The Bay

In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, we hear how President Trump’s immigration rhetoric is impacting farmworker communities in Half Moon Bay. Later, we discuss why so many Walgreens are closing San Francisco and how a major budget shortfall is impacting academic and athletic departments at Sonoma State. Links: ‘Trump's Coming’: California Farmworker Groups Rattled by Threatening Postcards Walgreens closures leave entire SF neighborhoods without a pharmacy Sonoma State Is Reeling After Huge Cuts. Where Does the School Go From Here? ‘They’re Scared to See Our Faces’: Angry Sonoma State Community Protests Wide Cuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians started returning to northern Gaza after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire is currently in its first stage; 33 hostages will be returned to Israel and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released. Despite initial celebrations, many are nervous about whether this ceasefire will hold, and what Gaza’s future will look like. Today, we hear reactions to the ceasefire from three Palestinians in northern California who have family in Gaza.This episode was produced by Jessica Kariisa, Ericka Cruz Guevarra, and Mel Velasquez. It was edited by Alan Montecillo and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:Tentative Relief and Fear: 4 Bay Area Palestinian Americans React to the Gaza Ceasefire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Vallejo to Richmond, Concord to Alameda, military bases were once huge parts of life in the Bay Area. These days, it can be hard to believe whole cities were built around them. So why are there so many abandoned military bases today? KQED's Pauline Bartolone looked into it for Bay Curious.Links:Part II: Surprising Ways Former Bay Area Military Bases Are Transforming (and Why It Takes So Long) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re working on an episode about dating in the Bay Area — the good, the bad, and everything in between — and we’d love to hear from you. What’s your experience been like? What’s dating like in your city?Leave us a voicemail at 415-710-9223, or send a voice memo to thebay@kqed.org. Let us know your name, your city, and your story. Also, if you’re open to being interviewed for the podcast, tell us and we may follow up with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Hall, a KQED reporter, dives into the recent indictment of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who faces serious charges of conspiracy and bribery. Hall sheds light on the scandal's intricate ties to local politics, including the involvement of prominent businessmen and a controversial campaign. The conversation explores public sentiment regarding trust in government as the city grapples with the fallout. As Oakland approaches special elections, the implications of Thao’s legal troubles loom large, raising questions about the future of the city's leadership.

Some of the biggest names in tech — Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai — got priority seating at President Donald Trump’s inauguration this week. But what will Silicon Valley’s turn towards Trump mean for the rest of us?This episode was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and produced by Alan Montecillo and Jessica Kariisa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Donald Trump is sworn in as president for the second time, we hear from Bay Area residents and officials about their hopes and fears for the next 4 years.Special thanks to Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, Juan Carlos Lara, Alastair Boone, Tessa Paoli, and KQED's Forum team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wildfires in Los Angeles County have placed renewed attention on the dangerous, low-wage work of California’s inmate firefighters. In 2021, a new law aimed to help formerly incarcerated people get firefighting jobs after release. But many still face significant barriers. Links:Join us on Wed, Jan. 22 for our Fixit Clinic event at KQED HQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting in March, San Francisco will have speed cameras at 33 different locations throughout the city. Many advocates and city officials hope these cameras will help improve road safety in San Francisco, which saw its highest traffic death toll in nearly two decades last year.Links:Join us on Wed, Jan. 22 for our Fixit Clinic live event! This episode was hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and produced by Jessica Kariisa and Alan Montecillo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildfires in Los Angeles have brought fire department budgets under scrutiny. In Oakland, the recent closures of two fire stations in the city’s hills have left firefighters warning of a tragedy waiting to happen. Links: 2 Oakland Fire Stations Close Amid Budget Crisis, and More Could Soon Follow How to Help People Affected by the L.A. Fires  Got Loved Ones Affected by LA Fires? These Wildfire Resources May Help  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices