The Bay Agenda: From the KALW Newsroom

This summer, as our region faces shifting political winds and shrinking resources for public media, KALW is amplifying the stories that too often go unheard. Join us for an evening of live listening and conversation that highlights the powerful on-the-ground reporting from the reporters in our Summer Journalism Program.

From immigration enforcement and housing bans to queer history and Indigenous recognition, these stories paint a portrait of life in the Bay Area right now – and the people fighting to shape its future.

This evening will feature a curated selection of audio and video journalism, live reflections from the reporters behind the stories, and an open conversation about why local journalism matters more than ever.

Story Highlights include:

🎙️ ICE’s expanding footprint in the Bay and how communities are responding

🏠 A citywide RV parking ban—and what it reveals about housing and homelessness

🏳️‍⚧️ A fight to preserve trans history in San Francisco

🎧 “Question of the Bay” voices from real people across the region

🎨 Art, culture, and why public storytelling still matters

Come hear the voices of a new generation of journalists, meet the reporters behind the headlines, and join the conversation about the future of public media in our Bay Area community.

Presented by KALW's News Team, including

Hanisha Harjani is the Community Journalism Director at KALW. They are an award-winning audio reporter and have also produced work for outlets like NPR, The Guardian, The Markup, and more. They are interested in telling stories about gender, spirituality, technology, and policy. In their free time, they love trying out new recipes, taking long walks to nowhere, and staring at the ocean.

KALW's Summer Journalism Academy is a training program that immerses emerging audio journalists in the daily production of KALW’s award-winning news show, Crosscurrents. Guided by experienced public media professionals, the program builds reporting, storytelling, and production skills while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment rooted in KALW’s long tradition of developing diverse voices in public media.

Your RSVP includes admission to Open Decks: Community Art in Motion, a collaborative art exhibition and cultural program featuring original art by 100 Bay Area artists on skateboard decks. Open Decks is on view from July 24 - September 19, 2025.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI

🚪 Reception doors open at 6:00

🗣️ Program begins at 7:00

🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location; free street parking is available across from the venue at 7:00 pm

Host or Publisher KALW Public Media