California Insider

Farming in California isn’t easy with rising costs, drought, and market pressures. But one farming family is rethinking rice farming with a centuries-old Japanese technique that uses ducks instead of chemicals. This approach cuts water use, improves soil health, and brings high-quality rice directly to schools and farmers' markets.

In this episode, they share how they transitioned from traditional farming to a direct-to-consumer model, navigating drought, supply chain struggles, and the challenges of organic agriculture. Could this be a model for sustainable farming in California?

Los Angeles has poured billions into homelessness programs, but a new audit reveals deep financial mismanagement and a lack of oversight. Are these funds truly reaching those in need, or is bureaucracy getting in the way? Paul Webster of the LA Alliance for Human Rights discusses what this report uncovers and what it means for the city’s response to the crisis.

Los Angeles restaurants were already facing rising costs and declining reservations—then the fires hit. Industry leaders say the impact feels like a second pandemic, with small businesses, event venues, and entire supply chains struggling to recover. Restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani, partner in Mother Wolf Group and Avila’s MXO, shares firsthand insight into the challenges and the uncertain road ahead. Roozbeh Farahanipour, president of the West LA Chamber of Commerce, weighs in on the broader economic pressures affecting local businesses. As concerns over crime, bureaucracy, and slow recovery efforts mount, will LA’s restaurant scene rebound, or are more closures inevitable?

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

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has set the state’s emissions standards, often going beyond federal requirements. But with Trump back in office, could California lose its ability to set independent climate policies? Susan Shelley, member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group, joins us to examine how a potential rollback of California’s regulatory authority could affect industries, energy prices, and the state’s climate goals.

With ongoing debates over emissions regulations, federal waivers, and cost-of-living concerns, what changes might be ahead for California? We explore the legal and economic stakes as federal and state policies collide.

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 homelessness crisis persists, with encampments growing and solutions slow to materialize. State Senator Catherine Blakespear explains why efforts haven’t curbed the problem, the challenges in funding and policy, and what needs to change to move people off the streets for good.

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

Water storage in California is tangled in regulations. While the capacity exists, legal barriers prevent water from being available when it’s needed most. What’s stopping the state from securing its supply? We sit down with Thomas Holyoke, a political science professor, to explore the legal, political, and environmental obstacles standing in the way of real water solutions.

What if foreign powers had access to critical U.S. infrastructure? Former Congresswoman Michelle Steele reveals how China is quietly expanding its control over California’s ports, universities, and technology—raising major national security risks. From hidden chips in cranes to influence in academia, we uncover what’s really happening 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 California Insider.

Los Angeles is spending billions on homelessness, yet the crisis keeps growing. Katina Holliday, a registered nurse, took matters into her own hands—housing over 500 homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals through her nonprofit, Holiday's Helping Hands.

More than just providing shelter, she’s building community and restoring dignity for those in need. With medical care, job training, and long-term support, her approach is helping people reclaim their lives.

Medical decisions should be made by doctors and patients, but increasingly, insurance approvals shape access to care. Spine surgeon Dr. Hooman Melamed shares his firsthand experience with the growing barriers to treatment, from delays in urgent procedures to financial pressures influencing medical choices.

Why are some surgeries harder to approve? How do industry trends impact patient care? And what can be done to fix the system? Dr. Melamed offers insights into the challenges—and potential solutions—facing modern healthcare.

Siyamak sits down with Shawn Sahbari founder and CEO of Komodo Fire Systems, to examine why California’s wildfire response has not kept pace with growing risks. As wildfires intensify, concerns rise over toxic contamination in air, soil, and water. Sahbari discusses policy gaps, the limits of traditional firefighting methods, and how emerging fire prevention technology could offer more effective solutions