SacTown Talks

California Teachers Association President David Goldberg examines the growing challenges facing California’s public schools, from retaining talented educators to securing the funding students need today. David also discusses how hunger, rising housing costs, and mental health needs affect the classroom, and how parents, educators, and communities can work together to strengthen public education.

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 justice laws, expanding parole opportunities, and debating the future of incarceration. Amid these decisions, one question remains: Who is speaking for the victims? In this powerful and sometimes emotional episode of SacTown Talks, host Hect...

What will decide California’s 2026 election? Political strategist Tino Rossi says the defining issue crosses party lines: affordability. Tino, President of Swing Strategies, joins SacTown Talks for an inside look at the voters, races, and ballot measures shaping California’s political future. Drawing on more than a decade in public affairs and political consulting, Tino explains what polling and f...

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, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Unearth, to discuss how technology is reshaping public affairs communications. They discuss how precision targeting can reach policymakers, regulators, and those who influence them; how organizat...

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,” pesticide residues, organic vs. conventional produce, and the science behind food safety. They discuss why detection doesn’t necessarily equal risk, how regulators establish safety margins for pesticides, why organic farming also uses pesticides, a...

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 of SacTown Talks, Hector Barajas sits down with registered dietitian, cookbook author, and food and agriculture expert Amy Myrdal Miller for a wide-ranging conversation about food safety, nutrition, consumer fear, and the importance of keepi...

Why is gasoline so expensive in California? What happens when refineries close? Can California transition to cleaner energy without making life even more expensive for consumers? In this episode of SacTown Talks , Hector Barajas sits down with Jodie Muller of the Western States Petroleum Association to discuss California’s complex energy market and what it means for families, workers, and business...

On SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas interviews Brooke Armour, executive vice president of the California Business Roundtable and president of the Center for Jobs and the Economy, about California’s economic outlook and the 2026 ballot. Armour says California added a net 200 jobs from January to July 2026, with most growth in government or government-supported sectors, while private-sector jobs r...

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 public health, agricultural, and policy challenges tied to it.  From Los Angeles overtaking Chicago as the nation’s top city for rat infestations to the spread of diseases like hantavirus and plague, Renee explains how rising rodent populat...

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 implications for national politics. Jamie provides insights into Florida's shift from a Democratic advantage to a Republican stronghold influenced by conservative governance and migration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation contrasts...

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 of the session's conclusion, including notable retirements, end-of-session processes, and procedural insights from the assembly floor. Bowman shares personal anecdotes, the impact of long-serving staff retirements, and the intricacies of legi...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien welcomes Melissa Sagun, President of the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association (APICA), and board member Allie Umemoto. The discussion delves into APICA's history, mission, and initiatives. Melissa and Allie share their personal journeys into politics, the importance of community building and professional development for API staff in Sacr...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien speaks with former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas about his support for Donald Trump, the current state of the Democratic Party, the economic challenges facing millennials and African American men, and the national political landscape. Sebastian shares his experiences of relocating to Nevada and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the eco...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Catharine Baker, former California Assembly member and current Director of the UC Student and Policy Center. Catharine shares her journey from growing up in Coachella Valley and cutting her teeth in Chicago politics, to working in law and then entering public service motivated by the Great Recession and issues in local schools. Catharine  discu...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett interviews Lacey Keys of Keys Law Corporation. They discuss her journey as a political attorney, including her educational background and career trajectory. Lacey elaborates on the nuances of political law, including registration and compliance for lobbyists, campaign finance work, and the role of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). She also sh...

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 intern to a veteran lobbyist with over 41 years of experience. Boccadoro discusses the intricate balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability in California's dairy industry. He highlights the state's efforts in methane...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Matthew Hargrove from the California Business Properties Association (C.B.P.A). Matthew shares insights into his career path from UC Davis and his extensive experience in Sacramento politics. They discuss a wide array of topics impacting the commercial real estate sector in California, including property taxes, Prop 13, Prop 218, minimum wa...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, Co-Chairs Andres Ramirez and Brandon Garcia of the California Latino Capitol Association Foundation (CLCAF) join the show. They discuss their respective journeys into the political community in Sacramento—Andres starting in lobbying and Brandon discovering the field almost by accident. Both highlight the significance of networking, mentorship, and community suppor...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, members of the California Legislative Black Staff Association (CLBSA) and co-chairs, Symphoni Barbee and Kapri Walker, share their journeys and experiences. Symphoni discusses her role as a legislative advocate for Planned Parenthood and her entrance into the CLBSA. Kapri outlines her transition from working in the Senate Public Safety Committee to her current pos...

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 energy sector. Andy shares his 35-year journey with Chevron, discussing the global assignments he's experienced. He elaborates on the responsibilities of his current position, overseeing downstream operations in North and South America. The...

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett interviews Assemblyman Marc Berman, who shares his journey from Palo Alto to Sacramento. Asm. Berman discusses his early life, education at Georgetown and USC, and experiences working on political campaigns across the country. He recounts his path to becoming a member of the Palo Alto City Council and eventually the California State Assembly in 2016....

In this episode of SacTown Talks,  Jarhett Blonien welcomes Jennifer Saha, Founder and CEO of Golden Bridge Strategies. Jennifer shares her extensive background in government service and her transition to the private sector. She discusses her career journey from working in the Governor's office under Schwarzenegger, to the challenges of managing large-scale procurements and IT modernization projec...

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 Capitol. They discuss dining at the Capitol, changes in the legislature's working environment, and the renovations of the Capitol building. David shares fascinating historical anecdotes, including the original locations of California's capita...

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 journey through multiple states, and his eventual relocation to California. Bryan reflects on the influence of key life events, from getting cut from his high school basketball team to his academic and professional development, leading to his pass...

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, Chevron's role, and the future of fuel. Andy shares his 35-year journey with Chevron, which took him and his family around the globe, from San Diego to Singapore. He discusses the division of Chevron into upstream and downstream operations, Chevron'...