The Bay

Ever wonder where the internet stops and IRL begins? Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor. From internet trends to AI slop to the politics of memes, Close All Tabs covers it all.How will AI change our jobs and lives? Is the government watching what I post? Is there life beyond TikTok? Host Morgan Sung pulls from experts, the audience, and history to add context to the trends and depth to the memes. And she’ll wrestle with as many browser tabs as it takes to explain the cultural moment we’re all collectively living. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bay Area public schools are struggling, especially in Oakland and San Francisco. Both districts are among only a handful across California with negative budgets, and as a result recently voted to approve preliminary layoff notices for teachers, counselors, and other staff. This episode was produced by Alan Montecillo, Mel Velasquez, Jessica Kariisa, and hosted by Ericka Cruz Guevarra.Links:How Oakland and SF Ended Up Among 7 CA School Districts Who Can’t Pay Their Bills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion, Joseph Jiha, KQED editor and South Bay expert, dives into San José's controversial 'Homeward Bound' plan aimed at addressing street homelessness. He highlights the city's attempts to reconnect unhoused individuals with family or friends, while weighing the criticisms from homelessness advocates who argue it's inhumane. The conversation also touches on the challenges of inadequate services, temporary solutions like shelters, and the broader implications of relocating homeless residents as part of the city's ambitious strategies.

Tensions rise as concerns mount over potential real estate development at the beloved Presidio, fueled by a directive from the Trump administration. Meanwhile, residents face a surge in deceptive FasTrak scam texts, tricking them into divulging personal information. Adding to the intrigue, the alarming disappearance of two iconic peregrine falcons from UC Berkeley raises questions about their safety amidst fears of bird flu. This episode blends serious community issues with quick-fire updates that keep listeners engaged!

Sydney Johnson, a KQED reporter with a focus on San Francisco's drug crisis, shares her firsthand insights on the newly opened triage center in the South of Market. She discusses its role in addressing the fentanyl crisis and the complexities faced by individuals seeking help. Personal stories unveil confusion around the center's purpose and the effects of increased police presence. Johnson also evaluates the center's supportive services and the community's mixed reactions, questioning whether it can truly make an impact on addiction and homelessness.

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