Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^®  radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

Out and About – Conversations about Questions That Matter: Is Homelessness Everyone’s Problem? Special Guests Joan Baez, Greg Penzinger, Martin Bernal, and Dora Berlanga.

From top left clockwise: Dora Berlanga in DTS yellow shirt; Joan Baez; Greg Penzinger; Martin Bernal

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What are your views of the homeless? Do you think of them all in the same way or as individuals? Is it their responsibility to get themselves back on their feet or is homelessness everyone’s problem? Ruth Copland speaks to people on the street at the inauguration event in Santa Cruz, California for the Downtown Streets Team initiative, which is a community-based solution to homelessness. Ruth speaks to legendary folksinger and activist Joan Baez who lends her support to the programme; Dora Berlanga, one of the homeless Downtown Streets Team members; project manager Greg Penzinger; and Santa Cruz City manager Martin Bernal to get their views on the solution to this pervasive problem.

The Downtown Streets Team programme currently operates in 8 cities in the Bay area of California. Since its launch in 2005 it has helped more than 680 team members find work, more than 760 people find permanent housing and has removed more than 4.3 million gallons of debris from public streets and parks. Downtown Streets Team initiative works to build teams that restore dignity, inspire hope, and provide a pathway to recovery for homeless people. The volunteer Work-Experience Program provides homeless and at risk Team Members an opportunity to beautify their community in exchange for case management, employment services, and a basic needs stipend. Through their volunteer work, Team Members rebuild effective work habits, take on leadership opportunities, further their education and ready themselves to reenter the workforce through the support of a positive community. For more info visit www.streetsteam.org

“It’s A Question of Balance ® so rare among radio talk shows, lets its subjects breathe. With her discursive style and pleasingly eccentric range of curiosity, host Ruth Copland each week treats her listeners to two hours of Whole Brain Radio.”
Hampton Sides – Internationally bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian