This Sunday, Feb. 4, will mark the 50th anniversary of Patty Hearst's kidnapping, a saga that remains a captivating and perplexing chapter of California history. For those who lived through it, this event was more than a headline; it epitomized an era. Yet, regardless of how vividly we recall the saga, the full truth has remained elusive. Roger Rapoport helps bridge the gaps in our understanding in our conversation and in his new book, "Searching for Patty Hearst: A True Crime Novel." 

Daniel Sokatch, a prominent figure in the Jewish community in California and across America, has served as CEO of the San Francisco-based New Israel Fund since 2009 and previously led in the Jewish Federation of San Francisco. His role became crucial on Oct. 7 when Hamas's attack on Israel reverberated around the world, including in American Jewish communities. Sokatch emerged as a voice of reason as protests roiled American cities. These protests not only mirrored global divisions but also highlighted deep-seated issues within American life. 

Matt Mahan, the 66th mayor of San Jose, advocates for addressing a select number of specific issues rather than engaging in what he perceives as performative politics that aims to solve every problem for all constituents. During his first year as mayor, he has made some progress in tackling housing and homelessness. A Watsonville native and Harvard alumnus, Mahan's background includes heading student government at Harvard, constructing irrigation systems in Bolivia, teaching middle schoolers with Teach for America, and founding a company as a tech entrepreneur. 

In his new book "Welcome to the O.C.," Rolling Stone's chief television critic, Alan Sepinwall, provides an oral history of a cultural phenomenon that became an example of unpredictable success. Despite many shows featuring attractive casts and glamorous California settings, "The O.C." managed to stand out — and change the formula for television teen dramas. Its story offers insights into the cultural context of California and Orange County in the early aughts and underscores the elusive nature of hits in entertainment.

As we usher in the new year, we talk with David Kipen about his latest work, "Dear California: The Golden State in Diaries and Letters." The anthology is a heartfelt ode to California, skillfully interweaving its diverse strands — from historic letters to contemporary tweets — creating a dialogue that transcends time. It reflects on California's evolving landscapes and captures the quintessence of what makes the state “a place apart.”

Ryan Bedsaul explores how Anthony Bourdain’s on-screen work, especially "Parts Unknown," helped him connect to and navigate the vast, enigmatic city of Los Angeles. In this week's podcast and in his recent article for Current Affairs, Bedsaul reflects on his experiences of living in Los Angeles and how Bourdain’s work has reoriented his attitude toward the city, and impacted his engagement with its people and places.

John King, urban design critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, explores how San Francisco’s Ferry Building mirrors the city's evolution and broader urban American challenges in his book new "Portal." More than a historic transportation hub, the Ferry Building's journey from glory to neglect and resurgence symbolizes San Francisco's shifting narrative. King delves into the interplay of preservation, development, and adaptation, while addressing existential threats like climate change and seismic risks. He reveals how a single landmark encapsulates a city's history, growth, and future uncertainties.

Jonathan Taplin, a film producer, scholar, and director emeritus of the Annenberg Innovation Lab, is a vocal critic of excessive techno-optimism. In his book, "The End of Reality: How Four Billionaires are Selling a Fantasy Future of the Metaverse, Mars, and Crypto," he argues that the California-centric billionaires Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Marc Andreessen are diverting public attention from critical issues. He criticizes the media's role in glorifying them and advocates for a cultural shift that emphasizes real solutions over escapist narratives.

The narrative in Katya Cengel's new memoir "Straitjackets and Lunch Money" is set in motion by her volunteer work at a juvenile detention facility in the Bay Area in 2012. The experience served as a catalyst, unearthing memories of her own past. In 1986, at the age of 10, Cengel was hospitalized in the now defunct psychosomatic unit of Stanford Children’s Hospital, battling an extreme eating disorder. At the time of her admission, she weighed a mere 55 pounds. Her story is a reflection on the evolving landscape of mental healthcare and support for young people facing similar challenges.

Conor Friedersdorf, a California-based staff writer for The Atlantic, joins us to discuss his recent article, "A Uniquely Terrible New DEI Policy." In it, he dissects controversial new diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates at California's community colleges, the largest higher education system in the U.S. These policies are not only sparking lawsuits but also raising questions about academic freedom and First Amendment rights. As Friedersdorf navigates this complex landscape, he sheds light on the historical context, the intentions behind the policies, and their broader societal implications.