Fifth & Mission

"From Victim to Actor": What Ballroom Dance Means for Asian Seniors Oct 30, 2023

The Fifth and Mission podcast has ended its run. Here is one last favorite episode from the archives that exemplifies what we've loved about making this show. Today's pick is from host and executive producer, Cecilia Lei.

After tragedy struck an Asian ballroom dance studio in Monterey Park, host Cecilia Lei reports from ballroom studios and social dances in Oakland and San Francisco to see how Asian seniors are responding — and how dancing helps them find their personal power. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Thank You For Listening Oct 30, 2023

In a final farewell, Fifth and Mission host and executive producer Cecilia Lei explains why the show is ending and what making the show has meant to the team. To share any thoughts or messages with the production crew before they leave, visit sfchronicle.com/fifthandmissiongoodbye or leave a message at 415-777-6156.

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San Francisco Drug Arrests Are Surging. Here’s What That Means. Oct 27, 2023

The Fifth & Mission team is not producing any new episodes this week. Instead, we are sharing some of our favorite past episodes that exemplify what we've loved about making this show. Today's pick is from Co-Host Laura Wenus.

Drug users and dealers are being arrested in unusually high numbers in San Francisco’s troubled Tenderloin neighborhood amid a spike in overdose deaths and complaints about street conditions. It’s just the latest in a series of enforcement pushes, and this time, state agencies are involved. But even within the city’s own government, this is a deeply controversial strategy. And, as City Hall reporter Aldo Toledo and data reporter Susie Neilson tell Laura Wenus, neighborhood denizens are not yet seeing the desired results. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Political activist, TV host and author Van Jones Oct 26, 2023

The Fifth and Mission team is not producing any new episodes this week. Instead, we are sharing some of our favorite past episodes that exemplify what we've loved about making this show. Today's pick is from 2017, chosen by It's All Political on Fifth and Mission host, Joe Garofoli.

In episode 9 of It’s All Political (recorded in October 2017), CNN star Van Jones comes to the Chronicle archive podcast studio to talk about his new book “Beyond the Messy Truth,” his early years as an activist in the Bay Area and his friendship with Prince. Theme music is "Cattle Call" by Randy Clark’s Crowsong. Opening signature by Leah Garchik.| Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Celebrated Food Hall Closes in the Tenderloin Oct 25, 2023

The Fifth & Mission team is not producing any new episodes this week. Instead, we are sharing some of our favorite past episodes that exemplify what we've loved about making this show. Today's pick is from audio engineer Gary Baca.

La Cocina Municipal Marketplace was heralded as a springboard for immigrant- and women-owned food businesses when it opened in 2021. Now, its food kiosks are closing down. Opinion columnist Soleil Ho and food reporter Mario Cortez join host Cecilia Lei to discuss whether the closure is a symptom of the city’s larger struggles and what the loss means for the food hall’s resident vendors and Tenderloin neighbors. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Price of Fighting California’s Wildfires Oct 24, 2023

The Fifth and Mission team is not producing any new episodes this week. Instead, we are sharing some of our favorite past episodes that exemplify what we've loved about making this show. Today's pick is from producer Keith Menconi.

Wildland firefighting has long been recognized as dangerous, dirty work. Now, there is growing evidence that it can also cause serious long-term health problems. Chronicle reporter Julie Johnson spent six months investigating the impacts of wildfire smoke on firefighters, and spoke to a dozen men and women diagnosed with grave diseases who all suspect that smoke was a factor. She tells host Cecilia Lei that for decades fire agencies have struggled to provide meaningful protection for their workers, but that progress could be coming. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Controversial Plan to Save California's Giant Sequoias Oct 23, 2023

Best of 5M: Wildfires have devastated giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees. Now national park officials want to restore the iconic California species by replanting them, but the plan is facing pushback. Reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss scientists' concerns and why debates like this will only become more common as we confront the devastation wreaked by climate change. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"What Help?" Lessons From California's Largest Homeless Study in Decades Oct 20, 2023

Best of 5M: “This is a story of deep poverty in a state with incredibly high housing costs.” That’s how Dr. Margot Kushel, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, describes the takeaway from California’s largest study of homeless adults in three decades. As Kushel, the study's lead investigator, tells host Cecilia Lei, the majority of respondents became homeless in California — and relatively small amounts of money could have prevented it for almost everyone. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Cautionary Tale on American Fascism from Rachel Maddow Oct 19, 2023

Rachel Maddow’s new book, “Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism,” tells the largely overlooked story of America’s own Nazi movement during World War II — and the people who battled it at great personal risk. Ahead of a live appearance in San Francisco, she joins It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to share the alarming history and why it resonates so deeply today. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Food Banks Helped the Bay Area Get Through the Pandemic. Now They're Struggling Oct 18, 2023

As demand for food support skyrocketed during the early days of the pandemic, Bay Area food banks redoubled their efforts, boosting food distribution and adding services. Years later, the need remains high, even as pandemic-era funding sources run dry. Reporter Carolyn Said tells host Laura Wenus why the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank will be paring back its services, and how that might affect clients. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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In Phoenix, Robotaxis Roam Free From Protest Oct 17, 2023

Driverless car companies have faced some bumps in the road as they roll out services in San Francisco. But in Phoenix, Arizona, Waymo has been operating robotaxis since 2020 with little pushback. Transportation reporter Ricardo Cano, fresh off a trip to Arizona to see them in action, takes Fifth & Mission producer Keith Menconi on an autonomous vehicle ride to see why the driverless future is looking so different between the two cities. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Tell Us How Local Politics Is Affecting Your Personal Life Oct 16, 2023

With the 2024 election a year away, we want to hear from you: Have you had difficult or contentious conversations with friends and family over divisive local issues? Are political frictions in the Bay Area weighing on you? We’d like to hear your story. Email us at fifth@sfchronicle.com or leave a message at 415-777-6156, and you might be part of a future episode. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Former Poster Child for Accused Men Now on Trial for Murder Oct 16, 2023

After Navy veteran Joseph Carl Roberts was expelled from Savannah State University amid accusations of sexual harassment, he became a poster child for men claiming they were falsely accused and successfully lobbied for rollbacks to Obama-era Title IX reforms. That activism earned him national media attention and a seat on a local Republican committee in San Francisco. Today, Roberts faces much more serious charges: He is on trial for killing and dismembering his girlfriend, Rachel Elizabeth Imani Buckner. Investigative reporter Matthias Gafni tells host Laura Wenus Roberts' story and the latest from his case. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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S.F. Parking Officers Have Been Ticketing Stolen Cars Instead of Recovering Them Oct 13, 2023

Car thefts are on the rise in San Francisco, and when owners find their stolen vehicles, the windshields often have an unexpected addition: parking tickets. Why are parking control officers citing stolen vehicles instead of helping to recover them? Chronicle reporters St. John "Sinjin" Barned-Smith and Susie Neilson join host Cecilia Lei to explain what they found when they looked into the city's practice, and how Mayor London Breed responded to the Chronicle's report. Plus, a reader shares how the investigation helped him find a missing vehicle. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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After a ‘Miracle’ Water Year, New Usage Limits for Californians Oct 12, 2023

Water reservoirs across California have been overflowing thanks to last year’s record-breaking rainy season, but California state officials are still rolling out new usage restrictions. Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the state’s new plan to make water conservation permanent and how the water cuts may affect Bay Area residents. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Soon-to-be Champions? Expectations are High for New Golden State WNBA Team Oct 11, 2023

The wait is almost over: In 2025, a new WNBA expansion team will begin playing in the Bay Area. The long-anticipated squad will be part of the Golden State Warriors franchise, benefiting from the Golden State brand and owner Joe Lacob’s deep pockets. Will women’s sports fans in the Bay Area ensure it thrives? Sports columnist Ann Killion analyzes what the move means for basketball and the Bay Area with host Laura Wenus. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Lessons for ‘California Forever’ from the Town Built from Scratch Oct 10, 2023

Wealthy tech investors recently unveiled their plans to build a utopian city in southeast Solano County, calling it California Forever. They’re promising idyllic streets and “good paying local jobs,” many of the same things touted for the development of Mountain House, a city built from scratch two decades ago in San Joaquin County. Chronicle urban design critic John King visited Mountain House, and joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the community has thrived — and faltered — and what lessons California Forever should take from the masterplanned town. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Richard Oakes Led the Alcatraz Occupation — And Was Killed in His Prime Oct 09, 2023

In 1969, Native activist Richard Oakes led a group representing several tribes to occupy Alcatraz Island, claiming it as the site of a new Native nation. Three years later, the charismatic face of the Red Power movement was dead, shot by a white neighbor in rural Sonoma. What happened? And how did Oakes’ killing change the course of Native activism? Reporters Jason Fagone and Julie Johnson dug into the past to uncover truths that have been buried for 50 years. They join host Cecilia Lei to share what they found. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Country’s Leaders are Getting Older. Some Say That’s a Problem Oct 06, 2023

The Senate minority leader freezing on camera; California’s senior senator dying in office at age 90: This year has served up a number of reminders that America’s elected leaders are now – on average – far older than the constituents they serve. It’s a trend that has led progressive advocate Amanda Litman to say the U.S. has become a gerontocracy. She joins It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission Host Joe Garofoli to discuss the graying of the country’s political class and why she’s working to get more young people into office. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fifth & Mission LIVE: How Frontline Workers Would Solve the Overdose Epidemic Oct 05, 2023

Last month, Fifth & Mission gathered people on the front lines of the drug overdose crisis in the Bay Area to pose an urgent question: How do we end fatal overdoses? In front of a live audience at Manny’s, our panel of peer counselors, public health employees and medical practitioners joined host Cecilia Lei to discuss access to treatment, harm reduction strategies, the role of the police and the importance of housing — and hope. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What a San Francisco Psychiatrist Learned Talking with Mentally Ill People on the Street Oct 04, 2023

Years ago, Dr. Robert Okin took to San Francisco’s streets with a camera and a request: to take portraits and speak with mentally ill homeless people. The former head of psychiatry at San Francisco General Hospital published their stories and photos in a book, “Silent Voices,” whose second edition was released this year. Okin joins host Laura Wenus to share what he learned, what he makes of the state’s new CARE Court, and why he thinks the systems meant to stabilize this population often fail them instead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Introducing Laphonza Butler, California's New Senator Oct 03, 2023

California’s newest senator is Laphonza Butler, who was picked by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill the late Dianne Feinstein’s seat. Who is Butler? And will the former labor leader who has never held elected office run for the full six-year term? Reporters Shira Stein and Sophia Bollag join It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to get to know the state’s newest political leader. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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In Oakland, Calls for Law and Order are Coming from the NAACP Oct 02, 2023

As concern over public safety mounts in Oakland, the local chapter of the NAACP has railed against progressive city leaders and called for more law and order. It’s an unusual position for a group whose national organization is known for its support of increased police accountability. Columnist Justin Phillips joins host Cecilia Lei to share why he thinks the Oakland chapter is betraying the city’s Black population by using right-wing rhetoric. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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'It's what I'm meant to do': How tragedy shaped Dianne Feinstein Sep 29, 2023

Trailblazing San Francisco mayor and California Senator Dianne Feinstein died late Thursday at age 90. In this 2018 interview, Feinstein offered a rare look at how tragedy, death and illness shaped her life and career. The longtime senator spoke with It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli about growing up in San Francisco and her time in local politics — including when she lost a bet while serving as mayor and had to wear a bathing suit to a public event. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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New Civil Court Program Promises Care for Mentally Ill — Can it Deliver? Sep 29, 2023

On Monday, a new civil court program is launching in San Francisco to serve the seriously mentally ill. It’s called CARE court, and it’s intended to push more people into treatment for certain mental illnesses. While its scope is limited, some critics worry the program will infringe on civil liberties. Others say it doesn’t go far enough. Reporter Aldo Toledo joins host Laura Wenus to give a preview. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will Diners Bite on Lab-Grown Meat? Sep 28, 2023

At an upscale San Francisco restaurant, diners recently got a taste of chicken that was never part of a bird. The companies developing lab-grown meat say cultivating flesh instead of raising livestock could reduce animal cruelty and the environmental impacts of our food. But how far away are those goals? And more importantly, how does it taste? Producer Keith Menconi picks up his fork — and talks with Chronicle food and wine editor Janelle Bitker and columnist Soleil Ho — to find out. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Millionaire Philanthropist Seeking to Unseat S.F.’s Mayor Sep 27, 2023

A new contender to challenge Mayor London Breed's re-election bid announced his campaign on Tuesday. Wealthy philanthropist Daniel Lurie says it’s time for a "new era of leadership." Senior political writer Joe Garofoli joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss Lurie’s vision for San Francisco and why he has a fighting chance to become the city’s next mayor even as a political newcomer. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SF Program Offers Help for Priced-Out Renters: Roommates Sep 26, 2023

Sharing a home with roommates has always been a strategy for lower-income tenants to rent in expensive cities, but now a nonprofit is matching up strangers on the verge of displacement to help them stay in San Francisco.

Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan talked with two people who moved in together with the help of the HomeMatch program. He joins host Laura Wenus to explain how the city is using this tool to prevent homelessness. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Has a Reparations Proposal. Now What? Sep 25, 2023

Last week, San Francisco's African American Reparations Advisory Committee went before the Board of Supervisors to present its recommendations for repairing the harm done to the Black community. Will their report lead to action? Reparations committee chair Eric McDonnell reflects on the supervisors' professed support, and Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips analyzes where the city will likely go from here with host Laura Wenus. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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‘There's Shootings Every Night’: Oaklanders Want Answers on Public Safety Sep 22, 2023

As Oakland’s crime continues to rise, the city’s leaders are facing growing criticism and demands for more aggressive action. Mayor Sheng Thao has resisted calls to declare a state of emergency, arguing that such a move would amount to “political theater.” Reporter Sarah Ravani joins host Cecilia Lei to help unpack the increasingly fraught politics of public safety in Oakland. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Lawmakers Passed 900 Bills. Which Will Newsom Sign? Sep 21, 2023

Higher wages for fast food workers? Driverless big rigs? Legal psychedelic mushrooms? California lawmakers just wrapped the legislative session and sent 900 bills to Governor Gavin Newsom. Reporter Sophia Bollag joins It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to talk about what the governor will sign, what he’ll veto and what we still don't know. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Building Drama at 33 Tehama Sep 20, 2023

A water main burst last June at 33 Tehama, a luxury apartment tower in San Francisco, forcing residents to evacuate. More than a year later, they haven’t been able to return, and it’s unclear when repairs will be complete. Tenants have been left in limbo, with residents of below-market-rate units hit especially hard. Reporter Rachel Swan picks up the ongoing saga of 33 Tehama with host Laura Wenus and discusses why this story is emblematic of the city’s broader housing challenges. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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An Existential Threat for California Fishers Sep 19, 2023

The California fishing fleet is struggling through "unprecedented" times, with drought, wildfires, algal blooms, ocean warming and subsequent restrictions all jeopardizing their work. Climate and environment reporter Tara Duggan tells host Laura Wenus how this is making it harder to find coveted local salmon, what seafood lovers might look for instead, and why these conditions could be a death knell for California's fishing industry. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What a Violent Tenant-Landlord Confrontation Says About Bay Area Housing Sep 18, 2023

When landlords in Berkeley celebrated the end of an eviction moratorium recently, the backlash was swift: Tenant advocates protested, and a physical fight broke out. Tensions between renters and property owners have been escalating, but for the most part they don’t boil over — they show up in court, where a swell in eviction cases is overwhelming staff. Berkeleyside and Oaklandside reporters Supriya Yelimeli and Natalie Orenstein tell host Laura Wenus what this violent incident says about the state of Bay Area housing. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What You Need to Know About the New COVID Vaccine Sep 15, 2023

Amid rising local and national COVID-19 cases, public health officials are hoping updated COVID vaccines will help prevent yet another winter surge of infections. Chronicle reporter Aidin Vaziri joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the sub-variants that are causing the latest swell of cases, as well as tips on how to get the new shots. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Dreamforce is Packing Downtown S.F. Could it Be the Last Time? Sep 14, 2023

Dreamforce is in full swing in downtown San Francisco this week, bringing in tens of thousands of people and millions of dollars to the city. But Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has warned that the event may leave San Francisco next year if the city’s drug and homelessness problems don’t improve. Reporter J.D. Morris joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why San Francisco has been seeing declines across the convention industry and how city leaders are strategizing a convention tourism comeback. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Drug Arrests Are Surging. Here’s What That Means. Sep 13, 2023

Drug users and dealers are being arrested in unusually high numbers in San Francisco’s troubled Tenderloin neighborhood amid a spike in overdose deaths and complaints about street conditions. It’s just the latest in a series of enforcement pushes, and this time, state agencies are involved. But even within the city’s own government, this is a deeply controversial strategy. And, as City Hall reporter Aldo Toledo and data reporter Susie Neilson tell Laura Wenus, neighborhood denizens are not yet seeing the desired results. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Sexual Abuse Reckoning for Bay Area Schools Sep 12, 2023

A new state law that took effect in 2020 has expanded the window for former Bay Area students who allege sexual abuse by educators to file claims against schools they say didn’t protect them. Chronicle reporter Sophia Bollag joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss her months-long investigation and the patterns of abuse and grooming by educators and neglect by administrators. She’ll also share how coming forward decades later is helping heal some alleged victims. Content warning: This episode includes descriptions of child sexual abuse and assault. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Stud Returns: How an LGBTQ Icon Made Its S.F. Comeback Sep 11, 2023

San Francisco’s gay bars and nightclubs have been struggling for years, but now a rare bright spot: After closing in March 2020, the owners of the Stud bar have found a new location and plan to reopen early next year. Arts and culture writer Tony Bravo joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss this historic LGBTQ institution and why so many have rallied to save it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Inside San Francisco's Staffing Crisis Sep 08, 2023

About 4,000 city jobs are vacant in San Francisco. That means the city is short police officers, street cleaners, accountants, nurses and technicians. Why? A Civil Grand Jury report from June pinpoints roadblocks to hiring. Foreperson Karen Kennard gives highlights of the jury’s findings and Department of Human Resources Director Carol Isen tells host Laura Wenus what the city’s been doing to fix this longstanding problem. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Unpacking Albany High's Racist Instagram Scandal Sep 07, 2023

When a teen at a Bay Area high school started posting overtly racist images on Instagram, the fallout fractured a community and surfaced deep divides. Journalist Dashka Slater spent years reporting on the aftermath and how it affected a generation of students at Albany High — which happens to be host Cecilia Lei's alma mater. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can San Francisco Come Back from This? Pittsburgh Did. Sep 06, 2023

As San Francisco struggles against the rip tide of urban decline, reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio found a model for its future in Pittsburgh. The East Coast city stagnated after the collapse of its steel industry in the 1970s, but it has recently reinvented itself as a center for tech innovation and higher learning. Chase joins host Joe Garofoli to discuss what lessons the fall and rise of Pittsburgh might hold for San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Car Break-Ins: A San Francisco Criminal Tradition? Sep 05, 2023

Car break-ins have risen dramatically in San Francisco and Oakland since 2010. At their peak, San Francisco saw more than 80 incidents a day. And this isn’t the first time a spree of automobile thefts has bedeviled the city: S.F. faced a similar situation a century ago. Data reporter Susie Neilson and culture critic Peter Hartlaub dig into the history with host Laura Wenus to figure out what's behind these twin crises and what could help. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Real Estate Mystery Begins to Unravel Sep 01, 2023

Note: In observance of Labor Day, our next episode will be posted on Tuesday, September 5.

Five years ago, an unknown entity began offering exorbitant sums of money to buy up vast tracts of land in rural Solano County. No one knew who was behind the purchases until their plans came to light in recent weeks. Reporter Shira Stein joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss this very well-funded effort to build a brand new Bay Area city. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is This AI Boom the Win San Francisco Needs? Aug 31, 2023

Artificial intelligence companies are flocking to San Francisco to take advantage of local talent and capital. In response, city leaders have wasted no time branding the city as the “AI capital of the world,” but it remains to be seen whether the success of this multi-billion dollar industry will be a boon for the local economy. Reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio joins host Laura Wenus to discuss the AI boom and how it might shape up differently from past tech windfalls. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Celebrated Food Hall Closes in the Tenderloin Aug 30, 2023

La Cocina Municipal Marketplace was heralded as a springboard for immigrant- and women-owned food businesses when it opened in 2021. Now, its food kiosks are closing down. Opinion columnist Soleil Ho and food reporter Mario Cortez join host Cecilia Lei to discuss whether the closure is a symptom of the city’s larger struggles and what the loss means for the food hall’s resident vendors and Tenderloin neighbors. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Price of Fighting California’s Wildfires Aug 29, 2023

Wildland firefighting has long been recognized as dangerous, dirty work. Now, there is growing evidence that it can also cause serious long-term health problems. Chronicle reporter Julie Johnson spent six months investigating the impacts of wildfire smoke on firefighters, and spoke to a dozen men and women diagnosed with grave diseases who all suspect that smoke was a factor. She tells host Cecilia Lei that for decades fire agencies have struggled to provide meaningful protection for their workers, but that progress could be coming. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why San Francisco's Streets are Even Harsher for Homeless Women Aug 28, 2023

Unsheltered women face violence and harassment both on the streets and inside temporary housing in San Francisco. Reporter Mallory Moench spent months speaking to several women about the challenges they face, from navigating pregnancy to protecting themselves from sexual assault — and how the city lacks sufficient resources to keep them safe. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Battle Over Encampment Sweeps Draws Courthouse Protest Aug 25, 2023

Since last December, San Francisco has been fighting a court injunction that blocks it from sweeping homeless encampments. That legal battle erupted this week as supporters and opponents of encampment sweeps squared off outside the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Reporter Aldo Toledo joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why this long-simmering controversy is heating up now and what’s at stake for San Francisco residents — housed and unhoused alike. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Schools Grapple With Anti-LGBTQ Hostility Aug 24, 2023

Students are returning to classes amid a national wave of anti-LGBTQ hostility, and California school districts are not immune. Recently, some schools have restricted LGBTQ themes and icons from classes. But in San Francisco, educators are being trained to be as supportive and inclusive as possible. Reporters Erin Allday and Jill Tucker tell host Laura Wenus how different districts are handling the contention.

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S.F. Diocese’s Bankruptcy Filing Puts Child Abuse Lawsuits On Hold Aug 23, 2023

Hundreds of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by Catholic priests are now paused after the San Francisco Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy Monday. Many abuse survivors — some of whom have waited decades for their day in court — are frustrated by the filing, the third of its kind by Bay Area dioceses this year. Chronicle reporter Sophia Bollag joins host Laura Wenus to discuss the flood of lawsuits and what these bankruptcies could mean. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Maui Fire Renews Urgency to Upgrade San Francisco’s Sirens Aug 22, 2023

San Francisco’s jarring weekly test of its outdoor emergency warning siren fell silent in 2019 so the system could be upgraded. The project has faced delays and budget overruns, but Maui’s fire disaster is inspiring a renewed sense of urgency. Reporter Aldo Toledo joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the long-stalled project and what it says about the city’s priorities. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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From Grief to Burnout: Voices of the Bay Area Overdose Crisis Aug 21, 2023

San Francisco’s overdose death rate has almost tripled in recent years due in large part to the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. Chronicle reporters sat down with seven Bay Area residents whose lives have been changed by the epidemic, from grieving parents to emergency responders. Host Cecilia Lei presents their perspectives on the crisis and how they think it can be solved. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Is Aiming High With Its Housing Targets. So Far, It’s Falling Short Aug 18, 2023

To meet its state-mandated goal of approving 82,000 new units of housing by 2031, San Francisco will need to dramatically ramp up the rate at which it greenlights construction. So far, it is not on course. Chronicle reporters J.D. Morris and J.K. Dineen have been crunching the city’s housing numbers and join host Laura Wenus to share how local leaders are trying to push the city to move faster. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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New Lawsuit From Sen. Feinstein Makes Messy Last Term Even Messier Aug 17, 2023

Chronicle reporter Shira Stein broke the news of a messy family dispute involving Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The senior senator has filed a lawsuit to remove the trustees of her late husband's estate, alleging that they committed financial elder abuse. Stein joins host Joe Garofoli to discuss this legal tangle, which adds on to a long list of challenges complicating Feinstein’s remaining time in office. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Fungus is Infecting Californians — Climate Change May Be Growing its Territory Aug 16, 2023

Once largely confined to the Central Valley, the fungal respiratory illness known as valley fever is beginning to appear in Northern California, including the Bay Area. Scientists believe that climate change is driving the spread. Chronicle intern Gabe Castro-Root joins host Laura Wenus to discuss the growing alarm about this fungal disease. Then researcher Jennifer Head explains why valley fever’s spread could be a sign of things to come. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fortitude and Frustration in the Wake of Maui Wildfires Aug 15, 2023

Amid the crises and chaos caused by last week's deadly wildfire in Maui, Chronicle reporter Matthias Gafni also found signs of community resilience and solidarity. He shares dispatches from a relief center on the island with host Cecilia Lei — and an incredible tale of survival. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Policing Is Costing SF Taxpayers Millions — in Court Aug 14, 2023

San Francisco is paying hefty sums of money to deal with lawsuits related to its police department. A series of reports from Mission Local found that over the past 13 years, settlements in civil suits related to alleged misconduct, employment disputes, false imprisonment and property damage have totaled more than $70 million. Data reporter Will Jarrett joins host Laura Wenus to break down that figure and the limitations of the civil court system. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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‘We Need to Sound the Alarm’: Is the Curtain Closing on Bay Area Theaters? Aug 11, 2023

Upheavals in the theater world, from pandemic lockdowns to labor movements, have put companies in a financial bind. Theater critic Lily Janiak joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how this moment is a reckoning for the industry, and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli shares why it's time to reexamine the value of performing arts. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Should Hayes Valley’s ‘Community Living Room’ Turn into Affordable Housing? Aug 10, 2023

Hayes Valley’s Proxy is a cluster of boutique shops and restaurants that functions as a community gathering space, but it sits on land that has been flagged for affordable housing for decades. Now that the city wants to start development, residents are divided on whether the project should move forward. Reporter J.K. Dineen joins host Cecilia Lei to break down the controversy and the broader stakes for San Francisco’s housing debate. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Kids Are Back At School, But Where Are the Teachers? Aug 09, 2023

California school districts have been grappling with a teacher shortage since before the pandemic, but in cities like Oakland and San Francisco it's become normal to start the school year with vacant classroom positions. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker tells host Laura Wenus how Bay Area school districts are filling the gaps and how the state is trying to entice people into teaching. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Controversial Plan to Save California's Giant Sequoias Aug 08, 2023

Wildfires have devastated giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees. Now national park officials want to restore the iconic California species by replanting them, but the plan is facing pushback. Reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss scientists' concerns and why debates like this will only become more common as we confront the devastation wreaked by climate change. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Women's Sports Are Going Mainstream. When Will Bars Get Onside? Aug 07, 2023

Women's sports are increasingly popular, and even late-night matches during the Women’s World Cup have drawn big crowds in the Bay Area. But when the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, which was knocked out of the tournament over the weekend, isn’t playing, it's a constant struggle to find public places to catch games. Sports reporter Marisa Ingemi tells host Laura Wenus why and how a local entrepreneur has started a group called Women's Sports Takeover to make watching easier for fans longing for community. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Pamela Price: Another Bay Area Progressive DA Recall? Aug 04, 2023

Elected last year on promises to reform the criminal justice system from the inside, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is now the latest progressive Bay Area prosecutor to face a recall campaign. Reporter Rachel Swan joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the effort to oust Price from office. Then data reporter Susie Neilson takes a closer look at Oakland crime figures as residents try to make sense of an ongoing surge in violence. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Witnessing an Assisted Death Taught One Chronicle Columnist Aug 03, 2023

Since 2016, California has allowed certain terminally ill people to choose assisted death through a physician-prescribed cocktail of lethal medications. Columnist Nuala Bishari recently helped her partner’s mother take that path, and joins host Cecilia Lei to share what she learned about bodily autonomy from that experience, and why it’s so hard to talk about death. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will Mayor Breed's Tough-on-Crime Approach Get Her Re-Elected? Aug 02, 2023

With public safety top of mind for San Francisco voters, Mayor London Breed has been hammering the topic hard, calling for a stricter approach to drug crimes and touting her administration's efforts to hire more police officers. Will it convince residents dissatisfied with her leadership to give her another term? Reporter JD Morris joins host Cecilia Lei to give an early look at Breed’s political prospects as the 2024 election approaches. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Downtown U? Here's How College Students Could Revitalize San Francisco Aug 01, 2023

City leaders are calling on private and public universities to consider opening up a campus in San Francisco's downtown. They imagine that classrooms or dorms could fill office buildings left empty by remote work, and that students might spend their money at local businesses and breathe life into the city's economic core. SFNext reporter Noah Arroyo joins host Laura Wenus to explain how this could work and what it would take to bring a downtown campus closer to reality. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What It's Like to Ride Valencia's New Center Bike Lane Jul 31, 2023

Since April, city workers have been constructing new bike lanes along the Mission District's busy and dangerous Valencia Street. The twist: They run down the middle of the road. The hope is that giving cyclists their own space will reduce collisions, but a confusing rollout has stirred up controversy. Theater critic and seasoned cyclist Lily Janiak joins host Laura Wenus to discuss the new lanes and what else it might take to make city streets an inviting place for drivers and cyclists alike. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Taylor Swift Weekend in the Bay Area: "... Ready For It?" Jul 28, 2023

It’s here! Swifties are converging on Santa Clara for two shows of Swift's Era's Tour. Whether you’re collecting friendship bracelets to trade or you're utterly clueless, Chronicle music critic Aidin Vaziri and the newsroom’s resident Swifties tell host Cecilia Lei about tour highlights and why the generation-spanning pop star “just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Andrew Yang Ditched the Democrats and Started His Own Party. What’s Next? Jul 27, 2023

Since he left the Democratic Party, former presidential candidate Andrew Yang has been recruiting candidates and raising money for his new Forward Party. Instead of running a presidential campaign, Yang tells It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli, the Forward Party is focused on local offices where entrenched party representatives have no incentive to serve their constituents. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Would You Stop Flying to Fight Climate Change? Jul 26, 2023

As residents and tourists in Europe, Asia and the United States face extreme heat waves tied to climate change, some people are giving up air travel to reduce their environmental impact. Berkeley transportation justice activist Barnali Ghosh joins new co-host Laura Wenus to discuss why she decided to stop flying, and reporter Kate Selig shares tips on how to travel while being friendly to the planet. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Meet Laura Wenus, Fifth & Mission's New Co-host Jul 26, 2023

Fifth & Mission's team is growing! New co-host Laura Wenus joins Cecilia Lei to share some of her personal story as a local reporter and what she hopes to bring to the show. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Private Business Dominating Health Care in California Jails Jul 25, 2023

Wellpath is the main provider of health care inside California jails despite facing lawsuits and investigations accusing the corporation of offering substandard medical care that results in neglect — and even deaths. Reporter Susie Neilson joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss those allegations, and why California does little to regulate the company. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Downtown San Francisco Shouldn't Define the City Jul 24, 2023

San Francisco's troubled downtown has made headlines around the world, but Chronicle urban design critic John King says people are missing the full picture of the city. He joins host Cecilia Lei to share how downtown went from being reviled by San Franciscans for decades to defining the city in the public’s imagination. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Stanford Scandal: How Student Journalism Uncovered It Jul 21, 2023

The university’s president is stepping down after flaws were found in his neuroscience research. It’s just one of the latest of many recent resignations and scandals that Stanford has faced. Student journalist Theo Baker, a rising sophomore who broke the story, joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss his investigation, and Chronicle reporter Nanette Asimov considers what could come next for the university. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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CongressGPT: Could A.I. Make Governments Work Better? Jul 20, 2023

While generative AI, like ChatGPT, can write term papers and computer programs, local and federal governments are still trying to figure out how to use — and regulate — the technology. Chronicle reporters Shira Stein and Chase DiFeliciantonio join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the potential ways that A.I. can improve government efficiency, and the challenges of regulating the technology. Plus: reporter Sophia Bollag shares why California might be better positioned to do it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What San Francisco's Algebra Wars Tell Us About CA's New Math Framework Jul 19, 2023

California's Board of Education recently made recommendations to change the state's math framework in an effort to reduce racial disparities in math proficiencies. But critics worry that de-emphasizing courses like calculus will make students less competitive for top universities. Columnist Emily Hoeven and reporter Jill Tucker join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the math wars playing out across the state, and how similar curriculum changes played out in San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Unused Land Presents Dilemma for School Districts Jul 18, 2023

Districts in the Bay Area and around the state are sitting on areal estate gold mine of unused buildings and lots. Selling could raise needed funds and help ease the housing crisis. But there are plenty of catches. Reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the hard choices school boards are facing. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Beer Death Experience: Goodbye, Anchor Steam Jul 17, 2023

The announcement that the legendary San Francisco brand is shutting down shocked many beer lovers, but not employees of the brewery, who blame parent company Sapporo for mismanagement. Food and wine reporter Jess Lander and Total SF podcast host Peter Hartlaub join host Demian Bulwa to talk about what losing a member of its Mount Rushmore of edible icons means to San Francisco, and whether there’s a chance for a last-minute reprieve. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: TotalSF — Pouring one out for Anchor Brewing: pod.fo/e/18c435

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“All I See Is Things to Celebrate”: Brooke Jenkins on Her First Year as D.A. Jul 14, 2023

When San Francisco voters elected Brooke Jenkins as San Francisco district attorney, she promised to shut down open-air drug markets and crack down on property crime. Has she made a difference? Chronicle reporter St. John Barned-Smith joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how Jenkins assesses her first year, and what she says is the only thing she would've done differently. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why We Should "Extend Grace" to Bad Restaurant Service Jul 13, 2023

Bay Area diners have been complaining about long wait times, high costs and missing food items. Has the pandemic forever changed restaurant service in the Bay Area? Restaurant critic Cesar Hernandez says no, and explains to host Cecilia Lei why managing our expectations is important when dining out. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Flying Down Dolores Hill Means for Skateboarders Jul 12, 2023

The mass arrests of skateboarders at Dolores Park has raised questions about SFPD's use of force. Chronicle reporter Nora Mishanec joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss the significance of the annual "Hill Bomb" event, and skateboarder Ryen Motzek, president of the Mission Merchants Association, explains the significance of skateboarding culture in San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Bay Bridge Murals and 49ers Logos Adorn This Honduran Village. Why? Jul 11, 2023

Three thousand miles from San Francisco, a cluster of rural villages in Honduras is buzzing with the sounds of construction as new mansions spring up — many adorned with Bay Area iconography. The region shares a surprising connection to San Francisco: It is the birthplace of many of the city’s drug dealers. For the past 18 months, reporter Megan Cassidy and photographer Gabrielle Lurie have been investigating that link and how the open-air drug trade in San Francisco operates. They join Cecilia Lei to share what they learned. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Where California's Wildfire Risks Stand Now Jul 10, 2023

California's years-long drought ended after last winter's heavy rains, but fire experts say wildfire risks still exist, and if new growth dries out, it could be ripe to burn. Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the outlook for this year's fire season, and reporter Jessica Flores shares how residents of one Oakland neighborhood are petitioning PG&E to keep their homes safe.| Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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It’s Unhappy Hour for Bay Area Bar Culture Jul 07, 2023

Best of 5M: COVID-19 hit local nightlife hard, and it hasn’t come all the way back. Bar owners are struggling to find ways to attract customers who have changed their socializing habits during the pandemic. Chronicle senior wine critic Esther Mobley joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the how bar owners are adapting and what's at stake if bar culture doesn't bounce back. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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ChatGPT in the Classroom: Tool for Cheating or Learning? Jul 06, 2023

Best of 5M: The viral artificial intelligence tool has surprised millions of users with its capabilities, but it's also raised concerns about how it might be used. Hearst Newspapers director of newsroom engineering Evan Wagstaff joins host Cecilia Lei to explain how ChatGPT works, and reporter Jill Tucker shares why some educators are embracing the technology in the classroom. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Many Near Deaths of Tom Stienstra Jul 05, 2023

Best of 5M: Longtime outdoors writer Tom Stienstra has stared down grizzly bears, steered clear of mountain lions and braved the elements. But his closest call was a recent cancer diagnosis. He joins Cecilia Lei to talk about meeting it with the same joie de vivre that made him fall in love with California’s natural beauty in the first place. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Happy 50th Birthday, Sutro Tower! Jul 03, 2023

As Sutro Tower reaches its 50th anniversary on July 4, 2023, The Chronicle's Total SF podcast co-hosts, Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight, pay tribute to the controversial TV tower — which began as a fiercely protested structure, and has developed into one of the most beloved San Francisco landmarks. Hartlaub and Knight also recount their trip in a very small elevator to the top of the tower, and talk about the history, including plans for a restaurant at the top.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

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"Meritocracy Has Always Been a Myth": The Impact of Affirmative Action on Asian Americans Jun 30, 2023

When the Supreme Court rejected affirmative action in college admissions, it argued that the practice puts Asian Americans at a disadvantage. But, as Vincent Pan from Chinese for Affirmative Action explains, that narrative masks how Asian Americans communities have faced exclusion from educational opportunities and played pivotal roles in calling for greater access.| Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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This Rising Democrat Star Could Pave the Way to a House Majority Jun 29, 2023

Congressman Pete Aguilar hails from a small purple city in California, but now he’s rubbing elbows with power brokers and being mentored by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Aguilar tells It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli about his difficult new task: winning back several Republican-held House seats in California. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Losing Your Taste and Smell As a Food Professional Jun 28, 2023

Millions of Americans have lost their sense of taste and smell after getting COVID-19. For chefs and restaurant owners, the impact has been devastating. Host Cecilia Lei chats with Bay Area food professionals to discuss their experience, and UCSF’s Dr. Patricia Loftus explains why researchers think the phenomenon happens, and the treatments that might help. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Taxi Ride Through San Francisco — Driver Not Included Jun 27, 2023

On July 13, the California Public Utilities Commission will vote on a resolution to give driverless robotaxis full access to pick up paying passengers in San Francisco. To find out what that might be like, opinion columnist Emily Hoeven recently took a ride in a Waymo robotaxi. She tells host Demian Bulwa what it was like and why some San Francisco officials are sounding the alarm. Note: The vote was previously scheduled for June 29 and was postponed after this episode published. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What California Can Teach Us If SCOTUS Bans Affirmative Action Jun 26, 2023

In 1996, a state ballot measure barred public universities from using race as a factor in admissions. Now, with the Supreme Court weighing affirmative action, the University of California's struggle to build a diverse student body may hold lessons for private universities that could soon face the same restriction. Chronicle reporter Nanette Asimov joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the stakes. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The S.F. Doctor Who Became an Arab LGBTQ Icon Jun 23, 2023

Dr. Nasser Mohamed became the first Qatari to come out as gay during an interview with BBC World last year ahead of the World Cup. Since then, the S.F. primary care physician has connected with hundreds of other LGBTQ people in Qatar where homosexuality is persecuted. Mohamed was elected to serve as a Grand Marshall in this year's SF Pride Parade and joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about his activism and finding a queer Middle Eastern community in San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SF is Cracking Down on Drugs. Is it Working? Jun 22, 2023

A new team of San Francisco police officers has arrested or cited people for drug offenses 53 times in recent weeks as part Mayor London Breed's crackdown on drug dealing and use. She's talked about "tough love" and getting people into treatment, but so far none of the arrests have resulted in someone accepting drug treatment services. Chronicle reporter Mallory Moench joins host Demian Bulwa to explain the goals of this crackdown, why critics say it may exacerbate the overdose crisis and what to expect next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"What Help?" Lessons From California's Largest Homeless Study in Decades Jun 21, 2023

“This is a story of deep poverty in a state with incredibly high housing costs.” That’s how Dr. Margot Kushel, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, describes the takeaway from California’s largest study of homeless adults in three decades. As Kushel, the study's lead investigator, tells host Cecilia Lei, the majority of respondents became homeless in California — and relatively small amounts of money could have prevented it for almost everyone. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How California Could Weed Out 3,000 Bad Cops a Year Jun 20, 2023

California became one of the last states in the country to decertify or suspend cops for serious misconduct when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB2 in 2021. The law went into effect this year, and the commission in charge of enforcing it estimates that up to 3,500 police officers could be stripped of their badges each year. Chronicle reporter Sophia Bollag joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the law's impact and the pushback by opponents. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Live With W. Kamau Bell: "It’s Not About Hashtags" Jun 19, 2023

Best of 5M: In honor of Juneteenth, we're republishing this episode from February 24. In a wide-raging onstage conversation with host Cecilia Lei, the comic, host of CNN's "United Shades of America," producer and director of "We Have to Talk About Cosby" and co-author of "Do the Work: An Antiracist Activity Book" says being progressive is about just that — doing the work. This episode was recorded live at Manny’s in San Francisco as part of Fifth & Mission’s 1,000th episode celebration. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Relocating the Oakland A's: "This is a Real Betrayal" Jun 16, 2023

The Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas took a leap forward this week, as the Nevada Legislature passed a bill granting $380 million in public funding for a new ballpark on the Strip. But fans aren’t letting the team go quietly. More than 27,000 supporters showed up Tuesday for a reverse boycott demanding owner John Fisher sell the squad. Chronicle columnist Ann Killion was there and joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what’s next for the team and why the eternal underdogs have always inspired a special kind of pride. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The million-square-foot question on Market Street: What's next for the Westfield mall? Jun 15, 2023

Downtown San Francisco suffered another major blow this week when Westfield, the owner of the San Francisco Centre Mall, announced it would be returning the massive property to its lender. While the mall won't close immediately, it's a sign of serious trouble in the city's commercial core, where the owner of two major hotels also recently decided to surrender them. Host Cecilia Lei talks with reporters Roland Li and Carolyn Said to learn what might have prompted these owners to walk away and how the moves might open the door to new opportunities down the line.| Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Do Bay Area Mass Shootings Signal a Wave of Gun Violence? Jun 14, 2023

In a series of unrelated mass shootings last weekend in the Bay Area, 19 people were shot and one died. The shootings fit into a broader pattern: After a decades-long decline in violent crime, homicides and gun-related incidents have risen since the start of the pandemic. Data reporter Susie Neilson talks to host Demian Bulwa about whether this week's shootings are part of a new spike in violence, or just a very bad weekend. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can We Keep BART From Running Over a Fiscal Cliff? Jun 13, 2023

Trains once an hour? No weekend service? What would the Bay Area look like if transit agencies like BART and Muni had to make deep service cuts? A proposed state bailout would avert immediate disaster, but it’s not a done deal. Reporters Ricardo Cano and Dustin Gardiner join host Cecilia Lei to discuss what’s at stake in the budget crisis, and Annie Fryman, director of special projects at the think tank SPUR, talks about why this moment is a wake-up call for California. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Navy Captain Risked His Career for Sailors’ Health — And He’d Do It Again Jun 12, 2023

Santa Rosa native Brett Crozier was the captain of the nuclear aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. His email to Navy brass begging for more help as the virus spread among his crew made international news — and cost him his post. It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host host Joe Garofoli broke that story with fellow Chronicle reporter Matthias Gafni. Crozier hasn't spoken about the incident until now. He joins Garofoli to discuss his "conscience over career moment" and his new memoir, "Surf When You Can: Lessons in Life, Loyalty, and Leadership from a Maverick Navy Captain." | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

From March 31, 2020: "Sailors Do Not Need to Die": pod.fo/e/17152

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How Henry’s Hunan Shaped the Chronicle’s New Restaurant Critic Jun 09, 2023

Food is personal for new restaurant critic and hometown native Mackenzie Chung Fegan. She joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how her family's San Francisco restaurant, Henry's Hunan, changed her life — and her approach to restaurant criticism. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Aborted Landings at SFO: How Concerning Are They? Jun 08, 2023

In two separate incidents last month, pilots approaching San Francisco International Airport had to abort landings at the last minute — just a few hundred feet from the ground — due to planes on the runway. Go-arounds, as the maneuvers are called, happen at every airport, but experts say the events at SFO are signs of an airport that's overburdened. Reporter Matthias Gafni joins host Demian Bulwa to review what happened and what's so unusual about these episodes. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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DeSantis’ Migrant Stunts Come to California Jun 07, 2023

After several days' delay, the Florida governor has taken credit for two groups of migrants who were sent from Texas to California's capital. California officials say the migrants were told they would find jobs and assistance in Sacramento, but were simply left there. Reporter Sophia Bollag joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about Sacramento's response, led by religious leaders who have rallied to the migrants' aid. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What’s Behind the California Exodus of Home Insurers? Jun 06, 2023

California has yet another housing dilemma on its hands: Two of the state's biggest property insurers, State Farm and Allstate, have decided not to underwrite new homeowners policies here. Chronicle reporter Claire Hao tells host Demian Bulwa about the money and politics behind the companies' pull-outs. What are consumers' options now? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Attacks on Trans Youth Hit California High School Sports Jun 05, 2023

While this blue state isn't passing anti-trans legislation, two girls pulled out of a state track final because they didn't feel safe following protests over "fairness." Chronicle reporter Marisa Ingemi tells host Demian Bulwa that those protests sound like bigoted dog whistles, considering they come from people otherwise unconcerned about fairness in girls sports. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Overdoses Have Spiked. How Will San Francisco Respond? Jun 02, 2023

San Francisco has consistently seen more than 600 overdose deaths a year, and the rate of fatal overdoses has recently spiked. On this episode of The Chronicle's SFNext:Fixing Our City podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Hom, director of the city’s Office of Overdose Prevention, is optimistic that the city can turn the tide on overdoses, but acknowledges a long road ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fixing Our City is part of the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFNext Project

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One Shutters, One Opens: A Tale of 2 Downtown Businesses Jun 01, 2023

Unlike other retail outlets that have blamed crime when closing stores, Cole Hardware owner Rick Karp says his family is closing its Ninth Street retail shop because it hasn't been profitable since the start of the pandemic thanks to online shopping and the loss of downtown foot traffic. But Brian Sheehy of Future Bars, which has just opened Dawn Club, its 13th bar in San Francisco, says these are good times for the hospitality business. They both join host Demian Bulwa to talk about the business climate downtown. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Rep. Robert Garcia: “We’ve got to organize” to Combat Anti-LGBTQ Wave May 31, 2023

The freshman congressman from Long Beach says he won’t engage with Republicans who “don’t respect my basic humanity” as a gay man. He tells It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli why he’s leading the charge to expel Rep. George Santos, why attacks on trans youth are so dangerous, and why he swore the oath of office not on a Bible, but on a Superman comic book. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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90 Days to End San Francisco's Open-Air Drug Markets? May 30, 2023

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin is calling on Mayor London Breed to quickly bring an end to the open drug use on the city's streets and sidewalks. Breed says she has her own plan, and that "force is going to have to be a part of it." That's cause for concern from those who see law enforcement as the wrong way to approach a public health problem. City Hall reporter Mallory Moench joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about a problem unlikely to go away in 90 days. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Safe Consumption Sites: The Cases For and Against May 26, 2023

Hundreds of people are dying from drug overdoses every year in San Francisco, and the rate of deaths has spiked. Are safe consumption sites a solution? Public health workers and most city leaders say so, but critics fear such sites would attract crime and enable addiction, and plans to establish them appear stalled. On this episode of The Chronicle's SFNext:Fixing Our City podcast, Madeleine Sweet, an overdose survivor in recovery, and Ellen Grantz of the group Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Death delve into the controversy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Downtown Oakland Faces a Pivotal Year May 25, 2023

Just like San Francisco, the East Bay city is facing budget shortfalls and a vacancy crisis caused by the shift to remote work. But as reporters Sarah Ravani and Roland Li tell host Demian Bulwa, Oakland has some advantages over its bigger neighbor — but also its own unique challenges. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Give the Dodgers Some Grace May 24, 2023

In a roller coaster few days, the Los Angeles Dodgers caved to pressure from conservative Catholics and disinvited the L.A. chapter of the "leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns" from their Pride Night celebration, then reversed course and offered an apology, which the Sisters accepted. Sister Mary Media and Guard HOOOO?! of the San Francisco Sisters join host Demian Bulwa to talk about the wave of attacks on LGBTQ people and their rights, and the roles that unity and forgiveness play in battling it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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These Northern California Beaches Are Endangered May 23, 2023

Rising sea levels from climate change are threatening some of the Bay Area's most beloved beaches, including Stinson. But the tide isn't the only threat. Dammed rivers and coastal development also keep the sand from replenishing itself. Chronicle reporter Tara Duggan joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about whether we're doing enough to save these cherished and vital resources. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"From Victim to Actor": What Ballroom Dance Means for Asian Seniors May 22, 2023

Best of 5M: In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we're republishing this episode from March 10. After tragedy struck an Asian ballroom dance studio in Monterey Park, host Cecilia Lei reports from ballroom studios and social dances in Oakland and San Francisco to see how Asian seniors are responding — and how dancing helps them find their personal power. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Justin Jones of the Tennessee 3 on His Oakland Roots: “We’re Some Fighters There” May 19, 2023

The state representative, who was temporarily expelled from the Legislature after protesting for gun safety laws, began his activism career as a teenager in the East Bay. He talks to It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli about his multicultural upbringing, the inspiration he takes from earlier Bay Area social justice movements, and the challenge of championing progressive ideas in a deep-red state. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Oakland Evicted Its Largest Homeless Encampment May 18, 2023

For nearly a decade, around 300 unhoused people built a community under Interstate 880 in Oakland, until the city evicted the Wood Street encampment to make way for 170 units of affordable housing. Documentary filmmaker Caron Creighton joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what happened during the month-long eviction process, and the residents' last ditch efforts to stay put. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: Wood Street Encampment's Final Day pod.fo/e/172f12

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What To Do When Someone's In Mental Crisis May 17, 2023

How to respond to someone in mental crisis. How should you respond to someone in mental crisis? If you live in the Bay Area, you’ve probably encountered people in mental distress on public transit or city sidewalks. What should you do when you see someone in crisis? UCSF professor and S.F. General Hospital psychiatrist Dr. Richard Patel joins host Cecilia Lei to share tips for deescalating tense situations, staying safe and getting people help.| Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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No Charges, But Many Questions, in Banko Brown Killing May 16, 2023

As new details and videos emerged in the killing of alleged shoplifter Banko Brown in a San Francisco Walgreens, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said she would not charge the security guard who pulled the trigger. Chronicle reporters Rachel Swan and Kevin Fagan join host Demian Bulwa to discuss the intense reaction — and how downtown shopkeepers are now thinking about security. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Dr. Bob Wachter on COVID-19 Pandemic: "I'm Ready to Move On" May 15, 2023

Both the federal government and the World Health Organization have declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency. UCSF Department of Medicine Chair Dr. Bob Wachter welcomes that sentiment after having spent the last three years guiding hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers through the pandemic. But he says he worries about long COVID. He joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Could the "Doom Loop" Mean Housing Affordability For Some? May 12, 2023

Some people who have been priced out of San Francisco, or are desperately hanging on, are seeing a potential upside to the declining downtown economy: lower rents. SFNext reporter Noah Arroyo joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about why that rosier picture of the city’s immediate future may need some thoughtful consideration. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Has a New Lake, and That Means Higher Food Prices May 11, 2023

Tulare Lake was massive before modern agriculture and municipal water needs drained it. After this winter's storms, it's back, and it's half the size of Lake Tahoe, at some locations so big you can't see across it. As reporter Kurtis Alexander tells Demian Bulwa, this is bad news for Central Valley farmers whose crops are underwater, which is likely to make existing food inflation worse. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How This Oakland Teachers Strike Is Different May 10, 2023

With just a couple of weeks left in the school year, there may be progress in the negotiations between the Oakland Unified School District and its teachers union, but as the strike enters day 5, it's causing mixed feelings in the broader community. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the bargaining process is going, why the "common goods" proposal is making this strike unique, and how graduating seniors are feeling about potentially ending their high school careers away from their classrooms. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Inside Marin County’s Massive Homeless Encampment May 09, 2023

You've heard of Oakland's Wood Street, but have you heard of Marin County's Binford Road? The 2-mile-long vehicle encampment is forcing the affluent county to consider how best to spend its homeless funding. Chronicle reporter Annie Vainshtein joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what she learned from her recent reporting trip to the site. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Mean Girls" Politics: Who Gets to Be a Democrat in San Francisco? May 08, 2023

The forming of a new club on San Francisco's west side has sparked a clash within the city's Democratic Party. As tensions grow, can progressives and moderates get along? And what is lost when they don't? Chronicle columnist and Total SF co-host Heather Knight joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss what one progressive calls "You can't sit at my lunch table type politics." | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff’s Second Act May 05, 2023

A successful entertainment lawyer but at heart “just a guy from L.A.,” Doug Emhoff had to learn how to be a national figure when his wife, Kamala Harris, ascended to the vice presidency. With Harris and President Joe Biden launching a run for reelection, Emhoff joins It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to talk about dealing with political attacks, speaking out against anti-Semitism and wanting to see more Kamala Harrises running for office. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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S.F. Retail Exodus: Nordstrom Leaving Troubled Downtown May 04, 2023

After over 30 years in San Francisco's Westfield Mall, Nordstrom has announced that it's leaving the city, and that it will also close Nordstrom Rack. Chronicle reporters Chase DiFeliciantonio and J.D. Morris join host Cecilia Lei to discuss what may fill the massive gap the retail giant leaves behind, and how San Francisco is planning to increase foot traffic in its emptying downtown. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Reparations Task Force Estimates $1.2M per Black Resident May 03, 2023

After nearly two years of contentious meetings, California’s task force on reparations has released a rough estimate of damages caused by the state’s history of slavery and white supremacy: Up to $1.2 million per Black resident. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardinerjoins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how those calculations were made, and what it would take to get reparations approved by the Legislature. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's $4.2 Billion Plan May 02, 2023

Facing a historic deficit, Thao released her draft two-year budget Monday, a roadmap of how she plans to manage critical issues like public safety and homelessness while leading the city out of its fiscal crisis. Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what Thao's cutting and investing in, and how it measures against the promises she made on the campaign trail. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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ChatGPT in the Classroom: Tool for Cheating or Learning? May 01, 2023

The viral artificial intelligence tool has surprised millions of users with its capabilities, but it's also raised concerns about how it might be used. Hearst Newspapers director of newsroom engineering Evan Wagstaff joins host Cecilia Lei to explain how ChatGPT works, and reporter Jill Tucker shares why some educators are embracing the technology in the classroom. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Newsom Calls the CHP Into San Francisco. Now What? Apr 28, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers are turning to law-enforcement strategies to address the fentanyl crisis on the streets of San Francisco. Capitol reporter Sophia Bollag joins host Dominic Fracassa to discuss how the California Highway Patrol and National Guard will be deployed to battle open use and trafficking in the city. Plus, why legislators are holding up some bills that would crack down on dealers. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why San Francisco SROs for Homeless People Sit Empty Apr 27, 2023

In the latest update of The Chronicle’s investigation of San Francisco’s supportive housing program, reporters Joaquin Palomino and Trisha Thadani examine why vacancies in single-room occupancy buildings persist despite the city’s dire homelessness crisis. Palomino joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why some unhoused residents consider it a rational choice to refuse placement in the city’s expensive program. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Biden 2024: What It Means for Harris, Newsom and McCarthy Apr 26, 2023

The president has announced his candidacy for re-election. While expected, that has big implications for three powerful Californians: Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom — who might have presidential runs in their future — and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Elaine Kamarck, author of "Primary Politics: Everything You Need to Know about How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates," joins It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to talk about what's next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's Big Melt Means Big Risks Apr 25, 2023

The state will experience the season's first major heat wave this week and that has weather and climate experts concerned about the historic heaps of snow that are beginning to melt. Meteorologist Gerry Diaz joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the regions that are at highest flood risk, and Chronicle lifestyle and outdoors editor Gregory Thomas shares why recreational activities in rivers are more dangerous this season. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Soleil Ho: Asian Americans Should Beef With “Beef” Apr 24, 2023

A resurfaced clip of graffiti artist and actor David Choe describing sexual assault has stewed the Netflix series "Beef" in controversy. Chronicle columnist Soleil Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about why Asian Americans can afford to protest the series and not feel obligated to support it for the sake of representation. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Las Vegas A’s? Deal Could Mean Team Is on Its Way Out Apr 21, 2023

The Athletics were negotiating with Oakland to build a new home at Howard Terminal. Then they blindsided the city — and fans — by entering into a deal to buy land near the Las Vegas Strip. Tim Kawakami of the Athletic joins host Demian Bulwa to sort out what happened, what's next, and whether the A’s leaving would be a bad thing for Oakland. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Scant California Oversight Preceded Child Patient Deaths Apr 20, 2023

The Bay Area hospital system John Muir Health was certified by the state to treat the most medically fragile children, despite not having the required number of patient admissions. Investigative reporter Cynthia Dizikes joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the latest chapter of the Chronicle’s investigation into the deaths of four children at John Muir's Walnut Creek hospital. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Related John Muir episodes:

April 7, 2022: pod.fo/e/11887a

Dec. 1, 2022: pod.fo/e/1536c2

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Parents Push Back on a Potential Oakland Teacher Strike Apr 19, 2023

Teachers want a 23% raise, which many parents support. But in an unusual move, many district parents are urging the union not to walk out, saying children can’t handle more disruptions. Reporter Jill Tucker joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the negotiations and the likelihood of a job action this year. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Should Dianne Feinstein Resign From the Senate? Apr 18, 2023

California’s senior senator has been absent from the Capitol for two months with a painful case of shingles. Doctors say it can take up to three months to recover from serious cases, but Feinstein has been missing key Judiciary Committee votes on President Biden’s nominees to the federal bench, leaving them deadlocked. The 89-year-old Feinstein has also been accused by some colleagues of no longer being mentally up to the job. Chronicle opinion columnist and editorial board member Emily Hoeven joins It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to talk about whether it’s time for Feinstein to step down. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Red State Book Bans Affect California Writers Apr 17, 2023

Oakland children's author Maggie Tokuda-Hall refused an offer from Scholastic to license her book "Love in the Library" when the publishing giant asked her to remove the word "racism" and historical context about incarceration camps for Japanese Americans during World War II. She tells host Cecilia Lei that efforts to whitewash history violate adults' "moral obligation" to tell kids the truth. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Shocking Twist in the Bob Lee Killing Apr 14, 2023

The arrest of an associate in the death of Cash App founder Bob Lee has upended the narrative that had been playing out among Lee's fellow tech executives and the right-wing media, that out-of-control street crime in San Francisco had claimed Lee as a victim. Chronicle reporter Rachel Swan and Mission Local Managing Editor Joe Eskenazi join host Demian Bulwa to talk about the arrest of Nima Momeni. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Should S.F. Use City Funding For Supervised Consumption Sites? Apr 13, 2023

San Francisco is set to receive more than $130 million from opioid litigation. Supervised consumption sites have been shown to save lives. Why won’t the city use the funds to finally open one? Chronicle columnist Nuala Bishari joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the debate the city finds itself in, even as it continues to face a deadly drug overdose crisis. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Pamela Price: Historic, Progressive and Under Fire Apr 12, 2023

Pamela Price handily won election as Alameda County district attorney after campaigning on the promise of overhauling the criminal justice system. In her first few months of attempting those reforms, Price, the county's first-ever Black D.A., is already facing harsh criticism. Chronicle reporter Joshua Sharpe joins It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to discuss the high profile cases she's contending with, and why she's staying mum on her strategy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Medical Abortions: What's Next After Texas Ruling? Apr 11, 2023

Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk's ruling last week that the FDA had improperly approved the drug mifepristone has not taken effect. Court battles await, but as San Francisco OB/GYN Dr. Josie Urbina and NARAL Pro-Choice America president Mini Timmaraju tell It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli, the ruling is part of an assault on abortion rights, and activists have to work to get more people to realize that. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wood Street Encampment’s Final Day Apr 10, 2023

After a years-long battle, the last residents of the unhoused community under the Nimitz Freeway in Oakland are being removed by the city. Reporter Sarah Ravani and documentary filmmaker Caron Creighton join host Cecilia Lei to talk about the community the encampment has been, and what happens next for its residents. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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For past coverage of Wood Street, see the Fifth & Mission timeline for episodes on these dates:

Aug. 31, 2022

July 29, 2022

July 20, 2021

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Filmmaker Reveals the Limits of Rebranding San Quentin Apr 07, 2023

“What These Walls Won’t Hold,” a documentary premiering at the 66th SFFilm Festival, documents the COVID outbreak at San Quentin State Prison during the early pandemic and community organizing efforts to keep prisoners safe. Director Adamu Chan shares his own incarceration experience with host Cecilia Lei, as well as his thoughts on Gov. Newsom’s effort to remodel San Quentin into a rehabilitation center. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How “Horrific” Is San Francisco’s Crime? Apr 06, 2023

The slaying of Cash App creator Bob Lee has stunned the tech industry, causing many, including Elon Musk, to comment on how violent San Francisco is. Reporter Jill Tucker joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about who Lee was and the reaction to his killing, and data reporterSusie Neilson talks about the city's crime rate. While any violent crime is indeed "horrific," San Francisco's violent crime rate is near historic lows, and lower than many American cities of comparable size. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Gun Law Expert: "We Are at the Worst Place Ever" Apr 05, 2023

Without a federal ban on assault weapons, gun control is in the hands of deeply divided state legislatures across the country. Three Democratic state lawmakers in Tennessee face expulsion after protesting for gun control measures. In this episode first published on June 6, 2022, in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Stanford law professor and gun law expert John Donohue discusses the federal assault weapons ban with host Cecilia Lei. The landmark legislation was signed into law in 1994 but was allowed to expire a decade later. What difference would it make for mass shootings today if it was still in place? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"We Don't Want to Distrust Our Community": Oakland Restaurants Grapple With Crime Apr 04, 2023

Vandalism and burglaries are cutting into the already slim profit margins of Oakland's restaurant and bar owners. Chronicle food writer Elena Kadvany joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the latest struggle for business owners after the pandemic, inflation and staff shortages. Plus: William Tsui, co-owner of Viridian, shares why keeping his business in Oakland is personal. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"They're Dying on the Streets With Their Rights On" Apr 03, 2023

State Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, a trained social worker, is leading the drive to change laws to make it easier to get severely mentally ill people more help. She favors lowering the bar for committing someone for treatment involuntarily, and among the obstacles she faces is opposition from disability rights advocates. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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UC College Admissions 101 Mar 31, 2023

University of California acceptance rates have plunged, making this college admissions season particularly tough. High school seniors share how they're feeling, and Chronicle reporter Danielle Echeverria joins host Cecilia Lei to break down the GPA data of students accepted into UC schools, and what else admissions offices look at as they make their decisions. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will Levi's "Diverse" AI Models Do Anything for Diversity? Mar 30, 2023

The San Francisco clothing brand has announced it will use artificial intelligence-generated models "of color" to display products on its website and mobile app. Race and equity columnist Justin Phillips joins host Dominic Fracassa to talk about the thorny questions that raises. The practice figures to save Levi's money and offers representation, but is a diversity initiative that takes jobs from real people of color really diverse? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Human Trafficking Has Become a Defense for Accused Drug Dealers Mar 29, 2023

In two recent drug prosecution trials in San Francisco, defense teams have argued that some people accused of selling drugs are immigrants who have been forced to commit the crime in order to pay off debts, or face violence by cartels and coyotes. Reporter Megan Cassidy joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about that legal strategy, and how it may be consequential for future drug prosecution trials. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Breed vs. the Board: Who Has the Power in San Francisco? Mar 28, 2023

Progressive supervisors say Mayor London Breed is not properly managing resources to solve the city's biggest problems, like homelessness, the drug crisis, housing affordability and property crime. The mayor says it’s the board that’s being “obstructionist.” City Hall reporter Mallory Moench joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about that conflict, and the limits both sides face. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SFNext: Fixing Our City: What San Diego Got Right About Housing Vouchers Mar 27, 2023

Fifth & Mission is bringing you an episode of The Chronicle's podcast about solving San Francisco's intractible problems. If you like this episode, please consider following SFNext: Fixing Our City.

While the name of the federal Emergency Housing Vouchers rental subsidy program underscores how urgent finding housing is for at-risk groups, only a little more than half of the vouchers are in use in California. San Francisco has used 51% of its vouchers. But San Diego is seen as a standout success, having put more than 100% of its allotment to use on new leases. How did San Diego — the state’s second-biggest city — manage this, and can other cities take a page out of its book?

Fixing Our City is part of the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFNext Project

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What’s Behind San Francisco’s Recent Youth Violence? Mar 24, 2023

Stabbings at a middle school and on a Muni bus, brawls at Stonestown Galleria. The city and education officials have announced a plan to combat a surge of violence among teens, but will it work?Sarah Wan of the Community Youth Center of San Francisco joins Cecilia Lei to talk about why these incidents are worrying and whether San Francisco is equipped to tackle the violence. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Could Trump’s Legal Troubles Cost Him California? Mar 23, 2023

Former President Donald Trump is facing a litany of legal issues, including a criminal indictment in New York that could come any day. Will the investigations cost him the California primary and potentially a chance at reelection? Political Breakdown podcast host Marisa Lagos joins It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to talk about whether the former president will go down or turn “political crap” into gold again. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Invests in Embattled Trans Community Mar 22, 2023

As anti-trans legislation sweeps across the country, San Francisco is doubling down on its support of the transgender population with its first standalone clinic that provides a “one-stop shop for trans services.” Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday took a tour of Trans Thrive's new space and shares what she learned with host Cecilia Lei. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Black Reparations: Can S.F. Put a Price on Racial Harm? Mar 21, 2023

San Francisco’s draft plan to give qualifying Black residents a one-time payment of $5 million sent conservative media into a frenzy. But Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips tells host Cecilia Lei, the viral headline is a distraction from the city’s goal: to undo a long history of harm against Black San Franciscans. He argues that it’s a tough conversation the city should be having. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Novid? People Share Their Stories of Evading COVID Mar 20, 2023

Three years into the coronavirus pandemic, a minority of Americans have avoided infection — as far as they know. How did they do it? Chronicle reporter Kellie Hwang joins host Cecilia Lei to share what Bay Area epidemiologists have to say about COVID-19 holdouts. And some listeners share their own stories of dodging the virus. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Who Is the GOP Calling Woke ... and Why? Mar 17, 2023

Salon writer Amanda Marcotte joins It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to talk about the political right's new favorite word, co-opted from Black culture and now deployed as a stand-in for various slurs. Marcotte says conservatives’ inability or unwillingness to define “woke” is a tool, a way of "bulletproofing their arguments against rational discourse." | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Other Valleys Hit Hard by SVB’s Collapse: Wine Country Mar 16, 2023

Though it’s known as the bank for tech startups, Silicon Valley Bank was also the go-to institution for California’s wine industry for nearly 30 years before its collapse this week. Chronicle reporters Esther Mobley and Jess Lander joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about wine country’s unique connection to the failed bank, and how winemakers are planning for their financial futures. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Bay Area's Plan to Bar Natural Gas Mar 15, 2023

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has been working to fight air pollution. Now, the agency is poised to ban the sale of natural gas-powered water heaters and furnaces. Chronicle reporter Julie Johnson joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why that move would 'spare the air' in the Bay Area, as well as the arguments against the proposal. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Should Ethnic Studies Be Taught in California High Schools? Mar 14, 2023

California is the first state in the U.S. to require ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement, starting with the class of 2030. The hard part? Each district deciding how to teach it. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the differing approaches, and how Bay Area high school communities are responding. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How PG&E Is Delaying New Housing Mar 13, 2023

California's largest utility, PG&E, has obstructed newly constructed building projects by delaying their connection to the electrical grid — sometimes for months, even years. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to explain how lack of power has impacted the state's housing crisis, and how a new bill could help. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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‘From Victim to Actor’: What Ballroom Dance Means for Asian Seniors Mar 10, 2023

After tragedy struck an Asian ballroom dance studio in Monterey Park, host Cecilia Lei reports from ballroom studios and social dances in Oakland and San Francisco to see how Asian seniors are responding — and how dancing helps them find their personal power. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco's Crisis Teams Work. Why Are They Changing? Mar 09, 2023

San Francisco spent millions on new street teams that bring mental health services directly to people in need. Now, the city appears to be pulling back, removing clinicians from the streets. Opinion columnist and editorial writer Nuala Bishari joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about this change in approach and potential impacts. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What's Going On With This Record-Breaking Winter? Mar 08, 2023

Snow in the Berkeley Hills. Floods in the middle of San Francisco. A snowpack that's reached staggering heights. We're in the midst of an extreme winter, and another major storm is on the horizon. Chronicle meteorologist Gerry Díaz joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about this winter's record-breaking precipitation and its impact on California’s drought.| Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Do So Many Oakland Murders Go Unsolved? Mar 07, 2023

Last year, 120 people were killed in Oakland. But police recorded a homicide clearance rate of 36% — less than San Francisco and other big cities across the Bay Area and nationally. Reporters Joshua Sharpe and Susie Neilson join host Demian Bulwa to explain why so many homicides are going unsolved and what it means for families searching for answers. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How a Corporate Landlord Changed West Oakland Mar 06, 2023

An emerging class of corporate landlords has made millions of dollars by buying and renting out homes in low-income, Black neighborhoods. Chronicle data reporter Susie Neilson joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about one example in West Oakland and a worrying national trend of neglected properties and eviction threats. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Many Near Deaths of Tom Stienstra Mar 03, 2023

Longtime outdoors writer Tom Stienstra has stared down grizzly bears, steered clear of mountain lions and braved the elements. But his closest call was a recent cancer diagnosis. He joins Cecilia Lei to talk about meeting it with the same joie de vivre that made him fall in love with California’s natural beauty in the first place. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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'The Riders Come Out At Night': Corruption and Brutality Within Oakland PD Mar 02, 2023

For two decades, Oakland's police force has operated under court oversight — forced to reform itself as a result of a lawsuit brought by victims of the Riders, a group of officers accused of beating and framing people in front of a rookie cop who blew the whistle. Now, as OPD looks for another chief after the firing of LeRonne Armstrong, the department's failings are the subject of a new book, “The Riders Come out at Night.” Co-author Darwin BondGraham joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the department's troubled history and current roadblocks to reform. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California’s COVID Emergency Is Over, but Is the Pandemic? Mar 01, 2023

California just lifted its COVID-19 state of emergency. Local and federal assistance programs are expiring. No one wants to talk about the virus. But does that mean the pandemic’s truly a thing of the past? UCSF doctor Peter Chin-Hong joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about lingering COVID-19 risks, and what comes next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is Court-Ordered Treatment the Answer for S.F.'s Mental Health Crisis? Feb 28, 2023

San Francisco will be one of the inaugural counties to start using CARE court in October. The program could refer mentally ill homeless people to court-ordered treatment but some activists have disability rights concerns, and both critics and proponents of the law wonder if the city will be ready to provide comprehensive treatment. Chronicle reporters Sophia Bollag and Mallory Moench join host Cecilia Lei to talk about the state mandate and how CARE Court will function. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Anti-trans Culture War Hits the Bay Area Feb 27, 2023

Chloe Cole, an 18-year-old from the Central Valley, has sued Kaiser Permanente over gender-affirming care she was provided when she was younger. Cole says she has de-transitioned, and though her story is rare, she has been embraced by conservatives. As reporter Erin Allday tells host Demian Bulwa, Cole's lawsuit comes as efforts to expand transgender rights have met a fierce backlash that is now playing out in California courts. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Live With W. Kamau Bell: "It’s Not About Hashtags" Feb 24, 2023

In a wide-raging onstage conversation with host Cecilia Lei, the comic, host of CNN's "United Shades of America," producer and director of "We Have to Talk About Cosby" and co-author of "Do the Work: An Antiracist Activity Book" says being progressive is about just that — doing the work. This episode was recorded live at Manny’s in San Francisco as part of Fifth & Mission’s 1,000th episode celebration. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Live: Is Tech the New Frontier of Labor Organizing? Feb 23, 2023

Unite Here Local 2 president Anand Singh and Platformer managing editor Zoë Schiffer join host Cecilia Lei onstage to talk about how the pandemic has changed labor organizing. Work stoppages and strikes increased during the pandemic across industries. What does that mean for tech workers who face massive layoffs? This episode was recorded live at Manny’s in San Francisco as part of Fifth & Mission’s 1,000th episode celebration. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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In The Castro, A Tiny Homeless Program Shows Big Promise Feb 22, 2023

For the past five months, a San Francisco pilot initiative has been swarming the Castro’s most needy unhoused residents with services, support and “street magic.” Reporter Kevin Fagan joins Fifth & Mission host Cecilia Lei to share the program’s astonishing success — and why it will be so hard to expand it across the city. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Barbara Lee Launches Her Senate Campaign Feb 21, 2023

In announcing her candidacy to become only the third Black woman in the history of the body, Lee says that representation matters. She also tells It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli that while it’s harder for Black women progressives to raise funds, she’s proven herself up to the challenge in the past. And she says Sen. Dianne Feinstein has “done a phenomenal job,” but spells out how a Sen. Barbara Lee would be different. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fixing Our City: What San Francisco Can Learn From Portugal Decriminalizing Drugs Feb 20, 2023

Portugal’s decision to decriminalize drug possession as of 2001 garnered international attention. But that move was just part of the nation’s broader public health strategy to curb the devastating effects of an opioid epidemic. At the time, on average, Portugal had an overdose death every day. Today, it’s dramatically reduced the number of overdose deaths, HIV infections associated with drug use, and problematic heroin use. Meanwhile in San Francisco, overdose deaths have exploded. Dr. João Goulão, Portugal’s national coordinator for drugs and drug addiction, explains how the country’s approach was shaped and what the results have been. This episode of The Chronicle's Fixing Our City podcast was published Nov. 8. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fixing Our City is part of the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFNext Project

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Soleil Ho Pushes Back From the Table Feb 17, 2023

As The Chronicle's food critic, Soleil Ho has spent the past four years reviewing the Bay Area restaurant scene, and they won a James Beard Award for it last year. Now, they're moving to the Chronicle Opinion Section. Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why they're making that move. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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FDA Moves to Ease Ban on Blood Donations From Gay Men Feb 16, 2023

The decades-old policy was enacted in the worst days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and while it's been relaxed some in recent years, the latest change represents a major loosening of rules that gay rights activists have long said are needlessly stigmatizing and discriminatory. But some restrictions remain, including one that excludes anyone who uses PrEP, a drug highly effective at preventing HIV infection. Reporter Erin Allday and state Sen. Scott Wiener join host Demian Bulwa to talk about the policy change and the concerns that remain. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Will Dianne Feinstein’s Career Be Remembered? Feb 15, 2023

Chronicle Washington correspondent Shira Stein joins host and lead political writer Joe Garofolli to talk about what Dianne Feinstein has now said will be her final term in the Senate. They discuss a career marked by tragedy and perseverance — from the assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone to more recent battles over the issue most associated with her, gun safety. |Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SB35 Cuts Housing Red Tape. Should It Be Made Permanent? Feb 14, 2023

The 2017 law forces local governments to streamline construction projects if they don’t meet their state-mandated targets. It’s working to get housing built in San Francisco, but it’s set to expire at the end of 2025. Sen. Scott Wiener wants to make it permanent to fix California’s housing crisis. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss SB35's impact and why some are opposed to extending it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Brooke Jenkins to Drop SFPD Case, Blames Chesa Boudin Feb 13, 2023

The San Francisco district attorney intends to drop the historic prosecution of an SFPD officer who shot and killed an unarmed man. She claims her predecessor, Chesa Boudin, filed the manslaughter charges against Christopher Samayoa for political reasons, while Boudin says Jenkins is not interested in holding police accountable. Reporter Joshua Sharpe joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the death of Keita O’Neil and what it means in the context of the police reform movement nationally. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Mayor Breed: The State of the City is "Resilient" Feb 10, 2023

"You can write us off, but you better write in pencil," said London Breed in her state of the city address Thursday. City Hall reporter Mallory Moench joins host Joe Garofoli to talk about the mayor's vision for San Francisco, including plans to build 82,000 new housing units and bolster SFPD staffing numbers. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Does San Francisco Need a Red-Light District? Feb 09, 2023

Street prostitution has been an issue on Capp Street in the Mission District for decades. Chronicle reporter Rachel Swan joins host Dominic Fracassa to talk about San Francisco’s efforts to combat what’s become an “out of control” sex work scene there, including a bold proposal to legalize prostitution. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Inevitable": The Bay Area's Next Big Earthquake Feb 08, 2023

Over 7,000 people have been killed in Turkey and Syria from major earthquakes this week. How prepared are Bay Area cities for a similar quake? Geologist Austin Elliott of the USGS joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the probability of the Bay Area's next "big one" and how to prepare for it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The "Huge Impact" of Ending Pandemic Food Assistance Feb 07, 2023

The federal government has been providing emergency funds to tackle food insecurity since the start of the pandemic, but that support will end this month. Meg Davidson from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the local action that's needed now. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Community Not Cops: Are S.F.'s Street Teams Helping People in Crisis? Feb 06, 2023

San Francisco has half a dozen teams responding to people in crisis on the streets. Have these teams been effective? Chronicle reporter Mallory Moench joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the city’s new pilot program to address homelessness, and what the data tells us about the impact of San Francisco's crisis teams. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How S.F. Pride Plans to Counter Right-Wing Attacks Feb 03, 2023

The LGBTQ community is facing aggression on both the legislative and community levels. New San Francisco Pride president Nguyen Pham joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about being the first gay Vietnamese man to hold the position. He shares recent challenges for the queer community and how the backdrop of anti-trans legislation across the country is informing his local leadership. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Half Moon Bay Farmworker Living Conditions: "A Shadow Community" Feb 02, 2023

Last month's mass shooting highlighted problems that have long existed: Exploited populations living in substandard conditions on California farms. Reporters Matthias Gafni and Nora Mishanec join host Cecilia Lei to talk about what's been exposed since the shooting, and Darlene Tenes of Farmworker Caravan shares why deplorable living conditions at farms have been a long-standing crisis across the state. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Does California Have the Power to Go All-Electric? Feb 01, 2023

California is facing huge challenges as it fights climate change and the extreme weather that comes with it. On one hand, the state wants to limit carbon emissions by going all-electric — in your home and in your car. But it also needs to keep the lights on, building a stronger and more innovative power grid less prone to frustrating outages. Chronicle reporter Claire Hao joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about potential solutions. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can Santa Cruz Turn Back the Tide? Jan 31, 2023

Intense storms like the ones that just rolled through California, combined with rising sea levels, are endangering scenic shoreline areas like West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, where large chunks of bluffs fell into the sea earlier this month. Reporter Kurtis Alexander tells host Cecilia Lei that coastal cities are having to deal with problems like this years before they thought they’d have to. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Fuel for Propaganda": Understanding the Attack on Paul Pelosi Jan 30, 2023

Law enforcement officials have released recordings that document what happened before and after the attack on Paul Pelosi in the home he shares with then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Abner Hauge, editor-in-chief of Left Coast Right Watch, which monitors alt-right extremism, joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about attacker David Wayne DePape and his extremist rhetoric. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's 2024 Senate Race Is On Jan 27, 2023

Almost two years before Election Day, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff have tossed their hats in the ring, and Barbara Lee is making plans. Washington correspondent Shira Stein joins host Joe Garofoli to talk about who else might run for the seat now held by Dianne Feinstein, who's expected to retire, and how they'll raise the enormous amounts of money required. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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An Accountability Crisis at the Oakland Police Department — Again Jan 26, 2023

Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong is on paid administrative leave after a report said he mishandled an officer misconduct investigation. Chronicle reporters Sarah Ravani and Joshua Sharpe join host Demian Bulwa to discuss the latest scandal to rock the department, and whether Armstrong can keep his job and keep OPD on the path to ending 20 years of federal oversight. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can California Prevent More Mass Shootings? Jan 25, 2023

The state has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, including background checks and bans on assault-style weapons, but mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay this week have left the state reeling. Assembly Member Evan Low joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the limits of state legislation — and the support that AAPI communities need now. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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5 Oakland Schools Won’t Close, But Trouble Remains Jan 24, 2023

The newly elected Oakland school board reversed the controversial decision to shutter several elementary schools. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how that reversal may have serious consequences across the district, as well as the financial uncertainty that continues. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How SFPD Language Reveals Racial Bias Jan 23, 2023

A Chronicle analysis of more than three years of police data has found that San Francisco cops used terms like “marijuana” and “baggy” clothing to justify searches of Black residents that yielded no contraband. Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips and reporter Susie Neilson join host Cecilia Lei to explain the issue and the city’s plan to end pretextual stops. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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11 Million Bucks or the Bay Bridge Lights Go Dark Jan 20, 2023

The Bay Bridge has sparkled for 10 years with a light installation designed by artist Leo Villareal. But the display costs millions to maintain and, with funds drying up, could soon go dark forever. Columnist and TotalSF podcast co-host Heather Knight and urban design critic John King join host Cecilia Lei to argue the cases for — and against — a fund-raising campaign to preserve the Bay Lights. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can San Francisco Ever Be Ready for the New Breed of Storms? Jan 19, 2023

Climate change has unleashed flurries of rain on a city with an antiquated sewer system, and the severity of future storms is not going to lessen. Reporter St. John "Sinjin" Barned-Smith joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what San Francisco officials can and can't do, and a brewing fight over who will pay for the extensive damage. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Chronicle Weather: sfchronicle.com/weather

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What’s Different About the Most Recent Tech Layoffs? Jan 18, 2023

Entrepreneur Roger Lee started tracking tech sector layoffs in March 2020. Since then, Bay Area tech companies — including Twitter, Meta, Salesforce and Lyft — have laid off more than 93,000 employees. Lee joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the scale of recent layoffs, their effects on the tech sector, and what job seekers might expect in the coming months. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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“It’s Just So Jarring”: A Photographer Covers Flooding in Her Hometown Jan 17, 2023

After years of covering California disasters, Chronicle photojournalist Jessica Christian turned the lens to Sunol, where she grew up. The small town flooded during recent heavy rains, and she shares with host Demian Bulwa what it was like to watch her family’s memories and relics get destroyed — and how her local community came together to support one another. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Best of 5M: The Case for a 4-Day Work Week Jan 16, 2023

Originally published Dec. 7, 2021: The pandemic has upended the traditional work week and some Bay Area employers are experimenting with a switch to a 32-hour work week. Critics say that the model would be costly and stunt job growth but Chronicle reporter Carolyn Said joins host Cecilia Lei to share results that say otherwise. Also: CommonFuture's VP of People Operations, Joann Lee Wagner, talks about why the four-day work week is about equity. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why S.F. Leaders Are Responsible for that Viral Hose Video Jan 13, 2023

The clip that captured an art gallery owner spraying a homeless woman with a hose sparked massive outrage. Chronicle columnist and editorial writer Nuala Bishari joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why San Francisco's failure to manage homelessness has fueled tensions in the city and why human compassion is key to finding solutions. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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It’s Unhappy Hour for Bay Area Bar Culture Jan 12, 2023

COVID-19 hit local nightlife hard, and it hasn’t come all the way back. Bar owners are struggling to find ways to attract customers who have changed their socializing habits during the pandemic. Chronicle senior wine critic Esther Mobley joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the how bar owners are adapting and what's at stake if bar culture doesn't bounce back. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Just Put the People First": Jackie Speier on Her Legacy Jan 11, 2023

After nearly five decades of public service and 15 years representing San Francisco and San Mateo counties in the House of Representatives, Jackie Speier has retired from Congress. Washington correspondent Shira Stein joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the conversation she shared with Speier near the end of her term, which included thoughts on her legacy as well as her personal tragedies and regrets. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: Scroll to the Nov. 16, 2021 episode to hear Speier talk to Joe Garofoli about her retirement announcement.

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17 Ballots Later, a Surprise Win for Aaron Peskin Jan 10, 2023

Though incumbent San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton was favored to be reelected, deadlocked votes and an impasse led to Peskin winning the job. Chronicle reporter J.D. Morris joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the dramatic election and what Peskin's leadership may signal for city governance. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Tiny Homes at 16th and Mission: Will It Help Homelessness? Jan 09, 2023

Other Bay Area cities have used tiny homes to address the housing crisis, but San Francisco has been slow to embrace the model. Chronicle reporter Trisha Thadani joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss a proposal to build a temporary tiny cabin village at 16th and Mission, and why that may signal a shift in how the city is addressing homelessness. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Future of Gavin Newsom's Political Power Jan 06, 2023

California's governor was to be inaugurated for his second term Friday after facing down a number of challenges, including a recall election and the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronicle political reporters Dustin Gardiner and Sophia Bollag join host Cecilia Lei to reflect on the highs and lows of his leadership and his increasing national influence. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Fixing Homelessness Is Personal for Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Jan 05, 2023

Sheng Thao will soon be inaugurated as Oakland’s new mayor. The daughter of Hmong refugees and survivor of domestic violence joins host Joe Garofoli to speak about her journey to the mayor's office, including how she plans to tackle Oakland’s homelessness crisis — something she’s experienced firsthand. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How to Weather the "Bomb Cyclone" Storm Jan 04, 2023

While some Bay Area residents are still recovering from the New Year’s Eve storm, Wednesday’s “bomb cyclone” storm is threatening the region with further devastation. Chronicle meteorologist Gerry Diaz joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what to expect, why this latest storm is dangerous and how you can stay safe. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Put Down the Baggage": How to Avoid Chronic Stress Jan 03, 2023

Exercising and healthy eating are common new year's resolutions but Dr. Elissa Epel, author of "The Stress Prescription: 7 Days to More Joy and Ease," shares why stress management might be the most important goal you make this year. She joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss simple tips to alleviate stress and anxiety as we enter another year of the pandemic and tackle other uncertainties. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Surprised Us and What We Missed in 2022 Dec 21, 2022

For the last Fifth & Mission episode of the year, Chronicle reporters and editors talk about the news story that surprised them the most in 2022, and what story they think the newsroom overlooked. Plus, editor-in-chief Emilio Garcia-Ruiz joins host Cecilia Lei to reflect on what it's been like to lead the newsroom since coming to San Francisco in 2020, and he shares his thoughts on the future of journalism. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Dispatch From Ukraine: Berkeley Student Shares His Experience of War Dec 20, 2022

Maksym Dubkov, a Ukrainian graduate student who spoke to Fifth & Mission shortly after Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, paused his graduate studies to return home over the summer. He founded a volunteer organization to provide humanitarian aid to the areas most affected by the war. He joins Cecilia Lei to talk about his experience and what he wants Americans to understand about Ukraine. Plus, volunteer paramedic Olha Bihotska and university student Kateryna Vazhnenko talk about their lives since Russia's invasion. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Bitter Taste of Gentrification Dec 19, 2022

Calavera is an upscale Mexican restaurant in Uptown Oakland that claims to be influenced by Oaxacan culture. But Chronicle food critic Cesar Hernandez says the restaurant exemplifies "food gentrification." He joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the fine line between upscale Mexican food and cultural appropriation, and how restaurant patrons can be more conscious in their dining choices. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Cal-OSHA Ends Mandatory COVID Sick Pay Dec 16, 2022

California's workplace regulators have passed a new set of rules that no longer require employers to pay workers to stay home if they catch the virus. Reporter Chase DiFeliciantoniojoins host Demian Bulwa with details. Plus: Reporter Mallory Moench talks about staff shortages at San Francisco General Hospital and 911 dispatch as COVID surges. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Unseen Overdose Crisis: Inside San Francisco’s SROs Dec 15, 2022

San Francisco has made efforts to address its drug overdose crisis, but the city has largely overlooked one area: its own supportive housing system. A disproportionate number of people are dying of drug overdoses inside city-funded single room occupancy buildings, or SROs. Chronicle reporters Joaquin Palomino and Trisha Thadani join host Cecilia Lei to discuss their latest investigation and how the city has neglected to protect its most vulnerable residents. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Slow is S.F.'s Building Permit Approval Process? Dec 14, 2022

San Francisco has a bad reputation when it comes to building housing: It takes a staggeringly long time. That's not good in a city in the midst of a housing crisis, struggling to meet state-mandated quotes for building. Chronicle reporters Dustin Gardiner and Susie Neilson join host Cecilia Lei to discuss just how long it takes to get a permit, why it's gotten this bad, and the larger costs of the city's flawed system. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Striking UC Academics Get a Lift From Traditional Unions Dec 13, 2022

Blue-collar labor is supporting the researchers, scholars and graduate workers who have walked out at the University of California. Reporter Ryan Kost tells host Dominic Fracassa that the teamsters, electricians and hotel workers showing solidarity with what used to be considered "ivory tower" types are signaling a shift in what it means to be “working class.” | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A New Variant on a COVID Winter Surge Dec 12, 2022

Along with ugly sweaters and vows not to discuss politics, COVID is again poised to be a major theme of the holidays. In the Bay Area, a surge of the virus has begun, thanks to a range of factors including the spread of new immune-evasive omicron subvariants. What does the winter have in store? Chronicle reporters Aidin Vaziri and Claire Hao join host Demian Bulwa to discuss what listeners need to know right now about booster vaccines, treatments, the strain on hospitals and the (very slim) possibility of mask mandates. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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One Man's Long Road Back From Fentanyl Dec 09, 2022

Ben Campofreda turned from prescribed oxycodone to heroin and then fentanyl to treat chronic back pain. Unlike more than 500 people who have died from accidental overdoses in San Francisco this year, he fought his way to sobriety. Columnist and Total SF co-host Heather Knight talks to Cecilia Lei about his remarkable story, and we hear from Ben himself, who says the city has to do more for people trying to navigate its system of aid. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Story Behind Those Killer Robots Dec 08, 2022

All of a sudden in recent weeks, everyone in San Francisco was talking about killer robots. What happened? Chronicle reporter J.D. Morris joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about why San Francisco police sought approval to use robots to kill suspects in extreme circumstances — and why the Board of Supervisors flip-flopped amid backlash. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Case for a 4-Day Work Week Dec 07, 2022

The pandemic has upended the traditional work week and some Bay Area employers are experimenting with a switch to a 32-hour work week. Critics say that the model would be costly and stunt job growth but Chronicle reporter Carolyn Said joins host Cecilia Lei to share results that say otherwise. Also: CommonFuture's VP of People Operations, Joann Lee Wagner, talks about why the four-day work week is about equity. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Did San Francisco's Tenderloin Center Shut Down? Dec 06, 2022

Mayor London Breed declared a state of emergency a year ago to quickly open the Tenderloin Center as a response to San Francisco's drug overdose crisis. It provided treatment options, meals and a space for safe drug consumption. After less than a year of operations, the controversial center shut down. Chronicle reporter Mallory Moench joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why, and to talk about how the city plans to address its drug epidemic now. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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New Year, New Laws: Here's 14 Californians Should Know Dec 05, 2022

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed nearly 1,000 bills into law in 2022, the most productive law-making year since the start of the pandemic. Chronicle reporters Sophia Bollag and Dustin Gardiner join host Cecilia Lei to discuss a handful that you should know about, from big issues like gun safety and abortion to smaller ones like jaywalking and selling fur. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Ex-GOP Rep.: McCarthy "Drunk on His Own Bathwater" Dec 02, 2022

Denver Riggleman, who worked for the Jan. 6 committee after losing his reelection bid in 2020, has written a book on that work called "The Breach." He talks to host Joe Garofoli about what's next for the investigation, how Republicans aren't likely to abandon Trump, and what motivates the likely next speaker of the House. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Children's Deaths Raise Questions About John Muir Health's Pediatric Care Dec 01, 2022

A partnership between Stanford and John Muir Health has promised convenient and quality pediatric care for families in the East Bay, but the deaths of four children are raising questions about the hospital's capabilities. Chronicle reporters Matthias Gafni and Cynthia Dizikes join host Cecilia Lei to discuss their follow-up investigation into John Muir Health and the care provided in the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Oakland Mayor-elect Sheng Thao Plans to Lead the City Nov 30, 2022

The 37-year-old progressive will be the first Hmong American to lead a major U.S. city. How does she plan to tackle its biggest issues? Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what Thao plans to do in her first months as mayor to address Oakland's pressing problems around public safety, homelessness and economic uncertainty. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Twitter Layoffs and the Immigration Fallout Nov 29, 2022

With Silicon Valley tech heavyweights like Twitter and Meta cutting jobs, thousands of people are looking for work. But for immigrants on H-1B visas, the consequence of not finding something quickly can be life-changing. Chronicle reporter Carolyn Said tells host Demian Bulwa about her recent conversations with these laid-off workers — and whether anything can or should be done to change things. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Knocking Down Mental Health Taboos in Sports Nov 28, 2022

Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Klay Thompson are some of the pro athletes who have opened up about their issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic has both created mental health challenges and spotlighted the opportunity to discuss them in a new way. Chronicle sportswriters Marisa Ingemi and Connor Letourneau join host Cecilia Lei to talk about the changing attitudes — from the NBA to youth sports, crowd behavior to injury treatment — and why that matters for everyone. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fixing Our City: Lessons From Portugal Decriminalizing Drugs Nov 23, 2022

We're sharing this episode of the Fixing Our City podcast from The Chronicle's SFNext Project in which host Laura Wenus talks to Dr. João Goulão, Portugal's drug policy coordinator, about that country's decision to decriminalize drug possession in response to an opioid epidemic similar to the one San Francisco is struggling with. That was in 2001. Today, Portugal has dramatically reduced the number of overdose deaths, HIV infections associated with drug use, and problematic heroin use. Fifth & Mission returns with new episodes Monday. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Best of 5M: Oakland Skaters Fight For the Right to Roll Nov 22, 2022

The COVID pandemic caused a roller skating boom. Now, skaters in West Oakland are fighting for a rink of their own. Producer Caron Creighton reports on the efforts of the skating group Panther Skate, the history of Black roller skating and why the sport is deeply personal for the community. Fifth & Mission returns with new episodes Monday. | UnlimitedChronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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COVID, RSV and the Flu: Tips for a Healthy Holiday Nov 21, 2022

This might be the most normal holiday season in recent years, except for the "tripledemic." That collision of COVID-19, the flu and RSV — a troubling respiratory virus affecting young children — is worrying health experts. UCSF's Dr. Peter Chin-Hong joins Cecilia Lei to discuss what makes this season challenging and how to stay safe, as well as his reflections on nearly three years of the coronavirus pandemic. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Life After Pelosi for House Democrats Nov 18, 2022

Now that the two-time speaker has announced that she's stepping down from leadership, who will succeed her, and can they lead as successfully as she did? It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli joins Cecilia Lei to talk about the next two years, and then Joe chats with John Lawrence, Pelosi’s former chief of staff and the author of the book “Arc of Power, Inside Nancy Pelosi’s Speakership, 2005-2010,” about her leadership style. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Another Trump Run Means for California Nov 17, 2022

The former president on the ballot for a second presidential term is bad news for California Republicans — not to mention all the people he’s maligned with his racist, sexist, homophobic rhetoric. Reporters Shira Stein and Dustin Gardiner join host Joe Garofoli to talk about the Former Guy's new White House run. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How UC Academic Workers Became Labor Organizers Nov 16, 2022

Amid a groundswell of labor actions in recent years, University of California academic workers have organized the largest strike in the history of U.S. higher education. Chronicle reporter Nanette Asimov joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what they're demanding, and Ken Jacobs, the director of UC Berkeley's Labor Center, explains why organized labor is making a comeback. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Cultural District Gives S.F. Pacific Islanders Overdue Visibility Nov 15, 2022

San Francisco's Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt legislation Tuesday that will establish a Pacific Islander Cultural District. Reporter Elissa Miolene joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the unique challenges facing the population, and activist Gaynorann Siataga talks about the decades of work that have made the cultural district a reality. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Elon Musk is "Destroying" Twitter's Value Nov 14, 2022

Since buying Twitter, the billionaire's leadership has resulted in massive layoffs, executive resignations and other questionable business decisions. Casey Newton, editor of the Platformer newsletter and co-host of the Hard Fork podcast, joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the internal chaos at Twitter, and the tech industry's future as a possible recession nears. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Lifting Veterans From San Francisco's Streets Nov 11, 2022

At a supportive housing complex near Oracle Park, 62 military veterans who were once on the streets have started new lives. There are counseling offices, a computer lab and a garden. The Edwin M. Lee Apartments are a model for how to attack homelessness, Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan tells host Demian Bulwa. Fagan discusses why the national homeless count among veterans dropped dramatically from 2010 to 2016 — and why that trend stalled under the Trump administration. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Willie Mays: "He Changed Lives, He Changed Minds" Nov 10, 2022

The San Francisco Giants icon is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. A new HBO documentary, "Say Hey, Willie Mays!" tells his story, from growing up in the Jim Crow South to capturing the imaginations of fans across the country. Chronicle national baseball writer and Mays biographer John Shea, who is featured in the film, joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the racism Mays faced when the Giants moved from New York to San Francisco after the 1957 season, his quiet civil rights activism, and why everyone should learn about his legacy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Election Night: What Happened and What's Next Nov 09, 2022

Gavin Newsom was re-elected, San Francisco D.A. Brooke Jenkins was heading toward victory and California voters were defeating efforts to legalize sports betting. Nationally, the Republicans' "red wave" didn't materialize as abortion rights and the specter of Donald Trump and election denial loomed large. Joe Garofoli, Mallory Moench and Demian Bulwa break down the results from Tuesday's pivotal election. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Embattled Election Officials Face the Midterms Nov 08, 2022

A new survey found that one in five elections officials say they are likely to leave their jobs before the 2024 election. Escalating hostility and conspiracy theories, including 2020's "Big Lie," are to blame. Chronicle reporter Shwanika Narayan joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how election workers are faring during the midterms, and Contra Costa County's deputy chief clerk recorder, Tommy Gong, shares what's needed to keep election workers safe. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Your Catalytic Converter Got Stolen. Where Did It Go? Nov 07, 2022

Brazen thefts of catalytic converters are exploding around the Bay Area, costing people thousands of dollars and in some cases leading to violence. So what's going on and why can't we stop it? Chronicle reporter Nora Mishanec tells host Demian Bulwa the answers lie in a shocking case in which the converters were sawed off cars, trafficked through a Northern California family and shipped across the country. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Elon Musk's Twitter Takeover Means for You Nov 04, 2022

The richest person on earth and self-proclaimed "free speech absolutist" has taken over the bird app. What does that mean for the platform's content moderation and users? Emily Dreyfuss, the co-author of “Meme Wars: The Untold Story of the Online Battles Upending Democracy in America,” joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how Musk may fundamentally change Twitter — and the entire social media landscape. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can’t Afford to Live in the Bay Area? Your New Region Might Be Hotter Nov 03, 2022

In response to high living costs, many California residents have moved to more affordable areas of the state that will also face the highest temperature increases by the end of the century. Chronicle reporter Yoohyun Jung joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss her latest data analysis — and how non-white communities will face key challenges to adapt to climate change. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will Alliances Sway the Race For Oakland Mayor? Nov 02, 2022

In the final week before Election Day, the Oakland mayoral race is still a toss up with plenty of homestretch drama. Two front runners have emerged from a field of 10, and some candidates are forming alliances to try to influence the ranked choice vote. Bay Area Democratic consultant Jim Ross tells It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli why that may not be the best idea, then Chronicle East Bay reporter Sarah Ravani explains an ongoing ethical investigation into one of the leading candidates. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Note: This episode has been edited to correct an error about the number of candidates San Francisco voters can rank.

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Paul Pelosi Attack: How To Address Political Violence Nov 01, 2022

With midterm elections just one week away, the assault on Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is illuminating the country's increasing surge of political violence. Dr. Garen Wintemute of UC Davis says the problem goes beyond politics. He joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss findings from a nationwide study he led that shows how Americans are resorting to violence to achieve political objectives, and he shares possible solutions. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Are the 49ers Trying to Sway Santa Clara's Elections? Oct 31, 2022

The San Francisco 49ers have long had a contentious relationship with the city they moved to in 2014. Team owner Jed York has spent millions of dollars for 49ers-friendly candidates since 2020, including a new high of $3.8 million this year. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why this year's mayoral race is so heated, and the debate it's prompted over corporate influence on local democracy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Opaque Oil Refineries, Record-High Gas Prices Oct 28, 2022

California residents have had to contend with the highest gas prices in the country, and oil refinery shutdowns have been named as the primary cause. Why do outages at refineries take place without a lot of public transparency, and what else might be contributing to high costs at the gas pump? Chronicle reporter Claire Hao joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why state lawmakers and energy experts are scrutinizing oil refineries closely. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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S.F. Housing Props D & E Got You Confused? Here's Help Oct 27, 2022

Both propositions aim to speed up housing construction in San Francisco by streamlining the approval process. But why are there two? And will either one work? Reporter Noah Arroyo joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the competing measures and talk about a bigger question: Is putting complex, competing propositions before voters any way to run a city? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

San Francisco Chronicle Voter Guide: sfchronicle.com/voterguide

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Beyond Policing: How to Keep S.F. Asian Americans Safe Oct 26, 2022

In response to increased violence and crimes against San Francisco's Asian American population, many in the community have prescribed more policing and prosecutions as the solution. In an SFNext Solutions Conference panel discussion with host Cecilia Lei, Sarah Wan, director of the Community Youth Center, and Eddy Zheng, president of the New Breath Foundation, offer another take: San Francisco should invest in racial solidarity and long-term solutions to achieve public safety. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

SFNext project: sfchronicle.com/sfnext

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Test Scores Show COVID's Toll on Students Oct 25, 2022

California was one of the last states to abandon remote learning, and many parents argued that such pandemic policies were detrimental to the education and mental health of students. Did the state take the right or wrong strategy? New state and national standardized test scores released on Monday may help shed light. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the data and what it means for local districts as they try to recover. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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NIMBY Cities Push Bogus Housing Plans Oct 24, 2022

Under California law, all cities must show how they plan to build their share of needed housing in the years to come. But as Chronicle senior political writer and It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli tells Demian Bulwa, some of these plans, known as housing elements, include homes on seemingly improbable sites — like over a creek or on a lot occupied by a supermarket. Will the state finally crack down on cities' fake blueprints for housing? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Ignore the N.Y. Times: San Francisco's Art Scene Is Thriving Oct 21, 2022

An August piece in the Times said the Bay Area scene is "struggling," and that artists were "fleeing" to Los Angeles. Chronicle arts and culture writer Tony Bravo joins host Cecilia Lei to offer a rebuttal. Plus: Alison Gass, the founding director of the new Institute of Contemporary Arts San Francisco shares why she believes the local art scene is booming. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Are Bay Area School Districts Facing a Conservative Takeover? Oct 20, 2022

Right-leaning groups have spent millions of dollars on conservative candidates in local school board elections across the country to push back on what they believe is a liberal tide in classrooms. Has the national movement hit the Bay Area? Chronicle reporters Sophia Bollag and Joshua Sharpe join host Cecilia Lei to discuss what's been going on in Contra Costa County. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The $1.7 Million Bathroom: A San Francisco Story Oct 19, 2022

In a city known for the high price of everything from pastries to parking, the estimated cost of a new public bathroom in Noe Valley is still a shocker: $1.7 million. Chronicle City Hall columnist and Total SF co-host Heather Knight joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about how a 150-square-foot room with a single toilet could cost so much — and why taxpayers should take notice. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Dorsey vs. Mahogany: The District Six Showdown Oct 18, 2022

In the November election, San Francisco voters will decide whether some of Mayor London Breed's recent appointees will stay in office, including Matt Dorsey, the incumbent District Six supervisor. Dorsey's competitor is Honey Mahogany, who would be the city's first transgender supervisor. Chronicle reporter J.D. Morris joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss where they stand on critical issues, and why this race matters for all city residents. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Mission District COVID Clinic’s Outsized Impact Oct 17, 2022

When health officials and community members partnered to open a COVID-19 clinic in San Francisco's Mission District, the initial goal was to help Latinos who were hard-hit by the disease. But the clinic became much more, not only giving over 90,000 tests and more than 60,000 vaccines, but contributing to vital research and even growing to provide other services. Reporter Erin Allday joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss the past — and uncertain future — of this "living laboratory." | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How California Fails to Regulate Toxic Gun Ranges Oct 14, 2022

Lead poisoning causes many health risks, including organ damage and lowered IQ. Toxic lead inside California's gun ranges has endangered workers, customers and their surrounding environments. So why hasn't the state implemented standards and regulations? Reporter Joe Rubin joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss his investigation. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Soleil Ho Finally Reviews the French Laundry Oct 13, 2022

The French Laundry is a food mecca in Napa Valley. Chronicle food critic Soleil Ho tells host Cecilia Lei and a Twitter Spaces audience all the inside information about the legendary restaurant: How it became such a revered spot, tips on getting a reservation and, most importantly, is it worth the splurge? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How to Win a Civil War That Never Ended Oct 12, 2022

Author and political commentator Steve Phillips says the American Civil War — an existential battle between white supremacy and a multiracial democracy — is still going. The host of the Democracy in Color podcast joins It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to talk about the ideas in his new book, "How We Win the Civil War." He also talks about the racial controversy embroiling the Los Angeles City Council, which he says represents “the next level of fight.”

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Can San Francisco Build 82,000 New Homes? Oct 11, 2022

Amid political jousting over housing prices, the city faces a state mandate: It must build — or at least plan to build — 82,000 units by 2031. And more than half need to be considered affordable. Chronicle reporter J.K. Dineen walks host Demian Bulwa through the city's plan to focus on westside neighborhoods like the Sunset and Richmond. But as Dineen explains, the high cost of building remains a huge obstacle. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Students Say Stanford Falling Short on Mental Health Oct 10, 2022

Last year's string of student suicides, including star athlete Katie Meyer, has prompted students to question the university's mental health services. With a new academic year underway, Stanford's promises to increase mental health staffing remain unfulfilled. Melissa Newcomb reports what Stanford students say is lacking on campus, and how the university is defending its approach. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

If you need help, the phone number for the national suicide and crisis hotline is 988.

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Racial Profiling or Public Safety? S.F. Debates Pretextual Stops Oct 07, 2022

The San Francisco police commission has proposed a policy that would stop officers from pulling over motorists for minor infractions like littering or driving without registration tags. It's an effort to reduce racial profiling, but some critics say it would make the city less safe. Chronicle reporters Megan Cassidy and Susie Neilson join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the debate, and why others think the proposal doesn't go far enough. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Ballot: What Are All These Propositions About? Oct 06, 2022

State Capitol reporters Dustin Gardiner and Sophia Bollag join Joe Garofoli to break down November ballot initiatives about abortion, flavored tobacco, kidney dialysis and a tax initiative that has Gov. Newsom siding with Republicans. And gambling industry analyst and investor Chris Grove joins Joe to talk about Props. 26 and 27, which have broken records for campaign spending. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A New Bay Area Serial Killer? Oct 05, 2022

True crime has been a popular entertainment genre but the latest news is hitting close to home. A possible serial killer in Stockton has been linked to an Oakland murder, and communities are on edge. Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the case and the enduring fascination with true crime. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: The Doodler — sfchronicle.com/doodler

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Breed Family Matters: The Case of Napoleon Brown Oct 04, 2022

Mayor London Breed's brother, Napoleon Brown, has served more than two decades in prison. While his case has mostly been a footnote in the mayor's story, public scrutiny was raised once Breed appointed new D.A. Brooke Jenkins. Chronicle reporter Megan Cassidy joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the new state laws that could reduce Brown's prison term — and how S.F. politics is impacting his case. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Latino Residents Demand Justice After San Rafael Police Beating Oct 03, 2022

The Canal neighborhood is over 90 percent Latino and is the most segregated neighborhood in the Bay Area. When body-camera footage revealed the police beating of a day laborer, Latino residents decried what they say is the longstanding mistreatment by the city's police. Chronicle reporters Joshua Sharpe and Joel Umanzor join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the incident and the limits of local police reforms. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Rent Control Debate Moves to the Suburbs Sep 30, 2022

Around the Bay Area, a new movement has emerged from the ruin of the pandemic. Cities like Concord, Richmond and Petaluma are moving to enact protections for renters, much to the frustration of property owners. The latest salvo came in Antioch, where leaders this week approved capping many landlords at 3% annual price increases. Chronicle housing reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss the debate and why it has spread beyond tenant advocacy hot spots like San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What's At Stake For Mayor Breed This November? Sep 29, 2022

Though her name doesn't appear on the ballot, the upcoming November election may be consequential for Mayor London Breed's political future. Voters will weigh in on local measures and the fate of five Breed appointees, including District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. Chronicle reporter Mallory Moench joins host Cecilia Lei to breakdown the ballot and how it matters for the mayor.

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The Case of the Alleged Serial Stalker in S.F. Sep 28, 2022

In 2021, a San Francisco Superior Court judge dismissed a case against Bill Gene Hobbs, a man with a long record who had allegedly harassed a teenage girl. Since then, women have turned to social media to allege they've also been stalked and harassed by Hobbs. Chronicle columnist Heather Knight joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why the saga highlights the shortcomings of the city's criminal justice system.

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Hawaii Faces the Consequences of Remote Workers Sep 27, 2022

When the pandemic closed offices and quieted cities, hundreds of office workers ditched the Bay Area for greener pastures: Hawaii. In exchange for free airplane tickets, remote nomads signed up to boost the local economy during a tourism downturn. Chronicle reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how remote workers impacted the state, and why some people in Hawaii are still urging them to stay, even as companies are urging a return to the office. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How The Pandemic Created a School Absenteeism Crisis Sep 26, 2022

Chronic absenteeism — missing at least 10% of school days — has reached devastating levels in San Francisco. Last year, almost a third of public school students were chronically absent, and those missed days can add up to serious repercussions for kids’ learning and progress. Education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss how the pandemic contributed to an absenteeism crisis, which students are most affected and what schools are doing to get kids back in class. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fixing Our City: How S.F. Is Helping Residents Get Out of Debt Sep 23, 2022

Poor financial health can keep people from accessing city services like affordable housing. Even if they otherwise qualify. So San Francisco has developed a program that provides anyone who lives in, works in or gets services from the city with a financial coach free of charge. On this episode of The Chronicle's Fixing Our City podcast, producer Cintia Lopez test-drives the program by talking to a Smart Money Coach about her own finances. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fixing Our City is part of the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFNext Project

Got a tip, question, comment? Email us at sfnext@sfchronicle.com

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Who Will Be The Next Mayor of Oakland? Sep 22, 2022

The Oakland mayor’s race is heating up. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and San Francisco Mayor London Breed have both thrown their support behind Council Member Loren Taylor. But those endorsements could be a double-edged sword. Chronicle East Bay Reporter Sarah Ravani and Senior Political Writer Joe Garofoli join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the outlook for the race, the controversy it has created and who is Taylor’s greatest challenger. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Was Biden Right to Say "The Pandemic is Over"? Sep 21, 2022

On "60 Minutes" Sunday, the president declared the end of the pandemic. Many public health experts disagreed with Biden's comment while others aligned with the sentiment. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the Bay Area is doing with COVID-19 and the implications of Biden's statement. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Who Owns All the Housing in the Bay Area? Sep 20, 2022

Property ownership and management in the Bay Area have become more corporatized, making it difficult for some tenants to figure out who exactly is their landlord. In one of its biggest data projects to-date, The Chronicle created a centralized database to help residents figure that out. Editor Dan Kopf and reporter Susie Neilson join host Cecilia Lei to discuss why it matters. Plus: Reporter Lauren Hepler shares her reporting on Veritas, a company that operates thousands of rental units in San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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S.F. Schools Sued In Sex Abuse Case Sep 19, 2022

A lawsuit on behalf of a pair of former San Francisco students is raising questions about the public district's response to sexual abuse claims. Both women say they were sexually abused by the same athletic director when they were students at George Washington High. After an internal investigation, The Chronicle found, the district moved to fire the man — but then allowed him to quietly resign in a settlement. Investigative reporter Cynthia Dizikes joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss the case and concerns over whether such settlements allow educators to move from district to district. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland Skaters Fight For the Right to Roll Sep 16, 2022

The COVID pandemic caused a roller skating boom. Now, skaters in West Oakland are fighting for a rink of their own. Producer Caron Creighton reports on the efforts of the skating group Panther Skate, the history of Black roller skating and why the sport is deeply personal for the community. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How McClymonds High Created a Generation of Heroes Sep 15, 2022

A quartet of sports superstars, three of whom became leaders away from the field, roamed the West Oakland campus at the same time in the '50s. Reporter Ron Kroichick joins Demian Bulwa to talk about how the school and the community nurtured future icons Bill Russell, Frank Robinson and Curt Flood. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Sonoma County Is Leading a Movement to Ban New Gas Stations Sep 14, 2022

By 2035, all new cars sold in California will be zero-emission. Sonoma County environmentalists have proposed one of the most aggressive policy ideas yet to help the state's transition to electric cars: Ban construction of new gas stations. Activist Woody Hastings joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the local effort that is quickly spreading across the state and beyond. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How the Bay Area Is Paying Reparations Sep 13, 2022

Local and state governments have been trying to figure out how to undo historical harms for some communities of color. Oakland has handed land back to Indigenous control and Hayward is exploring reparations for Russell City, a city that was erased nearly 60 years ago. Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani and columnist Justin Phillips join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the latest local efforts and the challenges ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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When Should You Get the New Omicron Booster? Sep 12, 2022

The latest round of shots is a milestone in how quickly science is able to respond to ever-evolving COVID-19. But with pandemic and vaccination fatigue setting in, does such a breakthrough even matter? Chronicle health reporter Catherine Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how to think about boosters, and if and when you should get them. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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50 Years of BART: The Good, the Bad and the Weird Sep 09, 2022

Bay Area Rapid Transit began service 50 years ago, on Sept. 11, 1972. Chronicle urban design critic John King and Total SF co-host Peter Hartlaub join host Cecilia Lei to discuss how far the system's come from its original vision, what's still missing, and some of BART's stranger moments. Plus: Newsroom developer Emma Stiefel talks about a game that lets YOU design the future of BART. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How California Is Rethinking Homeless Shelters Sep 08, 2022

As mayor of San Francisco, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that "shelters don't solve homelessness." But the state has continued to rely on shelters as stopgap solutions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronicle housing reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to explain how shelters are making a policy comeback — and creating new debates over the merits of "right to shelter" proposals. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why This Heat Wave Is Historic Sep 07, 2022

The Bay Area and Northern California have been punished by record-breaking temperatures for almost a week. In some cities, the mercury has climbed past 110 degrees. Chronicle meteorologist Gerry Diaz joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what's causing it, the future of heat waves — and how you can beat the heat. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Chronicle heat live blog: sfchronicle.com/heatwave

Chronicle wildfire tracker: sfchronicle.com/firemap

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Photographing a Day In the Life of Women Working Sep 06, 2022

In honor of Labor Day, five Chronicle photojournalists embedded with working moms for 24 hours. Photographers Brontë Wittpenn, Gabrielle Lurie and Lea Suzuki join Lily Janiak to talk about what they documented and what it meant to them as the women spent sometimes hectic days working their jobs — including the ones at home that don't come with a paycheck. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Gavin Newsom Shaped a Busy Legislative Session Sep 02, 2022

California's Legislature passed groundbreaking bills on homelessness and climate change before adjourning for the year. Now, that legislation is in the hands of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Capitol reporters Sophia Bollag and Dustin Gardiner, fresh off a late night reporting on the final session, talk to It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli about how Newsom drove those policies and how they'll affect his national profile. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Whales Talk to Each Other to Adapt to Climate Change Sep 01, 2022

Scientists are using underwater audio technology to listen in as the behemoths talk to each other about things like ocean conditions and where to find the best krill to feed on. Reporters Tara Duggan and Yoohyun Jung tell host Dominic Fracassa that what researchers are hearing suggests that whales are more complex, and more adaptable to the changing climate, than previously believed. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Evictions Looming at Oakland’s Wood Street Encampment Aug 31, 2022

California officials are poised to move roughly 200 unhoused people from the sprawling homeless encampment in West Oakland. The action follows a series of fires and a court battle over whether the government can and will provide sufficient shelter. It also represents larger tensions over the homelessness crisis that have played out in cities like Berkeley, San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Chronicle East Bay reporter Sarah Ravani and Fifth & Mission Producer Caron Creighton join host Demian Bulwa to talk about the legal fight, the feelings of Wood Street residents, and what comes next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Algae Bloom Killing Bay Fish by the Thousands Aug 30, 2022

Fish are going belly up around San Francisco Bay, including in Lake Merritt in Oakland. The water is turning an alarming brown. And people are being warned to limit their exposure to the bay as well. It's all due to a vast algae bloom first spotted last month near Alameda and spreading fast. What's behind the bloom? Is it related to climate change or the drought? When will it go away? Host Demian Bulwa is joined by Dave Senn of the San Francisco Estuary Institute and Keith Bouma-Gregson of the U.S. Geological Survey. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"This is Not Normal Me": Long COVID Sufferers Seek Solutions Aug 29, 2022

An estimated 16 million adults in the United States suffer from long COVID symptoms, with no cure or treatment in sight. Chronicle reporter Nanette Asimov joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the alternative treatments that some sufferers are turning to. Plus: Chronicle reporter Yoohyun Jung shares her debilitating long COVID experience. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Car Stolen. Device Tracking. Now What? Aug 26, 2022

San Franciscans are increasingly using tracking devices like Apple AirTag to locate their stolen bikes, computers and cars. But what happens when police can't assist? Chronicle reporter Megan Cassidy joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss how this technology — which Cassidy used herself when her car was stolen recently — often clashes with the realities of big-city policing, and how some victims are confronting thieves at their own risk. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why San Francisco Evicts Its Most Vulnerable Residents Aug 25, 2022

In their follow up investigation to San Francisco's permanent supportive housing program, Chronicle reporters Joaquin Palomino and Trisha Thadani examine how tenants in single room occupancy units, or SROs, are often evicted for the same reasons that qualified them for their rooms. They join host Cecilia Lei to discuss how San Francisco's central solution to homelessness lacks a critical safety net. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Did Gov. Newsom Veto a Drug Bill That Would Save Lives? Aug 24, 2022

Critics say Gov. Gavin Newsom’s national political ambitions moved him to veto legislation that would have allowed San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles to open supervised injection sites as a way to curb California’s overdose crisis. But as City Hall reporter Mallory Moench and host Joe Garofoli discuss, the politics are more complicated than that. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Conservatives Are Fighting the Culture Wars in California Aug 23, 2022

Suburban and rural school boards are among the few places Republicans can win elections and change policies in this deep-blue state. Reporter Ryan Kost talks to host Demian Bulwa about their efforts to push issues that energize conservative voters, such as loosening COVID rules, banning discussion of systemic racism and questioning LGBTQ rights on California campuses. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California High-Speed Rail's 'Hot Girl Summer' Aug 22, 2022

California voters approved a high-speed rail line in 2008, but years of political and fiscal barriers have delayed the project. Last week, rail authorities approved a bullet train link that would zoom passengers from the Central Valley into downtown San Francisco. State Capitol reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why the state's super fast mode of transit is having a moment. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fixing Our City: Can San Francisco Learn From Houston? Aug 19, 2022

Has Texas’ largest city found the key to ending chronic homelessness? Houston has drastically reduced the number of homeless people counted every other year, and its collaborative housing-first approach has garnered national attention. In this episode of The Chronicle's Fixing Our City podcast, two Houston homelessness leaders outline their strategy, and San Francisco’s top homelessness official responds with what could be learned and what’s already in progress. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fixing Our City is part of The San Francisco Chronicle’s SFNext Project

Got a tip, question, comment? Email us at sfnext@sfchronicle.com

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The Science Behind Bay Area Weather Aug 18, 2022

Warming temperatures in the Bay Area have made for good small talk. The Chronicle's new weather team is here to level up those conversations. Weather science editor Hannah Hagemann and the newsroom's first meteorologist, Gerry Diaz, join host Cecilia Lei to talk about lightning, fog, climate change and the science of daily forecasts. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Students: Back to School and Back to Normal? Aug 17, 2022

Summer's over for SFUSD students, who are returning to the classroom this week. After dealing with the pandemic and various school board controversies in recent years, what do students face? Education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the work that the district has cut out for it this year, and what it'll have to prove. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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S.F. D.A. Brooke Jenkins Calls Payment Controversy a "Distraction" Aug 16, 2022

The San Francisco district attorney visited the Chronicle newsroom Monday to defend her six-figure consultancy work for a nonprofit linked to the Recall Chesa Boudin campaign. Co-host and Chronicle director of news Demian Bulwa and crime reporter Megan Cassidy join host Cecilia Lei to discuss Jenkins' defense and what to expect the in the months ahead as the DA's race heats up. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Megafloods: California’s Next Climate Disaster? Aug 15, 2022

California is in its third year of a historic drought but climate change also brings the risk of more intense and severe storms that could cause catastrophic flooding. Climate scientist Daniel Swain joins host Cecilia Lei to share findings from a new research study he co-authored, which details how a worse case scenario flood event could devastate the California. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland's $50M Promise: “Students, Your City Loves You” Aug 12, 2022

Mayor Libby Schaaf's $50 million initiative will give secondary education scholarships to Oakland's low-income students and college savings accounts to every baby born to a low-income family. Mayor Schaaf joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how the ambitious initiative will end generational poverty, and what it means for her legacy as mayor. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Secrets of Donald Trump’s Most Loyal Followers Aug 11, 2022

Former longterm Republican strategist Tim Miller, a Never Trumper and author of the bestselling “Why We Did It: A Travelogue From the Republican Road to Hell," talks to Joe Garofoli about the state of the Republican Party, whether anyone can beat Trump, and his own journey out of the GOP. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Brooke Jenkins Will Run the D.A.'s Office — If She Survives Controversy Aug 10, 2022

Most of the criticisms aimed at San Francisco's new district attorney have been about her policy positions — until now. A new report shows that she was paid more than $100,000 from a nonprofit tied to a wealthy backer of the Recall Chesa Boudin campaign. In this conversation recorded one day before the controversy broke, Jenkins shares with host Cecilia Lei her vision for public safety in San Francisco. But will she be able to fulfill it? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Home Restaurants Blossom, But Some Are Choking on Red Tape Aug 09, 2022

A handful of chefs have been running small restaurants out of their homes for years. They're often low-income people of color operating underground, serving their specialties to neighbors and homesick immigrants. But pandemic lockdowns prompted a surge in interest — and a government move to inspect and license the businesses, with uneven results. Chronicle reporter Elgin Nelson and critic Cesar Hernandez join host Demian Bulwa to discuss who's opening home restaurants, who's showing up for the food, and why the business is much more complicated than it might appear. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What's Missing in the S.F. School Board Ann Hsu Debate Aug 08, 2022

The San Francisco school board formally admonished new board member Ann Hsu for her comments, which blamed Black and brown families for racial gaps in academic achievement. The debate over whether she should resign has been heated and emotional. Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what's missing from the scandal's fallout —and why blaming parents isn't a solution. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Latest Battle for People's Park in Berkeley Aug 05, 2022

People's Park in Berkeley is a symbol of the city's long legacy of activism and protest but UC Berkeley is constructing new development on the site to address its student housing shortage. Protesters clashed with police as construction began on Wednesday. Chronicle reporter Michael Cabanatuan joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what went down and why this battle is more about culture than housing. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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New D.A., New Drug Crackdown in San Francisco Aug 04, 2022

Brooke Jenkins was appointed by a mayor intent on busting up the city's open-air drug markets. So it was no surprise when Jenkins announced her plans to increase punishment for dealers, while calling her predecessor, Chesa Boudin, too lenient. Chronicle reporter Megan Cassidy joins host Demian Bulwa to outline those plans and explain why many progressives are outraged by what they call a return to failed policies. She also digs into the harsh rhetoric between the Boudin and Jenkins camps. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why S.F.'s Laguna Honda Shouldn't Shut Down Aug 03, 2022

After years of mismanagement and scandal, federal regulators decertified San Francisco's huge nursing home. Now the hospital is dealing with botched patient transfers and the potential end of critical care to patients. Chronicle columnist Heather Knight calls the bureaucracy "draconian." She joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why and how patient families are suffering. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why San Francisco Rents Bounced Back to Sky High Aug 02, 2022

The onset of the pandemic offered a brief silver lining — lower rents. But it didn't last. The average price of a 2-bedroom apartment means you need to make $61 an hour to afford one. Reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what happened. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Declares a Monkeypox Emergency. Is it Enough? Aug 01, 2022

As monkeypox cases spread across California, the virus is inflicting an uneven toll on gay and bisexual men, according to new state data. But while San Francisco declared a state of emergency, members of the LGBTQ community are furious at limited vaccine access — and fearful of discrimination. Chronicle reporters Dustin Gardiner and Tony Bravo join host Demian Bulwa to discuss the latest on the disease and the faltering effort to fight it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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First There Were Fires. Now, Residents of Oakland's Largest Homeless Encampment Face Eviction Jul 29, 2022

Residents of the Wood Street encampment in West Oakland are fighting a pending eviction after a two-alarm fire broke out on CalTrans property at the site in mid-July. About 300 people live in the encampment, which spans roughly 25 city blocks and which advocates say has been neglected for years. Now, city and state officials, who have struggled to deal with the encampment, want it shut down. They say that Wood Street poses safety hazards, which have become more urgent after the recent fire. Residents say this is their home. On today's episode of Fifth & Mission, producer and reporter Caron Creighton takes us to the Wood Street encampment. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is More Black Political Representation Leading to Change in San Francisco? Jul 28, 2022

San Francisco, which has seen a decades-long exodus of Black residents, now has a Black mayor, police chief, district attorney and president of the Board of Supervisors. Yet Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips says that the city's Black residents are not well represented in meaningful ways. He explains in a conversation with host Demian Bulwa that Black politicians must navigate a political structure that wasn’t created for them to succeed. And he argues that moves toward more moderate or conservative policies, such as arresting street drug users and replacing DA Chesa Boudin with Brooke Jenkins, stand to perpetuate long-standing inequities. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Are Napa Valley Cabernets Tasting the Same? Jul 27, 2022

Wine consultants have become essential to the production of Napa Valley's signature product: Cabernet Sauvignon. As more wineries rely on a handful of elite winemakers, the field has become more competitive. Senior wine critic Esther Mobley joins host Cecilia Lei, to explain how the economics of winemaking factor in and why some fear the wines could become homogeneous. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Reporting Sexual Abuse May Put California Abortion Providers At Risk Jul 26, 2022

The story of an Ohio 10-year-old rape victim who traveled to Indiana for an abortion made headlines across the globe. It spotlighted the potential risks of mandated reporting for out-of-state abortion patients and their health providers. Chronicle reporter Sophia Bollag joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the potential legal ramifications CA abortion providers as more out-of-state patients arrive in the state.

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The Man Who Tried to Start a Civil War in Oakland Jul 25, 2022

During a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Oakland, a federal security guard was shot and killed. The murderer was later discovered to be Steven Carrillo, a member of the Boogaloo Bois, a far right, anti-government extremist group. Chronicle reporter Joshua Sharpe joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how Carrillo was radicalized online, and why extremists like him are closely watching the prosecutions of the January 6 Capitol insurrection. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Another San Francisco School Board Controversy Jul 22, 2022

One of the three San Francisco school board members appointed after this year's recall is already facing calls to resign. The member, Ann Hsu, made a racist statement in a candidate questionnaire ahead of November's election, saying that one of the biggest challenges for marginalized students, “especially in the Black and brown community,” was their “unstable family environments” and lack of family support and parental encouragement. Hsu has apologized, but her future is uncertain. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker tells host Demian Bulwa why the controversy has touched many nerves in the a school system struggling with wide racial disparities in achievement. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Food is Political at Oakland’s Most Radical Restaurant Jul 21, 2022

Oakland’s Understory restaurant won a James Beard award. But can it change the industry? Members of the radical collective Jenabi Pareja and Diana Wu speak with host Cecilia Lei about why worker’s rights are foundational to their restaurant and why they have mixed feelings about the award. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Anti-Trump Resistance Group Swing Left Is Preparing For Midterms Jul 20, 2022

Yasmin Radjy, the new leader of Swing Left, explains how Democrats have a path forward to hold the House in November's midterm elections. Radjy speaks with host Joe Garofoli about her history in San Francisco, abortion rights, and flipping house seats. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why LGBTQ Protestors Say Monkeypox Is a "Public Health Failure" Jul 19, 2022

On Monday, advocates protested outside the U.S. Health and Human Services office in San Francisco to call out the slow federal response to the monkeypox outbreak and the low supply of monkeypox vaccines. Members of the LGBTQ community say the inattention is reminiscent of another public health crisis: the HIV/AIDs crisis of the 1980's. San Francisco AIDS Foundation CEO Dr. Tyler TerMeer joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why, and Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday shares the current risk for wider community transmission of monkeypox. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is Gavin Newsom Running for President? Jul 18, 2022

As President Biden drops in the polls, some Democrats are shopping for a 2024 candidate. Newsom says he isn’t running, but the way he’s taking on high profile Republicans, including Florida governor Ron DeSantis, is making some wonder whether he’s defending Democratic ideals or prepping in case Biden fades. Chronicle reporter Sophia Bollag joins It's All Political on Fifth and Mission host Joe Garofoli to discuss Newsom's offensive strategy against conservatives. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco School Board Goes Back to Basics Jul 15, 2022

Five months after city voters tossed out three school board members in a landslide recall, things have changed. The board, once lambasted for infighting and focusing on issues like renaming schools, is vowing to pivot back to a core issue — student performance. And the challenges are great, including disparities among racial groups and soaring absenteeism. Just 58% of students were deemed proficient in reading last year. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker tells host Demian Bulwa why members of the beleaguered board are also simply trying to learn how to do their jobs better. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's Racial Profiling Problem Is Getting Worse Jul 14, 2022

Racial disparities in traffic and pedestrian stops by law enforcement have been a historical problem, but now California has the data to see how bad it actually is. Chronicle reporters Dustin Gardiner and Susie Neilson join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the most recent data and how racial profiling in the Bay Area compares to other major cities in the state, as well as the limits of data collection. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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UCSF’s Bob Wachter: How the BA.5 Covid Wave Is Different Jul 13, 2022

The latest Covid-19 pandemic twist is the new Omicron subvariant BA.5, which evades immunity from vaccinations, boosters and previous infections. Dr. Bob Wachter, UCSF's chair of medicine, joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what makes this variant different, and offers guidance on future boosters and how to calculate risks. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Alameda County's Mental Health System is Fueling Homelessness Jul 12, 2022

An Alameda County grand jury report has found that the local mental health system is making the area's homeless crisis worse. Among the findings is a lack of basic consensus on solutions, which cause mentally ill residents to cycle in and out of ERs and jails. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the holes in the county's social services. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Who is New S.F. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins? Jul 11, 2022

Mayor London Breed appointed former Recall Chesa Boudin spokesperson Brooke Jenkins as San Francisco's new district attorney last week. The prosecutor has promised to bring accountability and balance to the office, but critics say the mayor’s pick is a return to tough-on-crime policies. Reporters Mallory Moench and Rachel Swan discuss with host Cecilia Lei the changes that Jenkins might bring to the city, and SFSU professor Jason McDaniel explains why Breed's pick is "risky".

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Total SF: The Castro Theatre's Organ Player Rises Again Jul 08, 2022

On this episode of The Chronicle's Total SF podcast: Longtime Castro Theatre organ player David Hegarty got a scare earlier this year, when Another Planet Entertainment took over operations of the 100-year-old cinema and the future seemed unclear. But the music will go on — the Castro is continuing to employ Hegarty, has been screening movies and a new generation will get to hear "San Francisco" before every show. Hegarty talks about his start as an organ player (including a stint at Pizza & Pipes) and the new digital organ for the theater that is close to reality.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Fifth & Mission will return with new episodes on July 11.

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Best of 5M: The Tenderloin Rooster Jul 07, 2022

First published March 21: For months, a rooster living in a Tenderloin yard has been terrorizing the neighborhood with its all-day crowing. Longtime resident Adriel Lively wanted to do something about it, but she only found dead ends. Chronicle reporter Ryan Kost joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss Lively's ordeal and why a story about an annoying bird -- in a neighborhood riddled with serious problems -- still matters. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fifth & Mission will return with new episodes on July 11.

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Best of 5M: Locked in Fentanyl's Grip Jul 06, 2022

First published Feb. 3, 2022: San Francisco's death toll from fentanyl overdoses is nearly double the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronicle reporter Trisha Thadani takes us into the center of the city's fentanyl crisis and introduces us to people who are suffering from addiction firsthand — and she explores the limits of the city's strategy to curb the deadly opioid. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fifth & Mission will return with new episodes on July 11.

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Fixing Our City: Why a Hole in the Ground Is “The Death in the Mission” Jul 05, 2022

The debut episode of The Chronicle’s new podcast seeking solutions for San Francisco’s seemingly intractable problems: A 2015 apartment building fire at Mission and 22nd streets killed one person and displaced 50. Seven years later, there’s an empty lot, gathering trash and growing weeds. In the middle of a housing crisis. Why has nothing been built in the years since? The answers to that question are painfully emblematic of some of the biggest problems facing San Francisco.| Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Got a tip, question, comment? Email Fixing Our City at sfnext@sfchronicle.com

Fifth & Mission will return with new episodes on July 11.

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California Gas Prices Get Even Higher, Thanks to a 3-Cent Tax Hike Jul 01, 2022

California drivers will pay about 3 cents more per gallon in gas taxes after state legislators rejected a push to suspend the increase amid soaring costs at the pump. The tax is built into the price of gas in California, which is about $6.30 per gallon — by far the highest in the nation. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner speaks with host Dominic Fracassa about why this change went into effect. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fifth & Mission will return with new episodes on Monday, July 11.

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How Digital Data Leaves Abortion Seekers Vulnerable Jun 30, 2022

As abortion clinics close around the country after the fall of Roe v. Wade, residents in states where abortion is now illegal will have to seek services elsewhere. Their digital footprints, including Google searches and text messages, leave them vulnerable to prosecution. Chronicle reporter Camryn Pak joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the risks that face abortion seekers — and how they could protect themselves.

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The Fate of the Oakland A's Howard Terminal Ballpark Faces a Key Vote Jun 29, 2022

The deciding factor on whether the Oakland A's will be able to move forward with their $12 billion development plan for a ballpark at Howard Terminal lies in the hands of one key state agency. Port workers are concerned, while others see it as a critical part of Oakland's future. Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what's at stake in Thursday's vote. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What COVID-19's Evolution Means for Our Future Jun 28, 2022

Will we ever be able to get ahead of this relentless virus? It's surpassed the expectations of health experts and scientists: With each mutation, it's been able to evade immunity and become more infectious. Pandemic fatigue nothwithstanding, the coronavirus will still play a major role in our lives. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday explains the evolution of the virus to host Cecilia Lei. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Does the Supreme Court Have Too Much Power? Jun 27, 2022

California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis says the six justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade have discredited the court. Talking to It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli, she also says she’s also worried about whether a national abortion ban would supersede California’s laws protecting the right to choose. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Anti-Abortion Movement is ‘Not Stopping Here’ Jun 25, 2022

In the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, there are countless questions about what comes next. Will people who travel out of state for abortions face arrest? Will the doctors who counsel them be prosecuted? And will California be able to maintain its status as an abortion haven in a post-Roe world? Carole Joffe is a UCSF professor and an expert on the societal impacts of reproductive health care. She joins host Dominic Fracassa to talk about the consequences of ending Roe, and why she’s worried the anti-abortion movement isn’t done yet. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Breaking: Roe v. Wade Is Overturned Jun 24, 2022

For months, Fifth & Mission has been talking to health care workers, advocates and people who have had personal experience with abortion care about what a post-Roe world would look like. Now that we're in that world, listen to some of what they've said. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What's Tough About Pride for Emeryville's Gay Mayor Jun 24, 2022

California has long been a pioneering mecca for LGBTQ politicians. But John Bauters, one of just eight out mayors in the state, says it can also be exhausting and scary as leaders like him face attacks and threats. It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli sits down with Bauters to talk about those tensions and how he's trying to use his platform to help younger LGBTQ people. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is Getting COVID Inevitable? Jun 23, 2022

Why have some people managed to avoid catching the virus despite the latest variants being highly transmissible? And will they eventually become infected? Chronicle reporter Danielle Echeverria joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what health experts have to say about dodging COVID and why that is still worth the effort. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Storytelling Drag Queens Became Right-Wing Targets Jun 22, 2022

The Drag Queen Story Hour is a beloved community program where drag queens perform songs and tell stories to children in libraries. The program originated in San Francisco, and it's become fodder for right-wing media. A recent disruption by protesters at a San Lorenzo library has the LGBTQ community on edge. Chronicle reporter Ryan Kost joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the anxiety among Bay Area drag queens, and Per Sia — one of the founding queens of Drag Queen Story Hour — shares her perspective. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Future of Central Valley Abortion 'Deserts' Jun 20, 2022

With the Supreme Court expected to overturn Roe v. Wade soon, California is preparing for an influx of out-state patients who will be seeking abortion care. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the myth that the state is a post-Roe "sanctuary" and how reproductive services have already been limited in the Central Valley. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How The Chronicle is "Fixing Our City" Jun 20, 2022

A new Chronicle podcast aims to find solutions to San Francisco's biggest challenges. As part of the SFNext initiative, Fixing Our City is tackling issues like housing and affordability by talking directly to community residents. The team behind the show, Laura Wenus and Cintia Lopez, joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the premiere episode, which examines why a vacant lot in the Mission is emblematic of why the city's problems seem so intractable. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Key Takeaways From the Jan. 6 Hearings Jun 17, 2022

Unlike impeachment or the Mueller hearings, the committee is putting on a show, and the ratings have been good. San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren had a star turn. But who is the audience, and what outcomes might be possible? Washington correspondent Tal Kopan joins Joe Garofoli on It's All Political on Fifth & Mission to talk about how the explosive hearings have gone so far and ask why those close to Trump who told him his election fraud claims were nonsense didn't speak out then. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Big Vote for New S.F. School Board: Lowell High Jun 16, 2022

Few issues have roiled San Francisco politics like the fight over admissions to prestigious Lowell High. And a school board with three new members — the result of a recall — must decide what to do going forward. The options: stick with a lottery-based admissions system designed to promote diversity, or revert to the competitive system that Lowell used for years. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker tells host Demian Bulwa how she expects the vote to go, and how the debate will continue. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What to Expect of Bay Area's Upcoming "Cruel Summer" Jun 15, 2022

Hot, dry weather in California means the state will face persistent problems this summer: increasing water restrictions, rolling blackouts, wildfires and smoke. Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what Bay Area residents should expect. Plus: State Capitol reporter Dustin Gardiner analyzes why Gov. Gavin Newsom has been hesitant to issue statewide water restrictions. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Hair Project: Black Representation and Discrimination Jun 14, 2022

A Chronicle special project looks at textured hair: How it’s represented in the media and why it’s so central to the Black community. Newsroom developer Katlyn Sofaea Alo Alapati and reporter Shwanika Narayan join host Cecilia Lei to talk about what they’ve learned. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Paxlovid Rebounds and Vaccines for Little Kids Jun 13, 2022

With Covid infections — and reinfections — becoming more common, many doctors recommend having a strategy in place for the latest Covid tools, including Paxlovid. Chronicle health reporter Catherine Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what we've learned about the anti-viral pill. Plus: What should Bay Area parents expect once vaccines for kids 5 and under are authorized? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The New Generation of Asian American Activists Jun 10, 2022

The Chesa Boudin recall has spotlighted the activism and political power of Asian Americans, but the Bay Area already has a long history of Asian American activism. While the latest generation has been motivated by public safety concerns, that doesn't mean they're all advocating for more policing. Justin Zhu, the co-founder and executive director of Stand With Asian Americans, joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about his pivot from Silicon Valley to organizing, and what this moment means for him. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Post-Boudin Recall: What Voters Want Now Jun 09, 2022

Some of the most contested races of the California primaries have one central issue in common: how to deal with public safety. From the recall of San Francisco district attorney Chesa Boudin, to the state attorney general and governor's race. Chronicle data reporter Susie Neilson joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the breakdown of the Boudin recall election by neighborhood, and then state Capitol reporter Dustin Gardiner explains what went down in the statewide primary races -- and whether the Boudin recall had a ripple effect. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why San Francisco Recalled Its Progressive D.A. Jun 08, 2022

Chesa Boudin was decisively voted out of office in a recall election Tuesday. Chronicle crime reporter Megan Cassidy and senior political writer/It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli talk to host Demian Bulwa about what went wrong for the district attorney and what the vote means for San Francisco, police reform and the national progressive D.A. movement. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE! With Warriors Hype Man Franco Finn Jun 07, 2022

With Golden State back in the NBA Finals after a 2-year absence, the Chase Center emcee talks with host Demian Bulwa about how he got his job, what it means to him to be the only Asian American hype man in the league, and how he became a Warriors superfan to avoid bedtime as a kid. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Gun Law Expert: "We Are at the Worst Place Ever" Jun 06, 2022

The weapon used in the devastating mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, was once banned in the United States. The Federal Assault Weapons Ban was signed into law in 1994, but 10 years later, the landmark legislation was allowed to expire. Stanford law professor and gun law expert John Donahue has studied the impact of the assault weapons ban, and he tells host Cecilia Lei that it worked. But he says gun lobby disinformation and a GOP that won’t stand up to the NRA means new federal gun restrictions are unlikely.

This is the second of two episodes on gun safety. The first was an interview with former Assemblyman Mike Roos, who wrote California's assault weapons ban in 1989. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Legacy of California's Assault Weapons Ban Jun 03, 2022

California has some of the toughest gun restrictions in the country, including an assault weapons ban, which was passed in 1989. The law remains at the heart of the state's debate over how to regulate guns. Host Cecilia Lei speaks with one of the ban's co-authors, former California Assemblyman Mike Roos, to discuss the legacy of the law in light of the most recent mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Chesa Boudin on the Recall: "It's Scapegoating" Jun 02, 2022

The embattled San Francisco district attorney, who could be recalled by voters Tuesday, tells host Demian Bulwa that he's just as frustrated with crime in the city as everyone else, but he says much of what ails the city isn't in his power to change, and his foes are offering no solutions. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Post-Roe Future of Abortion in California Jun 01, 2022

Joe Garofoli rides Planned Parenthood's "Bans Off Our Bodies" bus around the state with three top advocates for abortion rights. Jodi Hicks of Planned Parenthood, East Bay Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Jessica Pinckney of ACCESS Reproductive Justice talk about how California would be affected if the Supreme Court, as expected, overturns Roe v Wade this month. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is the Future of the Office the End of the Office? May 31, 2022

Will the office ever be the same after COVID? Not likely. When San Francisco's TaskRabbit announced it would shut down all its offices, the company acknowledged reality: As the pandemic drags on, more and more employees want a hybrid workplace, if not a fully remote one. Chronicle reporter Ryan Kost and Stanford future-of-work guru Nick Bloom join host Demian Bulwa to discuss the benefits and dangers of these mind-blowing shifts. What do today's office workers want? And what are companies doing to meet them where they're at — even if it's three states away? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Extra Spicy: The Teenager Organizing Her Local Starbucks May 30, 2022

In this episode of the San Francisco Chronicle's food podcast, host Soleil Ho talks to Ella Clark, a high school junior who's leading the organizing efforts at her local Starbucks in Mill Valley. Ella, 17, talks about holding Starbucks accountable to its values. Plus: UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education chair Ken Jacobs explains why the wave of Starbucks unionization is spreading — and why it’s unlikely to end anytime soon. | Follow Extra Spicy on your favorite app: sfchronicle.com/spicy

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Going Back to Movie Theaters? Mixed Reviews May 27, 2022

The pandemic has changed how people watch movies, and movie studios and theaters are trying to survive. Datebook movie critics Mick LaSalle and G. Allen Johnson join host Cecilia Lei to talk about how the movie industry is faring and what theaters are doing to try to lure people back, including live events, and who they're targeting as likely customers. Plus: Mick and Allen share their summer movie recommendations. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Chesa Boudin Has to Prove to Asian American Voters May 26, 2022

San Francisco's Asian American voters have played a key role in February's school board recall and the upcoming bid to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Political scientist David Lee joins host Cecilia Lei to explain how they built their political power and what the city should expect from the new generation. Plus: Kasie Lee, chief of the Victim Services Division of the DA's office, talks about how she's trying to reach AAPI victims of crime. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Monkeypox: What You Need to Know May 25, 2022

With a likely case detected near Sacramento, is it time to worry about this virus in the smallpox family? Health reporter Erin Allday joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about monkeypox, and about why the CDC is advising caution for gay and bixexual men. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why SFPD and Mayor Breed Won't March in Pride May 24, 2022

Organizers of San Francisco Pride banned in-uniform police officers at this year's event because they say some LGBTQ community members feel unsafe in their presence. In response, SFPD announced that officers will skip the parade. Mayor London Breed and other city agencies followed suit. Interim Pride executive director Suzanne Ford and SFPD officer Kathryn Winters join host Cecilia Lei to share their sides of the debate. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Squaring Up Against a Racist Massacre May 23, 2022

At a vigil in Oakland following the white supremacist killing of 10 Black people at a grocery store in Buffalo, people grappled with how to move forward amid a resurgence of hate. They felt anger and fear and fatigue, while expressing resolve and "Black joy." Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips and Oakland community leader Cat Brooks — who organized the vigil — discuss the "replacement" conspiracy theory cited by the shooter and tell host Demian Bulwa that confronting such racism requires standing up to injustice across society. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Program That Keeps Teens Out of Jail Has Low Enrollment. Why? May 20, 2022

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin has faced criticism for prioritizing diversion programs, which provide alternatives to incarceration. But they've proven effective. The Make It Right program has kept young people out of jail, but why hasn't it grown under Boudin's leadership? Chronicle reporter Joshua Sharpe joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the limits of Boudin's reach. Later, one father, Jon Rahoi, explains how Make It Right helped his troubled teenaged daughter. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What's Next for Key California Politicians? May 19, 2022

New York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns have written "This Will Not Pass," a bestseller that recounts the 2020 election and the political breaking point the country is approaching. The authors join It's All Political on Fifth and Mission host Joe Garofoli to discuss what's at stake in the 2022 midterms, and what's next for key California politicians including Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What the Food Industry Faces Now May 18, 2022

Bay Area restaurants are still facing staffing shortages, supply chain issues and Covid-19 infections. Chronicle food reporter Elena Kadvany joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how the latest surge is impacting the Bay Area food industry. Plus: Stella Dennig of Oakland's Daytrip shares the financial and emotional toll of dealing running a business with little public health guidance. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Latest Bay Area Homeless Count Might Surprise You May 17, 2022

Local homeless populations haven't been counted since 2019 due to delays caused by the pandemic. On Monday, new data was released in six Bay Area counties, including Alameda and San Francisco. Chronicle reporters Sarah Ravani and J.D. Morris join host Cecilia Lei to talk

about the uneven results across the region, and whether early pandemic efforts to get people off the streets worked. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Vaccine Bills are Dying in the California Legislature May 16, 2022

California once drew a hard line around potential vaccine mandates in places like schools, but now there's been a dramatic shift in tone as vaccine bills are being shelved or delayed in Sacramento. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why, and how it's not just Republicans and anti-vaccine activists who are pushing back.

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How New COVID Treatments are Changing the Pandemic May 13, 2022

Thanks to new options like Paxlovid, assessing personal risk and safety has gotten a little easier. Chronicle health reporter Catherine Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how anti-viral pills are providing peace of mind. They're also changing how the virus spreads. Data reporter Susie Neilson discusses why San Francisco's wealthy neighborhoods may be hit hardest by the next surge. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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East Bay Abortion Provider on a Post-Roe v. Wade Future May 12, 2022

Dr. Rebecca Taub travels each month to provide care to people who live in states where abortion protections aren't available. She's seen what a world without Roe v. Wade looks like and she shares with host Cecilia Lei what she thinks California should be bracing itself for, even as a sanctuary state for abortions. Plus, Chronicle readers and listeners share their reactions to the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Does Chesa Boudin's Controversial Diversion Strategy Work? May 11, 2022

Chesa Boudin's office is resolving a significantly greater share of criminal cases via diversion programs than under his predecessors. That's become a focus of the recall campaign as his opponents say the strategy has made San Francisco more dangerous. Chronicle reporters Susie Neilson and Joshua Sharpe join host Cecilia Lei to talk about what diversion programs are and how they work. They also explain that despite the political fervor around the Boudin recall campaign, diversion programs have been a mainstay in the city for decades, and are part of a larger national trend in criminal justice reform. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SFPD Spokesman Is San Francisco's Newest Supervisor May 10, 2022

Mayor London Breed has tapped Matt Dorsey to represent District Six. He was sworn in Monday. Chronicle reporter Rachel Swan tells host Dominic Fracassa that the appointment signals the mayor doubling down on her new tough-on-crime image. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Pandemic Wild Card: Long COVID May 09, 2022

As coronavirus cases tick up in the Bay Area, most illnesses will be mild. But Chronicle reporter Nanette Asimov has the story of the region's many long COVID patients, who've struggled with pain, fatigue and other symptoms of a disease that remains mysterious. What are doctors doing to treat people, and why isn't the government doing more to help? Later in the show, host Demian Bulwa speaks with reporter Catherine Ho, who has the latest news on the vaccine rollout, including when the youngest kids can expect their shots.

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Can Supervisor Dean Preston Fix the Tenderloin? May 06, 2022

The neighborhood at the center of San Francisco's thorniest debates has a new city supervisor. It's Dean Preston, the staunch progressive, who takes over after a divisive redistricting process and in the wake of Mayor London Breed's declaration of an emergency over the deadly drug trade in the neighborhood. Chronicle reporter J.D. Morris spent time with Preston and joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about Preston's challenges — including working with Tenderloin residents who want tougher law enforcement. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Selling Your Home for Half Its Value Might Make Sense May 05, 2022

Retired preschool teacher Bobbi Loeb decided to sell her Point Reyes home to a land trust for $550,000 — only about half its $1M value. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why the arrangement is a solution for affordable housing, and the benefits it provides to homeowners.

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If Roe vs. Wade is Overturned, Is California Ready? May 04, 2022

News that the Supreme Court is set to overturn the nearly 50-year old Roe v. Wade decision on abortion rights has sent shockwaves across the country. Chronicle reporters Rachel Swan and Sophia Bollag join senior political writer Joe Garofoli to talk about what the future of abortion services could look like in California and whether a public health crisis is looming. If you’d like to share your thoughts about the news and tell the Chronicle how it’s affecting you, visit sfchronicle.com/roe-wade. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why California's Revenge Porn Law Isn't Enough May 03, 2022

The state was the first to pass a law criminalizing so-called revenge porn in 2013, but prosecuting perpetrators of the crime has been uneven, including in the Bay Area. Chronicle reporter Tal Kopan joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what was revealed during a Chronicle review of the state law, and how an effort to make revenge porn a federal crime could strengthen it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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New York Has a "Better Answer" For Drug Addiction May 02, 2022

New York was the first city in the country to open supervised consumption sites for people using drugs. Chronicle columnist Heather Knight and photographer Gabrielle Lurie traveled there to see how the facilities operate. They join host Cecilia Lei to offer what they think San Francisco can learn from what they observed.

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What Would You Do With an Extra $68 Billion? Apr 29, 2022

That's the question Gov. Gavin Newsom and California legislators have to answer after Senate Democrats announced their estimate that the state’s budget surplus has more than doubled to that amount. Reporters Sophia Bollag and Dustin Gardiner join host Cecilia Lei to talk about the unusual problem of the state having more money than it knows what to do with. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Bay Area Cases Up Even as Pandemic Recedes Apr 28, 2022

People all over the Bay Area are getting COVID again at increasing rates — but this time it's different. As Dr. Anthony Fauci says that America is "out of the pandemic phase," far fewer people are getting seriously ill or dying. Restrictions like mask mandates may be a thing of the past, and everybody has to make their own choices about safety. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday tells host Demian Bulwa what we should make of Fauci's remarks and the latest spread of the disease. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Nurses Need to Be Supported" Apr 27, 2022

Stanford ICU nurse Brittaney West joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about why nurses throughout the Bay Area are staging job actions and preparing to strike if they don't get what they say they need from the hospitals they work for. "And it doesn't just come down to wages," she says, but also involves adequate staffing, mental health care and other forms of support befitting the "heroes" they're often portrayed as being. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco SROs: A Housing Crisis Hidden from View Apr 26, 2022

San Francisco has long depended on single room occupancy units, or SROs, to house its most vulnerable populations. A year-long investigation by Chronicle reporters Joaquin Palomino and Trisha Thadani reveals that many of these buildings are unsanitary and unsafe. They discuss their findings with host Cecilia Lei and share what tenants say life is like for them inside SRO hotels. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Teacher, a Cotton Prop, and a Lesson on Slavery Apr 25, 2022

When a San Francisco teacher recently handed students cotton plants in a lesson about the hardship of slavery, it ignited immediate controversy at the school. There was an investigation, a debate among parents and an apology. Host Demian Bulwa hears from Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker and Ohio State University professor Hasan Jeffries about why incidents like this are so complicated — and important — as the nation reckons with the ongoing harm of racism — and as conservatives seek to ban such teaching altogether.

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How an Ugly Incident Led to Police Reform in Tiburon Apr 22, 2022

Yema Khalif and Hawi Awash are the only Black retail owners in the wealthy town of Tiburon. During the summer of 2020, police asked the couple to prove that they owned the store, and the body cam footage of the incident went viral. Chronicle reporter Joshua Sharpe joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the couple leveraged that incident to implement police reform in the coastal city nearly two years later. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Matt Haney's Win Means for San Francisco Housing Apr 21, 2022

The San Francisco supervisor defeated David Campos by positioning himself as the pro-housing candidate for the state Assembly seat. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why Haney's win is a coup for YIMBYs. But political victories won't be enough. A new bill in the Assembly aims to make development easier, even in difficult cities like San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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No Masks on Planes? Dr. Bob Wachter Weighs In Apr 20, 2022

Now that a federal judge has tossed out the mask requirement on airplanes and public transit, Bay Area transit agencies are scrambling to figure out their mask requirements, creating a patchwork of conflicting policies for travelers. UCSF's Dr. Bob Wachter joins host Cecilia Lei to share his thoughts on the latest federal mask update and why he still recommends keeping masks on in certain public settings. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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S.F. Man Wins Freedom After Three Decades Apr 19, 2022

San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin's Innocence Commission has exonerated its first person — and the case is extraordinary. The defendant, Joaquin Ciria, has been behind bars for more than 30 years, accused of killing a friend in a gun attack in SoMa. Now, there's a new witness — and fresh questions about what went wrong. Chronicle reporter Joshua Sharpe joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the case and what it means. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Has Mayor Breed's "Tough Love" Approach to the Tenderloin Worked? Apr 18, 2022

After Mayor London Breed declared a state of emergency in the Tenderloin and pledged to bring in more police, critics feared she was criminalizing drug users. Months later, Breed maintains her position. Chronicle reporter Mallory Moench joins host Cecilia Lei to share what she learned from her conversation with Breed, and what changes have actually been made in the Tenderloin.

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Understanding San Francisco's Redistricting Mess Apr 15, 2022

The task force tasked with drawing the city's new supervisor districts has missed its deadline, and it's not clear how the process — marked by protests and outbursts at public meetings — will play out. Reporter J.D. Morris joins host Cecilia Lei to sort out the complex and controversial story of drawing a new map. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is Dianne Feinstein Mentally Fit to Serve? Apr 14, 2022

At age 88, the giant of California politics is the oldest sitting U.S. senator. Five members of Congress — including four Democrats — have told The Chronicle that they're concerned that her memory is rapidly deteriorating, and that it appears she can no longer represent the state without her staff doing much of the work. Reporters Tal Kopan and Joe Garofoli join host Demian Bulwa to discuss these concerns and the response from Feinstein and her allies. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What an Oklahoma Abortion Ban Means for California Apr 13, 2022

Republicans across the country are moving to restrict abortions in their states, including in Oklahoma where a near-total ban on abortion was signed on Tuesday. Senior political writer and host of "It's All Political on Fifth and Mission" Joe Garofoli chats with Mini Timmaraju, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. They discuss what anti-abortion laws mean for California and what the future looks like for reproductive rights organizing.

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California Public Schools Face Enrollment Declines and Shrinking Budgets Apr 12, 2022

The California Department of Education released data on Monday that revealed public school enrollment fell below 6 million for the first time in more than a decade. That means school districts are facing more budget cuts and long-term financial instability. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to explain what's causing the declines and how the state might help. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Scientists Want the 'Holy Grail' of COVID-19 Vaccines Apr 11, 2022

Covid-19 vaccines and boosters have allowed many people to return to their pre-pandemic activities, but they still don't appear to provide long-lasting protection against Covid infections. Chronicle health reporter Catherine Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what the future of Covid immunizations could look like, how scientists are looking for a 'pan-coronavirus vaccine' and why that is critical for future coronavirus epidemics.

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Fentanyl Test Kits: Now Available In Local Bars Apr 08, 2022

Bay Area residents are being confronted by fentanyl in places you might not expect. A local organization is making fentanyl test kits available in bar bathrooms, just one element of a larger harm reduction strategy that's necessary to fight the Bay Area's growing fentanyl crisis. Reporter Caron Creighton delves into the differing harm reduction strategies.

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What Went Wrong at John Muir Health? Apr 07, 2022

In 2012, John Muir Health formed a multimillion dollar partnership with Stanford to boost its pediatric program and operations. The deaths of the hospital's pediatric patients, including 2-year-old Ailee Jong, bring into question John Muir's ability to perform complex procedures. Chronicle reporters Matthias Gafni and Cynthia Dizikes join host Cecilia Lei to discuss their investigation, which revealed that hospital staff members had warned that John Muir shouldn't operate on Ailee. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Will We Respond to Another Mass Shooting? Apr 06, 2022

After an exchange of gunfire on a crowded Sacramento street killed six people and wounded 12 more, Democratic politicians and others are again calling for gun control. So will there be meaningful change? Chronicle senior political writer Joe Garofoli lays out the obstacles, including opposition from Republicans in Congress who fear alienating their voters and California’s inability to keep guns from streaming in from states with weaker laws. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Cleve Jones: Facing Eviction and the Death of the "Gayborhood" Apr 05, 2022

Activist Cleve Jones has lived in the Castro for five decades but now he faces eviction after a wealthy new landlord bought his building and more than doubled his rent. Chronicle reporter Tony Bravo joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the tense dispute and Jones explains what's at stake when people of his generation are displaced from 'gayborhoods' like the Castro.

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The Crisis Inside California Fast Food Restaurants Apr 04, 2022

Employees at California fast food restaurants are confronting sometimes volatile situations at work without protection or training, according to a study that reviewed 911 calls at eateries in nine cities. Reporter Shwanika Narayan speaks with host Dominic Fracassa about what fast food workers are asking for to make their jobs easier.

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California Extends Eviction Protections Again - Now What? Apr 01, 2022

California lawmakers approved an emergency bill to extend eviction protections that were set to expire on March 31st. 11th hour politics have provided temporary relief for tenants and landlords, but there's no permanent solution in sight. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why rent relief is getting more complicated and how that impacts the state's housing crisis.

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Laguna Honda Hospital Is In Crisis — Again Mar 31, 2022

More than 700 patients at the San Francisco facility could be displaced as federal officials have threatened to withhold critical funding from the facility after two patient overdoses. Those non-fatal incidents triggered an investigation that found Laguna Honda, which had a patient abuse scandal in 2019, had fallen out of regulatory compliance. Reporter Rachel Swan tells Dominic Fracassa about the hospital's latest trouble, and what the Department of Public Health is doing to keep it open. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Drought and Wildfires: Are We Prepared For What's Coming? Mar 30, 2022

As California's historic drought persists, Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to give an update on water conservation efforts and whether the state is prepared for the upcoming wildfire season. He also shares the status of water restrictions and new research on the health impact of wildfire smoke. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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COVID: Oops, I Got It Again Mar 29, 2022

Now that many Bay Area residents have been reinfected with COVID-19 — some more than once — what does that mean for the future of the pandemic? The bad news, Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday tells Demian Bulwa, is that the virus isn't going away. The good news is that both vaccinations and infections can build protection for the future, and so-called hybrid immunity might be the strongest of all. Allday also talks about what we learned from omicron reinfections and what that says about the possibility of another Bay Area surge. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Soleil Ho is More Than a Food Critic Mar 28, 2022

Award-winning Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the Season 3 launch of the Extra Spicy podcast. Ho reflects on what it's like being a critic, how the pandemic has changed the food industry and usingfood to explore larger social issues, including race, labor and gender.

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Why Were Toxic Releases Kept Secret at a Bay Area Refinery? Mar 25, 2022

Residents of communities like Richmond, Martinez and Benicia are angry after finding out that a hydrogen stack at the Valero refinery in Benicia was releasing chemicals at levels hundreds of times higher than the legal limit for years. Government regulators knew — but had kept it a secret since 2019. Chronicle reporter Julie Johnson breaks down the story with host Demian Bulwa. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Californians Could Get Some Relief at the Gas Pump Mar 24, 2022

California has the highest average gas price in the country. Gov. Gavin Newsom has unveiled a gas tax rebate plan that would put money back into the pockets of car owners and incentivize mass transit services. Reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the proposal and what negotiations might look like in the Legislature. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is an End in Sight for Golden Gate Bridge Suicides? Mar 23, 2022

For decades, the families of people lost to suicide have campaigned for a barrier on the bridge to make it harder to jump. Now, after years of construction delays and opposition, a steel-net suicide prevention system is nearing completion. Chronicle reporter Rachel Swan joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what the project means to victims’ families and the lessons learned by people on the front lines of bridge rescues. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can a Shelter Mandate Fix San Francisco's Streets? Mar 22, 2022

On any given night, thousands of people sleep unsheltered in San Francisco. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman wants to change that with a proposal that would force the city to offer shelter to all unhoused people. He joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the legislation, and Chronicle reporter Mallory Moench explains the potential costs and concerns of his plan. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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One More Problem in the Tenderloin: A Rooster Mar 21, 2022

For months, a rooster living in a Tenderloin yard has been terrorizing the neighborhood with its all-day crowing. Longtime resident Adriel Lively wanted to do something about it, but she only found dead ends. Chronicle reporter Ryan Kost joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss Lively's ordeal and why a story about an annoying bird -- in a neighborhood riddled with serious problems -- still matters.

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Bay Area Asian American Women Turn "Pain into Purpose" Mar 18, 2022

On March 16, 2021, a white gunman killed 8 people in Atlanta spas — including 6 Asian women. One year later, host Cecilia Lei and 4 Asian women in the Bay Area reflect on the tragedy, and how it's changed their ideas around work, personal safety and community. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Tenderloin Emergency Ends: What's Changed and What Hasn't? Mar 17, 2022

An epidemic of fatal drug overdoses prompted San Francisco Mayor London Breed to declare an emergency in the hard-hit Tenderloin neighborhood. She promised to open a new aid center and increase street intervention by cops and others. But as the 90-day order ends Thursday, have things gotten any better? And what happened with Breed's threat that some drug users may be arrested? Chronicle reporter Susie Neilson joins host Demian Bulwa to break down what's happened. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Pandemic Artifacts: What We Want to Remember Mar 16, 2022

A moldy apple. A jar of used masks. A small bottle of vodka. Bay Area residents are holding on to artifacts from the pandemic to help them remember how they — and the world — have changed since the first shelter-in-place order came down two years ago. Chronicle reporter Annie Vainshtein joins host Cecilia Lei to share their stories. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What the Kids Think About the End of School Mask Mandates Mar 15, 2022

Monday marked the first time in two years that California students could go maskless inside their schools. Host Cecilia Lei and Chronicle reporter Annie Vainshtein visit a sixth-grade classroom at San Francisco's Hoover Middle School to see what has — or hasn't — changed after months of sometimes furious debates. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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An Admissions Freeze and a Housing War in Berkeley Mar 14, 2022

As lawmakers scramble to reverse a court-ordered enrollment freeze at UC Berkeley despite heavy demand, the debate is igniting the housing wars. The school and its neighbors are sparring over who is responsible for a central problem: just 22% of the school's students are housed by the university. In Berkeley, the failure to build housing goes back decades, but the politics have changed, with YIMBYs instead of NIMBYs ascendant. Chronicle reporters Sarah Ravani and J.K. Dineen join host Demian Bulwa to discuss the latest in the closely-watched battle.

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The Family By the Bridge: The Story Behind a Tragic Ukraine Photo Mar 11, 2022

A photo of a woman and her two children killed by a Russian mortar captured the world's attention. The woman was 43-year-old Tatiana Perebeinis, a chief accountant at SE Ranking, a Palo Alto tech firm. Chronicle reporter Carolyn Said shares more details of her life with host Cecilia Lei, and SE Ranking's Ksenia Khirvonina shares what preserving Tatiana's memory means for the world. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Mayor Breed Says COVID Is Over, "San Francisco Is Coming Back" Mar 10, 2022

In her first state of the city address to a live audience since the start of the pandemic, the mayor strikes an optimistic tone and pledges to tackle the city's most pressing issues, including homelessness and a battered economy. Host Cecilia Lei talks to City Hall reporter Mallory Moench about the mayor's plans, and to health reporter Erin Allday about whether we really are past COVID-19. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Zelenskyy Zoom Call: How Ukraine Affects the Bay Area Mar 09, 2022

Rep. John Garamendi, who represents a district between San Francisco and Sacramento, tells It's All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli about Saturday's congressional Zoom call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Garamendi talks about Vladimir Putin's similarities to Adolf Hitler, how oil companies are using the crisis as cover to gouge prices, and how Americans should be willing to sacrifice by paying higher gas prices to protect democracy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

For more Fifth & Mission coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, listen to the episodes dated Feb. 25 and March 1.

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S.F. Steps Closer to a Permanently Car-Free JFK Drive Mar 08, 2022

The Recreation and Parks department has released a report advising that the Golden Gate Park roadway remain closed to vehicles permanently. Now the matter goes to the Board of Supervisors. Since the start of the pandemic, JFK Drive has been a car-free haven. But opponents argue that it impacts traffic and hinders access to the park for the elderly and disabled. Chronicle reporter Ricardo Cano and columnist Heather Knight join join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the latest development in this fierce debate. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Which Black Californians Should Get Reparations? Mar 07, 2022

California is the first state in the nation to have a reparations task force to explore compensating Black Americans for slavery, which caused generations of racial disparities. The group has been split over who should be eligible for restitution: all Black Californians or those who can trace their lineage to slavery. Columnist Justin Phillips joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why requiring Black Californians to prove their ancestry might be unfair. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Newts Crossing: A Bay Area Biodiversity Crisis Mar 04, 2022

Thousands of the salamanders die on Bay Area roads each year during breeding season. The toll in Los Gatos is one of the largest rates of reported wildlife roadkill deaths in the world. Two volunteer groups are on a mission to stop it. Chronicle reporter Tara Duggan joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss their efforts, and why protecting these delicate creatures is important for the environment. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Life After a Terrorism Conviction — a Wrongful One Mar 03, 2022

America's intense fear of terrorism after the 9/11 attacks landed hard on the shoulders of Hamid Hayat, whose California upbringing was shattered when he was accused of being part of a terrorist sleeper cell. Wrongly convicted, he spent 14 years in "Little Gitmo" and other lock-ups. But now he's free, and he spoke exclusively to The Chronicle's Jason Fagone about his famous case and his difficulty reclaiming his life. Fagone tells host Demian Bulwa why Hamid's story is so crucial to our understanding of the post-9/11 world. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Read Hamid Hayat's story: sfchronicle.com/hayat

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San Francisco Drug Crisis: Is It Time for an Abstinence-only Approach? Mar 02, 2022

City leaders and nonprofits are considering an approach that was rejected in the 1990s: abstinence. That model is reflected in a new coalition called the Urban Vision Alliance. Reporter Kevin Fagan joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how this strategy differs from the city's decades-long harm-reduction approach, and why this get-tough method is being revived. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Fight for Ukraine: From Berkeley and Abroad Mar 01, 2022

Maksym Zubkov was working on his PhD at UC Berkeley when Russia invaded his native Ukraine. He talks to host Cecilia Lei about what it's like to watch the war from the Bay Area. Plus: Four Ukrainians share what they're witnessing in their homeland.

For information on how you can help people in Ukraine, visitMaksym Zubkov's website: maksymzubkov.com

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Falling COVID Cases Change the Rules Feb 28, 2022

Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday breaks down a wave of changes coming to the Bay Area due to the retreat of the omicron variant. The federal government is shifting its guidance, and California is poised to drop its school mask mandate. Also, reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio tells host Demian Bulwa about San Francisco's new push to get office workers off Zoom and back downtown to spend money. Has the ship sailed on in-person work?sailed on in-person work? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: "We're Way Past a New Cold War Era" Feb 25, 2022

The violence on the other side of the planet doesn’t seem far away to those with Ukrainian or Russian heritage, or their allies. UC Berkeley political science professor M. Steven Fish joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why there are larger consequences for all Americans, what Putin’s motives are and how he might be stopped. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Ready to Ditch School Mask Mandates Feb 24, 2022

The fight is heating up as parents, teachers unions, district officials and public health experts all have different ideas about the best way forward. Education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the different views between and within districts. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Corrected: UC Berkeley vs. Its Neighbors in a Housing Fight Feb 24, 2022

Nearby city residents have leveraged an environmental law to try to cap the university's enrollment numbers and stop campus expansion projects. Now, the California Supreme Court will decide whether the school will have to slash undergraduate admissions by more than 3,000 slots. But state Sen. Scott Wiener has introduced a bill that might let the state's colleges skip the lengthy environmental review for housing. Chronicle reporters Dustin Gardiner and Nanette Asimov join host Cecilia Lei to explain the drama. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

An earlier version of this episode was published with an editing error. That version has been fixed, and we’ve also republished the corrected episode here.

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UC Berkeley vs. Its Neighbors in a Housing Fight Feb 23, 2022

Nearby city residents have leveraged an environmental law to try to cap the university's enrollment numbers and stop campus expansion projects. Now, the California Supreme Court will decide whether the school will have to slash undergraduate admissions by more than 3,000 slots. But state Sen. Scott Wiener has introduced a bill that might let the state's colleges skip the lengthy environmental review for housing. Chronicle reporters Dustin Gardiner and Nanette Asimov join host Cecilia Lei to explain the drama. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Asian Americans' Complicated Political Power in San Francisco Feb 22, 2022

The school board recall spotlighted how Asian Americans are flexing their political muscle, especially Chinese voters. Chronicle reporter Roland Li joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why. Later, activist Gaynorann Siataga shares how Pacific Islanders are often rendered invisible in discussions about the AAPI vote. She talks about the impact of the recall of Faauuga Moliga, the first Pacific Islander to serve in elected office in San Francisco. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Extra Spicy: How Chuck E. Cheese Teaches Immigrants to Be American Feb 21, 2022

As Season 3 of the Chronicle's food podcast approaches, we want to share one of our favorite episodes. Writer Liana Aghajanian talks about the role places like Chuck E. Cheese, Sizzler and IKEA play in the immigrant experience.

Join host Soleil Ho for Season 3 of Extra Spicy by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. Extra Spicy will stimulate your mind and your appetite.

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80 Years After Forced Relocation: A Japanese Family's Legacy Feb 18, 2022

President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942, forcing the relocation of nearly 8,000 Japanese Bay Area residents into internment camps. Chronicle columnist and Total SF podcast co-host Peter Hartlaub joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how the discovery of one archive photo led him to tracing the family history of Paul Miyamoto, San Francisco's sheriff. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland A's Ballpark Faces a Crucial Vote Feb 17, 2022

The City Council votes Thursday on whether to certify the environmental review of the A’s $12 billion waterfront ballpark project near Jack London Square. The development has raised community concerns around displacement and environmental impacts. Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the Howard Terminal project, which would be one of the largest developments in state history. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Recall Landslide: 3 San Francisco School Board Members Ousted Feb 16, 2022

Voters overwhelmingly recall board President Gabriela López and members Alison Collins and Faauuga Moliga. On It's All Political on Fifth & Mission, reporters Joe Garofoli and Jill Tucker and host Demian Bulwa talk about the surprisingly decisive result and what it means for the attempt to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Chesa Boudin Accuses SFPD of Mishandling Rape Kit Evidence Feb 15, 2022

The district attorney says his office has learned that a woman was connected to a property crime via evidence from a years-old rape exam. SFPD Chief Bill Scott says if an investigation confirms the allegation, "I’m committed to ending the practice,” which might be unconstitutional and could have a chilling effect on people reporting sexual assaults. Reporter Megan Cassidy talks to host Cecilia Lei about the case.

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Can Oakland Cut Murders — Again? Feb 14, 2022

As city leaders and residents anguish over the growing annual homicide rate — from 69 to 124 in the past five years — reporter Raheem Hosseini finds lessons in a past rise and fall of bloodshed in Oakland. He tells host Demian Bulwa that a previous crime surge launched the innovative Ceasefire program, which uses a collaborative, carrot-and-stick approach to try to reach people most at risk of becoming shooters or victims. But the pandemic crippled such efforts, and the city is starting over.

Note: This episode published in error Saturday, so if you have it twice, the two episodes are identical. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Crime Trends: The Data Reveals What Coverage Misses Feb 11, 2022

Sensational news headlines about burglaries and thefts don't tell the whole story. Data reporting can help. Chronicle reporter Susie Neilson joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how crime trends differ by neighborhood and why digging into data is a critical component of understanding trends in the city. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Bay Area Suburbs: The New Eviction Battleground for Tenants Feb 10, 2022

COVID eviction battles are moving to Bay Area suburbs, which don't have the same tenant protections as urban centers like San Francisco and Oakland. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how evictions are playing out in places like San Pablo and Palo Alto, and housing researcher Tim Thomas explains why tenant evictions in the suburbs are a civil rights issue that dates back decades. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Mask On, Mask Off: Will Mandates Come and Go Forever? Feb 09, 2022

The state has announced that its indoor mask mandate will end on Feb. 16. Health reporter Erin Allday chats with host Cecilia Lei about how the latest in a long line of recalculations was made on the heels of the omicron surge, and how the Bay Area is approaching its own local directives. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will Oakland Vote to Close 16 Schools? Feb 08, 2022

The Oakland school board will decide Tuesday night whether it will close or consolidate 16 of the district’s 80 schools. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker joins Cecilia Lei to discuss the controversial proposal touted as a cost-saving strategy by the district. We also hear from an OUSD employee who is on a hunger strike against the decision. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why California's Single-payer Bill Was Killed By Its Author Feb 07, 2022

AB 1400 was supposed to be the nation’s first government-funded health care system, but the legislation didn't even get a vote in the state Assembly. Supporters of the bill are angry with its author, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, for pulling it from the floor. In this episode of It's All Political on Fifth and Mission, Kalra explains his decision to Joe Garofoli and responds to his critics. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The War Between the SFPD and D.A. Chesa Boudin Feb 04, 2022

The relationship between San Francisco's cops and its progressive district attorney was tense from the start. But on the eve of the brutality trial of a cop, an allegation of misconduct against Boudin's office has prompted a bitter legal and political battle. Chronicle reporters Megan Cassidy and Rachel Swan join host Demian Bulwa to dig into the accusation, Boudin's response, and the concern that the fight will set back efforts to reform the city police force, which gathered steam after the 2016 killing of Mario Woods. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Locked in Fentanyl's Grip Feb 03, 2022

San Francisco's death toll from fentanyl overdoses is nearly double the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronicle reporter Trisha Thadani takes us into the center of the city's fentanyl crisis and introduces us to people who are suffering from addiction firsthand — and she explores the limits of the city's strategy to curb the deadly opioid. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The New Move Against Masks in Schools Feb 02, 2022

Is it time to move away from school mask requirements in the Bay Area? Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker tells host Demian Bulwa why some previously pro-mask parents and doctors are urging health officials to make them optional — and why others call that effort too early and too dangerous. Also, reporter Annie Vainshtein explains the anger and the fallout over Oakland’s decision to close and merge some schools, which will disproportionately hurt students of color.

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San Quentin's Dying Death Row Feb 01, 2022

Gov. Gavin Newsom says hundreds of condemned men will be transferred as death row closes. But while Newsom opposes capital punishment, the practice remains popular among voters — and he's not setting aside sentences. Reporter Kevin Fagan digs into the news and the political calculations with host Demian Bulwa, while recalling the times he's witnessed executions in the death chamber. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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New Year, Same Troubles: S.F. Chinatown Struggles Jan 31, 2022

Lunar New Year is typically the busiest time in San Francisco Chinatown, but decreased tourism and the omicron surge are causing businesses to suffer. Chronicle reporter Janelle Bitker chats with host Cecilia Lei about how the neighborhood is surviving and what its future may look like. Then, Janet Chan shares her one-woman mission to save Chinatown, one business at a time, which she's documenting on the Instagram account sfchinatown2021. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Once Essential, Now “Unskilled”: Food Workers Cope with Omicron Jan 28, 2022

The omicron surge has made it hard for restaurant owners to operate safely, and steep declines in revenue are threatening permanent closures. Workers are being sidelined because of COVID-19 exposures and risk losing their critical health care coverage. Producer Caron Creighton reports on the struggles of the food industry and how once-celebrated workers now feel forgotten, despite still being on the front lines of the pandemic.

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Doodler Serial Killer Case: A Breakthrough? Jan 27, 2022

San Francisco police say they're "closer than ever" to solving the case of the Doodler, a serial killer who terrorized San Francisco's gay community in the 1970s. They're identifying a probable sixth victim: Warren Andrews, a 52-year-old lawyer who was beaten and left for dead at Lands End on April 27, 1975. Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan, who has been investigating the slayings for years, tells host Demian Bulwa why police are doubling the reward in the case, hopeful they can finally nab their man. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen to The Doodler, the Chronicle's 8-episode true crime podcast reported and narrated by Kevin Fagan, produced in partnership with Ugly Duckling Films and Neon Hum Media: podfollow.com/1535882542

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What Big Sur's Winter Wildfire Means For Fire Season Jan 26, 2022

The Colorado Fire, which is burning through parts of Big Sur this week, is a rare winter coastal fire. As the state enters its third year of a historic drought, scientists warn that the window for wildfires has grown and California’s fire season is now longer than it was. Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what Big Sur’s winter wildfire means for the rest of this year’s fire season. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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One Man's Tragic Battle Against Addiction Jan 25, 2022

Who are the people at the center of the Bay Area's epidemic of drug addiction and fatal overdoses? Columnist Heather Knight discusses her three years following a man named Jeffrey Choate through the ups and downs of painful addiction and hopeful recovery, from his teenage years getting hooked on painkillers to his time as a prison firefighter to his worst days on the streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin. Knight tells host Demian Bulwa that Jeffrey's story ended tragically but carries lessons about how we should respond to the crisis.

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Sen. Alex Padilla's First Year: "We Don't Give Up" Jan 24, 2022

The debut episode of It's All Political on Fifth and Mission features a conversation between senior political writer Joe Garofoli and Sen. Alex Padilla. The first Latino U.S. senator from California reflects on his first year in the Senate, including the battle over voting rights, progressive policies, and what it's like working in a polarized Senate. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can the Magic of the Castro Theatre Survive? Jan 21, 2022

The Castro Theatre, San Francisco’s beloved movie palace and an internationally known symbol of the Bay Area LGBTQ community, is getting a major makeover. Will renovations and an expanded slate of programming under new management change this cultural landmark? Host Cecilia Lei discusses the legacy of the theater with Chronicle Arts & Culture reporter Tony Bravo.

Plus: How is the community reacting to the news? Events producer Marc Heustis and drag performer Peaches Christ share concerns and hopes for the theater’s future. | Unlimited Chronicle access:sfchronicle.com/pod

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S.F.’s Special Election: What you need to know Jan 20, 2022

Voters will determine the fate of three San Francisco Board of Education commissioners on Feb. 15, and make their picks for the city’s assessor-recorder and in a primary for its newest Assembly member. Education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the intense debate over the school board recall, and City Hall reporter Mallory Moench explains how the state Assembly race is highlighting the city's top issues. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Do Vaccines Affect Long COVID? Jan 19, 2022

We know now that fully vaccinated people can avoid serious illness or death from COVID-19, but not a lot is known about whether vaccines prevent long COVID, a condition whose symptoms can range from shortness of breath to psychosis. But as reporter Nanette Asimov tells host Cecilia Lei, researchers are starting to learn how the shot can help prevent and lessen the disease. Plus: A fully vaccinated woman who's had long COVID for months talks about her often-frightening situation. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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COVID Evictions: Could a Law Keep California Renters Housed? Jan 18, 2022

A bill to change the controversial Ellis Act is making its way through Sacramento. But for some tenants, it's already too late. Reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Dominic Fracassa to discuss what the new bill would do, where it would apply and who could still be left behind. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Lift Every Voice: Bay Area Black Elders Share Their Legacies Jan 17, 2022

To honor the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Fifth & Mission offers this encore presentation of the June 18, 2021, episode. Part of an exclusive series of conversations with Black Bay Area leaders, Betty Reid Soskin, Harry Edwards, Rev. Amos Brown and Barbara Rodgers share stories of the past and offer visions for future generations. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

See the project online, with full interviews and videos: sfchronicle.com/voice

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What Will Happen To Oakland's Unvaccinated Students? Jan 14, 2022

Last October, the Oakland Unified School District became one of the first in the state to require students ages 12 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the mandate is going, and what the stakes are for the district, as well as families who are choosing to not vaccinate their kids. | Unlimited Chronicle access:sfchronicle.com/pod

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Has Policing Increased in the Tenderloin? Jan 13, 2022

Last month, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced a police crackdown in the Tenderloin to combat rampant drug use and crime. Chronicle reporter Megan Cassidy checked in with the mayor to see how it's going. She joins host Cecilia Lei to share what's next for the neighborhood. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Tools to Manage the Pandemic: Covid Pills and Sonoma County's Strategy Jan 12, 2022

The omicron variant is breaking daily COVID-19 case records in the Bay Area — and prompting us to reevaluate how we live with the virus. Reporter Catherine Ho joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why new antiviral pills could be a game changer for the pandemic. Plus: Reporter Erin Allday discusses Sonoma County's new shelter-in-place recommendation and why it isn't a return to the early days of the pandemic. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Newsom Outlines California's 'Existential Threats' Jan 11, 2022

California's governor unveils his budget proposal, kicking off a months-long process of deciding how the state will spend its money — including a $46 billion surplus. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner and senior political writer Joe Garofoli join host Cecilia Lei to chat about what Newsom's priorities are, and what they say about his leadership as he wraps up his first term this year. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What "Milder" Omicron Means for the Pandemic Jan 10, 2022

UCSF's Dr. Bob Wachter joins host Cecilia Lei and Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday to offer clarity during this record-breaking omicron surge, including isolation guidelines, advice for parents of kids under 5 and when the pandemic might become endemic. This conversation was recorded live on Twitter Spaces on Jan. 7. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Omicron at School: Sickness and Sickouts Jan 07, 2022

Pandemic tension is exploding again in schools — including in San Francisco, where public campuses were down nearly 900 teachers and aides on Thursday. As Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker tells host Demian Bulwa, some of the teachers were sick with COVID-19 while others were agitating for tests, masks and other protections against the surge. Similar fights are being waged in Chicago and other cities, frustrating parents who are worried both about the virus and the growing cost of children missing school. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Have We Reckoned With the Jan. 6 Insurrection? Jan 06, 2022

One year after the Capitol was invaded by angry Trump supporters, America is still assessing the damage. Chronicle reporters Tal Kopan, Joe Garofoli and Matthias Gafni join host Cecilia Lei to discuss how prosecutions are going, what Bay Area lawmakers and California Republicans are feeling, and the growing threat to American democracy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Composting Is California’s Climate Change Fight Jan 05, 2022

A new law requires the state to dramatically expand its composting abilities and shrink the amount of waste sent to landfills by 2025. Chronicle reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why this is a climate change fight. Plus: Reporter Dustin Gardiner discusses major infrastructure problems in the state’s recycling program.

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How the Omicron Surge Is Different Jan 04, 2022

The highly infectious variant is already surpassing the case numbers of last winter. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how widespread COVID-19 infections are in the Bay Area, and why there may be a silver lining. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is a Drought Recovery Near? Jan 03, 2022

Rain and snow storms helped usher in a new year in California, but are they drought busters? Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander joins host Cecilia Lei to give updates on the Sierra snowpack, water reservoir levels and what water restrictions may look like in the months ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Will Be the Stories to Watch in 2022? Dec 21, 2021

For our last episode of 2021, hosts Cecilia Lei and Demian Bulwa ask Chronicle journalists and other notable Bay Area figures to answer the question: "What issue or story are you most curious about or interested in following in 2022?" Listen to answers from KQED's Alexis Madrigal, activist Cat Brooks, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaff and others.

Ending soon! Unlimited Chronicle access for 26 weeks for 99 cents: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fifth & Mission will return with new daily episodes on Jan. 3.

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What Oakland Can (and Can't) Do About Homelessness Dec 20, 2021

Oakland has seen a bigger jump in its unhoused population than any other Bay Area city. In a Chronicle Live virtual event in November, reporter Kevin Fagan speaks with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and housing advocates Tomiquia Moss and Chelsea Andrews about what can be done to address the city's crisis. The episode is followed by an aftershow about housing presented by Fifth & Mission sponsor the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Get unlimited Chronicle access for 26 weeks for 99 cents: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Immunocompromised: What It’s Like to Be the Pandemic’s Most Vulnerable Dec 17, 2021

"Immunocompromised" and "immunosuppressed" are familiar terms now, but they are also umbrellas for many different health situations. The CDC estimates that 7 million U.S. adults are moderately to severely immunocompromised. As the U.S. death toll surpasses 800,000 and the omicron variant rises, the most vulnerable in our communities remind us that good health is never a guarantee. Producer Téa Francesca Price shares the pandemic experiences of those with compromised immune systems.

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Newsom's Texas Two Step on Ghost Guns Dec 16, 2021

The governor is co-opting the Lone Star State's end run around the courts on abortion to target illegal homemade firearms. As reporter Dustin Gardiner tells host Demian Bulwa, Newsom sees his gambit as an attempt to use a bad tactic for something good. But the ploy faces the same problem the cops know all too well: Ghost guns are all but impossible to trace.

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Breed’s New Tone for the Tenderloin: More Police Dec 15, 2021

Mayor London Breed unveiled a strategy that would significantly boost police presence in S.F.'s Tenderloin district in order to manage increased gun violence and open air drug dealing. Despite promoting alternatives to policing recently, Breed's latest plan indicates an abrupt change in tone. Chronicle reporter Trisha Thadani joins host Cecilia Lei to explain.

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COVID '22: What Lies Ahead Dec 14, 2021

UCSF's Dr. Bob Wachter and Dr. Monica Gandhi have turned into Twitter celebrities during the coronavirus pandemic. In this Twitter Spaces conversation with host Cecilia Lei and health reporter Erin Allday, they offer their advice on the omicron variant, mask mandates and how to gather safely during the holidays. They also chat about their differing perspectives on what constitutes safe behavior.

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How Would You Spend a Trillion Dollars? Dec 13, 2021

That's the question Bay Area communities are answering as money is distributed from the bipartisan infrastructure bill and possibly President Biden's Build Back Better bill. Political correspondent Tal Kopan joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the big local projects that stand to benefit, from improving train lines and the Golden Gate Bridge to fighting drought and wildfires.

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A Tale of Two Dickens Fairs Dec 10, 2021

It's a holiday tradition that brings the flavor of Victorian London to the Cow Palace. But some participants are boycotting over what they say is the parent company's failure to make the fair safe and inclusive for all. LaToya Tooles and Arielle Kesweder join host Cecilia Lei to talk about the problems haunting the event.

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The Omicron Variant and a Holiday Surge Dec 09, 2021

What you need to know about the emergence of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in Northern California. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday talks to host Demian Bulwa about how contagious and dangerous it is, and how well vaccinations and boosters protect against it. Allday also discusses the rising number of cases in the Bay Area heading into the holidays, and explains the link between the world's vaccine effort and the fight to better treat HIV.

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Emeryville: Where Housing Gets Built Dec 08, 2021

The small and mighty East Bay city is on track to exceed its regional housing development goals, unlike other cities in the Bay Area. Emeryville has long had a reputation of welcoming development of all kinds, including affordable housing. Chronicle reporter J.K. Dineen joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why the city is uniquely positioned to do so, and what other cities can learn from its approach.

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Are Parklets Endangered in San Francisco? Dec 07, 2021

They've been a lifeline to restaurants, who were thrilled when the city made them permanent. But a slew of new rules might mean many will have to go. Zack Schwab, who owns the Pacific Heights bar the Snug, and Chronicle food reporter Janelle Bitker join Cecilia Lei to talk about it.

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A Mother's Fight Against Fentanyl's Pull in San Francisco Dec 06, 2021

Fifth & Mission Host Demian Bulwa speaks with columnist Heather Knight and photographer Gabrielle Lurie about their story following a mother's desperate search to find her daughter in San Francisco, and get her clean from fentanyl. Laurie Steves quit her job, left her home in a Seattle suburb and moved to San Francisco with the desperate hope that she would not lose another child to drug addiction, but she had no idea how challenging that process would be.

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Supply Chain Woes: Consumers Be Aware Dec 03, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic, worker shortages and even global warming are all factors that have contributed to what is known as 'the supply chain crisis'. Chronicle food reporter Janelle Bitker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how local Bay Area restaurants are impacted, and business reporter Carolyn Said explains why supply chain issues might stick around for awhile.

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Omicron in San Francisco: What You Need to Know Dec 02, 2021

A resident becomes the first case of the latest COVID-19 variant in the United States. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about what the detection means for the Bay Area, how vaccines hold up against the variant and whether we should change our behavior now that omicron is here.

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Bay Area Retail Theft: Oakland Cannabis Merchants Weigh In Dec 01, 2021

Cities across the Bay Area have been jolted by a spree of retail thefts. On Monday, struggling Oakland cannabis merchants made a plea to city and state leaders for more protection — and a tax break. Chronicle reporter Rachel Swan joins host Cecilia Lei to explain their demands and how conversations about retail crime are becoming increasingly politicized.

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The Omicron Variant: Here We Go Again? Nov 30, 2021

As the latest coronavirus variant spreads across the globe, Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why it's worrying health experts and why we should feel hopeful. Plus: Reporter Kellie Hwang shares what five local experts say about staying safe for the rest of the holiday season.

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Your Bay Area Transportation Questions Answered Nov 29, 2021

Transportation reporter Ricardo Cano joins guest host Heather Knight to answer questions from listeners and readers submitted via the Bay Area Transportation Project Roadmap. As the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency prepares to make limited service restorations in 2022, tune in to hear all about transit, safe streets, car-free JFK Drive and more. You can send more questions to sfchronicle.com/transitFAQ. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Is San Francisco Shutting Down its Homeless Hotels? Nov 22, 2021

Since last spring, the city has moved thousands of unhoused residents into hotel rooms as emergency shelter during the pandemic. The program, Project RoomKey, is federally funded and the Biden Administration has extended that funding through April 1. But San Francisco has been closing the shelter-in-place hotels for months, despite protests from homeless advocates. Producer Caron Creighton reports on the city's tactics and the objections activists have to them.

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Who Should Be Getting Boosters? Nov 19, 2021

Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins host Demian Bulwa to talk COVID-19 boosters: Who should be getting them and why is California being aggressive with them? She talks about whether the push for boosters has merit and whether we’re going to need shots every six months — or every year — for life. And what about the fear of a winter surge? What are the latest predictions on what we’ll see in the pandemic in the Bay Area over the next couple of months?

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Civics, Charity and Sexual Violence Nov 18, 2021

Chronicle investigative reporters Alexandria Bordas and Cynthia Dizikes lay out their new investigation finding years of problems in a civic and charitable organization that helped launch the careers of numerous politicians. They include Richard Nixon, Barry Goldwater and former Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli, who has denied more than a dozen women's allegations of sexual assault. The group, Active 20-30, raises money for children, but current and former members describe a culture celebrating binge drinking and enabling sexual violence, in which many people missed or ignored Foppoli's alleged behavior. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can a Supervised Drug Use Site Help Curb the Overdose Crisis? Nov 17, 2021

Mayor London Breed is hoping to acquire a building San Francisco can use to open a site where people can use drugs under medical supervision as early as spring 2022. One roadblock: It's against state and federal law. Reporter Trisha Thadani joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the plan. Plus: Data reporter Yoohyun Jung talks about The Chronicle's new Overdose Tracker. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Breaking: Jackie Speier Talks About Her Retirement Nov 16, 2021

On this episode of the It's All Political podcast, Rep. Jackie Speier talks with The Chronicle's Joe Garofoli, Tal Kopan and Kevin Fagan shortly after announcing that she won't run for reelection in 2022. Speier, who first ran for office after she was wounded in the Jonestown massacre in 1978, has represented San Mateo County and part of San Francisco for decades and has been in Congress since 2008. She reflects on her decision, her career, and what she plans to do next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland Homeless Experiment: Cash Subsidies Nov 16, 2021

Mayor Libby Schaaf is announcing a program Tuesday that will give 200 struggling households about $700 a month with no strings attached. The privately funded subsidy comes as Oakland continues to grapple with a sharp increase in unhoused residents during the pandemic. Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani joins host Cecilia Lei to explain how it may help the city's homelessness crisis. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Some Bay Area Homes Still Have Racist Deeds Nov 15, 2021

The 1968 Fair Housing Act outlawed discriminatory housing covenants, but remnants of redlining provisions linger on housing deeds today. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to explain how one affluent Peninsula community, Ladera, started a grassroots campaign to amend them, and the conversations that effort has stirred about present-day housing segregation. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Lobbyists Got Millions in Improper PPP Loans Nov 12, 2021

Reporter Alexei Koseff joins host Dominic Fracassa to talk about his investigation showing that some state lobbying firms improperly received pandemic-relief loans they weren't eligible for. It’s yet another example of the slapdash rollout of PPP loans during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Vaccine Mandates: Effective or Inconsistent? Nov 11, 2021

San Francisco was the first large city to implement a vaccine mandate for city employees. Reporter Rachel Swan joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how the requirement is working with the SFPD. Then, education reporter Jill Tucker discusses school staff vaccination rates in California, and why Gov. Newsom has been uneven in requiring COVID-19 vaccines. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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COVID Case Spikes and Mental Health Eligibility for Boosters Nov 10, 2021

Chronicle staff writer Aidin Vaziri joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why the Bay Area is seeing a jump in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and engagement reporter Gwendolyn Wu explains why people with mental health illnesses are now eligible for vaccine booster shots. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Reckons With Its Anti-Chinese History Nov 09, 2021

Supervisor Matt Haney has said he'll introduce a resolution Tuesday apologizing to the Chinese community for the city's history of racism against early immigrants. Reporter Shwanika Narayan joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the history, and community advocates Dennis Wu and Drew Min — who suggested the resolution to Haney — share what it symbolizes. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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After Stevenson: The Politics of S.F. Housing Creation Nov 08, 2021

Some members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors say they're pro-housing, but they end up voting down a lot of new construction. Heather Knight and Joe Garofoli join Cecilia Lei to talk about the latest gut check over how the city addresses housing issues, and the implications the controversy is creating in races for statewide office. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Chesa Boudin Charges Crimes Nov 05, 2021

Chronicle reporter Susie Neilson cuts through an intense San Francisco debate by breaking down exclusive figures showing how the district attorney is charging people for crimes including murder, rape, theft and drug dealing. She tells host Demian Bulwa why rape prosecutions are up and theft cases are down as Boudin seeks to fight off a recall attempt. Then: Reporter Rachel Swan discusses a bike theft in the city that raises questions about how the criminal justice system and residents should respond. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can Dave Chappelle Redeem Himself? Nov 04, 2021

Comedian Dave Chapelle is opening his latest tour at San Francisco’s Chase Center, despite receiving fierce criticism for his recent comments about the transgender community. Many say his views are transphobic and harmful at a time of record-breaking anti-trans legislation.

Chronicle culture critic Tony Bravo and Aria Sai’d, the executive director of San Francisco’s Transgender District, join host Cecilia Lei to discuss the controversy and whether Chapelle can redeem himself in the eyes of the LGBTQ community. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland’s Homeless Sons and Daughters Nov 03, 2021

They grew up there. They owned homes. And they lost everything. The Chronicle spent five months shadowing four longtime Oakland residents to understand how people with deep roots in the community wound up among the city's unhoused. Host Cecilia Lei welcomes reporters Kevin Fagan and Sarah Ravani and photographer Gabrielle Lurie, who share the story of 70-year-old Delbra Taylor, one of the unhoused residents highlighted in this year's Chronicle Homeless Project. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

How to help the homeless: sfchronicle.com/how-to-help

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San Francisco's Deportation "Conveyor Belt" Nov 02, 2021

Judges in U.S. immigration court issue mass "in absentia" deportation orders for immigrants who don't show up to make their case. But many of these people don't even know to be in court because their current address isn't on file. As reporter Deepa Fernandes tells host Demian Bulwa, the Justice Department defends the practice, but advocates for immigrants call it a "deportation conveyor belt." | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Did San Francisco Reject 500 New Housing Units? Nov 01, 2021

The Board of Supervisors voted against a development project in SoMa that would've turned a parking lot into a high-rise market-rate residential complex. Some community members were concerned about gentrification, but S.F. politics were also a strong factor. Reporter J.K. Dineen joins host Cecilia Lei to explain. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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3 Sierra Towns Changed by Fire Oct 29, 2021

Historic wildfires have ravaged communities throughout the Sierra fire zones. Now, their residents are facing difficult decisions, including whether and how to rebuild and how to stay safe. Reporter J.D. Morris joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about Paradise, Greenville and Quincy. One of them is rebuilding, one is in ruins, and one is under threat. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Gov. Newsom Gets a Booster — Should You? Oct 28, 2021

One year after the Bay Area headed into a terrible holiday surge, we're in much better shape. But huge pandemic questions still loom, including: Should you get a booster shot? Can you do holiday gatherings with no restrictions? Are school mask rules soon to change? Meanwhile, children ages 5 to 11 could begin getting vaccinated next week, meaning many could be fully vaccinated by the end of the year. But what do we know about effectiveness for kids? Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins host Demian Bulwa to dig into these questions and more. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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TikTok and Billboards: Public Schools Turn to Marketing For Help Oct 27, 2021

Public schools in the Bay Area, and across the country, are hiring marketing firms to boost their enrollment numbers, which have declined and resulted in lost revenue in recent years. Marketing strategies have included TikTok accounts, Pandora ads, and other creative strategies. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the education system became a competitive marketplace — one that is particularly challenging for public schools.

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Palo Alto’s 2-Year Battle Over 4 Homeless Parking Spots Oct 26, 2021

Safe parking spots that offer overnight refuge for the unhoused population are gaining traction in the Bay Area, but political obstacles are obstructing community efforts. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the two-year battle the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto had to take on to offer four parking spaces in the city, where more than three-quarters of the unhoused population live in cars. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Take our Listener Survey: sfchronicle.com/survey

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Chesa Boudin: A Former Assistant D.A. Speaks Out Oct 25, 2021

City Hall columnist and Total SF podcast host Heather Knight joins Demian Bulwa to talk about her interview with Brooke Jenkins, one of the 50-plus attorneys and other staff who have left the San Francisco district attorney's office since the beleaguered D.A. took over. Jenkins cites what she views as chaotic management, high turnover and ideologically driven decisions as her reasons for joining the effort to recall Boudin — which will likely reach voters as early as June. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Midnight for Democracy With Adam Schiff Oct 22, 2021

The California congressman, lead House impeachment manager in the first Senate trial of Donald Trump, and now author of the bestseller "Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could," talks to Joe Garofoli about the Jan. 6 insurrection hearings, the Trump administration, and the ongoing crisis for democracy. A longer version of this interview appeared on the It's All Political podcast. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Take our Listener Survey: sfchronicle.com/survey

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Conservatorships: Could One Have Saved This Life? Oct 21, 2021

If you’ve heard the term conservatorship this year, it’s likely been about the legal fight around pop star Britney Spears. Taking away a person's decision-making power is meant to be an option of last resort, but in San Francisco, some say they're too hard to obtain, with sometimes deadly consequences. Reporter Mallory Moench joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the controversy and the story of a woman who fought for a conservatorship to try to save her brother. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Take our Listener Survey: sfchronicle.com/survey

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Rain Is Here! We Need It! (But Not Too Much) Oct 20, 2021

The Bay Area has been begging for rain for months amid the worst drought in modern state history. Now that it's here, can we relax? Not so much. A potential atmospheric river in the forecast may cause mudslides. It also may not be enough to put an end to fire season or the growing need to conserve water. Chronicle reporters Jessica Flores and Tara Duggan join host Demian Bulwa to discuss what you need to know about the change of seasons, whether the winter will be wet or dry, and how technology is improving to predict local storms, even down to the neighborhood level. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Just How Bad Is Shoplifting in San Francisco? Oct 19, 2021

When Walgreens said it would close five stores in the city, the reaction was a firestorm. Why? Because the company blamed shoplifting, reigniting a polarizing debate over whether San Francisco is tough enough on property crimes. Reporters Shwanika Narayan and Susie Neilson join host Demian Bulwa to discuss the Chronicle's findings: that statistics on reported shoplifting cases from the SFPD do not support Walgreens' explanation. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Will Redistricting Change California? Oct 18, 2021

The state is entering the home stretch for drawing new maps for congressional and legislative seats based on 2020 Census data. The redistricting will shape partisan control as well as determine the power of minority voters, and the power lies in the hands of a 14-member nonpartisan commission. Washington correspondent Tal Kopan joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the key dynamics at play as the deadline nears. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is School Desegregation in Sausalito Marin City Working? Oct 15, 2021

After years of funding discrepancies and generations of racial division, the Marin County district was ordered by the California attorney general to desegregate. This fall, the district combined the student populations of mostly Black Marin City with the wealthy, predominantly white population of Sausalito. Cecilia Lei visits the district to check in on how it's going at the new, unified, two-campus school — and what comes next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Reckons with Reparations Oct 14, 2021

The state is going it alone on one of the most controversial subjects in the nation: Reparations for African Americans. A task force is meeting this week to document California's little-known and seldom-taught history of slavery and recommend to the Legislature what to do about it. But the details are complicated, including what reparations should look like and who should qualify. Tammerlin Drummond of the ACLU of Northern California and Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner tell host Demian Bulwa what is at stake. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Family Homelessness: One Bay Area County's Plan Oct 13, 2021

Santa Clara County is home to Silicon Valley giants — and enduring poverty and homelessness. Reporter Lauren Hepler talks to host Dominic Fracassa about how officials want to house more than a thousand homeless families, and how they’ve given themselves a year to do it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's Newest Laws: What's Coming Oct 12, 2021

Gov. Newsom wrapped up the legislative session by signing 770 new laws and vetoing 66. Chronicle reporter Dustin Gardiner joins host Cecilia Lei to chat about what the governor decided to sign, from banning new gas-powered leaf blowers and "stealthing" to requiring ethnic studies in high school and gender-neutral children's sections in large stores. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can PG&E Stop Causing Fires? Oct 11, 2021

By causing some of California's most destructive blazes in recent years, the utility put its own survival at risk. Now, under a new CEO, PG&E is marching out plans designed to cut down on the ignitions. Chronicle reporter J.D. Morris tells host Demian Bulwa that PG&E's hope is to bury 10,000 miles of power lines underground. But what will this and other projects cost customers, and will it restore the company's tarnished reputation? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Giants-Dodgers in the Playoffs: This Is Big Oct 08, 2021

Baseball writer John Shea calls it the sport's greatest rivalry — with apologies to the Yankees and Red Sox. He and Giants beat writer Susan Slusser join Cecilia Lei to talk about why San Francisco had an incredible season, as well as what they think it will take for the Giants to win what could be a classic series, the first postseason meeting between the fierce enemies since 1889. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: Susan and John preview the series on Giants Splash: pod.fo/e/ee4ae

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Mask Fatigue and Vaccine Mandates Oct 07, 2021

Public health officials are set to establish new rules for when, where and how we can begin to uncover our faces. Meanwhile, a rush of San Francisco workers have been getting vaccinated to meet a city deadline, proving that vax mandates work, whether you’re a building inspector, a cop or a Golden State Warrior. Health reporter Erin Allday joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss two emerging pandemic storylines in the Bay Area. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Financial Crisis of S.F. Schools: The State Intervenes Oct 06, 2021

After 18 months of upheaval and school board controversies, the latest blow to the San Francisco Unified School District is its massive $116 million shortfall. The financial situation is so dire that the state is stepping in to help the district figure out how to cut 13% of its annual budget, or else risk a total state takeover of the district. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the district arrived here, and what it may mean for students.

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Why the Warriors' Andrew Wiggins Controversy Was a Distraction Oct 05, 2021

Golden State's starting small forward initially refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine, saying his back was "against the wall." He risked much of his multimillion-dollar salary because of San Francisco's indoor vaccination mandate but finally reversed his stance on Sunday. The drama around Wiggins, though, missed the real issue, says Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips: Lack of access to health care and information in the Black community. He joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

See also: Oakland's Vaccine Ambassadors: pod.fo/e/df916

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Is the Counterculture Legacy of Berkeley's People's Park Over? Oct 04, 2021

Last week, the University of California approved a $312 million plan to develop student housing at People's Park, which has been the site of activism since the 1960's, and a safe haven for unhoused residents to camp. Producer Caron Creighton reports from Berkeley to understand how the university's new housing plan may affect the legacy of the historic park and displace its community members.

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Breaking: COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for California Schools Oct 01, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces a first-in-the-nation order — which will go into effect when vaccines get full authorization from the FDA. Reporter Alexei Koseff joins host Demian Bulwa to talk about the order and what it means. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Last Pandemic Gasp in the Bay Area? Oct 01, 2021

With vaccinations rising and shots for young children coming soon, the Bay Area is a very different place than it was a year ago. But what does that mean as we enter the holiday season? Are we witnessing, at least locally, the last gasp of the pandemic? Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday gives host Demian Bulwa the big picture — the positive signs she is seeing for the months ahead as well as the nagging factors that still worry her. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco's Big Power Shift Sep 30, 2021

Some of the city's most powerful politicians are on the move, with Mayor London Breed at the controls. Dennis Herrera is departing his role as city attorney to lead the Public Utilities Commission. David Chiu is leaving the state Assembly to replace him. Matt Haney and David Campos want Chiu's Assembly seat. And more dominoes still might fall. Chronicle City Hall reporters Trisha Thadani and Mallory Moench join host Demian Bulwa to discuss what it all means amid multiple corruption scandals. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The El Farolito Saga: Why a Beloved Taqueria Can't Open in North Beach Sep 29, 2021

San Franciscans rejoiced when El Farolito announced its new North Beach location but the beloved Mission taqueria's plans were halted because of the city's "formula retail" laws, which consider El Farolito to be a chain. Business reporter Shwanika Narayan joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the city's ban on chains and whether the laws are actually hurting, rather than helping, local and fast-growing small businesses. Total SF podcast hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight also weigh in on the debate.

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‘Pandemic Within a Pandemic’: San Francisco Battles Fentanyl Sep 28, 2021

The deadly opioid has overtaken the city's drug supply and is responsible for soaring overdose deaths, which have worsened during the coronavirus pandemic. City Hall reporter Trisha Thadani joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the city's newly launched Street Overdose Response Team. Later, S.F. resident Joshua Weens talks about what it's like to step in after witnessing an overdose death. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Green Card Backlog Leaves Silicon Valley Workers in Limbo Sep 27, 2021

The U.S. is allowing more than 80,000 visas to vanish at the end of September, despite having a backlog of more than a million skilled immigrants who have been waiting — sometimes as long as decades — for their green cards. Most of them are tech workers from India, including in Silicon Valley. Chronicle reporter Deepa Fernandes joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about their desperation, and the impact it's having on their families. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Texas Women are Coping After the Abortion Ban Sep 24, 2021

It's been three weeks since Texas passed the most restrictive abortion law in the country. Since then, women have been fleeing to other states to obtain the procedure, including in one Oklahoma clinic that Chronicle photographer Gabrielle Lurie has been shadowing. She chats with host Cecilia Lei about the Texas women she met with, and how they've navigated the abortion ban since it went into effect.

