The Game

San Mateo County Supervisor and Assessor-Clerk-Recorder-elect David Canepa joins Mark Simon and Bob Marks for a wide-ranging conversation about his upcoming transition to a new countywide office.

Canepa explains why he wanted the job, what he hopes to change in the assessor, elections and clerk-recorder offices, and how he plans to communicate more directly with voters. He discusses election security, cybersecurity, ballot counting, voter education and the challenges of maintaining public confidence in elections.

The conversation also covers Canepa's long political career, his early concerns about artificial intelligence, AI's potential impact on jobs, divisions within the Democratic Party, regional transit funding, local tax and bond measures, and the lessons he learned from running for Congress.

Mark and Bob also examine the San Mateo County District 5 supervisor's race, the lengthy vote-counting process and the national political landscape heading into the 2026 election.

• (00:00) - Welcome to The Game & David Canepa

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The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

More information about The Game: TheGamePeninsula.com.

Episode topics: David Canepa, San Mateo County, San Mateo County elections, elections, voter education, election security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, AI, ballot counting, Democratic Party, regional transit, Caltrain, local politics, 2026 election, San Mateo County Supervisor, Assessor-Clerk-Recorder.

Rosanne Foust, President and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), joins Mark Simon and Bob Marks for a wide-ranging conversation about the economy, housing, taxes, transportation, AI and politics across San Mateo County and the Peninsula.

Foust discusses the diversity of the county's economy, the continued growth of life sciences and biotech, and the workforce challenges facing employers. She also talks about the region's housing shortage, workforce housing, affordability and the debate over building more high-density housing.

The conversation turns to several ballot measures, including Menlo Park's Measure P, Redwood City's rent-control measure, regional transportation funding and Proposition 45 and its implications for CEQA and development.

Foust also discusses rising taxes and their effect on small businesses, the future of public transit, the potential for a new Redwood City ferry terminal, and how the rapid development of artificial intelligence is changing the economic landscape.

The interview concludes with a discussion about the political environment in San Mateo County and the importance of compromise and finding practical solutions.

Mark and Bob then continue the conversation with a look at local tax measures, Proposition 43 and the national political landscape heading into the November election.

Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Mark Simon and Bob Marks take a deep look at the political landscape both nationally and here in California.

The conversation begins with a remembrance of September 11, 2001, on the 25th anniversary of the attacks, before turning to the November elections. Mark and Bob examine the fight for control of the House and Senate, the races Republicans need to win, the role Donald Trump may play in the midterms, and whether a broader wave of voter dissatisfaction could reshape the political landscape.

In California, they discuss the governor's race, the insurance commissioner contest and several major statewide ballot measures, including the proposed billionaire tax, voter ID, CEQA reform and a measure involving taxes on higher-income Californians.

They also explore the rapidly growing political controversy surrounding AI and data centers. As California becomes an increasingly important center for artificial intelligence, Mark and Bob consider the concerns about water, electricity, technology companies and the potential risks of increasingly powerful AI systems.

The discussion moves to local politics in San Mateo County, where they examine uncontested city council and school board races, development and growth in San Mateo, and the unusually large number of local tax and revenue measures on the November ballot.

Finally, Mark and Bob consider the larger question facing politicians of both parties: What do voters actually want? After years of dramatic political swings, the answer may be surprisingly simple — would somebody please get something done?

• (00:00) - Welcome and the 2026 Election

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

.S. Representative Kevin Mullin returns to The Game with Mark Simon and Bob Marks for a wide-ranging conversation about the 2026 midterm elections and the future of the Democratic Party.

Mullin discusses Democrats' chances of taking back the House, the party's focus on affordability, health care and the economy, and the growing influence of national issues in congressional races. He also addresses the rise of progressive and Democratic Socialist candidates, the tension between progressives and moderates, the role of grassroots organizing and the enormous sums being spent by super PACs.

The conversation moves into the larger generational shift taking place in American politics, whether Democrats could be experiencing their own version of the Tea Party revolt, the possibility of a fundamental restructuring of the two-party system, and whether impeachment would actually be an effective response to the Trump administration.

Mullin also talks about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on jobs and wealth inequality, Social Security reform, the national debt and California's proposed billionaire tax.

Finally, the conversation turns to Bay Area sports, including the Giants, Warriors, 49ers and Valkyries, before exploring how money, NIL and conference realignment are transforming college athletics.

Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com. You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com. 

• (00:00) - — The 2026 Midterms and Democratic Prospects

California's November election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in years. Mark Simon and Bob Marks are joined by political scientist Dr. Melissa Michelson of Menlo College and veteran political consultant Don Cecil for an in-depth discussion of the issues, ballot measures, and political dynamics that could reshape California—and influence national politics.

The conversation explores voter dissatisfaction, the rise of Democratic Socialists, the future of the Democratic Party, the controversial billionaire tax, voter ID proposals, local tax measures, California's gubernatorial race, San Mateo County politics, artificial intelligence, data centers, public transit funding, and the broader political uncertainty facing the nation.

Whether you're following California politics closely or simply want to understand the forces shaping the next election, this episode provides valuable insight from two experienced political observers.
Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com, and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

• (00:00) - – Welcome back to The Game

California's June primary election is in the books, but the political debates are just getting started.

