Crosscurrents

The Poor People’s Campaign is an interfaith movement to end poverty in the United States. Today, we meet one of its leading tacticians: an Indian American who grounds her commitment to economic justice in her family’s Hindu traditions.

We hear from Mills College President Elizabeth Hillman about the recently announced plans to close the historic institution. Then, from our team at Uncuffed - we listen to some powerful and inspirational songs that incarcerated producers have turned to during a year of lockdown. And, an Oakland author reads from his new book in the latest from New Arrivals.

The San Francisco Film Festival is streaming online this year, showing films from around the globe. We talk to the Suzannah Mirghani, the director of a short film about child marriage. Then, Tongan-American singer Aisea Taimani talks about how spirituality and culture co-exist in his music. And, San Francisco author Roberto Lovato reads from his new memoir.

What happens when the thing that helps us cope in dangerous times becomes dangerous itself? Today, we're bringing you a story about the downside of chemically-enhanced productivity. And, it's the one year anniversary of our podcast New Arrivals! Listen to three mini-readings from Bay Area authors.

Some Bay Area counties have already opened up appointments for residents over 16 to get a COVID-19 vaccine. By Thursday, everyone over 16 in the state will be eligible. But finding an appointment is another thing. Today, we hear tips on how to get started and what to expect when you get there. Then, a reading from San Francisco author Kathy Seligman. Plus, for today's local music, a new song from San Francisco band The Reds, Pinks & Purples.

Unemployment during the pandemic led some people to turn to home cooking for income. Today, we’re taking a tour of Richmond’s underground dining scene. Then, we’ll hear music that helped incarcerated producers through a year of lockdown. And, author Danielle Fuentes Morgan reads a passage from her new book. Plus, today's local music features a new song from Ryan Von Gonten.

San Francisco public school students begin returning to campuses next week, against a backdrop of a contentious conversation about equity. Today, we’re taking a look at two SFUSD board meetings to understand recent decisions about reopening. Then, blues guitarist Chris Cain talks about his latest album and early lessons he learned about music. Plus, we hear a song from San Francisco artist 24kGoldn.

Many Bay Area counties have at least partially vaccinated more than half of eligible residents, but there are still barriers to reaching the most vulnerable. Today, we’ll hear an update on the vaccine rollout. Then, a community leader responds to anti-Asian-American violence by facilitating trust and communication. And, professional wrestler Bambina talks about queer representation inside the ring.

Millions of us are video conferencing more than we ever have before. What does that mean for our psychological health? Today, we explore "Zoom fatigue." Then, a high-tech exhibit gives Van Gogh fans a different experience. And, we talk to a choreographer who brings her sacred connections to the stage.

Oakland resident Jil Vest was walking past the protest murals downtown when she got an idea. Today, we’re looking at a mural that honors the women of the Black Panther Party. Then, we’ll go back in time to hear how the Black Panthers organized to keep their communities safe. And, we’ll fill our plate at the People’s Kitchen Collective.

The number of people held at Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County has been rising since last May. Today, we're looking into why. Then, we meet a playwright who was just honored for the impact her work has had in her community. And, we hear a reading from a new young adult novel set in Hawaii.

Today, we meet the beloved duck couple at Lake Merritt that gave some Oaklanders hope and community during the pandemic. Then, we hear about the history of the lake as the nation’s first wildlife refuge. And, we get to know the people behind the lake's weekend drum circle. We’re spending the day at Oakland’s crown jewel. Plus, today's local music features Oakland band Fake Fruit.

Today, we’ll hear what it’s like to find permanent supportive housing, after a decade of experiencing homelessness, in another excerpt from the 99% Invisible project According to Need.

In California, there are thousands of people living in roadside tent encampments. Today, we meet a woman in Alameda County who gets a chance at permanent housing in another story from the 99% Invisible project According to Need. Then, author Jerry Thompson reads from "Berkeley Noir," a collection of stories he co-edited with crime novelist Owen Hill. And, today's local music featurs Oakland-based band Slow Machine. Their new EP Black Tide came out in February.

A year ago our lives were turned upside down when the pandemic and lockdown hit the Bay Area. Today, it's a new episode of Day By Day. We reflect on the past and look ahead to what's next.