Crosscurrents

Today, we’ll hear how endangered butterflies saved San Bruno Mountain from development. Then, we’ll visit a place that collects creepy crawlies and puts them on display. 

Just over fifty years ago, developers hoped to build on San Bruno Mountain until a movement was launched to protect the land and its endangered butterflies.

Now we’ll hear some readings from our series New Arrivals, a pocket-sized book tour with Bay Area authors. And today’s writers are all from San Francisco. 

Today, we're looking into earthquake preparedness around in the Bay Area. First, we meet San Francisco’s Neighborhood Emergency Response Team. Then, will the City’s skyscrapers stand up against the Big One when it hits? And, how will the city’s water system fare? Plus, is ‘earthquake weather’ a real thing?

The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused a lot of destruction. It also stirred up a lot of change. And helped create new things, like NERT, the Neighborhood Emergency Response Team. NERT started as a way to prepare for natural disasters, but it's got some problems that are man-made. Back in 2023, KALW’s Wren Farrell went out to see what role NERT might play in the city’s next big emergency. 

A new documentary explores how hedge funds are destroying local newspapers. Today, we hear how journalists are fighting back. Then, the life of Afghan refugees. And, after she was arrested, a young girl in Oakland chose a program in the desert, instead of going to jail. It's a new Uncuffed story from the California Institution for women.

Hedge funds have also led to the collapse of local newspapers as they acquire publications across the country. The new PBS Documentary "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink," explores the issue. It's directed by two-time Oscar-nominated documentarian, Rick Goldsmith. He spoke to Sights + Sounds host, Jenee Darden.

KALW and the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California recently hosted a night centering the lived experiences of the Afghan refugee community. It was at our live event space in Downtown San Francisco, as part of our series ‘The Bay Agenda.’

Uncuffed producer Daphnye Luster remembers her experience in an outdoor program meant to be an alternative to juvenile prison.

Today, we’ll hear how to transition your home off polluting appliances. Then, a new Uncuffed story about fathering from prison. And, readings all about Bay Area nature.