Crosscurrents

One of the Bay Area’s youngest journalism organizations is about to turn one. Coyote Media Collective launched last September 2025, in the midst of shrinking newsrooms and a fraught time for journalism. And from the get go, they announced they wanted to be different from existing news organizations.

That started with the way they were funded- , they raised more than 150 thousand dollars on the crowd funding platform Give Butter. And their model is also different from legacy media- it’s a worker-owned, and co-founded by 11 longtime Bay Area journalists- including former SF Chronicle reporters Soleil Ho, Nuala Bish...

Repair events, where handy volunteers fix things for free, are becoming popular in the Bay Area. Recently, KALW climate reporter Mary Catherine O’Connor hosted a repair clinic, and a panel discussion about what's behind them. 

The work of keeping things from ending up at the garbage dump involves repair, which in a lot of cases involves tools. But buying tools can be expensive — and figuring out where to store them can be a hassle. That’s where the Richmond Tool Library comes in. And this year marks a decade of service to their community! Reporter Andrew Saintsing takes us along to see how it works, in this story from 2023.

Coyote Media Collective launched last year as a news organization that wanted to switch up what journalism looked like. From their worker-owned model, to their fun vibe. Today, we’ll talk to two founder-worker-owners as Coyote turns one. Then, we’ll hear how fix-it clinics and repair cafes are really all about mutual aid. And, how borrowing tools helps build community.

There’s a new teacher in San Francisco classrooms. And she’s an AI bot…but not everyone is on board. Today, we hear how this reading tool is working. And, the tunes of a small but mighty Bay Area band. Plus, we’ll get an update on San Francisco schools being back in session.

It’s back to school season in the Bay Area, and San Francisco’s public school system is also hoping for a fresh start on some old issues. 

Dr. Maria Su has led the San Francisco Unified School District for nearly two years after taking over in the fall of twenty twenty-four. Since then, she steered the district through $114 million in budget cuts, a teacher strike, and a new labor agreement with the teachers union. 

But the district still faces some big challenges, including declining enrollment, a continuing structural budget deficit, and questions about whether some s...

There’s a new instructor measuring how well San Francisco’s first and second graders can read. Her name is Amira and she’s an AI bot. Teachers today are grappling with if and how when to use AI in the classroom. KALW’s Education reporter, Julia Haney, wanted to understand how Amira works, so she went to see the program in action.

Long time listeners will know that KALW has a special relationship with the San Francisco Unified School District. Not only do they hold our broadcast license but for decades our studios have broadcast out of the campus of Philip & Sala Burton High School.

We’re so excited for our move to the Warfield Commons… but there’s a lot we’re going to miss about our little corner of this SFUSD High School. Like the sound of their marching band practicing in the parking lot. Back in 2015, reporter Olivia Cueva caught it on tape. 

In 1987, in an act of love, a man recorded fog horns from Lands End in San Francisco. Now, that recording has captured the hearts and imaginations of thousands of people online. And, we hear the sonic signature of the Bay's Wave Organ.

There’s a world of sound that doesn’t really exist anymore, and there’s a recording made on the water’s edge in San Francisco over 40 years old that captures one corner of that world.

Thousands of people have found this recording, and are listening to it, to the sounds of the past. One of those people is reporter Stella Singer, who brings us this story.

At the western edge of the Marina District, there’s another sound unique to San Francisco. Stretched out on a point in the water, you’ll find the Wave Organ: a public place that’s one part sculpture, and one part instrument. 

In this story from our archives, reporters Ashleyanne Krigbaum & Maya De Paula Hanika had a private lesson with the artist behind the sculpture on how the organ creates its eerie tones.

Today, we hear from three very different fans and athletes as they reflect on 30 years of the WNBA. Plus, the Valkyries are back in the playoffs!

There’s a lot of cultural expectations around dancing… Especially in prison. But on today’s newest episode of Uncuffed - we’ll hear stories about how dancing can be a bridge between cultures or a way to connect with your kids. Or even, save your life.

Some local businesses see the value in preserving trades that are still done by hand. Today, we hear about a hand-painted-sign renaissance in San Francisco. Then, a multimedia exhibit that’s a celebration of resistance by Trans and queer communities.

When you walk around San Francisco, you’re bound to notice the architecture, murals, and even graffiti… But some of the art surrounding you is not as obvious. Like a sign hanging above a neighborhood restaurant that transports you back in time.

While it’s an art form that’s largely been sidelined for decades, today hand-painted signage is having a moment here in the Bay Area. In this story we hear from one of the artists at the forefront of this renaissance.

