Crosscurrents

Seventy-five years ago, today, on July 17th, 1944, two Liberty ships anchored at the Port Chicago Munitions Case near San Francisco, exploded. 390 men were injured. 320 men died. It was the worst homefront disaster of World War II.

First up, just before legislators go on summer break, California gets a new wildfire plan. Then, an East Bay author tells the story of the aftermath of Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Maria. And, we hear from the lead singer of an Oakland group that mixes hip-hop and punk.

First up, the ICE raids may not have happened last weekend, but migrant and refugee families still live in fear. We meet a Cambodian family who spent months fighting a loved one’s deportation. Then, the story of a man who learns to forgive his mother, from Solano State Prison.

First, we explore tensions between a homeless encampment and a home depot in East Oakland. Then, homegrown national sportswriter Marcus Thompson discusses what it was like to cover the Warriors' last season in Oakland. And, we’re heading to the Tenderloin for this week’s Audiograph.

When drinking water gets contaminated, there’s usually a polluter to blame. Most likely it’s the fault of big industry spewing out toxic fertilizers or synthetic chemicals. But in nearly 100 communities in California, this isn’t the case. They have water that is contaminated with a naturally occurring chemical: Arsenic .

Allensworth is a tiny town a couple of hours north of Los Angeles in California’s Central Valley. It’s in Tulare County, one of the poorest counties in the state. And it was the very first all-black community in California, founded in the early 1900s. Today, it’s home to about 500 people — but they don’t have water that’s safe to drink.

First, we visit a restaurant in conservative rural California that relies on Bay Area diners. Then, we get a taste of some authentic Uyghur Chinese food. And, a mother and daughter bond over their love of food in the StoryCorps booth.

First up, families of people killed by police weigh in on a bill that would change standards around the deadly use-of-force. Then, we hear how one prisoner is able to make his escape, in a new story from Uncuffed, at Solano State Prison. And, Southern California earthquakes have the Bay Area thinking about how to prepare for the Big One. Are you ready?

First up, the Golden State Warriors are moving to San Francisco — should Oakland nonprofits be concerned the Dubs will take their donations with them? Then, a commission with the mission to protect the Bay has neglected it. And, an annual event that marries joy to danger — it's tug of war between Bolinas and Stinson Beach.

First up, Chinese-American youth change San Francisco policy about mental health services at high schools. Then, the band Santana celebrates the 20th anniversary of their album Supernatural- former lead singer Tony Lindsay tells us what it’s like to be a part of music history, and finally, a look into the trashy aftermath of the Pride Parade.