People joke that San Francisco has more dogs than children. But is it true? We talk about the kid census in the City with Chronicle journalist Susie Nielson Then, we examine the emotional connection between dogs and humans.

Crosscurrents

San Francisco's dwindling youth / Puppy love / New Arrivals: Monica West

The wars in Guatemala during the 1980s and 90s killed close to 200-thousand Guatemalans. The conflict wounded many people in body and spirit — among them, Sister Dianna Ortiz, a U.S.-born Catholic missionary who survived torture.

A nun's purpose born out of brutality

For years, mental health advocates have been vocal about the criminalization of people with mental illnesses. Now activists and government leaders are pushing to create alternatives to law enforcement responding to mental health crises.

Reimagining mental crisis reponse

The Hum is a mysterious low pitch noise that bothers up to 2% of people worldwide. It’s been annoying residents in San Francisco's Sunset District, where recently there’s been an outbreak of reports.

The Hum, a worldwide mystery sound explained

Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor began by telling the everyday stories of incarcerated men. Then they entered a podcast contest, and everything fell into place. Then, we look back at a Bay Area soul music icon who was almost lost to history.

The team behind Ear Hustle / Finding a lost Bay Area icon

The Spiritual Edge: Working to stop youth sex trafficking

Afghan refugees are resettling in the Bay Area, how a local non profit is helping despite the challenges. Then, two incarcerated fathers share the pain of watching their sons follow in their own footsteps. And, a Berkeley poet reads from their new collection.

Afghan refugee resettlement / When your child follows you to prison / New Arrivals: Dena Rod

An Oakland race healer is getting folks to have some tough intra-racial conversations. We, listen to some of the voices working to connect Black communities. Then, we hear why a Zambian author turned down a prestigious award. And, an artist creates a 12-foot statue to honor a Native American political prisoner.

Black diaspora dialogue / African writer's dilemma / Statue honors incarcerated Native American activist

It’s been 30 years since the Oakland Firestorm, and we hear from those who lived through it and remember its lessons. We look at the aftermath of one of the most deadly urban wildfires in the United States, and what that means for us today. And, a Berkeley author reads from her new book.

1991 Oakland Firestorm Part 2 / New Arrivals: Rachel Sarah

It’s been 30 years since the 1991 Oakland firestorm. Today, we look back at one of the most destructive and deadliest fires in California history. Then, we hear about some of the health risks that come with post-fire clean-up and rain.

The 1991 Oakland Firestorm / Fire, rain, and toxic runoff

Shelter-in-place orders gave some unhoused Oakland residents time to stabilize their lives, but for others, it became stagnant. Today, we hear what happens when a transitional solution overstays its welcome. Then, a San Francisco author reads from her collection of short stories.

Finding housing during shelter-in-place / New Arrivals: Judith Ann Bernhard

Today, poet Javier Zamora recounts crossing through the Sonoran desert and the difficulty of settling in a new land. Then, Oakland rapper and NYU student Jwalt discussed his personal growth on his latest work. And, Oakland poet Joel Landmine reads from his new book.

A Poet Recounts His Border Crossing / Oakland Rapper Jwalt / New Arrivals: Joel Landmine

Today, in a story from The Spiritual Edge we'll meet two Catholic nuns who, after decades of work with immigrant detainees, aren’t slowing down. They attend rallies and prayer vigils, meet with immigrants in detention centers and when they see an opportunity, press for legislation that will bring more humanity to a system where it can be lacking.

The Spiritual Edge: Fearless Nuns

A state grant is helping San Francisco achieve its ambitious goals on homelessness. Then, how one church uses the music of John Coltrane at the center of their services. And, a former San Francisco poet laureate reads from her new book.

Project Homekey / Church Of Coltrane / New Arrivals: Kim Shuck

Today, in a story from The Spiritual Edge, we'll meet Al and Andi Tauber, married singer-songwriters who direct music for a congregation of urban Mennonites in Chicago. For the Taubers, this means taking their ministry - and their music - to the streets.

Sacred Steps: A Mennonite Couple Turn Street Ministry Into Song

Crosscurrents is the award-winning daily news magazine from KALW Public Radio. We make joyful, informative stories that engage people across the divides in our community - economic, social, and cultural.

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Crosscurrents

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