One new exhibit wants to celebrate the history of power in San Francisco's LGBT+ communities. It’s called “Conjuring Power: Roots and Futures of Queer and Trans Movements. A multimedia art exhibition currently running at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in the City. It features paintings, murals, and oral history recordings from queer elders.

It’s curated by Tina Valentin Aguirre, the director of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, and Caro de Robertis, an award-winning author and professor at San Francisco State. KALW’s Jenee Darden spoke with them on “The Sight +Sounds Show.”  

One Christian rapper says music helped her survive addiction, abuse, and homelessness. Today, how music and faith became her path to recovery. Then, one musician shares how her ancestor’s labor speaks through her songs. And, one South Bay couple has turned rare-record collecting into an art form.

Music was always part of Natia Woodfork's life. Growing up in San Jose, music became the language her family spoke. She started writing poetry as a kid and eventually pursued rap. But addiction and abusive relationships nearly took music away from her. Today, she performs as LT Finesse, creating Christian rap she calls ‘Kingdom music.’ In this edition of Bay Area Beats, produced by KALW's Anthony Ivy, LT shares how faith helped her find both her voice and her purpose.

Music… it’s part of our celebrations, our devotions… our joy, and our hard times. Musician Valerie June knows all about that. She wrote the anthem “Working Woman Blues.” 

We meet her in this next story from our friends at KALW’s Notes from the Edge, with Jeff Chang. Their new episode considers how the demands of the new economy are impacting our ability to care for our loved ones – and ourselves. 

In this excerpt, Valerie talks about the jobs she’s worked, the music she writes, and the ways that music can help us take care of each

We are halfway through August and that means San Jose is entering Low Rider season. From influential publications, and generational car clubs, the city is one of the historical epicenters of lowrider culture. And a big part of that scene centers around the music booming from the tricked out cars. 

Up next, we explore what it takes to preserve this culture’s musical legacy. In this story from 2025, Reporter Leon Morimoto catches up with a duo of DJ’s and record collectors known as the Flipside Lovers. 

The Bay Area is full of fans of women’s professional sports, and they have a lot of questions. Today, KALW’s sports podcast, BOUNCE, is here to answer them.

A new sound exhibit at Grace Cathedral lets visitors experience what the bells hear. Today, the Cathedral’s artist in residence talks about the fifty years he's spent creating sound sculptures around the world. Then, the Bay Area is home to a tradition of improvised group singing. Plus, the bell ringers of San Francisco's Holy Trinity Church.

When Bill Fontana sees a still object, he doesn’t just notice what it looks like, he wonders what it sounds like. He asks himself, “what does it hear?” Bill is a sound sculptor. He places microphones and vibration sensors on objects, then speakers project sounds from the objects - sounds that can’t really be heard with the human ear alone. The results are beautiful, other worldly, meditative sounds and he’s been doing this for 50 years, all around the world. Now, Bill is Grace Cathedral’s 2026 Artist in Residence. His latest installation is called “Resonance.” KALW’s Jenee Darden spoke...

Grace Cathedral is a place where people gather around sound. They host organ recitals, sound baths and of course choirs. And it's where Bay Area singer and songwriter Bobby McFerrin first led a group in the practice of circle singing. It’s a form of group vocal improvisation that helps people connect by creating music in community. Reporter Sheryl Kaskowitz brings us this story from 2024.  

Most days, the corner of Green Street and Van Ness Avenue, in San Francisco.. sounds like any other place in the city — Cars, joggers, the occasional barking dog. But if you’re there on Sunday mornings, you’ll hear something magical. In this story from 2023, reporter Quinn Nelson introduces us to the bell ringers of Holy Trinity Church. 

Today, we go behind the scenes of the local comedy scene. Then, an improv theater celebrates 40 years of encouraging actors to do what comes naturally to them. And, we hear from comedians contending with social change in their own way.

The Bay Area comedy scene has given us many gifts: A robust improv ecosystem fostered sketch comedy for a national stage, and nurtured stand up comedians for generations, from Robin Williams to Ali Wong. Our area is blessed with a rich and diverse comedy scene, and it can be a lot to keep track of.

To help folks get a feel for that scene, KALW recently hosted a group of local comedians at our Live Events Space in downtown San Francisco. Elizabeth Truong is an intern with us. She was there and has this report on their...

Brian Lohmann, co-founded Bay Area Theater Sports or BATS. It’s the largest and longest-running improvised theater company in Northern California. And this year, they’re celebrating their 40th anniversary. 

To talk about this milestone and their plans for the future, we hear from his fellow co-founder William Hall who is an improv teacher and performer. William recently spoke to KALW’s Jeneé Darden for her show ‘Sights and Sounds.’ 

Humor can be a source of laughter and - a form of political resistance. It’s a scary time for many immigrants in this country right now and it may feel weird to be turning to humor, but for some comedians, it’s actually the perfect time to do just that.

Immigration reporter Wendy Reyes brings us this story from 2025, about using comedy to empower and unite people in this moment. 

Today, we’re gonna go back 30 years to a moment when major artists came together for nonviolence, freedom, and Tibet: The Tibetan Freedom Concerts. 

In the Summer of 1996, the very first show happened right here in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. 

Now, KALW is partnering with Rangzen and Adonde Media to bring you a six-part audio documentary about what it took to put together one of the largest concert series of the 90’s.

The series is called ‘Freedom needs a soundtrack’ and today we’re bringing you a taste here on the show. Their ho...

Girls flag football is growing, and opening doors for players that didn’t exist just a few years ago. Today, we explore why coaches, athletes, and major brands believe girls flag football is just getting started.

Today, a new episode of Uncuffed that’s all sports, play, and the pleasure of competition. We’ve got stories from the track and the chess board. Plus, life lessons from a boxing ring.

Today, we meet the people who fix broken but beloved belongings. And, we get an update on the federal corruption trial of recalled former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. Plus, we hear why talking about organ donation in Black communities is complicated. 

This October, the trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her boyfriend, Andre Jones, and prominent local businessmen David and Andy Duong is set to begin.

Last week, the federal prosecutors filed a trove of documents alleging Thao and others made bribes for political gain. And the FBI announced that they have identified a key informant- Fruitvale entrepreneur Mario Juarez, who has already given a guilty plea to one count of bribery.

Natalie Orenstein is a reporter for the Oaklandside, who has been covering recent events in the Thao case. She spoke with KALW's news...

August is National Minority Donor Awareness month. It's a month for raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation in communities of color. 

Studies show there aren’t enough Black donors to fill the need for Black folks who need transplants. Why? We explore this question through the story of Arlinda Timmons-Love, a Richmond woman who lost her son Maurice in 1983 to gun violence, when he was 15 years old. 

Hana Baba talked to her for an episode of The Stoop podcast, hosted by her and Leila Day. 

Here’s a question for you- if you have something around your house that needs fixing- an appliance, a device… What do you do? Fix it or ditch it? If you do want to get something fixed, but you're not a do-it-yourselfer or you're just too intimidated to try fixing things yourself – then what?

Well, reporter Mary Catherine O'Connor looked for answers - at a Fixit Clinic at a library in San Mateo. 

And if you have a much loved item that’s in need of some TLC, you’re in luck! KALW is hosting a fix it cl...

New Arrivals is KALW's pocket sized book tour of Bay Area Authors. Mike Huguenor lives in San Jose. His book, "Elvis is Dead, I’m Still Alive: The Story of Asian Man Records," came out on May 19th, 2026. It’s about the first 30 years of one of the most important record labels to come out of the south Bay.

The closure of San Francisco’s immigration courts has had big ramifications. Today, we get an update on how immigrants are navigating an increasingly difficult system. Then, we roll out the royal carpet for the first king of BART prom. The prom held under the Rockridge tracks.

On May first, the Trump administration closed its main immigration court in San Francisco's Financial District. That follows months of clashes outside the building between ICE and local activists opposing the crackdown on immigrants. Those cases have now been moved to another Bay Area court in Concord. 

The move has resulted in "mega" immigration dockets, with dozens — and sometimes more than a hundred — cases to be decided per day. But that's only one of the problems that have resulted from the move. Clara-Sophia Daly is an immigration reporter with Mission Local. She’s recently reported on the situati...

Recently BART held their first ever… prom! More than twelve hundred people attended (and danced at!) the sold-out Under the sea/’80s-themed party under the Rockridge Station tracks. And the party of course included the traditional crowning of a Prom King and Queen.  

We're so proud of KALW Immigration reporter Wendy Reyes and “Sights + Sounds” Producer Porfirio Rangel… BART’s first Prom queen and king!

BART prom is just one example of how the transit system is hosting fun events to increase ridership. Alicia Trost is BART Chief Communications Officer. She and 2026 BART King Porfirio sat down with...