Crosscurrents

The COVID-19 outbreak in prisons across California is still taking an incredible toll. We hear from people writing letters to reach their incarcerated loved ones who they haven't been able to see since the beginning of the pandemic. And, we hear what it was like for one man to leave prison knowing that he left his best friend behind. Today, we're bringing you a special episode from Uncuffed.

The pandemic plus advocates, organizers, and a determined district attorney all made it possible to shut down an unsafe San Francisco jail. But it also created new problems. Today, we look at the meaning of safety in the next installment of "The Progressive Prosecutor." Then, San Francisco drag artist Bebe Sweetbriar talks about the power of drag.

When live music venues closed for safety reasons, touring musicians lost their social and professional networks. Today, we meet Zach Moses Ostroff who is keeping his artistic spirit going. Then, local skating legend Tommy Guerrero finds rhythm on the skateboard and on the bass. And, some local singles have been missing sex and intimacy during the pandemic.

When city services shut their doors last March, many employees were assigned new jobs to help fight the pandemic. Today, we meet a San Francisco librarian turned contact tracer. Then, Oakland writer Aiden Thomas makes history with his groundbreaking paranormal novel "Cemetery Boys." And, we hear a reading from a children’s book about surviving hard times. Plus, today's local music features El Tee, who is originally from the North Bay. Her new album is called "Everything Is Fine."

In the first half of his term as California’s governor, Gavin Newsom has faced historic challenges. Today, it's a special presentation from CapRadio News looking at his successes and shortcomings. Plus, two Bay Area authors are finalists for National Book Critics Circle awards. We hear readings from authors Alia Voltz and C Pam Zhang.

Today, we look at the history of the San Francisco District Attorney's office. It's the next story in our series The Progressive Prosecutor. Then, we ask musician Tom Heyman to spill the dirt on the wild stories from his bluesy songs.

California has moved on to a new vaccination phase: Now, people 65 and older have priority. But, there’s very limited supply. Today, we hear about the challenges health departments are facing. Then, we meet a chiropractor in a story from our @WORK series. And, we go behind the scenes with Meredith Winner, looking at how the mural paintings in downtown Oakland were organized. Plus, today's local music features Nopes from Oakland. Their new album Djörk came out this month.

A Bay Area non-profit is bringing laughter to hospitals and assisted living centers. Today, we hear why clowning is essential. Then, 99% Invisible host Roman Mars talks about how he got his start in radio — and, we look at some of the hidden designs found right here in Oakland. Plus, today's local music features Bay Area-based band Flamango Bay. They're performing a livestream set with the Art House Gallery this Saturday.

President Biden’s inaugural speech was focused on unity. But, how can we achieve it? Today, we talk to Professor john a. powell of UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute. Then, we hear how some seniors are coping in this time of isolation. And, do you ever wonder why there’s not a single billboard on most of highway 280?

Today, we look at how a decision Chesa Boudin's parents made shaped his path from the public defender's office to the prosecutor's seat. It's the first installment of a new series, "The Progressive Prosecutor." Then, the authors of a new book take a deep dive into the fashion and lives of seniors living in various Chinatowns. Plus, we hear new music from local band Bombsnax.