The Bay

Latest Episodes:

Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the Era of Climate Change Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

For the last 102 years, the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park has supplied millions of Bay Area residents with some of the cleanest water in the country. But climate change has made it harder to manage the reservoir.

This episode originally aired on May 10, 2023.

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The Pickett Fire, BART’s ‘Tap and Ride', and Local Artists Leaving Spotify Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

On this edition of The Bay’s monthly news roundup, Ericka is joined by The Bay’s senior editor Alan Montecillo and KQED associate arts and culture editor Nastia Voynovskaya. We talk about the Pickett Fire currently burning in Napa, scheduling and payment changes to public transit across the Bay, and why some local artists have decided to take their music off Spotify.

Links:

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‘Not Even AI Can Save Me’: Students and Teachers on ChatGPT in the Classroom Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Artificial intelligence inside California schools feels a lot like building the plane as it's flying. Students who are familiar with tools like ChatGPT are using it faster than teachers and administrators can regulate it. Jesse Dukes, co-host of the Homework Machine podcast, talked with dozens of students and teachers across the country about their thoughts on AI in the classroom.

Links:

TeachLab Presents: The Homework Machine

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Why Does Gun Violence Happen? This San Quentin Program Asks the People Behind the Gun Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In the Arms Down program at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly San Quentin State Prison, “firearm addiction” is treated like an alcohol addiction. Its founders, all of whom are currently incarcerated men, say that talking about why perpetrators of gun violence carry guns in the first place is their contribution to gun violence prevention from behind bars.

Links:

The revolutionary prison program where men help each other put down their guns: ‘Don’t end up like me’

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How Fremont Became a Hub for Afghan-Americans Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Fremont is the fourth largest city in the Bay Area and it’s also home to one of the largest populations of Afghans in the U.S. Today, we’re running an episode from our friends at Bay Curious that traces the history of the Afghan community in Fremont over 40 years. We meet Afghan refugees and learn what makes”Little Kabul” unique.

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'We Have Got to Meet Fire With Fire': Why Your Congressional District Could Soon Change Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

After pressure from President Donald Trump, Texas Republicans unveiled a new map redrawing the state’s congressional districts 5 years early, in order to win more GOP seats in next year’s midterm elections.

We talk with KQED's Guy Marzorati about how California Democrats are clapping back with their own redrawn maps. If the state legislature approves this new map, voters will have the final say in a special election this November.

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The Relaunch of Casual Carpool Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Before the pandemic, casual carpool was a completely organic system of pickup spots and patient passengers looking for a quick, comfortable way to head into San Francisco.

Casual carpool collapsed when the pandemic hit. But now it’s been relaunched.

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What Happens to Your Trash at Outside Lands Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Music festivals in the Bay Area are upon us. And it takes a lot to leave no trace after a 3-day festival like Outside Lands.

As Golden Gate Park prepares for another music event this weekend, SFGate’s Melissa Cho takes us behind the scenes at Outside Lands, where the majority of waste is diverted from landfills.

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Solar on Your Apartment Balcony? These Folks Want to Make It Happen Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

If you want solar power in your home, you usually need to be a homeowner with a good roof and a decent amount of cash to pay up front.

But some Bay Area residents are trying out plug-in solar, which can hang from an apartment balcony, out a window, or be tented in the backyard.

Links:

Forget Rooftops — Bay Area Residents Are Plugging Solar Into the Wall

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Are AI Companion Chatbots Safe for Teenagers? Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Young people are increasingly turning to AI “companion” chatbots to help meet their emotional needs. But a new study shows that these chatbots, which are designed to mimic real social relationships, may come with serious risks.

On this episode of Close All Tabs from KQED, host Morgan Sung and her sister put one chatbot's safety guardrails to the test — and get more than they bargained for.

This episode mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can dial or text 988 and be connected to help.

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