The Bay

Engineered stone is a man-made material made with high concentrations of silica that is commonly used to make kitchen countertops in the U.S.  But doctors are seeing more and more workers in the countertop industry developing silicosis, an often deadly lung disease linked to inhaling toxic dust the material releases when powercut. Even though California has safety rules in place to reduce the risk to workers, some say it’s time to ban the use of engineered stone altogether. Links: California Doctors Urge Ban on Engineered Stone as Silicosis Cases Surge | KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ukraine-Russia war has been called the most technologically advanced war in history. In an episode from KQED’s Close All Tabs podcast, Bay Area journalist Erica Hellerstein visits Ukraine to learn about how the nation’s culture of tech innovation — and its surprising ties to Silicon Valley — are fueling the country’s resistance through an army of engineers, coders, hackers, and tinkerers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Francisco could see taller and more dense buildings in the city’s north and west side after the Board of Supervisors approved Mayor Daniel Lurie’s ‘Family Zoning’ plan last week.  Some believe it will lead to more housing and lower rents, while others worry that new construction will change their neighborhoods and lead to displacement. But how soon — and how much — could it really change the city?  Links: San Francisco Supervisors Pass Rezoning Plan, Making Way for Taller, Denser Housing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish — home to historic farmworker organizing in East San Jose — we sit down with Father Jon Pedigo, a Catholic priest in the South Bay, to talk about the role of faith and houses of worship under the Trump Administration, what he’s seen in his primarily Spanish-speaking communities, and why he's leaving the pulpit to become a full-time organizer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 3,000 educators in West Contra Costa Unified School district have gone on strike, marking a historic first for the district. The striking teachers demand better salaries, smaller class sizes, and improved special education staffing. Community support is strong, with students participating in solidarity walks. The strike reflects ongoing labor tensions across California, driven by budget constraints and declining enrollment. Join the discussion about the impact on students and school operations as educators stand united for their rights.

Dana Cronin, a KQED reporter specializing in Bay Area stories, dives into the high-profile trial of UC Berkeley animal rights activist Zoe Rosenberg. She discusses Zoe's conviction for taking four chickens from a poultry facility, highlighting the intense animal welfare debates in Sonoma County. The podcast explores the activists' allegations against local farmers and the broader tensions surrounding animal rights in agriculture. Dana also outlines the potential legal ramifications Zoe faces and the implications for future activism.

Sasha Khokha, host and producer for The California Report Magazine, shares her journey documenting heartfelt conversations between trans and non-binary kids and their loved ones in the 'Love You for You' series. She highlights the importance of featuring supportive families and the authenticity of natural dialogues. Listeners hear about the rich relationships from parents to chosen family, the role of queer elders as mentors, and the surprising joy and confidence of the kids. Ultimately, Sasha emphasizes how these stories foster connection and understanding with diverse audiences.

Heather Knight, the San Francisco Bureau Chief for The New York Times, dives into the intriguing dynamics of coyotes in the city. She discusses their historical eradication in the 1900s and remarkable return in recent decades. Residents exhibit a love-hate relationship with these creatures, balancing admiration with fears for pets. Knight emphasizes their ecological importance in controlling local pest populations and shares practical tips for coexisting. Listeners learn about public reactions, intriguing incidents, and the city’s unique management policies.

Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, a KQED reporter, dives into the impact of the ongoing delays in the Dungeness crab season, affecting local families' holiday traditions. She shares the plight of local fishermen and the cultural importance of fresh crab at Thanksgiving. Azul explains the new regulations due to whale entanglements and reveals how climate change is threatening the future of crabbing. For those eager for fresh crab, she discusses recreational fishing options and the higher prices of store-bought alternatives.

Guests Daniel Calderon, an exhibition curator at SFO Museum, Nicole Mullen, in charge of exhibitions, and Bao Lee, associate curator of public engagement, offer insight into the unique art experiences at San Francisco International Airport. They discuss the importance of the airport as a cultural venue, including the impactful AIDS Memorial Quilt and the innovative Women of Afrofuturism exhibition. Listeners learn about post-security tours and how mosaic art is chosen for its durability, making this unexpected museum a must-visit for travelers.