Then There's California

State Senators...in Conversation About California!

‘Then There’s California' is a dynamic, new podcast featuring members of the California State Senate Democratic Caucus discussing legislative priorities, policy and other related issues that make California...Exceptional!

  • 36 minutes 15 seconds
    Senator John Laird / Perspectives on the New Legislative Session

    As the 2025-2026 legislative session convenes, State Senator John Laird also begins his latest - and final - term in elected office! Senator Laird offers his outlook on the public policy priorities and 'gender equity' of the new session, Democratic policy priorities for 2025, and the legal guardrails the legislature is putting in place ahead of the incoming administration in Washington, DC.

    Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!

    11 December 2024, 5:57 pm
  • 48 minutes 20 seconds
    "It's clear they want to hook the next generation of smokers" / Senator Susan Rubio & SB 1230

    State Senator Susan Rubio & advocates share details about SB 1230, the STOP and Seize Illegal Tobacco Products Act, which will strengthen enforcement of California's flavored tobacco ban and remove illegal tobacco products from the market. SB 1230 has passed out of the legislature and awaits Governor Newsom's signature.

    Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!

    4 September 2024, 4:44 pm
  • 44 minutes 35 seconds
    "I've learned a lot more by LISTENING to people" / Senator Bill Dodd Looks Back on His Legislative Career

    After 25 years as a local and state lawmaker and an astonishing 115 (and counting!) bills signed into law in his legislative career, State Senator Bill Dodd leaves the senate this fall, attributing his collaborative approach to lawmaking, the hard work of his loyal team, and his willingness to listen, as keys to his success as a policymaker.

    Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!

    21 August 2024, 4:24 pm
  • 32 minutes 4 seconds
    Senator Steven Bradford & Assembly Speaker Emeritus Willie L. Brown, Jr. - Reminiscences & Perspectives

    On the occasion of the recent 'Willie L. Brown, Jr. Day' at the State Capitol, the legendary Assembly Speaker & San Francisco Mayor Emeritus joined State Senator Steven Bradford for a podcast conversation about the art of bipartisan politics, reparations & racism, their respective legislative legacies, and advice for current & future lawmakers who are standing on their shoulders.

    Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!

    17 July 2024, 5:14 pm
  • 40 minutes 21 seconds
    Senator Anthony Portantino - "The wonderful opportunity to work on issues I care about"

    As Senator Anthony Portantino prepares to leave the legislature this fall, he speaks about how communication with constituents, family viewpoints - and the human condition - have continually informed his public policy priorities. 

    10 July 2024, 5:05 pm
  • 36 minutes 38 seconds
    "Sourdough & Kindness" - Senator Susan Eggman Looks Back on Her Legislative Career

    When her distinguished legislative career comes to a close this fall, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman wants to continue to be invested in implementing the important legislation she has worked so hard to pass over the years, coaching and mentoring young women of color and LGBTQ+ community members for leadership...and continuing to build bridges by baking bread.

    Click here for a closed-captioned version of this podcast!

    27 June 2024, 4:07 pm
  • 51 minutes 15 seconds
    SB 1106 & Elder Abuse in Conservatorships - Senator Susan Rubio

    State Senator Susan Rubio is joined by the children and advocates of 3 actors & media personalities - Casey Kasem, Mickey Rooney & Nichelle Nichols - to discuss her legislation, SB 1106, which will reduce the alarming rate of elder abuse in conservatorships.

    Click here for a closedc-captioned version of this episode!

    20 June 2024, 4:29 pm
  • 43 minutes 1 second
    Senator Steve Padilla & Pride Month-2024 - "Diversity around us is something to celebrate..."

    For Pride Month, we meet Senator Steve Padilla, who shares his candid personal & professional story of coming out publicly as a gay man & lawmaker in Southern California, and his reflections on the continued fight to remove barriers of prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community.

    Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!

    4 June 2024, 5:53 pm
  • 36 minutes 58 seconds
    Senator Nancy Skinner Looks Back on Her Legislative Legacy: "I'm a bold legislator, but I've also been a fortunate one..."

    With her time in the legislature ending this fall, State Senator Nancy Skinner is ready to talk legacy - the record of progressive public policy she takes pride in, the gender equality and representation she has championed in and out of the State Capitol...and the little granddaughter who brings her joy.

    22 May 2024, 5:05 pm
  • 33 minutes 17 seconds
    A Conversation with the New Senate Majority Leader, Lena Gonzalez: "We, as women, we just press on..."

    Women's History Month has passed, but the discussions continue, and the State Senate's new Majority Leader, Senator Lena Gonzalez, shares her viewpoints on the growing number of women in elected office and in the work force, pay disparity & 'occupational segregation,' reproductive rights...and seeing the movie "Barbie!"

    2 April 2024, 5:51 pm
  • 48 minutes 59 seconds
    A Second-Year Conversation with Senator Caroline Menjivar: "How I'm looking at it this year is, how to be more strategic..."

    In this wide-ranging podcast conversation, Senator Caroline Menjivar explains how she is starting her second year in office feeling 'way more confident' - while helping tackle a sobering state budget deficit, introducing a 21-bill policy package focused on issues important to her San Fernando Valley district, pushing back against culture wars that threaten LGBTQ+ youth, and navigating life as a lesbian lawmaker, daughter and military veteran. 

    Click here for a closed-captioned version of this episode!

    19 March 2024, 4:41 pm
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