Bay Curious

The Transamerica Pyramid, located in downtown San Francisco, is a skyline staple. But when it was proposed, people hated the idea of a towering symbol of capitalism so close to neighborhoods like North Beach and Chinatown. Turns out the block where the pyramid stands has a long and storied history. We dig into all that, as well as how public perception of the pyramid's place in the skyline has changed over the past 50 years. Additional Resources: The Transamerica Pyramid at 50: From 'Architectural Butchery' to Icon Read the transcript for this episode Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcasts This story was reported by Carly Severn. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Holly Kernan and everyone on Team KQED.

On a Daly City beach just south of Fort Funston there's a large tunnel carved into the cliff. Bay Curious listener Francisco Alvarado noticed it one day while walking his chihuahua, Little Bean, down the beach. The tunnel is large enough for a person to stand up and several feet wide, so of course Francisco's mind started racing. What could this mysterious tunnel be? Is it a remnant of life long ago? Or could it be something as mundane as a drain outlet? We head to Phillip Burton Memorial Beach, as it's technically called, with a geologist to find some answers. Additional Reading What Is That Massive Tunnel on the Beach South of Fort Funston? Read the transcript for this episode Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcasts This story was reported by Katrina Schwartz. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Holly Kernan and everyone on Team KQED.

In this engaging discussion, Anna Mistele, a computer science major from Stanford, and Morgan Sung, host of the KQED podcast Close All Tabs, unpack the enigmatic PayPal Mafia. They delve into how this influential group, including figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, has shaped both Silicon Valley and political landscapes. The conversation explores the origins of these billionaires in apartheid-era South Africa and their lasting impact on contemporary U.S. policies. Tune in for insights on tech culture and its intersection with global politics!

Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, a KQED reporter, dives into the savory world of bacon-wrapped hot dogs and their cultural significance in the Bay Area. She shares the inspiring story of a Nicaraguan vendor overcoming adversity, shedding light on the challenges faced by street food sellers. The podcast also explores the unique Sonoran hot dog and its elaborate toppings, while discussing the nostalgia and community ties surrounding this iconic snack. Discover the resilience of vendors striving for recognition amidst a vibrant culinary landscape!

Gabriela Glueck, a producer with a keen eye for history, explores the fascinating transformation of Milpitas from a sleepy agricultural town to a bustling city. She highlights the key role of the Ford factory, which opened in 1955 and sparked significant social change. Listeners will hear personal anecdotes from former workers that illustrate the factory's impact on their lives. The discussion culminates in the nostalgic transition from the factory to the Great Mall, a major milestone for the community.

Katherine Monahan, a seasoned reporter, dives into the fascinating history of long-standing Bay Area businesses that trace their roots back to the Gold Rush. She unveils the iconic Levi Strauss & Company and its revolutionary impact on workwear, particularly the evolution of denim. The discussion also highlights Tadic Grill, a culinary gem serving delectable dishes since 1849, showcasing its cultural heritage. Listeners are invited to connect with this rich history while testing their Bay Area trivia knowledge for fun.

When it comes to private school enrollment, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Marin counties are all well above the state average. But why? In today's episode, we'll explore the many reasons San Francisco families choose to send their kids to private schools. It's a trend rooted in the history of desegregation that's been hard to reverse. Additional Resources: Why Is Private Schooling So Popular in the San Francisco Bay Area? Read the transcript for this episode Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcasts This story was reported by Pauline Bartolone. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Holly Kernan and everyone on Team KQED.

Join host Xorje Andrés Olivares and guests to explore what it means to live within a hyphenation. Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to have easy conversations about hard things: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. Hyphenación—where conversation and cultura meet!

As part of Youth Takeover Week at KQED The Bay and Bay Curious have teamed up to collaborate with four high school students who live in San Pablo, Fremont, Walnut Creek and San Jose. For several months, these teenagers — two juniors and two seniors — have shared what’s going on in their lives, what’s got them worried, what’s making them excited and what they're passionate about. Additional Resources Read the transcript for this episode Check out more from Youth Takeover Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis episode was produced by Alan Montecillo, Jessica Kariisa, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Katrina Schwartz. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Mel Velasquez, Kyana Moghadam, Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Holly Kernan and everyone on Team KQED.

Olivia Allen-Price will be taking a step back from the show for a few months to give birth to her second child. Bay Curious producer and editor Katrina Schwartz will be stepping into the host role while she's gone. The two are both parents of young children in the Bay Area, so for this bonus hand-off episode they discuss some of the ways living here has changed since becoming mothers, including the high cost of housing in San Francisco and San Mateo.Additional Resources: Read the transcript for this episode The Future Looks Bright For Fairyland, as It Seeks to Better Reflect Oakland's Cultural Rainbow Fairy Houses Enchant Point Richmond With Miniature Worlds of Whimsy Where To Take Kids in the Bay Area New Parent? Ideas For Exploring With a Little Kid Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Got a question you want answered? Ask! Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsBay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Holly Kernan and everyone on Team KQED.