The Sunset Connection - Perspectives from SF's Sunset Neighborhood

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What does it mean to be Chinese American in 2025, when a sweeping new federal law - HR 1, also known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” - fundamentally changes immigration, enforcement, and who feels like they belong?

NEW! 📝 Transcript and Chinese translation now available on Substack:

 🆕📝 訪談文字稿與中文翻譯現已上架 Substack：  

https://substack.com/home/post/p-168431500

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In this episode, we speak first with Jose Ng, Immigrant Rights Program Manager at Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), who breaks down how the BBB impacts mixed-status families, raises application fees, and heightens fear, especially among San Francisco’s estimated 10,000 undocumented Chinese immigrants and their extended communities.

If you or someone you know needs support, CAA offers free immigration consultations and legal referrals:
📞 Immigration Hotline: (415) 761-3222
🌐 www.caasf.org/immigrant-rights
📱 WeChat: CAASF1969

Then we turn to Cliff Yee, Vice President of Programs and Leadership Development at Coro Northern California and a lifelong resident of San Francisco’s Richmond District. Cliff shares how his family’s story - from his grandfather’s arrival through Angel Island to the same house he grew up in - grounds his efforts to reclaim and reimagine Chinese American identity in a neighborhood too often overlooked, despite its deep immigrant roots.

Together, we explore what it means to navigate belonging, memory, and resilience in real time - as the ground shifts beneath our feet.

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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 give you a clearer, human picture of what just happened and why it matters for all of us.

 Episode recorded: Friday, June 20, 2025

Articles by Han Li:

• SF’s school district says it finally figured out a budget to avoid bankruptcy  - 6/13/2025
• State warns SF schools: We’re not going to bail you out of budget armageddon - 5/7/2025
• SFUSD proposes major cuts to central office, slashing student services, curriculum unit - 4/15/2025
• Early retirements could spare SF public schools hundreds of painful layoffs - 2/25/2025
• SFUSD prepares for ‘painful’ cuts across schools, central office – 2/7/2025

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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 reminder that even if it doesn't feel personal, it is.

🔗 Learn more:
 • Dr. Russell Jeung @ SFSU 
• Stop AAPI Hate: https://stopaapihate.org

🎧 Listen + subscribe to The Sunset Connection wherever you get your podcasts.

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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:

• Gabi Wu, a real estate agent and bilingual education advocate who started researching kindergarten options when her daughter was three.
• Alex Wong, chair of SF Parent Action, who walks us through the school assignment process, from values to waitlists.
• Lucy Wang, a PTA leader and longtime public servant, who shares what it really takes to stay in the system through high school.
• Patrick Wolff, former U.S. Chess Champion turned education advocate, who pushes for better funding and special ed support.

Plus, we wrap up with a fun trivia round on San Francisco schools!

Whether you’re planning to start a family, already navigating TK applications, or just trying to understand how education shapes our city, this episode is for you.

 🎶 Original music for this episode was licensed via Soundstripe.
 Special thanks to the artists who bring these stories to life. 

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✉️ Email: [email protected]

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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 wasn’t just the brisket that turned heads - it was the bao.

Inspired by a trip to a night market in China, Daniel had the idea to merge his 18-hour smoked brisket with the pillowy softness of a Chinese pork bun. After several experiments (and a few delicious mistakes), the brisket bao was born - a cross-cultural creation that honors his Mexican roots and Lareina’s Chinese heritage. It’s now their breakout hit.

🎙️ In this episode, we talk about:

• What makes Texas brisket so legendary - and so hard to master
• How Daniel and Lareina blend Mexican, Chinese, and Texan traditions in every bite
• Why doing barbecue in San Francisco comes with unique challenges
• What it takes to grow from backyard cookouts to a full-time restaurant
• And how a bao changed everything

📍 Smoking D’s BBQ is located at 2181 Irving Street in San Francisco. They’re open Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm - but go early. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

🎧 Like the episode? Share it, hit follow, and leave a quick review. It helps more neighbors find the show.

💬 Got a guest idea or feedback? Reach out on social media or email me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you.

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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:

• How Wah Mei became a pioneering bilingual, bicultural preschool in the Sunset District
• How the Sunset Chinese Cultural District was born during a moment of crisis. Website: https://sfsccd.org/en/ 
• What it means to find belonging across cultures, generations, and neighborhoods
• How murals, street festivals, and everyday victories are weaving new roots for the future

Along the way, Lily shares personal memories of growing up in the Mission District, witnessing neighborhood change, and reconnecting with her heritage in powerful new ways.

🌟 Plus: Stick around for a fun round of Sunset District trivia! (Spoiler: Lily wins… kind of.)

Whether you grew up in San Francisco, are part of an immigrant family, or simply love stories about neighborhoods and community pride, this episode is for you.

Come for the ideas and perspectives, and stay for the heart, history, and hope.

Stay Connected

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✉️ Email: [email protected]

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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 system and explore the promise - and obstacles - of single-payer healthcare in California.

💬 Why this matters to me:
Before I got into real estate and podcasting, I spent years working in healthcare policy and advocacy - including as Director of Government & Community Affairs at a local community health center. I’ve seen up close how hard it is for people to get care, even when they’re “covered.” This conversation is my attempt to unpack those experiences and ask better questions about how we move forward. 

⚠️ Disclaimer:
The guest’s appearance does not constitute an endorsement of any political party or candidate. Views expressed are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

🏡 Local Updates from the Sunset District

🌳 Sunset Dunes is now officially open - a new park celebrating the neighborhood’s natural history
🏘️ Big zoning changes are coming to San Francisco. Learn more at sfplanning.org
🧺 Outer Sunset Farmers Market: Sundays, 9 AM-3 PM | 37th Ave between Ortega & Quintara
🧠 Trivia Night at Harrington’s Bar & Grille - hosted monthly by Jessica. Email for upcoming dates!

📬 Connect with Me

📸 Instagram: @jessicaj.ho
🌐 Facebook: The Sunset Connection
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🎧 Subscribe & listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, sharing it with a friend, and tagging me on social media. It really helps more people discover the show.

🎶 Music Credits

“Spring Cleaning (Instrumental)” by Lunareh
“Something Else (Instrumental)” by Nu Alkemi
All tracks licensed via Soundstripe

Stay Connected

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✉️ Email: [email protected]

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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 rebuilding through art, financial planning, and community connection.

We reflect on the systems that hold up and the ones that fall short, the emotional weight of transformation, and the quiet strength it takes to stay rooted in hope - even when everything goes off course, but somehow ends up exactly where it should.

Plus:
- The second edition of the Realty Rundown: a 20-year lookback at the Sunset housing market
- Anchor Brewing’s last brewmaster on the brewery’s closure
- Big ideas on how public-private partnerships could support SF’s working class
- And some good old trivia to bring it all home 🎉

Have questions for Dyanna or Dane?
Reach Dane at [email protected] and Dyanna on Instagram: @dyannaluna

👉 Learn more about San Francisco's BMR (Below Market Rate) ownership programs here:
 https://www.sf.gov/reports--august-2024--below-market-rate-bmr-ownership-programs

💬 Like the podcast? Share it with a friend!
 📣 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thesunsetconnection
📩 Email me: [email protected]

🎧 See you in two weeks on The Sunset Connection!

Stay Connected

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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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 through her nonprofit Senior Power, and her impactful roles with the Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services (DAS). She also discusses her delightful children's book, "The Adventures of Rob Raven: Climate Change by Wing and Tail," and previews her upcoming book, "Senior Sharp," celebrating the art and joy of aging.

Community Announcements:

• Join Vindy Chan and the Taraval Police Station’s Scam Awareness Project, meeting every other month, next in May 2025. Email Jessica or Vindy (info below) for more information!
• Attend the Never Better Elders Event by Community Living Campaign on May 15th, 1-4 pm, at the Hall of Flowers, featuring senior resources, entertainment, and appearances by Margaret Graf and Art with Elders.

Key Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program): SF Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development
  • Application Deadline: June 2nd, 2025
• Senior Power Newsletter & Community Living Campaign:
  • Contact Margaret Graf: [email protected]
• SF Department of Aging and Disability (DAS):
  • Aging & Disability Resource Line: (415) 355-6700
  • SF Department of Disability and Aging Services
• Vindy Chan (Safety Liaison, Taraval Police Station)
  • Email: [email protected]
• "The Adventures of Rob Raven: Climate Change by Wing and Tail" by Margaret Graf:
  • Purchase on Amazon
• Upcoming Book "Senior Sharp" by Margaret Graf:
  • Stay tuned for release information in May 2025
• Never Better Elders Event:
  • Date: May 15th, 2025, 1-4 pm
  • Location: Hall of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
  • Community Living Campaign Events

Stay Connected:

• Host Jessica Ho:
  • [email protected]

Thank you for tuning in to The Sunset Connection. Let’s stay connected and continue supporting our vibrant community!

Until next time, that’s all folks!

Stay Connected

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The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.

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🍀 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:

• How growing up in the Sunset shaped her leadership style
• The Discover Your District initiative and why community connections matter
• The evolving small business landscape and how government can better support local entrepreneurs
• Her work leading San Francisco’s Office of Small Business and her mission to simplify processes for business owners
• What the future holds for the Sunset District’s economic growth and local businesses

Plus, we wrap things up with some fun St. Patrick’s Day trivia. For example, did you know how SF brewers smuggled malt syrup during Prohibition?

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• SF Office of Small Business: sfgov.org/smallbusiness – Your one-stop shop for permits, leasing support, and small business guidance.
• Shop Dine SF Initiative: sfgov.org/shopdinesf – Support local businesses and explore curated guides for neighborhoods like the Sunset.
• Business Registration Info: sftreasurer.org/business – Need to register a business in SF? Start here.
• Follow the SF Office of Small Business on Instagram: @shopdinesf

📢 Want to hear more? Subscribe to The Sunset Connection, leave a review, and share your thoughts by emailing me at [email protected]! Let me know what topics and guests you’d love to hear from next. 

Stay Connected

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✉️ Email: [email protected]

Subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more neighbors find the show!

The Sunset Connection — exploring the stories and histories that connect us.