California Underground: Your Sane Insight into California Politics

In this episode of the California Underground podcast, Elaine Culotti shares her unconventional journey and bold vision for California, emphasizing the need to rethink the state's political and economic systems.

She advocates for no-party preference candidacy, fiscal responsibility, and grassroots campaigns to bring real change.

Key Topics:

• The rise of no-party preference candidates and what it means for California politics
• Why California’s political establishment is broken and how to fix it
• Reorganization of cities and counties through Chapter 9 bankruptcy to cut costs and improve accountability
• The influence of billionaires, NGOs, and special interests on California’s governance
• Countering unfunded mandates like sanctuary city policies and high-density housing regulations
• The importance of economic development and creating 2 million jobs to revitalize the state
• How to leverage small, clean campaigns with grassroots donations instead of big-money influence
• The concept of building a "Great American Credit Union" and alternative funding models
• Addressing California’s housing crisis by reducing red tape and enabling entrepreneurs
• Restoring water infrastructure and resource management for sustainable growth
• The call for a political revolution and genuine leadership

Resources:

• Elaine Kalati's Campaign Website
• Instagram: Colotti for Governor

• Instagram
• Website

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.

Original air date  3.10.26

*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*

Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live

Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da 

For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com 

Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order

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Understanding the Power and Responsibility of California's State Controller with Herb Morgan

In this episode, Herb Morgan, a candidate for California state controller, breaks down the often-overlooked yet critically important role of the controller and how it holds more power than many realize. We explore California's financial challenges, transparency innovations, and the potential for reform in government spending and accountability.

Key Topics

• The true role and influence of the California State Controller
• How a single office can impact statewide fiscal health and trust
• The flaws in current financial reporting and transparency
• Innovations like blockchain and AI to revolutionize government accountability
• The scandals and inefficiencies within NGOs and public sector spending
• Strategies for Republican victory in a predominantly blue state
• The "Golden Ticket" coalition and its plan to change California politics
• Day-one priorities if Herb Morgan is elected: implementing radical transparency and reforming financial systems
• The importance of restoring trust in government and institutions
• How effective oversight can reduce waste, fraud, and abuse

Timestamps

• (0:00) – Introduction to the importance of the California State Controller
• (1:35) – Meet Herb Morgan and his background
• (4:02) – Explaining the power and duties of the controller
• (6:00) – Examples of fiscal oversight and impact
• (8:34) – California’s dismal metrics despite high revenue
• (11:09) – The trust deficit in government and elections
• (14:27) – Critique of current officeholders and their qualifications
• (20:24) – The fight against fraud and waste in government
• (24:14) – The innovative use of AI and blockchain for transparency
• (33:13) – Why transparency scares those in power
• (36:42) – Exposure of NGO and public sector fraud scandals
• (43:43) – The criminal enterprise in public spending
• (49:24) – How the "Golden Ticket" coalition can win in California’s political landscape
• (56:05) – Immediate actions upon taking office
• (62:39) – Final thoughts and support information

Resources

• Herb Morgan for California Controller
• Herb Morgan’s Campaign Website
• California Doge Platform
• Herb Morgan on Social Media
• Additional campaigns & investigations

Connect with Herb

• Twitter
• Website

Note: This episode provides an in-depth look at how reform-minded individuals can leverage the power of fiscal oversight to rebuild trust and eliminate corruption in California government. Don’t miss the innovative ideas for transparency and accountability that could shape the future of governance.

Phil and Camille bring you the latest in California politics!

In this episode, Phil and Camille discuss Newsom's recent racial gaffe in Atlanta, the California Democrats can't agree on a candidate for Governor, and BART is being bailed out by taxpayers...again.

Original air date 2.24.26

*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*

Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live

Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da 

For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com 

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Gavin Newsom is galavanting in Munich and pretending to be President, Nancy Pelosi has made her selection for 2028 Democratic Presidential nominee, and we ask why is California ok with shipping gasoline all the way from the Bahamas when we could produce it here.

Key Takeaways

• Gavin Newsom’s trip to Munich and his shadow campaign tactics
• California’s hypocrisy in energy and environmental policies
• The potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates
• Pelosi’s backing of Gavin Newsom for president
• California’s oil and gasoline imports from the Bahamas
• The economic and environmental implications of importing fuel
• Hypocrisy around California’s offshore drilling bans versus imports
• Political narratives and vulnerabilities for California leaders
• The influence of historical and familial ties in California politics

Time Stamps

00:00 - Gavin Newsom’s Munich trip and international diplomacy00:43 - What Newsom says about Trump’s temporary status02:13 - California’s political direction and Newsom’s shadow campaign04:33 - The narrative of Newsom’s presidential ambitions05:25 - California’s energy policies and importing oil from the Bahamas06:30 - The hypocrisy of environmental regulations and offshore drilling07:46 - The timeline of EPA regulations and climate policies09:29 - Leadership responsibilities and Newsom’s absence11:10 - Newsom’s memorandum with the UK and international stances13:35 - Democratic contenders for 2028: AOC, Kamala, and others15:17 - AOC’s comments on Taiwan and foreign policy17:39 - The history of California’s oil wealth and current energy crisis18:35 - Pelosi’s endorsement of Newsom for 202824:05 - Family ties between Pelosi and Newsom26:38 - Left-wing media’s critique of Newsom28:59 - California’s economic record and challenges37:50 - California’s import of gasoline from the Bahamas40:13 - The state’s oil reserves and import strategies43:24 - Environmental hypocrisy and the costs of global oil imports47:55 - CO2 emissions from oil tankers and environmental impact50:13 - Comparing emissions from cows and ships52:52 - Final thoughts and community comments

• William Newsom Jr. - Family of Gavin Newsom
• Nancy Pelosi - LinkedIn
• Gavin Newsom - Official Website
• EPA Endangerment Rule Timeline
• Jones Act - Maritime Law
• Bloomberg on California Gas Imports
• California Oil Reserves - EIA

Connect with the Hosts

• Phil (@CaliforniaUnderground) - Twitter
• Camille (@Camille.Bethany) - Twitter

In this episode, we break down last week's California gubernatorial debate, highlighting the lack of substantive discussion, notable gaffes, and the absence of real solutions from the candidates. If you're tired of political grandstanding and empty promises, this summary is for you.

Original air date 2.10.26

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and debate overview
01:17 - Initial thoughts: debate’s tone and candidates’ performances
03:53 - The debate’s lack of depth and candidate grandstanding
10:32 - Steve Hilton’s surprising poll victory and candidate differentiation
15:48 - Key moments: attacks on Bianco, immigration, and policy gaffes
22:52 - The recurring theme of empty promises and unrealistic solutions
38:08 - Misconceptions about abolishing ICE and federal versus state powers
44:04 - Critical analysis of proposed solutions for housing and economic growth
50:22 - The role of California’s budget and mismanagement criticisms
60:26 - Candidates’ unrealized solutions and opportunistic positioning
65:56 - Final thoughts: debate’s lack of substance and future expectations

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.

*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*

Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live

Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da 

For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com 

Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order

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Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground 

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA 

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On this episode of the California Underground, we discuss California's recent "creative" attempts to combat ICE including cookies, bans from future employment, and punishing corporations who do business with ICE. Also, we discuss San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan jumping into the race. Does he see an opening with so many lackluster Democrats? All that and more on this episode of the California Underground. Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.Original air date 2.3.26*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.liveFor more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your orderFollow California Underground on Social Media  Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergoundTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA Read about our Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/

Join us as we speak with Assemblyman David Tangipa about the ongoing legal battles over Prop 50, California's gerrymandering issues, and the pervasive fraud, waste, and abuse in Sacramento. Discover the stakes, key legal arguments, and what citizens can do to get involved in reform efforts to restore integrity and representation in California.

Original air date 1.28.26

• The details of the Prop 50 lawsuit and its implications for racial gerrymandering
• How California's redistricting laws have been misused and challenged
• The legal arguments around voter intent versus racial and political considerations
• The status of legal challenges against Prop 50, including SCOTUS considerations
• The impact of mismanagement, fraud, and waste on California's budget and infrastructure
• How California's supermajority affects legislation and what needs to change
• Practical steps for citizens to get involved and support conservative reforms in the state

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to California's Prop 50 lawsuit and Gerrymandering
• 01:10 - Assemblyman David Tangipa's background and why he fights for California
• 04:30 - Explanation of Prop 50 and the issues with racial gerrymandering in California
• 07:34 - The significance of Paul Mitchell's statements and the legal case against racial map drawing
• 10:29 - Overview of previous lawsuits and their outcomes, and where Prop 50 stands now
• 12:25 - Court rulings, voter intent, and legal arguments challenging Prop 50
• 15:09 - The danger of deception and marketing in voter decisions, with references to abortion laws
• 16:07 - How California's voting laws could be manipulated and the implications for democracy
• 20:51 - Assemblyman Tangipa on the broader implications of Prop 50 on California's representation
• 23:33 - Addressing fraud, waste, and abuse in California's budget and infrastructure projects
• 27:01 - The staggering costs and mismanagement of the California High-Speed Rail project
• 30:29 - The importance of grassroots involvement, breaking supermajorities, and fighting for a better California
• 32:21 - The ongoing legal battles, including the Louisiana lawsuit challenging Section 2 of the Voter Rights Act
• 35:15 - The potential future outcomes of Prop 50 legal challenges and how citizens can support reforms
• 39:11 - How to follow Assemblyman Tangipa on social media and support his work

Links

• Assemblyman David Tangipa's Legislative Page
• Prop 50 Legal Challenge SCOTUS Support Document
• California High-Speed Rail Project
• Voter Rights Act Section 2 - Legal Overview

• Twitter
• Campaign Website

In this episode, Phil and Camille are joined by Amy Reichert to discuss her recent investigation into empty daycares in San Diego. They delve into the alarming issue of ghost daycares in California, revealing findings from her investigation into state-funded childcare facilities that appear to be fraudulent. They discuss the role of state inspectors, the lack of accountability, and the implications of government funding in the daycare system. The conversation also touches on the broader context of the homeless industrial complex and the importance of citizen journalism in uncovering these issues. Amy emphasizes the need for transparency and encourages listeners to conduct their own research on local daycares.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ghost Daycares

02:10 Investigation Insights and Findings

07:56 The Fraudulent Daycare System

14:49 Government Funding and Oversight Issues

19:27 The Broader Implications of Daycare Fraud

26:57 Radical Indoctrination in Public Schools

28:57 Case Studies of Ghost Daycares

31:22 Inspection Reports and Child Care Violations

32:59 Media Manipulation and Public Perception

38:57 Censorship and the Role of Independent Journalism

42:58 Investigative Stories and Community Engagement

49:00 The Importance of Research in Elections

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.

Original air date  1.13.26

*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*

Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live

Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da 

For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com 

Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order

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In this episode of the California Underground, Phil and Camille delve into the some of the 800 new laws that went into effect this month in California. They focus on significant topics such as the inclusion of folic acid in tortillas, the expansion of mental health services, and upcoming election propositions. The hosts also share personal anecdotes, discuss the broader implications of these laws for California's future, and touch on issues like government overreach and homelessness.

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.

Original air date  1.6.25

*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*

Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live

Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da 

For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com 

Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order

Follow California Underground on Social Media  

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA 

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In this episode of the California Underground, Phil and Camille discuss the thwarted New Year's Eve terrorist attack by the Turtle Island Liberation Front, a radical group with anti-government and anti-capitalist views. They explore the group's motivations, the FBI's involvement, and the broader implications of domestic terrorism. The conversation also touches on California's political landscape, including potential 2028 presidential candidates Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, and the state's unique cultural traits. The hosts end on a lighter note, discussing California stereotypes and lifestyle habits.

Original air date 12.16.25

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics.

*The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.*

Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live

Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da 

For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com 

Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order

Follow California Underground on Social Media  

Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground 

X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergound

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1

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