KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

https://www.instagram.com/mumiafreedomtour/ In a poignant episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged with Jamal Ibn Mumia, the activist son of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. During this Black History Month special, they delve into the ongoing struggles faced by political prisoners and the systemic issues of racial injustice and corruption in the criminal justice system. Celebrating Black History and Confronting InjusticeThe episode kicked off with Davey D acknowledging Black History Month and the need to celebrate figures like Huey P. Newton. The conversation quickly shifted to the plight of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a former Black Panther and journalist who has been imprisoned for over four decades. Jamal Ibn Mumia’s PerspectiveJamal shared personal insights into the challenges of growing up with a father behind bars, painting a vivid picture of his father’s resilience and the emotional toll on their family. He discussed the broader implications of his father’s case, emphasizing the racial tensions and police brutality prevalent during Mumia’s arrest and subsequent trial. The Role of Media and JournalismJamal criticized the mainstream media’s failure to adequately cover issues affecting Black and Brown communities, highlighting his father’s efforts to give a voice to the voiceless through journalism. He stressed the importance of independent media in challenging the prevailing narratives crafted by those in power. Systemic Corruption and Political WarfareThe discussion also touched on the corrupt practices within the legal and political systems that have kept Mumia imprisoned. Jamal detailed how laws and regulations are manipulated to maintain control over political dissidents, referring to this manipulation as “political lawfare.” The Impact of Political ActivismThrough their dialogue, Davey D and Jamal explored how the activism of figures like Mumia Abu-Jamal has paved the way for current movements and debates around justice and equity. They connected past struggles with present challenges, noting the cyclical nature of oppression and resistance. Conclusion: Reflections and Continuing the FightThe episode concluded with a powerful call to action, urging listeners to educate themselves about the history and current realities of political prisoners like Mumia Abu-Jamal. Jamal’s narrative served as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and the need to support those who have sacrificed their freedom for the betterment of society. This detailed account of the conversation on Hard Knock Radio underscores the ongoing relevance of the issues discussed and the power of media to enlighten and mobilize communities for change. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post A Conversation with Jamal Ibn Mumia the son of Mumia Abu-Jamal Update and HellaTown Oakland appeared first on KPFA.

Introduction: A Deep Dive into African Spirituality Host Davey D speaks with Ehime Ora, an author and spiritual practitioner, about traditional African spirituality, ancestral veneration, and her book Spirits Come From Water: An Introduction to Ancestral Veneration and Reclaiming African Spiritual Practices. Their discussion explores the impact of colonization, the search for spiritual connection, and the significance of honoring ancestors. The Inspiration Behind Spirits Come From Water Ehime Ora, born in Ibadan, Nigeria, explains that her book is a call to reconnect with ancestral roots. She shares how her mother, struggling with homesickness after moving to the U.S., found healing through stories of water spirits and ancestral lands. These childhood stories became a spiritual guide, helping Ehime reclaim her African traditions. Colonization and Religious Assimilation Davey D and Ehime discuss the forced Christianization of African communities. Missionaries in Nigeria convinced children to destroy ancestral shrines in exchange for money. Colonial-era boarding schools reinforced anti-African spiritual narratives. Despite this, Ehime’s mother practiced both Christianity and African spirituality, proving that dual beliefs can coexist. The Search for Spiritual Connection Ehime highlights how many people are seeking deeper spiritual meaning. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this need, forcing people into self-reflection. She believes African spirituality fosters self-acceptance, unlike religious doctrines that teach original sin. Ancestral veneration allows people to embrace their authenticity. African Spirituality in the Black Church Davey D notes similarities between Black church traditions and African spiritual practices. He mentions spirit possession, communal worship, and rhythmic music as direct holdovers from African traditions. Ehime agrees, citing the use of holy oils, water, and prayer in Nigerian churches. She also notes how Hoodoo and Conjure preserved African spiritual elements within Christianity. Call and Response: A Cultural Legacy African spirituality is deeply interactive, emphasizing call-and-response, dance, and music. Unlike Western religious traditions that promote stillness, African worship involves full-body engagement. Missionaries tried to suppress these traditions, but Africans retained their communal and spiritual practices. Sacred Texts in African Spirituality Unlike Christianity, African spirituality does not rely on a single book. Instead, knowledge is passed down orally through elders. However, Ifa and Orisha traditions contain Odu Ifa, a system of 256 sacred texts with thousands of verses. These teachings guide spiritual alignment and destiny. Ancestral Veneration: Building a Connection Ehime explains that talking to ancestors is an African tradition. People can build an ancestral altar with water, candles, fruit, and family photos. Prayer is simply intentional conversation with ancestors. She encourages daily rituals to strengthen this bond. Spirituality as a Tool for Liberation Davey D raises a crucial question: If spirituality is so powerful, why are Black people still oppressed? Ehime responds that deliverance takes time. She references Haitian Vodou’s role in overthrowing French rule and how Hoodoo protected enslaved Africans. African spirituality has always been a force for resistance and survival. The Role of Capitalism in Spirituality Capitalism has infiltrated religion and spiritual practices, often prioritizing profit over community. Ehime warns against exploitative spiritual leaders who charge excessive fees for rituals. In Ifa, wealth should flow like water—pure and untainted by greed. Final Thoughts: Reclaiming Ancestral Wisdom Ehime urges people to open their hearts to spiritual connection. She emphasizes that African spirituality is not about worshiping a distant god, but about recognizing the divine within. By honoring ancestors, embracing history, and practicing good character,...

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 15, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 14, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In this powerful episode, organizer and independent journalist Rosa Clemente speaks with Vijay Prashad, historian and Co-Director of the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. Together, they dive into the urgent global and domestic issues shaping our time—Trumpism, the U.S. role in Israel’s occupation of Palestine, the fight for Palestinian sovereignty, the ongoing realities of police terrorism, and the work of grassroots community building. Tricontinental is an international institute rooted in popular movements and dedicated to bridging academic thought with political and social action. Through a global lens and an emancipatory perspective, Prashad and Clemente explore the interconnected struggles facing oppressed communities and the radical possibilities that emerge when movements work in solidarity. Tune in for a critical conversation that challenges dominant narratives and uplifts collective resistance. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Presents: Rosa Clemente Speaking with Vijay Prashad, the Co-Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research appeared first on KPFA.

In a special edition of Rootwork on KPFK, Thandi Chimurenga of Black Liberation Media sat down with Kali Akuno of Cooperation Jackson to explore bold strategies for grassroots survival and resistance. Part of the ongoing “Build and Fight Formula” series, the conversation unpacked the urgency of food sovereignty, mutual aid, and community-based power in the face of mounting economic and political instability. “We’ve been warning that hard times were coming—and now they’re here,” said Akuno, co-founder of the Jackson, Mississippi-based organization. The conversation centered on how capitalism weaponizes food, land, and trade, especially under what Akuno dubbed “Trumpflation”—a fusion of inflation, nationalist economic policy, and neoliberal collapse. Akuno stressed that food is not scarce—it’s withheld. “The U.S. produces and throws away more food than most countries consume,” he said. “It’s not about supply, but control.” Referencing historic famines in India and Ireland, and the burning of surplus crops during the Dust Bowl era, he pointed to the deliberate commodification of food as a tool of domination. At the heart of the “Build and Fight Formula” is food sovereignty—the ability for communities to produce what they need, free from corporate or state dependence. Akuno advocates for agroecological practices rooted in Afro-Indigenous traditions, rather than extractive industrial farming. “We’re talking about production that heals the land, nourishes our people, and builds self-reliance.” But production requires land. Akuno challenged listeners to decommodify it: transform lawns into gardens, repurpose churches and vacant lots, and pressure local governments to turn over abandoned spaces for community use. “Make every yard a farm, every garage a factory,” he urged. Chimurenga echoed the call, noting the vast number of unused properties in cities like Los Angeles and Detroit. “If it’s sitting empty in our neighborhood and not serving the people, we should be able to reclaim it.” The conversation also touched on broader geopolitical threats, including rising tensions with China and the risk of war. Akuno warned that trade wars often precede military ones. “We must prepare—not just physically but politically—for what’s ahead,” he said. Ultimately, the message was clear: local action must scale into collective power. “Don’t rely on the Democrats. Don’t wait for permission,” Akuno said. “We need autonomous movements that federate, build solidarity, and confront the forces of capital and the state.” The series continues with future sessions focused on land access, political organizing, and creating sustainable infrastructure. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 10, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In a special edition of Rootwork on KPFK, Thandi Chimurenga of Black Liberation Media sat down with Kali Akuno of Cooperation Jackson to explore bold strategies for grassroots survival and resistance. Part of the ongoing “Build and Fight Formula” series, the conversation unpacked the urgency of food sovereignty, mutual aid, and community-based power in the face of mounting economic and political instability. “We’ve been warning that hard times were coming—and now they’re here,” said Akuno, co-founder of the Jackson, Mississippi-based organization. The conversation centered on how capitalism weaponizes food, land, and trade, especially under what Akuno dubbed “Trumpflation”—a fusion of inflation, nationalist economic policy, and neoliberal collapse. Akuno stressed that food is not scarce—it’s withheld. “The U.S. produces and throws away more food than most countries consume,” he said. “It’s not about supply, but control.” Referencing historic famines in India and Ireland, and the burning of surplus crops during the Dust Bowl era, he pointed to the deliberate commodification of food as a tool of domination. At the heart of the “Build and Fight Formula” is food sovereignty—the ability for communities to produce what they need, free from corporate or state dependence. Akuno advocates for agroecological practices rooted in Afro-Indigenous traditions, rather than extractive industrial farming. “We’re talking about production that heals the land, nourishes our people, and builds self-reliance.” But production requires land. Akuno challenged listeners to decommodify it: transform lawns into gardens, repurpose churches and vacant lots, and pressure local governments to turn over abandoned spaces for community use. “Make every yard a farm, every garage a factory,” he urged. Chimurenga echoed the call, noting the vast number of unused properties in cities like Los Angeles and Detroit. “If it’s sitting empty in our neighborhood and not serving the people, we should be able to reclaim it.” The conversation also touched on broader geopolitical threats, including rising tensions with China and the risk of war. Akuno warned that trade wars often precede military ones. “We must prepare—not just physically but politically—for what’s ahead,” he said. Ultimately, the message was clear: local action must scale into collective power. “Don’t rely on the Democrats. Don’t wait for permission,” Akuno said. “We need autonomous movements that federate, build solidarity, and confront the forces of capital and the state.” The series continues with future sessions focused on land access, political organizing, and creating sustainable infrastructure. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Grow or Die: Build and Fight Formula for Survival in a Collapsing System appeared first on KPFA.

Davey D speaks with Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), about a disturbing trend impacting international students across the U.S. In this conversation, they examine the recent cases of students—many of them from the Middle East and South Asia—who have had their visas suddenly revoked by U.S. immigration authorities. The revocations appear to be directly tied to students’ political engagement and participation in protests calling for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Billoo discusses how these revocations reflect a broader crackdown on dissent, the chilling effect this has on academic freedom and free speech, and the weaponization of immigration policy to suppress solidarity movements. She also highlights CAIR’s efforts to defend students’ rights, the legal and political implications of this federal overreach, and the urgent need for academic institutions and civil liberties organizations to respond. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Zahra Billoo on Political Repression and Visa Revocations appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode of Hard Knock Radio, we begin with a report from Free Willing Frank Sterling on the quiet release of former Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Hall, who served less than half of his six-year sentence for the fatal shooting of Laudemer Arboleda. The news has sparked outrage among community members and families of Hall’s victims, who see his early release from San Quentin as a deep injustice. Jennifer Arboleda Leong, sister of Laudemer Arboleda, calls it a “slap in the face” to those who fought tirelessly for accountability. We hear from her, along with voices from the community who continue to demand justice. The episode also features interviews with Bella Quinto-Collins—sister of Angelo Quinto, who died while in police custody—and GiGi Crowder of NAMI Contra Costa, as they reflect on the ongoing trauma, mental health challenges, and the need for systemic change. In the second half of the episode, we turn to Poor News Network for a powerful segment on the systemic injustices facing marginalized communities. POOR Magazine, a grassroots organization led by poor and Indigenous people, is committed to amplifying the voices of those living in poverty worldwide. Through revolutionary media, art, and education, they challenge oppressive systems and disrupt dominant narratives that silence society’s most vulnerable members. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post System Failure: From Police Violence to Poverty Resistance appeared first on KPFA.

