
The Bay
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 news, with help from the people who know it best. New episodes drop Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
Latest episodes

May 9, 2025 • 19min
How Your Local Arts Nonprofit Could Suffer from Federal Grant Cancellations
For decades, the National Endowment for the Arts has provided federal grant funding to local arts nonprofits around the country and the Bay Area. Now, several recipients have had their grants cancelled by the Trump Administration, leaving many uncertain about the future of arts and culture in the region.
Links:
Trump Cancels NEA Grants for Many Bay Area Arts Nonprofits
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May 7, 2025 • 22min
In Point Reyes, Cattle Ranching As We Know It Is Ending. What Now?
After a decadeslong fight, the majority of ranching along the Point Reyes National Seashore will end by next year, thanks to a legal settlement involving environmentalists, ranchers, and the National Park Service. Environmentalists say the deal will protect native animal and grass species. Meanwhile, ranchers and workers are now in a scramble to find housing in an area already squeezed for options.
Links:
Cattle Ranching Is at the Center of a Battle Brewing in Point Reyes
Point Reyes Ranching Will All But End Under New Deal, Capping Decadeslong Conflict
Point Reyes Cattle Ranchers Urge Republicans to Leave Environmental Deal Alone
Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. San Francisco Northern California Local. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5, 2025 • 20min
Why Private Schools Are So Popular in the Bay Area
When it comes to private school enrollment, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Marin counties are all well above the state average. But why? In this episode from our friends at Bay Curious, we'll explore the many reasons San Francisco families choose to send their kids to private schools. It's a trend rooted in the history of desegregation that's been hard to reverse.
Links:
Why Is Private Schooling So Popular in the San Francisco Bay Area?
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May 2, 2025 • 25min
How San José Became Home for Vietnamese Americans
Joseph Jiha, a South Bay reporter for KQED, dives into the rich history of the Vietnamese American community in San José, marking 50 years since the Vietnam War's end. He shares personal narratives of refugee journeys that reveal harrowing escapes and the cultural adaptation faced by families. The discussion also touches on systemic challenges within the community, including a tragic police shooting that ignited activism. Ultimately, Joseph explores the resilience and hopes of second-generation Vietnamese Americans as they navigate their identities.

Apr 30, 2025 • 22min
A Nailbiter in San José, Trump’s Tariffs Hit SF Chinatown, and New Fire Prevention Rules in the Berkeley Hills
In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, we unpack the razor-thin election results in San José’s District 3 and the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Plus, we learn more about how roughly 900 Berkeley homeowners will need to clear vegetation in order to protect their houses against wildfire damage.
Links:
After Recount, Tordillos Advances to Runoff Election for San José Council Seat
San Francisco Chinatown Businesses Enter Survival Mode During Trade War
Berkeley Moves to Require Vegetation Removal Near Homes in Fire Zones
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Apr 28, 2025 • 19min
Head Start Changed Her Life. Now She’s Watching Trump Slash the Program
Head Start was founded 60 years ago to help America’s poorest families break the cycle of poverty. Now, it’s one of many federal programs that the Trump administration wants to reduce or cut altogether.
KQED’s Daisy Nguyen tells the story of one federal employee in the Bay Area who was laid off from Head Start — and how the program changed her life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2025 • 40min
A Peek Into the Lives of Four Bay Area Teens
As part of Youth Takeover Week at KQED, The Bay and Bay Curious have teamed up to collaborate with four high school students who live in San Pablo, Fremont, Walnut Creek and San Jose. For several months, these teenagers — two juniors and two seniors — have shared what’s going on in their lives, what’s got them worried, what’s making them excited and what they're passionate about.This episode was produced by Jessica Kariisa, Alan Montecillo, Katrina Schwartz, Olivia Allen-Price, and Christopher Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2025 • 3min
Check out KQED's Hyphenación
Join host Xorje Andrés Olivares and guests to explore what it means to live within a hyphenation. Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to have easy conversations about hard things: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. Hyphenación—where conversation and cultura meet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23, 2025 • 17min
Barbara Lee Will Be Oakland's Next Mayor
After running on a promise to unite Oakland, former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has defeated former city councilmember Loren Taylor in a tight race for mayor. Lee will complete the term of former Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled in November.Today, The Oaklandside’s Eli Wolfe joins us to discuss what to expect from Mayor-Elect Barbara Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 2025 • 21min
Valero Announces Plans to End Operations at Benicia Refinery
Last week, the oil giant Valero announced that it will “idle, restructure, or cease operations” at its Benicia refinery that employs more than 400 workers by April 2026. KQED’s Julie Small tells us how officials are reacting, and why many view this decision as a response to state and local regulations.Links:
Oil Giant Valero Looks to Shutter Troubled Bay Area Refinery. It’s ‘a Big Surprise’
Bay Area Air District Hits Valero's Benicia Refinery With 'Historic' $82 Million Fine
Benicia Moves Toward Tougher Oversight of Valero Refinery
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