Boomtown
Boomtown
Boomtown
KQED’s “Boomtown” series will seek to identify not only what is happening in real time in this tech boom but drawing out the causes and possible solutions to the conflicts and pressures between the old and the new.
Finally: San Jose Starts to Capitalize on Tech Boom
San Jose, the self-described “Heart of Silicon Valley,” has been dragging behind the rest of the region in terms of city budgets and services. You could say San Jose didn’t have the dumb luck to be home to one of the tech firms that blew up in this latest boom, like Google or Facebook. But increasingly, San Jose is getting a piece of the action. Reporter: Rachael Myrow.
Jul 9, 2015
4 min
Why San Jose Is Barely in the Black Despite the Tech Boom
The tech boom is pumping unprecedented riches into the region. But San Jose is barely in the black after years of deep deficits and painful cutbacks. How can that be? And what will it take to turn things around? Reporter: Rachael Myrow
Jul 8, 2015
4 min
In-Law Units Become New Design Frontier For SF Architects
Tens of thousands of San Franciscans live in converted garages, attics and basements: commonly known as "in-law units". Until recently, most of these were technically illegal. But the housing crunch prompted supervisors to not only bring them out of the shadows, but also find ways to create new in-law units. These creations are also inspiring creativity in people looking for ways to make in-laws better places to live. Reporter: Stephanie Martin-Taylor
May 7, 2015
3 min
Local Officials Working with Non Profit to Save Palo Alto Mobile Home Park
The longtime owner of the Buena Vista trailer park is trying to close it down and capitalize on the land. About 400 mostly low-income residents have been fighting to stay put. Silicon Valley real estate is soaring in value these days. And now, a nonprofit is offering to run the park if the owner will sell. Reporter: Peter Jon Shuler
May 7, 2015
2 min
Lawrence Ferlinghetti Recounts More Than Six Decades of Life in San Francisco
Poet, painter and publisher Lawerence Ferlinghetti provides a historical perspective on San Francisco's boom, as someone who has seen booms and busts over the decades. Joanne Jennings spoke with him in the city's North Beach neighborhood.
Apr 9, 2015
4 min
Wary Employers, Stigma Have Some Tech Workers Keeping Low Profile
We hear a lot about how tech workers are earning high salaries, gentrifying neighborhoods and driving up rents. But hearing from these workers directly, on-the-record, is rare, and there is a reason for that. Reporter: Sam Harnett
Apr 8, 2015
3 min
For Mission Bakery, Gentrification is Baked Into the Business Plan
Many mom and pop businesses have been priced out of San Francisco's Mission District, but one Mexican bakery has thrived by adapting to the times. Reporter: Joanne Elgart Jennings.
Mar 19, 2015
4 min
Renters Struggle to Keep Up in Menlo Park’s Belle Haven Neighborhood
Some families near the growing headquarters of Facebook are getting crushed by some of the most expensive rents in the country. To survive, they are doubling or tripling up in cramped homes, or worse: raising their children in garages. Reporter: Jhabvala Romero
Mar 18, 2015
4 min
Young Oakland Entrepreneurs Redefine the Startup With a Local Twist
Oakland youth join the booming Bay Area economy with local threads, health awareness and a music blog. Reporter: Tylyn Hardamon
Mar 12, 2015
4 min
Bay Area Tech Boom Driving Up Cost of Psychotherapy
The influx of tech workers in the city is coinciding with some higher costs for mental health care. But does that mean some people, mostly non-tech workers, are getting priced out of psychotherapy?
Mar 4, 2015
4 min
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