The Sunset Connection - Perspectives from SF's Sunset Neighborhood

Send us a text

If you live in San Francisco, chances are you either went to public school, have a child in public school, or know someone who does. But even if you don’t, the health of our schools reflects the health of our neighborhoods, our tax dollars, and our shared future.

In this episode, I sit down with Han Li from The San Francisco Standard to unpack SFUSD’s budget crisis, the recent push for stabilization, and why school closures might still be on the horizon.

I hope that this episode will...

Send us a text

Dr. Russell Jeung is a sociologist, Christian, and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate. In this powerful conversation, Russell joins Jessica Ho to talk about what it means to be Asian American in a time of rising hate, surveillance, and silence. As a longtime professor at San Francisco State University, just steps from the Sunset District, Dr. Jeung shares how pandemic-era scapegoating evolved into broader anti-immigrant policies impacting researchers, families, and students.

From ICE raids to the fear of being disappeared, this episode is a call to empathy, courage, and storytelling—and a...

Send us a text

What happens when your kid’s school assignment isn’t tied to your address, but to a citywide lottery? In this episode of The Sunset Connection, host Jessica Ho sits down with four Sunset District parents to unpack the complexities of San Francisco’s public school system.

You’ll hear from:

Send us a text

The aroma hits you first: smoky, rich, unmistakably Texan. But this isn’t Houston. You’re in San Francisco’s Sunset District, where Daniel Ramirez and his wife, Lareina, have built something special at Smoking D’s BBQ.

Daniel, a Houston native, missed the Texas barbecue of his hometown, so he made it himself and his own. What began as casual taste tests for homesick friends turned into a farmers market hustle, and eventually, a brick-and-mortar hit on Irving Street that now sells out almost every weekend. But it w...

Send us a text

What does it mean to grow up Chinese American? And how do the stories of Chinese families in the Sunset District resonate with communities everywhere?

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Lily Wong, Director of Community Engagement at Wah Mei School and Director of the Sunset Chinese Cultural District, to explore the stories that don’t always make the headlines.

Together, they dive into:

Send us a text

Hi Folks! This week’s episode has a different format, released in response to recent national changes that could reshape healthcare access for millions of Americans. With funding cuts, layoffs, and political uncertainty at the federal level, I wanted to share a timely conversation that explores what else might be possible.

My guest is Barry Hermanson, a longtime Sunset District resident, Green Party advocate, and former small business owner who has spent decades organizing around healthcare access and policy reform. Together, we unpack the real-world consequences of a profit-driven sy...

Send us a text

What does it really take to afford a life in San Francisco—and what happens when plans change?

In this episode, I sit down with Dyanna and Dane Volek to talk about their journey through homeownership, affordable housing programs, and navigating major life transitions.

Dyanna, a public servant and Sunset native, shares how the City’s housing programs helped her build a future in the place she grew up. Dane reflects on the closure of Anchor Brewing—where he rose from keg washer to brewmaster—and how he’s reb...

Send us a text

In today's episode of The Sunset Connection, host Jessica Ho introduces two exciting new segments: The Realty Rundown and Community Announcements!

We start by exploring the latest real estate trends impacting San Francisco's Sunset District, highlighting key market insights, financial opportunities, and the city's beneficial DALP program for first-time homebuyers.

Our special guest is Margaret Graf, a dedicated advocate for seniors, retired nurse and attorney, and accomplished author. Margaret shares rich stories from over six decades in the Sunset District, reflecting on San Francisco's transformation, her work with seniors...

Send us a text

🍀 Happy Early St. Patrick's Day! 🍀

In this third episode of The Sunset Connection, we sit down with Katy Tang, former San Francisco District 4 Supervisor and current Executive Director of the Office of Small Business. As a lifelong Sunset resident, Katy reflects on her journey in public service, the challenges and triumphs of her time in office, and her ongoing work advocating for small businesses across San Francisco.

Come along as we dive into:

Send us a text

Dive into the heart of the Sunset District with SFPD Taraval Police Captain Brien Hoo as he explores the intricacies of community safety and policing. Growing up in the area, Captain Hu shares his vibrant memories and insights into how the neighborhood has transformed over the decades. This episode not only highlights the pressing public safety issues facing the community, particularly the rise of scams targeting vulnerable residents, but also emphasizes the vital role of community policing in building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens. 

Join us for an e...

Send us a text

In the inaugural episode of "The Sunset Connection," host Jessica Ho, a Sunset resident, sits down with Albert Chow, esteemed community leader and owner of the historic Great Wall Hardware store in San Francisco's Sunset District. Together, they embark on a journey through time, exploring the neighborhood's transformation from its origins as the "Outside Lands" to the vibrant community it is today.

They reflect on Albert's personal stories, discuss how the neighborhood's changing demographics influence its rich cultural tapestry, and more.

Join us for this enlightening conversation as we...