The California Conversation

What happens when we do everything we can to change California, and California still doesn't change? Even when elections disappoint us, our responsibility to speak truth, expose wrongdoing, and stand up for what is right doesn't disappear. After the midterm elections, I explore why Christians and conservatives should remain engaged in politics in our deeply liberal state, even when we don't see the outcomes we hoped for.

Check out more content related to California News & Politics here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=usxLC0oknpFN8Lpy

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/what-if-california-never-changes

Timestamps:

00:00 – 08:29 Disappointment is Real and Good

08:30 – 17:07 Exposing the Works of Darkness

17:08 – 20:53 Doing What is Right

20:54 – 24:44 A More Durable Hope

The election is finally here!! In this 2026 California Midterm Election Voter Guide, I break down why I'm supporting Steve Hilton for governor and walk through the California ballot propositions so you can make an informed decision at the polls. We'll cover the candidates, the policies, and what's at stake for California's future.

VOTING RESOURCES:

Trusted Voter Guides Statewide and by County: https://www.reformcalifornia.org/voter-guides-list

District & State Recommendations: https://www.sway.co/elizabethbarcohana/recs

*both of the above resources also contain recommendations for the Judge positions on your ballot!

Check out more content related to the 2026 Midterm Election here, including past in-depth coverage of each proposition on the California ballot: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=liikYC2EByxcaqJm

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode and a summary of my voter guide, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/2026-midterm-election-california-voter-guide

Timestamps:

00:00 – 17:38 Governor’s Race…Why Voting Democrat Just Won’t Work

17:39 – 36:27 My Voter Guide for CA’s Propositions

36:28 – 37:47 Encouragement

37:48 – 38:37 Additional Voting Resources

California’s November ballot includes two propositions that could change how our elections work. This week, we break down Propositions 4 and 5, explain what they would actually do, and explore why these seemingly technical changes matter for voter power, government accountability, and the future of California elections. Here’s what you need to know before you vote!

Check out more content related to the 2026 Midterm Election here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=oMblUr7vvETBj6A1

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/two-california-propositions-you-shouldnt-ignore-propositions-4-and-5

Timestamps:

00:00 – 07:45 These Propositions Matter!

07:46 – 19:49 Proposition 4: Campaign Financing

19:50 – 30:04 Proposition 5: Recall Election Procedure

30:05 – 32:19 How to Vote This November

We have forgotten that taxation is a serious power over the lives and livelihoods of the people in California. Every election we see numerous propositions placed on the ballot that will increase our taxes – and majority of the time, we pass them! It is looking no different with this election. Today, we're looking at two California propositions that bring questions of taxation and government spending to the forefront: Propositions 2 and 43.

Check out more content related to the 2026 Midterm Election here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=UUqNml3UDd-Jgsqy

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-tax-increases-propositions-2-and-43

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:30 Wait, MORE taxes are on the ballot??

01:31 – 17:23 Proposition 2: More Money, More Problems

17:24 – 26:09 Proposition 43: Protecting Taxpayers

26:10 – 32:18 Restoring the Weight of Taxation

Welcome to the first edition of After Golden Hour, a little break from our usual California politics programming! Grab a cup of tea and join me as we yap about the federal government's new AI-powered website, James Talarico's very creative interpretation of the Bible, and the possibility of Kamala Harris running for president again in 2028. Because sometimes you just need a break from California politics!

Check out more content related to California News & Politics here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=ornfWgj6Y_0VfPU5

Timestamps:

00:00 – 01:33 Welcome to After Golden Hour!

01:34 – 10:53 America.gov & the AI Presidency

10:54 – 16:43 James Talarico on Government Miracles

16:44 – 21:55 Kamala Harris for President…x3?

21:56 – 23:12 That’s a Wrap!

Why has something as basic as verifying your identity to vote become so controversial? And should California voters pass Proposition 39 this election? This week, I break down the arguments against voter ID, and how ideology and “toxic empathy” can turn a neutral standard into a political controversy.

Check out more content related to California’s 2026 Midterm Election here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=KbFUtZf66F3dV9Pc

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/why-has-common-sense-become-controversial-proposition-39

Hoover Institution Election Resources: https://www.hoover.org/proposition-lab-proposition-39

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:17 What Proposition 39 Actually Does

03:18 – 16:16 Debunking Arguments Against Voter ID

16:17 – 21:52 Why is This Controversial?

21:53 – 23:53 How to Vote This November

California’s housing crisis is getting worse, and CEQA is a major part of the debate. But this election we have a proposition on our ballots to change that! So, what would Proposition 45 actually do? This week, I’m breaking down CEQA, the proposed reforms, and what they could mean for housing in California.

Check out more content related to California’s 2026 Midterm Election here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=q24RbXxlKytzD2ie

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-takes-years-to-build-housing-proposition-45

Timestamps:

00:00 – 14:51 Why is CEQA a Problem?

14:52 – 20:09 What Proposition 45 Would Change

20:10 – 25:22 Effectiveness of Proposition 45

25:23 – 27:45 How to Vote in November

California calls itself the most “surrogacy-friendly” state in the nation. But what happens when the rights of intended parents collide with a surrogate’s bodily autonomy – and the life of the child caught in the middle? The McKenna West case exposes some deeply troubling contradictions in California’s approach to surrogacy, abortion, parenthood, and the rights of children. This week I’m breaking down what this case reveals about how our culture increasingly views children.

Check out more content related to California News & Politics here:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=pk9AifOOaHwjNCZj

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-surrogacy-laws-are-not-pro-family

Timestamps:

00:00 – 03:13 Why This Case Matters for California

03:14 – 07:10 The Story of McKenna West & Baby Gabriel

07:11 – 34:49 Five Pitfalls in California’s Surrogacy Laws

34:50 – 36:40 What is at Stake for California

California’s “temporary” taxes aren’t so temporary. Proposition 3 would make California’s higher income-tax rates on the state’s highest earners permanent. This week, we’re diving into what Prop. 3 does, why California’s tax-and-spend approach isn’t working, and how you should vote this election!

I also share new research from the Hoover Institution challenging the promises behind California’s proposed billionaire wealth tax. Check out their resources below!

Check out more content related to California’s 2026 Midterm Election here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=v2-tPf3OGGvvuWYj

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-temporary-taxes-arent-so-temporary-proposition-3

Hoover Institution Resources for this election: https://www.hoover.org/focus-areas/california-decides

Timestamps:

00:00 – 06:15 What is Proposition 3?

06:16 – 22:53 Why Reject Proposition 3?

22:54 – 28:08 And Speaking of the Wealth Tax…

28:09 – 29:21 How You Should Vote This November!

Breaking news: California is regulating more of your life. I know – it’s a huge shock! But apparently, regulating your gas-powered car wasn't enough…now our state is coming for your tires.

Starting in 2029, the state will begin imposing new efficiency standards on replacement tires. The government says you'll save money, use less fuel, and reduce emissions. But we've heard California make promises before.

So today, we're going to look at what this regulation actually means for California drivers, what it's going to do to the tire market, whether the promised savings and environmental benefits are really worth the tradeoffs – and why this seemingly ridiculous story about tires actually tells us something pretty important about government, regulation, and freedom in California.

Check out more content related to California News & Politics here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=RhAd8SfCJhr1gR0L

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-is-banning-your-tires-and-overregulating-your-life

Timestamps:

00:00 – 07:54 NEW! Tire Regulations…

07:55 – 26:37 The Practical Effects

26:38 – 32:56 The Bigger Problem