more and more — they’ve become the backdrop of tensions between police and communities of color.
That friction is at the center of a protest over policing in Antioch, where activists went on a hunger strike for five days and are camped out in front of the local police department.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, race and equity reporter for KQED
Click here to check out Season 1 of American Suburb.
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Photographing Orange Skies and a Historic Year
When KQED photojournalist Beth LaBerge woke up to orange skies in San Francisco Wednesday morning, she rushed out the door to document the extraordinary moment.
In a year with the coronavirus pandemic, racial justice protests and wildfires, Beth has been on the frontlines documenting it all. And in some ways, it helps her process all that’s been happening.
Guest: Beth LaBerge, photojournalist for KQED
Click here for a few more of Beth's photos that she's taken for KQED.
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California’s Going All In On Vote By Mail. Will Some People Get Left Behind?
The pandemic has set off a chain of events that will make this year’s election in California different from years past. For one, the state can’t bet on its most reliable poll workers — older Californians — to volunteer. On top of that, many traditional polling places have been closed because of the risk of an outbreak.
So now the state is mailing all registered voters a ballot. And while that will make voting safer for many people, some will still need to cast their ballots in person. And counti
'Healing Through Resistance' with Uncle Bobby X
Uncle Bobby Johnson, also known as the People’s Uncle, has been standing up to police brutality ever since his nephew Oscar Grant was shot by a BART police officer in 2009.
He's also spent a lot of time supporting families who've lost loved ones to police violence. And today he sees a movement that is much bigger than when he first became an activist more than a decade ago.
Guest: Cephus Johnson, aka Uncle Bobby X, founder of the Oscar Grant Foundation and Love Not Blood Campaign.
Learn more abo
Why The Latest Battle Between California And Gig Companies Is A Big Deal
For the last eight years, Uber and Lyft have successfully beaten state and local attempts to change its core labor model: treating drivers as independent contractors instead of employees with benefits.
Then the pandemic hit. And now, California’s public officials — including state attorney general Xavier Becerra — might actually have the political will to force gig companies to change how they treat their employees.
Guest: Sam Harnett, tech and work reporter for KQED
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California Had an ‘Eviction Moratorium.’ Thousands of People Were Evicted Anyway
Soon after the pandemic started and Californians began to lose their jobs, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued what he called an 'eviction moratorium' to protect those who couldn’t make rent because of COVID-19.
But there are a lot of vulnerable people who were never protected by that order. And since March 4, at least 2,000 California households have been kicked out of their homes.
Guest: Matt Levin, housing and data reporter for CalMatters
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Exclusive: More than 1,600 Californians hav
'Megafires' Don’t Have to be Our New Normal
Fire season doesn't have to be this bad. There are lots of things we can do to prevent more and more extreme wildfires.
It'll take a big shift in the way we do things. California has spent decades reacting to and suppressing natural fires, which is one reason why the wildfires we're currently dealing with are so extreme. But it's still possible to rethink our relationship with fire and change our situation for the better.
Guest: Danielle Venton, KQED science reporter
Recommended Reading:
To Man
The ‘Brittle’ System of Incarcerated Firefighters
California is low on firefighters at a really bad time. It’s partially because the state released thousands of incarcerated firefighters to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
But it’s also because this system of relying on incarcerated people to help fight fires — which we’ve had since after World War II — isn’t sustainable.
Guest: Kevin Stark, KQED science reporter
Recommended reading:
Rare Honors This Weekend for Inmate Firefighters Killed on the Job
Let's Talk About Wildfires and Prisons
Le
What A WeChat Ban Would Mean for Organizing in San Francisco's Chinatown
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that could ban WeChat, the popular Chinese messaging app, from operating in the United States.
But this potential ban would also have ripple effects on local politics in San Francisco, where about one in five residents are Chinese. Many use the app to talk with family and do business, but also to reach voters and organize around issues like tenants’ rights. So without it, Chinese-speaking residents would lose a pillar of their
The Grassroots Group Helping Oakland Mask Up (Again)
Back in 2017, Quinn Jasmine Redwoods saw a long line of people at a food distribution center in Oakland. Nobody in line had a mask, even though the most deadly and destructive wildfires in Californian’s history were spreading pollutants into the air.
So Redwoods picked up 300 masks at a local store, and created Mask Oakland, a trans/queer led grassroots organization to distribute masks to mostly unhoused and disabled people. And now, fires are burning again — this time, in the middle of a pandem
California’s Overloaded Power Grid
People across the state lost power with almost no warning over the weekend, and there’s a risk it could happen again soon. The California Independent Systems Operator instituted rolling power shutoffs to prevent an uncontrolled loss of power, and is asking people to limit how much electricity they're using. But why is this even happening in the first place?
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED editor and reporter
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The Pandemic Feels Like Déjà Vu For Some Survivors of the HIV/AIDS Crisis
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesus Guillen overheard a woman ask why those being held on the Grand Princess cruise ship docked at the Oakland Port with COVID-19 couldn’t just be sent to an island somewhere. It reminded him immediately of another crisis he lived through: The HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, where discrimination and stigma was made worse by the government’s inadequate response.
Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED science reporter
You can read Lesley's full story here.
Learn m
COVID-19 Has Made ICE Detention Centers Even More Dangerous
A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered a privately-run immigrant detention center in Bakersfield to stop transferring people to the facility and to provide weekly COVID-19 tests to those inside. Now more than a dozen people detained at the Mesa Verde facility have COVID-19. Meanwhile, calls to get people out of immigration detention centers are overlapping with calls to abolish prisons amid a nationwide movement for racial justice.
Guest: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED immigration reporter
L
How San Francisco Shaped VP Nominee Kamala Harris
Sen. Kamala Harris will be the first Black woman and person of Indian descent to run for Vice President on a major party ticket. Many Americans got to know her when she ran for president last year. But we here in the Bay Area have known her for a lot longer. Not just because she was born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley, but because her political career started in San Francisco.
Now she's joined Joe Biden's ticket as the Democratic nominee for Vice President. So today, we're diving into how Bay
Older and Overlooked: What One Fire Tells Us About the Vulnerability of Senior Care Homes
Many senior care homes in the Bay Area are in fire risk areas, according to a KQED investigation. These facilities are supposed to have emergency plans for disasters like wildfires in order to evacuate the mostly older people with medical conditions who live in them. But with dangerous fire season months approaching, and a pandemic in full swing, some worry that many assisted living homes aren’t prepared.
Guest: Molly Peterson, KQED Science reporter
Click here to see KQED's Older and Overlooked
How Will Pandemic ‘Learning Pods’ Impact Our Public Schools?
Almost all Bay Area schools are required to start the school year remotely to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 this fall. In response, many families are starting their own small, in-person "learning pods" instead. But not everyone has access to one. Some parents are paying extra just so their child can get access. And there are also fears that these pods will exacerbate inequities that have already existed in the education system.
Guest: Sara Hossaini, KQED reporter
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How Open Vallejo Uncovered the Story of Bent Police Badges
A secret clique of Vallejo police officers commemorate killings by bending the tips of their star-shaped badges — and the city’s top leaders did nothing about it.
That's according to Open Vallejo, a recently launched non-profit news organization. For many locals, the story only confirmed their mistrust of a department they feel continues to act with impunity. Last week, police Chief Shawny Williams announced he would launch a third party investigation into the allegations after two VPD employees
The Cost of Amazon's Drive For Speed
Last week, Congress questioned leaders of four of the largest tech companies in the world - Amazon, Facebook, Google and Apple - about just how much power they’ve gained over the years. Today, we're revisiting an episode from December about how Amazon's race to be the biggest and fastest is hurting the employees doing the work.
Will Evans, reporter with The Center for Investigative Reporting
You can read Will's full Behind the Smiles investigation here. And to share your Amazon injury records wi
A Rec From The Bay: Catching Babies With a Go-To Doula For Black Parents
Some doulas are seeing an uptick in business during the pandemic. Hospitals are limiting the number of people who can be present at births, and many families are looking for options outside of traditional healthcare facilities.
We'll hear from Sumayyah Monét Franklin who is a birth rights activist, doula and owner of Sumi's Touch. She talks about working during a pandemic and why she is especially concerned about Black mothers and children.
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The Moral Case Behind 'Housing Is a Human Right'
From November of 2019 to January of 2020, two Black mothers occupied a vacant West Oakland property without permission from the company that owned the house, Southern California-based Wedgewood Properties.Since then — after a lot of public pressure — Wedgewood agreed to let them stay. The Oakland Community Land Trust will purchase the home and least it back to the moms.Today, we're revisiting the moral argument behind Moms 4 Housing's activism: that housing is a human right.This episode original
'We're Still Here': Remembering the 1969 Native American Occupation of Alcatraz
On October 14 of last year, Native people from across the West Coast gathered in San Francisco for a ceremonial canoe journey to Alcatraz Island. Each canoe represented a territory, tribe, community or family. They paddled to celebrate culture and values on Indigenous Peoples' Day, and to commemorate the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz. This episode originally published in October 2019.
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A Rec from The Bay: How Learning Emotional Skills Can Help Boys Become Men
Ashanti Branch started Ever Forward Club because he wanted the young men in his classroom to have what he didn't have as a student: a safe place to be themselves. After Ashanti gave them that, he saw them start to succeed. Mindshift, from KQED, focuses on stories about the future of learning. Today we're sharing the first episode of Season 5.
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'Yes, Asians Go To Jail Too'
Jason Mai didn’t know why his father was taken to jail when he was 12 years old. As a kid growing up in the Bay Area, he was told by his Chinese family to avoid má fan, which meant burdening or inconveniencing others by sharing the family secret. Only as an adult did Jason start to process his childhood trauma by learning about the intersections between incarceration and Asian American culture. To help him process it, he created a zine. This episode originally aired in November 2019.
Guest: Jas
The Bay's Birthday Field Trip
We've produced more than 300 stories about the Bay Area. Today, we're taking a break from the headlines to revisit a show from March (before shelter in place orders) where we traveled to three of our favorite spots around the Bay Area.
Guests: Alan Montecillo, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Devin Katayama
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Part III: How Did Things Get So Bad Between Vallejo and Its Police
At one point in Vallejo, the city was paying so much money in salaries and pensions for its police and firefighters that the city went bankrupt. It’s not just police shootings that have led to a deep sense of mistrust of Vallejo Police. So how’d it get so bad?
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Part II: One Night in Vallejo, Two Narratives
In 2017, Vallejo Police shot and killed Alicia Saddler's brother, Angel Ramos, in their mother's backyard. What began as a family gathering was quickly warped by police, whose narrative of the fatal evening prevailed in the news. Saddler and her family have spent the last few years challenging police's narrative.
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Part I: The Life And Death of Willie McCoy
Before Sean Monterrosa was shot and killed by Vallejo police on June 2, VPD officers killed Willie McCoy. Police fired 55 shots into McCoy's vehicle as it was parked in a Taco Bell drive thru where he was sleeping. But before McCoy became another face of police violence in Vallejo, he was a rising young rapper whose family said had a bright future ahead of him.
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How We Got Here, Part 5: Meaningful Work
Gig work is often marketed as 'flexible work.' But it's also precarious and unprotected work, and today gig workers are continuing to put themselves at risk because they struggle to earn the income they need to survive.
This pandemic has shown — even more — just how unequal our economy is. So where do we go from here?
"How We Got Here" is a special five-part series made by Sam Harnett, Alan Montecillo, and Chris Hoff. These five episodes aired on The Bay from July 6-10.
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How We Got Here, Part 4: Disempowerment and Debt
Many Americans are in deep debt. Household debt has reached an all time high at over $14 trillion. This means many workers have to do a lot more just to get by. They work longer hours, have second or multiple jobs, and they take out loans.
Many people never catch up to the debt they owe. And worse, some options that seem like a light at the end of the tunnel might just sink you deeper in the hole.
"How We Got Here" is a special five-part series made by Sam Harnett, Alan Montecillo, and Chris Hof
How We Got Here, Part 3: The Road to Shareholder Capitalism
Big companies spend more of their profits on enriching shareholders and executives than they do on increasing compensation for employees. Today, we talk about how this kind of capitalism became normal.
This is the third in a special five-part series made by Sam Harnett, Alan Montecillo, and Chris Hoff. These five episodes are airing on The Bay from July 6-10.
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How We Got Here, Part 2: The Attack on Worker Power
Only 1 in 10 workers in America are part of a union. And for many people, having one would make it a lot easier to advocate for better pay and protections during this pandemic. But worker power has slowly been dismantled by employers and politicians over the years.
This is the second in a special five-part series made by Sam Harnett, Alan Montecillo, and Chris Hoff. These five episodes are airing on The Bay from July 6-10.
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How We Got Here, Part 1: The 'Great Risk Shift' From Companies To Workers
Tens of millions of people in the US are either out of a job or still working without meaningful protections, benefits, or wage increases. And if something goes wrong, workers mostly have to figure it out on their own.
This is the first in a special five-part series made by Sam Harnett, Alan Montecillo, and Chris Hoff. These five episodes will air on The Bay from July 6-10.
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Workers Have Lost Benefits, Power, And Protections
On Monday, we're airing the first in a special five-part series by KQED reporter Sam Harnett and editor Alan Montecillo. It digs into how workers in the US have lost benefits, power, and protections over the last few decades.Today, we're sharing a sneak preview. These episodes will air from July 6-10. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The People of Color Tasked With 'Fixing' Silicon Valley's Race Problem
Tech companies in Silicon Valley are turning to Black employees and other workers of color to help them respond to Black Lives Matter protests nationwide. While some employees feel good about having their company’s ear, it also exposes tech's diversity problem at the top and how the burden of responding to racism often falls on workers of color, who may be jeopardizing their careers.
Guest: Nitasha Tiku, tech culture reporter for The Washington Post
You can read Nitasha's full story on this topi
Why Are Bay Area Hospitals Still Struggling To Get Personal Protective Gear?
New records obtained by KQED show local Bay Area hospitals have reported supply chain problems and the need for support and equipment from public agencies to deal with the coronavirus pandemic since January. Today, local hospitals can't sufficiently rely on federal or state help for obtaining adequate supplies of personal protective equipment or PPE. So they're largely left to figure it out on their own.
Guest: Molly Peterson, reporter for KQED News
Read more of Molly's reporting on this issue a
The COVID-19 Outbreak At San Quentin State Prison
Within one week in June, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at San Quentin State Prison grew more than 700 percent. Prison authorities have now reported that more than 500 incarcerated men have the virus, and that doesn't even count the dozens of guards who have contracted it too. Between prison over-crowding and prison employees entering and leaving, the implications of the outbreak at the state's oldest correctional institution could extend beyond its walls.Guest: Kate Wolffe, rep
Artists Reimagine Where Money Goes in A Police-Free Oakland
In Oakland, a city that’s seen school closures and a rapid rise in homelessness in recent years, the police budget takes up around 44% of the general fund. Among those calling to defund the police there are artists in Oakland who have plenty of ideas about what a police-free Oakland would look like if that money were reinvested into the community.
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, reporter and editor for KQED Arts and Culture
See photos of art around Downtown Oakland here.
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'This Is A Fight For Everyone': Asian Parents And Black Lives Matter
Growing up, Sarah Mizes-Tan's father encouraged her to always stand up to anti-Asian racism whenever she saw it. That's because he had experienced discrimination in the U.S. since immigrating from Singapore as a kid. After the death of George Floyd and protests for Black lives, Mizes-Tan knew the racism her dad experienced, and the racism Black folks experience, are connected struggles. So they talked about it. But depending on one's class, education, or citizenship status, Asian Americans are r
Bay Area Dockworkers Continue Decades of Fighting Oppression on Juneteenth
You can’t separate labor from the police violence and oppression that’s being called out this Juneteenth - the day that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. That’s why local Bay Area dockworker unions in San Francisco and Oakland are joining other local unions in shutting down the West Coast ports on Friday. This kind of action isn't new. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has fought against racism and police violence here in the Bay Area for decades.
Guests: Clarence Thomas
What One Alternative to Policing Looks Like
In January, the Anti Police-Terror Project launched a community first responder program in Sacramento called Mental Health First. Throughout the night, Friday through Sunday, Mental Health First volunteers respond to people in crisis — all without police.
Guests: Niki Jones, Peer Crisis Counselor/Volunteer Coordinator with Mental Health First and Asantewaa Boykin, co-founder of Anti Police-Terror Project
Read the transcript here.
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The Mad Dash to Hire 20,000 Contact Tracers in California
Lisa Fagundes is a San Francisco librarian who also helps track and prevent the spread of COVID-19. As more Bay Area residents leave their homes, the state is hiring thousands of people like Lisa to contact people who have tested positive for the virus. Health officials expect the work of contact tracers to become increasingly important as shelter-in-place orders loosen and mass protests continue.
Guest: April Dembosky, KQED health correspondent
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‘Joy, Sadness, Rage, and Passion’ in Santa Rosa’s Streets
There have been dozens of Bay Area cities protesting against police violence since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Most of the protests have taken place in the suburbs or smaller Bay Area cities not known for heavy activist scenes. But some of these cities have their own histories of police violence and activists are demanding changes to police policies. KQED Arts Senior Editor Gabe Meline lives in Santa Rosa and he covered eight straight nights of protests in the city. Today, what t
The Yearslong Movement To Get Police Out Of Oakland's Public Schools
Oakland Unified is the only school district in Alameda County with its own police force. And for nearly a decade, activists with the Black Organizing Project have tried to get police out of Oakland's public schools.
It hasn't happened. But now, with more calls nationally to defund the police, supporters are raising the issue with OUSD's school board once again.
Guest: Ashley McBride, education equity reporter at The Oaklandside
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Reflections From Vallejo Families Seeking Justice for Police Killings
Vallejo Police killed another person of color last week. Sean Monterrosa of San Francisco was shot after police say they mistook a hammer for a gun.
Days later, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued an "expansive review" of the Vallejo Police Department, citing the recent spate of high-profile police shootings and calls from the community.
We checked back in with the families of loved ones shot by Vallejo police, which we featured last year in our special series on policing in Vallej
The Layers Of Protections for Police Who Use Violence
Californian police officers are rarely disciplined, even internally, when they do something wrong. That's what KQED reporters have learned by looking at records released under a law passed in 2018. The records show a system designed to protect police and discourage citizens from filing complaints in the first place.Guest: Sukey Lewis, KQED criminal justice reporterTap here to see the California Reporting Project.
It’s Been More Than 10 Years Since Oscar Grant — And Not Enough Has Changed
On Jan. 1, 2009, Oscar Grant was shot and killed by a BART police officer. The killing was recorded and the video went viral.
There are so many other names here in California, too: Oscar Grant, Mario Woods, Stephon Clark, and many more. And each time, public outrage and pressure helped create some change. But it's never been enough.
Guest: Alex Emslie, KQED criminal justice reporter
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'The Weight of Living in a Racist World': Finding Emotional Support as a Black Man
This past week has been a lot. Several Bay Area cities joined other communities across the country protesting the police shooting of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Most of the demonstrations were peaceful, all of them were emotional. This past week has been a lot. Several Bay Area cities joined other communities across the country protesting the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Many of the demonstrations were peaceful, all of them were emotional.
KQED reporters are following what’s h
What Disability Justice Activist Stacey Park Milbern Taught Us
Stacey Park Milbern was an expert at organizing people. A self-identifying queer disabled woman of color, Stacey organized to help her move from North Carolina to the Bay Area so that she could live independently as a disabled person.
Stacey was a well known leader within the disability justice movement. And her activism extended beyond people living with disabilities and to other communities that are often excluded — people of color, queer folks, and people living on the streets. She passed awa
What We Can Learn From Stockton’s Universal Basic Income Experiment
Since early 2019, 125 random Stockton residents have been receiving $500 a month to spend however they want. And while the final data hasn't been released yet, we're starting to learn a little more about how that money was spent.
As many in the Bay Area struggle to pay rent or basic needs because of the coronavirus pandemic, what can we learn from this experiment in Stockton?
Guest: Rich Ibarra, correspondent for Capital Public Radio and longtime Stockton resident
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One Bay Area Filipina Nurse's Long History of Caring for People
When Evelyn Legarte migrated from the Philippines to the Bay Area in 1980, she was part of a growing number of Filipinos that now make up nearly 20% of nurses in California. Many of them are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and caring for people like they’ve done in public health crises before.
Guest: Evelyn Legarte, retired Bay Area nurse
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What Isolation During Ramadan Has Meant for Bay Area Mosques
Ramadan is an important time for mosques to receive donations that help them operate throughout the year.
But fundraising is hard when people can't attend mosques to pray, be with people, and donate. While some Bay Area mosques have moved services online, the money hasn’t necessarily followed. And where a mosque is located and who it serves may determine whether they can adapt at all.
Guest: Adhiti Bandlamudi, reporter for KQED’s Silicon Valley Desk
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Campaigning And Voting In A Pandemic
This time of year is a critical point in the run up to the November elections. Normally, campaigns would spend the next few months organizing rallies, town halls and gathering signatures for ballot measures.
But COVID 19 has thrown a wrench in the entire election ecosystem. And come Novevmber, even the process of voting will feel different, whether you're voting by mail or making the trip to do it in person.
Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQED politics correspondent
You can view our raw interview with Mar
People In Senior Care Homes Are Still Vulnerable Right Now
More than half of confirmed COVID-19 deaths in California come from senior care homes. And for family members and workers at these facilities, the situation hasn't gotten any less stressful.
Guests: Jonathan Hirsch, CEO of Neon Hum Media, and Molly Peterson, KQED science reporter
This is an update to our episode on April 10, 2020, which includes a longer introduction to Jonathan's dad, Thomas.
Do you know someone in a nursing home or assisted facility and want to share your story? Click here.
A
How Virtual Learning Exposed Inequities In Education
Around 1.2 million California students lack adequate access to the internet right now, despite the fact that public schools have moved classes online. That's created a tough scenario for teachers who have a harder time keeping tabs on students, and some educators are worried about what this means to education inequities that existed long before COVID-19.
Guest: Julia McEvoy, senior editor for KQED’s education and equity desk
The Bay won a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovat
How Will The Pandemic Affect Our Response To The Climate Crisis?
Thanks to shelter-in-place orders, we car-lovin’ Californians are driving 75% less, according to one recent estimate from UC Davis. That's good for the environment in the short-term, but it's not a sustainable way to lower emissions in the long-term.
So what does this pandemic mean for the environment — and will it cause the Bay Area to step up its efforts to stave off the climate crisis, or pull back?
Guest: Kevin Stark, KQED science reporter
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'My Mom Is Beyond A Superwoman': Mother's Day While Locked Up
Pedro Archuleta and his mother, Connie Archuleta, have gotten closer since Pedro's incarceration in 2002.
But the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow of worry over both of them. Connie worries about conditions inside the California Institution for Men in Chino, where Pedro, who also has a respiratory illness called Valley fever, is locked up. And Pedro worries that he can't do enough to help his 73 year-old mother right now.
Guest: Robin Estrin, freelance journalist and student at the UC Berkele
70,000 Wildfire Survivors Are Voting On A Settlement From PG&E — And It's A Mess
PG&E needs to reach a settlement agreement with nearly 70,000 survivors of the 2017 North Bay fires and the 2018 Camp Fire. The deal needs a two-thirds majority to pass and must be approved by May 15.
But the process has been a mess. Some survivors aren't happy, some don't have their ballots, and PG&E hasn't yet committed to paying the funds at a certain time. And at the end of it all, we still don't have assurances that PG&E will be fully equipped to handle the next wildfire season.
Guest: Lily
The Future Of The Bay Area’s Restaurant Industry
This pandemic has upended the Bay Area’s restaurant industry. Huge numbers of people have been laid off, restaurants have closed, and the businesses that are still open are trying to make it work through delivery and takeout. The industry will likely be changed forever.
As part of our ongoing focus on how life in the Bay Area is changing, we’re taking a look at the future of restaurants.
Guest: Soleil Ho, restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle
On Wednesday, May 13, we're hosting a (vi
'It's Not Enough': What Help Is There For California’s Undocumented Immigrants?
An estimated 2 million Californians are undocumented. And whether they're essential workers or have recently lost employment, none of them are eligible for federal aid right now, including the stimulus check that was part of the CARES Act. State and local authorities — and everyday people — are trying to help fill the gap, but it's nowhere near enough. So how are undocumented people being supported right now?
This episode is a collaboration with KQED’s Bay Curious podcast.
Guest: Farida Jhabvala
'It's Pretty Clear Who's Responsible': Activist Shot in Philippines Recovering in San Francisco
Brandon Lee is paralyzed from the chest down and recovering at his parent’s home in San Francisco’s Sunset District. Lee had been working as an environmental activist in the Philippines when he became what's believed to be the first U.S. citizen targeted in an extrajudicial assassination attempt under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Local San Francisco officials helped get Brandon back to the Bay Area for medical care. Now, Lee is looking for affordable and disability-accessible hous
What’s the Path Forward for Bay Area Public Transit?
Leaders at the Bay Area's public transit agencies are dealing with a massive fiscal crisis that happened seemingly overnight.
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How San Francisco’s Chinatown Avoided Covid-19 Panic
Chinatown community leaders were taking steps to prepare for the coronavirus in early February.
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‘I Don’t Want Anything to Happen to Them:’ Being Children of Essential Workers
For the kids of essential workers, saying goodbye to their parents each workday brings its own kind of stress.
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Apple and Google Want to Help Track the Coronavirus — Using Your Phones
Health officials have been trying to trace where COVID-19 came from and where it’s going. In some countries, including China, South Korea, Singapore and Israel, they’ve used cellphones and apps to identify and monitor people infected with the virus. Now, Silicon Valley giants Apple and Google are trying to create the technology for the U.S. But they need more of your data.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, senior editor of KQED's Silicon Valley desk
Most Artists Have Lost Their Income. What’s Next?
Many artists are still making creative work. But without live events, they're still in big financial trouble.
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Remembering San Francisco Lesbian Rights Activist Phyllis Lyon
Phyllis Lyon's activism throughout the years helped lay the groundwork for the LGBT rights movement to come.
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Why We Need Race, Ethnicity and Language Data to Beat COVID-19
Anyone can get sick from the coronavirus, but it's having an unequal impact on communities of color.
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‘There Isn’t A Lot I Can Do:’ Protecting Loved Ones In Senior Care Homes
Jonathan Hirsch is one of many people worrying about a loved one in a Bay Area senior care home.
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Can You Get Shelter Right Now If You Don’t Have A Home? It Depends.
Hotel rooms, RVs, and other shelter spaces are being made available. But it's going to take a lot more to keep people experiencing homelessness safe from the coronavirus.
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How KQED Is Making Radio During the Coronavirus Pandemic
News outlets are considered 'essential' businesses. Here's how we're (still) bringing you stories.
Why Local News Is Suffering When People Need It Most
The San Francisco Examiner and SF Weekly are cutting the pay and hours of their journalists by 40 percent.
The Confusing ‘Patchwork’ of Renter Protections
How much help do you have right now if you can't make rent? It depends on where you live.
Inside a Bay Area Courtroom During Shelter in Place
Courts are considered "essential," but it doesn't mean a jury trial is a safe place for people to gather right now.
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Tracking the Latest Chapter of Anti-Asian Racism in America
Asians and Asian-Americans are being harassed by people who think looking Chinese means you have the coronavirus. Three California organizations have created a tracker in order to document these incidences, and now they're receiving nearly 100 a day.
Guest: Professor Russel Jeung, Chair of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University
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‘The Rest of Our Season Got Canceled’
Students may be taking online classes, but their extracurriculars have been canceled.
The Bay Area Photojournalist Taking Portraits From a Distance
Jessica Christian wants to take photos of where the people are.
Even Before the Coronavirus, Working Class People Were Barely Getting By
The new coronavirus is highlighting just how precarious life has been for many workers and contractors.
When People Can’t Go to Their Houses of Worship
Religious communities are trying to stay connected while also staying safe from the coronavirus.
Will Daly City’s Only Hospital Survive?
Seton Medical Center is in financial trouble. But closing the hospital could put many vulnerable people at risk.
Don’t Panic: Your Questions Answered About the Coronavirus in the Bay Area
News about the coronavirus in the Bay Area is changing every day. Schools are closing, white collar workers are working from home and officials are trying to keep up. It can be overwhelming to know what to do and how to plan.
Our KQED colleagues have been working around the clock to bring us up-to-date information about the coronavirus, including our friends over at Bay Curious. They've answered some questions and concerns that listeners submitted, and today we're sharing that episode with you.
Working From Home? Not an Option for Gig Workers
Lots of workers, including gig workers, can't work from home to stay safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
The ‘Disease Detectives’ Tracing the Spread of the Coronavirus
Reported cases of the new coronavirus are increasing, and it's up to public health officials to try and figure out where those cases came from.
The Bay’s Birthday Field Trip
To celebrate The Bay turning two, the team went on a little field trip.
Sanders Won California, But Hella Votes Are Still Being Counted
The AP called California for Bernie Sanders, but we won't know the full results for a while.
Volunteering for Sanders and Warren in the Bay When Politics Is Personal
Most people don't volunteer for presidential campaigns. So we spoke to two volunteers, to learn about what led them to spend their free time helping their candidates in the Bay Area.
There’s a Familiar Distrust in West Oakland After Contaminated Water Closes McClymonds High
Groundwater contamination has forced McClymonds High School in West Oakland to temporarily close.
How Do Mobile Homes Fit Into Mountain View’s Rent Control Debate?
Mountain View could make changes to its rent control policy on March 3. But no matter what happens, mobile home renters will continue to be left out of the debate.
What Companies Know About KQED’s Silicon Valley Editor
Californians can now request their personal data from companies that have them. So KQED's Rachael Myrow tried it out.
The A’s Are Abandoning Local Radio – And Oakland’s In Its Feels
Baseball on the radio is special to many longtime fans. So some of them aren't thrilled that the A's are dropping their local English-language broadcast.
‘That’s Where I Grew Up’: The Wuhan Natives Organizing Aid From The Bay
Thousands of college graduates from Wuhan live in the Bay Area. Some of them have formed a non-profit to help their hometown fight the coronavirus.
Reckoning With Sexual Assault at Berkeley High School
Why protesters at Berkeley High School say they're fed up with how their school responds to allegations of sexual assault.
The Story of Change in Oakland Through the Old Capwell Building
The building in Oakland now known as Uptown Station has a long history. And if you follow that history, you can see just how much the city has changed.
San Francisco’s Man-Made Taxi Medallion Crisis
In 2010, San Francisco started selling taxi medallions. Now, some drivers are in so much debt that the stress causes physical pain.
A Black Chef’s Dream of Returning to the Fillmore
Fernay McPherson has built up her business, piece by piece, for six years. Today, you can find Minnie Bell's Soul Movement at the Emeryville Public Market.
But Fernay's biggest professional dream is to bring her restaurant back to the place where she and so many other black folks in the Bay Area lived until it became unaffordable — the Fillmore in San Francisco.
This episode is from Copper & Heat, a podcast produced in Oakland that explores the unspoken rules and traditions of restaurant kitch
‘Fui Muy Afortunado’: How One Asylum-Seeker Made It to the Bay Area
It’s been about one year since the Trump administration changed how seeking asylum works at the U.S-Mexico border. The so-called “Remain in Mexico” policy means that tens of thousands of migrants from Central America have to wait for their court hearings in what can be dangerous conditions.
This policy has made the process much harder for asylum seekers, who already have an uphill climb to get their claims approved. Only a small fraction of those seeking asylum to escape violence in their count
To Be Asian With a Face Mask During the Coronavirus Outbreak
When Santa Clara University's provost sent an email reminding people to be aware of their racial biases around the coronavirus, Sherry Wang, a professor in the school's Department of Counseling Psychology, responded to add some more context.
"I think that this is also an opportunity to remind each other about the historical legacy of racializing infectious diseases against People of Color," Wang wrote to her campus community.
As a professor who is also Asian American, Wang says she both is and
Why One of California’s Biggest Housing Bills Failed
SB 50 would have made big changes to the way housing in California gets built. So why did it fail?
The ‘Casual Corruption’ of San Francisco’s Mohammed Nuru
Mohammed Nuru has been in San Francisco city government for a long time. He was appointed to the Public Works department in 2000 by then-Mayor Willie Brown and eventually became the director of that department in 2011.
Nuru has been accused of shady behavior at various times during his career. But on Monday, the FBI made it official when they charged him with public corruption and lying to investigators. So why is he getting arrested now?
Guest: Joe Eskenazi, editor and columnist for Mission L
Is Your Food Delivery Order Legit?
What happens when food delivery apps add local restaurants without the owners' permission?
What ‘American Dirt’ Gets Wrong
Many Latinx writers, including here in the Bay Area, have expressed frustration with American Dirt, a new book by Jeanine Cummins that has been called the next great American novel. Oprah even selected it for her book club.
But it's also been criticized for an inaccurate, stereotypical depiction of migrants who are trying to cross the US-Mexico border.
"If it had been published and kind of billed as, 'This is our romanticized view of the border and its just for entertainment,' there's room for
A Six-Year Journey to Find a Home
Eddie Thomas lost his housing when he was 55 years old after working at Intel for five years. He's part of a growing trend of people becoming homeless later on in life.
Eddie was lucky enough to have help with finding work and housing. But even still, it took six years — and being homeless as you get older has its own share of unique challenges.
Guest: Sara Hossaini, KQED reporter
What It Takes to Help ‘Newcomer’ Immigrant Students in Oakland
Many local leaders in the Bay Area have made it a point to say that their communities are welcoming places for new immigrants, including those who are undocumented, are seeking asylum or are refugees.
Oakland Unified School District prides itself on helping "newcomer" students. And this year, they could see an unprecedented number of new arrivals. But the district can't always get new students enrolled in class, let alone provide all the help that families and kids need.
Guest: Vanessa Rancaño
Indie Artists Vs. The Frida Kahlo Corporation
You can find Frida Kahlo's image all over the Bay Area. The Mexican painter lived in San Francisco for a little bit in the '30s and '40s with her husband, Diego Rivera.
She became even more famous in the years after she died, and now you can find her name and likeness on everything from shoes, to tequila, to even Barbie dolls.
The Frida Kahlo Corporation, which is behind many of these products, wants to monopolize the use of her name — and it's been going after indie artists who make and sell
The Anonymous Companies That Buy Up Homes
Even if you can afford to buy a home in the Bay Area, you might get outbid by an anonymous shell company paying cash.
‘Unapologetic’: Jerry Brown’s Legacy in Oakland
Oakland feels a lot different today than it did when Jerry Brown was elected mayor in 1998. That’s because he had a lot to do with how the city changed.
The unapologetic and sometimes controversial Brown is featured in KQED's newest podcast, The Political Mind of Jerry Brown. Today, we're zeroing in on his time as mayor of Oakland, which set the stage for what we're seeing today.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED politics reporter
Subscribe to KQED’s new podcast The Political Mind of Jerry Brown her
What Does Safety For Trans People In Prison Look Like?
Prison can be a brutal place for anyone. But for trans people who are incarcerated, it's even more dangerous.
A new bill in California's state legislature is aimed at making conditions safer. If passed, it would allow transgender inmates to choose whether to be incarcerated in men's or women's facilities.
KQED reporters visited the California Medical Facility, a men’s prison in Vacaville, to hear why some transgender inmates see this bill as a life saving measure, while others say more needs t
For Many Immigrants With Advanced Degrees, It’s ‘Sink Or Swim’
When Dr. Wilmer Garcia Ricardo came to the U.S. from Cuba he couldn't find work as a physician, and he had to figure out the licensing process almost entirely on his own.
He's not the only one. An estimated 450,000 immigrants living in California have a degree but are underemployed. Many have to take on low-wage jobs. So why is it so hard to prevent ‘brain waste’ of highly skilled immigrants, especially in fields where so much help is needed?
Guest: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED immigrat
One Iranian-American’s Identity In This Moment
There are 180,000 people who claim Iranian ancestry living across California, according to the most recent census data. Many left Iran around the time of the revolution in 1979. SF Weekly's Ida Mojadad's parents came to the U.S. around this time as students.
The U.S. and Iranian governments have remained adversaries since the revolution. This political relationship has shaped the way Mojadad thinks about her Iranian-American identity. And after the U.S. killed Iran's top general, she's once aga
The Moral Case Behind ‘Housing Is a Human Right’
On Monday, two black mothers who occupied a vacant West Oakland property had their day in court. Southern California-based Wedgewood Properties, which owns the home, argued this is a clear case of theft. But the moms are making another, more philosophical argument: that housing is a human right. But what does that mean, and will it help them stay in the house?
