We break down the latest twists in California's governor's race—why Eric Swalwell continues to dodge sustained scrutiny, whether Matt Mahan's big-money campaign is failing to translate into real support. Plus, our early predictions for where the race is headed.

We also dive into Oakland's growing debate over the strong mayor system, and Mayor Barbara Lee's new plan to tackle homelessness, plus a different take on the city celebrating Alysa Liu and Ryan Coogler.

Finally, we cover James Aguilar's appointment to the San Leandro City Council following Bryan Azevedo's resignation amid an FBI probe—and what it means for local governance moving forward.

For more from this week's episode, read the East Bay Insiders Newsletter for an extra segment of the podcast at EBI After Hours.

San Leandro City Councilmember Xouhoa Bowen joins the program for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about the inequities—and consequences—women still face in local politics.

Bowen recounts being assaulted by an elected official while attending a city-sponsored event in Florida, and the isolating aftermath that followed.

She also speaks candidly about the blowback she faced after filing formal complaints alleging bullying, gender bias, and other misconduct by two colleagues on the San Leandro City Council—and how the cumulative trauma pushed her to the brink of resignation.

We also examines the legacy and fallout surrounding former San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo, who recently resigned from office and pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges.

Former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor joins the show to break down a busy week in East Bay politics.

We unpack new developments in the East Bay's federal corruption case, including insights from last week's court hearing and what to expect next with Bryan Azevedo's upcoming appearance.

Loren also offers an insider's view of the first major gubernatorial debate, new candidates entering the race, and how the field may evolve through June.

Plus, updates on the CA14 and SD10 races, a closer look at Union City candidate Scott Sakakihara's Palantir ties, and thoughts on Floyd Mitchell's move to Fremont, and Loren's insights on the clash over Oakland Ken Houston'sEncampment Abatement Policy at City Hall.

Former Alameda City Councilmember Malia Vella joins the show with Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Alameda and what comes next for the city, and whether she has plans for a new chapter in her political service.

Vella reflects on her time in office and offers a candid assessment of where Alameda stands today, from its two business districts to the ongoing evolution of Alameda Point. She weighs in on road-calming projects, the tensions they create, and how cities balance safety, commerce, and community buy-in.

Dan Mendoza is back, along with Steve Tavares and Trishala Vinnakota, and the timing couldn't be better.

—We analyze the year in East Bay politics: President Trump's impact on the county and its cities; a look back at Oakland's special election; and the FBI investigations involving the Bryan Azevedo and Sheng Thao cases—and what to expect in 2026.

—Best performance by a public official

• Ken Houston, Oakland

• Kevin Jenkins, Oakland

• Jack Balch, Pleasanton

• Nikki Fortunato Bas, Alameda County

• Igor Tregub, Alameda County Democratic Party chair

—Worst performance by a public official(s)

• Bryan Azevedo, San Leandro councilmember

• Hayward City Council

• Fred Simon, San Leandro councilmember

• Victor Aguilar, Jr., San Leandro councilmember

—Best quote

• Ken Houston, Oakland: "We had our straps, but we weren't shooting no guns."

• Julie Testa, Pleasanton councilmember: "You don't have the right to control me, mayor."

• Mark Salinas, Hayward mayor: "I feel like I failed. I really do, as a mayor."

• Nate Miley, Alameda County supervisor: "I'm just letting you know. I'm letting you know. Respectfully, letting you know if you start jumping into the unincorporated area and not respecting the supervisor, or supervisors that represent the unincorporated area, there could be ramifications."

• Ken Houston: "There's going to be some order in this court."

—Best Hair

• Rob Bonta, California attorney general

• David Haubert, Alameda County supervisor

• Pamela Price, former Alameda County DA

—Best performance by a public speaker

• Al Mendall, Hayward

• Gene Hazard, Oakland

• Tod Hickman, Alameda

—Best Fight

• East Bay MUD Board vs. Board Director April Chan

• Oakland Councilmember Ken Houston vs. Oakland Public Works Director Josh Rowan

• Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch vs. Councilmember Julie Testa

East Bay Insiders welcomes Carla Marinucci back to the pod. We dive into reports that Attorney General Rob Bonta is eyeing a run for governor. What does it mean for Rep. Eric Swalwell's own ambitions? Did Swalwell miss a window to run for AG, and could a Bonta–Swalwell rivalry be shaping up?

We break down the early race to replace Swalwell in Congress, featuring State Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART Director Melissa Hernandez, and revisit how shifting district lines once helped Swalwell rise.

On the local front, we talk Costco coming to Oakland, led by Councilmember "Kirkland" Carroll Fife, why landing a Costco can be a fiscal game-changer for cities—and how Oakland might mess it up.

We also cover Pamela Price's comeback bid for Alameda County district attorney and what the dismissal of charges against former San Leandro officer Jason Fletcher means for the 2026 primary. Plus, a remembrance of San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy, reflecting on his leadership and lasting impact on the East Bay.

Don't miss Episode 122, featuring the 3rd Annual Insidey Awards.

Happy Thanksgiving! Following the bombsell East Bay Insiders report of a letter alleging the existence of a video showing California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a "compromising situation," Steve Tavares provides additonal insights into the story and the potential Easter eggs in the letter. Will Bonta still run for governor? Along with Trishala Vinnakota and Justin Berton, we also breakdown Eric Swalwell's own nascent campaign for governor - his chances and what to expect? Plus, we look at Hayward's mounting budget crisis and two former elected officials' surprising public criticisms of the current city council.

A Bryan Azevedo–packed episode. From the rise to the downfall — we unpack how the Duong family built influence in San Leandro politics and trace Azevedo's wild ride: from the infamous "community freezer locker" idea, an inability to speak a human language, to the federal charges that brought everything crashing down.

What does this scandal mean for San Leandro's future? Who might fill his vacant council seat?

Plus, we dive into the aftermath of Prop. 50, ask whether there's a Zohran Mamdani emerging in the East Bay, and track the buzz around Eric Swalwell's rumored run for governor.

State and local political strategist Jason Overman joins us to unpack his time working alongside Sheng Thao and Andre Jones in Oakland politics — and why their recent corruption indictments left him feeling "deeply betrayed." Later, we break down gubernatiorial candidate Katie Porter's rough week on the campaign trail, Oakland's search for a new police chief, Ken Houston's clash with homeless advocates, and the upcoming No Kings rallies in the East Bay.