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'...

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 als...

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. st...

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...

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 g...

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...

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 intervi...

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 C...

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 cul...

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, poli...

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, polic...

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...

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...

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...

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 b...

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 analy...

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 exp...

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...

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 Cal...

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 feat...

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, redirecting municipal waste and organic waste before it hits landfills. We discuss landfill waste issues, related bills, hydrogen solutions and more.   This episode was recorded 12/20/2023   SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politic...

Today we welcome back to the program Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Gipson represents Assembly District 65 and previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore for Carson City. We take a look back and recap 2023, the budget, and goals looking ahead to 2024.   This episode was recorded 12/19/2023   SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California po...

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 being elected Speaker, Rivas served as the Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and as Vice-Chair of the influential Latino Legislative Caucus. Rivas and Jarhett discuss agriculture, food shortage, immigration, the American Dream and m...

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 to polling, election analytics, the 2024 presidential election and more. This episode was recorded 12/05/2023

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, working on the 2000 Gore campaign and as campaign press secretary for former California Governor Gray Davis. We discuss Salazar's journey to politics, experience in the White House, crisis communication, and more.   This episode was recorde...