Guest: Molly Solomon, KQED's housing and affordability reporter
Here's an episode we did on the concept of housing as health care.
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An Unspoken Guide to Riding BART
When our new editor Alan Montecillo moved to the Bay Area earlier this month he noticed that people loved talking about BART. It's one of the few spaces where people from all over the Bay Area are forced to be around each other. (If fact, we did a whole episode on why BART has been the epicenter of so many contentious political and social conversations in the Bay). BART riders have developed their own culture and etiquette around riding the train. So to catch Alan up to speed, we got some help f
Can PG&E Be Forced To Change?
This week, PG&E took a big step towards emerging from bankruptcy after a judge approved billions of dollars in settlements with fire survivors and insurers. But the company also has to convince the state that it has a good plan to prevent more wildfires and provide safe, reliable power going forward.
Gov. Gavin Newsom says he isn’t convinced, and PG&E needs his approval to get access to a wildfire relief fund. So is there finally enough leverage to get the investor-owned company to change?
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After 161 Years, an Era of Local News Ends in Martinez
The paper will print its final issue this Sunday, ending a 161-year run covering the county seat of Contra Costa.
Welcome to Oakland’s Indigenous Red Market
In the late fifties, the U.S. government promised Native Americans good jobs and stable housing if they left reservations for urban centers, including Oakland. Those promises were never realized. But something else happened, too. Instead of assimilating into cities like the federal government wanted, native people built solidarity, preserved traditions, and continued to create culture — both within their communities and between other indigenous ones. One of the ways that solidarity takes shape i
How Maria Isabel Bueso Beat Back the Trump Administration
Maria Isabel Bueso and her family have waited months to learn whether they could stay in the country. Bueso has lived in the Bay Area for 16 years under a special immigration status in order to get treatment for a rare genetic disease. In August, she received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services demanding that she leave the country. But Bueso became a leading advocate on behalf of hundreds of immigrants who received similar letters, and her story highlighted the harm of Presid
An Audio Journey Through Our Turbulent Decade
The Giants’ first World Series win in 56 years, the Occupy Oakland protests, and the Ghost Ship warehouse fire are just a few moments from the last decade that shaped and changed the Bay Area. With the help of reporters from KQED’s Arts team, we take a look back at some of the most defining moments in Bay Area arts and culture, and talk about how those moments shaped and changed us.
Guests: KQED Arts team
Tap here to read the full Our Turbulent Decade series.
To Be Filipino, Gay, And HIV Positive in San Francisco
Jaime Geaga moved to San Francisco in 1981. He was ready to start a new chapter of his life when he tested positive for HIV. Among Asian Americans, Filipino men were some of the most affected by HIV/AIDS. Filipinos also made up the largest group of Asians in the Bay Area. So Jaime became an activist to educate his community, all while fighting for his life.
This episode is from Long Distance, a documentary podcast with stories about the Filipino diaspora.
The Problem With Police Neck Holds
A Petaluma man named David Ward died last week shortly after a sheriff’s deputy put him in a neck hold, according to the Sonoma County sheriff's office. Neck restraints came into national consciousness after the 2014 chokehold death of Eric Garner in New York. We don’t know whether Ward’s death was caused by the police restraint, but KQED has learned that the officer involved has lied about using this kind of hold before.
Guest: Sukey Lewis, KQED criminal justice reporter
The Cost of Amazon’s Drive For Speed
When you order from Amazon in the Bay Area, your order is probably coming from a fulfillment center in Tracy. The serious injury rate for employees at that facility has nearly quadrupled since the company introduced worker robots there five years ago. That's according to Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting. We'll talk with the reporter of that investigation who says the speed at which the worker robots move to ship your package has proven to be dangerous for the humans working alo
San Francisco Debates How to Honor Women With Monuments in the Era of Toppling Statues
San Francisco's Arts Commission wants a public monument honoring poet Maya Angelou. It's part of an effort to fix the fact that just 2 percent of public sculptures in the city honor women. But the commission and the local arts community can't agree on how Maya Angelou should be represented. The debate has highlighted a rift between people who want to see women represented in the same way men are -- through statues -- and others who say there's gotta be a better way to honor women.
Guest: Chloe
What's Up With Fresno's Asian Gang Task Force?
After the mass shooting in Fresno earlier this month, police responded by creating an Asian Gang Task Force. Yet so far, police have provided no evidence linking the shooting to gang activity. Now some in the Hmong community, which lost four of its own in the shooting, say the move has stereotyped a grieving community that has long worked to shed that identity.
Guest: Alex Hall, KQED Central Valley reporter
‘We Don’t Want Shelter, We Want Homes’
The fight over housing rights took a turn recently when two homeless moms occupied a vacant three-bedroom home in West Oakland with their children. Their group, Moms 4 Housing, wants the city to make it possible for people like them to lawfully occupy some of the thousands of empty homes owned by out-of-town corporations. But until then, they’ll squat. It’s a test case to see what the city will do, before more homeless activists try similar tactics.
Guest: Dominique Walker, Moms 4 Housing
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What Makes BART Such A Politicized Space?
Steven Foster was detained and cited by BART police for eating a sandwich on a train platform. This isn't the first time BART has been the backdrop of significant social and political conversations in the Bay Area. From Oscar Grant to controversial fare gates, the transit agency is just a microcosm of a larger place: America.
Guest: Pendarvis Harshaw, Host of KQED’s Rightnowish Podcast and columnist for KQED Arts
Subscribe to The Bay to hear more local Bay Area stories like this one. New episo
The Thinking Behind KQED’s Mass Shooting Coverage
Since the days of Columbine, America's reference point for mass shootings has shifted over and over again. These shootings have happened at schools, movie theaters and night clubs. But there are also the mass shootings that happen on the margins: In people's homes, backyards and cul-de-sacs. The epidemic of gun violence in America is pushing newsrooms like KQED's to interrogate how to cover these tragedies. We take you inside the KQED newsroom in conversation with managing editor Vinnee Tong abo
‘Yes, Asians Go To Jail Too’
Jason Mai didn’t know why his father was taken to jail when he was 12 years old. As a kid growing up in the Bay Area, he was told by his Chinese family to avoid má fan, which meant burdening or inconveniencing others by sharing the family secret. Only as an adult did Jason start to process his childhood trauma by learning about the intersections between incarceration and Asian American culture. To help him process it, he created a zine.
Guest: Jason Mai, creator of Yes, Asians Go To Jail Too
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Why San Francisco’s New District Attorney Chesa Boudin is a ‘Leap of Faith’
Chesa Boudin wants to shake up San Francisco's criminal justice system. Boudin comes from an unconventional background: His parents were jailed for participating in a robbery that led him to a career as a public defender. This week, final results showed Boudin was elected District Attorney by just 2,800 votes. While some worry about what a public defender-turned-DA will mean to public safety and criminal justice, Boudin says it’s the system itself that’s been the most harmful.
Guest: Mary Frank
From the Bay to the Supreme Court: A Doctor’s Fight for DACA
Jirayut "New" Latthivongskorn immigrated to the United States with his family as a kid. They settled in the Bay Area, where they spent years living in the shadows as undocumented immigrants. They avoided visits to the doctor's and anything that would get them noticed. Then came the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which gave Latthivongskorn temporary protection from deportation -- and the chance to work as a physician himself. Now, the Trump Administration has threatened the fate
Who Owns Silicon Valley?
Stanford has more property value than Apple, Google and Intel combined. And right now in the Bay Area, everyone is watching how these big property owners choose to use their land. So what role should companies who aren’t in the development business play in this moment?
Guest: Rachael Myrow, Senior Editor of KQED’s Silicon Valley Desk
"Who Owns Silicon Valley?" is a multi-newsroom investigative project involving Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting, The Mercury News, NBC Bay Area,
Let’s Talk About Race and the Orinda Shooting
Why has the "mass shooting" element of this tragedy been largely overlooked?
Olympic Legends for Black Power Salute, Now Hall of Famers
John Carlos and Tommie Smith were shunned after their infamous Black Power salute on the podium at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. The were kicked out of the Olympics and lost their track and field careers. Now, 50 years later, they've been inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, where their athletic feats are being honored as much as their courage.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, Senior Editor of KQED's Silicon Valley Desk
Tap here to see pictures and video of San Jose State Universi
Covering the Kincade Fire in Indigenous Languages
During the 2017 North Bay fires, bilingual radio station KBBF in Santa Rosa became a lifeline for many Spanish speakers in Sonoma County. At the time, emergency alerts and information were poorly translated, if at all. Now, KBBF has been filling another gap in the emergency response to the Kincade Fire by interpreting information on air in even more languages.
Guests: Maribel Merino, Gervacio Peña Lopez, and Xulio Soriano, volunteers at KBBF
'We’re Way More Prepared Now'
It's been one week since the Kincade Fire started in Sonoma County, but this time residents say the county is more prepared.
A Bay Farewell to Editor Erika Aguilar
Some bittersweet news from The Bay team: Our editor Erika Aguilar is leaving to head KQED’s new Housing and Affordability Desk. Erika is a founding member of The Bay and helped launch the podcast in March 2018. In this episode, The Bay team talks with Erika about making the show and why it sounds the way it does. And we get a sneak peek at Erika’s plans editing one of the biggest stories in the Bay Area right now.
Guest: Erika Aguilar, Senior Editor of KQED's Housing and Affordability Desk
Living Between Fires and Blackouts
PG&E said there were failures on one of its high-voltage transmission lines just minutes before the Kincaid Fire erupted in Sonoma County. It's renewed concern that PG&E equipment is implicated. This comes at a time when the utility has been turning off power to reduce the risk of another wildfire. More than 200,000 Bay Area PG&E customers had their power shut off this week in the latest response to dangerous weather conditions that are aiding the fire in Sonoma County. The shutdowns are disrup
San Francisco’s Car-Free Market Street Makeover
Starting in January, San Francisco will ban private cars from Market Street as part of a major overhaul to make the city’s main thoroughfare safer for pedestrians, cyclists and public transit. The plan has taken a decade to approve. What can we expect Market Street to look like not just in six months, but fifteen years? We asked Dan Brekke, transportation editor for KQED News.
Subscribe to The Bay to hear more local Bay Area stories like this one. New episodes are released Monday, Wednesday and
Why the S.F. District Attorney’s Race Matters and What You Need to Know
This year’s race for San Francisco district attorney has been a doozy. The four-way race to replace George Gascón is wide-open. The Nov. 5 election took on some extra controversy this month when Gascón abruptly resigned. The next day, Mayor London Breed named Suzy Loftus interim DA -- just weeks before the polls close. What does this mean for the city? And why the DA position is way more important than you might think.
Guest: Scott Shafer, Editor of KQED's Politics & Government Desk
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Shaky Shaky Shaky: How to Prepare for the Next Earthquake
This week, the Bay Area felt a series of earthquakes in less than 24 hours. Thursday marked the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. That prompted KQED Science reporter Peter Arcuni to come up with a disaster plan. Over the course of four days, Arcuni secured his house, gathered supplies and got his family on board with an earthquake plan. And he documented the whole thing.
Guest: Peter Arcuni, reporter for KQED Science
Subscribe to The Bay to hear more local, Bay Area stories like t
‘We’re Still Here’: Canoe Journey to Alcatraz to Remember the Native American Occupation 50 Years Ago
On Monday, Native people from across the West Coast gathered in San Francisco for a ceremonial canoe journey to Alcatraz Island. Each canoe represented a territory, tribe, community or family. They paddled to celebrate culture and values on Indigenous Peoples' Day, and to commemorate the 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz.
Guest: Alice Woelfle, KQED reporter
KQED’s Podcast #Rightnowish Tackles How Art Shapes the Bay
Bay Area artists have a tendency to embed politics and messages for society into their creative work. KQED's newest podcast Rightnowish highlights those artists -- and how what they make is shapes (and has been shaped by) where we are. Author and KQED Arts writer Pendarvis Harshaw brings us into his conversations with artists, creatives and thinkers who teach us about Bay Area life and culture.
Guest: Pendarvis Harshaw, KQED Arts writer and Host of Rightnowish
Subscribe to Rightnowish on Apple
In Paradise, Power Shutoffs and PG&E’s Unreliability Feel Like the New Normal
PG&E shut off the lights to 800,000 customers in Northern California, including 141,000 in the Bay Area. The utility company says the goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires. These latest shutdowns come almost a year after the deadly Camp Fire in Paradise, which was caused by PG&E transmission lines. Some residents in Paradise say living with shutoffs is the new normal at a time when public trust in the utility is low.
Guest: Michelle Wiley, reporter for KQED
For more information about the pow
Should San Francisco Force People With Mental Illness Into Treatment?
San Francisco is moving forward with a conservatorship program that would force people experiencing chronic homelessness, substance abuse and severe mental illness to get treatment even if they don't want to. A new state law allows San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego counties to create these five-year pilot programs. It's seen as a way to help people on the street who are suffering crisis, while some advocates for homeless people say conservatorships take away a person's civil liberties whe
How Nancy Pelosi’s Beginnings Prepared Her to Lead Democrats on Impeachment
Although Nancy Pelosi didn’t run for elected office until she was 47, politics is in her blood. Born into a prominent Baltimore political family, Pelosi learned at a young age the chess-maneuvering of politics. That skill has served her well throughout her life — from raising five kids in San Francisco, to becoming the first female speaker of the house. And that skill is also what makes her the right person to lead the Democrats in this moment as they work to impeach President Donald Trump.
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How the Fair Pay to Play Act Could (Finally) Lead to a Profitable Future for Female Athletes
Female athletes in the Bay Area are at a disadvantage when it comes to opportunities to play at the professional level. There are no professional women's sports teams in the Bay, compared to seven professional sports teams for men. So female athletes thrive at the collegiate level, where athletes aren't allowed to make money off of their talents. This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to change that. Advocates of female athletes say: it's good news for students, but especially women.
Guest:
What Boulders Say About San Francisco’s Inability to Find a Solution to Homelessness
Residents with a place to live on Clinton Park, a street in San Francisco, pooled their money together to buy boulders for the neighborhood's sidewalks.* The residents have complained that people living in an encampment across the street were committing crimes and using drugs. So, the boulders were placed on the sidewalks to deter that. But others reject that argument saying rocks are not a solution to the city's housing and affordability crisis.
Guest: Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, Columnist for t
Why Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto is a Problem (For Some)
North Berkeley’s “Gourmet Ghetto” is considered the birthplace of California cuisine. It’s where the original Peet’s Coffee is located, and the neighborhood is home to Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse. For years, the culinary nickname remained a part of the neighborhood’s identity, until a new coffee shop owner said he wanted it to change, pointing to its offensive, racial context. Now, the neighborhood business association has decided to remove the name from its branding, but residents still seem spl
When Should Vallejo Officers Be Required to Test for Drugs or Alcohol?
Vallejo residents attended a city council meeting this week wearing bright yellow stickers that read "Coked Cops Kill." They opposed efforts by the police union to delete a section of its contract that outlines when an officer could be ordered to receive drug and alcohol testing. Councilors approved the new contract, limiting when officers may be subject to drug and alcohol tests.
Guest: Ericka Cruz Guevarra, producer for The Bay
Read Ericka's full story on the meeting here. And below are link
Unplugged: PG&E Shuts Down Power In Several Northern California Cities
It’s hot. It’s dry. And your power might get shut off. PG&E has been making daily decisions this week on whether to shut off power to wildland areas in Northern California that are at risk of fire. The utility announced shutoffs in portions of Butte, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sonoma, and Yuba counties starting Wednesday. That's almost 50,000 customers. Some worry if you pull the plug, the sick and elderly could suffer without power. On the other hand, no one wants to see another deadly fire
The Voice Behind ‘I Got 5 On It’
Mike Marshall has a voice you've probably heard before. He was the vocal on the 90s anthem I’ve Got Five On It. More recently, Marshall covered San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) in the movie The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Marshall waited decades to feel recognized for his voice. And it took two movies that take place around the Bay Area to make that happen.
Guest: Chloe Veltman, arts and culture reporter for KQED
Click here to read Chloe's full story.
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Ordered Out But Fighting for Her Life to Stay
Maria Isabel Bueso immigrated to the United States from Guatemala 16 years ago so she could receive treatment in the Bay Area for a rare genetic disease. Her family has been able to stay here legally under "medical deferred action," which offers humanitarian relief to people often seeking life-saving medical treatment in the U.S. But in August, Bueso and her family received a deportation order. After she and other advocates pushed back on the Trump administration policy, the immigration agency
Housing is Healthcare: One Doctor’s Prescription for Solving Homelessness
President Trump and HUD Secretary Ben Carson visited the Bay Area on Tuesday. Trump attended a fundraiser but made time to call attention to the state's housing and homeless crisis. Carson toured a public housing project in San Francisco that's under construction through a public-private partnership. He said the state should look *to* the private sector for money to build housing. But one family medicine doctor and advocate for people living on the streets says solving the issue of homelessness
Living With Parents (Cause the Rent is Too Dang High)
In California, living with parents has become necessary for many young adults trying to save money on rent. Around 37 percent of young people ages 18 to 34 are living with their parents, according to Census data. And increasingly, those living at home are from richer coastal areas. So what does that mean for black and brown people who have been historically denied access to home ownership -- the gateway to wealth in America?
Guest: Matt Levin, data and housing reporter for CALMatters and cohost
The Gig is Up: Lawmakers Pass AB 5 to Protect Gig Workers
Tech companies like Lyft and Uber have introduced America to a new way of working. They've touted a flexible, be-your-own boss work model -- though without benefits or worker protections. This week, California lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 5 -- a landmark bill that will extend protections and benefits for workers in the state's gig economy. But it protects workers in other industries too.
Guest: Katie Orr, reporter for KQED's Politics and Government Desk
Subscribe to The Bay to hear more loca
Out of the Blocks Takes Us On A Listening Tour Through West Oakland
Heritage and gentrification intersect in West Oakland's Lower Bottoms neighborhood. That's the historical headquarters of the
Black Panther Party, and the last train stop in the East Bay before San Francisco. The rising cost of housing in the Bay Area is changing the character of the Lower Bottoms, and we introduce you to the podcast Out of the Blocks to hear just how.
Out of the Blocks is an immersive listening experience built from a mosaic of voices and soundscapes from inside a neighborh
The Conception Had An Excellent Reputation. One Bay Area Diver Asks ‘What Happened?’
The tragedy of the Conception boat fire off the Santa Barbara coast has rippled throughout the diving community. Several of the 34 people who died on Labor Day were from the Bay Area. The boat and Truth Aquatics operators are highly regarded by divers. One local dive instructor who has been on the Conception wonders how a boat with such a good reputation caught fire and caused so much destruction.
Guest: Mauricio Muñoz, President of CaliDivers Scuba Diving Club and owner of Pacific Ocean Water
‘I’m in Shock’: What the Ghost Ship Verdict Means to Those Who Survived
The Ghost Ship trial is over, for now. The jury acquitted Max Harris, one of the two men accused of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the 2016 warehouse fire that killed 36 people. The other defendant, master tenant Derick Almena, is still locked up after a hung jury couldn’t decide whether he was guilty or innocent. The fire devastated Oakland’s artist community as the city began cracking down on unsafe living conditions. So how do artists and those who were at the Ghost Ship warehouse t
Will Lawmakers Help Bring Activist Brandon Lee to the U.S. for Care?
Brandon Lee remains in critical condition after he was shot outside his home in the Philippines last month. The San Francisco native warned that the Philippine government had been intimidating him for working as a human rights advocate for indigenous communities in the Ifugao province in northern Philippines. San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney recently visited Brandon in the hospital and he joined the family in asking for government help to bring Lee back to the U.S. for care and protection.
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Your Thoughts on Vallejo Police Shootings
Our reporting on deadly police shootings that have happened in Vallejo has struck a nerve with listeners, especially those who live in the city. A police shooting will ripple throughout a community and touch everyone. Instead of city landmarks, some see spots where police violence occurred. They've written us to say they are frustrated but say this is a solvable problem. Today, we'll feature some of their voices and discuss how some Vallejo residents are feeling and what they're talking about.
My Kid Has Anxiety. Can Their Schools Help?
Brianna Sedillo is a student at El Cerrito High School in the East Bay. After her grandfather passed away, the pressures of high school intensified for her. Her depression and anxiety kicked into high gear leaving her with few coping mechanisms to succeed in class. It's a feeling that many teenagers in school experience, and a topic that KQED's education podcast MindShift is taking on as part of it's fourth season.
MindShift explores the future of learning in all its dimensions. The hosts repor
The Oakland Property Owners Who Chose Ethics Over Money
When the Cabellos listed their Oakland property for sale, they got offers from developers and corporate businesses. The property sits in the gentrified Temescal neighborhood, which is part of the reason they closed their business Baby World in 2017. The family was holding out for a buyer who understood the plight and the struggle that many people – like the Cabellos, who came to Oakland as political refugees - are going through in a rapidly gentrifying city. Then they found the perfect buyer.
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'The Only Way to Not See it is to Close Your Eyes'
This isn’t the first time Vallejo has experienced a cluster of high profile police shootings and incidents that have caused residents to demand changes. The current pleas and fight for police accountability from activists is reminiscent of 2012, when there was a spike in deadly police shootings. But it's not just police shootings people are concerned about. It’s also everyday run-ins with Vallejo officers that for years have added to a sense of mistrust that’s blowing up in City Hall. Vallejo is
One Night, Two Narratives
The recent wave of protests for police accountability in Vallejo started back in 2017. That’s when Angel Ramos, 21, was fatally shot by an officer who thought he was stabbing another person during a fight. But no knife was found near him. Since then, his sister Alicia Saddler has been trying to change the narrative about what happened, which has largely been controlled by law enforcement and the city. Now, new activists and more families who’ve lost loved ones to police shootings are joining in
The Life and Death of Willie McCoy
Willie McCoy had a hard childhood, but his dreams of making music professionally kept him alive until he was shot 55 times by Vallejo police in February after he was found unconscious his car. His death and the subsequent release of body-cam video of the police shooting has sparked protests at Vallejo City Hall, a new round of outrage different from the protests over police killings in 2012. Activists, the media and ordinary Vallejo residents are paying attention this time. With their help, Davi
There’s Something Wrong in Vallejo
In February, Vallejo police officers shot a young black man 55 times after he was found unconscious in his car. Another was killed last year after an officer tried to stop him for riding a bike without a safety light. Fatal police shootings of Black and Latino men are drawing attention to the small, diversely-populated suburb of Vallejo, which has been largely ignored by most media and activists, until recently. There are protests and lawsuits; there are calls for investigations and resignations
Bay Area Filipinos Stand Up For Activist Shot in the Philippines
A San Francisco native was shot in the Philippines earlier this month in what friends and family believe was an attempted extrajudicial assassination by the Philippine government. Brandon Lee became an activist through San Francisco State University's League of Filipino Students. Lee moved to the Philippines in 2010 to work as a paralegal and human rights advocate for indigenous communities in the Ifugao province in northern Philippines.
San Francisco has been the epicenter of activism for deca
The Long, Hard Search for a Missing and Homeless Loved One
More than 34,000 people are homeless in the Bay Area. There's not enough housing or resources to help them all. Some have friends or family who have been searching for their loved ones to bring them home, but finding someone who is homeless is very challenging. They're always on the move. They don't often have access to a phone. And even after finding that person, they might not be ready to go home.
In this podcast episode of The Bay, we'll hear from a woman who, through her long search for h
From El Paso to the Bay: Latinos Look for Community After Shootings
Latinos this week have expressed fear, anger and unity after a gunman shot and killed 22 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. The suspect wrote a racist manifesto blaming immigrants and Hispanics for economic changes in the U.S. The massacre in Texas followed the Bay Area’s own mass shooting last month in Gilroy, a city that is majority Hispanic. Since then, many Latinx people have shared how these shootings have changed their lives, including two KQED reporters, both from Texas.
Guest: Viane
Young People Fighting For Gun Control Want to Know: What Will It Take?
The three victims from the Gilroy Garlic Festival were young -- ages 6, 13 and 25. Many of the victims from the shootings in El Paso and Dayton were also young. And it was children, teenagers and young adults who joined the debate for gun control, notably after the Parkland, Florida school shooting in 2018 where 17 students and staff members were killed. Here in the Bay Area, high school students channeled their outrage into a regional activist group they formed to lobby for gun control legislat
When The Media Descended On Gilroy
After the shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival on July 28, a local newspaper photographer criticized how media quickly descended on the small city in south Santa Clara County in ways we've seen too many times: cameras, lights satellite trucks, neatly-dressed journalists. To Robert Eliason, it felt cold, transaction and distanced. "I'm press, but I'm not really press," he wrote on his Facebook page. In an era when, shootings and other deadly assaults on the public happen often, how should the
Banning RV Life in the Heart of Silicon Valley
Google pledged $1 billion earlier this month to help ease Silicon Valley's housing crisis. That crisis is playing out in Google's home city of Mountain View, where city leaders want to ban RVs from parking overnight on city streets. RV dwellers say they have nowhere else to go. But some Mountain View residents say they're concerned about waste, parking availability and public health. The city plans to give some vehicles a safe place to park, but not all.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, Acting Silicon Val
How Gay Activists in San Francisco Educated the World About AIDS
A San Francisco nurse named Bobbi Campbell was the first person to publicly announce he had a cancer associated with AIDS in 1981. Around this time, he convinced a Castro drugstore to display pictures of his lesions to educate other gay men in the city. This was the beginning of an activist-led campaign to alert the gay community of a new disease that has since affected millions around the world. And while initially federal officials were turning a blind eye, local activists were shaping San Fra
A Mural That Doesn’t Age Well: The Debate Over the George Washington Murals in S.F.
Can an artist’s original intentions withstand the test of time and modern sentiment? A mural at George Washington High School in San Francisco that intended to depict America's founding father in true light and criticize the country's racist past has sparked debate for decades. Some have described the mural as degrading; others have called it historic. After years of contention, the S.F. school board plans to obscure the school campus mural from public view. The question is how, and will it be p
A Migrant’s Journey from El Salvador to the Bay Area
President Trump on Monday announced that federal immigration officers were gearing up for deportations next week. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf responded by urging her community to be prepared. It’s unclear whether the federal government is even capable of widespread raids or deportations, and who exactly they're targeting. Trump administration officials have said their immigration policies are meant to deter migrants, many traveling from Central American countries, from coming to the U.S. Today, w
The Woman Who Kept Juneteenth Alive in San Francisco
San Francisco's Juneteenth, a commemoration of the end of slavery, is one of the largest gatherings of African Americans in California every year. This year's Juneteenth parade was named in honor of Rachel Townsend, a leader in San Francisco's black community who died of sudden illness in 2018. Townsend was active in San Francisco and Oakland politics and fought to keep Juneteenth in San Francisco despite the city's shrinking black population. At its peak in the 1970s, 13 percent of the city was
The Price of Owning the Power Grid
Environmental activists in San Francisco have long called for the city to have its own public power system. The idea never took off until PG&E went bankrupt, again, in January. The private utility company owns most of the power grid that delivers the city's power, but S.F. leaders worry PG&E will raise rates and prioritize profits over reliable, safe power. Now city leaders are looking at buying PG&E lines, and are considering what it would take if San Francisco ran power on its own grid. The c
From Quentin to the Kitchen: Preparing for Life After Prison in the Bay Area
Formerly incarcerated people who can’t find work after prison face a 50 percent chance of returning to prison. Those who do find work have a better chance of staying out. San Quentin State Prison, California’s oldest prison, has several programs such as arts, continuing education and electronics training to help inmates prepare for life outside its walls. One of these programs, Quentin Cooks, helps inmates learn kitchen skills and get certified to work in the food service industry after they get
Why San Francisco Wants to Stop Charging Inmates for Phone Calls
The cost of going to prison is both personal and financial. That’s exacerbated by the price of phone calls from the inside. In San Francisco, a 15-minute phone call can cost $2.10. Other jails charge about $5. And it's often the family and friends of incarcerated people who pay these fees; often they are women of color and low-income people. So, San Francisco plans to eliminate fees for phone calls from jails, and will stop marking up the cost of items such as toiletries and food at the commissa
A ‘Surreal’ and Emotional Graduation for Paradise High
"Surreal" is the word Paradise High School seniors used over and over again to describe their graduation months after the deadly Camp Fire that leveled most of the town. Most of the students lost homes in the fire, the most deadly and destructive fire in recorded California history. Last week's ceremony was the first time most students had set foot on campus since they were forced to evacuate. We hear from students whose sense of normalcy was restored, at least for an evening.
Guest: Jeremy Sie
Teachers Strike Close to Graduation Leaves Students in Limbo
The teachers strike at the New Haven School District in Union City and South Hayward has been going on for two weeks now. Unlike more recent teachers strikes around the Bay Area, New Haven’s comes at the end of the school year when students are supposed to take final exams and graduate. So if there’s no agreement, what does that mean for students?
Guest: Joseph Geha, reporter for the East Bay Times and Mercury News
The Exploitation of Creative People and Their Passions
It’s hard enough to live, work and survive in the Bay Area. But people whose work is their passion often make additional sacrifices to do what they love. Many of you shared stories of “passion exploitation” after KQED Arts published an article in March about how San Francisco’s Apple store paid in-store performers with merchandise instead of cash. It turns out there’s research that shows creative people can be vulnerable to passion exploitation.
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, music editor with KQED
Mental Healthcare for All?
It's not uncommon to see people struggling with mental health in San Francisco. People experiencing the trauma of homelessness often have their worst days unfold on city streets. San Francisco supervisors plan to introduce a November ballot proposal this week to let voters decide whether to offer universal mental health care for all residents. It would make San Francisco one of the first cities in the nation to do this. The city's homeless are top of mind, but so are everyday San Franciscans who
The New Resistance to Vallejo Police Violence
A series of police shootings in Vallejo over the last few years has mobilized residents to city hall in protest. This week, the families of Angel Ramos, Willie McCoy, and Ronnell Foster -- three men of color shot and killed by Vallejo police -- demanded truth, justice and accountability from the department. Vallejo, a city of about about 120,000 people and one of the most racially-diverse cities in America, is right across the Bay from the politically-active cities of Oakland and San Francisco.
A Prescription Your Doctor Can’t Write: Housing as Health Care
When Bay Area cities clear homeless encampments, proponents of such plans often say they're trying to fix a public health issue, or that encampments have become too unsafe or unhealthy. But some are making the case that treating housing as an issue of public health is more effective. Dr. Joshua Bamberger says it doesn't matter what medicines he prescribes -- they won't help if his patient doesn't have a home.
Guest: Dr. Joshua Bamberger, associate clinical professor of family and community medi
Why We Need ‘Truth Be Told’: A New KQED Advice Podcast About Race for People of Color
When Tonya Mosley thinks about conversations she's had with friends and family about race, she's usually asking for advice. Now, there's a podcast for that -- and Tonya is hosting it. Truth Be Told is a show about race created for people of color, by people of color. The episodes tackle topics like colonized desire and well-meaning white folks. It also taps into the expertise of 'wise ones,' people of color with a wealth of knowledge from lived experience. But why an advice podcast -- and why no
Why San Jose Ain’t San Jose Without the Sharks
San Jose has undergone dramatic change since the Sharks first came to the city in 1993. The population has spiked to more than 1 million, the median home price is $1 million, and the SAP Center (Shark Tank) isn't the only development getting attention anymore. The region's identity has become intertwined with the tech boom that's changing San Jose. But at least one thing has remained the same: the city's love for its professional ice hockey team.
Guest: Brian Watt, host of KQED's Morning Editio
Why Is My Restaurant Server Always White?
When you get your check at a restaurant, there’s a good chance your server is white. There’s an even better chance that the cooks and dishwashers in the back of the house are POC who get considerably less money, according to a new study that evaluated Bay Area restaurants for racial equity. That’s why some Oakland city leaders want to offer incentives to restaurants that diversify their staff. But why should the city have to coax (and pay) restaurants to do this?
Guest: Kate Wolffe, reporter fo
PG&E Blamed For Sparking Deadly Camp Fire. Now What?
It's confirmed: A PG&E transmission line sparked the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history last November in Butte County. Cal Fire announced Wednesday the result of its investigation into the Camp Fire that killed 85 people and destroyed nearly 14,000 homes. Now it's up to the Butte County District Attorney to determine if PG&E will face criminal charges for it's role in the fire. Either way, some say Cal Fire's determination helps victims of the fire understand they have a r
San Francisco Bans Facial Recognition Technology
We use facial recognition technology to unlock our cell phones, doors, and find friends on social media apps. But there's a real fear about how tech companies and government is recording our faces and tracking our movements. That’s one reason why the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban city agencies, including the police department, from using this type of technology. The ordinance is part of a larger policy package that is supposed to give the city control over what surveill
Would You Stop Driving Through Downtown San Francisco if You Had to Pay to Do It?
Driving through downtown San Francisco has always been hell (good luck getting across Market Street). Traffic has gotten worse with job growth and the advent of ride-hailing apps like Lyft and Uber. Could congestion pricing help? San Francisco is studying whether to charge people who drive through some of the busiest parts of the city. New York City decided it will introduce congestion pricing in 2021. Could San Francisco be next? It’ll be a hard sell since we love our cars. But desperate times
Should SF’s Chinatown Muni Station Be Named After Rose Pak?
The legacy of Rose Pak returns to San Francisco. A proposal to name a future Muni rail station after the late Chinatown activist provoked a protest at City Hall this week, and debates over how to recognize her achievements for Chinatown. Although she never held elected office, Pak was a major player in city politics and projects. Her rough, unapologetic style rubbed some people the wrong way, while others say she did whatever she needed to for her community.
Guests: Joe Eskenazi, Mission Local
In Silicon Valley, the Color of Your Badge Is A Status Symbol
Uber drivers are planning to strike Wednesday by turning off their apps ahead of the company's public offering, which is expected to be the largest of the new tech IPOs this year. Drivers say they want higher pay and benefits. Uber has avoided having to provide benefits because their drivers are considered independent contractors. In fact, a lot of tech workers in Silicon Valley are contractors -- including people you might expect to have permanent jobs. That includes people with degrees, like p
Oakland Ghost Ship Trial: What We Learned From Opening Statements
A new narrative surfaced about what could have caused the deadly Oakland warehouse fire in 2016 that killed 36 people. Defense attorneys have introduced the possibility that the fire was caused by arson. As testimony begins this week the trial is reopening old wounds for families and friends of the victims, as well as a community forever changed by the fire.
Guest: Don Clyde, reporter and producer for KQED News.
Why Are There No Filipina Disney Princesses? #YouthTakeoverKQED
Filipinos are huge part of life and culture in the Bay Area. But the spotlight rarely falls on them, especially in media. El Cerrito High School senior Rachel Manila doesn't remember seeing anyone who looked like in her in movies, on TV or in books."I just didn't see anything, like any Filipinos ever ... that had a Filipino, playing a Filipino," she said.
All week, as part of #YouthTakeoverKQED, we have been featuring young people on the radio and online to listen to what concerns them and th
Basically, Nothing in the Bay Area is Affordable to Someone Making $64,000
We all know it's expensive to live in the Bay Area. But just how unaffordable is it? Reporters with the Mercury News and the East Bay Times looked at how high rents and mortgages have climbed since 2012, and it will blow your mind. People making $100,000 can afford to live in just 28 percent of Bay Area neighborhoods. And if you're making less than $64,000, you basically have no options.
Guest: Katy Murphy, Bay Area News Group government reporter
The Bay Live: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
High rent. Long commutes. Expensive food. Childcare. Sea level rise. Gentrification. These are just some of the challenges of living in the Bay Area. Many are asking, should I stay or should I go? Or more pointedly, can I stay? If it’s not you, it’s your friends or your family who have grappled with these questions.
Why You Can’t Talk About Food Without Talking About Identity, According To S.F. Food Critic Soleil Ho
The San Francisco Chronicle's newest food critic has been on the job for about three months now. Since starting, Soleil Ho has written about ethical eating in the age of #MeToo, and how much we're willing to pay for human interaction at restaurants. We revisit our conversation with Soleil Ho, and how she approaches food criticism in nontraditional ways.
Guest: Soleil Ho, San Francisco Chronicle Restaurant Critic, cohost of the Racist Sandwich podcast.
Report Validates Women’s Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against S.F. Yoga Guru
More women came forward after KQED published an investigation last year showing sexual misconduct allegations against Manouso Manos, a prominent international yoga teacher based in San Francisco. The reporting prompted an investigation by the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the U.S., which recently released findings validating several women’s claims. Manos has been banned from the association, but can still teach yoga.
Guest: Miranda Leitsinger, KQED reporter
Read Miranda's reporting here
#Rightnowish: KQED’s Newest Show Spotlights Artists With a Message
There are a ton of artists, creators and thinkers in the Bay Area who have messages for society. KQED's newest radio show Rightnowish highlights them. Author and KQED Arts writer Pendarvis Harshaw brings us into conversations as he embeds himself in Bay Area life and culture.
Guest: Pendarvis Harshaw, KQED Arts writer and author of OG Told Me
Listen to Rightnowish on KQED at 7:34 and 9:34 am on Sundays, or check it out online at KQED.org/Rightnowish.
Will High-Speed Rail Ever Make It to the Bay Area?
California’s bullet train project was designed to get people from San Francisco to Los Angeles in less than three hours. But after years of legal and financial battles, the future of that full project is unclear. For now, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is focused on building the route from Merced to Bakersfield. Frustrated residents and landowners in the Central Valley fear the state is tearing up land for a rail line that may never be fully finished.
Guest: Alex Hall, KQED Central Va
The Fight Over Building a Homeless Navigation Center on San Francisco’s Embarcadero
Neighbors of San Francisco's Embarcadero waterfront community were fired up when the city proposed building a 225-bed navigation center for the homeless. First, competing Go Fund Me pages were set up to raise money for litigating the matter. Then, Mayor London Breed was shouted down at a meeting about the shelter. This week, the city will host another such community meeting, but are people willing to compromise to find a solution?
Guest: Caroline Champlin, KQED reporter
How Screwed is the Bay Area Because of Tech IPOs?
First it was Lyft. Next is Pinterest. Eventually, Uber, Slack, Airbnb and Postmates. All these tech companies are expected to go public this year. There's wide speculation that these IPOs are going to make San Francisco even more expensive and impossible to live here. But one writer isn't buying that. Or, at least, she doesn't think it can get any worse than it already is now.
Guest: Caille Millner, San Francisco Chronicle columnist
Read Caille's column, "IPOs Can't Make Things in Bay Area Wor
Does East Bay Presidential Candidate Eric Swalwell Stand a Chance?
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell doesn’t have the name recognition or the money that the other presidential candidates have. As the 18th Democratic candidate entering the race, he's starting a little behind. But the 38-year-old, Iowa-born congressman is a frequent guest on cable news shows rebutting President Trump and his administration's policies. Is that enough?
Guest: Scott Shafer, Senior Editor for KQED’s Politics and Government Desk and co-host of Political Breakdown
Watching Yosemite’s Lyell Glacier Die
As a geologist, Greg Stock never imagined he'd witness the death of a glacier. The Lyell Glacier is Yosemite National Park's largest ice mass, and Stock has been researching it for more than a decade. The famed California scientist John Muir first studied the Lyell in the 1870s. But the glacier has slowly shrunk. Soon it will completely disappear. What do you call a glacier that no longer moves?
Guest: Daniel Duane, San Francisco-based author. His essay What Remains was published in The Califor
It’s Baaack! Controversial Housing Bill SB 50 Passes First Test
Unlike its epic failure last year, SB 50 passed its first test this week in the state Senate Housing Committee hearing. The bill introduced by San Francisco Senator Scott Wiener would allow developers to build taller, denser housing near certain transit and job centers. Wiener has support from big city mayors, but not from several San Francisco supervisors.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED Politics and Government reporter
Get tickets to the Bay's live event on April 26 in San Francisco.
SF’s Transgender Nightclub Closes: ‘If Divas Wasn’t There, I Wouldn’t Be Here’
Divas celebrated 31 years of serving the trans community before closing its doors for good on March 30. Some trans people say the club represented a space of inclusion and community in a city that’s becoming more mono-cultural. Today we bring you one person's love letter to the place where she discovered herself.
Guest: Maria Konner, Host of San Francisco's variety show Under the Golden Gate.
Read Maria’s article on Medium, “Divas: The Loss of San Francisco’s Trans ‘Town Square.”
These Are the Bays of Our Lives
The Bay Area bubble is real. Sometimes living in the bubble means have tunnel vision on how the rest of the country lives. So today, we thought we'd leave this bay and visit some others. Travel with us as we hop around and show you other "Bay Areas."
Guests: Gail Delaughter, Houston Public Media transportation reporter, Catherine Cruz, Hawaii Public Radio reporter, and Don Rush, Public Radio Delmarva news director.
Special thanks to Krista Alamanzan, KAZU news director, Dalia Colon, WUSF podca
It’s Expensive to Keep Juvenile Detention Centers Open, Especially When They’re Nearly Empty
An investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle found juvenile detention centers across California were nearly empty but the costs to run these facilities have skyrocketed. In San Francisco, it cost $266,000 to keep a kid locked up at juvenile hall. There are 150 beds, but fewer than 50 juvenile offenders on average stay there. Now politicians want to find a way to shut down SF's juvy hall.
Guests: Jill Tucker, education reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle and Joaquin Palomino, data and in
More than 30 Newsrooms Join KQED’s Police Records Project
Dozens of reporters across California have been working to obtain records from police departments on misconduct and accountability under a new state law, SB 1421, that went into effect this year. But they're having a hard time. Police unions are suing cities and counties to prevent these documents from being released. Today, we’ll give you an update on this effort led by KQED.
Guest: Sukey Lewis, KQED criminal justice reporter
Here are more stories about the police records journalists have bee
Can’t Park Here. Berkeley Votes to Ban RV Parking Overnight
When a group of RVs was forced to leave Berkeley’s marina last year, many moved to West Berkeley, near Gilman Street where RVs line the sidewalks. Business owners and residents complain that the wheeled-homes leave garbage and take up parking space. Now, the Berkeley city council is considering a ban on overnight parking for RVs. Today, we hear from someone who will be affected by this proposed ban.
Guest: Yesica Prado, RV owner and activist
The Bay is hosting a live event in San Francisco on
Apple Gets A Cool Image, What Do Artists Get?
Local bands and artists are being asked to perform at San Francisco's Apple store in Union Square. As payment they get Airpods, Apple TV, or a watch. Not money. It's a story that KQED Arts music editor Nastia Voynovskya first broke. Some artists like the exposure from a large corporation like Apple. Others say artists, many whom are people of color, are being used to advertise Apple's image as creative and diverse.
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, music editor at KQED Arts
Read Nastia's story here.
A Parking Spot for the Homeless: Oakland Churches Open Their Lots
Nearly a quarter of the people experiencing homelessness in Oakland are living out of a car, truck or some type of vehicle. That's why four Oakland churches announced a new plan this week to allow homeless people to park cars overnight on their properties. Churches will offer portable bathrooms and showers, while up to 65 people will get help finding new jobs and places to live. Today, we visit one of these churches.
Guest: Rev. Ken Chambers, West Side Missionary Baptist Church and president of
Corporate Influence on the Bay Area’s Music Scene
The Bay Area’s eccentric reputation is built from its arts and culture. Music is a centerpiece. So it’s no wonder some in the music scene worry about the impact of large national promoters on independent venues that were once booked by local promoters.
Guests: Sam Lefebvre, KQED Arts staff writer and Tony Bedard, local music promoter.
Read Sam's story here.
What Bay Area Students Think About the #CollegeAdmissionScandal
Many people were not surprised that 13 of the 50 people charged in the college admission scandal this week are from the Bay Area. Among those not surprised that money and power impact who gets into colleges and who doesn't are three high school seniors at June Jordan School for Equity. Today, we hear from them and then get some advice on how to approach college selection.
Guests: Meili Tan Rubio, Jasmine Menjivar, and Georgia Pori, seniors at June Jordan School for Equity and Dr. Barbara Austi
Berkeley’s ‘Welcome’ Signs Acknowledge Ohlone Land and the Bay Area’s Original People
Berkeley unveiled new city limit signs this week that say “Welcome to the City of Berkeley - Ohlone Territory.” Colonizers have wiped away much Native American history in the Bay Area, but a few burial shellmounds are still around. Another sign that reminds us of who was here first and whose land we are living on. In this episode, originally produced by KQED's Bay Curious show, we review a part of the Ohlone shellmound history in the East Bay.
Guest: Laura Klivans, KQED reporter
Read more abou
NIMBY. YIMBY. Now PHIMBY? The Housing Debate’s Newest Slogan
Fights over housing policies in the Bay Area often include these two sides: The NIMBYs (not in my backyard) and the YIMBYs (yes in my backyard). Let me introduce you to the PHIMBYs, who are bringing another level of nuance to the housing debate. They believe more public housing should be part of a solution to the Bay Area's housing crisis. And they see a contentious project in the Mission as having PHIMBY potential.
Guest: Jessica Placzek, KQED reporter
For more, read Jessica's full story on
No Charges For Officers Who Shot Stephon Clark. Will There Ever Be?
People are outraged that two Sacramento police officers will not face criminal charges for killing 22-year old Stephon Clark last year, an unarmed Black man holding a cell phone. The state attorney general and the district attorney both say the officers' use of deadly force was legally justified. But two bills in the Legislature could change the standards when deciding whether to prosecute officers, and how police train to use deadly force.
Guest: Marisa Lagos, political correspondent for KQED
It’s The Bay’s One-Year Anniversary!
The Bay officially launched on March 6, 2018. Since then, we’ve covered some of the biggest Bay Area stories: elections, ICE raids and all kinds of housing laws. Plus, we've had some real conversations about Bay Area culture. But one of our favorite things is listening to messages that listeners have sent us about our episodes. So today we thought we’d revisit some of our favorite calls.
Let us know about an episode of The Bay that moved you! Call 415-553-2273 and leave us a message. Tell us wh
Oakland Teachers Strike Ends, But Not Everyone Is Happy
The Oakland teachers strike is over. Teachers and other educators approved an agreement Sunday night to end the seven-day strike and give parents a reason to send their kids back to school. The agreement offers teachers a pay increase. But school board officials say the raises will come with future budget cuts in other departments. Plus, not everyone is happy with the new contract, especially nurses.
Guests: Vanessa Rancano, education reporter for KQED and Julia McEvoy, education editor for KQE
In the Bay Area, Deadly Heat Waves Are For Real
It’s cold in the Bay Area now. But in 2017, two heat waves killed 14 people in the Bay Area. KQED reporting has found that most of those people who died started getting sick from the heat while inside some place, instead of outside in the sun. State regulators are now in the process of coming up with rules to regulate how hot workplaces can be in order to protect people from heat-related illnesses and deaths.
Guest: Molly Peterson, reporter for KQED Science
Three Taser-Related Deaths and San Mateo Activists Demand Changes
Chinedu Okobi died last October after being tased by San Mateo sheriff deputies. His death was one of three that happened last year involving tasers and police officers from different departments. Activists and the family of those killed in taser-involved arrests have demanded information about how law enforcement uses tasers and want to see changes to how they are used. Meanwhile, the San Mateo County district attorney's office is expected to release details of its investigation into Okobi’s de
‘Unwavering Belief in Justice’: San Francisco’s Public Defender Jeff Adachi Dies
Jeff Adachi died suddenly Friday night. While details of how he died are still under investigation, many are remembering Adachi and his tireless efforts as a public defender who provided fair legal representation to the people who needed it most. Adachi was the only elected public defender in the state of California, making his position fighting for and against the system unique.
Guest: Scott Shafer, Senior Editor of KQED's Politics and Government Desk.
Subscribe and listen to the full Politic
Empty Halls and Picket Lines: Oakland Teachers Strike
It's Day 1 of the Oakland Unified school teacher strike. Teachers, parents and students began picketing Thursday for more pay, support, and smaller class sizes. The strike directly affects thousands of families that must decide whether to send their kids to school or not. And it hurts the district's pocket book every day students are absent. Today, we check in with one school in Oakland to see how families are handling the strike.
Guests: Julia McEvoy, KQED senior editor, Alejandra Gonzales, Oa
Skimming Off the Tips: InstaCart Changes Its Tipping and Pay for App Shoppers
Lots of gig workers earn tips. So, when InstaCart started paying its full-service shoppers and deliverers on a sliding scale based on how many tips they got, the workers were pissed off. They took to Reddit and Facebook to complain and gained the national media's attention. This month, InstaCart changed how it pays its app workers. It's seen as a victory for gig workers that have been trying to get tech companies to be transparent about how they pay so-called contract workers.
Guest: Sam Harnet
Can PG&E Be Trusted to Not Start a Fire This Summer?
PG&E is under pressure to not spark a wildfire this summer. A federal judge overseeing the investor-owned utility's probation case is demanding they take prevention measures. This week, PG&E presented its wildfire safety plan to state regulators, which includes cutting back trees, replacing power poles, installing weather stations, and shutting off power when it’s hot, dry and windy. But PG&E says these plans are costly. And, the question of who will pay for it all, lingers as does PG&E's bankru
Meth on Monday, Heroin on Friday: San Francisco Sees A New Drug Wave
The opioid crisis has dominated the news, but there is growing evidence that methamphetamine has made a return to San Francisco. Overdoses from meth have more than doubled and about half the people admitted to San Francisco General Hospital with a psychiatric emergency are high on meth. Some health experts think the two drug crises could be related.
Guest: April Dembosky, health correspondent for KQED
#10YearChallenge: What Has Changed in the Bay Area?
Ten years is a lot of time. For the Bay Area, it's meant more money, new problems, and getting more serious about climate change. Today on the podcast, we apply the #10YearChallenge to the Bay Area and see how the past ten years has treated the politics, economy, arts and environment scenes in the Bay Area.
To give us your take on the #10YearChallenge for the Bay Area ...
Call us at 415-553-2273 and leave us a voice message. Be sure to tell us your first name and what part of the Bay Area you
No More Ridin’ the Rails at 4 A.M. — BART Ends Early-Morning Service
BART will stop offering its 4 a.m. train service on Feb. 11 in order to retrofit the Transbay Tube to better withstand major earthquakes. Workers will install a new liner in the 3.6-mile underwater structure to prevent flooding after a big quake, a project that's expected to take three and a half years to complete. That leaves 3,000 people who ride BART during its first hour of service looking for another way to get to work -- including our very own early-morning news anchor Brian Watt.
Guest:
Hyphy Music Legend Keak Da Sneak Says Prisons ‘Have No Compassion’ For Disabilities
East Bay rapper Keak Da Sneak is credited with pioneering the Hyphy style. This Thursday he has to turn himself in to serve a 16-month state prison sentence. Since being shot in 2017, he’s confined to a wheelchair and needs round the clock care. He can’t expect that kind of care in prison. This has started a conversation about accessibility and medical care while serving time.
Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, music editor for KQED Arts
A Teen’s Fight to Save TPS for Her Family
High school freshman Crista Ramos had no idea her mom was living under Temporary Protected Status, a federal humanitarian program that allows about 260,000 immigrants from El Salvador to lawfully live and work in the U.S. But when the Trump administration announced it would end the program, everything changed. Now, Crista’s the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit. Everyday high school worries have been replaced with fighting to keep her family together.
Guest: Farida Jhabvala Romero, immig
How the Camp Fire Made Chico’s Housing Problem Even Worse
Chico is bursting at the seams right now. The ripples of displacement from the Camp Fire, which killed at least 86 people and destroyed about 14,000 homes, are far from over as people cram into Chico to stay living close to family, jobs and schools. But the city's vacancy rate is nearly zero, and some people are being evicted to make room.
Guest: Sonja Hutson, covers wildfires, emergency preparedness and politics for KQED
Oakland Unified’s Hella Hard Week Dealing With School Closures
School closures. Teacher strike. Budget cuts. It hasn’t been a great week for Oakland Unified. The school board voted to close Roots International Academy and will be deciding soon whether to merge two other schools. Plus, teachers – who want more money and better working conditions – are voting by Friday whether to authorize a strike. This week feels like the district’s woes have hit an apex.
Guest: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED education reporter
Bye, Bye Vinnee and Good Luck!
If you're a fan of The Bay, you can thank Vinnee Tong. She helped launch the podcast last year and has helped shape the shows from choosing what we cover and how we talk about it, especially around race, identity and class. Vinnee starts her new role as KQED’s new managing editor, which begins Jan. 28. Today, Erika and Devin sit down with Vinnee for her totally, unofficial exit interview.
Guest: Vinnee Tong, KQED’s managing editor (forever Bay member)
How S.F. Helped Make Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris announced this week she’s running for president. She's certainly not the first Californian to be groomed by Bay Area politics for the national stage. Harris has had to walk a line between left-leaning politics and her status as a former prosecutor. On Sunday she'll hold a rally in Oakland, the city where she was born.
Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQED politics reporter
CASA and the Push for a Regional Housing Solution
What if we looked at solving the Bay Area's housing crisis from a regional lens? Could we come up with solutions that actually work? It's often said that solving the housing crisis requires a regional approach but no one has tried to define what that looks like, until now. A proposal on its way to the state legislature could give the Bay Area its own regional housing agency with the ability to set goals and taxes.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED politics reporter
The Bay wants to get to know you be
Can Gavin Newsom Broker a Deal Between Gig Workers, Tech and Unions?
The debate over whether gig workers are employees or contractors has been a slow, messy conversation. Now, California’s new governor, Gavin Newsom, is trying to help broker a deal between the two sides. But some drivers aren’t happy about where they think it's going.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED Silicon Valley reporter
The Bay wants to get to know you better. Take our survey and share your opinion about the podcast.
PG&E’s Road to Bankruptcy
PG&E says it has no choice but to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and that it's going to file papers around Jan. 29. A lot of things led to this: from deregulation in the 1990's, to the fatal San Bruno explosion in 2010 that put the utility on probation to the 2017 and 2018 deadly wildfires in Northern California. And it brings up the question of who should ultimately be responsible for the cost.
Guests: Lisa Pickoff-White, KQED data journalist, and Marisa Lagos, KQED senior politics rep
Big Oil, Small Town: Valero’s Election Influence in Benicia’s Politics
Valero spent $200,000 in last year's Benicia city council election to help elect two candidates who were less critical of the company than others. That's created tension between the oil refiner and the city, leading people to question how much influence Valero should have in local politics. On Tuesday Benicia will discuss the possibility of new campaign finance laws that could limit corporate influence in its small town.
Guest: Ted Goldberg, KQED News Editor
How Housing Prices Are Hurting Salinas Schoolkids
About 40 percent of students in the Salinas City Elementary School District are considered homeless. This can mean living in a shelter or living in an overcrowded home, like multiple families co-existing in a single place. It's a problem that hurts schoolchildren and their ability to learn and retain information. And it stems from high and growing housing prices.
Guest: Vanessa Rancaño, KQED education reporter
To see more of Vanessa's reporting on Monterey County tap here.
Documents Show Fired Police Officer Asked for Sex From Woman He Arrested
The San Mateo County district attorney is looking to reopen an investigation against a fired Burlingame police officer. The cop was accused by three women of asking them for sex in exchange for help with their alleged crimes. The case was made public this week after Bay Area reporters received police records under a new transparency law that went into effect on Jan. 1.
Guest: Thomas Peele, investigative reporter with the Bay Area News Group
Why S.F. Chronicle’s New Food Critic Is Focusing on Race and Identity
Food says a lot about who we are. It can identify where we come from and what we like. In some cases, it may even let us know when we’re being racist. In a way, that’s a starting point for the San Francisco Chronicle's new restaurant critic Soleil Ho. The host of the podcast Racist Sandwich, Soleil tells The Bay about how food is a conduit for way more than what’s on our plates. ... Also, she likes the “gross” stuff, too.
Guest: Soleil Ho, San Francisco Chronicle’s new restaurant critic, cohost
Bay Area Leading Fight to Make Police Records Public
Getting access to police records has never been easy. Especially when the records involve allegations of police wrongdoing. A new California law - SB 1421 - introduced by a Bay Area state senator, is supposed to give the public access to documents related to police misconduct and accountability. But law enforcement is fighting to keep documents from the past, private. This week a judge rejected an attempt to block the law from going into effect, and KQED journalists are involved.
Guests: Sukey
Happy New Year! From The Bay
See ya, 2018. What up, 2019! We’ve produced almost 150 episodes of The Bay covering all kinds of local news from e-scooters, to housing policies and #GrillingWhileBlack. Today, we want to pause a moment to say thanks for hanging with us. And to give you a sense of how we’re approaching the new year (hint: Erika is optimistic; Devin is pessimistic).
Guests: Yours Truly
Oscar Grant: A Killing That Changed How We View Police Shootings
Ten years ago, in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, Oscar Grant was shot and killed by Bart police officer, Johannes Mehserle. This was one of the first police shootings caught on cell phone video and spread around the world. It began a decade of witnessing police violence in a new way that has sparked a national conversation around police accountability and racism.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, KQED race and equity reporter
Check out KQED's Forum special on Oscar Grant's legacy. And KQED Ar
New Bay Area Bridge Tolls Begin Jan. 1. Here’s What That Means
We jump into a stranger's car and take a ride over the Bay Bridge in the "casual carpool lane" to talk about higher bridge tolls. Our carpool driver and rider join in on a discussion about Regional Measure 3, which 55 percent of voters approved in the June 5 election that increased tolls on seven state bridges in the Bay Area.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor
Remember Oakland’s Response to #GrillingWhileBlack? Electric Slide
#WhileBlack was a popular hashtag in 2018. This year we watched several videos on social media that included white people harassing black people doing just about everything. Oakland had a couple of racist moments at Lake Merritt this year, including one woman who became known as BBQ Becky. The city had its own response too.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, KQED race and equity reporter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Is What A Lot of People Have Been Waiting For in 2018
This was a big year for people of color in lead movie roles — especially for culture, language and accents that are not English or American. One of those films was Crazy Rich Asians, which resonated with the Bay Area, and our host Devin Katayama and our editor Vinnee Tong, as we discuss Asian American identity.
Guest: Ricky Yean, writer of Asian-Americans Are Cultural Orphans (aka I hope Crazy Rich Asians isn’t a flop)
Who Created the Bay Area’s Mess? One Urban Planner’s Argument
What happens when the people most invested in trying to make the Bay Area a better place decide to LEAVE entirely? Gabriel Metcalf is the outgoing president of the Bay Area think tank SPUR, and he's moving to take a similar job in Sydney, Australia. Metcalf says the Bay Area is one of the world's centers of wealth creation, but has struggled to meet some of the most basic needs. For instance, housing.
Guest: Gabriel Metcalf, outgoing CEO and president of SPUR
Two Years Later, Still No Answers for Mission District Double Killing
In December 2016, Lindsay McCollum and Eddie “Tennessee” Tate were shot and killed in San Francisco’s Mission District. The two were homeless and living together. Lindsay's mother, Carrie McCollum, reached out to a KQED reporter one year after he went searching for answers himself. The case remains unresolved, but Carrie doesn’t want her daughter to be forgotten.
Guest: Peter Arcuni, KQED reporter
What Electric Scooters and Shopping Carts May Soon Have in Common
Mention electric scooters and people usually react with an eye roll. It's associated with the newness of the tech culture of the Bay Area. Some see scooters as a "micro-transit" tool; others simply see them as a nuisance. The city of San Jose thinks it's got the answer to managing them: geofencing.
Guest: KQED Silicon Valley Senior Editor Tonya Mosley
Oakland Parents Want ‘Opportunity Tickets’ If Schools Close
Oakland is considering closing 24 schools. Most of these schools are likely in East Oakland, where many of the poorest students live. A group of parents is demanding that if Oakland Unified closes their kids' schools that they be given first dibs of any other school in the district. This includes charter schools, which have been part of the reason why some of the district-run schools have experienced a drop in enrollment.
Guest: Julia McEvoy, KQED senior editor
‘No Section 8’
Most landlords in San Jose don't take Section 8 housing vouchers. And housing advocates see the vouchers as a proxy for race, or keeping out people of color. As a possible remedy, the San Jose city council wants to tweak the law to encourage more landlords to take the vouchers. The proposal has some holes, though.
Guest: Emily DeRuy, Mercury News reporter covering San Jose
Waiting in Pinole: A Mother’s and Son’s Migrant Caravan Journey to the Bay Area
Veronica Aguilar crossed the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum from El Salvador earlier this year. She's staying with a host family in Pinole while she waits for an immigration court hearing. Today, one family's story of immigration.
Guest: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED immigration and equity reporter
Homes on Top of Buses
Here’s a new one: stacking homes on top of a city bus yard. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency wants to build housing on top of its Potrero bus yard right across the street from KQED studios. Their idea is that the housing would help pay for upgrades to the facility. It's kind of a wild idea.
Guest: Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, transportation reporter and columnist for the San Francisco Examiner
SB 827 Revived: A Failed Housing Bill Gets a Second Try
We need homes near transit. But the first time state Sen. Scott Wiener introduced a bill, SB 827, that would have required cities to approve dense housing near transit corridors, it died a quick death. This week he announced a new version. The bill, SB 50, includes changes that are supposed to help poorer neighborhoods stay more in tact and force housing into places with more wealth.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED Transportation Editor
A $220 Million Google ‘Village’ in the Bay Area’s Largest City
This isn't supposed to be your traditional tech campus. Google says it wants to build a village inside San Jose that will be open to the public, different from how most tech campuses operate. It's expected to have public parks, restaurants and other amenities. The plan, if approved, could more than double the population of San Jose’s downtown. The city council takes a big step Tuesday with a vote to sell off 21 acres for $220 million.
Guest: Tonya Mosley, KQED Silicon Valley Senior Editor
Homelessness in San Francisco: ‘It Doesn’t Take Miracles … It Takes Money’
San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff announced a $6 million donation he is making to subsidize five years of rent for formerly homeless residents who will move into a renovated apartment building in the Tenderloin next year. Benioff used the occasion to push other wealthy Bay residents to pitch in.
Guest: Kevin Fagan, reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle
Kevin has done a lot of reporting on homelessness in San Francisco. You can read his coverage as part of the S
Homeless Oaklanders Take Over City-Owned Lot
The city of Oakland wasn't pleased when a group of homeless people moved to a vacant lot in East Oakland in October. After the city posted a notice to vacate, the homeless residents went to court to stop the eviction. Now a judge must decide if the group of mostly women can stay on city land.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, KQED reporter
‘You Got To Give Them Hope,’ Harvey Milk’s Lasting Words, 40 Years Later
Harvey Milk and the city of San Francisco gives many people the "permission" they need to fight for gay rights in other places. The Castro became a symbol of this permission and Milk's legacy has since spread across the world. Today, a day before the 40th anniversary of his death, we look at Harvey Milk’s message of hope through the eyes of one man who watched, admired and acted on that message.
Guest: Greg Carey, Chief of Patrol for Castro Community on Patrol
Waiting in the Rain: What Paradise Fire Victims Need In Addition to Shelter
When rain begins to fall on Butte County this week, some will be sleeping on the streets. The Camp Fire displaced tens of thousands of people, many of whom are struggling to do basic things: find shelter, see a doctor, pay the bills. Today, we'll show you how picking up the pieces is about more than finding a new home.
Guests: Raquel Maria Dillon and Peter Arcuni, KQED reporters
What Silicon Valley Could Lose If Trump Revokes H-1B Spousal Work Visas
A small number of people -- spouses of H1B visa holders -- were given the right to work under a special type of visa created under President Obama in 2015. Now President Trump wants to eliminate those spousal visas. How doing so threatens Silicon Valley's competitive edge, Bay Area diversity, and immigrant families.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, KQED Silicon Valley reporter.
Trauma Before and After the Camp Fire
Paradise was a city where a lot of people already carried more than their share of trauma from childhood. Now, as many work to piece their lives back together they have the added weight of trauma from the Camp Fire. Our reporter was in Paradise this past summer and tells us about one woman who is now struggling with both kinds of trauma.
Guest: Laura Klivans, KQED health reporter
Tap here to see pictures of Sabrina and her daughter Aroara.
Paradise Prepared for Fire — But It Wasn’t Enough
After two fires burned right up to the edge of town in 2008, the town of Paradise made a plan. It divided itself into evacuation zones. It went so far as to hold a mock evacuation during morning rush hour. People knew what they were supposed to do if fire came back. And yet last week's Camp Fire was moving so fast that all the residents fled at once, exit routes clogged, and more people died than in any other fire in state history. Visit KQED.org or SacBee.com to see more wildfire reporting.
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For Here or To Go? The Rise of Food Delivery Apps in SF
Caviar, Postmates, Uber Eats…the Bay Area’s tech family gave us food delivery apps. And there are plenty of gig workers willing to drive us this food. These delivery apps allow us to hole up in our office, work harder, faster and avoid human interaction. At least, that’s what one tech reporter fears. He says it’s not just consumers who are being conditioned by these apps. It’s the restaurants too.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED Silicon Valley reporter
Bay Curious: How Do You Define the “Bay Area?”
People from the Bay Area or those who live here are a proud bunch. But how do you define this magical place? Do you use geography to draw the boundaries? Maybe it’s about sports teams and their fan bases or where BART goes? The hosts of the Bay Curious podcast at KQED explore the many ways we define the Bay Area.
Guest: Jessica Placzek, KQED Bay Curious reporter-producer
Bay Voters Bring Outrage and Hope to Midterms
Resistance. That's been the call of many, including those in the Bay Area who have led the country in resisting President Trump’s attacks on marginalized people and the state’s liberal ideals. We'll hear from those who turned up at the polls, and others who didn't.
Guest: Monica Samayoa and Guy Marzorati, KQED reporters
See all election results from KQED News.
Voters Love School Bonds. But Should They?
School bond measures almost always pass. More money for schools – and by extension, kids – seems like an obvious yes. But less attention is given to how that bond money gets spent and who is on the receiving end. One powerful lobbying group, nicknamed CASH, helps school districts get bonds passed. But critics say the arrangement is short-changing schools – and taxpayers.
Guest: Brian Krans, Bay Area-based freelance investigative reporter
Read Brian's full story: Cashing in on Education in the
Google Employees Say ‘Time’s Up’ for the Patriarchy
About 1,000 Google employees walked out of work Thursday and staged a rally on the company's main Mountain View campus. The impetus was a New York Times report published last week about dozens of sexual misconduct allegations and some very large exit packages for accused executives. At the rally, our reporter captured some of what was shared before being asked to leave.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED Silicon Valley reporter
Silicon Valley Is Trying To Prevent Hate Speech. Is It Working?
Gab.ai is like Twitter without any restrictions. Gab is also where a man named Robert Bowers posted comments before allegedly shooting and killing 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue. Today: what Silicon Valley is doing to prevent hate speech online.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, KQED reporter
How Much Do You Get Paid? *Crickets*
Are you embarrassed to share your salary? Yeah, a lot of us are. Software engineer Jackie Luo makes the case that we can’t improve the pay gap (for women or people of color) in industries like tech without being more transparent. So, she asked men in tech to share their salaries via Twitter. And thousands did.
Guest: Jackie Luo, software engineer at Square
Read Jackie's full story "I Know the Salaries of Thousands of Tech Employees" on Medium. And you can read her Tweet thread asking men to sh
A Building Burns. Oakland Suspects Arson.
A big construction site of new housing went up in flames early Tuesday morning, and people immediately suspected arson. Some Oaklanders say it's motivated by anger against gentrification. The five-alarm fire in West Oakland isn't the first time new construction has burned lately.
Guest: Raquel Maria Dillon, KQED News reporter
Priest Abuse and an Exorcism: One Santa Clara Woman’s Story
We don't often hear about priests abusing their adult parishioners. As advocates renew calls for accountability for priests accused of abusing children, we hear the story of a woman in Santa Clara who came to her priest for help overcoming sex addiction. She says he abused her and sent her to an exorcist.
Guest: Matthias Gafni, Bay Area News Group investigative reporter
Read the full story here.
Should S.F.’s Big Businesses Be Taxed to Pay for Homelessness?
A Twitter fight between two of San Francisco's biggest, and wealthiest, tech leaders says a lot about the city's problem with homelessness. Proposition C calls for taxing the city's most profitable companies to double the $300 million already spent on homelessness. You might be surprised by who supports and opposes it.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED politics and government reporter
A Raised Arm and a Clenched Fist at the 1968 Olympics
John Carlos and Tommie Smith both won medals in the same track event at the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City. On the medal stand, both raised clenched fists in a salute to Black power. The backlash that followed cost them the rest of their running careers and years of difficulty outside of sports. Fifty years later, the prevailing attitude toward their protest has changed, and the movement lives on with other athlete activists like Colin Kaepernick.
Guest: Rachael Myrow, KQED Silicon Valley ar
Who Has Power and Who Doesn’t: Changes at PG&E
Power is important. Both the kind that lets us switch on the lights and the kind that gives people the ability to make decisions for us. Tens of thousands of Northern California residents lost power over the weekend after PG&E cut electricity for safety reasons. That comes one year after fires tore through the Northern California and PG&E was blamed -- in part for NOT cutting power. We discuss what's changed in the last year.
Guest: Marisa Lagos, KQED politics and government reporter
Fighting Homelessness in Oakland, One Vacant Lot at a Time
Oakland sure has a lot of vacant properties, despite being in the middle of a housing crisis. In November, voters will decide whether the city should tax owners of those properties to help raise millions of dollars for homeless services. But how Measure W defines what 'vacant' means isn’t exactly clear.
Guest: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED race and equity reporter
Should We Rebuild Where Fire Could Happen Again?
New homes are popping up in Santa Rosa one year after the Northern California fires. Some are rebuilding in the exact same spots. Others are worried about losing everything again when the next fire comes, including firefighters who live there. They know more than anyone about these risks, so what would a firefighter who lost their home do?
Guest: Lauren Sommer, KQED science reporter
Struggling to Return Home After the Fire
Kayla Swaim's home was destroyed a year ago in the Tubbs Fire. She lost everything, including her sense of safety.
Proposition 5: Extending Tax Breaks for Homeowners
Do you ever wish you had a coupon that would give you a discount on what you pay for your house? Proposition 13 is kind of like that. Now Proposition 5 would give homeowners over the age of 55, and a few others, the ability to take their lower property tax rates with them to a new house. It's effectively an extension of Proposition 13. But who pays for that discount? Californians will vote on the measure this November. We at The Bay along with KQED’s Bay Curious podcast explain Proposition 5.
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Live Event: The Bay Interviews Pulitzer-Winning Fire Reporters
Most people run from a fire. Some journalists go toward it. Two reporters at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, winner of a 2018 Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the North Bay fires, did just that. The Bay host Devin Katayama interviewed those reporters at the live show The Fire Tapes, a joint event with Snap Judgment.
Guest: Julie Johnson and Martin Espinoza, Santa Rosa Press Democrat reporters and Pulitzer Prize winners
One Crack Too Many for SF’s Salesforce Transit Center
First there was one crack. Then two. Now San Francisco's new $2.2 billion Salesforce Transit Center could be shut down for weeks. In an earlier episode, we covered the opening of the transit center (called by some the Grand Central Station of the West). Today, an update on the damage then the original episode about what people hope the transit hub can be.
Guests: Chloe Veltman, KQED News reporter, and Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor
Yosemiteland! El Capitan With a Latte
Airbnb, caramel macchiatos and luxury dining. Yosemite is starting to feel more and more like the Bay Area. There are more visitors, more traffic, and now a Starbucks. Today, we'll introduce you to Yosemiteland, a podcast from Capital Public Radio that shows us how the national park serving millions of visitors each year is trying to adapt to a changing world.
Guest: Ezra David Romero, host of Yosemiteland
‘I Believed He Was Going to Rape Me:’ The Hearing That Gripped the Bay Area
Christine Blasey Ford’s and Brett Kavanaugh’s testimony riveted Americans to their screens on Thursday. People gathered in Oakland, Palo Alto, San Francisco and elsewhere to watch the historic Supreme Court nomination hearing. Some of whom were so compelled by what they heard and saw that they told their own stories of sexual assault at protests and rallies across the Bay Area.
Guest: Monica Samayoa, KQED News reporter
Judge To Decide Whether Mario Woods Civil Case Moves Ahead
After a police killing, it can be hard to get a clear picture of what exactly happened. Like the case of Mario Woods, who was shot and killed by San Francisco police in 2015. Nearly three years later, as the civil case is being prepared for trial, we're getting new information in court filings -- including new testimony from the man Woods stabbed a couple hours before he was shot and a new video of the shooting taken from a different perspective.
Guest: Alex Emslie, KQED criminal justice report
From $250,000 to $0: Taxi Medallions in S.F.
