In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jamie Miller from People Who Think joins the show to discuss the evolving political landscape in Florida and its broader implications for national politics. Jamie provides insights into Florida's shift from a Democratic advantage to a Republican stronghold influenced by conservative governance and migration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation contrasts Florida and California politics, examines the influence of national figures like Gavin Newsom, and offers perspectives on Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign strategies. Additionally, the episode delves into recent election outcomes, voter turnout trends, and the impact of key swing states in upcoming elections. The discussion also covers the challenges facing Kamala Harris's campaign, the strategic maneuvers of political parties, and the implications of debate performances and political endorsements. Jamie also reflects on the potential outcomes of the upcoming election, shares his perspectives on the Citizens United case, and introduces his substack 'Reasonable Arguments.' Light-hearted highlights include a mention of Florida's unique and entertaining headlines.

This Episode was record on 10/18/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Jamie Miller's Background and Career

01:21 Florida's Political Landscape

03:38 Gavin Newsom's Perception in Florida

05:17 Polling and Election Predictions

09:42 Kamala Harris's Campaign Challenges

12:35 Voter Turnout and Early Voting Trends

14:54 Swing States and National Polling

16:57 Media Perception and Campaign Strategies

18:57 Debate Dynamics: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump

20:21 Post-Debate Reactions and Strategies

21:08 The Assassination Attempt and Its Impact

22:15 Trump's Convention Speech: A Missed Opportunity?

24:13 Democratic Strategy: Biden, Harris, and Schumer

25:18 Election Integrity and Voter Rights

25:59 Ground Game: Republicans vs. Democrats

28:39 The 2020 Election: Predictions and Processes

30:31 Author Insights: Reasonable Arguments and American Speeches

35:26 Concluding Thoughts and Florida's Unique Perspective

In this episode of SacTown Talks, David Bowman joins the discussion to reflect on an eventful legislative session. The episode delves into the unique aspects of the session's conclusion, including notable retirements, end-of-session processes, and procedural insights from the assembly floor. Bowman shares personal anecdotes, the impact of long-serving staff retirements, and the intricacies of legislative procedures like electronic voting and bill processing. The conversation touches on the historical context of assembly operations, recent protests, and special sessions. Bowman also highlights the transition with long-term assembly members departing and future procedural considerations.

This Episode was record on 10/4/24

00:00 Welcome Back to SacTown Talks

00:39 Reflecting on Staff Retirements

02:15 Roles and Responsibilities on the Floor

03:22 End of Session Chaos

05:44 Protests and First Amendment Rights

08:28 Saturday Session and Voting Procedures

10:00 Changing Votes and Legislative Procedures

16:49 Debate Time and Speaking Rules

21:28 Resolutions and Their Significance

30:10 Preparing for a Long Session Day

32:46 Historical Context of Bill Introductions

33:20 Challenges During COVID-19

34:06 Role and Responsibilities of a Reading Clerk

35:17 Managing Floor Sessions and Debates

36:12 End of Session Procedures

38:19 Nonpartisan Role and Parliamentary Procedures

47:33 Special Sessions and Legislative Calendar

49:28 Reflections on Long-Term Service and Relationships

56:43 Post-Session Duties and Veto Overrides

01:03:35 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien welcomes Melissa Sagun, President of the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association (APICA), and board member Allie Umemoto. The discussion delves into APICA's history, mission, and initiatives. Melissa and Allie share their personal journeys into politics, the importance of community building and professional development for API staff in Sacramento, and their efforts to create a pipeline for future generations. They highlight key events like the annual Sushi Showdown and internship programs, underscoring APICA's role in fostering networking and career opportunities. The conversation also covers the challenges and strategies associated with working for term-limited members and the ongoing efforts to increase API representation in the legislative workforce.

This Episode was record on 9/17/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Background of APICA

01:21 Melissa's Journey with APICA

03:00 Allie's Journey with APICA

04:05 History and Founding of APICA

05:46 Personal Motivations for Politics

11:47 Navigating the Capitol and APICA's Role

15:09 APICA Events and Community Engagement

24:42 Mentorship and Professional Development

30:16 Future Plans and Networking

35:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien speaks with former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas about his support for Donald Trump, the current state of the Democratic Party, the economic challenges facing millennials and African American men, and the national political landscape. Sebastian shares his experiences of relocating to Nevada and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and housing market. The conversation covers topics such as retail theft crime in California, high tax burdens, and the discontent among Democratic voters regarding the lack of a primary process. Sebastian also provides insights on the economic policies of other states and the potential consequences of the Democratic administration's actions on national and local economies.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:36 Disillusionment with the Democratic Party

02:14 Post-COVID Economic Challenges

04:14 Housing Crisis in California

09:01 National Economic Concerns

17:10 Retail Theft and Crime in California

23:56 California's Tax System and Budget Deficits

32:41 Democratic Party Politics and Primary Process

40:59 Swing State Sentiments and Election Outlook

49:32 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Catharine Baker, former California Assembly member and current Director of the UC Student and Policy Center. Catharine shares her journey from growing up in Coachella Valley and cutting her teeth in Chicago politics, to working in law and then entering public service motivated by the Great Recession and issues in local schools. Catharine  discusses her campaigns, experiences in the assembly, and her work post-politics, including her role at the FPPC. Catharine’s latest venture focuses on utilizing UC's resources to influence policy and provide research-backed solutions to state legislators. This comprehensive interview provides insights into her career, perspectives on bipartisan work, and future plans in her new role.

This Episode was record on 8/23/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Catharine Baker's Early Life and Career Beginnings

01:03 Entering Politics: The Great Recession and Campaigns

03:16 Running for State Assembly and Winning

06:06 Challenges and Experiences in the Assembly

08:05 Facing Political Realities and Party Dynamics

11:41 Impact of National Politics on Local Elections

14:27 Returning to the Law Firm and Community Service

14:54 Serving on the Fair Political Practices Commission

15:14 Insights from the 2014 Race and FPPC Work

17:11 Challenges and Reforms in Campaign Finance

19:01 The Role of Transparency in Democracy

22:08 Legislative Experience and Bill Proposals

25:15 New Role at UC Student Policy Center

27:50 Future Initiatives and Collaboration

34:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett interviews Lacey Keys of Keys Law Corporation. They discuss her journey as a political attorney, including her educational background and career trajectory. Lacey elaborates on the nuances of political law, including registration and compliance for lobbyists, campaign finance work, and the role of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). She also shares insights on managing her own law practice and offers advice for aspiring political attorneys, emphasizing the importance of internships and networking within the field.

This Episode was record on 8/5/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:37 Lacey Keys' Background and Career Path

04:13 Transition to Independent Practice

05:52 Understanding Political Law and Lobbying

13:56 FPPC and Lobbying Compliance

32:08 Advice for Aspiring Political Lawyers

35:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director of California Dairy Cares, who shares his journey from a UC Davis intern to a veteran lobbyist with over 41 years of experience. Boccadoro discusses the intricate balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability in California's dairy industry. He highlights the state's efforts in methane reduction, dairy farm regulations, and legislative support for farmers. Additionally, he explains the impact of statewide policies on dairy production and the importance of incentives in achieving sustainability goals. The conversation also explores the evolving dairy market, environmental challenges, and collaboration within the agricultural sector.

This Episode was record on 8/2/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 Michael Boccadoro's Early Career

01:45 Transition to Dairy Industry

03:19 Public Affairs and Lobbying

03:43 Regulatory Challenges in Agriculture

07:13 California Dairy Cares: Mission and Impact

09:05 California's Dairy Production and Global Market

18:52 Environmental Sustainability in Dairy Farming

21:58 Innovations in Methane Reduction

27:38 Cost-Effective Climate Solutions

28:04 Challenges in Greenhouse Gas Reduction

28:47 Comparing Project Costs

29:47 California's Aggressive Climate Goals

31:44 Economic Impacts of Climate Policies

35:35 Dairy Industry's Role in Climate Goals

37:29 Innovations in Methane Reduction

40:42 Nutritional Importance of Dairy

42:48 Legislative Outreach and Dairy Farming

47:43 Collaborative Efforts in Agriculture

50:33 Future Funding and Policy Needs

52:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Matthew Hargrove from the California Business Properties Association (C.B.P.A). Matthew shares insights into his career path from UC Davis and his extensive experience in Sacramento politics. They discuss a wide array of topics impacting the commercial real estate sector in California, including property taxes, Prop 13, Prop 218, minimum wage, energy issues, building code, retail theft, insurance, and legislative efforts. Matthew provides a detailed overview of key legislative propositions and the challenges and opportunities within the commercial real estate market. The conversation highlights the need for ongoing advocacy and adaptation in response to economic and regulatory changes.

This Episode was record on 7/23/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:37 Matthew Hargrove's Early Career

01:57 Working with Brooks Firestone

06:04 Transition to UC Davis

08:09 Joining the California Business Properties Association

11:46 Challenges in Commercial Real Estate

21:29 Propositions and Legislative Concerns

25:19 Introduction to Propositions 33 and 34

26:35 Retail Theft Legislation and Initiatives

27:24 The Taxpayer Protection Act: Background and Challenges

33:19 Shifts in Voter Concerns and Polling Insights

34:51 Commercial Real Estate's Role in Housing Solutions

38:20 Challenges of Office to Housing Conversions

46:15 Legislative Efforts and Upcoming Lobby Day

54:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Co-Chairs Andres Ramirez and Brandon Garcia of the California Latino Capitol Association Foundation (CLCAF) join the show. They discuss their respective journeys into the political community in Sacramento—Andres starting in lobbying and Brandon discovering the field almost by accident. Both highlight the significance of networking, mentorship, and community support facilitated by CLCAF. They delve into the organization's initiatives, like the annual Dodgers vs. Giants game, policy academies, and cultural events such as Dia de los Muertos. The episode also emphasizes outreach efforts to engage underserved populations and future staff through partnerships with nonprofits. The co-chairs express pride in CLCAF's growth and share their vision for further empowering Latino professionals in the Capitol community.

This Episode was record on 7/19/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:45 Backgrounds of Andres Ramirez and Brandon Garcia

04:06 Joining the California Latino Capital Association

07:55 Navigating the Pandemic as Young Professionals

14:01 Importance of Networking and Mentorship

21:32 Events and Programs of the Association

25:35 Outreach and Future Plans

31:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of SacTown Talks, members of the California Legislative Black Staff Association (CLBSA) and co-chairs, Symphoni Barbee and Kapri Walker, share their journeys and experiences. Symphoni discusses her role as a legislative advocate for Planned Parenthood and her entrance into the CLBSA. Kapri outlines her transition from working in the Senate Public Safety Committee to her current position as Government Affairs Manager at California for Safety and Justice. They reflect on founding the CLBSA during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by young Black professionals, and the significance of mentorship. They also highlight the association's key events, including the Juneteenth Gala, and their ongoing efforts to support and retain young Black staff in Sacramento.

This Episode was record on 7/19/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:25 Meet Symphony Barbee

01:52 Meet Capri Walker

02:45 Founding the Association

05:08 Challenges and Achievements

06:20 Mentorship and Support

08:47 Fellowship Experiences

10:43 Personal Backgrounds

21:46 Navigating Career Paths

25:20 Imposter Syndrome

29:14 Collaboration with the Black Caucus

31:43 Future Plans and Events

37:25 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett welcomes Andy Walz, President of Chevron of the Americas, for an in-depth conversation about California's role in the energy sector. Andy shares his 35-year journey with Chevron, discussing the global assignments he's experienced. He elaborates on the responsibilities of his current position, overseeing downstream operations in North and South America. The discussion covers California's unique challenges, including high operational costs, taxes, and regulations, and their impact on fuel prices and energy production. Andy also highlights Chevron's commitment to renewable energy, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen, and discusses the future of the energy market in the face of evolving technologies and policies.

This Episode was recorded on 5/9/24

00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks

00:20 Meet Andy Walz, President of Chevron Americas

00:34 Andy's Journey with Chevron

01:14 Living Around the World with Chevron

01:47 Chevron's Operations in the Americas

02:30 California's Impact on Chevron's Business

04:39 The Evolution of Fuel and Renewable Energy

06:57 Challenges and Future of Renewable Fuels

09:41 California's Gas Prices and Legislation

12:26 The Impact of California's Policies on Chevron

20:54 Concerns About California's Energy Strategy

21:47 Impact of Electric Cars on Demand

23:17 The Role of Natural Gas in the Energy Future

25:15 Exploring Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel

27:52 The Efficiency of Gasoline vs. Alternatives

31:16 Future of Oil and Technological Innovations

33:06 Global Energy Needs and Challenges

38:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts