Bay Curious

This mysterious (and super-strong) cocktail cost $25 — and drove 19th century San Francisco wild. Why? It was probably the secret ingredient, that could get you jail time if you used it today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the way up to the observation deck, visitors pass five stories of prehistoric bones. Are dinosaurs among them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think about America’s biggest cities, many have a recognizable accent. Does San Francisco have one? And no, saying 'hella' doesn't count. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mile Rocks Lighthouse used to stand more than 80 feet tall guiding ships through some of the most treacherous waters in San Francisco Bay. But that was before it was automated and decapitated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do Bay Area traffic reporters do their jobs? From flying high in the 1950s to the tech-powered tools of today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In California over 18 billion beverage containers were recycled in 2017. Meet some of the people who recycled them and what their scraps are worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our last episode of the year, we get the answers to three of your questions: What's with the stars in Brisbane? Why does Millbrae BART station smell like chocolate? And is Red Rock Island for sale? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cioppino's San Francisco origins are undisputed. But the origin of its name? That's another story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The event's roots go back to 1994, when a counterculture group called the Cacophony Society hosted "Cheap Suit Santas." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thousands of bikes are stolen in San Francisco every year. What are police doing about it? And how does this crime operation work? Reported by Daniel Potter. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi, Katie McMurran. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Suzie Racho and David Weir. Holly Kernan is Vice President for News. Theme music by Pat M...

Early on, housing lots in San Francisco were subdivided into plots as little as 25 feet wide -- just enough room for a parlor and a staircase. Reported by Sarah Craig. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Ask us a quest...

Frisco is the nickname we love to hate. How did this once widely-used name fall out of favor? Reported by Vinnee Tong. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour and Ryan Levi. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran, Suzie Racho and David Weir. Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Ask us a question or sign up for our newsletter at BayCurious.o...

These mounds were used by Ohlone as burial sites for their ancestors, to help navigate bay waters and as a gathering place. Reported by Laura Klivans. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Holly Kernan is Vice President for News. Theme music by Pat Mesit...

There are two origin stories for the much-beloved martini, and both place its birth in the Bay Area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The answer stretches back to 1820, when California was still a part of Spain. Reported by Ryan Levi. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Ask us a question or sign up for our newsletter at BayCurious.org. Follow Olivia...

One of San Francisco's purported “ghosts,” has a remarkable real-life story often left out of San Francisco's history books. Reported by Carly Severn. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Ask us a question or sign up fo...

California's iconic Green Goddess Dressing may be herbal and delicious — but its name has a not-so-savory history. Reported by Sasha Khokha. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julia McEvoy, Ethan Lindsey, Erika Kelly, Julie Caine, David Weir, Amanda Font, Carly Severn and Katie McMurran. Holly Kernan is Vice...

As John Carlos and Tommie Smith stood on the medal stand, raising their fists in a black power salute, the San Jose State students were praying they didn't get shot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Proposition 10 aims to overturn the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing act, which limits rent control throughout the state. Produced by Jessica Placzek. Featuring KQED's Guy Marzorati. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Ask...

Wonky and easy to overlook, these health-related propositions could have a big impact on Californians and the rest of the country. Produced by Ryan Levi. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Ask us a question or sign up...

Propositions 5 would expand the ability of older Californians to take advantage of property tax breaks put into place 40 years ago by Proposition 13. Produced by Jessica Placzek, Erika Aguliar, and Olivia Allen-Price. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir...

Should California go full-time daylight saving time? Take animals out of cages? Pass a water bond? For Bay Curious Prop Week, we explore the three science-related propositions. For more from Prop Week, visit BayCurious.org or check out other episodes in our feed! Produced by Ryan Levi and Olivia Allen-Price. Featuring KQED's Danielle Venton and Lesley McClurg. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-P...

If Proposition 6 is approved, it would repeal SB 1, the gas tax and vehicle fee increase passed by state lawmakers last year. Featuring KQED reporters Katie Orr and Dan Brekke. Produced by Ryan Levi. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Theme music by P...

Every Tuesday at noon, San Francisco tests the Outdoor Warning System. A siren and announcement ring out for 15 seconds. The system got its start in the 1940s. Reported by Julie Caine. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Chris Hoff, Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey, Katie McMurran and David Weir. Theme music by Pat...

Three San Francisco school board members are calling for an end to the current student assignment system. Reported by Katrina Schwartz. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Paul Lancour, Ryan Levi and Suzie Racho. Additional support from Julie Caine, Ethan Lindsey and David Weir. Holly Kernan is Vice President for News. Theme music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Ask us a question or...