The Bay

Sarah Wright, a KQED reporter specializing in outdoor issues, shares her firsthand experiences at Yosemite Valley during the federal government shutdown. She describes the unsettling sight of closed entrance stations and the notable lack of ranger presence. While some tourists enjoy their visit, Sarah reveals how the Yosemite Conservancy steps up to support visitors. She also addresses concerns around lawlessness and maintenance conditions, ensuring that restrooms and trash services are functioning. Ultimately, she advises travelers to be mindful of their impact.

California Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the implications of federal election monitors being deployed to his state, accusing the Trump Administration of rigging elections. He explains how Prop 50 arose in response to redistricting threats and outlines its temporary nature to ensure fair representation. Newsom also emphasizes the importance of rebuilding the Democratic brand, while balancing generational change in leadership. Additionally, he shares insights on maintaining loyalty to President Biden and the ongoing political dynamics in California.

Taiki Hendricks, Senior immigration editor at KQED, dives into the recent news of federal immigration agents poised for operations in the Bay Area. He clarifies the roles of agencies like ICE and Border Patrol, noting the significance of their presence in urban spaces. Taiki discusses Mayor Lurie's announcement about President Trump's reversal of plans for San Francisco, while leaving uncertainties about the rest of the region. The conversation also highlights grassroots response efforts from local leaders and activists amid the tense atmosphere.

It's wine harvest season in California. And between tariffs, decreased demand, and a cooler summer, the industry has had a tough year. KQED's Elize Manoukian visits one vineyard in Healdsburg to see how the season is going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This November, Californians are being asked to decide whether the state can redraw our congressional districts with Proposition 50.  California Democrats say Prop. 50 is their answer to pressure from President Trump on red states like Texas, which redrew its congressional maps to favor Republicans in next year’s midterm elections. Opponents say it tramples on California’s independent redistricting process, which voters approved more than a decade ago. This episode originally aired on Aug. 10, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Hotchkiss, Senior Editor of Arts and Culture at KQED, dives into the exciting, yet controversial, Big Art Loop project bringing up to 100 new temporary installations to San Francisco. She discusses the rapid deployment and less public oversight of these large-scale artworks, which aim for impactful visibility in the age of social media. Sarah raises thought-provoking questions on the need for more public engagement in the process and examines the implications of such a flood of art on community representation and long-term civic impact.

The city of San Jose is coming up with a plan to make it unlawful for federal immigration officers to conceal their identities while working in the city. The ban, along with California’s new “No Secret Police Act,” tees up a potential legal showdown with the Trump administration over its immigration enforcement operations.  Links: San José City Council Supports ICE Mask Ban After Plainclothes Arrest South Bay Day Laborer Center Staff ‘Devastated’ Over Immigration Arrest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Santa Clara County officials are worried about how big cuts to Medicaid under President  Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act will hurt the area’s four county-run hospitals, which rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements.  Now, voters are being asked to weigh in on Measure A, which would increase the county sales tax by 0.625% over 5 years to fill in roughly one-third of the county’s projected annual losses from federal cuts. Links: Measure A voter guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 38 days, UC Berkeley computer science lecturer Peyrin Kao taught classes while on a hunger strike for Palestine. He’s also one of more than 150 people whose names were sent by UC Berkeley to the Trump Administration for its investigation into alleged antisemitism — an investigation that critics say is meant to silence opposition to Israel’s invasion and siege of Gaza.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a yearslong holdup, Alameda County has started distributing funds from Measure C, a 2020 ballot measure that uses a half-cent sales tax to increase access to child care and preschool for the county’s youngest residents. Now, officials from other Bay Area counties are considering doing the same. Links: Alameda County Is Giving Cash to Child Care Providers. Other Bay Area Counties Are Envious Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices