San Francisco Revival

Mission Housing Development Corp..

Back in 2019, we were watching this City—our City—go through some major shifts driven by the impacts of gentrification, displacement, and tech. So we launched a podcast called San Francisco inFLUX. Our goals with that project were to explore the complex dynamics of this transformation—It was about understanding the real forces behind this change—forces that were reshaping the culture, pushing out long-time communities, and leaving a lot of us wondering where we fit in. We highlighted the people and stories that weren’t getting the spotlight and really dug into what’s current and next for the people who make this place home. Since then, our City has continued to be upended by the ever-present impacts of gentrification, and our already deep social inequities have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Look, our City has seen better days, we’re grappling with challenges that don’t have easy answers– but what we’ve noticed about the prevailing narrative is that it paints a hopeless picture that’s quite anxious and dystopian. This way of viewing San Francisco is somewhat fair, but it stifles aspirations, leads to feelings of apathy, and disengages the very people– us – who should be working together to find solutions. Here’s the thing—we know San Francisco still has something special. It’s got us. We’re resilient, compassionate at heart, and familiar with the pavement. We can turn this around. So that’s why we’re hyped to announce that we’re shifting gears. We’re relaunching the podcast under a new name: San Francisco Revival. We’re focusing on the movements, the stories, and the people who are *actively* pushing back against the doom and gloom. We’re providing words of resilience, healing, and hope. We’re not going to let anyone write us off. Let’s get to work on the City’s Comeback Story. This is San Francisco Revival, a Mission Housing podcast.

  1. May 27

    The Translator from the Tenderloin that San Francisco needs with Aseel Fara

    In this episode of of the San Francisco Revival, a Mission Housing podcast, we sit down with Aseel Fara — urban planner, immigrant rights advocate, new father, and lifelong San Franciscan — for a powerful conversation about community, trust, immigrant voices, and the work of helping guide San Francisco through its next chapter. Aseel shares his journey as the son of Yemeni immigrants, his experience growing up in San Francisco, and how lived experience shapes the way he approaches community planning, city government, and civic leadership. From supporting youth and families to helping translate community urgency into city action, Aseel reflects on what it takes to build trust between residents and institutions — and why San Francisco’s revival has to be rooted in the people who call this city home. We talk about the strength of immigrant communities, the importance of public spaces, the role of local government, affordability, community-led planning, immigrant rights, and why San Francisco’s future depends on listening to the neighborhoods and families too often left out of major decisions. If you care about San Francisco, community development, immigrant stories, local government, housing, affordability, civic engagement, or the future of the city, this conversation is for you. Chapters (00:00) Introduction: Meet Aseel Fara (03:15) What people miss about San Francisco’s communities (07:24) Changing the narrative about San Francisco (13:56) Growing up with resilience, community, and public space (21:22) Immigrant families, education, and sacrifice (27:57) From community advocacy to city planning (33:52) Translating community urgency into city action (43:41) Immigrant rights, affordability, and San Francisco’s future San Francisco Revival is a podcast about the people, stories, and ideas helping guide San Francisco through a new era of revival. Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the community leaders, artists, organizers, advocates, and everyday San Franciscans shaping the future of the city. #SanFranciscoRevival #SanFrancisco #AseelFara #CommunityPlanning #ImmigrantRights #CivicLeadership #LocalGovernment #UrbanPlanning #Tenderloin #SanFranciscoPodcast #ImmigrantStories #CommunityDevelopment #AffordableHousing #SFRevival

    59 min
  2. May 11

    Carnaval: San Francisco’s Cultural Heartbeat with Rodrigo Duran

    In this episode of San Francisco Revival, a Mission Housing podcast, we speak with Rodrigo Duran, Executive Director of San Francisco Carnaval, about the power of culture, celebration, and community in shaping the future of San Francisco. Through the lens of Carnaval San Francisco and the Mission District, Rodrigo reflects on how arts and culture create space for freedom, protest, joy, identity, and belonging. Together, we explore why the Mission remains one of San Francisco’s most important cultural neighborhoods, how Carnaval has carried forward traditions from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Bay Area, and why community accountability is essential to keeping cultural celebrations authentic. Rodrigo also shares his personal story as the son of Mexican immigrants, his family’s roots in Aztec dance, and how growing up in San Francisco shaped his work as a cultural leader. This conversation is about more than one festival. It is about San Francisco culture, Mission District history, Latino arts and culture, community organizing, gentrification, cultural preservation, and the ways neighborhoods survive change by adapting, resisting, celebrating, and bringing people home. Chapters (00:33) Culture as Freedom and Protest Rodrigo explains why arts and culture allow people to bring their language, music, bodies, and stories to the forefront while raising their voices with joy. (03:00) Protecting Carnaval From Commodification The conversation turns to gentrification, cultural authenticity, and how Carnaval San Francisco remains accountable to elders, artists, residents, and the broader community. (06:19) Community Accountability in the Mission Rodrigo discusses why listening to the people matters, and how trust is built when community feedback is reflected in the final event, program, or celebration. (08:28) Love in Action Rodrigo reflects on love as a driving force in his work, describing the time, energy, and care he puts into artists, residents, businesses, and the neighborhood. (10:04) The Mission as a Safe Haven We explore what the Mission District means to Rodrigo, from its businesses and murals to its protest history, global influence, and deep cultural soil. (13:37) Why the Mission Still Survives Rodrigo shares why he remains optimistic about the neighborhood’s future, describing culture as something alive, evolving, and constantly adapting to change. (16:59) Carnaval as a Platform for Justice We discuss how Carnaval can hold many forms of expression, from formal protest to dance, ceremony, celebration, and cultural survival. (24:31) Rodrigo’s Family Story Rodrigo shares how his parents came to San Francisco, met in the Mission, became involved in Aztec dance, and helped shape his lifelong connection to culture and celebration. (29:48) What Connects San Franciscans From super burritos and Muni to Bay Area music and neighborhood memories, Rodrigo reflects on the common threads that bind people from across San Francisco. (34:05) The Future of Carnaval San Francisco Rodrigo looks ahead to the next generation of Carnaval, emphasizing mentorship, leadership transitions, innovation, and making space for people to bring their whole selves. (38:08) Dream Headliners and the 50th Anniversary The episode closes with Rodrigo’s dream Carnaval performers, the upcoming 50th anniversary, and a tribute to the elders, artists, families, and volunteers who keep Carnaval alive.

    42 min
  3. Apr 23

    Mission Housing reflects on the journey to The Marvel’s groundbreaking ceremony | San Francisco Revival Podcast

    In this episode of the San Francisco Revival Podcast, Mission Housing reflects on the long journey to the groundbreaking of The Marvel (La Maravilla) at 1979 Mission Street. Members of the Mission Housing team come together for a conversation about community power, affordable housing in the Mission District, the fight against displacement, and what this historic development means for Mission Housing and San Francisco. As Mission Housing marks 55 years in the Mission District, this episode looks back on the organizing, advocacy, trust-building, and perseverance that helped bring The Marvel to life. The conversation explores key moments in the Plaza 16 campaign, the role of neighborhood unity, Mission Housing’s own institutional growth, and why affordable housing development must be rooted in community voice. Whether you care about affordable housing, community development, Mission District history, people power, or the future of San Francisco, this episode offers an inside look at how a community fought for a different vision and helped turn that vision into reality. Chapters (00:30) Why this groundbreaking is such a major moment for Mission Housing (02:15) First reflections: excitement, pride, relief, and gratitude (05:28) Looking back: what Mission Housing would have thought years ago (07:11) Rebuilding Mission Housing and taking “one win after another” (10:53) Community unity in the Mission during a time of displacement (12:13) Key moments in the fight for The Marvel (13:13) The Maximus meeting and direct action organizing (17:30) The historic Mission High School hearing (20:27) Mission Housing’s role in supporting the neighborhood fight (25:13) Rebuilding trust with community partners (31:17) The low points, perseverance, and staying in the fight (32:19) Turning an alternative vision into a real affordable housing proposal (37:33) COVID, resilience, and keeping the dream of The Marvel alive (41:51) Why groundbreaking day is really about community (43:00) Honoring the unsung heroes behind the journey (50:13) People power, community engagement, and building for the future #SanFranciscoRevival #MissionHousing #AffordableHousing #SanFrancisco #MissionDistrict #LaMaravilla #TheMarvel #CommunityDevelopment #HousingJustice #Podcast --- Affordable housing in San Francisco, The Marvel / La Maravilla, Mission Housing, Mission District development, Plaza 16 coalition, community organizing, anti-displacement work, nonprofit housing development, San Francisco housing justice, groundbreaking ceremony.

    54 min
  4. Mar 20

    Lydia Ramirez: Breaking Barriers, Opening Doors

    On this episode of San Francisco Revival, a Mission Housing podcast, we honor Women’s History Month, by bringing together three women in leadership for a powerful conversation on purpose, representation, community, and impact: Gisela Angulo-Avellaneda, Communications Manager at Mission Housing; Marcia Contreras, Deputy Executive Director at Mission Housing; and our guest, Lydia Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Five Star Bank. Lydia shares her journey from a nontraditional path into banking to becoming a C-suite leader, reflecting on immigrant family expectations, mentorship, confidence, and the importance of relationship-building. She also discusses cultural banking, why representation matters in leadership, and how she helped shape a more intentional equity and inclusion strategy at Five Star Bank. The conversation then expands into affordable housing, public-private partnership, community investment, and what it takes to build stronger, more responsive communities. The episode also explores what leadership looks like beyond the boardroom: motherhood, work-life integration, health, self-advocacy, mentoring the next generation, and showing up fully as yourself. It closes with a moving reflection on resilience, building your own “board of directors,” staying rooted in community, and finding joy in culture, color, music, and family. Chapters (01:14) Meet Lydia Ramirez, EVP and COO of Five Star Bank (02:35) Lydia’s journey into banking and her nontraditional career path (06:52) Early career challenges, confidence, and relationship-building (11:50) Cultural banking, community, and financial empowerment (13:46) Advice for young Latinas on mentorship, risk, and self-advocacy (22:35) Finding purpose at Five Star Bank and leading with inclusion (29:46) Affordable housing, partnership, and community investment (38:19) Representation in boardrooms and opening doors for others (44:37) Motherhood, executive leadership, and making space for yourself (58:43) Humility, mentoring others, and leading by example (01:05:30) Immigration narratives, community responsibility, and hope (01:11:45) Lydia’s “why,” resilience, and building your personal board of directors (01:13:48) Music, culture, family, and closing reflections

    1h 20m
  5. Mar 9

    Leticia Landa and the Kitchen Behind the Recipe for San Francisco’s Comeback

    In this episode of San Francisco Revival, the conversation turns to Leticia Landa, Executive Director of La Cocina, the nationally recognized food business incubator that has helped launch dozens of successful restaurants and food companies led by immigrant women and entrepreneurs of color. Recorded inside Reem’s California in San Francisco’s Mission District — one of La Cocina’s most celebrated success stories — this episode explores how food, entrepreneurship, and community investment can shape the future of a city. Leticia shares how La Cocina helps entrepreneurs transform recipes and cultural traditions into thriving businesses through mentorship, shared kitchens, and business training. The discussion explores economic opportunity, neighborhood identity, immigrant entrepreneurship, and why supporting local businesses is essential to San Francisco’s future. The episode also looks at La Cocina’s 20-year journey, the ripple effects of community-rooted businesses, and how small food entrepreneurs are creating lasting impact across the Bay Area and beyond. This conversation shows how community-led solutions — from kitchens to small businesses — are helping cook up the recipe for San Francisco’s comeback. Chapters (00:45) Inside Reem’s California: A La Cocina success story (03:00) Food as a tool for justice, culture, and community (05:00) What La Cocina is and how the food incubator works (07:15) Reem’s journey from farmers markets to restaurant owner (11:30) Why La Cocina businesses succeed (70% still operating after 10 years) (14:00) The biggest challenges facing food entrepreneurs (18:00) Supporting neighborhood businesses in the Mission District (21:10) Leticia Landa’s path to La Cocina and San Francisco (25:30) Growing La Cocina from a small team to a national model (30:00) Lessons about resilience and patience from entrepreneurs (32:30) Winning the 2025 Basque Culinary World Prize (35:00) How La Cocina’s model is spreading globally (37:30) Housing, displacement, and economic opportunity in San Francisco (41:00) How food businesses build generational wealth (44:00) Immigrant food traditions and the identity of cities (48:00) Small businesses vs chain restaurants — why local choices matter (51:00) The future of La Cocina: expansion, consulting, and innovation (54:00) Leticia in the kitchen: baking, brownies, and food culture (58:00) Tex-Mex, queso, and immigrant food creativity (1:02:00) Final reflections on supporting local food entrepreneurs About San Francisco Revival San Francisco Revival is a community-driven effort focused on improving both the material conditions and lived experience of people in San Francisco. Through programs, public forums, and community storytelling, the initiative highlights solutions that help residents stay rooted and shape the future of their neighborhoods. The San Francisco Revival Podcast features conversations with leaders, organizers, entrepreneurs, and community members who are working to build a stronger and more connected city. Learn More La Cocina https://lacocinasf.org San Francisco Revival Follow for more conversations about the people and ideas shaping the future of San Francisco. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe for more conversations about the future of San Francisco. Like • Comment • Share #SanFrancisco #LaCocina #MissionDistrict #SmallBusiness #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #FoodEntrepreneurs #EconomicOpportunity #SanFranciscoRevival

    1h 4m
  6. Jan 29

    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. -- 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

    1h 5m
  7. Jan 15

    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

    39 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Back in 2019, we were watching this City—our City—go through some major shifts driven by the impacts of gentrification, displacement, and tech. So we launched a podcast called San Francisco inFLUX. Our goals with that project were to explore the complex dynamics of this transformation—It was about understanding the real forces behind this change—forces that were reshaping the culture, pushing out long-time communities, and leaving a lot of us wondering where we fit in. We highlighted the people and stories that weren’t getting the spotlight and really dug into what’s current and next for the people who make this place home. Since then, our City has continued to be upended by the ever-present impacts of gentrification, and our already deep social inequities have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Look, our City has seen better days, we’re grappling with challenges that don’t have easy answers– but what we’ve noticed about the prevailing narrative is that it paints a hopeless picture that’s quite anxious and dystopian. This way of viewing San Francisco is somewhat fair, but it stifles aspirations, leads to feelings of apathy, and disengages the very people– us – who should be working together to find solutions. Here’s the thing—we know San Francisco still has something special. It’s got us. We’re resilient, compassionate at heart, and familiar with the pavement. We can turn this around. So that’s why we’re hyped to announce that we’re shifting gears. We’re relaunching the podcast under a new name: San Francisco Revival. We’re focusing on the movements, the stories, and the people who are *actively* pushing back against the doom and gloom. We’re providing words of resilience, healing, and hope. We’re not going to let anyone write us off. Let’s get to work on the City’s Comeback Story. This is San Francisco Revival, a Mission Housing podcast.