California Insider

Could California’s old oil fields become part of the state’s clean energy future? In this episode, we meet Mike Umbro, a California native testing a new approach to long-duration energy storage. With support from federal labs and the Department of Energy, his team is working to store solar heat deep underground—potentially generating zero-emission electricity for up to 42 days. While the science b...

In California’s nonprofit world, consistency is hard to find, but one of the state’s oldest foundations still focuses on long-term support and trust. In this episode, Bill Ahmanson, president of The Ahmanson Foundation, explains how that works—and why it matters. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

A shift in California law is changing how courts handle criminal cases tied to behavioral conditions. Judges must now presume a connection between a diagnosis and the offense, narrowing their discretion to deny diversion. Deputy District Attorney Matt Greco discusses the impact on victims, public safety, and the courts—and a proposed bill that could restore judicial authority. Views expressed in t...

Building a home in California can take months—or even years—before anyone moves in. Max Gerbut, founder of Haus.me, believes that timeline is outdated. In this episode, he explains how his off-grid, factory-built homes are designed to be installed in under an hour, require no hookups, and meet code across jurisdictions—offering a new path forward for housing in the state. Views expressed in this v...

A behind-the-scenes agreement between federal officials, environmental groups, and The Nature Conservancy changed the course of ranching in Point Reyes. Now, many longtime families are leaving. West Marin attorney Andrew Giacomini joins us to explain how it unfolded, how it affected the public, and what’s at stake for agriculture, housing, and community in Marin County. – Enjoyed this podcast? Fol...

Tony Hall spent decades working inside San Francisco’s government—across seven departments and three branches. In this conversation, he shares how civic culture once centered on service, and what happens when ambition, politics, and patronage take over. You’ll hear what kept him going, where he drew the line, and why some of the biggest changes started with small shifts few noticed at the time. Vi...

California has long been a symbol of possibility—but for many residents, that promise feels increasingly out of reach. Author and policy expert Steve Hilton joins us to examine the data and decisions behind the state’s growing dysfunction. We take a closer look at why California leads in innovation yet falls behind in affordability, housing, and public safety. Backed by research and real-world exp...

If you’re a homeowner in California, you’ve probably noticed it’s getting harder—and more expensive—to keep your property insured. Even in low-risk areas, people are being dropped or pushed into the FAIR Plan, which was never meant to be a first option. In this episode, insurance expert Stacy Korsgaden who’s spent decades in the industry, walks us through how we got here. From Proposition 103 to w...

Read the story 👉 https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/a-smoldering-problem-deep-underground-at-chiquita-canyon-landfill-5759324?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ocyoutube An underground fire at a Los Angeles County landfill has been quietly burning since 2022, releasing toxic gases into nearby neighborhoods. Residents near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill report chronic symp...

Dr. Bill Releford has spent more than three decades working to prevent diabetic amputations—a complication that affects thousands across California and hits some communities harder than others. In this episode, he joins Siyamak Khorrami to explain how he brought health screenings into Black-owned barbershops, creating a model that helped save thousands of lives. He also discusses how food access,...

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast is raising eyebrows—especially as the 2026 election looms. In this episode, KABC radio host John Phillips joins us to discuss what Newsom’s move might signal, how media dynamics are shifting in the state, and what it could mean for key voter groups, including Latino and Asian communities. We also dive into California’s political power centers—from San Fra...

Sewage from Tijuana has shut down one of San Diego’s most popular beaches for over 1,000 days. The contamination is now threatening Navy SEAL training areas, local businesses, and California’s coastal environment. But despite years of warnings, there’s still no long-term fix in sight. In this episode of California Insider, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond explains the real cause behind the...

California’s refinery network is shrinking. Phillips 66 is shutting down its LA refinery, and more closures may follow. But what happens when we lose domestic refining capacity with no clear plan to replace it? Skip York, Chief Energy Strategist at Turner Mason & Company and Nonresident Fellow for Energy and Global Oil at Rice University’s Baker Institute, joins California Insider to explain h...

A new federal investigation is raising questions about a California law that limits when schools can notify parents about a child’s gender identity. Erin Friday, a Bay Area attorney and parent, joins California Insider to explain what AB 1955 means in practice, how it intersects with federal law, and why some school policies may be putting state funding at risk. As new executive orders emerge at t...

California, long a hub for Big Tech, is now at the center of a growing push to protect kids online. In this episode, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal joins California Insider to explain why he's calling for stronger safeguards. Drawing on his background in tech and his role as a parent, he discusses how social media is changing childhood—and what role lawmakers should play. Views expressed in this vi...

California’s commercial real estate market is cracking—quietly but deeply. Office towers are half-empty, warehouses are overbuilt, and lab space demand has vanished. In this episode, real estate expert David Marino reveals what’s really happening behind the data and why California could be the signal for the rest of the country.

In San Francisco, small business owners are increasingly left to face crime on their own. Hrag Kalebjian runs Henry’s House of Coffee, a third-generation shop in the Sunset District. Despite filing a restraining order and calling police multiple times, he’s been left to deal with the thefts on his own. His experience isn’t unique. Many San Francisco business owners are seeing the same shift: risin...

Farming in California isn’t easy with rising costs, drought, and market pressures. But one farming family is rethinking rice farming with a centuries-old Japanese technique that uses ducks instead of chemicals. This approach cuts water use, improves soil health, and brings high-quality rice directly to schools and farmers' markets. In this episode, they share how they transitioned from traditional...

Los Angeles has poured billions into homelessness programs, but a new audit reveals deep financial mismanagement and a lack of oversight. Are these funds truly reaching those in need, or is bureaucracy getting in the way? Paul Webster of the LA Alliance for Human Rights discusses what this report uncovers and what it means for the city’s response to the crisis.

Los Angeles restaurants were already facing rising costs and declining reservations—then the fires hit. Industry leaders say the impact feels like a second pandemic, with small businesses, event venues, and entire supply chains struggling to recover. Restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani, partner in Mother Wolf Group and Avila’s MXO, shares firsthand insight into the challenges and the uncertain road ahea...

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has set the state’s emissions standards, often going beyond federal requirements. But with Trump back in office, could California lose its ability to set independent climate policies? Susan Shelley, member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group, joins us to examine how a potential rollback of California’s regulatory authority could affe...

California’s homelessness crisis persists, with encampments growing and solutions slow to materialize. State Senator Catherine Blakespear explains why efforts haven’t curbed the problem, the challenges in funding and policy, and what needs to change to move people off the streets for good. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the view...

Water storage in California is tangled in regulations. While the capacity exists, legal barriers prevent water from being available when it’s needed most. What’s stopping the state from securing its supply? We sit down with Thomas Holyoke, a political science professor, to explore the legal, political, and environmental obstacles standing in the way of real water solutions.

What if foreign powers had access to critical U.S. infrastructure? Former Congresswoman Michelle Steele reveals how China is quietly expanding its control over California’s ports, universities, and technology—raising major national security risks. From hidden chips in cranes to influence in academia, we uncover what’s really happening and why it matters. Views expressed in this video are the opini...

Los Angeles is spending billions on homelessness, yet the crisis keeps growing. Katina Holliday, a registered nurse, took matters into her own hands—housing over 500 homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals through her nonprofit, Holiday's Helping Hands. More than just providing shelter, she’s building community and restoring dignity for those in need. With medical care, job training, and lo...