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"At its core, Voices of the Community is us sharing your voices, the voices of the people that we live with, so that you can get to know your community more, support your community more, and engage in how to make it a better city." — George Koster Key Moments & Timestamps Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Welcome to the final episode: Eric Estrada and George Koster introduce the farewell panel. 00:01:56 – George reflects on his early radio roots at KSAN and the initial spark for creating the show. 00:10:48 – Eric discusses how he joined the project and the technical evolution of producing the podcast. 00:12:30 – Exploring the COVID-19 series: How local nonprofits, arts organizations, and small businesses pivoted during the pandemic. 00:26:39 – The intersection of technology and community: Discussing the emerging impacts of AI on the arts sector. 00:32:04 – Core takeaways: The critical importance of supporting local mom-and-pop businesses and getting engaged in your neighborhood. 00:38:35 – Audience Q&A: Addressing the hollowing out of local journalism and the power of grassroots storytelling. 00:44:38 – What’s next for the team, plus a final thank you to listeners and broadcast partners. Featured Voices: George Koster: Creator, host, and producer of Voices of the Community.   Eric Estrada: Associate producer and co-host of Voices of the Community   Lila LaHood: Publisher at the San Francisco Public Press and guest host Resources & Links Mentioned: Voices of the Community Archive: Explore our complete archive of past episodes to discover the amazing organizations and services inspiring change.   San Francisco Public Press & KSFP 102.5 FM: Grassroots journalism and community radio partners.  Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST): Co-purchasers of the Warfield Commons building, providing space for arts and media non-profits.   The Gubbio Project: Providing sanctuary and shelter for unhoused community members.  Arts for a Better Bay Area: Highlighting the intersection of the arts and community recovery during the pandemic.  Credits Host: George Koster Guest Host: Lila LaHood Co-host & Producer: Eric Estrada Graphics & web design: Kasey Nance 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

"We are always trying to spin our wheels as human beings about how do we fit into this system that was never created for us, the system that we need to figure out how to redo."- Corrina Gould Key Moments & Timestamps 00:01:34 – Sacred Sites & Displacement (Corrina Gould): 425+ shell mounds/burial sites in the Bay Area; Glen Cove victory (2011 cultural easement). 00:04:31 – Placemaking & Education (Deborah McKoy): Y-Plan—youth-led urban planning bridging education and city planning. 00:08:31 – Economic Roots of Gentrification (Jose Corona): Tech boom displacement in the Mission District → Oakland; corporate accountability. 00:11:31 – Systemic Barriers (Junious Williams): Housing burden—50%+ of Oaklanders spend >50% of income on housing; sustainable wage = $80K/year. 00:32:25 – Policy Solutions: Rent control reform, inclusionary zoning, public land for public good. 00:45:14 – Wraparound Services (Corrina Gould): American Indian Child Resource Center—tutoring, cultural arts, therapy. 00:54:14 – Land Trust Model: Permanent affordability—land trust owns land; families buy homes with 99-year leases ($50–$75/month). 01:02:02 – Funding Models: Impact fees (e.g., $1.8M from Uber building for affordable housing), ballot measures. Featured Organizations Found SF- foundsf.org Oakland Community Land Trust - Oaklandclt.org Project Equity-Projectequity.org (Worker Co-ops) Oakland Promise- Oaklandpromise.org (Cradle-to-Career) Center for Cities+Schools-Y-Plan (Youth Placemaking) Urban Strategies Council- urbastraegies.org Guest Bios & Organizations Corrina Gould –Co-organizer for Indian People Organizing for Change and co-founder of the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust.   Deborah McKoy – Executive Director of the UC Berkeley Center for Cities and Schools.   Jose Corona –Director of Equity and Strategic Partnerships for the City of Oakland   Junious Williams – CEO of the Urban Strategies Council and co-founder of the Oakland Community Land Trust. Call to Action 🎯 Primary Actions Support Land Trusts: Donate to Sogorea Te’ Land Trust or Oakland Community Land Trust. Advocate for Policy: Sign petitions for rent control reform and inclusionary zoning in Oakland. Attend Y-Plan Presentations: April 25–26, 2026 (Oakland + Richmond). 🤝 Secondary Actions Vote with Your Dollars: Support worker co-ops (e.g., Arizmendi Bakery, Red Bay Coffee). Engage in Participatory Budgeting: Oakland CDBG. Educate Yourself: Read the Oakland Housing Equity Roadmap and Sustainable Wage Report.and Housing Equity Roadmap and Sustainable Wage Report. Credits Host: George Koster | Co-host & Producer: Eric Estrada | Design: Kasey Nance, Citron Studios Broadcast Partners: KCSF, KSFP 102.5 FM (San Francisco), KPCA 103.3 FM (Petaluma) Your voice matters.#VOCgentrification #VOCdisplacment #VOCoakland 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

"Half of San Franciscans’ income goes to housing—what are they sacrificing?"- Angela Woodall Episode Timestamps [00:01:19] Angela Woodall: The human cost of SF’s affordability crisis (health, nutrition, childcare). [00:03:18] Caroline Danielson: How the California Poverty Measure (CPM) reveals the true scope of poverty. [00:09:56] Stephanie Zamudio: Community-driven solutions (lending circles, childcare co-ops, and data-backed advocacy). [00:28:54] Policy gaps: Why outdated metrics and lack of accountability fail families. [00:33:06] The lending circle model: Turning informal support into credit-building opportunities. Featured Organizations & Resources San Francisco Public Press – sfpublicpress.org   Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) – ppic.org   Family Independence Initiative (FII) – uptogether.org   Voices of the Community Archive: Explore full episodes, bios, and related content at voicesofthecommunity.com Guest Bios & Organizations Angela Woodall – Lead Writer & Researcher, San Francisco Public Press   Caroline Danielson – Senior Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California   Stephanie Zamudio – Liaison, Family Independence Initiative (FII)   Call to Action 🎧 Listen & Share: Help spread the word about San Francisco’s hidden affordability crisis. 💬 Advocate: Demand updated poverty metrics and accountable policies from local leaders. 🤝 Support: Donate at uptogether.org or sfpublicpress.org. Donate to Voices of the Community to sustain this work. Credits Host: George Koster | Co-host & Producer: Eric Estrada | Design: Kasey Nance, Citron Studios Broadcast Partners: KCSF, KSFP 102.5 FM (San Francisco), KPCA 103.3 FM (Petaluma) Your voice matters.#VOCaffordabilitygap #VOCpoverty 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

"Digital skills are needed in almost every compartment of life nowadays. When families are looking for housing, employment, or services in the community, the best and easiest way is to use a computer and the internet. If you don't have those skills—if they were never taught to you—you don't know something until you know it."- Sophia Selasse ⏳ Key Moments ✅ 00:00:30– Framing the digital divide: Who gets left behind in a world that’s moved entirely online? ✅ 00:07:04– Why access to broadband alone is never enough—training is everything. ✅ 00:19:29– Kevin Cohen (Community Tech Network)on the rewards and challenges of teaching digital beginners from the ground up. ✅ 00:29:33– Jose Mutan’s story: (Raphael House) From digital isolation to securing stable housing for his family. ✅ 00:35:30 – Sophia Selassie (Raphael House) on the shelter’s holistic wraparound approach to tech access. ✅ 00:46:11– Carla Mays (Mays Civic Innovation) on systemic barriers to connectivity and capital access for unbanked populations.   Featured Organizations & Resources Community Tech Network – Bay Area nonprofit providing free digital literacy training for underserved communities. Volunteer: [email protected] Raphael House – San Francisco’s largest family shelter, offering wraparound services including tech access, career development, and housing support. Mays Civic Innovation – Civic advisory firm focused on digital equity, financial inclusion, and community empowerment. 👥 Guests 🔹 Jose Mutan – A former Raphael House resident 🔹Kevin Cohen – Technology Trainer, Community Tech Network (CTN) 🔹Sophia Selasse – Career Development Manager, Raphael House. 🔹Cami Griffith – Executive Director, Community Tech Network. 🔹Carla Mays – Founder, Mays Civic Innovation. Call to Action Share this episode to raise awareness about the digital divide in your community. Donate to support our mission and future episodes: voicesofthecommunity.com/donate Volunteer with Community Tech Network to help others gain digital skills: [email protected] Credits Host: George Koster | Co-host & Producer: Eric Estrada | Design: Kasey Nance, Citron Studios Broadcast Partners: KCSF, KSFP 102.5 FM (San Francisco), KPCA 103.3 FM (Petaluma) Your voice matters.#VOCdigitaldivide 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

⏳ Key Moments ✅ 00:00:28 – Why civic innovation is survival, not just a buzzword ✅ 00:06:27 – Defining civic innovation: "Solving old problems in new ways" ✅ 00:17:07 – SF Airport’s blind navigation app (co-created with Lighthouse for the Blind) ✅ 00:20:20 – Easy Voter Guide: Doubled voter turnout among non-traditional voters ✅ 00:23:18 – Neighbor-land: Public commenting for urban planning (e.g., Dogpatch Public Realm Plan) 👥 Guests 🔹 Krista Kanalakis – Deputy Innovation Officer, SF Mayor’s Office Innovation 🔹 Susan Stewart Clark – Director, Common Knowledge | ckgroup.org 🔹 Judy Brown – Co-founder, Civic Makers | civicmakers.com 🚀 Take Action 🎧 Listen & share on your favorite social media platform 💡 Get involved: Join Code for America SF Brigade (Wednesdays) Attend SF MOCI open office hours Explore participatory budgeting 💰 Support Voices of the Community: Donate Sign up for the newsletter 📌 ResourcesSF Mayor’s Office of Civic Innovation | Common Knowledge | Civic Makers | Full Episodes 🎬 Credits Host: George Koster | Producer: Eric Estrada | Design: Kasey Nance, Citron StudiosYour voice matters. #VOCivicInnovation 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

“The energy devoted to treating mental health and reaching people who have mental health conditions is going to be on fire for not just this year, but for a while, because we don’t know exactly how deeply this pandemic and the mental health conditions that came out of it… we don’t know how long it’s gonna affect people yet. We just know it has impacted people and it will be for some time.” — Jennifer Baity - Mental Health Services Expert and Therapist | Find Out More About Jennifer in Episode 71 KEY TAKEAWAYS & TIMESTAMPS [01:09] Mental health workers as frontline heroes—Edgewood Center’s 24/7 PPE crisis care for children and the hidden toll on staff [13:08] Shy students find their voice—Women’s Audio Mission’s Girls on the Mic program transforms virtual learning into unexpected confidence [19:04] California’s $235 billion arts economy loses 100,000 jobs—and the innovative funding models fighting to bring them back [45:35] East Oakland builds its own safety net—Roots Community Health Center launches the Bay Area’s first walk-up COVID testing site GUEST BIOS & RESOURCES Featuring 19 community leaders including Dr. Noha Aboelata (Roots Community Health Center), Julie Baker (Californians for the Arts), Sekeenah El-Amin (Third Street Youth Center), and Elena Botkin-Levy (Women’s Audio Mission). Organizations featured: Edgewood Center for Children and Families (edgewood.org) BM Magic, SF Public Defender’s Office SF Arts Commission  |  Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) Flower Piano at SF Botanical Garden (sfbg.org) Z Space – The Red Shades (zspace.org) Returning to the Stage Study – AMS Planning & Research / Elon University Check out the Full guest bios, transcripts, of our Highlight Episode 6 and dive into the 105 episodes of the Covid-19 series archive:  Sign up for Voices of the Communities e-Newsletter Make a tax-deductible donation at voicesofthecommunitydotcom—every dollar directly funds the next series. Subscribe to Voices of the Community wherever you listen. Leave a rating and review to help these stories reach more ears.  CREDITS Host & Producer: George Koster   |   Co-Host & Associate Producer: Eric Estrada   |   Design: Kasey Nance, Citron Studios Broadcast Partners: KSFP-LP FM 102.5 (San Francisco)   |   KPCA-LP FM 103.3 (Petaluma) Content Note: This episode discusses mental health, isolation, structural racism, unemployment, and community health disparities. Transcript available at georgekoster.com. #VoicesOfTheCommunity  #COVID19Impact  #BayArea  #MentalHealthMatters  #ArtsAreEssential  #HousingIsHealthcare  #IndependentJournalism  #CommunityHealth © Voices of the Community  |  No corporate sponsors. No gatekeepers. Just the voices that matter. 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

"Instead of asking what's broken, we shine a spotlight on what's already good in people's lives" - Elena Fairley, Mission Asset Fund & Crankstart Foundation In part 5 of our Highlight Episodes from our Covid-19 Special Series, we reveal the hidden fault lines cracking San Francisco's foundation — from a downtown office vacancy rate that's the highest in the nation to a business tax structure so complex that one company slashed its city bill by 88% simply by going remote.  You will learn how local governments in San Jose and San Rafael reinvented their operations overnight, how Mission Asset Fund is rebuilding financial access for undocumented immigrants through community-centered lending circles and micro-loans, and why the city's much-debated office-to-housing conversions remain largely theoretical.  We also decode the 2022 ballot propositions that put the future of affordable housing, homelessness oversight, and public libraries directly in voters' hands. KEY TAKEAWAYS / TIMESTAMPS [01:23] - Local governments forced to digitize overnight: lessons from San Jose & San Rafael. [13:04] - 72% of SF's GDP was concentrated in the downtown core — here's what happened to it. [20:01] - The tax loophole that's incentivizing companies to quietly abandon San Francisco. [28:15] - Office-to-housing conversions: why costs, developers, and city hall are all pointing in different directions. [35:10] - How lending circles are rebuilding financial lives for San Francisco's most invisible residents. GUESTS Fifteen thought leaders shape this conversation, including Joaquin Torres, San Francisco's Assessor-Recorder, who led a $92M economic development office; Jeff Bellisario of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, whose research tracks the 10 trends driving post-COVID recovery; and Jose Quinonez, CEO of Mission Asset Fund, a MacArthur Fellow pioneering financial inclusion for immigrant communities. RESOURCES & LINKS Covid-19 Series highlights, Part 5 guest profiles: Covid-19's Impact on our communities Special Series Resource Directory  SUPPORT VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY Donate Now to support the making of shows like this one Sign up for Voices of the Community’s Newsletter  Subscribe to Voices of the Community on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode — and if this conversation moved you, share it with one person who cares about the future of your city. 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

Then, we transition to a panel led by Susan Stuart Clark featuring library directors Jayanti Addleman (Hayward) and Derek Wolfgram (Redwood City). They share on-the-ground stories of how their institutions transformed overnight—from providing hotspots and homework centers to becoming de facto daytime shelters for unhoused neighbors. This episode highlights the resilience of library staff, the mental health crisis, and the lasting impact of the digital divide. Key Topics & Takeaways[00:03:40] Origins of “Free for All”: How the filmmakers realized librarians are "first responders" during Hurricane Katrina, aiding evacuees when other systems failed.[00:10:45] The RV Tour Idea: Innovative distribution plans to project the documentary in library parking lots to maintain community during social distancing.[00:15:00] Hayward’s Pivot: How Hayward Public Library immediately extended loan periods to one year and distributed hotspots to support students and immigrant families.[00:18:20] Redwood City Online: The surprise benefit of online programming, which increased accessibility for people with disabilities and transportation barriers.[00:21:00] Basic Needs & Hygiene: Libraries stepping up to provide portable toilets and handwashing stations for unhoused populations when public spaces closed.[00:30:00] The Heartbreak of Success: A story about a patron who found housing but was devastated to lose his daily connection to the Redwood City Library community.[00:50:00] The Future of Funding: The unprecedented opportunity of ARPA stimulus funds going directly to cities to help rebuild local services.Guests & HostGeorge Koster – Host and Executive Producer of Voices of the Community.Eric Estrada – Associate Producer and Host.Dawn Logsdon & Lucie Faulknor – Co-Founders of Serendipity Films and creators of the documentary Free for All.Susan Stuart Clark – Founder of Common Knowledge and community engagement expert.Jayanti Addleman – Director of Library Services for the City of Hayward.Derek Wolfgram – Library Director of Redwood City Public Library.Resources & Links MentionedFree for All Documentary: Learn more about the film at FreeForAllFilms.org.Voices of the Community Episode 10: Listen to the full interview with the filmmakers here: https://georgekoster.com/voc-free-for-allVoices of the Community Library Panel: Listen to the full panel discussion with Susan, Jayanti, and Derek here: https://georgekoster.com/voc-stories-common-knowledge-library-panelLearn More about our Guests & Series Listen to the full conversations: Dive deeper into these stories by listening to the complete interviews in Episode 10 and the Library Panel Episode.Explore the Series: Check out the full COVID-19 Special SeriesSupport the Show: Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue producing these stories. Click the donate button at voicesofthecommunity.comSignup for our Newsletter to stay in the loop on future shows and live eventsMake a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Credits & AcknowledgmentsProduced by: George Koster and Alien Boy ProductionsAssociate Producer, Audio & Video: Eric EstradaVisual Design: Casey Nance of Citron StudioBroadcast Partners: KSFP-LP 102.5 FM (San Francisco) and KPCA-LP 103.3 FM (Petaluma)Special Thanks: BAVC Media for the initial collaboration on the SF Non-Profit Spotlight.TranscriptFull transcripts and video episodes are available on our website and YouTube channel. Website:https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlight-show-part-4-libraries-transcriptYouTube: George Koster 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

“We were able to open our tiny house village during the pandemic and have 26 young people move in off the street and into housing." - Sally Hindman, Founder & Executive Director, Youth Spirit Artworks 3 Main Takeaways on Solutions 1.Guaranteed Income Works-Programs like **Miracle Money** and the **New Leaf Project** show that direct cash support helps unhoused individuals secure housing faster, save money, and meet basic needs—while reducing emergency service use and public costs. 2.Wraparound Services Matter-Housing is most effective when paired with case management, behavioral health care, employment support, childcare, harm reduction, and social connection—creating stability that lasts. 3.Community-Led Responses-Alternative response teams and peer-led initiatives such as *Street Sheet* replace criminalization with dignity, trust, and solutions rooted in lived experience. Go to the visit our episode web page to engage in supporting the organizations who support our unhoused neighbors.  Guest Names and Organizations •Kevin Adler - Founder & CEO, Miracle Messages •Jen Roy - Miracle Messages Volunteer •Ray - Miracle Money Program Participant •Shannon Eizenga - Executive Director, Gubbio Project at St. Boniface Church •Mary Kate Bacalao - Compass Family Services •Mark Slater - Raphael House •Ceci Ferber - Raphael House •Jennifer Friedenbach - Executive Director, Coalition on Homelessness •Quiver Watts - Editor, Street Sheet •Sally Hindman - Founder & Executive Director, Youth Spirit Artworks •Wendy Click - Manager of Outreach, Hospitality House •Janet Williams - Hospitality House •Joe Wilson - Hospitality House •Alan Gutierrez - Manager of Housing Subsidy Programs, San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing •Beth Stokes - Executive Director, Episcopal Community Services •Jugal Patel - Housing Subsidy Recipient •Dr. Jiyang Zhao - Lead Researcher, Foundations for Social Change •Heather Hayes - Foundations for Social Change 🎧 Listen now | 💬 Get involved! Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.  Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

“Before the pandemic, one in four San Francisco families struggled with food security; after, four out of ten Black and Latinx families are struggling.” - Kenneth Kim, Senior Director of Programs, GLIDE Drawn from our 105-episode COVID-19 series, this conversation revisits the early months of the global pandemic—and connects them to today’s hunger crisis intensified by government shutdowns and SNAP cuts. Frontline leaders describe building pop-up pantries in days, serving thousands of outdoor meals, scaling home-delivered food for seniors, and standing up mobile hygiene and hotel-based shelters for unhoused neighbors. You’ll hear from: SF-Marin Food Bank, Redwood Empire Food Bank & Meals on Wheels SFGlide Memorial Church & St. Anthony’sSimply the Basics, Lava Mae X & Hayes Valley BakeworksCommunity Forward SF, Tipping Point & Project Homeless ConnectKey themes: Demand outpacing supply across food and hygiene servicesSeniors, families, and communities of color on the front lines of hungerHow “radical hospitality” and one-stop hubs restore dignity and trust🎧 Listen now | 💬 Get involved! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.  Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

"I think that people forget that. These small businesses, they're the ones that are sponsoring your sports teams, which are helping with school things, and that are doing fundraisers that are giving back to the community all the time." - Rebecca Bertoldi When COVID-19 hit, we launched a series to spotlight the small businesses that sustain our communities. Five years on, many are still rebuilding. This highlight episode revisits candid conversations with policymakers, advisors, and owners about what truly helped—and what must happen next. Top Problems Financing gaps & collapsing revenue put leases, payroll, and inventory at risk.Technology barriers slowed the pivot to online sales and services.Minimal cash reserves left micro and solo enterprises exposed.Top Solutions SBA pathways: PPP (including second draw), EIDL working capital, and SBA debt relief that covered principal and interest for existing borrowers.Hands-on technical assistance: devices, training, and coaching to move operations online and reach customers.Community-led purchasing: direct takeout, gift cards, curated boxes, catering, and pop-ups to keep dollars local.Show Guests Julie Clowes, District Director, Small Business Administration's San Francisco District OfficeTim Russell, Program Director, Renaissance Entrepreneurship CenterSharon Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Entrepreneurship CenterPierre Coeurdeuil, Director of Advising & Education, SFMadeAmanda Fried, Chief of Policy and Communications, Treasurer for the City and County of San FranciscoAdam Fowler, founding partner, CVL EconomicsKristin Houk Owner of All Good Pizza, TATO, Café AlmaRebecca Bertoldi, Rebecca Bertoldi MarketingPooja Rajani, Director of Programs, En 2 ActionLaurie Thomas, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant AssociationShannon Walter, Manager, Blue Plate SFJeff Trenam, Owner, Blue Plate SFMichelle Pusateri, Owner, Nana Joes GranolaAndrea Baker, Founder, En 2 ActionShow Hosts Eric Estrada / Co-Host/ VOCGeorge Koster/Producer/Host Voices of the CommunityWhy listen You’ll hear what it really took to survive: from emergency capital and city tax relief to e-commerce pivots and neighborhood solidarity. Owners share the stress, the ingenuity, and the lessons they want every community to remember. Take action  After you listen, do one thing to strengthen your local economy: • Order direct from neighborhood restaurants and makers (skip third-party delivery when you can). • Buy gift cards or curated boxes, book local catering for meetings and events. • Donate or volunteer with the support organizations featured in this episode. • Share this episode with a friend who loves small businesses as much as you do. 🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.  Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events      🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

“We talk about that nihilistic mindset… what it means to grow up in a community that has that mindset and how that affects them. You have to be honest with them, though, that this is real. This is why y’all are dying.” - Anthony Rodriguez Part two features Barbara Albertson, Michael Tubbs, youth panelists, and educators discussing Stockton's remarkable transformation from America's most miserable city through genuine community engagement, crime reduction strategies, educational reform, and grassroots organizing efforts. Episode Guests: Barb Alberson—Senior Deputy Director for Policy & Planning, San Joaquin County Public Health ServiceMichael Tubbs—Former Mayor, City of StocktonBrandon Leake—Founder & CEO, Called To MoveTama Brisbane, co-founder & director, WOW Inc.Anthony Rodriguez—Teacher, Marshall Elementary School, Instructor, Summer Success & Leadership AcademyRhodesia Ransom, co-founder of Sow A Seed, California Assembly Person for the 13th Assembly DistrictTafari Lee—Youth Leader, StocktonTyla Lovely Cotton—Youth Leader, StocktonJohnny Barrios—Youth Leader, StocktonHosts:  Eric Estrada (associate producer),George Koster (creator, series host)Michael Fitzgerald (Stockton Town Hall host and retired Stockton Record reporter)Your voice matters! Support these Stockton nonprofits featured in this highlight episode along with the entire documentary series! They are vital for economic growth, community health, and empowering future leaders. Watch, listen, and share this crucial episode with your networks, local officials, and community development funders. 🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.  Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

