Podcasts about capitol weekly

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference The Resistance: California vs. Donald Trump, which was held in Sacramento on Wednesday, February 26, 2025This is PANEL 2 – CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENTPanelists: Kip Lipper, Chief Policy Advisor on Energy and Environment to the Senate pro Tem; Catherine Reheis-Boyd, Western States Petroleum Association; Victoria Rome, Natural Resources Defense CouncilModerated by Rich Ehisen, Capitol WeeklyThanks to our California Conferences sponsors:THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Capitol Weekly presented an online conference, The Resistance: California vs. Donald Trump.This is PANEL 3 – IMMIGRATIONPanelists:  Senator María Elena Durazo; Luis Alvarado, Luis Alvarado Public Affairs; Kevin R. Johnson, UC Davis School of Law; David Trujillo, ACLU California ActionModerated by Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles TimesThanks to our California Conferences sponsors:THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Capitol Weekly presented an online conference, The Resistance: California vs. Donald Trump.This is PANEL 1 – HEALTH CAREPanelists: Beth Malinowksi, SEIU California; Devon Mathis, California Assembly (Ret.); Amanda McAllister-Wallner, Health Access California; Dr. Richard Pan, California Senate (Ret.);Moderated by Samantha Young, KFF Health NewsPlease note: During this discussion, a speaker questions whether there may be a connection between Autism Spectrum Disorder and vaccines. Numerous studies over the past two decades have debunked a connection between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.Thanks to our California Conferences sponsors:THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Capitol Weekly presented an online conference, The Resistance: California vs. Donald Trump.President Donald J. Trump launched his second term with a flurry of executive orders on immigration, energy and climate, health care, civil rights and more. California led the resistance to administration policies during the first Trump Administration, suing the federal government over 100 times; Now the state's Democratic leadership is gearing up for Round 2.In this episode we present The Keynote, by one of the officials in the forefront of that battle, California Attorney General Rob Bonta. He is introduced by Capitol Weekly editor Rich Ehisen.Thanks to our California Conferences sponsors:THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS 

Brian Joseph has worked as a newspaper reporter and investigative journalist for two decades, writing for Capitol Weekly, the Orange County Register, the Sacramento Bee and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, among other publications. He recently released his first book: Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop and Corruption in America. Using public and private records as well as exclusive, first-person accounts from primary sources, the book shows how prostitutes and pimps ply their trade, how law enforcement agencies trip up and their investigations become compromised, and how self-interest corrupts news organizations and the corridors of power.  He spoke with us about what drive him to write the book, the connection to Hip Hop and corruption, and what news organizations have gotten wrong in coverage of the issue.  Plus: Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics?1:50 The California connection3:36 Shannon Grove4:14 How did the book come about?6:31 The victims8:06 How prevalent is sex trafficking in the US?9:47 The effect of the internet12:04 The connection to Hip Hop and corruption15:10 How have the profiled subjects reacted?16:45 Repeat victimization18:34 How have news organizations made it worse20:32 Intense book tour moments23:26 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/ Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io 

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference HEALTH CARE IN CALIFORNIA, which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, October 3, 2024This is PANEL 3 – IMPACT OF BUDGET CUTSPanelists: Jess Bartholow, SEIU California; Michelle Cabrera, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California; Beth Capell, Health Access California; Scott Graves, California Budget and Policy CenterModerated by Kristen Hwang, CalmattersThanks to the sponsors of the event:CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERSWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/ Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang 

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Capitol Weekly and the UC Student and Policy Center presented A Post-Mortem of the 2024 Election.We gathered a score of experts for a timely and informative review of the November 5 election, providing analysis, opinions and insight. What happened inside the campaigns? Why? What happens next? Nearly two dozen California insiders will discuss the results of the election and provide a look-ahead at what it means for 2025.In this episode we present The Keynote: THE NATIONAL PICTUREThe National Picture was recorded live at the UC Student and Policy Center, and featured a panel of expert voices from both sides of the aisle. The discussion shared insights into how the 2024 election will influence California's policy and politics in 2025 and beyond.Panelists: Mark Baldassare, Public Policy Institute of California; Marva Diaz, Marva Diaz Strategies; Thad Kousser, UC San Diego; Paul Mitchell, Political Data Intelligence; and Kristin Olsen-Cate, California Strategies.Moderated by Laurel Rosenhall of the Los Angeles Times

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Capitol Weekly and the UC Student and Policy Center presented A Post-Mortem of the 2024 Election.We gathered a score of experts for a timely and informative review of the November 5 election, providing analysis, opinions and insight. What happened inside the campaigns? Why? What happens next? Nearly two dozen California insiders will discuss the results of the election and provide a look-ahead at what it means for 2025.In this episode we present Panel 1: FACE OF THE ELECTORATEPresident Trump improved his numbers with independents, men, Muslims and Latinos; Will Republicans in tight House races see similar results? Also – a rundown on key California races – the battles for Congress and the Legislature. Who were the voters in 2024?Panelists: Mike Madrid, author, The Latino Century; Courtni Pugh, Hilltop Public Solutions; Tim Rosales, The Rosales Agency; Michael Wagaman, Wagaman Strategies; Bill Wong, The Ronin Project.Moderated by Christopher Cadelago of POLITICO

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Capitol Weekly and the UC Student and Policy Center presented A Post-Mortem of the 2024 Election.We gathered a score of experts for a timely and informative review of the November 5 election, providing analysis, opinions and insight. What happened inside the campaigns? Why? What happens next? Nearly two dozen California insiders will discuss the results of the election and provide a look-ahead at what it means for 2025.In this episode we present Panel 2: THE BALLOT INITIATIVESCalifornia voters confronted a wide variety of themes on this year's ballot - how did they vote on these important issues, and why?Panelists: Brandon Castillo, Bicker, Castillo, Fairbanks & Spitz Public Affairs; Jeff Gozzo, Gozzo Strategy & Campaigns;  Susie Shannon, AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Becky Warren, Elevate Public AffairsModerated by Robin Epley of the Sacramento Bee

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Capitol Weekly and the UC Student and Policy Center presented A Post-Mortem of the 2024 Election.We gathered a score of experts for a timely and informative review of the November 5 election, providing analysis, opinions and insight. What happened inside the campaigns? Why? What happens next? Nearly two dozen California insiders will discuss the results of the election and provide a look-ahead at what it means for 2025.In this episode we present Panel 3: A LOOK AHEADWhat happens now? A Red Wave election threatened Dem super majorities in Sacramento and soundly rejected progressive crime policies across the state. And, the results of the presidential contest are more consequential than ever: President Trump will head back to the White House in January 2025 with promises to deport millions and punish his political enemies. Given this titanic political shift, what will be the big issues under Sacramento's capitol dome next year? And, what does it mean for the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026?Panelists: Susannah Delano, Close the Gap California; Jon Fleischman, Fleischman Consulting Group; Jodi Hicks, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California; Evan McLaughlin, California Professional Firefighters; Roger Salazar, ALZA StrategiesModerated by Rich Ehisen of Capitol Weekly

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference HEALTH CARE IN CALIFORNIA, which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, October 3, 2024This is the KEYNOTE – Asm. Jim Wood in conversation with Rich Ehisen of Capitol WeeklyThanks to our sponsors:CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference HEALTH CARE IN CALIFORNIA, which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, October 3, 2024This is PANEL 2 – OFFICE OF HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY: TARGETSPanelists: Ben Johnson, California Hospital Association; Lynne Kinst, Hemophilia Council of California; Elizabeth Mitchell, Purchaser Business Group on Health; Dr. Richard Pan, California Health Care Affordability BoardModerated by Sigrid Bathen, Capitol WeeklyThanks to our sponsors:CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

Capitol Weekly presented HEALTH CARE IN CALIFORNIA in Sacramento on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Over a dozen experts and elected officials joined us for our annual look at Health Care in the Golden State. Today we present Panel 1: AI in Health Care.Artificial intelligence (AI) has huge potential to innovate and reshape health care. AI has the potential to benefit both providers and patients, with improved diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, robot-enhanced precision medicine and much more. Proponents of AI believe it will significantly improve the quality of care for patients – but how can we use these new tools responsibly?Panelists: Kara Carter, California Health Care Foundation; Sam Chung, California Life Sciences; Matthew D. Solomon, MD, Kaiser Permanente; Chris Waugh, Sutter Health. Moderated by Samantha Young, KFF Health NewsThanks to our sponsors:CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

Political data expert and regular Capitol Weekly contributor Paul Mitchell joins us for a look at the most competitive congressional districts in California. The race for control of Congress is tight, and these districts could decide which party holds the House in 2025.  And he tells us which polls to watch (and which to ignore) and makes his prediction in the Kamala Harris- Donald Trump race.  Plus - Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics4:00 CA 22 - Salas v. Valadao11:47 CA 3 - Kiley v. Morse14:44 Brutal abortion ad17:46 CA 27 - Whiteside v. Garcia21:44 CA 47 - Min v. Baugh26:59 CA 41 - Calvert v. Rollins29:07 CA 9 - Gray v. Duarte33:49 What are good polls to follow?35:38 The prediction markets38:29 Polls to avoid41:31 Could hurricanes affect the presidential race?42:50 On the spot: Presidential prediction45:18 First gubernatorial debate of the 2026 campaign50:01 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/ Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Capitol Weekly hosted the California Ballot Forum: 2024 Election Preview. Through spirited discussion and reasoned debate, proponents for each side explored the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals in a conversation moderated by a journalist. Today's episode presents: Proposition 36 ALLOWS FELONY CHARGES AND INCREASES SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN DRUG AND THEFT CRIMES. INITIATIVE STATUTE. If passed, would allow felony charges for possessing certain drugs and for thefts under $950, if defendant has two prior drug or theft convictions. Fiscal Impact: State criminal justice costs likely ranging from several tens of millions of dollars to the low hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Local criminal justice costs likely in the tens of millions of dollars annually. The "Yes" side was presented by Tino Rossi Tino Rossi is the vice president at Swing Strategies, where he has helped Fortune 100 companies, trade associations, and statewide ballot measure campaigns craft diverse coalitions and effective messages that move voters and impact public opinion on the state's most complex issues. He has been an integral part of multiple successful statewide ballot measure fights, historic legislative negotiations, and prominent regional and statewide public affairs campaigns. Preceding his role at Swing Strategies, Tino mastered building diverse statewide coalitions, generating earned media, and executing effective grassroots campaigns at Meridian Pacific, Inc. The "No" side was presented by Cristine DeBerry Cristine Soto DeBerry is an attorney with twenty-five years of experience generating and implementing criminal justice policy. Drawing on her life experience as an immigrant, a crime survivor, a social justice advocate, and her work as both a public defender and a prosecutor, Cristine led the San Francisco District Attorney's Office for a decade as Chief of Staff to DAs George Gascón and Chesa Boudin. As Chief of Staff, DeBerry spearheaded numerous large-scale policy reforms include developing the nation's first automatic clearance of marijuana convictions, creating the nation's first “race blind charging” tool, and implemented a fully restorative justice program for juveniles. After a decade in the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, Cristine launched the Prosecutors Alliance. The Alliance is the nation's first reform focused law enforcement association dedicated to activating prosecutors to transform their state prosecutorial systems. The moderator was Lindsey Holden of POLITICO Lindsey Holden is a politics reporter based in Sacramento. She helms California Playbook PM, POLITICO's must-read briefing on politics and government in the Golden State. Lindsey previously reported for the Sacramento Bee, where she spent two-plus years covering the state Legislature. At the Bee, Lindsey and a coworker won two 2024 Sacramento Press Club awards for “Stuck in Migration,” a series on California migrant farmworker housing. Before the Bee, Lindsey was a staff writer at the San Luis Obispo Tribune reporting on local politics, housing and the Covid-19 pandemic. A Southern California native raised in the Midwest, Lindsey attended DePaul University where she was a track and field student-athlete before pursuing a journalism master's degree at Medill. Capitol Weekly is a 501c3 nonprofit created to inform, enlighten and educate Californians about public policy and state governance, and to provide a nonpartisan platform for engagement with public officials, advocates and political interests. Thanks to our underwriters for this event: BICKER, CASTILLO, FAIRBANKS & SPITZ PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, THE NO ON 33 CAMPAIGN, and THE YES ON 34 CAMPAIGN

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Capitol Weekly hosted the California Ballot Forum: 2024 Election Preview. Through spirited discussion and reasoned debate, proponents for each side explored the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals in a conversation moderated by a journalist. Today's episode features a discussion of Propositions 33 and 34. In a state known for confusing, contentious ballot-box battles, Props 33 and 34 may be some of the most confounding ever, especially for the average California voter, who isn't likely to be familiar with the background that plays a central role in both Propositions 33 and 34 but isn't actually mentioned in the text of either. AIDS Healthcare Foundation buys prescription drugs for HIV and AIDS patients at a federally endorsed discount. The foundation then turns around and bills insurers for the full price of those drugs, generating millions of dollars for the foundation. AHF president Michael Weinstein has used that windfall to fund ballot measures on housing development, drug prices, requiring the use of condoms in porn and, most notably, rent control, twice: in 2018 and 2021. Both times, Weinstein failed to persuade Californians to pass measures promoting affordable housing, which he calls “a human right, a social justice issue.” The California Apartment Association opposes Prop. 33, and also are behind Proposition 34, which seeks to blow up Weinstein's business model for funding ballot measures. On paper, Prop. 34 would require that healthcare providers who spent more than $100 million on anything other than direct patient care over a decade and operated housing with more than 500 high-severity health and safety violations spend at least 98 percent of their revenue from the federal discount prescription program on patients. Those parameters actually could apply to more than one organization but make no mistake: the measure is squarely aimed at hindering Weinstein's serial funding of ballot measures. Because these measures are inextricably intertwined, we have chosen to present them together. Proposition 33 EXPANDS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS' AUTHORITY TO ENACT RENT CONTROL ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Proposition 34 RESTRICTS SPENDING OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG REVENUES BY CERTAIN HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. INITIATIVE STATUTE. The "Yes on 33/No on 34" side was presented by Susie Shannon Susie Shannon is the Policy Director for Housing Is A Human Right. Susie has worked with unhoused and low-income communities since 2005. Having previously been unhoused herself, she advocates for unhoused and low-income communities through rent control policy, preserving public housing, fighting for new housing to be prioritized for the unhoused, and promoting adaptive reuse and prefabricated modular buildings for the unhoused. The "No on 33/Yes on 34" side was presented by Nathan Click Nathan Click is a national public affairs and communications expert. His California based firm, Click Strategies, builds communications and public affairs campaigns for civic leaders, non-profit organizations and private sector clients. Click Strategies serves as a political advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and led all communications efforts in the Governor's campaign to Stop the Republican Recall, with Click serving as a senior advisor. Click Strategies serves as a political advisor to Attorney General Rob Bonta and a number of political and civic leaders across the nation. Click recently served on U.S. Senator Alex Padilla's transition team, a role he reprised from his tenure working for then U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. The moderator was Rich Ehisen of Capitol Weekly Rich Ehisen has been a reporter and editor for almost 30 years and is currently the editor in chief at Capitol Weekly, which covers the California State Capitol in Sacramento. For two decades previous he was the managing editor of the State Net Capitol Journal, a LexisNexis publication that covers state public policy issues and trends nationwide. In that role he was also the producer and host of the SNCJ Deep Dive podcast and the SNCJ Hot Issues webinar series. He is also the producer and moderator of The Open Mic: Writers in Their Own Words, a podcast and YouTube show that features his discussions on writing with authors, reporters and writers from across the artistic spectrum. Capitol Weekly is a 501c3 nonprofit created to inform, enlighten and educate Californians about public policy and state governance, and to provide a nonpartisan platform for engagement with public officials, advocates and political interests. Thanks to our underwriters for this event: BICKER, CASTILLO, FAIRBANKS & SPITZ PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, THE NO ON 33 CAMPAIGN, and THE YES ON 34 CAMPAIGN

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Capitol Weekly hosted the California Ballot Forum: 2024 Election Preview. Today's episode presents The Keynote for this event: A look at California's congressional and legislative races, with California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks and Assemblymember James Gallagher, moderated by Rich Ehisen of Capitol Weekly. James Gallagher James Gallagher has represented California's Third Assembly District since 2014. Before joining the Assembly, he served on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors for six years. James earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at UC Berkeley before completing an Assembly Fellowship in Sacramento and a law degree at UC Davis, where he graduated at the top of his class. He advocates for small businesses and farmers in his law practice and is a partner in his family's farming operation. Gallagher is married to his high school sweetheart, Janna; the two live in Sutter County where they are raising their five young children. Rusty Hicks In 2019 Rusty Hicks was elected as Chair of the California Democratic Party – the nation's largest state party comprised of more than 10 million California Democrats. Prior to his election as Chair, Hicks served as both President and Political Director of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor - representing 300 local unions and 800,000 hardworking women and men. Hicks has played a leading role in a number of important political and policy efforts: in 2008, he served as the California Political Director for Obama for America. Hicks is a Veteran of the United States Navy and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012-2013. He lives on California's North Coast with his wife, Sandra Sanchez, and their constant sidekick, a chocolate lab, Charlie. The moderator was Rich Ehisen of Capitol Weekly Rich Ehisen has been a reporter and editor for almost 30 years and is currently the editor in chief at Capitol Weekly, which covers the California State Capitol in Sacramento. For two decades previous he was the managing editor of the State Net Capitol Journal, a LexisNexis publication that covers state public policy issues and trends nationwide. In that role he was also the producer and host of the SNCJ Deep Dive podcast and the SNCJ Hot Issues webinar series. He is also the producer and moderator of The Open Mic: Writers in Their Own Words, a podcast and YouTube show that features his discussions on writing with authors, reporters and writers from across the artistic spectrum. Capitol Weekly is a 501c3 nonprofit created to inform, enlighten and educate Californians about public policy and state governance, and to provide a nonpartisan platform for engagement with public officials, advocates and political interests. Thanks to our underwriters for this event: BICKER, CASTILLO, FAIRBANKS & SPITZ PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, THE NO ON 33 CAMPAIGN, and THE YES ON 34 CAMPAIGN

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Capitol Weekly hosted the California Ballot Forum: 2024 Election Preview. Through spirited discussion and reasoned debate, proponents for each side explored the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals in a conversation moderated by a journalist. Today's episode presents: Proposition 32 - RAISES MINIMUM WAGE. INITIATIVE STATUTE. If passed, Proposition 32 would raise minimum wage as follows: For employers with 26 or more employees, to $17 immediately, $18 on January 1, 2025. For employers with 25 or fewer employees, to $17 on January 1, 2025, $18 on January 1, 2026. Fiscal Impact: State and local government costs could increase or decrease by up to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. State and local revenues likely would decrease by no more than a few hundred million dollars annually. The "Yes" side was presented by Saru Jayaraman Saru Jayaraman is the President of One Fair Wage and Director of the Food Labor Research Center at University of California, Berkeley. After 9/11, together with displaced World Trade Center workers, she co-founded the Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC), which grew into a national movement of restaurant workers, employers and consumers. She then launched One Fair Wage as a national campaign to end all subminimum wages in the United States. The story of Saru and her co-founder's work founding ROC has been chronicled in the book The Accidental American, and the story of the One Fair Wage campaign has been profiled in the new film Waging Change. Saru is a graduate of Yale Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. The "No" side was presented by Jot Condie Jot Condie is the President and CEO of the California Restaurant Association. Before joining CRA, Jot was the legislative director for the California Manufacturer's Association, where he lobbied on behalf of California's Fortune 500 companies. He also served as the chief lobbyist for the Southern California Air Quality Alliance, a consortium of aerospace, manufacturing and high-tech companies with an interest in air quality regulation issues. Before joining the Manufacturer's Association, Jot worked in the State Capitol as staff director for Assistant Assembly Majority Leader, directing a staff of policy consultants and legislative aides. Prior to serving as staff director he was a legislative director for the Assembly Minority Whip and managed political campaigns in state legislative races. The moderator was Phil Willon of the Los Angeles Times Phil Willon is an assistant editor based in the Sacramento bureau of the Los Angeles Times and guides coverage of California politics and assists with state capital coverage. He previously covered Gov. Gavin Newsom, the 2018 governor's race and the 2016 U.S. Senate race. Before heading north, Willon covered Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and roamed Southern California's mountains and deserts as the newsroom's state correspondent in the Inland Empire. Prior to joining The Times, Willon served as the Washington, D.C., correspondent for the Tampa Tribune. At the Tribune, Willon also covered Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, Hurricane Andrew and the investigation leading to the arrest of serial killer Danny Rolling. He began his newspaper career as the Kent Island correspondent for the Capital in Annapolis, Md. Willon grew up in Southern California and graduated from UC San Diego. Capitol Weekly is a 501c3 nonprofit created to inform, enlighten and educate Californians about public policy and state governance, and to provide a nonpartisan platform for engagement with public officials, advocates and political interests. Thanks to our underwriters for this event: BICKER, CASTILLO, FAIRBANKS & SPITZ PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA; LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP, CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, THE NO ON 33 CAMPAIGN, and THE YES ON 34 CAMPAIGN

Last week we talked about this year's Top 100 list... In this episode, we're starting off with a confession: Mistakes were made.One of the hallmarks of The Top 100 is that the contents of the list are very tightly held until the moment of publication. That secrecy creates various logistical problems, not the least of which is proofreading. Only a handful of people, most of whom work in the Capitol Weekly office, are involved in the editing or proofing process at any level. Having so few eyes on the List is a recipe for error, and this year we had a doozy: we left someone off.Dan Dunmoyer, of the California Building Industry Association has been a regular on the Top 100 for five years, since he succeeded former CBIA President and CEO (and former state Senator) Dave Cogdill. CBIA is a major player in a state where the Housing Crisis is a top concern for most voters - and their representatives in the legislature.  Dunmoyer has been on the List every year since 2019 - and he was supposed to be on this year's edition.Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster talk about what went wrong, and chat with Dunmoyer about California Housing Policy, why some cities are building more housing than others and how California can start to course correct after decades of anti-housing policy.  Show Notes:45: Mistakes were made3:19 Welcome, Dan Dunmoyer5:52 Setting the record straight7:19 A big year for Housing issues9:36 Comparing building costs between California and neighboring states12:04 Environmental Policy vs. Greenhouse gas policies15:01 The local angle21:57 This is not a Republican - Democrat issue - it's a California issue23:55 Is desire for home equity value driving anti-housing policy?25:32 The cities of Dallas and Houston build more housing than the entire state of California27:23 Where is the legislature?31:15 Gubernatorial candidates?35:16 Volunteer proofreaders39:36 WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/ Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io  

Last night we published the 16th edition of Capitol Weekly's Top 100 - our annual analysis of the unelected political power structure in California. We look at the mostly behind the scenes players who influence policy, elections and governance, including Capitol staff, lobbyists, Agency staff, donors, business leaders, activists, Labor leaders - and even journalists.Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster are joined by former KQED reporter and LA Times Bureau Chief John Myers, who left journalism for communications two years ago, but still keeps a watchful eye on Golden State politics. Few political observers are more respected than Myers - one of the many reasons he was a mainstay of the Top 100 List for more than a dozen years. (His kids nicknamed his Top 100 portrait 'Old Squinty.') Myers, Ehisen and Foster discuss the broad themes that underlie the 2024 list, look at the new faces, and talk about the names on the inaugural Top 100 Hall of Fame.1:52 Live tweeting the California Budget4:18 The Top 100 Hall of Fame5:37 George Skelton9:23 Donna Lucas11:07 Gale Kaufman15:58 Steve Maviglio19:49 Aaron Read23:32 Themes of the 2024 Top 10025:43 The executive branch and organized Labor30:59 Jennifer Barrera31:00 Rob Lapsley32:06 Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher32:41 Tia Orr32:48 Yvonne Wheeler33:50 Oscar Lopez35:04 Danny Curtin36:38 Janus Norman37:05 Tony Bui, Laiza Negrete and Ramona Prieto40:14 Taryn Luna41:22 Chris Cadelago41:30 Ashley Zavala47:47 Who is NOT on the list - and why?49:56 John Latimer50:00 Liz Snow50:06 Myesha Jackson50:22 Building the list59:03 Susannah Delano1:01:39 Venn Diagram1:04:34 Last ThoughtsWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/ Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference COVERING CALIFORNIA: The Future of Journalism in the Golden State, which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, May 30, 2024. This is the Keynote address from Senator Steve Glazer.Introduction by Rich Ehisen, Capitol WeeklyWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference COVERING CALIFORNIA: The Future of Journalism in the Golden State, which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, May 30, 2024. This is Panel 1: A Crisis in Local News.Panelists: Danielle Bergstrom, Fresnoland; Larry Lee, The Sacramento Observer; Colleen McCain Nelson, Sacramento Bee; Christa Scharfenberg, California Local News Fellowship Program UC BerkeleyModerated by Pamela Wu, University of CaliforniaWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference COVERING CALIFORNIA: The Future of Journalism in the Golden State, which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, May 30, 2024. This is PANEL 2 – THE BUSINESS OF JOURNALISM, REDEFINING THE MODELPanelists: Senator Nancy Skinner; Chris Argentieri, Los Angeles Times; Neil Chase, Calmatters; Steve Stuck, Urban Edge Consulting. Moderated by Edie Lambert, KCRA 3Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's conference COVERING CALIFORNIA: The Future of Journalism in the Golden State, which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, May 30, 2024. This is PANEL 3 – COVERING THE CAPITOLPanelists: Lara Korte, Politico; Greg Lucas, California State Librarian; Cynthia Moreno, Press Secretary for Speaker Robert Rivas; John Myers, CalPERS; Ashley Zavala, KCRA 3. Moderated by Laurel Rosenhall, Los Angeles Times.Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Crime which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, March 21, 2024This is PANEL 3 – THE LEGACY AND FUTURE OF PROP. 47Panelists: Asm. Kevin McCarty; Lenore Anderson, Alliance for Safety and Justice; Marc Beaart, Los Angeles District Attorney's Office; Sheriff Jim CooperModerated by Emily Hoeven, San Francisco ChronicleWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Crime which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, March 21, 2024This is PANEL 2 – THE FENTANYL CRISISPanelists: Sen. Dave Cortese; Sen. Kelly Seyarto; Gretchen Burns Bergman,Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing; Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), Law Enforcement Action PartnershipModerated by Ashley Zavala, KCRA 3Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Crime which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, March 21, 2024This is PANEL 1 – RETAIL THEFTPanelists: Asm. Rick Zbur; Eric Brown, Office of Governor Newsom; Cristine Soto DeBerry, Prosecutors Alliance; Rachel Michelin, California Retailers AssociationModerated by Lindsey Holden, Sacramento BeeWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Crime which was held in Sacramento on Thursday, March 21, 2024This is the KEYNOTE – SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT ATTORNEY BROOKE JENKINSIntroduction by Rich Ehisen, Capitol WeeklyFind a full transcript here: https://capitolweekly.net/special-episode-a-conference-on-crime-keynote-brooke-jenkins/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Over the course of several Capitol Weekly stories this month, reporter Brian Joseph explores the nuances of this horrific crime, its cultural influences and possible reform options. He joined us today to talk about "The Life", the intersection of Pimp culture and Pop culture, Sen. Shannon Grove's SB 14, one of last year's most controversial bills, and more. Plus, hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster take a look at a busy "Worst Week.":31 Human Trafficking Awareness Month1:37 Background2:16 SB 145:03 Third Party control6:00 What happens where sex work is legal?7:37 "The invisible chains"12:14 The connection to Hip Hop and Pop Culture16:28 The dangers of talking about "The Life"17:27 Andrew Tate, Don Perata and The Sopranos20:50 Challenges of legislation24:27 Casual acceptance26:28 Switching gears: Lobbying expenditures30:05 #WWCA30:35 Senate debate33:45 Tribal gaming initiatives35:27 Psychedelic mushroom initiative36:19 Temecula School Board president Joseph Komrosky37:07 PG&E38:17 Chicory fans40:26 Jose HuizarWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

Veteran California political data expert Paul Mitchell joins us to talk about his recent CA120 column examining shifting behavior by California's Latino and Asian voters. Turns out that Asian voters are becoming more Democratic while Latinos move slightly toward the GOP. We also look at California's confusing Presidential Primary ballot, and the recent Berkeley IGS Poll that found Rep. Barbara Lee in fourth place - behind Republican Steve Garvey - in the race to fill Sen. Feinstein's seat. Plus, Who Had the Worst Week in CA Politics?:58 Shift in voting behavior for Asians and Latinos3:15 Vietnamese voting patterns4:12 Mike Madrid mention5:49 So, why the changes?6:52 Capitol Weekly polling on Primary?8:18 How do changes in voting demographics affect Independents9:51 The confusing CA Presidential Primary11:39 250K former GOP voters won't see Pres. Donald Trump on their Primary ballot12:23 Implications for Senate race14:54 Impact of mail in voting17:21 A failure of Civics education?20:08 The Berkeley IGS Poll: Senate Primary23:13 Will Steve Garvey be the top voter getter in the March primary?29:29 The races to replace Lee, Porter and Schiff31:45 WWCA: A Bay Area two-ferWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

For our final episode of 2023 we've got a big show with three special segments: First up, hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster talk with Sammy Perez of Prison Fellowship to learn about the Angel Tree Program, which gives incarcerated parents a way to provide a Christmas gift and a personal message for their children. Perez, who spent nearly a decade in prison, shares the importance of family connections for prisoners and their families on the outside - and how others can help support the program.Next up, we are joined by longtime Capitol Weekly editor John Howard. Rich Ehisen took over the editor's chair from John in January, and we talk about his first year helming the publication, and what it was like to take on production of The Top 100. John, meanwhile, has taken over our Oral History program, and talks about the contrast between churning out daily news and taking the long view.Finally, we buckle in for a countdown of the Top 10 candidates for Who Had the Worst Year in California Politics. This is our final show of the year - we'll be back with plenty to talk about in 2024!SAMMY PEREZ1:26 The Angel Tree program3:44 Sammy's story7:04 The impact of the program8:27 How to support Angel Tree14:13 JOHN HOWARD15:17 The Oral History Project17:40 49 years of daily reporting20:16 The Rich Ehisen era23:06 Learning the Top 10025:52 "Lobbyists are the engine of what makes Sacramento work"27:58 Staffers34:01 Rising Stars37:31 Folks outside of Sacramento?41:32 Biggest surprise?48:15 #WWCA - Sean Loloee49:05 Worst YEAR in CA Politics49:44 No. 10 - Barbara Lee51:34 No. 9 - John Eastman53:07 No. 8 - Omar Navarro55:56 No. 7 - Curren Price56:54 No. 6 - Pamela Price58:40 No. 5 - Reggie Jones-Sawyer1:02:11 No. 4 - Kevin McCarthy1:06:47 No. 3 - Harry Sidhu1:08:16 No. 2 - Nathan Fletcher1:11:39 No. 1 - Mark Ridley-ThomasWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Education Policy which was held in Sacramento on Tuesday, November 7, 2023This is the KEYNOTE – CALIFORNIA SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION TONY THURMONDIntroduction by Rich Ehisen, Capitol WeeklyFind a full transcript here: https://capitolweekly.net/education-policy-tony-thurmond-superintendent-of-public-instruction/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie LangThanks to our Conference on Education Policy sponsors: THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Education Policy which was held in Sacramento on Tuesday, November 7, 2023This is Panel 3 – LOOK AHEAD: BALLOT MEASURES AND LEGISLATIONPANELISTS: Michael Borges, California Teachers Association; Christina Laster, Bold Enterprises LLC; Scott Richards, Teach For AmericaModerated by Rich Ehisen, Capitol WeeklyFind a full transcript here: https://capitolweekly.net/education-policy-look-ahead-ballot-measures-and-legislation/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Education Policy which was held in Sacramento on Tuesday, November 7, 2023This is Panel 2 – THE ROLE OF SCHOOL BOARDSPANELISTS:Amy Christianson, California School Boards Association; Marshall Tuck, EdVoice; Richard Zeiger, Zeiger StrategiesModerated by Dan Morain for Capitol WeeklyFind a full transcript at: https://capitolweekly.net/education-policy-the-role-of-school-boards/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Education Policy which was held in Sacramento on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. This is Panel 1 – TEACHER SHORTAGE AND OTHER CHALLENGES.PANELISTS: Heather J. Hough, Policy Analysis for California Education, Stanford University; Katie Hardeman, California Teachers Association; David Schapira, California School Employees Association; Melissa White, WestEdModerated by Brian Joseph for Capitol WeeklyFind a full transcript at: https://capitolweekly.net/special-episode-education-policy-teacher-shortage-and-other-challenges/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang

Former legislator Phil Isenberg died last week after a brief illness. Isenberg wore many hats in his life: Mayor of Sacramento, Assemblymember, Vice Chair of the Delta Stewardship Council, and husband to Marilyn Araki Isenberg. But for all that, perhaps his biggest legacy will be as a supporter of - and enthusiast for - the arts. Dan Morain covered Isenberg for decades and penned an obit for Capitol Weekly - he joined us to look at Isenberg's career and his impact on California.Plus, we discuss the governor's trip to China, the Democrats' divide over Israel/Palestine, and why an Alaskan Airlines pilot on a bum magic carpet ride might torpedo a Scott Wiener bill. And, our first-ever Bleep!1:19 Thoughts on Phil Isenberg3:29 Mayor Isenberg4:43 His staff5:22 Public art legacy6:49 "Isenberg made a point of knowing more about a bill than the authors"8:07 Term limited9:33 Civility and compromise12:00 Sand Hill Crane Preserve15:49 Phil and Marilyn's support of the arts18:02 C*** Drive19:27 Newsom in China23:24 The Democrats' Divide: Israel/Palestine29:08 WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Women's Health which was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 This is Panel 3 – Women in the Health Care WorkforceCalifornia faces a significant shortfall of healthcare staffing: nursing vacancy rates among local hospitals are over 30%. And the need for home healthcare workers is predicted to explode as the state's population ages. Women dominate both those professions, but make up just 38% of doctors in California. How can we better prepare women for professions in healthcare?PANELISTS: Melissa D. Bauman, Ph.D., UC Davis Health Women in Medicine and Health Sciences; Beth Malinowski, SEIU California; Sunita Mutha, M.D., Healthforce Center at UCSF; Tanya W. Spirtos, M.D., California Medical AssociationModerated by Angela Hart, KFF Health NewsA full transcript of this discussion may be found at: https://capitolweekly.net/womens-health-women-in-the-health-care-workforce/

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Women's Health which was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023This is The Keynote– SEN. BARBARA BOXER in conversation with JODI HICKS of Planned ParenthoodIntroduced by Rich Ehisen of Capitol Weekly38:06 Worst Week in California PoliticsA full transcript of this discussion may be found at: https://capitolweekly.net/womens-health-sen-barbara-boxer-in-conversation-with-jodi-hicks-of-planned-parenthood/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Women's Health which was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023This is Panel 2 – HEALTH EQUITYWomen of color, rural women and women in poverty have less access to healthcare – and worse outcomes. What – if anything – is being done to lessen these disparities and make the state's healthcare system more accessible?PANELISTS: Sonya Young Aadam, California Black Women's Health Project; Stephanie Brown, M.D., MPH, Sutter Health; Andrea Rivera, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN); Martha Santana-Chin, Health NetModerated by Ana Ibarra of CalMattersA full transcript of this discussion may be found at: https://capitolweekly.net/womens-health-health-equity/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

This Special Episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Women's Health which was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023This is Panel 1 – REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHThe reversal of Roe vs. Wade has created turmoil and uncertainty in reproductive care. In 2022, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 1, adding the right to choose into the California Constitution – but those protections only exist within the parameters of federal law.PANELISTS: Sen. Nancy Skinner; Liz Lawler, California Republican Party delegate; Amy Moy, Essential Access; Julia Spiegel, Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary, Governor's OfficeModerated by Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles TimesA full transcript of this discussion may be found at: https://capitolweekly.net/womens-health-reproductive-health/Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

Viviana Becerra was one of the new names this year on Capitol Weekly's annual Top 100 List. As Chief of Staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, she oversees the Office of Communications, Office of Native American Affairs, Office of External Affairs, Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement Team, and the Office of Legislative Affairs. While Becerra may be new to the list, she is already a capitol veteran, despite the fact that she has yet to hit 40.She sat down with hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster to talk about her journey to the AG's office and what it's like to to work for a high energy pol like Attorney General Bonta.And, as always, we tell you who had The Worst Week in CA Politics.SHOW NOTES: 1:42 Who is Viviana Becerra?5:42 Capitol Fellows7:23 "...and I see a lobbyist..."9:28 Life of a 23 year old lobbyist12:42 Back into the building15:45 The move to Chief of Staff18:50 Now: COS to the Attorney General24:00 What is the biggest challenge?27:10 Behind the scenes with AG Rob Bonta29:47 WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

This episode we welcome friend of the podcast Chris Micheli to talk about his two new books about the legislative process: Handbook on California's Legislative Process and Handbook on Legislative Drafting in California.Micheli will be a familiar name to Capitol Weekly readers; his Micheli Files column, in which he explains - in plain language - nuances of the California legislative process, is a popular feature.  The State of California does not make it easy to find much of this information, so Micheli has become a go-to informal adviser to legislative staff, lobbyists and journalists. He explains the purpose of the new books, gives real-world examples of the types of info contained, and talks about who 'gets' the process (and who doesn't).Plus, Who had the worst week in California Politics?Show Notes:1:40 Two new books4:07 New versions6:23 This information is hard to come by8:14 Assembly vs. Senate9:53 Real world example: how Suspense works - and why11:26 Plain language15:30 Do lawmakers 'get' the process?18:39 Masters of parliamentary procedure19:50 Sue Parker, Erika Contreras and Bernadette McNulty23:42 What to look for at end of session this year28:29 Other lobbyists31:07 "Do you remember Lenny Goldberg?"35:08 An Oakland A's story38:01 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang"#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

Each year, Capitol Weekly's Top 100 names the most powerful movers and shakers in California politics. We don't include elected officials. Instead, we look at those who devote their professional lives to fighting for – or against – issues of state politics and policy, including lobbyists, bureaucrats, activists, trade group leaders, Capitol staffers and even journalists.Last week we published the 15th Edition of the Top 100, which was notable for two firsts: this is editor Rich Ehisen's first time at the helm of the Top 100; And, this is the first time women have made up a majority of the names on the list.For this episode, Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster reversed their usual Podcast roles, with Tim interviewing Rich about this year's list, about the strategy for putting it together, the new names this year, and who is not on this time around.  Plus, as always, they tell you who had the Worst Week in CA Politics.Episode Notes: :40 What IS the Top 100?1:29 A different approach3:23 The history4:57 "The coffee cart in the basement"5:48 The process7:19 Nick Hardeman9:23 The lobbying11:54 "A foolish errand"13:18 An objective approach to a subjective project14:41 Some of the new names15:22 Lindsey Copia16:53 Rick Rivas18:32 Viviana Becerra20:22 Lia Lopez21:41 Debra Gravert22:26 Mark McKenzie/Mary Kennedy23:31 The Top 100 Party24:30 Sue Parker25:45 A majority of women26:49 The Barbie moment28:36 Susannah Delano30:12 Doug Herman31:04 Bearstar Strategies31:49 "The Aaron Read and Associates Dilemma"32:47 Liz Snow34:47 Yana Garcia35:51 The Building Trades39:09 The response to the list41:41 The journalists43:47 Ashley Zavala45:32 George Skelton45:39 Laurel Rosenhall47:56 The illustrations: Chris Shary51:15 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io 

We are joined today by Robin Swanson, a political strategist and communications expert with more than 25 years of political experience in both DC and Sacramento. She is also the co-founder and president of #WinLikeaGirl, a bipartisan group that spotlights the often unrecognized achievements of women who work in politics.Swanson shares the #WinLikeaGirl origin story, talks about the reluctance of some women to showcase their own achievements and how the group is helping to bring women to the center stage.Plus: Who had the Worst Week in CA Politics?2:15 About #WinLikeaGirl3:43 Capitol Weekly's inadvertent role.5:46 A bipartisan org7:17 Women not taking credit9:17 Origin story12:34 The list15:48 #WinLikeaGirl events17:16 Operation Dresscode18:08 Intersection with #MeToo21:20 CA vs. DC26:02 Gale Kaufman27:14: The database29:39 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

Today we welcome CalMatters' new editor in chief, Kristen Go, who joined the newsroom at the very end of May.Go has big shoes to fill: founding editor Dave Lesher took the organization from fledgling start up to public media behemoth in eight short years; now CalMatters is seen by many as the 800 pound gorilla of California political news. (Does that make Capitol Weekly the chimp? Nevermind.)Go certainly has the chops for the job - she has a long CV, ranging from USA Today to the San Francisco Chronicle to the UC Berkeley graduate school of journalism. Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster spoke with her about her vision for CalMatters, how the nonprofit news model stacks up against traditional media, and about AB 886, Asm. Buffy Wicks' proposal to force tech giants to fund reporting.Plus, Who Had the Worst Week in CA Politics?:56 In the beginning3:50 Accountability journalism5:47 A growth trajectory7:05 Geographic perspective8:38 "California is a complex place... we're not a monolith"11:02 Content sharing and media partners15:40 NonProfit vs. for profit news18:13 Buffy Wicks' bill - AB 88620:25 Social media and the news: Twitter vs. Threads22:11 Any changes afoot?24:42 Where's Dave Lesher?27:31 News read by Beyonce or Taylor Swift29:31 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io 

Prior to his appointment as California State Librarian in 2014, Greg Lucas was a longtime journalist, covering California politics for The Los Angeles Daily Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle and even Capitol Weekly. Much of his 20 year run at The Chron was spent in or around the Capitol, covering the legislature or the Governor, or kibitzing with other reporters. Oh, how things have changed.If the Dome is the most iconic part of the Capitol building in Sacramento, its heart was The Annex, an unfussy and businesslike addition that was begun in 1949 and completed in 1952. The Annex housed nearly all legislators' offices, the Governor's Office, and Room 1190 - where every governor from Earl Warren to Gavin Newsom has held regular Press Conferences. This month marks the end of an era as wrecking crews began the demolition of the Annex in preparation for a new, expanded Capitol Annex to be built in its place.In this episode Lucas joins us for a wide-ranging discussion that includes his memories of The Annex, the fraternal culture that prevailed in the building decades ago, the changing nature of political media coverage, the role the Schwarzeneggers played in reimagining the Capitol, and a look at the nature of Democracy itself.And, as always we tell you Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.Episode Notes:1:27 Memories of the Annex5:27 Seating arrangements7:37 Jerry Gilliam on Pat Brown9:40 New Annex origin story: Arnold Schwarzenegger12:18 Maria Shriver's influence16:27 The Doghouse19:22 The fraternity22:30 Uncle Frank23:40 Sen. Shannon Grove and the Dolly Parton imagination Library24:27 A letter to President Gerald Ford28:46 The first draft of the Bill of Rights29:46 Why is the CA Supreme Court in San Francisco?31:13 Opposition to the Annex project32:26 The State Library's basement33:21 Last thoughts on the Annex38:10 Did people hate the Annex in 1950?40:25 What are you reading?47:11 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

Staffers, journalists and even lobbyists can get confused trying to understand the very specific processes and deadlines guiding the signing - or veto - of a bill, by the Governor. How long does the Governor have to sign or veto a bill? Does the 12 day timeline include weekends and holidays? When does the 30-day timeline start? And what happens when the Legislature adjourns?Our guest today answers all of these questions and explains the process. Lobbyist Chris Micheli, is the author of several books on lobbying, teaches at University of the Pacific, and is a frequent contributor to Capitol Weekly. He explains the bill signing calendar, and looks at what can happen when things go wrong. And, if you're caught bringing a knife to a gunfight, he might be just the guy you want on your side. Plus: Who had the Worst Week in California Politics?:43 Bill deadlines and the End of Sesson2:03 12 Davs vs. 30 Days3:35 The bill jacket4:33 The timing of the 12 day window5:39 The "Pocket Signature"10:19 The 30 Day Rule15:15 How did the system get set up this way?16:45 In CA, about 40% of bills become law17:57 How does CA compare to other states on amount of legislation?22:01 our most quotable governor23:02 An expert on CA Knife Law33:51 #WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

On Thursday, May 25, Capitol Weekly presented a conference examining California's climate goals – specifically the plan to move beyond gas-powered vehicles. This episode was recorded live at ROADMAP 2035: Cars, Carbon and Climate Change – How Do We Meet California's Zero Emissions Goals? on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Sacramento. This episode presents Panel 3 - The Future vs. The Past: The Impact on California's Legacy Industries.By 2035 all new passenger cars, trucks and SUVs sold in California must be zero emissions. California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations will rapidly scale down light-duty passenger car, pickup truck and SUV emissions starting with the 2026 model year.While Californians generally agree with the need to move beyond fossil fuels, the path forward for California's existing energy providers is less clear.The panel was moderated by Brian Joseph of Capitol WeeklyPanelists: Christopher Benjamin, Pacific Gas & Electric; Jon Costantino, Tradesman Advisors; Mark Nechodom, Western States Petroleum Association; Laura Renger, California Electric Transportation CoalitionThanks to our ROADMAP 2035 sponsors:THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

On Thursday, May 25, Capitol Weekly presented a conference examining California's climate goals – specifically the plan to move beyond gas-powered vehicles. This episode was recorded live at ROADMAP 2035: Cars, Carbon and Climate Change – How Do We Meet California's Zero Emissions Goals? on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Sacramento. This episode presents the Keynote, with California Public Utilities Commissioner John Reynolds in conversation with Capitol Weekly Editor Rich Ehisen.By 2035 all new passenger cars, trucks and SUVs sold in California must be zero emissions. California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations will rapidly scale down light-duty passenger car, pickup truck and SUV emissions starting with the 2026 model year.And, it's not just happening in California. In March, the European Union announced a law to end sales of new CO2-emitting cars in 2035. Multiple states, including Oregon have similar mandates in place, and the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new rules that could require up to two-thirds of all new cars sold in the US by 2032 to be zero emission vehicles.Despite these ambitious goals, major challenges remain. How does California meet the timelines for decarbonisation?Thanks to our ROADMAP 2035 sponsors:THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

On Thursday, May 25, Capitol Weekly presented a conference examining California's climate goals – specifically the plan to move beyond gas-powered vehicles. This episode was recorded live at ROADMAP 2035: Cars, Carbon and Climate Change – How Do We Meet California's Zero Emissions Goals? on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Sacramento. This episode presents Panel 2 - What Now: Timelines and Implementation.By 2035 all new passenger cars, trucks and SUVs sold in California must be zero emissions. California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations will rapidly scale down light-duty passenger car, pickup truck and SUV emissions starting with the 2026 model year.And, it's not just happening in California. In March, the European Union announced a law to end sales of new CO2-emitting cars in 2035. Multiple states, including Oregon have similar mandates in place, and the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new rules that could require up to two-thirds of all new cars sold in the US by 2032 to be zero emission vehicles.Despite these ambitious goals, major challenges remain. How does California meet the timelines for decarbonisation?The panel was moderated by Ari Plachta of the Sacramento BeePanelists: Dr. Jen Gress, California Air Resources Board; Kip Lipper, Policy Advisor to the Sen. Pro Tem; Michael Pimentel, California Transit Association; Scott Wetch, Carter, Wetch and AssociatesThanks to our ROADMAP 2035 sponsors:THE TRIBAL ALLIANCE OF SOVEREIGN INDIAN NATIONS, WESTERN STATES PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION, KP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PERRY COMMUNICATIONS, CAPITOL ADVOCACY, LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE WEIDEMAN GROUP and CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS