Crosscurrents is KALW Public Radio's award-winning news magazine, broadcasting in the Bay Area Mondays through Thursdays on 91.7 FM. We make joyful, informative stories that engage people across the economic, social, and cultural divides in our community.
Today, we’ll hear updates on what California’s reparations task force has been doing. Then, we’ll speak with Judge LaDoris Cordell, Northern California’s first Black woman judge. And, we’ll hear a reading from San Francisco author Dahlia Gallin Ramirez.
Today, the Oakland Zoo celebrates its centennial. We’ll hear about its evolution and what’s next. Then, we'll meet the zoo’s specialized chefs serving the entire animal kingdom.
The Warriors are back in the NBA Finals and we’re going to take a look at how they brought some Oakland flavor across the bay. We hear, how Bakesale Betty’s got into the Chase Center. And, we’ll hear a reading from Berkeley author Aya de Leon.
Today, we’ll hear the latest Bay Area data on communities experiencing homelessness. We unpack the 2022 Point-In-Time Count. Then, we ride along with an East Bay Pastor who supports those who are housing insecure. And, we listen to a reading from Berkeley author John Leshy.
Today, we hear why are some Black people leaving the U.S. We take a look into "Blaxit," when Black people moving to other countries. Then, we’re bringing Older Americans Month to a close with a reflection on what it is like to grow old in San Francisco. And, we’ll listen to a reading from Richmond author, L.D. Greene.
Today, we'll talk about Golden State Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr. He is an NBA champion, but his grandparents actually saved lives. We’ll hear the story of how Kerr's grandparents helped thousands of orphans during the Armenian genocide. Then, we speak with a living legend from San Francisco’s Chinatown, Dorothy Quock. And, we’ll hear a reading from Vallejo author, Kelliane Parker.
Today, we speak with Lester Chambers from the legendary band "The Chambers Brothers" about the highs and lows of his life and music career. He and his son Dylan talk about how their current band "Moonalice" has given them life. Then, baseball legend Orlando Cepeda shares what it was like to grow up in the sport. And, we’ll check out an old-time ballgame with wool uniforms, tiny gloves, and good sportsmanship.
For Oaklanders seeking shelter underneath the highway, what do you do when your belongings are taken away? We hear an update on the encampment sweeps underneath Interstate 880. Then, we speak with a young singer from Oakland who writes about healing after heartbreak. And, a Black former Navy man, who is nearly 100-years-old, reflects on the discrimination he overcame.
The Golden State Warriors are in the NBA conference finals again. We’ll get an update on their championship quest, and meet a homegrown player who made it big with the team. Then, we speak with a senior about the heritage of our social justice movements. And, we’ll hear a reading from San Francisco author, Monique Jenkinson.
Tomorrow is Malcom X's birthday. He was a polarizing figure but to one Egyptian diplomat, he was a friend. Today, we learn about the friendship which helped lead to the late leader’s spiritual and political transformation and it's surprising Bay Area connection. Then, we hear how a young basketball player in '60s Berkeley was influenced by the message of Malcolm X. And, we’ll speak with a senior who knows the value of self-reliance.
Today, we hear how San Francisco’s regional Air Guitar championships let people become a rock star without an instrument. Then, we speak with a puppeteer who has their own unique style of puppetry. And, we’ll speak with a senior who defied expectations by living a life that is truly her own.
Today, we’ll hear how birds and farmers have formed a mutually beneficial partnership when it comes to pest control. Then, an author known as “The Money Witch” reads from her new guide to finances. And we’ll speak with a senior about the challenges of dating during the pandemic.
The Warriors are in their first playoff run since they left Oakland. Today, we’ll hear how one longtime fan never lost hope. How he kept the faith for nearly five decades. Then, we’ll meet a senior whose life was changed by self-discovery.
Today, we'll learn about The Geneva Towers, they were a public housing project in San Francisco that was demolished in 1998. We'll take a look into the city's complicated history with high-rise public housing. Then, we speak with an illustrator who reimagines queer icons as superheroes. And, we’ll hear from a senior working to give back to the city she loves.
Today we learn how San Jose business owners have been calling for a regular police foot patrol to make downtown safer. But local activists have a different image of what community safety looks like and who it includes. Then, we hear how a mother’s love and support can bring strength during incarceration. Plus, we listen to a retired physician as part of our 80 over 80 series.
The Warriors are in their first playoff run since they left Oakland. So, today we bring you a history lesson on how the Warriors became Golden State. Then, we’ll meet the two graffiti artists whose work earned them a special place within the Dub Nation. And, we meet a senior who spends her time profiling her fellow seniors.
Today, we learn how San Francisco’s Fillmore district was once home to a thriving jazz scene and vibrant black community, but by the '70s it was no more. We’re looking at what happened, what’s still happening, and the role the city plays in the neighborhood's history. Then, we hear how a South Bay writer who grew up watching Star Wars, is now writing novels for the franchise. And, we meet a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor.
May is Older Americans Month and we're sharing stories from San Franciscans 80 years and older as part of the "80 Over 80" project. And, we’ll hear a reading from children’s book author Stephanie Wildman.
Today, we hear how an Oakland-based writer turned to poetry in her healing journey. Poet and artist Kira Lynne Allen talks about her art therapy workshop and healing from trauma. Then, we get a taste of some authentic Uyghur Chinese food. And, Sonoma County author Shugri Said Salh reads from her book, “The Last Nomad.”
Today, we learn about an underground holiday called "Bicycle Day" which celebrates the creation of LSD. We attend San Francisco’s Bicycle Day event and learn more about the state of the psychedelic renaissance. Then, we’ll hear from author Michael Pollan on why some doctors are giving cancer patients psychedelic drugs.
Tommy "Shakur" Ross has been incarcerated for over 36 years. In those decades, he's experienced a lifetime of transformation. He discovered Islam, helped found a radio program, got a college degree, and embraced restorative justice. And a few months ago he was found suitable for parole. But getting to this moment has also been a roller coaster ride. Today, we'll hear about the twists and turns of Shakur's long parole journey and how his change has influenced others around him.
Today, we go on a sonic tour of sounds from everyday life, led by bioacoustician and soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause. And, we dive beneath the waves to hear the calls of mammals along the California coastline.
In rural towns built on oil, what happens as lawmakers move away from petroleum production? Today, we bring you another story from NPR’s California Newsroom radio special, “Climate costs.” Then, we'll visit a historic landmark and living museum, the Golden Gate Park’s Conservatory of Flowers. And, we hear the sounds of the California Coastline.
Today, we’re bringing you another excerpt from the one-hour special that explores the high price of climate change for California communities. It was produced by the California Newsroom, a collaboration between public radio stations throughout the state - and it’s called “Climate Costs.” We visit California’s coastline and meet crab fishermen in Monterey, a scientist in Santa Barbara trying to find a path forward and a community that has made the uncommon choice to pull back as the oceans rise. ...
Today, we’re bringing you an excerpt from a one-hour special that explores the high price of climate change for California communities. It was produced by the California Newsroom, a collaboration between public radio stations throughout the state - and it’s called “Climate Costs.”
Today, we take a look at a “critical” wildfire-prevention program, and why two years on, not a single project has been completed. Then, we listen to the sounds of dawn in Death Valley. And, an Oakland artist includes discussions about women and sexual pleasure in her new musical. Plus, a reading from Oakland poet Tureeda Mikell.
When vulnerable people fall through the cracks, who is to blame? Today, we take a look at dysfunction inside Vallejo’s Project Roomkey. Then, we hear the sounds of dawn in the Sugarloaf State Park. And, we talk with Alice Walker about her journey to become a celebrated author. Then, a reading from Bay poet Donte Clark.
A new study from Stanford examines what happens to cities when their schools close. We're asking what that means for a city like Oakland. Then, a poem from a teacher to her students. And, first-hand stories of how prejudice has impacted the education of Black students. Plus, in an episode from New Arrivals, Bay Area author and artist, Michelle Rial reads from her illustrated book about looking for answers for things that don’t change.
Today is national burrito day, and we mark the holiday with the story of how one comedian's life was transformed by this magical food. It’s the debut of a new series, “Into The Fold.” Then, we’ll head south to San Bernardino to visit a restaurant that inspired political change and a fast food empire. And, a reading from our Bay Poet series, from poet Maya Sisneros.
Today, poet Josiah Luis Alderete gives his take on being both Mexican and American in his poetry. He talks to us about his collection of poetry and his essay about a beloved art gallery forced out of the space it occupied for almost half a century. Then, a reading from Vallejo author, Kelliane Parker.
