In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett hosts Andy Walz, President of Chevron of the Americas, for an in-depth conversation about the energy sector, Chevron's role, and the future of fuel. Andy shares his 35-year journey with Chevron, which took him and his family around the globe, from San Diego to Singapore. He discusses the division of Chevron…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett Blonien welcomes Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan to discuss a range of topics from her personal background to her legislative work in California. Bauer-Kahan reflects on her undergraduate experience at the University of Pennsylvania, her thoughts on the current state of academic institutions and student…

This episode of SacTown Talks features a detailed conversation with Senator Bill Dodd, covering his decade-long political career, contributions, and views on various issues affecting California. Senator Dodd discusses his transition from business to politics, his achievements including the passage of over a hundred bills, and his work on wildfire m…

This episode of SacTown Talks features an engaging conversation with Damola Ogundipe, co-founder and CEO of Plural, a company dedicated to improving the analysis of public policy documents through technology. Damola discusses the inception of Plural, its focus on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate the understanding and tracking of…

This episode of SacTown Talks features Anne McLeod from the Private Essential Access Community Hospitals (PEACH) discussing the role and challenges of safety net hospitals in California. The state has about 440 hospitals, with roughly 90 designated as safety net hospitals serving vulnerable populations. These hospitals fill the gap in healthcare co…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Chris Micheli, a seasoned Attorney, Lobbyist, Author, & Professor shares insights into his move back to solo practice, his writing process for books and manuals aimed at simplifying complex legislative and lobbying processes, and his observations on changes in legislative activities and office dynamics post-COVID. …

Today we welcome Adam Probolsky, a renowned pollster from Probolsky Research, discusses the recent election outcomes, voter sentiments, and the apparent disconnect between Californian policymakers' progressivism and the electorate's views. This episode was recorded on 4/10/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and cultur…

Today we welcome Adam Kovacevich, CEO and founder of the Chamber of Progress. We discuss the founding of the Chamber of Progress, the evolution of tech policy, the potential of autonomous vehicles, safety concerns, employment impact, the future of AV technology and more. This episode was recorded 3/26/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about Californi…

Today we welcome Nick Warner of Nick Warner Consulting. After 30 years of experience in lobbying, Warner is a dedicated business coach, and hosts his own podcast 'Together at the Top'. We discuss the value of mentorship, meaningful client connections, the significance of personal development, podcasting for businesses and more. This episode was rec…

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Chris Ward. Ward represents AD78, serves as Chair of the Assembly Housing, the Community Development Committee, as well as the Select Committee on Biotechnology. We discuss housing affordability, homelessness, utility pricing, elder scams and more. This episode was recorded 3/13/2024 SacTown Talks is a…

Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Alex Lee. Lee represents Assembly District 24 and currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Human Services, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. We discuss voter enthusiasm, LGBTQ+ rights, tax policies and more. This episode was recorded 3/7/2024 SacTown …

Today we welcome to the program Aaron Vad, Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Connolly. Vad is one of the youngest staffers to hold a Chief of Staff position. We discuss Aaron's journey in politics, the challenges and rewards of working in the Capitol, the importance of communication and networking, and more. This episode was recorded 3/5/2024 SacTown T…

Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Aguiar-Curry represents the 4th California Assembly District. We discuss local housing, public infrastructure, mental health, supporting families and more. This episode was recorded 2/22/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature…

Today we welcome former Mayor of West Sacramento, and current Senate candidate, Christopher Cabaldon. Cabaldon is running for Senate District 3. We discuss Cabaldon's experience as Mayor of West Sac, restoring communities, economic development, climate protection, education and more. This episode was recorded 2/8/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast abo…

Today we welcome back, now full-time staffer for Senator Brian Dahle, Andrew Nickens. Nickens is a UC Davis graduate and has already gained exposure fighting hard legislative battles, and we are following Nickens' journey in the Capitol. Today we discuss all he's learned in his first year, what has been most helpful, advice for fellows and more. Th…

Today we welcome back to the program, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. McCarty, a Sacramento native, represents Assembly District 06. We discuss issues in Sacramento such as homelessness, housing, public safety, and more. This episode was recorded 1/26/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews…

Today we welcome the great visionary Herby Kay to the program. Kay is the founder of the 1964 plan. We discuss Kay's journey from crime to visionary, the 1964 Plan, issues in crime, drug legalization, homelessness and more. This episode was recorded 1/24/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature inter…

Today we welcome Assemblymember Matt Haney to the program. Haney represents AD 17. We discuss Haney’s path to politics, issues in San Francisco such as Fentanyl, housing, as well as a look ahead to goals for 2024. This episode was recorded 1/10/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with…

Today we welcome back to the program Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss the artificial intelligence, the future of technology, California manufacturing and more. This episode was recorded 1/09/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature…

Today we welcome back Kristina Bas Hamilton, of KBH Advocacy, to the program. Hamilton also hosts her own podcast, Blueprint for California Advocates. We discuss Hamilton’s current focuses, the affordability crisis, organizing, the California Budget and more. This episode was recorded 1/08/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, …

Today we revisit our episode with Senator Alvarado-Gil from May 2023. Alvarado-Gil represents Senate District 4 and serves as State Commissioner for Special Education. The Senator and Jarhett had a fantastic discussion on education, fentanyl, public safety, and more. This episode was originally released 5/08/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about Ca…

Today we welcome to the program Vice President of H Cycle, Quentin Foster. H Cycle produces low-carbon hydrogen using an innovative waste processing system, redirecting municipal waste and organic waste before it hits landfills. We discuss landfill waste issues, related bills, hydrogen solutions and more. This episode was recorded 12/20/2023 SacTow…

Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Gipson represents Assembly District 65 and previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore for Carson City. We take a look back and recap 2023, the budget, and goals looking ahead to 2024. This episode was recorded 12/19/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and cul…

Today we revisit our episode with now Speaker, Robert Rivas, taking the oath of office as Speaker of the California State Assembly on June 30, 2023. Prior to being elected Speaker, Rivas served as the Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and as Vice-Chair of the influential Latino Legislative Caucus. Rivas and Jarhett discuss agriculture, fo…

Today we welcome to the program Chris Lane, Director for Cygnal. Cygnal is known for their work in polling, analytics and targeting. We discuss Lane's journey to polling, election analytics, the 2024 presidential election and more. This episode was recorded 12/05/2023By Russell Lowery

Today we welcome to the program Roger Salazar, President of ALZA Strategies. Salazar is known for his work in the White House under the Clinton Administration, working on the 2000 Gore campaign and as campaign press secretary for former California Governor Gray Davis. We discuss Salazar's journey to politics, experience in the White House, crisis c…

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Devon Mathis. Mathis represents Assembly District 33 and previously served as Sergeant for the Army National Guard for nearly ten years, with two combat tours in Iraq. We discuss Mathis' career, path to politics, the opioid crisis, helping veterans and more. This episode was recorded on 11/09/2023 SacT…

Today we welcome to the program regulatory expert, activist, and former President of the California PUC, Loretta Lynch. We discuss Lynch's career, the rising cost of utilities, AB 205 and more! This episode was recorded 11/08/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California politic…

Today we welcome back Principal Clerk II/Reading Clerk, David Bowman. We reflect on the year, David's 15 years in the Capitol, dive into the staffers perspective and more. This episode was recorded on 10/24/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and ana…

Today we welcome back Russell Lowery of High View Strategies. Lowery is an expert in digital communication and political bridge building. We discuss effective lobbying, digital communication strategy, social media success and more. (01:11) High View Strategies update (07:49) Using social media to your advantage (13:49) Communication and social medi…

Today we welcome back California water expert, Alexandra Biering, of California Farm Bureau. Here Biering provides us with an update on California water, discusses the water year, flood protection, water rights and more. (03:49) Melting snow and how it affects reservoirs (11:00) Why we can expect more and more flooding this year (14:26) California …

Today we welcome back to the program Senator Dave Min. Min represents Senate District 37 and serves as Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, which has jurisdiction over the state’s environmental stewardship. We discuss Min's legislative priorities, the environment, biodiversity, homelessness and more. (08:47) End of session, wi…

Today we welcome to the program Steve Cruz of Cruz Strategies. Cruz has over 20 years of legislative and political experience having worked on behalf of a multitude of interests, both public and private, before the California State Legislature and various state agencies. We discuss Cruz's journey to politics, housing, effective lobbying, and more. …

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo. Schiavo represents Assembly District 40 and previously was a small business owner and nurse advocate who worked in the labor movement for more than 20 years. We Schiavo's legislative priorities, housing, homelessness, healthcare, and more. (03:58) The issue with healthcare and insurance …

Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Gipson represents Assembly District 65 and previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore for Carson City. We Gipson's legislative priorities, gun control, law enforcement, foster care, and more. (05:42) End of session, bills, and budget (14:14) Talking homelessness (18:55) Police and crimina…

Today we welcome back, attorney, lobbyist, and author, Chris Micheli. Micheli is back, talking about his two new handbooks on legislative drafting in California and understanding the California legislative process. Available now! https://he.kendallhunt.com/search?search_api_views_fulltext=Chris+Micheli This episode was recorded on 09/15/2023 SacTow…

Today we welcome to the program political journalist Lara Korte. Korte is a co-author of POLITICO California Playbook. We discuss Korte's career in journalism, POLITICO, and all things political reporting. This episode was recorded on 09/05/2023. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with Ca…

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Phil Ting. Ting represents Assembly District 19 and serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. We discuss Ting's career, education access, affordability, housing, and more. (02:24) Ting’s journey to politics (08:10) College affordability and access (13:13) Eliminating APPI hate (19:16) The Housi…

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. Zbur represents Assembly District 51 and previously worked in environmental law. We discuss Zbur's career, LGBT rights, issues with homelessness, housing, the environment, and more. This episode was recorded on 08/16/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy an…

Today we welcome Tom Campbell, former United States Representative, law professor, and current chair of the Common Sense Party. We discuss Campbell's career, as well as a deep dive on the Common Sense Party and why California would benefit from another party. This episode was recorded on 08/11/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politi…

Today we welcome Jeff Farrah, Executive Director of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. Farrah and the AVIN believe autonomous vehicles will make our world safer, more efficient, and provide life-changing mobility benefits to those who are disadvantaged. We discuss self-driving vehicles, transportation, cyber security and more. This episod…

Today we welcome back Chris MacKenzie, Senior Director of Communications for Chamber of Progress. Mackenzie has a strong background in connecting with center-left voters and thought leaders through digital media campaigns and traditional press outreach. Today we are focused on artificial intelligence. Development, advancement, regulation, legislati…

Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. Pellerin represents Assembly District 28 and previously served as the chief elections official in Santa Cruz County from 1993 until her retirement in December 2020. We discuss Pellerin's background career, issues with homelessness, marriage rights, the election system and more. This epi…

Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria. Soria represents Assembly District 27 and as a first-generation American daughter of farm workers, knows firsthand about hard work and sacrifice, having worked alongside her parents in the Central Valley’s agricultural fields throughout her childhood. We discuss Soria's background car…

Today we welcome Jennifer Capitolo, Executive Director of the California Water Association. Capitolo has previously served in the Department of Finance under Governor Gray Davis and as a district representative for Congresswoman Barbara Lee and former Assemblymember Ellen Corbett. We discuss Capitolo's career, CWA, groundwater, California drinking …

Today we welcome Chris MacKenzie, Senior Director of Communications for Chamber of Progress. Mackenzie has a strong background in connecting with center-left voters and thought leaders through digital media campaigns and traditional press outreach. We discuss Mackenzie's career, the Chamber of Progress, the CA Journalism Preservation Act and more. …

Today we welcome to the program Monica Miller. Miller is the owner and President of Sacramento Advisors, LLC. We discuss Miller's career, involvement in non-profits, work in foster care and more. This episode was recorded on 06/22/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California po…

Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Gregg Hart. Hart represents Assembly District 37 and previously served as Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, California Coastal Commissioner, and Santa Barbara County Supervisor. We discuss Hart's career, issues with housing, the environment, budget goals and more. This episode was recorded o…

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Bill Essayli. Essayli represents Assembly District 63 and previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney as well as a Riverside County Deputy District Attorney. We discuss Essayli's career in law, gun violence, incarceration, drug issues and more. This episode was recorded on 05/24/2023 SacTo…

Today we welcome to the program, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. Smallwood-Cuevas represents Senate District 28 and is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. We discuss the election, issues with the prison system, employment, housing and more. This episode was recorded on 05/23/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, po…