Fifth & Mission

Child abuse lawsuits against the San Francisco Archdiocese are on hold as they filed for bankruptcy, leaving survivors frustrated. The bankruptcy affects pending cases, compensation for victims, and the role of sexual abuse claims. Advocates express concerns about delays and the impact on older plaintiffs. The bankruptcy filings and a new state law contribute to the surge in cases. The implications of bankruptcy on pending lawsuits, including a specific case, are discussed along with the reasons for targeting institutions.

San Francisco's emergency siren system upgrade faces delays and budget overruns, but the recent fire disaster in Maui brings renewed urgency. The absence of the sirens since 2019 highlights the need for modernization to protect against hacking incidents. The project's delays and over-budget costs are explored, along with the impact of budget cuts and alternative alert systems. Legislation and funding proposals are discussed as next steps.

San Francisco's overdose crisis, fueled by fentanyl, is explored through the stories of Bay Area residents. Grieving parents, frontline workers, and affected individuals discuss trauma, accessibility of drugs, and the flawed addiction system. The importance of awareness, safe spaces, and different approaches to recovery are examined, along with the impact of the fentanyl crisis and the dilemma of helping addicted individuals.

Discussion on San Francisco's ambitious housing targets and the challenges they face. Changes to housing targets and progress in San Francisco, including rezoning and reducing barriers for large developments. Exploration of San Francisco's current progress and the need for more development, including potential mega projects. Factors contributing to housing construction difficulties in the Bay Area. Difficulties and costs associated with meeting San Francisco's housing targets, including slow approval process and lack of funding.

Chronicle reporter Shira Stein broke the news of a messy family dispute involving Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The senior senator has filed a lawsuit to remove the trustees of her late husband's estate, alleging that they committed financial elder abuse. Stein joins host Joe Garofoli to discuss this legal tangle, which adds on to a long list of challenges complicating Feinstein’s remaining time in office. | 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

Climate change is causing the fungal respiratory illness valley fever to spread to Northern California. The podcast explores the increase in cases, the symptoms, and complications of the disease, as well as the disproportionate impact on certain groups. Experts discuss concerns about undercounting cases and the connection between climate change and the spread of the fungus. They also explore how the fungus spreads to humans through inhalation of spores and the impact of climate change on disease transmission by vectors like ticks and mosquitoes.

Amid the crises and chaos caused by last week's deadly wildfire in Maui, Chronicle reporter Matthias Gafni also found signs of community resilience and solidarity. He shares dispatches from a relief center on the island with host Cecilia Lei — and an incredible tale of survival. | 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

San Francisco is paying hefty sums of money to deal with lawsuits related to its police department. A series of reports from Mission Local found that over the past 13 years, settlements in civil suits related to alleged misconduct, employment disputes, false imprisonment and property damage have totaled more than $70 million. Data reporter Will Jarrett joins host Laura Wenus to break down that figure and the limitations of the civil court system. | 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

Upheavals in the theater world, from pandemic lockdowns to labor movements, have put companies in a financial bind. Theater critic Lily Janiak joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how this moment is a reckoning for the industry, and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli shares why it's time to reexamine the value of performing arts. | 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

Hayes Valley’s Proxy is a cluster of boutique shops and restaurants that functions as a community gathering space, but it sits on land that has been flagged for affordable housing for decades. Now that the city wants to start development, residents are divided on whether the project should move forward. Reporter J.K. Dineen joins host Cecilia Lei to break down the controversy and the broader stakes for San Francisco’s housing debate. | 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