The Bay

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

Leslie McClurg, a KQED health correspondent, sheds light on Medi-Cal's new inclusion of Native healing practices in addiction treatment. The conversation highlights how music therapy, rituals, and ceremonial dances fill crucial gaps in care for Native communities. McClurg shares inspiring stories, like the transformative journey of a Navajo individual reconnecting with their heritage through tradition. The focus on culturally-specific approaches emphasizes the importance of blending modern medicine with Indigenous wisdom for effective recovery.

The Bay Area is home to thousands of people with Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. Immigrants with TPS are provided a temporary shield from deportation and a work permit as a result of upheaval in their home countries. But as Donald Trump prepares to enter his second term, many fear deportation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday, Vallejo will swear in its new mayor. Andrea Sorce, chair of the city’s Surveillance Advisory Board and co-founder of the ACLU’s Solano County chapter,  won by running as a political outsider promising change. Today, Ericka sits down with the mayor-elect in Vallejo to discuss what barriers she sees to fulfilling Vallejo’s “potential,” the Vallejo Police Department, housing and homelessness and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next week, San Francisco mayor London Breed will pass the baton off to mayor-elect Daniel Lurie.  Breed led the city through most of the first Donald Trump presidency, the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. In this exit interview with the Political Breakdown podcast, Breed reflects on her six years as mayor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices