Crosscurrents

Today we're sharing a series that won the award for best ongoing coverage in radio and audio in 2021 from the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. It's called The Progressive Prosecutor and it's about San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin's first year in office. It was described by the judges as an invaluable resource as voters try to understand the upcoming recall. In this episode, we hear about the first time Boudin charged several police officers with homicide and how their union fired back and learn how one family impacted by police violence continues to wait for another chance at justice. Then, we hear a reading from Oakland poet Dr. Adrienne Danyelle Oliver.

Today, we hear how Chesa Boudin's parents played a big part in shaping his journey from the public defender's office to the top prosecutor's seat. A story from our award winning series, 'The Progressive Prosecutor.' Then, a reading from Oakland poet James Cagney.

Last week, the City of San Francisco issued an apology to its Chinese communities for historical injustices, but is an apology enough? We hear from the head of the Chinese Historical Society of America Justin Hoover. Then, a designer talks about the joys she gets from creating and selling corsets. And, we’re answering a question from a listener that’s just right for Valentine’s Day. Then, we hear a reading from Alameda poet Jenee Darden.

Today, we discuss the superstitions we hold and the wives tales we believe in. We’ll explore the history of folk beliefs handed down to generations of Black people. Then, we talk to a San Francisco drag performer vying for the crown on this season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race. And, we hear a reading from Oakland poet Landon Smith.

Today, we’re bringing you part two of the winner of the Northern California’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalist’s award for best audio story for explanatory journalism in 2021. A documentary about how the criminal justice system has become the primary way the United States deals with mental illness.

In part one of a two-part investigation into how the country’s jails have become our default mental health treatment centers, we go to Santa Rita jail in Alameda County, one of the largest and deadliest jails in California.

Today, we answer one of our most popular listener questions in our Hey Area series, “where is the boundary of East Oakland?" Then, we’ll remember the life and music of Bay Area soul legend, Freddie Hughes. And, we listen as San Francisco scientist and poet Jenny Qi reads from her debut book.

Today, we go back to the '60s and hear how young Black people embraced a sense of freedom at that time. Then, we talk to Stanford historian Dr. Clayborne Carson. Next, we answer a listener's question about the Bay Area's history. And, we hear from San Francisco author Shanna Farrell as she reads from her book.

Today we hear about thousands of San Franciscans that live with untreated hepatitis C and how a mobile van is breaking down barriers to provide treatment. Then, we learn about another Bay area mobile health team that brings medication to people with addiction and living on the streets. Then, we answer a listener’s question about Redwood City’s slogan. And, we’ll hear a reading from Oakland author, Mary Roach.

Today, we hear how single payer healthcare for California is on the table again, but a strong opposition warns of a high price tag and big tax hikes. Then, we explore the mind of the crow, our urban neighbor. And, we hear from a man devoted to protecting the elusive gray fox and other animals that live along the bay.

Today, we learn about a victory in the fight to save Cantonese language classes at City College of San Francisco. But is it enough? Then, we talk to the producers of the Edwardian Ball about the festival’s legacy and fashion. And, we hear author Justin Barker read from his memoir, Bear Boy.

Over the last two years we’ve brought you stories about Covid-19, but today we’re reaching into our archives and going back a few decades, when the Bay Area and the world faced another public health crisis, AIDS. The federal government was slow to respond to that epidemic and the community had to step-in to take care of each other. We’re going to meet Meridy Volz, she provided relief to people who were dying with an unexpected source of comfort.

Today, Berkeley filmmaker Morgan Schmidt-Feng tells us about his latest documentary, “Anton: Circling Home.” It follows an 80-year-old New York artist and his love for pigeons. Then, we’ll learn about pigeons themselves, the often misunderstood urban animal. And, we’ll hear a reading from San Francisco author Shruti Swamy.

Today, we hear how how one group says we should be measuring our progress as a state. Then, we talk about how Black people are diagnosed with autism later than other groups. And, Petaluma cheese monger Rory Stamp reads from his new book.

Today, we talk about a new center in the Tenderloin that's focused on helping people who are struggling with drugs and mental health. Then, we examine Sacramento’s historic Sutter’s Fort. And, we listen to San Jose cookbook author Beth Lee as she reads about Jewish baking.