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East Bay Yesterday

East Bay Yesterday

Written by: East Bay Yesterday
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 East Bay history podcast that gathers, shares & celebrate stories from Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond and other towns throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.All rights reserved Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Welcome to "the floating city": How the Hornet dodged destruction

    Welcome to "the floating city": How the Hornet dodged destruction
    Feb 3 2026
    The USS Hornet fought in some of the biggest naval battles in world history, picked up astronauts returning from the first moon landing, and is allegedly one of the most haunted places in America. Three decades ago, this aircraft carrier was sold to a scrap dealer and seemingly destined for destruction until a group of preservationists saved the Hornet and turned it into a floating museum. Since the 1990s, the Hornet has been docked at the former site of Alameda Naval Air Station, but now the museum’s management are exploring a move across the Bay to San Francisco. This episode features interviews with Russell Moore, the museum’s Chief Experience Officer and author of the official book on the USS Hornet; and Bruce Douglas, a Navy veteran who served aboard the Hornet half a century ago and currently volunteers as a museum docent. Listen now to hear about USS Hornet history, how the Hornet was saved, and why it might be relocating. To see photos and links related to this episode, visit: https://eastbayyesterday.com/episodes/welcome-to-the-floating-city/ Don’t forget to follow the East Bay Yesterday Substack for updates on events, boat tours, exhibits, and other local history news: https://substack.com/@eastbayyesterday Donate to keep this show alive: https://www.patreon.com/c/eastbayyesterday
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • “That’s where my power came from”: Betty Reid Soskin's century of chaos and hope

    “That’s where my power came from”: Betty Reid Soskin's century of chaos and hope
    Jan 6 2026
    On December 21st, 2025, the Bay Area lost one of its oldest and most distinguished residents: The legendary Betty Reid Soskin passed away at the age of 104. To pay tribute to her extraordinary life and to celebrate her legacy, I’m re-releasing this interview that was originally published back in 2019. Even though she’s gone, her story is just as powerful, and inspirational as ever. In this episode, Soskin shares stories of growing up in Oakland during the 1920s “when the hills used to burn every year.” She traces her journey from working in a segregated union hall during World War II to co-founding one of the East Bay’s first Black record stores to becoming “America’s oldest National Park ranger” at the age of 85. And she explains how living for roughly a century has allowed her to see patterns in history that give her hope for the future. To see photos and links related to this episode, visit: https://eastbayyesterday.com/episodes/eby-qa-5/ Don’t forget to follow the East Bay Yesterday Substack for updates on events, boat tours, exhibits, and other local history news: https://substack.com/@eastbayyesterday Donate to keep this show alive: https://www.patreon.com/c/eastbayyesterday
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    59 mins
  • How to save a house: Meet the people maintaining some of the Bay’s oldest homes

    How to save a house: Meet the people maintaining some of the Bay’s oldest homes
    Dec 16 2025
    Historic houses offer a tangible connection to a city’s past, but maintaining them is difficult and expensive. Some of Oakland’s most unique structures are currently endangered due to deferred maintenance and budget shortages. Fortunately, there are also several homes that have developed models for how to survive despite these challenges. Their goal isn’t merely to exist, but to serve as resources for the neighborhoods that have grown up around them. To explore why saving historic homes matters, this episode features interviews with: -Naomi Schiff of the Oakland Heritage Alliance -Holly Alonso and Miguel Lopez of the Peralta Hacienda -Nancy Donald and Patty Donald of the Cohen-Bray House To see photos and links related to this episode, visit: https://eastbayyesterday.com/episodes/how-to-save-a-house/ Don’t forget to follow the East Bay Yesterday Substack for updates on events, boat tours, exhibits, and other local history news: http://substack.com/@eastbayyesterday Donate to keep this show alive: www.patreon.com/c/eastbayyesterday
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    1 hr and 9 mins
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