Over the past few months, deeply unsettling images have emerged showing men with shaved heads, shackled, and made to kneel”lined up in scenes disturbingly reminiscent of war prisons. These arent images from a foreign battlefield, but snapshots of whats happening in El Salvador. Even more disturbing? Many of those detained were picked up in the U.S. and deported without due process, dumped into a prison system designed to disappear people. To unpack the severity of this situation, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D sat down with long-time peacemaker and activist Alex Sanchez of Homies Unidos. Based in Los Angeles but rooted in the struggles of Central America, Sanchez has been raising alarms for decades about the dangerous intersection of immigration policy, criminal justice, and international politics. Later we speak with Claudia Walker, the author of The ABC’s of HBCU’s. The first ABC book dedicated to historically Black colleges and universities. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post U.S. Deportations to El Salvadors Mega-Prison PT. 2 and ABC’s of HBCU’s with Claudia Walker appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – April 2, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On Hard Knock Radio, Davey D spoke with Professor Butch Ware—hip hop artist, activist, and Green Party vice presidential candidate—about the deep links between culture, politics, and resistance. Ware opened the convo by emphasizing that music and hip hop aren’t just art—they’re tools for spiritual and political survival. Drawing on West African griot traditions, he called out what he terms an “epistemicide”—a systemic effort to erase Black and brown ways of knowing, from defunding arts to censoring DEI initiatives. He warned Californians not to get comfortable. Despite its progressive rep, the state is seeing ICE raids on campuses, university crackdowns on protests, and bipartisan support for repression. “This is a war on culture and resistance,” he said. Ware spoke on the power of student encampments, comparing them to past movements that helped end apartheid and the Vietnam War. What made them dangerous? They were organized, not just mobilized. He also broke down how both major parties have failed the people, especially the working class and youth. “We don’t just need votes—we need to build community power,” he said. His gubernatorial campaign blends mutual aid with electoral strategy, drawing on the legacy of the Black Panthers. Ware called on listeners to: Support mutual aid and direct action Get involved in organizing, not just elections Push back on both parties’ corporate agendas “There’s enough for everyone—we just need the will to redistribute power,” Ware said. “If we don’t fight back now, comfort won’t protect you later.” Follow Butch Ware at butchwareforgov.org or on Instagram for more. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Butch Ware on Culture, Resistance & Building Power appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – March 31, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

This week on Hard Knock Radio, Davey D sat down with Rachel Wolkenstein—longtime attorney and advocate for political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. Gearing up for the upcoming Freedom Tour, Rachel breaks down the real story behind Mumia’s 43-year incarceration: a case rooted in FBI surveillance, COINTELPRO tactics, corrupt Philadelphia cops, and a justice system built to protect itself. They talk about why the frame-up narrative has been sidelined, how key evidence was manufactured, and what the public can do to help push the needle toward Mumia’s release. It’s a powerful, eye-opening conversation that exposes the machinery of state repression—and the resilience of those who challenge it. Tap in. Share widely. Stay informed. Donald Lacy on Art, Gentrification, and the Power of Cultural Memory This week on Hard Knock Radio, Davey D sat down with longtime friend, artist, and truth-teller Donald Lacy—a man who wears many hats: playwright, actor, comedian, activist, and community voice. They discussed his new film The Masquerade, premiering April 1 at Oakland’s Grand Lake Theater, and his return to the stage with Campo Santo’s latest production at the Magic Theatre. Directed by the visionary Jocelyn Rose Lyons and executive produced by former 49er Vernon Davis, The Masquerade explores the deep impacts of gentrification and cultural loss in Black communities. But this conversation was more than just promotion—it was a deep dive into what it means to protect culture in a time of displacement, to honor our artistic ancestors, and to use theater and film as tools for liberation. Donald shared stories from the End Zone comedy days, the spiritual teachings of St. John Coltrane Church, and how method acting connects him to history in ways that are both personal and political. He said it best: “When progress and tradition collide, how do we hold on to the soul of our communities?” That’s the question at the heart of this episode. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Framed: The Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal and the System That Buried the Truth and Donald Lacy on Art, Gentrification, and the Power of Cultural Memory appeared first on KPFA.

Host Davey D speaks with Freewheelin’ Frank Sterling, Marvin Hall, Jennifer Arboleda, Melvin Wilson, and Bella Quinto on the continued fight for justice in Contra Costa County. Antioch Under Scrutiny Hard Knock Radio traveled to Contra Costa County to spotlight the unrest brewing in Antioch and surrounding cities. Host Davey D opened the conversation by addressing the alarming police misconduct in the region, noting: “We’ve seen egregious killings by police… especially in Antioch and Pittsburg.” Recent revelations have sparked outrage. Officer Andrew Hall, who was convicted for the killings of Tyrell Wilson and Laudemer Arboleda, is being released early—well before completing even half of his sentence. Freewheelin’ Frank: “This is not acceptable.” Freewheelin’ Frank Sterling of KPFA, who has been closely tracking these cases, said: “We’re going to have this emergency rally… to say this is not acceptable.” Sterling shared that only one family was notified about Hall’s early release. There was no public notice, no press, and no mention of a parole hearing. “His name is not listed anywhere in the records,” added Bella Quinto, sister of Angelo Quinto. A rally was scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. at the Martinez Sheriff’s Office (1980 Muir Road, Martinez, CA). Marvin Hall: “He will never be able to take another life behind a badge I respected.” Marvin Hall, a retired Orange County Sheriff’s deputy, lost his son Tyrell Wilson to Andrew Hall’s gunfire. “Tyrell was raised to respect officers. He was a Division One prospect.” Despite Marvin’s law enforcement background, he made it clear: “No, I don’t think it was enough time… But at least he will never take another life behind a badge I respected.” Jennifer Arboleda: “It’s completely devastating.” Jennifer Arboleda lost her brother Laudemer to the same officer. She expressed the pain her family continues to endure. “I’m still grieving… It’s just very hard.” Jennifer was shocked that it took a second killing for Officer Hall to be prosecuted. “Why did it take a second life for him to be prosecuted?” She also called for an end to systemic secrecy: “We need to end the cover-up… This sweeping under the rug has to stop.” Bella Quinto: “A mental health crisis should not be a death sentence.” Bella Quinto, sister of Angelo Quinto, stressed how her brother was in a mental health crisis when he was killed by police. “It should never be a death sentence.” She underscored the systemic failures that allowed Officer Hall to remain on the force after one fatal incident. “Sheriff Livingston failed to find that Hall broke any policy after the first killing, which allowed him to remain on the streets and kill again.” Bella also spoke to the troubling role of the Sheriff also serving as Coroner: “We need a separation between the Sheriff and the Coroner. There’s too much room for bias.” Frank Sterling: “There’s still some hope.” Despite the grim outlook, Sterling mentioned that the Department of Justice has committed to a five-year oversight agreement with the Antioch Police. “We’re holding out some hope… But Trump said he’d void all oversight deals. So we’ll see.” Sterling also shared disturbing new information. An officer under investigation had allegedly shown up armed at the department, threatening the police chief—and was not arrested. “That’s special treatment. And it’s happening at every level.” The Bigger Picture: A Backslide in Justice Davey D framed the broader political climate as hostile to justice. He pointed to pardons being pushed for officers involved in killings, cases being dropped by the Federal government, and the glorification of insurrectionists. “It’s like a bizarre world. We’re living in a time where truth and justice are being flipped on their heads.” Marvin Hall: “Good officers can’t speak out.” Marvin highlighted the pressure good officers face. “They want to speak out… but their livelihoods are at risk.” He added that a key witness against Hall only testified after retirement....

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – March 26, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – March 25, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post Hard Knock Radio – March 24, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Policing the Crisis: Tim Redmond Breaks Down the City’s New Direction Budget Cuts, Housing Deficits, and the Cost of Cleaning Up the Streets In a recent Hard Knock Radio conversation, host Davey D spoke with journalist Tim Redmond of 48 Hills about major political and policy shifts in San Francisco under Mayor Daniel Lurie’s administration. The interview offered a comprehensive breakdown of how Lurie’s law enforcement–focused response to homelessness, addiction, and public safety is reshaping the city’s priorities—and raising serious concerns. A Surge in Arrests, but Few Solutions Mayor Lurie, along with a more conservative Board of Supervisors, has prioritized policing over social services. Redmond explained that arrests for drug use and dealing are up 700%, with users being jailed more frequently than dealers. Many end up in county jail without adequate medical care or addiction support, creating unsafe conditions for both inmates and deputies. San Francisco jails, once offering GED classes and rehabilitative programs, are now on lockdown due to a rise in violent incidents connected to untreated mental health and addiction issues. Lurie plans to open a new jail wing and expand shelter beds. But critics warn that the shelters are abstinence-only, lack flexibility, and don’t address the underlying need for permanent, affordable housing. Police Overtime and Budget Priorities Redmond noted a troubling financial trend: every city department faces a 15% budget cut—except the police. The SFPD is ramping up overtime, with some officers reportedly earning up to $500,000 a year. The number of active-duty officers remains low, despite the department listing over 1,800 positions. The city has struggled to recruit new officers, and the mayor’s plan leans heavily on extended shifts rather than sustainable staffing. “The city has an $800 million budget deficit,” Redmond said. “But taxing the rich isn’t even on the table.” Homelessness and Harm Reduction: Shifting Approaches San Francisco’s long-standing outreach programs are being restructured to include police presence, a move that undermines harm reduction strategies. Redmond shared stories from advocates like Vitka Eisen, who emphasized the importance of voluntary treatment over coercion. Congregate shelters, limited treatment beds, and punitive drug policies raise questions about the administration’s end goals. As Davey D pointed out, it echoes the “clean-up” strategy once used in Manhattan—where problems weren’t solved, just pushed out of sight. Tourism Down, Progressives Pushed Back Tourism has yet to bounce back post-pandemic. Hotel occupancy is around 60%, down from pre-COVID numbers. Redmond attributed this in part to a national narrative portraying San Francisco as unsafe. While Mayor Lurie has tried to shift that image, real economic impacts linger. On the political side, progressives maintain some presence on the Board of Supervisors but face increasing pressure. The recent firing of Max Carter-Oberstone from the Police Commission, despite his track record for pushing reform, signals a tougher stance on accountability. Even progressive supervisors are occasionally aligning with the mayor. Later, we bring you a story of urban planning and how race has shaped American cities. In a new book, Hella Town: Oakland’s History of Development and Disruption, Author Mitchell Schwarzer explores the origins and the lasting impacts of transportation improvements, systemic racism, and regional competition on Oakland’s built environment. Schwarzer, an architectural and urban historian, pulls from his experience as a city planner, and educator to tell the story of a city divided. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson. The post San Francisco’s Rightward Shift: Mayor Lurie’s Law-and-Order Strategy Under Fire and Oakland’s History of Development and...