Tag along with reporter Michael Filtz as he delves into the bizarre and complex world of Scientology, where critics are forced to wear masks and lawsuits are plentiful.

“Living Proof” portrays the life of Cassandra Steptoe, a 52 year old African American woman who was diagnosed with HIV back in 1987. For almost 15 years, she lived in shame and denial of her disease until 2001 when she met Dr. Edward Machtinger, director of the Women’s Positive Health Program at UCSF. Not only did he begin to treat Cassandra, but recently, he joined forces with actress and director, Rhodessa Jones, of the Medea Project, to form a theater group comprised of his HIV positive patients. Cassandra now performs with the ensemble attempting to educate others about the specific issues confronting women living with HIV.

Michelle Maykin is fighting for her life, battling Leukemia for the second time in less than two years. She, along with friends and family, started Project Michelle to register bone marrow donors to the national donor pool in hopes of saving her life and the roughly 6,000 other people searching for a match.

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After Rose Barrett lost her daughter to brain cancer, she decided to store the cord blood of her future children in an effort to prevent the same from happening again. She is one of hundreds of thousands of parents who have paid a pretty penny to privately bank their childrens’ cord blood in case of a medical emergency, but is what is the likelihood that a child will need cord blood and if they do, would their own blood be able to help them? While doctors and private bankers disagree over the conflicting statistics, for parents like Rose the choice is clear. Ultimate Insurance is about the personal choices that parents make to protect their children from the unknown and often the inevitable.

By Daria Tsagaan

This piece is about the incredible life journey of an immigrant musician who works in the Bay Area as a flooring contractor. His name is Olziisaikhan Lkhagvadorj, but most people call him Olzii for short. In this piece, Olzii talks about his love for music, his love for Oyuna, his new-found appreciation for Mongolian traditions and culture and the dream he carries as his constant companion.

Addiction comes in many forms. For Mike Penketh, speed is the drug of choice. Forever the thrill seeker, the former Marine and commercial pilot was drawn to the Bonneville Salt Flats in pursuit of a land speed record. Barreling down the racecourse at nearly 300 mph in what amounted to a rocket on wheels, Mike met an unfortunate turn that derailed his chance at the record — and the life he once knew. The fast lane is a harsh place, but Mike’s resolve proves greater.

Jorge Navarro fronts the Latin-tinged surf rock band the Cuban Cowboys. The son of Cuban exiles, he sings about his parents’ longing for their homeland and about what it means to grow up Cuban in the United States — all with a healthy dose of humor.

Engineering students at California’s Santa Clara University built a house completely powered by the sun, and brought their design to the National Mall to compete in the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon.

As the general cost of living continues to escalate, many overlook the hefty price leap in flour. Flour costs tripled six months ago, reaching an all-time high. Due in part to the lowest worldwide wheat supply in 60 years, increased worldwide demand, high transportation costs and a weak dollar, astronomical flour prices are taking a major toll on Bay Area businesses.

By Fulvio Paolocci

California’s most famous wine region has become the first in the country to be protected from overseas competition through something called “geographic indication.” It’s a unique decision that is rooted in the story of Mike Grgich — Napa wine legend.