California Insider

California has more than 39,000 idle oil wells, many of which pose environmental and financial risks if left unaddressed. While often treated as a burden, former state energy regulator Bill Bartling sees a missed opportunity. In this episode, he shares how a tech-driven solution could cut emissions and help stabilize the grid, but only if the state is willing to act.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California is expanding a policy that lets homeowners build multiple ADUs on single-family lots, in some cases adding dozens of units where one home once stood. Officials say it’s a step toward easing the housing shortage. Others worry about what it means for infrastructure, privacy, and neighborhood character. This episode breaks down how the policy works and what’s unfolding on the ground.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Riots broke out in Los Angeles after federal immigration agents carried out enforcement actions in the city’s garment district. But what actually sparked the unrest, and why didn’t local law enforcement step in? Former LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva explains what’s happening and what’s at risk if the response doesn’t change.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Tom Miller started his business in California with $700 and a clear view of what car dealerships needed but weren’t getting. He built a model that streamlined fragmented services and scaled it to 850 employees. In this episode, he reflects on the pressure, the cost of growth, and what kept him going.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

In California, some property owners return to find strangers living in their homes, and police often can’t remove them. The law doesn’t always distinguish between a squatter and a tenant. Jonathan Madison, Lead Attorney at The Madison Firm, explains how this legal gray area is playing out across the state and what might shift next.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California’s next governor will face real, day-to-day problems that affect millions—housing, insurance, energy, and more. In this conversation, Democrat Mike Gatto and Republican Jim Reighaimer explore how the state’s open primary influences who makes it to the top—and what kind of leadership could connect in today’s California.

Many parents sense it: something’s missing in how we prepare young kids for real life. In this episode, we sit down with Sandy Stone, founder of Pretend City, a nonprofit in Orange County that has served over 2.4 million children and families. Built from the ground up using real neighborhood data, Pretend City offers hands-on experiences—from running a grocery store to visiting a doctor’s office—that help kids develop practical skills, empathy, and confidence before they even reach kindergarten.

A century-old sugar plant in California’s Imperial Valley is shutting down—marking a shift in the state’s farming economy. Gil Rebollar, Mayor of Brawley, shares how the closure is affecting his community—and how the rise of renewable energy is changing how land, water, and opportunity are managed across rural California.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California recently became the world’s fourth-largest economy. In this conversation, State Treasurer Fiona Ma discusses the industries that are driving the momentum, the role of human capital, and how public investment is being used to meet the state’s evolving needs. She also addresses pressure points in agriculture, housing, and small businesses—offering a clearer view of where California stands today.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Ron Williams protected six U.S. presidents and some of the most high-profile figures in the world. But what did decades inside the Secret Service really teach him? In this conversation, he opens up about the moments that changed him—on duty, in loss, and in faith.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.