Crosscurrents

Today, we hear how some San Mateo County farmworkers are speaking up about workplace injustice. Then, would you do stand-up comedy with your mom?... or your kid!? And, in the final days of Ramadan, we reflect on how the month can feel different, depending on where you are. 

Imagine the scene: You work at your job all month but when payday rolls around there’s no check, no deposit in your account. Your boss says it’ll all be worked out next month… but when that pay period comes around there’s still no money.

That’s called wage theft. And it hits low-wage workers especially hard and most frequently. That’s one of the reasons why San Mateo County launched the office of Labor Standards and Enforcement last summer. 

Reporter Sebastian Miño-Bucheli wanted to find out: how is it working? How much wage theft is still happening? 

The Cinequest film festival is happening now through March 22nd. One film showing at the fest is ‘Comedy Family Style’. Now, many people would be mortified by the idea of performing stand up with their parents, or their kids for that matter. 

"Comedy Family Style" is a documentary that tells the story of a San Francisco mother and son duo doing just that. Helen Chu and her 10 year-old son Evan Ho are both stand-up comedians. KALW’s Jenee Darden spoke to Helen about her and Evan’s act, and their new film, for The Sights and Sounds Show. 

Today, a California Assembly Member shares their take on San Francisco’s pressing priorities. Then, we’ll hear the story of how a Green Day CD opened up a window to a new world. And, a documentary about a San Francisco man fighting colon cancer with laughter.

California Assembly Member Matt Haney represents the 17th district that encompasses much of the eastern side of San Francisco. He serves as Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, the Legislative Renters’ Caucus, and the Committee on Downtown Recovery.

Recently, Assemblymember Haney joined KALW Executive Producer Ben Trefny at our live event space in Downtown San Francisco, for a wide-ranging discussion about the future. The event was part of KALW’s ongoing Bay Agenda series, that connects residents directly with the leaders and changemakers shaping the Bay Area’s future.

In this excerpt from their conversation we hear Haney respond to a lightning round of Ben’s questions — from housing and small business recovery to public safety, neighborhood identity, and the role of civic media in shaping local change.

Next, a segment of My Mixtape from Uncuffed, where incarcerated audio producers talk about their favorite songs. Today, Angie Gordon talks about the moment their world changed after someone at church handed them a mixtape with Green Day on it.

“Andre is an Idiot” is a documentary film about André Ricciardi, a San Francisco man who’s dying from colon cancer. It’s also a comedy. 

After he was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer, Andre asked his friend and director Tony Benna to document his wild end-of-life journey. “Andre is an Idiot” is Tony’s first feature film, and it’s also a Sundance-award winning film. 

KALW’s Jenee Darden spoke with Tony Benna for “The Sights + Sounds Show.” Here’s an excerpt from their conversation.

Did you know the Golden State Warriors had a senior dance squad? Today, we meet the age-defying dancers who bring energy, skill and joy to the court. Then, Cal’s Majorette team celebrates their hard earned ten year anniversary. And, a Bay Area dance group is on a mission to keep turning.

The Warriors basketball team has a saying: strength in numbers. The senior dance squad that performs at Warriors’ games, The Harwood Classics, embodies that mantra. They show how there’s strength in the numbers 55 and up.

Reporter Clara Kamunde takes us to meet the dancers who proves artistry, athleticism, and passion never retire.

This year, the UCB’s Majorette team, The Bearettes, are celebrating their 10th year anniversary! If you've ever been to a Cal football or basketball game, you can't miss their body rolls, back bends, hip pops, twists, and sparkly outfits. 

Nia Coates is a reporter with UCB’s North Gate radio. Here introduces us to the Bearettes, Cal athletes who are fighting for a space of their own on campus.

Nia reported this story as a student in the audio concentration at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. Listen to more North Gate Radio sports stories here!