In Conversation with Journalist Tim Redmond (48 Hills)

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a wide-ranging and urgent discussion, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D spoke with veteran journalist Tim Redmond of 48 Hills to unpack the political dynamics shaping San Francisco and their connections to national trends, especially under a potential second Trump administration.

The “Billionaire’s Budget” and San Francisco’s Priorities

Redmond criticized San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s proposed budget, calling it the “Billionaire’s Budget” for prioritizing law enforcement and jails over critical social services. He noted that the city is opening new jails and cracking down on unhoused residents, without meaningful investment in permanent housing. Despite an $800 million budget shortfall, there’s no talk of taxing the city’s wealthiest—something Redmond argues could easily generate enough revenue to cover the gap and fund affordable housing and education.

Strange Bedfellows and Democratic Silence

Davey D and Redmond called out a pattern of quiet cooperation or muted dissent from Democratic leaders—including Lurie, Nancy Pelosi, and Gavin Newsom—when it comes to Trump’s policies. While national Democrats have fiercely attacked progressive candidates like New York’s Zohran Mamdani for proposing bold economic reforms (like taxing the rich to pay for housing and transit), they’ve been comparatively silent about Trump’s dangerous and racist agenda.

Redmond warned that Democrats fear Mamdani’s model could succeed—and become contagious. “They’re afraid people will like it,” he said, which could trigger a broader demand for progressive taxation and public investment.

Backlash Against Ethnic Studies

The conversation turned local again with concerns over San Francisco Unified’s apparent move to pause its ethnic studies program. Redmond said this reflects a chilling national trend—aligning with right-wing attacks on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)—even in so-called liberal cities. Teachers, he noted, are being silenced when it comes to discussing reparations, colonization, and Palestine. Davey D pushed back, recalling his own sanitized curriculum growing up and how hard-fought the current gains in ethnic studies have been.

The Cost of Compliance

Redmond emphasized that San Francisco and California have the resources—and the moral obligation—to push back. He proposed taxing the wealthiest residents to offset any threats to federal funding. “If Trump wants to pull $500 million from SF, fine—let’s raise it ourselves,” he said. Redmond also reminded listeners that California already pays far more in federal taxes than it gets back.

Davey D echoed this, calling out the gaslighting in political language: “That federal money is our money.”

The Supreme Court and Birthright Citizenship

The two also discussed recent Supreme Court decisions, including a ruling that may enable Trump to revoke birthright citizenship. Redmond warned this could render thousands of Bay Area residents effectively stateless, especially children born to immigrant parents. He also criticized the Court’s selective application of judicial restraint—blocking liberal policies like student loan relief while letting right-wing initiatives proceed unchecked.

Sanctuary City in Name Only?

Despite San Francisco’s sanctuary city label, Redmond called out the lack of meaningful resistance from the mayor or police in the face of ICE activity, including a recent incident involving a trans performer detained at Pride. “They say they don’t enforce ICE laws,” he said, “but they’re not doing anything to help either.”

Organize Locally, Act Boldly

Redmond urged listeners to organize at the local and state levels. He argued that California could pass a wealth tax and fund its own priorities without federal interference. “It starts locally,” he said. “We have to stop playing scared.”

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.

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