Crosscurrents

The Berkeley Rose Garden is a beautiful place, but did you know it was built during FDR’s “New Deal” in the ‘30s? Things built through this program are still all around us today — if you know where to look. Then, a new documentary about the people who study a mammal we don’t often see. The Bay Area animals and infrastructure hiding in plain sight.

The New Deal was created more than 90 years ago to help the U.S. recover from the Great Depression. This first episode of "The Public Works" a series from reporter Sheryl Kaskowitz, looks at how the New Deal has shaped public space in the Bay Area and remains part of our everyday lives.

Little Brown Bats are facing a disease that is pushing them to extinction. Filmmaker Kristin Tièche followed a group of female scientists working to save brown bats, in her new documentary "The Invisible Mammal." 

Today we’re going on a special tour of San Francisco. We’ll visit four unique spots that have a lot of history, and staying power. Each of these legacy institutions were featured in Alec Scott’s 2023 book, “Oldest San Francisco.” And they were reported last fall by KALW’s Audio Academy.

Monday, September 1st 1941 KALW began broadcasting regularly to the Bay Area. So today we’re taking a look back — and talking about where we are going. It’s KALW’s birthday and you’re all invited!

Today, we go inside the intense world of Major League Table Tennis, with a four-time Olympian who's remembering why she loves the game. Then, the band Oakland Rising brings uplifting music to the Kennedy Center. And, some readings from Bay Area authors.

Major League Table Tennis is opening its third season this September 5th at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. And one decorated Bay Area athlete is helping lead the charge for the sport to be taken seriously. 

Naima, August Lee Stevens, and B DeVeaux, are the young singers and songwriters who make up the trio Oakland Rising. Their music lifts people’s spirits, through their positive lyrics and beautiful voices. And they remind us of one of Oakland’s precious treasures: its culture. 

Here are some readings from our series New Arrivals, a pocket-sized book tour with Bay Area authors. Today we're featuring local fiction writers: Nina Skylar, Ellen Barker, and Brittany Newell.

Karaoke enthusiasts are building community in niche spaces. Then, the debate around SF’s neighborhood rezoning proposal. And, the social justice legacy of Bay Area Filipinos.