SacTown Talks

What will decide California’s 2026 election? Political strategist Tino Rossi says the defining issue crosses party lines: affordability.

Tino, President of Swing Strategies, joins SacTown Talks for an inside look at the voters, races, and ballot measures shaping California’s political future.

Drawing on more than a decade in public affairs and political consulting, Tino explains what polling and focus groups reveal about the electorate and why housing, groceries, energy, transportation, and insurance could matter more than traditional partisan messages.

In this episode:
•    The races that could reshape the California Legislature
•    Voter turnout and California’s changing political coalitions
•    Why the Insurance Commissioner race matters
•    Voter ID, the billionaire tax and other major ballot measures
•    Divisions within both political parties
•    What campaigns often misunderstand about polling
•    How influencers and social media are transforming political communication
•    Tino’s election-night prediction

Tino has helped lead statewide ballot measure campaigns, independent expenditure programs, corporate public affairs initiatives and stakeholder coalitions throughout California. At Swing Strategies, he advises companies, advocacy organizations and coalitions facing complex political, public affairs and reputation challenges.

Learn more about Tino Rossi: https://swingstrat.com/tino-rossi/

Learn more about Swing Strategies: https://swingstrat.com/

Subscribe to SacTown Talks for candid conversations with the people shaping California politics and public policy.

#CaliforniaPolitics #Election2026 #SacTownTalks #TinoRossi #BallotMeasures

00:00 Meet Tino Rossi
02:04 What California’s 2026 electorate could look like
05:07 Affordability and the mood of voters
07:40 Legislative races to watch
13:58 Generational change in California politics
16:29 The battles within both political parties
18:23 Why the Insurance Commissioner race matters
22:02 Voter ID and ballot-measure turnout
25:29 The billionaire-tax debate
29:10 California’s “punch-counterpunch” ballot cycle
30:25 Is Trump still an effective campaign message?
32:14 California politics after Governor Newsom
35:13 What polling and focus groups actually reveal
37:57 Social media, influencers and declining institutional trust
41:31 Tino’s election-night prediction
 

What if reaching a decision-maker isn't enough? What if the people around that decision-maker are just as important?

Hector Barajas sits down with Libby Hall, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Unearth, to discuss how technology is reshaping public affairs communications.

They discuss how precision targeting can reach policymakers, regulators, and those who influence them; how organizations can determine whether an online controversy is gaining traction; and how digital campaigns can move people from simply supporting an issue to taking action.

Libby also explains Unearth's approach to Atlas audience targeting and Scout digital intelligence, including how organizations can analyze conversations, respond to specific audiences, track opposition messaging, and determine whether their own communications are breaking through.

The conversation also examines AI's growing role in public affairs, why human judgment remains critical, synthetic audiences, connected TV, advocacy campaigns, and the direction of digital communications over the next three to five years.

If you work in elections, public affairs, government relations, communications, advocacy, trade associations, or issue campaigns, this episode offers a practical look at the technology increasingly shaping the profession.

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas talks with Cameron English of the American Council on Science and Health about the “Dirty Dozen,” pesticide residues, organic vs. conventional produce, and the science behind food safety.

They discuss why detection doesn’t necessarily equal risk, how regulators establish safety margins for pesticides, why organic farming also uses pesticides, and what can happen when fear and misinformation influence what families buy at the grocery store.

English also explains why this debate matters beyond science. When families are told they should avoid affordable conventional produce, the decision can affect both their grocery bills and how many fruits and vegetables they eat.

Most importantly, the conversation offers parents a simple way to approach alarming claims about food and health: ask, “Is this true?” and then look at the evidence

Food recalls and food safety outbreaks can be frightening. But what happens when fear causes people to avoid fruits and vegetables altogether?

On this episode of SacTown Talks, Hector Barajas sits down with registered dietitian, cookbook author, and food and agriculture expert Amy Myrdal Miller for a wide-ranging conversation about food safety, nutrition, consumer fear, and the importance of keeping fruits and vegetables at the center of a healthy diet.

The discussion begins with the recent Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce from Mexico and addresses how consumers should think about recalls, outbreaks, and food safety warnings.

Amy explains why it is important to look at the specific product, source, brand, and growing region involved rather than assuming an entire food category is unsafe. She also encourages consumers to rely on trusted sources, such as the FDA and CDC, for accurate information.

The conversation then turns to a much larger public health issue: Americans still do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Amy discusses why fear and misinformation can worsen the problem, how food safety events can affect consumer behavior long after an outbreak ends, and why fresh, frozen, canned, and other forms of fruits and vegetables can all play an important role in a healthy diet.

Hector and Amy also talk about the changing way consumers think about food, including convenience, sustainability, price, and health; the need to tell more positive stories about farmers and farmworkers; California agriculture; Farm to School programs; and what policymakers can do to support both food safety and the people who produce our food.

Amy also shares a simple message for families shopping for produce: buy what you love, try something new, and make fruits and vegetables a bigger part of your cart and your daily meals.

The episode closes with a discussion of her cookbook, Cooking á la Heart, and her passion for making healthy eating flavorful, approachable, and enjoyable.

Buy the cookbook here: https://www.farmersdaughterconsulting.com/book-cooking-a-la-heart/

Why is gasoline so expensive in California? What happens when refineries close? Can California transition to cleaner energy without making life even more expensive for consumers?

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Hector Barajas sits down with Jodie Muller of the Western States Petroleum Association to discuss California’s complex energy market and what it means for families, workers, and businesses.

Muller explains why she believes California consumers pay more at the pump, citing supply constraints, taxes and fees, regulations, operating costs, and the state’s growing reliance on imported fuel. She also discusses refinery closures, the decline in in-state oil production, energy reliability, and the potential impact of California’s increasing dependence on fuel produced elsewhere. 

The conversation also examines the human side of California energy policy — including skilled refinery jobs, middle-class wages, community tax revenue, and employment opportunities that can disappear when facilities shut down.

Topics include:

• Why California gasoline costs more than in many other states
• Taxes, fees, and regulations affecting fuel prices
• Refinery closures and fuel reliability
• California’s growing dependence on imported oil and fuel
• How energy prices affect food, transportation, and other everyday costs
• The impact on workers, families, and local communities
• Environmental goals versus affordability and reliability
• What California’s next governor should do on energy policy
• Whether California can maintain oil production while meeting environmental goals

Why Muller says consumers should be at the center of energy policy. 

This is a deeper look at one of California’s biggest affordability questions: How do we balance environmental goals, energy reliability, and the cost of living?

On SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas interviews Brooke Armour, executive vice president of the California Business Roundtable and president of the Center for Jobs and the Economy, about California’s economic outlook and the 2026 ballot. Armour says California added a net 200 jobs from January to July 2026, with most growth in government or government-supported sectors, while private-sector jobs remain below pre-pandemic levels. She argues high electricity costs, housing unaffordability, and layered, sometimes unworkable regulations are pushing businesses and middle-income residents out, and that tax revenue is not the same as economic health. Armour highlights Prop 40, a “wealth tax” she says could expand taxation beyond billionaires via legislative changes, and supports Prop 43 to restore a two-thirds vote threshold for local special taxes and Prop 45 to reform CEQA to speed housing.

00:00 Meet Brooke Armour

00:35 Roundtable Mission

01:17 Data Driven Economy

02:50 California Economy Check

04:51 Jobs Leaving State

09:44 Regulation Uncertainty

11:35 Fines And Fees

14:16 Agencies Versus Lawmakers

16:41 Ballot Measures Overview

17:18 Prop 40 Wealth Tax

25:13 Prop 43 Taxpayer Act

29:33 Next Governor Metrics

30:05 Housing And CEQA Reform

32:18 Energy Costs Reality

34:41 Final Voter Message

In this episode of Sac Town Talks, Russell Lowery welcomes Renee Pinel from Western Plant Health to discuss California’s growing rat infestation crisis and the public health, agricultural, and policy challenges tied to it. 

From Los Angeles overtaking Chicago as the nation’s top city for rat infestations to the spread of diseases like hantavirus and plague, Renee explains how rising rodent populations are impacting both urban neighborhoods and California farms.

The conversation dives into homelessness, food safety, farmworker health, pest control policy, and the debate over balancing environmental protections with effective rodent management tools. 

Renee also breaks down why current pest control strategies may be falling short and what California policymakers are considering next.

If you want a deeper understanding of how pest control, public health, agriculture, and politics intersect in California, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jamie Miller from People Who Think joins the show to discuss the evolving political landscape in Florida and its broader implications for national politics. Jamie provides insights into Florida's shift from a Democratic advantage to a Republican stronghold influenced by conservative governance and migration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation contrasts Florida and California politics, examines the influence of national figures like Gavin Newsom, and offers perspectives on Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign strategies. Additionally, the episode delves into recent election outcomes, voter turnout trends, and the impact of key swing states in upcoming elections. The discussion also covers the challenges facing Kamala Harris's campaign, the strategic maneuvers of political parties, and the implications of debate performances and political endorsements. Jamie also reflects on the potential outcomes of the upcoming election, shares his perspectives on the Citizens United case, and introduces his substack 'Reasonable Arguments.' Light-hearted highlights include a mention of Florida's unique and entertaining headlines.

This Episode was record on 10/18/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Jamie Miller's Background and Career

01:21 Florida's Political Landscape

03:38 Gavin Newsom's Perception in Florida

05:17 Polling and Election Predictions

09:42 Kamala Harris's Campaign Challenges

12:35 Voter Turnout and Early Voting Trends

14:54 Swing States and National Polling

16:57 Media Perception and Campaign Strategies

18:57 Debate Dynamics: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump

20:21 Post-Debate Reactions and Strategies

21:08 The Assassination Attempt and Its Impact

22:15 Trump's Convention Speech: A Missed Opportunity?

24:13 Democratic Strategy: Biden, Harris, and Schumer

25:18 Election Integrity and Voter Rights

25:59 Ground Game: Republicans vs. Democrats

28:39 The 2020 Election: Predictions and Processes

30:31 Author Insights: Reasonable Arguments and American Speeches

35:26 Concluding Thoughts and Florida's Unique Perspective

In this episode of SacTown Talks, David Bowman joins the discussion to reflect on an eventful legislative session. The episode delves into the unique aspects of the session's conclusion, including notable retirements, end-of-session processes, and procedural insights from the assembly floor. Bowman shares personal anecdotes, the impact of long-serving staff retirements, and the intricacies of legislative procedures like electronic voting and bill processing. The conversation touches on the historical context of assembly operations, recent protests, and special sessions. Bowman also highlights the transition with long-term assembly members departing and future procedural considerations.

This Episode was record on 10/4/24

00:00 Welcome Back to SacTown Talks

00:39 Reflecting on Staff Retirements

02:15 Roles and Responsibilities on the Floor

03:22 End of Session Chaos

05:44 Protests and First Amendment Rights

08:28 Saturday Session and Voting Procedures

10:00 Changing Votes and Legislative Procedures

16:49 Debate Time and Speaking Rules

21:28 Resolutions and Their Significance

30:10 Preparing for a Long Session Day

32:46 Historical Context of Bill Introductions

33:20 Challenges During COVID-19

34:06 Role and Responsibilities of a Reading Clerk

35:17 Managing Floor Sessions and Debates

36:12 End of Session Procedures

38:19 Nonpartisan Role and Parliamentary Procedures

47:33 Special Sessions and Legislative Calendar

49:28 Reflections on Long-Term Service and Relationships

56:43 Post-Session Duties and Veto Overrides

01:03:35 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien welcomes Melissa Sagun, President of the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association (APICA), and board member Allie Umemoto. The discussion delves into APICA's history, mission, and initiatives. Melissa and Allie share their personal journeys into politics, the importance of community building and professional development for API staff in Sacramento, and their efforts to create a pipeline for future generations. They highlight key events like the annual Sushi Showdown and internship programs, underscoring APICA's role in fostering networking and career opportunities. The conversation also covers the challenges and strategies associated with working for term-limited members and the ongoing efforts to increase API representation in the legislative workforce.

This Episode was record on 9/17/24

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Background of APICA

01:21 Melissa's Journey with APICA

03:00 Allie's Journey with APICA

04:05 History and Founding of APICA

05:46 Personal Motivations for Politics

11:47 Navigating the Capitol and APICA's Role

15:09 APICA Events and Community Engagement

24:42 Mentorship and Professional Development

30:16 Future Plans and Networking

35:55 Conclusion and Contact Information