KQED's Forum

Colleen Shalby, a transportation writer for the Los Angeles Times, joins Ralph Vartabedian, a veteran independent journalist on California's high-speed rail. They delve into the project's long history and ongoing controversies, including federal funding cuts and legal battles. The discussion highlights the ambitious budget overruns and the shifting public perception, illustrating the complexities of advancing this vital transportation initiative. They also weigh California's efforts against European models, shedding light on potential paths forward.

Barbara Lee, the newly inaugurated Mayor of Oakland, brings decades of congressional experience to her new role. She tackles pressing issues like crime and homelessness, emphasizing a community-driven approach to public safety. Lee shares insights on revitalizing abandoned properties and boosting local businesses while fostering youth employment. The conversation also delves into her initial months in office, where she learns from residents about their concerns and aspirations for a brighter Oakland.

Chloe Dalton, a political advisor and author of "Raising Hare," shares her heartfelt journey of nursing an injured newborn hare. She discusses the profound lessons of trust and patience that emerged from their bond. Dalton explores the beauty of wildlife interactions, reflecting on how they teach us about love, loss, and mindfulness. Her emotional anecdotes invite listeners to consider their own connections with nature and the ordinary magic it offers. It's a touching reminder of the enriching relationships we can have with wild creatures.

Kristina Wong, a comedian and performance artist, is joined by Kareem Khubchandani, an educator and scholar, and Jocelyn Jackson, a chef and community organizer. They dive into the powerful role of aunties in shaping families and communities. The conversation highlights how these figures redefine care and act as catalysts for social change. With personal stories, they explore the emotional and cultural significance of aunties, especially in challenging times, celebrating their impact on individual identities and community resilience.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Mary Ziegler, a law professor at UC Davis, and Shefali Luthra, a reproductive health reporter, dive deep into California's post-Roe landscape. They dissect the complexities of legal battles surrounding abortion access, including corporate pressure on medications like Mifepristone. The duo highlights instances of Catholic hospitals denying essential care and explores the implications of recent legislation defunding crucial services for underserved communities. Their insights reveal the intricate interplay between state laws and the national abortion rights discourse.

Retail expert Michael Berne, president of MJB Consulting, and marketing professor Kirthi Kalyanam from Santa Clara University dive into the intriguing polarization of Bay Area malls. They discuss how revamped spaces like Stonestown attract crowds with innovative tenants while others, like the San Francisco Centre, struggle to survive. The conversation highlights the importance of experiential shopping and community engagement in revitalizing malls and reflects on nostalgia’s role in shaping consumer habits.

David Quackenbush, Jo Campbell, Mitesh Popat, and Miranda Dietz discuss the looming cuts to Medicaid funding in California that could leave millions without coverage. They highlight the challenges faced by community health clinics, especially in underserved areas like Shasta County, where health disparities are acute. The conversation touches on the critical role of these clinics in providing care, the potential rise in uninsured individuals, and the broader implications of policy changes for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant patients and undocumented immigrants.

Sydney Johnson, a KQED reporter, Joe Eskenazi, a local politics expert from Mission Local, and Jason McDaniel, a political science professor, dive into the heated recall of Supervisor Joel Engardio in San Francisco. They discuss the controversial closure of the Great Highway and the creation of Sunset Dunes Park, sparking fierce local debate. Insights into voter sentiment reveal a city divided over representation and accountability, with the complexities of political recalls shedding light on the evolving dynamics of community interests and governance.

Sam Bloch, an environmental journalist and author of "Shade: The Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource," emphasizes the dire need for shade in urban areas, particularly where only 20% of Los Angeles County is shaded at noon. He argues that shade should be a basic human right, vital for health and well-being. Bloch discusses how urban design has historically neglected shade, the stark contrast between shaded and sun-exposed areas, and the urgent need for innovative solutions to address climate change, enhance public spaces, and prioritize community engagement.

Join Roger Thompson, President of Saint Mary's College, Lynn Mahoney, President of San Francisco State University, and Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, President of West Valley College, as they tackle the tough challenges facing higher education. They discuss dwindling enrollments, funding cuts, and the need for innovative programs tailored to today's job market. The guests emphasize the importance of aligning degrees with real-world needs and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Their insights provide a hopeful perspective on navigating the complexities of the college landscape.