Shows / SacTown Talks
SacTown Talks
Weekly News Roundups and Conversations with California’s Leaders in Politics and Policy.
Episodes
- SacTown Talks
What California’s Public Schools Need Now
California Teachers Association President David Goldberg examines the growing challenges facing California’s public schools, from retaining talented educators…
- SacTown Talks
California's Criminal Justice System: Have We Forgotten the Victims?
Criminals get second chances. But what happens to the families whose loved ones never got a second chance at life? California lawmakers are rewriting criminal…
- SacTown Talks
What Will Decide California’s 2026 Election? | Tino Rossi
What will decide California’s 2026 election? Political strategist Tino Rossi says the defining issue crosses party lines: affordability. Tino, President of…
- SacTown Talks
From Decision-Makers to Their Inner Circle: The Future of Politics & Public Affairs
What if reaching a decision-maker isn't enough? What if the people around that decision-maker are just as important? Hector Barajas sits down with Libby Hall…
- SacTown Talks
Is the “Dirty Dozen” Misleading Parents? The Science Behind Your Produce
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas talks with Cameron English of the American Council on Science and Health about the “Dirty Dozen,”…
- SacTown Talks
Are Food Safety Fears Making Us Less Healthy? | Amy Myrdal Miller
Food recalls and food safety outbreaks can be frightening. But what happens when fear causes people to avoid fruits and vegetables altogether? On this episode…
- SacTown Talks
Why Is Gas So Expensive in California? | Jodie Muller on Energy, Jobs & Affordability
Why is gasoline so expensive in California? What happens when refineries close? Can California transition to cleaner energy without making life even more…
- SacTown Talks
California’s Tipping-Point Economy – Jobs, Regulation, and the 2026 Ballot
On SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas interviews Brooke Armour, executive vice president of the California Business Roundtable and president of the Center for…
- SacTown Talks
Rats, Disease & California Politics: The Debate Nobody Wants to Have
In this episode of Sac Town Talks, Russell Lowery welcomes Renee Pinel from Western Plant Health to discuss California’s growing rat infestation crisis and the…
- SacTown Talks
E352: Navigating Florida's Shifting Political Landscape and National Election Dynamics with Jamie Miller
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jamie Miller from People Who Think joins the show to discuss the evolving political landscape in Florida and its broader…
- SacTown Talks
E351: End-of-Session Reflections with David Bowman
In this episode of SacTown Talks, David Bowman joins the discussion to reflect on an eventful legislative session. The episode delves into the unique aspects…
- SacTown Talks
E350: Empowering the Next Generation: APICA's Mission and Impact with Melissa Sagun & Allie Umemoto
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien welcomes Melissa Sagun, President of the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association (APICA), and board…
- SacTown Talks
E349: Former Democrat Assemblymember Supports Former President Trump
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien speaks with former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas about his support for Donald Trump, the current…
- SacTown Talks
E348: From Assembly to Academia: Catharine Baker's Journey in Public Service and Policy
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Catharine Baker, former California Assembly member and current Director of the UC Student and Policy…
- SacTown Talks
Episode Title: E347: Navigating Political Law: A Conversation with Lacey Keys
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett interviews Lacey Keys of Keys Law Corporation. They discuss her journey as a political attorney, including her…
- SacTown Talks
E346: Inside California Dairy: Sustainability, Regulations, and the Future with Michael Boccadoro
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director of California Dairy Cares, who shares his journey from a UC Davis…
- SacTown Talks
E345: Navigating California's Commercial Real Estate Landscape: An Interview with Matthew Hargrove
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Matthew Hargrove from the California Business Properties Association (C.B.P.A). Matthew shares…
- SacTown Talks
E344: The California Latino Capitol Assoc. Fndn: Building Community and Fostering Growth
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Co-Chairs Andres Ramirez and Brandon Garcia of the California Latino Capitol Association Foundation (CLCAF) join the show…
- SacTown Talks
E343: Inside the California Legislative Black Staff Association with Symphoni Barbee and Kapri Walker
In this episode of SacTown Talks, members of the California Legislative Black Staff Association (CLBSA) and co-chairs, Symphoni Barbee and Kapri Walker, share…
- SacTown Talks
E342: Chevron's Andy Walz Discusses Why Is Gasoline More Expensive in California Compared to Other States.
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett welcomes Andy Walz, President of Chevron of the Americas, for an in-depth conversation about California's role in the…
- SacTown Talks
E341: Insightful Conversation with Assemblymember Marc Berman
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Assemblyman Marc Berman, who shares his journey from Palo Alto to Sacramento. Asm. Berman discusses…
- SacTown Talks
E340: Jennifer Saha on Navigating Government Procurement and Technology
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett Blonien welcomes Jennifer Saha, Founder and CEO of Golden Bridge Strategies. Jennifer shares her extensive background…
- SacTown Talks
E339: Exploring the Rich History and Daily Life at the California State Capitol with David Bowman
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett speaks with the voice of the Assembly, David Bowman, about the intricacies and history of the California State…
- SacTown Talks
E338:Resilience and Policy: The Journey of Assembly Member Isaac Bryan
In this episode of SacTown Talks, we sit down with Assembly Member Isaac Bryan, discussing his unique background growing up in a foster care family, his…
- SacTown Talks
E337: Navigating the Future of Energy with Chevron's Andy Walz
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarrett hosts Andy Walz, President of Chevron of the Americas, for an in-depth conversation about the energy sector…
- SacTown Talks
E336: California Politics and Legislative Insights with Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett Blonien welcomes Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan to discuss a range of topics from her personal background to her…
- SacTown Talks
E335: A Comprehensive Insight into Senator Bill Dodd's Legislative Journey
This episode of SacTown Talks features a detailed conversation with Senator Bill Dodd, covering his decade-long political career, contributions, and views on…
- SacTown Talks
E334: Innovating Policy Analysis with AI: The Plural Story
This episode of SacTown Talks features an engaging conversation with Damola Ogundipe, co-founder and CEO of Plural, a company dedicated to improving the…
- SacTown Talks
E333: Exploring the Challenges of California's Safety Net Hospitals with Anne McLeod
This episode of SacTown Talks features Anne McLeod from the Private Essential Access Community Hospitals (PEACH) discussing the role and challenges of safety…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…
- SacTown Talks
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…