Talk of the Bay KSQD - Latest News

What happened after November 4th? Find out from Tony Russomanno.

Two Aptos High students, Emily and Lucy, talk about their work as podcasters and environmental activists. The Aptos Community Youth Program is a free youth leadership and arts engagement program offered to students in the Santa Cruz County area. As part of their work digital media and visual art outlets such as podcasting, film production, […]

Join Tony Russomanno with guests Chris Krohn and Laz Meiman for a special report in advance of the Nov. 4 election.

Cynthia Ranii, a Santa Cruz resident and elite table tennis player, is competing for a slot in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Ranii became paralyzed from the chest down in 2005 at age 58 after sudden onset of a rare neuro-immunologic disorder known as transverse myelitis. Ranii was at the peak of her career […]

When was the last time you ran your weekend errands without getting behind the wheel of a car? How about commuting to work? What about a trip to the beach? It’s not easy in our modern world to get around without a personal four-wheeler, but that hasn’t stopped Santa Cruz County transportation leaders from challenging […]

Matt Miller, the director of mobility transformation at Ecology Action, returned to Talk of the Bay in September to talk about the Santa Cruz Bikeway, a new 11-mile route encircling the city of Santa Cruz using only existing roads and infrastructure. While the two month pilot project wrapped up Oct. 8, and along with it […]

Hedge funds and secretive investors are buying up local papers and stripping them for parts. These so-called vulture capitalists and their attack on journalism are the subject of a new film out on PBS, “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink by Rick Goldsmith. We hear from Goldsmith and investigative journalist Julie Reynolds about […]

CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, Erica Padilla-Chavez is in the eye of the storm of hungry people seeking food in the wake of pending cuts to CalFresh/SNAP (EBT, food stamps). They are seeking 75 new volunteers to help with the influx of new clients suddenly in need of food in our communities. You can […]

On October 28, 2025, George Cadman was joined on Talk of The Bay by Ken Reichman and Denise Allen of Indivisible Of Santa Cruz County to discuss the No Kings rally & march on Oct 18th, what’s next, how members of ISCC are working to protect our community from ICE, and how people can join […]

In this episode of Talk of the Bay, host Meilin Obinata speaks with two people experiencing different aspects of the rent crisis in the City Salinas: Sam Messenger, a person who received a visit on October 13, 2025 from the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office investigator who was investigating him about his decision to sign […]

On Talk of The Bay on Tues Oct 21st, at 5 pm, host George Cadman interviewed local author, psychotherapist and Family Constellation facilitator, Molly Salans. They discussed her psychological thriller, A Break in The Fog, about a family in turmoil and a dangerous cult, which explores how faith can be used to heal, but also […]

  Interviews with Adam Scow and Dr. Ann Lopez: Adam Bolaños Scow is a Public-Interest Advocate, Violinist, and Music Teacher. For over 15 years Adam has helped win environmental campaigns in the Monterey Bay region including the efforts to ban fracking in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. He is a co-founder of the […]

Talk of the Bay Host George Cadman interviews Jenni Veitch-Olson about California Proposition 50. Jenni is a compassionate community leader. Jenni is the Director of Development for Emerge California, the premier training program for Democratic women who want to run for office and win. She served as the Vice Chair of the Santa Cruz County […]

KSQD’s Talk of the Bay, Meilin Obinata welcomes Omar Dieguez to discuss his month-long hunger strike to raise awareness of the dangers of pesticide use in agriculture, and his work to ban pesticide use in the community.

From Suki Wessling: Reporting from the October 18 No Kings Rally in Downtown Santa Cruz today, I heard a clear message: What’s happening in this country is not OK. People from all walks of life came together with a message of unity and hope. Although there was anger, there was a distinct lack of partisanship […]

Did you know having a dark sky is healthier for humans and other animals? Many creatures rely on the stars to navigate or know where to migrate. Dark Sky International is a movement to reclaim the sky at night, led by amateur astronomers and scientists. Light pollution disrupts wildlife, impacts human health, wastes money and […]

Even in a banner year for coastal storm damage, Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches stood out in 2022 and early 2023. A relentless flurry of atmospheric river storms slammed the popular seaside destinations, snapping the historic Seacliff pier in two, dramatically flooding the day-use area with sand and debris and striping away much of […]

On this episode of Talk of the Bay, host George Cadman talks with Elaine Johnson, Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County, about Measure C, the proposed Workforce Housing Affordability Act appearing on the November ballot in Santa Cruz. They discuss how the measure came about, what kinds of taxes it would establish, how the […]

Roaring Camp Railroads is hosting a magical walk in the giant redwoods lit up by movie lighting artists and lamp-makers. I went on a preview of the event with the artists and about 200 other curious folks, and have this story.   ROARING CAMP INTRODUCES “SEQUOIAS AT NIGHT” FAMILY-FRIENDLY STROLL THROUGH ILLUMINATED GIANT REDWOOD FOREST […]

Across the country, there has been a huge increase in attempts to ban books from libraries and schools. The American Library Association is fighting back against attempts to censor books from libraries by raising awareness of protecting our right to read what we choose. We hear from Heather Norquist, youth programs coordinator for the Santa […]

  On Talk of the Bay, host Meilin Obinata welcomes Paul Kmiec the director of the Santa Cruz Film Festival. Join us in learning how this 25 year old film festival is rejuvenating itself with Paul, a filmmaker in his own right, at the helm. Most importantly, be sure to attend the free parties and […]

Tim Eagan, beloved cartoonist, satirist, radio drama guy and all around cultural icon of Santa Cruz passed away in August of 2025. We hear from friend and radio host Bruce Larsen, and poet Stephen Kessler about his legacy and we hear an interview I did with Tim in April, 2022 upon the release of his […]

On this episode of Talk of The Bay, host George Cadman is joined by Tony Nuñez, Marketing & Communications Director at Community Bridges, where he leads strategic messaging to highlight the impact of the nonprofit’s 10 programs serving more than 20,000 children, families, and seniors each year across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. […]

The Arts Council of Santa Cruz County kicks off their Open Studios Art Tour the first weekend in October. Celebrating their 40th year Open studios is bigger than ever featuring over 340 artists! Working in 22 mediums from seasoned professionals to new and emerging, Open Studios presents an opportunity for everyone to discover, experience, and […]

  Dr. Janice Hadlock is a professor of acupuncture and a well-known researcher in the field of Chinese medicine. She has been published in the top journals in the field and has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine regarding treatments for Parkinson’s Disease. She is the first non-MD acupuncturist to be published […]

In this episode of Talk of the Bay, host Janet Quinn sits down with Brian Sweeney and Omar Guzman of the Homeless Garden Project. They share how the project provides job training, community, and hope for people experiencing homelessness, while also growing fresh food, handmade goods, and deep connections in Santa Cruz. From the upcoming […]

On Talk of the Bay host Christine Barrington interviews Sally Weiss, Director of The Cabrillo Stroke and Disability Learning Center. The center is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with an event at Cabrillo’s Samper Hall on October 17 at 10am-Noon. Sally Weiss shares with the community the terrific offerings of this long-standing program. Every two seconds, […]

Join host Suki Wessling on Talk of the Bay for her informative interview with Monterey Jazz Managing Director Bobbie Young. You’ll learn about all aspects of the festival and hear clips from some of this year’s great artists. Visit the MJF website Listen to the Spotify playlist of this year’s artists  

Do you have your go bag ready in case of a fire, flood, earthquake or tsunami? Do you have a plan for you pet? At the preparedness fair and tsunami fun run, ocal experts from the Red Cross, Scouts, and Animal Shelter help sort out what to do to be ready for any eventuality.

The annual coastal cleanup is Saturday, September 20th from 9 AM to noon. Sign up to help clean a beach or river near you. We talk with Katie Thompson, Director of Save Our Shores about the trash situation in our coastal area. Sign up online here: https://saveourshores.org/coastal-cleanup/  

Community theater has always been a special place in the local theater scene. Mountain Community Theater is planning an extravaganza musical based on the tv show and cartoon of the 1960s, the Addams Family. Join Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday and Pugsley for a gothic romp with a tango number thrown in for good measure. We hear […]

Lo0kout Santa Cruz reporter Chris Neely was 11 on 9-11, 2001 and living in a suburb of New Jersey where the majority of parents commuted in to Manhattan. His teacher was sobbing, half a dozen of his classmates were called out of class not to return, and the principal cancelled recess, fibbing there was a […]

Monday on Talk of the Bay we meet Laura February Strange and members of the cast of “Karen with a K: A musical temper tantrum.” If you haven’t had the chance to experience this local garage-rock musical it’s coming around once more at the Kummbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz. “Karen with a K” features […]

When Gail Pellerin lost her husband to suicide, she knew she needed to learn more about the causes and prevention as part of her healing process. Now, she is advocating for awareness through a resolution declaring September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In addition, she is honoring “Mental Health Heroes” in her district. KSQD is proud […]

7,200 UC Research and Public Service Professionals Vote Yes to Form a Union They are the latest group of professional staff to join the UAW organizing movement Berkeley/Los Angeles, CA – Today, votes were tallied in a union election for 7,200 Research and Public Service Professionals (RPSPs) across all campuses of the University of California. […]

Hundreds of protesters lined Ocean Street in Santa Cruz waving signs in opposition to the labor policies of the Trump administration as the labor day beach traffic left town. Cars honked in support and there was an air of determination and solidarity among those I spoke with.

Organizer Lynda Marin talks about Sun Day and why it’s important. Sun Day is a day of action to celebrate the power of clean energy. On September 21st, people everywhere will be showcasing solar installations, electric homes and vehicles running on clean power. By organizing thousands of events on the fall Equinox, Sun Day will […]

Author Bill McKibben talks about the hope of a solar energy future and a chance to heal the planet as he discusses his new book, Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization. Transcript: Rachel: I’m here on Talk of the Bay with Bill McKibben. He has […]

On KSQD’s Talk of the Bay, From the Streets host Omar Dieguez welcomes Watsonville resident Adela Naranjo-Bernabé. As a first-generation immigrant and a graduate of Cabrillo College and Watsonville High, she knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the migrant experience. As the DREAM Resource and Summer Migrant Programs Coordinator at Cabrillo College, she’s dedicated […]

This summer, I taught 25 UC Santa Cruz students podcasting. They’d never tried anything like it, but dove in feet first. The assignment was to come up with a topic about a local cultural practice or person, and produce a 7-8 minute audio story as a group. Here we hear their short audio stories, collected […]

Kymberly Lacross of Growing Greatness has a message for people feeling isolated. Come on out and play! Information is below: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kymberly Lacrosse Growing Greatness Phone: (831) 234-2046 Email: [email protected] Website: www.growinggreatness.net   Community Celebration “Comunidad en Movimiento – Semillas de Bienestar” Cultivates Wellness and Connection in Watsonville Watsonville, CA — August 16, 2025 — […]

Greg “Sea Lion” Cotten talks about a nonviolent protest he is helping organize against the Israeli policy of prohibited Gazans, many of who are starving, from fishing or swimming in the ocean. Red Line in the Sand protests are sweeping Europe and now the U.S. as a statement of opposition to the war.

Reporter Celia Jimenez does a deep dive into how people’s behavior and actions are changing as a result of fears of detention and family separation by ICE. Her cover story in Monterey County Weekly takes a comprehensive look at how immigrants are faring in an era of fear and mistrust driven by increased ICE raids […]

  Zane Gustafson is a writer from Seattle, WA. He is the author of a new book on constitutional reform titled Polemic for Democracy, which was published one week before the 2024 election. He also writes about the energy transition, and his work has been published at the Sightline Institute and the Ohio River Valley […]

It’s been 5 years since the CZU fires devastated the region, and in particular, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, but nature has been hard at work renewing her landscapes, and on Monday, August 18th, a special remembrance and renewal event will take place from 10am-1pm as a collaboration between Big Basin Redwoods State Park and […]

On this episode of Talk of the Bay, host George Cadman welcomes Lourdes and Gabriel Barraza, Ami Chen Mills, Julia Monahan, of Get The Flock Out — a grassroots group raising the alarm about mass surveillance in Santa Cruz County. Also joining the show: Peter Gelblum of the Northern California ACLU, who has been tracking […]

  On today’s Talk of the Bay, at 5PM host Meilin Obinata introduces you to Youth Against Displacement, a grassroots organization which racked up multiple rounds of victories against gentrification and displacement of long-time residents in the real estate capital of America, New York City, regardless of Mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams. How […]

  Charles Pasternak is the Artistic Director for Santa Cruz Shakespeare, where he has served in that role since 2023. Before that he served as Artistic Director of The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Company in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. He has had a wide-ranging career as an actor and director at theatres across […]

  The Western Flyer has returned from a remarkable 100-day expedition (March 16, 2025 to June 24, 2025) to the Gulf of California — retracing the 1940 voyage of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts and bringing their story into a new century. From tide pool surveys to classroom visits, from dockside festivals to long days […]

KSQD’s David Bean presents street interviews with locals protesting on August 2, 2025 in Monterey.