Sheryl Kaskowitz
Sheryl Kaskowitz is a writer and audio storyteller focusing on public arts, culture, and history. Her book, A Chance to Harmonize: How FDR's Hidden Music Unit Sought to Save America from the Great Depression—One Song at a Time, was published in April 2024.
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CrosscurrentsIn the second episode of the Public Works series, reporter Sheryl Kaskowitz uncovers treasures by Black sculptor Sargent Johnson that are hiding in plain sight in the Bay Area. It’s a legacy from the New Deal era in the 1930s, when the federal government made supporting artists and public art a priority. -
CrosscurrentsThe New Deal was created more than 90 years ago to help the U.S. recover from the Great Depression. This first episode of "The Public Works" a series from reporter Sheryl Kaskowitz, looks at how the New Deal has shaped public space in the Bay Area and remains part of our everyday lives. -
In its heyday, Union Square was a holiday destination, with crowds lining up to see the festive window displays in its department stores. Today’s news about Union Square is decidedly less cheerful, with reports of robberies and increasingly empty storefronts. But even if its future is uncertain, one tradition is still with us—the SPCA’s holiday windows at Macy’s. -
CrosscurrentsWhen the fog stays away, the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers hold public City Star Parties once a month. They’re part of a longer history of sidewalk astronomy in the Bay Area. -
CrosscurrentsAs breaking makes its Olympic debut, Bay Area breakers offer tips for first-time viewers and share their thoughts about its appearance on the global stage. -
CrosscurrentsA thriving network of neighborhood choirs in San Francisco started out as a study of the health benefits of group singing for older adults. -
CrosscurrentsOn April 20th, thousands gathered to take their final ride on BART’s legacy fleet. Most cars will be scrapped and recycled, but a few will become something new. -
The anniversary of the 1906 earthquake on April 18 has San Francisco city officials thinking about preparedness. During this Earthquake Awareness Week, the city has announced new measures to be ready when “the big one” hits. -
CrosscurrentsIn its heyday, West Oakland’s Seventh Street was the hub of a thriving Black neighborhood. Today, there’s a move to revive it through one of its most iconic nightclubs. -
After months of speculation, San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin has confirmed that he will join the race for mayor, with a formal announcement to come at a rally on Saturday.
