The Bay

In this discussion, Marisa Lagos, a seasoned politics correspondent for KQED, delves into the origins of San Francisco’s sanctuary policies, a response to the 1989 Club Elegante raid. Listeners learn how these policies were born from community outcry and the need to protect undocumented residents. Lagos also connects the historical challenges of these policies to current political threats, including previous tensions during Trump’s presidency. The interplay between law enforcement perspectives and public trust is a key theme throughout.

Katie DiBenedetti, a KQED reporter, sheds light on the shocking budget cuts at Sonoma State University, including the elimination of entire academic departments and NCAA sports programs. She discusses how these decisions have left students and faculty reeling, raising alarms about the future of the California State University system. The emotional impact on the community, particularly among student-athletes facing transfer uncertainties, highlights the broader implications of financial struggles in higher education across the region.

Vanessa Roncagno, a KQED housing reporter and expert on homelessness in the Bay Area, dives into the controversial new encampment ban in Fremont, California. She outlines how this law criminalizes aid to the unhoused and contextualizes it within California's broader homelessness crisis. Roncagno discusses community reactions, the balance of public safety with support for vulnerable populations, and shares poignant testimonies from those affected by the ban, emphasizing the need for compassionate alternatives.

Some Black churches are transforming into resilience hubs, tackling climate change through faith-based initiatives. By joining the Green The Church movement, they're merging environmental justice with community support. Notably, installations of solar panels are reducing energy costs and enhancing sustainability. Financial strategies to fund these projects are also shared, highlighting grants and community-driven efforts. The focus on grassroots initiatives underlines the power of local action in fostering environmental consciousness and resilience.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked listeners to share their stories about dating in the Bay Area. Today, we meet some daters from all around the region and hear how they're navigating the highs and lows of the Bay Area dating scene. This episode was hosted by Jessica Kariisa. Mel Velasquez and Dana Cronin produced this episode, with additional support from Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aron Cantu, an investigative reporter at Capital and Main, dives into the environmental repercussions of the Bay Area's booming AI industry. He discusses the soaring energy consumption of AI, revealing how data centers, built to support this demand, heavily rely on fossil fuels, threatening California's climate goals. Local residents voice their frustrations about disrupted communities and air quality issues. Cantu emphasizes the regulatory loopholes that allow these centers to sidestep necessary oversight, advocating for transparency and better engagement with affected communities.

On February 5, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, fulfilling a promise he made on the campaign trail. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into San Jose State University for allowing a transgender athlete to play on the volleyball team. Today, we’re revisiting an episode from December 2024 about how San Jose State’s volleyball team got caught up in the fight over women’s sports. This episode first ran on Dec. 4, 2024.Links:NCAA Bars Trans Athletes as Federal Officials Launch Investigation of San José State Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 1, 2025 a massive fire broke out at the Martinez Refinery Company’s petroleum refinery leading to unsafe air conditions and a shelter in place order. It’s the third major incident at the refinery in the past five years. KQED’s Julie Small explains what led to the fire and how residents are responding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ursula Jones Dickson, a superior court judge, has been chosen as Alameda County’s new District Attorney, 3 months after voters recalled Pamela Price from office. KQED’s Samantha Lim explains why Jones Dickson was picked, and how she promises to be different from her predecessor.This episode was produced by Mel Velasquez and Jessica Kariisa, and guest hosted by Alan Montecillo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump has vowed to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as part of his plans for mass deportations. During World War II, this law was one of several legal tools the government used to imprison nearly 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry. Now, Japanese Americans in the Bay Area are drawing on their stories of trauma and survival to resist the Trump administration's immigration plans.Links:Bay Area Japanese Americans Draw on WWII Trauma to Resist Deportation Threats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices