California Sun Podcast Jeff Schechtman

Bay Area author Sylvia Brownrigg embarked on a captivating journey to uncover family secrets, set against the backdrop of California's allure of reinvention. In her new memoir, "The Whole Staggering Mystery," a lost package sparks an exploration that intertwines identity, hidden family histories, and the enduring influence of the past on the present. Through her evocative storytelling, Brownrigg juggles the essence of reinvention and the longing for self-discovery.

Max Podemski is an urban planner, writer, and illustrator who currently serves as a transportation planner for the city of Los Angeles. In his new book, "A Paradise of Small Houses," he traces the evolution of American housing types, from the Philadelphia row house and Chicago workers cottage to the California bungalow. Podemski argues that California's rich history of desirable multifamily housing could hold a solution to the state's housing crisis.

The California wine industry is under siege. A global wine glut, younger generations turning away from alcohol, and a contentious battle over the future of Napa County wineries have left the enemy inside the gates. As if this weren't enough, Justice Department investigators have subpoenaed dozens of wine industry figures, including a member of the Board of Supervisors, and in January the head of Napa County's farm bureau died by apparent suicide. Stu Smith, proprietor of Smith-Madrone Winery in St. Helena and a longtime small winery activist, joined us to tell the story.

Though Haiti may seem distant, it is arguably as relevant to us as Ukraine or Israel. The Caribbean country serves as a global example of failed governance rooted in tribal strife. Amy Wilentz, a prominent voice in bringing attention to the horrors endured by the people of Haiti, has been covering the nation since the 1980s. A long-time resident of Southern California, she is a recipient of a National Book Critics Circle Award and a frequent contributor to the Los Angeles Times. Wilentz also teaches literary journalism at the University of California, Irvine.

Bonnie Portnoy, granddaughter of celebrated California impressionist Tilden Daken, is the author of a new biography of his life, "The Man Beneath the Paint." Portnoy unveils the mysteries of an artist whose life was as colorful as his paintings of California's natural landscapes, filled with daring adventure, personal tumult, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.

Dr. Susan Partovi, a pioneer in street medicine, recounts her journey of providing compassionate care to the homeless on L.A.'s Skid Row in our conversation and in her recent memoir, "Renegade, M.D." With a career spanning decades, Dr. Partovi offers a unique perspective on results-based healthcare for the most marginalized. Her approach, shaped by early experiences and a commitment to treating patients as family, emphasizes the urgent need for listening to her patients on the streets to address the homelessness crisis. Her story is a testament to the power of caring and bravery in medicine.