Political Breakdown

Marisa and Scott recap the historic Bay Area presence at President Joe Biden's address to Congress on Wednesday night and KQED's Guy Marzorati joins to discuss the major milestone in the recall campaign against Governor Gavin Newsom. Then, new Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley discusses her special election victory, coronavirus politics in the county, how the recall campaign is playing in OC and why she touts her graduation from Head Start.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How will the conviction of Derek Chauvin impact the debate over police reforms in California? Scott and Marisa discuss how police groups responded to the verdict and whether newly-confirmed Attorney General Rob Bonta can deliver on a progressive agenda. Then, Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today, joins to discuss stories from her new book "Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power," including the influence of Pelosi's mother, Nancy D'Alesandro, her first run for Congress in 1987 and who might run succeed her in Congress.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss the crucial decision facing Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature on whether to mandate classroom instruction in the fall. Then, retired police lieutenant Diane Goldstein, executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, joins to talk about the role of decisions made by state legislatures in police killings like the shooting of Daunte Wright, the lobbying power of law enforcement groups, Senate Bill 2 to decertify officers engaged in misconduct and how her brother's death from an overdose inspired her reform work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott discuss Vice President Kamala Harris' return to the Bay Area and Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement on the full reopening of California businesses, plus what a potential Caitlyn Jenner candidacy would mean for the likely gubernatorial recall election. Then, Chinese Hospital CEO Jian Zhang joins to discuss her journey to San Francisco, how Chinatown avoided a COVID-19 outbreak, the affects of anti-Asian violence on her staff, the challenges facing community hospitals and whether she ever tried to convince the late Rose Pak to quit smoking. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new survey from the Public Policy Institute of California finds just 40% of likely voters in favor of recalling Governor Gavin Newsom from office. Scott and Katie Orr discuss the governor's political prospects and Thursday vaccination against COVID-19. Then, Democratic consultant Rose Kapolczynski joins to discuss why Democrats should not recruit a 'plan B' candidate to run in the recall, managing Barbara Boxer's 1992 campaign for Senate and why she enjoys working with underdog candidates. Plus, an April Fools Joke that Rose doesn't fall for.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oakland Assemblyman Rob Bonta is Governor Gavin Newsom's pick to be California's next Attorney General. Scott and Marisa discuss the nomination and Vice President Kamala Harris' assignment to lead the Biden administration's handling of border issues. Then, Randy Economy, senior advisor on the campaign to recall Newsom shares the story behind his name, how he got into politics, and the path forward for the recall effort.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The campaign to recall Governor Gavin Newsom is heating up as proponents hand in the signatures they hope will force an election, while the governor lays out his strategy to defeat the recall. Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the political path ahead for Newsom and how the rise in anti-Asian violence could affect his choice for Attorney General. Then, State Senator María Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, joins to discuss growing up in a farmworker family, how she built political power for organized labor in Los Angeles, and why she decided to run for elected office.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's unique State of the State address, the potential recall election and Newsom's upcoming pick for attorney general. Then, Alicia Garza, Principal at Black to the Future Action Fund and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter, joins to discuss the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the trial of Derek Chauvin and growing up in Marin County.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The state legislature approves a $6.6 billion plan to incentivize a return to in-person instruction, but will it move the needle on reopenings? Marisa and Scott discuss the plan with KQED's Katie Orr and Guy Marzorati. Then, Wendy Weiser, Vice President for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice, joins to discuss the voting restrictions moving through state legislatures around the country, as well as potential changes to voting rights from Congress and the Supreme Court.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa analyze California Attorney General Xavier Becerra's confirmation hearing for Health and Human Services Secretary and the heightened political tensions in the school reopening debate. Then, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton joins to discuss her transition from a judge to prosecutor, the divide between progressive district attorneys and unelected line prosecutors and her reaction to speculation that she's on Governor Gavin Newsom's shortlist to replace Becerra as Attorney General.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices