SacTown Talks

E352: Navigating Florida's Shifting Political Landscape and National Election Dynamics with Jamie Miller

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E351: End-of-Session Reflections with David Bowman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E350: Empowering the Next Generation: APICA's Mission and Impact with Melissa Sagun & Allie Umemoto

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E349: Former Democrat Assemblymember Supports Former President Trump

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 3 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E348: From Assembly to Academia: Catharine Baker's Journey in Public Service and Policy

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

Episode Title: E347: Navigating Political Law: A Conversation with Lacey Keys

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E346: Inside California Dairy: Sustainability, Regulations, and the Future with Michael Boccadoro

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E345: Navigating California's Commercial Real Estate Landscape: An Interview with Matthew Hargrove

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 5 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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

E344: The California Latino Capitol Assoc. Fndn: Building Community and Fostering Growth

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E343: Inside the California Legislative Black Staff Association with Symphoni Barbee and Kapri Walker

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E342: Chevron's Andy Walz Discusses Why Is Gasoline More Expensive in California Compared to Other States.

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 1 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E341: Insightful Conversation with Assemblymember Marc Berman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 recorded 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

E340: Jennifer Saha on Navigating Government Procurement and Technology

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 recorded 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

E339: Exploring the Rich History and Daily Life at the California State Capitol with David Bowman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 recorded 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

E338:Resilience and Policy: The Journey of Assembly Member Isaac Bryan

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 3 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 recorded 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

E337: Navigating the Future of Energy with Chevron's Andy Walz

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 27 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett hosts Andy Walz, 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 recorded 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

E336: California Politics and Legislative Insights with Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 20 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 recorded 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

E335: A Comprehensive Insight into Senator Bill Dodd's Legislative Journey

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 13 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 recorded 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

E334: Innovating Policy Analysis with AI: The Plural Story

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 6 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 recorded 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

E333: Exploring the Challenges of California's Safety Net Hospitals with Anne McLeod

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

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

E332: Legal Recourse and Court Deference in Government with Chris Micheli

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

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

E331: Election Insights and Voter Disconnect in California - A Deep Dive with Adam Probolsky

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

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

E330: Beyond the Wheel - Navigating Autonomous Vehicles with Adam Kovacevich

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 8 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E329: Building High-Performance Leaders with Nick Warner

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 1 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E328: From Housing to Human Rights - Assemblymember Chris Ward on Shaping the Future

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E327: A New Era of Politics - Assemblymember Alex Lee on Change, Challenges, and Progress

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E326: Exploring the Legislative Process - A Chief of Staff Perspective

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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

E325: Housing, Infrastructure, and the Work Ahead with Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 4 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

E324: Journey to the State Senate - The Christopher Cabaldon Story

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

E323: One Year in The Capitol with Andrew Nickens

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

E322: Future of Sacramento - A Dialogue with Kevin McCarty

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

E321: Addressing Societal Issues through the 1964 Plan - An Interview with Herby Kay

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 5 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

E320: Revitalizing San Francisco's Downtown - A Conversation with Assemblymember Matt Haney

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

E319: Manufacturing Matters - An Interview with Lance Hastings

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Kristina Bas Hamilton #2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

Flashback: Interview with Marie Alvarado-Gil

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 8 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Quentin Foster

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 1 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Mike Gipson #2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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

Flashback: Interview with Robert Rivas

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Chris Lane

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Roger Salazar

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 4 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Devon Mathis

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Loretta Lynch

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with David Bowman #2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Russell Lowery #2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 6 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Alexandra Biering #3

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Dave Min

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Steve Cruz

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Pilar Schiavo

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 9 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Mike Gipson

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 2 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Chris Micheli #2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Lara Korte

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Phil Ting

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Rick Chavez Zbur

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 4 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(01:35) Zbur’s path from law to politics

(09:47) Being gay before strides in the LGBTQ movement

(17:07) Talking environmental law

(23:51) Zbur’s motivation for running for Assembly

(28:26) LGBTQ rights and states with anti-LGBTQ views

(37:41) AD51 priorities

Interview with Tom Campbell

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Jeff Farrah

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Chris Mackenzie #2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Gail Pellerin

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 7 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(06:04) Pellerin’s work with historical members and transitioning to Santa Cruz

(10:15) Voting technology and the future of voting

(15:13) Marrying couples as County Clerk during COVID

(20:49) ACA5 and the right to marry

(23:04) Talking mental health care and addressing homelessness

(28:06) Pellerin’s bill package

Interview with Esmeralda Soria

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(05:26) Talking Bay Area Caucus, speaker change, and leadership

(10:14) Hospitals and healthcare in the Central Valley

(18:05) Water quality issues in the Central Valley

(21:00) Budget goals and accomplishments

(27:51) Talking fentanyl and related bills

Interview with Jennifer Capitolo

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(06:33) The current state of water in CA and affordability

(14:12) Is California tap water safe to drink?

(21:15) Water conservation and environmental regulations

(29:33) Wasting money on vended and bottled water

(38:18) Talking water storage

Interview with Chris MacKenzie

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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 Preservation Act and more.

This episode was recorded on 06/23/2023

(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

Interview with Monica Miller

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(02:29) Miller’s nonprofit work

(06:17) Utilizing the budget

(08:48) Miller’s journey from foster youth to government

(17:32) Improving foster care and preventing homelessness

(25:23) Successful lobbying without resources

Interview with Gregg Hart

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 3 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Bill Essayli

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(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

Interview with Lola Smallwood-Cuevas

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(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

Interview with Ryan McCoy

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(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

Interview with Bill Wong

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 5 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

(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

Interview with Nanette Farag

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 29 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(04:20) Farag’s path to Randle, working as a young staffer with Alex Biering

(09:00) Talking campaigns and escorting Danny Devito and Rob Lowe to the inauguration

(16:38) How technology has changed the game

(26:04) Geofencing and advertising

(31:11) Farag’s work for internet safety for children

(40:03) Talking experience as Chief of Staff

(43:54) Looking ahead to upcoming political campaigns

Interview with Angelique Ashby

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 22 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

(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

Interview with Diane Dixon

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Marie Alvarado-Gil

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 8 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(04:19) Experience as a first generation Mexican-American

(09:01) From working with animals, to working with children in need

(14:41) Inspiration running for Senate and the election experience

(22:34) Alvarado-Gil’s rape bill and silent reactions

(27:54) Alvarado-Gil’s fentanyl bill and gun rights

(30:35) Talking broadband and fire protection

Interview with Stephanie Nguyen

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 1 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(02:26) Talking the election and Nguyen’s background

(09:24) Nguyen’s upbringing in Sacramento

(15:25) Cost of living and homelessness

(23:28) Rising crime rates and working with law enforcement

(26:39) Looking to improve the education system

Interview with Carlos Villapudua

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua to the program. Villapudua represents Assembly District 13. We discuss vocational training, rehabilitation, the water bond, and more

(04:59) Talking Villapudua’s water bond

(11:02) Budget and Problem Solver Caucus goals

(15:41) Vocational training and rehabilitation for the incarcerated

(23:33) Agriculture, manufacturing, and creating jobs

(29:38) From Sacramento State to the Capitol

Interview with Nicholas Sanders

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Josh Becker

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Senator Josh Becker. Becker represents Senate District 13. We discuss public safety, environmental protection, social justice and more.

(01:22) Becker’s journey to politics

(06:56) Revisiting Becker’s time in Guatemala

(09:49) Clean tech, green energy, and reducing emissions

(15:07) Budget goals, wildfires, and affordable housing

(19:47) The Half Moon Bay shooting, gun laws, and criminal justice

(27:08) Bringing ideas from Full Circle to California

Interview with Don Howard

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 3 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(01:06) Don’s journey to the Irvine Foundation

(06:48) Investing in climate resilience and getting through the pandemic

(12:25) Working together with the state of California

(14:49) Promoting greater equity and access to opportunity

(19:36) Working together and the role of philanthropy

(23:44) Advice to those thinking of getting involved in philanthropy

Interview with Joe White

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(01:08) Joe White’s journey to Consul General in CA

(07:21) Tech policy and regulating artificial intelligence

(14:11) Agriculture and trade relations

(20:12) Talking national security technology

(24:16) Looking forward to the future of technology

Interview with Anna Caballero

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Senator Anna Caballero. Caballero represents Senate District 14. We discuss the high speed rail, housing, public protection and more.

(05:21) Redistricting and the election

(13:15) Discussing the high speed rail

(28:45) Talking SB6 and property tax

(35:28) Caballero’s legislative package and goals

(41:06) Water conservation and CA energy sources

Interview with Blanca Pacheco

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(04:36) Pacheco’s journey to politics

(13:53) Improving the workforce and creating jobs

(17:00) Addressing homelessness

(19:28) Housing in Downey

(24:18) Protecting CA immigrants

Interview with Lena Gonzalez

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 6 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(05:38) Modern transportation issues

(10:38) Transitioning to clean fuel and incentives

(13:35) Discussing the high speed rail

(17:22) Climate change and environmental protection goals

(26:12) Windfall gas profits and hydrogen fuel

(31:32) Talking state parks and protection

Interview with Corey Jackson

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(02:08) Dr. Jackson’s journey to where he is now

(08:03) Youth development and preventing homelessness

(12:57) Being Head of Human Services and budget goals

(19:22) Talking Jackson’s bills and focuses

(24:37) Affordable housing and AB 11

Interview with Travis Kiyota

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(01:19) Kiyota’s start in politics and government relations

(06:02) Global dynamics and Kiyota’s focus with East West Bank

(11:35) Dual roles with East West Bank

(13:23) Addressing API hate

(17:32) Expert networking and hiring staff

Interview with Alexandra Biering

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(03:41) Are we still in a drought?

(12:25) Dams, snow pack, and managing groundwater storage

(22:17) Who owns our water?

(29:05) Losing water during wet years and flood management

(35:43) Recharging groundwater. How does that work?

(43:07) Comparing California’s water systems with other countries, ways to improve

(50:06) Talking water bonds and the politics behind it

Interview with Jacqui Irwin

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 6 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(02:02) Front of mind issues in District 42

(12:53) Education and community college improvements

(18:17) Housing issues in Ventura County

(20:47) Talking digital upskilling

(26:27) Tech issues and training software engineers

(32:17) Keeping the public safe in Thousand Oaks

Interview with Luz Rivas

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(03:23) 2023 budget priorities

(08:15) Being chair of natural resources

(12:10) Talking energy and competing agendas

(16:55) Prioritizing climate change and how we should invest

(24:20) Computer science and climate change education

Interview with Damon Connolly

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(02:39) Talking AD12 and housing in Marin County

(07:16) Connolly’s journey into politics

(14:02) Climate change policy and clean energy

(21:26) Wildfire prevention and preparation

Interview with Sharon Quirk-Silva

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Joe Patterson

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 9 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(09:16) California quality of life and affordability

(13:28) Patterson’s origin story

(21:54) District priorities by county

(28:20) Oil and the transition to clean energy

(31:15) Patterson’s fentanyl bills

(41:15) Patterson’s budget priorities

Interview with Beau Kilmer

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 2 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(01:09) What is RAND?

(07:04) Research on supervised consumption sites

(16:58) The fentanyl crisis

(25:51) Finding solutions, what can be done?

(32:34) Alcohol and losing your license to drink

(40:01) Reducing drunk driving, and other consumption

(50:09) What policies actually work?

Interview with Brian Ebbert

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(11:43) What’s changed in Ebberts time on the floor?

(15:38) Becoming a registered Parliamentarian

(25:04) Comparing Ebbert’s roles and responsibilities

(35:02) Most memorable floor moments

(43:29) Delivering bills and bill processes

Interview with Melissa Hurtado

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(03:22) What’s top of mind in SD16?

(08:04) New technology to help water shortage

(12:28) Bringing agriculture to the forefront of CA issues

(17:50) Fixing infrastructure and canals to save water

Interview with Mike Gatto

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 5 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome former Assemblymember Mike Gatto, representing Los Angeles. We discuss affordable housing, development, leadership battles, and more.

(02:36) State of housing in LA since Newsom took over

(09:05) What is in our control and what can be done?

(19:10) Addressing homelessness

(25:39) Leadership battles and incoming class

(43:43) Housing prices and what the future holds

Interview with Josh Newman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Senator Josh Newman. Newman represents Senate District 29. We discuss environmental protection, alternative fuel, elections, the democratic process, and more.

(01:07) Newman’s path to becoming Senator

(08:41) The bear suit story and effective political advertising

(19:34) The Problem Solvers Caucus

(23:50) Alternative fuel vehicles

(30:28) Climate change and California’s impact

(41:26) Fundamental democratic process and elections

Interview with Chris Holden

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Assemblymember Chris Holden. Holden represents Assembly District 41. We discuss civil rights, solitary confinement, the environment, our carbon footprint, and 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

Interview with Kevin McCarty

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Heath Flora

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 7 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Assemblymember Heath Flora. Flora represents Assembly District 12. We discuss rising gas prices, combating wildfires, the problem solvers, elections and 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

Interview with Scott Wiener

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Senator Scott Wiener. Wiener represents Senate District 11. We discuss affordable housing, public safety, transportation, legalizing psychedelics and more.

(01:15) Strong year for housing

(07:01) San Francisco COVID rebound

(14:02) Transportation improvements

(22:32) The importance of legalizing psychedelics

Interview with David Bowman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Arnulfo De La Cruz

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Lance Hastings

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss energy, legislative impact, solutions in manufacturing, and 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

Interview with Kristina Bas Hamilton

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 3 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(12:30) Lobbying for the budget

(26:56) Staff unionization issues

(34:55) Building relationships without campaign funds

(39:43) Organizing and when to start

(46:18) How podcasting helps business

Interview with Lance Christensen

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Lance Christensen, candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. We discuss Christensen's candidacy, school choice, issues in education, and 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

Interview with Ken Cooley

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Adam Probolsky

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

(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

Interview with Nancy Skinner

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 5 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Patrick Utz and Chris Micheli

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Russell Lowery

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Today we welcome Russell Lowery, Managing Partner with High View Strategies. Lowery 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!

Interview with Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Alexandra Biering

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 8 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with California Legislative Black Staff Association

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 1 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Melodie Chrislock

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Andrew Nickens

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Tim Cromartie

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Laurie Davies

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 4 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Jim Cooper

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Robert Rivas

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Nicole Rice

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Tom Umberg

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 6 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Cristina Garcia

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 30 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Nicole Parra

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 23 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Dr Eugene Allen

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 16 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Chris Micheli

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 13 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm Tom Lackey

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Tim Sparapani

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Rick Goddard

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Chris Ward

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 4 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Paul MItchell Pt 2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Paul Mitchell pt. 1

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Interview with Senator Melissa Hurtado

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Asm. Akilah Weber

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 7 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Asm. Mia Bonta

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Sydney Kamlager

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Matt Haney

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Bill Dodd

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 8 Feb 2022 01:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with James Coleman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:02:08 +0000

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.

Interview with CA Senator Nancy Skinner

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Dr. Marty Ralph

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:20:49 +0000

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.

Holiday Clip Show 2021 Part 2

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 3 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

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!

Holiday Clip Show 2021

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Interview with Senator Maria Elena Durazo

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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!

Aaron Silverstein for the Cannabis Beverage Association

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Interview with Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 6 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Mike Gipson

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 15:00:18 +0000

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.

Interview with Roxana Janka of the Good4U Campaign

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Heidi Harmon From the Romero Institute

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:55:02 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Anna Caballero

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 8 Nov 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Rebecca Bauer - Kahan

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 1 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Melissa Hurtado

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Blanca Rubio

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Sharon Quirk - Silva

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Remembering Scott Lay

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 1 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Kristina Bas Hamilton

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Jaime Zepeda

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Joshua Spivak

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 17:36:21 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Scott Wiener

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 3 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Joe Patterson

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Mike Gatto on the End of Session Hijinks

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 23:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Darrell Revier

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Kipp Mueller

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 6 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Rodney Wilson

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:19:54 +0000

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.

Labor Law Regulation Panel Tom Sheehy, Ashley Hoffman, & John Kabateck

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Carlos Villapudua

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 18:06:29 +0000

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!

Interview with Asm. Luz Rivas

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 9 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Stacey Gordon

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 2 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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

Interview with Senator David Min

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Anne Marie Schubert

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Matthew Silver & Jamie Zeller

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Susan Eggman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 4 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with Senator Patricia Bates

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 28 May 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Bill Wong

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 21 May 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Miguel Santiago

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 14 May 2021 15:12:14 +0000

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.

Interview with Former Assemblyman Mike Gatto

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 7 May 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Mike Gipson

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Shawnda Westly

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Monica Davalos and Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Former Assemblyman Mike Gatto

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 9 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Dr. Micah Weinberg

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 2 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Bob Wieckowski

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Steven Bradford

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 13:00:00 +0000

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!

Interview with James Ramos

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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,

Interview with Julie Baker

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 5 Mar 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Nicole Parra

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Bill Dodd

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Chris Holden

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 5 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Ryan Hammonds

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Catherine Reheis-Boyd

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Sharon Quirk - Silva

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Laura Friedman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 8 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Special Holiday Edition - Internet for All

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Cristina Garcia

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Susan Rubio

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Alex Vassar

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 4 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Bob Archuleta

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview With Jim Wunderman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Asm. Joaquin Arambula

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Carmela Coyle

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 6 Nov 2020 14:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Lance Hastings

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Senator Tom Umberg

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with April Verrett

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 23:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Mary Creasman

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 23:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Dan Dunmoyer

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 23:00:00 +0000

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.

Interview with Lisa Calderon

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 23:00:00 +0000

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.

STT#147 - Tom Sheehy

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 9 Oct 2020 23:00:00 +0000

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.

STT#146 - Assemblymember Ash Kalra

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 2 Oct 2020 23:00:00 +0000

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.

STT#145 Scott Graves

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 23:00:03 +0000

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.

STT#144 - Senator Lena Gonzalez

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 23:00:12 +0000

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.

STT#143 - Assemblymember Kevin McCarty

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 23:00:23 +0000

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.

STT#142 - Assemblymember Kevin Mullen

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 23:00:25 +0000

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.

STT#141 - Assemblymember Shirley Weber

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 23:00:32 +0000

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.

STT#140 - Ann Ravel

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 7 Aug 2020 23:00:30 +0000

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.

STT#139 - Asm. Jose Medina

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 4 Aug 2020 22:56:11 +0000

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

STT#138 - Senator Bob Archuleta

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 23:00:01 +0000

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.

STT#137 - Senator Lena Gonzalez

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 23:00:21 +0000

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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STT#136 - Mark Guillen

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 23:15:04 +0000

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.

STT#135 - Asm. Al Muratsuchi

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:06:46 +0000

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.

STT#134 - Kate Whelan

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 01:49:25 +0000

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Twitter: http://twitter.com/caeventscoal

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STT#133 - Senator Steve Glazer

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 23:00:24 +0000

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.

STT#132 - David Quintana

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Sat, 4 Jul 2020 00:00:19 +0000

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.

STT#131 - Assemblymembers Todd Gloria & Jacqui Irwin

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:00:07 +0000

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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STT#130 - Assemblymembers Jim Cooper and Heath Flora

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 01:11:18 +0000

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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STT#129 - Dr. Colin Mangham

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:28:04 +0000

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.

STT#128 - Senator Holly Mitchell & Assemblymember Robert Rivas

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 00:20:58 +0000

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.

STT#127 - Vincent Oliver

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 05:26:40 +0000

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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STT#126 - Fred Topel

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 19:01:43 +0000

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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STT#125 - Daniel Wallach

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 23:54:51 +0000

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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STT#124 - Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:09:13 +0000

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.

STT#123 - Senator Bill Dodd

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Mon, 8 Jun 2020 20:30:48 +0000

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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STT#122 - Senator Andreas Borgeas & Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 5 Jun 2020 07:00:33 +0000

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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STT#121 - Senator Scott Wiener & Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 29 May 2020 22:46:34 +0000

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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STT#120 - Assemblymember Jay Obernolte

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 22 May 2020 20:22:48 +0000

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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STT#119 - Jim Wyatt

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 15 May 2020 07:00:30 +0000

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.

#118 - Nick Sanders

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Wed, 13 May 2020 23:22:38 +0000

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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#117 - Scott Ostlund

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Fri, 1 May 2020 19:24:28 +0000

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.

#116 Tasha Certa

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:04:06 +0000

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.

#115 - Sid Lakireddy

russell@YourCEA.com (Russell Lowery) — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 22:55:17 +0000

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.