SacTown Talks

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 legislative work in California. Bauer-Kahan reflects on her undergraduate experience at the University of Pennsylvania, her thoughts on the current state of academic institutions and student protests, and the influence of her grandparents' Holocaust survival story on her commitment to public service. She outlines her legislative focus areas, including addressing mental health, regulating artificial intelligence, ensuring data privacy, and advancing environmental protections. Specific efforts mentioned include the 988 mental health crisis hotline, AI legislation, privacy laws in the context of social media and data brokers, and initiatives to ban plastic bags in grocery stores. The conversation also touches on broader issues such as the impacts of COVID-19, homelessness, healthcare, transportation, and climate change in California. Bauer-Kahan emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with safety and privacy protections and the role of legislation in tackling pressing societal challenges. This Episode was record on 5/2/24 00:00 Welcome to SACTown Talks: A Dive into California Politics 01:00 Getting Personal: Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan's Journey 01:26 Navigating Student Protests and University Challenges 04:13 Reflections on Assembly Tenure and COVID-19 Impact 05:40 Tackling Privacy, Consumer Protection, and AI Regulation 08:55 Addressing the Mental Health Crisis and Social Media's Role 12:20 Privacy in the Digital Age: Rights and Regulations 16:03 Legislative Impact: From Personal History to Policy Making 17:52 Budget Priorities and Legislative Package for the Year 22:47 Looking Ahead: Climate Change Initiatives and AI Regulation 24:14 Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations 30:59 Adapting to Post-COVID Legislative Dynamics 33:30 Oversight and Accountability in Legislation 34:16 Addressing Homelessness and Insurance Challenges 39:38 Personal Insights: Commuting and Podcasts 41:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Goals

This episode of SacTown Talks features a detailed conversation with Senator Bill Dodd, covering his decade-long political career, contributions, and views on various issues affecting California. Senator Dodd discusses his transition from business to politics, his achievements including the passage of over a hundred bills, and his work on wildfire management, education, and community safety. He also shares insights into the challenges of maintaining a strong legislative staff, navigating the budget deficit, the significance of community colleges, and the importance of addressing the state's insurance and homelessness crisis. The senator reflects on the impact of term limits, the shifting dynamics in the Senate and Assembly, and his commitment to legislative oversight and community wellbeing in his final year in office. This Episode was record on 5/1/24 00:00 Welcome to SACTown Talks: A Dive into California Politics 02:22 Senator Bill Dodd's Journey: From Business to Politics 06:03 Tackling Wildfires: Legislative Efforts and Achievements 10:01 Facing California's Budget Deficit: A Legislative Perspective 12:18 Championing Community Colleges: A Personal and Political Mission 14:14 Addressing Police Staffing Challenges in Vallejo 18:29 Navigating Committee Season: Legislative Package and Challenges 19:52 Focusing on Student Success and Charter Schools 20:24 Navigating Legislative Processes and Charter School Concerns 21:17 International Relations: Sister State Relationships and Ukraine 22:35 Reflections on Senate vs. Assembly Roles 24:09 Term Limits and Legislative Experience 26:02 Approaching Legislation with a New Perspective 29:16 Innovations in Restaurant and Hospitality Legislation 30:59 Adapting to Post-COVID Legislative Dynamics 33:30 Oversight and Accountability in Legislation 34:16 Addressing Homelessness and Insurance Challenges 39:38 Personal Insights: Commuting and Podcasts 41:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Goals

This episode of SacTown Talks features an engaging conversation with Damola Ogundipe, co-founder and CEO of Plural, a company dedicated to improving the analysis of public policy documents through technology. Damola discusses the inception of Plural, its focus on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate the understanding and tracking of legislation and regulations across all 50 U.S. states. The discussion covers Plural's journey from raising venture capital to developing AI-driven features that precede the ChatGPT explosion, highlighting the importance of AI in legislative tracking. Damola details the challenges of catering to different jurisdictions, Plural's emphasis on collaboration in public policy, and the significant impact of early investor and customer support from major organizations. The conversation also explores the future of AI in policy analysis, the strategies behind Plural's growth, the importance of a free version for public access, and Plural's unique data acquisition methods, concluding with Damola's basketball musings. This Episode was record on 4/17/24 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! 00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks: Introducing Damola Ogundipe 00:24 The Genesis of Plural: Revolutionizing Legislative Tracking 02:36 The Power of AI in Public Policy Analysis 07:12 Expanding Horizons: Plural's Nationwide Coverage and Challenges 09:06 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Idea to Innovation 13:24 Building a Diverse and Dynamic Team at Plural 14:52 Looking Ahead: The Future of Plural and Policy Tracking 18:17 The Importance of Accessibility in Public Policy Information 21:44 The Challenge of Creating a Standout Tech Product 24:35 Plural's Unique Approach to Legislative Tracking 27:04 How to Connect with Plural and Final Thoughts

This episode of SacTown Talks features Anne McLeod from the Private Essential Access Community Hospitals (PEACH) discussing the role and challenges of safety net hospitals in California. The state has about 440 hospitals, with roughly 90 designated as safety net hospitals serving vulnerable populations. These hospitals fill the gap in healthcare coverage in regions not served by the sparse public hospitals. Despite the critical services they provide, safety net hospitals face financial difficulties, with many operating at a loss due to inadequate Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, among other challenges. The discussion also touches on the impacts of COVID-19, hospital funding, the conception of a state definition for safety net hospitals, and the potential steps forward to address the system's sustainability. This episode was recorded on 4/16/2024 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! 00:00 Welcome to SACTown Talks: A Deep Dive into Peach Hospitals 00:29 Understanding Peach Hospitals: The Safety Net for Vulnerable Populations 03:37 The Landscape of California's Hospitals: Ownership, Mission, and Challenges 06:27 The Impact of COVID-19 on Community Safety Net Hospitals 13:05 Financial Struggles and the Future of Safety Net Hospitals 24:50 Addressing Homelessness and Healthcare Inequity 29:13 The Complex Economics of Hospital Funding in California 31:32 Exploring the Financial Dynamics of Healthcare 32:07 The Complexities of Hospital Funding During COVID 32:30 Debating the Viability of Single Payer Healthcare 33:44 The Challenge of Equitable Healthcare Financing 34:15 Learning from Other States: A Comparative Approach 34:43 Innovative Funding and Regional Healthcare Solutions 41:21 Navigating Hospital Costs and Pricing Mysteries 45:33 From Banking to Healthcare: A CEO's Journey 47:55 Policy Making and Advocacy in Healthcare 54:28 Strategic Initiatives for Hospital Sustainability 57:44 Navigating Legislative Challenges in Healthcare 58:59 Looking Ahead: Potential Solutions and Voter Engagement 59:25 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Chris Micheli, a seasoned Attorney, Lobbyist, Author, & Professor shares insights into his move back to solo practice, his writing process for books and manuals aimed at simplifying complex legislative and lobbying processes, and his observations on changes in legislative activities and office dynamics post-COVID. Chris Micheli, who has penned multiple practical guides and is preparing for the publication of a revised lobbying manual, discusses the importance of being present in the Capitol to stay informed and influence effectively. The conversation also touches upon his teaching endeavors, the evolution of lobbying techniques, and how technology has altered legislative interactions. Finally, Micheli encourages listeners to engage with him on social media for educational content. This episode was recorded on 4/12/2024 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! 00:00 Welcome to SacTown Talks: A Sunny Day in Sacramento 00:41 Diving into Chris Michelii's Literary World 02:44 The Transition to Solo Practice and Office Moves 05:16 Navigating the Legislative Landscape: AI, Budgets, and Hot Topics 07:01 The Impact of Homelessness Funding and Budget Surpluses 11:08 A Deep Dive into Legislative Data and Writing Process 15:32 The Art of Writing: From Inspiration to Publication 20:27 Navigating the Complexities of Case Books 21:05 The Role of AI in Legal Analysis and Education 21:47 Teaching Law in the Digital Age 21:52 Insights into California's Legislative Process 24:18 The Evolution of Legislative Practices 32:32 Challenges and Strategies in Lobbying 36:42 Adapting to Technological Changes in Lawmaking 40:02 Connecting and Learning in the Digital Era

Today we welcome Adam Probolsky, a renowned pollster from Probolsky Research, discusses the recent election outcomes, voter sentiments, and the apparent disconnect between Californian policymakers' progressivism and the electorate's views. This episode was recorded on 4/10/2024 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! 00:00 Exploring the Disconnect in California's Political Landscape 00:45 Welcome Back to SacTown Talks with Adam Probolsky 01:00 Analyzing California's Election Surprises and Voter Sentiments 01:47 The Public's Disconnect with Progressive Policies and Homelessness Issues 03:56 Polling Insights: Californians' Views on Taxes, Housing, and Desalination 06:53 Election Trends and the Impact of Voter Turnout Models 14:07 The Role of Negative Campaigning and Voter Perception 19:22 Adapting Polling Strategies to Reach Diverse Voter Demographics 28:30 Comparing California's Unique Challenges to Other States 30:23 Deep Dive into Community Sentiments and Polling Techniques 32:12 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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, the potential of autonomous vehicles, safety concerns, employment impact, the future of AV technology and more. This episode was recorded 3/26/2024 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!

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 podcast 'Together at the Top'. We discuss the value of mentorship, meaningful client connections, the significance of personal development, podcasting for businesses and more. This episode was recorded 3/19/2024 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!

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Chris Ward. Ward represents AD78, serves as Chair of the Assembly Housing, the Community Development Committee, as well as the Select Committee on Biotechnology. We discuss housing affordability, homelessness, utility pricing, elder scams and more. This episode was recorded 3/13/2024 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!

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, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. We discuss voter enthusiasm, LGBTQ+ rights, tax policies and more. This episode was recorded 3/7/2024 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!

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 discuss Aaron's journey in politics, the challenges and rewards of working in the Capitol, the importance of communication and networking, and more. This episode was recorded 3/5/2024 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!

Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Aguiar-Curry represents the 4th California Assembly District. We discuss local housing, public infrastructure, mental health, supporting families and more. This episode was recorded 2/22/2024 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!

Today we welcome former Mayor of West Sacramento, and current Senate candidate, Christopher Cabaldon. Cabaldon is running for Senate District 3. We discuss Cabaldon's experience as Mayor of West Sac, restoring communities, economic development, climate protection, education and more. This episode was recorded 2/8/2024 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!

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 hard legislative battles, and we are following Nickens' journey in the Capitol. Today we discuss all he's learned in his first year, what has been most helpful, advice for fellows and more. This episode was recorded 1/26/24 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!

Today we welcome back to the program, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. McCarty, a Sacramento native, represents Assembly District 06. We discuss issues in Sacramento such as homelessness, housing, public safety, and more. This episode was recorded 1/26/2024 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!

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 Plan, issues in crime, drug legalization, homelessness and more. This episode was recorded 1/24/2024 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!

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 Fentanyl, housing, as well as a look ahead to goals for 2024. This episode was recorded 1/10/2024 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!

Today we welcome back to the program Lance Hastings, President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. We discuss the artificial intelligence, the future of technology, California manufacturing and more. This episode was recorded 1/09/2023 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!

Today we welcome back Kristina Bas Hamilton, of KBH Advocacy, to the program. Hamilton also hosts her own podcast, Blueprint for California Advocates. We discuss Hamilton’s current focuses, the affordability crisis, organizing, the California Budget and more. This episode was recorded 1/08/2024 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!

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 Education. The Senator and Jarhett had a fantastic discussion on education, fentanyl, public safety, and more. This episode was originally released 5/08/2023 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!