The California Conversation

From yelling at staff to ending interviews early when asked too many questions – the optics haven’t been great for Democrat Candidate for Governor, Katie Porter, and many are questioning her future in politics. What do these revelations teach us about evaluating candidates? Are the issues in these videos the most important qualities that we should be focused on? And most importantly, how should all of this shape your preparation for next November?

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=EY2qi7OIf3P5O2bl

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/katie-porter-for-governor

Brand Partners Mentioned in Today’s Show:

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Timestamps:

00:00 – 13:05 Viral Reactions and Real Priorities

13:06 – 14:45 Brand Partner! Curie

14:46 – 24:07 Who is Katie Porter & What Does She Believe?

24:08 – 26:57 Your Preparation for Midterms

An oil refinery just south of LAX exploded, sending shockwaves across California’s already fragile energy market. And as if that weren’t enough, the federal government shut down, which affects our state in more ways than you might think. But among all the chaos, I have good news for you about one very practical step you can take TODAY to make positive change in our state!

✍️ Sign the California Voter ID petition here: https://www.reformcalifornia.org/cavoterid/sign-the-petition

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=g3zVWuuHALzxAfxV

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-in-crisis

Brand Partners Mentioned in Today’s Show:

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE: Get 10% off high-quality, mission-oriented coffee products while supporting pregnancy resource centers throughout the country! Use my code TESSABRAHAM at checkout or shop through my link here: https://snwbl.io/seven-weeks-coffee/TESSABRAHAM

Timestamps:

00:00 – 08:05 The Ongoing Oil Crisis Made Worse

08:06 – 16:28 Federal Government Shutdown & State Impacts

16:29 – 18:15 Brand Partner! Seven Weeks Coffee

18:16 – 24:44 How You Can TAKE ACTION Today!

Free speech has been at the forefront of the political conversation over the past few weeks. Our Governor has been an active participant in the discussion, calling the Trump Administration one of censorship and tyranny. But what is even more important than what Gavin Newsom SAYS about topics like these, is what he DOES about them – so today, we need to look at a new bill that has been presented to our Governor, a bill that speaks directly to freedom of speech and that reveals the true position that the state of California takes on the subject.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=g3zVWuuHALzxAfxV

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/sb-771-silences-californians

Brand Partners Mentioned in Today’s Show:

WE HEART NUTRITION: Get 20% off high-quality supplements and support mothers facing unplanned pregnancies! They are pro-baby, pro-mama, pro-life, and American owned! Use code TESSABRAHAM at checkout, or shop through my link here: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/tessabraham.

Timestamps:

00:00 – 10:06 Basics of SB 771

10:07 – 19:44 (Un)Constitutionality of SB 771

19:45 – 21:36 Brand Partner! We Heart Nutrition

21:37 – 27:12 A Real Problem and a Real Solution

As of the end of June, California housing prices are twice as expensive as the typical home in the United States. Purchasing a two-bedroom home in our state is nearly twice as expensive as just renting, with the latest studies estimating the median household income needed to buy a mid-tier home is 238,000 dollars. But, as I point out so often, this problem is not inevitable. Today, I want to look at a few recent housing policies that aren’t solving the problem – and in some cases, are making it worse.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=SjnfWyTxFZCPzVPS

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/hidden-costs-of-housing-reform

Advertisers & Brand Partners Mentioned in Today’s Show:

CONNECTED CARE: Whether you’re looking for therapy, or a therapist looking to serve your clients without the burden of administrative tasks, Connected Care is a great place to start—right from the comfort of your own home. Visit www.connectedcareinc.com to learn more and get started.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - 01:09 Introduction to Today's Topic

01:10 - 01:59 Advertiser! Connected Care

02:00 - 02:47 Time for a Policy Update!

02:48 - 08:26 When Housing Reform Backfires (SB 1211)

08:27 - 12:20 When Climate Policy Meets Housing Costs (AB 130)

12:21 - 14:24 Brand Partner! Amallow

14:25 - 17:55 Pending Governor’s Approval: SB 79

17:56 - 20:32 Final Housing Analysis

There’s been a shift in the atmosphere since the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. A recognition of the symptoms of a deeply sick culture, and just how badly we need reform. But while many will call for change, few will be honest about what that change requires, what it must look like practically. For today, I want to speak to you from my heart – no notes, no news stories, no statistics, or facts or headlines. Just an open letter from myself to you on what we do next, and where hope in the darkness can be found.

If you would like to find a Bible-believing, Gospel-centered church, I hope either of these resources can be of help to you:

https://tms.edu/find-a-church/

https://churches.efca.org/

One common left-wing claim is that California’s strong gun control laws prevent gun violence in California so effectively that it is a model for the rest of the country. Our Governor has been an outspoken advocate for more gun control laws to prevent tragedies like mass shootings, and as a result California has become the most heavily regulated state when it comes to gun ownership. So, what are the facts about gun violence and what are effective ways to prevent it? Should the nation adopt California’s model for gun control measures?

I also take a moment to pause and reflect on the life and legacy of a dear fellow conservative commentator and absolute force in this space – Charlie Kirk. His recent murder is an absolute tragedy. May we never forget the courage with which he fought for the values he held dear, and the love he exemplified for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=4er0VznSi3OB4Px4

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-gun-control-debunked

Brand Partners Mentioned in Today’s Show:

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Timestamps:

00:00 – 04:30 A Tribute to Charlie Kirk

04:31 – 07:48 The Need to Look at Gun Policy

07:49 – 15:54 Correlation or Causation?

15:55 – 18:19 Brand Partner! Everylife Diaper Company

18:20 – 20:56 The Nature of Crime & Criminals

20:57 – 24:11 Are There Potential Solutions?

24:12 – 31:24 Why the Right to Bear Arms Matters

If you’ve been following the headlines lately, you’ve probably seen the claim that California’s crime rates are down, and our state is supposedly safer than Republican-led places like Tennessee or Arkansas. But if you live here, that may not match what you experience day to day. So, what’s the truth? Are crime rates really dropping in a meaningful way? And does Gavin Newsom’s leadership make California safer than it would be under a conservative governor? I’m breaking it all down for you today so that you are armed and equipped with the facts!

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=5vrLDCXw4_1D1A8w

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-crime-debunked

Advertisers Mentioned in Today’s Show:

CONNECTED CARE: Whether you’re looking for therapy, or a therapist looking to serve your clients without the burden of administrative tasks, Connected Care is a great place to start—right from the comfort of your own home. Visit www.connectedcareinc.com to learn more and get started.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 05:29 Recent Claims About California's Crime Rates

05:30 - 10:05 Digging into the Data

10:06 - 11:41 Advertiser! Connected Care

11:42 - 17:38 The Truth Behind Red States' Homicide Rates

17:39 - 22:09 Is Crime Inevitable in Big Cities?

22:10 - 27:10 Responding to Gavin Newsom

Governor Newsom’s appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show, In-N-Out’s move to Tennessee, his redistricting grandstanding and Trump-style antics on X, and California’s reckless decision to grant a commercial driver’s license to the illegal immigrant responsible for a deadly car crash all point to the same truth: when leaders show us who they are, believe them. These stories reveal a pattern of dishonesty, deflection, and arrogance in California leadership – leaders more focused on image than responsibility. With the 2026 midterms coming around the corner fast, we need to sharpen our discernment and demand better: leaders who value truth, humility, accountability, and people over politics.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=5vrLDCXw4_1D1A8w

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-failed-leadership

Brand Partners & Advertisers Mentioned in Today’s Show:

SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE: Get 10% off high-quality, mission-oriented coffee products while supporting pregnancy resource centers throughout the country! Use my code TESSABRAHAM at checkout or shop through my link here: https://snwbl.io/seven-weeks-coffee/TESSABRAHAM

CONNECTED CARE: Whether you’re looking for therapy, or a therapist looking to serve your clients without the burden of administrative tasks, Connected Care is a great place to start—right from the comfort of your own home. Visit www.connectedcareinc.com to learn more and get started.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 02:50 Recent Stories out of California

02:51 - 08:49 Governor Newsom x The Shawn Ryan Show

08:50 - 12:32 In-N-OUT of California?

12:33 - 14:21 Brand Partner! Seven Weeks Coffee

14:22 - 18:20 Grandstanding & Trump-Style Antics

18:21 - 20:50 Real-Life Example of Bad Policy Repercussions

20:51 - 28:44 What All of This Reveals About Leadership

28:45 - 29:59 Advertiser! Connected Care

Assembly Bill 495, the so-called Family Preparedness Act, has already passed the California Assembly and is expected to move through the Senate before landing on the Governor’s desk this fall. Its author frames it as a compassionate reform aimed at helping children whose parents, specifically illegal immigrants, are detained or deported, giving schools a faster way to ensure kids are cared for. But conservative groups are sounding the alarm, warning that the bill could put children at risk, make human trafficking easier, and further erode parental rights in the state. Today, I’m breaking down exactly what AB 495 does, and of course, giving you my full take on why it matters!

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtu.be/juPt6LQLKQ8?si=H-LIdR5-6TZM3Jxf

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-assembly-bill-495

Resources to Oppose AB 495:

Please contact your representatives about this bill today! See my article on how to find your legislators here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/resources

Use my pre-prepared letter template for what to say: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/s/Template-for-AB-495-Opposition.docx

Lastly, take a moment to sign this petition, making your voice heard on the bill: https://www.change.org/p/stop-ab-495-protect-parental-rights-child-safety-in-california?source_location=psf_petitions

Timestamps:

00:00 - 06:48 Details of AB 495

06:49 - 14:19 Existing Law

14:20 - 28:47 Red Flags, Child Endangerment, & Real Life Outcomes

28:48 - 34:23 Call to Action

Our beloved Governor, Gavin Newsom, is threatening to redraw political district lines (ahem, cutting Republican seats) if Texas moves forward with its own redistricting plan backed by President Trump. But is this fair representation or pure political retaliation? In this episode, I break down what redistricting is, how gerrymandering works, why Texas and California are at odds, and why this fight could impact your voice in Congress!

Advertisers Mentioned in Today’s Show:

CONNECTED CARE: Whether you’re looking for therapy, or a therapist looking to serve your clients without the burden of administrative tasks, Connected Care is a great place to start—right from the comfort of your own home. Visit www.connectedcareinc.com to learn more and get started.

Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtu.be/juPt6LQLKQ8?si=H-LIdR5-6TZM3Jxf

For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-redistricting-battle

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:57 I got COVID!

00:58 - 02:23 One YEAR of The California Conversation!

02:24 - 06:25 The Redistricting Debate

06:26 - 08:31 Controversial Redistricting Efforts

08:32 - 14:19 Underlying Motives & Legal Processes

14:20 - 15:49 Advertiser! Connected Care

15:50 - 19:31 Redistricting California: Yes or No?