The Essentials | KALW

The Essentials

While most of us are dealing with homeschooling and boredom — zoning out in Zoom meetings and binge-watching Netflix — there are millions of people in California out there on the frontlines: in hospitals and grocery stores, delivering food and packages. We sing for them each night, and our kids post hearts in their windows as a sign of gratitude.

These workers are part of a larger group whose jobs have been deemed "essential" by the state. We are sharing the overlooked stories of people who are putting themselves and their families in harm's way every time they leave their homes in this new series, "The Essentials."

Meet The Biologist Taking Care Of SF's Albino Alligator During The Pandemic

By • May 19, 2020

Vikki McCloskey is a biologist at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. The museum has been closed for months, but there are tens of thousands of animals, bugs, and fish that live there. And they still need to eat. In this installment of "The Essentials," McCloskey takes us into a swamp as she feeds four snapping turtles and an albino alligator named Claude.

A Hospital Chaplain On The Front Lines Of COVID-19

By Judy Silber • May 11, 2020

Rev. Claire Bohman provides support to patients, their loved ones, and staff at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. In this installment of our new series "The Essentials," Rev. Claire says COVID-19 has more caregivers asking for spiritual and emotional support.