To celebrate 1000 episodes of the podcast, The Bay team took a little field trip. We reflect on the show, and listen to voicemails from listeners and colleagues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, more than 1,500 Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority bus drivers, light rail operators and other employees went on strike for the first time in the agency’s history after more than six months of failed negotiations over wages and other issues.Links: VTA Sues to End Historic South Bay Transit Workers' Strike Send us a voice memo for our 1000th episode to thebay@kqed.org, or leave a voicemail at 415-710-9223! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has laid off more than a thousand National Park Service employees in the past few weeks as part of its broader efforts to reduce the federal workforce. KQED’s Sarah Mohamad talks about how these layoffs are affecting workers — and how your next visit to a national park might be a little different. Links:What You Should Know About Visiting National Parks Right Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re celebrating 1000 episodes of The Bay with a very special episode and we want to hear from you! Tell us what you love about the show. Leave us a voicemail at 415-710-9223, or send a voice memo to thebay@kqed.org. Tell us your name, your city, and how long you’ve been listening to The Bay.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An investigation by CalMatters found that homeless shelters are dangerous, chaotic, and ineffective at getting people into permanent housing. The lead reporter behind the investigation, Lauren Hepler, spoke with KQED’s Political Breakdown about what’s gone wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder where the internet stops and IRL begins? Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor. From internet trends to AI slop to the politics of memes, Close All Tabs covers it all.How will AI change our jobs and lives? Is the government watching what I post? Is there life beyond TikTok? Host Morgan Sung pulls from experts, the audience, and history to add context to the trends and depth to the memes. And she’ll wrestle with as many browser tabs as it takes to explain the cultural moment we’re all collectively living. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bay Area public schools are struggling, especially in Oakland and San Francisco. Both districts are among only a handful across California with negative budgets, and as a result recently voted to approve preliminary layoff notices for teachers, counselors, and other staff. This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo, Mel Velasquez, Jessica Kariisa, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:How Oakland and SF Ended Up Among 7 CA School Districts Who Can’t Pay Their Bills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion, Joseph Jiha, KQED editor and South Bay expert, dives into San José's controversial 'Homeward Bound' plan aimed at addressing street homelessness. He highlights the city's attempts to reconnect unhoused individuals with family or friends, while weighing the criticisms from homelessness advocates who argue it's inhumane. The conversation also touches on the challenges of inadequate services, temporary solutions like shelters, and the broader implications of relocating homeless residents as part of the city's ambitious strategies.

Tensions rise as concerns mount over potential real estate development at the beloved Presidio, fueled by a directive from the Trump administration. Meanwhile, residents face a surge in deceptive FasTrak scam texts, tricking them into divulging personal information. Adding to the intrigue, the alarming disappearance of two iconic peregrine falcons from UC Berkeley raises questions about their safety amidst fears of bird flu. This episode blends serious community issues with quick-fire updates that keep listeners engaged!

Sydney Johnson, a KQED reporter with a focus on San Francisco's drug crisis, shares her firsthand insights on the newly opened triage center in the South of Market. She discusses its role in addressing the fentanyl crisis and the complexities faced by individuals seeking help. Personal stories unveil confusion around the center's purpose and the effects of increased police presence. Johnson also evaluates the center's supportive services and the community's mixed reactions, questioning whether it can truly make an impact on addiction and homelessness.