Beyond The Fog Radio

In the late 1960s, as young people flocked to San Francisco, Dr. David Smith responded by opening Haight Ashbury Medical Clinics (HAMC)—the first free medical clinic in the U.S., built on the belief that health care should be a right, not a privilege. Two years later, Walter Littrell founded Walden House in the same neighborhood to support homeless youth facing substance use challenges. Today, Walden House provides mental health and addiction treatment across California, including programs within prisons and reentry services. In 2011, David and Walter combined their missions, merging HAMC and Walden House to create HealthRIGHT 360, a national model for accessible community healthcare. Tune in to hear David and Walter's powerful stories and the impactful work their organizations have done for their communities. Meet Walt Littrell and Dr. David Smith!

In the latest episode of our World of Nonprofits Series, we welcome Scott Lan, CEO of Cameron House, an organization with 150 years of history serving San Francisco’s Chinese community. Originally a girls' home protecting young Asian immigrants from the Yellow Slave Trade, Cameron House now offers services like counseling, domestic violence intervention, youth programs, leadership development, and more. With 20 years of experience in education and workforce development, Scott plays a key role in its success. Tune in to learn about his work with Cameron House and the organization’s vital place in the history of Asian immigrants in San Francisco. For more information about Scott Lan and Cameron House, please visit: https://cameronhouse.org/about-us/history/ Meet Scott Lan, CEO of Cameron House!

This week we met Dr. Pegah Faed, the newest CEO of Safe & Sound, an SF-based non-profit organization that partners with communities and families to prevent and reduce the impact of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Before joining, Pegah was Executive Director at First 5 Marin, leading efforts in policy, program development, and social change. She’s also helped shape strategies for First 5 Los Angeles. Pegah has a deep commitment to equity, having worked closely with Mayor London Breed on the "Our Children, Our Families Council." With degrees in Public Health from UC Berkeley, USC, and Loma Linda University, Pegah is dedicated to creating healthier, more just communities. Tune in to hear about the incredible work of Safe & Sound and how Pegah is helping her community thrive. For more information about Dr. Pegah Faed and Safe & Sound, visit https://safeandsound.org/ Meet Dr. Pegah Faed!

This week, we’re joined by fifth-generation San Franciscans Beth Purcell and John Kohler. Beth, influenced by SF’s hippie movement, left at 16 to live in a school bus in Oregon. She later studied midwifery and lived off-grid in Hawaii before settling in Santa Cruz. Now a well-known artist, Beth enjoys making art, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. John Kohler kept his roots closer to home. He’s spent 30 years in Bay Area education and is an active member of the SF Historical Society. Now living in Oakland, John enjoys family time, cooking, and showing friends around his home city. Tune in to hear how 5 generations of San Franciscans influenced the lives of these wonderful natives! Meet Beth Purcell and John Kohler!

Emily Winston grew up enjoying New York’s famous H&H Bagels. After moving to the Bay Area in 2010, she missed the bagels she loved and was devastated when H&H Bagels closed. Determined to recreate the bagels she longed for, Emily spent five years perfecting her recipe. Encouraged by friends and family, she eventually opened Boichik Bagels in November 2019. Since then, Emily’s bagel business has grown to six locations around the Bay Area, along with a factory, with more expansion planned. Emily takes pride in using premium, organic ingredients and ensuring her staff is well-compensated and receives full benefits. Fun fact: her first shop in Berkeley was also the original location of the Bay Area’s famous Noah’s Bagels! Tune in to this special episode where we hear about Emily’s story and how she turned an old childhood memory into the Bay Area’s newly beloved bagel. For more information about Emily and Boichik Bagels, please visit: https://boichikbagels.com Meet Emily Winston of Boichik Bagels!