Crosscurrents

Today, we'll learn about The Geneva Towers, they were a public housing project in San Francisco that was demolished in 1998. We'll take a look into the city's complicated history with high-rise public housing. Then, we speak with an illustrator who reimagines queer icons as superheroes. And, we’ll hear from a senior working to give back to the city she loves.

Today we learn how San Jose business owners have been calling for a regular police foot patrol to make downtown safer. But local activists have a different image of what community safety looks like and who it includes. Then, we hear how a mother’s love and support can bring strength during incarceration. Plus, we listen to a retired physician as part of our 80 over 80 series.

The Warriors are in their first playoff run since they left Oakland. So, today we bring you a history lesson on how the Warriors became Golden State. Then, we’ll meet the two graffiti artists whose work earned them a special place within the Dub Nation. And, we meet a senior who spends her time profiling her fellow seniors.

Today, we learn how San Francisco’s Fillmore district was once home to a thriving jazz scene and vibrant black community, but by the '70s it was no more. We’re looking at what happened, what’s still happening, and the role the city plays in the neighborhood's history. Then, we hear how a South Bay writer who grew up watching Star Wars, is now writing novels for the franchise. And, we meet a 90-yea...

May is Older Americans Month and we're sharing stories from San Franciscans 80 years and older as part of the "80 Over 80" project. And, we’ll hear a reading from children’s book author Stephanie Wildman.

Today, we hear how an Oakland-based writer turned to poetry in her healing journey. Poet and artist Kira Lynne Allen talks about her art therapy workshop and healing from trauma. Then, we get a taste of some authentic Uyghur Chinese food. And, Sonoma County author Shugri Said Salh reads from her book, “The Last Nomad.”

Today, we learn about an underground holiday called "Bicycle Day" which celebrates the creation of LSD. We attend San Francisco’s Bicycle Day event and learn more about the state of the psychedelic renaissance. Then, we’ll hear from author Michael Pollan on why some doctors are giving cancer patients psychedelic drugs.

Tommy "Shakur" Ross has been incarcerated for over 36 years. In those decades, he's experienced a lifetime of transformation. He discovered Islam, helped found a radio program, got a college degree, and embraced restorative justice. And a few months ago he was found suitable for parole. But getting to this moment has also been a roller coaster ride. Today, we'll hear about the twists and turns of...

Today, we go on a sonic tour of sounds from everyday life, led by bioacoustician and soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause. And, we dive beneath the waves to hear the calls of mammals along the California coastline.

In rural towns built on oil, what happens as lawmakers move away from petroleum production? Today, we bring you another story from NPR’s California Newsroom radio special, “Climate costs.” Then, we'll visit a historic landmark and living museum, the Golden Gate Park’s Conservatory of Flowers. And, we hear the sounds of the California Coastline.

Today, we’re bringing you another excerpt from the 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.” We visit California’s coastline and meet crab fishermen in Monterey, a scientist in Santa Barbara trying to fin...

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.