Michael Makstman: Digital Backbone of San Francisco

In this episode, host Franco Finn sits down with San Francisco Public Works Director Carla Short for an in‑depth conversation about the people, systems, and stories that keep the city running. From her early years studying and working in West Africa to becoming a Certified Arborist and ultimately leading one of San Francisco’s largest departments, Carla shares how her passion for trees, community engagement, and environmental stewardship has shaped her career. She talks about what Public Works truly handles behind the scenes — from graffiti response and street cleaning to major civic construction projects and urban forestry — and opens up about the pride she feels in the diverse workforce that keeps San Francisco beautiful every day. The episode dives into the city’s 125,000 street trees, the CleanCorridorsSF deep‑clean initiative, the floating fire station on the Embarcadero, climate preparation, volunteer programs, and the neighborhoods and hidden gems that inspire her. It’s an insightful look at the heart of San Francisco through the work of someone deeply committed to caring for it.https://sfpublicworks.org/

Join us for an in‑depth conversation with Trent Rau, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA), as we explore the programs, policies, and personal experiences that shape the city’s safety net for more than 275,000 residents each year. Trent shares his journey from growing up in Sacramento to leading one of San Francisco’s most impactful public agencies. He reflects on the early career moments that pulled him toward public service, the transformation of child welfare and foster care in the city, and the innovations that have helped thousands of families gain access to food assistance, health care, and supportive services.We also look at the challenges posed by HR1 and how San Francisco is responding to protect Medi‑Cal and CalFresh recipients. Trent talks about the creation of the CalFresh Community Works program, the launch of the Mobile Benefits Center, and the city’s commitment to ensuring benefits are accessible to those who need them most. This episode offers an inside look at the human stories, policy decisions, and community partnerships that keep San Francisco’s safety net strong.www.sfhsa.org

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kate Sofis, Managing Director of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. We dive into her upbringing in Buffalo’s symphony scene, her journey through manufacturing and public service, and how she now helps shape one of the country’s most historic performing arts campuses.Learn about the War Memorial’s venues, its evolving role in the city, crossover performances, community impacts, and why Kate believes San Francisco is one of the most welcoming places in the world.www.sfwarmemorial.org

Go behind the scenes of San Francisco’s transportation system with SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum. From her Midwest roots to 20 years improving Muni, Julie shares how SFMTA keeps the city moving — cable cars, bus routes, bike safety, street design, parking, paratransit and more.We talk about free Muni for youth, the system’s financial challenges, her favorite routes, hidden gems in the city, and why San Francisco is such a special place.If you care about transit, equity, or the future of San Francisco, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, Executive Director Kelly Dearman of the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) joins us for a wide‑ranging conversation about accessibility, aging, disability rights, and the magic of growing up in San Francisco.We talk about her personal journey as a native San Franciscan, her family’s legacy in public service, and how DAS supports more than 30,000 older adults and people with disabilities through programs like IHSS, senior centers, meal services, culturally relevant food programs, and cutting‑edge accessibility initiatives.Kelly also shares insights into the Disability Cultural Center, inter‑agency collaboration, pandemic response, and her long‑term vision for making SF a city where everyone can thrive with dignity and independence.