Issues & Ideas

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Monitoring Safety at Diablo Power Plant Sep 04, 2026

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Is California overdue for the next ‘Big One’? Aug 17, 2026

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Referred to as the “Big One,” the 1906 earthquake left an indelible mark in the minds of Californians and has left many wondering about the next one. Vicki Gonzalez of CapRadio's Insight speaks with UC Davis Geology Professor Mike Oskin about his research on earthquakes. Then KCBX’s Gabriela Fernandez speaks with San Luis Obispo Emergency Manager Joe Little on how residents can prepare for natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires. And we journey to Morro Bay with producer Tom Wilmer who speaks with Larry Newland on what visitors can find at the Maritime Museum on the Embracadero.

The Costs of Offshore Drilling in California Aug 10, 2026

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The restart of offshore oil production along the Central Coast has sparked a growing legal and political battle over whose authority it is to regulate the project. KCBX’s Gabriela Fernandez spoke with UC Santa Barbara political science professor Paasha Mahdavi about his research on the matter. Then CapRadio’s Insight host Vicki Gonzalez spoke with CalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang about her new documentary exploring the future of Medi-Cal. And KCBX Contributor Mira Honeycutt visits Epoch Estate Wines, where history, innovation and sustainable farming come together in a Paso Robles’ vineyard.

Water and Power on the Central Coast Aug 07, 2026

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Communities like SLO County are studying the feasibility of desalination given ongoing climate impacts. Dr. David Jassby a UCLA civil and environmental engineering professor discusses the potential of desalination. Then, State Senator John Laird talks about a bill that would bring back local funding for communities surrounding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. And we revisit a conversation with shop manager Ken Dahmen of Bici Centro, a bike co-op and education program in Santa Maria.

From competing to campus: Chef Arthur Dulin brings his award winning culinary talent to Cal Poly Jul 31, 2026

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Cal Poly Dining Services Chef Arthur Dulin talks about his recent award and going for gold at next year's National Association of College & University Food Services Challenge. From bagels to cookies, San Luis Obispo baker Michael Milch talks about baking the foods he loves– gluten free. And John Smigelski with the California Alliance for Community Energy talks about a recent report on the cost to keep Diablo Canyon Power Plant running.

Teddy’s Juke Joint, a legendary home for the blues and community Jul 23, 2026

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We hear about one of the last standing Juke Joints in the country, Teddy’s Juke Joint near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We revisit two interviews, one from BookWaves producer Brian Reynolds with award winning author Susan Straight on her latest book Sacrament. Then RaiseUp Radio producer Julie Lynem speaks with CalPoly professors Kerry Langner and Amanda Fry on the complexities of raising children on the Central Coast.

Festival Mozaic's SLO Music and Arts Festival kicks off Jul 15, 2026

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El Niño is poised to impact the climate globally and potentially along the Central Coast. The San Luis Obispo Music and Arts Festival by Festival Mozaic is set to return this week. And, the Santa Barbara News-Press is back! We’ll hear how the paper has been rebuilding its newsroom.

SLO’s Citywide Single Vote: How did we get here? Jun 01, 2026

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San Luis Obispo is changing the way it elects city council members. A whitepaper out of UCSB argues PG&E is overcharging ratepayers. We wrap up with winemakers from Turley Cellars and Radial Estate.

From food insecurity to abundant tables Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

On today’s program, we hear from the new head of a local group that works to address food insecurity on the Central Coast… Wine Country producer Mira Honeycutt sits down with Alma Rosa Winery's Samra Morris to talk about winemaking on the Central Coast... and Father Ian takes listeners to a stunning fruit ranch and wedding venue for a look at seasonal pears in his segment, Playing with Food.

The power of choral music, Author Chris Blake, and a Zero Foodprint program Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

This week, we explore how music, storytelling, and environmental leadership are bringing our communities together. First, we’ll hear from the Master Chorale’s Outreach Committee about the power of choral music to connect people and inspire participation. Next, local author Chris Blake shares his journey of searching for meaning and connection in his new book, Searching for a God to Love. And finally, we’ll talk with leaders from Cal Poly’s Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience about their work to support regenerative agriculture and climate solutions through the Zero Foodprint program.

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