KALW NewsRoom

The Inside Lennar Corporation Edition (Part One of Two)

(2008-01-08) One corporation has taken over the redevelopment of military bases throughout the Bay Area, from Mare Island in Vallejo to Treasure Island to Bayview/Hunters Point in San Francisco. It's Lennar Corporation. Prominent politicians are now backing another endeavor for Lennar. But with so much support, who's monitoring the corporation? Also, we speak with Fred Blackwell, Director of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, about how the city hopes to help its underserved residents.

The New Suburbia Edition

(2007-08-01) Poor people are moving to the suburbs in record numbers, but many cities aren't providing enough housing to shelter them. What's fair when it comes to creating community? Also, we discuss a grand plan to develop San Francisco's CalTrain terminal.

The Land Use Edition

(2007-03-07) What happens when private rights conflict with the public interest? The debate over eminent domain takes us to the Richmond waterfront, where the city, the parks district and a land-owner battle over some prime property. Also, we drop in on a public forum to see why California voters will take on eminent domain reform... again.

San Francisco Town Hall on Poverty - Program

(2007-02-14) San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom visited the Whitney Young Community Center to discuss the issues facing the city's Bayview/Hunters Point District. In a lively, two-hour discussion, Newsom and dozens of the city's department heads talked with residents about issues ranging from affordable housing to redevelopment to violence. This half-hour program includes excerpts from that conversation. You can also hear the unedited hearing in our "Complete Archives."

The Oakland Roots Edition

(2006-12-10) What difference can one person, or one policy, make? In the city of Oakland, a person and a policy changed everything. We share the story of Lionel Wilson, Oakland's first black mayor, who made diversifying city government his top priority. Also, we review Oakland's history of redevelopment, which continues to shape the city.

The My House is Your House Edition

(2006-10-20) This year, Californians will vote on Proposition 90. If the initiative is passed, it would, in part, change the rules governing eminent domain, the constitutional law that allows governments to buy private property for purposes of the public good. We look in-depth at the proposition and what it would really accomplish. We also take on the eminent domain law, and the public's perception of it, to explore what impact it has on Bay Area communities.

The Public Space Edition

(2005-04-10) San Francisco's famed UN Plaza is undergoing yet another face lift. This week we ask the question: how is a public space born... and why does it fail? The biography of 10,000 square feet.

The Toxics Edition

(2005-06-05) Nasty, nasty stuff... and what we do about it. We examine the science of biomonitoring to test the waters of San Francisco Bay, journey through the recycling industry to the "Synthetic Sea," and uncover how a mall ended up on top of a sacred burial ground which is under a toxic dump.

The Redevelopment Edition

(2005-06-19) In the 1950's redevelopment projects demolished many low-income neighborhoods. We look at the legacy of those decisions and how current residents have learned from the past.

The Home Edition

(2005-08-21) An investigation into how predatory lenders steal away hearth and home. A historical journey to the Great Depression, when the Federal government institutionalized neighborhood-based loan discrimination. A look at a community program that helps hopeful home buyers make their American dreams come true. And the story of foster kids who gain a sense of purpose and place through the art of photography.

The Public Transportation Edition

(2005-10-02) East Bay bus passengers sue the commission responsible for dividing money between AC Transit, Muni and Bart. Also take an audio tour of Critical Mass, the event that pushes cars off the roads to make room for bikes. And find out what you are missing when you speed through the ciy in a car. A San Francisco artist has compiled a book of small beauties and oddities called "Mundane Journeys."

The Urban Planning Edition

(2006-06-25) If you build it they will come. Oakland fills empty lots with manufactured homes. We track these homes back to the factory and find out how purchasers feel about the bargain after the newness wears off. Also, we talk with architect Mike Pyatok who strives to bring the art of upscale design to low-income developments.

The Japantown Edition

(2006-05-28) In 2006 San Francisco's Japantown, America's oldest and largest, recognizes its centennial anniversary. But the celebrations throughout the year are taking place under a cloud of uncertainty. On May 17th, the neighborhood's key commercial properties were sold to a real estate developer. Circumstances throughout Japantown's history have twice before brought the community to the brink of extinction, and many residents are concerned that this third threat will tear apart the Japanese community.

The Beyond Violence Edition

(2006-03-26) The Beyond Violence Edition. Residents of the city of Richmond's Iron Triangle neighborhood tell the story of what their community is really all about. And a longtime resident reflects upon the history of Richmond and what needs to be done to make it a safer place.

The Oakland Redevelopment Edition - Part Two

(2006-01-29) In collaboration with Mills College, KALW reporters and journalism students relate stories about redevelopment in Oakland. A coalition of community groups worries that the new Oak to 9th project overlooks the needs of low-income residents. A look at the Fruitvale Transit Village, a year-and-a-half after the creation of this instant community. And a consideration of how Project Area Committees, or PACs, represent redeveloping communities.

The Oakland Redevelopment Edition - Part One

(2006-01-22) In collaboration with Mills College, KALW producers and journalism students report stories about development in Oakland. A look at the job opportunities created, and not created, by redevelopment projects. An exploration of the use of eminent domain to create Oakland's "Uptown" district. And a look back at the legacy of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the new effort to keep the historic West Oakland train station standing.

The Art and Space Edition

(2006-01-08) An examination of how artists are trying to cope with a shrinking amount of affordable space. A consideration of the real state of the arts in the Bay Area. BART commuters weigh in with their perspective on what, if anything, should be done to create artistic space. Artists work to establish a place to showcase Filipino theater. And residents of San Francisco's Mission District create an artistic community by transforming everyday spaces in their neighborhood.