Innovation Summit Seeks to Bridge Tech and Black Colleges
There's no question the technology sector is leading California's economic recovery. It's boom time once again in Silicon Valley and entrepreneurs with start up ideas are on the hunt for funding. Given the lack of racial diversity in the Valley, getting access to that money can be tough if you're African-American or Latino. That's why a high tech gathering at Stanford this week sponsored by the United Negro College Fund caught our attention. It was billed as an Innovation Summit and it brought together officials from historically Black colleges and universities with leading Silicon Valley money people, tech entrepreneurs and academics. Scott Shafer talks to KQED's Joshua Johnson, who covered the summit this week
In Oakland, Mixed Results for Tech In Schools
Education reformers claim technology in the classroom can revolutionize how students learn, and give them the tools they'll need to compete in today's work world. In fact, the impact tech is having in classrooms isn't always so rosy. KQED's Katrina Schwartz has this story of two East Oakland schools that jumped at the promise that technology could help struggling learners.
Sacramento Kings Cultivate Fanbase in India
Last spring, it looked like a slam dunk that the city of Sacramento would lose their pro basketball team -- the Kings -- to Seattle. But the NBA shocked sports pundits and voted to keep them in Sacramento. Now a new ownership group is injecting new life into the NBA franchise. And as the Kings have unveiled a surprising strategy to grow an international fan base.
Low Power Radio Stations Vie for FCC Licenses
If you ever wanted to start your own radio station, now is the time. The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, is taking applications. The stations will be small, with a broadcast range of less than ten miles in most cases. Advocates and applicants for Low Power FM Radio are hoping to create dozens of hyperlocal stations across California.
L.A.'s Wild Records Keeps Rockabilly Beat Alive
The 1950s style of music known as rockabilly has seen a resurgence around the world. And some of the hottest bands are coming out of Southern California, driven by Hispanic musicians and a small record label called Wild Records. And the label operates more like a family than a business.