Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: California has set ambitious climate goals, including phasing out the use of fossil fuels and becoming carbon neutral by 2045. Laurie Wayburn is the lead author of a recent report suggesting the state should invest “as much in nature-based climate solutions as it has in clean energy and transportation.” With proper forest management, California could capture 400 million tons of carbon each year, lower wildfire risk and vastly improve flood protection in the state. But, the $10 Billion price tag may be a hard sell in a down budget, even in climate-conscious California.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today is Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon. Rendon joined us for a fascinating conversation that looked back over his seven year tenure as Speaker, through some of the most turbulent times in the state’s history, and forward, as he outlined his goals for the remainder of his time in office. In an in-depth and roaming conversation that ranged from the Water Bond to Waiting for Godot, Rendon spoke plainly about the joys and challenges of creating meaningful policy, in contrast to what he called “Fashion Show Politics.”
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Paul Mitchell joins us to talk about California’s March 5 Primary. Experts are predicting a historically low turnout: What does that mean for the four main candidates vying to make it into the Top Two for California’s open US Senate seat? Plus, Ron Hughes, Deputy Director of the EDDNext Modernization and Innovation Branch tells us about how EDDNext will improve the user experience for the public and add needed security to the system.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Michael Weinstein, is the president of the LA-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a sprawling international nonprofit with the stated mission of providing its 1.5 million global clients with “cutting-edge medicine and advocacy regardless of ability to pay.” Weinstein is also the driving force behind several statewide ballot measures, including two previously failed attempts to implement statewide rent control. Undeterred, he is back again this year with a new rent control measure on the November ballot. This time he could also face a challenge of his own – a competing measure aimed at limiting his ability to use AHF funds for these other political campaigns. He’s here today to talk about all of this with us.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today is one of the most accomplished figures in recent California political history: The first person in 150 years to lead both chambers of the Legislature, as well as being the first woman – and the first openly LGBTQ woman – to do so at all. And, if she succeeds in her latest political quest, California’s first woman Governor. Of course we are talking about Sen. pro Tem Emeritus Toni Atkins.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today is Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, a longtime advocate for increased availability of mental healthcare. While a member of the state Assembly Steinberg authored Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, which has generated millions for mental healthcare in California. In 2015 he launched The Steinberg Institute, which has helped enact sweeping improvements in California mental health policy, including securing $2 billion to provide housing and care for homeless people living with mental illness (No Place Like Home). He joined us today to discuss efforts to address California’s twin crises: homelessness and mental health, and this week’s Senate leadership transition.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: In his reporting, Brian Joseph explores the nuances of Sex Trafficking, 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.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We are joined today by communications expert Nathan Click of Click Strategies. Click serves as a political advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and led communications efforts in the Governor’s successful campaign against the Recall. With last week’s announcement that journalist Bob Salladay would be replacing Anthony York as Gov. Newsom’s Communications Director, we thought it was a great time to ask Click about what the job is like. Click also shared his thoughts on the Senate race, the effect of the early primary, and weighed in on Initiatives that are likely to be on November’s ballot, including a repeal of Prop. 8.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: 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. 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.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: As California stares down the largest budget deficit in a decade, lawmakers – most of whom have never governed during a down time – will be facing hard choices. Labor lobbyist Kristina Bas Hamilton remembers the rough days of the Great Recession, and sat down with us to talk about what this go round might be like, and how it will differ from the past. She also talks with us about her podcast, and her new book, Changemaker: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Sh*t Done at the California Capitol, a How-To guide for working with lawmakers.
