Former Staff Writer and Reporter, KQED Arts & Culture
Rae Alexandra is the creator and author of the series Rebel Girls From Bay Area History and Bizarre Bay Area. Her debut book, Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area was published by City Lights in March 2026. In 2023, Rae was awarded an SPJ Excellence in Journalism Award for Arts & Culture. Rae was born and raised in Wales and subsequently — even after two decades in Northern California — still uses phrases that regularly baffle her coworkers.
SF CritterFest Debuts With Films About Gay Lions and Hot-Tubbing Bears
The ‘Bitch Talk’ Podcast Will Fight Your Dancing Robot
This Epic Graphic Biography Honors Cycling’s First Black World Champion
Ahoy Mateys! There’s a New Pirate-Themed Scavenger Hunt in the Bay
Suds Francisco Fest Will Combine Funk, Fantastic Views and ... Fermentation?
Is Roller Derby the Bay Area’s Queerest Sport?
Hardly Strictly Announces Initial 2026 Lineup, Including My Morning Jacket
Celebrating the Americans With Disabilities Act in San Francisco
Bay Area Teen Podcasters Honored in NPR Contest
Roll Up, Roll Up: Celebrating All Things Bicycle at Shiny Side Up in San José
How John Steinbeck Fueled the Lore of Big Sur’s ‘Dark Watchers’
Bay Area Open Studios to Visit During National Craft Weekend
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"content": "\n\u003cp>There are two kinds of humans in this world. Those who love \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/animals\">animals\u003c/a> and find comfort and solace in experiencing the world through their eyes, and those who are meat-suit monsters with no soul. (I said what I said.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, in what is bound to be a delight for the former, the geniuses at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13970126/2025-sf-indiefest-independent-film-roxie-vogue-streaming\">SF IndieFest\u003c/a> have created \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome\">SF CritterFest\u003c/a>, a film series dedicated to our furry and feathery friends around the world. Running Sept. 17–20 at the 4 Star Theater, the festival will include 19 short and feature documentary offerings that examine the realms of \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba13\">deadly sea bunnies\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba21\">mysterious owls\u003c/a> and — this \u003cem>is \u003c/em>San Francisco, baby! — a bunch of \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a4a5eb5073f6d988159fb10\">unabashedly queer wild animals\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Notable short films include \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba19\">Bears in Hot Tubs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, a 17-minute jaunt that follows black bears as they invade the garden amenities of Los Angeles residents. There’s \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba16\">Austin Bat Rescue\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, which provides viewers with an 8-minute visit to a Mexican free-tailed bat rehab in Central Texas. There’s also a 13-minute profile of one German lady and her beloved cow in \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba1d\">Gianna & Anne — Significant Otherness\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. And of particular interest to San Francisco ornithologists will be \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba23\">The Western Snowy Plover\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, which explores the lives of the small shorebird at Ocean Beach.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjr08_jFarY\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the top of the list of inspiring features not to miss is \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba29\">Better Call Babs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, about a one-woman rescue mission in San Diego. Babs Fry leaps into action to locate and return lost pets to their distressed owners; she’s such an unstoppable badass, she’s now a Red Cross Award recipient. Get to know her — and her personal struggles — in this heartfelt documentary.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The festival has also programmed a few free screenings. \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/schedule/6a4a60e62b7070dd22b77671\">The Secret Lives of Pets 2\u003c/a>\u003c/em> will play at the outdoor Hayes Valley screen Proxy (432 Octavia Blvd.) on Sept. 18 in association with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988369/spca-sf-free-birthday-block-party-april-2026-line-up-san-francisco-adoption-center\">San Francisco SPCA\u003c/a>. Also on offer is \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a626c7c0a87e779d02f8b3d\">Stoner Cats\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, a hugely popular animated short series about a bunch of cats that gain superintelligence (and insatiable munchies) after inhaling too much of their mom’s weed. That one will be available to stream online — so you can watch it at home with your own kitties.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" />\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome\">SF CritterFest\u003c/a> runs Sept. 17–20, 2026 at the 4 Star Theater (2200 Clement St., San Francisco). Tickets can be purchased separately for each screening, and \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/pass/buy\">‘all film’ passes\u003c/a> are available starting at $60.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>There are two kinds of humans in this world. Those who love \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/animals\">animals\u003c/a> and find comfort and solace in experiencing the world through their eyes, and those who are meat-suit monsters with no soul. (I said what I said.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, in what is bound to be a delight for the former, the geniuses at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13970126/2025-sf-indiefest-independent-film-roxie-vogue-streaming\">SF IndieFest\u003c/a> have created \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome\">SF CritterFest\u003c/a>, a film series dedicated to our furry and feathery friends around the world. Running Sept. 17–20 at the 4 Star Theater, the festival will include 19 short and feature documentary offerings that examine the realms of \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba13\">deadly sea bunnies\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba21\">mysterious owls\u003c/a> and — this \u003cem>is \u003c/em>San Francisco, baby! — a bunch of \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a4a5eb5073f6d988159fb10\">unabashedly queer wild animals\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Notable short films include \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba19\">Bears in Hot Tubs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, a 17-minute jaunt that follows black bears as they invade the garden amenities of Los Angeles residents. There’s \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba16\">Austin Bat Rescue\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, which provides viewers with an 8-minute visit to a Mexican free-tailed bat rehab in Central Texas. There’s also a 13-minute profile of one German lady and her beloved cow in \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba1d\">Gianna & Anne — Significant Otherness\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. And of particular interest to San Francisco ornithologists will be \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba23\">The Western Snowy Plover\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, which explores the lives of the small shorebird at Ocean Beach.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/Rjr08_jFarY'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/Rjr08_jFarY'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the top of the list of inspiring features not to miss is \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a71de9f5c189121a4adba29\">Better Call Babs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, about a one-woman rescue mission in San Diego. Babs Fry leaps into action to locate and return lost pets to their distressed owners; she’s such an unstoppable badass, she’s now a Red Cross Award recipient. Get to know her — and her personal struggles — in this heartfelt documentary.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The festival has also programmed a few free screenings. \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/schedule/6a4a60e62b7070dd22b77671\">The Secret Lives of Pets 2\u003c/a>\u003c/em> will play at the outdoor Hayes Valley screen Proxy (432 Octavia Blvd.) on Sept. 18 in association with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988369/spca-sf-free-birthday-block-party-april-2026-line-up-san-francisco-adoption-center\">San Francisco SPCA\u003c/a>. Also on offer is \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/films/6a626c7c0a87e779d02f8b3d\">Stoner Cats\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, a hugely popular animated short series about a bunch of cats that gain superintelligence (and insatiable munchies) after inhaling too much of their mom’s weed. That one will be available to stream online — so you can watch it at home with your own kitties.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" />\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome\">SF CritterFest\u003c/a> runs Sept. 17–20, 2026 at the 4 Star Theater (2200 Clement St., San Francisco). Tickets can be purchased separately for each screening, and \u003ca href=\"https://sfcritterfest.eventive.org/pass/buy\">‘all film’ passes\u003c/a> are available starting at $60.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "The ‘Bitch Talk’ Podcast Will Fight Your Dancing Robot",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>It’s a sunny San Francisco day and \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bitchtalkpodcast.com/\">Bitch Talk\u003c/a>\u003c/em> podcast co-hosts Erin Lim and Angela Tabora are hanging out in the Social Study, the cozy Fillmore venue where they both work as bartenders. They are describing, very entertainingly, a recent afternoon downtown when they encountered crowds of tech professionals outside the Moscone Center applauding a dancing robot. Suddenly aghast, Tabora responded by putting herself front and center and instinctively flipping off the machine.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This robot is dancing to ’70s funk, of all music!” she exclaims. “That’s soul music! For things with souls to dance to! And so I was flipping it off. There’s this whole crowd of people clapping with no rhythm, cheering it on, and I was just like, get me out of this fucking place.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is the story Lim and Tabora tell when asked how they’ve kept their culture podcast going for 13 years. Somehow, they’ve made it work as indie broadcasters in a region known for both its extreme affordability crisis and the creeping ubiquity of AI.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re inundated,” Lim sighs. “We’re being colonized by AI. But if we’re not here, then who’s going to take our place? It makes me sad with all the AI billboards everywhere and the people that come in thinking they know San Francisco, and they don’t. White saviors. They’re not curious about this space and they’re not willing to learn. But we’re here too.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Indeed, as frustrated as Lim and Tabora are about ever-encroaching tech and exorbitant rents, they remain absolutely dedicated to staying in the city, where they continue their mission of honoring local culture and communities. Lim was raised in San Leandro before moving to San Francisco in 2005. Tabora — who joined \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> 100 episodes in, after original cohost Karyn Paige bowed out — is originally from Los Angeles, and moved to San Francisco in 1999.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The thing that keeps me loving San Francisco is that community,” Tabora says. “Artists, local business owners, musicians. Of course, a lot of [my old friends don’t] live in the city anymore. But good stuff’s still here. Things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078524/hunky-jesus-contest-2026-foxy-mary-dolores-park-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-san-francisco-history-easter-in-the-park-what-time-how-to-enter\">Hunky Jesus\u003c/a>, the chili cook-off every year at \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPOpOTCw5M0\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a>, all the film festivals. \u003cem>So many\u003c/em> film festivals. That’s what keeps me going.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes.jpeg\" alt=\"A Black man wearing a yellow outfit and very tall misshapen hat sits on a movie theater stage talking into a mic. To his left are two Asian women sitting in directors' chairs and laughing uproariously.\" class=\"wp-image-13993187\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lim and Tabora on stage at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood in Berkeley, moderating a Q&A with Boots Riley, after a screening of ‘I Love Boosters,’ May 2026. (Steve Rhodes)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>, now approaching 1,000 episodes, is a labor of love for Lim and Tabora. The pair, who self-fund the podcast with the help of sporadic fundraisers and occasional sponsorships, first met while working at a television production company in Marin. Lim still works as an audio journalist for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/\">KALW\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve gotten advice from people that we really respect, that have gone far in this industry, that have told us, ‘To become more mainstream, I think you need to change the name,’” Tabora says. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We will stick with \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>, thanks,” Lim adds. “I don’t care. Where’s my pearls?” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lim and Tabora’s podcast started as a gathering of friends, led by Lim, who got together over a bottle of whiskey to discuss pop culture and events of the day. The show was specifically designed to fight back against the overwhelmingly “pale and male” (as Lim puts it) nature of podcasting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over time, due in part to Lim’s background in movie PR and Tabora’s ongoing work in documentary filmmaking, \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> expanded from a chat and analysis show into one that also focused on moviemakers and film festivals, as well as local events, actors and musicians. When Lim and Tabora aren’t reviewing, they’re interviewing the likes of Barry Jenkins, W. Kamau Bell, Olivia Wilde, Ron Howard, Daveed Diggs and Ruby Ibarra. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When they’re not interviewing, they talk to each other and their audience in so-called ‘Basic Bitch’ episodes, in which they visit their favorite locations around the Bay and explain why they’re special. (A September 2025 episode recorded in Costco is one of the finest examples of this.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think the beauty of our podcast is we don’t have anyone to answer to,” Tabora says. “So we don’t have to focus on any one thing.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1177\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize.jpg\" alt=\"Two middle aged, colorfully dressed women of Asian descent sit at a bar table, sipping cocktails with microphones set up in front of them.\" class=\"wp-image-13993275\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize-768x452.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize-1536x904.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ange Tabora and Erin Lim. (Chloe Jackman)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The duo’s efforts and outspoken style have not gone unnoticed, winning Best Podcast honors from \u003cem>San Francisco Magazine\u003c/em>’s Best of the Bay awards for three years straight between 2022 and 2024. One of the most appealing elements of Lim and Tabora’s work together is their chemistry. They’ve been friends and coworkers for so long, they frequently finish each other’s sentences. They are also unintentionally hilarious, with Lim often playing the straight (wo)man during Tabora’s wildcard moments.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have grown a lot together,” Tabora tells KQED earnestly. “I think we push each other. She fills my holes and vice versa.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lim quickly glares at Tabora.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Gaps! I mean gaps, not holes!” Tabora corrects. “You know what I mean? Like, she does the things that I don’t do so well, and vice versa.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We complement each other,” Lim affirms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Oh God, please don’t say we fill each other’s holes!” laughs the mortified Tabora, head in hands. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the benefits of Lim and Tabora’s chatty, comedic exteriors is their ability to share political content in an easily digestible manner. Earlier this year, they created an \u003ca href=\"https://www.bitchtalkpodcast.com/activism-1\">activism\u003c/a> page on their website that categorizes their back catalog according to topic: LGBTQ+, race, and women’s rights. So many episodes in, the hosts are aware that they’ve quietly built an important archive of activist information.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just think we’ve done all this work, and all these interviews, and watched all these films,” Lim says. “If you are even thinking about [activism] or have a question about it, we have the resources. Our podcast has social impact — and I hate using that term — but it’s true.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, what’s next for \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>? Their first major fundraiser is happening in October, so they can keep the podcast afloat for another year. Lim and Tabora are also learning to lean into middle age as loudly and proudly as possible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re kind of the first generation that looks and acts this way as middle-aged bitches.” Tabora says. “I’m proud of that. We’re not trying to defy science. We’re talking about first colonoscopies, perimenopause, my hysterectomy. I want to talk about these things, especially in the space of social media and Hollywood — so much anti-aging everywhere. Don’t make me bust out my pocket fan!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That’s why we call ourselves the \u003cem>Golden Girls\u003c/em> of podcasting,” Lim adds, “because we are.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This is the story Lim and Tabora tell when asked how they’ve kept their culture podcast going for 13 years. Somehow, they’ve made it work as indie broadcasters in a region known for both its extreme affordability crisis and the creeping ubiquity of AI.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re inundated,” Lim sighs. “We’re being colonized by AI. But if we’re not here, then who’s going to take our place? It makes me sad with all the AI billboards everywhere and the people that come in thinking they know San Francisco, and they don’t. White saviors. They’re not curious about this space and they’re not willing to learn. But we’re here too.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re inundated,” Lim sighs. “We’re being colonized by AI. But if we’re not here, then who’s going to take our place? It makes me sad with all the AI billboards everywhere and the people that come in thinking they know San Francisco, and they don’t. White saviors. They’re not curious about this space and they’re not willing to learn. But we’re here too.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Indeed, as frustrated as Lim and Tabora are about ever-encroaching tech and exorbitant rents, they remain absolutely dedicated to staying in the city, where they continue their mission of honoring local culture and communities. Lim was raised in San Leandro before moving to San Francisco in 2005. Tabora — who joined \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> 100 episodes in, after original cohost Karyn Paige bowed out — is originally from Los Angeles, and moved to San Francisco in 1999.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Indeed, as frustrated as Lim and Tabora are about ever-encroaching tech and exorbitant rents, they remain absolutely dedicated to staying in the city, where they continue their mission of honoring local culture and communities. Lim was raised in San Leandro before moving to San Francisco in 2005. Tabora — who joined \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> 100 episodes in, after original cohost Karyn Paige bowed out — is originally from Los Angeles, and moved to San Francisco in 1999.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The thing that keeps me loving San Francisco is that community,” Tabora says. “Artists, local business owners, musicians. Of course, a lot of [my old friends don’t] live in the city anymore. But good stuff’s still here. Things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078524/hunky-jesus-contest-2026-foxy-mary-dolores-park-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-san-francisco-history-easter-in-the-park-what-time-how-to-enter\">Hunky Jesus\u003c/a>, the chili cook-off every year at \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPOpOTCw5M0\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a>, all the film festivals. \u003cem>So many\u003c/em> film festivals. That’s what keeps me going.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes.jpeg\" alt=\"A Black man wearing a yellow outfit and very tall misshapen hat sits on a movie theater stage talking into a mic. To his left are two Asian women sitting in directors' chairs and laughing uproariously.\" class=\"wp-image-13993187\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lim and Tabora on stage at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood in Berkeley, moderating a Q&A with Boots Riley, after a screening of ‘I Love Boosters,’ May 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Steve Rhodes)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>, now approaching 1,000 episodes, is a labor of love for Lim and Tabora. The pair, who self-fund the podcast with the help of sporadic fundraisers and occasional sponsorships, first met while working at a television production company in Marin. Lim still works as an audio journalist for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/\">KALW\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Lim and Tabora’s podcast started as a gathering of friends, led by Lim, who got together over a bottle of whiskey to discuss pop culture and events of the day. The show was specifically designed to fight back against the overwhelmingly “pale and male” (as Lim puts it) nature of podcasting.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Lim and Tabora’s podcast started as a gathering of friends, led by Lim, who got together over a bottle of whiskey to discuss pop culture and events of the day. The show was specifically designed to fight back against the overwhelmingly “pale and male” (as Lim puts it) nature of podcasting.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Over time, due in part to Lim’s background in movie PR and Tabora’s ongoing work in documentary filmmaking, \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> expanded from a chat and analysis show into one that also focused on moviemakers and film festivals, as well as local events, actors and musicians. When Lim and Tabora aren’t reviewing, they’re interviewing the likes of Barry Jenkins, W. Kamau Bell, Olivia Wilde, Ron Howard, Daveed Diggs and Ruby Ibarra. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Over time, due in part to Lim’s background in movie PR and Tabora’s ongoing work in documentary filmmaking, \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> expanded from a chat and analysis show into one that also focused on moviemakers and film festivals, as well as local events, actors and musicians. When Lim and Tabora aren’t reviewing, they’re interviewing the likes of Barry Jenkins, W. Kamau Bell, Olivia Wilde, Ron Howard, Daveed Diggs and Ruby Ibarra. \u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cp>When they’re not interviewing, they talk to each other and their audience in so-called ‘Basic Bitch’ episodes, in which they visit their favorite locations around the Bay and explain why they’re special. (A September 2025 episode recorded in Costco is one of the finest examples of this.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think the beauty of our podcast is we don’t have anyone to answer to,” Tabora says. “So we don’t have to focus on any one thing.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The duo’s efforts and outspoken style have not gone unnoticed, winning Best Podcast honors from \u003cem>San Francisco Magazine\u003c/em>’s Best of the Bay awards for three years straight between 2022 and 2024. One of the most appealing elements of Lim and Tabora’s work together is their chemistry. They’ve been friends and coworkers for so long, they frequently finish each other’s sentences. They are also unintentionally hilarious, with Lim often playing the straight (wo)man during Tabora’s wildcard moments.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The duo’s efforts and outspoken style have not gone unnoticed, winning Best Podcast honors from \u003cem>San Francisco Magazine\u003c/em>’s Best of the Bay awards for three years straight between 2022 and 2024. One of the most appealing elements of Lim and Tabora’s work together is their chemistry. They’ve been friends and coworkers for so long, they frequently finish each other’s sentences. They are also unintentionally hilarious, with Lim often playing the straight (wo)man during Tabora’s wildcard moments.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We have grown a lot together,” Tabora tells KQED earnestly. “I think we push each other. She fills my holes and vice versa.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Gaps! I mean gaps, not holes!” Tabora corrects. “You know what I mean? Like, she does the things that I don’t do so well, and vice versa.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We complement each other,” Lim affirms.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Oh God, please don’t say we fill each other’s holes!” laughs the mortified Tabora, head in hands. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of the benefits of Lim and Tabora’s chatty, comedic exteriors is their ability to share political content in an easily digestible manner. Earlier this year, they created an \u003ca href=\"https://www.bitchtalkpodcast.com/activism-1\">activism\u003c/a> page on their website that categorizes their back catalog according to topic: LGBTQ+, race, and women’s rights. So many episodes in, the hosts are aware that they’ve quietly built an important archive of activist information.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One of the benefits of Lim and Tabora’s chatty, comedic exteriors is their ability to share political content in an easily digestible manner. Earlier this year, they created an \u003ca href=\"https://www.bitchtalkpodcast.com/activism-1\">activism\u003c/a> page on their website that categorizes their back catalog according to topic: LGBTQ+, race, and women’s rights. So many episodes in, the hosts are aware that they’ve quietly built an important archive of activist information.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I just think we’ve done all this work, and all these interviews, and watched all these films,” Lim says. “If you are even thinking about [activism] or have a question about it, we have the resources. Our podcast has social impact — and I hate using that term — but it’s true.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So, what’s next for \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>? Their first major fundraiser is happening in October, so they can keep the podcast afloat for another year. Lim and Tabora are also learning to lean into middle age as loudly and proudly as possible.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re kind of the first generation that looks and acts this way as middle-aged bitches.” Tabora says. “I’m proud of that. We’re not trying to defy science. We’re talking about first colonoscopies, perimenopause, my hysterectomy. I want to talk about these things, especially in the space of social media and Hollywood — so much anti-aging everywhere. Don’t make me bust out my pocket fan!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re kind of the first generation that looks and acts this way as middle-aged bitches.” Tabora says. “I’m proud of that. We’re not trying to defy science. We’re talking about first colonoscopies, perimenopause, my hysterectomy. I want to talk about these things, especially in the space of social media and Hollywood — so much anti-aging everywhere. Don’t make me bust out my pocket fan!”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Hosts Erin Lim and Ange Tabora have spent 13 years and 1,000 episodes celebrating the Bay and AAPI pop culture.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>It’s a sunny San Francisco day and \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bitchtalkpodcast.com/\">Bitch Talk\u003c/a>\u003c/em> podcast co-hosts Erin Lim and Angela Tabora are hanging out in the Social Study, the cozy Fillmore venue where they both work as bartenders. They are describing, very entertainingly, a recent afternoon downtown when they encountered crowds of tech professionals outside the Moscone Center applauding a dancing robot. Suddenly aghast, Tabora responded by putting herself front and center and instinctively flipping off the machine.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This robot is dancing to ’70s funk, of all music!” she exclaims. “That’s soul music! For things with souls to dance to! And so I was flipping it off. There’s this whole crowd of people clapping with no rhythm, cheering it on, and I was just like, get me out of this fucking place.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is the story Lim and Tabora tell when asked how they’ve kept their culture podcast going for 13 years. Somehow, they’ve made it work as indie broadcasters in a region known for both its extreme affordability crisis and the creeping ubiquity of AI.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re inundated,” Lim sighs. “We’re being colonized by AI. But if we’re not here, then who’s going to take our place? It makes me sad with all the AI billboards everywhere and the people that come in thinking they know San Francisco, and they don’t. White saviors. They’re not curious about this space and they’re not willing to learn. But we’re here too.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Indeed, as frustrated as Lim and Tabora are about ever-encroaching tech and exorbitant rents, they remain absolutely dedicated to staying in the city, where they continue their mission of honoring local culture and communities. Lim was raised in San Leandro before moving to San Francisco in 2005. Tabora — who joined \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> 100 episodes in, after original cohost Karyn Paige bowed out — is originally from Los Angeles, and moved to San Francisco in 1999.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The thing that keeps me loving San Francisco is that community,” Tabora says. “Artists, local business owners, musicians. Of course, a lot of [my old friends don’t] live in the city anymore. But good stuff’s still here. Things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12078524/hunky-jesus-contest-2026-foxy-mary-dolores-park-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-san-francisco-history-easter-in-the-park-what-time-how-to-enter\">Hunky Jesus\u003c/a>, the chili cook-off every year at \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPOpOTCw5M0\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a>, all the film festivals. \u003cem>So many\u003c/em> film festivals. That’s what keeps me going.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes.jpeg\" alt=\"A Black man wearing a yellow outfit and very tall misshapen hat sits on a movie theater stage talking into a mic. To his left are two Asian women sitting in directors' chairs and laughing uproariously.\" class=\"wp-image-13993187\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-160x120.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Boots-Riley-QA-2026-_photo-credit-Steve-Rhodes-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lim and Tabora on stage at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood in Berkeley, moderating a Q&A with Boots Riley, after a screening of ‘I Love Boosters,’ May 2026. (Steve Rhodes)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>, now approaching 1,000 episodes, is a labor of love for Lim and Tabora. The pair, who self-fund the podcast with the help of sporadic fundraisers and occasional sponsorships, first met while working at a television production company in Marin. Lim still works as an audio journalist for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/\">KALW\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve gotten advice from people that we really respect, that have gone far in this industry, that have told us, ‘To become more mainstream, I think you need to change the name,’” Tabora says. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We will stick with \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>, thanks,” Lim adds. “I don’t care. Where’s my pearls?” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lim and Tabora’s podcast started as a gathering of friends, led by Lim, who got together over a bottle of whiskey to discuss pop culture and events of the day. The show was specifically designed to fight back against the overwhelmingly “pale and male” (as Lim puts it) nature of podcasting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over time, due in part to Lim’s background in movie PR and Tabora’s ongoing work in documentary filmmaking, \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em> expanded from a chat and analysis show into one that also focused on moviemakers and film festivals, as well as local events, actors and musicians. When Lim and Tabora aren’t reviewing, they’re interviewing the likes of Barry Jenkins, W. Kamau Bell, Olivia Wilde, Ron Howard, Daveed Diggs and Ruby Ibarra. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When they’re not interviewing, they talk to each other and their audience in so-called ‘Basic Bitch’ episodes, in which they visit their favorite locations around the Bay and explain why they’re special. (A September 2025 episode recorded in Costco is one of the finest examples of this.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think the beauty of our podcast is we don’t have anyone to answer to,” Tabora says. “So we don’t have to focus on any one thing.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1177\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize.jpg\" alt=\"Two middle aged, colorfully dressed women of Asian descent sit at a bar table, sipping cocktails with microphones set up in front of them.\" class=\"wp-image-13993275\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize-160x94.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize-768x452.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/BitchTalk-Studio-Shoot-Chloe-Jackman-Photography-2025-1007_websize-1536x904.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ange Tabora and Erin Lim. (Chloe Jackman)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The duo’s efforts and outspoken style have not gone unnoticed, winning Best Podcast honors from \u003cem>San Francisco Magazine\u003c/em>’s Best of the Bay awards for three years straight between 2022 and 2024. One of the most appealing elements of Lim and Tabora’s work together is their chemistry. They’ve been friends and coworkers for so long, they frequently finish each other’s sentences. They are also unintentionally hilarious, with Lim often playing the straight (wo)man during Tabora’s wildcard moments.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have grown a lot together,” Tabora tells KQED earnestly. “I think we push each other. She fills my holes and vice versa.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lim quickly glares at Tabora.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Gaps! I mean gaps, not holes!” Tabora corrects. “You know what I mean? Like, she does the things that I don’t do so well, and vice versa.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We complement each other,” Lim affirms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Oh God, please don’t say we fill each other’s holes!” laughs the mortified Tabora, head in hands. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the benefits of Lim and Tabora’s chatty, comedic exteriors is their ability to share political content in an easily digestible manner. Earlier this year, they created an \u003ca href=\"https://www.bitchtalkpodcast.com/activism-1\">activism\u003c/a> page on their website that categorizes their back catalog according to topic: LGBTQ+, race, and women’s rights. So many episodes in, the hosts are aware that they’ve quietly built an important archive of activist information.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just think we’ve done all this work, and all these interviews, and watched all these films,” Lim says. “If you are even thinking about [activism] or have a question about it, we have the resources. Our podcast has social impact — and I hate using that term — but it’s true.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So, what’s next for \u003cem>Bitch Talk\u003c/em>? Their first major fundraiser is happening in October, so they can keep the podcast afloat for another year. Lim and Tabora are also learning to lean into middle age as loudly and proudly as possible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re kind of the first generation that looks and acts this way as middle-aged bitches.” Tabora says. “I’m proud of that. We’re not trying to defy science. We’re talking about first colonoscopies, perimenopause, my hysterectomy. I want to talk about these things, especially in the space of social media and Hollywood — so much anti-aging everywhere. Don’t make me bust out my pocket fan!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That’s why we call ourselves the \u003cem>Golden Girls\u003c/em> of podcasting,” Lim adds, “because we are.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "This Epic Graphic Biography Honors Cycling’s First Black World Champion",
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"content": "\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1616\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_.jpg\" alt=\"A book cover featuring an illustrated scene of a young Black man on a bicycle with a trail of other riders behind him. In the background are city monuments including the Eiffel Tower.\" class=\"wp-image-13992993\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_.jpg 1616w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_-160x198.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_-768x950.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_-1241x1536.jpg 1241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1616px) 100vw, 1616px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man’ by Frederick Noland. (Drawn and Quarterly)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You don’t have to be a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/cycling\">bicycle\u003c/a> aficionado to fall in love with Marshall “Major” Taylor. The groundbreaking Black cyclist smashed records in races around the world during competitive cycling’s — and his own — formative years at the turn of the 20th century. Taylor’s life story is lovingly rendered in a gripping new graphic biography \u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> by Oakland-based cartoonist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/frednoland/\">Frederick Noland\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland consistently grounds Taylor’s century-old story with small, relatable details, but still manages to capture each significant event on Taylor’s journey at a compelling clip. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Taylor’s story begins, age 8 in 1886, horsing around on his first bike in Indiana cornfields. By 11, he’s a paper boy. By 12, he’s employed by the local bike shop to show off his innovative tricks outside the store. By 14, he’s teaching adults how to ride and winning races left and right. By 15, he’s working for — and being trained by — former racer and bicycle manufacturer Louis “Birdie” Munger. By 21, Taylor is racing around the world, breaking multiple cycling records and ultimately being crowned “the fastest man alive.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland thrillingly paints tough races against rowdy, sometimes physically threatening rivals. We see Taylor’s travels consistently sullied by racist riders, bigoted journalists and the segregationist policies of hotels, venues and organizations, including the League of American Wheelmen. But Taylor never loses faith in himself and treats every infraction with dignified rebuttals and a dogged dedication that helps him channel his frustrations into his sport. His many sweeping victories turn him into a crowd-pleaser wherever he goes, whatever the race of the audience. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2044\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"An illustrated page shows a young Black man determinedly cycling in a race on a tree-lined road. A second panel shows him cycling with an American flag raised above his head, as crowds cheer him across the finish line. \" class=\"wp-image-13993039\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-scaled.jpg 2044w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-2000x2505.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-768x962.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-1226x1536.jpg 1226w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-1635x2048.jpg 1635w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2044px) 100vw, 2044px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘Major Taylor: World’s Fastest Man’ by Frederick Noland tracks the champion cyclist’s adventures around the world — and the racism he faced at every turn. (Drawn and Quarterly)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland’s book does not flinch when it comes to emphasizing how much racism dominated American culture during the Victorian era, and how much more favorable the cyclist’s treatment was in Europe and Australia. (At one point, 85,000 fans turn out to see Taylor race in Paris.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s own racist policies are a depressing sight in these pages: before embarking on a trip to Australia in 1902, Taylor is refused service at hotels and restaurants across San Francisco. When he returns to the city with his wife Daisy, their treatment is just as awful, despite the fact that they have their newborn daughter in tow. One of Taylor’s most bigoted and relentless rivals, it’s worth noting, is Floyd MacFarland from San José.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> is thoroughly researched, with a pointed focus on Taylor’s grace, generosity and faith. The making of the book was clearly a labor of love and one that Noland sought to make enjoyable for as wide an audience as possible. \u003cem>Major Taylor\u003c/em> starts, for example, with a fun history of the bicycle, tracing the earliest version all the way back to 1815 when a man named Baron Karl Drais came up with a two-wheeled contraption to facilitate faster travel — albeit without pedals or reliable steering. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland’s own reverence for the bicycle might assist readers in seeing this everyday conveyance in a whole new light too. According to the author, the earliest days of bicycle popularity, among other things, expanded the gene pool of French villages and became an effective means for suffragettes to organize and work.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By the end of Noland’s book, one can’t help but feel awe at Major Taylor’s perseverance in the face of so many obstacles. \u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> serves to honor a groundbreaking cyclist, yes, but it does much more than that. This graphic novel is a history lesson, a source of sporting inspiration and a reminder of just what humans can accomplish if we learn to channel our frustrations into something constructive. Marshall “Major” Taylor should be a household name by now. Noland’s book finally brings him one lap closer to that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Frederick Noland’s ‘Major Taylor: World’s Fastest Man’ is out Aug. 31, 2026 from Drawn & Quarterly. Noland will appear at \u003ca href=\"https://www.capeandcowlcomics.com/cape-and-cowl-con\">Cape & Cowl Con\u003c/a> (2501 Monarch St., Alameda) on Aug. 31; \u003ca href=\"https://pegasusbookstore.com/noland\">Pegasus Books\u003c/a> (2349 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley) on Sept. 22; and \u003ca href=\"https://www.missioncomicsandart.com/\">Mission: Comics and Art\u003c/a> (2250 Mission St., San Francisco) on Sept. 26.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"An illustrated page shows a young Black man determinedly cycling in a race on a tree-lined road. A second panel shows him cycling with an American flag raised above his head, as crowds cheer him across the finish line. \" class=\"wp-image-13993039\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-scaled.jpg 2044w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-2000x2505.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-768x962.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-1226x1536.jpg 1226w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-1635x2048.jpg 1635w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘Major Taylor: World’s Fastest Man’ by Frederick Noland tracks the champion cyclist’s adventures around the world — and the racism he faced at every turn. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Noland’s book does not flinch when it comes to emphasizing how much racism dominated American culture during the Victorian era, and how much more favorable the cyclist’s treatment was in Europe and Australia. (At one point, 85,000 fans turn out to see Taylor race in Paris.) \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s own racist policies are a depressing sight in these pages: before embarking on a trip to Australia in 1902, Taylor is refused service at hotels and restaurants across San Francisco. When he returns to the city with his wife Daisy, their treatment is just as awful, despite the fact that they have their newborn daughter in tow. One of Taylor’s most bigoted and relentless rivals, it’s worth noting, is Floyd MacFarland from San José.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> is thoroughly researched, with a pointed focus on Taylor’s grace, generosity and faith. The making of the book was clearly a labor of love and one that Noland sought to make enjoyable for as wide an audience as possible. \u003cem>Major Taylor\u003c/em> starts, for example, with a fun history of the bicycle, tracing the earliest version all the way back to 1815 when a man named Baron Karl Drais came up with a two-wheeled contraption to facilitate faster travel — albeit without pedals or reliable steering. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Noland’s own reverence for the bicycle might assist readers in seeing this everyday conveyance in a whole new light too. According to the author, the earliest days of bicycle popularity, among other things, expanded the gene pool of French villages and became an effective means for suffragettes to organize and work.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By the end of Noland’s book, one can’t help but feel awe at Major Taylor’s perseverance in the face of so many obstacles. \u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> serves to honor a groundbreaking cyclist, yes, but it does much more than that. This graphic novel is a history lesson, a source of sporting inspiration and a reminder of just what humans can accomplish if we learn to channel our frustrations into something constructive. Marshall “Major” Taylor should be a household name by now. Noland’s book finally brings him one lap closer to that. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Frederick Noland’s ‘Major Taylor: World’s Fastest Man’ is out Aug. 31, 2026 from Drawn & Quarterly. Noland will appear at \u003ca href=\"https://www.capeandcowlcomics.com/cape-and-cowl-con\">Cape & Cowl Con\u003c/a> (2501 Monarch St., Alameda) on Aug. 31; \u003ca href=\"https://pegasusbookstore.com/noland\">Pegasus Books\u003c/a> (2349 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley) on Sept. 22; and \u003ca href=\"https://www.missioncomicsandart.com/\">Mission: Comics and Art\u003c/a> (2250 Mission St., San Francisco) on Sept. 26.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1616\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_.jpg\" alt=\"A book cover featuring an illustrated scene of a young Black man on a bicycle with a trail of other riders behind him. In the background are city monuments including the Eiffel Tower.\" class=\"wp-image-13992993\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_.jpg 1616w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_-160x198.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_-768x950.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR.cover_-1241x1536.jpg 1241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1616px) 100vw, 1616px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man’ by Frederick Noland. (Drawn and Quarterly)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You don’t have to be a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/cycling\">bicycle\u003c/a> aficionado to fall in love with Marshall “Major” Taylor. The groundbreaking Black cyclist smashed records in races around the world during competitive cycling’s — and his own — formative years at the turn of the 20th century. Taylor’s life story is lovingly rendered in a gripping new graphic biography \u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> by Oakland-based cartoonist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/frednoland/\">Frederick Noland\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland consistently grounds Taylor’s century-old story with small, relatable details, but still manages to capture each significant event on Taylor’s journey at a compelling clip. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Taylor’s story begins, age 8 in 1886, horsing around on his first bike in Indiana cornfields. By 11, he’s a paper boy. By 12, he’s employed by the local bike shop to show off his innovative tricks outside the store. By 14, he’s teaching adults how to ride and winning races left and right. By 15, he’s working for — and being trained by — former racer and bicycle manufacturer Louis “Birdie” Munger. By 21, Taylor is racing around the world, breaking multiple cycling records and ultimately being crowned “the fastest man alive.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland thrillingly paints tough races against rowdy, sometimes physically threatening rivals. We see Taylor’s travels consistently sullied by racist riders, bigoted journalists and the segregationist policies of hotels, venues and organizations, including the League of American Wheelmen. But Taylor never loses faith in himself and treats every infraction with dignified rebuttals and a dogged dedication that helps him channel his frustrations into his sport. His many sweeping victories turn him into a crowd-pleaser wherever he goes, whatever the race of the audience. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2044\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"An illustrated page shows a young Black man determinedly cycling in a race on a tree-lined road. A second panel shows him cycling with an American flag raised above his head, as crowds cheer him across the finish line. \" class=\"wp-image-13993039\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-scaled.jpg 2044w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-2000x2505.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-768x962.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-1226x1536.jpg 1226w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/MAJORTAYLOR-271-1635x2048.jpg 1635w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2044px) 100vw, 2044px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘Major Taylor: World’s Fastest Man’ by Frederick Noland tracks the champion cyclist’s adventures around the world — and the racism he faced at every turn. (Drawn and Quarterly)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland’s book does not flinch when it comes to emphasizing how much racism dominated American culture during the Victorian era, and how much more favorable the cyclist’s treatment was in Europe and Australia. (At one point, 85,000 fans turn out to see Taylor race in Paris.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s own racist policies are a depressing sight in these pages: before embarking on a trip to Australia in 1902, Taylor is refused service at hotels and restaurants across San Francisco. When he returns to the city with his wife Daisy, their treatment is just as awful, despite the fact that they have their newborn daughter in tow. One of Taylor’s most bigoted and relentless rivals, it’s worth noting, is Floyd MacFarland from San José.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> is thoroughly researched, with a pointed focus on Taylor’s grace, generosity and faith. The making of the book was clearly a labor of love and one that Noland sought to make enjoyable for as wide an audience as possible. \u003cem>Major Taylor\u003c/em> starts, for example, with a fun history of the bicycle, tracing the earliest version all the way back to 1815 when a man named Baron Karl Drais came up with a two-wheeled contraption to facilitate faster travel — albeit without pedals or reliable steering. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noland’s own reverence for the bicycle might assist readers in seeing this everyday conveyance in a whole new light too. According to the author, the earliest days of bicycle popularity, among other things, expanded the gene pool of French villages and became an effective means for suffragettes to organize and work.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By the end of Noland’s book, one can’t help but feel awe at Major Taylor’s perseverance in the face of so many obstacles. \u003cem>Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man\u003c/em> serves to honor a groundbreaking cyclist, yes, but it does much more than that. This graphic novel is a history lesson, a source of sporting inspiration and a reminder of just what humans can accomplish if we learn to channel our frustrations into something constructive. Marshall “Major” Taylor should be a household name by now. Noland’s book finally brings him one lap closer to that. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Frederick Noland’s ‘Major Taylor: World’s Fastest Man’ is out Aug. 31, 2026 from Drawn & Quarterly. Noland will appear at \u003ca href=\"https://www.capeandcowlcomics.com/cape-and-cowl-con\">Cape & Cowl Con\u003c/a> (2501 Monarch St., Alameda) on Aug. 31; \u003ca href=\"https://pegasusbookstore.com/noland\">Pegasus Books\u003c/a> (2349 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley) on Sept. 22; and \u003ca href=\"https://www.missioncomicsandart.com/\">Mission: Comics and Art\u003c/a> (2250 Mission St., San Francisco) on Sept. 26.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Do you say “Yarg!” when you’re frustrated? Gaze at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11185731/where-did-the-wild-parrots-of-san-francisco-come-from\">parrots\u003c/a> longingly? Maybe you keep a collection of jaunty eyepatches for no discernible reason? If so, you might be in desperate need of joining the Freebooter Secret Pirate Society — a mysterious organization that’s said to operate on the saltier fringes of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Helpfully, local author Shannon Mulholland has just come up with a new way to join the society that doesn’t involve making anyone walk the plank. It’s a scavenger hunt, it’s free and it journeys around some of the oldest, most fascinating corners of the Bay. (And also Treasure Island, because, duh.) All aspiring pirates need to do is collect codes from five locations on Mulholland’s map, send them on a postcard to a P.O. box in Sonoma, then wait to receive membership details and a cypher, in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To get started, Mulholland’s map and instructions are available now from Green Apple Books (506 Clement St.) and 826 Valencia St., but can also be \u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/scavenger-hunt-map/\">downloaded online\u003c/a>. There are 15 stops in all, eight in San Francisco and seven others scattered around the Bay. Highlights on the hunt include the Brigantine Galilee, a ship built in 1891 whose stern now resides in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fort-mason\">Fort Mason\u003c/a>; the Filbert Street Steps, where a semaphore station operated during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gold-rush\">Gold Rush\u003c/a>; and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13931837/heinholds-first-last-chance-saloon-oaklands-oldest-bar-jack-london-square\">Heinold’s First & Last Chance Saloon\u003c/a>, Oakland’s oldest bar, established in 1884.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1291\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map.png\" alt=\"A yellowed map of San Francisco marked by a series of numbers, mostly around the coastline.\" class=\"wp-image-13992946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-160x103.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-768x496.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-1536x991.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A taste of Shannon Mulholland’s Pirate’s Guide to San Francisco. (findingsealegs.com)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mulholland came up with the idea for the scavenger hunt after completing her new book for middle graders, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/\">Finding Sea Legs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. The hero of the story is a 13-year-old girl who discovers a lost pirate colony hidden in the waters beyond San Francisco. She soon realizes that pirates are not the villains depicted in old stories and becomes immersed in their misunderstood way of life. \u003cem>Finding Sea Legs\u003c/em> is set for release on Sept. 19, 2026, which conveniently happens to be \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day\">International Talk Like a Pirate Day\u003c/a>. Because, yes, that is in fact a real thing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though pirate-appreciation is encouraged on the scavenger hunt, you definitely don’t need a peg leg to participate. The Pirate’s Guide to San Francisco is also just a really fun way to explore the storied history of the Bay Area, from Gold Rush times up to the 1939 World’s Fair (for which Treasure Island was built). Happy hunting, mateys.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Helpfully, local author Shannon Mulholland has just come up with a new way to join the society that doesn’t involve making anyone walk the plank. It’s a scavenger hunt, it’s free and it journeys around some of the oldest, most fascinating corners of the Bay. (And also Treasure Island, because, duh.) All aspiring pirates need to do is collect codes from five locations on Mulholland’s map, send them on a postcard to a P.O. box in Sonoma, then wait to receive membership details and a cypher, in the mail.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Helpfully, local author Shannon Mulholland has just come up with a new way to join the society that doesn’t involve making anyone walk the plank. It’s a scavenger hunt, it’s free and it journeys around some of the oldest, most fascinating corners of the Bay. (And also Treasure Island, because, duh.) All aspiring pirates need to do is collect codes from five locations on Mulholland’s map, send them on a postcard to a P.O. box in Sonoma, then wait to receive membership details and a cypher, in the mail.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To get started, Mulholland’s map and instructions are available now from Green Apple Books (506 Clement St.) and 826 Valencia St., but can also be \u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/scavenger-hunt-map/\">downloaded online\u003c/a>. There are 15 stops in all, eight in San Francisco and seven others scattered around the Bay. Highlights on the hunt include the Brigantine Galilee, a ship built in 1891 whose stern now resides in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fort-mason\">Fort Mason\u003c/a>; the Filbert Street Steps, where a semaphore station operated during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gold-rush\">Gold Rush\u003c/a>; and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13931837/heinholds-first-last-chance-saloon-oaklands-oldest-bar-jack-london-square\">Heinold’s First & Last Chance Saloon\u003c/a>, Oakland’s oldest bar, established in 1884.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>To get started, Mulholland’s map and instructions are available now from Green Apple Books (506 Clement St.) and 826 Valencia St., but can also be \u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/scavenger-hunt-map/\">downloaded online\u003c/a>. There are 15 stops in all, eight in San Francisco and seven others scattered around the Bay. Highlights on the hunt include the Brigantine Galilee, a ship built in 1891 whose stern now resides in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fort-mason\">Fort Mason\u003c/a>; the Filbert Street Steps, where a semaphore station operated during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gold-rush\">Gold Rush\u003c/a>; and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13931837/heinholds-first-last-chance-saloon-oaklands-oldest-bar-jack-london-square\">Heinold’s First & Last Chance Saloon\u003c/a>, Oakland’s oldest bar, established in 1884.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map.png\" alt=\"A yellowed map of San Francisco marked by a series of numbers, mostly around the coastline.\" class=\"wp-image-13992946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-160x103.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-768x496.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-1536x991.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A taste of Shannon Mulholland’s Pirate’s Guide to San Francisco. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (findingsealegs.com)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mulholland came up with the idea for the scavenger hunt after completing her new book for middle graders, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/\">Finding Sea Legs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. The hero of the story is a 13-year-old girl who discovers a lost pirate colony hidden in the waters beyond San Francisco. She soon realizes that pirates are not the villains depicted in old stories and becomes immersed in their misunderstood way of life. \u003cem>Finding Sea Legs\u003c/em> is set for release on Sept. 19, 2026, which conveniently happens to be \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day\">International Talk Like a Pirate Day\u003c/a>. Because, yes, that is in fact a real thing.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mulholland came up with the idea for the scavenger hunt after completing her new book for middle graders, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/\">Finding Sea Legs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. The hero of the story is a 13-year-old girl who discovers a lost pirate colony hidden in the waters beyond San Francisco. She soon realizes that pirates are not the villains depicted in old stories and becomes immersed in their misunderstood way of life. \u003cem>Finding Sea Legs\u003c/em> is set for release on Sept. 19, 2026, which conveniently happens to be \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day\">International Talk Like a Pirate Day\u003c/a>. Because, yes, that is in fact a real thing.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Though pirate-appreciation is encouraged on the scavenger hunt, you definitely don’t need a peg leg to participate. The Pirate’s Guide to San Francisco is also just a really fun way to explore the storied history of the Bay Area, from Gold Rush times up to the 1939 World’s Fair (for which Treasure Island was built). Happy hunting, mateys.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Free instructions are available online and from Green Apple Books. No plank-walking required.",
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"title": "A Free Pirate-Loving Scavenger Hunt Just Launched in SF | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Do you say “Yarg!” when you’re frustrated? Gaze at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11185731/where-did-the-wild-parrots-of-san-francisco-come-from\">parrots\u003c/a> longingly? Maybe you keep a collection of jaunty eyepatches for no discernible reason? If so, you might be in desperate need of joining the Freebooter Secret Pirate Society — a mysterious organization that’s said to operate on the saltier fringes of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Helpfully, local author Shannon Mulholland has just come up with a new way to join the society that doesn’t involve making anyone walk the plank. It’s a scavenger hunt, it’s free and it journeys around some of the oldest, most fascinating corners of the Bay. (And also Treasure Island, because, duh.) All aspiring pirates need to do is collect codes from five locations on Mulholland’s map, send them on a postcard to a P.O. box in Sonoma, then wait to receive membership details and a cypher, in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To get started, Mulholland’s map and instructions are available now from Green Apple Books (506 Clement St.) and 826 Valencia St., but can also be \u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/scavenger-hunt-map/\">downloaded online\u003c/a>. There are 15 stops in all, eight in San Francisco and seven others scattered around the Bay. Highlights on the hunt include the Brigantine Galilee, a ship built in 1891 whose stern now resides in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fort-mason\">Fort Mason\u003c/a>; the Filbert Street Steps, where a semaphore station operated during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gold-rush\">Gold Rush\u003c/a>; and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13931837/heinholds-first-last-chance-saloon-oaklands-oldest-bar-jack-london-square\">Heinold’s First & Last Chance Saloon\u003c/a>, Oakland’s oldest bar, established in 1884.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1291\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map.png\" alt=\"A yellowed map of San Francisco marked by a series of numbers, mostly around the coastline.\" class=\"wp-image-13992946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-160x103.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-768x496.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/pirate-map-1536x991.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A taste of Shannon Mulholland’s Pirate’s Guide to San Francisco. (findingsealegs.com)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mulholland came up with the idea for the scavenger hunt after completing her new book for middle graders, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://findingsealegs.com/\">Finding Sea Legs\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. The hero of the story is a 13-year-old girl who discovers a lost pirate colony hidden in the waters beyond San Francisco. She soon realizes that pirates are not the villains depicted in old stories and becomes immersed in their misunderstood way of life. \u003cem>Finding Sea Legs\u003c/em> is set for release on Sept. 19, 2026, which conveniently happens to be \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Talk_Like_a_Pirate_Day\">International Talk Like a Pirate Day\u003c/a>. Because, yes, that is in fact a real thing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though pirate-appreciation is encouraged on the scavenger hunt, you definitely don’t need a peg leg to participate. The Pirate’s Guide to San Francisco is also just a really fun way to explore the storied history of the Bay Area, from Gold Rush times up to the 1939 World’s Fair (for which Treasure Island was built). Happy hunting, mateys.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Suds Francisco Fest Will Combine Funk, Fantastic Views and ... Fermentation?",
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"content": "\u003cp>To the uninitiated, “funk and fermentation” might sound more like a stinky hospital ward full of weird infections than it does like a party. But in fact, \u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/rooftoprhythms/events/rooftop-rhythms-sunday-199285\">Suds Francisco 2026: A Funk & Fermentation Festival\u003c/a> is a real-life Aug. 23 event where people brewin’ and people groovin’ collide. (Hopefully in a non-sticky way?)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the groovin’ side is San Francisco rapper-producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11958102/afterthought-love-letters-to-my-body\">Afterthought\u003c/a>, who’s set to perform with his big, eclectic backing band, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/topchefsband/?hl=en\">Top Chefs\u003c/a>. Expect a hearty dose of positive mental attitude, heartwarming vulnerability, and a blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and (yes) funk, that’ll leave you with the warm and tinglies before you’ve even tried any spicy kimchi.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on the bill is Katdelic, the latest project by former \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13839952/its-that-naughty-feeling-george-clinton-on-funks-enduring-appeal\">Parliament Funkadelic\u003c/a> member, RonKat Spearman. (The soulful and multitalented San Francisco resident is also playing the \u003ca href=\"https://boomboomroom.com/events/\">Boom Boom Room\u003c/a> the night before Suds Francisco, for those of you who prefer your funk in small, dark rooms.) Katdelic as a quintet prides itself on producing genre-bending party music, so get ready to move.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This rooftop party at Salesforce Park is hosted by the \u003ca href=\"https://drinkbay.beer/\">Bay Area Brewing Guild\u003c/a>, Bernal Heights’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> and 26 other reputable independent breweries. As such, Suds Francisco will likely be this summer’s hottest party for Bay Area beer breweries, wineries, cideries, sake- and kombucha-makers, and the fans who love them. The fermentation foodies will be happy too, with a selection of artisanal pickles, kimchi, sourdough, sauerkraut and more to snack on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Entrance is free, but tickets (starting at $85) are available for anyone wanting to indulge in unlimited tastings. Ticket proceeds benefit the Bay Area Brewing Guild, a nonprofit trade association that unites, showcases and supports independent craft breweries around the region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Is funk and fermentation kind of a weird theme to build a festival around? Probably. But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fermentation\">fermentation\u003c/a> is undoubtedly having a moment right now, a natural end-point for the multitude of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13879390/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sourdough-starters-but-were-afraid-to-ask\">sourdough obsessions\u003c/a> that started during the COVID pandemic. And yes, as Parliament noted all the way back in 1975, we’ve still gotta have that funk.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/rooftoprhythms/events/rooftop-rhythms-sunday-199285\">Suds Francisco 2026: A Funk & Fermentation Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/em> \u003cem>takes place \u003cem>Aug. 23, 2–6 p.m\u003c/em>. at Salesforce Park (425 Mission St., San Francisco).\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To the uninitiated, “funk and fermentation” might sound more like a stinky hospital ward full of weird infections than it does like a party. But in fact, \u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/rooftoprhythms/events/rooftop-rhythms-sunday-199285\">Suds Francisco 2026: A Funk & Fermentation Festival\u003c/a> is a real-life Aug. 23 event where people brewin’ and people groovin’ collide. (Hopefully in a non-sticky way?)\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On the groovin’ side is San Francisco rapper-producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11958102/afterthought-love-letters-to-my-body\">Afterthought\u003c/a>, who’s set to perform with his big, eclectic backing band, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/topchefsband/?hl=en\">Top Chefs\u003c/a>. Expect a hearty dose of positive mental attitude, heartwarming vulnerability, and a blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and (yes) funk, that’ll leave you with the warm and tinglies before you’ve even tried any spicy kimchi.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Also on the bill is Katdelic, the latest project by former \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13839952/its-that-naughty-feeling-george-clinton-on-funks-enduring-appeal\">Parliament Funkadelic\u003c/a> member, RonKat Spearman. (The soulful and multitalented San Francisco resident is also playing the \u003ca href=\"https://boomboomroom.com/events/\">Boom Boom Room\u003c/a> the night before Suds Francisco, for those of you who prefer your funk in small, dark rooms.) Katdelic as a quintet prides itself on producing genre-bending party music, so get ready to move.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This rooftop party at Salesforce Park is hosted by the \u003ca href=\"https://drinkbay.beer/\">Bay Area Brewing Guild\u003c/a>, Bernal Heights’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> and 26 other reputable independent breweries. As such, Suds Francisco will likely be this summer’s hottest party for Bay Area beer breweries, wineries, cideries, sake- and kombucha-makers, and the fans who love them. The fermentation foodies will be happy too, with a selection of artisanal pickles, kimchi, sourdough, sauerkraut and more to snack on.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Entrance is free, but tickets (starting at $85) are available for anyone wanting to indulge in unlimited tastings. Ticket proceeds benefit the Bay Area Brewing Guild, a nonprofit trade association that unites, showcases and supports independent craft breweries around the region.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Is funk and fermentation kind of a weird theme to build a festival around? Probably. But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fermentation\">fermentation\u003c/a> is undoubtedly having a moment right now, a natural end-point for the multitude of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13879390/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sourdough-starters-but-were-afraid-to-ask\">sourdough obsessions\u003c/a> that started during the COVID pandemic. And yes, as Parliament noted all the way back in 1975, we’ve still gotta have that funk.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/rooftoprhythms/events/rooftop-rhythms-sunday-199285\">Suds Francisco 2026: A Funk & Fermentation Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/em> \u003cem>takes place \u003cem>Aug. 23, 2–6 p.m\u003c/em>. at Salesforce Park (425 Mission St., San Francisco).\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "This is a weird concept for a festival, sure, but Afterthought is playing, so we'll see you there!",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>To the uninitiated, “funk and fermentation” might sound more like a stinky hospital ward full of weird infections than it does like a party. But in fact, \u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/rooftoprhythms/events/rooftop-rhythms-sunday-199285\">Suds Francisco 2026: A Funk & Fermentation Festival\u003c/a> is a real-life Aug. 23 event where people brewin’ and people groovin’ collide. (Hopefully in a non-sticky way?)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On the groovin’ side is San Francisco rapper-producer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11958102/afterthought-love-letters-to-my-body\">Afterthought\u003c/a>, who’s set to perform with his big, eclectic backing band, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/topchefsband/?hl=en\">Top Chefs\u003c/a>. Expect a hearty dose of positive mental attitude, heartwarming vulnerability, and a blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and (yes) funk, that’ll leave you with the warm and tinglies before you’ve even tried any spicy kimchi.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on the bill is Katdelic, the latest project by former \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13839952/its-that-naughty-feeling-george-clinton-on-funks-enduring-appeal\">Parliament Funkadelic\u003c/a> member, RonKat Spearman. (The soulful and multitalented San Francisco resident is also playing the \u003ca href=\"https://boomboomroom.com/events/\">Boom Boom Room\u003c/a> the night before Suds Francisco, for those of you who prefer your funk in small, dark rooms.) Katdelic as a quintet prides itself on producing genre-bending party music, so get ready to move.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This rooftop party at Salesforce Park is hosted by the \u003ca href=\"https://drinkbay.beer/\">Bay Area Brewing Guild\u003c/a>, Bernal Heights’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> and 26 other reputable independent breweries. As such, Suds Francisco will likely be this summer’s hottest party for Bay Area beer breweries, wineries, cideries, sake- and kombucha-makers, and the fans who love them. The fermentation foodies will be happy too, with a selection of artisanal pickles, kimchi, sourdough, sauerkraut and more to snack on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Entrance is free, but tickets (starting at $85) are available for anyone wanting to indulge in unlimited tastings. Ticket proceeds benefit the Bay Area Brewing Guild, a nonprofit trade association that unites, showcases and supports independent craft breweries around the region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Is funk and fermentation kind of a weird theme to build a festival around? Probably. But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/fermentation\">fermentation\u003c/a> is undoubtedly having a moment right now, a natural end-point for the multitude of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13879390/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sourdough-starters-but-were-afraid-to-ask\">sourdough obsessions\u003c/a> that started during the COVID pandemic. And yes, as Parliament noted all the way back in 1975, we’ve still gotta have that funk.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tixr.com/groups/rooftoprhythms/events/rooftop-rhythms-sunday-199285\">Suds Francisco 2026: A Funk & Fermentation Festival\u003c/a>\u003c/em> \u003cem>takes place \u003cem>Aug. 23, 2–6 p.m\u003c/em>. at Salesforce Park (425 Mission St., San Francisco).\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "bay-area-roller-derby-queer-trans-skaters",
"title": "Is Roller Derby the Bay Area’s Queerest Sport?",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/findingyourpeople\">Finding Your People\u003c/a>, a series celebrating the Bay Area’s meetups and subcultures that bring people together IRL in an increasingly online world.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s the middle of May and roller skaters from all over the United States have descended on Richmond’s Memorial Auditorium for the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s North American West Playoffs. On an oval track, skaters face off in adrenaline-fueled bouts. Numbered torsos form twisted masses, limbs flail and flying bodies repeatedly hit the rink with echoing thuds.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though for the uninitiated, this spectacle can resemble \u003cem>The Hunger Games \u003c/em>on wheels, roller derby’s general premise is simple. Two single skaters (called “jammers”) try to break through their opposing teams’ circling packs (made up of “blockers”) to win points. For fans, these wheeled battles offer controlled chaos that consistently raises the heartrate. But for the skaters involved, roller derby also offers closeness and camaraderie players can’t find anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Simrill Smith (roller derby name: “She Creature”), 26, found skating while studying civil engineering at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta. When she joined Yellow Jacket Roller Derby there, she was one of just five skaters. Under her leadership, that number grew to 80 by the time she graduated. (“I put a lot of heart into that,” she tells KQED.) After she moved to San Francisco two years ago for work, she reached out to \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaderby.com/\">Bay Area Derby\u003c/a> (BAD) — a league comprised of four teams — to see if she could join.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992410\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Simrill Smith (center), known as She Creature or Creech, skates during a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992417\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992417\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Teammates break during a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992418\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992418\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smith skates as the jammer. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Now skating is my biggest community here, too,” Smith says. “The nature of the sport being high contact means you have to bond with people because you have to trust them enough to get hit, and to be able to hit back. So you get really close.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a really competitive community, but also really welcoming and rooted in a lot of queer [culture],” Smith adds, comparing derby names to drag personas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Since its earliest era in the 1930s, roller derby provided a space where women could defy gender expectations. Ask anyone involved in roller derby now, and the skaters will talk about the importance of holding space for transgender and nonbinary athletes. Doing so, they explain, hasn’t just been a boost for the derby community, it has become an important example of what can flourish when anti-trans discrimination is prohibited.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My roller derby community was there for me when I didn’t have a house,” explains Wesley Haack, a 31-year-old transgender tattoo artist who’s been skating in roller derby for 16 years. Haack (derby name: “ByeeeeeYonic”) transitioned years after he’d already fallen in love with skating, and found the support he needed from his derby comrades. “I didn’t have a family to go back home to. [Teammates] were really my everything. That’s what brings me back to derby again and again.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992413\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wesley Haack, known as ByeeeeeeYonic, lies on the ground after a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992416\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During the scrimmage, two skaters, known as jammers, try to break through the other team’s pack, made up of blockers, to win points. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Haack, now based in Berkeley, skates on BAD’s home team and coaches the BAD All Stars. His life in derby started at age 15, when he found out the Sac City Bad Apples in Sacramento were looking for junior skaters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think a lot of what appealed to me wasn’t something that I could put into words back then,” he says. “But as I’ve grown more into myself, [I realize] it was the queerness and the rebel, reject, outsider energy. Seeing Elliot Page in [the 2009 roller derby movie] \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233/\">\u003cem>Whip It\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, I felt like I saw someone really like myself.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Haack pauses and laughs. “I wish I could’ve known what it was sooner!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the things that keeps roller derby a safe space for LGBTQ+ people is its independence. The teams are skater-owned, run and organized. The attempts of larger sports organizations to enter the derby fray have been largely unsuccessful.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“About eight years ago,” Haack explains, “ESPN wanted to air our championships, but they demanded that we not have any names that were offensive. The WFTDA [Women’s Flat Track Derby Association] said ‘You know what? We’re good.’ They aligned with the skaters instead of the money. That is the heart of roller derby to me.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992408\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992408\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soffia Bandril, the jammer, plays in a scrimmage. A jammer is the point scorer for the team, designated by a star on their helmet. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1772\" height=\"1181\" data-id=\"13992265\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992265\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL.jpg 1772w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1772px) 100vw, 1772px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Teammates work to block a jammer. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The risk of injury inherent in derby is another factor that keeps players close. Aya Newman (derby name: Ringo Scarr) is a 29-year-old blocker with the Oakland Outlaws who honed her skating skills in 2022 at one of BAD’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaderby.com/learn-to-skate\">Learn to Skate\u003c/a>” clinics. The 5-week bootcamp is designed to get novice skaters good enough to participate in bouts. Unfortunately, Newman wound up breaking her ankle during her very first scrimmage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I knew immediately something was wrong,” she laughs. “I was there army crawling across the ground. My mom had to come pick me up!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992411\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Skaters huddle during a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992412\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Skaters high five each other after a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Newman’s ankle injury was so severe, she had to take 10 months off from derby. Despite the pain she endured, she couldn’t wait to return — thanks in part to the support of teammates during that downtime.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though it’s still widely thought of as a women’s sport, today roller derby is a kind of commonwealth where everyone involved can live life beyond the binary, without fear of exclusion.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I know the history of derby and I wonder if it’s always been really queer, but we’re just able to be more open about that now,” Smith says. “I just think it’s so cool to be involved in something where you get to be whoever you want to be.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://events.humanitix.com/bay-area-derby-halloween-season-closer\">Bay Area Derby’s next match\u003c/a> takes place Oct. 24 at Richmond Memorial Auditorium (403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond), with the Oakland Outlaws facing off against the San Francisco Rolling Dead. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/findingyourpeople\">Finding Your People\u003c/a>, a series celebrating the Bay Area’s meetups and subcultures that bring people together IRL in an increasingly online world.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s the middle of May and roller skaters from all over the United States have descended on Richmond’s Memorial Auditorium for the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s North American West Playoffs. On an oval track, skaters face off in adrenaline-fueled bouts. Numbered torsos form twisted masses, limbs flail and flying bodies repeatedly hit the rink with echoing thuds.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s the middle of May and roller skaters from all over the United States have descended on Richmond’s Memorial Auditorium for the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s North American West Playoffs. On an oval track, skaters face off in adrenaline-fueled bouts. Numbered torsos form twisted masses, limbs flail and flying bodies repeatedly hit the rink with echoing thuds.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Though for the uninitiated, this spectacle can resemble \u003cem>The Hunger Games \u003c/em>on wheels, roller derby’s general premise is simple. Two single skaters (called “jammers”) try to break through their opposing teams’ circling packs (made up of “blockers”) to win points. For fans, these wheeled battles offer controlled chaos that consistently raises the heartrate. But for the skaters involved, roller derby also offers closeness and camaraderie players can’t find anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Though for the uninitiated, this spectacle can resemble \u003cem>The Hunger Games \u003c/em>on wheels, roller derby’s general premise is simple. Two single skaters (called “jammers”) try to break through their opposing teams’ circling packs (made up of “blockers”) to win points. For fans, these wheeled battles offer controlled chaos that consistently raises the heartrate. But for the skaters involved, roller derby also offers closeness and camaraderie players can’t find anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Simrill Smith (roller derby name: “She Creature”), 26, found skating while studying civil engineering at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta. When she joined Yellow Jacket Roller Derby there, she was one of just five skaters. Under her leadership, that number grew to 80 by the time she graduated. (“I put a lot of heart into that,” she tells KQED.) After she moved to San Francisco two years ago for work, she reached out to \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaderby.com/\">Bay Area Derby\u003c/a> (BAD) — a league comprised of four teams — to see if she could join.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Simrill Smith (roller derby name: “She Creature”), 26, found skating while studying civil engineering at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta. When she joined Yellow Jacket Roller Derby there, she was one of just five skaters. Under her leadership, that number grew to 80 by the time she graduated. (“I put a lot of heart into that,” she tells KQED.) After she moved to San Francisco two years ago for work, she reached out to \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaderby.com/\">Bay Area Derby\u003c/a> (BAD) — a league comprised of four teams — to see if she could join.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992410\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Simrill Smith (center), known as She Creature or Creech, skates during a scrimmage.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992410\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Simrill Smith (center), known as She Creature or Creech, skates during a scrimmage.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992417\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Teammates break during a scrimmage.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992418\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smith skates as the jammer.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Now skating is my biggest community here, too,” Smith says. “The nature of the sport being high contact means you have to bond with people because you have to trust them enough to get hit, and to be able to hit back. So you get really close.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Now skating is my biggest community here, too,” Smith says. “The nature of the sport being high contact means you have to bond with people because you have to trust them enough to get hit, and to be able to hit back. So you get really close.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s a really competitive community, but also really welcoming and rooted in a lot of queer [culture],” Smith adds, comparing derby names to drag personas.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s a really competitive community, but also really welcoming and rooted in a lot of queer [culture],” Smith adds, comparing derby names to drag personas.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Since its earliest era in the 1930s, roller derby provided a space where women could defy gender expectations. Ask anyone involved in roller derby now, and the skaters will talk about the importance of holding space for transgender and nonbinary athletes. Doing so, they explain, hasn’t just been a boost for the derby community, it has become an important example of what can flourish when anti-trans discrimination is prohibited.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Since its earliest era in the 1930s, roller derby provided a space where women could defy gender expectations. Ask anyone involved in roller derby now, and the skaters will talk about the importance of holding space for transgender and nonbinary athletes. Doing so, they explain, hasn’t just been a boost for the derby community, it has become an important example of what can flourish when anti-trans discrimination is prohibited.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My roller derby community was there for me when I didn’t have a house,” explains Wesley Haack, a 31-year-old transgender tattoo artist who’s been skating in roller derby for 16 years. Haack (derby name: “ByeeeeeYonic”) transitioned years after he’d already fallen in love with skating, and found the support he needed from his derby comrades. “I didn’t have a family to go back home to. [Teammates] were really my everything. That’s what brings me back to derby again and again.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“My roller derby community was there for me when I didn’t have a house,” explains Wesley Haack, a 31-year-old transgender tattoo artist who’s been skating in roller derby for 16 years. Haack (derby name: “ByeeeeeYonic”) transitioned years after he’d already fallen in love with skating, and found the support he needed from his derby comrades. “I didn’t have a family to go back home to. [Teammates] were really my everything. That’s what brings me back to derby again and again.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992413\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wesley Haack, known as ByeeeeeeYonic, lies on the ground after a scrimmage.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992413\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wesley Haack, known as ByeeeeeeYonic, lies on the ground after a scrimmage.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992416\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During the scrimmage, two skaters, known as jammers, try to break through the other team’s pack, made up of blockers, to win points.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992416\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During the scrimmage, two skaters, known as jammers, try to break through the other team’s pack, made up of blockers, to win points.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Haack, now based in Berkeley, skates on BAD’s home team and coaches the BAD All Stars. His life in derby started at age 15, when he found out the Sac City Bad Apples in Sacramento were looking for junior skaters.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Haack, now based in Berkeley, skates on BAD’s home team and coaches the BAD All Stars. His life in derby started at age 15, when he found out the Sac City Bad Apples in Sacramento were looking for junior skaters.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think a lot of what appealed to me wasn’t something that I could put into words back then,” he says. “But as I’ve grown more into myself, [I realize] it was the queerness and the rebel, reject, outsider energy. Seeing Elliot Page in [the 2009 roller derby movie] \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233/\">\u003cem>Whip It\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, I felt like I saw someone really like myself.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I think a lot of what appealed to me wasn’t something that I could put into words back then,” he says. “But as I’ve grown more into myself, [I realize] it was the queerness and the rebel, reject, outsider energy. Seeing Elliot Page in [the 2009 roller derby movie] \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233/\">\u003cem>Whip It\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, I felt like I saw someone really like myself.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Haack pauses and laughs. “I wish I could’ve known what it was sooner!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Haack pauses and laughs. “I wish I could’ve known what it was sooner!”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of the things that keeps roller derby a safe space for LGBTQ+ people is its independence. The teams are skater-owned, run and organized. The attempts of larger sports organizations to enter the derby fray have been largely unsuccessful.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One of the things that keeps roller derby a safe space for LGBTQ+ people is its independence. The teams are skater-owned, run and organized. The attempts of larger sports organizations to enter the derby fray have been largely unsuccessful.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“About eight years ago,” Haack explains, “ESPN wanted to air our championships, but they demanded that we not have any names that were offensive. The WFTDA [Women’s Flat Track Derby Association] said ‘You know what? We’re good.’ They aligned with the skaters instead of the money. That is the heart of roller derby to me.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“About eight years ago,” Haack explains, “ESPN wanted to air our championships, but they demanded that we not have any names that were offensive. The WFTDA [Women’s Flat Track Derby Association] said ‘You know what? We’re good.’ They aligned with the skaters instead of the money. That is the heart of roller derby to me.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The risk of injury inherent in derby is another factor that keeps players close. Aya Newman (derby name: Ringo Scarr) is a 29-year-old blocker with the Oakland Outlaws who honed her skating skills in 2022 at one of BAD’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaderby.com/learn-to-skate\">Learn to Skate\u003c/a>” clinics. The 5-week bootcamp is designed to get novice skaters good enough to participate in bouts. Unfortunately, Newman wound up breaking her ankle during her very first scrimmage.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I knew immediately something was wrong,” she laughs. “I was there army crawling across the ground. My mom had to come pick me up!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Newman’s ankle injury was so severe, she had to take 10 months off from derby. Despite the pain she endured, she couldn’t wait to return — thanks in part to the support of teammates during that downtime.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Though it’s still widely thought of as a women’s sport, today roller derby is a kind of commonwealth where everyone involved can live life beyond the binary, without fear of exclusion.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I know the history of derby and I wonder if it’s always been really queer, but we’re just able to be more open about that now,” Smith says. “I just think it’s so cool to be involved in something where you get to be whoever you want to be.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://events.humanitix.com/bay-area-derby-halloween-season-closer\">Bay Area Derby’s next match\u003c/a> takes place Oct. 24 at Richmond Memorial Auditorium (403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond), with the Oakland Outlaws facing off against the San Francisco Rolling Dead. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Slamming into opponents on wheels has its risks. But for gender-nonconforming skaters, the track is a safe haven.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/findingyourpeople\">Finding Your People\u003c/a>, a series celebrating the Bay Area’s meetups and subcultures that bring people together IRL in an increasingly online world.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s the middle of May and roller skaters from all over the United States have descended on Richmond’s Memorial Auditorium for the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s North American West Playoffs. On an oval track, skaters face off in adrenaline-fueled bouts. Numbered torsos form twisted masses, limbs flail and flying bodies repeatedly hit the rink with echoing thuds.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though for the uninitiated, this spectacle can resemble \u003cem>The Hunger Games \u003c/em>on wheels, roller derby’s general premise is simple. Two single skaters (called “jammers”) try to break through their opposing teams’ circling packs (made up of “blockers”) to win points. For fans, these wheeled battles offer controlled chaos that consistently raises the heartrate. But for the skaters involved, roller derby also offers closeness and camaraderie players can’t find anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Simrill Smith (roller derby name: “She Creature”), 26, found skating while studying civil engineering at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta. When she joined Yellow Jacket Roller Derby there, she was one of just five skaters. Under her leadership, that number grew to 80 by the time she graduated. (“I put a lot of heart into that,” she tells KQED.) After she moved to San Francisco two years ago for work, she reached out to \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaderby.com/\">Bay Area Derby\u003c/a> (BAD) — a league comprised of four teams — to see if she could join.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992410\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-21-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Simrill Smith (center), known as She Creature or Creech, skates during a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992417\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992417\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-01-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Teammates break during a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992418\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992418\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-07-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smith skates as the jammer. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Now skating is my biggest community here, too,” Smith says. “The nature of the sport being high contact means you have to bond with people because you have to trust them enough to get hit, and to be able to hit back. So you get really close.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a really competitive community, but also really welcoming and rooted in a lot of queer [culture],” Smith adds, comparing derby names to drag personas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Since its earliest era in the 1930s, roller derby provided a space where women could defy gender expectations. Ask anyone involved in roller derby now, and the skaters will talk about the importance of holding space for transgender and nonbinary athletes. Doing so, they explain, hasn’t just been a boost for the derby community, it has become an important example of what can flourish when anti-trans discrimination is prohibited.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My roller derby community was there for me when I didn’t have a house,” explains Wesley Haack, a 31-year-old transgender tattoo artist who’s been skating in roller derby for 16 years. Haack (derby name: “ByeeeeeYonic”) transitioned years after he’d already fallen in love with skating, and found the support he needed from his derby comrades. “I didn’t have a family to go back home to. [Teammates] were really my everything. That’s what brings me back to derby again and again.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992413\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-24-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wesley Haack, known as ByeeeeeeYonic, lies on the ground after a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992416\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-12-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During the scrimmage, two skaters, known as jammers, try to break through the other team’s pack, made up of blockers, to win points. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Haack, now based in Berkeley, skates on BAD’s home team and coaches the BAD All Stars. His life in derby started at age 15, when he found out the Sac City Bad Apples in Sacramento were looking for junior skaters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think a lot of what appealed to me wasn’t something that I could put into words back then,” he says. “But as I’ve grown more into myself, [I realize] it was the queerness and the rebel, reject, outsider energy. Seeing Elliot Page in [the 2009 roller derby movie] \u003ca href=\"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233/\">\u003cem>Whip It\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, I felt like I saw someone really like myself.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Haack pauses and laughs. “I wish I could’ve known what it was sooner!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One of the things that keeps roller derby a safe space for LGBTQ+ people is its independence. The teams are skater-owned, run and organized. The attempts of larger sports organizations to enter the derby fray have been largely unsuccessful.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“About eight years ago,” Haack explains, “ESPN wanted to air our championships, but they demanded that we not have any names that were offensive. The WFTDA [Women’s Flat Track Derby Association] said ‘You know what? We’re good.’ They aligned with the skaters instead of the money. That is the heart of roller derby to me.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"13992408\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992408\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-20-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soffia Bandril, the jammer, plays in a scrimmage. A jammer is the point scorer for the team, designated by a star on their helmet. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1772\" height=\"1181\" data-id=\"13992265\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992265\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL.jpg 1772w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/260723-FYP-RollerDerby-17-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1772px) 100vw, 1772px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Teammates work to block a jammer. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The risk of injury inherent in derby is another factor that keeps players close. Aya Newman (derby name: Ringo Scarr) is a 29-year-old blocker with the Oakland Outlaws who honed her skating skills in 2022 at one of BAD’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareaderby.com/learn-to-skate\">Learn to Skate\u003c/a>” clinics. The 5-week bootcamp is designed to get novice skaters good enough to participate in bouts. Unfortunately, Newman wound up breaking her ankle during her very first scrimmage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I knew immediately something was wrong,” she laughs. “I was there army crawling across the ground. My mom had to come pick me up!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992411\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-22-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Skaters huddle during a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992412\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/260507-RollerDerby-23-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Skaters high five each other after a scrimmage. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Newman’s ankle injury was so severe, she had to take 10 months off from derby. Despite the pain she endured, she couldn’t wait to return — thanks in part to the support of teammates during that downtime.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Though it’s still widely thought of as a women’s sport, today roller derby is a kind of commonwealth where everyone involved can live life beyond the binary, without fear of exclusion.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I know the history of derby and I wonder if it’s always been really queer, but we’re just able to be more open about that now,” Smith says. “I just think it’s so cool to be involved in something where you get to be whoever you want to be.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://events.humanitix.com/bay-area-derby-halloween-season-closer\">Bay Area Derby’s next match\u003c/a> takes place Oct. 24 at Richmond Memorial Auditorium (403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond), with the Oakland Outlaws facing off against the San Francisco Rolling Dead. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Hardly Strictly Announces Initial 2026 Lineup, Including My Morning Jacket",
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"content": "\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Update, Aug. 19, 2026:\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/10695713/gates-of-gold-by-los-lobos-reveals-new-mysteries\">Los Lobos\u003c/a>, Alison Krauss & Union Station and Mavis Staples have all been added to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass line-up. This is Staples’ first return to the Bay Area since her triumphant residency at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/sfjazz\">SFJAZZ Center\u003c/a> during Valentine’s weekend 2025.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on the bill now is Arizona-based protest singer Jesse Welles. In recent years, Welles has found viral fame \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wellesmusic/?hl=en\">on social media with videos\u003c/a> that showcase his smart, lyrically biting bluegrass songs, outdoors on an acoustic guitar. The youngest, most political folks in your party will be thrilled to see him and his impressively shaggy mane.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is also spotlighting a bevy of idiosyncratic young female artists with Ismay (Northern Californian singer songwriter \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13895247/country-queer-documents-the-genres-shift-to-lgbtq-inclusivity\">Avery Hellman\u003c/a>), Meels (who you might recognize from \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=703Rw3csnvc&list=RDEM4t80bKQ5GtRtkXVP3iWZBA&start_radio=1\">this video of her singing to a raccoon puppet\u003c/a>), innovative soul singer \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/06/09/1104000203/the-suffers-lead-singer-kam-franklin-talks-about-the-tough-road-to-their-latest-\">Kam Franklin\u003c/a>, mandolin virtuoso \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGUy6cwbhyw\">Sierra Hull\u003c/a>, and reflective crooner \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5QW1yNd4X0\">Anna Moss\u003c/a> joining the bill.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also catch Lukas Nelson, Dug, Moonalice, Bandits on the Run, Tift Merritt, ¿Qiensave?, Mama’s Broke, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Darrell Scott String Band, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and Langford, Hogan & Timms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>More artists will be announced on Sept. 1.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Original story, July 22, 2026:\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The first artists for this year’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival have been announced. The annual festival has brought admission-free live music to Golden Gate Park every October for the past 25 years, offering a mix of genres that seems to expand beyond bluegrass a little more every year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bill’s biggest outliers so far are retro melodic rockers \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nciiIegBe4Y&list=RDnciiIegBe4Y&start_radio=1\">My Morning Jacket\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJErMW4gZ1c&list=RDUJErMW4gZ1c&start_radio=1\">Tyler Ballgame,\u003c/a> as well as Yemeni-Israeli experimentalists \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBfhe2c4mlk&list=RDTBfhe2c4mlk&start_radio=1\">El Khat\u003c/a>. (My Morning Jacket vocalist Jim James last appeared at the festival 10 years ago, when he performed a solo set.) HSB attendees will also be treated to the soothing sounds of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfGdjdxxOuU&list=RDlfGdjdxxOuU&start_radio=1&t=16s\">Gillian Welch & David Rawlings\u003c/a>, the Americana folk of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLUN4sCMCeY&list=RDBLUN4sCMCeY&start_radio=1\">Hiss Golden Messenger\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9buGgLs-hFo&list=RD9buGgLs-hFo&start_radio=1\">Kathleen Edwards\u003c/a>’ emotive alt-country, the intricate instrumentalism of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo312uXyaXo&list=RDMo312uXyaXo&start_radio=1\">William Tyler\u003c/a> & \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKDoVuG7uZ0&list=RDnKDoVuG7uZ0&start_radio=1&t=332s\">Yasmin Williams\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQBezsujuA&list=RDjfQBezsujuA&start_radio=1&t=2207s\">John Craigie and the Coffis Brothers\u003c/a>’ groove-infused country. For the bluegrass purists, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGZVDWqAQG8&list=RDy5IZQO8MCaI&index=2\">Old Crow Medicine Show\u003c/a>, as well as \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0z-UM9YJsY&list=RDb0z-UM9YJsY&start_radio=1\">AJ Lee & Blue Summit\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly mainstay \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_o_2ejfm7M&list=RDK_o_2ejfm7M&start_radio=1\">Steve Earle\u003c/a>, who has performed at the festival every year since 2002, will kick off the weekend with a special show at the Masonic on Oct. 1. “An Evening Honoring Steve Earle” will see the country music legend joined onstage by friends and collaborators including Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and more. The concert will benefit the Sonoma nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://sweetwaterspectrum.org/\">Sweetwater Spectrum\u003c/a>, which provides residential housing for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will be held in Golden Gate Park, Oct. 2–4, at Hellman Hollow and Lindley and Marx Meadows. Festival organizers will continue to announce more artists in the coming weeks. \u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/10695713/gates-of-gold-by-los-lobos-reveals-new-mysteries\">Los Lobos\u003c/a>, Alison Krauss & Union Station and Mavis Staples have all been added to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass line-up. This is Staples’ first return to the Bay Area since her triumphant residency at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/sfjazz\">SFJAZZ Center\u003c/a> during Valentine’s weekend 2025.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Also on the bill now is Arizona-based protest singer Jesse Welles. In recent years, Welles has found viral fame \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wellesmusic/?hl=en\">on social media with videos\u003c/a> that showcase his smart, lyrically biting bluegrass songs, outdoors on an acoustic guitar. The youngest, most political folks in your party will be thrilled to see him and his impressively shaggy mane.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is also spotlighting a bevy of idiosyncratic young female artists with Ismay (Northern Californian singer songwriter \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13895247/country-queer-documents-the-genres-shift-to-lgbtq-inclusivity\">Avery Hellman\u003c/a>), Meels (who you might recognize from \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=703Rw3csnvc&list=RDEM4t80bKQ5GtRtkXVP3iWZBA&start_radio=1\">this video of her singing to a raccoon puppet\u003c/a>), innovative soul singer \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/06/09/1104000203/the-suffers-lead-singer-kam-franklin-talks-about-the-tough-road-to-their-latest-\">Kam Franklin\u003c/a>, mandolin virtuoso \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGUy6cwbhyw\">Sierra Hull\u003c/a>, and reflective crooner \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5QW1yNd4X0\">Anna Moss\u003c/a> joining the bill.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also catch Lukas Nelson, Dug, Moonalice, Bandits on the Run, Tift Merritt, ¿Qiensave?, Mama’s Broke, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Darrell Scott String Band, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and Langford, Hogan & Timms.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The first artists for this year’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival have been announced. The annual festival has brought admission-free live music to Golden Gate Park every October for the past 25 years, offering a mix of genres that seems to expand beyond bluegrass a little more every year.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The bill’s biggest outliers so far are retro melodic rockers \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nciiIegBe4Y&list=RDnciiIegBe4Y&start_radio=1\">My Morning Jacket\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJErMW4gZ1c&list=RDUJErMW4gZ1c&start_radio=1\">Tyler Ballgame,\u003c/a> as well as Yemeni-Israeli experimentalists \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBfhe2c4mlk&list=RDTBfhe2c4mlk&start_radio=1\">El Khat\u003c/a>. (My Morning Jacket vocalist Jim James last appeared at the festival 10 years ago, when he performed a solo set.) HSB attendees will also be treated to the soothing sounds of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfGdjdxxOuU&list=RDlfGdjdxxOuU&start_radio=1&t=16s\">Gillian Welch & David Rawlings\u003c/a>, the Americana folk of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLUN4sCMCeY&list=RDBLUN4sCMCeY&start_radio=1\">Hiss Golden Messenger\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9buGgLs-hFo&list=RD9buGgLs-hFo&start_radio=1\">Kathleen Edwards\u003c/a>’ emotive alt-country, the intricate instrumentalism of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo312uXyaXo&list=RDMo312uXyaXo&start_radio=1\">William Tyler\u003c/a> & \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKDoVuG7uZ0&list=RDnKDoVuG7uZ0&start_radio=1&t=332s\">Yasmin Williams\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQBezsujuA&list=RDjfQBezsujuA&start_radio=1&t=2207s\">John Craigie and the Coffis Brothers\u003c/a>’ groove-infused country. For the bluegrass purists, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGZVDWqAQG8&list=RDy5IZQO8MCaI&index=2\">Old Crow Medicine Show\u003c/a>, as well as \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0z-UM9YJsY&list=RDb0z-UM9YJsY&start_radio=1\">AJ Lee & Blue Summit\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly mainstay \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_o_2ejfm7M&list=RDK_o_2ejfm7M&start_radio=1\">Steve Earle\u003c/a>, who has performed at the festival every year since 2002, will kick off the weekend with a special show at the Masonic on Oct. 1. “An Evening Honoring Steve Earle” will see the country music legend joined onstage by friends and collaborators including Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and more. The concert will benefit the Sonoma nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://sweetwaterspectrum.org/\">Sweetwater Spectrum\u003c/a>, which provides residential housing for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will be held in Golden Gate Park, Oct. 2–4, at Hellman Hollow and Lindley and Marx Meadows. Festival organizers will continue to announce more artists in the coming weeks. \u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Also on the bill: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, El Khat, Kathleen Williams, Tyler Ballgame and more.",
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"title": "My Morning Jacket Is Playing Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026 | KQED",
"description": "Also on the bill: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, El Khat, Kathleen Williams, Tyler Ballgame and more.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Update, Aug. 19, 2026:\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/10695713/gates-of-gold-by-los-lobos-reveals-new-mysteries\">Los Lobos\u003c/a>, Alison Krauss & Union Station and Mavis Staples have all been added to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass line-up. This is Staples’ first return to the Bay Area since her triumphant residency at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/sfjazz\">SFJAZZ Center\u003c/a> during Valentine’s weekend 2025.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on the bill now is Arizona-based protest singer Jesse Welles. In recent years, Welles has found viral fame \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wellesmusic/?hl=en\">on social media with videos\u003c/a> that showcase his smart, lyrically biting bluegrass songs, outdoors on an acoustic guitar. The youngest, most political folks in your party will be thrilled to see him and his impressively shaggy mane.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is also spotlighting a bevy of idiosyncratic young female artists with Ismay (Northern Californian singer songwriter \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13895247/country-queer-documents-the-genres-shift-to-lgbtq-inclusivity\">Avery Hellman\u003c/a>), Meels (who you might recognize from \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=703Rw3csnvc&list=RDEM4t80bKQ5GtRtkXVP3iWZBA&start_radio=1\">this video of her singing to a raccoon puppet\u003c/a>), innovative soul singer \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/06/09/1104000203/the-suffers-lead-singer-kam-franklin-talks-about-the-tough-road-to-their-latest-\">Kam Franklin\u003c/a>, mandolin virtuoso \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGUy6cwbhyw\">Sierra Hull\u003c/a>, and reflective crooner \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5QW1yNd4X0\">Anna Moss\u003c/a> joining the bill.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also catch Lukas Nelson, Dug, Moonalice, Bandits on the Run, Tift Merritt, ¿Qiensave?, Mama’s Broke, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Darrell Scott String Band, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and Langford, Hogan & Timms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>More artists will be announced on Sept. 1.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Original story, July 22, 2026:\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The first artists for this year’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival have been announced. The annual festival has brought admission-free live music to Golden Gate Park every October for the past 25 years, offering a mix of genres that seems to expand beyond bluegrass a little more every year.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bill’s biggest outliers so far are retro melodic rockers \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nciiIegBe4Y&list=RDnciiIegBe4Y&start_radio=1\">My Morning Jacket\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJErMW4gZ1c&list=RDUJErMW4gZ1c&start_radio=1\">Tyler Ballgame,\u003c/a> as well as Yemeni-Israeli experimentalists \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBfhe2c4mlk&list=RDTBfhe2c4mlk&start_radio=1\">El Khat\u003c/a>. (My Morning Jacket vocalist Jim James last appeared at the festival 10 years ago, when he performed a solo set.) HSB attendees will also be treated to the soothing sounds of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfGdjdxxOuU&list=RDlfGdjdxxOuU&start_radio=1&t=16s\">Gillian Welch & David Rawlings\u003c/a>, the Americana folk of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLUN4sCMCeY&list=RDBLUN4sCMCeY&start_radio=1\">Hiss Golden Messenger\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9buGgLs-hFo&list=RD9buGgLs-hFo&start_radio=1\">Kathleen Edwards\u003c/a>’ emotive alt-country, the intricate instrumentalism of \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo312uXyaXo&list=RDMo312uXyaXo&start_radio=1\">William Tyler\u003c/a> & \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKDoVuG7uZ0&list=RDnKDoVuG7uZ0&start_radio=1&t=332s\">Yasmin Williams\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQBezsujuA&list=RDjfQBezsujuA&start_radio=1&t=2207s\">John Craigie and the Coffis Brothers\u003c/a>’ groove-infused country. For the bluegrass purists, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGZVDWqAQG8&list=RDy5IZQO8MCaI&index=2\">Old Crow Medicine Show\u003c/a>, as well as \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0z-UM9YJsY&list=RDb0z-UM9YJsY&start_radio=1\">AJ Lee & Blue Summit\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly mainstay \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_o_2ejfm7M&list=RDK_o_2ejfm7M&start_radio=1\">Steve Earle\u003c/a>, who has performed at the festival every year since 2002, will kick off the weekend with a special show at the Masonic on Oct. 1. “An Evening Honoring Steve Earle” will see the country music legend joined onstage by friends and collaborators including Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and more. The concert will benefit the Sonoma nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://sweetwaterspectrum.org/\">Sweetwater Spectrum\u003c/a>, which provides residential housing for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will be held in Golden Gate Park, Oct. 2–4, at Hellman Hollow and Lindley and Marx Meadows. Festival organizers will continue to announce more artists in the coming weeks. \u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "ada-anniversary-celebration-the-roxie-glbt-historical-society-504-viviens-wild-ride-pbs",
"title": "Celebrating the Americans With Disabilities Act in San Francisco",
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"content": "\u003cp>On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/americans-with-disabilities-act\">Americans With Disabilities Act\u003c/a> into law, declaring: “Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The law had been hard-fought, with disability rights activists working for more than a decade to get it passed. An important core group of those activists, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966861/judith-heumann-disability-rights-uc-berkeley-center-independent-living\">Judy Heumann\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101863500/disability-rights-advocates-recognized-on-ed-roberts-day\">Ed Roberts\u003c/a>, were based in the Bay Area, and had proved to be an unstoppable force.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thirteen years earlier, they led more than 100 disability rights protesters in a 26-day occupation of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare inside San Francisco’s Federal Building. They demanded that Section 504 of 1973’s Rehabilitation Act finally be signed, so that any organization receiving federal funds would be compeled to make buildings accessible for the disabled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The sit-in was brought to wider attention in 2020, thanks to the acclaimed Netflix documentary \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13877373/now-playing-crip-camp-recalls-coming-of-age-through-activism\">Crip Camp\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. This weekend, meanwhile, offers an opportunity to see the federal building occupation from a whole new angle.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To mark the 36th anniversary of the ADA’s passage, the GLBT Historical Society will screen its own short film about the protest at San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/roxie-theater\">Roxie Theater\u003c/a>. \u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em> lasts a swift 30 minutes, comprised of on-the-ground insider footage. The short, sometimes grainy black-and-white film offers an immersive view into what really went on behind the scenes during the grueling sit-in.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Inside the federal building, we see the squatters navigating overcrowded and inaccessible conditions using only a collective sense of righteousness, a tenacious dedication to organizing and — grabbing joy where they can — a surprising amount of singing and bubble-blowing. Holed up in the offices, the protesters pass the time engaged in philosophical debates, or discussing the erasure of disabled folks from pop culture. They also express gratitude for the support the protest receives from Black Panthers, union organizers and LGBTQ advocates, among many others.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Near the federal building’s front doors, we see supporters gathering, passionate speeches being made, and protest musicians demanding in song (accompanied by an ASL translator, of course) that 504 be signed. After almost a month of the federal building occupation, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano finally caved and 504 was enacted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It marked a triumphant win for the protesters. Once their work was done, however, they soon regrouped and began campaigning for what would later become the ADA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em> captures both the hardship and hardiness of the protesters during what was, at the time, the longest nonviolent occupation of a federal building in U.S. history. In 2026, their story serves as an inspiring reminder of what can happen when ordinary people fight back against oppression in large enough numbers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the Roxie Theater, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13899598/bay-area-historic-movie-theaters-move-towards-greater-accessibility\">made its own ADA upgrades\u003c/a> during the pandemic’s downtime, the \u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em> screening will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by \u003cem>Crip Camp\u003c/em> director Jim LeBrecht. Disability rights experts \u003ca href=\"https://www.pinedafoundation.org/\">Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/kevin-mintz\">Dr. Kevin Mintz\u003c/a> join as guests, along with renowned Bay Area film editor Vivien Hillgrove.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Following the conversation is a screening of Hillgrove’s own documentary, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13974577/viviens-wild-ride-documentary-review\">Vivien’s Wild Ride\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. Self-directed, the film charts her struggles with macular degeneration and sight loss. As her disability progresses, Hillgrove mentally retreats into her past to examine the strengths she formed and lessons she learned in the 1960s as a single teen mom forced to give her child up for adoption. Like \u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em>, Hillgrove’s story is one of resilience and disability, and also features fantastic footage of a bygone San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VstYZ5DVLWY\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Roxie and GLBT Historical Society joined forces with the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Center for Independent Living for the double-feature event. It is a fitting way to celebrate the existence of the ADA, to remember what life might be like without it, and remember the tenacious activists who made the law a reality.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://roxie.com/film/ada-celebration-viviens-wild-ride-sign-504-now/\">The Roxie’s ADA Celebration\u003c/a>, featuring ‘Sign 504 Now!’\u003c/em> and \u003cem>‘Vivien’s Wild Ride,’ takes place at the Roxie (3117 16th St., San Francisco) on July 26, 2026, at 1 p.m.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The law had been hard-fought, with disability rights activists working for more than a decade to get it passed. An important core group of those activists, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966861/judith-heumann-disability-rights-uc-berkeley-center-independent-living\">Judy Heumann\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101863500/disability-rights-advocates-recognized-on-ed-roberts-day\">Ed Roberts\u003c/a>, were based in the Bay Area, and had proved to be an unstoppable force.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Thirteen years earlier, they led more than 100 disability rights protesters in a 26-day occupation of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare inside San Francisco’s Federal Building. They demanded that Section 504 of 1973’s Rehabilitation Act finally be signed, so that any organization receiving federal funds would be compeled to make buildings accessible for the disabled.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To mark the 36th anniversary of the ADA’s passage, the GLBT Historical Society will screen its own short film about the protest at San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/roxie-theater\">Roxie Theater\u003c/a>. \u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em> lasts a swift 30 minutes, comprised of on-the-ground insider footage. The short, sometimes grainy black-and-white film offers an immersive view into what really went on behind the scenes during the grueling sit-in.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Near the federal building’s front doors, we see supporters gathering, passionate speeches being made, and protest musicians demanding in song (accompanied by an ASL translator, of course) that 504 be signed. After almost a month of the federal building occupation, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano finally caved and 504 was enacted.\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/americans-with-disabilities-act\">Americans With Disabilities Act\u003c/a> into law, declaring: “Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The law had been hard-fought, with disability rights activists working for more than a decade to get it passed. An important core group of those activists, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966861/judith-heumann-disability-rights-uc-berkeley-center-independent-living\">Judy Heumann\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101863500/disability-rights-advocates-recognized-on-ed-roberts-day\">Ed Roberts\u003c/a>, were based in the Bay Area, and had proved to be an unstoppable force.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thirteen years earlier, they led more than 100 disability rights protesters in a 26-day occupation of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare inside San Francisco’s Federal Building. They demanded that Section 504 of 1973’s Rehabilitation Act finally be signed, so that any organization receiving federal funds would be compeled to make buildings accessible for the disabled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The sit-in was brought to wider attention in 2020, thanks to the acclaimed Netflix documentary \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13877373/now-playing-crip-camp-recalls-coming-of-age-through-activism\">Crip Camp\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. This weekend, meanwhile, offers an opportunity to see the federal building occupation from a whole new angle.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To mark the 36th anniversary of the ADA’s passage, the GLBT Historical Society will screen its own short film about the protest at San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/roxie-theater\">Roxie Theater\u003c/a>. \u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em> lasts a swift 30 minutes, comprised of on-the-ground insider footage. The short, sometimes grainy black-and-white film offers an immersive view into what really went on behind the scenes during the grueling sit-in.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Inside the federal building, we see the squatters navigating overcrowded and inaccessible conditions using only a collective sense of righteousness, a tenacious dedication to organizing and — grabbing joy where they can — a surprising amount of singing and bubble-blowing. Holed up in the offices, the protesters pass the time engaged in philosophical debates, or discussing the erasure of disabled folks from pop culture. They also express gratitude for the support the protest receives from Black Panthers, union organizers and LGBTQ advocates, among many others.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Near the federal building’s front doors, we see supporters gathering, passionate speeches being made, and protest musicians demanding in song (accompanied by an ASL translator, of course) that 504 be signed. After almost a month of the federal building occupation, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph Califano finally caved and 504 was enacted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It marked a triumphant win for the protesters. Once their work was done, however, they soon regrouped and began campaigning for what would later become the ADA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em> captures both the hardship and hardiness of the protesters during what was, at the time, the longest nonviolent occupation of a federal building in U.S. history. In 2026, their story serves as an inspiring reminder of what can happen when ordinary people fight back against oppression in large enough numbers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the Roxie Theater, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13899598/bay-area-historic-movie-theaters-move-towards-greater-accessibility\">made its own ADA upgrades\u003c/a> during the pandemic’s downtime, the \u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em> screening will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by \u003cem>Crip Camp\u003c/em> director Jim LeBrecht. Disability rights experts \u003ca href=\"https://www.pinedafoundation.org/\">Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/kevin-mintz\">Dr. Kevin Mintz\u003c/a> join as guests, along with renowned Bay Area film editor Vivien Hillgrove.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Following the conversation is a screening of Hillgrove’s own documentary, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13974577/viviens-wild-ride-documentary-review\">Vivien’s Wild Ride\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. Self-directed, the film charts her struggles with macular degeneration and sight loss. As her disability progresses, Hillgrove mentally retreats into her past to examine the strengths she formed and lessons she learned in the 1960s as a single teen mom forced to give her child up for adoption. Like \u003cem>Sign 504 Now!\u003c/em>, Hillgrove’s story is one of resilience and disability, and also features fantastic footage of a bygone San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/VstYZ5DVLWY'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/VstYZ5DVLWY'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Roxie and GLBT Historical Society joined forces with the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Center for Independent Living for the double-feature event. It is a fitting way to celebrate the existence of the ADA, to remember what life might be like without it, and remember the tenacious activists who made the law a reality.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://roxie.com/film/ada-celebration-viviens-wild-ride-sign-504-now/\">The Roxie’s ADA Celebration\u003c/a>, featuring ‘Sign 504 Now!’\u003c/em> and \u003cem>‘Vivien’s Wild Ride,’ takes place at the Roxie (3117 16th St., San Francisco) on July 26, 2026, at 1 p.m.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>To mark America’s 250th anniversary, NPR asked students across the country to produce short podcasts about their own unique experiences as citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>More than 700 entries from fourth graders, middle schoolers and high schoolers flooded in, each exploring themes around life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A dedicated team from NPR then chose seven winners and 30 honorable mentions for the most outstanding podcasts — including one winner and six honorable mentions from Bay Area students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can learn more about the Bay Area podcasts below, and find links to their unique and often heartwarming episodes. Congratulations to all of these talented hosts!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winner \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12xuKagnUf7nD9qZSOS-skXVPB14Cd_oV/view\">The Journal\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In her 8-minute show, Carmel High School’s Violet Maxinoski explores \u003cem>The Journal\u003c/em> of the title — one that her mother Sandi kept while serving in the Iraq war. The journal gives Maxinoski a greater appreciation of her own liberty. “[The] word appears again and again throughout my mother’s journal: choice. The freedom to move through the world without fear, war or the government choosing for you,” Maxinoski says. “The freedom to speak, to create, to disagree, to imagine another kind of future. These words ring especially true for me now as I prepare to leave behind the familiarity of my high school years and step into college.” Clearly, Maxinoski has a bright future ahead. (Teacher/Sponsor: Shelley Grahl)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Honorable Mentions \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/ikleeu0trb6q/america-the-beautiful\">America the Beautiful\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Students Pareena Gupta and Vidushee Bala, of Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, produced a frank and honest podcast about trash, recycling, and trying to be responsible young people in a chaotic urban environment. “That’s the thing about a competitive school full of competitive kids,” they note. “The pressure shows up in even the most seemingly trivial things, like throwing away your lunch.” (Teacher/Sponsor: Stacey Sklar.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-f2tb4-1ad9b6c?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_source=w_share_pb&utm_medium=dlink\">America’s New Favorite Sport — Girls’ Flag Football\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Josephine and Malcolm Barry-Kao from Lowell High in San Francisco explain the rules and history of flag football, and the reasons the game is growing in popularity for girls and teens. They note that there’s been a 63% increase in girls playing flag football since 2019, in part thanks to Title IX mandating that schools offer more sports options for girls. The Barry-Kaos describe flag football as a “uniquely American sport” and explain that, for them, the thrill of playing is stronger than enduring sexist ideas around the game. (Teacher/Sponsor: Jacqueline Moses)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"A wide photograph of a Black female flag football player sprinting with the ball under her right arm.\" class=\"wp-image-13991829\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josephine and Malcolm Barry-Kao explain flag football to newbies in their podcast. (Rinald Rolle/Unsplash)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/lara-leon-262280917/everything-given-forward\">Everything Given Forward\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mountain View High student Lara Leon beautifully explores her Chinese/Hispanic heritage, feeling caught in the middle of two cultures and struggling to feel like she belongs fully to either. Leon weaves a deeply personal story of her hardworking grandfather’s journey around the world, and his fight to become a citizen of the United States, the one country that truly felt like home. As she figures out where she belongs, Leon’s reverence for her grandfather shines through. (Teacher/Sponsor: Tom Chang)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/neeti-tyagi-2/naina-dhillons-npr-podcast\">Fifty Stars, One Banner\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Naina Dhillon, a student at Khan Lab School in Palo Alto, is an adorable host. She opens her show by singing the national anthem, takes us along on a Calistoga hike and imagines herself “as a star on the star-spangled banner.” She talks to her classmates about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — and it’s all disarmingly lovely. (Teacher/Sponsor: Emily Lindsey)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/kelly-kurtzig/so-what?si=1e983273f91e4d6685c4ac3632146fcb&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing\">So What??\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kelly Kurtzig of San Rafael’s Marin Academy interviews her grandmother — who just happens to be groundbreaking tech executive \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Kurtzig\">Sandra Kurtzig\u003c/a> — about battling sexism in the 1970s and ’80s to become the first-ever woman to take a Silicon Valley company public. The senior Kurtzig proves to be inspirational. “Some of the investors who showed up to see my presentation showed up to see the freak show,” she explains to her granddaughter, “because they’d never seen a woman CEO before. Luckily there were more people who showed up to buy the stock than to see the freak show.” (Teacher/Sponsor: Caroline Harris)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In her 8-minute show, Carmel High School’s Violet Maxinoski explores \u003cem>The Journal\u003c/em> of the title — one that her mother Sandi kept while serving in the Iraq war. The journal gives Maxinoski a greater appreciation of her own liberty. “[The] word appears again and again throughout my mother’s journal: choice. The freedom to move through the world without fear, war or the government choosing for you,” Maxinoski says. “The freedom to speak, to create, to disagree, to imagine another kind of future. These words ring especially true for me now as I prepare to leave behind the familiarity of my high school years and step into college.” Clearly, Maxinoski has a bright future ahead. (Teacher/Sponsor: Shelley Grahl)\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Students Pareena Gupta and Vidushee Bala, of Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, produced a frank and honest podcast about trash, recycling, and trying to be responsible young people in a chaotic urban environment. “That’s the thing about a competitive school full of competitive kids,” they note. “The pressure shows up in even the most seemingly trivial things, like throwing away your lunch.” (Teacher/Sponsor: Stacey Sklar.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "NPR asked kids to mark America’s 250th anniversary with podcasts about life and liberty. Hear the seven winning Bay Area entries.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>To mark America’s 250th anniversary, NPR asked students across the country to produce short podcasts about their own unique experiences as citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>More than 700 entries from fourth graders, middle schoolers and high schoolers flooded in, each exploring themes around life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A dedicated team from NPR then chose seven winners and 30 honorable mentions for the most outstanding podcasts — including one winner and six honorable mentions from Bay Area students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can learn more about the Bay Area podcasts below, and find links to their unique and often heartwarming episodes. Congratulations to all of these talented hosts!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winner \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12xuKagnUf7nD9qZSOS-skXVPB14Cd_oV/view\">The Journal\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In her 8-minute show, Carmel High School’s Violet Maxinoski explores \u003cem>The Journal\u003c/em> of the title — one that her mother Sandi kept while serving in the Iraq war. The journal gives Maxinoski a greater appreciation of her own liberty. “[The] word appears again and again throughout my mother’s journal: choice. The freedom to move through the world without fear, war or the government choosing for you,” Maxinoski says. “The freedom to speak, to create, to disagree, to imagine another kind of future. These words ring especially true for me now as I prepare to leave behind the familiarity of my high school years and step into college.” Clearly, Maxinoski has a bright future ahead. (Teacher/Sponsor: Shelley Grahl)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Honorable Mentions \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/ikleeu0trb6q/america-the-beautiful\">America the Beautiful\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Students Pareena Gupta and Vidushee Bala, of Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, produced a frank and honest podcast about trash, recycling, and trying to be responsible young people in a chaotic urban environment. “That’s the thing about a competitive school full of competitive kids,” they note. “The pressure shows up in even the most seemingly trivial things, like throwing away your lunch.” (Teacher/Sponsor: Stacey Sklar.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-f2tb4-1ad9b6c?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_source=w_share_pb&utm_medium=dlink\">America’s New Favorite Sport — Girls’ Flag Football\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Josephine and Malcolm Barry-Kao from Lowell High in San Francisco explain the rules and history of flag football, and the reasons the game is growing in popularity for girls and teens. They note that there’s been a 63% increase in girls playing flag football since 2019, in part thanks to Title IX mandating that schools offer more sports options for girls. The Barry-Kaos describe flag football as a “uniquely American sport” and explain that, for them, the thrill of playing is stronger than enduring sexist ideas around the game. (Teacher/Sponsor: Jacqueline Moses)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"A wide photograph of a Black female flag football player sprinting with the ball under her right arm.\" class=\"wp-image-13991829\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/rinald-rolle-CxLnrerxO7w-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josephine and Malcolm Barry-Kao explain flag football to newbies in their podcast. (Rinald Rolle/Unsplash)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/lara-leon-262280917/everything-given-forward\">Everything Given Forward\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mountain View High student Lara Leon beautifully explores her Chinese/Hispanic heritage, feeling caught in the middle of two cultures and struggling to feel like she belongs fully to either. Leon weaves a deeply personal story of her hardworking grandfather’s journey around the world, and his fight to become a citizen of the United States, the one country that truly felt like home. As she figures out where she belongs, Leon’s reverence for her grandfather shines through. (Teacher/Sponsor: Tom Chang)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/neeti-tyagi-2/naina-dhillons-npr-podcast\">Fifty Stars, One Banner\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Naina Dhillon, a student at Khan Lab School in Palo Alto, is an adorable host. She opens her show by singing the national anthem, takes us along on a Calistoga hike and imagines herself “as a star on the star-spangled banner.” She talks to her classmates about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — and it’s all disarmingly lovely. (Teacher/Sponsor: Emily Lindsey)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/kelly-kurtzig/so-what?si=1e983273f91e4d6685c4ac3632146fcb&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing\">So What??\u003c/a>’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Kelly Kurtzig of San Rafael’s Marin Academy interviews her grandmother — who just happens to be groundbreaking tech executive \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Kurtzig\">Sandra Kurtzig\u003c/a> — about battling sexism in the 1970s and ’80s to become the first-ever woman to take a Silicon Valley company public. The senior Kurtzig proves to be inspirational. “Some of the investors who showed up to see my presentation showed up to see the freak show,” she explains to her granddaughter, “because they’d never seen a woman CEO before. Luckily there were more people who showed up to buy the stock than to see the freak show.” (Teacher/Sponsor: Caroline Harris)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Bay Area residents are among the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/77104/men-in-drag-uppity-women-an-sf-bike-protest-cycles-around\">most bicycle-loving\u003c/a> in the entire country. Alameda, Menlo Park, Oakland, Palo Alto and San Francisco were all awarded the gold standard by the \u003ca href=\"https://bikeleague.org/\">League of American Bicyclists\u003c/a> earlier this year for being exceptionally bike-friendly. (Only 27 other cities across the rest of the United States earned the same.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On July 19, it’s San José’s chance to revel in all things two-wheeled at the Shiny Side Up bike show, held in History Park. Organized by \u003ca href=\"https://historysanjose.org/\">History San José\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thecruisershopcampbell.com/\">The Cruiser Shop\u003c/a> in Campbell, the street party will showcase more than 300 bicycles — some of them antique, some custom-made. There will also be DJs, food trucks, Bay Area bicycle vendors, and — best of all — BMX showcases courtesy of the East Bay’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stf.brand/\">S.T.F. mobile bike shop\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This year marks the 23rd annual Shiny Side Up gathering and, as usual, it will be very kid-friendly. \u003ca href=\"https://www.boogieracers.com/\">Boogie Hot Wheels races\u003c/a>, facepainters, a bounce house, and arts and crafts tables will all be in the mix. For grown-ups who prefer their rides on four wheels, there’s also a classic car show.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to inspire the younger generation and get them creating,” Cruiser Shop owner Dominick Guida tells KQED. “Bike culture is not just about riding, but also the creativity, pride and passion people put into their builds. I think Shiny Side Up has lasted 23 years because it still feels like it belongs to the community. Bike culture brings people together.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s a little flavor of what happened last year, courtesy of Guida:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLt2lpYKlc\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.shinysideupbikeshow.com/\">Shiny Side Up\u003c/a> takes place at History Park (635 Phelan Ave., San José) on Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m–3 p.m. Adult tickets are $10; \u003cem>$5\u003c/em>\u003c/em> \u003cem>for children under 10; free for kids under 5. \u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This year marks the 23rd annual Shiny Side Up gathering and, as usual, it will be very kid-friendly. \u003ca href=\"https://www.boogieracers.com/\">Boogie Hot Wheels races\u003c/a>, facepainters, a bounce house, and arts and crafts tables will all be in the mix. For grown-ups who prefer their rides on four wheels, there’s also a classic car show.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to inspire the younger generation and get them creating,” Cruiser Shop owner Dominick Guida tells KQED. “Bike culture is not just about riding, but also the creativity, pride and passion people put into their builds. I think Shiny Side Up has lasted 23 years because it still feels like it belongs to the community. Bike culture brings people together.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.shinysideupbikeshow.com/\">Shiny Side Up\u003c/a> takes place at History Park (635 Phelan Ave., San José) on Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m–3 p.m. Adult tickets are $10; \u003cem>$5\u003c/em>\u003c/em> \u003cem>for children under 10; free for kids under 5. \u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Bay Area residents are among the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/77104/men-in-drag-uppity-women-an-sf-bike-protest-cycles-around\">most bicycle-loving\u003c/a> in the entire country. Alameda, Menlo Park, Oakland, Palo Alto and San Francisco were all awarded the gold standard by the \u003ca href=\"https://bikeleague.org/\">League of American Bicyclists\u003c/a> earlier this year for being exceptionally bike-friendly. (Only 27 other cities across the rest of the United States earned the same.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On July 19, it’s San José’s chance to revel in all things two-wheeled at the Shiny Side Up bike show, held in History Park. Organized by \u003ca href=\"https://historysanjose.org/\">History San José\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thecruisershopcampbell.com/\">The Cruiser Shop\u003c/a> in Campbell, the street party will showcase more than 300 bicycles — some of them antique, some custom-made. There will also be DJs, food trucks, Bay Area bicycle vendors, and — best of all — BMX showcases courtesy of the East Bay’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stf.brand/\">S.T.F. mobile bike shop\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This year marks the 23rd annual Shiny Side Up gathering and, as usual, it will be very kid-friendly. \u003ca href=\"https://www.boogieracers.com/\">Boogie Hot Wheels races\u003c/a>, facepainters, a bounce house, and arts and crafts tables will all be in the mix. For grown-ups who prefer their rides on four wheels, there’s also a classic car show.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to inspire the younger generation and get them creating,” Cruiser Shop owner Dominick Guida tells KQED. “Bike culture is not just about riding, but also the creativity, pride and passion people put into their builds. I think Shiny Side Up has lasted 23 years because it still feels like it belongs to the community. Bike culture brings people together.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s a little flavor of what happened last year, courtesy of Guida:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/gfLt2lpYKlc'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/gfLt2lpYKlc'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.shinysideupbikeshow.com/\">Shiny Side Up\u003c/a> takes place at History Park (635 Phelan Ave., San José) on Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m–3 p.m. Adult tickets are $10; \u003cem>$5\u003c/em>\u003c/em> \u003cem>for children under 10; free for kids under 5. \u003c/em>\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "How John Steinbeck Fueled the Lore of Big Sur’s ‘Dark Watchers’",
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"content": "\u003cp>They’ve been part of California mountain lore for centuries: featureless black figures, more than 7 feet tall, often wearing brimmed hats and long cloaks, who appear during dusk and dawn to silently observe the unfortunates who wander into their midst. They are called the Dark Watchers, and believers say they dwell in the Santa Lucia mountain range, unnervingly overlooking human activity in remote areas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Any discussion of the Dark Watchers — be it in books (like \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Big-Book-of-California-Ghost-Stories/Janice-Oberding/Big-Book-of-Ghost-Stories/9781493058624\">The Big Book of California Ghost Stories\u003c/a>\u003c/em> by Janice Oberding) or on TV (see: the History Channel’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42GxYs1u_ro&t=163s\">\u003cem>MonsterQuest: Origins\u003c/em>\u003c/a>) — usually mentions that these mysterious figures were first named by California’s earliest Spanish settlers. Back then, witnesses apparently called the shadow people in the Big Sur wilderness “Los Vigilantes Oscuros.” Despite this frequently given history, source texts remain elusive. Today, it’s unclear where or how the Spaniards documented the vigilantes at all — perhaps the stories were passed down orally. Some sources say California’s Indigenous people believed in them, though there’s no clear record of that either.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Much of the reason the lore of the Dark Watchers has survived to the present day is John Steinbeck. On the very first page of his 1952 classic \u003cem>East of Eden\u003c/em>, the Salinas-born author describes the Santa Lucia mountain range in Monterey County as a place of personal terror. He writes: “The Santa Lucias stood up against the sky to the west and kept the valley from the open sea, and they were dark and brooding — unfriendly and dangerous. I always found in myself a dread of the west.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In this passage, Steinbeck was continuing a narrative he’d begun 14 years earlier, in a grim little short story, \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, found in his 1938 collection \u003cem>The Long Valley\u003c/em>. \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> tells the story of Pepé Torres, a “gentle, affectionate … but very lazy” 19-year-old who flees into the Santa Lucia mountains after killing a man in Monterey. As his mother assists Pepé’s exit, she warns cryptically, “When thou comest to the high mountains, if thou seest any of the dark watching men, go not near to them nor try to speak to them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pepé does, inevitably, encounter those very men along his ill-fated journey. Steinbeck writes: “Pepé looked suspiciously back every minute or so, and his eyes sought the tops of the ridges ahead. Once, on a white barren spur, he saw a black figure for a moment; but he looked quickly away, for it was one of the dark watchers. No one knew who the watchers were, nor where they lived, but it was better to ignore them and never to show interest in them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another Dark Watcher appears in the story shortly afterwards as, “a dark form against the sky, a man’s figure standing on top of a rock … When a moment later [Pepé] looked up again, the figure was gone.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These mysterious figures are, in the course of \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, terrible omens — it doesn’t take long for Pepé to reach a tragic end. But the Dark Watchers were not entirely an invention of Steinbeck’s. A year before \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> was published, poet Robinson Jeffers — a lifelong Carmel resident — wrote in \u003cem>Such Counsels You Gave Me\u003c/em>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He thought it might be one of the watchers, who are often seen in this length of coast-range, forms that look human to human eyes, but certainly are not human. They come from behind ridges to watch.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1438\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book.png\" alt=\"A book cover featuring a painting of a tree-lined hillside at dusk, with a view of water on the horizon.\" class=\"wp-image-13991635\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book-160x115.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book-768x552.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book-1536x1104.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘In Search of the Dark Watchers: Landscapes and Lore of Big Sur’ by Thomas Steinbeck and Benjamin Brode. (Steinbeck Press)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If John Steinbeck was the main reason the lore of the Dark Watchers stayed alive in the 20th century, it’s his son that has done so in the 21st. After publishing his 2014 book \u003cem>In Search of the Dark Watchers: Landscapes and Lore of Big Sur\u003c/em> — a collaboration with fine artist Benjamin Brode — \u003ca href=\"https://www.studiobrode.com/news-and-reviews\">Thomas Steinbeck appeared on \u003cem>Simple Life\u003c/em> \u003cem>Radio\u003c/em>\u003c/a> with Cynthia Fernandes. In that 2015 interview, he stated:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They live in the misty hillsides of Big Sur … migratory beings, possessed of incredible hearing and impeccable eyesight. Like crows, they can sense the presence of gun oil and the smell of plastics and weatherproof coatings, therefore they are immune to high-tech detection and only reveal themselves to trekkers simply equipped with sticks and hats.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The younger Steinbeck continued: “I’ve gotten this from some of my father’s relatives, that since the time of the conquistadors, people just talked about being in the Big Sur and being watched by these creatures that they can’t quite see. My grandmother … swore that she traded with them. She’d leave them fruit and nuts in a very specific place and when she came back a couple of weeks later, there would be shells with holes drilled in them, decorated feathers, other things … They didn’t use fire, you could never find their camps, they were constantly on the move, and they’ve been there forever. And everybody talks about them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Perhaps the oddest thing about Thomas Steinbeck and Benjamin Brode’s take on the Dark Watchers is that they both believe the forest-dwellers are actually small and gnome-like, not the towering creatures most commonly referenced when \u003ca href=\"https://www.darkwatching.com/stories\">reported sightings do occur\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brode added, “The thing about Big Sur is, you can get away from humans really, really easily. The habitat for the Dark Watchers is better than it was maybe 20 years ago.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And perhaps that’s at the core of all of this. Big Sur is intimidating, otherworldy, and awesome in the most traditional sense of the word. Because of that, it hasn’t just conjured stories of Dark Watchers over the years. Reports of \u003ca href=\"https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2022-03-11-hiker-thinks-they-found-proof-of-bigfoot-in-california/\">Bigfoot footprints\u003c/a> have been reported by \u003ca href=\"https://campchimp.com/blog/california/pfeiffer-big-sur-campgroundbigfoot-map\">multiple sources\u003c/a> as recently as November 2025. Reddit users have shared multiple Bigfoot sightings they said happened at Big Sur, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bigfoot/comments/l4k9zf/our_up_close_sighting_in_big_sur_california_1978/\">from 1978\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sasquatchchronicles.com/sc-ep515-i-shouldnt-be-alive/\">the late ’80s\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/01/31/trekking-californias-mysterious-bigfoot-trail/\">beyond\u003c/a>. Big Sur is also, infamously, the location where two air force employees claimed a \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur_UFO\">UFO shot down a test missile\u003c/a>, using beams of light, in 1964.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Could it be possible that these misty mountains just play tricks on the minds of humans? Might this legend have died without the Steinbecks? It’s impossible to know. But if you catch sight of a Dark Watcher on your next hike, rest assured that they won’t bother you. If they were willing to have such interactions, we might be more sure of their existence. \u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They’ve been part of California mountain lore for centuries: featureless black figures, more than 7 feet tall, often wearing brimmed hats and long cloaks, who appear during dusk and dawn to silently observe the unfortunates who wander into their midst. They are called the Dark Watchers, and believers say they dwell in the Santa Lucia mountain range, unnervingly overlooking human activity in remote areas.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Any discussion of the Dark Watchers — be it in books (like \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Big-Book-of-California-Ghost-Stories/Janice-Oberding/Big-Book-of-Ghost-Stories/9781493058624\">The Big Book of California Ghost Stories\u003c/a>\u003c/em> by Janice Oberding) or on TV (see: the History Channel’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42GxYs1u_ro&t=163s\">\u003cem>MonsterQuest: Origins\u003c/em>\u003c/a>) — usually mentions that these mysterious figures were first named by California’s earliest Spanish settlers. Back then, witnesses apparently called the shadow people in the Big Sur wilderness “Los Vigilantes Oscuros.” Despite this frequently given history, source texts remain elusive. Today, it’s unclear where or how the Spaniards documented the vigilantes at all — perhaps the stories were passed down orally. Some sources say California’s Indigenous people believed in them, though there’s no clear record of that either.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Any discussion of the Dark Watchers — be it in books (like \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Big-Book-of-California-Ghost-Stories/Janice-Oberding/Big-Book-of-Ghost-Stories/9781493058624\">The Big Book of California Ghost Stories\u003c/a>\u003c/em> by Janice Oberding) or on TV (see: the History Channel’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42GxYs1u_ro&t=163s\">\u003cem>MonsterQuest: Origins\u003c/em>\u003c/a>) — usually mentions that these mysterious figures were first named by California’s earliest Spanish settlers. Back then, witnesses apparently called the shadow people in the Big Sur wilderness “Los Vigilantes Oscuros.” Despite this frequently given history, source texts remain elusive. Today, it’s unclear where or how the Spaniards documented the vigilantes at all — perhaps the stories were passed down orally. Some sources say California’s Indigenous people believed in them, though there’s no clear record of that either.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Much of the reason the lore of the Dark Watchers has survived to the present day is John Steinbeck. On the very first page of his 1952 classic \u003cem>East of Eden\u003c/em>, the Salinas-born author describes the Santa Lucia mountain range in Monterey County as a place of personal terror. He writes: “The Santa Lucias stood up against the sky to the west and kept the valley from the open sea, and they were dark and brooding — unfriendly and dangerous. I always found in myself a dread of the west.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Much of the reason the lore of the Dark Watchers has survived to the present day is John Steinbeck. On the very first page of his 1952 classic \u003cem>East of Eden\u003c/em>, the Salinas-born author describes the Santa Lucia mountain range in Monterey County as a place of personal terror. He writes: “The Santa Lucias stood up against the sky to the west and kept the valley from the open sea, and they were dark and brooding — unfriendly and dangerous. I always found in myself a dread of the west.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In this passage, Steinbeck was continuing a narrative he’d begun 14 years earlier, in a grim little short story, \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, found in his 1938 collection \u003cem>The Long Valley\u003c/em>. \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> tells the story of Pepé Torres, a “gentle, affectionate … but very lazy” 19-year-old who flees into the Santa Lucia mountains after killing a man in Monterey. As his mother assists Pepé’s exit, she warns cryptically, “When thou comest to the high mountains, if thou seest any of the dark watching men, go not near to them nor try to speak to them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In this passage, Steinbeck was continuing a narrative he’d begun 14 years earlier, in a grim little short story, \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, found in his 1938 collection \u003cem>The Long Valley\u003c/em>. \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> tells the story of Pepé Torres, a “gentle, affectionate … but very lazy” 19-year-old who flees into the Santa Lucia mountains after killing a man in Monterey. As his mother assists Pepé’s exit, she warns cryptically, “When thou comest to the high mountains, if thou seest any of the dark watching men, go not near to them nor try to speak to them.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pepé does, inevitably, encounter those very men along his ill-fated journey. Steinbeck writes: “Pepé looked suspiciously back every minute or so, and his eyes sought the tops of the ridges ahead. Once, on a white barren spur, he saw a black figure for a moment; but he looked quickly away, for it was one of the dark watchers. No one knew who the watchers were, nor where they lived, but it was better to ignore them and never to show interest in them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Pepé does, inevitably, encounter those very men along his ill-fated journey. Steinbeck writes: “Pepé looked suspiciously back every minute or so, and his eyes sought the tops of the ridges ahead. Once, on a white barren spur, he saw a black figure for a moment; but he looked quickly away, for it was one of the dark watchers. No one knew who the watchers were, nor where they lived, but it was better to ignore them and never to show interest in them.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another Dark Watcher appears in the story shortly afterwards as, “a dark form against the sky, a man’s figure standing on top of a rock … When a moment later [Pepé] looked up again, the figure was gone.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Another Dark Watcher appears in the story shortly afterwards as, “a dark form against the sky, a man’s figure standing on top of a rock … When a moment later [Pepé] looked up again, the figure was gone.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These mysterious figures are, in the course of \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, terrible omens — it doesn’t take long for Pepé to reach a tragic end. But the Dark Watchers were not entirely an invention of Steinbeck’s. A year before \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> was published, poet Robinson Jeffers — a lifelong Carmel resident — wrote in \u003cem>Such Counsels You Gave Me\u003c/em>:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>These mysterious figures are, in the course of \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, terrible omens — it doesn’t take long for Pepé to reach a tragic end. But the Dark Watchers were not entirely an invention of Steinbeck’s. A year before \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> was published, poet Robinson Jeffers — a lifelong Carmel resident — wrote in \u003cem>Such Counsels You Gave Me\u003c/em>:\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“He thought it might be one of the watchers, who are often seen in this length of coast-range, forms that look human to human eyes, but certainly are not human. They come from behind ridges to watch.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“He thought it might be one of the watchers, who are often seen in this length of coast-range, forms that look human to human eyes, but certainly are not human. They come from behind ridges to watch.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If John Steinbeck was the main reason the lore of the Dark Watchers stayed alive in the 20th century, it’s his son that has done so in the 21st. After publishing his 2014 book \u003cem>In Search of the Dark Watchers: Landscapes and Lore of Big Sur\u003c/em> — a collaboration with fine artist Benjamin Brode — \u003ca href=\"https://www.studiobrode.com/news-and-reviews\">Thomas Steinbeck appeared on \u003cem>Simple Life\u003c/em> \u003cem>Radio\u003c/em>\u003c/a> with Cynthia Fernandes. In that 2015 interview, he stated:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If John Steinbeck was the main reason the lore of the Dark Watchers stayed alive in the 20th century, it’s his son that has done so in the 21st. After publishing his 2014 book \u003cem>In Search of the Dark Watchers: Landscapes and Lore of Big Sur\u003c/em> — a collaboration with fine artist Benjamin Brode — \u003ca href=\"https://www.studiobrode.com/news-and-reviews\">Thomas Steinbeck appeared on \u003cem>Simple Life\u003c/em> \u003cem>Radio\u003c/em>\u003c/a> with Cynthia Fernandes. In that 2015 interview, he stated:\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They live in the misty hillsides of Big Sur … migratory beings, possessed of incredible hearing and impeccable eyesight. Like crows, they can sense the presence of gun oil and the smell of plastics and weatherproof coatings, therefore they are immune to high-tech detection and only reveal themselves to trekkers simply equipped with sticks and hats.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“They live in the misty hillsides of Big Sur … migratory beings, possessed of incredible hearing and impeccable eyesight. Like crows, they can sense the presence of gun oil and the smell of plastics and weatherproof coatings, therefore they are immune to high-tech detection and only reveal themselves to trekkers simply equipped with sticks and hats.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The younger Steinbeck continued: “I’ve gotten this from some of my father’s relatives, that since the time of the conquistadors, people just talked about being in the Big Sur and being watched by these creatures that they can’t quite see. My grandmother … swore that she traded with them. She’d leave them fruit and nuts in a very specific place and when she came back a couple of weeks later, there would be shells with holes drilled in them, decorated feathers, other things … They didn’t use fire, you could never find their camps, they were constantly on the move, and they’ve been there forever. And everybody talks about them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The younger Steinbeck continued: “I’ve gotten this from some of my father’s relatives, that since the time of the conquistadors, people just talked about being in the Big Sur and being watched by these creatures that they can’t quite see. My grandmother … swore that she traded with them. She’d leave them fruit and nuts in a very specific place and when she came back a couple of weeks later, there would be shells with holes drilled in them, decorated feathers, other things … They didn’t use fire, you could never find their camps, they were constantly on the move, and they’ve been there forever. And everybody talks about them.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Perhaps the oddest thing about Thomas Steinbeck and Benjamin Brode’s take on the Dark Watchers is that they both believe the forest-dwellers are actually small and gnome-like, not the towering creatures most commonly referenced when \u003ca href=\"https://www.darkwatching.com/stories\">reported sightings do occur\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Perhaps the oddest thing about Thomas Steinbeck and Benjamin Brode’s take on the Dark Watchers is that they both believe the forest-dwellers are actually small and gnome-like, not the towering creatures most commonly referenced when \u003ca href=\"https://www.darkwatching.com/stories\">reported sightings do occur\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Brode added, “The thing about Big Sur is, you can get away from humans really, really easily. The habitat for the Dark Watchers is better than it was maybe 20 years ago.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Brode added, “The thing about Big Sur is, you can get away from humans really, really easily. The habitat for the Dark Watchers is better than it was maybe 20 years ago.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And perhaps that’s at the core of all of this. Big Sur is intimidating, otherworldy, and awesome in the most traditional sense of the word. Because of that, it hasn’t just conjured stories of Dark Watchers over the years. Reports of \u003ca href=\"https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2022-03-11-hiker-thinks-they-found-proof-of-bigfoot-in-california/\">Bigfoot footprints\u003c/a> have been reported by \u003ca href=\"https://campchimp.com/blog/california/pfeiffer-big-sur-campgroundbigfoot-map\">multiple sources\u003c/a> as recently as November 2025. Reddit users have shared multiple Bigfoot sightings they said happened at Big Sur, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bigfoot/comments/l4k9zf/our_up_close_sighting_in_big_sur_california_1978/\">from 1978\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sasquatchchronicles.com/sc-ep515-i-shouldnt-be-alive/\">the late ’80s\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/01/31/trekking-californias-mysterious-bigfoot-trail/\">beyond\u003c/a>. Big Sur is also, infamously, the location where two air force employees claimed a \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur_UFO\">UFO shot down a test missile\u003c/a>, using beams of light, in 1964.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And perhaps that’s at the core of all of this. Big Sur is intimidating, otherworldy, and awesome in the most traditional sense of the word. Because of that, it hasn’t just conjured stories of Dark Watchers over the years. Reports of \u003ca href=\"https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2022-03-11-hiker-thinks-they-found-proof-of-bigfoot-in-california/\">Bigfoot footprints\u003c/a> have been reported by \u003ca href=\"https://campchimp.com/blog/california/pfeiffer-big-sur-campgroundbigfoot-map\">multiple sources\u003c/a> as recently as November 2025. Reddit users have shared multiple Bigfoot sightings they said happened at Big Sur, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bigfoot/comments/l4k9zf/our_up_close_sighting_in_big_sur_california_1978/\">from 1978\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sasquatchchronicles.com/sc-ep515-i-shouldnt-be-alive/\">the late ’80s\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/01/31/trekking-californias-mysterious-bigfoot-trail/\">beyond\u003c/a>. Big Sur is also, infamously, the location where two air force employees claimed a \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur_UFO\">UFO shot down a test missile\u003c/a>, using beams of light, in 1964.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Could it be possible that these misty mountains just play tricks on the minds of humans? Might this legend have died without the Steinbecks? It’s impossible to know. But if you catch sight of a Dark Watcher on your next hike, rest assured that they won’t bother you. If they were willing to have such interactions, we might be more sure of their existence. \u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Mysterious black figures lurking in the mountains? Steinbeck's whole family were believers.",
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"title": "Are Big Sur’s Dark Watchers Real or Imagined? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>They’ve been part of California mountain lore for centuries: featureless black figures, more than 7 feet tall, often wearing brimmed hats and long cloaks, who appear during dusk and dawn to silently observe the unfortunates who wander into their midst. They are called the Dark Watchers, and believers say they dwell in the Santa Lucia mountain range, unnervingly overlooking human activity in remote areas.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Any discussion of the Dark Watchers — be it in books (like \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Big-Book-of-California-Ghost-Stories/Janice-Oberding/Big-Book-of-Ghost-Stories/9781493058624\">The Big Book of California Ghost Stories\u003c/a>\u003c/em> by Janice Oberding) or on TV (see: the History Channel’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42GxYs1u_ro&t=163s\">\u003cem>MonsterQuest: Origins\u003c/em>\u003c/a>) — usually mentions that these mysterious figures were first named by California’s earliest Spanish settlers. Back then, witnesses apparently called the shadow people in the Big Sur wilderness “Los Vigilantes Oscuros.” Despite this frequently given history, source texts remain elusive. Today, it’s unclear where or how the Spaniards documented the vigilantes at all — perhaps the stories were passed down orally. Some sources say California’s Indigenous people believed in them, though there’s no clear record of that either.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Much of the reason the lore of the Dark Watchers has survived to the present day is John Steinbeck. On the very first page of his 1952 classic \u003cem>East of Eden\u003c/em>, the Salinas-born author describes the Santa Lucia mountain range in Monterey County as a place of personal terror. He writes: “The Santa Lucias stood up against the sky to the west and kept the valley from the open sea, and they were dark and brooding — unfriendly and dangerous. I always found in myself a dread of the west.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In this passage, Steinbeck was continuing a narrative he’d begun 14 years earlier, in a grim little short story, \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, found in his 1938 collection \u003cem>The Long Valley\u003c/em>. \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> tells the story of Pepé Torres, a “gentle, affectionate … but very lazy” 19-year-old who flees into the Santa Lucia mountains after killing a man in Monterey. As his mother assists Pepé’s exit, she warns cryptically, “When thou comest to the high mountains, if thou seest any of the dark watching men, go not near to them nor try to speak to them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pepé does, inevitably, encounter those very men along his ill-fated journey. Steinbeck writes: “Pepé looked suspiciously back every minute or so, and his eyes sought the tops of the ridges ahead. Once, on a white barren spur, he saw a black figure for a moment; but he looked quickly away, for it was one of the dark watchers. No one knew who the watchers were, nor where they lived, but it was better to ignore them and never to show interest in them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another Dark Watcher appears in the story shortly afterwards as, “a dark form against the sky, a man’s figure standing on top of a rock … When a moment later [Pepé] looked up again, the figure was gone.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These mysterious figures are, in the course of \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em>, terrible omens — it doesn’t take long for Pepé to reach a tragic end. But the Dark Watchers were not entirely an invention of Steinbeck’s. A year before \u003cem>Flight\u003c/em> was published, poet Robinson Jeffers — a lifelong Carmel resident — wrote in \u003cem>Such Counsels You Gave Me\u003c/em>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He thought it might be one of the watchers, who are often seen in this length of coast-range, forms that look human to human eyes, but certainly are not human. They come from behind ridges to watch.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1438\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book.png\" alt=\"A book cover featuring a painting of a tree-lined hillside at dusk, with a view of water on the horizon.\" class=\"wp-image-13991635\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book-160x115.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book-768x552.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/dark-watchers-book-1536x1104.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">‘In Search of the Dark Watchers: Landscapes and Lore of Big Sur’ by Thomas Steinbeck and Benjamin Brode. (Steinbeck Press)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If John Steinbeck was the main reason the lore of the Dark Watchers stayed alive in the 20th century, it’s his son that has done so in the 21st. After publishing his 2014 book \u003cem>In Search of the Dark Watchers: Landscapes and Lore of Big Sur\u003c/em> — a collaboration with fine artist Benjamin Brode — \u003ca href=\"https://www.studiobrode.com/news-and-reviews\">Thomas Steinbeck appeared on \u003cem>Simple Life\u003c/em> \u003cem>Radio\u003c/em>\u003c/a> with Cynthia Fernandes. In that 2015 interview, he stated:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They live in the misty hillsides of Big Sur … migratory beings, possessed of incredible hearing and impeccable eyesight. Like crows, they can sense the presence of gun oil and the smell of plastics and weatherproof coatings, therefore they are immune to high-tech detection and only reveal themselves to trekkers simply equipped with sticks and hats.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The younger Steinbeck continued: “I’ve gotten this from some of my father’s relatives, that since the time of the conquistadors, people just talked about being in the Big Sur and being watched by these creatures that they can’t quite see. My grandmother … swore that she traded with them. She’d leave them fruit and nuts in a very specific place and when she came back a couple of weeks later, there would be shells with holes drilled in them, decorated feathers, other things … They didn’t use fire, you could never find their camps, they were constantly on the move, and they’ve been there forever. And everybody talks about them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Perhaps the oddest thing about Thomas Steinbeck and Benjamin Brode’s take on the Dark Watchers is that they both believe the forest-dwellers are actually small and gnome-like, not the towering creatures most commonly referenced when \u003ca href=\"https://www.darkwatching.com/stories\">reported sightings do occur\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brode added, “The thing about Big Sur is, you can get away from humans really, really easily. The habitat for the Dark Watchers is better than it was maybe 20 years ago.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And perhaps that’s at the core of all of this. Big Sur is intimidating, otherworldy, and awesome in the most traditional sense of the word. Because of that, it hasn’t just conjured stories of Dark Watchers over the years. Reports of \u003ca href=\"https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/2022-03-11-hiker-thinks-they-found-proof-of-bigfoot-in-california/\">Bigfoot footprints\u003c/a> have been reported by \u003ca href=\"https://campchimp.com/blog/california/pfeiffer-big-sur-campgroundbigfoot-map\">multiple sources\u003c/a> as recently as November 2025. Reddit users have shared multiple Bigfoot sightings they said happened at Big Sur, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/bigfoot/comments/l4k9zf/our_up_close_sighting_in_big_sur_california_1978/\">from 1978\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://sasquatchchronicles.com/sc-ep515-i-shouldnt-be-alive/\">the late ’80s\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/01/31/trekking-californias-mysterious-bigfoot-trail/\">beyond\u003c/a>. Big Sur is also, infamously, the location where two air force employees claimed a \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur_UFO\">UFO shot down a test missile\u003c/a>, using beams of light, in 1964.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Could it be possible that these misty mountains just play tricks on the minds of humans? Might this legend have died without the Steinbecks? It’s impossible to know. But if you catch sight of a Dark Watcher on your next hike, rest assured that they won’t bother you. If they were willing to have such interactions, we might be more sure of their existence. \u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "bay-area-sf-oakland-open-studios-summer-2026-national-craft-weekend",
"title": "Bay Area Open Studios to Visit During National Craft Weekend",
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"headTitle": "Bay Area Open Studios to Visit During National Craft Weekend | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Artisans around the Bay Area are getting ready to open their studios and workshops to the public as part of \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/#ncos_map_tix_jump\">National Craft Open Studios Weekend\u003c/a>. The free \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/\">American Craft Council\u003c/a> event will take place in 36 states across the country, with more than 200 organizations participating.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here are the people and places in the Bay taking part on July 18 and 19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.missioncommunitywoodshop.org/\">Mission Community Woodshop\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(20 Clinton Park)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hidden near the corner of Valencia and Duboce, this huge, 5,250-square-foot shop is a woodworker’s dream. The nonprofit, founded by teachers Andrew Salverda and Dan Matz, prides itself on making woodworking accessible for everyone and offers classes on a sliding scale. This is a great opportunity to find out more about machine safety, upcoming workshops and — most importantly of all — the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DNRRdnLh4ZF/\">three adorable shop dogs\u003c/a> who will guard you as you learn more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rebekahfrank.com/\">RGF Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(1340 Bryant St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jeweler, welder, blacksmith and machinist Rebekah Frank is opening her studio doors to share how she turns steel into works of wearable art. Frank, who trained all over the world and has actively attempted to build communities of queer metal artists, is a consciously inclusive teacher. This is, in part, the result of her so often being the only woman in the workshops where she learned her craft. In addition to her jewelry practice, Frank also creates sculptures and monoprints.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.joecunninghamquilts.com/\">\u003cstrong>Rockingstitch Productions, Inc\u003c/strong>.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>(1803 Market St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Joe Cunningham’s quilts are literal works of art, made by both hand and machine. Cunningham has been a professional quiltmaker — and author on the subject — for almost half a century. He uses his craft to explore political themes, recall historical events, and as expressions of personal love and loss. His work has been part of the de Young Museum’s permanent collection since 2010, when he was the museum’s artist in residence. Cunningham’s online workshops attract thousands of students; this is a chance to grab a glimpse behind the wadding for free.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg\" alt=\"A woman wearing glasses and an apron, brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, holds a dripping wet wooden rectangular box in front of her. Behind her is a corrugated iron wall, multiple work tables and a black shaggy dog.\" class=\"wp-image-13991301\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pam DeLuco of Shotwell Paper Mill in San Francisco. (Courtesy of Pam DeLuco)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://shotwellpapermill.com/\">Shotwell Paper Mill\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(305 Shotwell St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever wondered how to make paper from old rags and plants, you’ll want to visit Shotwell Paper Mill. Helmed by textile and fiber artist Pam DeLuco, this Mission District studio collaborates with individuals and organizations alike to make books and tell stories in sustainable ways. The organization is also surprisingly romantic: among many other things, they help couples turn their old clothing into wedding invitations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">East Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://berkeleypotters.com/\">Berkeley Potters Guild\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(731 Jones St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Founded 55 years ago, the Berkeley Potters Guild is Northern California’s oldest and largest collective of professional ceramicists. Hidden behind the anonymous blue visage of the Guild’s warehouse are 19 private studios, embracing an eclectic array of aesthetics. Highlights include Julia Kirillova’s whimsical teapots, Carol Valk’s ornithological creations and Niki Shelley’s earthy, minimalist homewares.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.carolleeshanks.com/\">Carol Lee Shanks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(3102 Wheeler St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Carol Lee Shanks wants the textural clothing she creates to turn the wearer into a living, moving sculpture. Playing with dimension, transparency, volume and lines, Shanks’ handmade creations offer comfort and practicality, as well as a wow factor. The UC Davis graduate treats sewing as a meditative practice. That focus and intentionality is visible in every stitch.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://davidmbowman.com/\">David M. Bowman Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2816 10th St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Father and son team David and Reed Bowman work with brass and copper to make a wide variety of unique art pieces, as well as jewelry, vases and other homewares, including clocks and menorahs. David is self-taught, and has been perfecting his craft since 1971. His son Reed’s designs are informed by a UC Berkeley history degree, as well as the Master’s he earned in Medieval Studies. The two operate out of a studio they built behind their homes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1433\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg\" alt=\"A middle-aged white man wearing glasses uses a blow torch on an ornate glass ornament attached to the end of a rod. He is seated inside a studio lined with shelves covered with other glass objects. \" class=\"wp-image-13991302\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-160x115.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-768x550.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-1536x1101.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bruce Pizzichillo of Pizzichillo Gordon Glass in Oakland. (Courtesy of Bruce Pizzichillo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.quepasaglass.com/\">Pizzichillo Gordon Glass\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2680 Union St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Glass-blowing duo Bruce Pizzichillo and Dari Gordon have worked together for more than 45 years, combining traditional Venetian techniques with more modern methods. Together, they create striking bowls, vases, jewelry, lighting, as well as abstract, maximalist wall art. Expect fire and intimidating ovens!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/SawtoothBuildingArts/\">\u003cstrong>Sawtooth Building Artists\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\u003cstrong>(2525 & 2547 8th St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Six artists from Sawtooth will be opening their doors, showcasing a colorful array of glassworks, sculpture, jewelry, clothing and fine art. Expect hand-crafted fashions by \u003ca href=\"https://giselleshepatin.com/\">Giselle Shepatin\u003c/a>; Venetian glassworks by \u003ca href=\"http://www.pinzetteglass.com/\">Pinzette\u003c/a>’s Michael Sosin; fantastical figures (and jewelry) conjured by \u003ca href=\"https://www.susanbrooks.com/\">Susan Brooks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/zaftigjellylady/\">Magical House of Fuff\u003c/a>; \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/maggiewihnyk/\">Maggie Wihnyk\u003c/a>’s intricately beaded accessories; and multimedia art pieces by Janet Lee Smith’s Transformations Design Studio.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://werkshack.com/\">Werkshack\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(481 25th St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ten makers share this nonprofit studio, gallery and retail space — and they work in a wide variety of mediums. Don’t miss \u003ca href=\"https://www.hollybobisuthi.com/\">Holly Bobisuthi\u003c/a>’s innovative approach to statement jewelry, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bouquetimprov/\">Sigrid Hubbell\u003c/a>’s botanical sculptures and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thewindinthetrees.net/about\">Olivia A. Carter\u003c/a>’s gorgeous leatherwork.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://maryfassbinder.com/\">Fassbinder Gallery and Atelier\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(110 Purrington Rd., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Expressionistic landscape artist Mary Fassbinder has been painting the wilds of Northern California — and much further afield (including all 63 National Parks) — since 1994. When not on a hillside with her easel, Fassbender also makes ceramics and Lino-cut prints, and takes portrait commissions for both pets and humans. Her paintings of Bodega Bay, China Camp, Point Reyes, Merced and Marin will be of particular interest to local outdoorsy art lovers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flmceramics.com/\">FLM Ceramics\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(301 2nd St., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>FLM’s geometrically inclined handmade tiles and pottery were born in the mind of Forrest Lesch-Middelton, who calls working with clay “alluring,” “sexy” and “incredibly hard.” Now he shares his business with two fellow potters, Wyatt Amend and Kelly Brothers, along with ceramicist Stephanie LeBaudour. Lesch-Middelton teaches workshops from time to time, and uses creative techniques to create his pottery — including transferring screen-printed images onto pots while he’s still throwing them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics.png\" alt=\"Eleven plates featuring geometric patterns in grey and white. \" class=\"wp-image-13991303\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics-160x112.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics-768x538.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics-1536x1076.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Salad plates in varied patterns, by FLM Ceramics. (Courtesy of FLM Ceramics)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://nicasiowoodworks.com/\">Nicasio Woodworks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2000 Nicasio Valley Rd., Nicasio)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Husband and wife team Barbara Contini and Patrick McDonnell use scavenged wood from downed and discarded trees to make furniture, toys and kitchenware. Contini — a former vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco — recently referred to her business in an interview as a “hobby that has run amok.” Nicasio’s website offers step-by-step guides to carving wood yourself, but you’re sure to learn more by meeting this couple in person.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://harrieteestelberman.com/\">Harriete Estel Berman\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(657 42nd Ave., San Mateo)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Self-described “recycling evangelist” Harriete Estel Berman takes other people’s trash and turns it into art and jewelry that consistently questions capitalism, patriarchy and the constant onslaught of advertising. She creates from a perspective that embraces both the hardness of a metal workshop and the softness of traditional femininity. This is a great opportunity to explore Berman’s work — and find some of the most spectacular bracelets you’ve ever seen.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Attendees of the National Craft Open Studios Weekend are encouraged to \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/#ncos_map_tix_jump\">register in advance\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Artisans around the Bay Area are getting ready to open their studios and workshops to the public as part of \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/#ncos_map_tix_jump\">National Craft Open Studios Weekend\u003c/a>. The free \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/\">American Craft Council\u003c/a> event will take place in 36 states across the country, with more than 200 organizations participating.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Artisans around the Bay Area are getting ready to open their studios and workshops to the public as part of \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/#ncos_map_tix_jump\">National Craft Open Studios Weekend\u003c/a>. The free \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/\">American Craft Council\u003c/a> event will take place in 36 states across the country, with more than 200 organizations participating.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here are the people and places in the Bay taking part on July 18 and 19.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Here are the people and places in the Bay taking part on July 18 and 19.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "San Francisco",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.missioncommunitywoodshop.org/\">Mission Community Woodshop\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(20 Clinton Park)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.missioncommunitywoodshop.org/\">Mission Community Woodshop\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(20 Clinton Park)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hidden near the corner of Valencia and Duboce, this huge, 5,250-square-foot shop is a woodworker’s dream. The nonprofit, founded by teachers Andrew Salverda and Dan Matz, prides itself on making woodworking accessible for everyone and offers classes on a sliding scale. This is a great opportunity to find out more about machine safety, upcoming workshops and — most importantly of all — the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DNRRdnLh4ZF/\">three adorable shop dogs\u003c/a> who will guard you as you learn more.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hidden near the corner of Valencia and Duboce, this huge, 5,250-square-foot shop is a woodworker’s dream. The nonprofit, founded by teachers Andrew Salverda and Dan Matz, prides itself on making woodworking accessible for everyone and offers classes on a sliding scale. This is a great opportunity to find out more about machine safety, upcoming workshops and — most importantly of all — the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DNRRdnLh4ZF/\">three adorable shop dogs\u003c/a> who will guard you as you learn more.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rebekahfrank.com/\">RGF Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(1340 Bryant St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rebekahfrank.com/\">RGF Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(1340 Bryant St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jeweler, welder, blacksmith and machinist Rebekah Frank is opening her studio doors to share how she turns steel into works of wearable art. Frank, who trained all over the world and has actively attempted to build communities of queer metal artists, is a consciously inclusive teacher. This is, in part, the result of her so often being the only woman in the workshops where she learned her craft. In addition to her jewelry practice, Frank also creates sculptures and monoprints.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Jeweler, welder, blacksmith and machinist Rebekah Frank is opening her studio doors to share how she turns steel into works of wearable art. Frank, who trained all over the world and has actively attempted to build communities of queer metal artists, is a consciously inclusive teacher. This is, in part, the result of her so often being the only woman in the workshops where she learned her craft. In addition to her jewelry practice, Frank also creates sculptures and monoprints.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.joecunninghamquilts.com/\">\u003cstrong>Rockingstitch Productions, Inc\u003c/strong>.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>(1803 Market St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.joecunninghamquilts.com/\">\u003cstrong>Rockingstitch Productions, Inc\u003c/strong>.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>(1803 Market St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Joe Cunningham’s quilts are literal works of art, made by both hand and machine. Cunningham has been a professional quiltmaker — and author on the subject — for almost half a century. He uses his craft to explore political themes, recall historical events, and as expressions of personal love and loss. His work has been part of the de Young Museum’s permanent collection since 2010, when he was the museum’s artist in residence. Cunningham’s online workshops attract thousands of students; this is a chance to grab a glimpse behind the wadding for free.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Joe Cunningham’s quilts are literal works of art, made by both hand and machine. Cunningham has been a professional quiltmaker — and author on the subject — for almost half a century. He uses his craft to explore political themes, recall historical events, and as expressions of personal love and loss. His work has been part of the de Young Museum’s permanent collection since 2010, when he was the museum’s artist in residence. Cunningham’s online workshops attract thousands of students; this is a chance to grab a glimpse behind the wadding for free.\u003c/p>\n"
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"imageCredit": "Courtesy of Pam DeLuco",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg\" alt=\"A woman wearing glasses and an apron, brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, holds a dripping wet wooden rectangular box in front of her. Behind her is a corrugated iron wall, multiple work tables and a black shaggy dog.\" class=\"wp-image-13991301\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pam DeLuco of Shotwell Paper Mill in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg\" alt=\"A woman wearing glasses and an apron, brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, holds a dripping wet wooden rectangular box in front of her. Behind her is a corrugated iron wall, multiple work tables and a black shaggy dog.\" class=\"wp-image-13991301\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pam DeLuco of Shotwell Paper Mill in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://shotwellpapermill.com/\">Shotwell Paper Mill\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(305 Shotwell St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://shotwellpapermill.com/\">Shotwell Paper Mill\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(305 Shotwell St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever wondered how to make paper from old rags and plants, you’ll want to visit Shotwell Paper Mill. Helmed by textile and fiber artist Pam DeLuco, this Mission District studio collaborates with individuals and organizations alike to make books and tell stories in sustainable ways. The organization is also surprisingly romantic: among many other things, they help couples turn their old clothing into wedding invitations.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever wondered how to make paper from old rags and plants, you’ll want to visit Shotwell Paper Mill. Helmed by textile and fiber artist Pam DeLuco, this Mission District studio collaborates with individuals and organizations alike to make books and tell stories in sustainable ways. The organization is also surprisingly romantic: among many other things, they help couples turn their old clothing into wedding invitations.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "East Bay",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">East Bay\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://berkeleypotters.com/\">Berkeley Potters Guild\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(731 Jones St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://berkeleypotters.com/\">Berkeley Potters Guild\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(731 Jones St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Founded 55 years ago, the Berkeley Potters Guild is Northern California’s oldest and largest collective of professional ceramicists. Hidden behind the anonymous blue visage of the Guild’s warehouse are 19 private studios, embracing an eclectic array of aesthetics. Highlights include Julia Kirillova’s whimsical teapots, Carol Valk’s ornithological creations and Niki Shelley’s earthy, minimalist homewares.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Founded 55 years ago, the Berkeley Potters Guild is Northern California’s oldest and largest collective of professional ceramicists. Hidden behind the anonymous blue visage of the Guild’s warehouse are 19 private studios, embracing an eclectic array of aesthetics. Highlights include Julia Kirillova’s whimsical teapots, Carol Valk’s ornithological creations and Niki Shelley’s earthy, minimalist homewares.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.carolleeshanks.com/\">Carol Lee Shanks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(3102 Wheeler St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.carolleeshanks.com/\">Carol Lee Shanks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(3102 Wheeler St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Carol Lee Shanks wants the textural clothing she creates to turn the wearer into a living, moving sculpture. Playing with dimension, transparency, volume and lines, Shanks’ handmade creations offer comfort and practicality, as well as a wow factor. The UC Davis graduate treats sewing as a meditative practice. That focus and intentionality is visible in every stitch.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Carol Lee Shanks wants the textural clothing she creates to turn the wearer into a living, moving sculpture. Playing with dimension, transparency, volume and lines, Shanks’ handmade creations offer comfort and practicality, as well as a wow factor. The UC Davis graduate treats sewing as a meditative practice. That focus and intentionality is visible in every stitch.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://davidmbowman.com/\">David M. Bowman Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2816 10th St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://davidmbowman.com/\">David M. Bowman Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2816 10th St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Father and son team David and Reed Bowman work with brass and copper to make a wide variety of unique art pieces, as well as jewelry, vases and other homewares, including clocks and menorahs. David is self-taught, and has been perfecting his craft since 1971. His son Reed’s designs are informed by a UC Berkeley history degree, as well as the Master’s he earned in Medieval Studies. The two operate out of a studio they built behind their homes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Father and son team David and Reed Bowman work with brass and copper to make a wide variety of unique art pieces, as well as jewelry, vases and other homewares, including clocks and menorahs. David is self-taught, and has been perfecting his craft since 1971. His son Reed’s designs are informed by a UC Berkeley history degree, as well as the Master’s he earned in Medieval Studies. The two operate out of a studio they built behind their homes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"id": 13991302,
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"imageCredit": "Courtesy of Bruce Pizzichillo",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-160x115.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-768x550.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-1536x1101.jpeg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg\" alt=\"A middle-aged white man wearing glasses uses a blow torch on an ornate glass ornament attached to the end of a rod. He is seated inside a studio lined with shelves covered with other glass objects. \" class=\"wp-image-13991302\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-160x115.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-768x550.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-1536x1101.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bruce Pizzichillo of Pizzichillo Gordon Glass in Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg\" alt=\"A middle-aged white man wearing glasses uses a blow torch on an ornate glass ornament attached to the end of a rod. He is seated inside a studio lined with shelves covered with other glass objects. \" class=\"wp-image-13991302\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bruce Pizzichillo of Pizzichillo Gordon Glass in Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.quepasaglass.com/\">Pizzichillo Gordon Glass\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2680 Union St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.quepasaglass.com/\">Pizzichillo Gordon Glass\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2680 Union St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Glass-blowing duo Bruce Pizzichillo and Dari Gordon have worked together for more than 45 years, combining traditional Venetian techniques with more modern methods. Together, they create striking bowls, vases, jewelry, lighting, as well as abstract, maximalist wall art. Expect fire and intimidating ovens!\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/SawtoothBuildingArts/\">\u003cstrong>Sawtooth Building Artists\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\u003cstrong>(2525 & 2547 8th St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Six artists from Sawtooth will be opening their doors, showcasing a colorful array of glassworks, sculpture, jewelry, clothing and fine art. Expect hand-crafted fashions by \u003ca href=\"https://giselleshepatin.com/\">Giselle Shepatin\u003c/a>; Venetian glassworks by \u003ca href=\"http://www.pinzetteglass.com/\">Pinzette\u003c/a>’s Michael Sosin; fantastical figures (and jewelry) conjured by \u003ca href=\"https://www.susanbrooks.com/\">Susan Brooks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/zaftigjellylady/\">Magical House of Fuff\u003c/a>; \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/maggiewihnyk/\">Maggie Wihnyk\u003c/a>’s intricately beaded accessories; and multimedia art pieces by Janet Lee Smith’s Transformations Design Studio.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Six artists from Sawtooth will be opening their doors, showcasing a colorful array of glassworks, sculpture, jewelry, clothing and fine art. Expect hand-crafted fashions by \u003ca href=\"https://giselleshepatin.com/\">Giselle Shepatin\u003c/a>; Venetian glassworks by \u003ca href=\"http://www.pinzetteglass.com/\">Pinzette\u003c/a>’s Michael Sosin; fantastical figures (and jewelry) conjured by \u003ca href=\"https://www.susanbrooks.com/\">Susan Brooks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/zaftigjellylady/\">Magical House of Fuff\u003c/a>; \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/maggiewihnyk/\">Maggie Wihnyk\u003c/a>’s intricately beaded accessories; and multimedia art pieces by Janet Lee Smith’s Transformations Design Studio.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://werkshack.com/\">Werkshack\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(481 25th St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://werkshack.com/\">Werkshack\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(481 25th St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ten makers share this nonprofit studio, gallery and retail space — and they work in a wide variety of mediums. Don’t miss \u003ca href=\"https://www.hollybobisuthi.com/\">Holly Bobisuthi\u003c/a>’s innovative approach to statement jewelry, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bouquetimprov/\">Sigrid Hubbell\u003c/a>’s botanical sculptures and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thewindinthetrees.net/about\">Olivia A. Carter\u003c/a>’s gorgeous leatherwork.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Ten makers share this nonprofit studio, gallery and retail space — and they work in a wide variety of mediums. Don’t miss \u003ca href=\"https://www.hollybobisuthi.com/\">Holly Bobisuthi\u003c/a>’s innovative approach to statement jewelry, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bouquetimprov/\">Sigrid Hubbell\u003c/a>’s botanical sculptures and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thewindinthetrees.net/about\">Olivia A. Carter\u003c/a>’s gorgeous leatherwork.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://maryfassbinder.com/\">Fassbinder Gallery and Atelier\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(110 Purrington Rd., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://maryfassbinder.com/\">Fassbinder Gallery and Atelier\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(110 Purrington Rd., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Expressionistic landscape artist Mary Fassbinder has been painting the wilds of Northern California — and much further afield (including all 63 National Parks) — since 1994. When not on a hillside with her easel, Fassbender also makes ceramics and Lino-cut prints, and takes portrait commissions for both pets and humans. Her paintings of Bodega Bay, China Camp, Point Reyes, Merced and Marin will be of particular interest to local outdoorsy art lovers.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Expressionistic landscape artist Mary Fassbinder has been painting the wilds of Northern California — and much further afield (including all 63 National Parks) — since 1994. When not on a hillside with her easel, Fassbender also makes ceramics and Lino-cut prints, and takes portrait commissions for both pets and humans. Her paintings of Bodega Bay, China Camp, Point Reyes, Merced and Marin will be of particular interest to local outdoorsy art lovers.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flmceramics.com/\">FLM Ceramics\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(301 2nd St., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flmceramics.com/\">FLM Ceramics\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(301 2nd St., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>FLM’s geometrically inclined handmade tiles and pottery were born in the mind of Forrest Lesch-Middelton, who calls working with clay “alluring,” “sexy” and “incredibly hard.” Now he shares his business with two fellow potters, Wyatt Amend and Kelly Brothers, along with ceramicist Stephanie LeBaudour. Lesch-Middelton teaches workshops from time to time, and uses creative techniques to create his pottery — including transferring screen-printed images onto pots while he’s still throwing them.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>FLM’s geometrically inclined handmade tiles and pottery were born in the mind of Forrest Lesch-Middelton, who calls working with clay “alluring,” “sexy” and “incredibly hard.” Now he shares his business with two fellow potters, Wyatt Amend and Kelly Brothers, along with ceramicist Stephanie LeBaudour. Lesch-Middelton teaches workshops from time to time, and uses creative techniques to create his pottery — including transferring screen-printed images onto pots while he’s still throwing them.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://nicasiowoodworks.com/\">Nicasio Woodworks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2000 Nicasio Valley Rd., Nicasio)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://nicasiowoodworks.com/\">Nicasio Woodworks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2000 Nicasio Valley Rd., Nicasio)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Husband and wife team Barbara Contini and Patrick McDonnell use scavenged wood from downed and discarded trees to make furniture, toys and kitchenware. Contini — a former vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco — recently referred to her business in an interview as a “hobby that has run amok.” Nicasio’s website offers step-by-step guides to carving wood yourself, but you’re sure to learn more by meeting this couple in person.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Husband and wife team Barbara Contini and Patrick McDonnell use scavenged wood from downed and discarded trees to make furniture, toys and kitchenware. Contini — a former vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco — recently referred to her business in an interview as a “hobby that has run amok.” Nicasio’s website offers step-by-step guides to carving wood yourself, but you’re sure to learn more by meeting this couple in person.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://harrieteestelberman.com/\">Harriete Estel Berman\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(657 42nd Ave., San Mateo)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://harrieteestelberman.com/\">Harriete Estel Berman\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(657 42nd Ave., San Mateo)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Self-described “recycling evangelist” Harriete Estel Berman takes other people’s trash and turns it into art and jewelry that consistently questions capitalism, patriarchy and the constant onslaught of advertising. She creates from a perspective that embraces both the hardness of a metal workshop and the softness of traditional femininity. This is a great opportunity to explore Berman’s work — and find some of the most spectacular bracelets you’ve ever seen.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Self-described “recycling evangelist” Harriete Estel Berman takes other people’s trash and turns it into art and jewelry that consistently questions capitalism, patriarchy and the constant onslaught of advertising. She creates from a perspective that embraces both the hardness of a metal workshop and the softness of traditional femininity. This is a great opportunity to explore Berman’s work — and find some of the most spectacular bracelets you’ve ever seen.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Attendees of the National Craft Open Studios Weekend are encouraged to \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/#ncos_map_tix_jump\">register in advance\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Learn about the 14 Bay Area studios participating in this free American Craft Council event.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Artisans around the Bay Area are getting ready to open their studios and workshops to the public as part of \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/#ncos_map_tix_jump\">National Craft Open Studios Weekend\u003c/a>. The free \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/\">American Craft Council\u003c/a> event will take place in 36 states across the country, with more than 200 organizations participating.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here are the people and places in the Bay taking part on July 18 and 19.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">San Francisco\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.missioncommunitywoodshop.org/\">Mission Community Woodshop\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(20 Clinton Park)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hidden near the corner of Valencia and Duboce, this huge, 5,250-square-foot shop is a woodworker’s dream. The nonprofit, founded by teachers Andrew Salverda and Dan Matz, prides itself on making woodworking accessible for everyone and offers classes on a sliding scale. This is a great opportunity to find out more about machine safety, upcoming workshops and — most importantly of all — the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DNRRdnLh4ZF/\">three adorable shop dogs\u003c/a> who will guard you as you learn more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rebekahfrank.com/\">RGF Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(1340 Bryant St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jeweler, welder, blacksmith and machinist Rebekah Frank is opening her studio doors to share how she turns steel into works of wearable art. Frank, who trained all over the world and has actively attempted to build communities of queer metal artists, is a consciously inclusive teacher. This is, in part, the result of her so often being the only woman in the workshops where she learned her craft. In addition to her jewelry practice, Frank also creates sculptures and monoprints.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.joecunninghamquilts.com/\">\u003cstrong>Rockingstitch Productions, Inc\u003c/strong>.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>(1803 Market St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Joe Cunningham’s quilts are literal works of art, made by both hand and machine. Cunningham has been a professional quiltmaker — and author on the subject — for almost half a century. He uses his craft to explore political themes, recall historical events, and as expressions of personal love and loss. His work has been part of the de Young Museum’s permanent collection since 2010, when he was the museum’s artist in residence. Cunningham’s online workshops attract thousands of students; this is a chance to grab a glimpse behind the wadding for free.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg\" alt=\"A woman wearing glasses and an apron, brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, holds a dripping wet wooden rectangular box in front of her. Behind her is a corrugated iron wall, multiple work tables and a black shaggy dog.\" class=\"wp-image-13991301\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/PAMELA_DELUCO-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pam DeLuco of Shotwell Paper Mill in San Francisco. (Courtesy of Pam DeLuco)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://shotwellpapermill.com/\">Shotwell Paper Mill\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(305 Shotwell St.)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’ve ever wondered how to make paper from old rags and plants, you’ll want to visit Shotwell Paper Mill. Helmed by textile and fiber artist Pam DeLuco, this Mission District studio collaborates with individuals and organizations alike to make books and tell stories in sustainable ways. The organization is also surprisingly romantic: among many other things, they help couples turn their old clothing into wedding invitations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">East Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://berkeleypotters.com/\">Berkeley Potters Guild\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(731 Jones St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Founded 55 years ago, the Berkeley Potters Guild is Northern California’s oldest and largest collective of professional ceramicists. Hidden behind the anonymous blue visage of the Guild’s warehouse are 19 private studios, embracing an eclectic array of aesthetics. Highlights include Julia Kirillova’s whimsical teapots, Carol Valk’s ornithological creations and Niki Shelley’s earthy, minimalist homewares.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.carolleeshanks.com/\">Carol Lee Shanks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(3102 Wheeler St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Carol Lee Shanks wants the textural clothing she creates to turn the wearer into a living, moving sculpture. Playing with dimension, transparency, volume and lines, Shanks’ handmade creations offer comfort and practicality, as well as a wow factor. The UC Davis graduate treats sewing as a meditative practice. That focus and intentionality is visible in every stitch.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://davidmbowman.com/\">David M. Bowman Studio\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2816 10th St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Father and son team David and Reed Bowman work with brass and copper to make a wide variety of unique art pieces, as well as jewelry, vases and other homewares, including clocks and menorahs. David is self-taught, and has been perfecting his craft since 1971. His son Reed’s designs are informed by a UC Berkeley history degree, as well as the Master’s he earned in Medieval Studies. The two operate out of a studio they built behind their homes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1433\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg\" alt=\"A middle-aged white man wearing glasses uses a blow torch on an ornate glass ornament attached to the end of a rod. He is seated inside a studio lined with shelves covered with other glass objects. \" class=\"wp-image-13991302\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-160x115.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-768x550.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/BRUCE_PIZZICHILLO-1536x1101.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bruce Pizzichillo of Pizzichillo Gordon Glass in Oakland. (Courtesy of Bruce Pizzichillo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.quepasaglass.com/\">Pizzichillo Gordon Glass\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2680 Union St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Glass-blowing duo Bruce Pizzichillo and Dari Gordon have worked together for more than 45 years, combining traditional Venetian techniques with more modern methods. Together, they create striking bowls, vases, jewelry, lighting, as well as abstract, maximalist wall art. Expect fire and intimidating ovens!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/SawtoothBuildingArts/\">\u003cstrong>Sawtooth Building Artists\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\u003cstrong>(2525 & 2547 8th St., Berkeley)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Six artists from Sawtooth will be opening their doors, showcasing a colorful array of glassworks, sculpture, jewelry, clothing and fine art. Expect hand-crafted fashions by \u003ca href=\"https://giselleshepatin.com/\">Giselle Shepatin\u003c/a>; Venetian glassworks by \u003ca href=\"http://www.pinzetteglass.com/\">Pinzette\u003c/a>’s Michael Sosin; fantastical figures (and jewelry) conjured by \u003ca href=\"https://www.susanbrooks.com/\">Susan Brooks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/zaftigjellylady/\">Magical House of Fuff\u003c/a>; \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/maggiewihnyk/\">Maggie Wihnyk\u003c/a>’s intricately beaded accessories; and multimedia art pieces by Janet Lee Smith’s Transformations Design Studio.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://werkshack.com/\">Werkshack\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(481 25th St., Oakland)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ten makers share this nonprofit studio, gallery and retail space — and they work in a wide variety of mediums. Don’t miss \u003ca href=\"https://www.hollybobisuthi.com/\">Holly Bobisuthi\u003c/a>’s innovative approach to statement jewelry, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bouquetimprov/\">Sigrid Hubbell\u003c/a>’s botanical sculptures and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thewindinthetrees.net/about\">Olivia A. Carter\u003c/a>’s gorgeous leatherwork.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://maryfassbinder.com/\">Fassbinder Gallery and Atelier\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(110 Purrington Rd., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Expressionistic landscape artist Mary Fassbinder has been painting the wilds of Northern California — and much further afield (including all 63 National Parks) — since 1994. When not on a hillside with her easel, Fassbender also makes ceramics and Lino-cut prints, and takes portrait commissions for both pets and humans. Her paintings of Bodega Bay, China Camp, Point Reyes, Merced and Marin will be of particular interest to local outdoorsy art lovers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flmceramics.com/\">FLM Ceramics\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(301 2nd St., Petaluma)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>FLM’s geometrically inclined handmade tiles and pottery were born in the mind of Forrest Lesch-Middelton, who calls working with clay “alluring,” “sexy” and “incredibly hard.” Now he shares his business with two fellow potters, Wyatt Amend and Kelly Brothers, along with ceramicist Stephanie LeBaudour. Lesch-Middelton teaches workshops from time to time, and uses creative techniques to create his pottery — including transferring screen-printed images onto pots while he’s still throwing them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics.png\" alt=\"Eleven plates featuring geometric patterns in grey and white. \" class=\"wp-image-13991303\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics-160x112.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics-768x538.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/flm-ceramics-1536x1076.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Salad plates in varied patterns, by FLM Ceramics. (Courtesy of FLM Ceramics)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://nicasiowoodworks.com/\">Nicasio Woodworks\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(2000 Nicasio Valley Rd., Nicasio)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Husband and wife team Barbara Contini and Patrick McDonnell use scavenged wood from downed and discarded trees to make furniture, toys and kitchenware. Contini — a former vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco — recently referred to her business in an interview as a “hobby that has run amok.” Nicasio’s website offers step-by-step guides to carving wood yourself, but you’re sure to learn more by meeting this couple in person.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Bay\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://harrieteestelberman.com/\">Harriete Estel Berman\u003c/a>\u003cbr>(657 42nd Ave., San Mateo)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Self-described “recycling evangelist” Harriete Estel Berman takes other people’s trash and turns it into art and jewelry that consistently questions capitalism, patriarchy and the constant onslaught of advertising. She creates from a perspective that embraces both the hardness of a metal workshop and the softness of traditional femininity. This is a great opportunity to explore Berman’s work — and find some of the most spectacular bracelets you’ve ever seen.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Attendees of the National Craft Open Studios Weekend are encouraged to \u003ca href=\"https://craftcouncil.org/events/national-craft-open-studios-weekend/#ncos_map_tix_jump\">register in advance\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
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"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
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"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
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"radiolab": {
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"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
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"reveal": {
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"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
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},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
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"science-friday": {
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