Here's the story of how one of the Bay Area’s brightest literary stars became the reigning “goddess” of Oakland’s first public library....

Back in the day, poetry was a lot like the hip hop industry is today—and I’m not just making that comparison because poets and rappers both kick rhymes. If you’re skeptical that the lives of California poets in the 1870s were just a wild as rap stars, listen to this episode about the life of the Bay Area’s first literary “It Girl.” 

Aleta George, the author of “Ina Coolbrith: The Bittersweet Song of California’s First Poet Laureate,” shares incredible stories of Ina’s connection with the early Mormon church, her rise to fame alongside the Bay Area’s first bohemians (including Mark Twain!), her impact on Oakland, and much, much more.

Oakland's first "celebrity" librarian

FSFSF is a co-production of KALW and Rooftop Comedy.

Comedy from Alice Wetterlund & Andy Peters

Comedy from Andy Haynes & Andy Kindler

Comedy from Guy Branum & Arden Myrin

Radio edited version of 99pi story. Check out the full episode here: http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/miss-manhattan/

99% Invisible: Miss Manhattan

Comedy from Nico Santos & Eliza Skinner

At the beginning of the Coronavirus shutdown, the city of San Francisco rented hotel rooms for over 2,300 homeless people. For many, it was the first time in years they had a bed and bathroom to themselves. Now, the city is gradually closing these shelter-in-place hotels.

The plan is to eventually move everyone into permanent housing. And if it’s successful, it could be one of the city’s largest rehousing efforts to date. But critics say the plan is moving too quickly.

"The people who are in these hotel units are in very, very poor health condition for the most part. It is likely be a death sentence sending them back to the streets." - Jennifer Friedenbach

Jennifer Friedenbach is the executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness.

Critics Warn People Could End Up Back On Street, As Shelter-In-Place Hotels Close

KALW is local public radio from the San Francisco Bay Area. Tune into 91.7FM or find some of KALW's fine programming here, from shows like our nightly newsmagazine Crosscurrents. And check out the sounds from special projects like Audiograph, which is out to capture the sonic signature of the Bay Area. 

Critics Warn People Could End Up Back On Street, As Shelter-In-Place Hotels Close

KALW 91.7 FM Bay Area

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