California Sun Podcast

Wall Street Journal reporter Zusha Elinson takes us through his reporting on the tragic encounter at a San Francisco Walgreens on April 27, 2023, when security guard Michael Anthony fatally shot Banko Brown, a homeless transgender man, over $14.64 worth of stolen candy. The story unfolds against a backdrop of shifting attitudes towards crime and policing in San Francisco. Both Anthony and Brown were at tumultuous points in their lives when their paths crossed. The confluence of personal struggles, corporate policies, and urban challenges culminated in a moment that sparked outrage and debate about justice, race, and transgender rights in San Francisco.

Sasha Abramsky, author of the new book "Chaos Comes Calling," talks about how America's deep polarization has cascaded from national politics down to local levels of governance. Abramsky reveals that even in small rural communities, once-mundane local issues like library policies, road repairs, and child care have become ideological battlegrounds. A quintessential example of this phenomenon is Shasta County, California, where far-right politicians won control of government. Abramsky illuminates how the pandemic, social media echo chambers, and talk radio amplified partisan voices, transforming school boards and city councils into microcosms of the broader red-blue divide. 

Elizabeth Rosner discusses the importance and difficulty of deep listening in our noisy, information-saturated world. The Berkeley author's new work "Third Ear: Reflections on the Art and Science of Listening" draws in part from her experience as a child of Holocaust survivors. Rosner weaves personal narratives with insights from various fields to illustrate how listening can enhance empathy and connection, and posits that listening is a transformative act with the potential to heal individuals and bridge societal divides.

Del Seymour, a former homeless addict known as the "mayor of the Tenderloin," and his biographer, Alison Owings, offer a raw, street-level view of San Francisco's most notorious neighborhood. Seymour, the subject of Owings' book, "Mayor of the Tenderloin," pulls no punches, exposing the paradoxical allure of homelessness and the failings of well-meaning nonprofits. His insights challenge conventional wisdom about addiction and urban poverty, while his Tenderloin walking tours and Code Tenderloin jobs programs demonstrate his enduring hope. 

Los Angeles author Carol Mithers discusses her new book, "Rethinking Rescue," which explores a groundbreaking approach to animal welfare pioneered by Lori Weise, the founder of L.A.’s Downtown Dog Rescue. Known as the "Dog Lady," Weiss focuses on preventing pets from entering shelters by addressing the root causes of surrender, particularly in underserved communities. Mithers highlights the complex interplay between poverty, pet ownership, and animal welfare, challenging traditional rescue paradigms and emphasizing community support and education to keep pets with their loving owners.

Patt Morrison, a veteran Los Angeles journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, takes us on a journey through the city's ever-evolving landscape. With over five decades of experience chronicling L.A. across print, television, and radio, Morrison shares unique insights into the city's transformation, from its complex power structures to its diverse communities. She shares anecdotes about iconic figures, and discusses her role in reviving interest in the Los Angeles River. As the city prepares for the 2028 Olympics, Morrison's reflections on L.A.'s past and present offer an invaluable perspective on its future.

Roger BelAir and Dan Ostroff are bringing hope to California's toughest prisons through an unlikely source: pickleball. Their upcoming documentary, "Pickleball in Prison," explores how the simple paddle sport is transforming life behind bars, bridging gaps between inmates and staff, and fostering teamwork in high-security environments. From San Quentin to Folsom, the film captures wardens facing off against inmates across the net, revealing moments of shared humanity. 

Zoë Bernard's recent story in Vanity Fair looks at El Segundo, California's emerging tech scene, where young entrepreneurs are rejecting Silicon Valley's software focus in favor of hard tech and defense tech. These predominantly male founders emphasize bro culture, patriotism, religion, and traditional values while developing drones, nuclear reactors, and military weaponry. With more than $100 billion invested in defense tech since 2021, they see themselves as "saving America." The war in Ukraine has helped legitimize their efforts, while concerns about China drive their mission. 

Kevin Fagan, a veteran San Francisco Chronicle reporter, discusses the state's evolving homelessness crisis. After the Supreme Court's recent Grants Pass decision, cities are taking more aggressive action on encampment sweeps. Fagan explores these sweeps, the state of homelessness, and the political implications as elections approach. With decades of experience, he provides unique insights into the human impact of homelessness, the challenges facing policymakers and communities, and how years of coverage have affected him personally.

Caroline Paul's youthful adventures began as one of the first women to join the San Francisco Fire Department back in 1989, a story she recounts in her bestselling memoir, "Fighting Fire." In her latest book, "Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking — How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age," Paul demonstrates how a lifelong relationship with outdoor adventure enriches the lives of women well into their older years.