Mariel Garza and the Golden State Report

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined by Mariel Garza, co-founder and executive editor of the Golden State Report. Garza was a longtime reporter and editor for mainstream California news organizations, including the Sacramento Bee and the Los Angeles Times, until she abruptly resigned from the Times’ editorial board in October 2024 after owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong blocked publication of an endorsement of Kamala Harris for president. Garza spoke with us about her decision to leave the Times, why she and her colleagues have launched a new independent media venture, and what she’s watching in the Los Angeles mayors race.

:50 Off to Italy

3:39 CIRM funding

5:33 Health Care Conference

9:24 Mariel Garza

12:59 Why start Golden State?

19:42 “Fifty shades of blue”

21:34 Story on the commodification of Marilyn Monroe

22:17 carving out a niche

31:51 How is the project going?

39:19 The LA mayors race

44:07 Yard signs!

46:58 #WWCA