SacTown Talks

Today we welcome former Assemblymember Mike Gatto, representing Los Angeles. We discuss affordable housing, development, leadership battles, and more.

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(02:36) State of housing in LA since Newsom took over

(09:05) What is in our control and what can be done?

(19:10) Addressing homelessness

(25:39) Leadership battles and incoming class

(43:43) Housing prices and what the future holds

Today we welcome Senator Josh Newman. Newman represents Senate District 29. We discuss environmental protection, alternative fuel, elections, the democratic process, and more.

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(01:07) Newman’s path to becoming Senator

(08:41) The bear suit story and effective political advertising

(19:34) The Problem Solvers Caucus 

(23:50) Alternative fuel vehicles

(30:28) Climate change and California’s impact

(41:26) Fundamental democratic process and elections

Today we welcome Assemblymember Chris Holden. Holden represents Assembly District 41. We discuss civil rights, solitary confinement, the environment, our carbon footprint, and more. 

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(01:30) Holden’s journey into Politics

(12:30) LA politics and uniting communities

(16:40) Civil rights and the Black Caucus

(23:00) Fast Recovery Act and solitary confinement

(32:35) Climate change and addressing our carbon footprint

(42:35) California's issues moving forward

Today we welcome Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. McCarty represents Assembly District 07. We discuss issues in Sacramento such as homelessness, education, rising gas prices, and more.

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(04:06) How McCarty got his start in politics 

(11:38) Talking close election races

(26:43) Addressing homelessness

(30:21) Involvement in education

(38:59) Special session and high gas prices

Today we welcome Assemblymember Heath Flora. Flora represents Assembly District 12. We discuss rising gas prices, combating wildfires, the problem solvers, elections and more. 

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(01:57) High California gas prices

(14:32) Combating wildfires

(18:39) California water shortage

(31:26) Becoming chief objector 

(35:07) Major legislative shift

(42:10) Gaining Republican votes

Today we welcome Senator Scott Wiener. Wiener represents Senate District 11. We discuss affordable housing, public safety, transportation, legalizing psychedelics and more.

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(01:15) Strong year for housing

(07:01) San Francisco COVID rebound

(14:02) Transportation improvements

(22:32) The importance of legalizing psychedelics

Today we welcome Principal Clerk II/Reading Clerk, David Bowman. We discuss the importance of preparation, mentorship, term limits, how he got started in the Capitol and more. 

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(07:11) Preparing for floor session

(12:08) Becoming Reading Clerk

(25:38) Term limits and learning the rules

(34:58) Visits from celebrities 

(52:54) Dressing the part

(57:57) Importance of mentorship

Today we welcome Arnulfo De La Cruz, Executive Vice President of SEIU 2015. We discuss home care, fair wages, structural racism, the goals of SEIU, and more. 

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(02:20) Different elements of home care

(06:04) Union bills

(09:54) The power and purpose of unions

(14:45) SEIU union rankings

(21:01) Structural racism

Today we welcome Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss energy, legislative impact, solutions in manufacturing, and more. 

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(06:06) Shortage of necessities 

(09:54) Affordable and reliable energy

(16:57) Keeping business in California

(22:21) Transportation method transition

(29:50) Lance talks receiving his EMBA

Today we welcome Kristina Bas Hamilton, Principal at KBH Advocacy. Bas Hamilton also hosts her own podcast, Blueprint for California Advocates. We discuss lobbying for the budget, staff unionization issues, podcasting benefits and more.

SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

(12:30) Lobbying for the budget

(26:56) Staff unionization issues

(34:55) Building relationships without campaign funds

(39:43) Organizing and when to start

(46:18) How podcasting helps business