San Francisco Revival

Oscar Grande on organizing, equity & San Francisco's soul

In this powerful episode of San Francisco Revival, Mission Housing sits with longtime community organizer and city planner Oscar Grande for a wide-ranging conversation on organizing, equity, and the soul of San Francisco.

Oscar traces his journey from growing up as the Salvadoran son of unionized immigrant parents to becoming a central figure in some of San Francisco’s most consequential housing and anti-displacement battles. He reflects on how environmental justice organizing, cultural identity, and cross-racial coalition building shaped his approach to movement work—especially during the dot-com boom and the fight against gentrification in the Mission District.

The conversation dives deeply into landmark campaigns like “The Monster in the Mission” and Casa Adelante at Chancaján Park, unpacking how community-led visions transformed parking lots and proposed luxury developments into affordable housing, public space, and cultural landmarks. Oscar emphasizes the importance of joy, creativity, and cultural grounding in organizing, alongside hard strategy and power analysis.

Now working within city government, Oscar shares a candid perspective on what equity actually means inside municipal planning—and why real equity requires authentic partnerships, shared decision-making, and resourcing community leadership. He also reflects on San Francisco today: its struggles, its resilience, and the urgent need to address addiction, displacement, and generational wealth with dignity and compassion.

The episode closes on a lighter but deeply personal note, as Oscar talks about biking as liberation, his favorite routes through San Francisco’s industrial neighborhoods, and how joy, movement, and love for the city continue to fuel his work.

Chapters

(01:05) Introduction & Oscar Grande’s Roots
Oscar shares his background as the child of Salvadoran immigrants, the influence of unions, and how privilege and responsibility shaped his path into organizing.

(10:55) Environmental Justice & Becoming an Organizer
From PODER to the dot-com era, Oscar explains how environmental justice, culture, and political education informed his organizing philosophy.

(13:13) The Monster in the Mission
A deep dive into the iconic fight against a massive market-rate development at 16th & Mission—and how a multiracial coalition stopped it.

(27:10) From Fighting “Against” to Building “For”
Why campaigns like Plaza 16 and Casa Adelante succeeded by offering a visionary alternative rooted in community needs.

(31:52) Casa Adelante & Chancaján Park
How a gray parking lot became a Mayan-named park and 120 units of affordable housing—and what it teaches about long-term movement building.

(36:43) Equity Inside City Government
Oscar reflects on moving from organizing into the Planning Department and what real equity looks like beyond buzzwords.

(50:06) San Francisco Today: Struggle, Joy, and Solidarity
Thoughts on housing, addiction, generational wealth, and why the city is not in decline—but in constant transformation.

(01:02:00) Biking, Joy, and Loving the City
Oscar shares his favorite bike routes through San Francisco and how biking represents freedom, healing, and connection.

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San Francisco Revival, Oscar Grande, Mission District organizing, affordable housing San Francisco, anti-displacement movement, Monster in the Mission, Plaza 16 campaign, community planning equity, San Francisco activism, housing justice, environmental justice organizing, Latino organizers San Francisco, Mission Housing Development Corporation, grassroots organizing strategies, equity in city government

Jorge Rivas Jr.: A protective voice for San Francisco's immigrant communities

In this episode of The San Francisco Revival, Mission Housing sits down with Jorge Rivas Jr., Executive Director of San Francisco’s Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA), for a timely and deeply personal conversation about immigrant safety, civic trust, and resilience in San Francisco. Rivas addresses the fear many immigrant communities are experiencing amid heightened federal immigration enforcement, clarifying what sanctuary city policies can—and cannot—do, and urging residents to continue accessing city services without fear.

The conversation explores how language access, legal services, mental health support, housing stability, and economic opportunity are all inseparable from immigrant safety. Rivas explains OCEIA’s role as a bridge between City Hall and immigrant communities, highlights the work of the Immigrant Rights Commission, and names critical gaps that still require investment, especially in legal defense, workforce pathways, and trauma-informed care.

Drawing from his own family’s immigration story, Rivas reflects on leadership, responsibility, and hope—pointing to San Francisco’s shared values, the emergence of young immigrant leaders, and the city’s enduring commitment to standing with immigrant neighbors as sources of strength during uncertain times.

CHAPTERS
(00:01) – Immigrant Safety & the Limits of Sanctuary City Policies
Jorge Rivas Jr. explains why many immigrants feel unsafe despite San Francisco’s sanctuary status and clarifies what local government can and cannot protect against.
(02:53) – Immigration Court, ICE Check-Ins & Legal Preparedness
A discussion on the growing risks immigrants face at hearings and check-ins, and why legal guidance and remote options are critical.
(05:30) – Language Access as a Foundation for Trust
How San Francisco’s Language Access Ordinance helps immigrant residents safely access city services and build trust with government.
(09:10) – The Role of the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs
Rivas describes OCEIA’s position within city government and its role as a bridge between immigrant communities and City Hall.
(11:19) – Service Gaps: Legal Defense, Mental Health & Economic Stability
An overview of unmet needs in immigrant communities, including trauma, employment disruptions, and workforce access.
(13:35) – Fear, Civic Participation & Accessing City Hall
How fear of enforcement is suppressing civic engagement—even around housing advocacy and public hearings.
(18:20) – Immigrants’ Economic & Cultural Contributions to San Francisco
Rivas outlines immigrants’ role in the workforce, tax base, and the cultural vibrancy of San Francisco neighborhoods.
(23:18) – Shared Values, Young Leadership & Sources of Hope
A reflection on why emerging immigrant leaders and San Francisco’s collective values offer optimism during uncertain times.
(27:45) – A Personal Immigration Story & the Responsibility of Leadership
Rivas shares his family’s farmworker roots and how his lived experience shapes his leadership today.
(35:30) – Resources, Advocacy & Staying Informed
Current city initiatives, legal resources, fundraising efforts, and guidance for immigrant families navigating enforcement risks.

RESOURCES

SF Immigrant Forum: Centralized hub for immigrant legal services, housing resources, preparedness tools, webinars, and community updates

Immigrant Rights Commission (San Francisco) – Advisory body to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors representing immigrant community needs

Stand Together Bay Area Fund – Regional fundraising effort supporting organizations assisting families impacted by immigration enforcement

Andrea Reyes of CARECEN: Know Your Rights; Standing up to ICE

Power Not Panic: Know Your Rights with Andrea Reyes | San Francisco Revival Podcast

In this urgent and empowering episode of San Francisco Revival, we sit down with Andrea Reyes, an immigration attorney at CARECEN SF (Central American Resource Center), to discuss the critical legal rights immigrants have—regardless of status—in the U.S. 

Andrea shares insights from her decade of experience in deportation defense, offers practical guidance for dealing with ICE at home, in public, or at work, and unpacks the reality behind “sanctuary city” protections in San Francisco. She also talks about the red cards that can protect you in immigration encounters and how everyday allies can support community defense efforts.

This episode is a must-listen for immigrants, advocates, and allies alike. Knowledge is power—and in uncertain times, asserting your rights can be your strongest defense. 

👉 Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
👉 Find out what "Power Not Panic" means in the face of unjust systems.
👉 Share this episode with anyone who may need to hear it.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

ILRC Red Cards (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode.

CHAPTERS

(01:20) The emotional toll of immigration advocacy
(02:53) Where hope comes from amid fear
(05:06) Disclaimer: Informational purposes only
(06:00) Your rights if stopped by ICE or police
(07:05) Right to remain silent & warrant protocol
(09:16) How to respond to ICE at your door
(10:40) Using red cards to assert your rights
(12:00) What to do if approached in public
(12:49) Where to get red cards & multilingual options
(14:10) ICE raids at the workplace – Know your protections
(16:25) Documenting ICE encounters safely
(18:41) Role of allies and community rapid response
(20:09) What sanctuary city policies really mean
(22:13) Community trust and law enforcement
(23:55) Andrea’s path into immigration law
(27:04) Advice for future lawyers and advocates
(28:57) The weight of legal advocacy in immigrant defense
(30:37) Racism, classism & the “Gold Card” contradiction
(32:25) Fighting back despite overwhelming policies
(33:54) What fuels Andrea’s hope and determination
(36:02) Most rewarding parts of the work
(39:14) Outro and call to action

Tania Estrada of the Women's Building: Intersectional challenges facing women in San Francisco

For over 40 years, The Women’s Building in San Francisco has stood as more than a landmark —i t’s been a sanctuary and a beacon for women, immigrants, and marginalized communities. In this episode of San Francisco Revival, Mission Housing sits down with Tania Estrada, Executive Director of The Women’s Building, to explore her inspiring journey from volunteer to organizational leader.
Tania opens up about the intersectional challenges facing women in San Francisco — from housing insecurity and displacement to underreported violence and immigration fears. She also offers insight into the building’s bold new decarbonization initiative and its evolving role as a hub for resilience, advocacy, and connection.
🎙️ Tune in to hear why Tania believes “resilience is already in the room,” and what it takes to build a city rooted in equity, collective strength, and hope.

CHAPTERS

(01:28) – From Volunteer to Executive Director
Tania shares her path to leadership and the values that have grounded her work.
(05:30) – The Awe of The Women’s Building
Reflections on the iconic murals and the building’s symbolism.
(06:00) – Safe Spaces for Global Communities
How The Women’s Building serves diverse, multilingual, and immigrant women.
(07:40) – Unstoppable: Celebrating Collective Strength
An inside look at the May 16 event celebrating women and community resilience.
(09:05) – Rooted in the Mission District
The deep ties between The Women’s Building and the Latinx community in the Mission.
(10:45) – The Human Toll of Displacement
How gentrification and economic instability impact women and families.
(13:53) – Immigration Fear and Hidden Struggles
Tania exposes the silent crises of harassment, domestic violence, and housing dependency.
(17:10) – A Hub for Hope and Connection
The Women’s Building as a launchpad for advocacy, healing, and collective services.
(20:00) – Where Tania Finds Hope
Future generations, daily community resilience, and a commitment to staying present.
(23:50) – Advice for Young Leaders and Activists
Tania encourages new generations to lean into service, even when the risks are high.
(27:30) – If She Had a Policy Lever…
Tania’s two urgent priorities: immigration reform and universal childcare.
(30:20) – Electrifying the Future: Decarbonization and Resilience
The Women’s Building goes green and positions itself as a post-disaster community hub.
(34:50) – A Long-Term Vision for the Building
Infrastructure, legacy, and environmental justice aligned for the next generation.
(35:30) – Final Thoughts and Event Reminder
Closing gratitude and a reminder to join Unstoppable: The Power of Collective Strength on May 16.

Fatima Ramirez formerly of Acción Latina: An equitable future for the Mission

In a city like San Francisco, cultural arts and community media are tools for civic engagement, people empowerment and community healing.
Organizations who facilitate these things are the spiritual backbone of our neighborhoods. They inspire hope and bring people together to create real change. 
No organization in San Francisco or the Mission exemplifies this better, and has performed this service longer at the highest of levels, than the legendary Acción Latina.
On this episode of San Francisco Revival, a Mission Housing podcast, we have a heartfelt conversation with Fatima Ramirez, Acción Latina’s outgoing executive director who has led the organization through arguably its toughest era and into a bright, new world of possibilities. We talk to her about the challenges of leading such a historic organization, the advances Acción Latina has made to ensure a more equitable future for the Mission, and we dissect Fatima’s legacy as she turns the page, looking forward to her next chapter.

Chapters

(03:04) Building Community and Fond Memories
(05:53) Celebrating Achievements and Community Impact
(09:04) The Importance of Underrepresented Voices
(11:49) Legacy and Transition at Acción Latina
(15:08) Leadership Lessons from the Pandemic
(17:59) Storytelling and Journalism's Evolution
(21:10) Milestones and Achievements at Acción Latina
(27:45) Building a Legacy Through Philanthropy
(29:51) Empowering Artists and Community Impact
(32:30) Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
(38:53) Navigating Career Choices and Community Responsibility
(45:06) Finding Hope and Personal Growth

Mission Graduates CEO Edward Kaufman: The State of Education in San Francisco

San Francisco’s public education system is more than classrooms and curriculums -- it’s a lifeline for opportunity, equity, and the future of our communities.
Yet, the challenges of funding, teacher retention, and family poverty facilitate the narrative of the district. 
On this episode of San Francisco Revival, a Mission Housing podcast, we sit down with Edward Kaufman, the CEO of Mission Graduates, to explore the state of education in our City. From the systemic barriers students face to the transformative programs driving change -- we’ll unpack the vision, challenges, and future of empowering young people in San Francisco. 

Chapters
(01:04) Empowering Young People Through Mission Graduates
(10:32) The Intersection of Housing and Education
(15:50) Challenges Facing SFUSD: Enrollment and Budget Issues
(28:50) The Potential Impact of State Takeover
(37:36) Positive Developments in SFUSD
(41:54) Personal Reflections and Community Engagement

Hillary Ronen: Board of Supervisors exit interview

On the debut episode of San Francisco Revival -- a Mission Housing podcast -- we speak with outgoing District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who has spent over 15 years working in and representing San Francisco’s District 9, which includes the Mission, Bernal, and Portola. 

As her time on the Board of Supervisors comes to a close, we’ll explore what it really means to lead with conviction in one of the most demanding urban environments in the country, the lessons she’s taking with her, and her hopes for the future of San Francisco.

This episode promises to offer perspective, honesty, and perhaps even a little levity.

Chapters

(02:54) Reflections on the 2024 Election and its Impact
(13:23) Addressing Poverty as a Central Issue
(17:02) The Disconnect Between Rhetoric and Reality
(27:34) Balancing Motherhood and Political Responsibility
(33:43) Creating a Safe Environment for Children
(39:48) Evolution of Political Perspectives
(45:28) Finding Hope in Community
(55:50) What's Next for Hillary Ronen?
(59:18) "The Lighting Round" SF Supervisor Edition

Answering the calls for Justice with San Francisco Foundation CEO Fred Blackwell

2020 has been a challenging year, to put it lightly 

Everyone has been going through it, and through it, and through it again

We all have our own takes on what’s going on, and are responding the best we can

We here at San Francisco inFLUX wanted to reach out to influential leaders locally and regionally to hear about what their response has been from their unique positions and perspectives

On this episode of San Francisco inFLUX, we interview Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation, about how he has seen his role change during COVID, and how foundations are answering calls for justice in both the public health, and racial realms of America.

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ABOUT FRED BLACKWELL

Fred Blackwell is the CEO of the San Francisco Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country. The San Francisco Foundation works hand-in-hand with donors, community leaders, and both public and private partners to create thriving communities throughout the Bay Area. Since joining the foundation in 2014, Blackwell has led it in a renewed commitment to social justice through an equity agenda focused on racial and economic inclusion.

Blackwell, an Oakland native, is a nationally recognized community leader with a longstanding career in the Bay Area. Prior to joining the foundation, he served as interim city administrator for the city of Oakland, where he previously served as the assistant city administrator. He was the executive director of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Development in San Francisco; he served as the director of the Making Connections Initiative for the Annie E. Casey Foundation in the Lower San Antonio neighborhood of Oakland; he was a Multicultural Fellow in Neighborhood and Community Development at The San Francisco Foundation; and he subsequently managed a multiyear comprehensive community initiative for the San Francisco Foundation in West Oakland.

Blackwell serves on the board of the Independent Sector, Northern California Grantmakers, the Bridgespan Group, the dean’s advisory council for UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, and the community advisory council of the San Francisco Federal Reserve. He previously served on the boards of the California Redevelopment Association, Urban Habitat Program, LeaderSpring and Leadership Excellence. He was Co-Chair of CASA — The Committee to House the Bay Area. Blackwell holds a master’s degree in city planning from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Morehouse College.

Census 2020 con Eduardo Garcia (Latino Community Foundation) y Rodrigo Molina (OCEIA)

No es todo los días que uno puede impactar los próximos 10 años de la vida llenando una simple forma.

Pero esa es la oportunidad que tenemos nosotros hoy en dia.

Sin embargo, a partir del 30 de Septiembre del 2020, esa oportunidad terminara. Amigos y Amigas de San Francisco inFLUX, estamos hablando del Census 2020 y si no ha tomado acción, es tiempo de actuar. Hoy. No mañana.

Es este primer episodio de la segunda temporada de San Francisco influx, el podcast oficial de Mission Housing, nos acompaña Eduardo Garcia de el Latino Community Foundation y Rodrigo Molina, un embajador de la OCEIA de San Francisco para tener una conversación real acerca del Census 2020 y como sus organizaciones están tomando accion para que cada persona en California sea contado y hago el impacto necesario en nuestra comunidades.

Bienvenido a este episodio, completamente en Español de San Francisco inFLUX.

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Para llenar el Census, visite https://2020census.gov/

Para obtener ayuda de parte del LCF sobre el censo, visite https://latinocf.org/2020-census/

Para obtener ayuda del parte del OCEIA sobre el censo, visite https://sf.gov/departments/city-administrator/office-civic-engagement-and-immigrant-affairs

Si desea ayuda telefonica, marque el 844-468-2020

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Non-English and Non-Spanish Language Hours of Operation: Customer Service Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 10 pm Eastern Time on the following phone lines:

• Chinese (Mandarin): 844-391-2020
• Chinese (Cantonese): 844-398-2020
• Vietnamese: 844-461-2020
• Korean: 844-392-2020
• Russian: 844-417-2020
• Arabic: 844-416-2020
• Tagalog: 844-478-2020
• Polish: 844-479-2020
• French: 844-494-2020
• Haitian Creole: 844-477-2020
• Portuguese: 844-474-2020
• Japanese: 844-460-2020

The importance of Protected Affordable Housing during the Coronavirus Crisis

Everyone at San Francisco inFLUX and Mission Housing hopes you’re safe and healthy during this hectic time as we as a City and community come together to fight Covid-19 aka the Coronavirus.

On this special edition of San Francisco inFLUX, a Mission Housing podcast, we want to bring you a conversation between our Executive Director Sam Moss and the owner of Manny’s, Manny Yekutiel. The two connected via Zoom during Manny’s Super Civic Cyber Conversations series to discuss the importance of protected affordable housing during this health crisis.

Lastly, a quick reminder that Mission Housing’s Online Resource Guide is available by visiting MissionHousing.org and clicking on COVID-19 SUPPORT.

You can visit Manny's website HERE and follow the Super Civic Cyber Conversations by visiting them HERE.