SacTown Talks

SacTown Talks episodes:

• 04.22.2024

  E332: Legal Recourse and Court Deference in Government with Chris Micheli

  In this episode of SacTown Talks, Chris Micheli, a seasoned Attorney, Lobbyist, Author, & Professor shares insights into his move back to solo practice, his writing process for books and manuals aimed at simplifying complex legislative and lobbying processes, and...

  
• 04.15.2024

  E331: Election Insights and Voter Disconnect in California - A Deep Dive with Adam Probolsky

  Today we welcome Adam Probolsky, a renowned pollster from Probolsky Research, discusses the recent election outcomes, voter sentiments, and the apparent disconnect between Californian policymakers' progressivism and the electorate's views. This episode was recorded on 4/10/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about...

  
• 04.08.2024

  E330: Beyond the Wheel - Navigating Autonomous Vehicles with Adam Kovacevich

  Today we welcome Adam Kovacevich, CEO and founder of the Chamber of Progress. We discuss the founding of the Chamber of Progress, the evolution of tech policy, the potential of autonomous vehicles, safety concerns, employment impact, the future of AV...

  
• 04.01.2024

  E329: Building High-Performance Leaders with Nick Warner

  Today we welcome Nick Warner of Nick Warner Consulting. After 30 years of experience in lobbying, Warner is a dedicated business coach, and hosts his own podcast 'Together at the Top'. We discuss the value of mentorship, meaningful client connections,...

  
• 03.25.2024

  E328: From Housing to Human Rights - Assemblymember Chris Ward on Shaping the Future

  Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Chris Ward. Ward represents AD78, serves as Chair of the Assembly Housing, the Community Development Committee, as well as the Select Committee on Biotechnology. We discuss housing affordability, homelessness, utility pricing, elder scams...

  
• 03.18.2024

  E327: A New Era of Politics - Assemblymember Alex Lee on Change, Challenges, and Progress

  Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Alex Lee. Lee represents Assembly District 24 and currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Human Services, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. We discuss voter enthusiasm,...

  
• 03.11.2024

  E326: Exploring the Legislative Process - A Chief of Staff Perspective

  Today we welcome to the program Aaron Vad, Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Connolly. Vad is one of the youngest staffers to hold a Chief of Staff position. We discuss Aaron's journey in politics, the challenges and rewards of working...

  
• 03.04.2024

  E325: Housing, Infrastructure, and the Work Ahead with Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry

  Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Aguiar-Curry represents the 4th California Assembly District. We discuss local housing, public infrastructure, mental health, supporting families and more. This episode was recorded 2/22/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics,...

  
• 02.26.2024

  E324: Journey to the State Senate - The Christopher Cabaldon Story

  Today we welcome former Mayor of West Sacramento, and current Senate candidate, Christopher Cabaldon. Cabaldon is running for Senate District 3. We discuss Cabaldon's experience as Mayor of West Sac, restoring communities, economic development, climate protection, education and more. This...

  
• 02.19.2024

  E323: One Year in The Capitol with Andrew Nickens

  Today we welcome back, now full-time staffer for Senator Brian Dahle, Andrew Nickens. Nickens is a UC Davis graduate and has already gained exposure fighting hard legislative battles, and we are following Nickens' journey in the Capitol. Today we discuss...

  
• 02.12.2024

  E322: Future of Sacramento - A Dialogue with Kevin McCarty

  Today we welcome back to the program, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. McCarty, a Sacramento native, represents Assembly District 06. We discuss issues in Sacramento such as homelessness, housing, public safety, and more. This episode was recorded 1/26/2024 SacTown Talks is a podcast about...

  
• 02.05.2024

  E321: Addressing Societal Issues through the 1964 Plan - An Interview with Herby Kay

  Today we welcome the great visionary Herby Kay to the program. Kay is the founder of the 1964 plan. We discuss Kay's journey from crime to visionary, the 1964 Plan, issues in crime, drug legalization, homelessness and more. This episode was...

  
• 01.29.2024

  E320: Revitalizing San Francisco's Downtown - A Conversation with Assemblymember Matt Haney

  Today we welcome Assemblymember Matt Haney to the program. Haney represents AD 17. We discuss Haney’s path to politics, issues in San Francisco such as Fentanyl, housing, as well as a look ahead to goals for 2024. This episode was recorded...

  
• 01.22.2024

  E319: Manufacturing Matters - An Interview with Lance Hastings

  Today we welcome back to the program Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss the artificial intelligence, the future of technology, California manufacturing and more. This episode was recorded 1/09/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast...

  
• 01.15.2024

  Interview with Kristina Bas Hamilton #2

  Today we welcome back Kristina Bas Hamilton, of KBH Advocacy, to the program. Hamilton also hosts her own podcast, Blueprint for California Advocates. We discuss Hamilton’s current focuses, the affordability crisis, organizing, the California Budget and more. This episode was recorded...

  
• 01.08.2024

  Flashback: Interview with Marie Alvarado-Gil

  Today we revisit our episode with Senator Alvarado-Gil from May 2023. Alvarado-Gil represents Senate District 4 and serves as State Commissioner for Special Education. The Senator and Jarhett had a fantastic discussion on education, fentanyl, public safety, and more. This episode...

  
• 01.01.2024

  Interview with Quentin Foster

  Today we welcome to the program Vice President of H Cycle, Quentin Foster. H Cycle produces low-carbon hydrogen using an innovative waste processing system, redirecting municipal waste and organic waste before it hits landfills. We discuss landfill waste issues,...

  
• 12.25.2023

  Interview with Mike Gipson #2

  Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Gipson represents Assembly District 65 and previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore for Carson City. We take a look back and recap 2023, the budget, and goals looking ahead to...

  
• 12.18.2023

  Flashback: Interview with Robert Rivas

  Today we revisit our episode with now Speaker, Robert Rivas, taking the oath of office as Speaker of the California State Assembly on June 30, 2023. Prior to being elected Speaker, Rivas served as the Chair of the Assembly Agriculture...

  
• 12.11.2023

  Interview with Chris Lane

  Today we welcome to the program Chris Lane, Director for Cygnal. Cygnal is known for their work in polling, analytics and targeting. We discuss Lane's journey to polling, election analytics, the 2024 presidential election and more. This episode was recorded...

  
• 12.04.2023

  Interview with Roger Salazar

  Today we welcome to the program Roger Salazar, President of ALZA Strategies. Salazar is known for his work in the White House under the Clinton Administration, working on the 2000 Gore campaign and as campaign press secretary for former California...

  
• 11.27.2023

  Interview with Devon Mathis

  Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Devon Mathis. Mathis represents Assembly District 33 and previously served as Sergeant for the Army National Guard for nearly ten years, with two combat tours in Iraq. We discuss Mathis' career, path to...

  
• 11.20.2023

  Interview with Loretta Lynch

  Today we welcome to the program regulatory expert, activist, and former President of the California PUC, Loretta Lynch. We discuss Lynch's career, the rising cost of utilities, AB 205 and more! This episode was recorded 11/08/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast...

  
• 11.13.2023

  Interview with David Bowman #2

  Today we welcome back Principal Clerk II/Reading Clerk, David Bowman. We reflect on the year, David's 15 years in the Capitol, dive into the staffers perspective and more. This episode was recorded on 10/24/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics,...

  
• 11.06.2023

  Interview with Russell Lowery #2

  Today we welcome back Russell Lowery of High View Strategies. Lowery is an expert in digital communication and political bridge building. We discuss effective lobbying, digital communication strategy, social media success and more. (01:11) High View Strategies update (07:49) Using social...

  
• 10.30.2023

  Interview with Alexandra Biering #3

  Today we welcome back California water expert, Alexandra Biering, of California Farm Bureau. Here Biering provides us with an update on California water, discusses the water year, flood protection, water rights and more. (03:49) Melting snow and how it affects reservoirs...

  
• 10.23.2023

  Interview with Dave Min

  Today we welcome back to the program Senator Dave Min. Min represents Senate District 37 and serves as Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, which has jurisdiction over the state’s environmental stewardship. We discuss Min's legislative priorities,...

  
• 10.16.2023

  Interview with Steve Cruz

  Today we welcome to the program Steve Cruz of Cruz Strategies. Cruz has over 20 years of legislative and political experience having worked on behalf of a multitude of interests, both public and private, before the California State Legislature and...

  
• 10.09.2023

  Interview with Pilar Schiavo

  Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo. Schiavo represents Assembly District 40 and previously was a small business owner and nurse advocate who worked in the labor movement for more than 20 years. We Schiavo's legislative priorities, housing,...

  
• 10.02.2023

  Interview with Mike Gipson

  Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Gipson represents Assembly District 65 and previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore for Carson City. We Gipson's legislative priorities, gun control, law enforcement, foster care, and more. (05:42) End of...

  
• 09.25.2023

  Interview with Chris Micheli #2

  Today we welcome back, attorney, lobbyist, and author, Chris Micheli. Micheli is back, talking about his two new handbooks on legislative drafting in California and understanding the California legislative process. Available now! https://he.kendallhunt.com/search?search_api_views_fulltext=Chris+Micheli This episode was recorded on 09/15/2023 SacTown Talks is...

  
• 09.18.2023

  Interview with Lara Korte

  Today we welcome to the program political journalist Lara Korte. Korte is a co-author of POLITICO California Playbook. We discuss Korte's career in journalism, POLITICO, and all things political reporting. This episode was recorded on 09/05/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about...

  
• 09.11.2023

  Interview with Phil Ting

  Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Phil Ting. Ting represents Assembly District 19 and serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. We discuss Ting's career, education access, affordability, housing, and more. (02:24) Ting’s journey to politics (08:10) College affordability...

  
• 09.04.2023

  Interview with Rick Chavez Zbur

  Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. Zbur represents Assembly District 51 and previously worked in environmental law. We discuss Zbur's career, LGBT rights, issues with homelessness, housing, the environment, and more. This episode was recorded on...

  
• 08.28.2023

  Interview with Tom Campbell

  Today we welcome Tom Campbell, former United States Representative, law professor, and current chair of the Common Sense Party. We discuss Campbell's career, as well as a deep dive on the Common Sense Party and why California would benefit from...

  
• 08.21.2023

  Interview with Jeff Farrah

  Today we welcome Jeff Farrah, Executive Director of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. Farrah and the AVIN believe autonomous vehicles will make our world safer, more efficient, and provide life-changing mobility benefits to those who are disadvantaged. We discuss self-driving...

  
• 08.14.2023

  Interview with Chris Mackenzie #2

  Today we welcome back Chris MacKenzie, Senior Director of Communications for Chamber of Progress. Mackenzie has a strong background in connecting with center-left voters and thought leaders through digital media campaigns and traditional press outreach. Today we are focused on...

  
• 08.07.2023

  Interview with Gail Pellerin

  Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. Pellerin represents Assembly District 28 and previously served as the chief elections official in Santa Cruz County from 1993 until her retirement in December 2020. We discuss Pellerin's background career, issues...

  
• 07.31.2023

  Interview with Esmeralda Soria

  Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria. Soria represents Assembly District 27 and as a first-generation American daughter of farm workers, knows firsthand about hard work and sacrifice, having worked alongside her parents in the Central Valley’s agricultural...

  
• 07.24.2023

  Interview with Jennifer Capitolo

  Today we welcome Jennifer Capitolo, Executive Director of the California Water Association. Capitolo has previously served in the Department of Finance under Governor Gray Davis and as a district representative for Congresswoman Barbara Lee and former Assemblymember Ellen Corbett. We...

  
• 07.17.2023

  Interview with Chris MacKenzie

  Today we welcome Chris MacKenzie, Senior Director of Communications for Chamber of Progress. Mackenzie has a strong background in connecting with center-left voters and thought leaders through digital media campaigns and traditional press outreach. We discuss Mackenzie's career, the Chamber...

  
• 07.10.2023

  Interview with Monica Miller

  Today we welcome to the program Monica Miller. Miller is the owner and President of Sacramento Advisors, LLC. We discuss Miller's career, involvement in non-profits, work in foster care and more. This episode was recorded on 06/22/2023 SacTown Talks is a...

  
• 07.03.2023

  Interview with Gregg Hart

  Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Gregg Hart. Hart represents Assembly District 37 and previously served as Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, California Coastal Commissioner, and Santa Barbara County Supervisor. We discuss Hart's career, issues with housing, the environment,...

  
• 06.26.2023

  Interview with Bill Essayli

  Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Bill Essayli. Essayli represents Assembly District 63 and previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney as well as a Riverside County Deputy District Attorney. We discuss cases Essayli's career in law, gun...

  
• 06.19.2023

  Interview with Lola Smallwood-Cuevas

  Today we welcome to the program, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. Smallwood-Cuevas represents Senate District 28 and is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. We discuss the election, issues with the prison system, employment, housing and more. This episode was...

  
• 06.12.2023

  Interview with Ryan McCoy

  Today we welcome to the program labor and employment law expert, Ryan McCoy. McCoy is Partner with Seyfarth Shaw LLP, with a focus on employment litigation. We discuss employment litigation in CA, wage issues, AB5 and more. This episode was...

  
• 06.05.2023

  Interview with Bill Wong

  Today we welcome back to the program political consultant, Bill Wong. Bill Wong recently released his new book Better to Win: Hardball Lessons in Leadership, Influence, & the Craft of Politics. We discuss the book, contemporary politics, the Asian American...

  
• 05.29.2023

  Interview with Nanette Farag

  Today we welcome Nanette Farag, Vice President of Political Affairs for Randle Communications. Farag has more than 20 years of experience leading strategic operations and has served as Chief of Staff to two Assemblymembers. We discuss Farag's career, political campaigns,...

  
• 05.22.2023

  Interview with Angelique Ashby

  Today we welcome Senator Angelique Ashby to the program. Ashby represents Senate District 08 and previously served 12 years on the Sacramento City Council, as well as 8 years as Vice Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem. We discuss foster youth,...

  
• 05.15.2023

  Interview with Diane Dixon

  Today we welcome Assemblymember Diane Dixon to the program. Dixon represents Assembly District 72 and previously served two terms as Mayor of Newport Beach. We discuss public safety, transportation, housing and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy...