The Bay

Today, we’re sharing this episode from the podcast Sea Change, a show by WWNO in New Orleans and WRKF in Baton Rouge. In it you’ll hear about how three different cities – including San Francisco — are addressing unique challenges around sea level rise.Links: Sea Change Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyche Hendricks, KQED’s senior immigration editor, dives into the complexities of Donald Trump’s mass deportation promises and their implications for California. She unpacks how the state’s sanctuary laws aim to protect undocumented residents and the logistical challenges of implementing mass deportations. Hendricks also discusses the vital role immigrant labor plays in California's economy and the ongoing struggles for reform, like the DREAM Act, in a perilous political landscape.

Since Sept. 22, thousands of hotel workers at some of San Francisco’s largest hotels have been in a stalemate with employers, demanding wage increases and affordable health care. KQED’s Farida Jhabvala Romero explains why this dispute has dragged on, and why everyone has a stake in what happens to the city’s hotel industry. This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo and Jessica Kariisa, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links: Episode transcript Slow San Francisco Tourism Complicates Hotel Strike Resolution Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ezra David Romero, a KQED climate reporter, discusses the Great Highway's transformation into a public space and the fallout from Prop K's approval. He highlights community divides, detailing local opposition, particularly from the Sunset neighborhood, against the road closure. The recall campaign against Supervisor Joel Engardio uncovers feelings of betrayal among residents over promises made. Romero emphasizes the environmental impacts and safety concerns surrounding the proposed changes, showcasing a rich tapestry of community voices in this heated debate.

Olivia Allen Price, host of Bay Curious, dives into the chaos sparked by a tsunami warning after a recent earthquake in Humboldt County. She discusses the real implications of a tsunami hitting the Bay Area, contrasting Hollywood portrayals with actual risks. Listeners share their fears and stories, highlighting community reactions and emergency preparations. Olivia emphasizes the importance of understanding tsunami hazards and proactive safety measures, urging residents to explore resources for readiness against natural disasters.

In this insightful discussion, guest Natalia Navarro, a KQED news anchor and expert on sports controversies, dives into the heated debate over anti-trans politics affecting San Jose State University's volleyball season. She highlights the personal struggles of team members amidst a lawsuit targeting a trans player. The conversation explores the electric atmosphere at key games, the implications of Title IX, and the team's resilience in facing backlash. Navarro sheds light on the broader societal impacts and the ongoing fight for inclusion in athletics.

Cassandra Garibay, a senior housing reporter for El Timpano, and Jasmine Aguilera, a senior health equity reporter, tackle the pressing issue of lead exposure in Oakland's rental housing. They reveal that 83% of these homes may contain lead, despite millions in settlement funds sitting unused. The discussion includes personal stories, such as a mother facing kidney failure, and highlights the bureaucratic challenges in deploying these funds effectively. The conversation underscores the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable communities from severe health risks.

Ally Markovich, a former Berkeleyside reporter, dives into the profound history of Indian and Mortar Rocks in Berkeley, highlighting their significance to the Ohlone people. She discusses the dual identity of these landmarks—both a favorite among climbers and a reminder of a lost cultural landscape. Ally emphasizes the urgent need to respect and protect Indigenous narratives and traditions linked to these sites, urging a shift in awareness among visitors. This conversation blends personal reflections with a call to action for cultural preservation.

Kris Perry, a key plaintiff in the landmark case Perry v. Schwarzenegger, joins the conversation alongside Sandy Stier. They reflect on their emotional journey through the fight against California’s Prop. 8, sharing personal stories of love and resilience. The discussion highlights their advocacy efforts and the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during this pivotal time. They also celebrate the progress made in marriage equality, emphasizing its significance in shaping societal attitudes and the importance of language in the fight for justice.

Azul Dostrom-Ekman, a KQED reporter, dives into the challenges the Bay Area faces with its beloved Dungeness crab tradition during Thanksgiving. She discusses how recent delays in commercial crabbing seasons impact local families and their customs, particularly amid rising competition from Washington's crab. Recognizing the cultural significance of fresh crab, especially within Filipino heritage, she shares insights into recreational crabbing as an alternative. Ecological concerns and the effects of climate change also raise important questions for the future of this cherished holiday staple.