The Bay

This episode contains explicit language.This Labor Day, Bay Curious brings us the story of Carol Leigh — better known as “Scarlot Harlot” — the woman who coined the term “sex work,” and the history of the sex worker rights movement in San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, KQED California politics and government senior editor Molly Solomon joins us to talk about how Kamala Harris tells her life story to a national audience — and why she might be reluctant to mention Berkeley. Also, we discuss a lead water crisis at Oakland schools, and why some journalists are dismayed with a deal Google just reached with state lawmakers to pay millions of dollars to support local news.Links: As Kamala Harris Claims Oakland, Berkeley Forgives ‘OUSD has failed at its most basic job’: Families, teachers demand answers on lead California tried to make Google pay news outlets. The company cut a deal that includes funding AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A stunning shift has occurred in Berkeley and Oakland, allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in local school board elections. This decision is the result of years of advocacy and passion from student activists who sought to elevate young voices in governance. The podcast dives into the challenges faced in implementing this initiative, from bureaucratic hurdles to resource shortages. It celebrates the empowerment of youth engagement and highlights how these young voters can influence the future of education in their communities.

It seemed like California Forever, the billionaire-backed company intent on building a brand new city in Solano County, was going full speed ahead with a ballot measure that would have authorized construction. But late last month, the group abruptly pulled the measure, promising to bring it back in 2026. So what changed?Background: This Tech-Backed Company Tried to Disrupt California’s Housing Crisis. It Couldn’t Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the groundbreaking impact of the Oakland Community School, founded by the Black Panthers in 1973. Learn how this innovative model blended education with community support, influencing today's schooling in Oakland. Explore the Panthers' dedication to Black empowerment and social service, challenging stereotypes while fostering national pride. The legacy of educational equity, inclusive curricula, and free meals continues to resonate, especially for today's immigrant students navigating their own challenges.

Dan Brekke, a seasoned journalist specializing in local governance and environmental issues, discusses Richmond's recent $550 million deal with Chevron. He reveals why city leaders chose a financial settlement over a ballot measure taxing the refinery. The conversation dives into Richmond's fight for environmental justice, local activism against Chevron's operations, and the implications of the deal for community sustainability. Brekke highlights the delicate balance city officials must strike between economic dependence on Chevron and accountability for environmental impacts.

Nearly 500 Californians are in Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, where Democrats will rally around Vice President Kamala Harris as their party’s nominee for president. One of them is Igor Tregub, a newly elected member of the Berkeley City Council and chair of the Alameda County Democratic Party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever driven an electric vehicle, you know that finding a public charging station can be stressful.But we’ll need a lot more of them soon. California plans to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035, and by then the charging crunch could get much worse. Today, our friends at Bay Curious explore what it will take to get more charging stations across the Bay Area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52 Bay Area public schools are already at risk of being inundated with ocean and groundwater, according to a new analysis by KQED and Climate Central.KQED’s Ezra David Romero tells us how the threat of sea level rise has already ignited a debate over rebuilding a middle school in Marin County.This episode was produced by Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Alan Montecillo, edited by Alan Montecillo, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:Schools in Deep Water: Bay Area Faces Uphill Battle Against Climate Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, Jon Jacobo, a once-rising star in the progressive wing of San Francisco politics, was arrested on charges of sexual assault and domestic violence.These charges come nearly 3 years after a former colleague, Sasha Perigo, publicly accused him of rape. Earlier this year, reporting in the San Francisco Standard found that three more women filed police reports against Jacobo, detailing allegations of stalking, harassment, and physical violence. On Tuesday, Jacobo pleaded not guilty.Today, we’re sharing an episode with Josh Koehn, who reported this story for the San Francisco Standard earlier this year, about the women who say their stories were ignored.This episode originally aired on May 15, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices