Crosscurrents

Today, we’re bringing you an excerpt from a one-hour special that explores the high price of climate change for California communities. It was produced by the California Newsroom, a collaboration between public radio stations throughout the state - and it’s called “Climate Costs.”

Today, we take a look at a “critical” wildfire-prevention program, and why two years on, not a single project has been completed. Then, we listen to the sounds of dawn in Death Valley. And, an Oakland artist includes discussions about women and sexual pleasure in her new musical. Plus, a reading from Oakland poet Tureeda Mikell.

When vulnerable people fall through the cracks, who is to blame? Today, we take a look at dysfunction inside Vallejo’s Project Roomkey. Then, we hear the sounds of dawn in the Sugarloaf State Park. And, we talk with Alice Walker about her journey to become a celebrated author. Then, a reading from Bay poet Donte Clark.

A new study from Stanford examines what happens to cities when their schools close. We're asking what that means for a city like Oakland. Then, a poem from a teacher to her students. And, first-hand stories of how prejudice has impacted the education of Black students. Plus, in an episode from New Arrivals, Bay Area author and artist, Michelle Rial reads from her illustrated book about looking for...

Today is national burrito day, and we mark the holiday with the story of how one comedian's life was transformed by this magical food. It’s the debut of a new series, “Into The Fold.” Then, we’ll head south to San Bernardino to visit a restaurant that inspired political change and a fast food empire. And, a reading from our Bay Poet series, from poet Maya Sisneros.

Today, poet Josiah Luis Alderete gives his take on being both Mexican and American in his poetry. He talks to us about his collection of poetry and his essay about a beloved art gallery forced out of the space it occupied for almost half a century. Then, a reading from Vallejo author, Kelliane Parker.

Today, we learn how a new crescent moon means Ramadan has begun, but there’s sometimes a question about how to confirm it. Then, we hear how artist Celia C. Peters creates a world where aliens control humans in her new audio drama. And, a reading from Fremont author Dallas Woodburn.

Today, we learn how a decision made last week brought reparations for African Americans an inch closer to being a reality. So we explore that question of eligibility and hear different perspectives from people pondering it.

Today, we hear how a trail blazing San Francisco opera singer faced obstacles that nearly pushed her to give up. We learn how music saved her life. Then, we speak with the co-founder of the Family Acceptance Project to understand what a family should be aware of when their kid comes out as part of the LBGTQ community.

The UN says more than 90% of the people in Tigray, Ethiopia need food aid. We hear how Bay Area Ethiopians are trying to raise awareness of what’s happening back home. Then, a solo show looks at white liberals’ reactions to the racial and social justice reckoning that happened in 2020.

Today, we bring you an episode of a podcast that won an award this year for best student project from the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists across all media. It’s the original kalw production made by, for and about teenagers "tbh."

Today is Lawrence Ferlinghetti Day. Ferlinghetti is considered the spiritual godfather of the Beat movement and in 2019, on his 100 birthday, San Francisco honored him by declaring March 24 a day to celebrate his legacy. In this documentary produced by Jim McKee of Earwax Productions in partnership with the Kitchen Sisters, we hear Ferlinghetti and his friend, radio dramatist Erik Bauersfeld.

Today, we learn how billions of plants, animals and microbes hitch a ride into the waters of the San Francisco Bay and disrupt the Bay’s delicate ecosystem. Then, we hear a story about a bird that lives in the Bay and eats our trash. And, we’ll hear a reading from Oakland poet Brian Tierney.

Today, we hear how a shelter director got into his line of work, and the way COVID-19 changed everything. Then, we talk with the award-winning hosts of the prison-based podcast Ear Hustle, Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor.

Today, we hear how a San Francisco man watching the Ukraine refugees crisis flew to Romania, stood at the border and literally passed out cash to refugees. Then, we hear about segregation in Bay Area high schools. And, Oakland author Carolyn Arnold reads from her memoir about dating after 50.

Today, we hear how you can stage an opera without a concert hall. We meet a local opera composer who pivoted from live performance to animation because of the pandemic. Then, we learn how Bay Area comedians help others find comedy relief when it comes to living with mental health issues.

Today, we visit a bookstore that’s founded on a mission to serve the community. Then, from our team at Uncuffed, we’ll hear about the powerful and inspirational songs incarcerated producers turned to during the first year of the pandemic. And, a reading from author Zara Stone.

Ukrainians are following the ongoing war closely, especially those with family back home. Like Dr Victoria Malko, professor of history at CSU Fresno. She gives her analysis of the ongoing crisis and talks about her personal connection as a Ukrainian. Then, we’ll hear about the powerful and inspirational songs our incarcerated producers turned to during the first year of lockdown.

We examine the impacts of COVID and gentrification at one church in Berkeley. Then, Oakland writer Aiden Thomas makes history as a trans author with his groundbreaking paranormal novel. And Bay Area author and artist Michelle Rial reads from her illustrated book about looking for answers for things that don’t change.

Today, we talk to Marlene Sanchez the new head of the Ella Baker Center. She experienced incarceration before she was 15. Today, she heads one of the leading legal justice organizations in the Bay. Then, we go to one of the best places to escape the city without actually leaving the city. And, Oakland artist Marina Luz talks about her new book.

An East San Jose farm park is creating a more sustainable food system — one produce box at a time. Today, we'll hear about Veggielution. Then, we talk to Sights and Sounds host Jenee Darden about a new series she's got cookin’. And, a San Francisco author reads from her book, "Secret California."

Today, we hear from Oaklander Jenah Keeby, the great-great-great-great-great granddaughter of Ossa Keeby, a survivor of the last slave ship, the Clotilda. Then, Oakland poet Ericson Amaya reads from his poem "Thoughts on Black/Brown Unity." And, Daly City singer Francisco Martin tells us about his surprising journey to fame.

How did Islam first arrive on the North American continent? In this bonus episode from KALW's The Spiritual Edge Becoming Muslim series, host Hana Baba dives into the history of Islam in America with Dr. Edward E. Curtis IV, a scholar of Muslim American, African American and Arab American history and life.

Today, we hear about a disturbing social practice that is part of our history — the story of colorism in Black communities. Then, Berkeley screenwriter Malcolm Spellman talks about his series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” And, we hear a reading from Bay Area poet Asantewaa Boykin.

Today, we hear about the beginnings of what we now know as Black History Month. We learn how it all began and why it’s relevant today. Then, singer and songwriter Martin Luther McCoy tells us why he doesn't stick to one genre of music. And, we listen to a reading from Oakland poet Karla Brundage.