Backyard

Today we’re talking about backyards. As the weather gets warmer, you might be heading outside. Here are a few things that we found in the backyards of the Bay Area. 62 years ago, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. Now America’s backyard game – baseball – in on the decline the African American community. We’ll step into the shoes of local movie lovers hoping to save a historic theater in their own backyard. And we’ll also talk with a community organizer who’s bringing urban farming to West Oakland, one backyard at a time.

Today’s producer was Huda Ahmed. The assistant producer was Matt Durning. Our studio engineer was Kerry Seed. The anchors were Adelaide Chen and Diana Montaño. Our executive producer is Peter Finch. And the web producer was Ian Sherr.

Losing Jackie's Dream?

African Americans have a rich history in baseball, from the Negro Leagues to Jackie Robinson to Hank Aaron's home run record. But today, African American players seem to have disappeared from our national past time. Reporter Paul Gackle investigates the decline of African Americans in America's backyard game.

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After the Parkway

Last month, after more than a decade entertaining people in Oakland’s Eastlake neighborhood, the Parkway Theater closed its curtains for good. Now a group of local supporters is fighting to keep the spirit of the Parkway alive. Reporter Shaleece Hass went to the movies, and came back with this report.

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Visit the website for the group "I like the Parkway!", here.

Let it Grow

Finding fresh food in West Oakland is harder than you’d think. But local residents are fighting back, building organic gardens in their own backyards. Reporter Matt Durning spoke with Julie Pavuk of City Slicker Farms to get the dirt on this urban farming phenomenon.

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To learn more about the City Slicker Farms, visit their webpage, here.


Julie Pavuk at the City Slicker Farms offices in West Oakland

Up in the Air

Pacific Steel Casting Company in West Berkeley says they're good for the local community, but many of their neighbors disagree. They say Pacific Steel emits chemicals at dangerous levels, and want the company to change its ways. Reporter Kristine Wong takes a close look at the battle for the air in West Berkeley.

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Feathered Friends or Backyard Attackers?

What’s in your backyard? A dog; maybe a cat? Squirrels? In the rural town of Sutter Creek, an unlikely attacker is threatening residents. Reporter Linnea Edmeier takes us to her home town to meet this menace.

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Wild turkeys in the hills above Sutter Creek in Amador County

For more information, visit the California Department of Fish and Game, here.

April 28th, 2009
Categories: Podcasts . Author: ian

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