Mark Simon and Bob Marks are joined by former Belmont mayor and political analyst Charles Stone for a wide-ranging discussion on the aftermath of California's primary election, the controversy surrounding vote counting timelines, public trust in elections, and what the results may signal for the 2026 midterms.

The conversation explores whether California's lengthy vote-counting process is undermining confidence in elections, how Democrats and Republicans are positioning themselves heading into November, and what lessons can be learned from key statewide races. The panel also examines affordability, taxes, voter behavior, messaging, and the evolving political landscape in California and across the country.

Locally, the discussion turns to San Mateo County races, surprising election outcomes, tax measures, city council contests, and what voters can expect in the months ahead.

Topics Include:

• California's vote-counting process and election trust
• Trump, election skepticism, and public perception
• Potential Supreme Court impacts on voting rules
• Midterm election outlook for Democrats and Republicans
• California governor's race analysis
• Affordability and tax measures
• San Mateo County election results
• The power of name recognition in local politics
• District elections and upcoming city council races
• What to watch heading into November

Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

• (00:00) - Introduction & Election Recap Overview

Days before California's 2026 primary, Mark Simon and Bob Marks convene a power panel to break down everything on the ballot. Congressman Kevin Mullin, San Mateo Daily Journal Editor Jon Mays, and Central Labor Council Executive Director Julie Lind join the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the governor's race, voter anger, low turnout, the billionaire tax, Bay Area transit funding, AI and the future of work, and key local races in San Mateo County.

Is anger driving this election, or is it fear? Who survives the governor's primary after Swalwell's dramatic exit? Can Tom Steyer buy his way into the top two? And what does San Mateo County look like a decade from now?

Guests:

• Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15)
• Jon Mays, Editor, San Mateo Daily Journal
• Julie Lind, Executive Director, San Mateo County Central Labor Council

Topics covered:

• Voter anger, fear, and low primary turnout
• California governor's race: Becerra vs. Steyer vs. Hilton
• The Swalwell fallout and its impact on the Democratic field
• Redistricting, the Voting Rights Act, and political polarization
• The California billionaire wealth tax
• Bay Area regional transit funding and the messaging problem
• AI, automation, and the future of work in San Mateo County
• San Mateo County Assessor's race: Canepa vs. Irizarry
• Final predictions from the panel

Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

Hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks.

Produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

For more information, visit TheGamePeninsula.com. 

• (00:00) - Introduction and panel introductions

With just days remaining before California voters head to the polls, Mark Simon and Bob Marks break down the increasingly unpredictable race for governor, the latest polling trends, and what could determine who advances to November. They examine the campaigns of Antonio Villaraigosa, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, and other contenders, along with the impact of money, endorsements, and voter turnout.

The conversation also explores California’s biggest challenges facing the next governor—including AI regulation, insurance markets, wildfire policy, water resources, and the state’s ongoing relationship with the Trump administration.

Mark and Bob then shift to national politics, discussing President Trump’s declining approval ratings, congressional tensions, the Iran conflict, inflation, gas prices, and what the early signs suggest for the upcoming midterm elections.

Closer to home, they analyze several important San Mateo County races, including contests for Board of Supervisors, Assessor-Clerk-Recorder-Elections Chief, Superintendent of Schools, and Board of Equalization. They also discuss the proposed billionaire tax, transit funding challenges, local tax measures, housing development debates, and what voters should watch heading into November.

Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

#CaliforniaPolitics #Election2026 #GovernorRace #Trump #Midterms #SanMateoCounty #LocalPolitics #PublicPolicy #TheGamePodcast #PoliticalAnalysis

• (00:00) - Welcome to The Game

Jon Mays, editor of the San Mateo Daily Journal, joins Mark Simon and Bob Marks for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of local journalism, AI in media, political endorsements, education policy, historic preservation, and the changing political landscape in San Mateo County and California.

Jon discusses how the Daily Journal approaches endorsements during election season, why the paper rejects AI-generated submissions, and the challenges local newspapers face in the social media era. The conversation also explores school cell phone bans, California’s gubernatorial race, housing and historic preservation debates, and how local communities are evolving politically and culturally.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the role of journalism in democracy and the tensions between growth, technology, and preserving community identity.

Subscribe for more conversations on California politics, national issues, and the people shaping both.

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com.

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.

Time Breaks

• (00:00) - – Introduction and Jon Mays joins the show

Legendary trial attorney Joe Cotchett joins The Game for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation on law, politics, and the future of the country.
Cotchett breaks down his firm’s landmark $2.5+ billion securities fraud verdict against Elon Musk, explains why it’s a rare case of driving stock prices down, and what it means moving forward.
The conversation then turns to the darker side of AI and social media, including rising teen suicide rates, scams targeting seniors, and the legal battle over Section 230.
From California politics and Gavin Newsom’s future to the 2028 presidential race, Cotchett shares insider perspectives on candidates, the Democratic bench, and what it will take to win back power.
He also reflects on decades of landmark civil rights cases, why he never ran for office, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
🔥 A powerful conversation about justice, power, and the fight for democracy.
⏱️ Time Chapters

• (00:00) - – Intro & Joe Cotchett joins the show

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com. 

You can see more information about The Game at TheGamePeninsula.com.