Crosscurrents

Today, how environmental advocates are rallying their community to turn knowledge into action. Then, San Jose' Portugal Day. And, a collection of readings from local authors.

Ventura County’s Ormond Beach is a wetland home to wildlife and a potential refuge for the nearby community. But it’s coastline has been industrial for decades, and development and waste have left pollution behind. Now, as sea levels rise, advocates worry toxic chemicals could spread into surrounding neighborhoods if the beach remains an industrial zone.

Saudade. It’s a word in Portuguese that describes a deep sense of longing, a bittersweet nostalgia for something that’s no longer here. For many in the Portuguese community of San Jose, it reflects the feeling of missing their home country. But celebrations like Dia de Portugal, or Portugal Day, offer opportunities to reconnect to culture through food, music, and celebration. 

Here are some readings from our series New Arrivals, a pocket-sized book tour with Bay Area authors. 

Today, is all about finding success in personal brands. First, how WNBA players are shaping consumer culture. Then, we hear how food can inspire more than an appetite.

Thousand of people are making a living as food content creators. They’re gaining big followings on YouTube and social media. Here, reporter Steffi Puerto talks to someone who started making their Youtube videos on the Bay Area food scene.

Satanism’s modern renaissance took place right here, in Bay Area, in the 1960s, when Anton LaVey established the Church of Satan in a small, all black Victorian house in the Richmond District. Even though LaVey and the house are no longer around — Satanists still walk the streets of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. KALW’s Hanisha Harjani takes us to Berkeley to talk to the Satanists that live among us.

San Francisco’s newest park is dealing with coastal erosion. A BART campaign works to address harassment. And, authors read from their books for young people.

Part six of our series on sea level rise looks at a dune restabilization project at Ocean Beach, and a wastewater treatment plant that is being threatened by coastal erosion and rising tides.

The majority of South Bay transit riders, whether on train, bus, or light-rail, have experienced or witnessed some kind of harassment. KALW and Mosaic Journalism student reporter Padma Balaji took a trip around the South Bay to find out more.