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San Francisco's Answer to Retail Theft Sep 23, 2021

In July, Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott rebutted the narrative that the city is overwhelmed by rampant lawlessness. But as retail thefts have persisted, the leaders unveiled a multi-pronged approach to combat robberies. Chronicle reporter Megan Cassidy joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the city's new strategy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Corrected: Where We're Going, There Are No Cars — Maybe? Sep 22, 2021

Republished to fix an editing error: Columnist Heather Knight joins host Demian Bulwa with exclusive news: San Francisco leaders may be on a path toward removing cars permanently from scenic John F. Kennedy Drive through Golden Gate Park. The decision is certain to intensify a larger debate over whether the city should turn famed roadways, including the Great Highway and Twin Peaks Boulevard, into pedestrian-only havens. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen to Total SF, hosted by Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub: sfchronicle.com/totalsfpod

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Where We're Going, There Are No Cars — Maybe? Sep 22, 2021

Columnist Heather Knight joins host Demian Bulwa with exclusive news: San Francisco leaders may be on a path toward removing cars permanently from scenic John F. Kennedy Drive through Golden Gate Park. The decision is certain to intensify a larger debate over whether the city should turn famed roadways, including the Great Highway and Twin Peaks Boulevard, into pedestrian-only havens. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen to Total SF, hosted by Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub: sfchronicle.com/totalsfpod

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Maskless Mayor Breed: The Story Behind the Viral Story Sep 21, 2021

Chronicle senior arts and entertainment editor Mariecar Mendoza talks to host Cecilia Lei about inadvertently capturing video of London Breed breaking her own mask mandate as she sang and danced at an impromptu Tony! Toni! Toné! reunion performance at the Black Cat in the Tenderloin, and Heather Knight chats about the possible political consequences for the mayor. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland Chinatown Deliberates: More Police or Less? Sep 20, 2021

Violent attacks have left some residents demanding increased police presence. But others say it sends the wrong message about the actual public safety needs of the neighborhood, and that it pits the Asian community against other communities of color. Reporting from Chinatown, Cecilia Lei speaks to residents, activists and merchants to explore how it's become ground zero for some of the most charged debates on policing. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Bay Area Schools Weighing Vax Mandates Sep 17, 2021

Two of the Bay Area's biggest public school districts will decide next week whether to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all staffers and students 12 or older. But an effort to bring normalcy back to their campuses is already drawing opposition — and may bring legal challenges. Host Demian Bulwa speaks to reporter Rachel Swan and Professor Dorit Reiss of UC Hastings College of the Law, an expert on the history and legal landscape of vaccine mandates. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Booster Shots, the Mu Variant and You Sep 16, 2021

After 19 months of the pandemic, many of us feel like COVID-19 experts but still have plenty of questions about what we should be doing. Is the delta variant surge finally waning in the Bay Area? Who needs third vaccine booster shots? Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about the latest coronavirus updates. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Can Gavin Newsom Do With His Big Recall Win? Sep 15, 2021

"We said yes to pluralism," the governor said after Californians voted overwhelmingly to let him finish his term. With the recall attempt behind him, does Newsom have the wind at his back? Chronicle reporters Joe Garofoli, Dustin Gardiner and Alexei Koseff join host Demian Bulwa on this joint episode of Fifth & Mission and It's All Political. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen to Kosseff's interview with Newsom on It's All Political: pod.fo/e/e708c

Chronicle election coverage: sfchronicle.com/recall

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Election Day: Will Newsom Survive the Recall? Sep 14, 2021

After over a year of pandemic upheaval and partisan rage, Californians will finally decide whether Gov. Gavin Newsom will remain in office. Reporter Alexei Kosseff interviewed Newsom this weekend and he joins host Cecilia Lei to chat about what Newsom had to say about the recall — and that infamous French Laundry dinner — and what voters can expect as election results roll in. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen to Kosseff's interview with Newsom on It's All Political: pod.fo/e/e708c

Chronicle election coverage: sfchronicle.com/recall

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$50 Million Lawsuit Over a Parking Ticket Sep 13, 2021

Two Bay Area residents have filed class-action lawsuits against the century-old practice of chalking tires as a form of parking enforcement. One suit claims it's a violation of drivers' Fourth Amendment rights, and similar lawsuits have popped up across the country. Reporter Rachel Swan joins host Cecilia Lei to explain the debate. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Simu Liu: Why "Shang-Chi" Is the Superhero Asian America Needs Sep 10, 2021

After over a year of escalated racism, turmoil and violent attacks on elders, the Asian American community got its first Marvel superhero in the film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," set partially in San Francisco. Simu Liu joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how the film is elevating Asian representation in Hollywood and how he brought authenticity to his lead role in the blockbuster. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How 9/11 Launched a Muslim Civil Rights Movement Sep 09, 2021

Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, changing the world forever. In the wake of the tragedy, wars raged, national security efforts increased and Muslims in the United States faced mass scrutiny and profiling. Chronicle reporter Deepa Fernandes shares the story of two Bay Area Muslim women who came of age in the aftermath of 9/11 and how they supported their community’s resilience against oppression.

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How to Keep Your Kids Safe at School Sep 08, 2021

With the Delta variant booming, cases of COVID-19 are rising faster among children than among people over 50. It's a scary time for parents and kids alike as they've mostly returned to in-person school. Reporter Aidin Vaziri has spoken with a variety of public health experts and he tells host Cecilia Lei their best advice for keeping kids safe. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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One Bay Area Family's Escape From Afghanistan Sep 07, 2021

The Sultani family of Milpitas, who've been living in California since 2017, were visiting relatives in Kabul this summer when the Taliban seized power. Reporter Deepa Fernandes talks to Demian Bulwa about their struggle to get home, and what lies ahead for them and others in the area's large, and now growing, Afghan community. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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TotalSF: Meet the Angriest Letter-Writer in San Francisco Sep 06, 2021

Quentin Kopp had such a long and influential career as a member of the Board of Supervisors, a state senator and a judge that the I-380 freeway is named after him. He's still going strong at 93, and on this episode of the TotalSF podcast, he's paid a visit by hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight, who have received plenty of Kopp's angry letters. Fifth & Mission is bringing you this episode of our sibling podcast as a Labor Day special.

Subscribe to TotalSF: chronicle.com/totalsfpod

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Texas Abortion Ban: What’s at Stake for California? Sep 03, 2021

Are abortion rights in California at risk as Gov. Newsom faces a recall? Texas just outlawed abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and the Supreme Court formally rejected requests by abortion providers to block the law. Now, California and the rest of the nation brace for the impact of the ban.

Host Cecilia Lei discusses what's at stake with Khiara Bridges, a professor at UC Berkeley, and Shannon Olivieri Hovis, the California Director of NARAL Pro Choice California.

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It’s All Political: Good News for Gavin Newsom? Sep 02, 2021

As voters are deciding whether to keep or dump Gov. Newsom, a new poll makes the recall look like a longshot. Today’s Fifth & Mission episode features a portion of the Chronicle’s It’s All Political podcast, hosted by senior political writer Joe Garofoli. He sits down with Sacramento reporters Alexei Koseff and Dustin Gardiner to break down the poll results and explore what Republican Larry Elder would do if he became governor.

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"I Can't Imagine Living Anywhere Else": Tahoe Evacuees Speak Sep 01, 2021

A day after an unprecedented citywide evacuation in South Lake Tahoe due to the Caldor Fire, host Cecilia Lei checks in with evacuees who share what it's been like to leave their houses behind, what the Tahoe community means to them and how they're coping with the uncertainty they face in the days ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Chronicle Fire Map & Tracker: sfchronicle.com/firemap

Chronicle wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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Lake Tahoe Evacuation: Caldor Fire Threat Grows Aug 31, 2021

The go-to vacation destination for Bay Area residents is also home to more than 20,000 locals who have been forced to leave. Chronicle photographer Carlos Avila Gonzalez joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what he's witnessing on the front lines, and Bay Area native Katie MacBride talks about what it's like to potentially lose a cabin that's been in her family for generations. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Chronicle Fire Map & Tracker: sfchronicle.com/firemap

Chronicle wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

Chronicle Drought Map & Tracker: sfchronicle.com/water

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Not In Your Side Yard: A San Francisco Housing Fight Aug 30, 2021

In a small but telling flare-up of the housing wars, a Corona Heights homeowner wanted to add units, including affordable ones, on his spacious corner lot. Neighbors objected and called him a profiteer, zoning laws stood in his way, and pro-housing politicians balked at stepping in. City Hall columnist Heather Knight interviews Scott Pluta, the homeowner, then talks to host Demian Bulwa about why it’s so hard to build housing — and how we can expect to see even more intense fights in the near future. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfires Are Different This Year Aug 27, 2021

California's blazes are bigger and hotter, and they're jumping highways and mountains, including in the Sierra Nevada. Reporter Julie Johnson joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how this season compares to previous years, how the drought factors into fire behavior, and what firefighters will have to face in the months ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Chronicle Fire Map & Tracker: sfchronicle.com/firemap

Chronicle wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

Chronicle Drought Map & Tracker: sfchronicle.com/water

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The COVID Crisis in Rural Hospitals Aug 26, 2021

A year and a half into the pandemic, hospitals in Northern California's rural counties are running out of room, stricken with a contagious delta variant and communities with low vaccination rates. Patients are suffering. Doctors and nurses are exhausted and pleading with the public to get the shots before it's too late.

On this episode of the Fifth & Mission podcast, Chronicle reporter Shwanika Narayan tells host Demian Bulwa how bad the surge is getting in these places, and Dr. Stephanie Dittmer, a physician in Humboldt County, describes being right in the middle of it.

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Prop. 22 Ruling Not a Quick Fix for Gig Workers Aug 25, 2021

An Alameda County Superior Court judge striking down the measure is a win for Uber and Lyft drivers and others, but reporter Carolyn Said tells host Cecilia Lei that there are more legal battles ahead before companies must classify them as employees. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Is It Taking PG&E Years to Pay Fire Victims? Aug 24, 2021

The utility has been linked to some of California's most destructive and deadliest wildfires, and fire victims have had to wait for compensation — none longer than survivors of the 2015 Butte Fire. Reporter J.D. Morris joins host Cecilia Lei to explain why the amount they’ll be able to collect could be affected by the company’s role in the massive Dixie Fire, which is burning now. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Chronicle Fire Map & Tracker: sfchronicle.com/firemap

Chronicle wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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What Are the Unvaccinated Thinking? Aug 23, 2021

Chronicle reporters went to the Bay Area ZIP codes with the lowest vaccination rates and asked people why they hadn't gotten the shots. Reporter Julie Johnson tells host Demian Bulwa that people offered a mix of reasons, from lack of trust in medical authorities to belief in conspiracies, from laziness to lack of access. Plus: Reporter Ryan Kost digs into the plight of the immunocompromised as the delta variant surges. What are their lives like, and what are officials doing to help? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A 100-Year Secret in the Sunset District Aug 20, 2021

In 2019, Christina Lalanne found a century-old diary in her San Francisco home. She spent two years chasing its ghosts around the city and across the Atlantic, uncovering a love story that was almost lost to history. Sarah Feldberg reports. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"The Bleakest Moment:" Local Afghans Share Their Devastation Aug 19, 2021

As the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan continues to develop, for some California residents the latest news is more than a headline. Host Cecilia Lei talks to local Afghans and Afghan Americans about their hopes and fears for their home country, including Khaled Hosseini, author of “The Kite Runner,” Afghan-American professor Halima Kazem, and two 16-year-old twin sisters who made it back to the U.S. just in time before the fall of Kabul. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Newsom Recall: What to Expect and How to Vote Aug 18, 2021

California’s recall election may have begun as a right wing endeavor, but it is now a legitimate threat for Gov. Newsom. Will Democrats be able to mobilize enough of the state’s voter base to counter any dissatisfaction with Newsom’s handling of issues like wildfires, homelessness or the pandemic? Cecilia Lei discusses the latest on the recall with the Chronicle’s state capitol reporter, Dustin Gardiner, and senior political writer and “It’s All Political” podcast host, Joe Garofoli.

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Barbara Lee on Afghanistan and Oakland: It's All Political Aug 17, 2021

Fifth & Mission presents an episode of the Chronicle's politics podcast, It's All Political, featuring Rep. Barbara Lee. The progressive icon talks to host Joe Garofoli about her famous no vote on war authorization, how her East Bay district is the "wokest" in America, the personal struggles she overcame — something she's rarely discussed publicly — and the new documentary about her, “Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power.” | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen to It's All Political: podfollow.com/its-all-political

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Lessons From a Wildfire Reporter Aug 16, 2021

The Camp Fire, the nation's deadliest wildfire in a century, destroyed the Butte County town of Paradise in 2018. Former Chronicle reporter Lizzie Johnson, now with the Washington Post, tenaciously covered the tragedy, from training with firefighters to interviewing hundreds of Paradise residents. She joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about her new book, "Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire," and to share the vital lessons she's learned as another catastrophic wildfire season is under way. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Episodes of Fifth & Mission featuring Lizzie Johnson:

To Catch a Fire-Setter: pod.fo/e/ad07c

The Life and Death of Braden Varney: pod.fo/e/ade1a

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No Vax, No Service in San Francisco Restaurants Aug 13, 2021

Proof of vaccination will be required starting Aug. 20 at many businesses in San Francisco, including restaurants, bars, gyms and some of the biggest event venues. The city decided to put in one of the nation's toughest mandates, both to keep people safer from COVID-19 and to push holdouts to get their shots. Trisha Thadani talks to host Demian Bulwa about how the new rules work, and Janelle Bitker takes you behind the scenes at Bay Area restaurants that have been demanding proof of vaccination for several weeks. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Oakland’s Vaccine Ambassadors Get the Message Right Aug 12, 2021

The Fruitvale neighborhood has one of the lowest vaccination rates and highest COVID case rates in Alameda County. Reporter Deepa Fernandes joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss an outreach program that's hoping to change that with the help of key ambassadors in the community: children of immigrants. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Unemployment Benefits Will Soon Be Slashed — What Then? Aug 11, 2021

The enhanced federal safety net has helped keep more than a million Californians from poverty this year, but the extra payouts are set to end on Labor Day. Chronicle reporter Carolyn Said joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about who will be affected the most and how jobless people will have to cope in the months ahead as the delta variant continues to threaten the economy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Some Parents Aren’t Happy About In-Person School Aug 10, 2021

With the delta variant on the rise, concerned parents are demanding a distance learning option from school districts. Education reporter Jill Tucker joins Cecilia Lei to talk about this week's bumpy start to the new in-person school year. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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When the Fire Comes for Your Town Aug 09, 2021

It's happened again: A California community wiped out by flames. The Dixie Fire tore through the Gold Country town of Greenville last week even as neighborhoods in places like Santa Rosa, Redding and Paradise continue to rebuild after past catastrophes. What's it like to lose everything? Host Demian Bulwa talks to Margaret Elysia Garcia, who was evacuated from Greenville, and Melissa Geissinger, who lost her Santa Rosa home in the 2017 Tubbs Fire.

Read Garcia's Eulogy for Greenville in the Plumas News: bit.ly/3lEvSvr

Visit Geissinger's website: survivaloversurrender.com

Read Out of the Fire by Lizzie Johnson: bit.ly/2VAwyHD

Listen to the accompanying podcast City of Ash: spoti.fi/3lGtg0m

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How Should We Cope With the Pandemic Now? Aug 06, 2021

The Delta variant has been a tough reality check, so Chronicle reporters went out into the field to ask Bay Area residents about how they're feeling at this stage of the pandemic. Internationally known stress scientist Dr. Elissa Epel joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss how we can maintain our emotional health, even as a prolonged pandemic stirs strong emotions of anger and frustration. | Get full digital access to the Chronicle: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Behind the Delays in Bay Area Rent Relief Aug 05, 2021

All over the Bay Area, the pandemic left hundreds of thousands of people and families unable to afford their rent. But as Chronicle reporter Lauren Helper reports, government programs designed to provide aid and shore up local communities have been slow to disperse the funds. As of mid-July, only 10% of $889 million in available aid had been distributed. Hepler tells host Demian Bulwa how these programs work, how they are breaking down, and what is at stake for renters, landlords and everyone else. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Breakthrough COVID: The Virus Isn't Done With Us Aug 04, 2021

Indoor mask mandates are back in seven Bay Area counties because of the highly transmissible delta variant, and the risk isn't just for unvaccinated people: post-vaccination cases are also on the rise. UCSF's Dr. Bob Wachter joins host Cecilia Lei to explain breakthrough cases, and what the latest public health guidance means for the future of the pandemic.

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Moving to the State's Most Fire Prone Areas Aug 03, 2021

Many Bay Area residents moved away from cities like San Francisco and Oakland during the pandemic and landed in the places that are most vulnerable to wildfires. Chronicle reporter Susie Neilson joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss the trend and why some people are knowingly placing themselves closer to the blazes.

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New Pride Flag to Fly in the Castro? Aug 02, 2021

For more than four decades, Gilbert Baker's iconic rainbow flag has been the global symbol of the LGBTQ community. But critics say it's time for the flag to be updated and inclusive of other groups, including Black and transgender people. The Chronicle's Tony Bravo joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what's happening with the flagpole at Castro and Market streets, which stands at the center of the debate.

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Going Back to School – Are We Ready? Jul 30, 2021

It's another huge moment in the pandemic: the full return of in-person instruction at Bay Area public schools. But what will that look like? And are we ready amid the frightening surge of the delta variant of the coronavirus? Chronicle health reporter Jill Tucker tells host Demian Bulwa how school officials are preparing, including what they are requiring in terms of vaccinations, masks and social distancing. She talks about how students are transitioning back. And she discusses the prospect of potential lockdowns in the future.

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No Vaccination, No Mask, No (Indoor) Service Jul 29, 2021

Thanks to the delta variant, the Bay Area is now an emerging coronavirus hotspot and now, restaurant and bar owners are taking matters into their own hands to protect the health of their workers and businesses. Chronicle food and wine editor Tanay Warerkar joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about how the vaccination requirement movement is gaining momentum in the Bay Area, and Ben Bleiman, the president of the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, explains why implementing the vaccination requirement was a no-brainer decision.

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Newsom Recall: The Race is Closer Than You Think Jul 28, 2021

The effort to oust California's governor started as a fringe right-wing movement, but things have gotten serious. While Californians oppose the recall generally, likely voters are closely split with the election mere weeks away. Reporter Alexei Koseff talks to host Cecilia Lei about how the governor has to motivate what's so far been an unenthusiastic Democratic base. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfire Season Is Here: What to Expect Jul 27, 2021

As two major fires burn in the Sierra, reporter J.D. Morris joins Cecilia Lei to talk about what Northern California should brace itself for, what we've learned from previous disasters and how major stakeholders like PG&E are shifting their strategies. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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COVID Surge: How Bad Is It Going to Get? Jul 26, 2021

Thanks to the delta variant, Bay Area coronavirus cases are rising yet again, just six weeks after California's big reopening. But this is a different kind of surge with very different lessons, says Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday. She tells host Demian Bulwa why the latest case rates may be a flawed measurement, and talks about what we need to know about breakthrough infections and booster shots. Also: Do mask-wearing and social distancing need reconsideration in a post-vaccine world? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Could Artificial Intelligence Help Him Grieve? Jul 23, 2021

Joshua Barbeau was 26 when his fiancee, Jessica Pereira, died from a rare liver disease. Eight years later, still grieving, he turned to Project December, a website that allowed him to text with an artificial intelligence simulation of Jessica. The Chronicle's Jason Fagone talks to host Cecilia Lei about his story about love and A.I., and Joshua Barbeau discusses how a chatbot helped him cope with loss. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Tokyo Olympics: Ann Killion on the Strangest Games Jul 22, 2021

These Olympics, which officially begin Friday U.S. time, are sorely lacking in the usual camaraderie and brotherhood. Fans are absent. COVID protocols already aren't working as planned. Athletes are nervous about being put into quarantine and missing training or events. And what if the star of stars, Simone Biles, is compromised? Ann Killion reports from a nervous, unhappy Tokyo. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can West Oakland's Last Frontier for the Homeless Survive? Jul 21, 2021

Hundreds of people live in Wood Street, an unhoused community under Interstate 880. It's one of the city's largest encampments with its own health clinic, communal kitchen and other amenities. But it's been placed in the crosshairs for eviction by the city of Oakland and CalTrans. Caron Creighton reports on a tight-knit community that's fighting to survive. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Are the A's on Their Way Out of Oakland? Jul 20, 2021

It's not exactly the bottom of the ninth, but it's a big day for the A’s proposed ballpark along the Oakland waterfront. The City Council will weigh in on dueling visions for a $12 billion development at Howard Terminal, and club officials say they'll be forced to move the team if they don't get their way. Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani and sports columnist Scott Ostler join Demian Bulwa to talk about the issues at play, including the bill for taxpayers, affordable housing, and whether Oakland might lose another pro sports team. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oakland Violence: Are Police the Problem, the Solution or Both? Jul 19, 2021

With violence in the city surging, some Black community leaders are feeling the pressure to plead for peace alongside Oakland police, despite not trusting them. Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips joins host Cecilia Lei to talk about a unique moment, and why he says police alone can't quell violence in Oakland. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Homelessness: S.F.'s $1 Billion War Chest Jul 16, 2021

Thanks to Proposition C, San Francisco now has a huge amount to spend on homelessness, and the pressure is on for that money to make a difference. Chronicle reporter Trisha Thadani chats with host Cecilia Lei about how it will be spent. Then, Shireen McSpadden, the new director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, explains how Prop C funds are a game changer for her department. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Parklets Are Permanent — Is That Good? Jul 15, 2021

Outdoor restaurant spaces that sprouted up during the COVID-19 pandemic are here to stay. That's good for the restaurants and their customers, but advocates for the disabled, the elderly and the homeless, and those who believe San Francisco is fighting an unproductive war on cars, aren't so thrilled. Reporter Mallory Moench joins Dominic Fracassa to talk about the reaction from businesses and groups affected by the popular fixtures. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Pandemic Is Not Over Jul 14, 2021

A spike in Bay Area COVID cases. Breakthrough infections on the rise. New mask mandates for schools. Reporter Erin Allday talks to Cecilia Lei about how worried we should be about headlines like this, and how we can stay safe. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Has San Francisco Become Gotham City? Jul 13, 2021

Viral videos and news coverage have painted San Francisco as a crime-riddled city, but Mayor London Breed and SFPD Chief Bill Scott say the portrayal is inaccurate. Crime reporter Megan Cassidy chats with host Cecilia Lei about what the latest crime stats actually say, and what city leaders are highlighting about policing. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why I'm Leaving Stanford Medicine Jul 12, 2021

Dr. Jorge A. Caballero went viral on Twitter when he announced his resignation from Stanford University. The former clinical instructor says Stanford repeatedly passed him over for career advancement after he spoke up about racial bias in the residency selection process in 2014. His inspiration? Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, who recently declined an offer of tenure at the University of North Carolina — which had been delayed when a conservative donor had objected to her hire. Caballero chats with host Cecilia Lei about what it means to push back on historically white institutions, and what led him to step away from medicine. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is Awkward the New Cool? Jul 09, 2021

As social lives resume, people are negotiating another new normal: being socially awkward. While we stumble all over ourselves getting reacquainted with loved ones and strangers alike, Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo says there's only one way to get through: embrace it — and practice what he calls "FOMOR," the fear of missing out ... responsibly. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Cost of Unaffordable Housing Jul 08, 2021

The politics of housing may be slowly changing. But in the Bay Area, the reality isn't. The region’s median price recently hit $1.3 million, while a new report finds that for every one new home permitted in the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas in 2009-19, more than three jobs were created. The Chronicle's housing crisis reporter, Lauren Hepler, discusses the tension between NIMBYs and YIMBYs, the surprising impact of the pandemic on housing, and who is left out when communities become more and more unaffordable. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Police Accountability in the Suburbs Jul 07, 2021

In smaller towns across the Bay Area, police use-of-force is less subject to oversight than in places like San Francisco or Oakland. The death of Angelo Quinto after an Antioch police officer restrained him during a mental health episode triggered reforms — but modest ones in comparison to those in major cities. Reporter Rachel Swan talks to Cecilia Lei about why that is. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can Mayor London Breed Lead a Recovery? Jul 06, 2021

She was praised for her early pandemic leadership, but can she work efficiently now that old dynamics between herself and the Board of Supervisors have resumed? Host Cecilia Lei chats with reporter Trisha Thadani about the challenges facing the mayor, and then Kultivate Labs executive director Desi Danganan shares his perspective on how city bureaucracy affects business owners and community leaders. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Extra Spicy: Alternative Foods From Silicon Valley Jul 05, 2021

Will future generations only know meatless burgers and other food alternatives? It sounds dystopian, but that is a legitimate possibility if Silicon Valley gets its way. On this episode of The Chronicle's Extra Spicy podcast, hosts Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips talk with journalist Larissa Zimberoff about her latest book, “Technically Food: Inside Silicon Valley’s Mission to Change What We Eat” and whether demand for “alternative” foods will overcome California’s farm-to-table culture. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Fifth & Mission is taking the holiday off and will return with a new episode Tuesday.

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Could the Miami Condo Collapse Happen Here? Jul 02, 2021

A week after a 12-story building collapsed in Florida, host Cecilia Lei talks to Emily Guglielmo, president of the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California. Beyond earthquakes, how much should we worry about building safety in the Bay Area? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is the Zodiac Killer Still Out There? Jul 01, 2021

The Chronicle once got taunting letters and cryptograms from the Zodiac Killer. More than 50 years later, it still gets a stream of tips, many identifying a suspect they think ought to be arrested. Those messages mostly go to Kevin Fagan, the veteran reporter who knows more about the case than almost anyone. He joins Demian Bulwa to talk about how he sifts through the info from online sleuths, and he weighs in on the recent news that some of the Zodiac's ciphers have been decoded. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Did California Reopen Too Quickly? Jun 30, 2021

Two weeks after the state's reopening, Los Angeles County now urges masks indoors for everyone as the delta variant spreads. Host Cecilia Lei checks in with reporter Aidin Vaziri, who warns Bay Area residents to stay vigilant during this stage of the pandemic. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Beer Boycott that Linked Queer and Labor Rights Jun 29, 2021

In the 1970's, Allan Baird entered Harvey Milk's camera shop in San Francisco and asked for the support of the LGBTQ community in boycotting Coors Beer. It began a decades long coalition between gay and labor movements. Decades later, local activists sought to honor Baird's little known role in queer history.

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Californians are flocking to Austin. Here's why Jun 28, 2021

Chronicle reporter Roland Li traveled to Austin, Texas, to take a closer look at why many Californians are moving to the fast-growing tech hub. As he tells host Demian Bulwa, he found people looking for a lower cost of living and less traffic and headaches, in a place with abundant jobs and vibrant nightlife. But he also found that Austin is starting to confront California-like problems, including housing bidding wars, gentrification and displacement. As Austin booms, does it threaten California's future?

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The “Race Realist” on the Anti-Racist Campus Jun 25, 2021

For years, a white professor on the proudly diverse campus of Cal State East Bay in Hayward taught misinformation — that Black and Latino students were inherently less smart. Race, he said, predicted intelligence. But even after students and faculty complained, little was done to address the harm caused by Prof. Gregory Christainsen. Chronicle reporter Jason Fagone discusses his examination of what happened at the school, when efforts to confront legacies of racism collided with complex notions of academic freedom and a brand of racist pseudoscience that is deeply rooted in America and in higher education.

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California Eviction Moratorium Still in Limbo Jun 24, 2021

Though the economy is finally recovering, many California tenants are anxiously waiting to see whether the state’s eviction moratorium will be extended beyond June 30. Chronicle reporter Alexei Koseff joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss what’s at stake and how negotiations between state lawmakers are going.

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What Vincent Chin's Death Taught Us Jun 23, 2021

Thirty-nine years ago, Vincent Chin was beaten to death by two white men. His murder prompted Black political activist Rev. Jesse Jackson to visit San Francisco Chinatown in 1984 to help speak out against anti-Asian violence. Longtime Chinatown activist Rev. Norman Fong joins host Cecilia Lei to reflect on the challenges of Asian and Black community solidarity as anti-Asian violence persists in the Bay Area.

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Why the Delta Variant's Surge is a Big Deal Jun 22, 2021

Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday reveals new numbers on the rise of the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus in California. One Bay Area county saw infections triple in the past month. Allday explains why health experts are worried about the strain, which has caused chaos among unvaccinated populations and could set back our immense progress in emerging from the pandemic. Also, Allday discusses the plight of families who have children under age 12 — kids who can’t yet be vaccinated.

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The "Huge War" Over Hunters Point Jun 21, 2021

San Francisco's biggest environmental justice battle is back, colliding with the city's need to address housing shortages. Chronicle reporter Lauren Hepler joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss why community members want to stop the construction of 12,000 new homes on the Hunters Point shipyard. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Lift Every Voice: Bay Area Black Elders Share Their Legacies Jun 18, 2021

The San Francisco Chronicle presents an exclusive series of conversations with Black Bay Area leaders, including Betty Reid Soskin, Harry Edwards, Rev. Amos Brown and Barbara Rodgers. After last year's racial reckoning in America, they share stories of the past and offer visions for future generations. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

See the project online, with full interviews and videos: sfchronicle.com/voice

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Did You Throw Away Your Shot? Jun 17, 2021

If you're among the thousands of Bay Area residents who've skipped the second shot of a two-shot vaccine, you've got health experts worried. You may be better off than people who are fully unvaccinated, but you're at risk of getting sick, especially from the potent "delta" variant, according to new research. Chronicle health reporter Catherine Ho talks about people who haven't returned for second doses, and what officials are doing in response. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Pandemic Crime Stats Really Tell Us Jun 16, 2021

Beyond the politics and fear, what do the numbers actually show? Chronicle data reporter Susie Neilson explains that even though crime has been falling all over the place for decades, the pandemic spurred distinct trends, including a surge in gun violence in Oakland and a shift from car to home burglaries in San Francisco. Now, crime is returning to pre-pandemic levels, too — for better and for worse. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Reopens: What It Means for You Jun 15, 2021

Karaoke's OK now, right? Packed indoor dining? Concerts? Reporter Kellie Hwang breaks down the new normal with host Cecilia Lei. Plus: Health reporter Erin Allday reflects on this long road back to something like post-pandemic life. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How TikTok Became a Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth Jun 14, 2021

As the pandemic hit them hard, LGBTQ youth found solidarity and celebration on the platform. Host Cecilia Lei is joined by reporter Malavika Kannan, who wrote about the community, and 19-year-old content creator Cas Davis of Fairfield, who found their voice there. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How an Eviction Tore One Family Apart Jun 11, 2021

Lizzie Johnson tells the story of 10-year-old Bre-Anna Valenzuela, whose parents were fighting as her mother fought a terminal disease. But at least their home in Fresno was protected by California's eviction moratorium. Or so they thought. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Breaking: Aaron Peskin Says He's Entering Rehab Jun 10, 2021

The powerful San Francisco supervisor, a pivotal figure at City Hall since 2000, acknowledged a problem with alcohol after Chronicle reporters interviewed dozens of his colleagues about a troubling pattern of bullying and apparent intoxication at meetings. City Hall columnist Heather Knight joins Cecilia Lei with the story. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Do Not Pull a Karen": What to Expect as Restaurants Reopen Jun 10, 2021

Poor Yelp reviews can spell trouble for restaurants, but food writer Elena Kadvany says difficulty in staffing back up is causing longer wait times and service gaps as the industry recovers from the pandemic. Host Cecilia Lei also speaks to Dennis Leung, a restaurant G.M., and Sevan Araneda, a former bar manager, about what we should expect as we dine and drink in public again. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Is This Drought Different? Jun 09, 2021

Water shortages and parched conditions are affecting the entire Bay Area. Reporter Kurtis Alexander gives the latest drought updates to host Cecilia Lei. Then, food writer Tara Duggan explains why farms and ranches will be hit hardest, and grazing specialist Byron Palmer shares how his business is struggling to survive. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Do Bathrooms Encourage Homeless Encampments? Jun 08, 2021

One of San Francisco's most explosive debates centers on whether the city's policies and "amenities" attract unhoused people and tent camps. Now, the debate extends to public bathrooms. As the Chronicle's Mallory Moench reports, one of the city’s leaders in the homelessness crisis has advocated for the removal of portable toilets from some sites. The pushback was fierce, with some activists and officials saying we need more bathrooms, which are essential to human dignity. Next up is a public hearing on the issue. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Corrected: California Finally Responds to Coronavirus Variants Jun 07, 2021

An earlier version of this episode was published with old audio. That version has been fixed, and we've also republished the correct audio here.

For a while, the state wasn't doing much to monitor the spread of coronavirus variants in communities. That has changed, reporter Erin Allday says. More widespread genomic sequencing of the virus may help us respond more quickly to flare-ups, protect vulnerable communities and understand if vaccines are working. It's a breakthrough that may provide benefits even after the pandemic is over. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Finally Responds to Coronavirus Variants Jun 07, 2021

For a while, the state wasn't doing much to monitor the spread of coronavirus variants in communities. That has changed, reporter Erin Allday says. More widespread genomic sequencing of the virus may help us respond more quickly to flare-ups, protect vulnerable communities and understand if vaccines are working. It's a breakthrough that may provide benefits even after the pandemic is over. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Will the Bay Area Cope With a Rising Bay? Jun 04, 2021

In just a few decades, the waterline is expected to rise by almost a foot, which will impact nearly every facet of life in the region. Chronicle urban design critic John King joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss his new four-part series, "Rising Reality," which looks at how Bay Area communities are bracing for rising sea levels. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Did So Many Kids Leave S.F. Public Schools? Jun 03, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic's toll on San Francisco public schools may be felt for years. More than 1,700 students have left, which could cost the district millions of dollars. Some families left the city, others switched to private schools whose campuses were open. Will they come back, and what happens if they don't? Reporter Jill Tucker talks about what schools are grappling with. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can $1 Billion End Homelessness in San Francisco? Jun 02, 2021

Mayor London Breed wants to spend that much over the next two years. Reporter Trisha Thadani joins Cecilia Lei to talk about how the mayor plans to spend the money, and homeless advocate Juthaporn Chaloeicheep gives her reaction to the huge price tag. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Doctor Who Hates School Closures Jun 01, 2021

Dr. Monica Gandhi of UCSF has gained national attention with her controversial critiques of the Bay Area’s conservative pandemic response, which she argues has done more harm than good for some populations, especially schoolchildren. Before the pandemic, Gandhi was known locally as a long-time HIV/AIDS care provider who ran San Francisco General’s Ward 86. She talks with Erin Allday about how that work — and experiences in her personal life over the past year and a half — influenced her reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Surviving COVID-19 With Dementia May 31, 2021

Reporter Sarah Ravani and photographer Gabrielle Lurie talk with Cecilia Lei about their reporting on dementia patients at Gordon Manor, an assisted living facility in Redwood City. Dementia patients have been particularly vulnerable during the pandemic, as they have trouble following safety protocols, which also disrupt the routines that keep them healthy and safe, including contact with family. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Get Ready for the Post-Pandemic Travel Boom May 28, 2021

After more than a year of lockdowns, people are ready to shove aside their "travel guilt" and get away, with more than three-quarters of Americans saying they're planning trips. But reporter Greg Thomas tells Demian Bulwa that not everything is back to normal: Shorter road trips might win out over long flights, and usually bustling San Francisco might have a long road to recovery as a tourist hub. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"It Really Is a National Crisis" May 27, 2021

We tend to look at mass shootings as isolated events. But Guardian reporter Abené Clayton tells Cecilia Lei "the repercussions of gun violence spread like a virus," and we should be thinking about tragedies like the San Jose shooting as a public health disaster. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Happens When the Rent Comes Due? May 26, 2021

Few issues have been as critical in the past year as keeping people in their homes, even as they struggle to pay rent. Now, as the pandemic eases, San Francisco and California face pressure to ward off a wave of potential evictions. Reporter Emma Talley has the latest on San Francisco's eviction moratorium, which was expected to be extended. And reporter Mallory Moench discusses a more controversial proposal to excuse some city businesses from paying rent if they'd been required to shut down. Landlords are pushing back on that one. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Bay Area Police Reform: What’s Changed? May 25, 2021

In the year since George Floyd’s death, local city leaders have launched a variety of police reform initiatives, from cutting budgets to reallocating funds to the community. But do they go far enough? Reporters Sarah Ravani and Megan Cassidy give Cecilia Lei an update on how major Bay Area cities responded to last summer's protests, and whether progress has been made. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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George Floyd 1 Year Later: "A Lost Opportunity" May 24, 2021

John Jones III is an Oakland activist and member of the city’s Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, formed after calls were made to cut the Oakland police budget. He tells new host and producer Cecilia Lei that it’s always good when people demand justice, but there’s a difference between a moment and a movement, and racial justice must focus on more than protests and police reform. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Caitlyn Jenner's Running, Trans Advocates are Fuming May 21, 2021

The conservative celebrity's effort to unseat Gov. Gavin Newsom is historic, but advocates for transgender rights see her as a problematic and detached figurehead at a critical time. Reporter Dustin Gardiner breaks down Jenner's place in the nation's culture wars. And columnist Ann Killion weighs in on Jenner's statements that trans girls should be barred from girls sports in schools. Plus: Announcing a new Fifth & Mission co-host. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Dining Indoors Again: An Expert's View May 20, 2021

Soleil Ho, co-host of the Extra Spicy podcast, covers the food industry — but hadn't eaten indoors at a restaurant in 15 months. That changed recently after she got fully vaccinated and knew hospitality workers had too. So what was it like to slide into a booth inside a pho restaurant for the first time? Soleil dishes all about it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Comeback Win: Stanford Reinstates 11 Sports May 19, 2021

For months, Chronicle columnist Ann Killion has been raising questions about Stanford's decision to cut 11 varsity sports programs early in the pandemic. This week, the school reversed course under pressure, reinstating every one. Killion tells Demian Bulwa about how deep-pocketed Stanford had angered athletes and alumni, triggered lawsuits and exacerbated gender inequities. And what happened to the athletes whose futures were thrust into chaos? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco 911: A Pivot From Police May 18, 2021

Reporter Trisha Thadani talks about the city's new Street Crisis Response Team — mental health professionals, not cops — which responds to the city's most vulnerable people, including those who are mentally ill, addicted to drugs and unhoused. The team is part of a the nationwide movement to get police out of situations where they might not be needed. But big challenges remain, including providing enough shelter and care and making sure people don't simply cycle back to the streets. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Are We Ready to Shed Our Masks? May 17, 2021

The CDC says it’s OK to stop wearing them if you’re vaccinated, but host Demian Bulwa isn’t so sure he’s ready — or that he trusts others that they’ve really gotten the jab. Reporter Erin Allday says that makes sense. We’ve all been through trauma and we’re nervous and scared. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Bay Area Tent Cities: What Next? May 14, 2021

The CDC urged city officials to avoid clearing homeless encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now that the virus is subsiding and cities want to reclaim public space, some unhoused people face eviction and uncertain futures. Reporter Lauren Hepler discusses those tensions and how Gov. Gavin Newsom is responding. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Are We Headed Toward Fare-Free Muni? May 13, 2021

Two San Francisco supervisors advanced their plan for three free months of Muni rides on Wednesday, but Muni officials don't like the idea. The Chronicle's transportation reporter Ricardo Cano explains why. Plus: The upcoming return of the city's historic streetcars, current ridership trends and the ongoing battle over car-free JFK Drive.

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California Has Extra Cash. How to Spend it? May 12, 2021

Despite the pandemic, state officials are projecting a $38 billion surplus in the upcoming fiscal year. The question: How to spend it? It's a good problem to have for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who's facing a recall election and is pushing ideas including more stimulus payments and expanding an intriguing program for unhoused people. Joining the podcast is Chronicle Sacramento reporter Alexei Koseff, who discusses the big windfall and the political considerations in a state grappling with immense poverty and inequality along with drought and fire crises. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Kids Can Get Vaccinated: Will They? May 11, 2021

Reporter Catherine Ho talks about the latest pandemic breakthrough: federal approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children 12-15. But when, and where, will shots start going in arms? Will enough parents actually give permission, considering the coronavirus hasn't hit young people as hard? Plus: A 15-year-old talks about what vaccine approval means to her. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's Math Wars May 10, 2021

San Francisco public schools moved Algebra 1 out of middle school and into high school for all students in 2014, and the state might recommend that all public school districts do the same. But some parents don't like the controversial move, saying kids should be able to advance in math if they're able. Education reporter Jill Tucker adds it all up.

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Is San Francisco's Exodus Over? May 07, 2021

San Franciscans fled the city in droves during the pandemic. Now that the city's reopening, will its citizens return? Chronicle data reporter Susie Neilson explains what numbers can tell us about pandemic migration, the Bay Area's "baby bust" and vaccine hesitancy in communities of color. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Happy Birthday, Willie Mays May 06, 2021

S.F. Giants great Willie Mays celebrates his 90th birthday today. The Major League Baseball Hall of Famer is a San Francisco icon and an ambassador for the sport who was still a regular at Giants games pre-pandemic. San Francisco Chronicle national baseball writer and sports columnist John Shea, who co-authored the book "24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid" with Mays, talks about the baseball legend's 90th birthday, his rough start in San Francisco and what he means to the city today. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Welcome to the Yellow Tier May 05, 2021

It became official Tuesday: San Francisco is advancing to the yellow tier of coronavirus restrictions. On Thursday the city will start easing the rules on large gatherings and indoor bars, among other things. Restaurants, movie theaters, gyms — they can all expand capacity. Chronicle reporters Aidin Vaziri and Erin Allday explain the news, lay out what comes next and discuss a difficult question: Are some vaccinated people now being too cautious? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Are STDs Really Down in the Pandemic? May 04, 2021

Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday discusses her look at reports of sexually transmitted diseases in the past year. Turns out, STDs including HIV were way down — but that may not be a result of people isolating themselves, and it may not be a good thing. According to experts, it may be the side effect of less testing. People were still getting STDs, Allday says, but many of them just didn’t know it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Sneaker Waves: Death at the Beach May 03, 2021

One minute, people are relaxing at a Bay Area beach. The next, they're in a life-or-death struggle in the water. In recent months, a series of massive, out-of-nowhere waves have crashed over unsuspecting beachgoers again and again, including Arunay Pruthi, 12, who was swept to sea in front of his family. Reporter Nora Mishanec tells the story of the effort to rescue the boy, and to keep these tragedies from happening in the future. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Misery in India Apr 30, 2021

As life in the United States is beginning to return to normal, India has been crushed by a deadly surge of the coronavirus. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday discusses why that country is getting hit so hard now and how it's affecting the 300,000 Bay Area residents with ties to India. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why 49ers Fans Are in a Frenzy Apr 29, 2021

San Francisco 49ers fans are on pins and needles as they await Thursday's NFL Draft. The reason? The team of Joe Montana, Steve Young and Colin Kaepernick is under intense pressure to pick a quarterback of the future. But which QB? And what will happen to the current Niners starter, Jimmy Garoppolo? Chronicle sports columnists Ann Killion and Scott Ostler weigh in on the tension, give their preferred picks, and lament the continued racist stereotypes often placed on Black quarterbacks.

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City Hall's Top Lawyer Moves On Apr 28, 2021

San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera has been nominated to take over the Public Utilities Commission after 20 years of representing the city in court. He talks about some of his biggest cases, his frustrating loss in trying to reopen schools and how the city has changed without President Trump as its biggest foil. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's Slow Growth Costs a House Seat Apr 27, 2021

For the first time in history, California is about to lose an elected representative in Congress, even as Texas picks up two seats. The shift was cemented by numbers released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau. What does it mean for California? What about the balance of power between Republicans and Democrats? And how will the state form its new congressional districts? Chronicle Washington correspondent Tal Kopan explains.

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Small Towns to Remote Workers: We'll Pay You to Live Here Apr 26, 2021

From Michigan to Maine, communities are dangling incentives of up to $20,000 to out-of-state folks, hoping to convince tech workers and others in the expanding remote workforce to move in. Reporter Carolyn Said talks about these pandemic perks, which in some places include home lots, bicycles and even free Jimmy John's sandwiches — though you have to commit to staying for awhile.

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Addressing San Francisco's Homelessness and Drug Crises Apr 23, 2021

City Hall is debating fixes for San Francisco's most pressing problems including funding sanctioned tent encampments and opening a long-discussed safe injection site. Reporter Mallory Moench explains the proposals and why they're far from sure things.

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A Sixth Accuser for Foppoli Apr 22, 2021

Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli has been accused of sexual assault by five women — and now another is sharing her story with The Chronicle. Reporter Cynthia Dizikes discusses the latest allegations and why the woman's email about them to town officials in 2017 didn't accomplish much. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Derek Chauvin Guilty: Now What? Apr 21, 2021

The former Minneapolis cop's conviction on three charges in the killing of George Floyd was met with relief — and two more police-related deaths. Dominic Fracassa talks to Black Lives Matter organizer Melina Abdullah, police reform expert Alex Vitale, Oakland activist Akil Riley and Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer about where America goes from here. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Making Muni Faster Apr 20, 2021

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is trying to add HOV lanes to highways in the city, but some residents are fighting back. Reporter Ricardo Cano explains why the SFMTA seems to be at the center of so many pandemic squabbles. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Oscar Grant’s Mom Is Right Apr 19, 2021

With Daunte Wright the latest in a long string of Black men dying at the hands of police, Wanda Johnson says it's past time for the country to get armed cops out of traffic stops. Columnist Justin Phillips agrees, and remembers "the talk" his parents had with him, even though his own dad was a cop. "Not every cop's going to be like your dad." | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Racism in the Bay Area Food Industry Apr 16, 2021

Anti-Asian attacks and rhetoric are rising, and they're impacting Asian food workers who have to interact with the public in a big way. Chronicle food reporter Janelle Bitker explains how Asian restaurants are coping with the disturbing trend. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Different Pandemics for Different Neighborhoods Apr 15, 2021

San Francisco has fared well, but not every part of the city has been equally fortunate. Reporter Susie Neilson talks about the Chronicle's analysis of Covid-19 cases by neighborhood. Plus: Trisha Thadani on the’s city’s efforts to vaccinate its hardest-hit communities. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Johnson & Johnson Suspension: How Bad Is It? Apr 14, 2021

The pause on one of the country's three vaccines comes at a bad time as everyone 16 and up becomes eligible to get shots this week in California. Reporter Erin Allday talks about why it happened, what it means for the race to herd immunity, and whether it might delay Gov. Newsom's plans to reopen the state's economy in June. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What the First Day of School Looked Like in S.F. Apr 13, 2021

Education reporter Jill Tucker takes you behind the scenes of the first day back in school in San Francisco. The district, among the last big public systems in the country to bring students back, opened 22 elementary schools, with more on the way. This is after months of worry over the coronavirus spreading, political bickering, labor negotiations and a lawsuit. There are challenges ahead, including a potential teacher shortage. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fifth Woman Accuses Dominic Foppoli Apr 12, 2021

An ex-girlfriend says she was sexually assaulted by the Windsor mayor. Meanwhile, some residents of the town are launching a recall bid. Foppoli released a statement denying the allegations and attacking lawmakers who have called for his resignation. One of those now calling for him to step down? His older brother. Reporters Alexandria Bordas and Cynthia Dizikes have the latest on the story they broke last week. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listener alert: This episode contains details of alleged sexual assault that may be upsetting.

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Wine Country Mayor Faces Criminal Investigation Apr 09, 2021

Hours after The Chronicle published an investigation into Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office opened a criminal probe. It was a response to the accounts of four women who said Foppoli sexually assaulted them in incidents from 2003 to 2019. Foppoli, through his attorney, denied the allegations. The Chronicle's story also prompted more than a dozen local elected leaders to call for Foppoli to resign. The reporters who broke the story, Alexandria Bordas and Cynthia Dizikes, discuss the latest. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Prince" of Wine Country Accused of Sexual Assault Apr 08, 2021

Four women have told The Chronicle that winery owner and Windsor Mayor Dominic Foppoli isolated and assaulted them after nights of drinking. The incidents span from 2003 to 2019. Foppoli denies the allegations. Reporters Alexandria Bordas and Cynthia Dizikes discuss their findings and how they reported the story. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listener alert: This episode contains details of alleged sexual assault that may be upsetting.

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Reopening: The End Is Near Apr 07, 2021

With vaccinations growing, Gov. Newsom delivered staggering news on Tuesday: California plans to lift most pandemic restrictions and fully reopen on June 15. Unless something changes, that means the end of the color-coded tier system for counties. Reporters Erin Allday and Aidin Vaziri discuss what this means for schools, for events like concerts and for mask-wearing — and whether there's still a chance of a backslide.

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Imposteraunts! Apr 06, 2021

If beloved Blowfish Sushi closed in December, how can people still order sushi from a restaurant of the same name in the same space? Not to mention from a Japan-based restaurant famous for its $180 sandwiches. Reporter Janelle Bitker has been following this fishy story. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Stanford's Professor of Women's Basketball Apr 05, 2021

The Cardinal's NCAA title adds to the remarkable legacy of coach Tara VanDerveer. Her team is the most consistently successful in Bay Area sports, but this was their first title in 29 years. Sports columnists Ann Killion and Scott Ostler talk about Stanford's decades of success and frustration. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Much Longer Will We Have to Wear Masks? Apr 05, 2021

There are few more obvious tokens of the pandemic than the masks covering everyone’s faces. But despite the rising number of vaccination rates, Californians shouldn’t expect to tear them off any time soon. Health writer Erin Allday joins to explain why.

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We're Here. We're Queer. We're in Power Apr 02, 2021

Have we entered a new era for LGBTQ politicians? Reporter and columnist Tony Bravo talks about the groundbreaking rise of gay and transgender leaders, the response to progress by forces on the right, and how veteran politicians are reflecting on what has changed — and what has not. Plus: Rachel Swan breaks down the tension over responding to anti-Asian crimes. Is a focus on punishment for hate crimes the right approach? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: Tom Ammiano: Kiss My Gay Ass | Total SF podcast pod.fo/e/c244f

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50-64: You're Vaccine Eligible! But ... Apr 01, 2021

But there aren’t enough shots. Reporters Catherine Ho and Nanette Asimov discuss what the Bay Area can expect as eligibility opens for those 50 and over. Plus: Alexei Koseff talks about the nearly $8 million Bay Area lawmakers squeezed out of the Newsom administration to help the region’s poorest residents get vaccinated. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Polling on Recall is Good News for Newsom Mar 31, 2021

A new poll shows opponents of California Gov Gavin Newsom have a lot of work to do. A strong 56% of likely voters oppose the recall, compared to 40% backing it. Meanwhile, Newsom’s job approval rating among likely voters is 53%, virtually unchanged from the before the pandemic that ignited anger against him. The Chronicle's Joe Garofoli explains the numbers, how the pandemic is at the center of recall momentum, and how leading Democrats aren't likely to run to replace Newsom.

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Vaccine FOMO Is Real Mar 30, 2021

People are posting inoculation selfies and beginning to restart their lives. But what about those who haven't yet got their shots? Reporter Ryan Kost on Fear of Missing Out. Plus: Erin Allday on President Biden's plea for continued mask mandates and rising fears of a fourth surge of the pandemic. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SF New Deal: Helping Restaurants Survive Mar 29, 2021

Lenore Estrada's Three Babes Bakeshop lost its customer base when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Her efforts to distribute leftover pies led to her co-founding SF New Deal, which has paid 184 restaurants to provide 1.83 million meals to the hungry. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: Extra Spicy | A New Deal for Restaurants pod.fo/e/1f66c

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Vaccinations for All Adults Almost Here Mar 26, 2021

Starting April 1, all Californians 50 and older will be eligible for a shot, and anyone 16 and older will qualify on April 15. Health reporters Catherine Ho and Erin Allday talk about the big news, which doesn't mean everyone will be able to get an appointment immediately. Also, there's new concern about the P.1 variant of the coronavirus, which has been fueling a deadly surge in Brazil. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco's Decimated Downtown Mar 25, 2021

There's enough office space for lease in the city to fill 11 Salesforce Towers. Can it be turned into housing? Chronicle reporter Roland Li explains why that's a lot harder than it sounds -- and also gives some alarming statistics on plunging San Francisco tourism dollars.

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Oakland's Experiment: Paying a Guaranteed Income Mar 24, 2021

Oakland will launch one of the country's biggest guaranteed income programs this spring. The idea is to give 600 residents – all of them low-income parents of color – a monthly payment of $500 a month for at least 18 months with no strings attached. Chronicle reporter Sarah Ravani talks about why the idea is spreading, and how supporters are looking for proof that basic income can boost people’s health and increase racial and gender equity.

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Racist Tweets are Latest Crisis for S.F. Schools Mar 23, 2021

Education reporter Jill Tucker discusses the tweets attacking Asian Americans that have prompted broad calls for the resignation of San Francisco school board member Alison Collins. She posted the tweets in 2016, but they resurfaced at a time of deep pain over racism against the Asian American community. Yet Collins has said her tweets were misinterpreted, and she has not deleted them. What happens next for her — and a school board facing numerous challenges and controversies? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Will Yosemite Look Like This Summer? Mar 20, 2021

The stunning scenery is a given, but pretty much everything else about California's beloved national park remains up in the air. Park officials are still deciding whether to cap daily visitors due to the coronavirus or allow everybody in at once. Chronicle reporter Kurtis Alexander previews what to expect on a visit. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Orange Tier, Here We Come Mar 19, 2021

It's happening: The Bay Area is moving toward post-pandemic life. San Francisco, Marin and Santa Clara counties are poised to join San Mateo with fewer restrictions. And while virus variants are coming our way, the news looks good so far as vaccinations grow. Reporters Trisha Thadani and Erin Allday talk about what's reopening and what could still set us back. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Anti-Asian Hate: How the Media Can Do Better Mar 18, 2021

As the nation reels from the Atlanta mass shooting, Vox’s Cecilia Lei, an Asian American Journalists Association president, speaks with Heather Knight about how the rise in anti-Asian attacks has affected her and her family, and about how journalists and news organizations can better cover this type of violence. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Out of Prison, Right Into COVID Lockdown Mar 17, 2021

The Chronicle's Raheem Hosseini tells the story of Jeremy Puckett, a Northern California man who spent 19 years behind bars for a murder he didn't commit. He was exonerated and released days before California sheltered in place for the coronavirus pandemic. But while the pandemic made his return to society more difficult, he used skills he'd learned in prison to find his way. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Kevin Fagan on Hunting The Doodler Mar 16, 2021

He's covered the Zodiac, the Unabomber and others. Now, Kevin Fagan turns his attention to a forgotten serial killer who preyed on San Francisco's gay community in the '70s for The Chronicle's new true-crime miniseries, The Doodler. He talks to Demian Bulwa about the investigation and plays an excerpt from Episode 1. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Follow The Doodler: sfchronicle.com/doodler

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A Year of Shelter-in-Place Mar 15, 2021

Health reporter Erin Allday joins hosts Heather Knight and Demian Bulwa to talk about life in the coronavirus pandemic one year after the Bay Area's shutdown order. We hear from listeners, medical workers and former Fifth & Mission host Audrey Cooper. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Critical Care Doctor's Pandemic Year Mar 13, 2021

Dr. Maya Kotas of UCSF talked to Fifth & Mission from New York last May when she was volunteering to help at the epicenter of COVID-19. Now, she talks again to the Chronicle's Sarah Feldberg about the last heartbreaking year. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related: A San Francisco Doctor at the COVID-19 Epicenter: pod.fo/e/1b483

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Why San Francisco's Parklets Should be Permanent Mar 12, 2021

Supervisor Ahsha Safai is backing Mayor London Breed's legislation to let those makeshift structures in parking spaces remain forever as a way to boost struggling small businesses. He also discusses his idea to remake the school board and why the city should purchase more hotels for homeless people. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will the Bay Area See One More Coronavirus Surge? Mar 11, 2021

As society reopens and vaccinations spread, COVID-19 is on the run. But as Chronicle reporter Annie Vainshtein reports, health experts say the Bay Area may see a fourth pandemic surge — thanks to more contagious variants, the relaxing of rules and spring break. Also, sports writer Ron Kroichick talks about fans returning to Giants and A's games, and whether that's a good idea. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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It's All Political: California Dreaming: Gavin Newsom’s Overly Sunny State of the State Speech Mar 10, 2021

For coverage of Gov. Gavin Newsom's State of the State speech Tuesday night, Fifth & Mission presents The Chronicle's It's All Political podcast, hosted by Joe Garofoli. Sacramento reporters Alexei Koseff and Dustin Gardiner help break down key points of Gov. Newsom's defense of his response to the coronavirus pandemic as he likely faces a recall. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Back to School: A Plan for San Francisco Mar 09, 2021

After a year of distance learning, young kids in San Francisco public schools now have a date to return. Meredith Dodson is the co-founder of Decreasing the Distance, a group of families that's been pressing for the safe return to schools. She talks to Heather Knight about the plan, its highlights and its problems. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Bay Area Man Admits Role in Historic FBI Burglary Mar 08, 2021

It was March 8, 1971. While the nation watched Muhammad Ali fight Joe Frazier, eight activists broke into a small FBI office near Philadelphia. The files they stole and leaked to the press would change America, revealing the scandalous operation known as Cointelpro. Now, 50 years later, one of the burglars — who lives in San Rafael — has come forward and identified himself to The Chronicle's Matthias Gafni. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Trump, a Pandemic and a Coup: A Long-Distance Love Survives Mar 05, 2021

Reporter Tatiana Sanchez tells the story of a two-year separation and a remarkable reunion for San Francisco schoolteacher Kenny Kruse and Yar Zar Min of Myanmar. Their improbable relationship defied a dizzying series of obstacles, including Myanmar's criminalization of homosexuality, the Trump travel ban, coronavirus, and the coup in Yar Zar's native country. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Breaking: California's New Equity Vaccine Plan Mar 04, 2021

Health reporter Catherine Ho talks about a big change in the state's vaccine program that will steer 40% of the supply to eligible people in the roughly 400 lowest-income ZIP codes. The change seeks to smooth out what has been an uneven distribution of vaccines that's benefited wealthier residents. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Bay Area Reopens, But is That a Good Idea? Mar 04, 2021

San Francisco and other counties entered the red tier on Wednesday, reopening indoor dining, gyms and museums. But is that smart with just a fraction of the population vaccinated and variants taking hold? Chronicle reporters Aidin Vaziri and Steve Rubenstein discuss the city's first day in the red tier and why it has some doctors concerned.

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Is the End of Shutdown Near? Mar 03, 2021

San Francisco prepares to open indoor dining and other activities as the city moves into the red tier. Are we heading into a yo-yo phase of opening up and shutting back down, or does vaccine distribution mean the worst of shelter in place is finally coming to an end? Health reporter Erin Allday talks about what to expect. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What's Next for Schools After Reopening Deal? Mar 02, 2021

Reporters Alexei Koseff and Jill Tucker talk about California's multibillion-dollar reopening plan, which could mean a windfall for schools if they meet certain dates and requirements. The agreement comes as schools and teachers' unions face pressure from parents, and Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a possible recall election. But will it actually speed things up? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Was it Blackface or Acne Cream? Blackface Accusations Roil Another School Mar 01, 2021

Two boys who were forced out of a Bay Area high school over what appeared to be a blackface photo have filed a $20 million lawsuit, saying the selfie was years old and they were actually wearing acne medication. It's the latest emotional dispute over racism on campus and the responsibility of schools. Reporter Matthias Gafni and columnist Justin Phillips talk about the case and the necessary conversation it raises. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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When Will Tourists Return to San Francisco? Feb 26, 2021

The city's 215 hotels are usually packed nightly. But a year into the pandemic, half of them are temporarily closed, the rest mostly empty. S.F. Hotel Council CEO Kevin Carroll talks about how a key industry can rebound. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Cost of Anti-Asian Racism Feb 25, 2021

Reporter Janelle Bitker talks about the conversations she's been having with Bay Area Asian Americans who have been victims of coronavirus-related racism, including a recent series of brutal physical attacks. They say they are too often scapegoated and cast as foreigners in their own home. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Read Janelle Brown's story: sfchronicle.com/asianattacks

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Remembering Lawrence Ferlinghetti Feb 24, 2021

The legendary poet, publisher and City Lights Books founder, who died Tuesday at 101, is remembered by Jerry Cimino of the Beat Museum and others, and we hear him recite from "A Coney Island of the Mind" on the Datebook podcast in 2018. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Half a Million Dead Feb 23, 2021

The United States has surpassed 500,000 dead in the COVID-19 pandemic, a figure that roughly matches the entire population of Sonoma County. The milestone comes amid steady progress in the Bay Area as vaccinations take hold, Reporter Erin Allday talks about that and new worries about research showing a dangerous variant spreading in California, a mutation that may be both more contagious and more serious. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Can San Francisco's Iconic Cable Cars be Saved? Feb 22, 2021

The city's 148-year-old cable cars have been out-of-service for nearly a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has no timeline for when they'll return. Chronicle columnist Heather Knight explains why that is and why it's crucial to save these treasures. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is the Winter Surge Over? Feb 19, 2021

We're not out of the woods, but health reporter Erin Allday says vaccines, the passing of the holidays and other factors are helping the Bay Area turn the corner on the pandemic. Plus: Business reporter Carolyn Said on a study estimating tens of thousands have died due to the nation's unemployment crisis. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How a Year of Distance Learning is Impacting Children Feb 18, 2021

No San Francisco public school student has seen the inside of a classroom in nearly a year, though six elementary schools are ready to reopen -- eventually. Chronicle reporter Jill Tucker explains the latest on the move to reopen the city's schools and how Zoom school has spelled disaster for some kids.

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A Man in Crisis Killed: Will the Officer Be Charged? Feb 17, 2021

Reporter Rachel Swan talks about her investigation into the police shooting of a mentally ill man in Danville. An officer killed Laudemer Arboleda, who was unarmed, after stepping in front of his car during a low-speed chase. Now, amid calls for police accountability in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, the Contra Costa County district attorney must decide whether to charge the officer with homicide. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The New Battle of People's Park Feb 16, 2021

Just as in 1969, when Gov. Ronald Reagan sent in the National Guard, activists want to preserve the Berkeley park while UC wants to build housing. Times — and the stakes — have changed, but reporter Sarah Ravani says the fight is a familiar one. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related episode: People's Park at 50 — pod.fo/e/b6f8e

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Extra Spicy: The Fight to Save Chinatown Feb 15, 2021

The 2021 Lunar New Year marks a full year of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on San Francisco’s Chinatown. Well before the Bay Area shut down, America’s oldest Chinatown experienced reduced business and xenophobia. With thousands living in Single Room Occupancy hotels and legacy businesses on the brink of closure, the neighborhood is fighting to survive. This is an episode of The Chronicle's food and culture podcast, Extra Spicy.

Related: Chinatown's Endangered Banquet Halls: pod.fo/e/b68e0

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Chinatown's Endangered Banquet Halls Feb 12, 2021

Large banquets have long been crucial to San Francisco's Chinese community, and the halls that host them have been the backbone of Chinatown. They were already fading away, but the coronavirus pandemic might be the final blow. Journalist Melissa Hung talks about their decline and efforts to save them. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Related episode: How Will Chinatown Survive? pod.fo/e/28a75

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New Coronavirus Variant Found in Bay Area Feb 11, 2021

The South Africa mutation of the virus has been identified in two patients, in Alameda and Santa Clara counties. As reporter Erin Allday explains, this could present a challenge: Current vaccines aren't as effective in fighting this variant. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Trump Trial Moves Forward Feb 10, 2021

The Chronicle's Washington correspondent Tal Kopan has the latest from the impeachment of Donald Trump. While a majority of senators rejected Trump's argument that a trial is unconstitutional, Democrats may not have enough votes to convict. Kopan weighs in on the atmosphere in Congress, the politics of the moment and the impact on VP Kamala Harris. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will S.F. Schools Reopen This Year? Feb 09, 2021

A deal between the San Francisco school district and labor unions only sets the conditions needed to return. Will it happen before summer? And what might the school day look like? Reporter Jill Tucker says parents are watching, including some who have shifted kids to private school — or Marin County. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why You're Hitting the Pandemic Wall Feb 08, 2021

Feeling exhausted, confused and just plain over it? You're not alone. Reporter Ryan Kost looks at the mix of good and bad news on the coronavirus front and why it's causing so much uncertainty. Hint: We'd feel a lot better if we had an end date | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Phil Matier Says Goodbye to the Chronicle Feb 06, 2021

He's spent 35 years giving readers the inside view of San Francisco, Bay Area and California politics. Now, in this excerpt from the It's All Political podcast, Phil Matier talks to Joe Garofoli about covering Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom from the beginning. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen to the full episode here: pod.fo/e/b562a

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Is Your Vaccination a Ticket to Freedom? Feb 05, 2021

Once you get vaccinated against COVID-19, can you change your behavior? See your family? Get rid of masks and distancing? Yes and no. Reporter Erin Allday has the latest advice from medical experts, plus an update coronavirus variants. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? podfollow.com/chronicled

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Newsom Scoreboard: Vaccines Up, Polls Down Feb 04, 2021

California's vaccine roll-out is improving, with two new mass vaccination sites on the way. Still, Gov. Gavin Newsom's poll numbers have dropped, and a recall effort is humming along. Sacramento reporters Alexei Koseff and Dustin Gardiner talk to Heather Knight about the latest. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? podfollow.com/chronicled

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SF vs. SF: City Hall Sues the Schools Feb 03, 2021

Chronicle Exclusive: City Attorney Dennis Herrera is suing the San Francisco Unified School district and Board of Education. @HKnightSF and @demianbulwa talk about the city's attempt to force classroom doors open after 11 months of distance learning. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? podfollow.com/chronicled

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Why Lowell High is Dropping Selective Admissions Feb 02, 2021

Education reporter Jill Tucker talks about the San Francisco school board's proposal to drop selective admissions at the elite public school, which has long been a feeder to the UC system. The move raises questions about the value and legality of an academically prestigious public school, and has upset some Asian Americans, who make up a disproportionate percentage of the enrollment at Lowell. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? podfollow.com/chronicled

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Feeding the Hungry During a Pandemic Feb 01, 2021

Paul Ash, longtime executive director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, just retired, and Tanis Crosby has signed on to replace him. She explains to host Heather Knight why she wanted the demanding job and her plans for feeding swelling lines of hungry people. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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A Whiplash Week in the Pandemic Jan 29, 2021

Reporters Alexei Koseff and Jill Tucker talk to Demian Bulwa about the extended eviction moratorium, Blue Shield taking over vaccine distribution, a school reopening plan stalling and Gov. Gavin Newsom feeling political heat over the way he's handling coronavirus. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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San Francisco's School Renaming Revolution Jan 28, 2021

Is renaming 44 schools, including Lincoln High and Feinstein Elementary, a stand against the racist legacies of slaveholders and oppressors, or an unnecessary and expensive distraction from the crisis caused by coronavirus? Education reporter Jill Tucker has the latest on the controversy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Is San Francisco Really Over? (Again?) Jan 27, 2021

From the end of the Gold Rush to the coronavirus pandemic, people have predicted San Francisco's demise whenever times have gotten hard. Total SF host Peter Hartlaub says the city has always rebounded from disaster, and will do it again this time. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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The Man Who Finds Bodies Jan 26, 2021

Keith Cormican has a very unusual job: he finds and retrieves dead bodies in lakes and rivers across the country. Cormican has been especially successful in Lake Tahoe, where in just under 2 months in 2017, he found six missing bodies — some of which had been lost for more than 10 years. Chronicle lifestyle and outdoors editor Gregory Thomas tells the story of how Cormican became an expert at finding dead bodies and how he pulled off the deepest body recovery on record in North America. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Scary Are COVID-19 Variants? Jan 25, 2021

As scientists race to understand newly discovered mutations of the coronavirus, Erin Allday explains how they might change the trajectory of the pandemic. Plus: Aidin Vaziri shares some practical tips we can all take to protect ourselves. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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COVID-19 Crushed Mayor Breed's Homeless Plan Jan 22, 2021

Shortly after she took office, San Francisco Mayor London Breed pledged to add 1,000 shelter beds to help with the city’s homelessness crisis. But after the coronavirus pandemic emptied out shelters, the city has been forced to recast its goals around homelessness. Chronicle City Hall reporter Trisha Thadani talks about the state of the city’s shelter system. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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"Ding Dong the Devil Is Gone" Jan 21, 2021

The center of the resistance reacts to Inauguration Day: Residents of San Francisco and Oakland describe an unusual mix of relief and optimism after watching President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris get sworn in. They share their hopes for unity and major policy changes now that former President Donald Trump is out of office. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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New President, New COVID-19 Response Jan 20, 2021

How quickly can Joe Biden change the course of the coronavirus pandemic? Dr. George Rutherford, an infectious disease doctor at UCSF, is optimistic about the new Biden-Harris administration and believes we'll see a vastly improved response very quickly. That will include more vaccine doses being delivered in a far more organized fashion. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Virus Mutation and a Bad Vaccine Batch Jan 19, 2021

Just as California tries to turn the corner on the coronavirus pandemic, a new variant is spreading, and it might be even more contagious. Meanwhile, thousands of vaccine doses are shelved after several people who were inoculated at a site in San Diego report serious allergic reactions. Reporters Catherine Ho and Erin Allday have details. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Why One Tech Titan Is Committing to San Francisco Jan 18, 2021

Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson tweeted a thread that went viral calling for his fellow tech leaders to #committothebay. He says he's tired of them packing up for Austin or Miami and "dunking" on San Francisco on the way out. He's not moving his company headquarters or his family out of the city, and he explains why it's important for others in the tech industry to stay put too. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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California's Unemployment Benefits Nightmare Jan 16, 2021

California has suspended 1.4 million unemployment accounts in its quest to crack down on fraud -- but hundreds of thousands of legitimately unemployed people got caught in the freeze. Business reporter Carolyn Said talks with Demian Bulwa about the issue, and what California is doing to fix it.

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Vaccination Frustration Jan 15, 2021

The coronavirus is surging. A more contagious variant is taking hold. People are struggling. But California has fallen behind almost every other state when it comes to getting vaccines into people’s arms. What is behind the chaos and slow pace? Who is to blame? What needs to change? Chronicle reporters Erin Allday and Trisha Thadani have the latest.

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The Impeachment of Donald Trump, Part 2 Jan 14, 2021

No president had ever been impeached twice. That changed Wednesday when the House passed a resolution charging Trump with “incitement of insurrection.” In this joint episode of Fifth & Mission & It's All Political, Heather Knight and Joe Garofoli talk about what's next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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The Top 25 Restaurants in the Bay Area Jan 13, 2021

Restaurant critic Soleil Ho has a brand new list of the region's best eats, which she'll update quarterly to reflect the quickly changing restaurant scene during the pandemic. Plus: Ho gives us a sneak peak at the new season of her food and culture podcast, Extra Spicy.

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House Barrels Toward Impeachment Jan 12, 2021

Democrats are moving swiftly to try to remove President Trump from office, or at least make him ineligible to run again in 2024. Introducing an article of impeachment, they accuse Trump of “inciting violence against the government” for his role in the Capitol attack. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on Republicans, say Washington correspondent Tal Kopan and Joe Garofoli in this joint episode of Fifth & Mission & It's All Political. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Sick for the Long Haul With COVID-19 Jan 11, 2021

Charlie McCone, 31, contracted the coronavirus 10 months ago. It's wrecked his life. The "long-hauler," as doctors call people like him, still has brutal symptoms that make him feel like he's carrying a 50-pound backpack and a chest weight at all times. He can barely work and can only walk for 10 minutes on a good day. He wants to warn other young healthy people not to be cavalier about the disease. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Should the President be Removed? Jan 08, 2021

On a joint episode of Fifth & Mission and It’s all Political, Demian Bulwa and Joe Garofoli talk about attempts to remove President Trump after he incited Wednesday’s violence. Plus: Reporter Chase DiFeliciantonio talks about why Facebook, Twitter and others are finally cracking down on Trump.

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President Trump's Mob Jan 07, 2021

Encouraged by a president trying to hijack the election he lost, a mob of extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol. How did the chaos unfold? How did we get here? And what happens now? Making sense of the last throes of the Trump presidency are Washington correspondent Tal Kopan, It's All Political host Joe Garofoli, and Editorial Page Editor John Diaz. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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What Georgia's Senate Runoff Results Mean Jan 06, 2021

With Raphael Warnock declared the winner over Kelly Loeffler and Jon Ossoff close to victory over David Perdue, Washington correspondent Tal Kopan talks about how the result will affect the Biden administration — and California. Plus: Today's GOP "challenge" to the Electoral College results. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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The State of the COVID-19 Surge Jan 06, 2021

Hospitals are filling up just as a more contagious variant of coronavirus invades California. Reporters Erin Allday and Jill Tucker talk about vaccine distribution, patients waiting hours for treatment, and what's happening with schools. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Why Georgia's Senate Races Matter to California Jan 05, 2021

The results in Tuesday's runoffs — Perdue vs. Ossoff and Loeffler vs. Warnock — will have major ramifications for the power of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and new Sen. Alex Padilla. It's All Political host Joe Garofoli joins Fifth & Mission host Heather Knight in this joint episode. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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COVID-19 in 2021: What to Expect Jan 04, 2021

2020 is behind us, but the coronavirus pandemic that's upended our lives and defined the past year is far from over. Health reporter Erin Allday discusses what’s in store in the first weeks and months of the new year. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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2020: Listening Back on a Trying Year Dec 31, 2020

Demian Bulwa hosts a review of the year that was, focusing on the four big stories of 2020: The coronavirus pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, the election and California's wildfires. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Bruce Bochy on His Past and Future Dec 30, 2020

The former San Francisco Giants manager talks to John Shea about his life in the year since his retirement, which has included jumping out of a helicopter and managing the French team before the shutdown. He also names his All-Bochy Giants team in this episode of The Chronicle's Giants Splash podcast. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Listen and subscribe to Giants Splash: podfollow.com/giants-splash

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Hospital Crisis Eases, but Tough Times Ahead Dec 29, 2020

California’s coronavirus numbers are showing signs that the worst of the post-Thanksgiving surge is behind us. Erin Allday talks about how soon is too soon to start getting our hopes up, and reflects on nearly a year’s worth of COVID-19 coverage. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Extra Spicy: 2020, What Was This Nonsense? Dec 28, 2020

In the final episode of Season 1 of The Chronicle's food podcast, hosts Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips apply their “What is this nonsense?” segment to the year 2020. From a KFC movie to the politics of French Laundry dinners, Soleil and Justin review their top nonsense from a year like no other. Extra Spicy will return with season 2 on Jan. 25. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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California at a Coronavirus Breaking Point Dec 24, 2020

California was poised Wednesday to cross 2 million total confirmed coronavirus cases, with the second million coming over just the past six weeks. With hospital ICUs almost out of space, counties including Santa Clara are demanding people not gather in groups for Christmas, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is warning of "a surge on top of a surge on top of a surge." Health reporter Erin Allday has all the latest. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? Episode 3 Dec 23, 2020

"That Little Girl Was Me." In this episode of The Chronicle's 6-episode limited series profiling the vice president-elect, reporters and hosts Joe Garofoli and Tal Kopan explore how her childhood in Berkeley shaped her worldview. You don't have to have heard the first two episodes to enjoy this one.

Listen to all 6 episodes: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?podfollow.com/chronicled

Fifth & Mission is on a lighter publishing schedule over the two holiday weeks, with new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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California Is Driving the Holiday Surge Dec 22, 2020

Vaccinations have begun, but COVID-19 is spreading so fast the state is opening makeshift field hospitals and bringing in hundreds of additional health care workers. If it gets much worse, doctors may need to ration care. Health reporter Erin Allday joins us to talk about California's crisis, the latest on Gov. Newsom's shutdown orders, and whether there are reasons to be hopeful. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Best of 5M: One Man's Desperate Search for Help Dec 21, 2020

Will Andrews was 23, homeless and addicted to heroin, then fentanyl. He agreed to let reporter Trisha Thadani follow him as he tried to kick his addictions while living on San Francisco's streets. His story is one of personal struggle, but also of a broken system of care. This episode first ran in September, but not much has changed about the city’s drug treatment system since then. Fifth & Mission is on a lighter publishing schedule over the two holiday weeks, with new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened? Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Are Shelter-In-Place Rules Working? Dec 18, 2020

Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease doctor at UCSF, says that some of the current shutdown rules are so strict that people have stopped paying attention to them. She says schools and outdoor dining can operate safely with proper precautions, and that the Bay Area is so focused on COVID-19 that it’s ignoring other public health disasters, like overdose deaths, depression and loss of learning for kids. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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To Catch a Fire-Setter Dec 17, 2020

Cal Fire’s Mike Thompson suspected serial arson in a devastating string of blazes in Lake County. And he and his fellow investigators identified a suspect: Damin Pashilk, a former inmate firefighter. But arsonists are hard to catch. The evidence burns up. Lizzie Johnson tells the story of the chase. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Have you listened yet?: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Vaccination Drive Launches in Bay Area Dec 16, 2020

With a bit of fanfare and lots of relief, five front-line workers at San Francisco General Hospital were given their first doses of vaccine on Tuesday. The historic day opened up numerous questions: How does the vaccine work? Who will get it first? What are the side effects? Will immunizations help at all in fighting the current deadly surge? Health reporters Catherine Ho and Erin Allday have the answers. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Kamala Harris bio podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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The Vaccine Arrives in the Bay Area Dec 15, 2020

There's light on the horizon even as U.S. COVID-19 deaths pass 300,000: San Francisco was to see its first vaccinations Tuesday, a day after hospitals in Los Angeles started doling out the long-awaited shots. Erin Allday talks about this historic move, and what you need to know about the massive immunization drive ahead. And Annie Vainshtein reports on the psychology behind growing defiance of coronavirus lockdowns. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Kamala Harris bio podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Will San Francisco Cancel Abraham Lincoln? Dec 14, 2020

The San Francisco school board designed a process to take controversial names off of public schools, and 44 names could be ditched. One big surprise: The 16th president. What makes Honest Abe controversial? Education reporter Jill Tucker has a history lesson. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

Kamala Harris bio podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Far From Home, Far From Safe Dec 11, 2020

California has sent thousands of its most vulnerable children to out-of-state facilities run by a for-profit company, despite laws meant to stop that practice. And often, allegations of rampant abuse and mistreatment have followed. Now, in response to a Chronicle investigation with the Imprint, the state is bringing every child home. Reporters Joaquin Palomino, Sara Tiano and Cynthia Dizikes talk about the story. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus is Surging, So is Defiance Dec 10, 2020

As California endures its worst wave yet of the pandemic, reporter Kurtis Alexander finds that residents and business owners in some places are defying new shutdown orders designed to preserve hospital beds and save lives. Also: Robot cars with no driver at all have finally arrived in San Francisco, which isn't exactly known for its easy streets. Reporter Carolyn Said has the details. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Grim Milestone in California: 20,000 Dead from COVID-19 Dec 09, 2020

As cases, deaths and hospitalizations surge, California medical experts warn that hospital beds will soon run out. Chronicle reporter Aidin Vaziri lays out our scary next few weeks. Plus, education reporter Jill Tucker shares good news: reopened schools aren't causing coronavirus transmission. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Becerra's Departure is Newsom's Opportunity Dec 08, 2020

President-Elect Joe Biden's pick for a big cabinet job — Health and Human Services secretary — is California’s Attorney General Xavier Becerra. That means the stakes are high for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who soon may need to appoint successors for both Becerra and Sen. Kamala Harris. Guest Joe Garofoli breaks down Biden's move and who's now jockeying to replace Becerra. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Making Sense of the New Coronavirus Shutdown Dec 07, 2020

Nine months into the pandemic, coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are surging. So five Bay Area counties have ordered the most strict rules since March, including a ban on outdoor dining. Erin Allday and Justin Phillips break down the impact on people and businesses.

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The Return of the Shutdown Dec 04, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces new restrictions for regions where fewer than 15% of ICU beds are available — which isn't the Bay Area yet, but could be soon. Capital reporter Alexei Koseff and food writer Janelle Bitker join Heather Knight to talk about what to expect. | Full COVID-19 coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

New podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Bay Area Hospitals Brace for a Third Surge Dec 03, 2020

Hospitals say they're mostly ready for the onslaught of COVID-19 patients expected to fill their beds in the coming weeks, but political leaders are warning they could reach capacity by Christmas. Reporter Nanette Asimov talked to hospital administrators and healthcare workers about their plans — and their worries. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Now It's Breed's French Laundry Getting Aired Dec 02, 2020

Gov. Newsom wasn't the only elected official who lived it up at the opulent restaurant as he asked the public to limit movement amid the coronavirus pandemic. As Heather Knight first reported, San Francisco Mayor London Breed attended a birthday party at the Napa eatery one night after Newsom did. Why was the reaction so explosive? Why does it matter? Knight and Joe Garofoli on practicing what you preach, even when the food is three stars. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Jewish Doctor Encounters a Nazi COVID-19 Patient Dec 01, 2020

Emergency Dr. Taylor Nichols saw the swastika tattoo on the chest of a patient and paused. Reporter Jill Tucker says that hesitation, a product of pandemic fatigue, made him question his own compassion. Plus: Erin Allday has a grim update on on the recent surge of the virus, which could leave hospitals without beds and prompt Gov. Gavin Newsom to tighten the rules again. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Entering the "Dark Winter" of COVID-19 Nov 30, 2020

Coronavirus hospitalizations in the Bay Area were rising even before Thanksgiving. The beginning of the holiday season has health officials bracing for the worst surge yet. Erin Allday explains why, and talks about the extreme stress health care workers are under, and what the Biden administration will have to do in January. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Total SF: Animal Twitter Star Officer Edith Nov 27, 2020

Fifth & Mission is presenting episodes of other Chronicle podcasts this weekend. In this episode of Total SF, Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight welcome Lt. Eleanor Sadler from San Francisco Animal Care & Control, who's been bringing joy to Twitter and Instagram as Officer Edith for years. | Subscribe to Total SF: podfollow.com/totalsf

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

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Extra Spicy: Roman Mars Nov 26, 2020

Fifth & Mission is presenting episodes of other Chronicle podcasts this weekend. In the current episode of Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips’ food show, the author and host of the design and architecture podcast 99% Invisible talks about how the coronavirus pandemic has created an opportunity to make restaurant design more resilient through parklets and reclaimed outdoor space. He also digs into how delivery apps and contactless delivery are destroying people’s empathy toward restaurant workers. | Subscribe to Extra Spicy: podfollow.com/extra-spicy

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Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? Bigger Job, Bigger Fights Nov 25, 2020

Fifth & Mission is presenting episodes of other Chronicle podcasts this weekend. In Episode 2 of the biographical miniseries Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? the former San Francisco district attorney is elected California attorney general, takes on Wall Street, and wins. It’s part of what she says is her career-long fight “for the people.” But there are times when Harris faces Wall Street and she's the one who blinks, and critics say her law enforcement record disqualifies her from being a true progressive. Reported by Tal Kopan and Joe Garofoli. Note: You don't have to have listened to Episode 1 for Episode 2 to make sense.

Subscribe to Chronicled: podfollow.com/chronicled

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A First: San Francisco Cop Charged With Homicide Nov 24, 2020

District Attorney Chesa Boudin has charged Christopher Samayoa with manslaughter for his role in the 2017 shooting of Keita O’Neil — the first time an SFPD officer has ever been charged with homicide in a use-of-force case. Reporter Rachel Swan joins guest host Dominic Fracassa to help put this development in context. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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The Man Who Counts San Francisco's Overdose Deaths Nov 23, 2020

Dr. Luke Rodda, the city's chief forensic toxicologist, talks about the devastating surge in overdose deaths — 563 through October, triple the number lost to COVID-19 — and why it's important to release monthly tallies. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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How to Think About Your Thanksgiving Plans Nov 21, 2020

As coronavirus surges, experts are advising that your plans for the big day should be: Don't do it. Erin Allday and Annie Vainshtein join Heather Knight to talk about how realistic that is, and how to talk to relatives about it. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Newsom Orders a Curfew: Will It Work? Nov 20, 2020

Californians in counties where the coronavirus is raging the most must change their behavior starting Saturday. Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. anyway. Erin Allday and Heather Knight discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom's order for purple-tier counties, which follows similar efforts in New York City, Los Angeles and Europe, though scientists are dubious about its efficacy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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A New Supervisor Navigates the Pandemic Nov 19, 2020

Connie Chan won a close race and will represent the Richmond on the Board of Supervisors starting in January. She talks with Heather Knight about fighting for cash for small businesses hit hard by the coronavirus shutdown, as well as the need for more public transportation in District 1. She also weighs in on homelessness, property crime and the push to reopen public schools. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Crossing the Border Amid the Pandemic Nov 18, 2020

Newsom Pulls the "Emergency Brake" — and Apologizes Nov 17, 2020

The dreaded cold-season coronavirus surge is upon us. And even as vaccine trials show promise, Gov. Gavin Newsom says many counties need to go to purple status, the most restrictive. Newsom also apologized for attending a crowded dinner at the French Laundry. Sacramento reporters Dustin Gardiner and Alexei Koseff are guests. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Catching up with new SF District Attorney Chesa Boudin Nov 16, 2020

San Francisco's DA discusses what could curb the city's rampant drug dealing, his idea for a new trafficking court and why voters are increasingly choosing progressives as their top prosecutors. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The San Francisco Exodus is an Opportunity to Some Nov 13, 2020

The coronavirus has emptied much of downtown San Francisco. Some remote workers, freed from the office, are moving to faraway places like Tahoe. But with rents in the city taking a rare plunge, some others are finding it's high time to move back and snag a relatively affordable loft or apartment, J.K. Dineen reports. In this episode, Dineen also discusses San Francisco's controversial move to ban natural gas in new homes and businesses. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Election Is Over, But Divisions Remain Nov 12, 2020

The election is over, but the political divisions in the country remain. If anything, they appear wider than four years ago. A week after Joe Biden's win, Republicans are backing Donald Trump’s attempts to stay in power. Reporter Rachel Swan and culture critic Peter Hartlaub join host Demian Bulwa to talk about the tension in the Bay Area, and how some are using the pandemic as an excuse to avoid another politically fraught Thanksgiving. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Is Pausing Reopening. But at What Cost? Nov 11, 2020

San Francisco will shut down indoor dining starting this Friday at midnight and is pausing plans to reopen high schools after reporting an alarming spike in coronavirus cases. Food writer Janelle Bitker talks about the effect on the already-decimated restaurant industry and health reporter Erin Allday asks whether the city’s cautious approach in tackling the pandemic is worth the collateral damage in economic and secondary health consequences. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will Pfizer's Coronavirus Vaccine End the Pandemic? Nov 10, 2020

Rare good news on the coronavirus front: Pfizer on Monday announced its vaccine is proving 90% effective in battling COVID-19. Will the vaccine get us closer to ending the global pandemic? Also, President-elect Joe Biden fleshed out his plan to tackle the pandemic for what will surely be a tough winter. Health reporter Erin Allday discusses the latest. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Developing San Francisco’s West Side Nov 09, 2020

San Francisco has a new member of the Board of Supervisors: Myrna Melgar of District 7, the area west of Twin Peaks. She wants more apartments and in-law units in her district, a reopening of the public schools and more childcare for struggling families. She's the first Latina elected to the board without having been appointed by the mayor first. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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It's Over: Biden Wins — What's Next? Nov 07, 2020

In a combined episode of the Fifth & Mission and It’s All Political podcasts, Joe Garofoli, Tal Kopan and Demian Bulwa talk about the moment that put the Biden-Harris ticket over the top, the historic nature of their victory, and what to expect now from Donald Trump. | Latest news: sfchronicle.com/politics

Podcast: Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Elections Update: Where Things Stand Nov 06, 2020

With Joe Biden having moved into the lead overnight in ballots counted in Pennsylvania and Georgia, a Biden victory over President Trump looks likely. But it's not quite assured. Political reporter John Wildermuth on where we are as the counts continue in those two states as well as Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina and Alaska. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Progressive Causes Turned Back at the Polls Nov 06, 2020

The police killing of George Floyd energized liberals seeking to root out systemic biases. But in California, the election was a disappointment for reformers. Affirmative action remains banned, an expansion of rent control failed, and Uber and Lyft don't have to make drivers full employees. Reporter Alexei Koseff and Otis Taylor Jr. size up the state of the state. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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What Uber and Lyft's Ballot Win Means for Gig Workers Nov 05, 2020

The ride-hailing giants poured millions into a California ballot measure to keep their drivers as contractors, rather than employees with full benefits. And it paid off. Uber and Lyft saw their shares leap after Proposition 22 passed, in a defeat for labor forces. So what does this mean for drivers and riders? Reporter Carolyn Said explains. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Elections Update: Trump Rallies in the Bay Area Nov 04, 2020

Photographer Scott Strazzante talks about covering a Trump youth march in Danville on election eve and a watch party in Novato on election night. He was one of very few wearing a mask at the march, the only one at the party. He says covering Trump rallies reminds him of covering sporting events, with a similar atmosphere of team fervor. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Elections Update: The Maps Changed Nov 04, 2020

Washington correspondent Tal Kopan talks about why Democratic voters who went to bed Tuesday night feeling pessimistic had more reasons for optimism when they woke up Wednesday morning — though nothing’s decided yet. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Election Night Wrap: What We Know Nov 04, 2020

In a combined episode of the Fifth & Mission and It’s All Political podcasts, Joe Garofoli, Heather Knight, Alexei Koseff and Demian Bulwa sum up a tense, inconclusive presidential election day, plus state and local races. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Elections Update: San Francisco's Coolest Polling Places Nov 04, 2020

The city operated 588 polling places on Election Day — and some were very unusual. Hear from poll workers at the gay leather bar the SF-Eagle, the Museum of Ice Cream, the Geneva Car Barn and the Balboa Theater — one of San Francisco's last independent movie houses. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Elections Update: The Excitement of First-Time Voters Nov 03, 2020

Reporter Nora Mishanec visits the Eritrean Community Center in San Francisco, where poll inspector Jessica Kuo says many of the in-person voters are casting ballots for the first time. She says they're excited to hear the ballot scanner go "ping." | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Elections Update: Mayors Breed and Schaaf, Barbara Lee Hit the Phones Nov 03, 2020

San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf are among the political luminaries phone banking from "victory booths" at Manny's in San Francisco on Election Day. Heather Knight also talks to Rep. Barbara Lee about what a Biden-Harris victory would mean to her. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Elections Update: Gov. Newsom on Unrest, Replacing Harris Nov 03, 2020

Heather Knight spent the morning at Manny's in San Francisco, which hosted a phone-banking event that many of top local and state elected officials attended. In this update, Gov. Gavin Newsom talks about his concerns on Election Day, as well as his thoughts about replacing Sen. Kamala Harris if she's elected vice president. | Latest election news: sfchronicle.com/politics

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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What to Expect on Election Day Nov 03, 2020

More San Franciscans will vote in this election cycle than ever before, and we could beat the all-time record for turnout percentage of 86.82% set in 1944. John Arntz, director of the San Francisco Department of Elections, explains how the counting will work and when we should expect results. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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In Oakland, Police Reforms Collide With a Homicide Spike Nov 02, 2020

The police killing of George Floyd launched a nationwide rallying cry: “Defund the Police.” But as staff writer Rachel Swan reports, the organized effort to slash the police budget in Oakland has collided with a homicide spike. At the center of the tension are Black and Latino residents who want to be safe from both police brutality and crime in their neighborhoods. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Usual Suspect Oct 30, 2020

Matthias Gafni has the shocking story of Michael Alexander, who confessed to a 2013 murder and went to prison even though another man's blood was all over the scene. He was freed years later after the other man was arrested, but prosecutors refused to clear him, and now say the two men committed the crime together. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?

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Live! What Women Want in 2020 Oct 29, 2020

Hundreds of thousands of women are dropping out of the workforce every month due to lack of childcare and closed schools during the pandemic. The Chronicle's Heather Knight and Tal Kopan interview Rep. Katie Porter, Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks and Emerge president A'shanti Gholar about this crisis and other major issues facing women during this election. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?

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Has the Alameda County D.A. Had a Change of Heart? Oct 28, 2020

Nancy O'Malley made headlines recently by charging a cop for a shooting in San Leandro — a first in her tenure — then reopening the investigation into the BART police killing of Oscar Grant. She says she's simply following the law. But as Megan Cassidy reports, O'Malley's decisions come amid the historic Black Lives Matter reform movement that has changed the very nature of being a prosecutor. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?

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Is the Coronavirus Surge Coming to the Bay Area? Oct 27, 2020

COVID-19 is spiking around the country. What are San Francisco and the Bay Area doing to sidestep the trend? And will it last? Reporters Catherine Ho and Aidin Vaziri talk about the local numbers, the danger of vaccine distrust and what you should know before making holiday plans. | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris?

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Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? Episode 1 Oct 26, 2020

Senior political writer and It's All Political host Joe Garofoli and Washington correspondent Tal Kopan are the co-hosts of The Chronicle's new six-part miniseries about the life and career of the Democratic nominee for vice president. In Episode 1, "The Top Cop," the young prosecutor from Berkeley pulls off an upset and becomes San Francisco's first black, first Asian American and first female district attorney by running as a centrist against progressive incumbent Terence Hallinan.Kopan has a short chat with Fifth & Mission co-host Demian Bulwa to set up the episode. | Click here to listen to all six episodes: podfollow.com/chronicled

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Get Out the Vote: The Final Days Oct 23, 2020

San Francisco resident Lala Wu co-founded Sister District, a national organization to influence the outcomes in state legislature races around the country. She tells Heather Knight why she’s optimistic as Election Day approaches. | Chronicle Voter Guide: sfchronicle.com/vote

New Podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? Click here to listen and subscribe: sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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Extra Spicy | A Fine Dining Legacy, Burned Down Oct 22, 2020

Located in Napa Valley’s St. Helena, the highly acclaimed Restaurant at Meadowood was destroyed on September 28th by the massive Glass Fire, which scorched close to the 67K acres in Sonoma and Napa counties. Under the leadership of executive chef Christopher Kostow, the decades-old resort restaurant earned accolades for its artistic, garden-to-table cuisine. The owners of Meadowood Napa Valley, which housed the famed restaurant, have since vowed to rebuild the property. But amid the news of its destruction, former employees and local fine dining chefs explore a range of emotions regarding its lasting legacy.

On The Chronicle’s food and culture podcast, Extra Spicy, hosts Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips look into what it took for The Restaurant at Meadowood to earn its place as an international fine dining destination and the highly-disciplined, intense work environment that some former employees say was necessary for success, while others claim was an abusive workplace culture.

You'll hear from San Francisco chef Traci Des Jardins, sommelier Alexis Davis Iaconis of Brick & Mortar Wines, chef Ricky Odbert of Six Test Kitchen and more.

Read the story and send us your questions about food, life and everything you’re obsessed with at sfchronicle.com/spicy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Should Black Californians Get Reparations? Oct 21, 2020

Under a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newson, the state is launching a task force to study how it might approach reparations. The effort is a reminder that although California joined the union as a "free" state in 1850, forms of slavery continued here -- and legalized discrimination of African Americans followed. Reporters Dustin Gardiner and Justin Phillips discuss how we got here, and what comes next. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New Podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? Click here to listen and subscribe: sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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When Will San Francisco Public Schools Reopen? Oct 20, 2020

Susan Solomon, president of the San Francisco teachers' union, speaks with host Heather Knight about why San Francisco's schools are lagging behind some other Bay Area districts in reopening and when it's likely most kids will return to the classroom. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Live: Race and Election 2020 Oct 17, 2020

East Bay Columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. leads a discussion about what this election means for race in America. Joining him on the live Zoom event are Sarah Treuhaft, vice president of research at PolicyLink; Dr. Jason Williams, assistant professor of justice studies at Montclair State University; and Debra Gore-Mann, president and CEO of The Greenlining Institute. They talk about systemic racism in housing, criminal justice, income inequality and how certain ballot measures could either alleviate or exacerbate those problems. | 2020 Voter Guide: sfchronicle.com/voterguide | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

New Podcast! Chronicled: Who Is Kamala Harris? Click here to listen and subscribe: sfchronicle.com/chronicled

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The Great San Francisco Lemur Heist Oct 16, 2020

Maki, a 21-year-old ring-tailed lemur, was stolen from his enclosure at The San Francisco Zoo this week. It was the third high-profile theft from the zoo in recent years. News broke Thursday night that Maki had been found in Daly City and returned safely to the zoo. In a conversation recorded before that, Heather Knight and reporter Nora Mishanec discuss the lemur heist and share interviews with the lemur’s caretaker and a lemur expert. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco as the Seat of the Resistance Oct 15, 2020

Lots of city residents are volunteering to sway swing state voters with calls, texts and letters. Eighteen drag queens joined the fight at Manny's outdoor victory booths and explained why so much hinges on the Nov. 3 election.

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A Battle Over Lowell High School Oct 14, 2020

A proposal to change how students are admitted to one of the nation's top public schools has ignited an emotional debate that spilled into a San Francisco school board meeting late Tuesday. Due to pandemic restrictions, Lowell may take students based on a lottery rather than academic scores. Is that the right move? Education reporter Jill Tucker breaks it down. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Hasn’t COVID-19 Spiked in the Bay Area? Oct 13, 2020

Coronavirus is surging in several states as people loosen their behavior and President Trump downplays the risk. So why hasn't the Bay Area seen the same trend? Health reporter Erin Allday explains why the region is an "outlier," and what must be done to keep it that way. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Walk Through the Tenderloin With a Veteran of the Streets Oct 12, 2020

Thomas Wolf, who was homeless and addicted to heroin in the Tenderloin, now takes anybody who's interested on walking tours of the neighborhood. He thinks City Hall needs to overhaul its approach to the drug crisis, and new numbers showing 468 people died of overdoses in the first eight months of this year show he's right.

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How to Rev Up San Francisco's Weak Economy Oct 09, 2020

In many ways, things are as bad as they've been since the Great Depression. City leaders charged with fixing them have some creative ideas, ranging from universal basic income for artists to making outdoor dining permanent. Business reporter Roland Li has details. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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It's All Political: “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking” Oct 08, 2020

On the Chronicle's politics podcast, host Joe Garofoli is joined by Heather Knight, John Diaz and John Wildermuth to break down the historic Harris-Pence vice presidential debate, where Sen. Kamala Harris called the Trump administration's coronavirus response "the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country" — and a fly on VP Mike Pence's head became a social media star. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Separating Fact From Trump’s COVID-19 Fiction Oct 07, 2020

Doctors, like many of us, have been shocked by President Trump’s statements since testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Chronicle reporter Aidin Vaziri recounts what the UCSF medical team had to say about it in its grand rounds. Hint: They’re not happy. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Live: San Francisco and California Ballot Guide Oct 06, 2020

All eyes are trained on the presidential race, but there are many local and state issues that deserve your attention. Heather Knight is joined by Joe Garofoli, host of the It's All Political podcast, and reporters Trisha Thadani and Dustin Gardiner for a live Chronicle event, "Road to Election 2020." Recorded Oct. 1. | Chronicle Voter Guide: sfchronicle.com/vote | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Trump's Wild Weekend With COVID-19 Oct 05, 2020

The president's hospitalization has intensified outrage over his longtime downplaying of the coronavirus pandemic and called into question his ability to carry out his duties. Meanwhile, the White House's effort to spin the crisis has introduced more chaos into the election. Reporter Erin Allday and It's All Political host Joe Garofoli break down what it all means. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fire is a Climate Crisis: What's the Solution? Oct 02, 2020

If California's going to confront the wildfires that are again ravaging the state, it has to think big. There's no silver bullet, says reporter J.D. Morris, but rather an array of needed changes. The biggest is fighting climate change, but we must also fundamentally rethink how and where we live and how we manage the nature around us. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfires Update: Searching for the Glass Fire Ignition Point Oct 01, 2020

Walk up a steep road through a scorched landscape with reporter Matthias Gafni in St. Helena. Gafni narrates his walk up North Fork Crystal Springs Road, near the Dancing Bear Ranch Vineyard, part of Cakebread Cellars, where Cal Fire has been focusing its investigative teams on finding what might have started the Glass Fire. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Opens Up: Is It Safe? Oct 01, 2020

The city now allows restaurants and places of worship to welcome people back inside, but do people feel safe enough to go? Host Heather Knight speaks with Justin Phillips, co-host of the Extra Spicy podcast, and reporter Nora Mishanec about how these changes are being implemented. | Full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Unlimited Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfires Update: St. Helena Oct 01, 2020

Reporter Trisha Thadani spent the day in this Napa County town covering the Glass Fire and talking to residents, some of whom have had to evacuate several times. One woman, considering various climate disasters, wonders, "Where else do I go?" Another says her small winery is facing a $100,000 loss. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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It's All Political: Trump Biden Debate 1: What the Hell Was That? Sep 30, 2020

On The Chronicle's politics podcast, editorial board editor John Diaz and — GENTLEMEN, PLEASE! — political writer John Wildermuth join — EXCUSE ME! — host Joe Garofoli to analyze the first presidential — PLEASE LET HIM FINISH! — debate. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfires Update: Castello di Amorosa Sep 29, 2020

Wine critic Esther Mobley reports from the famous castle winery in Calistoga, which lost a farmhouse and all of its bottled wine in the Glass Fire. Mobley talks about the large number of wineries that have been destroyed or significantly damaged, and describes ruins that just last week were beautiful dining areas with amazing views. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wine Country Ablaze Again Sep 29, 2020

Napa and Sonoma counties are back to a familiar chaos. Homes, businesses, resorts and wineries have burned and thousands have fled ahead of burning embers. Firefighters dug in. And shadowing it all is a fear for California's future. Reporters Megan Cassidy, Dustin Gardiner and Esther Mobley bring us up to speed on the destruction and what it means. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfires Update: A Harrowing Escape Sep 28, 2020

Reporter Matthias Gafni talks about an uncomfortably close call late Sunday night as he followed a city bus through flames of the fast-moving Shady Fire as the bus evacuated residents of the Oakmont Gardens Senior Home in Santa Rosa. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Bay Area's Coronavirus Long-Haulers Sep 28, 2020

We often measure the toll of the pandemic by deaths, which have surpassed 200,000 in the U.S. But what is of increasing concern is the long-term, perhaps even permanent, damage that COVID-19 can cause to even healthy young people who become infected. Health reporter Erin Allday talks about the "long-haulers" she's been speaking to. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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Coronavirus Inequality in the Mission District Sep 26, 2020

Jon Jacobo, head of San Francisco's Latino Task Force, discusses why Latinos make up more than half of San Francisco's positive coronavirus cases despite being just 15% of the population. He says City Hall could be doing more to address the disparity. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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Sequoias vs. Climate Change and Wildfires Sep 25, 2020

It’s a pivotal moment in the history of the state’s redwood forests, many of which have been badly burned in the latest scourge of wildfires. Save the Redwood League president Sam Hodder argues for why we need redwood trees to fight climate change and restore balance to our natural environment. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants Sep 24, 2020

Food critic Soleil Ho talks about this year's Top 100 list and how the coronavirus pandemic has changed everything about the Chronicle tradition. Some of her picks have closed. Others have pivoted to patios, pre-orders and meal kits to deal with the new safety protocols. But they all represent the best of the best, offering everything from wallet-busting prix fixe menus and sushi spreads to can't-miss burgers and burritos. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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One Man's Desperate Search to Kick His Addiction on San Francisco's Streets Sep 23, 2020

Will Andrews was 23, homeless and addicted to heroin, then fentanyl. He agreed to let reporter Trisha Thadani follow him as he tried to get help. His story is one of personal struggle, but also of a broken system of care. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Executions Under Trump Split Catholics Sep 22, 2020

Attorney General William Barr has restarted federal executions for a president who wants to exude toughness. He's also a devout Catholic, in a church that opposes the death penalty. Reporter Jason Fagone explains how a Catholic organization's honoring of Barr this week has outraged some Catholics and opponents of capital punishment. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Jackie Fielder: A Challenger From the Left Sep 21, 2020

A 25-year-old democratic socialist who got her political start joining Lakota relatives protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, Fielder is running against Sen. Scott Wiener in the race for District 11 She has big ideas for combatting California’s wildfires, tackling the state’s affordable housing problem and more. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Communal Living in a Pandemic Sep 18, 2020

The Manor of Being in San Francisco includes 11 residents who share meals, values and the desire to improve themselves. Here's the inside story from Chronicle reporter Annie Vainshtein on how they've coped with the coronavirus pandemic and how they're protecting each other while still having a semblance of a life outside. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Six Months Into Our New Normal Sep 17, 2020

A half year has passed since that fateful day when Bay Area residents were ordered to shelter in place to avoid the coronavirus. What many assumed would be temporary has become our new way of life. Health reporter Erin Allday talks about what we’ve learned and how that may apply to the six months ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A State Senator Battles QAnon Sep 16, 2020

California Senator Scott Wiener has become the target of revolting online harassment and even death threats from followers of QAnon, the blatantly false delusion that says shadowy Democratic pedophiles are out to get President Trump. Wiener is setting the record straight. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Trump Brings Climate Denial to a Burning California Sep 15, 2020

As wildfires continue to endanger lives and foul air up and down the West Coast, the president pays a visit to the Sacramento area. Reporter Alexei Koseff recounts how Trump resisted Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call to confront the reality of climate change, even as Joe Biden signaled he may focus more on the issue and on the fires. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Police Violence in Vallejo Sep 14, 2020

In the last five years, at least 60 people, most of them people of color, have complained they were victims of excessive force by officers in Vallejo. And 19 people have been fatally shot in that city since 2010. Columnist Otis Taylor Jr., who has been investigating how Vallejo cops use force, talks about what he's found — and how it fits in with the broader Black Lives Matter movement. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco's Master of Disasters Sep 11, 2020

Coronavirus, heat waves, wildfire smoke and apocalyptic orange skies have hit the city — and it's Mary Ellen Carroll's job to respond. She's the director of the Department of Emergency Management, and she tells Heather Knight how residents can cope and what we should tell our kids about all the doom and gloom. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfcronicle.com/pod

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The Bay Area's Blade Runner Skies Sep 10, 2020

What's causing our air to turn an apocalyptic orange? Is it safe to breathe? How long will this dystopian atmosphere stick around? Chronicle reporter Michael Cabanatuan has talked to scientists and is here to explain. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus' Disproportionate Toll on Latinos Sep 09, 2020

Latinos make up 16% of the population of Marin County, but 71% of coronavirus infections. Though it's more extreme in Marin than elsewhere, that disparity exists all over the Bay Area and beyond. Reporter Tatiana Sanchez explains how it traces to factors including the prominence of Latinos in front-line jobs and cramped living situations. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why There Was a Baby in the Assembly Sep 08, 2020

Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks just had a baby in late July and wanted to vote by proxy to avoid coronavirus risks. When the Assembly speaker said no, Wicks drove from Berkeley to Sacramento and cast crucial votes while carrying her daughter. She also got three of her own housing bills through the Legislature, and now they’re before Gov. Newsom. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Total SF: Pandemic News From the Kids Sep 07, 2020

On this episode of the Total SF podcast, host Peter Hartlaub talks to Chris Colin, a Bernal Heights writer and parent who, on a whim, launched Six Feet of Separation, an online newspaper for the coronavirus era created entirely by kids. An endorsement by Dan Rather and some national coverage have inspired many more local kid-staffed publications. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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A Fire's Hellish Path: How the Hennessey Fire Raged into Vacaville Sep 04, 2020

Chronicle reporters Matthias Gafni and Lizzie Johnson reconstruct the Hennessey lightning fire as it raced east from Napa County into Vacaville, burning homes, forcing people to flee for their lives, and stretching firefighters who didn’t have nearly enough resources.

