California Insider

Retail theft laws in California have changed—but is it enough to make a difference? With felony charges now on the table for repeat offenders, some business owners say they’re already seeing fewer incidents. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, one of the authors of the sentence-increasing statute Prop 36, joins us to explain how the law is being applied, what’s happening behind the numbers, and how the system handles cases involving mental illness or addiction.

Marine veteran Kate Monroe’s journey began with injury and disappointment during her military service, and deepened as she faced the complexity of the Veterans Affairs system after leaving the Marine Corps. Out of that experience, she built VetComm, a company that today generates tens of millions in revenue by helping veterans access benefits that often go unclaimed. In this episode, she reflects on the mindset that turned hardship into purpose, how broken exit systems affect veterans long after discharge, and the discipline behind building lasting success.

For veterans seeking support, more information is available at www.vetcomm.us or by texting “claim review” to 858-360-2227.

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

Thousands of families, farms, and businesses across three Northern California counties—Sonoma, Mendocino, and Marin—could lose a vital water supply as two key dams face removal. Chris Coulombe joins us to explain how this could raise living costs, strain firefighting efforts, and pressure local economies—and why some say better solutions to avoid long-term damage are being overlooked.

For more background on this issue, we recommend Keely Covello’s reporting: https://www.americaunwon.com/p/breaking-california-to-spend-500

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

Could California’s old oil fields become part of the state’s clean energy future? In this episode, we meet Mike Umbro, a California native testing a new approach to long-duration energy storage. With support from federal labs and the Department of Energy, his team is working to store solar heat deep underground—potentially generating zero-emission electricity for up to 42 days. While the science behind it is established, the project still faces long permitting delays. We take a closer look at how this unconventional idea might help California meet its energy goals—and what stands in the way.

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

In California’s nonprofit world, consistency is hard to find, but one of the state’s oldest foundations still focuses on long-term support and trust. In this episode, Bill Ahmanson, president of The Ahmanson Foundation, explains how that works—and why it matters.

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

A shift in California law is changing how courts handle criminal cases tied to behavioral conditions. Judges must now presume a connection between a diagnosis and the offense, narrowing their discretion to deny diversion. Deputy District Attorney Matt Greco discusses the impact on victims, public safety, and the courts—and a proposed bill that could restore judicial authority.

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

Building a home in California can take months—or even years—before anyone moves in. Max Gerbut, founder of Haus.me, believes that timeline is outdated. In this episode, he explains how his off-grid, factory-built homes are designed to be installed in under an hour, require no hookups, and meet code across jurisdictions—offering a new path forward for housing in the state.

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

A behind-the-scenes agreement between federal officials, environmental groups, and The Nature Conservancy changed the course of ranching in Point Reyes.

Now, many longtime families are leaving.

West Marin attorney Andrew Giacomini joins us to explain how it unfolded, how it affected the public, and what’s at stake for agriculture, housing, and community in Marin County.

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Tony Hall spent decades working inside San Francisco’s government—across seven departments and three branches. In this conversation, he shares how civic culture once centered on service, and what happens when ambition, politics, and patronage take over. You’ll hear what kept him going, where he drew the line, and why some of the biggest changes started with small shifts few noticed at the time.

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 has long been a symbol of possibility—but for many residents, that promise feels increasingly out of reach. Author and policy expert Steve Hilton joins us to examine the data and decisions behind the state’s growing dysfunction.

We take a closer look at why California leads in innovation yet falls behind in affordability, housing, and public safety. Backed by research and real-world experience, Hilton breaks down how policies, political structures, and ideological shifts have shaped today’s challenges—and what a better path forward could look like.

This episode is for Californians who’ve built their lives here, seen the changes firsthand, and want more than headlines or talking points.

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