What's Happening?
Mike Herz, founder of SF Baykeeper, and his wife, Kate Josephs, have launched a podcast titled 'Once Upon a Bay' from their boat in San Pablo Harbor. The podcast aims to preserve the history and stories of the San Francisco Bay. Herz, who is almost 90
years old, has dedicated over 50 years to advocating for the bay's preservation, including fighting pollution. Josephs, in her late 60s, handles the editing and production of the podcast. They spend half the year living on their boat, 'The Office,' in San Pablo Harbor and the other half in Maine. The couple records Herz's stories, interviews individuals connected to the bay's history, and then Josephs pieces together the episodes. Since its launch in February, the podcast has garnered approximately 1,400 downloads and has covered topics such as sunken boats at Yerba Buena Cove and the history of Baykeeper.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is important for the preservation of environmental and historical narratives of the San Francisco Bay, a vital ecological and economic region in the U.S. By documenting stories and experiences, the podcast contributes to a collective memory that can inform future conservation efforts and public understanding of the bay's significance. The project highlights the ongoing commitment of individuals like Herz, whose work with SF Baykeeper inspired over 350 similar organizations nationwide, to environmental stewardship. The podcast also serves as a unique educational resource, offering insights into the bay's past and present challenges, including pollution and environmental justice issues, which can resonate with local communities and environmental advocates across the country. The couple's dedication, despite their age, underscores the enduring passion for environmental causes and the innovative ways in which historical knowledge can be disseminated.
What's Next?
The couple plans to release numerous new episodes, with about two dozen currently in production. Future topics are expected to include Richmond-related stories, such as a nearby decommissioned former CIA boat, the whaling industry's ties to San Pablo Bay, and the history of ferries. They also intend to follow the development of Point Molate Park. Herz hopes the podcast will help preserve the bay's history for future generations of advocates, addressing the challenge of maintaining institutional memory in environmental organizations. Josephs acknowledges the time-sensitive nature of their project due to Herz's age, emphasizing the urgency to capture these stories. They are actively reaching out to Herz's past connections for interviews, though some have either passed away or are too unwell to participate.
Beyond the Headlines
The 'Once Upon a Bay' podcast delves into the deeper implications of environmental advocacy and historical memory. It highlights the ethical responsibility of preserving the stories of natural landscapes and the efforts made to protect them, especially in the face of ongoing environmental challenges like pollution. The project also touches upon the cultural dimension of environmentalism, showcasing how personal connections and lifelong dedication can shape public understanding and inspire action. Herz's observation about the lack of leadership diversity in environmental circles over the past 40 years, and the recent increase in youth involvement, points to a significant long-term shift in the environmental movement. The podcast, therefore, not only preserves history but also implicitly advocates for a more inclusive and continuous approach to environmental stewardship, ensuring that the lessons from the past inform future generations of activists and policymakers.
