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-year-old Holocaust survivor.

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 Shakur's long parole journey and how his change has influenced others around him.

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.