Crosscurrents

We had a large amount of precipitation this year in California. Now, the winter snow is melting... and it may be bringing more than just water to the Bay Area. We'll learn why melting Sierra snow is more than just a flood hazard. Then, we hear about a children’s book on Black mermaids. Plus, a reading from Vallejo’s former Poet Laureate, D.L. Lang.

In the Winnemem Wintu’s fight to preserve their way of life, some people helped along the way. Today, we hear from some of those allies who are helping them restore salmon to their native waters. Then, how a writer from the South Bay who grew up watching Star Wars also wrote for the franchise. And, we’ll hear a reading from Oakland authors.

Today, we hear from a school in Milpitas that is talking to kids and parents about violence happening thousands of miles away. How Bay Area families are feeling about the war in Sudan. Then, how a new program in schools is helping students deal with racial trauma. And, the stigma Black people may face when they seek mental health care.

Chess has been around for centuries, however getting new players interested is a big issue. Today, we challenge a Bay Area Chess Master and hear about the future of the game. Then, we’ll check out another classic game — 19th-century baseball. And, we discover a game that isn’t from another era, but a whole other world entirely.

Before Cesar Chavez marched for workers rights, he took his first steps into activism in the Bay Area. In this episode, we trace the local roots of a labor icon. Then, we explore the tumultuous history of the union he founded. And, a Berkeley activist reflects on his life and career. With local music from band, Decant.

In this episode, we hear how a Coast Miwok family is advocating for the native people of Tomales Bay, and we learn about how their personal journey has become part of a broader movement. Then, we re-visit the story of the Winnemem Wintu people and their work to restore salmon to their native waters. We also hear from the allies who are helping them along the way.

In today's episode, we hear what it takes to dance for the Golden State Warriors. Then, three reporters race across the Bay Area — from Oakland to Stanford — by bike, BART and car to answer the question: which commute is best? And, we have a conversation about the changes and murky future of Bay Area’s public transport system.

Over the weekend Bay Area residents protested the current violence in Sudan. We hear the local Sudanese community's reactions to deadly clashes ravaging their home country. Then, after being attacked, one man faces a tough choice. Change his path or seek revenge. And, we go inside San Quentin Prison for a celebration of peace.

Today, we hear about stylish prosthetic legs and what creating fashion for people with disabilities means for them. The story of one company who is connecting function and style. Then, we speak with San Francisco writer Lyzette Wanzer who edited an anthology about Black women's experience with their hair. Plus, local music from the Bay Area band Pure Hex.

Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites. Today, the Winnemem Wintu people reach an important milestone and continue their fight to protect the water as a way to ensure their future.