SacTown Talks: Recent Episodes
Jarhett Blonien
In this episode of Sac Town Talks, Russell Lowery welcomes Renee Pinel from Western Plant Health to discuss California’s growing rat infestation crisis and the public health, agricultural, and policy challenges tied to it.
From Los Angeles overtaking Chicago as the nation’s top city for rat infestations to the spread of diseases like hantavirus and plague, Renee explains how rising rodent populations are impacting both urban neighborhoods and California farms.
The conversation dives into homelessness, food safety, farmworker health, pest control policy, and the debate over balancing environmental protections with effective rodent management tools.
Renee also breaks down why current pest control strategies may be falling short and what California policymakers are considering next.
If you want a deeper understanding of how pest control, public health, agriculture, and politics intersect in California, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jamie Miller from People Who Think joins the show to discuss the evolving political landscape in Florida and its broader implications for national politics. Jamie provides insights into Florida's shift from a Democratic advantage to a Republican stronghold influenced by conservative governance and migration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation contrasts Florida and California politics, examines the influence of national figures like Gavin Newsom, and offers perspectives on Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign strategies. Additionally, the episode delves into recent election outcomes, voter turnout trends, and the impact of key swing states in upcoming elections. The discussion also covers the challenges facing Kamala Harris's campaign, the strategic maneuvers of political parties, and the implications of debate performances and political endorsements. Jamie also reflects on the potential outcomes of the upcoming election, shares his perspectives on the Citizens United case, and introduces his substack 'Reasonable Arguments.' Light-hearted highlights include a mention of Florida's unique and entertaining headlines.
This Episode was record on 10/18/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:41 Jamie Miller's Background and Career
01:21 Florida's Political Landscape
03:38 Gavin Newsom's Perception in Florida
05:17 Polling and Election Predictions
09:42 Kamala Harris's Campaign Challenges
12:35 Voter Turnout and Early Voting Trends
14:54 Swing States and National Polling
16:57 Media Perception and Campaign Strategies
18:57 Debate Dynamics: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump
20:21 Post-Debate Reactions and Strategies
21:08 The Assassination Attempt and Its Impact
22:15 Trump's Convention Speech: A Missed Opportunity?
24:13 Democratic Strategy: Biden, Harris, and Schumer
25:18 Election Integrity and Voter Rights
25:59 Ground Game: Republicans vs. Democrats
28:39 The 2020 Election: Predictions and Processes
30:31 Author Insights: Reasonable Arguments and American Speeches
35:26 Concluding Thoughts and Florida's Unique Perspective
In this episode of SacTown Talks, David Bowman joins the discussion to reflect on an eventful legislative session. The episode delves into the unique aspects of the session's conclusion, including notable retirements, end-of-session processes, and procedural insights from the assembly floor. Bowman shares personal anecdotes, the impact of long-serving staff retirements, and the intricacies of legislative procedures like electronic voting and bill processing. The conversation touches on the historical context of assembly operations, recent protests, and special sessions. Bowman also highlights the transition with long-term assembly members departing and future procedural considerations.
This Episode was record on 10/4/24
00:00 Welcome Back to SacTown Talks
00:39 Reflecting on Staff Retirements
02:15 Roles and Responsibilities on the Floor
03:22 End of Session Chaos
05:44 Protests and First Amendment Rights
08:28 Saturday Session and Voting Procedures
10:00 Changing Votes and Legislative Procedures
16:49 Debate Time and Speaking Rules
21:28 Resolutions and Their Significance
30:10 Preparing for a Long Session Day
32:46 Historical Context of Bill Introductions
33:20 Challenges During COVID-19
34:06 Role and Responsibilities of a Reading Clerk
35:17 Managing Floor Sessions and Debates
36:12 End of Session Procedures
38:19 Nonpartisan Role and Parliamentary Procedures
47:33 Special Sessions and Legislative Calendar
49:28 Reflections on Long-Term Service and Relationships
56:43 Post-Session Duties and Veto Overrides
01:03:35 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien welcomes Melissa Sagun, President of the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association (APICA), and board member Allie Umemoto. The discussion delves into APICA's history, mission, and initiatives. Melissa and Allie share their personal journeys into politics, the importance of community building and professional development for API staff in Sacramento, and their efforts to create a pipeline for future generations. They highlight key events like the annual Sushi Showdown and internship programs, underscoring APICA's role in fostering networking and career opportunities. The conversation also covers the challenges and strategies associated with working for term-limited members and the ongoing efforts to increase API representation in the legislative workforce.
This Episode was record on 9/17/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 Background of APICA
01:21 Melissa's Journey with APICA
03:00 Allie's Journey with APICA
04:05 History and Founding of APICA
05:46 Personal Motivations for Politics
11:47 Navigating the Capitol and APICA's Role
15:09 APICA Events and Community Engagement
24:42 Mentorship and Professional Development
30:16 Future Plans and Networking
35:55 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien speaks with former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas about his support for Donald Trump, the current state of the Democratic Party, the economic challenges facing millennials and African American men, and the national political landscape. Sebastian shares his experiences of relocating to Nevada and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and housing market. The conversation covers topics such as retail theft crime in California, high tax burdens, and the discontent among Democratic voters regarding the lack of a primary process. Sebastian also provides insights on the economic policies of other states and the potential consequences of the Democratic administration's actions on national and local economies.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:36 Disillusionment with the Democratic Party
02:14 Post-COVID Economic Challenges
04:14 Housing Crisis in California
09:01 National Economic Concerns
17:10 Retail Theft and Crime in California
23:56 California's Tax System and Budget Deficits
32:41 Democratic Party Politics and Primary Process
40:59 Swing State Sentiments and Election Outlook
49:32 Conclusion and Farewell
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Catharine Baker, former California Assembly member and current Director of the UC Student and Policy Center. Catharine shares her journey from growing up in Coachella Valley and cutting her teeth in Chicago politics, to working in law and then entering public service motivated by the Great Recession and issues in local schools. Catharine discusses her campaigns, experiences in the assembly, and her work post-politics, including her role at the FPPC. Catharine’s latest venture focuses on utilizing UC's resources to influence policy and provide research-backed solutions to state legislators. This comprehensive interview provides insights into her career, perspectives on bipartisan work, and future plans in her new role.
This Episode was record on 8/23/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Catharine Baker's Early Life and Career Beginnings
01:03 Entering Politics: The Great Recession and Campaigns
03:16 Running for State Assembly and Winning
06:06 Challenges and Experiences in the Assembly
08:05 Facing Political Realities and Party Dynamics
11:41 Impact of National Politics on Local Elections
14:27 Returning to the Law Firm and Community Service
14:54 Serving on the Fair Political Practices Commission
15:14 Insights from the 2014 Race and FPPC Work
17:11 Challenges and Reforms in Campaign Finance
19:01 The Role of Transparency in Democracy
22:08 Legislative Experience and Bill Proposals
25:15 New Role at UC Student Policy Center
27:50 Future Initiatives and Collaboration
34:48 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett interviews Lacey Keys of Keys Law Corporation. They discuss her journey as a political attorney, including her educational background and career trajectory. Lacey elaborates on the nuances of political law, including registration and compliance for lobbyists, campaign finance work, and the role of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). She also shares insights on managing her own law practice and offers advice for aspiring political attorneys, emphasizing the importance of internships and networking within the field.
This Episode was record on 8/5/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:37 Lacey Keys' Background and Career Path
04:13 Transition to Independent Practice
05:52 Understanding Political Law and Lobbying
13:56 FPPC and Lobbying Compliance
32:08 Advice for Aspiring Political Lawyers
35:48 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director of California Dairy Cares, who shares his journey from a UC Davis intern to a veteran lobbyist with over 41 years of experience. Boccadoro discusses the intricate balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability in California's dairy industry. He highlights the state's efforts in methane reduction, dairy farm regulations, and legislative support for farmers. Additionally, he explains the impact of statewide policies on dairy production and the importance of incentives in achieving sustainability goals. The conversation also explores the evolving dairy market, environmental challenges, and collaboration within the agricultural sector.
This Episode was record on 8/2/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:23 Michael Boccadoro's Early Career
01:45 Transition to Dairy Industry
03:19 Public Affairs and Lobbying
03:43 Regulatory Challenges in Agriculture
07:13 California Dairy Cares: Mission and Impact
09:05 California's Dairy Production and Global Market
18:52 Environmental Sustainability in Dairy Farming
21:58 Innovations in Methane Reduction
27:38 Cost-Effective Climate Solutions
28:04 Challenges in Greenhouse Gas Reduction
28:47 Comparing Project Costs
29:47 California's Aggressive Climate Goals
31:44 Economic Impacts of Climate Policies
35:35 Dairy Industry's Role in Climate Goals
37:29 Innovations in Methane Reduction
40:42 Nutritional Importance of Dairy
42:48 Legislative Outreach and Dairy Farming
47:43 Collaborative Efforts in Agriculture
50:33 Future Funding and Policy Needs
52:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Matthew Hargrove from the California Business Properties Association (C.B.P.A). Matthew shares insights into his career path from UC Davis and his extensive experience in Sacramento politics. They discuss a wide array of topics impacting the commercial real estate sector in California, including property taxes, Prop 13, Prop 218, minimum wage, energy issues, building code, retail theft, insurance, and legislative efforts. Matthew provides a detailed overview of key legislative propositions and the challenges and opportunities within the commercial real estate market. The conversation highlights the need for ongoing advocacy and adaptation in response to economic and regulatory changes.
This Episode was record on 7/23/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:37 Matthew Hargrove's Early Career
01:57 Working with Brooks Firestone
06:04 Transition to UC Davis
08:09 Joining the California Business Properties Association
11:46 Challenges in Commercial Real Estate
21:29 Propositions and Legislative Concerns
25:19 Introduction to Propositions 33 and 34
26:35 Retail Theft Legislation and Initiatives
27:24 The Taxpayer Protection Act: Background and Challenges
33:19 Shifts in Voter Concerns and Polling Insights
34:51 Commercial Real Estate's Role in Housing Solutions
38:20 Challenges of Office to Housing Conversions
46:15 Legislative Efforts and Upcoming Lobby Day
54:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Co-Chairs Andres Ramirez and Brandon Garcia of the California Latino Capitol Association Foundation (CLCAF) join the show. They discuss their respective journeys into the political community in Sacramento—Andres starting in lobbying and Brandon discovering the field almost by accident. Both highlight the significance of networking, mentorship, and community support facilitated by CLCAF. They delve into the organization's initiatives, like the annual Dodgers vs. Giants game, policy academies, and cultural events such as Dia de los Muertos. The episode also emphasizes outreach efforts to engage underserved populations and future staff through partnerships with nonprofits. The co-chairs express pride in CLCAF's growth and share their vision for further empowering Latino professionals in the Capitol community.
This Episode was record on 7/19/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 Backgrounds of Andres Ramirez and Brandon Garcia
04:06 Joining the California Latino Capital Association
07:55 Navigating the Pandemic as Young Professionals
14:01 Importance of Networking and Mentorship
21:32 Events and Programs of the Association
25:35 Outreach and Future Plans
31:16 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of SacTown Talks, members of the California Legislative Black Staff Association (CLBSA) and co-chairs, Symphoni Barbee and Kapri Walker, share their journeys and experiences. Symphoni discusses her role as a legislative advocate for Planned Parenthood and her entrance into the CLBSA. Kapri outlines her transition from working in the Senate Public Safety Committee to her current position as Government Affairs Manager at California for Safety and Justice. They reflect on founding the CLBSA during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by young Black professionals, and the significance of mentorship. They also highlight the association's key events, including the Juneteenth Gala, and their ongoing efforts to support and retain young Black staff in Sacramento.
This Episode was record on 7/19/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:25 Meet Symphony Barbee
01:52 Meet Capri Walker
02:45 Founding the Association
05:08 Challenges and Achievements
06:20 Mentorship and Support
08:47 Fellowship Experiences
10:43 Personal Backgrounds
21:46 Navigating Career Paths
25:20 Imposter Syndrome
29:14 Collaboration with the Black Caucus
31:43 Future Plans and Events
37:25 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett welcomes Andy Walz, President of Chevron of the Americas, for an in-depth conversation about California's role in the energy sector. Andy shares his 35-year journey with Chevron, discussing the global assignments he's experienced. He elaborates on the responsibilities of his current position, overseeing downstream operations in North and South America. The discussion covers California's unique challenges, including high operational costs, taxes, and regulations, and their impact on fuel prices and energy production. Andy also highlights Chevron's commitment to renewable energy, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen, and discusses the future of the energy market in the face of evolving technologies and policies.
This Episode was recorded on 5/9/24
00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks
00:20 Meet Andy Walz, President of Chevron Americas
00:34 Andy's Journey with Chevron
01:14 Living Around the World with Chevron
01:47 Chevron's Operations in the Americas
02:30 California's Impact on Chevron's Business
04:39 The Evolution of Fuel and Renewable Energy
06:57 Challenges and Future of Renewable Fuels
09:41 California's Gas Prices and Legislation
12:26 The Impact of California's Policies on Chevron
20:54 Concerns About California's Energy Strategy
21:47 Impact of Electric Cars on Demand
23:17 The Role of Natural Gas in the Energy Future
25:15 Exploring Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel
27:52 The Efficiency of Gasoline vs. Alternatives
31:16 Future of Oil and Technological Innovations
33:06 Global Energy Needs and Challenges
38:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Assemblyman Marc Berman, who shares his journey from Palo Alto to Sacramento. Asm. Berman discusses his early life, education at Georgetown and USC, and experiences working on political campaigns across the country. He recounts his path to becoming a member of the Palo Alto City Council and eventually the California State Assembly in 2016. The discussion covers the challenges of his role, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his legislative focus on housing, education, and AI regulation. Asm Berman also talks about California's budget and his work on the Business and Professions Committee.
This Episode was record on 6/18/24
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Mark Berman's Early Life and Career Beginnings
01:54 Campaign Experiences and Political Insights
02:41 Reflections on Political Campaigns and Colleagues
05:08 Transition to Law School and Community Involvement
08:21 Running for City Council and Assembly
12:56 Election Night and Initial Assembly Experience
13:52 Impact of COVID-19 on Legislative Work
16:24 The Ghost Town Capitol
17:11 Building Relationships During COVID
18:36 Politics of Palo Alto
18:56 Housing Crisis and Environmental Impact
23:36 Legislative Focus and Tech Education
28:11 Budget Challenges and Priorities
30:01 Business and Professions Committee Insights
32:28 Conclusion and Farewell
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett Blonien welcomes Jennifer Saha, Founder and CEO of Golden Bridge Strategies. Jennifer shares her extensive background in government service and her transition to the private sector. She discusses her career journey from working in the Governor's office under Schwarzenegger, to the challenges of managing large-scale procurements and IT modernization projects. Jennifer also talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on government procurement, the growing importance of cybersecurity, and the cautious adoption of generative AI in government operations. Additionally, she provides insights into the complexities of working with government contracts and offers advice for businesses looking to navigate this sector.
This Episode was record on 6/13/24
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Jennifer's Background and Early Career
01:17 Working in the Governor's Office
03:07 Transition to Economic Development
04:52 International Trade and Travel
08:16 Economic Crisis and Recovery Task Force
10:39 Transition to Jerry Brown's Administration
13:25 Modernizing Government Technology
18:28 Starting Golden Bridge Strategies
22:39 Early Clients and Pandemic Impact
23:45 Navigating Government Procurement
24:39 Growing the Team
25:09 Procurement Lobbying
26:53 Challenges in Government Contracts
31:11 Public Procurement Process
41:17 Adoption of AI in Government
45:42 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett speaks with the voice of the Assembly, David Bowman, about the intricacies and history of the California State Capitol. They discuss dining at the Capitol, changes in the legislature's working environment, and the renovations of the Capitol building. David shares fascinating historical anecdotes, including the original locations of California's capital, the construction of the Capitol building, and peculiar stories about the building's artifacts and architecture. The episode also covers how seating arrangements are determined in the Assembly, interesting details about the Assembly and Senate chambers, notable visitors to the Capitol, and David's personal involvement and experience in California politics.
This Episode was record on 5/15/24
00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks
00:29 Dining at the Capitol
01:22 Navigating the Swing Space
02:21 Committee Interactions
03:30 History of the California State Capitol
10:23 Capitol Renovations and Anomalies
17:34 Retired Desks and Legislative Legends
21:05 A Childhood Inspiration
22:27 The Meaning Behind the Carpets
24:29 Historical Desks and Chairs
27:40 The Assembly Seating Arrangement
31:52 Capitol Art and Portraits
35:25 Caucus Rooms and Lounges
39:35 Famous Visitors and Stories
40:25 Conclusion and Farewell
In this episode of SacTown Talks, we sit down with Assembly Member Isaac Bryan, discussing his unique background growing up in a foster care family, his journey through multiple states, and his eventual relocation to California. Bryan reflects on the influence of key life events, from getting cut from his high school basketball team to his academic and professional development, leading to his passion for public policy. The conversation delves into his legislative efforts, challenges in the foster care system, the realities of housing affordability in Los Angeles, and his role as the chair of the Natural Resources Committee. Bryan shares insights on his policy work, particularly on social justice, criminal justice reform, and environmental sustainability, while navigating the complexities of California's political landscape.
This Episode was record on 5/29/24
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Isaac Bryan's Early Life and Foster Care Experience
02:56 Challenges and Resilience in Education
05:19 College Journey and Career Beginnings
07:45 Entering Public Policy and Early Achievements
15:29 Advocacy and Legislative Work
18:57 Running for Office and Political Aspirations
22:40 Reflecting on the Early Days in Office
23:24 Intersectional Approach to Policymaking
24:34 Challenges of Housing and Rent in LA
27:02 Addressing Housing Affordability and Homelessness
30:17 Chairing the Natural Resources Committee
31:47 Balancing Oil Production and Environmental Health
34:55 Innovations in Clean Energy
38:31 Budget Deficit and Social Safety Nets
42:51 Legislative Achievements and Future Goals
45:20 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
This Episode was record on 5/29/24
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Isaac Bryan's Early Life and Foster Care Experience
02:56 Challenges and Resilience in Education
05:19 College Journey and Career Beginnings
07:45 Entering Public Policy and Early Achievements
15:29 Advocacy and Legislative Work
18:57 Running for Office and Political Aspirations
22:40 Reflecting on the Early Days in Office
23:24 Intersectional Approach to Policymaking
24:34 Challenges of Housing and Rent in LA
27:02 Addressing Housing Affordability and Homelessness
30:17 Chairing the Natural Resources Committee
31:47 Balancing Oil Production and Environmental Health
34:55 Innovations in Clean Energy
38:31 Budget Deficit and Social Safety Nets
42:51 Legislative Achievements and Future Goals
45:20 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett hosts Andy Walls, President of Chevron of the Americas, for an in-depth conversation about the energy sector, Chevron's role, and the future of fuel. Andy shares his 35-year journey with Chevron, which took him and his family around the globe, from San Diego to Singapore. He discusses the division of Chevron into upstream and downstream operations, Chevron's longstanding history in California, and the challenges and transformations the energy industry faces due to environmental policies, highlighting California's pioneering role. Andy talks about the complexities of producing and pricing fuel in California, including the impact of taxes, regulations, and the state's isolation from national pipeline networks. They also delve into renewable fuels, the transition towards greener energy, and the potential of natural gas and hydrogen as future energy sources. Additionally, the conversation covers Chevron's efforts in producing renewable gasoline blends and the broader challenges of meeting global energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. Andy emphasizes the importance of collaboration between policymakers and the energy sector to ensure energy remains affordable, reliable, and increasingly cleaner.
This Episode was record on 5/9/24
00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks: A Dive into California Politics
00:20 Meet Andy Walls: Chevron's Journey and Global Experiences
01:47 Exploring Chevron's Operations and Innovations in the Americas
02:30 California's Environmental Leadership and Chevron's Role
04:39 The Evolution of Fuel: From Ethanol Blends to Renewable Diesel
06:57 Navigating California's Green Transition and Fuel Affordability
09:41 Legislative Impacts and the Economics of Fuel in California
12:24 The Complexities of Fuel Pricing and California's Unique Challenges
15:39 Refinery Dynamics and the Future of Fuel in California
20:54 The Challenges of Electric Vehicle Adoption
21:47 Evolving Demand for Electric Cars Amidst COVID-19
23:17 The Role of Natural Gas in a Clean Energy Future
25:15 Exploring Hydrogen's Potential in Reducing Carbon Emissions
26:40 The Importance of Diverse Energy Solutions
29:53 Innovations and Alternatives in Fuel Technology
31:16 The Efficiency and Future of Oil and Gas
33:06 Global Energy Needs and Environmental Responsibility
35:17 Navigating Energy Policies Across Different Jurisdictions
38:17 Collaboration for a Sustainable Energy Future
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett Blonien welcomes Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan to discuss a range of topics from her personal background to her legislative work in California. Bauer-Kahan reflects on her undergraduate experience at the University of Pennsylvania, her thoughts on the current state of academic institutions and student protests, and the influence of her grandparents' Holocaust survival story on her commitment to public service. She outlines her legislative focus areas, including addressing mental health, regulating artificial intelligence, ensuring data privacy, and advancing environmental protections. Specific efforts mentioned include the 988 mental health crisis hotline, AI legislation, privacy laws in the context of social media and data brokers, and initiatives to ban plastic bags in grocery stores. The conversation also touches on broader issues such as the impacts of COVID-19, homelessness, healthcare, transportation, and climate change in California. Bauer-Kahan emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with safety and privacy protections and the role of legislation in tackling pressing societal challenges.
This Episode was record on 5/2/24
00:00 Welcome to SACTown Talks: A Dive into California Politics
01:00 Getting Personal: Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan's Journey
01:26 Navigating Student Protests and University Challenges
04:13 Reflections on Assembly Tenure and COVID-19 Impact
05:40 Tackling Privacy, Consumer Protection, and AI Regulation
08:55 Addressing the Mental Health Crisis and Social Media's Role
12:20 Privacy in the Digital Age: Rights and Regulations
16:03 Legislative Impact: From Personal History to Policy Making
17:52 Budget Priorities and Legislative Package for the Year
22:47 Looking Ahead: Climate Change Initiatives and AI Regulation
24:14 Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations
30:59 Adapting to Post-COVID Legislative Dynamics
33:30 Oversight and Accountability in Legislation
34:16 Addressing Homelessness and Insurance Challenges
39:38 Personal Insights: Commuting and Podcasts
41:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Goals
This episode of SacTown Talks features a detailed conversation with Senator Bill Dodd, covering his decade-long political career, contributions, and views on various issues affecting California. Senator Dodd discusses his transition from business to politics, his achievements including the passage of over a hundred bills, and his work on wildfire management, education, and community safety. He also shares insights into the challenges of maintaining a strong legislative staff, navigating the budget deficit, the significance of community colleges, and the importance of addressing the state's insurance and homelessness crisis. The senator reflects on the impact of term limits, the shifting dynamics in the Senate and Assembly, and his commitment to legislative oversight and community wellbeing in his final year in office.
This Episode was record on 5/1/24
00:00 Welcome to SACTown Talks: A Dive into California Politics
02:22 Senator Bill Dodd's Journey: From Business to Politics
06:03 Tackling Wildfires: Legislative Efforts and Achievements
10:01 Facing California's Budget Deficit: A Legislative Perspective
12:18 Championing Community Colleges: A Personal and Political Mission
14:14 Addressing Police Staffing Challenges in Vallejo
18:29 Navigating Committee Season: Legislative Package and Challenges
19:52 Focusing on Student Success and Charter Schools
20:24 Navigating Legislative Processes and Charter School Concerns
21:17 International Relations: Sister State Relationships and Ukraine
22:35 Reflections on Senate vs. Assembly Roles
24:09 Term Limits and Legislative Experience
26:02 Approaching Legislation with a New Perspective
29:16 Innovations in Restaurant and Hospitality Legislation
30:59 Adapting to Post-COVID Legislative Dynamics
33:30 Oversight and Accountability in Legislation
34:16 Addressing Homelessness and Insurance Challenges
39:38 Personal Insights: Commuting and Podcasts
41:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Goals
This episode of SacTown Talks features an engaging conversation with Damola Ogundipe, co-founder and CEO of Plural, a company dedicated to improving the analysis of public policy documents through technology. Damola discusses the inception of Plural, its focus on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate the understanding and tracking of legislation and regulations across all 50 U.S. states. The discussion covers Plural's journey from raising venture capital to developing AI-driven features that precede the ChatGPT explosion, highlighting the importance of AI in legislative tracking. Damola details the challenges of catering to different jurisdictions, Plural's emphasis on collaboration in public policy, and the significant impact of early investor and customer support from major organizations. The conversation also explores the future of AI in policy analysis, the strategies behind Plural's growth, the importance of a free version for public access, and Plural's unique data acquisition methods, concluding with Damola's basketball musings.
This Episode was record on 4/17/24
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks: Introducing Damola Ogundipe
00:24 The Genesis of Plural: Revolutionizing Legislative Tracking
02:36 The Power of AI in Public Policy Analysis
07:12 Expanding Horizons: Plural's Nationwide Coverage and Challenges
09:06 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Idea to Innovation
13:24 Building a Diverse and Dynamic Team at Plural
14:52 Looking Ahead: The Future of Plural and Policy Tracking
18:17 The Importance of Accessibility in Public Policy Information
21:44 The Challenge of Creating a Standout Tech Product
24:35 Plural's Unique Approach to Legislative Tracking
27:04 How to Connect with Plural and Final Thoughts
This episode of SacTown Talks features Anne McLeod from the Private Essential Access Community Hospitals (PEACH) discussing the role and challenges of safety net hospitals in California. The state has about 440 hospitals, with roughly 90 designated as safety net hospitals serving vulnerable populations. These hospitals fill the gap in healthcare coverage in regions not served by the sparse public hospitals. Despite the critical services they provide, safety net hospitals face financial difficulties, with many operating at a loss due to inadequate Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, among other challenges. The discussion also touches on the impacts of COVID-19, hospital funding, the conception of a state definition for safety net hospitals, and the potential steps forward to address the system's sustainability.
This episode was recorded on 4/16/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
00:00 Welcome to SACTown Talks: A Deep Dive into Peach Hospitals
00:29 Understanding Peach Hospitals: The Safety Net for Vulnerable Populations
03:37 The Landscape of California's Hospitals: Ownership, Mission, and Challenges
06:27 The Impact of COVID-19 on Community Safety Net Hospitals
13:05 Financial Struggles and the Future of Safety Net Hospitals
24:50 Addressing Homelessness and Healthcare Inequity
29:13 The Complex Economics of Hospital Funding in California
31:32 Exploring the Financial Dynamics of Healthcare
32:07 The Complexities of Hospital Funding During COVID
32:30 Debating the Viability of Single Payer Healthcare
33:44 The Challenge of Equitable Healthcare Financing
34:15 Learning from Other States: A Comparative Approach
34:43 Innovative Funding and Regional Healthcare Solutions
41:21 Navigating Hospital Costs and Pricing Mysteries
45:33 From Banking to Healthcare: A CEO's Journey
47:55 Policy Making and Advocacy in Healthcare
54:28 Strategic Initiatives for Hospital Sustainability
57:44 Navigating Legislative Challenges in Healthcare
58:59 Looking Ahead: Potential Solutions and Voter Engagement
59:25 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Chris Micheli, a seasoned Attorney, Lobbyist, Author, & Professor shares insights into his move back to solo practice, his writing process for books and manuals aimed at simplifying complex legislative and lobbying processes, and his observations on changes in legislative activities and office dynamics post-COVID. Chris Micheli, who has penned multiple practical guides and is preparing for the publication of a revised lobbying manual, discusses the importance of being present in the Capitol to stay informed and influence effectively. The conversation also touches upon his teaching endeavors, the evolution of lobbying techniques, and how technology has altered legislative interactions. Finally, Micheli encourages listeners to engage with him on social media for educational content.
This episode was recorded on 4/12/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks: A Sunny Day in Sacramento
00:41 Diving into Chris Michelii's Literary World
02:44 The Transition to Solo Practice and Office Moves
05:16 Navigating the Legislative Landscape: AI, Budgets, and Hot Topics
07:01 The Impact of Homelessness Funding and Budget Surpluses
11:08 A Deep Dive into Legislative Data and Writing Process
15:32 The Art of Writing: From Inspiration to Publication
20:27 Navigating the Complexities of Case Books
21:05 The Role of AI in Legal Analysis and Education
21:47 Teaching Law in the Digital Age
21:52 Insights into California's Legislative Process
24:18 The Evolution of Legislative Practices
32:32 Challenges and Strategies in Lobbying
36:42 Adapting to Technological Changes in Lawmaking
40:02 Connecting and Learning in the Digital Era
Today we welcome Adam Probolsky, a renowned pollster from Probolsky Research, discusses the recent election outcomes, voter sentiments, and the apparent disconnect between Californian policymakers' progressivism and the electorate's views.
This episode was recorded on 4/10/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
00:00 Exploring the Disconnect in California's Political Landscape
00:45 Welcome Back to SacTown Talks with Adam Probolsky
01:00 Analyzing California's Election Surprises and Voter Sentiments
01:47 The Public's Disconnect with Progressive Policies and Homelessness Issues
03:56 Polling Insights: Californians' Views on Taxes, Housing, and Desalination
06:53 Election Trends and the Impact of Voter Turnout Models
14:07 The Role of Negative Campaigning and Voter Perception
19:22 Adapting Polling Strategies to Reach Diverse Voter Demographics
28:30 Comparing California's Unique Challenges to Other States
30:23 Deep Dive into Community Sentiments and Polling Techniques
32:12 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Today we welcome Adam Kovacevich, CEO and founder of the Chamber of Progress. We discuss the founding of the Chamber of Progress, the evolution of tech policy, the potential of autonomous vehicles, safety concerns, employment impact, the future of AV technology and more.
This episode was recorded 3/26/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Nick Warner of Nick Warner Consulting. After 30 years of experience in lobbying, Warner is a dedicated business coach, and hosts his own podcast 'Together at the Top'. We discuss the value of mentorship, meaningful client connections, the significance of personal development, podcasting for businesses and more.
This episode was recorded 3/19/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Chris Ward. Ward represents AD78, serves as Chair of the Assembly Housing, the Community Development Committee, as well as the Select Committee on Biotechnology. We discuss housing affordability, homelessness, utility pricing, elder scams and more.
This episode was recorded 3/13/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Alex Lee. Lee represents Assembly District 24 and currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Human Services, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. We discuss voter enthusiasm, LGBTQ+ rights, tax policies and more.
This episode was recorded 3/7/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Aaron Vad, Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Connolly. Vad is one of the youngest staffers to hold a Chief of Staff position. We discuss Aaron's journey in politics, the challenges and rewards of working in the Capitol, the importance of communication and networking, and more.
This episode was recorded 3/5/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Aguiar-Curry represents the 4th California Assembly District. We discuss local housing, public infrastructure, mental health, supporting families and more.
This episode was recorded 2/22/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome former Mayor of West Sacramento, and current Senate candidate, Christopher Cabaldon. Cabaldon is running for Senate District 3. We discuss Cabaldon's experience as Mayor of West Sac, restoring communities, economic development, climate protection, education and more.
This episode was recorded 2/8/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back, now full-time staffer for Senator Brian Dahle, Andrew Nickens. Nickens is a UC Davis graduate and has already gained exposure fighting hard legislative battles, and we are following Nickens' journey in the Capitol. Today we discuss all he's learned in his first year, what has been most helpful, advice for fellows and more.
This episode was recorded 1/26/24
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back to the program, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. McCarty, a Sacramento native, represents Assembly District 06. We discuss issues in Sacramento such as homelessness, housing, public safety, and more.
This episode was recorded 1/26/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome the great visionary Herby Kay to the program. Kay is the founder of the 1964 plan. We discuss Kay's journey from crime to visionary, the 1964 Plan, issues in crime, drug legalization, homelessness and more.
This episode was recorded 1/24/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Matt Haney to the program. Haney represents AD 17. We discuss Haney’s path to politics, issues in San Francisco such as Fentanyl, housing, as well as a look ahead to goals for 2024.
This episode was recorded 1/10/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back to the program Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss the artificial intelligence, the future of technology, California manufacturing and more.
This episode was recorded 1/09/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back Kristina Bas Hamilton, of KBH Advocacy, to the program. Hamilton also hosts her own podcast, Blueprint for California Advocates. We discuss Hamilton’s current focuses, the affordability crisis, organizing, the California Budget and more.
This episode was recorded 1/08/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we revisit our episode with Senator Alvarado-Gil from May 2023. Alvarado-Gil represents Senate District 4 and serves as State Commissioner for Special Education. The Senator and Jarhett had a fantastic discussion on education, fentanyl, public safety, and more.
This episode was originally released 5/08/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Vice President of H Cycle, Quentin Foster. H Cycle produces low-carbon hydrogen using an innovative waste processing system, redirecting municipal waste and organic waste before it hits landfills. We discuss landfill waste issues, related bills, hydrogen solutions and more.
This episode was recorded 12/20/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Gipson represents Assembly District 65 and previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore for Carson City. We take a look back and recap 2023, the budget, and goals looking ahead to 2024.
This episode was recorded 12/19/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we revisit our episode with now Speaker, Robert Rivas, taking the oath of office as Speaker of the California State Assembly on June 30, 2023. Prior to being elected Speaker, Rivas served as the Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and as Vice-Chair of the influential Latino Legislative Caucus. Rivas and Jarhett discuss agriculture, food shortage, immigration, the American Dream and more.
This episode was originally released 6/20/2022.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Chris Lane, Director for Cygnal. Cygnal is known for their work in polling, analytics and targeting. We discuss Lane's journey to polling, election analytics, the 2024 presidential election and more.
This episode was recorded 12/05/2023
Today we welcome to the program Roger Salazar, President of ALZA Strategies. Salazar is known for his work in the White House under the Clinton Administration, working on the 2000 Gore campaign and as campaign press secretary for former California Governor Gray Davis. We discuss Salazar's journey to politics, experience in the White House, crisis communication, and more.
This episode was recorded on 11/28/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Devon Mathis. Mathis represents Assembly District 33 and previously served as Sergeant for the Army National Guard for nearly ten years, with two combat tours in Iraq. We discuss Mathis' career, path to politics, the opioid crisis, helping veterans and more.
This episode was recorded on 11/09/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program regulatory expert, activist, and former President of the California PUC, Loretta Lynch. We discuss Lynch's career, the rising cost of utilities, AB 205 and more!
This episode was recorded 11/08/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back Principal Clerk II/Reading Clerk, David Bowman. We reflect on the year, David's 15 years in the Capitol, dive into the staffers perspective and more.
This episode was recorded on 10/24/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back Russell Lowery of High View Strategies. Lowery is an expert in digital communication and political bridge building. We discuss effective lobbying, digital communication strategy, social media success and more.
(01:11) High View Strategies update
(07:49) Using social media to your advantage
(13:49) Communication and social media strategy
(22:31) How to successfully reach a member and digital ads
(31:48) Regulatory work vs. legislative work
This episode was recorded on 10/10/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back California water expert, Alexandra Biering, of California Farm Bureau. Here Biering provides us with an update on California water, discusses the water year, flood protection, water rights and more.
(03:49) Melting snow and how it affects reservoirs
(11:00) Why we can expect more and more flooding this year
(14:26) California water rights
(22:18) CA agriculture and the water bond
(32:56) Union workers, farm workers, and funding
(39:45) End of session, important water bills
This episode was recorded on 10/03/2023.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back to the program Senator Dave Min. Min represents Senate District 37 and serves as Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, which has jurisdiction over the state’s environmental stewardship. We discuss Min's legislative priorities, the environment, biodiversity, homelessness and more.
(08:47) End of session, wins and losses
(12:55) Preventing mass shootings and improving gun safety
(17:02) Electrification, decarbonization and renewable energy goals
(25:30) Difficulty passing public safety bills in CA
This episode was recorded on 10/02/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Steve Cruz of Cruz Strategies. Cruz has over 20 years of legislative and political experience having worked on behalf of a multitude of interests, both public and private, before the California State Legislature and various state agencies. We discuss Cruz's journey to politics, housing, effective lobbying, and more.
(07:09) Becoming a lobbyist in Sacramento
(16:37) Pursuing homebuilding and development
(23:30) Successful business development for lobbying
(27:44) How can we build more homes?
(36:06) Steve’s interest in low riding cars
This episode was recorded on 09/27/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo. Schiavo represents Assembly District 40 and previously was a small business owner and nurse advocate who worked in the labor movement for more than 20 years. We Schiavo's legislative priorities, housing, homelessness, healthcare, and more.
(03:58) The issue with healthcare and insurance
(09:23) Schiavo’s background, making it to Sacramento
(21:04) Schiavo’s bill package and focuses
(24:12) Electric roads bill
(31:26) Affordable housing
This episode was recorded on 09/21/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Gipson represents Assembly District 65 and previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore for Carson City. We Gipson's legislative priorities, gun control, law enforcement, foster care, and more.
(05:42) End of session, bills, and budget
(14:14) Talking homelessness
(18:55) Police and criminal justice reform
(24:06) Education for foster care youth
This episode was recorded on 09/19/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back, attorney, lobbyist, and author, Chris Micheli. Micheli is back, talking about his two new handbooks on legislative drafting in California and understanding the California legislative process.
Available now!
https://he.kendallhunt.com/search?search_api_views_fulltext=Chris+Micheli
This episode was recorded on 09/15/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program political journalist Lara Korte. Korte is a co-author of POLITICO California Playbook. We discuss Korte's career in journalism, POLITICO, and all things political reporting.
This episode was recorded on 09/05/2023.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Phil Ting. Ting represents Assembly District 19 and serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. We discuss Ting's career, education access, affordability, housing, and more.
(02:24) Ting’s journey to politics
(08:10) College affordability and access
(13:13) Eliminating APPI hate
(19:16) The Housing Accountability Act
(25:09) End of session suspense
This episode was recorded on 08/31/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. Zbur represents Assembly District 51 and previously worked in environmental law. We discuss Zbur's career, LGBT rights, issues with homelessness, housing, the environment, and more.
This episode was recorded on 08/16/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Tom Campbell, former United States Representative, law professor, and current chair of the Common Sense Party. We discuss Campbell's career, as well as a deep dive on the Common Sense Party and why California would benefit from another party.
This episode was recorded on 08/11/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Jeff Farrah, Executive Director of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. Farrah and the AVIN believe autonomous vehicles will make our world safer, more efficient, and provide life-changing mobility benefits to those who are disadvantaged. We discuss self-driving vehicles, transportation, cyber security and more.
This episode was recorded on 08/02/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back Chris MacKenzie, Senior Director of Communications for Chamber of Progress. Mackenzie has a strong background in connecting with center-left voters and thought leaders through digital media campaigns and traditional press outreach. Today we are focused on artificial intelligence. Development, advancement, regulation, legislation and more.
This episode was recorded on 07/20/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. Pellerin represents Assembly District 28 and previously served as the chief elections official in Santa Cruz County from 1993 until her retirement in December 2020. We discuss Pellerin's background career, issues with homelessness, marriage rights, the election system and more.
This episode was recorded on 07/12/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria. Soria represents Assembly District 27 and as a first-generation American daughter of farm workers, knows firsthand about hard work and sacrifice, having worked alongside her parents in the Central Valley’s agricultural fields throughout her childhood. We discuss Soria's background career, issues in the Central Valley, healthcare, water, housing and more.
This episode was recorded on 07/3/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Jennifer Capitolo, Executive Director of the California Water Association. Capitolo has previously served in the Department of Finance under Governor Gray Davis and as a district representative for Congresswoman Barbara Lee and former Assemblymember Ellen Corbett. We discuss Capitolo's career, CWA, groundwater, California drinking water and more.
This episode was recorded on 06/30/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Chris MacKenzie, Senior Director of Communications for Chamber of Progress. Mackenzie has a strong background in connecting with center-left voters and thought leaders through digital media campaigns and traditional press outreach. We discuss Mackenzie's career, the Chamber of Progress, the CA Journalism Protection Act and more.
This episode was recorded on 06/23/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(03:57) Talking Chamber of Progress
(08:36) What is AB 886?
(12:43) Concerns with disinformation and the CA Journalism Preservation Act
(19:48) Support and opposition for AB 886 and the future of money in media
Today we welcome to the program Monica Miller. Miller is the owner and President of Sacramento Advisors, LLC. We discuss Miller's career, involvement in non-profits, work in foster care and more.
This episode was recorded on 06/22/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Gregg Hart. Hart represents Assembly District 37 and previously served as Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, California Coastal Commissioner, and Santa Barbara County Supervisor. We discuss Hart's career, issues with housing, the environment, budget goals and more.
This episode was recorded on 06/20/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Bill Essayli. Essayli represents Assembly District 63 and previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney as well as a Riverside County Deputy District Attorney. We discuss Essayli's career in law, gun violence, incarceration, drug issues and more.
This episode was recorded on 05/24/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(05:40) Essayli’s career in law and path to politics
(12:50) Talking Essayli’s bill package
(15:37) Firearm enforcement bill and Bowies Law
(19:09) Gun control and prisoner rehabilitation
(24:01) Talking budget goals
Today we welcome to the program, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. Smallwood-Cuevas represents Senate District 28 and is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. We discuss the election, issues with the prison system, employment, housing and more.
This episode was recorded on 05/23/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(09:04) Affordable housing and cost of living in LA
(14:36) Involvement in community organizing
(23:19) Motivating running for Senate and working with the new legislative class
(34:23) Bills and legislative focuses
(44:27) Talking committees
Today we welcome to the program labor and employment law expert, Ryan McCoy. McCoy is Partner with Seyfarth Shaw LLP, with a focus on employment litigation. We discuss employment litigation in CA, wage issues, AB5 and more.
This episode was recorded on 05/18/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(03:57) What is PAGA?
(08:00) Talking labor code violations
(14:56) 2024 voter initiative and the effect of COVID on employers
(24:48) AB5 and the impact on litigation
(30:08) Discussing the Cal-WARN Act
(34:05) Labor code changes McCoy would make
Today we welcome back to the program political consultant, Bill Wong. Bill Wong recently released his new book Better to Win: Hardball Lessons in Leadership, Influence, & the Craft of Politics. We discuss the book, contemporary politics, the Asian American community, and more of Wong's work.
This episode was recorded on 05/16/2023
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(04:22) Wong’s journey from China to Northern CA
(10:21) Lessons learned from playing football and Wong’s education path
(16:36) Working for Mike Honda and Judy Chu
(24:06) The effects of member turnover
(28:16) Talking door to door campaigning and API progress
(36:20) Wong’s future in politics
Today we welcome Nanette Farag, Vice President of Political Affairs for Randle Communications. Farag has more than 20 years of experience leading strategic operations and has served as Chief of Staff to two Assemblymembers. We discuss Farag's career, political campaigns, technology advancements, advertising and more.
This episode was recorded on 5/11/2023.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(03:55) Ashby’s journey to politics
(07:17) Ashby’s City Council experience through tough times
(11:04) The needs of the people of Sacramento\
(15:01) Addressing homelessness and education for foster youth
(17:56) The potential of downtown Sacramento
(21:20) Ashby’s bill package
Today we welcome Assemblymember Diane Dixon to the program. Dixon represents Assembly District 72 and previously served two terms as Mayor of Newport Beach. We discuss public safety, transportation, housing and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(05:53) Dixon’s global government relations experience
(10:56) Talking CA manufacturing, energy, and the gas tax
(20:45) Housing issues in Newport Beach and AD72
(30:40) Important public safety bills, fentanyl, and rehabilitation
(36:16) Discussing Dixon’s bills out of committee
Today we welcome Senator Alvarado-Gil to the program. Alvarado-Gil represents Senate District 4 and serves as State Commissioner for Special Education. We discuss education, fentanyl, public safety, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen to the program. Nguyen represents Assembly District 10 and previously served as Executive Director of Asian Resources. We discuss crime rates, education, homelessness, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua to the program. Villapudua represents Assembly District 13. We discuss vocational training, rehabilitation, the water bond, and more
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back Nick Sanders of Sanders Political Law. We talk all things new with political law including elections, recounts, the FPPC, development and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(03:00) Close elections and the recount process
(15:47) SB 1349 and issues with the FPPC
(23:04) Problems with housing and developers
(27:26) Political attorney’s focus during non-election years
(36:54) Talking taxes, special funds vs. general funds
Today we welcome Senator Josh Becker. Becker represents Senate District 13. We discuss public safety, environmental protection, social justice and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Don Howard, President and CEO of the James Irvine Foundation. We discuss the role of philanthropy, expanding opportunities for Californians, the history of the James Irvine Foundation, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Consulate General, Joe White, of the UK Consulate in San Francisco. We discuss UK-CA relations including agriculture, tech policy, trade and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Senator Anna Caballero. Caballero represents Senate District 14. We discuss the high speed rail, housing, public protection and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco. Pacheco is a freshman legislator representing Assembly District 64. We discuss housing, homelessness, mental health, climate change, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Senator Lena Gonzalez. Gonzalez represents Senate District 33 and serves as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. We discuss environmental protection, reducing emissions, the high speed rail, equal rights and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jacskon. Jackson is doctor of social work and now represents Assembly District 60. We discuss childcare, youth development, equal rights, the mental health crisis and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Senior Vice President and Head of Global Public Affairs for East West Bank, Travis Kiyota. We discuss Kiyota's career, public policy, government relations, ending API hate and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back Government Affairs and Communications Manager for Friant Water Authority, Alexandra Biering. In this episode, Biering provides us with an update on California water. We discuss California's water cycle, the drought, water delivery systems and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. Irwin represents Assembly District 42. We discuss the improvements in education, community colleges, digital upskilling, public safety and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Luz Rivas. Rivas represents Assembly District 43. We discuss the importance of education, computer science, climate change, priorities for 2023, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome newly elected Assemblymember Damon Connolly. Connolly represents Assembly District 12. We discuss climate change, housing, bringing a fresh perspective to AD12, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva. Quirk-Silva represents Assembly District 65. We discuss how we can improve education, housing, veteran support, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(02:49) Getting elected in orange county, harvesting ballots
(09:00) Special session on windfall oil profits
(13:31) What needs to be done to improve housing?
(19:18) Education funding
(27:04) Working for veteran support
Today we welcome newly elected Assemblymember Joe Patterson. Patterson represents Assembly District 05. We discuss clean energy, electric vehicles, public safety, narcan in schools and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Beau Kilmer, McCauley Chair in Drug Policy Innovation for RAND Corporation. We discuss the problems with fentanyl, losing your license to drink, common trends with drugs, policy issues and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Floor Director Brian Ebbert. Ebbert is also a registered Parliamentarian and former Asst Chief Clerk. We discuss Ebbert's role in the legislative process, the unwritten history of the legislature, what's changed in his 31 years here and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Senator Melissa Hurtado. Hurtado represents Senate District 16. We discuss water shortage, food scarcity, agriculture and other issues that pertain to the central valley.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we look back at our interview with Assemblymember Robert Rivas. Rivas represents the 30th assembly district and is CA Assembly Speaker-Elect. Today, we discuss Rivas growing up on a farm working household and community, the effects of COVID on his district, and the challenges of reaching constituents in rural areas.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome former Assemblymember Mike Gatto, representing Los Angeles. We discuss affordable housing, development, leadership battles, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Senator Josh Newman. Newman represents Senate District 29. We discuss environmental protection, alternative fuel, elections, the democratic process, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Chris Holden. Holden represents Assembly District 41. We discuss civil rights, solitary confinement, the environment, our carbon footprint, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(01:30) Holden’s journey into Politics
(12:30) LA politics and uniting communities
(16:40) Civil rights and the Black Caucus
(23:00) Fast Recovery Act and solitary confinement
(32:35) Climate change and addressing our carbon footprint
(42:35) California's issues moving forward
Today we welcome Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. McCarty represents Assembly District 07. We discuss issues in Sacramento such as homelessness, education, rising gas prices, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(04:06) How McCarty got his start in politics
(11:38) Talking close election races
(26:43) Addressing homelessness
(30:21) Involvement in education
(38:59) Special session and high gas prices
Today we welcome Assemblymember Heath Flora. Flora represents Assembly District 12. We discuss rising gas prices, combating wildfires, the problem solvers, elections and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(01:57) High California gas prices
(14:32) Combating wildfires
(18:39) California water shortage
(31:26) Becoming chief objector
(35:07) Major legislative shift
(42:10) Gaining Republican votes
Today we welcome Senator Scott Wiener. Wiener represents Senate District 11. We discuss affordable housing, public safety, transportation, legalizing psychedelics and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(01:15) Strong year for housing
(07:01) San Francisco COVID rebound
(14:02) Transportation improvements
(22:32) The importance of legalizing psychedelics
Today we welcome Principal Clerk II/Reading Clerk, David Bowman. We discuss the importance of preparation, mentorship, term limits, how he got started in the Capitol and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(07:11) Preparing for floor session
(12:08) Becoming Reading Clerk
(25:38) Term limits and learning the rules
(34:58) Visits from celebrities
(52:54) Dressing the part
(57:57) Importance of mentorship
Today we welcome Arnulfo De La Cruz, Executive Vice President of SEIU 2015. We discuss home care, fair wages, structural racism, the goals of SEIU, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(02:20) Different elements of home care
(06:04) Union bills
(09:54) The power and purpose of unions
(14:45) SEIU union rankings
(21:01) Structural racism
Today we welcome Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss energy, legislative impact, solutions in manufacturing, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(06:06) Shortage of necessities
(09:54) Affordable and reliable energy
(16:57) Keeping business in California
(22:21) Transportation method transition
(29:50) Lance talks receiving his EMBA
Today we welcome Kristina Bas Hamilton, Principal at KBH Advocacy. Bas Hamilton also hosts her own podcast, Blueprint for California Advocates. We discuss lobbying for the budget, staff unionization issues, podcasting benefits and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Lance Christensen, candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. We discuss Christensen's candidacy, school choice, issues in education, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(06:50) Student Choice Initiative
(16:01) Pure pupil spending
(27:59) School choice
(33:55) How does CA compare to other states in education?
(43:04) Raising literacy rates
Today we welcome Assemblymember Ken Cooley. Cooley represents Assembly District 08, and serves as Assembly Rules Committee Chair. We discuss rule changes, insurance policy, oversight and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(12:03) The napkin story
(26:40) Rules Committee, why Rules Chair?
(35:15) What's changed over the years
(45:05) Cooley's involvement in insurance
(1:01:00) Symbolism in Capitol architecture
Today we welcome President of Probolsky Research, Adam Probolsky. Probolsky is a California opinion research expert. We discuss voter polling, reaching voters online, trends Probolsky is seeing, what's changed and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
(06:45) Prediction accuracy
(15:42) Changes in proposition vote percentages
(19:35) Prop 26 and 27 polling
(23:20) Homelessness
(30:54) Biggest election day surprises
(38:14) Local government involvement
Today we welcome Senator Nancy Skinner. Skinner represents Senate District 09. We discuss budget goals, healthcare needs, clean energy, reproductive rights and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Patrick Utz, CEO and Co-Founder of Abstract, accompanied by Formal Advisor Chris Micheli. Abstract provides innovative bill tracking and much more. We discuss how Abstract works, the impact it will make, their expectations and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Russell Lowery, Managing Partner with High View Strategies. Lowey is an expert in digital communication and political bridge building. We discuss effective lobbying, the benefits of podcasting, digital marketing, and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Aguiar-Curry represents the 4th California Assembly District. We discuss the importance of telehealth, early education, water, alternative energy, and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Government Affairs and Communications Manager for Friant Water Authority, Alexandra Biering. Biering is a water expert with deep knowledge of water in California. We discuss the water crisis, what needs to change, saving water during wet years, fixing infrastructure, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome the California Legislative Black Staff Association. Alchemy serves as Chair and Cassidy serves as Vice Chair to the association. We discuss what CLBSA has to offer, the importance of assistance, the support they've gained, and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Managing Director of Public Water Now, Melodie Chrislock. Chrislock is a water expert with a focus on recycled water. We discuss the issues with desalination, why recycled water is a beneficial alternative, what needs to happen next, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Incoming Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow, Andrew Nickens. Nickens is a recent UC Davis graduate and has already gained exposure fighting hard legislative battles. Today we discuss the process of getting started as a Fellow, details about the program, saving student debt, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Tim Cromartie, Executive Director of the Environmental Justice League. Cromartie also co-hosts the This Week in Environmental Justice podcast. We discuss his experience in the legislature, as well as the primary focuses and goals of EJL. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Laurie Davies. Davies represents AD73, and will represent AD74 beginning in 2023. We discuss the opioid crisis, desalination, housing affordability, the gas tax and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Sacramento County Sheriff-Elect, Assemblymember Jim Cooper. Cooper represents AD-09 and will take over as Sheriff on January 1st, 2023. We discuss Cooper's path to becoming Sheriff, public safety, crime accountability, the Kate Tibbitts Act, and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we look back at our interview with Assemblymember Robert Rivas. Rivas represents the 30th assembly district and is a candidate for CA Assembly Speaker. Today, we discuss Rivas growing up on a farm working household and community, the effects of COVID on his district, and the challenges of reaching constituents in rural areas.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Nicole Rice, President of the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (CNGVC). We discuss her time in Sacramento, CNGVC as an organization, the transition to renewable natural gas, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy, and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analyses by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome State Senator Tom Umberg. Umberg represents the 34th district. We discuss his work throughout the last year, combating crime as it pertains to catalytic converter theft, MICRA, fentanyl awareness, CARE courts, and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Cristina Garcia. Garcia represents the 58th district and is the chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus. We discuss her run for Congress, overcoming the challenges within her community, the bills that she has introduced in the CA State Assembly, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome State Senate candidate, Nicole Parra. Nicole is a former California Assemblymember, running in the 16th Senate District. We discuss her run for State Senator, overcoming challenges with water in the 16th district, her experience in politics, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to SacTown Talks, Dr. Eugene Allen. Allen is a doctor, activist, family man, community leader, and is running for Insurance Commissioner 2022. Today, we discuss Dr. Allen's focus, community work, and his campaign for California Insurance Commissioner.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome to SacTown Talks, Chris Micheli. Micheli is a Principal at Aprea & Micheli, Inc. and Adjunct Professor at McGeorge School of Law. As a lobbyist, attorney, author, and professor, Micheli has many great stories and plenty of wisdom to share. Today, we discuss Micheli's experiences, the current challenges in lobbying, his reputation as an expert in tax lobbying, his most recent book, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Tom Lackey of the 36th Assembly District, encompassing Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Palmdale. Before his work in the political space, Mr. Lackey was a special education teacher and a member of the California Highway Patrol for 28 years. He then ran for his local school board, then Palmdale City Council, and finally the Assembly in 2014. We discuss redistricting, what legislators can contribute when they are in the super minority, his work with California Problem Solvers Caucus, and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Tim Sparapani, a constitutional law advocate and Senior Policy Fellow at CALinnovates, to discuss the past, present, and future of Proposition 22. Tim takes us on a journey from the Dynamex Decision to AB 5 to Proposition 22 to the appeals court decision. Learn more today about Prop. 22.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today our guest is Rick Goddard, CEO of Caylym, who joins us to discuss their Guardian system. The Guardian creates a raindrop effect over the target area and using a standard cargo plane, crews can drop over 4,000 gallons every 10 minutes from the air 24 hours a day. This means firefighting does not have to stop at night due to low visibility or in higher wind conditions. He discusses how the Guardian system works, where Caylym has had success, and what regulatory hurdles it faces in the United States.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Assemblymember Christopher Ward of the 78th Assembly District, covering the San Diego coast. He joins us for an in depth look at AB 1771: The California Housing Speculation Act, which would impose a tax up to 25% on an investor’s net capital gain from the time of purchase until the final sale or exchange of a property to reduce housing speculation. We also discuss his background, what it was like coming to the Capitol during a pandemic, and other issues he is working on this term.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Welcome back for part 2 of our SacTown Talks episode with Paul Mitchell. Paul is an expert on California redistricting: he founded Redistricting Partners, Inc and is the VP of Political Data Intelligence. Today’s episode cover’s the details of California’s lost congressional seat, more details on how redistricting requirements work, what communities of interest are, why California’s redistricting process is the best, and what’s next for him.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy, and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Senator Melissa Hurtado of the 14th Senate District which covers parts of the southern Central Valley between Fresno and Bakersfield. She joins us to discuss the water, bureaucracy, and California’s future. Her bill, SB 1219, would establish a blue-ribbon commission to eliminate the State Water Resources Control Board and fundamentally change how California and its agencies deal with water, including planning for less water due to climate change and hardening water resources against things like cyberattacks. . SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today on the show we have another new face in Sacramento: Dr. Akilah Weber of the 79th Assembly District, which covers much of east San Diego and its suburbs. Dr. Weber is the daughter of California Secretary of State Shirley Weber but did not have politics as a career goal instead, she became an OBGYN until a hometown civil rights issue inspired her to run for city council. And when Governor Newsom appointed her mother Secretary of State she decide the next step was the assembly where she is focusing on vaccines, restorative justice, and more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Mia Bonta to the show. Mia won a race in California’s 18th Assembly District covering Oakland and Alameda County to replace her partner, Rob Bonta, who was appointed California Attorney General. We discuss her family story and background in education, what led her to run for school board and then the assembly, and how it’s been coming to Sacramento during the pandemic. Finally, we discuss her legislative priorities for 2022 including education funding, criminal justice reform, and housing.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California State Senator Sydney Kamlager, of the 30th Senate District which covers Century City to South Los Angeles and takes in Culver City, Cheviot Hills, Crenshaw District, USC, downtown Los Angeles, and a portion of Inglewood. She discusses her eclectic road to the legislature, the differences between the assembly and senate, how working in the arts made her a better communicator, her legislative goals for this year and more.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome San Francisco Supervisor and candidate for the California Assembly Matt Haney. Matt joins us in the thick of his campaign and talks about how he got into politics, why he’s running for the assembly, and what he’s been hearing on the campaign trail about the pandemic, housing, and homelessness.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California State Senator Bill Dodd, representing the 3rd Senate District covering east to west from Petaluma to West Sacramento, and north to south Woodland to Martinez. Our most frequent guest, Senator Dodd joins us to discuss his major issues including fire prevention funding, eliminating feral pigs, expanding Highway 37, sports betting and much more. Stick around for the end for his Super Bowl pick!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today our interview is with James Coleman, South San Francisco City Councilmember, and candidate for the new Assembly District 21. We discuss how an early family tragedy shaped the course of his life and led to his interest in government, how covid forced him to leave Harvard during his junior year and inspired him to work for political change, and run for and win a city council seat. Then he discussed the issues he supports in his upcoming run for the new 21st Assembly District, how he has been working both in the district and in Sacramento to build support for his campaign, and what issues voters have been bringing up as he and his team knock doors.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California State Senator Nancy Skinner of the 9th California Senate District, which covers the eastern San Francisco Bay. Nancy has been in elected office since she became the only University of California, Berkeley student to win a city council seat as a student. She also served in the California Assembly in the late 2000s so she has the perspective from when budget negotiations were very difficult. She discusses those days, how her bill to get student-athletes paid led to Name, Image, & Likeness deals, and other issues in California, such as housing and energy policy, and what she is excited for this term.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Dr. Marty Ralph, Director, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography joins us to kick off 2022 by discussing his research into atmospheric rivers, the long narrow bands of concentrated water vapor that produce major amounts of rainfall. We discuss how they relate to El Nino, La Nina, and last year’s bomb cyclone, and how his research is helping California reservoir operators prepare for future storms to save water and help California manage its climate-change future.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Happy Holidays from SacTown Talks! We're taking a couple of weeks to recharge and refresh the show for 2022. While we're gone please enjoy some clips from the past year. And if any of you are joining the bread baking cohort before the New Year make sure to check out the end of the pod!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Happy Holidays from SacTown Talks! We're taking a couple of weeks to recharge and refresh the show for 2022. While we're gone please enjoy some clips from the past year. And if any of you are joining the bread baking cohort before the New Year make sure to check out the end of the pod!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Senator Maria Elena Durazo to the last interview of the year! She grew up in a migrant farmworker family and spent decades in the leadership of labor unions. Inspired to run by the 2016 election today she discusses those beginnings, her legislation focused on workers dignity and health, water infrastructure and much more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris of the 74th Assembly District, covering Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, and portions of Irvine & Huntington Beach. We start with the story of her first assembly campaign victory: a striking upset of a long held GOP seat, then turn to comparing her business experience to her time in government, her work with the California Problem Solvers Caucus, how California needs to dream and build big while still getting the boring details right, and finally on her Select Committee on the Orange County Oil Spill.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back Assemblymember Mike Gipson of the 64th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willow brook and Wilmington. Assemblymember Gipson has been focused on police reform and he rejoins us to discuss progress on his bills and what he will be working on next term. He also discusses how the $2.28 billion he got for the 64th district will benefit the district, and his chairmanship of two different select committees: a select committee on Police Reform and another on Infectious Diseases.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Roxana Janka, coalition manager for the Good4U public awareness campaign. This coalition has done extension polling of California parents, teachers, and citizens and has come up with three ways California can help students, especially those vulnerable to dropping. The first is equity, the second is personalized learning with trauma-informed practices, and the third is job and life skills training. Listen as Roxana Janka explains what the Good4U campaign means by these and how it hopes to implement them for the future of California students.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Heidi Harmon of the Romero Institute to discuss their Let’s Green California initiative. Heidi is a long time environmental activist who was on the San Luis Obispo City Council and Mayor of San Luis Obispo until transitioning back to activism at the Romero Institute. The Romero Institute is a nonprofit law and public policy center in Santa Cruz, California that focuses on environmental and indigenous justice. The Let’s Green California is a grassroots climate justice movement with the goal of creating a carbon-neutral California.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California State Senator Anna Caballeros of the 12th Senate District, which covers the Salinas Valley and a swath of the Central Valley between Modesto and Fresno. We discuss how her family’s journey from a company town to LA led to her becoming a lawyer and public servant, the differences between the CA Assembly and Senate, why she was focusing on housing, broadband internet, and water security for her rural district, and what she is working on for the next legislative year.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan of the 16th Assembly District that covers the eastern Bay Area. She starts with how the 2016 election had a profound impact on her and her family, the difference between working in the law and making laws, her bill AB988 that would establish a mental health crisis hotline that would provide a healthcare response instead of a police response for those in distress, as well as her work on transportation, juvenile justice and climate change.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Senator Melissa Hurtado of the 14th Senate District which covers parts of the southern Central Valley between Fresno and Bakersfield. She starts the podcast with a lovely tribute to Scott Lay, then talks about how the Great Recession affected her, her road to the senate, and how reelection is shaping up. The majority of the conversation focused on her district and her work fixing water issues in California, and the connection between water, food and environmental security. She also discusses her work on President Biden’s Latino Leadership Committee.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Blanca Rubio of the 48th Assembly District that covers Baldwin Park and the East San Gabriel Valley. We discuss what a day during the legislative recess looks like for legislators, then how the pandemic has affected her district and her family, and why getting people vaccinated is the key to reopening California fully. The conversation then turns to her legislation focused on seniors, children, and domestic violence victims, and how her next legislation will be banning expulsion for preschoolers. Finally, we finish with her advice on how and when interested parties should be discussing potential legislation with her office.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we are happy to have California Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva who represents the 65th Assembly District, which includes portions of northern Orange County. She talked about helping to open up Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm, and the opening up of the economy in her district. She also discusses her bills for the session including specific funding for projects in her district and priorities for helping build more housing stock and reminding homelessness. Finally, we discuss her role as Chair of the Assembly Arts Committee and the opening up of venues across her district and California.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we bring you a solemn episode celebrating the life of Scott Lay. Mainly known for his must-read daily newsletter, the Nooner, Scott was also a community college advocate, Buddhist, lover of farmer’s markets and tacos, and passionate about politics and policy. He helped start SacTown Talks and, behind the scenes, was still giving valuable advice and assistance. Our guests are two of his oldest friends, Paul Mitchell and Anthony York, to reminisce about the life and times of Scott Lay.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome veteran lobbyist Kristina Bas Hamilton. From 2010 to 2020, she worked as a policy analyst then lead lobbyist for the United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930). We discuss her background, what political changes she’s seen in Sacramento, why she started her own consulting firm, how she adapted to lobbying in the time of covid, and an insightful look into working in a male-dominated field.
Today we interview Jaime Zepeda, community organizer, nonprofit and small business advisor and tech leader and candidate for California State Senate District 10. He tells the amazing story of journeying to California by himself as a high school student to live the American dream, how that relates to why he is running for office, how learning to campaign during covid has presented challenges and opportunities, and what he finds fascinating about running for office for the first time.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Tomorrow is the recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom so we thought it best to consult an expert. And we found the best recall election expert out there: Joshua Spivak. He’s Senior Fellow at Wagner College’s Hugh L. Carey Institute for Government Reform, the author of Recall Elections: From Alexander Hamilton to Gavin Newsom, and runs The Recall Elections Blog. We learn the history of the modern recall, especially in California, but also in other states and countries, what is different about the recall of Gavin Newsom, his thoughts on the necessity of changing California’s recall laws, and finish discussing his book.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome back to the program California State Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco. The senator joins us to discuss his legislative priorities, which include housing zoning and development, drug decriminalization, changes to alcohol laws to help restaurants and bars stay open, and a host of investments for his districts.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we interview Rocklin City Councilmember, Joe Patterson. Rocklin, California is a suburb of Sacramento about 30 mins northeast of the California capitol. Joe has been a council member for 5 years, and we discuss all things housing from a local perspective. Joe takes us through all the steps of the building process, how he works to assuage concerns over new building with local residents, and how California can streamline the process for building new housing
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy, and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analyses by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Our guest this week is former California Assemblymember Mike Gatto back with more insight into the inner workings of California politics with an episode on the end-of-session when California passes its budget and all the wheeling and dealing gets done. Listen as he describes some of the things he learned, and what he thinks all citizens should understand about the process.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy, and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Darrell Review, President of the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers. He takes us through California Senate Bill 296 which would mandate locality to establish training for code enforcement officers which would modernize, professionalize and protect code enforcement officers around California, with no new costs to taxpayers.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy, and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today’s guest is labor lawyer and former political candidate Kipp Mueller. Kipp discusses why he became a workers rights attorney, how he ran for California state senate by happenstance, his best and worst experiences campaigning, and his future in California politics.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we interview Rodney Wilson, currently an elite realtor and formerly a legislative staffer. Rodney was chief of staff to Assemblymember before starting a career outside of politics and the legislature. He firmly believes that the link between his work in the legislature and in real estate is people, and that working on a common set of goals, communicating clearly, and managing expectations are key aspects to successful client relationships across industries.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome three guests for a labor law regulations panel: Tom Sheehy of the Sheehy Strategy Group, Ashley Hoffman, Policy Advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, and John Kabateck, California State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business and President of Kabateck Strategies. We discuss new California mandates on worker leave and their effects on employers of all sizes, as well as unfunded liabilities, California’s unemployment fund, and how each of them have been working with clients during covid.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua from the 13th Assembly District, encompassing the cities of Stockton, Tracy, Thornton, and Mountain House. He discusses his path to the Assembly, including a great story about having a supervisor come to him after being confronted by angry seniors. He talks about campaigning during covid, being new to the capitol, what his bill package looked like this term, and much more!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Luz Rivas of the 39th District encompassing the northeastern San Fernando Valley, running up into the San Gabriel Mountains. We discuss her background in engineering, going to MIT, and how that led to her STEM non-profit (https://www.diygirls.org) and her entry into politics. We then segue into a detailed discussion of her budget asks, what some of her bills look like, including her work on housing, homelesness, school nurses, and remove the word “alien” from the California legal code, as well as her work as chair of the Natural Resources Committee.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Our guest this week is Stacey Gordon, the Chief Diversity Strategist at Rework Work. We have a fascinating discussion of implicit and unconscious biases, why we have them, how to test for them, and what we can do about them. Her book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Release list and is also available at Barnes & Nobles, and wherever books are sold. Stacey is also the creator of the second most viewed course across the LinkedIn learning platform.
Check out: https://reworkwork.com/blueprint
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California State Senator David Min of Senate District 37 covering Orange County. We discuss how he went from a policy guy to a politician, campaigning during covid and why he thinks his district wanted a change. Then we discuss Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders both a voting block in his district and across CA, as well as how we can all work together to stop the racial hatred and violence against the AAPI community. Finally we talk about his political priorities as a new senator going forward.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome a very special guest, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert. D.A. Schubert has announced her candidacy for California Attorney General and we discuss her background, why she decided to run now, and why her experiences make her the most qualified candidate for California Attorney General.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Jamie Zoller and Matthew Silver of the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO). They explain what code enforcement is, how it’s different from being a peace officer, how the CACEO is professionalizing California code enforcement, why the job has become more dangerous and legislation that can help.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome State Senator Susan Eggman of the 5th Senate District, representing Stockton California. The senator touches on transitioning from an Assembly Member to a Senator, the upcoming budget, and how covid affected her district. She also discusses her Right to Repair bill, mental health and homelessness, and the balancing act that is water rights in the state. There is also a lively discussion about bread making!
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analyses by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California State Senator Patrica “Pat” Bates of the 36th Senate District to the program. Pat was also a former Assembly Member and we discuss the changes she has seen between her time the Assembly in the early aughts and now, why compromise and collegiality is still the key to success in California politics, and her legislative priorities around fentanyl sentencing and Proposition 19 delays, and concludes with her ideas of how the GOP can succeed statewide again in California.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome political consultant and leader of the Ronin Project Bill Wong. Bill joins us to discuss the rise of anti-Asian hate in California and across the United States, why this moment is a turning point for politically minded Asian Americans, and what type of cost his organization is going to exact from those that use hateful rhetoric.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Miguel Santiago of the 53rd Assembly District, which covers downtown and east side Los Angeles. Assemblymember Santigo joins us to discuss his background and how his district is one of the poorest in California, while also being one of the most culturally rich. Then they discuss a key issue for the Assmebleymember: human trafficking and how his budget request can help to combat it in California.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Our guest this week is former California Assemblymember Mike Gatto to discuss all things Appropriations Committee. As a former chair during the Great Recession, Mike can explain all the nuances of how and why bills get passed and debunks the four greatest myths of the committee that even legislators still believe.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome California Assemblymember Mike Gipson of the 64th Assembly District.
We discuss why he sees his transition from police officer to labor leader and politician as a continuation of public service, how giving someone a job can stop a bullet, his priorities of community building and reimaging policing, and why he chose the bowtie for his signature sartorial look.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today’s interview is with political consultant Shawnda Westly. She tells her heartbreaking story of medical malpractice and an in-depth look at California’s Medical Insurance Compensation Reform Act. MICRA limits the amount of money patients can receive in damages. She discusses how MICRA works, including some parts that are relatively unknown, why the laws should be changed, what type of resistance there is to change the law, and how monopoly power affects change.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome two experts from the California Budget & Policy Center, Monica Davalos and Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto, to discuss the recently released Budget Center report urging
California policymakers to declare racism as a public health crisis. We explore why they think this is necessary and how racism affects housing, the environment, employment, health care, the justice system, and education.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy, and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Our guest this week is former Assemblymember Man Gatto and we do a deep dive on Bitcoin, blockchain, and all things cryptocurrency! We discuss the murky origins, why the price has risen so much, how cryptocurrency works, and what the future might be.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy, and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today’s interview is with Dr. Micah Weinberg of California Forward. We discuss a multitude of issues facing California, including broadband for all, wildfire prevention, housing and homelessness, and why California should spend one-time expenditures on things that can pay dividends in the future.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today’s interview is with California Senator Bob Wieckowksi. This episode features a lot from climate policy from wildfire preventions and recycling, to cap and trade and carbon sequestration. We also discuss his bills on arbitration and why he thinks every high school student will have a summer job in forest management in the future.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we interview California Senator Steven Bradford where he discusses his work as the Chairman of the Black Legislative Caucus, why California needed a Committee on Reparations and updates on his priorities for the legislative session.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we have a powerful episode. We are excited to have the first California Native American elected to the Legislature, Assemblymember James Ramos. He discussed how he got to elected office, how more native people can be elected, how California needs to understand its past to fully embrace the diversity of its future, how tribal governance prepared him for the California legislature and more!
Book recommended in this podcast:
Benjamin Madley, An American Genocide, The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe
Elias Castillo, A Cross of Thorns, The Enslavement of California’s Indians by the Spanish Missions,
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Julie Baker, Executive Director of Californians for the Arts. Julie explains how badly hit the arts were by the pandemic, why the California government needs to communicate clear guidelines for reopening, and proposals to help fund California arts to survive and create a cultural Roaring Twenties going forward.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
Today we welcome Congressional Candidate Nicole Parra. Nicole is a former California Assemblymember running in the 21st Congressional District, which covers 4 counties in the Central Valley. We discuss her time in the Assembly, her bipartisan approach to politics, why she started her campaign so early, and why she thinks she's the right person to fight for the Central Valley.
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!
We welcome our most frequent legislative guest Senator Bill Dodd of the 3rd Senate District, covering parts of Napa and five other counties. We start by discussing his new clean look, then segue into the serious topics of wildfire prevention and protection in 2021, including his new bill for an Office of Wildfire Technology and Research, how the state should manage our water resources, and his hope that the budget will have room for more items than just the priorities of covid and vaccinations. They also discuss the potential return of tourism to his district, the eviction moratorium, and why he feels safe returning to the Senator to work with his colleagues. Finally, on a lighter note, the Senator gives us his pick for the Super Bowl and tells us which athletes make the best wine. All this and more on this episode of SacTown Talks.
The Rose Bowl parade, how his office is working with the governor's office to communicate with the public, how the assembly will be able to function more smoothly this year because of covid-related planning and budget priorities will be focused on vaccines, and opening up both CA schools and the economy more generally. Then they turn to his work as chairman of the Utilities and Energy Committee where they recognize that wildfires are now a year-round possibility that has to be dealt with while working with energy companies to have smart and safe plans that reduce shutoff while maintaining safety. Personally, Assemblymember Holden will be working on issues around systemic racism and use of force with a focus on clear guidelines and penalties around California’s Duty to Intervene Law, diversity in the corporate boardroom and in the upper levels of the California civil service. He also discusses the importance of seeing Dr. Shirley Weber became the Secretary of State, his focus on ensuring minority small businesses are participating in the state contracting process along with social justice, and the history and role of the Legislative Black Caucus. Finally, they talk about the current Lakers season.
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Sactown Talks is about more than policy and politics, it’s also about the culture of the Capitol community. So today we bring you something a little different: an interview with Ryan Hammonds of R. Douglas Custom Clothiers. R. Douglas is blocks from the Capitol, and well known among the more sartorially inclined. Today he and Jarrett discuss how he got into the custom suit game, how his business has fared during the pandemic, style trends for 2021, including some fine details about fabrics and texture, and how many suits you need for daily wear.
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This week we interview Catherine Reheis-Boyd, the President of the Western States Petroleum Association. WSPA is a non-profit trade association representing the companies in five Western states – California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. She joins us to discuss the complicated nature of modern energy policy in the age of climate change, and what California can and should do going forward. We discuss rolling blackout, Governor Newsom’s executive orders, fracking, cap, and trade policy, carbon sequestration, climate change, natural gas, and how moving to a zero-emission future will take longer than we think but is possible with a combined effort and a smart, scientific approach.
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This week we have Assembly Sharon Quirk-Silva of the 65th assembly district. The 65th covers northern Orange county centered around the city of Fullerton and also includes the amusement parks Knott’s Berry Farms and Disneyland. We begin by discussing the events in Washington, D.C. on January 6th, with her calling it “an assault on democracy,” reminding her of the 2019 anti-vaxxer protest but assuring us that democracy will prevail. We then discuss her budget priorities for 2021, including covid and vaccine distribution, the internet and the digital divide, and housing and homelessness. Her housing and homelessness focus will also be combined with mental health access and a focus on early treatment. As a former teacher married to a current teacher she will also be working on hybrid learning to return students to the classroom in a safe manner. She is the new chair of the Assembly Arts and Entertainment Committee so we also discuss the plans to safely reopen theme parks in California.
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Today’s guest is Assemblymember Laura Friedman who represents the 43rd Assembly District covering Glendale and the eastern part of the San Fernando Valley. She is a returning guest so we just touch on her past and how she moved from the film industry into politics, first at the city level in Glendale and then to the assembly. Then we discuss her new committee chairpersonship of the Transportation Committee, why she took the job and what are her goals for this year, including her transportation safety bill and desire to move the committee in a progressive direction. Finally, we discuss covid, how it affected her family and community, and what it will take from the state and all of us to be safe as the vaccine is rolled out in California.
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Welcome to a holiday edition of SacTown Talks. Today we are bringing you a slightly different type of show. One of the major issues confronting the legislature in 2021 is broadband access. This isn’t a new issue but exacerbated by the pandemic, has taken on new relevance and urgency. Listeners of this podcast have been hearing about it for the past six months as legislators have expressed the need for newer, faster, and better broadband access. Today’s episode is a look back at those interviews and how the issue developed over the legislative sessions. From Asm Aguiar-Curry, and Rivas, or Sen. Dodd discussing broadband access as a rural issue or Asm Muratsuchi, Irwin and McCarty as an equity issue or Senator Gonzalez detailing how the state can put money to work on the problem, along with showing in real-time why connectivity isn’t just a rural issue, we explore many sides to the problem on STT. We hope you enjoy this look back.
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We welcome Assemblymember Cristina Garcia of the 58th Assembly District to the program. The 58th district covers southeast Los Angeles County, including her hometown of Bell Gardens. We start quickly, jumping right in with a discussion of AB 1, how she got the first bill of the new session together, why reforming the department of toxic substances control is important, and why she thinks her bill will succeed this session. Then we discuss her background before turning to a conversation about covid. She relates stories from her district, how residents are seeing disproportionate infections and death due to working in low wage and the longtime environmental issues in southeastern LA county and residents are having to choose between unemployment and food insecurity, and why assistance will be a priority during the next session. Finally, on a more upbeat note, we discuss her becoming chair of the women’s caucus, her free menstrual products proposal, her “there ought to be a law” contest and her advice to new legislators.
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In this interview we welcome Senator Susan Rubio of the 22nd Senate district. Senator Rubio joins us to discuss her background, why she ran for California senate, covid, and her legislative priorities for this upcoming session. We begin by discussing her background as an undocumented immigrant who was deportetd, how the education system in two state failed her family and caused immense trauma to her twin brother, and how it sparked her passion for teaching, and eventually politics. Then we discuss her work on Early Childhood Education, including upcoming collaboration with other legislators, and her groundbreaking domestic violence legislation to extend the laws to cover coercive control and not just physical violence.
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Today we welcome Alex Vassar, former legislative staffer, current California State Library employee and prolific California state political history tweeter to the program. They begin by discussing the CA Library, what it does and how it has responded to covid. The conversation then turns to Alex’s journey to the Capitol, working as a legislative staffer, and the history of legislative staffers and the Capital Fellows programs. He and Jarhett then compare the disruption of covid to previous disruption of routine capitol life, including the Spanish Flu, a coup against the Assembly speaker and constant construction. Finally they finish talking about the library's COVID Diaries project, which is collecting stories about experiences during the pandemic from around the state.
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This week we welcome back Senator Bob Archuleta of the 32nd Senate District, which covers southeastern LA county. We discuss working on state campaigns during covid, and how his paired down legislative package of five bills were all passed into law. We discuss the details of all five bills, then advice for incoming senators on how he chose his staff, priorities for the next term including his belief that small business relief should be a priority. We end with his Thanksgiving charitable efforts and a discussion of how Governor Newsom has great options of who to appoint to replace Vice President-Elect Harris.
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Today we welcome Jim Wunderman the President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. The Bay Area Council is a business association in San Francisco, founded in 1945, and dedicated to economic development in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jim takes up through his personal history and then the history of the Bay Area Council, including the building of BART. Then the conversation turns to COVID, the cyclical nature of the economy in the Bay Area, the nature of the housing crisis and how to fix it. Finally Jim discusses trips to China to observe their building, plans for a larger region council, and how the demise of California is very overstated.
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In this episode we welcome Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula of AD31. Dr. Joaquin Arambula represents Fresno and west Fresno County. He is an emergency room doctor and son of former Assemblymember Juan Arambula. We discuss his recent legislative victory and what he has learned about campaigning during covid. Then the discussion turns to healthcare: specifically covid, telehealth and future of healthcare in CA. He explains how his father tried to talk him out of running and why he feels he can do more to help underserved and low income Californians serving in the legislature than seeing patients one at a time.
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Today we welcome Carmela Coyle, the CEO of the California Hospital Association. She discusses her background in health policy, then segues to an in depth discussion of health policy in California. We discuss how CA is a microcosm of the United States, how covid has affected the hospital system by increasing workloads and decreasing revenue, and how CA needs to plan for the future with both healthcare for all CA and increased capacity for CA hospitals. We also discuss covid testing, flu shots and why this isn’t the right time to focus on seismic retrofitting.
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Today our interview is with Lance Hasting of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. The conversation begins with his background in the legislature and trade associations, and the history of the CMTA. Then the conversation turned to manufacturing in CA, focusing initially on safelymade.org, which organized PPE supplies and distributors across CA. He then discusses the impact of covid on manufacturing, regulation in CA, and how we need to adapt for climate change. Finally he discusses the upcoming election, and how CMTA companies are all technology companies.
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Another special Wednesday episode: this one dedicated to voting in CA. Today we hear from Senator Tom Umberg, chair of the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee. He’s an expert on voting in CA, he has been elected in two different decades to both the CA Assembly and Senate, and chaired the elections committee in the Assembly in 2008 which determined there were no problems with mail in or absentee voting. We discuss voting security in CA, how voting in person will be safe during covid, and how we should expect a voting period over a voting day. We also discuss his background as a federal prosecutor, what it was like in the Assembly before term limits, and why racist poll watchers got him to run for office in the first place.
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Today’s guest is April Verrett, the President of the SEIU, Local 2015. Local 2015 represents 400,000 long term care workers across CA, the largest local union in CA, the largest long term care union in the US, and 2nd largest union in the SEIU. We start by discussing her background organizing hospital workers in Chicago. Then the conversation focuses on long term care in CA, how her membership fared during the budget, and the composition of the union. They then discuss how the union is focused on the November election both nationally and statewide. The conversation finishes about priorities for 2021 and how to fight covid in a way that’s safe for long term care workers and patients, and what makes the SEIU different.
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We welcome Mary Creasman of the League of Conservation Voters to the show. The League is the oldest grassroots environmental organization in the United State with the goal of building political power for the people and the planet. We start by discussing the history of the League and her personal history with environmental justice and labor organizing. Then she discusses the intersection between climate change, racial and social justice, and job growth for the 21st century. She also explains that Governor Newson’s executive orders are significant but the legislature must follow up with new legislation, how voter understand the importance of climate change, and what the League’s goals.
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On this episode we welcome Dan Dunmoyer, President and CEO of the California Building Industry Association (CBIA). After a short discussion of his background as a native Californian, assembly staffer and work before the CBIA, the conversation turns almost completely to a focus on housing in California. They discuss everything from skyrocketing new home cost, housing shortages, why multifamily housing is important, how covid has made some geographic changes, why construction workers were considered essential, why the CBIA wants to make it easier to grade legislation, and what propositions they are supporting and opposing in the upcoming election.
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Today’s interview is with Lisa Calderon, candidate for the 57th Assembly district. They discuss campaigning during covid, and the necessary changes to retail politics, her unique background, and how working for Willie Brown gives her a different perspective from most candidates. The discussion then turns to her priorities including wildfire management and climate change, and her fears of disinformation on ballots and voting. Finally they discuss her family’s political background and why she decided to run for office now.
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We welcome back Tom Sheehy of the Sheehy Strategy Group for an in-depth discussion of AB 5 and this year’s legislative changes to the law. The discussion starts with background: the 2018 CA Supreme Court’s Dynamex decision and Assemblymember Gonzalez’s introduction of AB 5. Then they discuss the changes and carve-outs that happened in the fall of 2019, including an intriguing part where a senator pulled their own bill, which doesn’t often happen. Tom explains why AB 5 was necessary for the protection of workers, where it went too far, what has been done, and what work there is left to do and why. You’ll come out of this episode with a clear understanding of the issues both past and present, and how the legislative process works.
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We welcome Assemblymember Ash Kalra of the 27th Assembly District. The conversation begins by discussing the South Bay fires, then the conversation backtracks to March to discuss coronavirus and his bill package focusing on his Racial Justice Act. Then they discuss how covid has affected San Jose and the Bay Area, and his background as a public defender. The Assemblymember then dives deeply into criminal justice reform and back to the Racial Justice Act. The conversation turns to his chairmanship of the Labor committee and the challenges and issues he thinks are important for California moving forward. Finally they discuss the progressive movement’s goal going forward and cooking vegan food for his father while sheltering in place.
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Today we welcome Scott Graves of the California Budget and Policy Center. The CBPC provides independent fiscal and policy analysis of the California budget with the goal of improving the lives of low and middle income Callfornians. Scott begins by discussing how the legislature set up a rainy day fund in anticipation of future recessions and how accessing the fund helped soften the fiscal blow caused by the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 radiate through the entire conversation as Scott discusses how budgets reflect priorities and values, how California can raise revenue without raising taxes through structure changes, like closing prisons, why moving toward a form of single payer health care is necessary, and what the CBPC like and didn’t like from the August budget. He finishes by discussing by Califorina billionaires getting richer during the pandemic, and the sober analysis that it will take national leadership to help California and the rest of the country recover from covid.
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SacTown Talks returns from the end of session break with a strong episode. Senate Lena Gonzalez returns to discuss broadband access and how California needs to close the digital divide, the way the state can save money by using technology, and why she felt safe returning to the Capitol. The conversation then focuses on her chairpersonship of the Senate Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response. She discusses what type of the oversight the committee will provide, how it will continue to hold hearings throughout the fall, how it will meet with from across the globe in the coming months so that California can open up safely and quickly. She also explains the need for both rapid tests and 40,000 contact tracers to control the spread of covid, and that the state will need to do a robust job of explanation of its plan in order to be successful.
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SacTown is pleased to welcome Assemblymember Kevin McCarty to the show. The show starts with a bang with the real time reaction to Kamala Harris being chosen as the Democratic vice presidential candidate. Kevin gives his reaction both as a California politician and a bi-racial person. The episode then flies through a range of topics including covid and school reopening, his reduced bill package, police reform, race and social issues, the EDD and unemployment, debt free college and distance learning.
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SacTown Talks welcomes Speaker Pro Tempore Assemblymember Kevin Mullin to the podcast. They discuss this sober time in government and what it was like representing one of the first areas in the US to shut down due to COVID. The conversation moves to his unique background: working for Rep. Jackie Spear and how he influenced his father’s decision to run for office, and how he now holds that same office. They continue with one of his legislative priorities, now titled Proposition 18, that his father started the fight for, which would allow 17 year olds that would turn 18 by the general election to vote in the primary election. He discusses his role as Speaker Pro Tempore, and how it relates to his days as a DJ. Then they discuss his second bill, a change to property taxes to support the funds to battle wildfires which quickly moved to his work on an economic stimulus committee, his fear of future tough budget battles, and his hope for a new federal administration. Finally they touch on social justice legislation and the problem of the tight budget deadline.
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Today we welcome Assemblymember Shirley Weber to the program. We waste no time and start directly on her bill package, which was paired down to 3 major issues all of which focus on social justice in California. The first was ACA 5, which will be on the November ballot as Proposition 16 and would repeal Proposition 209. Dr. Weber discusses the details of political maneuvering both inside and outside Sacramento that allowed the bill to pass. The conversation then turns to AB 3121, which would establish a commission to study the effects and legacy of slavery in Calfornia and report on what California can do going forward to repair the damage. Then she discusses AB 1460, the history of ethnic studies in California, the political navigation of passing legislation around ethnic studies and why the study of ethnic history is important for all Calfornians. Finally they discuss the challenges COVID-19 has presented to California, especially to communities of color, and what she might tackle next year.
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Today we welcome Ann Ravel, candidate for State Senate District 15. She and Jarhett start by discussing her background. She has been at every level of government from the Santa Clara city government, to being appointed by Jerry Brown to the California Fair Political Practices Commissions, then to the Federal Elections Commission by President Obama and why she decided this was the right time to try for elected office, and to tackle her primary issues of wealth disparity, homelessness and healthcare. They then discuss the campaign changes Covid caused, missing the connection with voters, and getting experts in different fields to answer the concerns of her potential constituents. The conversation shifts to her expertise in campaign finance, the potential of public funding, the drawbacks of grassroots only camping, what can be done about Citizens United, and what can be learned from other counties electoral systems. They also discuss what CA can do about Covid, social justice and why she thinks she’ll be a different kind of legislator.
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We welcome today Assemblymember Jose Medina, of the 66th Assembly District, which covers Riverside California. They started by discussing what it's like being back in the legislature, how everyone’s bill package went on a “covid diet,” but as chair of the higher education committee he still gets to hear important bills. They discuss his background as the son of immigrants, becoming a school teacher, school board member and community college trustee, and his belief that education is the key to success. Then they turn to the main focus of the interview, AB 331. This bill would create an ethinic studies requirement for all California high school graduates. They discuss the policy path for the bill, from it being vetoed by Gov. Brown, to it being propelled forward the last few months. They talk about what ethinic studies is, why it needs to be part of the curriculum, and how it can be integrated into the curriculum. Asm. Media then discusses the changes he has seen in ethnic studies over time. The conversation then turns to the challenge of opening schools due to covid, and his thoughts on the challenges of distance learning. And they finish with some book recommendations including:
Lorraine Hansberry’s Raisin in the Sun
Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima
James Bank’s Teaching Strategies for Ethinic Studies
Ronald Takaki’s Strangers from a Different Shore
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SacTown Talks welcomes Senator Bob Archuleta of the 32nd Senate District, or as he calls it “the fightin’ 32nd.” They discuss his path to the senate, from the 82nd Airborne to county commissioner and his belief in the rewards one gets from serving the community. They discuss his belief that COVID brings communities and families together, especially in his district. Then they discuss his bill priorities, including a bill mandating law enforcement wear uniforms that identify the department for whom they work, a bill from expediting background checks for volunteers, and a bill for recycling lithium ion batteries. He finishes by discussing how policing will be changed for the better by recent protests and his feeling confident in his safety returning to the Capitol.
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SacTown Talks is pleased to welcome Senator Lena Gonzalez of the 33rd Senate District. Please note that due to technical difficulties this podcast is audio only. She discusses a very interesting first year in the Senate and her background on the Long Beach City Council. Then the discussion pivots to her role as chair of the special committee on pandemic emergency response, the need for more data on COVID, more testing and more contract tracing. They also discuss that the internet is a necessity for all Californians and SB 1130, her bill to amend the California Advanced Services Fund to help it modernize and improve California's internet capability.
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SacTown Talks welcomes Mark Guillen of Crown Castle to the program. Crown Castle is a nation large infrastructure provider in the telecommunications space - fiber, small cells and towers. They discuss the geographic and digital divide both across the nation and specifically in California, how COVID has shone light on digital divide and how legislators are thinking about how to close the gap, the future of fiber for high speed internet and how the new technology of microtrenching is key to building the future of internet access in California.
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This week SacTown Talks welcome Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi of the 66th Assembly District. The discussion includes how he got into politics, his coming back to win his seat after a loss, and what drives him in politics. Then he and Jarhett discuss anti-Asian racism both in his district and across California, how the legislature can respond both to COVID and systematic racism, and how environmental justice is connected to social justice. Finally they discuss school reopening, distance learning and how to bridge the digital divide for all CA students.
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SacTown Talks welcomes Senator Steve Glazer, of the 7th Senate District, to discuss the resurgence of COVID in California, the role and responsibility of the Governor, the Legislature and the citizens of the state, and his recent op-ed in the Sacramento Bee. The senator discusses the positive steps the governor took at the beginning of the crisis, and where the state went wrong last month. He argues that we need much more testing, and clearer, statewide guidelines on what businesses should be open, who should be sheltering in place, and what mask policy should be. He also discusses the need for remote voting to safely reopen the legislature, and how his limited bill package focused on critical needs, such as maintaining power generation for emergencies. Finally he emphasizes that California needs testing and tracing to safely reopen again.
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SacTown Talks is pleased to introduce the host of our new upcoming podcast Politcal-ish, David Quintana. In this episode we discuss his backstory, how he got into lobbying, his passion for interior design, his view that lobbying is akin to sales, his work creating the Back to Session BASH party, and how COVID had changed the nature of lobbying. Then they discuss what the new podcast is going to be about, why it’s called Political-ish and some of the stories from his premiere episode. You won’t want to miss the stories, and make sure to subscribe to SacTown Talks for more details.
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Today on SacTown Talks we have two guests: Assemblymembers Todd Gloria and Jacqui Irwin.
Assemblymember Todd Gloria joins us to discuss constituent service and campaigning during a pandemic, and the changing nature of San Diego politics. Then they talk about housing and homelessness, how his bill package went on a diet, and how funding for mental health services can be better spent. They finish with the Assemblymember explaining how his time in Sacramento will help him become a more effective Mayor of San Diego, and his worries about the continued spread of the coronavirus.
Then, we were happy to welcome Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. She and Jarhett discuss her work to keep constituents informed during the pandemic, leading the charge antibody testing, that testing is the only way to reopen safely. Then they discuss her limited bill package, the need for more security in online charitable giving, how to responsibly regulate guns with GRVO, and her bill to get those with a mental health crisis help more quickly. Finally they discuss police reform, crisis intervention, and de-escalation, and the challenges going forward toward school reopening and equity for all students.
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Today we have a special live in studio conversation edition of SacTown Talks with Assemblymembers Heath Flora and Jim Cooper. The discussion points include changing law enforcement, overcriminalization, next tier solutions such as after school programs and early childhood education, ACA 5, discussing the political process and how bills develop or devolve supports, the Central Valley, water rights, housing in California, and how to raise revenue during the pandemic
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Dr. Colin Mangham, Director of Research, Drug Prevention Network of Canada joins the show to discuss Vancouver’s Safe Injection Site and his study of drug prevention policy. He explains the flaws with safe injections sites, passive treatment of drug dependency and politicization of science. He continues by discussing the necessity of mandatory addiction treatment and examines different treatment concepts across the globe. Finally he gives his personal views on addiction and his solution based on his decades of research and experience.
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Senator Holly Mitchell rejoins the program for a wide ranging discussion including COVID legislation, the California budget, Black Lives Matter, protesting and police reform and how her legislation is part of a broader effort to bring racial equity and justice to California. As the chair of the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee she discusses the challenges of creating a budget under unprecedented circumstances. Then she argues for the need to peel back the layers of systematic oppression, change policing and incarceration, and how SB 555 and 144 are a set in that direction.
At 39:31, we then have Assemblymember Robert Rivas of the 30th District on the show. He discusses growing up in a farm working household and community, the effects of COVID on his district and the challenges of reaching constituents in rural areas. Then he explains his priorities for this year's budget, especially protections for farmworkers and how Project Roomkey can help the housing crisis.
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SacTown Talks welcomes Vincent Oliver, gaming attorney and cardroom expert, talking about the history and future of gaming in California. They discuss the history of regulation in California, how the different gaming interests came to loggerheads, why he disagrees with SCA 6 and the state's approach, why tribal casinos have issues with cardrooms and how he would change gaming regulation in California.
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SacTown Talks has Fred Topel of the California Freelance Writers United. Fred discusses how he got into freelance writing, what freelance writing looked like before AB5, his worry that AB5 mistakes will be duplicated on the national level, his view on the changing nature of the media, and his hopes for changes to AB5 that will help both freelance writers and musicians. Note between recording and posting this episode AB 2257 and 1850 passed the Assembly and have moved to the Senate for approval.
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Daniel Wallach legal sports gaming experts. He presented earlier in the year to both the California Assembly and the Senate arguing about the legality of sport gaming in CA. He got his start in gaming with New Jersey sport betting cases in 2011 and became the go to expert on that case and then moved more fully into gaming law. He and Jarhett discuss the current history of sports betting across the nation. And they get into the details of constitutionality of CA gaming; including the difference between mobile betting and brick and mortar, how in person betting differs across the country, why sports leagues want to partner with the gaming industry, and the future of sports betting in California.
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Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian AD-46 joins SacTown Talks. He says working from home was reminiscent of a campaign but in a more comfortable environment and that working in the legislature in 2008-09 was preparation for COVID budget issues. They then look deeply at the discussion between the Governor and Legislature over the budget. He argues that it would be more disruptive to cut programs in June and restore them in September then to assume federal funding will come through. Finally they have a detailed discussion about aging and long term care in CA, including housing for seniors, his bill to cap insulin costs, and an important upcoming committee meeting.
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Senator Bill Dodd joins SacTown Talks again for an illuminating look inside the work the legislature is doing to fill the budget gap left by COVID-19. They discuss sports betting, his new bill, SCA 6, and the tensions between different gaming stakeholders. They then turn to the overall state of the budget, how the federal response hasn’t reached many of his constituents, and his worries over tourism and hospitality business returning. They conclude talking about his reduced bill package, wildfire and energy concerns, and the need for rural broadband access across his district.
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This week Jarhett is joined by Calfornia State Senator Andreas Borgeas (SD8) and Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (AD65). Senator Andreas Borgeas discusses how Covid-19 has changed the legislative experience, and how well his staff has responded to help constituents, the need to take the virus seriously with tracing, resources and testing. He talks about his journey to the Senate, from international affairs to local government. They then discuss the California budget, it’s focus on Covid-19 and the business climate, his bill offering business protections against COVID related illnesses, as long as they follow guidelines, the idea that the Central Valley needs to work together to be heard in Sacramento, and the need to rebuild infrastructure in California.
Then, at 31:40, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva joins Jarhett to discuss Covid-19 and the new reality of working from home. They touch on protests and she relates this week to her time dealing with protests while on the Fullerton City Council. That led to a discussion of her journey to the Assembly, and her views on the budget. She explains why her focus is on combining mental health and addiction treatment, stabilizing mobile home rents and childcare payments. Finally they finish talking about CDE guidelines for school reopening, and why her time as an educator gives her some doubt as to their viability.
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SacTown Talks welcomes two guests this week. First Senator Scott Wiener (SD-04) joins us discussing how being a politician has changed in the COVID era, legislative priorities, especially help for the hospitality industry, and how the pandemic has cast a bright light on inequities in CA.
00:29:41:08 - Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (AD-04) discusses how her district has been battle tested, how a coming from a smaller district prepared her to be hands on, the challenges local government are going to have, how California hemp can be a revenue sources, why COVID shows that internet for all is necessary, and the difficulties of being a farmer during COVID-19.
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SacTown Talks welcomes Assemblymember Jay Obernolte. He discussed how sheltering-in-place was busier than normal for the legislature and staff and the surreal nature of social distance legislating during COVID-19. Then he and Jarhett get into the details of the budget process, the use of the Committee of the Whole, Governor Newsom’s May Revise, proposed revenue increases, and his guiding principles and what his bill package will look like this term. Finally they discuss why Assemblymember has suspended his campaign for Congress and possible tech solutions for the future of the legislature.
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SacTown Talks welcomes Jim Wyatt of the President of the California Entertainment Machine Association. He explains who his association represents, discusses the effect COVID-19 has had on his association members, and the downstream effects of COVID-19 closures, how CEMA has compiled best practices to meet the challenge of operating during and after the Covid-19 pandemic to protect public health, and how CEMA revenues support many local industries such as mechanics, parts suppliers, cleaning product suppliers, retailers and wholesalers, and commissions paid to restaurants, bars and retail establishments as well as funding city, county and state tax coffers.
Nick Sanders of the Sutton Law Firm discusses what political law is and how it works, how his work has changed since the shutdown, the question of remote voting in the Assembly and Senate, how the initiative and referendum process works, which initiatives have qualified and which are likely to qualify, and how the process works. He also discusses the past and future of getting initiatives on the ballot, how signature counting works and voting by mail in California.
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SacTown Talks has Scott Ostlund, Senior Vice President of Lee & Associates on the pod. Scott talks about the burden being put on commercial real estate by COVID-19, how commercial property works in CA, the split-roll initiative, and who is really harmed by raising taxes. Then he discussed the difficulties of building in CA, how to fix the housing crisis, rent control in CA and the law of unintended consequences.
SacTown Talks welcome the mayor of Gardena, CA, Tasha Cerda. Mayor Cerda talks about how she started in public service, the effect of COVID-19 on Gardena. She discusses how city government functions during the crisis, the coming revenue shortfalls do to COIVID-19, how deferring sales tax will hurt city governments, being the chairwoman of the California Cities for Self Reliance Joint Powers Authority and dealing with the state on gaming issues, sports betting, SB 1092 and the prospect of opening back up CA.
SacTown Talks introduces the new host, Jarhett Blonien. Jarehett interviews Sid Lakireddy, the president of California Rental Housing Association. They discuss what CalRHA does, what the organizations response to COVID-19, their renters assistance proposal, possible solutions to the housing crisis, and other rental housing issues.
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Guest host Russell Lowery interviews lobbyist Jarhett Blonien. Jarhett discusses how he got into lobbying, the CA card room response to Coronavirus, tribal gaming, the looming budget crisis and the opportunity to fill gaps with sports betting, when the legislature is coming back and what it will look like and how he's approaching regulatory work, how he is using social media and digital advocacy.
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Senator Bill Dodd returns to SacTown Talks. He discusses the restructuring of PGE and energy policy, what happened to SB50 and housing policy going forward, the potential for and politics around sports gaming, and presidential politics. The conversation was recorded prior to COVID-19.
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John Lovell is a veteran lobbyist with over 35 years working for various law enforcement clients and on animal protection issues. He discusses how differences inside political coalitions can affect results, the monetization of outrage, on bringing fresh eyes to an issue, tribes versus cardrooms in California gaming politics, in between fantastic stories from decades at the Capitol.
Senator Holly Mitchell is a California State Senator representing the 30th District. She joins us to discuss her district, the CROWN Act, meeting Oprah, the challeges faced by women in politics, the California budget procees, SB-144 and SB-555 as part of efforts to "right-size" the criminal justice system, and her campaign for LA County Board of Supervisors.
Dr. Sulitzer is responsible for the clinical leadership of Smile Direct Club, a direct-to-consumer orthodontic aligner therapy which operates through a tele-dentistry platform. As with many disruptive technologies, the established industry has questioned these innovations. In this episode we talk about the disruption to the industry and the possibility that the California legislature becomes involved in an attempt to provide favorable market conditions for the established industry.
Jim Cooper is a California Assemblymember representing the 9th District which encompasses south Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, and Lodi. He is also an undercover law enforcement officer. He comes on the show to share his views on current California political topics such as crime, homelessness, and more.
Want to come on the show or sponsor the show? Email gibran@sactowntalks.com
Luz Rivas is an Assemblymember representing the 39th Assembly district in Northern Los Angeles. She comes on to talk about her former life as an electrical engineer, her pathway to office and her priorities in legislation regarding education, homelessness, poverty, and sprinkle in discussion on the state of the democratic party throughout.
Want to come on the show or sponsor the show? Email gibran@sactowntalks.com
Hannah Beth Jackson is California state senator representing the 19th senate district in Santa Barbara. A short episode, she comes on to talk about some of the most impactful legislation she has worked on regarding women's issues in California.
Senator Jackson had to run after a few minutes but she's agreed to come back on in 2020 for a full talk.
Want to come on the show or sponsor the show? Email gibran@sactowntalks.com
Kevin McCarty is an Assemblymember representing California's 7th District, which includes Central Sacramento and West Sacramento. We talk about his proposals around criminal justice reform, universal early education, housing, homelessness, and more.
Want to come on the show or sponsor the show? Email gibran@sactowntalks.com
Eps 105 is out! Gibran talks with Assemblymember Chris Holden about his political pathway, rooming with Tony Gwynn, LA mourning Kobe Bryant, chairing Utilities & path forward for PG&E and his priorities in education & legislation for 2020.
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Laura Friedman discusses her path to office, SB50, the challenges and solutions for recycling, cruise ships, gondolas and more CA transportation issues. Joined by Aaron Moreno of Moreno Government Relations
Follow us on Twitter: @SacTownTalks | @Gibranjitsu
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com
Follow us on Twitter: @SacTownTalks | @Gibranjitsu
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com
Assemblymember Kansen Chu joins us to discuss his immigrant story, his path to politics and its relation to mental health advocacy, his legislative priorities, homelessness and the housing crisis, and his school based mental health bill.
Follow us on Twitter: @SacTownTalks | @KansenChu | @Gibranjitsu
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com
Assemblymember Kevin Kiley and Lobbyist Tom Sheehy join us in studio to talk about Kevin's legislative priorities for 2020, his road to elected office, homelessness, and of course, #AB5.
Follow us on Twitter: @SacTownTalks | @KevinKileyCA | @SheehyStrategy | @Gibranjitsu
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com
Lobbyist Tom Sheehy breaks down the desperation to get AB 5 exemptions among various contracting groups.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com
Connect with Tom: sheehystrategygroup.com
Host Gibran Maciel and lobbyist Ed Howard break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy, and Assemblymember Jim Wood calls in to talk about SB 793, Senator Jerry Hill's proposal to ban flavored tobacco products in California, and the politics of the bill in the Assembly.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com
ICYMI | FULL Audio of Governor Newsom's press conference unveiling his proposed $222 billion dollar state budget for 2020.
Jeremiah Ramirez is a research analyst at CalPERS and recently obtained his Masters in Public Policy Administration from CSU Sacramento. He joins us to discuss his masters thesis on California gaming, including online betting, sports betting, tribal interests, social costs, and California's byzantine gaming regulatory structure.
Want to sponsor the show or be a guest of the show? Email: Gibran@sactowntalks.com
Follow us on twitter! @Sactowntalks / @gibranjitsu
Follow Jeremiah on Twitter: @jeremiahMPPA
The best of SacTown Talks from 2019.
77 - Governor Newsom Strains Relations in the Capitol over the SB 276, Dr. Pans Bill regarding Vaccines
53 - Paul Mitchell realizes that the Citizens redistricting Commission that was set up to avoid political outcomes can be lobbied just like any other entity
84 - What a Week - Scott and Gibran break down the hijinks on the ballot language regarding split roll
71 - Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Speaks from experience about California’s housing crisis
72 - What a Week - Gibran predicts the future regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s “suicide”
68 - Racial identity & running for office with Asm. Kevin McCarty
74 - What a Week - The rules are for the people without power
83 - Chris Micheli - Chair’s peregotive
76 - What a Week - Guns & social decline
78 - What a Week - Antivaxxer end of Session Disruptions
Hosts Gibran Maciel and lobbyist Ed Howard break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com
Veteran Lobbyist Ray Lebov comes on the show to discuss his top tips for effective lobbying. Ray is a 45 year veteran of California politics and policy, is a currently registered lobbyist for California Appellate Defense Counsel, Inc., and is the owner of Capitol Seminars, which offers group and private trainings on effective lobbying: https://raylebov.com/seminars/.
Want to sponsor the show or come on the show? Send Gibran an email at: gibran@sactowntalks.com
On this quick audio-only conversation, Scott Lay grabs GOP political consultant Mike Madrid to discuss the departure of California junior United States Senator Kamala Harris from the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Special guest Mike Gatto (former Assemblymember) calls in to discuss his initiative to address the California homelessness crisis. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
More about Mike Gatto's initiative: www.interventionca.org/
Noel Kammermann is the Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento, which provides direct services such as food, wash-house and other provisions to over a 1,000 daily guests experiencing homelessness.
We talk about the explosion of the homelessness crisis in Sacramento, and discuss Noel's views on how to move forward.
sacloaves.org/donate
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Shownotes
Gibran & Scott argue over impeachment, immigration, voting languages, and then we give out the awards!
Tom Armstrong is the author of Sacramento Homeless blog and has been experiencing homelessness for over ten years. We talk about the latest happenings in Sacramento's "homeless world," Tom's journey to find housing and a permanent place to stay, as well as Tom's views on the various efforts to help the homeless population in Sacramento.
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break are joined by CalMatters reporter Laurel Rosenhall as they break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Intro
Reflections on the state of journalism today
Force of Law Podcast - Laurel Rosenhall's podcast on California's reform of police use of force, and issues surrounding AB 392.
Wildfires & Electricity
Gavin Newsom's handling of wildfires, PG&E, the media, the Legislature & More
Comparing & contrasting Gavin & Jerry
Russell Lowery is a former lobbyist for PG&E, California's embattled investor owned utility which has been found to have caused many of the most devastating wildfires in California of over the last 10 years. Russell is also a high-level legislative staffer, leading the California Senate Republican caucus (back when they mattered), and is currently the CEO of High View Strategy, a public affairs firm that specializes in creating bespoke multimedia solutions for a portfolio of advocacy clients.
ShowNotes
History
PGE
CPUC
What now?
Reforms
Scott sits down with Lloyd Levine, who chaired the committee on Utilities and Commerce while in the Assembly, to talk about the current situation of public safety power shutoffs, fire risk, and short- and-long term work ahead on the state's electrical generation, transmission, and distribution amid a climate of increasing fire risk.
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Shownotes
- Katie Hill Resignation
- Impeachment
- CA 25 Congressional District Horse Race & Possible Dominoes
- CA Wildfires updates & potential political repercussions
While Gibran is on vacation, Scott sits down with veteran GOP political consultant Mike Madrid, whose Grassroots Labs firm works primarily on local government issues. Madrid shares his recent experience teaching at USC and his perspectives on being an expert on Latinx politics. We talk about the public safety power shutoffs, wildfires, and the future for Congresswoman Katie Hill.
In this short pod, Scott Lay sits down with Open California executive director Tim Foster and Capitol Weekly editor John Howard to discuss the organization, the current media environment, the loss of California Channel and lots of odd historical bits. The audio is so-so as I try my first pod while Gibran is on a deserved surfing vacay.
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
- The pod next week
- CalChannel goes dark
- Attorney General and initiative titles and summaries
- Dead donors
- Presidential race in California: candidate support by gender, age groups
Chris Micheli is a principal at Aprea & Micheli government relations. He works primarily on business issues and is an adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law. We discuss the 2019 legislative session by the numbers, and briefly discuss his work on AB 5.
Music: Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode because we sure can't stop talking #CaLeg!
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES
- Intro: Books!
-
AB5
- American Independent Party Fiasco
- Presidential Race
- Public power shut-offs
Host Gibran Maciel hosts a book club reading with local musician Tyler Mehlhaff and Carter Todd, president of the Capital Black Nurses Association. This reading focused on Tyler's choice "Zero to One" by Paypal and Facebook founder Pieter Thiel.
Note: This is not one of our usual California politics and policy shows. I simply had a friend suggest a book club and decided that the conversation might have value to others, so I am uploading it to this platform. I also realize that some folks think of Thiel as "problematic" due to his political beliefs. I do not share that view and I think the book - and our discussion - has value. I hope you enjoy - Gibran.
Note 2: This episode is audio - only. You will not find it on YouTube.
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES
- Intro - Major League shenanigans
- Homelessness in Sacramento
- PPIC Polling on California Education Bonds
- Split Roll Property Tax Polling
- San Francisco DA's Race: politics as usual or especially stinky?
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Show Notes
- Intro
- SB 1 (Atkins): Maintain pre-Trump environmental, health and labor standards in CA
- Vetoed Friday night
- SB 206 (Skinner and Bradford): College athletes
- beJUULed
- CEO resigned
- Pulling advertising
- Northern District of California investigation
- CA50 (East San Diego)
- Duncan Hunter
- Darrell Issa
- Carl DeMaio
- Ammar Campa-Najjar
- Cannabis - House passes cannabis banking bill 323-10
EPISODE SUMMARY
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOW NOTES
- Intro
- SB 27 (McGuire and Wiener): Trump tax returns
- Statutory preemption under EIGA
- Trump trip, homelessness, Clean Air Act waiver withdrawn
- SB 1 (Atkins): Maintain pre-Trump environmental, health and labor standards in CA
- Newsom to veto
- Late editorials
- Ballot measure committees
- $25,000: Philip Morris -> Adam Gray
- $25,000: DaVita -> Steve Glazer
- AB 5 (Gonzalez) - Dynamex
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Shownotes
INTRO - Hells Bells
Freaky Friday
- SB 276/714 (Pan): Immunizations: medical exemptions
- SB 1 (Atkins): Maintain pre-Trump environmental, health and labor standards in CA
- AB 5 (Gonzalez) - Dynamex
- AB 1639 (Gray): Tobacco products
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Shownotes
Intro
Recall petitions of Gavin Newsom approved for distribution
PG&E wildfire recovery bonds
SB 276 (Pan): Immunizations: medical exemptions
SB 1 (Atkins): Maintain pre-Trump environmental, health and labor standards in CA
AB 1639 (Gray): Tobacco products - passed
AB 5 (Gonzalez) - Dynamex - passed w/ amendments
AB 1482 (Chiu) - rent control
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Shownotes
Intro - Final Countdown
End-of-session timeline
SB 276 (Pan): Immunizations: medical exemptions - passed w/ amendments
AB 1639 (Gray): Tobacco products - passed
JUUL: $100,000 to Assembly Dems voter reg fund
JUUL: $20,000 to LA county Dem party, but state party refused $100,000
AB 5 (Gonzalez) - Dynamex - passed w/ amendments.
More exemptions:
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash - $30 million each for threatened November 2020 ballot measure
Pro-union Sacramento Bee -- “exempt us or papers die”
PG&E wildfire recovery bonds
Colossal, high-stakes end-of-session battle
Should the state issue tax-exempt bonds to repay victims and other debts quickly and use “profits” to repay the bonds over decades?
How do you define “profits” in a regulated industry?
Equity holders v. bond holders
Lots of strange bedfellows
AB 1482 (Chiu) - rent control
Deal between Governor, Dem leaders, tenant advocacy groups, realtors, and apartment owners
Through 2030, 5% + CPI
“Just cause” for evictions
Bill Dodd is a State Senator for California's 3rd District, which encompasses Davis and Yolo county, Sonoma, Rohnert Park, and parts of Solano county. We discuss his path to elected office, his priorities for the remainder of the 2019 legislative session, and discuss at length the myriad issues surrounding wildfire liability for California utilities. Dodd also gives his candid thoughts on a potential end-of-session play for a statewide bond issuance to provide a financial backstop for utility liabilities.
Shownotes
Intro: Talking about the 3rd district
History & Races:
- 2002: Asm Wolk v. Cabaldon
- 2008: Asm Cabaldon v. Yamada
- 2014: Yamada v. Dodd
Running for County Supervisor
National Politics
- Dodd's pick for POTUS
- Pelosi X AOC
- Green New Deal X Traditional Labor
- Locally: Cache Creek
SB 247 (Wildfire prevantion)
The Problem With Interest Groups in #CaLeg
- Sierra Club X CalChamber X NRDC X
SB 901, PGE & Public Opinion
Tobacco X Adam Grey X Juul X AB 39
Online Betting
Fixing California's Recycling Program
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
- Intro - Hot Blooded & Vinyl LP’s
- Legislature is back
AB 1639 - Tobacco
Set for hearing Tuesday, August 20
AB 290 (dialysis) 3. Lawsuit challenging state’s “assault weapons” law
Southern District of California
Same district court as magazine opposite case
4, Ricardo Lara - contributions and media as Insurance Commissioner 4. Duncan Hunter
Trial postponed until January 14, 2020
Big delay is good news for Dem. Ammar Campa-Najjar. 6 Reps running 5. California vs. United States, yet again
California sues on immigration “public charge.”
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Shownotes
- Intro: Cruel Summer: One month left for #CALeg
- Talking about four letter words: cursing on the Pod and what we're trying to do here
- Carl DeMaio jumps in Congressional District 50, the Duncan Hunter seat.
- Carl DeMaio gets gay-baited in his race for SD Mayor, and Carl-DeMaio Gay-Bates himself too
- LGBTQ politics and lessons learned working in Toni's district office
- Legal challenges to SB 27 (McGuire and Wiener): Presidential/gubernatorial tax return disclosure
- Trump's speechwriters and is he high on amphetamines?
- AB 290 (Wood): dialysis and third party payments
- AB 5 (Gonzalez): Dynamex/Independent contractors
- AB 719 (Blanca Rubio and Gray): Extending date of prohibition of importation or possession for sale of crocodile or alligator parts.
- SB 276 (Pan): Immunization: medical exemptions.
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Topics
- Intro - Don't buy a boat
- beJUULed! Mystery solved?
- The casual culture of lying #CALeg & the silliness of the campaign financing system
- Adam Gray takies at least $25k from Juul and then writes legislation that is massively beneficial to them
- Most House Dems now support impeachment
- Democrats have a stranglehold on campaign cash in CA
- The financial incentives to switch parties: Brian Maienschein has $900k cash on hand
- The republican party has been safe harbor for racist sentiment for decades now (Gibran rant)
- Safeway wouldn't put an ape on cake for Gibran
- SB 27 (McGuire and Wiener): Presidential/gubernatorial tax returns.
- Jim Costa gets a challenge from the left.
- Eric Swalwell’s biggest challenger suspends race
- Bill Brough gets another GOP challenger
Eleni Kounalakis is California's Lieutenant Governor - the first woman to be elected to the post. She also previously served as the Obama administration ambassador to Hungary and as president of AKT development. She joins hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay for a wide ranging discussion on a variety of policy issues.
Shownotes
Introduction
2:00 - Making the office work
4:15 - Buying Pencils
13:00 - In the old days the Lt. Governor didn’t have an office, they had a chair
16:00 - CSU, UC, State Lands Commission, Coastal Commission
28:00 - Kings / Warriors
32:00 - Listening tour
37:00 - Going the Hungary route
41:00 - Another recession in Sacramento?
45:00 - Housing
1:03:00 - What’s next?
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES
Introduction
2:00 - Antifa, anonymity, and Andy Ngo
6:00 - SB 276, antivaxxers, and the attacks hurled at Lorena and others
13:00 - Scott wears his views on his sleeve, and the changing nature of “news”
17:00 - Show Rundown
20:00 - The loneliness of …. Loneliness
21:20 - Looking back at a crazy legislative week, deadlines & bill discussions
23:40 - Games of our own making
24:37 - AB 1639
31:06 - “If I was CMA I would be embarrassed to say that”…”I thought it was a pretty sad moment”
42:00 - Jerry Hill X Adam Gray X Tobacco Bill “Package”
47:00 - SB 27 McGuire X Weiner X Newsom X Trump Tax Returns
58:00 - SB 307 (Cadiz Water Project)
1:01:00 - 2020 Horse Race Update
1:03:00 - Reflecting on Petoskey
1:05:00 - Wrapping up / lighting round: Swallwell, Steyer & More
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
ShowNotes
- Californians in Presidential race - we got polls
- Gun rights groups file suit in Southern District of California over ban on long gun sales to persons under 21.
- Duncan "D" Hunter
- PG&E is a convicted FELON. Should they be allowed to donate to CA politicians?
- Dynamex - is there a way out for wary Democrats?
- Supreme Court - Census citizen question (Note, we recorded this on Wednesday, new developments have occured).
- Supreme Court - partisan gerrymandering okay
- Supreme Court to take up Trump’s DACA termination decision challenged by UC when it returns in the term beginning in October.
- JUUL and the California Democratic Party
- Home cooking law - why new law for “mom’s food” isn’t available everywhere
- Sacramento homeless
Want to sponsor the show or come on the show? Email us at Scottlay@gmail.com or gibran@sactowntalks.com.
Kevin McCarty is a California Assemblymember, representing District 7, which includes Downtown Sacramento & Midtown.
3:15 - Biracial
9:30 - Thoughts on round two of the debate
10:00 - Kamala Harris
11:00 - Presidential candidates
16:30 - The similarities in prizefighting & politics
22:05 - Running for office
31:05 - AB 392
44:20 - Flavored tobacco
51:40 - 2019-2020 Budget
59:30 - Legislative Softball game
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Show Notes
- RIP Officer Tara O Sullivan
- The California Republican Bang Bro’s: Bill bROUGH and Duncan Hunter
- SB 276 (Cracking Down on Antivaxxers) passes
- Newsom X Wildfires
- Trump Daddy’s Faulconer
- Thirty dead horses at Santa Anita
- AB 5 - Dynamex (independent contractors X gig economy X Lorena)
- The NCAA’s empty threats
- Homelessness X Community Colleges
- PPIC report on crime
- Housing, Homeless & #Sacramentorising
https://www.gofundme.com/f/queen-sheba-emergency-fire-restoration-fund
James Gallagher is a California State Assemblymember for the 3rd District, which includes Chico, Paradis. and the greater Sacramento Valley.
We talk about Gallegher’s background at King Hall and UC Davis Law, of which Scott is also an alumni, his family roots in farming, and then turn to a broader discussion about about California agriculture, water, and of course wildfires, which took a devastating toll on his district and the town of paradise.
SHOWNOTES
1:30 - AD 3
2:30 - King Hall
3:50 - Rice farming
6:30 - Paradise
20:45 - California Ag
24:00 - Forestry management
25:10 - PG&E
29:00 - SB 901
39:15 - Major bills
45:40 - Law enforcement shootings
52:10 - Gun laws
55:50 - Trump
1:00:15 - Why run?
1:02::00 - Whats next?
Steve Hansen is a Sacramento City Councilmember for District 4 - Downtown Sacramento & Midtown.
We talk all things Sacramento: the recent pride parade, as well as
local history and planning, and we talk about how Steve’s passion for public service is rooted in his modest upbringing and his own personal experience relying on the social safety net.
Finally we discuss the tough issues facing Sacramento today: housing and homelessness, revitalization of downtown, as well as law enforcement’s relationship with the African community, strong mayor initiative, measure U, and much much more.
Thank you to Councilmember Hansen for coming on the show to share his personal experiences and for keeping it real and having a substantive, unscripted conversation on our most pressing issues.
SHOWNOTES
1:00 - Getting started; pride & diversity
4:00 - Population returning to the city center
9:00 - How is downtown Sacramento doing?
16:00 - Trash pickup in Southside park
20:00- Steve's time in ROTC, and DADT, and finding his way to publis service
24:00 - What's the plan on homelessness in Downtown Sacramento?
39:00 - What is Steve excited about, projects he is working on...
44:00 - Strong mayor in Sacramento?
46:00 - Police use of force, trust with the African American Community
50:00 - Sacramento food scene / Michelin guide
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
2:00 - Notes from the culture wars
11:00 - Show Rundown
23:00 - California State Budget
31:00 - PPIC Poll #SB276 X #SB50 X #Caleg X Trump X
43:00 - Trump X Trade X California
50:00 - Previewing future guests and
56:00 - CA State Senate Special elections
1:16:00 - Sheriff Scott Jones in Violation of Police Records law
1:19:00 - Twenty Seven dead horses in Santa Anita
1:20:00 - Michelin Guide comes to Sacramento
1:26:00 - Sacramento food scene
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
1:15 - Scott's Hair
3:10 - Juul sponsors the CA Democratic Party Convention
10:52 - Shoutout to Jodi Hicks, new CEO of PPCA and a stroll down memory lane (Jodi Hicks, Paul Mitchell, Christopher Cabaldon)
15:00 - CADEM19 chairs race
25:00 - Joe Biden skips CADEM19, Kamala gets booed and other feet-in-mouth scenarios
38:00 - Horse deaths at Santa Anita and Adam Gray's shady business (allegedly)
45:00 - Within the letter of the law
46:50 - Weiner says he had the votes for SB50, but Scott Lay doesn't see it
50:00 - Scott goes to jury duty
1:00:00 - A deal comes together on AB 392 (police use of force)
1:07:00 - Talking about Jim Cooper in deep red Elk Grove
1:09:00 - Moving the Capitol
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
1:00 - Crazy Train
5:00 - High Speed Rail is likely going to be Diesel
9:33 - Show rundown
20:00 - SB 50
36:33 - SB 230 / AB 392 (police use of force)
37:00 - Speaker Rendon’s X Jonathon Lam
48:35 - Vaccine exemption bill X Pan
50:00 - SB 29 Charter School Exemption X Durazo
52:00 - Cadiz Water Project
1:03:06 - Shoutout to Mikey Hothi
1:05:00 - “I’m working with the author”
1:07:00 - Joaquin Arrambla acquitted & Happy birthday!
1:14:00 - Newsom X Pharma
1:18:00 - Wildfires X PGE will want another bailout & their FAKE grassroots coalition
Sydney Kamlager-Dove is a member of the California State Assembly, she represents the 54th District in West Los Angeles. We talk about her road to elected office, police use of force, and housing affordability.
SHOWNOTES
2:40 - Stairway to heaven
4:10 - USC/ Earthquakes
11:30 - How you got started in public service?
15:20 - What are some priorities working in the legislature
19:25 - AB 392: police use of force
31:00 - Martial arts & Sydney's first experience in the ring
39:10 - SB50: Upzoning density near transit corridors
50:20 - What is it like getting into the legislature?
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES
1:17 - Show Rundown
5:36 - Classifieds by the Nooner
7:14 - Bobby you can hug me
9:12 - Uber IPO
15:03 - The Lost Episode
18:59 - Taking an Uber in Bali
25:19 - May Revise
32:20 - Governor Newsom X Healthcare for undocumented young adults
46:49 - Diaper / Tampon sales tax exemption creates a problem for mom & pop stores
54:54 - Annie Lam's cousin pardoned by Governor Newsom
1:06:14 - Sacramento City Unified issues 178 layoffs including 70 teaching positions
1:09:42 - Census 2020, party change numbers, Beverly Hills Tobacco Ban, Richard Alarcon
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Shownotes
Intro
2:00 - Davita makes it rain
7:02 - Louis Farrakhan & the problems with multiculturalism
14:43 - April personal income tax revenue numbers for California
20:12 - Scotts encounters with a street preacher
25:02 - Chair’s killing bills without a hearing
33:45 - Adam Gray takes big tobacco money to enrich his b̶u̶d̶d̶i̶e̶s̶ consultants (allegedly)
37:24 - Fake News
43:17 - Scott says we’re fucked on high speed rail
51:53 - SDG&E appeals appeals CPUC decision to SCOTUS on inverse condemnation
1:00:54 - SCOTUS ruling on Dynamex
Hosts Gibran Maciel and Scott Lay break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy. Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES
Intro
1:30 - Why Scott is dressed up
2:00 - Show rundown
2:30 - Sponsor Message: Nooner Classifieds
4:11 - California Legislative policy committee deadline last week & process
6:50 - Rent control bill is killed
7:49 - SB 50 - State mandated high-density up-zoning near transit in CA (Senator Weiner)
11:15 - Twitter Shoutout: Kevin Dayton’s study of CA CEQA challenges
12:49 - How CEQA levels the playing field between community groups and developers…and also lets labor unions hold projects hostage
14:59 - Michael Weinstein - the CEO of HIV; Gibran walks last weeks comments back
18:05 - Senator McGuire and Governor Newsom’s home county of Marin gets and exemption from SB 50
19:09 - Senator Hertzberg is the lone vote against SB 50…impacts to his district
21:15 - Affordable housing: publicly funded housing projects vs. addressing the actual economic factors of housing in California
24:40 - SB 276 Dr. Pan’s bill cracking down on medical exemptions for antivaxxers
28:10 - The scene in the Capitol as hundreds of unvaccinated kids crowd the capitols
31:00 - Measles making a comeback
32:35 - SB 230 (Caballero’s police resources / use of force bill) is joined to AB 392
39:02 - SB 756 - Charter School Moratorium
39:52 - SB 39 (Hill) raising the minimum smoking age
45:30 - Joe Biden is officially in for 2020
48:00 - Kamala, Booker, Yang, the rest of the field…
50:00 - Trump skips the White House correspondents Dinner
52:13 - Bernie,Kamala, & Trumps tax returns
55:50 - Luke Walton accused of sexual assault
Shownotes
Intro
0:40 - The Nooner’s Classified ads
3:00 - California Love
4:14 - The podcast format
11:54 - The legislative money game and why Nancy Pelosi is not supposed to hold on to that much cash
15:24 - Why is AOC on TV and not Steny Hoyer?
18:13 - Burglary at Allspicery, crime and homelessness in downtown Sacramento
26:00 - Gavin Newsom’s first 100 days
32:31 - Newsom X Death Penalty
36:33 - Democratic members and staff criticizing Newsom’s trip to El Salvador
43:00 - Senator Weiner’s SB 50 & the Aids Healthcare Foundation’s mailer
49:19 - Is everybody in the affordable housing arena kind of shady?
1:01:03 - Seven new dems elected to republican seats in 18’ are killing the fundraising game.
1:02:00 - Devin Nunes X Twitter
1:07:40 - Omar Navarro gives himself a raise
1:10:00 - Duncan Hunter fake crosses the border
1:14:12 - What does Adam Schiff’s $5 million on hand mean?
1:18:18 - Democrats X Mueller
Wrapping up…
INTRO
3:40 - #CALEG spring recess and policy committee Deadline
6:49 - The Nooner Classifieds 8:35 - Eric Swallwell declares his candidacy for POTUS 2020
10:15 - Bob Wieckowski, Aisha Wahad
11:00 - Roman Reed is Gibran’s connection to Eric Swallwell
12:45 - Why run for POTUS if you are not going to win 18:15 - Scott & Gibran discuss AOC 1
9:47 - Julian Assange gets kicked out of the Ecuadorian embassy
21:23 - Wikileaks notable leaks
24:05 - Police use of force bills AB 392 (Weber) X SB 230 (Cabellero)
36:50 - AB 392 sent to Assembly rules - why?
41:08 - Gov. Newsom X PGE 43:04 - Is PG&E a going concern?
49:29 - Trumps epic troll job on Sanctuary cities & Gibran’s take on Sanctuary cities
INTRO
6:29 - Talking about the 2nd Assembly District
13:00 - Communities of interest
15:49 - Hey, you ought to run for City Council
16:19 - Wes Chesbro
23:00- Chairing the Assembly Health Committee
29:19 - Jim remembers his upbringing
33:27 - SB 901, wildfires, disaster recovery, climate change and more
39:52 - The Speaker called me in and said this could be a blessing or a curse
41:00 - A lot of constituents are pissed off, and feel taken advantage of
42:38 - The Dahle-Wood plan
44:00 - Trying to get fire prevention $$$ from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
50:29 - Does over-regulation an environmental review make it difficult to prepare for fires?
54:00 - The dialysis bill
56:06 - The American Kidney fund’s hat-trick to get higher rates out of medicare patients
Wrapping up
INTRO - Show overview and banter
7:56 - AB 392 x SB 230 (Police use of force bills)
15:20 - Joe Biden in the doghouse for creeping women out
22:14 - Kevin Kiley in the doghouse, AB 221, teach for America, and more
32:08 - Kiley X Dahle, runoff for Senate District 1
34:07 - Matthew Harper was the last occupant of the Doghouse, and previous occupants
35:30 - AG Becerra’s injunction on gun magazine limits & prop 63
37:40 - Mitch McConnel pushes through judicial appointees
38:44 - Gibran responds to some spicy fan mail
44:03 - Horse deaths at Santa Anita
46:15 - California has added South Carolina to the list of prohibited states for State-reimbursed travel
51:27 - Governor Newsom in El Salvador
59:57 - California’s own flint: 1 million people without drinkable water
1:03:22 - Peak renewables
1:06:30 - Governor Newsom’s water tax
1:14:00 - Democratic 2020 candidates fundraising totals, swag, and Bernie going all the way to the convention
Paul Mitchell is Vice President of Political Data, Inc., a national bi-partisan political data firm. He is also the President and owner of Redistricting Partners, a redistricting advocacy firm.
SHOWNOTES
4:20 - Political Data, Inc,
7:50 - Whats the craziest voter data you have seen
10:20 - Voter turnout
18:05 - Re-apportionment/ Redistricting
19:45 - Immigrant community
27:00 - Redistricting commission
33:15 - Gerrymandering
35:30 - Racially polarized voting
43:50 - New vs. old redistricting commission
51:25 - What state legislators are most in danger of being drawn out
55:00 - Presidential race
58:35 - Vote by mail/ Campaigning in California
1:05:20 - Ballot haversting
1:08:30 - Will there be more or less Republicans elected to legislator by 2030
1:12:00 - Trump for re-election?
INTRO
3:26 - Show Rundown
4:15- PPIC Poll Results for march 2019
6:08 - Railing against Trump is good politics for California politicians
7:55 - Immigration
11:09 - Racial profiling by the LA County Sheriff
13:30 -PPIC Poll methodology
17:15 - Most adults read at the 7th grade level
18:48 - Explaining Split-Roll property taxes to a voter on a poll
21:51 - PPIC poll indicates lukewarm support for Gov. Newsom’s priorities <
24:28 - Newsom’s plan to shorten High Speed Rail, Delta Tunnel(s)
26:29 - The Delta, the tunnels
30:40 - PPIC shows lukewarm support for Gov. Newsom’s housing initiatives
39:40 - The nimby spirit is alive and well in California
42:28 - Folsom is building South of the 50
43:15 - Senator Weiner’s transit oriented housing proposal
44:50 - PPIC X Death Penalty
58:05 - Prop 63 gun magazine ruling
1:04:32 - The NRA gives Trump a pass on the bump-stock ban
1:06:29 - Remainers welching on Brexit
1:13:50 - PGE wants another bailout!
1:16:00 - Why does labor want PGE to survive as opposed to having a state utility?
1:18:18 - The old PGE CEO left town with a golden parachute….
1:19:58 - PGE pays minority chambers-of-commerce to play the race card on important issues
1:22:22 - Special Elections in Senate District 1 & 33
1:30:45 - Kounalakis, Ma, and Yee want to be Governor in 2026
1:32:57 - Devin Nunes gets roasted on Twitter & the liberal bias on the social media platform
Kevin Faulconer is the Mayor of San Diego. San Diego is the largest US-City with a republican Mayor. We talk New Way California, the Republican brand under President Trump, CEQA, housing, transportation and more.
Intro
1:50 - Why do urban centers consistently vote against the Republican brand? (New Way)
4:15 - San Diego, Tijuana, trade, and Trump
7:10 - Prop B pension reform
14:05 - Homelessness, housing, and transportation
18:00 - CEQA
19:30 - Is San Diego post partisan?
20:50 - The Padres
22:20 - What’s next?
John Laird is a candidate for California Senate District 17 (Santa Cruz), the former Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, and the first openly LGBT man to serve in the State legislature along with his colleague Mark Leno.
SHOWNOTES
1:02 - John Laird & Mark Leno were the first male LGBT legislators in California
2:00 - The HIV epidemic wiped out the would-be first generation of male LGBT legislators
6:20 - Carl Demaio is a dickhead
10:10 - Would the Roy Ashburn thing happen today?
12:20 - John’s history with oil politics and leading the effort against oil drilling off the coast of Santa Cruz in the 80’s
14:30 - Water politics
15:15 - Local food, family farms in Capay Valley and the State Water Project
17:06 - The issues with desal
22:30 - Wildfires
24:20 - Forestry management & jurisdiction issues
29:00 - Excess fuel across the state
31:20 - Trapped in a drugstore in the paradise fire
33:00 - Can the logging industry help fire preparedness efforts in California?
35:00 - Jerry Garcia ties
37:39 - Sacramento’s revitalization over time
Wrapping up
Hosts Gibran Maciel🔥 & Scott Lay🔥 break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
SHOWNOTES:
1:25 - Immigrants Feed America
5:10 - The CA Republican Party can’t pay its bills!
6:29 - New Way Summit / Scott Wore a suit / shout-out to “Mikey” Mike Madrid
10:00 - The GOP environmental agenda is CEQA reform, not climate change
11:29 - The Aids Healthcare Foundation is an entrepreneurial non-profit that pays its CEO over 400k / year.
14:12 - Shoutout to Scott Weiner
15:23 - 2016 / 2020
22:13 - Black Lives Matter / Stephon Clark
25:20 - For District Attorney Schubert…
28:15 - The Nooner Mugs
31:06 - The decision is binary
33:30 - The African American community makes its voice heard at city council meetings
35:50 - The 84 arrests at the protest, and Dale Kassler getting arrested
38:40 - Governor Newsom’s reprieve of death row inmates in CA
44:30 - Everyone is running to their corner
45:12 - ACA 12 and the legislative history of the Death Penalty in California
51:07 - Welching on the death penalty
52:19 - Prop 62 (2016)
52:30 - What members of the Democratic caucus are pushing ACA 12? What does that vote do to Sharon Quirk-Silva, Adam Gray, and other members in districts where prop 62 passed?
58:02 - Kamala Harris X Death Penalty
59:51 - Party Financial status. CADEM Cash on hand = $12.1 Million, CA_GOP is in debt.
1:01:58 - CA Supreme Court X Airtime X Vested Rights
1:04:56 - Newsom X Housing
Wrapping Up…
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The Aids Healthcare foundation, Mike Madrid, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Xavier Becerra, Bill Kristol, Prop 10 (Rent Control), Scott Weiner, Cassandra Pye, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Andrew Yang, Michael Tubbs, Tanya Faison, District Attorney Anne-Marie Schubert, Al Sharpton, Dale Kassler, The Sac-State Hornet, Gavin Newsom, Paul Manafort, Gray Davis, Bill Simon, Rebecca Baur-Cohen, Christy Smith, Sabrina Cervantes, Anthony Rendon,
Holly Mitchell is a California State Senator representing the 30th State Senate District in Los Angeles. We talk about her perspectives as a black woman in politics today, encouraging more women to run, her work as the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, and talk about peace officer use of force standards.
INTRO
1:30 - Speaking at SXSW
7:10 - It is a seven-day a week responsibility
10:15 - Mansplaining
12:15 - Maybe I am angry, there is a lot of stuff for me to be angry about (the tragic death of Victor McElhaney,)
16:35 - Hands off my poontang
18:23 - Does a growing legislative woman’s caucus and women such as Atkins & Lorena in positions of power help take the edge off of the challenges you feel? No.
21:10 - Running for LA County Board of Supervisors
26:32 - What does USC need to do to right the ship?
28:10 - Recovering the health of the state budget from 2010 - current day.
30:10 - One billion dollars to early childcare education (restoring 2008 levels) is not necessarily enough.
32:50 - Why does California have the highest child poverty rate in the nation?
34:23 - Senator Mitchell’s plan to eliminate deep childhood poverty in California
35:45 - Reaction to Governor Newsom’s budget
37:00 - Members attempting to leverage the state budget vote to extract $$$’s for their pet projects
42:15 - Christmas in July
44:10 - The sheer number of black and brown men and women who are gunned down and murdered at the hands of law enforcement indicates we need systemic reform
45:20 - My mother was a cop
47:20 - AB 392 (Weber) - Use of force standard
47:45 - I would think that small-government republicans wouldn’t want armed agents of the state murdering citizens
48:50 - SB 230
Wrapping up
Hosts Gibran Maciel & Scott Lay go over the top news headlines in California politics and policy today.
INTRO
2:30 - The Kings this year
6:30 - Oakland Unified comes to a tentative agreement over the weekend
9:17 - Teacher compensation - steps & columns
11:08 - Charter schools, SB 126, and more bills to come
17:27 - From a labor perspective, all teachers are equal, but they are not equal in the esteem of their peers and their students.
18:06 - Floods, the Russian River, exacerbating the housing crisis and Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation
21:15 - The political implications of wildfire & flooding displacement (Census)
22:00 - The sites reservoir fight is about cash
23:30 - Special district bureaucrats looking after themselves
26:30 - PG&E admits that their line probably started the camp fire & the write-down’s
28:46 - City of San Francisco looking to dump PG&E and create a publicly owned utility district, but management and labor are opposed
29:37 - San Diego Mayor Faulconer given the authority to start negotiating with surrounding cities for direct-purchase agreements
32:17 - The California Democratic Party picks up 360k right before San Diego considers community choice aggregation and Aliso-Canyon
36:00 - Scott’s dismay at the media for not putting the dots together on following the cash in CA politics
37:02 - The Democratic Party has a fundraising advantage over the Republican Party because donors have more trust that the CDP will act in a transactional nature.
39:08 - Bargaining unit 7 the California State Law Enforcement Association (park rangers, fish & game, etc.) seeks a new contract
42:55 - Davita Dialysis drops 200k to the CA Democratic Party, Prop 8 & the dialysis / labor issue in the legislature today
48:13 - Adam Gray’s ballot measure committee fails to spend money on the water bond, even though it narrowly failed and his backing could have helped…
50:13 - Davita’s 200k to CDP is an olive branch, potentially seeking an agreement
54:06 - SB 562 and the Nurses Union
55:20 - Governor Newsom Appointments
56:30 - Dynamex
Mike Madrid is a Republican political consultant and a nationally recognized expert on Latino voting trends. He is also partner at Grassroots Lab, and is currently teaching a seminar course at the University of Southern California titled "Race, Class and Partisanship; America and The Great Transformation.”
Madrid graduated from the Edmund G. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in 1997, where he wrote his senior thesis on Latino politics and the perspective that politicization of emerging Latino voter groups in Southwestern states was unique in American history.
The completion of his thesis at Georgetown University in Washington DC on Latino voters became the basis for his pioneering work on Latino communications and outreach strategies in California, Texas, Florida and nationwide.
He has served as the press secretary for the California Assembly Republican leader and as the political director for the California Republican Party. In these roles, Madrid played a key role in pioneering Latino outreach and communications strategies.
In 2001 he was named as one of America’s “Most Influential Hispanics” by Hispanic Business Magazine. He is a regular commentator on Latino political issues in statewide and national media publications.
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
2:40 - A people business
5:30 - Watching folks land after the GOP drubbing in the midterms
10:14 - Republican campaigns are under-resourced
14:07 - What does a competitive republican party in California look like?
20:30 - The #CAGOP2019 chair race was not a “heart and soul” election
23:30 - The chair elections & delegate games generally
31:00 - The current trajectory of the Republican party
33:30 - It's never personal
37:30 - State’s where the Republican Party is getting stronger
39:20 - Trump trolling California
43:22 - Latinos & racial identity
47:08 - High Speed Rail
51:19 - Immigration and the 2020 presidential election
52:30 - A majority of Democrats voted for Prop 187
57:36 - Mike’s thesis on the Chicano movement
1:00:00 - Mike’s prediction: Bernie Sanders wins young Latino’s in CA
1:04:00 - Instability in both major parties
1:07:00 - Predicting a fight at the Democratic convention…
1:08:16 - Blocking Bernie (again)
1:10:47 - The hypocrisy of the whisper campaign
1:12:37 - When the trolls come I’m there to fight em’ off!
Also available on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe 👇:
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Today's episode is sponsored by Probolsky Research, California's premiere independent opinion research firm for polling, focus groups and engagement on elections and public policy. www.probolskyresearch.com
Want to come on the show or become a sponsor of the show? Send us an email: scottlay@gmail.com or gibran@sactowntalks.com
Hosts Gibran Maciel🔥 & Scott Lay🔥 break down the top political headlines in California politics and policy.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show? Send either of us a message: scottlay@gmail.com, gibran@sactowntalks.com
Topics listed in the show notes 👇
INTRODUCTION
2:00 - What a week
3:00 - Kamala Harris and the Jussie Smollette tweet
9:20 - Legislators, do your own tweeting!
10:23 - Ambitious you staffers, get that domain NOW
10:56 - Scott runs for Davis city council
11:40 - Kamala focuses on CA, gets dinged for not campaigning New Hampshire
13:00 - Scott Lay DROPPING KNOWLEDGE on delegate allocation in the California Democratic primary
15:48 - Thank you to our sponsor, probolskyresearch.com
17:27 - Trump x California
18:00 - Trump declares a federal emergency for wall funding
22:00 - Pelosi x Trump
24:07 - Hight Speed Rail
28:00 - Diverting water $$$ for The Wall
31:42 - Trump triggering CA & the left
37:40 - The soda package and the backstory
42:45 - Lorena’s masterful use of twitter
50:02 - Trump’s name calling & the WWF
55:00- Trump is taking Kamala very seriously
56:00 - The effort to repeal Prop 47 (criminal justice reform) of 2012 and CCPOA is looking to get their 2$ million bucks back…
1:00:30 - Oakland Unified School District potential Strike
1:02:00 - Education compensation; steps & columns
This weeks show is sponsored by Probolsky Research – California’s premier independent opinion research firm for polling, focus groups and engagement on elections and public policy.
Mentioned in this episode
Don Lemon, Kamala Harris, Brian Maienschein, Paul MItchell, Richard Bloom, Rob Bonta, David Chiu, Bill Monning, Buffy Wicks, Gavin Newsom, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, Jerry Brown, Jussie Smollett, Victor Davis Hanson, Barack Obama, Toni Atkins, Jimmy Gomez, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar
Brian Maienschein is a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 77th district which encompasses North County San Diego and the City of Poway. Maienschein has developed a reputation as a moderate and centrist member of the State Legislature - a mark of distinction in an increasingly polarized environment.
Known for crossing the aisle and working with both parties, Maienschein has always eschewed the labels of party politics. However, he recently changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democratic due to the increasingly far-right positions of the republican parties, and degradation of the brand due to its association with President Trump. As Maienschein says in our talk, he has two teenage daughters and cannot defend the actions, tone or rhetoric of the President.
Join us for our inaugural episode - we throw the script out and just have a conversation. We cover his party switch, the dynamics of both parties in the State Legislature, talk about the power dynamics in San Diego politics and the folks who were looking to take Maienschein out, review the Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State address, and talk about Maienschein’s passion for ending homelessness.
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
0:55 - What color was the Governor’s tie?
2:00 - Introducing Scott Lay & The Nooner
3:00 - “We always thought he was a Democrat anyways”
6:55 - Breaking down the politics of the 77th Assembly District
12:50 - The democratic activists wanted to take you out
17:10 - There wasn’t a huge pitchfork mob of people
19:50 - The Republican Party in San Diego
26:00 - (Gibran) I should be persuadable towards the Republican brand, but their positions are so toxic…
31:18 - Arnold got to a point where he was a man with no party
37:10 - Mayor Susan Golding stole Maienscheins program!
42:22 - Passion for homelessness and homelessness on K Street
47:00 - What’s next after the Assembly?
Mentioned in this episode (not in order)
Toni Atkins, Scott Peters, Anthony Rendon, Carl Demaio, Christine Kehoe, Todd Gloria, Jennifer Fearing, Kevin Faulconer , Jerry Sanders, Joel Anderson, Mike Schaffer, Steve Peace, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Susan Golding
Interested in becoming a sponsor or coming on the show?
Email either of us: scottlay@gmail.com or gibran@sactowntalks.com
Navid Dehghan is the designer, owner and founder of Extra Cheese CA a graphic t-shirt and apparel company. Navid's designs focus on the pop-imagery of the last thirty years. His draws from urban, indie, artistic, and surreal genres to create iconic streetwear.
He is also currently operating a pop-up store at the WAL Public Market where you can you browse ExtraCheese branded clothing as well as vintage items he curated for the store.
SHOWNOTES:
Intro
2:19 - Shoutout to the @TheProud Network
5:15 - "Costume" fashion & just wearing what you like
10:23 - Balenciaga and "meme fashion"
13:10 - Spending a whole paychek on a Louis Vouton purse and a shoutout to Krazy Mary's Boutique and Heart Clothing Boutique.
19:00 - What is Supreme doing so well?
33:00 -Minding the store
38: 20 - StockX - the escrow of the fashion world
42:30 - Looking through the items in the store and what Navid likes about them.
1:07:12 - Shoutout to Matthew Mora, one of the best artists in town (in my opinion). Follow on instagram 👉 @matthew_mora_84
1:11:00 - Wrapping up
Brought to you by Cielo Acai Café in Roseville. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email gibran@sactowntalks.com.
Mark Rosso a local grassroots organizer advocating for municipal broadband in Sacramento. The idea is that the city would provide broadband to residents on a not-for-profit basis. Private companies could still offer broadband but would have to actually compete for clients, unlike the current situation where all-too many areas have only one broadband provider.
Rosso is also a staffer in the California State Assembly. He has worked on utilities and parks issues statewide including Proposition 68.
Locally, Mark has worked on securing funds for the Del Rio Trail as well as recently rallying support for the creation of a park at Sutter's Landing.
We talk about municipal broadband and politics generally.
Shownotes
Intro
1:15 - Municipal Broadband in Sacramento
4:12 - Trying to return Comcast equipment
6:01 - Chattanooga has Municipal broadband - they pay less and get better service. Could SMUD do the same?
15:30 - Immigration and the Italian-American experience
30:48 - Oscar - you are in our hearts.
36:51 - The frustrations of attempting to start a business
45:43 - Why higher education is so expensive.
50:14 - The CSUS WELL is a lavish, runaway cost. Get rid of the frills
1:08:09 - Municipal Broadband in Santa Clarita. The hybrid model.
1:12:34 - Trust in government
1:27:08 - Rent control
1:31:12 - The recession in Tahoe - the billionaires were buying out the millionaires
1:38:10 - Issues are brought up in legislation for the sole purpose of keeping a lobbyists job
1:44:30 - America was an apartheid stat ein the 1950's
1:49:30 - Fake news - who is keeping the media accountable?
1:55:19 - Hillary Clinton
1:57:10 - Will Rosso run?
Kristin Olsen is a member of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors and the former leader of the Republican caucus in the California State Assembly.
Her recent column "GOP is dead in California. A new way must rise" made waves for its incisive analysis of the maladies of the GOP in California. Olsen argues that the old GOP brand of opportunity for all - regardless of creed or color - has given way to extremist rhetoric, racial resentment, and a toxic national brand associated with President Trump.
Join us as we talk about the increasingly polarized two party system, how moderates in the middle - of both parties - often feel left out, and together, we reflect on governance, the California Legislature, and how to craft a new path forward.
Shownotes
2:00 - The death of the Republican party in California
7:13 - Crafting a new path forward
12:30 - Identity politics, cultural marxism, fascist & populist rhetoric
12:00 - Nobody actually wants to eliminate ICE
19:29 - Talking politics over Thanksgiving dinner
24:00 - Leading the Assembly Republican Caucus
33:05 - KO's take on the CAGOP chair Race
36:00- What's next for KO?
Tom Armstrong is the author of Sacramento Homeless Blog. He has spent over 10 years living, as he refers to it, in "homeless world" of Sacramento.
Previously a freelance writer, Tom Armstrong provides a lucid and insightful view of the goings-on in Sacramento's "homeless world." We talk how folks end up on the streets, mental health, drug abuse, panhandling, and patient dumping by Sacramento hospitals. Tom also offers his candid views on service providers that purport to help.
This is one of my favorite episodes to date. Many thanks to Tom for coming on the show.
Brought to you by Cielo Acai Café in Roseville. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email gibran@sactowntalks.com.
Full talk also available on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/y754xl9t
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
1:30 - Tom is critical of Sister Libby's leadership, and how is Noel Kammermann - ED of Loaves & Fishes doing?
5:00 - Christianity & faith, and how it is used as an instrument of kindness for the homeless.
10:00 - Patient Dumping
14:30 - Group homes
18:45 - Food providers over-serving obese guests
21:20 - The women have gone crazy
25:00 - Tom isn't a fan of homeless folks with animals
32:00 - How Tom wound up on the streets
40:00 - Folks with jobs who nonetheless have to sleep at the mission
45:30 - Getting into housing
46:40 - Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento (allegedly) dumping patients at the Mission
52:30 - Sister Libby (allegedly) let a pedophile stay in a bungalow near a school at Loaves & Fishes.
54:00 - The culture at Loaves & Fishes vs. The Mission
55:00 - Panhandling
Michael Passmore is the owner of Passmore Ranch, a premium freshwater, sustainable fish ranch in Sloughhouse, California. If you are eating fish or caviar at a nice sit-down in Sacramento, there is a good chance you got it from Michael.
Join us as we talk about Michael's military service, how he dropped out of law school to work a raw piece of land off Jackson Highway, and discuss all things regarding food, travel, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and local Sacramento!
One of my favorite talks so far!
Shownotes
1:30 - What a difference a haircut makes (shout out to Anthony @Bottle & Barlow)
7:00 - Michael’s military service & a legacy of service in his family
10:30 - The scooter accident in Bali
13:00 - Talking travel & upcoming trips
17:00 - The east coast
22:00 - How Michael got started
38:00 - The trust barometer is down
41:00 - The system is rigged
45:00 - Passmore’s best practices for fish handling
51:00 - Noodling
58:00 - Fish feed & other aquaculture best practices
1:01:00 - California’s regulatory environment
1:07:00 - Passmore’s Chef Chef. Have a chef cook for other chefs and see if he is a hero or a zero!
1:09:00 - Caviar club & creating relationships with consumers
Catching up with Navid Dehghen, Aaron & Johnny of The Proud Network, which is a network of artists, producers, and creatives dedicated to showcasing lifestyle, art and culture in Sacramento. Navid is also owner and creator of Extra Cheese clothing brand, whose shirts are featured at the Getta Clue Store in DOCO.
Shownotes
1:00 - The Doom shirt & reflecting on hip hop
5:00 - Starting the Proud Network to showcase Sacramento
9:00 - Seasons in Sacramento
13:00 - Talking development, DOCO, entertainment, and what is the essence of coolness?
22:00 - Favorite burgers in town
31:00 - Hip-camping in Placerville and the off-map mineshaft
40:00 - Highlighting local folks for The Proud Network
51:00 - Talking Extra Cheese
1:04:00 - What's next for the Proud Network & wrapping up
Dr. Richard Pan is a pediatrician and California State Senator representing Senate District 6 which includes the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento, and Elk Grove. We talk about how he found his way to politics as a practicing pediatrician, discuss his bill to end the personal belief exemption which allowed parents to send unvaccinated kids to California schools, discuss the dangers of influenza and end with a discussion on the 2018 legislative session and his priorities for Sacramento.
Shownotes
2:30 - Introduction
8:00 - Running for office in 2010 against the author of Prop 8
14:30 - The vaccine bill
17:00 - When I was in medical school they showed us measles in a book because they thought we would never see it
19:00 - Community Immunity
26:00 - Russian Bots influencing the vaccine debate
35:00 - Death Threats
45:00 - The Spanish flu killed more people than WW1
47:00 - 80,000 people died of the flu last year
48:00 - Would you let your kids play football?
1:01:00 - Sheriff's running crooked autopsies in San Joaquin County?
1:09:00 - Wrapping up & what's next for Dr. Pan
Rob Bishop is an Australian Anesthesiologist on loan to UC Davis Medical Center and a blue belt at Team Alpha Male. We discuss how Australian doctors are trained to respond to emergencies in the outback, talk about his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, and discuss best practices for training, nutrition, recovery, and overall health from a medical and scientific perspective.
Shownotes:
1:30 - Recognizing other Jitsu players by their ears
3:30 - The building blocks of success for health & athletics
7:00 - Apple watch EKG does it work?
12:30 - The indoor cycle racing scene in Australia
25:00 - Pre-hospital rescue work in Australia
39:30 - Strength training
42:00 - Strong but slow
48:00 - Lifting after Jits?
50:00 - Creatine
59:00 - Nutrition, intermittent fasting, keto, calories in v. out, carbs, etc.
1:06:00 - The effect of sugars & intermittent fasting on cancer
1:10:00 - Wine with dinner every night, a problem?
1:18:00- Ice & cryo might be bullshit after all. Heat is the new thing.
1:23:00 - Head trauma
1:27:00 - Khabib / Conor predictions & wrapping up
Brought to you by eastsacbjj.com. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email lifeandjiujitsu@gmail.com
Garrett Van Vleck is the owner-operator of B-Side and Shady Lady Bar. Bill Ngo, is the owner-operator of Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine. We talk about the restaurant and beverage scene, over-regulation in California & Sacramento, martial arts, development on K St., and much more.
Shownotes
1:15 - Started as the door guy, started as the busboy
5:00 - The Industry landscape
6:40 - At some point, we all worked for Paragary
14:00 - The batteries in the light meter are dead
19:00 - When ABC raided Shady Lady Bar guns a' blazin'
24:00 - Opening Shady Lady
27:00 - When you are starting you argue about everything
33:00 - It was rare that we ended the night before 4am
36:00 - BJJ
38:00 - Back then you had to do something bad to get deported
46:00 - Being an introvert in the industry
54:00 - Are all of these new entrants into the market going to make it?
58:00 - Fighting for customers, fighting for employees
1:06:00 - Open till 4am?
1:10:00 - Favorite spots for a bite to eat
Mentioned in this episode:
Iron Grill
Henry De Vere White Simon De Vere White
Firestone Public House
The Wong Family
The Paragary’s
The Fat Family
The Selland Family
R15
The Red Rabbit Kitchen + Bar
Monkey Bar
ML Torres
Michael Quigley
Yohn Chojvaj
Mikey Singh Hothi
Cody Bartlet
Cassio Werneck
Manny Ray Gonzales
Ralph Gracie Sacramento
LowBrau
Sail Inn Grotto
Bottle & Barlow
Fieldhouse American Sports Pub
Solomon's Delicatessen
Brought to you by Elk Grove Power Sports. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email Gibran@sactowntalks.com.
Joe Wagoner is Executive Vice President & Co-Founder of Sacramento Republic FC. We talk about his idea to establish a professional #soccer team in #Sacramento, the Tower Bridge Battalion, and Republic FC's bid to become an expansion franchise for Major League Soccer (MLS).
We also discuss his personal journey as a sports management professional and making Sacramento home after various stints in other markets.
Shownotes:
2:00 - Papa Murphy's Park and the Lin Fei Fei Artspace mural
4:00 - Getting bad tattoos in college
8:15 - Slangin’ cheese
11:30 - Daunte Culpepper, the Sacramento Mountain Lions and being over-served at Bislas
13:45 - Let’s write a business plan
20:42 - The Tower Bridge Battalion
30:00 - The Major League Soccer (MLS) Bid
44:00 - Talking about arenas
55:00 - Soccer, boxing, grappling & world sports
1:00:00 - Wrapping up
Brought to you by Elk Grove Power Sports. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email: gibran@sactowntalks.com for details.
Ezra Romero is Capital Public Radio's environmental reporter and host of the YosemiteLand podcast.
He's also filmed multiple award-winning documentaries and has won five Golden Mike Awards through RTNA of Southern California for his radio reporting. In 2016, he was awarded a second place podcast award from PRNDI.
Previously of Valley Public Radio David has recently made Sacramento his home. Join us as we talk all things YosemiteLand, discuss reporting in a "post-truth" era, and making Sacramento home.
Shownotes
Intro & talking about the podcast format
2:00 - Climbing Half-Dome
4:00 - The making of YosemiteLand
8:45 - A perfect time to talk about fire
12:35 - Why is Capitol Public Radio getting into podcasts?
20:00 - Ezra's favorite places to visit in Yosemite
26:00 - The rat race & making Sacramento Home
30:29 - Ezra's favorite stories he has covered so far
37:21 - How does a journalist deal with our current "post-truth" era
47:00 - A journalists job
Lin Fei Fei is a Chinese-Born artist whose most recent work includes the building-wide mural at Holy Diver as part of 2018 Wide Open Walls. She is also the winner of Sacramento Republic FC's "Paint the Park" competition. Her design was chosen by fans as the to grace Papa Murphy's Park.
She moved to Sacramento shortly after receiving her Master's Degree in painting at the Luxun academy of fine arts.
We talk about her latest murals, her artistic influences, and just generally get to know one of the premiere artists in Sacramento!
Shownotes
1:00 - What’s in a name
4:00 - Getting into Lu Xun
11:00 - Can you be normal please?
18:35 - Why Sacramento?
27:00 - Lot of artists are already doing the pretty stuff
28:30 - Design & Creation process for the mural @HolyDiver
33:00 - I know what I’m doing but wall is very different for me.
38:00 - Mural @58Degrees
50:00 - Shout out to David Garibaldi
54:00 - Using my art to explore the human condition
Joy Ann Pendell is a commercial queen-bee breeder. The Pendell Apiaries commercial operation - and her family ranch - was recently threatened by the Mendocino Complex Fires, which they were thankfully spared from.
Despite mandatory evacuation orders, Joy dodged the barricades and went towards the smoke and fire to defend her homestead.
She is a also a world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor from Team Alpha Male, having recently won her purple belt debut on the professional Fight 2 Win stage.
SHOWNOTES:
6:00 - I didn't realize how close the fire was to us
9:00 - The 2012 Mill Fire saved us
15:00 - I'm not sure that my parents would call it quits
26:00 - Regulations making it difficult to clean out dead biomass
40:00 - Jiu jitsu does work. It works for lighter people, smaller people, it works for women. Joy makes it a point not to go light and show people its effectiveness
49:00 - Upcoming competitions for Joy
1:00:00 - Discussing the competitive scene around BJJ
Scott Lay is the author of The Nooner, the premiere newsletter for goings on in California Politics and Policy. Through The Nooner, Scott Lay informs his readers on important issues in California politics and policy. By his own admission, Lay is not a straight-up journalist. He editorializes, creates conversations, and brings the capitol community closer together by infusing his writing with a human touch.
Because he is not confined by the title “journalist” Lay is also able to exert influence on the process, by using his platform and impressive readership to bring issues to light which might not otherwise be covered.
Lay is also the former CEO of the Community College League of California, where he served for close to 25 years and is an alumni of the UC Davis Hastings school law.
Shownotes
1:30 - Intro & explaining The Nooner
14:35 - Leaving to start The Nooner
27:00 - Black Lives Matter Sacramento
34:00 - When are they going to shut down East Sac & Fair Oaks and the other white suburbs that are complicit?
56:00 - Twitter & elected officials
40:00 - Scott is BANNED from the Co-op!
52:00 - The road to redemption for Matt Dababneh…
54:00 - “Allegedly”
1:06:00 - The GOP has seven tough seats in California
1:13:00 - Wildfires
1:27:00 - The ugly politics of drawing down relief funds for mostly republican counties
1:32:00 - Life takes life
Jamie Jones is the executive producer of "All Between Us" with Tiffany Haddish. Jones is also a cannabis industry consultant, stand-up comic and podcaster. You won't want to miss this episode.
INTRO & Sponsors
2:00 - Sentenced to DEATH in Bali & the criminalization of controlled substances
17:00 - White people got involved and now its okay. Its not weed its cannabis, Now its business.
21:00 - Cannabis equity programs
35:00 - Jiu Jitsu
39:00 - Soul to Sole
55:00 - Cutting weight in the UFC
1:06:00 - Pitching "All Between us" to Walmart
1:20:00 - Generational Wealth
Eric Guerra is the Councilmember for Sacramento’s District 6, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Campus Commons and Sierra Oaks in the North, between Stockton Boulevard and Watt Avenue, including the areas of Tahoe Park and Little Saigon.
SHOWNOTES
Intro - Kyle Packham and the folks you’ll meet in Sacramento
5:00 - The monetization of outrage & the advocacy groups in Sacramento
12:00 - The myth of community
18:00 - Habits of the Heart
24:00 - When you talk to folks, this is what they want…
28:00 - Getting banished from the central committee & Darrel Woo
34:00 - Eric’s one criticism for DA Schubert as an elected official
40:00 - When I was 17 all I knew was that I was going to be a farm worker
54:30 - The future of Sacramento is in its authenticity
59:00 - Housing
1:00:00 - Stephon Clarke
Christopher Cabaldon is the Mayor of West Sacramento. Together we talk about the lifestyle of public service, innovation in government, transportation, and nerd-out on the changes the future will bring such as athe changing nature of work and Universal Basic Income.
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
3:00 - Public Comment
11:00 - Driving around West Sac
14:00 - Gentrification
23:00 - Leaving neighborhoods alone
28:00 - Universal Basic Income
48:00 - Work & dignity
1:00:00 - Renegade Food Trucks
1:11:00 - Why can't the bus system be more like Uber & Lyft?
Hussein Silmi is a Sacramento-based serial entrepreneur. At age 19 he started his first business, a successful coffee shop in Elk Grove which he would later sell to focus on founding a tech-startup in Sacramento.
Zayn is perhaps best known for founding ThePeopleOfSacramento, a viral instagram account which highlights and celebrates local Sacramento culture. Zayn started #TPOS as a way to give back, and he donates 100% of the revenues to various Sacramento charities.
INTRO
3:00 - Opening a coffee shop
8:00 - Extra plate
12:00 - This new thing called instragram
21:00 - TPOS Hats
33:00 - The People's Firm
40:00 - Growing Sacramento
1:00:00 - Keeping it real
Carol Daly was the lead investigator for the Sacramento County Sheriffs Department assigned to the East Area Rapist case. She is also a pioneer for women in law enforcement in Sacramento, being the first woman to rise through the ranks and finish her career as an undersheriff.
Join us as we talk about her involvement in the East Area Rapist case, chasing down leads, and finally catching him. You won’t want to miss this episode.
SHOWNOTES
INTRO - Nice to meet you
2:15 - They thought we [women] needed more life experience to work in law enforcement
5:00 - Our classroom was the gardeners shed in McKinley Park
7:30 - Resentment from the men
13:00 - Interrogating child molesters 17:00 - Talking about the East Area Rapist
22:00 - All the officers said “This sounds like my case…”
26:00 - They were the worst cases I had ever worked…
39:00 - It affected everybody in the department
52:00 - Community policing
1:00:00 - South Sac
David Garibaldi is a nationally renown performance artist based out of Sacramento, CA. Building on his artistic influences such as Denny Dent, David has brought his art to some of the most prominent venues in the world, include America’s Got Talent, where he made it to the finals. He is also one of only a handful of artists to be commissioned to paint the caricatures of the Disney Corporation.
We talk about David’s journey from getting his car repossessed to his rise to fame - and being confronted for coming off as arrogant in his Lamborghini. We talk about how everyone must set their own goals and carve out a path that is right for them, and we talk about giving back.
SHOWNOTES
Intro
4:00 - David’s artistic influences (Denny Dent)
6:00 - David’s process & the handbrake
12:00 - Do you ever mess up? All the time.
15:00 - There’s nothing to hide - Here is my process
22:00 - The similarities between fighting and making it as an artist.
24:30 - He sold out
28:00 - Arrogant in the Lambo
34:00 - Prepping for America’s Got Talent
38:00 - Harness fear & know what it feels like
43:30 - David’s mentor
49:00 - That could have been me
56:00 - Look at how they market the debates. It looks like a WrestleMania promo…
1:00:00 - Keeping Sacramento as a base of operations
David Sobon is the Founder of Wide Open Walls, Sacramento’s mural festival. We talk about how art can activate and transform public spaces, and look at a couple of our favorite murals around town. Finally, we wrap up by discussing some of our favorite places to eat and drink in town
SHOWNOTES:
INTRO - How’d you get the idea for Wide Open Walls?
1:30 - The alleys of Sacramento
4:00 - How it works
9:00 - Bringing in a dozen sculptures from Burning Man
16:00 - The Lady Gaga Mural on 7th and L
28:00 - Its a little bit Kitschy but I think that’s okay
30:00 - The arts commission does EPIC projects
40:00 - Attracting Bay Area Talent
52:00 - Our favorite places to eat and drink non Sacramento
Dan Morain is Senior Editor at CalMatters, a non-profit journalist venture. He has been covering California politics and policy for over forty years, including 27 years at the Los Angeles Times. He most recently served as the editorial page editor at the Sacramento Bee before settling in to his current role at CalMatters. We talk about how publishing has changed, look back at the most remarkable stories he has covered, and discuss what is at stake in the 2018 governors race.
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
2:40 - Aurelio Rojas
6:30 - Is the SacBee termed out?
14:30 - The execution of Robert Alton Harris & the death penalty in CA
22:00 - The tortured candidacy of Cruz Bustamante
27:30 - Pensions
31:00 - That money is going to be used to boost Villaragosa and rip the bark off of whoever the republican is
33:00 - The republicans made their bed
36:00 - Immigration
40:00 - Ellis Island & Dan’s family
43:00 - Truth still matters & Trump is dangerous
47:30 - Whatever ails you, some politician will come around and tell you they can fix it
Barry Broome is the CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, which acts as a catalyst for new economic growth in the six-county Sacramento region. The son of Irish immigrants, Barry grew up wrestling and working for industrialist trade unions in Columbus Ohio. Barry takes the difficult lessons learned from the decline of the American manufacturing sector to ensure Sacramento continues to be an attractive destination for new economic development.
Join us as we talk about Sacramento’s business climate, the evolving nature of work in America, and a little bit of politics.
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
1:00 — The changing nature of work
10:00 - The government is not a shared economy
14:30 - Why are we short 4 million houses?
18:00 - My dad was a shop steward, my mom was a shop steward
29:00 - Forget $15 / hour. Let’s get people $30 / hour and health care
33:00 - The threats to California’s economy
40:00 - Our saving grace
47:00 - The culture of California is what makes people want to come here
56:00 - Despair & opiates in Ohio
58:00 - We were brought up to worship Bobby & Jackie Kennedy
1:04:00 - Meeting Elizabeth Warren
1:09:00 - The system is rigged
1:20:00 - Hard work still pays off
Dan Sneed Sneed has managed some of the most prominent restaurants in Sacramento, including Cafeteria 15L and Ella Dining Room and Bar before opening his own venture, Tablevine. A biochemist by training, Sneed takes a scientific approach to creating great food and atmosphere by methodically studying his craft.
Join us as we talk all things Sacramento - food, hospitality and politics!
Shownotes
INTRO
4:00 - If the front door is unlocked, come on in and make yourself at home.
7:00 - The meaning of hospitality
17:00 - Sacramento as a government town
21:00 - Opening The Park with the Wong family
29:00 - The food here
40:00 - Disneyland type of restaurants and the problem with restaurants nowadays
50:00 - The NFL, #takeaknee, the Oscars
59:00 - #MeToo
1:08 - Marriage equality and democratic activists calling everyone a bigot
1:43 - The state has taken over functions that used to belong to the church
Christella Garcia is an American Judo player and a two time Paralympian, London 2012 and 2016 Rio Paralympic Games where she earned a bronze medal in Judo. We talk about her journey in Judo and the Paralympics, getting ready for competition, taking losses and enjoying victories
INTRO
1:30 - There are some people that think that blindness is the worst disability you can have, but I can tell everything your about to do.
6:00 - I knew I would be on that medal stand.
10:30 - Leading up to Rio, my life was work, train, eat repeat. Nothing else.
19:00 - I can’t face the people I let down when I lose.
25:00 - Hearing the crowd cheer for you. Can’t see them. Just in front of a roar.
34:00 - Meeting Obama.
41:30 - The politics of Judo.
53:30 - You can just call me blind. I can’t see shit!
58:00 - The coolest thing about being blind.
Episode #19 - Full talk with the The Fontaine Classic band members Philip Norton, Tyler Mehlhaff, Frank Roehr, and Noah Villagomez.
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
1:00 - Can you just pick up other instruments?
5:00 - Rhythm, music, and Jiu Jitsu
8:00 - The songwriting process
14:00 - Getting married
16:00 - Writing songs by committee
22:00 - What do you think about when your playing?
30:00 - Musical inspirations
38:00 - The beauty of the State Capitol & the degradation of the statue under the rotunda
46:00 - College radio & the romance of analog waves
Keith Cromie is the owner / operator of Apothic Heart Tattoo Collective
SHOWNOTES
INTRO
5:52 - Moving to Sacramento
10:00 - Differences between the east & west coast
13:00 - The Tattoo Scene in Sacramento & Opening Apothic Heart
16:30 - Creating personalized tattoos
27:00 - Connecting with our tribal roots
30:00 - Changing the tattoo scene
34:00 - Wrestling Bears in Russia
35:00 - Digital Witnesses
38:00 - Keith walks us through his artistic process
50:00 - Keith walks us through his tattoos
Shelby Elias, Founding Partner of United Wholesale Lending, talks about how he went from a working-class kid in Manteca to the top of the real estate game in Sacramento.
SHOW NOTES
INTRO - How Shelby got started in the Real Estate Business
4:00 - Making an opportunity out of The Great Recession
10:00 - What’s next for real estate in Sacramento?
13:00 - Housing Demand in Sacramento
17:00 - Shelby’s rules for investing in real estate
20:00 - Making money with Airbnb
28:00 - Where is the money to be made in real estate now?
33:00 - You ever have any deals go south?
36:00 - Do you do any of the actual work yourself?
40:00 - Advice for entrepreneurs
Dan Walters is a political columnist and journalist of 57 years. His daily political column covering California politics and policy has been running for over 40 years. Host Gibran and Dan talk about California policy and politics and reflect on his remarkable career as a journalist.
SHOW NOTES
INTRO
2:30 - Dan Walters isn’t paid to be fair
3:30 - Dan’s philosophy of government
5:00 - Dan Walters on Orville Dam
13:00 - Dan & Gibran discus fiscal policy in the state of California
29:00 - Glenn County is named after Dan’s cousin
44:00 - What’s the craziest story you every covered?
45:00- Two aids were arrested for murder for hire?!
47:00 - Mayoral Contest between blood enemies
47:51 - What was Willie Brown Like to Cover?
51:00 - Lack of identity outside of politics makes elected officials susceptible to pressure, less able to serve the people
55:00 - Does the SacBee go on for the next 150 years?
1:12:00 - Lobbyists making stuff up
1:18:00- Million dollar Margaret
Urijah Faber is a retired Mixed Martial Arts fighter and a Hall of Fame inductee for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Faber is a pioneer of the sport of MMA, and was critical to establishing the lower weight classes. Retired from fighting, Faber is now focused on coaching his stable of fighters under the Team Alpha Male banner.
He is also an actor, published author, and entrepreneur, owning several businesses around Sacramento.
SHOWNOTES:
INTRO
2:30 - See a need, fill a need
3:00 - Origins of Team Alpha Male
9:45 - The mindset for success
10:00 - I had an itch to prove I was the baddest dude on the planet
11:00 - Bussing tables
14:00 - The meaning behind Team Alpha Male
17:00 - The best neck tattoo in Team Alpha Male
19:00 - A new system for Team Alpha Male.
35: 00 - Is there anything that can bring you back?
38:00 - Urijah’s schedule
42:00 - What’s Dana like?
44:00 - The state of MMA today
Michael Picker is the top energy regulator in the State of California, a former advisor to Governor Brown, and the first Chief of Staff of a Mayor of Sacramento.
Lyndsay Burch is the artistic producer at B Street Theatre. She is also managing B Street’s move to its new home, the $30 million Sofia complex in Sacramento’s Sutter District. Join us as we talk about the “craft” of theatrical directing and producing, casting actors, resolving on-set squabbles, and what it means to produce “new works” as opposed to classic plays. Ms. Burch also previews the opening of the Sofia and talks about what it means for theatre and for the Sacramento region.
Dr. Linda Katehi is Chancellor Emerita and Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC Davis. She was the first woman to hold the post as Chancellor, serving from 2009 - 2016. She resigned from the Chancellor's position in 2016 after a series of well-publicized events.
She is also a world-renowned electrical engineer and scholar, holding 19 US patents and over 700 publications. Dr. Katehi's career also includes membership in the National Academy of Engineering, chair of the US Secretary of Commerce's Committee for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and chair of the President's Committee for the National Medal of Science.
Dr. Katehi is also a pioneer and leader for women and girls in STEM, being the first woman from her small Greek island of Salamis to go to college.
The #Thanksgiving episode with Noel Kammermann, Executive Director of Sacramento Loaves & Fishes. Together we discuss housing and homelessness in Sacramento, and reflect on what we both have to be #thankful for.
Veterans Day Episode W/ Mikhail Venikov
Mikhail Venikov is a former US Army Ranger, a professional MMA fighter and currently serves as a peace officer. Mikhail is also the founder of Ranger Road, a non-profit that helps Vets find camaraderie and support through outdoor adventures and group activities.
www.rangerroad.org
Today's episode is dedicated to Patrick Keating, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
rltw
Patrick Harbison, owner of Patrick Harbison Public Relations, a hyper-local Sacramento PR firm specializing in earned media for local, non-profit, and politically minded organizations.
Patrick is a three-time Hermes award winner, has been voted “Best of Sacramento” in various categories by both the Sacramento News and Review and the KCRA A-List and was selected as one of the Sacramento Business Journal’s top “40 Under 40” professionals in 2014. He most recently won the Power of Voice award by Access Sacramento for donating his time to philanthropic causes.
Join us for an in-depth discussion on the "craft" of PR, making the jump into entrepreneurship, and talking about Patrick's favorite places to eat and drink!
Richard Muñoz Moore is a local life-long artist. Richard's subject matter and range of work are quite broad. Some of his work is autobiographical without being obvious, encouraging the viewer to think about the work in front of them.
Richard's paintings have been shown in four gallery exhibitions and a national juried art exhibit benefitting PBS. His work has also been featured for the California 'Art In Public Places' program.
Dominique Bukasa is the CEO and founder of Bridgeline Academy which organizes educational events to encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM).
For Dominique, opening doors to STEM for disadvantaged children is a way to ensure that the economic prosperity brought on by the digital revolution is accessible to all sectors of society.
Tina Eriksen & Johnny Ochoa are here to preview the Capital City Swing Jam & The California Swing Dance Championships & talk all things swing dancing.
Assemblymember Jim Cooper represents Sacramento and the communities of Elk Grove, Lodi, and Galt in California's State Assembly. He is also the founding mayor of the City of Elk Grove and served for over 30 years with the Sacramento County Sheriffs Department. Assemblymember Cooper shares stories of serving as an undercover narcotics officer, provide us with a 2017 legislative session wrap up, and discuss how his previous experiences shape his world view.
Andy Duong is the owner and founder of VisualWest, a design house specializing in logos, brand development, social media, and Sacramento culture.
Andy has created logos and consulted for some of Sacramentos most recognizable bars, restaurants, and nightclubs including Dive Bar, Fox & Goose Public House, and Social Nightclub, to name a few.
Rod Okamoto is the President and founder of Nutrishare, the world's largest home infusion pharmacy provider. He has also spearheaded several successful business ventures in Sacramento, including Table Vine, Pearl on the River and most Recently the Elk Grove Baseball Center.
A former rock band member, he now writes children's books in his free time.
Dr. Nolta is the Director of the Stem Cell Program at UC Davis School of Medicine, and directs the new Institute for Regenerative Cures. Her group focuses on “bench to the bedside” research, and she has been involved in numerous clinical trials of gene and cell therapy. She is scientific director of the new Good Manufacturing Practice clean room facility at UC Davis, where stem cells of different types are being isolated or expanded for clinical trials.
She was also ranked as one of the “Global Top 50 Most Influential People in the Field of Stem Cells" in 2013.