Crosscurrents

San Francisco’s school board has a plan to reopen, nearly one year after schools first shut down. Today, we’ll hear what it’s like for teachers who had to go from the classroom to Zoom. Then, we meet a dancer who doesn’t hear the music he dances to, he feels it.

Nearly 700 people died from drug overdoses in San Francisco in 2020. That’s more than the number of people who died from COVID-19 in San Francisco in the same year. Some people blame San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin for not being tough enough on the people selling drugs. In this installment of The Progressive Prosecutor, we look at the role of prosecutors in the opioid epidemic.

Today we’re going behind the scenes with the operators who pick up the phone when people call seeking housing or shelter in Alameda County in another story from the 99% Invisible project "According To Need." Then, theater director Michael French talks about what drew his heart to the stage.

California has ramped up its vaccinations and is averaging about a million doses a week, but community advocates worry speed could bypass equity. And, we hear from the hosts of NPR's Throughline about making a show that explores the backstory behind today’s news headlines.

San Francisco's police union fires back after District Attorney Chesa Boudin charges several police officers. And one family impacted by police violence continues to wait for another chance at justice. Today, we bring you the latest in the series, The Progressive Prosecutor. Then, Oakland artist Jason McDonald talks about the lack of diversity in glassblowing.

In Oakland, when someone has nowhere to turn for shelter, they can call 211. But for many, that means being added to a list ... and waiting. Today, it’s a special episode from the 99% Invisible project “According To Need.”

An African American woman from Oakland fights for educational justice for her grandkids. Today, an award-winning documentary, on why students are falling behind in school. Then, a new poetry collection is a love letter to San Francisco’s queer community.

Chesa Boudin’s first year as San Francisco’s District Attorney ended in controversy. Today, in the latest installment of The Progressive Prosecutor, we hear about growing efforts to remove Boudin from office. Then, we look at life on the other side of the carceral system in a story from the Uncuffed team at San Quentin.

Food banks have had to get creative to reach a growing number of people in need during the pandemic. Today we meet a woman who helps run outdoor pop-up pantries. Then, we go behind-the-scenes of the San Francisco/Marin Food Bank distribution center. And, we talk to the new executive director of the food bank about how they’re meeting the rising demand for help.

Today, we hear from a Bay Area nurse who’s working on a local COVID-19 vaccine trial. Then, Bay Area pastors are helping with vaccine outreach. And, we go to an art studio for people with disabilities to find out how they've adapted during the pandemic.