If you use Uber or Lyft in San Francisco, you're no doubt helping to kill the taxi cab industry. But the city didn't help either when it started charging $250,000 for taxi medallions as the ride service companies were getting started. Here's a story about a man who died waiting for a fare and the family that's still paying off his medallion debt.
Guest: Sam Harnett, Silicon Valley reporter at KQED
How the SF Schools ‘Lottery’ Failed
Parents hate it, for sure. But more than that, the schools selection process has created even more segregated student bodies. The goal was the exact opposite. And now there’s a proposal to get off the so-called "lottery" and try something new.
Guest: Katrina Schwartz, reporter for KQED's MindShift education blog and podcast
Can Oakland Out-Regulate S.F. on Scooters?
First came electric scooters. Then came policies to regulate them. The Oakland City Council passed new rules Monday with an eye on equity, requiring that scooters be made accessible in areas of the city that need more transit options and that people with lower incomes be given a discounted rate.
Guest: Ali Tadayon, Bay Area News Group reporter
A Dark History of Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley got its start with a man who was regarded as a genius and won a Nobel prize. But William Shockley was also a racist and eugenicist who promoted sterilizations of black Americans. A new monument in Mountain View celebrates Shockley's work, but ignores his racist past.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED Silicon Valley reporter
Are Electric Cars Too Uncool?
Your car says a lot about you. It can tell people how much money you have. It can say, "I care about the environment." And while we know that the adoption of electric cars is key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, most consumers still aren't buying them yet. But the Bay Area's better than most.
Guest: Lauren Sommer, KQED science reporter
Yoga and #MeToo: ‘I Trusted Yoga, So I Trusted Him.’
Imagine attending a yoga class and finding yourself in a situation where your instructor has violated your personal space by sexually abusing you. Today, we'll hear about KQED's on-going #MeToo series, where women say they've been sexually abused by their yoga instructors.
Advisory: Some accounts of sexual abuse in this story contain explicit details and strong language that some may find upsetting or objectionable.
Guest: Miranda Leitsinger, reporter and KQED engagement producer
The Whitening and Erasure of the Asian-American Identity
Writer Iris Kuo knows what it feels like to forget her wallet and still walk out of a fancy department store with a bag full of merchandise: It feels white. Experts predict that some ethnically Asian and Latino people are going through a sociological process of "whitening." Kuo talks about how this hurts many Asian Americans and how transferring white privilege ignores the core issue itself: the very existence of white supremacy in our value system.
Guest: Iris Kuo, author of "The Whitening of
The Bay’s 100th Episode. What?!
We can't freakin' believe it! The Bay has produced 100 episodes that represent the moment in time the Bay Area's going through. Today, Devin, Erika and Vinnee (The Bay team) talk about some of their favorite episode moments of the last six months.
Guest: Devin Katayama, Erika Aguilar and Vinnee Tong, The Bay producers
The Drug With No Street Name: Fentanyl
Fentanyl is partly to blame for a rise in *drug* overdose deaths, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control report. Officials say the synthetic and undetectable opioid Fentanyl is being mixed into all types of drugs from heroin to cocaine and more. A KQED journalist talks about how, aside from policy solutions, the stigma around certain drugs can be the biggest barrier to recovery for addicts.
Guest: John Sepulvado, co-host of The California Report
Bay Area Women Candidates and ‘The Long Run’ For Political Office
Trump may have been the catalyst for some California women seeking political office, but their campaigns are driven by local issues. The KQED special series The Long Run is about women who are running for office this November. Today, we’ll hear about why some Bay Area candidates decided to get involved and how they’re being treated on the campaign trail.
Guest: Katie Orr, KQED politics and government reporter
Bay Curious: Hetch Hetchy Water’s Epic Journey, From Mountains to Tap
We know San Francisco cherishes its pristine water source, which comes from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir located in Yosemite. The Bay recently told you about how the city has something in common with more conservative parts of the state over their water rights.
Today, KQED's Bay Curious podcast digs further into Hetch Hetchy and brings us on the journey water takes from the reservoir all the way back to the Bay Area. The Bay will be back with all new episodes on Sept. 3.
MindShift: Can Inviting Teachers Over to Your Home Improve How Kids Learn?
A teacher visit at home can be intimating - for everyone. Today on The Bay, we're featuring the latest episode of KQED's education podcast MindShift, which launched its third season this week. The show is tackling the intangible elements of academic success: emotional safety, trust and relationships.
Guest: Katrina Schwartz, co-host of KQED's MindShift podcast
Q’ed Up: The West Oakland Teacher Everyone Knows
LuPaulette Taylor has worked for decades at McClymonds High School in West Oakland. McClymonds is a school where only around 15 percent of teachers stay on for a third year. So what keeps Taylor around? This week The Bay is taking off to go over listener feedback. Today’s episode is brought to you with help from KQED’s Qed Up podcast and education reporter Vanessa Rancaño.
Verizon Squeezes the Internet Hose on Firefighters During Mendocino Fire
Imagine fighting the largest wildfire in California history and Verizon says you'd have to upgrade your plan if you want faster internet to get your maps and documents. That's what happened to a couple of Santa Clara County firefighters that were helping battle the Mendocino Complex fire in July. The story is now part of a federal lawsuit on net neutrality regulations.
Guest: Jon Brodkin, Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica
‘Cover the Important Bits’: Alameda Schools Change Their Dress Code
Midriffs, pajamas, and ball caps are all allowed this year at Alameda schools. A group of middle school students worked for three years to change a dress code that they say unfairly targeted girls. Now, decisions on what boys and girls can and cannot wear will be left to students and their parents instead of school staff.
Guest: Jill Tucker, San Francisco Chronicle K-12 education reporter
Fight for Water Makes Strange Bedfellows: Farmers…and San Francisco
Green bins, blue bins, black bins. San Francisco is known for being super progressive when it comes to the environment. But some say the city's behind the curve on this one thing: water. This week state water officials discuss a revolutionary new plan to restore water to rivers, which could curtail the primary -- and pristine -- water source used by millions of Bay Area residents.
Guest: Lauren Sommer, KQED science reporter
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Is What A Lot of People Have Been Waiting For
Mansions. A multimillion-dollar wedding. Sexy characters in swank settings. The release of Crazy Rich Asians is a cultural event onscreen and off. More so for Asians and Asian-Americans, who make up about a quarter of the Bay Area's population. What does the success of Crazy Rich Asians means to them?
Guest: Ricky Yean, writer of "Asian-Americans Are Cultural Orphans (aka I hope Crazy Rich Asians isn’t a flop)"
Back to the Future: SF’s New Transbay Terminal
There aren't that many people riding buses into San Francisco's new $2 billion transbay terminal. At least not when compared to the city's first terminal that opened in 1939. So how will the new transit hub that opened for service this week be different?
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor
A Lesson in How to Die
Kelly Johnson’s last days were his final act. He was a Bay Area musician, a dancer, a vaudeville act -- a performer for life. Johnson used the End of Life Option Act that has been legal in California since June 2016. The decision to end one's life has always been controversial. But not for Johnson who choreographed every last little detail to the end.
Guest: Arash Malekzadeh, director of "A Dance With Death: The Final Days of Kelly Johnson"
These Fires Break All the Old Rules
Fire drip torches, dozers, and prevailing winds – just some of the tools firefighters are using to battle the blazes engulfing California. With fires that start earlier in the year, spark up overnight, and are more extreme in their size and speed, firefighters have to adjust to the new conditions. We follow a reporter who embeds with a CalFire strike unit working a corner of the Ranch Fire. It's one of the fires that make up the Mendocino Complex, the largest fire in California’s history.
Guest
One Bay Area City Preps for More Rent Control; Aaand…It’s Berkeley
If California voters approve Prop. 10 in November, the debate over rent control will continue. Read more from Guy Marzorati on that debate in the Bay Area.
How the DMV Got Worse
Waiting at the DMV can be hell, but you gotta go. Over the last year, wait times at Bay Area DMVs increased 48 percent. We take a trip to the DMV (it's more fun than it sounds) and look at what's causing these delays and what's being done to improve them.
Bryan Anderson, Sacramento Bee political reporter
Are Democratic Socialists a Thing Now?
Some people in the Bay Area paid hundreds of dollars to see a speech by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the new liberal Democratic star from New York. She stumped in the Mission to raise money for her Congressional campaign, and also to rally what some are calling a movement of Democratic Socialists.
Guest: Julian Mark, reporter for Mission Local
How a Schoolteacher’s Letter Led to the Creation of Schulz’s ‘Franklin’ Character
This week, the first black "Peanuts" cartoon character turns 50, marking the first time that Charlie Brown and Franklin met. It all started with a schoolteacher and mother of three who wrote a letter to Charles Schulz. She encouraged him to let black students see themselves in the comic strip. He hesitated at first but then relented.
Guest: Cesar Gallegos, former archivist for the Charles M. Schulz Museum
The Conflicted Capitalist: Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky
Can big tech companies call themselves progressive? One of Silicon Valley's biggest CEOs says he has identified as progressive. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says he felt conflicted once about whether to charge people to use the company's platform. His answer has something to do with Walt Disney, Bob Dylan and Steve Jobs.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED Silicon Valley reporter
The Orwellian Take on San Francisco’s Informal ‘Caste’ System
Do you work in tech? Have you bought a home recently? Use Uber? Postmates? And you live in San Francisco? Well then, you might be part of the so-called Outer Party, one of the four informal "castes" in San Francisco that a Wired writer believes makes up the City by the Bay. It's similar to Orwell's 1984, but the modern-day techie version.
Guest: Antonio García Martínez, author of "Chaos Monkeys"
How Bay Area Activists Harness the Power of White Privilege in Border Protests
No one knows how to run a protest like Bay Area activists. In fact, faith leaders and Black Lives Matter activists from the Bay brought their strategies to the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego to protest family separation at a detention facility for parents who've had their children taken from them. One recent protest highlighted a surprising tactical twist: how to use white people and their privilege to sway more people to join their resistance.
Guest: John Sepulvado, host of KQED's The Calif
Fire Clean-Up Mostly Done, but Now It’s Time to Fix Some Mistakes
It cost $1.3 billion for the federal government to clean up after the fires that devastated Northern California last October. Through the process, one worker died, others were injured, and many homeowners still have giant holes where their houses used to be. A KQED investigation shows how contractors were encouraged to move quickly and neglected safety. And now, the government needs to create a new program to refill holes that were over-dug in the process.
Guest: Sukey Lewis, KQED criminal just
Oakland Is Having a Moment at the Movies
Oakland is having a moment on the big screen. This weekend Blindspotting will be released, the third movie this year featuring the city that is drawing national attention. It follows the releases of Black Panther and Sorry to Bother You earlier in 2018. All can be traced back to the legacy and richness of black culture in The Town.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, KQED race and equity reporter.
A Bay Area Newspaper Publisher Uses the N-Word and Then Steps Down
A journalist at the East Bay Express wrote about Napa’s BottleRock music festival and criticized it for being by and for white people. Then the paper's publisher took down the stories and used the N-word in a meeting. Today, the story of Express reporter Azucena Rasilla and what led publisher Steve Buel to step down.
Guest: Sara Hossaini, KQED reporter
Raising Sam: A Story of Seizures, Marijuana and American Health Care
Sam Vogelstein was having as many as 100 seizures a day. His parents tried more than 20 different medications. Then they stumbled on research showing the benefits of a marijuana-based drug. After trying to buy and make the CBD (cannabidiol) drug underground they eventually got into a clinical trial that has stopped Sam’s seizures.
Guest: Lesley McClurg, KQED science reporter
East Palo Alto: Bank Desert
There are no banks in East Palo Alto – a city surrounded by some of the wealthiest communities in the Bay Area. There is one lone ATM, though. We’ll take you there and meet some people who say being ignored by banks is a long-standing problem in this historically black and brown neighborhood, even as it gentrifies.
Guest: Tonya Mosley, KQED's Silicon Valley Bureau Chief.
Get to Know London Breed, San Francisco’s New Mayor
Learn more about London Breed and how she became the person and politician she is today by reading Jamilah King's article in Mother Jones.
Is This the Beginning of a Tech Worker Revolution?
A standing room-only crowd of tech workers from the most iconic Silicon Valley companies met last week in the Mission District of San Francisco. They were there to talk about how to organize against the very companies that're paying their paychecks. Tech is known for requiring workers to keep their names out of the press. But now the momentum to organize is growing in the era of the Trump administration.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED Silicon Valley reporter
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Why Some Oakland Fans Have a Complicated Relationship With the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have not always been the golden team. Oakland fans supported the Warriors through decades of losing seasons and rode the high toward three NBA Championships. Now as the team plans to move across the Bay to The City, some people in The Town feel left behind.
Guest: Lukas Brekke-Miesner, writer for the 38Notes blog and associate director of Oakland Kids First
The History of the Oakland Sideshow (via Bay Curious)
The original sideshows were pop-up parties -- part car show, part block party. They first bubbled up in mall parking lots of Deep East Oakland in the 1980s. Over time the sideshows began to change and the Oakland Police Department began to take notice. New laws were introduced that criminalized sideshow spectators. That complicated the already tense relationship between police and the community. We get into the history and culture of the sideshow.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, KQED equity and enterpris
The People Who Work in America’s Most Famous Burrito Shop
The lines at La Taqueria in San Francisco’s Mission District are long. Business picked up after getting named the No. 1 burrito in the country back in 2014. But some workers say the company wasn’t properly compensating them even before the taqueria got popular. Now some women have come forward to force back pay and other benefits to all employees.
Guest: Jonathan Kauffman, food writer for the San Francisco Chronicle
Man on the Street: A Story of Homelessness in San Francisco
Homelessness in Bay Area has become a common sight; one we even try to avoid. When KQED reporter Dan Brekke interviewed one man named Perry Foster, he didn’t think it would lead him on a search for more details about who this person is, his accomplishments, his goals and the barriers he faced. As part of KQED’s SF Homeless Project, we learn today that everyone has a story.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor
Lake County Hit By Wildfire 4th Straight Year
More than a thousand people have evacuated their homes because of the Pawnee Fire in Lake County. The wildfire that started Saturday has destroyed at least 22 buildings. It's a reoccurring nightmare; wildfires have burned through Lake County year after year. Today, we hear from people who have had to flee their burning homes.
Guest: Sukey Lewis, KQED criminal justice reporter
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Richmond Asks How It Should Alert Residents in Emergency
The fire that ignited at the Sims Metal Management scrap yard site in January alarmed a lot of people who live in the city of Richmond. It got them thinking: How do residents get told when there's a big fire or other emergency? The city council meets Tuesday to discuss three proposals for how to alert residents in a disaster.
Guest: Ted Goldberg, KQED News assignment editor
Trump v. California Over Sanctuary Policy
The Trump administration's fight against sanctuary policies is now being litigated in federal court. The first hearing was Wednesday in Sacramento. And the consequences of the court case affects sanctuary policies, which were pioneered first by the city of Berkeley and later San Francisco before spreading to other places around the country.
Guest: Katie Orr, KQED politics and government reporter
Leaving the Bay Area: Where People Are Going and Why
A recent survey showed nearly half of Bay Area residents say they'll likely leave the region in a few years. KQED wanted to know where you're going, why and how you feel about that. These are your answers and phone calls.
Guest: Tonya Mosley, Senior Silicon Valley Editor
When Oil Refineries Flare, What Happens To The Air?
On May 5th, 2017 the power went out at the Valero oil refinery in Benicia. Above the refinery, flares blazed and released thick clouds of black smoke. The surrounding areas were evacuated and nearby schools were ordered to shelter-in-place. In the days and weeks that followed, the flares released more than 80,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide. Tonight, the Benicia City Council will consider whether to add more air monitors and regulations.
Guest: Ted Goldberg, morning editor for KQED
‘Misleading Statements, Otherwise Known as a Lie’
When ICE raided Northern California cities in February, they arrested more people than they expected. But you wouldn't have known that from the Trump administration's outcry after Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf announced the raids ahead of time. How ICE and Trump spun a false narrative about the Oakland mayor and the raids to drum up support for their base. Read the full story and the emails.
Guest: Matthias Gafni, investigative reporter for the Bay Area News Group
Warriors: ‘They Bounce the Ball in Oakland’
The Golden State Warriors have not always been the golden team. Oakland fans have supported the Warriors through decades of losing seasons and rode the high toward three NBA Championships. Now as the team plans to move across the bay to The City, some people in The Town feel left behind.
Guest: Lukas Brekke-Miesner, writer for the 38Notes blog and associate director of Oakland Kids First
‘Money Flows North, the Green Goes South’
Huedell Freeman was hauling 47 pounds of marijuana from a farm in Mendocino County to a medical dispensary in Los Angeles when two Rohnert Park police officers pulled him over. They took his weed, gave him a citation and let him go. Freeman was never charged with a crime, nor was his marijuana ever returned. Today, an investigation into the suspicious allegations of pot and cash seizures on Highway 101 by the Rohnert Park officers in the North Bay.
Update: KQED has learned that Rohnert Park pol
San Francisco: 2. Big Tobacco: 0
Flavored tobacco gets booted out of San Francisco. On Tuesday, voters passed Proposition E with 69 percent of the vote, making the city the first in the nation to pass such a comprehensive ordinance banning all flavored tobacco products from every store shelves. This isn’t the first time San Francisco garnered a major win against the tobacco industry. In fact, a ballot measure back in 1983 says a lot about why the city was poised to pass this first of its kind ordinance.
Guest: Lesley McClurg,
Total Recall: Judge Aaron Persky Voted Out
#TBT on The Bay: Sixty percent of voters decided to remove Aaron Persky from his judgeship in Santa Clara County. He's the judge who handed a six-month sentence to former Stanford athlete Brock Turner after Turner was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in 2015. On an earlier episode of The Bay, we asked an expert: What are the consequences of recalling a judge because of an unpopular decision? We revisit that episode today.
Guest: Jessica Levinson, elections law professor at
Inside the KQED Newsroom on Election Night
Hang out with The Bay team as we wait for results from the June 5 primary. It’s time to eat newsroom pizza and hit the refresh button over and over on all our browser tabs. For updated results, find full coverage at kqed.org/elections.
Guests: Guy Marzorati, KQED politics reporter and newsroom elections czar; Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor; Alex Emslie, KQED criminal justice reporter; Ryan Levi, host of KQED's Q'ed Up podcast
Your Identity, Your Vote
The three top candidates running for mayor in San Francisco will have the chance to be the city's "first" in some way. But does a candidate's identity sway people's votes? And how does a voter's identity play a role at the polls? We ask these questions to voters and more.
Guest: Corey Cook, Dean of the School of Public Service at Boise State University, and former professor of political science at San Francisco State University and University of San Francisco
Fire Inspections Go Undone: An Investigation by the Bay Area News Group
Many of the Bay Area's largest fire agencies are failing to inspect apartment buildings and schools. An analysis by the Bay Area News Group looked at fire inspection records over an eight-year span and found nearly one quarter of the apartment buildings reviewed weren't inspected in 2017. State law requires inspections every year.
Guest: Thomas Peele, investigative reporter with the Bay Area News Group
From ‘Just Say No’ to ‘Delay, Delay, Delay’
Billboards adorned with giant pot leaves line Bay Area freeways. This can make it hard for parents to ignore that awkward coming of age conversation about drugs. Our health editor, who's also a parent, says drug education is radically different from when she grew up.
Guest: Carrie Feibel, KQED health editor.
Waiting For BART in Antioch
Antioch has waited decades for a BART station. The city has seen a population boom led by the Bay Area's housing crisis, which has pushed people farther and farther out. Last weekend, BART officially began train service to Antioch. We talk to residents about how it feel.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, reporter and co-host of KQED's American Suburb podcast
Ranked-Choice Voting Explained
If you’re voting in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley or San Leandro ... you get three votes! Kind of. Today, we explain how ranked-choice voting works, why some people like it, why some people hate it, and how politicians can win even if they come in second. June 5 is Primary Election Day.
Guest: Scott Shafer, Senior Editor for Politics and Government Desk for KQED
Reasonable vs. Necessary: What Keeps the S.F. District Attorney From Prosecuting Officers
Two deaths by police. Zero charges. San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón said Thursday that his hands are tied and he won't be prosecuting the officers who killed two men of color in high-profile cases. But he calls the shootings of Mario Woods in 2015 and Luis Gongora in 2016 “unnecessary” and “disturbing.” So why can’t he prosecute?
Guest: Alex Emslie, KQED criminal justice reporter
East Bay Candidates Get A Little Woo-Woo
District 15 isn’t your normal district. At a forum in Berkeley, East Bay candidates for State Assembly are asked to do something they almost never do on the campaign trail: validate their opponent's point of view.
Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED Politics and Government reporter
Journalists in Carpools Talking Bridge Tolls
We jump into a stranger's car on the Bay Bridge in the "casual carpool lane" to talk about raising bridge tolls. Our carpool driver and rider join in on a discussion about Regional Measure 3, which voters will decide in the June 5 primary election that could increase tolls on seven state bridges in the Bay Area.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor
‘A Severe Inability to Pay’ Criminal Processing Fees in S.F.
The costs of processing crime in San Francisco has left the city’s convicted criminals with millions of dollars in unpaid debt. Many people can’t afford to pay the extra administrative fees that accompany the criminal court fines. The Board of Supervisors will vote today on whether to waive unpaid debt that's owed to the city and cancel future administrative fees to help low income people with reentry after crime.
Guest: Alex Emslie, criminal justice reporter for KQED
Can Cultural Districts in San Francisco Really Stop Gentrification?
Calle 24. Japantown. The Leather District. These are all neighborhoods in San Francisco that the city has formally recognized as cultural districts. Not so much for tourism as an attempt to save them from gentrification. But will it work?
Guest: Chloe Veltman, arts and culture reporter for KQED
Oakland Loses Battle With Developer Phil Tagami Over Coal
Oakland has lost a battle with coal. A judge ruled Tuesday to uphold a contract that lets a developer ship coal through an Oakland port. Developer Phil Tagami had sued the city after the council had voted to ban the shipment of coal.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor
Hunter’s Point Gets a Hearing at SF City Hall
San Francisco supervisors were not happy with answers they got on Monday from the company accused of falsifying soil data at Hunters Point. In recent weeks, we learned two pleaded guilty to faking reports, and there is suspicion about whether the parcel where people now live is safe. Today, an update on how San Francisco supervisors are pressing the Navy, the EPA and the clean-up contractor to retest the area.
Guest: Erika Aguilar, KQED producer
Oakland’s Response to #GrillingWhileBlack: Electric Slide
Oakland’s Lake Merritt is supposed to be a public space for everyone. But it doesn't feel that way when white residents complain about the way black residents use the park. So how did people respond when a white woman recently called the cops on two black men grilling? They threw a party at the lake.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, KQED race and equity reporter
The Toxic Site in Our Backyard
For a housing starved San Francisco, Hunters Point might look like a developers dreamland. The area has large plots of land, a waterfront and beautiful vistas. But the land has been making headlines lately with news of pollution, botched tests and radioactive waste. The latest is that the newly developed residential area called "Parcel A" may be more dangerous than previously thought. And residents are mad and suing.
Guest: Chris Roberts, investigative reporter
Black Women Who Code and the Culture That Eats Strategy
There are few women in tech. There are even fewer women of color in tech, which can be isolating. At a women's mixer in Mountain View for Google partners, two black women connect over their career experiences. They've seen how corporate culture gets in the way of workforce diversity strategies.
Guest: Tonya Mosley, Silicon Valley Bureau Chief for KQED
What’s So Wrong With Recalling Judges?
Judge Aaron Persky is facing a recall election in June after sentencing a former Stanford student-athlete Brock Turner to six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious and intoxicated woman back in 2015. The Santa Clara County Superior Court judge has remained mostly quiet. But on Tuesday the Judge Persky called a news conference at a private peninsula residence. Today, what are the consequences of recalling a judge?
Guest: Jessica Levinson, elections law professor at Loyola Law Sch
What Does One UC Berkeley Gardener Make?
Thousands of University of California union employees are on strike this week amid failed contract negotiations. Among them are gardeners, janitors, nurses aides and food service workers who say the Bay Area's expensive costs demand higher wages. Today, how a UC Berkeley gardener making $23 an hour gets along.
Guest: Ivan Casanova, gardener for the University of California at Berkeley and Vanessa Rancano, KQED education reporter
Renaming Julius Kahn Playground
San Francisco named the Julius Kahn Playground located in the Presidio after the congressman who represented the city in the early 1900s. But his racist past as the politician who disparaged immigrants and advocated for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 has San Francisco supervisors interested in renaming the park. We revisit the country's anti-Chinese past and hear how those racist laws oppressed Chinese Americans in San Francisco.
Guests: Allan Low, real estate attorney and vice-president of
Fighting For 80 Square Feet In Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the few San Francisco neighborhoods where lower income residents can still afford to make rent. The tenants living in one Single Room Occupancy - where rooms are 80 square feet - are the latest to sue their landlords over what they say are attempts to push them out, including fines for hanging laundry out of windows to dry.
Guest: Jessamyn Edra, staff attorney with Advancing Justice Asian Law Caucus
The ABCs of California’s Gig Economy
Working without a boss has its perks. But many gig workers, like those who drive for Uber and Lyft, say they're treated more like employees than contract workers. The California supreme court ruled this week that misclassifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees is a "very serious problem." And the ruling could have big implications for the Bay Area where many gig workers live and work and could potentially be categorized as real employees.
Guest: Sam Harnett, KQED Silico
Can You Find the Cameras Above Street Lights? They See You
There are license plate readers all over the Bay Area that law enforcement can use to track vehicles coming in and out of a particular area. Many of these devices have hung above street lights for a few years, but now some East Bay cities are beginning to limit what surveillance data is being collected from them and regulate how that data can be used.
Guest: Cyrus Farivar: Ars Technica, senior technology policy reporter and author of Habeas Data: Privacy vs. the Rise of Surveillance Tech
Costa Hawkins: The Housing Law That Renters Hate
The debate over rent control is at a new crossroads. Tenant advocates say they've collected enough signatures to ask voters in November to repeal Costa Hawkins, a state law that curbs rent control polices in some cities. We ask ... what exactly is Costa Hawkins, again?
Guest: Jessica Placzek, reporter for Bay Curious at KQED
Golden State Killer Suspect Is Arrested Near Sacramento
The so-called Golden State Killer raped more than 50 women and murdered a dozen people. Law enforcement officials said Wednesday that they'd arrested Joseph James DeAngelo, the man suspected of terrorizing parts of the Bay Area, Southern California and Sacramento for more than a decade.
Guest: Alex Emslie, KQED criminal justice reporte
Teens Get Personal About the Crazy, Rich Bay Area
What's it like to be a teenager living through the Bay Area's affordability crisis? Today, as part of KQED's Youth Takeover week -- when we hand the mic to the generation that will save us all -- the team asks San Francisco high schoolers about going out with friends when a cup of coffee costs $6.
Guests: Elke Janssen and Gabriel Alves de Lima
Straws Upon Request
Some Bay Area cities want plastic straws out. Oakland and Berkeley are both considering ordinances on Tuesday that would force people to request plastic straws at restaurants. How Bay Area is that?
Guest: Jeremy Siegel, KQED reporter
BONUS EPISODE: Elmwood Cafe Closes
We published an episode on Friday featuring comedian and CNN host W. Kamau Bell who told us about a racist incident he suffered in 2015 when he was told to leave a Berkeley cafe for being black. Early on Friday morning that restaurant -- Elmwood Cafe -- unexpectedly closed its doors. Here's an update.
Guest: Caroline Champlin, reporter for KQED
Race and Coffee
Comedian W. Kamau Bell knows what it feels like to be on the receiving end of some racism. His experience at Berkeley's Elmwood Cafe in 2015 is a prelude to what we saw last week, with the arrest of two black men at a Starbucks in Philadelphia. The coffee company will close all U.S. stores next month for a one day training. We ask Kamau: Can you solve racism in one day?
The Big (Hayward) One
The Hayward Fault -- geologists warn this Bay Area fault line that runs through several East Bay cities could unbuckle an earthquake more dangerous, more destructive than the widely-feared San Andreas Fault. The U.S. Geological Survey released a report this week that estimates the damage a 7.0 magnitude earthquake could do along the Hayward Fault.
Guest: Danielle Venton, Science Editor for KQED
NSFSchool
Some parents in Fremont don't want comprehensive sex ed to be taught to their fourth and fifth graders in schools. They've flooded school board meetings to say the curriculum does not respect their parental and cultural choices around sex.
Guest: Sandhya Dirks, KQED race and equity reporter
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Silicon Valley Meets Motor City
Long hours, lots of injuries: That's the story some Tesla workers tell about a factory in Fremont. Elon Musk's electric car company says it's fixed its problem and improved worker safety. But a new story by Reveal from The Center For Investigative Reporting questions the accuracy of Tesla's latest injury numbers. What happens when new tech intersects with old manufacturing?
Guest: Alyssa Jeong Perry, KQED reporter
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Locked Out
Buying a house while black or brown is tough, especially in Vallejo. Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting found that white people are more likely than black people to be approved for a conventional home loan when all else is equal -- 50 years after the Fair Housing Act was passed. Guest: Emmanuel Martinez, data reporter at Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting
Where Were You Last Time?
A San Francisco doctor grabbed headlines right after the YouTube shooting last week. Trauma surgeon Andre Campbell took the press to task for showing up that day but not for other shootings in the community.
Guest: Laura Klivans, KQED heath reporter
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Scoot Scoot
First came dockless bikes. Now -- scooters. These zippy, motorized, human transporters have descended upon San Francisco sidewalks. Local politicians (and some residents) seem annoyed enough to want to regulate them.
Guest: Dan Brekke, KQED transportation editor
Black Mirror IRL
I know your name. Your face. The way you walk. And what you like. But should I? While Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in Washington D.C. this week, we turn to some Stanford professors and students who are creating an ethics course for computer science.
Guest: Vanessa Rancano, KQED education reporter
The Real of Hip Hop
How has the Bay Area shaped and defined hip hop? A new exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California looks at the legacy of the music and culture. We take a field trip to the museum, then cross the Bay Bridge to meet an emerging rapper from Bayview-Hunters Point.
Guest: Pendarvis Harshaw, KQED columnist.
Coal Dust
Oakland has banned coal from being shipped through its East Bay port. But well-known (and well-connected) developer Phil Tagami says he has the right to export what he wants. A federal judge could decide who wins soon.
Guest: Darwin BondGraham, staff writer, East Bay Express
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Active Shooter
On Tuesday afternoon there were reports of an active shooter on the campus of YouTube in San Bruno.
In the moments after a potential mass shooting it can be hard to know what has happened, even as first responders, witnesses, and journalists scramble to piece together the truth.
Today, we follow KQED reporters in the hours following the gunfire.
Guests: KQED Silicon Valley Editor Tonya Mosley and KQED Silicon Valley Reporter Sam Harnett.
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Sanctuary Loophole
It's now easier for ICE to arrest immigrants in Contra Costa County. The sheriff's office is making public the names and release dates of inmates inside their jails. Some suspect this new policy has to do with the 27 women who've claimed abuses in the ICE detention center that is also run by the county.
Guest: Aaron Davis, Contra Costa County reporter for the East Bay Times.
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‘Righteous Black Rage’
Stephon Clark. Family, friends and the Sacramento community buried the 22 year-old who was shot at at least 20 times by police. We talk to one Bay Area activist before she headed to Sacramento on the day of his funeral.
Guest: Cat Brooks, co-founder of the Anti-Police Terror Project and executive director of the Justice Teams Network
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Section 149
The Raiders and Warriors are leaving Oakland. But the A’s say they’re committed to staying. The team is choosing between two locations for a new stadium. We talk to a reporter who happens to be a superfan.
Guest: Nina Thorsen, KQED producer
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For Sale (But Not For You)
Buying a home in the Bay sucks. That's why Sally Kuchar is tweeting about it. And her message has gone viral. Here's her story. Guest: Sally Kuchar, editor for Curbed, @sallykuchar
Out of the Fire & Into the Street
A year ago today, a West Oakland fire killed four people, displaced dozens and destroyed a halfway house that was the very last housing option for people living there. We follow one man’s story who went from tenant to tent. Guest: Matthias Gafni, investigative reporter with the Bay Area News Group Link to the stories: https://bayareane.ws/2Gdke3m https://bayareane.ws/2GezLjm
The Judge Who Wanted To Be Atticus Finch
A San Francisco judge wearing a space tie (yes, outer space) is setting the tone for future climate change court battles. But who is he? We learn about Judge William Alsup. Guests: Sarah Jeong, senior writer for The Verge and Molly Peterson, KQED science reporter
Sans Driver
Cars without humans are coming. On April 2, California will allow tech companies to test driverless cars that don't have people behind the steering wheel. Should the Bay Area be concerned? Guest: Aarian Marshall, Wired transportation staff writer
Smash and Grab
San Francisco's got a problem with car break-ins. Police have been trying to solve it and the first month of the year is looking good. But the city has a lot more work to do. Today, we hand it off to Bay Curious, KQED's podcast that answers your questions about the Bay Area. Guest: KQED reporter Sarah Craig
We Reserve The Right
An Oakland coffee shop that refuses to serve uniformed police officers attracts pro-Trump protesters. Coffee shops are often seen as symbols of gentrification. This one is trying not to be that. Guest: Janelle Bitker, East Bay Express staff writer
A Taser For Every Cop
San Francisco is one of the last major U.S. cities to arm police officers with Tasers. The city’s Police Commission approved a Taser policy on Wednesday. The fight over this weapon has been ongoing for more than a decade. What happened? Guest: Alex Emslie, KQED criminal justice reporter
‘Not Scared of Guns Anymore’
What if you saw gun violence all the time? Some Bay Area students do. We check in with high schoolers in Oakland where shootings are common, as other students around the country walkout to protest gun control. Guest: Vanessa Rancano, KQED education reporter
Eight Stories Tall
The housing bill that could remake Bay Area neighborhoods. SB 827 would make it easier to build higher near transit. It pits city versus state. We break it down from North Berkeley BART. Guest: Bay Area News Group transportation reporter Erin Baldassari
Invisible Scars
Combat veterans fight invisible but very real battles at the Pathway Home in Yountville. We talk to a reporter who visited the facility months before last Friday’s deadly shooting to see how veterans struggle with the hidden scars of PTSD. Guest: Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle feature writer
BONUS EPISODE: A ‘Vulture’ in the Newsroom
Journalists cover protests. They don't organize them. So it's rare when they pick a side. That's what a group of Bay Area journalists did this week, to protest the gutting of their newsroom by the "secretive, vulture" hedge fund that owns them. Guest: Bay Area News Group investigative reporter Thomas Peele
‘No Fire Engines Here’
Delayed evacuations, communication gaps, the North Bay on fire. KQED investigated emergency alerts during the North Bay fires. Today, we trace the first eight hours of October 8. Guest: KQED News reporter Sukey Lewis. Sukey reported this story with KQED's data reporter Lisa Pickoff-White and politics reporter Marisa Lagos.
How DARE You
The U.S. attorney general calls out Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf after filing a lawsuit against California over its sanctuary state laws. During a speech in Sacramento, Jeff Sessions targeted The Town, specifically. Today, how Oakland became a defender against the Trump administration's recent immigration operations in the Bay Area. Guest: Robert Gammon, news editor and columnist for the East Bay Express
A Lesson in How to Protest Guns
One Bay Area school is preparing students to join a national movement for stricter gun laws following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. We’ll take you inside a San Francisco classroom where students and teachers talk tactics for next week’s national school walkout. Guest: Vanessa Rancano, KQED education reporter
What Happens After An ICE Arrest
Immigration officials made mass arrests of hundreds of undocumented Bay Area residents last week. Today, we’ll walk you through an ICE arrest and what happens next.
Two Types of Homeless
The Tubbs Fire in the North Bay created a whole new group of homelessness in Santa Rosa. Since October, those who lost their homes have received most of the attention but many people were already living on the streets. Guest: Jennielynn Holmes, Director of Shelter & Housing at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa.
Death of the Taxi Cab
The San Francisco taxi driver is going extinct. And it seems nothing cab companies try is enough to survive the competition of app-based ride hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The recent suicide of a driver in New York highlights the emotional toll of the economic hardship pressuring cab drivers. We explore how taxi companies and their drivers are coping in the birthplace of Uber and Lyft.
Introducing The Bay
Hey! Welcome to The Bay, KQED’s latest podcast for daily news in the Bay Area. Host Devin Katayama walks you through the biggest story of the day with reporters and newsmakers.