Danielle Venton, a KQED science reporter with nearly a decade of experience covering wildfires, dives into California's complex fire ecosystems. She discusses how prolonged fire suppression has led to larger, more destructive wildfires, emphasizing the natural role of fire in certain ecosystems. Venton sheds light on historical fire practices, like prescribed burns, and the ecological benefits of wildfires, including the revival of wildflowers. The conversation challenges common misconceptions and highlights the intricate relationship between climate change and fire management.

Ana De Almeida Amaral, a KQED intern, shares the heartwarming story of the Presidio pet cemetery, a unique site where beloved pets find their final resting place. She discusses the emotional connection between pets and their owners, reflecting on the cultural significance of pet funerals. The podcast covers the transformation of the cemetery from military outpost to serene memorial park and the efforts to restore it. Listeners are invited to join in community engagement and trivia, making this a heartfelt exploration of love and loss.

Carly Severn, a reporter at Bay Curious, delves into the extraordinary life of Mary Ellen Pleasant, a former slave turned civil rights leader. They discuss her vital role in the abolitionist movement and how she empowered the black community during the Gold Rush. Severn uncovers the shift in Pleasant's legacy, from celebrated hero to misunderstood villain, shaped by racism and sensationalist media. The conversation highlights how her remarkable story remains ghostly yet pivotal in the narrative of San Francisco's history.

Marisa Lagos, a KQED Politics Correspondent and co-host of Political Breakdown, dives into the contentious Proposition 36. She explores its implications for drug and theft penalties, contrasting it with the earlier Prop 47. The discussion reveals how community rehabilitation and homeless issues are intertwined in this legal debate. Lagos sheds light on the divided opinions surrounding crime policy, the influence of political funding, and potential legal challenges, making the complexities of California’s criminal justice landscape accessible and engaging.

Lesley McClurg, a health correspondent known for her focus on health policy and access, dives deep into Proposition 35, which aims to secure consistent funding for California's Medi-Cal program. She discusses the complexities of making the managed care tax permanent and its implications for healthcare services. Listeners will learn about the support and opposition surrounding the proposition, as well as its potential impact on vulnerable communities. The conversation also highlights the current state of Medi-Cal funding and the need for enhanced services.

Aaron Schrank, a reporter from KCRW in Los Angeles, delves into the complexities of Proposition 34, which influences how federal drug pricing revenues are allocated. He highlights its unexpected ties to the rent control debate, showcasing how landlord groups are heavily financing this initiative. The conversation also covers the implications for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Medi-Cal RX program, raising concerns about the interplay of healthcare funding and housing politics. Schrank reveals the contrasting motivations between health advocates and real estate interests.

For nearly 30 years, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act has limited how far local governments can take rent control policies. This year, Proposition 33 asks California voters if they'd like to remove those limits. While nothing happens overnight, if Prop 33 passes, it could open the door for cities to control rents on any type of housing – including single-family homes and newer apartments. KQED housing reporter Vanessa Rancaño joins us to explore the issues.Editor's Note: An earlier version of this podcast episode said nothing would change immediately if Prop 33 passes. In fact, several communities have laws that would immediately go into effect.Additional Reading: Read a transcript of this episode Our 2018 Episode Explaining Rent Control Check out the KQED Voter Guide Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Vanessa Rancaño. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Christopher Beale, and Ana De Almeida Amaral. The Bay is made by Alan Montecillo, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Jessica Kariisa. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Holly Kernan, and the whole KQED family.

As you know, California is already an expensive state to live in. When you add up rent, gas, and groceries, things get expensive real fast. Proposition 32 proposes one way to help Californians keep up with the rising cost of everyday life: By raising the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour. But some worry, doing this will only make things even more expensive for everyone. KQED's Labor Correspondent Farida Jhabvala Romero takes us through it all.Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November 2024 ballot.Additional Reading: Read a transcript of this episode Check out the KQED Voter Guide Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Farida Jhabvala Romero. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Christopher Beale, and Ana De Almeida Amaral. The Bay is made by Alan Montecillo, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Jessica Kariisa. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Holly Kernan, and the whole KQED family.

In 1865, the U.S. ratified the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude — except as punishment for convicted crimes. That exception has allowed dozens of states, including California, to force incarcerated people to work in prisons, whether they want to or not. Proposition 6 would add an amendment to the California Constitution that would ban forced labor in prisons. KQED's arts and culture columnist Pendarvis Harshaw joins us to break it all down.Prop Fest is a collaboration from Bay Curious and The Bay podcasts, where we break down each of the 10 statewide propositions that will be on your November 2024 ballot.This episode has been updated to clarify the status of California's volunteer firefighter program.Additional Reading: Read a transcript of this episode Check out the KQED Voter Guide Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Pendarvis Harshaw. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Christopher Beale, and Ana De Almeida Amaral. The Bay is made by Alan Montecillo, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Jessica Kariisa. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Holly Kernan, and the whole KQED family.

Bonds are a way for state and local governments raise money for projects—things like schools, infrastructure, or transportation. In part 4 of our Prop Fest series, a collaboration between Bay Curious and The Bay, we talk about Proposition 5. Prop 5 would lower the voting threshold to pass local bonds from two-thirds (66.67%) down to 55%—but only for bonds related to affordable housing and public infrastructure projects. It sounds pretty straightforward, but as we find out from reporter Adhiti Bandlamudi, it could have wider implications for taxpayers.Editor's Note: This episode has been updated from a previous version to clarify ramifications of Proposition 13.Additional Reading: Read a transcript of this episode Check out the KQED Voter Guide Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Adhiti Bandlamudi. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Christopher Beale, and Ana De Almeida Amaral. The Bay is made by Alan Montecillo, Ericka Cruz Guevarra and Jessica Kariisa. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Holly Kernan, and the whole KQED family.