Curious Coast: What we’re investigating
Thanks for submitting your questions to Curious Coast! Keep them coming. Below is the list of questions we’re currently investigating. What do you want to know more about?
What a new opera about Steve Jobs says about the human spirit
It’s been more than five years since Apple co-founder Steve Jobs passed away. But his impact continues to be felt—in California’s hi-tech business and for many of us in our…
Teju Cole’s ‘Blind Spot:’ What’s missing when we look at the world?
Nigerian-American writer Teju Cole, known for the novels “Open City” and “Every Day is for the Thief,” has a new book out called “Blind Spot.” It features hundreds of images…
‘Calexit’: A dystopian vision of an independent California
Writer Matteo Pizzolo’s new comic “Calexit” is set in a few years in the future. A second-term autocratic president calls for the immediate deportation of all immigrants. California secedes and…
‘When I’m swimming, I feel normal:’ A new documentary follows autistic teens in and out of the pool
The new documentary “Swim Team” tells the story of a mom and dad who start a swim team called the Hammerheads for their son and other autistic teenagers. The film was shot over three…
The fictional film ‘Del Playa’ has real consequences for people who lived through the Isla Vista shooting
The horror film Del Playa hits digital platforms like Amazon and Youtube today. Set in Isla Vista, the film follows the story of Matthew Hudson, a mentally unstable boy who…
From Rattlesnake Spring to Hellhole Canyon, volunteers gather to count sheep
Rattlesnake Canyon is about as pleasant as it sounds. Water has eroded this remote canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, west of the Salton Sea, but drinkable water is scarce.…
‘Building the Wall’: A play to provoke
Building a border wall was a central theme during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. And it’s now at the heart of a new play called “Building the Wall.” The play by…
Asian film series highlights Santa Barbara’s Chinatown
The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation is in the midst of a film series honoring what many people may not know existed in Santa Barbara. Many years ago, the…
‘I’m not on the streets’: VA housing fills a need
When Betty Love moved into Building 209 in June of this year, after more than 25 years of living on the streets, she finally felt at home. Love was one…
Los Angeles: What have you always wanted to know more about?
When you’re new to LA, there’s a lot to learn. You might find yourself asking, “What’s the story behind that thing?” or “Where am I exactly?” Spend 20 years here,…
How do wildfires affect farmers?
The Whittier Fire burning above Santa Barbara and Goleta hasn’t spread down the south slope of the Santa Ynez Mountain Range toward more urban areas. But mandatory evacuations, road closures…
What’s it like to experience homelessness in LA?
Across LA County, a growing number of people are living in shelters, tents, cars or RVs, and out on the street. Los Angeles County officials estimate that about 58,000 people…
Full list of 2017 Emmy nominations and KCRW interviews
Between Netflix and Hulu, streaming dominates this year’s Emmy nominations. With 91 nominations for shows including “Stranger Things” and “The Crown,” Netflix is quickly becoming a rival for long standing…
Why is American theater so white?
Several weeks ago, the national stage actors’ union, Actors’ Equity released a study on diversity among actors and stage managers. In a nutshell, the study found that U.S. stages don’t…
What famous foods were invented in Santa Barbara?
Hidden Valley Ranch sounds like the kind of rustic name created by marketing executives to sell dressing. But, as many Santa Barbarans already know, the origin of the ubiquitous ranch…
LA’s housing crisis is one reason behind the huge increase in Latino homelessness
On a recent Thursday night at the Eagle Rock Covenant Church, the aroma of a Salvadoran chicken dish – onions, tomatoes and chilies – wafted through the kitchen. Every week,…
A new housing model aims to put a permanent roof over a vulnerable population
The Star Apartments would not look out of place if they were nestled between Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Broad. Each of the 102 well designed modern…
When violence and trauma put women on the street, this organization is there to help
When many of us think of people experiencing homelessness, the picture that often comes to mind is of a middle aged man, maybe slightly older—alone or perhaps with a dog.…
There are 6000 homeless youth in LA, reaching them is crucial
Maggie Reyes was hanging out with a group of homeless people at a makeshift encampment in front of Tommy’s Burgers on Hollywood Boulevard. The spot, near the 101 off-ramp, is…
What’s in Donald Trump Jr.’s emails about Russian meddling?
NPR journalists have annotated the emails with context and analysis.
