In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jamie Miller from People Who Think joins the show to discuss the evolving political landscape in Florida and its broader implications for national politics. Jamie provides insights into Florida's shift from a Democratic advantage to a Republican stronghold influenced by conservative governance and migration during …

In this episode of SacTown Talks, David Bowman joins the discussion to reflect on an eventful legislative session. The episode delves into the unique aspects of the session's conclusion, including notable retirements, end-of-session processes, and procedural insights from the assembly floor. Bowman shares personal anecdotes, the impact of long-serv…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien welcomes Melissa Sagun, President of the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association (APICA), and board member Allie Umemoto. The discussion delves into APICA's history, mission, and initiatives. Melissa and Allie share their personal journeys into politics, the importance of community building …

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien speaks with former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas about his support for Donald Trump, the current state of the Democratic Party, the economic challenges facing millennials and African American men, and the national political landscape. Sebastian shares his experiences of relocating to Neva…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Catharine Baker, former California Assembly member and current Director of the UC Student and Policy Center. Catharine shares her journey from growing up in Coachella Valley and cutting her teeth in Chicago politics, to working in law and then entering public service motivated by the Great Reces…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett interviews Lacey Keys of Keys Law Corporation. They discuss her journey as a political attorney, including her educational background and career trajectory. Lacey elaborates on the nuances of political law, including registration and compliance for lobbyists, campaign finance work, and the role of the Fair …

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director of California Dairy Cares, who shares his journey from a UC Davis intern to a veteran lobbyist with over 41 years of experience. Boccadoro discusses the intricate balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability in California's dairy indus…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Matthew Hargrove from the California Business Properties Association (C.B.P.A). Matthew shares insights into his career path from UC Davis and his extensive experience in Sacramento politics. They discuss a wide array of topics impacting the commercial real estate sector in California, inclu…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Co-Chairs Andres Ramirez and Brandon Garcia of the California Latino Capitol Association Foundation (CLCAF) join the show. They discuss their respective journeys into the political community in Sacramento—Andres starting in lobbying and Brandon discovering the field almost by accident. Both highlight the significan…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, members of the California Legislative Black Staff Association (CLBSA) and co-chairs, Symphoni Barbee and Kapri Walker, share their journeys and experiences. Symphoni discusses her role as a legislative advocate for Planned Parenthood and her entrance into the CLBSA. Kapri outlines her transition from working in the…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett welcomes Andy Walz, President of Chevron of the Americas, for an in-depth conversation about California's role in the energy sector. Andy shares his 35-year journey with Chevron, discussing the global assignments he's experienced. He elaborates on the responsibilities of his current position, overseeing dow…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Assemblyman Marc Berman, who shares his journey from Palo Alto to Sacramento. Asm. Berman discusses his early life, education at Georgetown and USC, and experiences working on political campaigns across the country. He recounts his path to becoming a member of the Palo Alto City Council and …

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett Blonien welcomes Jennifer Saha, Founder and CEO of Golden Bridge Strategies. Jennifer shares her extensive background in government service and her transition to the private sector. She discusses her career journey from working in the Governor's office under Schwarzenegger, to the challenges of managing lar…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett speaks with the voice of the Assembly, David Bowman, about the intricacies and history of the California State Capitol. They discuss dining at the Capitol, changes in the legislature's working environment, and the renovations of the Capitol building. David shares fascinating historical anecdotes, inclu…

In this episode of SacTown Talks, we sit down with Assembly Member Isaac Bryan, discussing his unique background growing up in a foster care family, his journey through multiple states, and his eventual relocation to California. Bryan reflects on the influence of key life events, from getting cut from his high school basketball team to his academic…

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…

Imran, Big Shep and Amil Fragoso (he's backkkk) break down the world of grading sports cards and memorabilia. The trio discuss what the latest trends have been, what type of cards should be sent in, and how to go about navigating the various grading companies. They also discuss the upcoming Sacramento Sports Card and Autograph Expo happening May 17…

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…