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A New Direction for San Francisco Police Sep 03, 2020

Malia Cohen, sworn in this week as the city's newest police commissioner, discusses changes she'd like to see in the San Francisco Police Department and what comes next in the national protests over police brutality. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why They're Fighting About Water in the California Delta Sep 02, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom, like governors before him, wants to overhaul how water moves through the delta and supplies the rest of the state, proposing a 30-mile tunnel out of the Sacramento River. But as Kurtis Alexander reports in his Chronicle series "Delta on the Edge," local farmers, boaters, fishers and others are united in a fight against it, with signs saying, “No tunnel. Save our delta.” Also: Sutter Island resident Dan Whaley talks about why he opposes the project. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Will Chinatown Survive? Sep 01, 2020

San Francisco's historic neighborhood is under a double attack — from the coronavirus pandemic's crippling of service industries and from racism about COVID-19. Writer Melissa Hung, who wrote about Chinatown for The Chronicle's Throughline, talks about its future and her own deep family ties there. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Trained Firefighters Who Can't Fight Wildfires Aug 31, 2020

Prison inmates can learn how to fight fires and thin forests at 43 fire camps around California. But once they're out, their criminal records prevent them from joining fire departments. Heather Knight talks to two formerly incarcerated people who believe this Catch-22 needs to change as climate change makes California's wildfires more fierce every year. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Warriors Off Court: Protests in Sports: What Impact Will They Have? Aug 28, 2020

On the Warriors Off Court podcast, Chronicle columnist Otis Taylor Jr. joins Connor Letourneau to talk about the decision by NBA players to sit out playoff games in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake. For the players, it's a nearly unprecedented use of their collective power. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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More Tests, Not Less Aug 27, 2020

When the CDC tightened its guidance this week on who should get tested for the coronavirus, Bay Area health experts were shocked. We need more testing, they said, not less. Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a deal with a company to increase and speed up testing. Reporters Catherine Ho and Alexei Koseff have details. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Terror at the RNC! Aug 26, 2020

It's All Political host Joe Garofoli joins Heather Knight to talk about the GOP's strategy at the Republican National Convention: Scare the base with a bleak picture of America, and win President Trump a few voters of color. Plus: What happened to Kimberly Guilfoyle? | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfires Update: Redwoods Saved Aug 26, 2020

Chronicle photographer Carlos Gonzalez reports from the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Guerneville, where CalFire was able to save heritage trees threatened by the Walbridge Fire, including the landmark Colonel Armstrong Redwood. Gonzalez describes a terrifying moment when some other trees fell, which he calls "unlike anything I've ever seen or experienced before." | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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New Crisis for Schools: Fire Season Aug 25, 2020

In the remote communities of the Santa Cruz Mountains, distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic was already hard enough. Now students and teachers are evacuated, fleeing from the CZU Lightning Complex fires, and some have lost their homes. | Wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Growing Up During the COVID-19 Pandemic Aug 24, 2020

Kids’ worlds have shrunk dramatically because of coronavirus. They can’t go to school, play sports or see their friends. Reporter Annie Vainshtein talks about how that’s affecting children now, and how it may shape them in the future. | Unlimited Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fires and Pandemic: A Collision Aug 23, 2020

Wildfires are filling the Bay Area with smoke and ash amid the coronavirus pandemic. Health reporter Erin Allday digs into whether the poor air quality could worsen COVID-19 or its spread, and how it complicates our use of masks. | Unlimited Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Donald Trump: Pre-existing Condition Aug 22, 2020

Kristin Urquiza of San Francisco lost her father to the coronavirus in June. Her speech at the Democratic National Convention blaming the president for her dad's death went viral. "His only pre-existing condition was trusting Donald Trump," she said. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wildfires Update: Santa Cruz County Aug 21, 2020

Mallory Moench reports from Scotts Valley, where the incident command center for the CZU Complex fires is located. She says local volunteer firefighters say they've had no help from CalFire, and no sleep since Tuesday night. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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Wildfires Update: Mid-day Roundup Aug 21, 2020

Jill Tucker runs down the latest on the three huge fire groups burning in the Bay Area and surrounding regions: The CZU, LNU and SCU complex fires. Four residents have been killed in the LNU Complex. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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Wildfires Update: Healdsburg Aug 21, 2020

Dustin Gardiner reports from the edges of the Walbridge Fire in Sonoma County, one of the fastest-burning blazes overnight. CalFire, occupied with other fires, hadn't directed many resources to the area, but that changed Thursday. Gardiner talked to a local resident who had evacuated after clearing brush around his house all day and didn't know the fate of his home. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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Wildfires Update: Vacaville Strong Aug 21, 2020

At the end of a long day, Matthias Gafni is able to report back to evacuated residents of Solar Hills Drive who'd asked him to check on their homes: The fire came right up to the houses, but they're still standing. He also sees wildlife starting to return and neighbors putting out water and "Vacaville Strong" signs. Elsewhere in the region, though, fires are out of control. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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Wildfires Update: Vacaville After the Chaos Aug 20, 2020

Reporting from hard-hit English Hills Road, Matthias Gafni describes Vacaville on Thursday afternoon as people return to the area, sort through their damaged homes and, in some cases, breathe a sigh of relief that they were spared. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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Wildfires Update: "Our House Is Going to Burn Down" Aug 20, 2020

Chronicle reporter Matthias Gafni interviews Jimmy Santos, a Vacaville homeowner he'd met Wednesday night as Santos and his wife waited for word about whether their “dream house” — bought only two months ago — would be saved by firefighters. It was. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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COVID-19's Toll on Nonprofit Workers Aug 20, 2020

Joe Wilson, executive director of a homeless shelter in the Tenderloin, talks about the grueling nature of the job for those who do nonprofit work during the coronavirus crisis. Requests for mental health leaves are on the rise. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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When Fires Erupt Amid a Pandemic Aug 20, 2020

The wildfires burning through California are raising difficult new questions: How to evacuate while social distancing? Is the state prepared to fight the blazes? How bad is the air quality throughout the region? What about wineries and their workers? Chronicle reporters Joaquin Palomino, Trisha Thadani, Aidin Vaziri and Esther Mobley break it all down. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Lightning-Sparked Wildfire Explodes Into Vacaville Aug 19, 2020

Matthias Gafni reports from the scene in Vacaville, where flames swallowed dozens of homes early Wednesday. A fast-moving fire raced into the town from the northwest, prompting frantic evacuations and rescues. Gafni speaks from a parking lot, where families are waiting in their cars to find out if their homes have been destroyed. | Full wildfires coverage: sfchronicle.com/wildfires

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San Francisco's Plunging Rents Aug 19, 2020

Prices have dropped 20% in some neighborhoods and are expected to keep falling in the coronavirus crisis. Landlords are begging tenants to stay, offering reductions, weeks of free rent and even gift cards worth thousands of dollars. Reporter J.K. Dineen talks about whether the perks are working and what the market change means for the city long term. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why the Bay Area Is Facing Rolling Blackouts Aug 18, 2020

Amid a historic heat wave, millions could lose power in the first rolling blackouts since the electrical crisis two decades ago. Reporter J.D. Morris talks about how California got here, who's to blame and what you can do to help and stay safe. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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"Mission Impossible" for Working Moms Aug 17, 2020

School is starting remotely in the Bay Area, and as working parents try to juggle jobs and distance learning, data and real-life stories show mothers are bearing the brunt of the extra work. Reporter Mallory Moench talks about the major reduction of women in the workforce as moms are finding something has to give. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A New Vision for Police in Berkeley Aug 16, 2020

If the City Council has its way, cops will no longer make traffic stops or respond to mental health crises. Different city workers will take on those jobs, leaving police to investigate violent crime. Reporter Ryan Kost wrote about Berkeley’s initiative in The Throughline. He discusses how policing across America might change as a result of Black Lives Matter protests. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Police Issues May Decide BART Election Aug 15, 2020

The financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has BART on the ropes. But reporter Rachel Swan explains that the election for key board seats may be decided by another issue that has long haunted the agency: Police reform. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Eviction Crisis: David Chiu’s Proposal Aug 14, 2020

Assemblyman David Chiu of San Francisco has a plan to stem the wave of evictions expected to hit California in September, but just over two weeks to get it through the Legislature. He's also deeply concerned about the state's severely backed-up unemployment office, which owes more than 1 million people money. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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Vaccine Trials Launch in the Bay Area Aug 13, 2020

Developers of two of the most promising COVID-19 vaccine candidates are seeking volunteers in San Francisco, Oakland and Santa Clara County. Health reporter Erin Allday talks about how the studies work, how close we are to a real vaccine, and how some big challenges lie ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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All Masks Are Not the Same Aug 12, 2020

Covering your face is good, but new research suggests that how you do it is important. Many help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but some are not as effective as others. Reporter Aidin Vaziri has the details. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

Related episode: Do Face Shields Work? (Aug. 5, 2020)

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Why Kamala Harris is Joe Biden's Pick Aug 11, 2020

The former San Francisco DA and California attorney general is in position to make history. Political reporters Tal Kopan and Joe Garofoli break down why Biden wants Harris as his running mate and how her past will factor into the campaign ahead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why California's Coronavirus Chief Quit Aug 11, 2020

A data glitch and a problematic public statement by Gov. Gavin Newsom prompts a changing of the guard in Sacramento, where Dr. Sonia Angell suddenly resigned as the state's top public health officer. Health reporter Erin Allday talks about the fallout. | Full Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is More Screen-Time Affecting Our Brains? Aug 10, 2020

During the coronavirus pandemic, our ever-worsening screen time obsession has increased. From working, going to school, exercising, socializing and recreational time, nearly everything involves a device. Chronicle reporter Sam Whiting interviewed a Stanford professor who runs a screen use lab about the phenomena and what it’s doing to our brains and social lives. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Get Ready For Socially Distant Fire Evacuations Aug 08, 2020

California is entering its worst months for wildfires, and the danger is only exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. What do Bay Area residents need to know about the conditions on the ground, PG&E power outages and socially distant evacuations? Reporter J.D. Morris has the answers. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Tech Exodus From San Francisco Aug 07, 2020

Now that their companies are allowing them to work remotely for the duration, tech workers are fleeing high-priced San Francisco. What does that mean for the city's future as an internationally important tech center? Jennifer Stojkovic, executive director of sf.citi, a Chamber of Commerce-style group for tech companies, expects some companies will move their headquarters out of San Francisco — and take crucial tax dollars with them. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What's Wrong With Herd Immunity Aug 06, 2020

Why can't we defeat the pandemic by allowing the coronavirus to infect the majority of the population? Health reporter Erin Allday breaks down the science behind the idea, how it factors into the outbreaks at San Quentin prison and in Sweden, and how it would perpetuate racial disparities. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Do Face Shields Work? Aug 05, 2020

Just as Bay Area residents got used to wearing masks, a new coronavirus accessory has cropped up: face shields. Reporter Aidin Vaziri explains their pluses and minuses. He also discusses how a data glitch might be causing an undercounting of cases around California. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Eviction Catastrophe Is Looming Aug 04, 2020

One in seven Californians can't make their rent, and a freeze on state courts processing evictions during the coronavirus crisis is about to end. Reporter Alexei Koseff describes two different proposals to keep people in their homes during the current economic crisis. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Restaurants Are Dealing With Unsavory Times Aug 03, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is battering restaurants like few other industries. Some are moving outdoors and switching menus, others are laying off staff or closing altogether. Justin Phillips, co-host of the Extra Spicy podcast, wrote about how restaurants are adjusting in The Throughline. He goes inside the industry and its uncertain future. | Get unlimited Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com

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The Attorney Who Gives Police Fits Aug 01, 2020

Civil rights attorney John Burris' clients have included Rodney King and the family of Oscar Grant. He talks about the George Floyd killing, the Black Lives Matter and Defund the Police movements, and his current work on controversial police brutality cases in Oakland and Vallejo. | Get unlimited Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com

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Calls to Defund the Police Are Shaping Oakland Races Jul 31, 2020

Five Oakland City Council seats are up for grabs in November, and with them the potential to reshape the city’s political leadership. Reporter Rachel Swan talks about the most closely watched races, and why defunding the police has emerged as a central theme throughout them. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Deadly Is COVID-19? Jul 30, 2020

The coronavirus has killed more than 150,000 Americans — more than World War I or Vietnam. But scientists haven't come to a consensus on how likely it is that anyone infected will die. Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday talks about the complex numbers. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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Theo at 7: A Year in a Homeless Kid's Life Jul 29, 2020

Chronicle photographer Gabrielle Lurie and reporter Sarah Ravani talk about the year they spent following Theo, who's been homeless his whole life, and his mom, Naomi, as they navigate the streets, parks and temporary housing sites of Berkeley. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Inside San Quentin's Death Row Outbreak Jul 28, 2020

Jarvis Masters, a condemned inmate and COVID-19 sufferer speaking from San Quentin death row, talks with reporter Jason Fagone about what he calls the "incompetence" that led the prison to become California's worst coronavirus hot spot. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

See also: Masters' Dear Governor podcast

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How Will the Arts Survive COVID-19? Jul 27, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic accelerated an ongoing loss of arts infrastructure in the Bay Area — studios, galleries, performance spaces, working artists who can afford the cost of living. But, as Samantha Nobles-Block writes in The Throughline, the disruption, along with the energy of the racial justice protest movement, could be offering an opportunity to create accessible spaces, support communities, and make art. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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S.F. Wedding Leads to Outbreak Jul 27, 2020

A wedding was quietly held at SS Peter & Paul's Catholic Church in San Francisco, even after church leaders were warned not to break coronavirus rules. Now the bride, the groom and some guests have tested positive. Reporter Matthias Gafni talks about his exclusive story. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's Child Care Crisis Jul 25, 2020

Amid the state's sputtering reopening efforts, child care providers across are confronting a crushing choice: Stay closed and risk financial ruin, or reopen at a reduced capacity and expose children and staff to the coronavirus. Reporter Rachel Swan talks about whether they can survive. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Pandemic Pods: Solution or Problem? Jul 24, 2020

Faced with the prospect of having to again stick their kids in front of screens for distance learning, some parents of means are cobbling together an alternative. Education reporter Jill Tucker talks about the implications for everyone. | Full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Will Coronavirus Baseball Work? Jul 23, 2020

The Giants and A’s are starting their seasons under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic — with a shortened schedule, new rules and empty stadiums. Giants beat writer Henry Schulman, host of the Giants Splash podcast, and A's beat writer Susan Slusser, host of A's Plus, talk about what fans can expect, and about manager Gabe Kapler and two Giants players kneeling for the national anthem. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Death of a Nurse in Oakland Jul 22, 2020

Janine Paiste-Ponder, a 59-year-old nurse treating COVID-19 patients, died on July 17 after contracting the disease herself. The coronavirus has killed more than 100 health care workers in California. While the public hails them as heroes, reporter Mallory Moench says health care workers say they feel more like sacrificial lambs as they cry out for hospital execs to do more to protect them. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfhcronicle.com/pod

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Federal Agents in Portland: Is Oakland Next? Jul 21, 2020

As images of Homeland Security agents in camouflage attacking peaceful protesters in Portland go viral, President Trump has threatened to send federal forces to the Bay Area. Political reporter Joe Garofoli talks about the reaction and the election-year politics driving the story. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Universal Basic Income: Can It Work? Jul 20, 2020

The idea of putting, say, $1,000 a month in the hands of every American is gaining currency amid the economic shocks of the coronavirus pandemic. Reporter Jason Fagone, who wrote about UBI for The Throughline, talks about his exploration of what it could mean not only to Bay Area residents who've been pinched by inequality, but to the cities where they live. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Should Wineries Be Open? Jul 18, 2020

People are drinking more, which is a boon for California wineries, but the industry's also struggling with shutdown orders as the coronavirus pandemic worsens. Wine critic Esther Mobley talks about the confusion at tasting rooms and the efforts to protect vineyard workers. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Defund the Police: Berkeley Tries It Jul 17, 2020

Pressed by the killing of George Floyd and demonstrations for racial justice, Berkeley is promising big changes designed to reduce bias. But as reporter Brett Simpson and columnist Otis Taylor Jr. explain, the real work begins now. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Zoo Is Back in Business Jul 16, 2020

Director Tanya Peterson had to feed 2,000 animals with no ticket revenue coming in since March because of the coronavirus shutdown. She's delighted the zoo is open again, and she says she can tell the animals are too. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Caltrain Could Be Derailed Jul 16, 2020

Under the strange governance system that rules the Peninsula train system, two San Francisco supervisors were able to kill a sales tax measure to save it. Caltrain has lost 95% of its riders during the COVID-19 pandemic and says it may have to shut down without the cash infusion. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's New Shutdown Jul 15, 2020

Gov. Newsom has demanded that a host of activities come to a halt — including nail and hair salons, indoor dining, movie theaters and gyms — as coronavirus cases surge around the state. Health reporter Erin Allday explains why California has taken a U-turn in its reopening plans and what’s likely to come next. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Reopening Schools: Confusion and Frustration Jul 14, 2020

Getting kids back to school is tops on President Trump's agenda, but California districts are increasingly opting for distance learning. Parents and teachers are anxious and upset about the slow plans for how to make this fall work. Education reporter Jill Tucker talks about the latest in a rapidly changing situation. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco As a Biking and Walking Utopia Jul 13, 2020

Bicyclists, pedestrians and public transit fans have long dreamed of major changes to the unsafe streets of San Francisco. In The Throughline, the Chronicle's new section about life in the post-coronavirus-pandemic Bay Area, Peter Hartlaub writes about how those dreams could come true. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus Surges on College Campuses Jul 10, 2020

It's a bad trend at UC Berkeley and elsewhere: An outbreak of coronavirus cases tied to fraternity parties. The surge is threatening colleges' plans to reopen for the fall. Reporter Ron Kroichick talks about what campuses will look like, and how many students might opt out entirely. | Full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Baseball Season Is Looking Doubtful Jul 09, 2020

Sports columnist Ann Killion says that given the rough start to training camp — with not enough coronavirus tests and slow results — she's skeptical MLB will be able to launch its season in two weeks, or keep it going for 60 games if so. Plus: New activism among athletes, and cuts at Stanford. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Muni's Breakdown Jul 08, 2020

San Francisco's love-it-or-hate it transit system is in major trouble with few people willing to step aboard during the coronavirus pandemic and revenue plunging. The city will probably lose 40 of its 68 bus lines permanently — and don't expect to ride the cable cars until there's a vaccine. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco Without its Nightlife Jul 07, 2020

Heklina, one of the city’s best-known drag queens, talks about how bars and nightclubs can eventually reopen safely and why she’s angry bar owners in other parts of the state and country are acting so irresponsibly.

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SF Homeless Project Takes on COVID-19 Jul 06, 2020

Will coronavirus worsen homelessness or provide an opportunity to get people housed? Reporter Kevin Fagan and host Demian Bulwa kick off the SF Homeless Project, a weeklong Chronicle special report that digs deep into the crisis in an effort to find solutions. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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40 Years in the Wilderness With Tom Stienstra Jul 03, 2020

The Chronicle's outdoors columnist talks about how he landed his plum job after having an epiphany while covering a Raiders-Packers game in Green Bay. Plus: He tells campfire tales about the wildest adventures in his storied career, including an encounter with a crazed wild cow. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Black Lives Matter Protests: What Comes Next? Jul 02, 2020

As demonstrations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd have begun to cool, Sheryl Davis, executive director of San Francisco's Human Rights Commission, has been surveying people of color to ask what they want to see happen next when it comes to police reform and racial justice. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Health Officers Facing Threats, Intimidation Jul 01, 2020

Given great power during the coronavirus pandemic, local public health officers are dealing with great scrutiny — and sometimes intimidation and threats. Some have quit. Staff writer Carolyn Said on what's behind this anger and how the health officers are responding. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus Spike: How Worried Should You Be? Jun 30, 2020

Rising COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area and around the country are forcing communities to pause, and in some cases backtrack, on reopening plans. Health reporter Erin Allday on what's behind the surge and what you should do to stay safe. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus Means Bad Times for Goodwill Jun 29, 2020

William Rogers, CEO of Goodwill San Francisco, describes having to close all of his shops and furlough the majority of his 600 employees after learning his nonprofit was too big to qualify for federal help. Also, donation drop-offs have reopened and have seen a surge in goods from city residents who've spent the spring deep cleaning. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Should You Fly During the Pandemic? Jun 26, 2020

Features editor Sarah Feldberg discusses how airlines are responding and what travelers need to know to be safe from coronavirus if they have to board a plane, or if they want to for pleasure travel. Feldberg also talks about her own thorny decision whether to fly across the country to visit family with her baby daughter. | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California's Alarming COVID-19 Spike Jun 25, 2020

More than 12,000 residents of the state tested positive for the coronavirus in just two days this week, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to caution Californians to continue being careful or the state's opening could be rolled back. Reporter Peter Fimrite explains. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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COVID-19 Terror at San Quentin Jun 24, 2020

State prison officials dealt with a coronavirus outbreak at Chino State Prison by transferring untested inmates to San Quentin, and now the virus is ripping through the Marin County facility. Reporters Megan Cassidy and Jason Fagone detail the scenario and why Gov. Gavin Newsom is doing so little to solve it. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco's Toppled Statues Jun 23, 2020

From the removal of Christopher Columbus outside Coit Tower to the toppling of Father Junipero Serra, Francis Scott Key and Ulysses S. Grant in Golden Gate Park, the city's not-so-progressive statues are sparking controversy. Plus: a listen to TotalSF's tribute to legendary Chronicle science writer David Perlman, who died this week at the age of 101. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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New From The Chronicle: Extra Spicy Jun 22, 2020

Chronicle food writers Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips are hosts of The Chronicle's new food and culture podcast, Extra Spicy. They talk with Heather Knight about why they're launching a food podcast in these troubled times, and they give a sneak peak into what listeners can expect. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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An Announcement: Goodbye Audrey, Hello Demian Jun 21, 2020

Chronicle Editor in Chief and Fifth & Mission co-host Audrey Cooper says farewell as she heads off for her new job as editor in chief at WNYC in New York. She and co-host Heather Knight welcome Demian Bulwa back to the show. He preceded Heather behind the Fifth & Mission mic, and now he'll succeed Audrey. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus Survivors Tell Their Stories Jun 19, 2020

Reporters Peter Hartlaub and Annie Vainshtein play excerpts from and talk about their project Surviving the Virus, in which they interviewed people who have recovered from COVID-19. Plus: Rafael Arias, the subject of Matthias Gafni's story I Was Ready to Die, reads from his coronavirus diary. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Supreme Court Victory for Dreamers Jun 18, 2020

Reporter Tatiana Sanchez joins Dominic Fracassa to unpack Thursday's SCOTUS ruling that blocks the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle DACA, dealing a major blow to the president. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allows young, undocumented immigrants to live and work legally in the United States. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Politics of Policing Jun 18, 2020

As the furor grows over police brutality directed at black and brown people, the political power of police unions is being questioned. Joe Garofoli talks about how the unions might react to the upcoming election season. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Coronavirus Rent Drop Jun 17, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval in the housing market, causing home sales to drop and prices to sink. Rents are also falling as huge numbers of tenants break their leases and move out of the Bay Area. Reporter J.K. Dineen talks about the deals for renters and the lessons we should learn from past recessions when it comes to housing construction. | Get full Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com/pod

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After the Ruling, What Now for Gay Civil Rights? Jun 16, 2020

This Pride month was made sweeter with a Supreme Court decision forbidding employment discrimination based on gender or sexual identity. Reporter Ryan Kost talks about what that surprising ruling means in the fight for LGBTQ rights, particularly as demonstrators across the country fight for solutions to systemic racism. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why the SFPD Chief Is OK With "Defund the Police" Jun 15, 2020

Chief William Scott says he feels conflicted as a black man watching national protests against police brutality. He was a young LAPD officer during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, and he says that experience shaped his view of policing. Scott supports calls for San Francisco's department to be defunded and for officers' responsibilities to be narrowed. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Police Reform: Promises Made, Often Broken Jun 12, 2020

After SFPD officers fatally shot Mario Woods in 2015, authorities promised reforms. But more than half of the changes recommended by the Department of Justice have yet to be fulfilled, and while use-of-force incidents are down overall, police still disproportionately use violence against black people and Latinos. Joaquin Palomino and Megan Cassidy talk about the data and new reform proposals out of City Hall. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Are We Reopening Too Quickly? Jun 11, 2020

Coronavirus cases are increasing across the state, but counties are pushing forward with reopening plans. Is that good for public safety? Health reporter Erin Allday delves into the latest case numbers and what they mean. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Black Voices: Why I Protest Jun 10, 2020

Chronicle photojournalist Yalonda M. "Yoshi" James was tired of the media's focus on looting and vandalism during the George Floyd protests. So she turned her camera on African Americans marching, holding signs and demanding change and asked them, "Why are you protesting?" | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Where Does Black Lives Matter Go From Here? Jun 09, 2020

Have the George Floyd protests launched a real change in American life, or will the widespread white support fade over time? How can white allies stay in the fight? And is "Defund the Police" an idea — and a slogan — that can work? Joe Garofoli, the Chronicle's senior political writer and host of It's All Political, talks about the political future of the movement, and what effect it might have in November. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Dos and Don’ts of Reopening Jun 08, 2020

Counties around the state are slowly reopening for business and loosening the shelter-in-place restrictions in place since March. But what will best practices be? Can you have a dinner party? What about a child play date? Dominic Fracassa discusses the new guidelines released by San Francisco officials. | Full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Brianna Noble: The Black Lives Matter Rider Jun 05, 2020

Tony Bravo talks to the 25-year-old East Bay native who went viral by riding her horse, Dapper Dan, to a George Floyd protest last week in Oakland. She discusses bringing people of color like herself into the predominantly white "horse world." | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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School's Out: Now What? Jun 04, 2020

Now that one of the strangest school terms in American history is wrapping up, are students going to be woefully behind? And what has the coronavirus shutdown shown about the inequities in our public education system? Reporter Jill Tucker has a reassuring message for stressed-out parents: The kids will be all right. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Reform Plan for the SFPD Jun 03, 2020

Sparked by the national protests over the death of George Floyd, San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton wants to ban the police department from hiring any officer who engaged in misconduct in a previous job. | Get Full Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Fighting for Gun Safety During COVID-19 Jun 02, 2020

Shannon Watts, a new resident of the East Bay, founded Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America after the Sandy Hook school shooting. She's worried about the panic buying of guns during the coronavirus pandemic, but she's confident of big election wins in November. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Protests Are Different This Time Jun 01, 2020

Curfews have been imposed across the region and country as protestors spill onto city streets. In some towns, major shopping areas have been looted. Chronicle East Bay columnist Otis Taylor Jr. joins Audrey Cooper to talk about the unrest that's followed the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco's "$1.7 Billion Dollar Challenge" May 30, 2020

Controller Ben Rosenfield describes what it's like to go from balancing the books of an economic powerhouse — the City and County of San Francisco — to facing down a $1.7 billion budget gap that appeared almost overnight because of the coronavirus pandemic. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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San Francisco's Grand Reopening May 29, 2020

Mayor London Breed laid out when residents can browse in stores, eat in restaurants and work out at gyms. Reporter Dominic Fracassa delves into the details and describes the new, stricter face-covering requirements. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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BART on the Ropes May 28, 2020

Riders have peeled away and sales tax projections are abysmal because of the coronavirus crisis. Some officials want to close stations. BART has a budget to survive for one year. What happens after that is a big question mark. Rachel Swan joins Dominic Fracassa to talk about the beleaguered transit agency. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Are COVID-19 Cases on the Rise? May 27, 2020

Diagnoses of coronavirus are increasing in some Bay Area counties. Notably, Alameda County is now the hardest hit in the region. What’s happening here? Health writer Erin Allday explains the latest theories. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Inside a Homeless Hotel in San Francisco May 26, 2020

Supervisor Matt Haney has been working at a hotel for homeless people to shelter in place during the coronavirus pandemic. He tells Heather Knight it's convinced him more people on the streets need to be moved into vacant rooms. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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COVID-19 Devastates the Tenderloin May 25, 2020

Ten weeks into shelter-in-place, the San Francisco neighborhood remains crowded with tents, and people can't maintain social distance. Sam Dennison of the anti-poverty nonprofit Faithful Fools lays out what City Hall should be doing to help people during the coronavirus pandemic. | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Where and How to Go Outdoors May 23, 2020

Slowly but surely, governments are reopening parks, preserves, beaches and lakes. The Chronicle is keeping track of all the open places to recreate, and outdoors writer Tom Stienstra joins Audrey Cooper to discuss the dos and don’ts of venturing outside this Memorial Day weekend and beyond. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Mystery of the Missing PPE May 22, 2020

A shortage of masks, gowns and other medical-grade personal protective equipment has been a major issue in the coronavirus pandemic. It's still happening, and reporter Dominic Fracassa says that hospitals and county officials are generally reluctant — or have outright refused — to answer questions about a known issue in the PPE supply chain. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How to Smile With a Mask On May 21, 2020

You're never fully dressed without a smile, but with face masks mandatory in the coronavirus crisis, no one can tell you're smiling. That's important because smiles play a big role in American culture. Reporter Annie Vainshtein and Heather Knight talk about the new masked reality, and what might replace that toothy grin of yours. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Songs of the Coronavirus Shutdown May 20, 2020

Professional musicians around the Bay Area are entertaining and consoling their neighbors with public performances during shelter-in-place. Heather Knight talks to Page Street cellist Saul Richmond-Rakerd about why music is so comforting. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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I'm Over 65 But Who Are you Calling Elderly? May 19, 2020

Age is a factor in coronavirus risk, but many Americans over 65 are pushing back on sometimes condescending advice to isolate — often from their own adult children. Reporter Ryan Kost set out to examine how older Americans are dealing with shelter in place, starting with the older person he loves the most: his mother. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Examining COVID-19 Myths May 18, 2020

Does eating garlic prevent the coronavirus? Can you test whether you have it by holding your breath for 10 seconds? Chronicle reporter Sam Whiting tells you if any of the wild things you might have heard are true. | Get Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus Detectives: Contact Tracers May 16, 2020

They'll be a key part of gaining control of the spread of coronavirus, but most health departments don’t have nearly enough people to track the outbreaks. Aidin Vaziri discusses the effort to train tens of thousands of disease detectives. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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California Budget: Pay Cuts, Furloughs and Tax Hikes May 15, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a way to close a $54 billion hole in the state budget, and none of it is going to make anyone happy. Alexei Koseff breaks down the governor’s proposals and how it will affect Californians. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus and the Flu: A Potential Disaster May 14, 2020

Medical experts are predicting a relatively calm summer before a big uptick in COVID-19 cases in the fall. Health reporter Erin Allday describes why that, coupled with the regular flu season, has hospitals worried. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Budget Ideas: Help for Renters? Tax Hikes? May 13, 2020

The hole in California's budget is massive — tens of billions of dollars. But officials say they need extra money to help renters and others suffering during the coronavirus pandemic. New proposals from the Legislature could mean higher taxes, assistance for both renters and landlords, and requests to pay income taxes in advance, with discounts later. Sacremento reporter Alexei Koseff explains the latest proposals. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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A San Francisco Doctor at the COVID-19 Epicenter May 13, 2020

Dr. Maya Kotas was on one of two teams of UCSF health care workers who traveled to the two communities hit hardest by the coronavirus crisis: the Navajo Nation and New York City. She tells the Chronicle's Sarah Feldberg about the month she spent at a Manhattan hospital that was understaffed and overwhelmed by a tsunami of disease. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Elon Musk’s Strange Gamble May 13, 2020

Chronicle business editor Owen Thomas, who's been covering Elon Musk since the '90s, joins Heather Knight to talk about the Tesla CEO's huge ego and whether his fight with Alameda County could hurt his customer base. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus and the Future of Sports May 12, 2020

America’s favorite pastimes are a clear casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. But with billions of dollars at stake, teams and players are eager to get back to work. Ann Killion discusses the implications of reopening for baseball, football, basketball and college sports — which the Sporting Green will be looking at all week. For full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod | Related: A’s Plus — Pitcher Jake Diekman, at risk with colitis, talks about reopening.

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Suing to Save the Tenderloin May 11, 2020

Rhiannon Bailard, executive director of operations for Hastings Law School in San Francisco, discusses the dire conditions in the Tenderloin — made worse by the coronavirus pandemic — that prompted the school to team with residents and business owners to sue the city. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Latinos’ Coronavirus Burden May 09, 2020

Data analyzed by The Chronicle shows just how hard COVID-19 has hit communities of color — particularly Latinos and black people. Reporter Joaquin Palomino explains the data and why it poses a major problem in stopping the virus’ spread. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why the Bay Area Can't Open Up Yet May 08, 2020

Dr. Mark Shapiro, a hospitalist at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and the host of the podcast Explore the Space, explains why it's important to continue sheltering in place despite the region's coronavirus deaths and hospitalizations being lower than most of the rest of the country. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Layoff Tracker: 92,000 and Counting May 07, 2020

Business reporter Roland Li talks about the Chronicle's new tool, a constantly updated tally of Bay Area workers who've lost their jobs as the coronavirus crisis has hammered the economy. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What It's Like to Be a Nurse in the Crisis May 06, 2020

On National Nurses Day, several Bay Area nurses talk about how the coronavirus crisis has affected their lives and their work — from delivering babies to caring for the elderly in nursing homes. They talk about their frustration at not having enough protective equipment, about helping their overwhelmed colleagues in New York, and about their fear of bringing the disease home to their families. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Baby Steps Toward Reopening May 05, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces some changes to how businesses may operate under shelter-in-place orders — but they won’t supersede the Bay Area’s more stringent limitations, and they certainly aren’t as loose as some conservatives might like. Alexei Koseff joins Audrey Cooper to explain what’s allowed. | Get full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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New Shelter-in-Place Rules: What’s Allowed? May 04, 2020

It's complicated. Reporter Dominic Fracassa explains where you can go, what you can do — and, critically, how health officials will know if we are successfully staving off a coronavirus resurgence. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Making Homeless Tent Camps Safe May 01, 2020

San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has proposed building safe sleeping sites for unhoused people on city parking lots and in schools and parks to keep people safer during the coronavirus pandemic. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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How Coronavirus Is Affecting the Tenderloin's Drug Trade Apr 30, 2020

Del Seymour, a former drug dealer now known as the Mayor of the Tenderloin, talks to Heather Knight about how the neighborhood is coping during shelter-in-place. | Full COVID-19 coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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Will JFK Drive Stay Closed? Apr 30, 2020

San Francisco has finally closed some streets to cars, including roads in Golden Gate Park and McLaren Park. Marta Lindsey of the pedestrian advocacy group Walk SF talks about why she's hopeful the policy will continue after shelter-in-place rules are lifted. | Get full Chronicle access sfchronicle.com/pod

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A Terrifying Day in the Life of an E.R. Nurse Apr 29, 2020

San Francisco General Hospital emergency room nurse Christa Duran prepares for her shifts like a soldier preparing for battle. Reporter Trisha Thadani talks about how Duran and her colleagues confront their own fears as they work. | Full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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Can Your Marriage Survive Shelter in Place? Apr 29, 2020

We've been stuck inside for almost two months. How's your relationship faring? Columnist Tony Bravo surveyed a variety of Bay Area couples, and he has some ideas about how to make marriage work during the coronavirus shutdown. Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Victim No. 1 Taught Us Apr 28, 2020

The first known U.S. resident to die of coronavirus died from a ruptured heart, according to autopsy reports obtained by The Chronicle. As frightening as it sounds, that information could be useful in learning more about how the virus attacks otherwise healthy people — and what can be done to treat it. | Get full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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Shelter In Place: A Relaxation and Extension Apr 27, 2020

Six Bay Area counties have extended the shelter-in-place orders, but many public health officials say they intend to ease limits on some low-risk activities. Erin Allday discusses what that means, what might be allowed in the coming days and how it will be monitored. | Full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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The Class of '20 Is Dejected Over Covid-19 Apr 27, 2020

No prom. No sports championships. No graduation ceremony. There's never been a senior year quite like this one. Kate Green, a senior at Lowell High in San Francisco, tells Heather Knight what the coronavirus has meant for her and her classmates. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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You Have to Wear Face Masks: Make Them Fun Apr 25, 2020

Sister Roma, one of San Francisco's most beloved drag queens, tells Heather Knight about judging the "Masks Are Fierce" competition this week and explains how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting queer nightlife. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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What Will Our New Normal Be? A Doctor's View Apr 24, 2020

Dr. Jessica Briggs, an infectious disease fellow at UCSF, tells Heather Knight what Bay Area life will look like as the coronavirus crisis plays out over the next year — and why she's recruiting recovered COVID-19 patients for her new study. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Future of the Bay Area Economy Apr 23, 2020

New data shows unemployment is at record levels in the region, with as many as 1 in 6 San Franciscans out of work. But some tech stocks are at an all-time high. Business Editor Owen Thomas discusses the future of the local economy, the potential to reimagine small business and why the stock market has not plunged to 2008 levels. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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The Critical Barrier to Reopening California Apr 23, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom started slowly — very slowly — easing restrictions in California Wednesday. But he also dramatically revised upward how many daily coronavirus tests would need to be done before the state can reopen. Catherine Ho discusses the changes and the likelihood of us getting there any time soon. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus Was Killing in February: Why It Matters Apr 22, 2020

A person infected with COVID-19 died in Santa Clara County on Feb. 6, a stunning discovery that adds to the evidence that coronavirus was in the United States far earlier than once thought. It also sheds new light on how long the virus has been in California. Health reporter Erin Allday talks about what this news means. | Get unlimited Chronicle coverage: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why COVID-19 Has Hit the Mission and Bayview So Hard Apr 22, 2020

City Hall reporter Dominic Fracassa joins Heather Knight to discuss why people living in the ZIP codes around those areas are more likely to get the coronavirus than those in wealthier neighborhoods. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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Keeping San Francisco Voters Safe From COVID-19 Apr 21, 2020

David Campos, chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, is calling for an all vote-by-mail election in November so voters don't have to go to the polls during the coronavirus pandemic. He also tells Heather Knight what he thinks the future in the Bay Area might look like. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Troubles with Coronavirus Testing Apr 20, 2020

Regular and widespread testing might be the biggest hurdle to overcome before the U.S. can return to normal. But California is still struggling with getting tests where they should go and clearing the backlog. Catherine Ho discusses what’s going right and what still needs to be fixed. | Full coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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It’s All Political: Kamala Harris "Would Be Honored" to Be VP Apr 17, 2020

In this episode of the Chronicle’s It’s All Political podcast, California Sen. Kamala Harris reveals what she'd say if Joe Biden asked her to be his running mate. In an interview with Joe Garofoli and Tal Kopan, she says she's "very concerned" about being able to do oversight on the $2 trillion that Washington is spending on coronavirus pandemic relief —and what she's doing about it. | Subscribe to It’s All Political: podfollow.com/its-all-political

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Devastation at Nursing Homes Apr 17, 2020

Long-term care centers around the country are becoming deadly hot spots for the coronavirus. Reporters Jason Fagone and Megan Cassidy discuss criminal investigations into one Bay Area nursing home, plus what reporters have been unable to find out when asking hard questions about illnesses at these facilities. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Coronavirus Danger in the Tenderloin Apr 16, 2020

Jose Ramirez, executive director of St. Anthony’s, says City Hall has left the Tenderloin out of its response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the neighborhood is as crowded and neglected as ever. | Get full Chronicle access sfchronicle.com/pod

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Health Workers Exposed to Coronavirus Apr 16, 2020

More than 2,700 doctors, nurses and other health workers in California have COVID-19. Heather Knight talks to reporter Mallory Moench about what frontline workers are afraid of, what protection they need and what information they want about exposure. | Get unlimited Chronicle access sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why San Francisco Won't Close Streets Apr 15, 2020

Rec and Parks director Phil Ginsburg explains why the city is not following Oakland's lead of shutting down miles of roads to cars during the coronavirus shutdown to allow walkers and bicyclists to spread out — even in Golden Gate Park. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Understanding Dr. Fauci's History Apr 15, 2020

Longtime Bay Area residents remember Dr. Anthony Fauci not as the man who is leading the coronavirus charge but as the one who helped the country fight AIDS. Peter Hartlaub talks about how The Chronicle covered him the first time he worked with a president who was spreading disinformation about a lethal virus. Also: Deadly lessons about returning to normal from San Francisco in the 1918 flu epidemic. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Armistead Maupin Consoles Us Apr 14, 2020

The beloved author of the "Tales of the City" series has been offering virtual readings during the coronavirus shutdown, including the first chapter of his latest book in the classic series of San Francisco novels. Calling from his new home in London, he tells Heather Knight, "Give my love to the city."

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How Close Is the Coronavirus Peak? Apr 14, 2020

Scientific models can’t predict the future, but they can give a pretty good idea of what it might look like. The most optimistic ones say Bay Area coronavirus deaths will peak this week, while the ones used by state officials say it will be a bit longer. How does this affect soon-to-be released plans to start a return to normalcy? Erin Allday discusses the science of disease modeling. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Why Animal-to-Human Viruses Are on the Rise Apr 13, 2020

Scientists are increasingly concerned that environmental degradation is linked to an increase in the transmission of viruses — like the coronavirus from animals to humans. Reporter Kurtis Alexander explains why damage to habitat and other environmental factors contribute to explosions of novel viruses. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Heather Knight Joins Fifth & Mission as Co-Host Apr 11, 2020

To better cover the coronavirus pandemic and its fallout, City Hall columnist and San Francisco City Insider host Heather Knight joins Fifth & Mission as co-host with Audrey Cooper. In this episode, the new co-hosts discuss Heather's recent stories about how COVID-19 deaths are likely being undercounted, and how City Hall is failing the homeless. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Wear a Mask! But How? Apr 10, 2020

Health officials say everyone should wear a mask when going out during the novel coronavirus pandemic. But the scarcity of surgical and N95 masks is well known, so what's a person to do? Tony Bravo discusses how masks could become a regular accessory, which fashion companies are stepping up to produce them, and how you can make one for yourself. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Homelessness, Fare Evasion Worsen on BART Apr 09, 2020

Essential workers who rely on BART feel even less safe in transit than they did before coronavirus prompted shelter-in-place orders, as the homeless population on the trains seems to be rising and fare evasion is still rampant. Phil Matier joins Audrey Cooper to discuss the eerie situation. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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More Trouble Aboard the Theodore Roosevelt Apr 08, 2020

In the wake of Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly resigning amid controversy over how little the military is doing to contain a coronavirus outbreak aboard a nuclear aircraft carrier, Matthias Gafni discusses his troubling report about how the ship is being cleaned and the few precautions being taken for the sailors who have yet to become infected. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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We’ve Flattened the Curve — Now What? Apr 07, 2020

The pace of the coronavirus outbreak is slowing down in the Bay Area, and the number of new cases may even be falling in San Francisco. Can we declare victory yet? Erin Allday discusses what this means for life in the Bay Area and what a “return to normal” may look like. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Exclusive: Listen to Acting Secretary of the Navy Speaking to Theodore Roosevelt Crew Apr 06, 2020

Fifth & Mission presents the raw audio of a speech given by Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly to the crew of the nuclear aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt Monday. Modly relieved Capt. Brett Crozier of his command of the ship last week after Crozier pleaded for help with a coronavirus outbreak in a letter to the Navy. Crozier has since tested positive for COVID-19. | Full coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus

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“I Am Risking My Health By Being Here” Apr 06, 2020

Listen to the voices of San Francisco workers who have either lost their jobs to the coronavirus shutdown or must continue to work — possibly endangering themselves — amid the pandemic. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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First Responders Sickened, Sidelined Apr 04, 2020

Coronavirus is spreading among health care workers and first responders. Reporter Megan Cassidy joins Audrey Cooper to talk about what local police, fire and ambulance companies are doing to limit exposure, including rationing of services and limiting arrests. Plus: Why is one ambulance company considering furloughing its EMTs? | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Homeless and Coronavirus Positive Apr 03, 2020

San Francisco has recorded its first instance of a homeless person testing positive for coronavirus. Kevin Fagan discusses the extensive steps officials are taking to contain the spread before the virus sweeps through the unhoused population, threatening their lives and the stability of the health care system. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Financial Help You Might Not Know About Apr 02, 2020

If you’re confused about the money you could be entitled to receive from the government, you’re not alone. Columnist Kathleen Pender tells Audrey Cooper about the new programs designed to help people who have lost income due to coronavirus and COVID-19. She also explains some obscure programs you probably don’t know about. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SF City Insider: San Francisco After COVID-19 Apr 01, 2020

Cities have long weathered public health crises and emerged stronger because of them. In this episode of San Francisco City Insider, Benjamin Grant, urban design policy director at SPUR, talks with Heather Knight about the ways San Francisco will be permanently changed by coronavirus. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod | Listen to SF City Insider: podfollow.com/insider

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School’s Out For Summer Apr 01, 2020

It’s all but certain that most, if not all, California schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. Does this mean students will fall woefully behind? And what does it show about the inequities in our current public education system? Reporter Jill Tucker joins Audrey Cooper with a reassuring message for stressed out parents: The kids will be OK. | Coronavirus coverage: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Full Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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“Sailors Do Not Need to Die” Mar 31, 2020

In a stunning letter obtained by The Chronicle, the captain of a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier pleads with the Navy to help him contain the coronavirus as it spreads among his sailors. Matthias Gafni explains what's happening aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt and why its captain’s letter is so unusual. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SF City Insider: Is the Coronavirus Surge Still Coming? Mar 31, 2020

Have we flattened the curve? In this episode of San Francisco City Insider, Dr. Allison Bond, an infectious disease expert at UCSF, gives Heather Knight an inside view of San Francisco hospitals — which, so far, seem like a calm before a storm. | The latest on coronavirus: sfchronicle.com/coronavirus | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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Coronavirus Scammers and Price Gougers Mar 30, 2020

Criminals are using the pandemic as a fresh excuse to swindle people, law enforcement officials say. Crime reporter Megan Cassidy runs down some of the common scams and offers tips on how to avoid them. Plus: Details about price gouging schemes in the Bay Area. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com

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Is San Francisco the Next New York? Mar 27, 2020

The epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus pandemic is New York City, where officials acted more slowly than the Bay Area to shut down businesses and schools. Health reporter Erin Allday and Audrey Cooper talk about whether we’ve escaped the worst of the outbreak, or if New York’s overwhelmed hospitals and dramatic death counts are a harbinger of what’s to come. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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SF City Insider: Inside San Francisco's Emergency Command Center Mar 27, 2020

In this episode of the San Francisco City Insider podcast, Ivy Lee, a legislative aide who’s among the hundreds of City Hall staff members who've been spending long days inside Moscone Center to prepare for the expected surge in coronavirus cases, talks to Heather Knight about San Francisco's readiness for a potential disaster. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Mortgages on Hold — Is Rent next? Mar 26, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces new relief for people struggling to pay their mortgages due to the coronavirus and subsequent shutdowns. Alexei Koseff discusses those efforts, plus what tenant advocates are demanding from the governor. Also: The latest on testing and data collection from California officials who have struggled with both. | Get unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is Your Check in the Mail? Mar 25, 2020

Congress is on the brink of passing a historic $2 trillion aid package that could mean cash payments to some Americans, loans for big and small businesses and an expansion of unemployment benefits. Dustin Gardiner joins Audrey Cooper to discuss what is happening in Washington. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/pod

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Is S.F.’s “Powder Keg” About to Explode? Mar 25, 2020

Reporter Jason Fagone on Laguna Honda Hospital, a nursing home full of some of the state’s most vulnerable people. It's struggling to determine the full size of its coronavirus outbreak after two nurses there tested positive. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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SF City Insider: Disaster for Small Businesses Mar 24, 2020

`In this episode of San Francisco City Insider, Heather Knight talks to Sharky Laguana, president of San Francisco's Small Business Commission, about how the shutdown to stem the coronavirus outbreak has already destroyed some small businesses, including his own.

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Where Are the Tests? Mar 24, 2020

For weeks, the country has struggled to test everyone suspected of having the coronavirus, a key part of helping to slow the spread of Covid-19. Catherine Ho and Audrey Cooper talk about whether it's too late. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Coronavirus Hits Workers Hard Mar 23, 2020

People who've lost jobs are worrying about how to pay their bills, and many who work for essential businesses are worrying about staying safe. Reporter Mallory Moench joins Audrey Cooper to discuss the morale of the Bay Area workforce. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Coronavirus: When Will This End? Mar 21, 2020

Health reporter Erin Allday joins Audrey Cooper to talk about whether the current shelter-in-place is working to #FlattentheCurve, if the entire country could soon follow suit, and what optimistic signs we're seeing in China. Plus, she answers some of our most-asked reader questions. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Where Are the Masks? Mar 20, 2020

As hospitals brace for a surge of coronavirus patients, many are running out of critical protective gear — especially masks. Rachel Swan and Audrey Cooper discuss a situation so dire the CDC is telling health workers to wear scarves and bandanas.

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Refusing Coronavirus Tests Mar 19, 2020

Vice President Pence promised that every Grand Princess passenger would be tested for coronavirus. But The Chronicle's Matthias Gafni has learned that hundreds of quarantined patients — encouraged by federal officials — have refused. Is that a threat to the community?

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Coronavirus Evictions Mar 18, 2020

Local officials have taken steps to keep people and businesses from being evicted. But what happens after shelter-in-place ends? And how are we taking care of the homeless? Dominic Fracassa discusses the latest steps.

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Coronavirus Update: $1.1 Billion Aid Package Mar 17, 2020

Alexei Koseff reports from Sacramento, where state lawmakers passed funding for coronavirus response on Monday, then suspended their session for a month — reportedly a first in more than 150 years.

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Shelter in Place Mar 16, 2020

The Bay Area is shutting down after an emergency order across most of the region that's the nation's strongest move so far in response to the coronavirus threat. Erin Allday and Audrey Cooper discusse what is — and isn't — covered by the order.

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The Kids Are Home: Now What? Mar 16, 2020

Reporter — and former kindergarten teacher — Steve Rubenstein gives Audrey Cooper and all parents advice on what to do with kids who are because of school closures in response to the coronavirus. Plus: Thoughts from a real expert, age 7.

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Predicting the Coronavirus Future Mar 14, 2020

Disease modelers are trying to come up with their best guesses about how badly COVID-19 could take hold in the United States. Health reporter Erin Allday discusses what we know and what could stave off the worst possible outcomes.

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Schools Are Closing Mar 13, 2020

Children in San Francisco will be out of school for three weeks due to coronavirus fears and districts around the region are following suit. Trisha Thadani on what happens to families with no other options or children who need school meals.

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Fifth & Mission Is Working From Home Mar 12, 2020

Coronavirus has forced thousands, maybe millions, of Americans to work from home. That includes Chronicle journalists like Audrey Cooper and Mallory Moench, who discuss pros and cons and what to expect. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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SF City Insider: “This Is Going to Be Catastrophic” Mar 12, 2020

San Franciscan Amanda Kahn Fried is on sabbatical in Italy, a coronavirus hot spot where events seem to be a few weeks ahead of the Bay Area. On the San Francisco City Insider podcast, she tells host Heather Knight what it’s like to live under lockdown. | Subscribe to San Francisco City Insider.

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A Top S.F. Doctor on the Coronavirus Mar 12, 2020

Dr. Andre Campbell, a longtime trauma surgeon and ICU doctor at San Francisco General Hospital, tells Heather Knight what to expect with COVID-19 in the weeks ahead and how the hospital is preparing.

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Can We Contain the Coronavirus? Mar 11, 2020

As mitigation measures spread across the country, health writer Erin Allday discusses whether they can succeed and explains the leading theories about how best to keep the public safe. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Drones at the Golden Gate Bridge Mar 09, 2020

Flying cameras are swarming San Francisco's landmark bridge, and officials say photos are being taken illegally. Business reporter Roland Li talks to Audrey Cooper about the rise – and crashes – of local drones.

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Coronavirus: What We Know Now Mar 06, 2020

Health reporter Erin Allday joins Audrey Cooper to explain the latest on the coronavirus response and business reporter Mallory Moench explains what parents should do to keep kids safe and calm. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Super Tuesday: What Did We Learn? Mar 04, 2020

Super Tuesday is over and we're down to a two-man race. Joe Garofoli and John Wildermuth join Audrey Cooper to break down the results, including some interesting races you might not have thought much about. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Super Tuesday Troubles Mar 03, 2020

Democratic candidates are dropping out, much to the dismay of voters who have already cast their ballot. Political writers Joe Garofoli and John Wildermuth break down what's likely to happen as Californians head to the polls.

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Tracking the Coronavirus Feb 29, 2020

Erin Allday talks about efforts to keep track of who has the virus. See the Chronicle's tracker. Plus: Chase DiFeliciantonio on what local industries and workers are doing to prepare, and some wild conspiracy theories.

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Coronavirus Game Changer Feb 28, 2020

The diagnosis of a Bay Area resident shows the virus has spread beyond those who recently visited China. Plus: The fight to get more testing kits into California hospitals. Erin Allday and Catherine Ho with the latest.

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San Francisco’s Coronavirus Emergency Feb 26, 2020

Warnings about a global pandemic are becoming more urgent as stocks fall and local officials — including Mayor London Breed — declare states of emergency. Health reporters Erin Allday and Catherine Ho on the latest local cases.

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Chinatown's Gentrification Fears Feb 24, 2020

Food reporter Janelle Bitker on the closing of banquet halls, long a mainstay of Chinatown's culture. They're being replaced with tonier spots, leaving residents worried about the future. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Our Life in Coronavirus Quarantine Feb 21, 2020

Otis and Carol Menasco's Japan cruise is now "the vacation that has become a nightmare" as they're quarantined at an Air Force base near San Antonio. They can't get movies or booze, but they can make calls, and they called us.

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Trump in California: Who Gets the Water? Feb 20, 2020

President Trump traveled to the Central Valley to sign an agreement that would send more water to farms — and, environmentalists say, hurt the Delta ecosystem. Reporter Peter Fimrite talks about the implications.

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Troubling Gifts to Mayor Breed Feb 19, 2020

The mayor has admitted taking nearly $6,000 from Mohammed Nuru, the ex-public works chief at the center of an FBI corruption investigation — and a man she now says she once dated. Dominic Fracassa talked to her about the fallout.

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The Fight to Put Women in the Constitution Feb 17, 2020

Nearly four decades after the Equal Rights Amendment was declared dead, politics writer Dustin Gardiner joins Audrey Cooper to talk about why the battle to enshrine women’s rights has returned.

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Crisis at School Feb 14, 2020

Teachers and parents say one S.F. middle school has devolved into violent chaos and the district is refusing to send help. Columnist Heather Knight discusses her shocking report on the school. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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The Coronavirus Hits Close to Home Feb 12, 2020

The Bay Area shares cultural and economic ties with China stronger than anywhere else in the country. Reporters Tatiana Sanchez and Anna Bauman on how the region is impacted by the deadly coronavirus spreading from Wuhan, China. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Trump's New Target: Modern Architecture Feb 09, 2020

Urban design critic John King on how haters of futuristic buildings like the San Francisco Federal Building are trying to team up with the president to — we kid you not — “Make Federal Buildings Great Again.”

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It’s Beer Week! Feb 07, 2020

Esther Mobley, wine critic and author of the Drinking With Esther newsletter, and Audrey Cooper go deep into the history of Beer Week, trends in regional craft brewing and how you can celebrate this year.

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Fifth & Mission Live: Primaries 2020 Feb 06, 2020

Live from Manny's in San Francisco, Editor in Chief Audrey Cooper, politics writer Joe Garofoli and columnists Heather Knight and Phil Matier talk about Iowa, the upcoming primaries, and local politics.

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Coronavirus in the Bay Area Feb 05, 2020

Health writer Erin Allday tells you what you need to know about the virus’ penetration in California and what you can do about it. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Super Bowl: What Happened to the 49ers? Feb 03, 2020

Patrick Mahomes happened. Ann Killion and Eric Branch talk about the Chiefs' comeback win over San Francisco in Super Bowl LIV. Should Bay Area fans put the blame on Kyle Shanahan, or just appreciate an amazing season?

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What to Look for in the Super Bowl Jan 31, 2020

Ann Killion and Eric Branch break down the game. The 49ers vs. the Chiefs, Jimmy G. vs. Patrick Mahomes. Kyle Shanahan vs. Andy Reid. And San Francisco's great defense vs. Kansas City's great offense. The winner will be ... you have to listen.

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Shen Yun Spending Jan 30, 2020

Reporter Matthias Gafni cracks the mystery of how much a controversial religious group spends on those ubiquitous ads promoting the dance company's shows.

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Super Bowl Week in Miami Jan 29, 2020

Ann Killion and Eric Branch report from the three-ring circus all over Miami, where nothing is close to anything else, as the 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs get ready to play. Full coverage. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Bombshell Arrest of "MrCleanSF" Jan 29, 2020

San Francisco Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru and Lefty O'Doul's owner Nick Bovis are charged with fraud after a months-long federal corruption probe. Audrey Cooper, Heather Knight and Evan Sernoffsky explain.

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YIGBY: Yes in God's Back Yard Jan 27, 2020

J.K. Dineen reports that church parking lots are among the "soft sites" — underused real estate — that could be a rich source of land on which to build housing in San Francisco. | Get unlimited Chronicle access.

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Privacy or Prison Jan 24, 2020

Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets are citing a 30-year-old privacy law to resist defense subpoenas that could save people from going to prison and even possible execution, as Megan Cassidy tells host Josh Koehn.

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Thefts on BART Jan 22, 2020

Cell phones and laptops are being stolen from BART passengers at a higher rate than ever. Phil Matier and Audrey Cooper discuss the crime wave, what BART's trying to do about it, and how you can avoid being a victim.

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Does Uber Transparency Lead to Discrimination? Jan 20, 2020

Uber’s recent overhaul of its ride process has advocates concerned that the changes could lead to discrimination. Carolyn Said joins Otis Taylor to discuss how Uber’s changes could impact riders.

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Mega-Problems With Housing Mega-Projects Jan 17, 2020

In the last decade, Bay Area public officials banked on big projects — many on former military bases — to fill our vast housing needs. J.K. Dineen on why most of the homes remain unbuilt.

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What the Moms 4 Housing Want Jan 15, 2020

In the wake of the pre-dawn eviction of a group of homeless mothers from a West Oakland house Otis Taylor Jr. and Sarah Ravani join Demian Bulwa to talk about Oakland's housing crisis and what's next for the moms and their kids.

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Wi-Fi on Bart? Jan 13, 2020

Want to use your computer in the Transbay Tube? Reporter Rachel Swan on the system's plan to finally get Wi-Fi — and improved cell service — after years of frustration and delays.

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The Suspect Next Door Jan 10, 2020

After Leola Shreves was brutally beaten and killed in her own home, police got a confession from her next-door neighbor. But as Matthias Gafni reports, all the evidence pointed to another man.

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The Housing Shortage Fight Jan 09, 2020

SB50, Scott Wiener’s controversial bill to boost housing construction around public transit in wealthy suburbs, flamed out in the Legislature last year. Can new amendments overcome opposition from local leaders?

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Trouble at Yosemite’s Iconic Hotel Jan 07, 2020

For decades, the sumptuous Ahwahnee Hotel at the foot of Half Dome has attracted presidents, movie stars and big spenders. But as Kurtis Alexander reports, some say the property has seen better days.

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Here Come the Gas Bans Jan 06, 2020

Bay Area cities are starting to ban natural gas appliances inside new homes, a bid to fight climate change. Reporter Mallory Moench talks about the effort and the backlash, including from restaurants who prefer an open flame.

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Datebook: Babylon Gone, Part 1 Jan 03, 2020

Fifth & Mission presents the first episode in the Datebook podcast's three-episode series on "Beach Blanket Babylon," the musical revue that closed on New Year's Eve after a world's longest 45-year run. Peter Hartlaub, Lily Janiak and Annie Vainshtein dive deep into the iconic San Francisco show. Subscribe to Datebook and download all three episodes:

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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Gang Fight in San Francisco Jan 01, 2020

When Chesa Boudin takes over as district attorney this month, he plans to stop prosecuting a type of gang charge he says is “infused with racism.” Reporter Evan Sernoffsky on the emotional debate.

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Top 10 Stories of the Year Dec 30, 2019

Chronicle reporters Kevin Fagan, Rachel Swan and John Wildermuth join Demian Bulwa to talk about the biggest Bay Area stories of 2019 — from PG&E blackouts to trouble aboard BART and teen vaping — and why they captured our imagination.

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The Decade in Sports Dec 27, 2019

From the Giants to the Warriors to Colin Kaepernick, Chronicle columnists Ann Killion and Scott Ostler join metro editor Demian Bulwa to talk about the biggest stories of the 2010s.

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Mick LaSalle’s Best Movies of 2019 Dec 25, 2019

The Chronicle’s critic talks about the best, worst and most interesting movies of the year with Audrey Cooper — who’s seen none of them — and recalls the day he had to watch a Star Wars movie 6 times in a row.

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Towering Changes in San Francisco Dec 23, 2019

Chronicle urban design critic John King explains how he selected the city’s best buildings and spaces of the past 10 years — and what the future might hold.

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The New Niners Dec 20, 2019

The San Francisco 49ers are once again one of the best teams in football. But what’s it like behind the scenes? Beat reporter Eric Branch and Columnist Ann Killion give the real story.

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The Homeless Camp That Can't Be Rousted Dec 18, 2019

A growing tent city in Santa Rosa is the latest flashpoint in the homelessness crisis. Kevin Fagan reports that authorities can't break it up unless they can provide enough housing for all the residents.

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The Shocking Cost of Building Housing Dec 16, 2019

San Francisco has the highest construction costs in the world. Metro editor Demian Bulwa and reporter Roland Li break down the factors making new housing close to impossible.

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The Hero of the Kincade Fire Dec 13, 2019

When flames swept over him in Sonoma County, a Cal Fire captain made a last-ditch decision: He pulled two residents under a fire blanket the size of a beach towel. Reporter Lizzie Johnson tells the story of Jason Dyer.

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Cops Sue Over Shipyard Workplace Dec 11, 2019

Nearly 400 current and former SFPD employees have sued a company tasked with cleaning up contamination at the Hunters Point Shipyard. Editor Audrey Cooper talks with Jason Fagone and Cynthia Dizikes about their reporting on the cleanup.

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The Class of 2020 Dec 09, 2019

What is life like for teens about to graduate? Chronicle director of photography Nicole Frugé and photographer Gabrielle Lurie join Audrey Cooper to talk about Class of 2020, documenting life in Bay Area high schools.

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2020 Hindsight Dec 06, 2019

The Chronicle's Culture Desk looks back on this century with 20 moments that say something about the current state of the Bay Area and, by extension, the world.

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A Surge of Drug Deaths Dec 04, 2019

More than 10,000 people have now died across the Bay Area in drug overdoses since 2006. Reporter Erin Allday digs into a growing epidemic of meth and fentanyl abuse.

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IPO to IP-Uh-Oh Dec 02, 2019

Breathless (non-Chronicle) headlines warned that San Francisco would be drowning in IPO millionaires in 2019. But the housing market has turned soft. Columnist Kathleen Pender and business editor Owen Thomas talk about what to expect in 2020.

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Best of Fifth & Mission: How to Drink Wine Nov 29, 2019

Chronicle wine critic Esther Mobley shares her secrets and brings her spit bucket for a tasting session with Audrey Cooper. Plus: How California vintners are adjusting to climate change, which threatens Cabernet Sauvignon, the state’s most important grape. First published Aug. 23, 2019.

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How to Stop Homelessness Nov 27, 2019

Since 1982, The Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund have found a novel way to keep people from becoming homeless: The Season of Sharing Fund. Audrey Cooper and Kevin Fagan chat with new SOS executive director Zev Lowe.

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Crab Season Blues Nov 25, 2019

Why won't Dungeness crab be in grocery stores by Thanksgiving? Assistant food editor Tara Duggan explains the latest delays, which are linked to the health of whales.

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Minor Crimes, Major Time Nov 22, 2019

Reporters Jill Tucker and Joaquin Palomino, as part of their Vanishing Violence investigation, have found that California officials' claims that juvenile halls now mostly hold serious offenders is not true.

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San Francisco's Deadly Streets Nov 20, 2019

A spike in traffic violence has claimed 27 lives so far this year. Metro editor Demian Bulwa and columnist Heather Knight talk about why San Francisco's Vision Zero plan, to eliminate traffic deaths in the city, is off track.

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Live: How We Cover Disasters, Part 2 Nov 18, 2019

Reporters J.D. Morris, who covers PG&E, and Kurtis Alexander, who covers California climate and environmental issues, talk with metro editor Demian Bulwa about how they work their beats as the state is hammered by wildfires and massive blackouts.

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Live: How We Cover Disasters, Part 1 Nov 15, 2019

Reporter Lizzie Johnson and photographer Carlos Avila Gonzalez talk with editor in chief Audrey Cooper and a live audience at the Chronicle Center in San Francisco about covering wildfires — how they protect themselves, what risks they’re willing to take, what they have to know. First of two parts.

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London Breed’s Brother Seeks Freedom Nov 13, 2019

After a woman died on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000, Napoleon Brown got 44 years in prison. He’s seeking a shorter sentence in light of a new law. His sister, the mayor of San Francisco, has advocated on his behalf in the past. Reporter Dominic Fracassa on the latest twists in the case.

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Orinda Shooting Aftermath Nov 11, 2019

Police have still made no arrests after the mass shooting at a Halloween "Mansion Party" at an Orinda Airbnb. Reporter Evan Sernoffsky talks about the victims, the possible motives and the new scrutiny on Airbnb.

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Starting Over in Paradise Nov 08, 2019

How do you recover from the worst fire in California history? A year after the Camp Fire killed 85 people and leveled a whole town, just 14 homes have been rebuilt. But there's hope, say reporter Lizzie Johnson and photographer Gabrielle Lurie, who have been spending time in the disaster area.

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A Silver Bullet for Meth? Nov 06, 2019

No. There’s no such thing. Reporters Kevin Fagan and Dominic Fracassa talk about how meth’s powerful grip on San Francisco is killing people and contributing to the city’s biggest problems, and about the latest idea to deal with it: a sobering center for addicts.

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Election Day Preview Nov 05, 2019

Editorial Page Editor John Diaz and City Hall reporter Dominic Fracassa join Audrey Cooper to talk about today’s election in San Francisco, including two races that have received national attention: the four-way battle for district attorney and Prop C, which would regulate e-cigarettes.

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The Fisherman’s Secret Nov 04, 2019

What would you do if you suddenly found a golden treasure? Audrey Cooper interviews reporters Tara Duggan and Jason Fagone about an unbelievable tale that took more than a year to report — the story of fisherman Joe Pennisi’s secret.

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BART: Parking vs. Housing Nov 01, 2019

As the transit agency begins filling its lots with residential buildings, it’s chipping away at a perk commuters have enjoyed for years — cheap parking spaces. Rachel Swan on the battle of housing for people against housing for cars.

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PG&E Outages: Cell Phones Too Oct 31, 2019

Bay Area residents needed cell service more than ever as they lost electricity and worried about wildfires. Reporter Mallory Moench joins us to talk about why cell service providers in some places failed this test, and what can be done about it.

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Wildfires Update: The Inspectors Oct 30, 2019

Lizzie Johnson talks about shadowing two firefighters, one a Cal Fire division chief and one a fire marshal from Riverside County, as they inspect the damage inflicted by the Kincade Fire and encounter a homeowner who defied the evacuation order — a dangerous move, but one that allowed him to save his house.

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Wildfires Update: First Responder Heroism Oct 30, 2019

Sarah Ravani reports on the heroism she's been seeing at the Kincade Fire, including firefighters who used water from a swimming pool to help save three houses in Windsor. She also talks about the emotional reaction of Healdsburg residents when the power came back on.

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Wildfires Update: Kincade Fire Oct 29, 2019

Evan Sernoffsky reports from the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa during the calm before the big windstorm that's expected to kick up Tuesday afternoon and evening. Firefighters fear the winds could cause a major flare-up in the Kincade Fire.

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Wildfires Update: Wineries Oct 29, 2019

Wine critic Esther Mobley joins Audrey Cooper to talk about how California’s biggest cash crop, the $40 billion wine industry, is faring in the latest round of wildfires and power shut-offs. Fifth & Mission is updating more frequently than usual this week as we focus on the developments around Northern California.

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Wildfires Update: Windsor Oct 28, 2019

Fifth & Mission is updating more frequently than usual this week as we focus on the wildfires and power shut-offs around Northern California this week. In this episode, Megan Cassidy reports from Windsor as firefighters race against the clock to establish firelines during a lull in the high winds.

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Powerless: A Weekend of Shut-offs and Fire Oct 28, 2019

Megan Cassidy joins Audrey Cooper to talk about her reporting on the Kincade Fire, one of many wildfires around the Bay Area. J.D. Morris talks about the massive PG&E shut-offs in response to the weekend's major wind event — and the reactions by the public and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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How the Fire Tracker Works Oct 25, 2019

Senior interactive developer Evan Wagstaff joins Audrey Cooper to talk about how he and his team build the tools that are some of the Chronicle's most popular features, including the California Fire Tracker and the PG&E Outage Map.

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PG&E Shut-offs: Here We Go Again Oct 23, 2019

For the second time this month, PG&E is preparing to preemptively cut power to hundreds of thousands of people in a bid to prevent wildfires. Reporters J.D. Morris and Mallory Moench tell us what to expect and answer key questions about how people are coping.

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Sports Wagering in California Is No Sure Bet Oct 21, 2019

Michael Cabanatuan talks about the slow road to sports betting in California. A third of states now allow it, but not the Golden State, where it will take cooperation between gambling interests, as well as consent from state lawmakers and the voters.

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Tony Bravo: The View From the Audience Oct 18, 2019

The San Francisco Chronicle arts writer joins Audrey Cooper in a chat about his new column exploring the Bay Area’s vibrant scene, what he learned from drag shows and how to be a supporter of the arts.

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Old Quakes, New Quakes Oct 16, 2019

Northern California residents marking the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake were shaken anew this week by a couple of big jolts. Reporter Peter Fimrite joins Demian Bulwa to talk quake science, why we can't predict the Big One, and ShakeAlert, the new earthquake early-warning system.

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Life on the Warriors Beat Oct 14, 2019

Connor Letourneau joins Audrey Cooper to talk about what it’s like to cover the Golden State Warriors. They discuss what Steph Curry’s really like, how things will be different for the team at the Chase Center, and the “Connor Letourneau Curse.”

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PG&E Outage: Anger, confusion erupts Oct 09, 2019

The power is out in huge parts of Northern California as Pacific Gas & Electric Co. makes good on its threats to turn off electricity lines to an estimated 2.3 million people. Across the region, officials and residents have scrambled to respond, with mixed results. As the utility struggles to get out accurate information to those affected, residents prepare for a days-long outage. But questions remain: Why did the Bay Area seem so ill prepared to deal with what could become the new normal?

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PG&E's Power Shut-offs Oct 08, 2019

Hundreds of thousands of people — not just those in wooded areas — could be affected as PG&E prepares to shut off power in an attempt to prevent wildfires in this week's dry and windy weather. Reporter J.D. Morris on how we got here and what you need to know.

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Teen Crime Plunge Oct 07, 2019

In a rare good-news crime story, reporters Jill Tucker, Evan Sernoffsky and Joaquin Palomino have been tracking historic drops in crime among teens. They talk about that and their investigation into the surge of kids tried in adult courts in the past two decades — under policies now seen as too severe.

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Visiting Our Underwater Future Oct 04, 2019

Culture Desk Reporter Ryan Kost spent four days wandering the Bay Area to explore future flood zones, areas that scientists expect to be swallowed up by rising sea levels. He tells Audrey Cooper about what he learned there.

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What Is Bay Area Culture? Oct 03, 2019

The Bay Area is a quirky place. And The Chronicle is launching an effort to explore all of those quirks that make us hella Bay. Sarah Feldberg joins Audrey Cooper to debut the Culture Desk, a new coverage focus that will explore everything from wealth to sex to health and parenting.

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Rocks and Hard Places on Clinton Park Oct 01, 2019

Heather Knight and Kevin Fagan join Demian Bulwa to talk about the infamous boulders on Clinton Park alley, which have become a symbol for San Francisco's inability to provide basic services for its homeless population or to enforce laws when street behavior turns dark and violent.

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BART vs. Fare Evasion and Suicide Sep 30, 2019

Transportation reporter Rachel Swan talks about BART's plan for fare gates that scofflaws might find harder to hurdle or squeeze through, and the agency's frustration over trying to prevent suicides.

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Soleil Ho on Restaurants, Culture and Politics Sep 27, 2019

The San Francisco Chronicle's restaurant critic talks with Audrey Cooper about how she wants to challenge readers to think about where they dine and how that intersects with politics and influences local culture.

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Pelosi Pulls the Impeachment Trigger Sep 25, 2019

Political reporter Joe Garofoli and editorial page editor John Diaz join Demian Bulwa to talk about Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that the House of Representatives will open an impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Will her strategy of waiting pay off?

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San Francisco's Broken Mental Health System Sep 24, 2019

Reporter Trisha Thadani talks about The Chronicle series "Broken Care," which explores breakdowns in the way San Francisco aids its most vulnerable residents — those who are homeless, addicted and mentally ill.

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A Brother’s Heartbreak on San Francisco’s Streets Sep 22, 2019

When a photo of a desperate, homeless heroin addict ran in The Chronicle, the man's brother — with help from reporter Kevin Fagan — launched an effort to find and help him. Incredibly, he succeeded, but the story ended in tragedy.

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Transportation, Housing and Climate Change Sep 20, 2019

Much of the Bay Area's new housing is in distant San Joaquin County. Reporter J.K. Dineen talks about the environmental impact of that. Plus: Rachel Swan on California falling short of its emissions goals.

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Protecting San Francisco From the Bay Sep 18, 2019

Urban design critic John King on why we need to start planning now to prepare the Bay Area for the impacts of sea level rise — and why the development of vulnerable spots like Treasure Island is still taking place.

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California's "Underground" Climate Fight Sep 16, 2019

Washington correspondent Tal Kopan on the growing divide between President Trump's denial of climate change and California's effort to do something about it. Part of the cooperative Climate Week media project. See sfchronicle.com/climatechallenge for more.

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The Symphony in Blue Jeans Sep 13, 2019

As the San Francisco Symphony opens its final season under Michael Tilson Thomas, classical music critic Joshua Kosman talks about the longtime conductor's legacy, and advises first-time symphony-goers to relax. Come as you are.

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The Life and Death of Braden Varney Sep 12, 2019

The Cal Fire bulldozer operator reported to the Ferguson Fire last summer to protect his community. It was his last call. Lizzie Johnson on the remarkable recovery operation that ensued as his friends and family grappled with their loss.

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The Cops Who Sleep in Their Cars Sep 09, 2019

San Mateo has a plan to house police officers who've become super-commuters because they can't afford the sky-high prices in that city. Reporter J.K. Dineen explains.

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The Ghost Ship Verdicts Sep 06, 2019

Reporter Megan Cassidy on the scene in the Alameda County courthouse as Max Harris is acquitted on 36 charges of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the 2016 warehouse fire. The jury hung on charges for master tenant Derick Almena.

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Silicon Valley’s $15 million Teardown Sep 05, 2019

A wealthy couple buys a big new mansion in Hillsborough. Is it their dream home? Nope. It’s a teardown. Reporter Matthias Gafni on the latest stunner in Bay Area housing.

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Backlash Over Ethnic Studies Curriculum Sep 03, 2019

Educators who want ethnic studies taught statewide in California schools are getting pushback from critics who say they support the idea in principle, but that the proposed teaching guidelines push racially divisive themes.

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Best of Fifth & Mission: Photographing Homelessness Sep 02, 2019

In this episode first published July 29, photographers Gabrielle Lurie and Jessica Christian discuss photographing homelessness during the Chronicle's 24-hour project. They talk about the challenges of photographing for 24 hours straight, keeping safe on the streets and making moving imagery under tough circumstances. We also learn about Jessica’s subject “Shorty,” and how he lives as a disabled homeless man on the streets of San Francisco.

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BBQ in the Bay Aug 30, 2019

In a region that has nearly every type of cuisine, good barbecue restaurants have been hard to find. That seems to be changing with an explosion of pop-ups and even some brick-and-mortars springing up in unexpected places. Can they thrive in the Bay?

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Meet Mission Bay Aug 28, 2019

Urban design critic John King explores the history of San Francisco's newest neighborhood, what went wrong in designing it and what he thinks of the Warriors' arena plopped in the middle of it.

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Broken Promises at the Hunters Point Shipyard Aug 26, 2019

What led federal and city officials to back away from voter-demanded promises to completely clean radiological contamination and what is next for the nation’s most complex Superfund site? Note: An earlier edit of this episode contained an error about the timing of the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests. They began after World War II.

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Esther Mobley on How to Drink Wine Aug 23, 2019

The Chronicle’s wine critic shares her secrets and brings her spit bucket for a tasting session. Plus: How California vintners are adjusting to climate change, which threatens Cabernet Sauvignon, the state’s most important grape.

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Oakland's Warehouse Scene After Ghost Ship Aug 21, 2019

A crackdown on people living and making art in warehouses followed the deadly 2016 fire at an unsanctioned music event. But as Rachel Swan reports, bigger changes came as a result of another shift: the legalization of marijuana.

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The Doctor Accused of Murder Aug 19, 2019

Health reporter Erin Allday on Dr. Thomas McNeese Keller, the Santa Rosa physician who, already under investigation by the state medical board, has been charged with murder in the deaths of five patients who suffered opioid overdoses.

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Justin Phillips on Black Culture in the Bay Area Aug 16, 2019

San Francisco Chronicle reporter Justin Phillips talks to editor in chief Audrey Cooper about his new column on the African American experience in and around San Francisco.

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How the Town Beats the City on Housing Aug 15, 2019

Oakland has historically underproduced housing, but in 2019, it's on pace to finish about 2,000 more new units than San Francisco. Reporter J.K. Dineen talks about what's changed in the East Bay.

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SF City Insider: An Epidemic of Untreated Mental Illness Aug 14, 2019

Fifth & Mission presents an episode of the Chronicle podcast San Francisco City Insider. The city is compelling far fewer mentally ill people into mandated treatment. Columnist Heather Knight and City Hall reporter Dominic Fracassa discuss the rise in clearly untreated mental illness on San Francisco’s sidewalks.

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Should San Francisco Buy PG&E's Power Lines? Aug 12, 2019

The utility's wildfire-related bankruptcy has San Francisco looking to take over its power operation in the city. Reporters J.D. Morris and Dominic Fracassa talk about the opportunities and risks the multibillion-dollar move would present.

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Swag: It’s Fun! It’s Free! It Works! It’s a Nightmare! Aug 09, 2019

It’s a constant in the tech industry and has been for ages. The data says swag is an effective marketing tool, and sometimes the goodies are nice. But there’s a cost for the environment. Owen Thomas and Carolyn Said on “stuff we all get.”

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Live Event: San Francisco Homelessness With Mayor Breed Aug 08, 2019

Editor in chief Audrey Cooper and homelessness reporter Kevin Fagan talk about highlights from the recent Chronicle Talks event with Mayor London Breed and a panel of homeless people and experts.

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Salesforce Tower Light Show, Featuring ... YOU? Aug 07, 2019

Reporter Melia Russell on new images atop Salesforce Tower. Starting this fall, the tower top will show snippets of city life that are recorded by cameras planted around San Francisco. The next version could feature a blurry image of you.

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The Big Event: Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor of Ear Hustle Aug 06, 2019

In this episode of the Chronicle podcast The Big Event, Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods tell Peter Hartlaub about creating one of the biggest hits of the podcast boom, which brings listeners inside San Quentin State Prison. Subscribe to The Big Event, your concierge to Bay Area culture, wherever you get Fifth & Mission.

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California's Secret Automaker Deal Aug 05, 2019

Alexei Koseff of the Chronicle's Sacramento bureau joins Audrey Cooper to talk about the state getting four carmakers to agree to cut emissions — a deal that puts California on a collision course with the Trump administration.

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On the Streets With the Homeless Aug 02, 2019

Kurtis Alexander, Nanette Asimov and Evan Sernoffsky talk about reporting for the Chronicle's multimedia project "One Day, One City, No Relief: 24 hours Inside San Francisco’s Homeless Crisis."

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What We Know About the Gilroy Shooter Aug 01, 2019

Why did a 19-year-old man gun down three people and wound a dozen more at the Gilroy Garlic Festival? Reporter Rachel Swan on the hunt for a motive, the search of the shooter's apartment and the trend of killers fueled by online hate.

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Bay Curious: Your Questions on Homelessness Jul 31, 2019

In a collaboration with the NPR podcast Bay Curious from KQED, Chronicle editor in chief Audrey Cooper and reporter Kevin Fagan join host Olivia Allen-Price to answer four key questions about the homeless from listeners and readers.

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Horror at the Gilroy Garlic Festival Jul 30, 2019

Reporter Lizzie Johnson joins Demian Bulwa to talk about the latest on the mass shooting in Gilroy. How did the shooter get his weapon? What was his motive? And who were the people — including two children — who died in the rampage?

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Photographing Homelessness For 24 Hours Jul 29, 2019

Photographers Gabrielle Lurie and Jessica Christian discuss photographing homelessness during our 24-hour homelessness project. They talk about the challenges of photographing for 24-hours straight, keeping safe out on the streets and how to make moving imagery under tough circumstances. We also learn about Jessica’s subject “Shorty” and how he lives as a disabled homeless man on the streets of San Francisco.

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Safe Parking for the Homeless Jul 26, 2019

People living in vehicles is the next frontier in the homelessness crisis for San Francisco city officials to deal with. A new proposal would turn a parking lot near Balboa Park into a "triage center" for overnight parking and services.

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Town-Gown Quarrels at Stanford & UC Berkeley Jul 24, 2019

Tight housing and more students spell tension between the elite universities and the cities they live in. The city of Berkeley is suing UC, as Santa Clara County wrestles with an expanding Stanford.

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Newsom Takes on PG&E Wildfire Crisis Jul 23, 2019

As wildfire season began, California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a plan to shield utilities from wildfire liabilities. How does the fund work and how did Newsom navigate his first big crisis?

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'Miscarriage Leave' On the Rise Jul 22, 2019

Miscarriages are very common — and emotionally searing. Some Bay Area companies are offering paid leave to employees, both men and women, who have experienced losses.

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A Change Could Be Coming to Prop 13 Jul 19, 2019

A ballot measure headed for the 2020 ballot could bring $11 billion more in tax revenues by changing the way that commercial property is taxed. But county assessors said it would be a logistical nightmare to implement. The Chronicle's senior political writer Joe Garofoli explains how some politicians are ready to grab California's infamous third rail of politics -- Prop 13.

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No Straws, No Forks Jul 18, 2019

Welcome to ‘Ban Francisco’! Business editor Owen Thomas and writers Carolyn Said and Elena Shao discuss the city’s latest attempt to crack down on something. In this case it’s plastic waste from all the straws, utensils, condiment packages and other accessories that come with food orders. The new rule took effect July 1 and we found that restaurants and diners are still getting used to it.

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Immigration Politics in a Word: Chilling Jul 16, 2019

Senior political writer Joe Garofoli explains the politics behind the citizenship question on the census, the federal immigration raids, the new asylum laws and President Trump’s racist tweets about four House members who are women of color.

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What Google's $1 Billion Housing Plan Means Jul 15, 2019

The tech giant's big Bay Area housing commitment is one of the largest of its kind and a sign that even the wealthiest companies are burdened by high rents. But many details are unclear.

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Can Co-Living Help Make San Francisco More Affordable? Jul 11, 2019

While young people have long shared housing in cities, an increasing number of real estate developers are betting that co-living can work on a much larger scale. In this episode we talk about the trend, focusing on San Francisco’s starcity, which is building a 270 bedroom coliving project in San Francisco and 800-room complex in San Jose.

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New Turn in Rideshare Rapist Case Jul 10, 2019

A defense attorney in SF’s infamous “Rideshare Rapist” case says an illegal DNA search led police to the suspect.

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SF Mayor London Breed -- One Year In Jul 09, 2019

With Mayor London Breed poised to cruise into a full term in office, Chronicle Editor In Chief Audrey Cooper and City Hall reporter Dominic Fracassa take stock of her past year in Room 200, and look ahead for what's in store for Breed over the next four years.

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Employees Versus Contractors: California’s Big Question Jul 08, 2019

A new law will formalize a California Supreme Court ruling in a case called Dynamex that will make many workers employees instead of contractors. Reporter Carolyn Said explains why this matters to everyone from nail salon operators to investors in Uber and Lyft.

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Best Of: Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants With Soleil Ho Jul 05, 2019

The Chronicle’s new restaurant critic sat down with Audrey Cooper to talk about taking over longtime critic Michael Bauer’s signature list, what “top” means to her, and what’s different about the list this year.

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Best Of: Rebuilding of Aisha Jul 04, 2019

From May: Aisha McCain spent years in prison after getting busted in a massive San Francisco gang crackdown, then she felt a lump in her breast and everything changed.

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Fentanyl Takes Hold in SF Jul 03, 2019

Fentanyl overdoses killed 57 people in San Francisco last year – more than heroin or prescription pain pills. The synthetic opioid that’s 100 times stronger than morphine is now fully embedded in the SF street drug scene, public health experts say.

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Pot in Wine Country? Jul 02, 2019

A local citizens group wants to legalize commercial cannabis cultivation in Napa County. But opponents claim that pot could threaten the success of America’s most famous wine growing region.

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Transbay Transit Center Reopening Jul 01, 2019

Nine months after discovery of a cracked steel girder forced the closure of the Transbay Transit Center, the $2.2 billion transit hub, retail center and rooftop park has been repaired, inspected and is ready to reopen but without buses for now.

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Why Oakland Decriminalized Psychedelics Jun 28, 2019

In early June, Oakland became the second city in the U.S. to decriminalize natural psychedelics like magic mushrooms. That initiative was sparked by growing interest – especially in the Bay Area – in using psychedelics for mental health.

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Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants With Soleil Ho Jun 27, 2019

The Chronicle’s new restaurant critic sits down with Audrey Cooper to talk about taking over longtime critic Michael Bauer’s signature list, what “top” means to her, and what’s different about the list this year.

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How a Chronicle Food Writer Found the Most Important Chef in America Jun 25, 2019

Food Reporter Justin Phillips and Metro Editor Demian Bulwa discuss the scarcity of black food writers and how Kwame Onwuachi has changed the country’s celebrity chef landscape.

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Can California Avoid A Third Year of Deadly Fire? Jun 24, 2019

Firefighters, policymakers and emergency responders are trying to make the state safe from fire, but they have a long way to go.

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Columnist Leah Garchik On Her 47-Year Career Jun 21, 2019

Chronicle columnist Leah Garchik announced in her May 1 column that today, she is leaving the newspaper after 47 years. Host Peter Hartlaub and reporter Steve Rubenstein sat down with Garchik to talk about her first day in San Francisco, her beginnings as a columnist and what she plans to do next.

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Inside Juul’s Fraught Relationship With San Francisco Jun 20, 2019

Editor in chief Audrey Cooper and business reporter Catherine Ho discuss the latest in San Francisco’s efforts to ban the sale of e-cigarettes — and how Juul, the nation’s largest e-cigarette company and a fast-growing presence in the city, is pushing back.

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Muni's Mess and Mayor Breed Jun 19, 2019

San Francisco Mayor London Breed didn't campaign on transportation issues, but she zeroed in on them once she took office. Rachel Swan on why the mayor is gunning for Muni, and the future of transit in the city.

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Taxing Wealthy Companies to Solve SF's Problems Jun 18, 2019

Should San Francisco raise taxes on prosperous companies to help pay for the city's most gripping problems? Between a tax on IPO's, Uber and Lyft and exorbitantly paid CEO's voters will have plenty of options to choose from in November. We break down the three business tax proposals headed to November's ballot, focusing on the most recent one that would raise money for a new mental health care system.

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The California Legislature's Key Bills to Watch Jun 17, 2019

What bills are alive in the California Legislature after a month of big deadlines? We have the rundown, from proposals to expand housing to vaccine exemptions to a push to let bars serve until 4 a.m.

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Why SF's North Beach Is Struggling Jun 13, 2019

San Francisco's Little Italy has seen a spike in empty storefronts. Residents, business owners and city officials blame a slow permitting process, earthquake construction and other challenges.

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Halfway Through the Ghost Ship Trial Jun 12, 2019

Crime reporter Megan Cassidy speaks to Metro Editor Demian Bulwa at the halfway point through the criminal trial of the Ghost Ship fire, where two men are charged in the deaths of 36 people who died in the 2016 blaze.

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The Bay Area's Crumbling Streets and Bridges Jun 11, 2019

Drivers, it's not your imagination: the Bay Area has the worst roads in the nation. We also have concrete crumbling from bridges and freeway overpasses. How did we get to this point -- and what will it take to fix it?

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Palo Alto's Private Park Jun 10, 2019

Reporter Michael Cabanatuan joins Demian Bulwa to talk about 1,400-acre Foothills Park. It's usually populated with wildflowers, deer and lawbreakers. That is, anyone who doesn't live in Palo Alto. The park is restricted to residents.

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Why California Teachers Who Get Sick Have to Pay For Their Own Substitutes Jun 07, 2019

A strange state law allows school districts to charge teachers who get very sick for their own substitutes. But San Francisco Unified School District appears to be as strict as possible on the subject - including prohibiting a Lowell High teacher who needed a liver transplant from using his colleagues' donated sick time.

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End of an Era for the Warriors? Jun 07, 2019

Columnists Ann Killion and Scott Ostler on whether the team's move to San Francisco will turn then into a symbol for Big Tech. Also: What’s with that co-owner pushing a Raptors player? And is Golden State's championship run coming to an end?

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From DACA Recipient to Med School Grad Jun 06, 2019

Immigration reporter Tatiana Sanchez talks about 29-year-old New Latthivongskorn, the first undocumented immigrant to graduate from the UCSF Medical School in it 155-year history. Latthivongskorn is a beneficiary of DACA, a program that protects young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children from deportation.

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The College Admissions Scandal & the Bay Area Jun 05, 2019

As high school seniors graduate and prepare to head off to universities, the college admissions scandal continues to play out inside federal courtrooms. Many of the defendants have ties to the Bay Area and numerous California schools have been called into question. The scandal has raised questions about parenting, privilege and education.

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An Epidemic of Prison Overdoses Jun 04, 2019

Criminal justice reporter Megan Cassidy joins Audrey Cooper to talk about a 113% increase in drug overdoses in California prisons since 2015. Nearly 1,000 people received emergency medical attention in 2018.

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The Man Who Wrote the AIDS Crisis Jun 03, 2019

Randy Shilts may have been the first out gay reporter at a major American newspaper. In 1982, he began writing about what would soon come to be known as AIDS. He would become it's top Chronicler — and it would kill him. An episode of the Chronicle's history podcast, Not Your Century.

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Oakland Ballpark Dreams May 31, 2019

The A's would love to build a baseball cathedral on the waterfront, just like the Giants. Can they pull it off? And would that be good for Oakland? Phil Matier and Susan Slusser join Demian Bulwa to answer those and other questions.

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Can PG&E Survive? May 30, 2019

J.D. Morris joined The Chronicle days after the Camp Fire broke out, transforming his plans to report on PG&E. In this episode, he and Business Editor Owen Thomas take you inside how we’ve covered this multifaceted story.

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Opioid Addiction: One Family's Story May 29, 2019

We're sharing an episode of the San Francisco City Insider podcast. When 33-year-old Jeffrey Choate’s parents saw their son, homeless and addicted to heroin and meth, in Heather Knight's Chronicle column, they — and he — wanted to tell his story.

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Police Conduct in Vallejo May 28, 2019

East Bay Columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. talks about the controversial arrests, fatal shootings and police intimidation of black and brown people in Vallejo.

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The Fallout Over Those Crazy San Francisco General Hospital Bills May 24, 2019

San Francisco General Hospital has finally changed its billing practice so patients will no longer be charged $92,000 for a simple appendectomy or $24,000 for bumps and bruises. But in today's broken health care system, that's not the end of the story. Columnist Heather Knight talks about an effort to ban these bills statewide and how City Hall has promised to scrutinize S.F. General's budget requests in the future.

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"American Taliban": Terrorist or Scapegoat? May 23, 2019

With John Walker Lindh set to be released from prison, reporter Kevin Fagan joins Demian Bulwa to talk about the Marin County man who was captured with Taliban forces in Afghanistan in 2001.

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Photographing California's Wildfires May 22, 2019

Gabrielle Lurie, a staff photographer for the San Francisco Chronicle, sits down with Metro Editor Demian Bulwa to discuss how she covers the wildfires, the dangers that come with it and what stories she looks for in the deadly aftermath.

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Navigating San Francisco's Shelter System May 21, 2019

Homeless shelters and Navigation Centers are critical in San Francisco's fight against homelessness. But they're only one piece of a harrowing, complicated puzzle. Editor in Chief Audrey Cooper and reporter Dominic Fracassa discuss the city's shelter system and the role that permanent housing plays in solving San Francisco's homelessness crisis.

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The Rebuilding of Aisha May 20, 2019

Aisha McCain spent years in prison after getting busted in a massive San Francisco gang crackdown, then she felt a lump in her breast and everything changed.

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Jeff Adachi, a Police Raid and the Freedom of the Press May 17, 2019

After SF Public Defender Jeff Adachi's death, a confidential police report with photos leaked. This week, police raided a freelance journalist's home to investigate who in their own department gave him the information. We discuss the raid, what happens next and what it means for journalists in the Bay Area.

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Inside Our Investigations May 16, 2019

Managing Editor of Investigations and Enterprise Michael Gray talks about the Chronicle's past and present investigative reporting.

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How a Young Vegetarian Became California's Face of Hunting May 14, 2019

Interest in hunting and fishing is down in California, and so are the revenues generated from the sports that pay for conservation. To counter the trend, the state has hired Jen Benedet, a.k.a. Jen the Archer, to boost interest in hunting and fishing. We spoke with Archer about her unusual job and talked about whether the initiative can work in a state where many people just aren't into hunting.

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People's Park at 50 With the Man Who Started It May 13, 2019

Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of the People's Park riot which resulted in the only fatality in the long history of protest and activism in Berkeley. To honor it, Heyday Books will release an encyclopedic history. We talk with its publisher, Steve Wasserman, and with Mike Delacour, the antiwar activist who started it all.

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Disabilities Services Struggle to Survive May 10, 2019

Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper interviews reporter Catherine Ho about her story on why nonprofits that provide services for people with disabilities are shutting down across California.

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Mid-Market: Vision vs. Reality May 09, 2019

The “Twitter tax break” San Francisco created in 2011 to draw companies to the downtrodden Mid-Market neighborhood is expiring. Chronicle reporters Trisha Thadani, J.K. Dineen and Roland Li discuss its impact and effects, both good and bad.

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The Camp Fire: 6 Months Later May 07, 2019

Kurtis Alexander talks about how far the Northern California town of Paradise has to go in order to rebuild — and whether it should. Lizzie Johnson discusses the difficult and monumental job the coroner had: identifying bodies after the fire.

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SB 50: The Battle Over California's Housing Crisis May 06, 2019

From the archives: SB 50, a new housing bill, has drawn national attention to a growing crisis in California. And it’s reinvigorated a years-long fight over about who gets to shape neighborhoods.

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From Homeless to a $4 Million Home May 03, 2019

Otis Taylor Jr. talks about Greg Dunston and Marie Mckinzie, a black homeless couple he first wrote about in January. A Piedmont developer took them in, but neighbors in the wealthy, mostly white town soon began calling the police on them.

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The Future of Winter May 01, 2019

With climate change threatening to make our winters shorter and warmer, writer Porter Fox looks to ski areas around California to understand how higher temperatures are already changing how resorts operate.

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What to Do About the 'Dead Indian' Apr 30, 2019

A controversial and historic mural at a San Francisco high school -- with depictions of slavery and the killing of Native Americans -- has critics calling for its destruction and art preservationists threatening to sue to save it.

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Upheaval at BART Apr 29, 2019

Transportation reporter Rachel Swan on the latest challenges for the Bay Area's core transit system: Crime, fare evasion, homelessness, the rollout of new cars, and the need to find a new general manager and police chief.

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Should IPOs Be Taxed in SF? Apr 25, 2019

As major SF tech companies IPO, a San Francisco supervisor wants the city's coffers to benefit. City Hall reporter Trisha Thadani breaks down the reaction to the proposal.

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Big Day for the 49ers and Raiders Apr 25, 2019

The 49ers pick second and the Raiders fourth in today's NFL Draft. Beat writers Eric Branch and Matt Kawahara talk about the prospects who might turn these teams around, including Nick Bosa, who recently deleted pro-Trump tweets.

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The California GOP Is Impotent. Can Anyone Save It? Apr 24, 2019

The Republican Party is virtually invisible in California. Republicans hold no statewide office, are a super minority in the Legislature and have a 20 percentage point registration gap compared to Democrats. We talk with two women who are trying to turn it around.

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Measles in California Apr 22, 2019

The United States is in the middle of what could be the worst measles outbreak in more than 20 years. California has had some small outbreaks but has largely been spared, in part because the state tightened its vaccination laws three years ago – after learning the hard way just how vulnerable communities become when parents stop immunizing their children.

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1906 Earthquake: Secrets from the Archive Apr 18, 2019

The Chronicle archive has photos dating back to the 19th Century. Critic Peter Hartlaub and librarian Bill Van Niekerken share secrets from the archive, including their favorite 1906 earthquake finds.

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Lifting the Curtain on Police Secrecy Apr 16, 2019

For decades, records of police officers' misconduct were hidden from view. But a new law, SB1421, has thrust into public view numerous incidents of dishonesty, sexual misconduct and use of force.

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Bonus: Singing Across Gender Lines, Part II Apr 15, 2019

Joshua Kosman interviews Elliot Franks, who gave up a career as a mezzo-soprano for a new life and a new baritone voice after going through gender reassignment surgery.

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Singing Across Gender Lines Apr 15, 2019

For trans vocalists, the familiar categories that have long defined operatic and choral music don’t always apply. San Francisco Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper talks with classical music critic Joshua Kosman about the artistic and physical realities of singing while trans.

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Buckle Your Seatbelts, Here Comes Uber Apr 12, 2019

Uber is set to thunder onto Wall Street with a stock market debut valuing it at $100 million. Its massive initial public offering will have ramifications for San Francisco, the Bay Area and beyond.

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"Freedom Week": A Frenzy of High Capacity Magazine Sales Apr 11, 2019

Over a brief seven-day span, California gun owners were allowed to buy high capacity magazines for the first time in almost 20 years following a judge's ruling. They went on a shopping spree.

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BART Cracks Down on Fare Enforcement Apr 09, 2019

Commuters arriving by BART in downtown San Francisco Monday were met by teams of police officers, fare inspectors and managers in neon green vests. It was the beginning of an enforcement blitz meant to discourage fare evaders and reassure riders that lawlessness is not accepted aboard BART.

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Vanishing Violence Apr 08, 2019

From the archive: Chronicle reporters Jill Tucker and Joaquin Palomino offer an inside look at the months they spent documenting the steep drop in youth crime. But they found the good news meant empty cells and also eye-popping costs.

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Giants Fan Bryan Stow Embraces New Life After Attack Apr 05, 2019

Giants fan Bryan Stow, who suffered severe brain damage in a March 2011 assault at Dodger Stadium, is starting to feel ‘whole’ again through sharing his anti-bullying message with kids.

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Aging Into Homelessness Apr 03, 2019

A groundbreaking study shows that nearly half of all homeless people over the age of 50 became homeless for the first time after their 50th birthday. Our reporter Kevin Fagan talks with head researcher UCSF Dr. Margot Kushel about what it all means, and where the doctor thinks we should go from here.

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Finding Kyle Apr 02, 2019

Kyle Gamboa’s leap from the Golden Gate Bridge left his family stunned. But in the wake of the 18–year-old’s death, they found a cause to devote themselves to.

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