I Left My Podcast in San Francisco

Dennis Herrera: Public Service, Infrastructure, and San Francisco

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Dennis Herrera, General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). From his early days serving on city commissions to nearly two decades as San Francisco City Attorney and his leadership at the SFPUC, Dennis shares stories from a career dedicated to public service. He reflects on landmark legal battles that helped shape California and the nation, including the fight for marriage equality, protecting immigrant communities, defending access to health care, and holding corporations accountable. We talk about his transition to leading the SFPUC during a pivotal moment for the agency, the progress made on public power, environmental stewardship, and major infrastructure investments that will serve generations to come. Dennis also reflects on leadership, public service, and the values that have guided his work on behalf of San Franciscans. https://www.sfpuc.gov

Sherrice Dorsey-Smith: The Heart of SF’s Youth Programs

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Sherrice Dorsey‑Smith, Executive Director of the Department of Children, Youth & Their Families (DCYF). From her early days in AmeriCorps to leading one of SF’s most impactful departments, Sherrice shares an inspiring journey rooted in service, equity, and commitment to young people. We talk about her first experiences in San Francisco, the mission of DCYF and the 249 programs they fund, and the massive pivots her team made during the pandemic, including building Community Hubs that served more than 6,000 children. Sherrice also reflects on the importance of mental health and supporting the “whole child,” the department’s work in youth violence prevention, community needs, and family summits, as well as her Women’s History Month recognition and her vision for the future of San Francisco.https://dcyf.org

Carol Isen: Merit, Equity, and the Modern City Workforce

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Carol Isen, Director of Human Resources for the City and County of San Francisco. Carol traces her journey from Detroit activist roots to becoming one of SF’s leading voices on workforce development, labor relations, equity, and public service.She shares stories from her early days as a union organizer, what it was like being on the Bay Bridge during the 1989 earthquake, how her department navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and the massive modernization efforts underway to improve hiring and support city workers. We also dive into her love of music, LGBTQ history in SF, and the essential people who keep this city running. sf.gov/DHR

Jorge Rivas: How SF Supports Immigrant Families

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Jorge Rivas, Executive Director of the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA). Jorge shares his powerful story as the son of immigrants, his mission to remove barriers for newcomers, and how San Francisco became the first city in the nation to earn a 5‑star Welcoming America certification. From Pride Month to his favorite Sunset breakfast spot, this episode dives into culture, community, and what it takes to make San Francisco the most welcoming city in the world. Learn more about OCEIA’s programs, community ambassadors, language access, citizenship pathways, and the June 8th City Hall celebration. https://sf.gov/oceia

David Chiu: Inside the Fights Shaping San Francisco

Join us in the basement of San Francisco City Hall for an in‑depth conversation with City Attorney David Chiu, who breaks down the biggest legal battles shaping the city—from the lawsuit targeting ultra‑processed food companies to the urgent fight against AI‑generated deepfake pornography. He explains how these cases impact public health, safety, and civil rights, while also touching on housing enforcement, worker protections, and San Francisco’s pushback against harmful federal policies. City Attorney Chiu also shares his personal journey from growing up as one of the only Asian kids in his Boston neighborhood to discovering his passion for civil rights and eventually becoming SF’s City Attorney. Along the way, he reflects on AAPI representation, the resilience of San Francisco, his favorite hidden gems, and even a bit of Boston sports nostalgia. If you care about justice, civic leadership, or the future of San Francisco, you’ll love this episode.