Listen Live
Donate
 on air
Schedule

KCRW

Read & Explore

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Food
  • Culture
  • Events

Listen

  • Live Radio
  • Music
  • Podcasts
  • Full Schedule

Information

  • About
  • Careers
  • Help / FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Contact

Support

  • Become a Member
  • Become a VIP
  • Ways to Give
  • Shop
  • Member Perks

Become a Member

Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

DonateGive Monthly

Copyright 2026 KCRW. All rights reserved.

Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
Cookie Policy
|FCC Public Files

Back to Zócalo's Connecting California

Zócalo's Connecting California

It’s a wonderful state

California’s story needs a rewrite, and Zocalo Public Square commentator Joe Mathews knows just the man for the job.

  • Share
KCRW placeholderBy Joe Mathews • Dec 6, 2018 • 5m Listen

Legendary film director Frank Capra understood California better than most. For Capra, an immigrant who lived all over the state, California was both his canvas and inspiration. And what inspired him the most were stories about common people who overcame difficult trials and managed to retain both their dignity and their faith. Championing the “little guy” may seem quaint in a state that now celebrates fame and wealth above all else, but Capra saw it as the embodiment of the California spirit.

  • KCRW placeholder

    Joe Mathews

    Host, "Zocalo's Connecting California"

    NewsCaliforniaLos Angeles
Back to Zócalo's Connecting California