Fifth & Mission

Years ago, Dr. Robert Okin took to San Francisco’s streets with a camera and a request: to take portraits and speak with mentally ill homeless people. The former head of psychiatry at San Francisco General Hospital published their stories and photos in a book, “Silent Voices,” whose second edition was released this year. Okin joins host Laura Wenus to share what he learned, what he makes of the state’s new CARE Court, and why he thinks the systems meant to stabilize this population often fail them instead. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California’s newest senator is Laphonza Butler, who was picked by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill the late Dianne Feinstein’s seat. Who is Butler? And will the former labor leader who has never held elected office run for the full six-year term? Reporters Shira Stein and Sophia Bollag join It’s All Political on Fifth & Mission host Joe Garofoli to get to know the state’s newest political leader. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As concern over public safety mounts in Oakland, the local chapter of the NAACP has railed against progressive city leaders and called for more law and order. It’s an unusual position for a group whose national organization is known for its support of increased police accountability. Columnist Justin Phillips joins host Cecilia Lei to share why he thinks the Oakland chapter is betraying the city’s Black population by using right-wing rhetoric. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailblazing San Francisco mayor and California Senator Dianne Feinstein reflects on her life and career, including personal and professional traumas, experiences of gender discrimination, witnessing the assassination of the mayor, and traveling the world as mayor. She also shares a humorous story about fulfilling a bet by appearing in a bikini.

A new civil court program called CARE court is launching in San Francisco to provide treatment for the seriously mentally ill. Some critics worry about infringed civil liberties and others think it doesn't go far enough. The eligibility criteria and voluntary nature of the court program are discussed. Concerns are expressed about the availability of necessary services and the potential burden on city resources.

At an upscale San Francisco restaurant, diners recently got a taste of chicken that was never part of a bird. The companies developing lab-grown meat say cultivating flesh instead of raising livestock could reduce animal cruelty and the environmental impacts of our food. But how far away are those goals? And more importantly, how does it taste? Producer Keith Menconi picks up his fork — and talks with Chronicle food and wine editor Janelle Bitker and columnist Soleil Ho — to find out. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new contender to challenge Mayor London Breed's re-election bid announced his campaign on Tuesday. Wealthy philanthropist Daniel Lurie says it’s time for a "new era of leadership." Senior political writer Joe Garofoli joins host Cecilia Lei to discuss Lurie’s vision for San Francisco and why he has a fighting chance to become the city’s next mayor even as a political newcomer. | Unlimited Chronicle access: sfchronicle.com/podGot a tip, comment, question? Email us: fifth@sfchronicle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Fagan, a Chronicle reporter, discusses a nonprofit program that matches up strangers to prevent displacement in San Francisco. Topics include the benefits and challenges of finding roommates, the unique interior decor of a successful match, and the prevention of homelessness through roommate matching.

San Francisco's African American Reparations Advisory Committee presents recommendations for repairing harm done to the Black community. Uncertainty surrounding funding and the need for systemic change in the proposal are discussed. The importance of adequately articulating and codifying harms is emphasized. The podcast also explores potential actions to support black entrepreneurs and address ongoing issues in the Fillmore Heritage Center.

Oakland's rising crime rates and the city's leaders facing criticism. The debate over public safety and missed grant application. Divisive politics surrounding public safety, recall effort against district attorney. Firing of Oakland police chief and implementation of new programs. Mayor's response to criticisms and selection of new police chief.