The Bay

As the A’s begin their first season in Sacramento, KQED found that some Coliseum workers promised financial assistance from the A’s ahead of the team’s transition out of Oakland haven’t gotten anything. Links:Some Oakland Coliseum Workers Say They Never Received Assistance From A’s Farewell Fund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Beal, director of recovery services at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, shares his powerful personal journey of addiction and recovery in San Francisco. David Sjostedt, a staff writer for the San Francisco Standard, highlights the alarming statistics of overdose deaths among Black men, who face a staggering disparity in mortality rates. Together, they discuss the complex factors fueling this crisis, including generational trauma, community responses, and the importance of rebuilding trust between public health initiatives and Black communities.

Bianca Taylor, host and producer of KQED’s The Latest, dives into a self-defense class in San Francisco’s Transgender District tailored for queer and trans individuals. She explores the climate of fear created by recent political shifts and how this class fosters resilience and community. Bianca discusses essential self-defense skills like verbal de-escalation and situational awareness, all while highlighting the importance of safe spaces and support for marginalized groups. Ultimately, it’s a powerful look at empowerment amid rising threats.

A Marin County school board ignited controversy by questioning the concept of toxic masculinity, sparking significant community backlash. In San Jose, the search for a new site for the iconic flea market faces state law hurdles. Meanwhile, an exciting Eid festival is set to brighten the Tenderloin, showcasing local food and performances, which aims to promote community spirit and challenge stereotypes. Conversations also touch on the precarious state of public media funding amidst political pressures.

Dan Brekke, a KQED editor and traffic safety expert, dives into San Francisco's recent rollout of speed cameras following a staggering number of traffic fatalities. He discusses the legislative journey and privacy concerns associated with this initiative. Brekke highlights the city's pressing traffic safety issues and how data from other regions could guide improvements. He also evaluates past experiences with speed cameras and their potential to align with the Vision Zero initiative aimed at making streets safer for all.

It’s time for Oakland voters to pick a new mayor. Voting is underway in Oakland’s special election until April 15. Once a mayor is picked, they’ll have to hit the ground running in order to balance the city’s budget and address voters’ concerns about public safety and homelessness. Links:Oakland Special Election: Candidate Guide and How to Vote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Day laborers, or jornaleros, can often be found standing at specific street corners, where they are hired on the spot for inexpensive manual labor. Most are Latino migrants and can be found all over the Bay Area.Berkeleyside’s Ximena Natera joins us to talk about how jornaleros in Berkeley are dealing with increased fears of deportation, and where these workers are finding support in difficult times.Links: For Berkeley day laborers with bills and fears, staying home is not an option Para los jornaleros de Berkeley, quedarse en casa no es opción, a pesar del miedo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, guest Vanessa Roncaño, a KQED housing reporter, dives into the tragic death of James Oakley, an unhoused man killed during a city trash cleanup in Vallejo. Roncaño highlights the shockwaves this incident sent through the community and its implications for local homelessness policies. She shares personal stories from residents and advocates demanding accountability and systemic change. The conversation also covers how city leaders are responding to public outcry and reconsidering encampment sweeps in light of this tragedy.

Voters in San José’s downtown, north side, Guadalupe-Washington, and Japantown neighborhoods are already casting ballots to fill an empty city council seat left open by former Councilmember Omar Torres, who resigned in November and faces child sex abuse charges. The future of downtown San José — and possibly Mayor Matt Mahan’s agenda — hangs in the balance.Links:San José District 3 Special Election: Who’s Running and How to Vote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a competitive karaoke league in the East Bay that's about more than just singing. Every Monday at KaraOakland, teams perform songs on specific themes. Then, participants used ranked choice voting to pick the best performances — like Oakland voters will in the city's special election next month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices