We Are San Francisco

Danny Sauter returns to discuss his journey from candidate to District 3 Supervisor-elect with host Ben Kaplan. Hear about the highs, challenges, and lessons learned from the campaign trail and what’s next for San Francisco's vibrant heart.

In this episode of We Are San Francisco, host Ben Kaplan sits down with District 1 Supervisor candidates Jen Nossokoff and Marjan Philhour to explore their visions for the Richmond District. From public safety and sustainable transit to the future of City College and addressing San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis, both candidates offer unique insights and approaches to solving the city's most pressing...

In this episode of We Are San Francisco, host Ben Kaplan sits down with District 11 Supervisor candidates Adlah Chisti, EJ Jones, and Michael Lai to discuss the pressing issues facing one of San Francisco’s most overlooked districts. From addressing the socioeconomic disparities that keep District 11 waiting for city resources, to the fight for better schools, safer streets, and cleaner neighborho...

In this episode of We Are San Francisco, we hear from three diverse District 9 candidates—H Brown, Julian Bermudez, and Trevor Chandler—each sharing their unique visions for the city. From reforming public safety and increasing community representation to addressing housing and corruption, these voices capture the urgency of change and the future they want to create for San Francisco.

In this episode of We Are San Francisco, we bring together three passionate candidates—Autumn Hope, Bilal Mahmood, and Scotty Jacobs—who are vying to represent District 5. With diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives, they discuss the pressing issues facing San Francisco, from tackling the fentanyl crisis to improving housing and reducing red tape. Each candidate shares their vision for making...

In this engaging episode of We Are San Francisco, we sit down with three candidates vying for the District 7 Supervisor seat: Matt Boschetto, Myrna Melgar, and Stephen Martin Pinto. Join us as they discuss their unique perspectives on the city's most pressing issues, including housing, public safety, and the role of small businesses in shaping the community. From lifelong residents to political ne...

In this episode of We Are San Francisco, we dive deep into the heart of District Three’s local elections. Join Ben Kaplan as he chats with candidates Danny Sauter, Eduard Navarro, Moe Jamil, and Sharon Lai about their visions for the city. From tackling housing challenges to boosting community trust, and bringing fresh leadership to one of the city's most vibrant districts, this conversation highl...

Join host Ben Kaplan in this episode of "We Are San Francisco," where he engages in a thoughtful and candid conversation with Mark Farrell, the 44th Mayor of San Francisco and a key contender in the upcoming mayoral election. Mark opens up about the city's most pressing issues, from enhancing public safety and tackling homelessness to supporting small businesses and steering economic...

Join us on "WE Are San Francisco" for a conversation with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. In this episode, host Ben Kaplan explores the significant reforms and challenges Brooke has navigated in her tenure, from public safety initiatives to tackling drug-related crimes in the heart of the city. Discover the balance of enforcing law and fostering community relations as we dive into the...

In this episode host Ben Kaplan sits down with Chesa Boudin, former San Francisco district attorney and the new founding executive director of UC Berkeley's Criminal Law and Justice Center. They dive into the pressing issues that define urban public safety, from the entanglements of homelessness to the complexities of judicial reform in the city. Chesa shares his candid insights on the systemi...

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Catherine Stefani, the District 2 Supervisor of San Francisco, for a candid discussion on her aspirations, her tenure, and the pressing issues facing the city. As Stefani shares her insights, we delve into the heart of San Francisco's political landscape, examining the roles of public safety, housing, and education in shaping the future. A staunch adv...

The second episode of the 'Meet The Candidates' series features Ahsha Safai, a current member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, as he discusses his background, career in city government, and mayoral candidacy with host Ben Kaplan. Born in Iran and raised in the United States, Safai provides insights into his journey from an immigrant family to a position of leadership in San Franc...

In the first episode of We Are San Francisco's special 'Meet The Candidates' series host Ben Kaplan delves into the city's political landscape with mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie. Known for his philanthropic leadership at Tipping Point Community and his ties to the Levi Strauss family, Lurie discusses his motivations for running for mayor, emphasizing his concern for the city's...

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan dives into an interesting conversation with Todd David, a prominent figure in San Francisco's political landscape. Todd's journey from a concerned parent to a key player in local politics showcases the power of grassroots activism and the impact of community involvement. The episode delves into the complexities of San Fra...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate web of San Francisco's political landscape with Mary Jung, former chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and a key political powerbroker in our city. We explore the city's shift from a collegial to a polarized environment, dissecting the dynamics between moderates and progressives. Mary shares her perspective on the impact of kindness cultu...

Discover the heartbeat of San Francisco's entrepreneurial spirit in this electrifying episode of 'We Are San Francisco.' Join our live panel of city's trailblazers - Katy Tang, Ben Bleiman, Ben Kaplan and Teddy Kramer - as they unravel the challenges and triumphs of small business in the iconic city. From pandemic struggles to bureaucratic navigation, get an insider's view on w...

Join host Ben Kaplan in this episode of 'We Are San Francisco' featuring Myrna Melgar, a dedicated member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 7. This episode delves into the nuances of urban planning and governance in one of America's most dynamic cities. Myrna, with her hands-on experience in city policy, discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in...

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan engages with Rodney Fong, a fourth-generation San Franciscan and President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Rodney offers a unique perspective on the city's business and planning landscape, combining historical insight with forward-thinking vision. The discussion covers efforts to revitalize downtown and fost...

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan sits down with Lily Ho, a dynamic force in the community and a key figure in the historic recall of three members of the San Francisco Board of Education. Dive into a tale of grassroots activism, as Lily shares her journey from observing the impact of school closures on vulnerable youth to spearheading a citywide movement for cha...

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan interviews Supervisor Matt Dorsey about the city's police staffing crisis. Dorsey proposes the Police Full Staffing Act, a charter amendment aimed at establishing minimum staffing levels and creating a police recruiting fund. The discussion centers on the necessity of a fully staffed police department for law enforcement and...

In this must-listen episode, Forrest Liu and Ben Kaplan take you on an emotional and inspiring journey from being an "accidental activist" to a community leader fighting for justice in San Francisco's Asian community. Discover how one man's personal experience ignited a city-wide movement, and how you, too, can make a difference. Tune in to hear candid conversations about collect...

In this episode of the "We Are San Francisco" podcast, join us as Rachael Tanner, the president of the San Francisco Planning Commission and Ben Kaplan delve deep into the intricate plans shaping the city's future. From the accessible roadmap for downtown San Francisco, spearheaded by Mayor Breed, to the challenges and opportunities of a post-pandemic world, Tanner sheds light on the...

Host Ben Kaplan interviews Kanishka Cheng, founder and executive director of Together SF, a non-profit tackling San Francisco's pressing issues such as the drug crisis, homelessness, and crime. Backed by venture capitalist Michael Moritz, Cheng uses her extensive experience in city government, including roles in the mayor's office and various agencies, to drive impactful change. The episod...

In this in-depth conversation, host Ben Kaplan is joined by Chris Larsen, the billionaire co-founder of Ripple and renowned San Francisco philanthropist. They delve into the challenges that San Francisco faces, as well as the potential solutions that could bring about transformative change in the city. Larsen, known for his passion for the city and significant contributions to its development, sha...

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan invites Sam Moss, Executive Director of Mission Housing Development Corporation, to decode the complex housing crisis in San Francisco. From zoning laws to political will, Sam Moss presents a unique perspective on the city's housing woes and potential solutions. Discover the untold story of the city's housing landscape, t...