Crosscurrents

California’s wildfires are getting worse and workers’ rights advocates say immigrant workers are cleaning up after them. Then, a dancer tells the story of a woman’s rise to empress in 17th Century India.

New tests are showing toxic chemicals in drinking water statewide. Then, a comic book creator shares what drives him.

A new toxic chemical has been detected in the carpets of a Berkeley preschool. We hear how parents and the state have responded. Then, we ecplore sneaker culture in the next episode of our podcast tbh.

Once upon a time in Gold Rush-era San Francisco a businessman amassed a fortune, then lost it all and went insane. His next move? He declared himself Emperor of the United States.

Abrupt class cuts at City College of San Francisco have city leaders asking hard questions. Is CCSF still for everybody? Then, we’re talking about “slacktivism” on tbh — a podcast made by, for, and about teenagers. And anyone else who wants to hear what's on their minds.

Bees come to California to do a lot more than make honey for us to eat. They pollinate our almond trees, and then move on to other states to help us grow cherries, watermelons, and even cotton. Our whole agricultural system has become dependent on this one single species of insect. It's a special presentation from 99% Invisible: On Beeing.

Hear how California is responding to a new Trump administration rule that could deny green cards to low-income immigrants. Then, Sara Moore doesn’t clown around when it comes to their line of work. And, we’re answering a question from a listener like you — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

From The Spiritual Edge, as part of an international reporting project called Sacred Steps, we hear about the courageous life of Jesuit priest Padre Melo, who speaks up against increasingly authoritarian Honduran government. And, we talk to a musician whose transformative experience changed the way she makes her art.

As a corruption scandal rocks San Francisco’s Department of Public Works, its head, Mohamed Nuru, resigned. Then, we debut a new series made by, about, and for high schoolers. And anyone else who wants to hear what's on their minds.

A legendary San Francisco drag queen reflects on her ownership role at a nightclub. And, ever wonder why there’s not a single billboard on most of highway 280?

An update on news out of Silicon Valley. Then, we’ll hear about an inconspicuous project at Burning Man that connected people on the playa to strangers around the world.

We want to tell you about a new podcast we're launching in February. It’s made by high schoolers. Here’s a sneak peak.

We’re used to prices going up. But, at Trader Joe’s in Northern California, the price of a certain wine has just gone down. For the past seven years their Charles Shaw brand wine famously known as “two-buck chuck” has been selling for 2.49. Now, it’s back down to 1.99. How do they keep it so cheap?

This award-winning documentary explores the lives of Sikh youth in America, and how they confront and respond to violence, sometimes with humor.

Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed budget in early January. It’s his second since he took office and, just like the first one, it focuses on education. Many public education advocates are applauding Newsom’s focus on equity, special education, and teacher quality. But California still ranks low compared to other states when it comes to public education spending.

We just want to give you a heads up that the Crosscurrents podcast is on a temporary hold because of special coverage of the impeachment trial from NPR News. Until we’re back on the air, we’re taking the time to prepare great new content for you. Stay tuned, stay subscribed, and we’ll be back with news and stories from around the San Francisco Bay Area.

A local hospital helps its teen patients forget about their illnesses for a night. Then, #OscarsSoWhite is back. We’ll hear a high schooler’s take on Asian representation in Hollywood. And, we’ve got a love story from the StoryCorps booth.

California is extending health benefits to low-income young adults regardless of their immigration status. Then, a local singer talks about the power of music in his life. And, what is earthquake weather? Is it a real thing?

There are a lot of new laws taking effect this month in California covering everything from rent control, criminal justice, health insurance, and the gig economy. CalMatters reporter Laurel Rosenhall helps us break some of them down. Then, we head out into the Santa Cruz Mountains to meet the owner of the Bigfoot Discovery Museum.

Another Silicon Valley mobile home park is in danger of closing and lawmakers have stepped in to help preserve it. Then, we hear from a retired Golden State Warrior who was on the team when they originally moved to San Francisco 58 years ago.

A prime piece of California coastline is back in the news, bringing up issues of privacy versus public access — it's the latest in the fight over Martins Beach. Then, we get an update on the state of monarch butterflies. And, a new interview from Solano State Prison, about a guy who used to be a professional arborist.

San Francisco Unified School District's efforts to close the equity gap are paying off. Then, a painter finds something deeper in the photos of perfect strangers. And, we find out what REAL IDs mean for people who don’t have permanent addresses.

Can we compare Oakland homeless encampments to global refugee camps? A new report from the New York Times illustrates similarities. Then, millions of Venezuelans have been forced to flee their country in the past four years. We meet one woman who’s trying to help them.

Refugees from around the world are resettling in the Bay Area and some are finding new homes with local families. Then, we head to the desert and spend time with a group of Christians at Burning Man.

First, a 100-year old Baptist church in East Oakland elects its first female senior pastor. And, a longtime Oakland R&B singer who hasn’t let the ups and downs of the music business stop him from lighting up the stage.