Policy Nerd Nights: Recent Episodes
Level Up California
Policy Nerd Nights is an educational series of discussions that explore the most pressing policies and ideas today. We chat with experts from across the nation to share their knowledge, amplifying the voice of those on the front lines of both advocacy and analysis.
California has reduced its prison population by 30% since 2006. In this panel, we've invited legal experts to discuss this progress and how to develop a more just sentencing system.
Featuring:
- Nazgol Ghandnoosh - Ph.D., senior research analyst at The Sentencing Project
- Tim O'Hair - Sacramento Deputy Attorney General
- Jennifer Perkins - San Joaquin Public Defender
(Recorded Friday, August 27th)
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Policing is one of the most controversial issues in the United States. This episode dives into the past, present, and future of policing. Featuring:Tifanei Ressl-Moyer -Civil Rights Attorney, based in Sacramento, CA.
Keyan Bliss - Commissioner, Sacramento Community Police Review (Recorded December, 2021)
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Today, over 2.3 million people are incarcerated in the U.S. prison system.
In this episode, speakers from the Delancey Street Foundation and Abolish Slavery National, each with first-hand experience with incarceration, discussed ways to improve the U.S. prison system.
Featuring:
- John Reyna and Antonio Moten: formerly incarcerated Delancey Street Foundation organizers
- Jamilia Land: ASN-CA State Lead and human rights advocate
- Samual Brown: 10P Program founder and currently incarcerated
- Sylvester Ani Jr: Congressional Candidate (CA-38) [Moderator]
Note: During recording, Samual Brown is calling in while incarcerated. Occasionally, you may hear automated messages. This is due to the nature of his limited 15-minute call durations.
(Recorded Wednesday, July 28th)
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Level Up California is proud to have endorsed the Energy Innovation & Carbon Dividend Act (EICDA). Learn about the EICDA, also known as HR 2307, in this panel discussion.
Featuring:
- Max Ghenis - Founder of UBI Center
- Stuart Collins - California State Leader, Citizens' Climate Lobby
(Recorded June 23rd, 2021)
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A panel of incredible and accomplished speakers deep dives into three aspects of HR1: voting access and redistricting, campaign finance, ethics and security.
This event was made in collaboration with RepresentUS.
Featuring:
- Daniel Schnur - Professor at UC Berkeley and USC
- Cindy Black - President of Fix Democracy First
- Trevor Potter - Founder and President of Campaign Legal Center
- Mark Gaber - Director of Litigation at Campaign Legal Center
(Recorded May 1st, 2021)
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This panel discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the current US healthcare structure, and ideas for improvements.
Featuring:
- Dr. Atheendar Venkaratamani - physician and healthcare economist
- David Kim - Immigration attorney, CA ADEM Delegate, and former congressional candidate (CA-34)
- Liam O’Mara - Historian and former congressional candidate
- Sarah Christopherson - Policy Advocacy Director at National Women’s Health Network
(Recorded March 21st, 2021)
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Learn how to discuss Universal Basic Income with friends, family, and fellow community members on any end of the political spectrum!
Featuring:
- Hannah Won - Advocate and co-founder of Testify for UBI
- Matt Austin - Experienced activist and canvasser
- Boyce (moderator) - Mindful Skeptics
(Recorded February 26th, 2021)
Resources:
- levelupcalifornia.org
- thetrickleup.com
- incomemovement.org
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Join experts Stacey Rutland, founder of Income Movement, and Max Ghenis, founder of UBI Center, for an illuminating discussion about UBI, moderated by Tom Leung of Nerds for Humanity.
(Recorded February 15th, 2021)
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