Fifth & Mission

When a teen at a Bay Area high school started posting overtly racist images on Instagram, the fallout fractured a community and surfaced deep divides. Journalist Dashka Slater spent years reporting on the aftermath and how it affected a generation of students at Albany High — which happens to be host Cecilia Lei's alma mater. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio explores how Pittsburgh reinvented itself as a tech hub after the decline of its steel industry. The podcast discusses the transformation of Lawrenceville neighborhood, the revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh, and innovative ideas for adapting old buildings in both Pittsburgh and San Francisco. It offers valuable lessons for San Francisco's struggle against urban decline.

Car break-ins have surged in San Francisco and Oakland since 2010, with over 80 incidents a day at their peak. The podcast explores the historical context of this issue and potential solutions. Factors contributing to the rise include lack of security measures and the contrast between wealthy residents and thieves. The podcast also discusses the growing trend of targeting catalytic converters and the impact of Proposition 47 and district attorney policies. Strategies for reducing car break-ins in San Francisco include increased police presence, safety precautions promotion, law changes, and educational campaigns.

Note: In observance of Labor Day, our next episode will be posted on Tuesday, September 5.Five years ago, an unknown entity began offering exorbitant sums of money to buy up vast tracts of land in rural Solano County. No one knew who was behind the purchases until their plans came to light in recent weeks. Reporter Shira Stein joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss this very well-funded effort to build a brand new Bay Area city. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence companies are flocking to San Francisco to take advantage of local talent and capital. In response, city leaders have wasted no time branding the city as the “AI capital of the world,” but it remains to be seen whether the success of this multi-billion dollar industry will be a boon for the local economy. Reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio joins host Laura Wenus to discuss the AI boom and how it might shape up differently from past tech windfalls. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The closure of La Cocina Municipal Marketplace, a celebrated food hall in San Francisco's Tenderloin District, is discussed. Opinions on the closure being symptomatic of the city's struggles and its impact on vendors and the community are explored. Challenges faced by immigrant and women entrepreneurs of color are highlighted, along with the significance of La Cocina's incubator program in supporting low-income women and immigrant women in starting their own businesses.

Wildland firefighting has long been recognized as dangerous, dirty work. Now, there is growing evidence that it can also cause serious long-term health problems. Chronicle reporter Julie Johnson spent six months investigating the impacts of wildfire smoke on firefighters, and spoke to a dozen men and women diagnosed with grave diseases who all suspect that smoke was a factor. She tells host Cecilia Lei that for decades fire agencies have struggled to provide meaningful protection for their workers, but that progress could be coming. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporter Mallory Moench explores the challenges faced by homeless women in San Francisco, including violence, harassment, and insufficient resources. The podcast discusses the lack of women-specific shelter beds, services, and housing, as well as the experiences of survivors of sexual assault and exploitation. Efforts to improve the situation are also highlighted, such as increased funding for women's housing, rental vouchers, and advocacy groups. The podcast emphasizes the need for respect and support for homeless women.

San Francisco's battle over homeless encampment sweeps erupts in dueling protests outside court. Ongoing dispute over shelter availability for the homeless, and reasons behind some refusing offers. Challenges with temporary housing and preference for street living revealed. Chaotic atmosphere outside court hearing with clashes between city leaders and homeless advocates. Debate over definition of involuntary homelessness and potential court ruling favoring the city.

Students are returning to classes amid a national wave of anti-LGBTQ hostility, and California school districts are not immune. Recently, some schools have restricted LGBTQ themes and icons from classes. But in San Francisco, educators are being trained to be as supportive and inclusive as possible. Reporters Erin Allday and Jill Tucker tell host Laura Wenus how different districts are handling the contention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices