Crosscurrents

Today, we hear about a new law that forces venture capital firms in California to open up about who they are investing in. Then, an Oakland author on why she wrote about her Black and Japanese heritage from a child’s eye. And, we look back at one of the most destructive fires in California history, the 1991 Oakland-Berkeley Firestorm.

Survivors and descendants of those who were forced out of their Palm Springs community in the 60s recently filed a lawsuit for reparations. We hear from one of the plaintiffs who now lives in Oakland. Then, in preparation for this weekend's Makers Faire, we learn about the lost art of steam power. Plus, a trailer for the newest season of Uncuffed.

San Francisco is still the most deserted major downtown in America. As part of the city's efforts to revitalize the area, KALW was awarded a temporary pop up space in the financial district. For our opening event, we hosted a conversation about the current state and future of downtown. Then, cartoonist Stephan Pastis talks about his new book and how his work helps him heal.

Tattooing is an intimate process, and deciding who gets to ink you matters. In this episode, we explore the evolution of Bay Area tattoo culture. Then, the co-founders of Litquake are stepping down and looking back at the festival they created 24 years ago. And, Richmond’s Lily Iona MacKenzie reads from her new book of poetry.

As part of KALW’s week of discussions on racial justice, we explore what it means to protest during the national anthem. We hear the history and context behind Colin Kaepernick’s protest. Then, we get an update on how his career has been impacted. Then, we learn about the contributions of Black women to the social justice movement.

Today, we feature stories from Uncuffed, our podcast made in California prisons. We hear how some incarcerated men face the challenge of deportation after being released. Then, we learn about the ways Native Americans have fought for their rights while incarcerated. Lastly, what it’s like to be locked up in one of California’s most notorious prisons.

As part of KALW’s week of discussions about racial justice, we’re featuring The Stoop podcast, hosted by Hana Baba and Leila Day. In this episode, we meet people around the Bay Area working for racial justice in their own ways. From reparations to health to literature, and even food, we hear from folks fighting injustice in all its forms.

Today, we bring you the fourth and final story from our series Elements, about the four most elemental ingredients of life and how they’re being reshaped by climate change. We hear how workers in the Sacramento Delta are deconstructing levees in an effort to correct ecological mistakes. Then, we get an update on San Francisco’s plans to address homelessness.

Today, we bring you the third story from our series Elements, about the four most elemental ingredients of life and how they’re being reshaped by climate change. In this story we learn how ecologists are looking at an old ally to help with fire prevention, beavers. And what does it take to keep young girls resilient?

Today, an Oakland airport expansion is bringing community groups together for environmental justice. It's the second story from our series Elements, about the four most elemental ingredients of life and how they’re being reshaped by climate change. Then, growing up in the foster care system and aging out into a world that doesn’t see you.