REPLAY: The Velvet Bandit: Sonoma County’s Banksy

REPLAY: The Velvet Bandit: Sonoma County’s Banksy

Her art is loud. Her identity is a secret. Meet the woman behind The Velvet Bandit.   VelvetBandit [https://norcalpublicmedia.org/images/michelle_marques/VelvetBandit.png]photo credit: Michelle Marques The Velvet Bandit displays one of her pieces in her art studio.  This is an encore presentation of The 707. Who is The Velvet Bandit? This week, host Michelle Marques steps into the shadows with Sonoma County's most prolific pandemic-era street artist. We dive into the inspiration behind her signature wheatpaste artwork, her unique creative process, and the realities of living with a secret identity. What happens when your friends and family find out about your covert alter ego? The Velvet Bandit tells all. Plus, the conversation moves from the studio to the streets—ride along with Michelle on a Saturday night in Sebastopol for an immersive, behind-the-scenes audio tour of a live pasting operation!   Resources in this episode: thevelvetbandit.com [https://thevelvetbandit.com/]    Guests in this episode: The Velvet Bandit   Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.orgthe707@krcb.org [the707@krcb.org]

REPLAY: Preserving Old Growth Forests in Sonoma County: Save the Redwoods League

An additional 200 acres is being added to the 730-acre Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve.   Newt [https://norcalpublicmedia.org/images/michelle_marques/Newt.png]photo credit: The Coldwater Collective, courtesy of Save the Redwoods League Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including the red-bellied newt.   This is an encore presentation of The 707. For over a hundred years, Save the Redwoods League has been working to preserve old growth forests from southern Monterey County to the Oregon border. Host Michelle Marques talks with Jeff Stump, Director of Land Protection, about their new land acquisition in Sonoma County. Jeff shares details about the Harold Richardson Redwood Reserve, its expansion by 200 acres, and the League's efforts to open it to the public. Learn about the unique characteristics of coast redwoods, the diverse wildlife found in the reserve, and the League's collaboration with the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians. We also discuss the importance of old-growth forests in climate adaptation and the scientific research being conducted at the reserve. Resources: https://www.savetheredwoods.org/project/harold-richardson-redwoods-reserve/https://www.savetheredwoods.org/project/harold-richardson-redwoods-reserve/ [https://www.savetheredwoods.org/project/harold-richardson-redwoods-reserve/] Guests in this episode: Jeff Stump, Director of Land Protection, Save the Redwoods League   Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.orgthe707@krcb.org [the707@krcb.org]

Uncorking the Future: Cultivating a New Generation of Latino Wine Lovers

A Sonoma County winemaker uses culture, language and food to open the tasting room to Latino wine drinkers — and the industry is paying attention.   Wine Tasting with Ludor Wines [https://norcalpublicmedia.org/images/michelle_marques/WineTasting.png]photo credit: Shandra Back Winemaker Salvador De La Cruz of Ludor Wines hosts a wine and food pairing.   As wine sales slump across California, a new generation of Latino consumers is emerging with the potential to reshape the industry’s future. In this episode, KRCB’s Shandra Back meets a Sonoma County winemaker blending Mexican flavors with traditional wine tasting to make the experience feel familiar — and welcoming — to a community that’s long worked the vineyards but rarely felt invited into the tasting room. We also hear from a national wine researcher about why Latino drinkers may be key to reviving a declining market and follow a couple on their DIY tour of Latino owned wineries discovering a tasting that reflects their culture — and their roots.   Guests in this episode: Salvador De La Cruz, Winemaker, Ludor Wines Christian Miller, Director of Research Wine Market Council Mauricio and Marinez Rosales     This episode is produced and edited by Michelle Marques. Story, writing, and interviews by Shandra Back. Editing Assistance by Queena Kim. Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.orgthe707@krcb.org [the707@krcb.org]

Kids Behind the Mic: The 2026 NPR Student Podcast Challenge

Sonoma County students and other youth from around the country share their stories via podcasting.   Podcast kids [https://norcalpublicmedia.org/images/michelle_marques/Podcastkids.jpg]Students work on their podcast during a KRCB workshop.   Now in it’s 8th year, the NPR Student Podcast Challenge gets thousands of entries annually. In this episode, you’ll hear from two NPR editors about the program and a special theme students can explore. We’ll also dive into the vibrant world of youth podcasting in Sonoma County. Meet a Santa Rosa High School student who became a top ten finalist in 2024’s NPR Student Podcast Challenge and a young creator who produced a heartwarming podcast about her school cat—all with the help of KRCB’s youth podcast workshops at the local library.   Resources in this episode: NPR Student Podcast Challenge - Entry Deadline is May 31st, 2026 [https://www.npr.org/2025/12/04/nx-s1-5616423/npr-student-podcast-challenge-launch-2026] Sonoma County Library Sound Studios  [https://sonomalibrary.org/browse/libraryofthings/soundstudios] Free audio editing programs: AudioDirector [https://www.cyberlink.com/products/audiodirector/overview_en_US.html] –  WavePad  [https://www.nch.com.au/wavepad/index.html]-  Garage Band for Mac [https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/] - CreativeCommons.org [https://norcalpublicmedia.org/CreativeCommons.org] for free use music tracks   Guests in this episode: Steve Drummond, Senior Editor/Executive Producer, Education at NPR Janet Woojeung Lee, Producer, Education Team at NPR Hollis Fennen, English Teacher, Santa Rosa High School Max Allen, Associate Radio Producer at NorCal Public Media Jessica Hoover, Branch Manager, Sonoma County Library, Central Library   Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.orgthe707@krcb.org [the707@krcb.org]

The Perfect Pairing: Wine, Food and Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience

Get the inside scoop on the weekend’s events including a chat with Grace Bowers, who headlines a concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards.   Rodney Strong Concert Green [https://norcalpublicmedia.org/images/michelle_marques/HWFE-RodneyStrong.png]photo credit: courtesy of the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience Guests enjoy live music at the Rodney Strong Concert Green as part of the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience.   The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is returning from May 14th through 17th, bringing a global perspective to the heart of Sonoma County. In the first half of the show, host Michelle Marques talks with CEO Steve Dveris about what sets this four-day celebration apart—from the presence of international wines and celebrity chefs to the Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting. Steve also explains the event’s commitment to the community and how it supports local non-profit organizations. Then, we transition from the kitchen to the concert stage. Michelle is joined by 19-year-old guitar phenom Grace Bowers. Grace shares insights into her whirlwind year and previews her headlining performance on May 15th at Rodney Strong Vineyards.   Resources in this episode: https://www.healdsburgwineandfood.com/ [https://www.healdsburgwineandfood.com/]   Guests in this episode: Steve Dveris, CEO, Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience Grace Bowers, Musician Suggestions for guests or topics? Email the707@krcb.orgthe707@krcb.org [the707@krcb.org]