“No one’s coming to save us; we have to figure this out ourselves.” — Dillon DelvoReinvention in Stockton starts with people. Family, faith, and Black history shape young leaders; high expectations and visible role models invite the whole community to “come together.” Mentorship turns promise into pathways: Phoenix Scholars supports first-gen, low-income students through applications, scholarships, and personal statements, building generational opportunity. Meanwhile, grassroots coalitions coordinate across safety, health, blight, cultural preservation, housing, and inclusion—proving that cross-sector collaboration can lift South Stockton and create momentum for the city at large. Episode Guests Racole Dixon (mother of Michael Tubbs)Barbara Nicholson (grandmother of Michael Tubbs)Tasha Dixon (aunt of Michael Tubbs)Dr. Rebekah Fenton (physician; Phoenix Scholars co-founder with Michael Tubbs)Nicholas Hatten—Founder/Executive Director, San Joaquin Pride CenterFred Sheil—Administrator, STAND (Substance abusers Taking Action to Neutralize Drugs)Dillon Delvo—Co-Founder & Executive Director, Little Manila RisingJasmine Dellafosse—Founding Member, Reinvent South Stockton CoalitionHosts: Eric Estrada (associate producer), George Koster (creator, series host) and Nick McClendon (associate producer/interviewer) Your voice matters! Support these Stockton nonprofits! They are vital for economic growth, community health, and empowering future leaders. Watch, listen, and share this crucial episode with your networks, local officials, and arts funders. 🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.  Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

"Artists are entitled, just like every other worker, to a livable, predictable, sustainable wage." – Jennifer Laine, San Benito County Arts CouncilIn this powerful season finale, guests explore five urgent themes—economic power of the arts, youth-led civic engagement, cultural equity, legislative reform, and creative healing. From museum-building to policy change and correctional programs, they reveal how arts work fuels systemic solutions and community transformation across California. Show Guests: +Jackie Melendez-Assistant City Manager, City of Chino +Tracy Hudak-Director of Field Engagement,California for the Arts   +Josiah Bruny-CEO,Music Changing Lives   +Danielle Brazell-Executive Director,California Arts Council (CAC)   +Kristen Sakoda-Director, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture   +Jennifer Laine-Executive Director, San Benito County Arts Council & President of California Arts Advocates   +Shira Lane-Founding Executive Director, Atrium 916   +Dr. Meghna Bhat-Founder,Gula Stories +Ruben Reveles, Futuristic Chicanx Artist   +Alex Gallardo Valdeolivar-AIC Coordinator/ Instructor, Arts Council of Kern + Eric Estrada, Co-Host, Assoc Producer, Voices of the Community + Eduardo Robles: Summit Roaming Reporter, California for the Arts and Voices of the Community + George Koster: Creator, Host, Producer, Voices of the Community Your voice matters! Support the arts now! They are vital for economic growth, community health, and empowering future leaders. Watch, listen, and share this crucial episode with your networks, local officials, and arts funders. 🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.  Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch, Listen and Engage in all five series now! 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.

"I have been used, abused and silenced within the nonprofit industrial complex... I'm not gonna take it anymore... I'm gonna get mine and my community's gonna get there's this year" - Nikko Kimzin, Kimzin Creative In Part One of season two of Where Art Meets Impact highlight episode. This episode features inspiring voices from the 2024 California Arts and Culture Summit, which highlights, how artists and advocates tackle three major issues: legitimizing creative careers as real work, integrating arts into health systems, and empowering economic justice through entrepreneurship and guaranteed income. Learn how intentional funding, narrative shifts, and artist-led collaborations are creating systemic change.  Guests Include:  + Julie Baker: CEO of California for the Arts + Nataki Garrett: Co-artistic Director of One Nation, One Project + Chris Appleton: Founder and CEO of Arts Pharmacy + Dr. Indre Viskontas: Cognitive Neuroscientist, Scientist, Communicator, Opera Singer and Stage Director + Dr. Tasha Golden: Director of Research for the International Arts Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University. + Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer-CEO & Founder, Studio T Arts & Entertainment + Nikko Kimzin: Founder, Kimzin Creative, an LLC + Jamie Hand: Director of Strategic Impact and Narrative Change at Creatives Rebuild New York + Nurit Siegal Smith: Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation + Marcus Mitchell: Public Administrator, the City of West Hollywood's Arts + Eric Estrada, Co-Host, Assoc Producer, Voices of the Community + Eduardo Robles: Summit Roaming Reporter, California for the Arts and Voices of the Community + George Koster: Creator, Host, Producer, Voices of the Community 🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved! Don't just be a listener; Be a doer! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.  Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch, Listen and Engage in all five series now! 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.