Michael Zucchet is one of those guys who listens more than he talks, and his calm and thoughtful demeanor has served him well at the poker table and at the negotiating table.

Zucchet oversees the City of San Diego’s largest labor union as General Manager of the San Diego Municipal Employees Association. 

In addition to his day job, Michael is one of San Diego’s leading political minds, frequently called on for his strategic advice and recommendations. He’s also a fierce poker player, enjoying rare success in Vegas. Michael also serves as a San Diego Port Commissioner. 

He’s married with two kids and he and his family reside in Ocean Beach. It’s his family life, he says, that’s the priority and it may not have been if his political career did not take an unexpected turn.

Michael has seen a lot in and around City Hall over the years. He discusses local politics, poker, leadership, work-life balance, his wife and kids, and much more with Juan and Tony on the latest episode of Dear San Diego.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest's First Impression
00:01:20 - Podcast Overview
00:05:29 - Guest's Background and Personal Life
00:10:29 - Balancing Work and Family
00:13:36 - Career Aspirations of the Guest's Son
00:14:33 - World Series of Poker Win
00:15:12 - Endurance and Emotions
00:16:31 - World Series of Poker Experience
00:19:42 - Poker and Life Skills
00:26:50 - San Diego Municipal Employees Association
00:29:59 - Discovering Local Politics
00:31:08 - Partisanship in Politics
00:33:22 - Changing Dynamics in Politics
00:36:43 - Impact of Media and Public Perception
00:41:18 - Political Endorsements and Races
00:46:26 - Political Race Predictions
00:47:45 - Impact of National Politics
00:48:33 - Personal Lifestyle Choices
00:49:36 - Daily Habits and Routines
00:59:33 - Closing Remarks
01:01:12 - Michael Zuchett's Leadership Style
01:01:39 - Getting to Know Michael Zuchett
01:02:10 - Unique Woodworking Family
01:03:19 - Zuchett's Political Insights
01:03:40 - Conclusion and Gratitude

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The majority of San Diegans are renters, but rents are crazy expensive because supply is so low. Very few new homes are built, so those that are sold come with a steep price. The average home in San Diego sells for $900,000. 

How did we get here? What caused our region’s housing crisis? How do we fix it? What do we need to do to build more homes San Diegans can afford? 

Tony and Juan get answers to these questions from two of the region’s leading housing advocates, Lori Pfeiler and Hannah Gbeh, on this episode of Dear San Diego.

In addition to housing policy and politics, Lori and Hannah talk about what it’s like working in an arena mostly dominated by men at the top of the food chain.

Lori is CEO of San Diego County Building Industry, and Hannah is the organization’s Vice President of Government Affairs.

The key moments in this episode are:

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:05:21 - Housing Crisis in San Diego
00:07:05 - Impact of Regulatory Environment on Housing
00:13:37 - Infrastructure and Funding Challenges
00:14:09 - Challenges of Bureaucracy and Budgets
00:15:03 - Unprecedented Leadership
00:19:33 - Gender and Leadership
00:22:00 - Housing Crisis and Regulations
00:26:16 - Environmental Impact and Building
00:28:13 - Government Regulations and Impact on Housing
00:35:55 - The Cost of Building in California
00:37:45 - Influence of Local Policy and Education
00:40:32 - Life as a Single Mom and Former Farmer
00:41:37 - Diverse Farming Experiences
00:41:48 - Lucrative Non-Edibles
00:42:20 - Missing Being Mayor
00:43:12 - Coffee vs. Tea
00:47:14 - Policy vs. Politics
00:49:25 - AI and Housing Crisis

 

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San Diego Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe is expected to win the county supervisor special election on November 7, 2023 to replace Nathan Fletcher. If so, she would leave her job as a councilmember representing District 4, which includes the communities of Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Lincoln Park, Mountain View, Paradise Hills, and others.

Her constituents need a strong voice at the table. Otherwise, she said, they will be overlooked.

While the challenges Councilmember Montgomery faces as a black woman representing Southeastern San Diego are long, she draws on her hope and her faith while pursuing her goal of ensuring opportunities are available to everyone who wants them.

Tony and Juan discuss all that and more on this episode of Dear San Diego with Councilmember Montgomery. They also talk about Tony’s dad, Bobby George Manolatos, who passed away October 5. This episode is dedicated to him.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of the Guest
00:09:21 - Reflections on personal loss
00:11:03 - Campaign and Election
00:14:27 - Readiness for New Position
00:14:32 - Conclusion
00:14:39 - Making Tough Decisions
00:15:19 - Advocacy for Racial Equity
00:18:29 - Monica's Advocacy and Vision
00:25:35 - Unraveling Institutional Racism
00:30:35 - Staying True to Your Values in Politics
00:34:14 - Standing Up for What's Right
00:37:23 - A Day in the Life of Monica
00:39:56 - Monica's Humanity and Hope for the Future

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During his 8 years as a San Diego City Councilmember, Chris Cate was known as the smartest guy on the 10th floor, but he became more than a policy wonk. He worked with council members on both sides of the aisle to create positive change for San Diegans, and he became a force for his District 6 constituents, which includes the neighborhoods of Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Park Village, and Sorrento Valley. Chris was only the third Asian American in San Diego’s history elected to the City Council.

On this episode with Tony and Juan, Chris talks about what he’s most proud of; his luck landing a huge press event with Mark Hamill aka Luke Skywalker, who grew up in Clairemont; the Chargers running ads attacking Chris – which made national news; and more.

He said the key to succeeding at City Hall is not to take things personally. Another key, he said, is finding balance, something he was very intentional about to ensure he was being a good father to his three kids and his wife, Maria.

As the founder of 3MC Strategies, Chris now spends his days as a consultant, assisting clients with government relations and advocacy, coalition building, community outreach, and fiscal and policy analysis.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:04:39 - Smuggling Activities and Trips
00:05:54 - Introduction to Guest - Chris Cate
00:10:01 - The Paradox of Politics
00:12:22 - Achievements and Policy Impact
00:14:02 - Redevelopment and Community Vision
00:15:45 - Community Impact and Micro Issues
00:20:18 - Cultural Center Development
00:23:40 - Post-Council Life and Business Work
00:27:17 - Controversy and Impact
00:28:14 - Chargers' Move to LA
00:29:25 - Stadium Subsidy and Public Backlash
00:31:00 - Fallout and Re-election
00:32:39 - Remembering Father Joe
00:41:35 - Morning Routine and Productivity
00:44:19 - Remote vs. Physical Work
00:46:12 - Board Service and Community Involvement
00:48:08 - Family and Work-life Balance
00:52:30 - Conclusion and Future Episodes

(Originally aired 19Oct23)

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James Canning was the PR pro for one the region’s most popular politicians. Everything was going exceptionally well for his boss and for James. And then one morning that all changed. 

Nathan Fletcher abruptly ended his State Senate campaign and days later, after being accused of sexual harassment, he announced he was stepping down from elected office, giving up his job as a San Diego County Supervisor. 

For the first time publicly, James discusses what that was like for him and his colleagues, and how he dealt with the backlash from Nathan’s critics and some members of the media. James also was on the frontlines when former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick resigned under mounting pressure and allegations. 

James discusses that, his love for the Detroit Lions, cooking, painting, his Flack Talk podcast, and more with Tony and Juan.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Background
00:04:31 - Nathan Fletcher's Resignation
00:08:12 - Flack Talk and Journalism
00:10:27 - Career Path and Motivation
00:12:45 - Networking and Mentors
00:13:19 - Finding Common Ground
00:16:36 - Shocking News
00:21:36 - Dealing with Crisis
00:24:52 - Public Scrutiny
00:25:40 - The Impact of Crisis Communication
00:30:54 - Moving Forward from Past Leadership
00:31:44 - Continuing Service Amidst Challenges
00:33:48 - Creative Outlets and Artistic Endeavors
00:37:49 - Brand Building and Leadership
00:38:31 - Setting the Creative Standard
00:39:59 - Functional Art and Creativity
00:41:46 - Michigan Values and Connection to San Diego
00:47:56 - Impactful Interview and Personal Insights

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Drew Lieberman counts San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and the U.S. Navy among his clients. Drew has worked with Tony and Juan on several land-use campaigns. 

A savvy and seasoned pollster, Drew is Executive Vice President at Strategies 360. He also is a dedicated father of two, a loving husband, and a travel baseball dad. With a wealth of political strategy expertise, Drew has lent his skills to numerous notable campaigns, earning a reputation as a top-notch pollster. 

Tony and Juan talk to this Encinitas native about polling, politics, baseball, beer and more.

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Jessica Grounds does not shy away from a challenge and that’s a good thing considering she spends her days developing young leaders and striving for change in board rooms, on committees, and in corner offices. 

Backed by years of experience and painstaking research, Jessica is CEO Corporate Directors Forum and co-owner of Mine The Gap, an international consulting business that helps organizations harness the power of diverse leadership and inclusive work environments. Jessica is a force in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena. She’s also a mom to two little ones and a wife to a husband she met when she was working on political campaigns in her 20s in Washington – helping women get elected. Jessica’s husband is a Republican; she’s a Democrat. 

Jessica discusses that, political divisiveness, advice for emerging leaders, her journey back to San Diego (where her daughter attends the same elementary school she attended), and more in a wide-ranging discussion with Tony. Juan was on vacation when this podcast was recorded.

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Tamera Kohler is the leading voice on homelessness in our region. As CEO of RTFH or the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Kohler is deeply invested in the region’s most pressing issue. 

Tamera wears a lot of hats but she and her team are best known for collecting and analyzing data that shapes policy and governs decisions throughout the county. She is a trusted advisor to service providers, elected leaders, government staff, and others. She also represents San Diego on the Washington-based National Alliance to End Homelessness Leadership Council. Her background is in housing so it’s not surprising to hear Tamera say homelessness is a housing problem. 

And if we change the way we think about housing, and solve our housing crisis, then we will reach a point where homelessness becomes a rare and brief occurrence for people with nowhere to turn after losing a job, an apartment, or a loved one. 

While homelessness is her calling, Tamera is just as invested in her family. Some mornings she starts her day by playing video games virtually with her grandson in Utah. She discusses that and much more with Tony and Juan.

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Beginning his journey as a high school intern for a well-known political figure, Art Castañares quickly proved his mettle in the world of state and local politics. As Chief of Staff for former California Senator Steve Peace, Art fostered a deep understanding of public affairs. 

In addition to serving as Peace’s Chief of Staff, Art built a successful political consulting business, winning a number of high-profile campaigns. Art then pivoted to journalism, where his distinctive writing style, influenced by his speech and debate training in high school, quickly found a home and a following. 

As the publisher and editor of La Prensa, Art brings decades of political experience to his columns, delivering hard-hitting and thought-provoking content that earns him praise and criticism. His columns often create social media buzz and mainstream newsrooms aren’t shy about linking to them in their stories. 

Art is well-sourced and armed with a reliable BS detector. He discusses all that and more with Tony and Juan.

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