The Bay

In a thrilling roundup, the hosts unveil the mysteries behind recent earthquake swarms shaking San Ramon and Sonoma County. They dive into Oakland's controversial expansion of license plate reader cameras, weighing privacy against safety. Exciting upgrades to the Clipper card system offer benefits like instant funds and family accounts. Discussions hint at how these changes could reinvigorate public transport ridership as cities gear up for big events. It's a jam-packed conversation tackling pressing issues of the year!

Laura Klivans, a climate reporter for KQED, dives deep into the confusing world of PG&E bills. She reveals that bills have skyrocketed nearly 70% since 2020, attributing rising costs to wildfire mitigation and infrastructure upgrades. Klivans breaks down key components of the bill, highlighting that energy generation is only a small fraction. She also shares insights on time-of-use pricing and offers tips for lowering bills, like running appliances during off-peak hours. This enlightening conversation demystifies an essential aspect of Bay Area living.

Engineered stone is a man-made material made with high concentrations of silica that is commonly used to make kitchen countertops in the U.S.  But doctors are seeing more and more workers in the countertop industry developing silicosis, an often deadly lung disease linked to inhaling toxic dust the material releases when powercut. Even though California has safety rules in place to reduce the risk to workers, some say it’s time to ban the use of engineered stone altogether. Links: California Doctors Urge Ban on Engineered Stone as Silicosis Cases Surge | KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ukraine-Russia war has been called the most technologically advanced war in history. In an episode from KQED’s Close All Tabs podcast, Bay Area journalist Erica Hellerstein visits Ukraine to learn about how the nation’s culture of tech innovation — and its surprising ties to Silicon Valley — are fueling the country’s resistance through an army of engineers, coders, hackers, and tinkerers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Francisco could see taller and more dense buildings in the city’s north and west side after the Board of Supervisors approved Mayor Daniel Lurie’s ‘Family Zoning’ plan last week.  Some believe it will lead to more housing and lower rents, while others worry that new construction will change their neighborhoods and lead to displacement. But how soon — and how much — could it really change the city?  Links: San Francisco Supervisors Pass Rezoning Plan, Making Way for Taller, Denser Housing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish — home to historic farmworker organizing in East San Jose — we sit down with Father Jon Pedigo, a Catholic priest in the South Bay, to talk about the role of faith and houses of worship under the Trump Administration, what he’s seen in his primarily Spanish-speaking communities, and why he's leaving the pulpit to become a full-time organizer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 3,000 educators in West Contra Costa Unified School district have gone on strike, marking a historic first for the district. The striking teachers demand better salaries, smaller class sizes, and improved special education staffing. Community support is strong, with students participating in solidarity walks. The strike reflects ongoing labor tensions across California, driven by budget constraints and declining enrollment. Join the discussion about the impact on students and school operations as educators stand united for their rights.

Dana Cronin, a KQED reporter specializing in Bay Area stories, dives into the high-profile trial of UC Berkeley animal rights activist Zoe Rosenberg. She discusses Zoe's conviction for taking four chickens from a poultry facility, highlighting the intense animal welfare debates in Sonoma County. The podcast explores the activists' allegations against local farmers and the broader tensions surrounding animal rights in agriculture. Dana also outlines the potential legal ramifications Zoe faces and the implications for future activism.

Sasha Khokha, host and producer for The California Report Magazine, shares her journey documenting heartfelt conversations between trans and non-binary kids and their loved ones in the 'Love You for You' series. She highlights the importance of featuring supportive families and the authenticity of natural dialogues. Listeners hear about the rich relationships from parents to chosen family, the role of queer elders as mentors, and the surprising joy and confidence of the kids. Ultimately, Sasha emphasizes how these stories foster connection and understanding with diverse audiences.

Heather Knight, the San Francisco Bureau Chief for The New York Times, dives into the intriguing dynamics of coyotes in the city. She discusses their historical eradication in the 1900s and remarkable return in recent decades. Residents exhibit a love-hate relationship with these creatures, balancing admiration with fears for pets. Knight emphasizes their ecological importance in controlling local pest populations and shares practical tips for coexisting. Listeners learn about public reactions, intriguing incidents, and the city’s unique management policies.