The Bay

Guy Marciarotti, KQED's politics correspondent, dives into pivotal political shifts following the recent elections. He explains how California's Prop 50 empowers voters to reshape Congressional maps as a counter to Trump’s influence. Marciarotti discusses Santa Clara County's Measure A, aimed at bolstering healthcare funding amidst federal cuts. The highlight is Nancy Pelosi's retirement announcement after nearly 40 years, prompting reflections on her legacy and the future political landscape of San Francisco.

Heather Pierini, the executive director of Food Is Free Bay Area, shares her mission to combat food insecurity in Solano County. She discusses how recent SNAP delays have led to a dramatic rise in families needing assistance, with numbers soaring to over 670 families served in a single day. Heather highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including elderly and disabled individuals, and the role of nonprofits in addressing failures in social systems. The conversation sheds light on the pervasive food insecurity exacerbated by the ongoing federal shutdown.

Brian Kranz, a KQED reporter who followed the contentious removal of San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, dives into the scandal swirling around her leadership. As allegations of misconduct and retaliation unfolded, Kranz details the independent investigation led by Judge LaDoris Cordell and its damning findings. From Corpus's tumultuous first weeks in office to the community's divided reactions, Kranz navigates the political landscape that led to her ousting, discussing the implications for law enforcement and public safety in the area.

Dan Brekke, KQED's transportation editor and a stalwart of Bay Area journalism, discusses several pressing topics as he prepares for retirement. He explains how the federal government shutdown is impacting SNAP benefits and local responses to hunger issues. The conversation shifts to Uber's ambitions in the robotaxi market, detailing its partnerships and regulatory hurdles. Lastly, Brekke shares the heartening story of California condors, touching on their comeback and the ongoing challenges they face, such as lead poisoning.

Sarah Wright, a KQED reporter specializing in outdoor issues, shares her firsthand experiences at Yosemite Valley during the federal government shutdown. She describes the unsettling sight of closed entrance stations and the notable lack of ranger presence. While some tourists enjoy their visit, Sarah reveals how the Yosemite Conservancy steps up to support visitors. She also addresses concerns around lawlessness and maintenance conditions, ensuring that restrooms and trash services are functioning. Ultimately, she advises travelers to be mindful of their impact.

California Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the implications of federal election monitors being deployed to his state, accusing the Trump Administration of rigging elections. He explains how Prop 50 arose in response to redistricting threats and outlines its temporary nature to ensure fair representation. Newsom also emphasizes the importance of rebuilding the Democratic brand, while balancing generational change in leadership. Additionally, he shares insights on maintaining loyalty to President Biden and the ongoing political dynamics in California.

Taiki Hendricks, Senior immigration editor at KQED, dives into the recent news of federal immigration agents poised for operations in the Bay Area. He clarifies the roles of agencies like ICE and Border Patrol, noting the significance of their presence in urban spaces. Taiki discusses Mayor Lurie's announcement about President Trump's reversal of plans for San Francisco, while leaving uncertainties about the rest of the region. The conversation also highlights grassroots response efforts from local leaders and activists amid the tense atmosphere.

It's wine harvest season in California. And between tariffs, decreased demand, and a cooler summer, the industry has had a tough year. KQED's Elize Manoukian visits one vineyard in Healdsburg to see how the season is going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This November, Californians are being asked to decide whether the state can redraw our congressional districts with Proposition 50.  California Democrats say Prop. 50 is their answer to pressure from President Trump on red states like Texas, which redrew its congressional maps to favor Republicans in next year’s midterm elections. Opponents say it tramples on California’s independent redistricting process, which voters approved more than a decade ago. This episode originally aired on Aug. 10, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Hotchkiss, Senior Editor of Arts and Culture at KQED, dives into the exciting, yet controversial, Big Art Loop project bringing up to 100 new temporary installations to San Francisco. She discusses the rapid deployment and less public oversight of these large-scale artworks, which aim for impactful visibility in the age of social media. Sarah raises thought-provoking questions on the need for more public engagement in the process and examines the implications of such a flood of art on community representation and long-term civic impact.