Then There's California: Recent Episodes
State Senators...in Conversation About California!
‘Then There’s California' is a dynamic, new podcast featuring members of the California State Senate Democratic Caucus discussing legislative priorities, policy and other related issues that make California...Exceptional!
As the 2025-2026 legislative session convenes, State Senator John Laird also begins his latest - and final - term in elected office! Senator Laird offers his outlook on the public policy priorities and 'gender equity' of the new session, Democratic policy priorities for 2025, and the legal guardrails the legislature is putting in place ahead of the incoming administration in Washington, DC.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Susan Rubio & advocates share details about SB 1230, the STOP and Seize Illegal Tobacco Products Act, which will strengthen enforcement of California's flavored tobacco ban and remove illegal tobacco products from the market. SB 1230 has passed out of the legislature and awaits Governor Newsom's signature.
After 25 years as a local and state lawmaker and an astonishing 115 (and counting!) bills signed into law in his legislative career, State Senator Bill Dodd leaves the senate this fall, attributing his collaborative approach to lawmaking, the hard work of his loyal team, and his willingness to listen, as keys to his success as a policymaker.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
On the occasion of the recent 'Willie L. Brown, Jr. Day' at the State Capitol, the legendary Assembly Speaker & San Francisco Mayor Emeritus joined State Senator Steven Bradford for a podcast conversation about the art of bipartisan politics, reparations & racism, their respective legislative legacies, and advice for current & future lawmakers who are standing on their shoulders.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
As Senator Anthony Portantino prepares to leave the legislature this fall, he speaks about how communication with constituents, family viewpoints - and the human condition - have continually informed his public policy priorities.
When her distinguished legislative career comes to a close this fall, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman wants to continue to be invested in implementing the important legislation she has worked so hard to pass over the years, coaching and mentoring young women of color and LGBTQ+ community members for leadership...and continuing to build bridges by baking bread.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
State Senator Susan Rubio is joined by the children and advocates of 3 actors & media personalities - Casey Kasem, Mickey Rooney & Nichelle Nichols - to discuss her legislation, SB 1107, which will reduce the alarming rate of elder abuse in conservatorships.
For Pride Month, we meet Senator Steve Padilla, who shares his candid personal & professional story of coming out publicly as a gay man & lawmaker in Southern California, and his reflections on the continued fight to remove barriers of prejudice against the LGTBQ+ community.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
With her time in the legislature ending this fall, State Senator Nancy Skinner is ready to talk legacy - the record of progressive public policy she takes pride in, the gender equality and representation she has championed in and out of the State Capitol...and the little granddaughter who brings her joy.
Women's History Month has passed, but the discussions continue, and the State Senate's new Majority Leader, Senator Lena Gonzalez, shares her viewpoints on the growing number of women in elected office and in the work force, pay disparity & 'occupational segregation,' reproductive rights...and seeing the movie "Barbie!"
In this wide-ranging podcast conversation, Senator Caroline Menjivar explains how she is starting her second year in office feeling 'way more confident' - while helping tackle a sobering state budget deficit, introducing a 21-bill policy package focused on issues important to her San Fernando Valley district, pushing back against culture wars that threaten LGBTQ+ youth, and navigating life as a lesbian lawmaker, daughter and military veteran.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
"If you're a former foster youth, there should be no barrier to your success in college..." Senator Angelique Ashby & Cody Van Felden, a former foster youth and now-advocate, discuss SB 307, the 'College For Foster Youth Act,' which was signed into law in 2023 by Governor Newsom. SB 307 secures $25 million in ongoing annual funding to make debt-free college a reality for California's foster youth. Cody also shares her personal story of struggles and aspirations as a former foster youth and explains how SB 307 will be a game-changer for young people in the foster care system who want to go to college but have limited financial resources and support.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
In honor of Black History Month 2024, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas celebrates the memory of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, and explains how her courageous actions that helped launch the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott in 1955 placed her front and center at the nexus of the ongoing fight for racial and gender equality.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Ben Allen & Los Angeles Times Environmental Reporter Rosanna Xia - author of the book "California Against the Sea - Visions for Our Changing Coastline" - join together in a conversation about how our state is confronting the environmental and political challenges related to sea level rise, and the lessons our coastal communities are learning about our rising oceans in this ongoing era of climate disruption.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
"I always want it to be a positive journey," says Senator Aisha Wahab, and in this podcast conversation, the freshman lawmaker from CA's East Bay looks back on an eventful past year in office, the fate and future of her 'Caste' bill, her passion for restorative justice, housing & economic priorities in her 10th district...and plans for 2024.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Bill Dodd shares his perspective on California's leading role in encouraging A.I. innovation and creativity...while also prioritizing individual privacy and 1st amendment rights.
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Despite continued grim climate change forecasts, California continues to be a global leader on climate solutions, and State Senator Josh Becker updates us on our state's continued success in 'getting to zero' greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating our transition to 100% clean energy.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
The California Reparations Task Force has released its report on how our state can begin to repair the damage of slavery and racism. Senator Steven Bradford & Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas assess the details of the report, and discuss the anticipated next steps for addressing the impact of America's 'original sin.'
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
She's a former 3-term city mayor, a journalist, and is passionate about transportation issues, the environment, addressing homelessness, and tackling gun violence. Meet newly-elected State Senator Catherine Blakespear!
Click here for a closed-cationed version of this episode!
When it comes to gun safety, California is a safer state than others, and our gun laws work in concert with each other. Senator Anthony Portantino joins us to talk about the ongoing effort to protect Californians from gun violence and his current gun safety legislation.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Is the summer of 2023 the 'Summer of Labor?' State Senator Maria Elena Durazo of Los Angeles talks about the waves of so-called 'labor unrest' sweeping the country, the surge of unions elections, and how thousands of union employees have walked off the job - or are preparing to walk off the job - for better pay, health care, and improved working conditions.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
To celebrate our 100th episode, State Senate President Pro Tem Toni G. Atkins baked us a pie(!), and served up some delicious conversation about her SB 247 - The BRIDGE Project, Pride Month, legislative diversity...and of course, Dolly Parton!
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
We gave Sacramento's State Senator, Angelique Ashby and Sacramento's Mayor, Darrell Steinberg, an 'assignment' to read and report back on a provocative, new book about poverty in America. In their revealing and thoughtful conversation about the book, the senator and the mayor share how the issue of poverty has affected their own lives and their political and legislative priorities.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
As the first Muslim & Afghan-American elected to the CA State Senate, Senator Aisha Wahab is one of the most high-profile lawmakers currently serving in the legislature. She talks about the Afghan-American community she represents in her East Bay district, her transition from local government leadership to the State Capitol, and her new bill (SB 403) that would update CA law to include protections against discrimination based on 'caste.'
State Senator Nancy Skinner, the Chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus, is joined by California's Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis, in a look back at voter-approved Proposition 1, the 2022 ballot initiative that put the right to an abortion into the state's constitution...and the ongoing fight for reproductive rights in CA and nationwide.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Senator Caroline Mejnivar's policy priorities for her first year in legislative office reflect the life experiences that she has had herself ~ as a young woman, a lesbian and a woman of color.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Josh Newman is the new Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and he talks about how, in 2023, California schools, students and their families are still coping with the fallout of 2+ chaotic years of COVID 19-related closures and deficiencies in education.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Monique Limon & her 2023 Senate Fellow, Isabella Martinez, celebrate Women's History Month by sharing their own stories about equity, career, mentorship, work/life balance, the on-going fight for reproductive rights, and other issues that are priorities for women in the present and for the future.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Freshman State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas says she has witnessed, in her work and life, the impact of what MLK called 'SoulForce,' the power and divinity that we have to make transformative, significant change.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Meet freshman State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil ~ a two-time cancer survivor, an education innovator, a rancher, a Garth Brooks fan...and a Democrat proudly representing a sprawling, traditionally conservative, richly-bountiful Sierra Foothills senate district.
Black History Month, 2023, frames this discussion with Senator Steven Bradford, the Vice-Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, about the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis Police, the continued work of the State Task Force on Reparations, and how leaders from conservative state are starting to erase Black history from school curriculum.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman & Senator Tom Umberg are the original authors of the new CARE Court Act, a law that establishes new court systems to address the needs of people with severe mental health disorders, and give them access to the support and care they need.
Click here if you would like to access a closed-catopined version of this episode!
Our first TTC episode of 2023 features Senator Lena Gonzalez, of Long Beach, the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and the NEW Vice-Chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus, sharing her legislative priorities for the new session, Latino Caucus priorities, taking on the fossil fuel industry...and supporting California's street vendors!
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
In her first few weeks after being sworn in as Sacramento's new state senator, Freshman lawmaker Angelique Ashby discusses the historic diversity in the new class of 2023 legislators, and how her own experiences as a young, single mother and a long-time, local elected official, have framed her public policy priorities for her first legislative session.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senate Majority Leader Emeritus (and former Assembly Speaker) Robert Hertzberg is leaving the legislature this week, and in this episode, he looks back on his career in both the public and private sector, his perspective on the future of California...and his pride in always having the 'guts and the gumption' to do the homework and try new ideas.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
As the legislature prepares to convene its 2022-2023 session, Senator John Laird talks about climate change laws and policies in the Senate, his planned visit to COP 27 in Egypt, keeping the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in operation...and plans to harness wind power off of California's coast.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Senator Bob Wieckowski is leaving the legislature after 12 years in the Assembly & Senate, and he reflects on his early career as a congressional staffer, his policy passion for conservation, the environment & helping consumers, and looking ahead to this 'new chapter' of his life & career...
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Senator Bob Wieckowski is leaving the legislature after 12 years in the Assembly & Senate, and he reflects on his early career as a congressional staffer, his policy passion for conservation, the environment & helping consumers, and looking ahead to this 'new chapter' of his life & career...
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Dr. Richard Pan, Sacramento's first Asian -American state senator, is leaving the legislature after serving 12 years. In this reflective and candid conversation, Dr. Pan looks back at his career as a lawmaker, his fight for affordable and equitable medical care, and refusing to let threats & fear prevent his advocacy for children's & community health.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Ben Allen, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality, shares behind-the-scenes details of the effort to enact SB 54, transformative legislation that will drastically reduce plastics pollution in California & the nation.
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Senator Connie M. Leyva is leaving the legislature this fall, after two extraordinary terms in the State Senate. Senator Leyva reflects on her earlier career as a union and statewide labor leader, and details her legislative record that prioritized working Californians, students and schools, and the rights and empowerment of women. She also receives a surprise phone call from some of her favorite people!
Click here to access a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senators Dave Cortese of San Jose & Dave Min of Irvine, discuss the epidemic of gun violence in the US, how CA leads the national conversation preventing gun violence, the impact the federal courts are having on CA gun safety legislation...and how they themselves are affected by gun violence and mass shootings in their own communities.
Click here to access a closed-captioned version of this episode!
In the second of two conversations about the impact of the SCOTUS ruling on Roe v Wade, State Senator Anna Caballero shares her concerns about the ruling and says that California's focus now needs to be on how our state can be a sanctuary for other women coming from other states for reproductive health care, and to make sure they have the resources and can organize together to change laws in other states.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Nancy Skinner, the Vice-Chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus, shares her reaction to the recent SCOTUS decision repealing a woman's constitutional access to abortion, the impact it will have on woman across the country seeking abortion services that are now illegal...and how CA is now prepared to be a safe haven for women from other states seeking safe & legal reproductive health care.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Nancy Skinner, the Vice-Chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus, shares her reaction to the recent SCOTUS decision repealing womens' constitutional access to abortion, the impact it will have on women across the country seeking abortion services that are now illegal...and how CA is ready to be a safe haven for women from other states seeking safe & legal reproductive health care.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
"When the majority of the population is a woman and is not working, it has real economic impacts..." Senator Monique Limon talks about the challenges and opportunities facing women in the workplace, the legislative effort to secure pay equity, and the fight to bring more women - particularly women of color - onto California's corporate boards.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
"When the majority of the population identifies as a woman and is not working, it has real economic impacts..." / Senator Monique Limon talks about the challenges & opportunities facing women in the workplace, the legislative effort to promote pay equity, and the fight to bring more women - particularly women of color - to California's boardrooms.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
Senator Scott Wiener, the former chair of the Legislature's LGBTQ Caucus, talks about the recent, wave of brazen, anti-LGBTQ legislation and executive rulings in the US, their impact on the LGTBQ community - particularly young people - and legislative efforts to make CA a welcoming place for LGBTQ persons from around the country.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
CA State Senator Susan Rubio, a domestic violence survivor, is joined by Ana Estevez, whose 5-year-old son 'Piqui' was murdered by his abusive father - and by Kathleen Russell, Executive Director of the Center for Judicial Excellence - to discuss her legislative efforts to further protect victims of child abuse and domestic violence, in our family courts.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
As advocates across the US react to the leaked SCOTUS decision regarding Roe v. Wade, listen again to this episode from March...as State Senate Leader Toni Atkins reaffirms CA's strength as a stronghold & sanctuary for reproductive rights & freedom. Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Senator Susan Eggman's professional and family experiences dealing with mental health care issues, inform and impact her current legislative efforts to address the public health emergency in our state's mental health care system.
Click here to access a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Central Valley State Senator Melissa Hurtado sits down with Liset Garcia, the owner of 'Sweet Girl Farms' in Reedley, CA, to talk about how drought, climate change and water shortages are continuing to impact valley farmers.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senate President Pro Tem Toni G. Atkins shares how California has long been a reproductive rights leader, and will continue to protect and expand abortion rights, as other states further restrict those rights, and as the US Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator & Latino Legislative Caucus Chair, Maria Elena Durazo shares the story of her personal and professional advocacy on behalf of immigrants & workers, and talks about her new law, SB 62, the Garment Workers Protection Act, and her efforts to secure Medi-Cal coverage for ALL Californians, regardless of immigration status.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
In addition to State Senator Ben Hueso's long-time passion for public policy, there's his lifetime passion & love for music! Senator Hueso plays the piano at Sacramento's Stanford Mansion, and talks about his musical & legislative rhythms.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Senator Steve Glazer, the Chair of the CA. State Senate Elections Committee, talks about legislative efforts, in the wake of 2020's gubernatorial election, to consider proposed reforms & changes to California's recall election process. He also shares reflections about the Jan. 6th riots in nation's capitol last year, and the ongoing threats to voters' rights across the country.
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CA State Senators Monique Limón, Josh Newman and Mike McGuire share candid and personal stories about life as a mom/dad to their young children, and the challenges and joys of balancing legislative priorities, travel schedules and other work obligations...with their priorities of being a 'senator parent!'
The 5-member California State Senate Delegation to the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, joins us to share their experiences on the world stage, representing CA's impressive leadership on climate policy and goals for future climate action.
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Equity Advocate Ifeoma Ozoma & State Senator Connie Leyva are co-sponsors of SB 331, the "Silenced No More" Act, a new law that prohibits non-disclosure acts (NDAs) involving workplace harassment or discrimination.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Senator Steven Bradford, the Chair of the CA Legislative Black Caucus, discusses restorative justice, reparations, 'atonement' for the many injustices still being directed against African-Americans...and the governor's signing of SB 2 & SB 796.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Lena Gonzalez reacts to the recently-enacted, controversial Texas abortion law and its potential to further threaten women's reproductive rights across the country...and highlights her ongoing legislative efforts to ensure California remains a strong, reproductive freedom state.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Izabella Vasquez, a senior at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, recently joined her state senator, Melissa Hurtado, for a day at the Capitol! Izabella talks about her ambitions as a future leader, how young people in the valley are coping with economic, environmental and social challenges, and the work she does to support her peers and their farmworking families.
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Law School Professor-turned-freshman State Senator, Dave Min (D-Irvine), discusses his pre-legislative career & family background, the continued struggle against anti-Asian-American violence and racism...and explains how a collective philosophy of long-term investment in the future can help California and America.
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Central Valley Senator Melissa Hurtado reminds us that hunger knows no border, no race and no nationality, and explains how her 'Comida Para Todos (Food For All) Act' will provide greater food security to low-income immigrant workers in California.
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Kingsburg, CA City Councilmember Jewel Hurtado and State Senator Anna Caballero discuss how a Pride Month resolution and a request by Councilmember Hurtado to fly the rainbow flag in Kingsburg prompted intense and caustic debate within the city, and on-going civic and personal soul-searching - even statewide - about the acceptance of diverse individuals and communities.
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Senator Bob Archuleta, a military veteran and Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, talks about how 4th of July fireworks can trigger anxiety in military veterans, and how those veterans and their families can ease the anticipated tension and still celebrate a holiday that honors their service to our country,
Senator Archuleta is joined in this discussion by two distinguished California military veterans:
- George Dixon, Supervisor, Veterans Services Office, County of Los Angeles
- Larry Vasquez, Director, Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
From growing up in a mixed-race family in Chicago...to becoming the only African-American female lawmaker in the California State Senate, LA Senator Sydney Kamlager talks about life, legislating, fighting for social injustice...and compelling the world to listen to the voices of women of color.
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June is Pride Month…and on this episode, State Senate Leader Toni G. Atkins shares her enthusiasm about Pride 2021, reflects on her memories of past Pride celebrations, and talks about her coming-of-age and ‘coming out’ experiences as a young college student in conservative Virginia in the early 80’s.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
California's Senate Majority Leader Robert Hertzberg uses the movie "The Princess Bride" as a metaphor for explaining how Californians are not always handed the perfect tools for dealing with the state's challenges, including housing, homelessness and drought, but "..we have to use what we got, and figure it out."
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Senator Bob Wieckowski reminds us that CA ranks third to last in bottle recycling redemption rates among bottle deposit states, and he discusses his ongoing effort to transform our state's broken bottle recycling system with SB 38, which would make CA's bottle recycling process more consumer-friendly.
Click here if you would like to access a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Susan Eggman of Stockton has found a heart for the art of baking bread, and loves to share her homemade loaves with legislative colleagues and friends! On this episode, Senator Eggman, a trained hospice social worker, also talks about life, and death, and reminds us that, even as with baking bread...for everything there is a season.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
Freshman State Senator Dave Cortese is following the path of his father, former Assemblyman Dominic Cortese, in becoming a Silicon Valley lawmaker, but he has his own, unique legislative priorities and goals for navigating a 21st century California.
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On our 50TH podcast episode, Santa Barbara State Senator Monique Limon recalls growing up amidst the environmental awareness image of the coastal district she currently represents, and talks about co-authoring SB 467, which would ban hydraulic 'fracking' in CA by the year 2027.
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LA Senator Anthony Portantino talks about the violence, oppression and hate crimes that have impacted the diverse communities in his 25th senate district, how COVID has affected the mental health of students as well as the public at-large...and the societal and environmental issues that we still need to confront, post-pandemic.
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State Senator Bill Dodd, along with two water equity and affordability advocates, discusses his legislation that would protect Californians from 'water debt' - ensuring protections for all ratepayers who are struggling to afford access to safe, reliable drinking water, especially during the COVID pandemic.
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John Laird may be a 'freshman' state senator, but he is NOT a newcomer to the arena of public policy in CA, and has, in fact witnessed the arc of history as one of the first gay elected officials in the US, and a steward of California's environmental legacy.
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Sacramento State Senator, Dr. Richard Pan, talks about the COVID-19 vaccine, the importance of encouraging Californians to trust and commit to the vaccination process...while also pushing back against those who continue to use social media and violence to promote anti-vaxxer deceptions.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
Long Beach State Senator Lena Gonzalez talks about her legislative effort to help further bridge the chronic digital divide affecting California's families, her new, historic appointment as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee...and how she 'waits' for unity to bridge California's other social, racial and economic divides.
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State Senator Connie Leyva, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, & CA Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, discuss the complicated and evolving dynamics surrounding public school closures and online learning during the COVID pandemic, and the efforts being made to help educators, parents and students navigate the educational and logistical challenges.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, the new Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, talks about public policy, health, and social justice priorities for our Latinx communities in 2021.
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As Bay Area State Senator Jerry Hill prepares to leave the legislature because of term limits, he reflects on his extraordinary 30-year career in politics on the state and local level, and how injustice, harm to human beings and corporate malfeasance were the catalyst for his policies of consumer protection and business & government.
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On the 2nd anniversary of the devastating Woolsey Fire in Malibu, in November 2018, State Senator Henry Stern, the Chair of the Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee, candidly reflects on the emotional and psychological impact of evacuating & surviving a wildfire, and explains how the record-breaking wildfires of 2020 remind CA about the work still to be done to confront the economic and environmental consequences of climate change.
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Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson discusses the impact the COVID pandemic and the economic/employment crises are particularly having on working women, working moms, stay-at-home moms...and women of color in all of those categories - as well as the burden it places on relationships and the emotional health of families.
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Senator Scott Wiener, Chair of the CA Legislature's LGBTQ Caucus, explains how, because of COVID, Pride Month observances and celebrations are 'virtual' in 2020, how the pandemic is affecting the LGBTQ community...and he candidly reflects on the lessons learned from the AIDS epidemic 4 decades ago, that are informing and affecting the ways the community is surviving the current global health crisis.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this audio!
In the wake of the death of George Floyd and the uprisings and protests around the world, State Senator Steven Bradford, Vice-Chair of the CA Legislative Black Caucus, reflects on America's problem of systemic racism and violence against communities of color...and how it all MUST be the catalyst for radical changes in public policy, law enforcement tactics and a sharpening of our collective effort to erase bigotry and bias.
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Senator Holly Mitchell, Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, discusses the sobering challenge of keeping our state's fiscal house in order while protecting Californians during the COVID-19 pandemic, about the health disparities currently facing communities of color...and how she hopes the effects of this pandemic will be a wake-up call about having responsible leaders in government.
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State Senator Anna Caballero describes the 'real-time' risks and burdens shared by farmworkers, undocumented immigrants and low-income populations in CA's rural communities, during the COVID-19 pandemic; many are deemed 'essential workers' and have to keep working to survive...but still face health risks in the fields and orchards, with minimal protections and benefits.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
CA State Senator Bill Monning shares how this COVID-19 pandemic experience is impacting the demographically- and economically- diverse communities in his Central CA coastal and inland senate district, how he and his legislative colleagues are conducting state business in a 'quarantined California,'...and what 'returning to normal' could - and should- be like for our impacted state.
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State Senator Bill Dodd and CA Dept. of Health Director (Emeritus), Dr. Karen Smith, MD, discuss the medical, statistical and personal impact of life in California during a pandemic, and how following the advice of health care professionals during this time, can save lives.
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As California and other states begin their roll-out of the 2020 Census, CA State Senator Tom Umberg, Co-Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the 2020 Census - and Senator Jim Beall, the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee - discuss our state's efforts to ensure a successful census process...and make sure ALL Californians are counted.
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CA. State Senator Robert Hertzberg is already a California legend. The Senate Majority Leader, Assembly Speaker-Emeritus and clean energy entrepreneur discusses his 50-year (so far) career in politics and the private sector, his vision of California's history and future, the mosaic of his home communities in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles...and his legislative priorities for 2020.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!
State Senator Ben Allen, in conversation about SB54, his legislation establishing an historic framework for drastically reducing single-use plastic & packaging waste by 2030. SB 54 was approved by the CA State Senate in 2019, and currently awaits a full vote by the State Assembly.
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State Senator Connie Leyva, Chair of the CA State Legislature's Women's Caucus & Jessy Rosales, Campus Coordinator w/The Women's Foundation of California, discuss SB 24, the 'College Student Right to Access Act,'...and Jessy shares her own, impactful abortion story.
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this audio
Central Valley State Senator Melissa Hurtado talks about her bipartisan efforts in 2019 to help secure safe, clean, accessible water in California, especially in her Valley communities.
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State Senator Richard Pan discusses his on-going legislative efforts - in the face of strong rhetoric and personal threats - to tighten California's childhood vaccination laws.
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Governor Newsom has just signed Senator Bob Wieckowski's bill that would jump-start construction for ADUs in California. In this episode from earlier this summer, Senator Wieckowski discusses ADUs as 'informal housing,' with UCLA Professor Vinit Mukhija.
Visit YouTube for a closed-captioned version of this episode!
Tuesday, Oct 8, 2019, is the 2nd anniversary of the North Bay Fires in Northern California. State Senator Bill Dodd & Napa County Fire Chief Geoff Belyea discuss their own memories of the devastating blazes of October, 2017, lessons learned and policies changed in the wake of the fires...and praise for the resilience of community.
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Senator Jim Beall and Anthony Portantino, co-authors of SB 5, discuss plans for renewing a state & local government partnership to fund and build affordable housing in California.
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Senator Durazo and Mr. Coleman discuss the legislative efforts to further expand Medi-Cal coverage for all Californians (regardless of immigration status), including low-income, undocumented seniors.
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One of California's newest state senators, Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), talks about her love of family - and baseball(!), a career in tech...and being 'battle-tested' as a local government leader for her future as a policy advocate in the state legislature.
Please click here for a close-captioned version of this episode!
State Senator Bob Wieckowski discusses Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as 'informal housing' for communities, with UCLA Professor Vinit Mukhija.
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For the first time, CA State Senator Susan Rubio shares personal details about surviving a domestic violence situation, and along with Shay Franco-Clausen, a domestic violence survivor and Chair of the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women, talks about her domestic violence survivor legislation, SB 273, 'The Phoenix Act.'
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If you are a domestic violence victim and need to talk with someone, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 free, confidential support and assistance at 1-800-799-7233.
If you are a teen and experiencing dating violence, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline provides 24/7 free, confidential support and assistance at 1-866-331-9474.
The leader of the CA State Senate, Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), joins State Senator Scott Wiener (D-SF), Chair of the Legislature's LGBTQ Caucus, in a conversation about the history of LGBTQ leadership & advocacy, and a look at the LGBTQ community, past and present.
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Just in time for Father's Day, we 'encore' this podcast conversation with CA Senator Ben Allen, talking about the joys, worries & love of being a Dad to his baby son, Ezra, and the special challenge of balancing legislative priorities and fatherhood.
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California Secretary of State Alex Padilla joins State Senator Tom Umberg, Chair of the Senate Elections Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the 2020 Census, for a conversation about efforts to promote voter turnout and elections security in California, and preparing our state for next year's Census count.
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Mother's Day-2019 is the perfect time to reflect on being a 'Senator Mom,' and CA. State Senators. Connie Leyva & Holly Mitchell share stories of challenge and stories from the heart - about being a lawmaker...and being a mother.
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CA State Senator Ben Allen talks about the joys, worries and love of being a Dad to his baby son, Ezra, and the special challenge of balancing legislative priorities...& fatherhood.
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CA State Senator Bill Monning & Epidemiologist Dr. Flojaune Cofer discuss SB 347, which will require health warning labels be placed on sodas and sugary drinks in California.
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CA State Senator Richard Pan & Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, the first Surgeon General in California...share their passion about medicine and their compassion for recovering from childhood trauma.
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Labor & Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta and California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo are not only long-time allies in the cause for farmworker's rights and equality...they are long-time friends!Listen to their conversation about a lifetime of collaboration, their sacrifices, and how closely the issues they fought for in the past mirror present-day causes.
Here is the closed-captioned version of the podcast audio!
Musician Bret Michaels, EASE T1D co-founders discuss Type 1 diabetes awareness.
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Labor & Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta and CA. State Senator Maria Elena Durazo are not only long-time allies in the cause for farmworkers' rights and equality...they are long-time friends. Listen to their conversation about a lifetime of collaborations, their sacrifices and how closely the issues they fought for in the past mirror present-day causes.
Here is the closed-caption version of the podcast audio.
Senate Legislative Aide Domonique Jones shares an honest & personal conversation with her boss, State Senator Steven Bradford, about the dynamics of Black History Month, 2019.
Here is a closed-captioned version of this podcast.
State Senator Connie Leyva - starting her second term in the CA State Legislature - and Senator Melissa Hurtado (who was sworn into office for the first time, in December) - in conversation about life as a legislator, its impact on families, work-life balance, women serving in public office...
Please click here for a closed-captioned version of this program.
State Senator Jim Beall, Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health, discusses how 2019 could be a pivotal year for mental health funding, treatment and services in California
With:
Zima Creason, CEO, Mental Health America of California
Dr, Steven Adelsheim, M.D., Director, Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing at Stanford University
Here is a closed-captioned version of this episode
State Senator Bob Wieckowski joins Santa Clara County Housing Commissioner Yuki Ikezi in her OWN, new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to talk about legislative efforts to make it easier to build ADU's in CA, in an effort to help ease California's housing crisis. Greg Popovich of Goldstar Builders, the contractor for Commissioner Ikezi's new ADU, joins in the conversation.
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California State Senator Henry Stern shares his very personal reflections on how his Northern LA / Ventura County district is recovering from dual tragedies; a mass shooting...and a devastating fire.
Here is a closed-captioned version of this episode.
California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, discusses new laws in California that strengthen the rights of women in the workplace, as well as their representation numbers in California's boardrooms.
A closed-caption version of this audio can be found here
In her history-making, very short term in the California State Senate, Senator Vanessa Delgado (D-Monterey Park) talks about learning quickly, having a strong voice...making a difference.
For a closed-captioned version of this program: https://youtu.be/hQ0KiXy_uiI
California State Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino) is joined by Alameda County, CA., District Attorney Nancy O'Malley, to talk about legislative proposals requiring California law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories promptly analyze and test all newly collected rape kit evidence, statutes of limitations on sex crimes, and other efforts to ensure justice for survivors of sexual assault.
Here is a closed-captioned version of this podcast episode.
"Then There's California's" inaugural podcast segment features California State Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) in conversation with Dr. Manuel Pastor, a professor of sociology and American studies at the University of Southern California, who is the author of the new book, "State of Resistance: What California's Dizzying Descent and Remarkable Resurgence Mean for America's Future."
Click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast.