Crosscurrents

Hundreds of California’s wildfires are set on purpose, and the arsonists who start them are rarely caught. This is how CAL Fire caught one of them.

Coming up, an explosion of flowers! We’re digging into the recent “super bloom” craze. Then, a replica of the City from the 1930s comes out of hiding. And, we’re saying goodbye to a Mission icon after 90 years.

On today's show: Meet the people always trying to get your attention on your way to and from Warriors games. It's a look at the underground economy in episode two of our new series, Bounce: The Warriors Last Season in Oakland. Then, event curator Michael Orange tells us how storytelling can help build community.

On today's show: We hear how a gay, Syrian refugee made his way to the Bay Area. Then, a new film shares his story and other LGBTQ refugees struggling to make new homes in San Francisco. "Unsettled" at the San Francisco Film Festival.

Today's show: Why some kids do better in school inside juvenile hall. Then, it’s tax day, and today we’re finding out how filing works in another country. And, a prisoner has an unconventional idea for stopping crime.

Today's show: Why the crackdown on trafficking online has sex workers feeling unsafe, and silenced. Then, San Francisco’s Alonzo King LINES Ballet and the all-star composer who’s laying down the score for their steps.

Coming up, the Golden State Warriors are wrapping up their final regular season in Oakland. It’s beautiful. It’s bittersweet. And we’ve got lots of stories to share with you in the debut of the original KALW podcast "Bounce."

On today's show: A young man helps his Mayan community speak their truth in Bay Area courts. Then, a band whose upbeat pop music contains hidden sci-fi undertones.

Today's show: What do the Lyft and Uber IPOs mean for drivers? Then, a look behind-the-scenes at how tech is shaping our lives in ways we can’t always see. And, when getting out of prison means being deported and separated from your family.

On today's show: The story behind the wild bird noises you might be hearing at Lake Merritt in Oakland. Then, a kite’s eye view of the Bay Area’s vibrant salt ponds and marshes. And, the sounds of a sea life sanctuary.

On today's show: Local teenagers connect for the first time to their parents’ homeland — through protest. Then, a Berkeley coffee shop dedicated to helping resettle refugees. And, from San Quentin Radio, a story about a prison chef who turns chow hall meals into magic.

On today's show: Parents of murdered girls react to the halt of capital punishment in California. Then, two men condemned to life in prison ask why some get mercy and others don’t. And, a Berkeley researcher follows black men in the Fillmore district trying to abandon criminal life.

Coming up, we meet a Cambodian man grappling with his deportation. Then, a San Quentin inmate reflects on police-community relations in Cambodia. And, we go inside a government building where routine maintenance has gotten mired in controversy.

On today's show: A bus that’s used for more than transportation. Then, an Oakland educator writes a book that follows her unaccompanied migrant students. And, an annual concert celebrating Bay Area women musicians.

On today's show: The story behind one of the Bay Area’s most distinctive sounds. Then, How did Muni’s oldest streetcar survive the chopping block? And, untold stories from queer history at the Oakland Museum of California.

On today's show: we head out into the Santa Cruz Mountains to meet the owner of the Bigfoot Discovery Museum. Then, an agnostic inmate turns to prayer, after being sentenced to death.

Coming up, the world’s largest conference for game developers is in town. But some women don’t feel safe at the nighttime parties. Then, we’ll meet the voice behind one of the catchiest songs to ever come out of the Bay.

On today's show: Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the godfather of the Beat Generation, is celebrating his centennial. We’ll hear from San Francisco’s first poet laureate and people he inspired. Then, we’ll meet the current United States Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, who grew up in Fairfield. And, poetry from Solano State Prison. We’re celebrating the beauty of language.

On today's show: Remembering Stephon Clark one year after he was fatally shot by Sacramento police. Then, choreographer Alleluia Panis uses dance to tell the story of 20th-century Filipino migration to San Francisco. And, we ask a prisoner, if he could have any superpower, what would it be?

Coming up, do Uber and Lyft drivers discriminate against black passengers? Then, getting across the Bay on the last BART of the night. And, we’ll get in harmony with the founder of this weekend’s WeSing Vocal Festival

On today's show: San Francisco Unified School District celebrates the achievement of its African American students. Then, musician Jules Indelicato shares what it’s like to sing a song with toxic lyrics for three days straight.

On today's show: Hop on a bus with some Bay Area lawyers driving around to help people become citizens. Then, learn about the radical history of South Asians in the Bay Area. And, meet a San Francisco artist who’s using clothing as his canvas.

On today's show: With workplace activism spiking, we’ll break down last year’s historic Marriott strike to understand, what does it take to win? And, yoga is an equalizer at Solano State Prison.

On today's show: we meet a woman who spends her commute looking for dead animals to track where they get hit by cars. Then, we’ll visit a place that collects critters and puts them on display. And, an Oakland singer-songwriter honors her ancestors with new sonic styles. Links:

On today's show: the strike is over at the Oakland Unified School District, but the struggle to improve Oakland public schools continues. Then, a letter-writing process that’s helping people prepare for death, say goodbye, and grieve after a loved one has passed. Links: