CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Parliamentarian to the California Assembly Speaker Brian Ebbert joins Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster to talk about the Parliamentarian’s role, how the legislature has changed in the time he has been there, and about his brief but fascinating time in the Canadian Parliament. Plus – Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics?
The Capitol in Washington DC. Photo by Pharun Tan, digital manipulation by Capitol Weekly.CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: To look at the unprecedented times in national politics, we’re joined by Thad Kousser, professor of Political Science at UC San Diego. Kousser has written extensively on US and California politics and is an astute observer of American political life. He spoke with us about President Trump’s “everything everywhere all at once” strategy, what Democrats can and can’t do, and how this all plays in California.
Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry in her office. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Cecilia Aguiar-Curry represents California’s 4th Assembly District, which includes Napa, Lake, Yolo, Colusa Counties and part of Sonoma County. She is the chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus and is also the Assembly Majority Leader. She sat down with hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster to talk about finding common ground with her Republican colleagues, her role in helping new legislators get their feet under them, and Democratic priorities for 2025.
Rich Ehisen (right) and Tim Foster (left) interview Secretary of State Shirley Weber (middle) for Capitol Weekly's Podcast on January 15th, 2025. Photo by Ellie Appleby, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined today by Dr. Shirley Weber, California’s Secretary of State. Serving as the state’s chief elections officer is a natural fit for Weber, whose family left Arkansas during the Jim Crow era after her father was threatened for agitating in favor of voting rights. The family settled in southern California, where her mother became a longtime poll worker, with the family home often serving as a polling place. Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster spoke with Weber about administrating elections, why it takes so long to get results in some districts, and how to inspire young Californians to care as much about voting as Weber’s family always has.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Former Senate Majority Leader and Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg has served as an advisor to governors and want-to-be-governors for decades. With the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026 heating up, Hertzberg joined us to share his Six Principles for Governing California.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Today we welcome Stephanie Roberson, of Stephanie Roberson Strategies. Roberson formed SRS, a boutique, black-owned single member firm, in late 2022 after 15 years representing the California Nurses Association. During Roberson’s tenure, the Nurses waged fierce battles in the capitol over guaranteed universal healthcare, and confronted the COVID epidemic. She sat down with us to talk about her decision to go out on her own, her experiences with CNA and her mentors and role models.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster are joined by Politico’s Chris Cadelago for a deep dive (our longest-ever episode?) into California politics in 2024 – and a look into the Horseshoe next year as Nathan Barankin takes over for departing chief of staff Dana Williamson. Plus: Who Had the Worst YEAR in California Politics?
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: It’s a short week, so we’ve got a short episode for you. Rich and Tim look south for Who Had the Worst Week in CA Politics.
Josh RosaCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Ranked Choice Voting had a bit of a “moment” in 2022, helping send Democrat Mary Peltola to congress in Alaska, and clearing a first-ballot hurdle for statewide acceptance in Nevada. This year, proponents of the RCV process got proposals on the ballot in four states (Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and the confirmation vote in NV), but ultimately found themselves on defense, losing all four, and also losing a Missouri ballot measure to ban the method from use in the state. Our guest today, Josh Rosa, is with Better Ballot Sacramento, an organization promoting adoption of Ranked Choice Voting in Sacramento.
Kristen Hwang, Calmatters; Jess Bartholow, SEIU California; Scott Graves, California Budget and Policy Center; Beth Capell, Health Access California; Michelle Cabrera, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California. Photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol Weekly.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, 2024. This is PANEL 3 – IMPACT OF BUDGET CUTS. Panelists are: Jess Bartholow, SEIU California; Michelle Cabrera, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California; Beth Capell, Health Access California; Scott Graves, California Budget and Policy Center. Moderated by Kristen Hwang of Calmatters.