Konocti: A Last Resort For People Hit With Disaster
The Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Lake County first opened 60 years ago, and over the years it became a getaway for working-class folks, complete with a 5,000-seat amphitheater that hosted bands like the Scorpions and Kiss. Right along the waterfront of Clear Lake, California’s largest natural lake, it seemed an ideal setting. But much like the poor rural county where it’s located, the resort struggled and finally had to close more than eight years ago. KQED’s Sukey Lewis takes us to this place stuck in time, that’s become home to some unlikely residents.
Facing Deportation, An Immigrant Is Pardoned By Gov. Brown
You may have heard that a few weeks ago, Gov. Jerry Brown pardoned a number of people with criminal records -- including five immigrants facing deportation. One of them is someone we spent a lot of time with last year. His name is Daniel Maher. And when we first met him, he was still on edge that ICE would deport him for his involvement in an armed robbery back when he was 21. Sasha Khokha caught up with him.
Finding Empowerment Through Pole Dancing
Pole Dancing can be sensual, and for some, it’s hyper-sexualized. And that’s a bit tricky these days, at a time when there’s so much discussion about sexual harassment and unwanted attention to women’s bodies. Nadine Sebai unpacks the complex sport of pole dancing, by introducing us to one woman who found power and confidence in herself, despite the stigma.
Salt, Dirt and Ants: Gary Soto’s Poetry of Farm Work
Gary Soto is one of California’s most prolific Chicano poets and writers. He’s the author of more than 40 books of poetry, novels, children’s books and musicals. Now, a new edition of his very first book from 1977, "The Elements of San Joaquin," has just been re-released, updated with some new poems and some reflections for a 2018 audience.
Happy Camp Wasn’t Always So ‘Happy’
For our series "A Place Called What?!" we've been asking you for your ideas about California places with unusual names. Claudia East sent us a note about Happy Camp in Siskiyou County. She lives in Yreka, a couple hours away from Happy Camp, and is on the board of the Siskiyou County Historical Society. East says the town is a small tourist attraction now, but during the Gold Rush, Happy Camp wasn’t always so happy.