San Francisco has become a go-to example for the narrative that cities are overrun with rampant crime and people experiencing homelessness. But the reality is far more complicated. On this week’s podcast, San Francisco Mayor London Breed joins us to talk about her approach to making the city safer for everyone, the need for compassionate alternatives to policing, and what we could actually do to break the cycles of entrenched poverty and incarceration. Also, writers Kris Acimovic and Jay Jurden stop by to discuss the suspense of the never-ending Trump Indictment Watch. Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+.If you or someone you know needs support, go to apple.com/heretohelp for resources.CREDITSHosted by: Jon Stewart Featuring, in order of appearance: Kris Acimovic, Jay Jurden, London Breed Executive Produced by Jon Stewart, Brinda Adhikari, James Dixon, Chris McShane, and Richard Plepler.Lead Producer: Sophie EricksonProducers: Zach Goldbaum, Caity Gray Assoc. Producer: Andrea Betanzos Sound Engineer: Miguel Carrascal Senior Digital Producer: Freddie Morgan Digital Producer: Cassie Murdoch Digital Coordinator: Norma Hernandez Supervising Producer: Lorrie Baranek Head Writer: Kris Acimovic Elements Producer: Kenneth Hull Clearances Producer: Daniella Philipson Senior Talent Producer: Brittany Mehmedovic Talent Manager: Marjorie McCurry Talent Coordinator: Lukas Thimm Senior Research Producer: Susan Helvenston Theme Music by: Gary Clark Jr. The Problem With Jon Stewart podcast is an Apple TV+ podcast, produced by Busboy Productions. https://apple.co/-JonStewart
Jon Stewart recalls being the opening act for Bobby Slayton in San Francisco after the 1989 earthquake where they performed at The Punchline, a comedy club that still had a crack in the wall, and how a homeless person recognized and admired Slayton as a famous comedian.
The podcast host compares incarceration with cancel culture, emphasizing how the former has long-lasting consequences that affect people's lives. However, she admits that she is unsure what exactly they are going to talk about during the episode.
The speaker daydreams of an escalator funeral for someone, stating that everything of consequence should be done through an escalator and that an escalator-related indictment would be a great loop-closing moment.
San Francisco has become a symbol of multifaceted problems like drug abuse, mental illness, homelessness, and housing crisis that plague larger cities. However, when discussing San Francisco, it's important to recognize it as a complex city with unique challenges and not oversimplify its issues.
San Francisco's Dream Keeper initiative invested in making significant changes around reforms following the disapproval, frustration, and anger expressed by people after George Floyd's death, particularly in supporting the African-American community, including those living in the Tenderloin district.
The rampant use of illegal drugs and open-air drug dealing are not problems that should be accepted as normal. Providing safe consumption sites and normalizing treatment for addiction are necessary steps forward, instead of simply pushing these problems out of sight.
The speaker discusses the need to reform conservatorship laws in order to help those struggling with mental illness who may not have support or resources, and to divert resources from building more jails and prisons to building mental health facilities. They also address concerns about the use of force in committing someone to treatment, especially in light of recent controversies involving Britney Spears.
San Francisco's street crisis response team is responding to non-violent 911 calls involving mental health issues or noise complaints, rather than calling the police, in an effort to reduce violence and foster better relationships within the community. Amidst record lows in the number of officers and a national crisis in law enforcement, communities are seeking alternative solutions to addressing public safety needs.
In San Francisco, efforts have been made to hire formerly incarcerated individuals, help pay for their training to drive buses, and provide support to transition them into different programs as part of a strategy to address the stigma and obstacles faced when reentering society.
San Francisco is working to cut down the time it takes to begin construction on housing projects which could include an increase of tiny assisted-living houses that meet the needs of residents. The 50,000 units being built in the next five to eight years will include 40% affordable units for both low and middle-income residents.
A woman expresses gratitude for the community support that helped her navigate challenging life circumstances and emphasized the importance of education and determination in achieving success.
The speaker argues that giving addicted individuals a margin of error and grace can go a long way in helping them overcome their struggles with drugs or gambling.
This episode discusses the importance of community-based governance and the role of black and brown people in decision-making. The speaker shares personal experiences and highlights the need for upholding humanity in policies and discussions surrounding addiction.
A podcast wrap up featuring Mayor London Breed and guests Chris Achimovich and Jay Jordan is concluded with a plug for the show "The problem with Jon Stewart" on Apple TV+.