“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, GLIDEDrawn 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:<ul><li>SF-Marin Food Bank, Redwood Empire Food Bank & Meals on Wheels SF</li><li>Glide Memorial Church & St. Anthony’s</li><li>Simply the Basics, Lava Mae X & Hayes Valley Bakeworks</li><li>Community Forward SF, Tipping Point & Project Homeless Connect</li></ul>Key themes:<ul><li>Demand outpacing supply across food and hygiene services</li><li>Seniors, families, and communities of color on the front lines of hunger</li><li>How “radical hospitality” and one-stop hubs restore dignity and trust</li></ul>🎧 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-2" target="_blank">Listen now </a>| 💬 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-2" target="_blank">Get involved!</a>For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,<a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-2" target="_blank"> visit our episode web page</a><a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank">Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community</a>, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. <a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&id=4ffc7cec9c">Newsletter: Sign up </a> to stay updated on future episodes and events 
Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank">Watch and learn from all five series now!,</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“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&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You’ll hear from:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;SF-Marin Food Bank, Redwood Empire Food Bank &amp; Meals on Wheels SF&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Glide Memorial Church &amp; St. Anthony’s&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Simply the Basics, Lava Mae X &amp; Hayes Valley Bakeworks&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Community Forward SF, Tipping Point &amp; Project Homeless Connect&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key themes:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Demand outpacing supply across food and hygiene services&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Seniors, families, and communities of color on the front lines of hunger&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How “radical hospitality” and one-stop hubs restore dignity and trust&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-2" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen now&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/a&gt;| 💬 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-2" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get involved!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-2" target="_blank"&gt; visit our episode web page&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank"&gt;Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community&lt;/a&gt;, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&amp;id=4ffc7cec9c"&gt;Newsletter: Sign up &lt;/a&gt; to stay updated on future episodes and events &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp;amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank"&gt;Watch and learn from all five series now!,&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Peak pandemic hunger. Collapsing safety nets. Radical local solutions. This highlight episode maps how communities fought to keep food, dignity, and essential services flowing.

Covid 19's Impact on our Communities Highlights Part 2 - Food Security & Basic Needs

"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 BertoldiWhen 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<ul><li>Financing gaps & collapsing revenue put leases, payroll, and inventory at risk.</li><li>Technology barriers slowed the pivot to online sales and services.</li><li>Minimal cash reserves left micro and solo enterprises exposed.</li></ul>Top Solutions<ul><li>SBA pathways: PPP (including second draw), EIDL working capital, and SBA debt relief that covered principal and interest for existing borrowers.</li><li>Hands-on technical assistance: devices, training, and coaching to move operations online and reach customers.</li><li>Community-led purchasing: direct takeout, gift cards, curated boxes, catering, and pop-ups to keep dollars local.</li></ul>Show Guests<ul><li>Julie Clowes, District Director, Small Business Administration's San Francisco District Office</li><li>Tim Russell, Program Director, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center</li><li>Sharon Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center</li><li>Pierre Coeurdeuil, Director of Advising & Education, SFMade</li><li>Amanda Fried, Chief of Policy and Communications, Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco</li><li>Adam Fowler, founding partner, CVL Economics</li><li>Kristin Houk Owner of All Good Pizza, TATO, Café Alma</li><li>Rebecca Bertoldi, Rebecca Bertoldi Marketing</li><li>Pooja Rajani, Director of Programs, En 2 Action</li><li>Laurie Thomas, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association</li><li>Shannon Walter, Manager, Blue Plate SF</li><li>Jeff Trenam, Owner, Blue Plate SF</li><li>Michelle Pusateri, Owner, Nana Joes Granola</li><li>Andrea Baker, Founder, En 2 Action</li></ul>Show Hosts<ul><li>Eric Estrada / Co-Host/ VOC</li><li>George Koster/Producer/Host Voices of the Community</li></ul>Why 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.🎧 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-1" target="_blank">Listen now</a> | 📺 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GeoKoster" target="_blank">Watch the episodes </a>| 💬 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-covid19-and-sf-nonprofits" target="_blank">Get involved!</a>For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,<a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-1"> visit our episode web page</a><a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank">Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community</a>, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. <a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&id=4ffc7cec9c">Newsletter: Sign up </a> to stay updated on future episodes and events   
Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank">Watch and learn from all five series now!,</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;strong&gt;"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&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Top Problems&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Financing gaps &amp; collapsing revenue put leases, payroll, and inventory at risk.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Technology barriers slowed the pivot to online sales and services.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Minimal cash reserves left micro and solo enterprises exposed.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Top Solutions&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;SBA pathways: PPP (including second draw), EIDL working capital, and SBA debt relief that covered principal and interest for existing borrowers.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Hands-on technical assistance: devices, training, and coaching to move operations online and reach customers.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Community-led purchasing: direct takeout, gift cards, curated boxes, catering, and pop-ups to keep dollars local.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Guests&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Julie Clowes, District Director, Small Business Administration's San Francisco District Office&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tim Russell, Program Director, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Sharon Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Pierre Coeurdeuil, Director of Advising &amp; Education, SFMade&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Amanda Fried, Chief of Policy and Communications, Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Adam Fowler, founding partner, CVL Economics&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Kristin Houk Owner of All Good Pizza, TATO, Café Alma&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Rebecca Bertoldi, Rebecca Bertoldi Marketing&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Pooja Rajani, Director of Programs, En 2 Action&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Laurie Thomas, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Shannon Walter, Manager, Blue Plate SF&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Jeff Trenam, Owner, Blue Plate SF&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Michelle Pusateri, Owner, Nana Joes Granola&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Andrea Baker, Founder, En 2 Action&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Hosts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Eric Estrada / Co-Host/ VOC&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;George Koster/Producer/Host Voices of the Community&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why listen&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Take action&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt; After you listen, do one thing to strengthen your local economy:&lt;br /&gt;• Order direct from neighborhood restaurants and makers (skip third-party delivery when you can).&lt;br /&gt;• Buy gift cards or curated boxes, book local catering for meetings and events.&lt;br /&gt;• Donate or volunteer with the support organizations featured in this episode.&lt;br /&gt;• Share this episode with a friend who loves small businesses as much as you do.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-1" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen now&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; | 📺 &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GeoKoster" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Watch the episodes&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/a&gt;| 💬 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-covid19-and-sf-nonprofits" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get involved!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlights-part-1"&gt; visit our episode web page&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank"&gt;Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community&lt;/a&gt;, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&amp;id=4ffc7cec9c"&gt;Newsletter: Sign up &lt;/a&gt; to stay updated on future episodes and events &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp;amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank"&gt;Watch and learn from all five series now!,&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Part one opens a three-episode highlight arc drawn from our special COVID-19 series. 

During the pandemic's depths, the series provided a platform for local businesses to share their services and struggles. Across this highlight episode, Bay Area entrepreneurs and experts unpack small-business survival—what failed, what worked, and what’s next. 

Covid-19’s Impact on Our Communities Highlights Part 1 - Small Businesses

“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 RodriguezPart 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:<ul><li>Barb Alberson—Senior Deputy Director for Policy & Planning, San Joaquin County Public Health Service</li><li>Michael Tubbs—Former Mayor, City of Stockton</li><li>Brandon Leake—Founder & CEO, Called To Move</li><li>Tama Brisbane, co-founder & director, WOW Inc.</li><li>Anthony Rodriguez—Teacher, Marshall Elementary School, Instructor, Summer Success & Leadership Academy</li><li>Rhodesia Ransom, co-founder of Sow A Seed, California Assembly Person for the 13th Assembly District</li><li>Tafari Lee—Youth Leader, Stockton</li><li>Tyla Lovely Cotton—Youth Leader, Stockton</li><li>Johnny Barrios—Youth Leader, Stockton</li></ul>Hosts: <ul><li>Eric Estrada (associate producer),</li><li>George Koster (creator, series host)</li><li>Michael Fitzgerald (Stockton Town Hall host and retired Stockton Record reporter)</li></ul>Your voice matters! <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton">Support these Stockton nonprofits featured in this highlight episode along with the entire documentary series</a>! 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.🎧 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one" target="_blank">Listen now</a> | 📺 <a href="https://youtu.be/a_Cb0jWfiWI?feature=shared" target="_blank">Watch the episodes </a>| 💬 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton" target="_blank">Get involved!</a>For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,<a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one"> visit our episode web page. </a><a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank">Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community</a>, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. <a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&id=4ffc7cec9c">Newsletter: Sign up </a> to stay updated on future episodes and events 
Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank">Watch and learn from all five series now!,</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“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&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Guests:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Barb Alberson—Senior Deputy Director for Policy &amp; Planning, San Joaquin County Public Health Service&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Michael Tubbs—Former Mayor, City of Stockton&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Brandon Leake—Founder &amp; CEO, Called To Move&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tama Brisbane, co-founder &amp; director, WOW Inc.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Anthony Rodriguez—Teacher, Marshall Elementary School, Instructor, Summer Success &amp; Leadership Academy&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Rhodesia Ransom, co-founder of Sow A Seed, California Assembly Person for the 13th Assembly District&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tafari Lee—Youth Leader, Stockton&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tyla Lovely Cotton—Youth Leader, Stockton&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Johnny Barrios—Youth Leader, Stockton&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hosts: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Eric Estrada (associate producer),&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;George Koster (creator, series host)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Michael Fitzgerald (Stockton Town Hall host and retired Stockton Record reporter)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your voice matters! &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton"&gt;Support these Stockton nonprofits featured in this highlight episode along with the entire documentary series&lt;/a&gt;! 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen now&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; | 📺 &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/a_Cb0jWfiWI?feature=shared" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Watch the episodes&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/a&gt;| 💬 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get involved!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one"&gt; visit our episode web page. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank"&gt;Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community&lt;/a&gt;, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&amp;id=4ffc7cec9c"&gt;Newsletter: Sign up &lt;/a&gt; to stay updated on future episodes and events &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp;amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank"&gt;Watch and learn from all five series now!,&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Former Mayor Michael Tubbs, community organizers, students, and educators share insights on Stockton's reinvention through collaborative initiatives addressing violence, educational inequities, and authentic community engagement.

”Beyond Bankruptcy”: The Fight For Stockton - Highlights Part 2

<h3>“No one’s coming to save us; we have to figure this out ourselves.” — Dillon Delvo</h3>Reinvention 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<ul><li>Racole Dixon (mother of Michael Tubbs)</li><li>Barbara Nicholson (grandmother of Michael Tubbs)</li><li>Tasha Dixon (aunt of Michael Tubbs)</li><li>Dr. Rebekah Fenton (physician; Phoenix Scholars co-founder with Michael Tubbs)</li><li>Nicholas Hatten—Founder/Executive Director, San Joaquin Pride Center</li><li>Fred Sheil—Administrator, STAND (Substance abusers Taking Action to Neutralize Drugs)</li><li>Dillon Delvo—Co-Founder & Executive Director, Little Manila Rising</li><li>Jasmine Dellafosse—Founding Member, Reinvent South Stockton Coalition</li></ul>Hosts: 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.🎧 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one" target="_blank">Listen now</a> | 📺 <a href="https://youtu.be/a_Cb0jWfiWI?feature=shared" target="_blank">Watch the episodes </a>| 💬 <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton" target="_blank">Get involved!</a>For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,<a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one"> visit our episode web page. </a> Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today<a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank">Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community</a>, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. <a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&id=4ffc7cec9c">Newsletter: Sign up </a> to stay updated on future episodes and events 
Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank">Watch and learn from all five series now!,</a>

<description>&lt;h3&gt;“&lt;i&gt;No one’s coming to save us; we have to figure this out ourselves.” — Dillon Delvo&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reinvention 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Guests&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Racole Dixon (mother of Michael Tubbs)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Barbara Nicholson (grandmother of Michael Tubbs)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tasha Dixon (aunt of Michael Tubbs)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Dr. Rebekah Fenton (physician; Phoenix Scholars co-founder with Michael Tubbs)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Nicholas Hatten—Founder/Executive Director, San Joaquin Pride Center&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Fred Sheil—Administrator, STAND (Substance abusers Taking Action to Neutralize Drugs)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Dillon Delvo—Co-Founder &amp; Executive Director, Little Manila Rising&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Jasmine Dellafosse—Founding Member, Reinvent South Stockton Coalition&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hosts: Eric Estrada (associate producer), George Koster (creator, series host) and Nick McClendon (associate producer/interviewer)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen now&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; | 📺 &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/a_Cb0jWfiWI?feature=shared" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Watch the episodes&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/a&gt;| 💬 &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get involved!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode,&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community/stockton/episodes/one"&gt; visit our episode web page. &lt;/a&gt; Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts &amp; Culture Summit Resource Guide today&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank"&gt;Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community&lt;/a&gt;, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&amp;id=4ffc7cec9c"&gt;Newsletter: Sign up &lt;/a&gt; to stay updated on future episodes and events &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp;amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank"&gt;Watch and learn from all five series now!,&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Stockton’s reinvention is collective. Family, faith, and Black history nurture young leaders, reinforced by high expectations and visible role models, urging the city to unite. Mentorship opens doors:Phoenix Scholars guides first-gen, low-income students from junior year to college. Cross-sector coalitions confront safety, health, blight, housing, culture, and inclusion citywide.

”Beyond Bankruptcy”: The Fight For Stockton - Highlights Part 1

<h3>"Artists are entitled, just like every other worker, to a livable, predictable, sustainable wage." – Jennifer Laine, San Benito County Arts Council</h3>In 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 CommunityYour 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.🎧 <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-the-community/id1471829564" target="_blank">Listen now</a> | 📺 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GeoKoster" target="_blank">Watch the episodes</a> | 💬 <a href="https://www.caforthearts.org/engage" target="_blank">Get involved!</a>For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-stories-cfta-summit-ep-10-highlights-prt-2" target="_blank">visit our episode web page.</a>  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today<a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank">Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community</a>, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. <a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&id=4ffc7cec9c">Newsletter: Sign up </a> 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. <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank">Watch, Listen and Engage</a> in all five series now!
Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. <a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank">Watch and learn from all five series now!,</a>

<description>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;i&gt;"Artists are entitled, just like every other worker, to a livable, predictable, sustainable wage."&lt;/i&gt; – Jennifer Laine, San Benito County Arts Council&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Show Guests:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Jackie Melendez-Assistant City Manager, City of Chino&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Tracy Hudak-Director of Field Engagement,California for the Arts  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Josiah Bruny-CEO,Music Changing Lives  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Danielle Brazell-Executive Director,California Arts Council (CAC)  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Kristen Sakoda-Director, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Jennifer Laine-Executive Director, San Benito County Arts Council &amp; President of California Arts Advocates  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Shira Lane-Founding Executive Director, Atrium 916  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Dr. Meghna Bhat-Founder,Gula Stories&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Ruben Reveles, Futuristic Chicanx Artist  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+Alex Gallardo Valdeolivar-AIC Coordinator/ Instructor, Arts Council of Kern&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+ Eric Estrada, Co-Host, Assoc Producer, Voices of the Community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+ Eduardo Robles: Summit Roaming Reporter, California for the Arts and Voices of the Community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;+ George Koster: Creator, Host, Producer, Voices of the Community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 &lt;a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-the-community/id1471829564" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen now&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; | 📺 &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GeoKoster" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Watch the episodes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; | 💬 &lt;a href="https://www.caforthearts.org/engage" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get involved!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voc-stories-cfta-summit-ep-10-highlights-prt-2" target="_blank"&gt;visit our episode web page.&lt;/a&gt;  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts &amp; Culture Summit Resource Guide today&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/donate-now" target="_blank"&gt;Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community&lt;/a&gt;, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://georgekoster.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f845c8577f6fa5b07211bf63c&amp;id=4ffc7cec9c"&gt;Newsletter: Sign up &lt;/a&gt; to stay updated on future episodes and events &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp; 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. &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank"&gt;Watch, Listen and Engage&lt;/a&gt; in all five series now!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts &amp;amp; Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the 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. &lt;a href="https://georgekoster.com/voices-of-the-community" target="_blank"&gt;Watch and learn from all five series now!,&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

This episode explores how arts drive economic impact, elevate youth leadership, and influence policy, offering innovative solutions through cultural equity, creative workforce development, and civic engagement. Discover more by listening to this full episode of "Where Arts Meets Impact Season Two Highlights Part Two".

CA Arts & Culture Summit - “Highlights Show Part 2”

Welcome to Voices of the Community, we strive to amplify solutions facing where we live through featuring residents like you, along with change makers, and thought leaders to support our fellow residents and people visiting or working in our area. “Our goal is to feature the unheard comments and stories from communities across our region in hopes to create dialogues to address our common problems and support the change of the status quo.” - George Koster, Creator/Host

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