The California Conversation

Tess Abraham
  • 4.3 (39)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Join the conversation shaping California’s future! Tune into The California Conversation podcast for the latest updates on California legislation. It’ll help you stay in the loop and empower you to shape our beautiful state. Get clear, common-sense insights on new and proposed bills that help you think critically and decide how you want our state to be governed. The future of California is in our hands!

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 105 | Proposition 3: California’s “Temporary” Taxes Aren’t So Temporary

    California’s “temporary” taxes aren’t so temporary. Proposition 3 would make California’s higher income-tax rates on the state’s highest earners permanent. This week, we’re diving into what Prop. 3 does, why California’s tax-and-spend approach isn’t working, and how you should vote this election! I also share new research from the Hoover Institution challenging the promises behind California’s proposed billionaire wealth tax. Check out their resources below! Check out more content related to California’s 2026 Midterm Election here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=v2-tPf3OGGvvuWYj For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-temporary-taxes-arent-so-temporary-proposition-3 Hoover Institution Resources for this election: https://www.hoover.org/focus-areas/california-decides Timestamps: 00:00 – 06:15 What is Proposition 3? 06:16 – 22:53 Why Reject Proposition 3? 22:54 – 28:08 And Speaking of the Wealth Tax… 28:09 – 29:21 How You Should Vote This November!

  2. Sep 3

    Ep. 104 | California is Banning Your Tires – and Overregulating Your Life!

    Breaking news: California is regulating more of your life. I know – it’s a huge shock! But apparently, regulating your gas-powered car wasn't enough…now our state is coming for your tires. Starting in 2029, the state will begin imposing new efficiency standards on replacement tires. The government says you'll save money, use less fuel, and reduce emissions. But we've heard California make promises before. So today, we're going to look at what this regulation actually means for California drivers, what it's going to do to the tire market, whether the promised savings and environmental benefits are really worth the tradeoffs – and why this seemingly ridiculous story about tires actually tells us something pretty important about government, regulation, and freedom in California. Check out more content related to California News & Politics here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=RhAd8SfCJhr1gR0L For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-is-banning-your-tires-and-overregulating-your-life Timestamps: 00:00 – 07:54 NEW! Tire Regulations… 07:55 – 26:37 The Practical Effects 26:38 – 32:56 The Bigger Problem

  3. Aug 27

    Ep. 103 | California Can Cure Cancer…With Enough of Your Tax Dollars!

    Healthcare is one of the most convoluted and confusing topics – especially when it comes to government programs and intervention in medical institutions. This November, we have two propositions on our ballot - Propositions 38 & 44 - that take very different approaches to different issues in healthcare. The question isn't simply whether the goal is good, but whether the policy being proposed is actually the best way to achieve it. I am breaking it all down for you today! Check out more content related to California’s 2026 Midterm Election here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=0qqdv2QN4LS-trkm For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/california-can-cure-cancerwith-enough-of-your-tax-dollars Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:39 Healthcare is on the ballot! 01:40 – 05:35 Proposition 38 – Details 05:36 – 20:57 Proposition 38 – Analysis 20:58 – 29:55 Proposition 44 – Details & Analysis 29:56 – 31:20 How to Vote This November

  4. Aug 20

    Ep. 102 | Can California Make Homes Affordable Again?

    Housing affordability is a real problem in California. So, the question becomes: how do we make things better? This election, we have two propositions on our ballot that are being proposed as solutions to this crisis. Propositions 1 and 37 both claim to address high housing costs and promise real solutions. But, do they deliver on these promises? Check out more content related to California’s 2026 Midterm Election here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=RvcS94F-tmRwHoYI For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/can-california-make-homes-affordable-again Timestamps: 00:00 – 06:10 The Housing Affordability Crisis 06:11 – 07:55 Three Criteria for Examining Propositions 1 & 37 07:56 – 16:47 Proposition 1 – Details & Evaluation 16:48 – 19:04 What About Veterans? 19:05 – 30:04 Proposition 37 – Details & Evaluation 30:05 – 32:31 How to Vote in November

  5. Aug 13

    Ep. 101 | California’s Craziest Political Drama…in a Town You’ve Never Heard Of

    If you thought California politics couldn't get any more ridiculous than it already it, I have a story for you. Because today, we're taking a break from ballot propositions and are heading about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, to a tiny little city in the San Joaquin Valley called Avenal. I promise you, this is not a story I could have made up if I tried. Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=jiV-tCUQS7tPBgPE For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-craziest-political-drama Timestamps: 00:00 – 06:35 City vs. County – Fire Edition 06:36 – 10:01 Resident Backlash 10:02 – 14:54 Time for a Recall! 14:55 – 21:37 Two City Councils 21:38 – 27:18 So, Why Does Any of This Matter?

  6. Aug 6

    Ep. 100 | How Can YOU Stop California’s Wealth Tax? (Propositions 41 & 42)

    California’s wealth tax debate isn’t over. This week, we break down Propositions 41 and 42 – two measures designed to increase government transparency, limit the expansion of taxation, and respond to Proposition 40’s proposed wealth tax. What do these propositions actually do, and how can they shape California’s economic future? Check out more content related to the 2026 Midterm Election, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCnupqFpv0YhdpzMggPm91Vpi&si=z8RbHuhj8LjQZpU2 For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/how-can-you-stop-californias-wealth-tax Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:04 Possible Poison Pills? 03:05 – 09:06 The Details of Proposition 41 09:07 – 12:49 The Heart of Proposition 41 12:50 – 15:47 The Details of Proposition 42 15:48 – 19:23 The Heart of Proposition 42 19:24 – 23:43 How to Vote on These Propositions!

  7. Jul 30

    Ep. 99 | The Ugly Nature of California’s Wealth Tax (Proposition 40)

    What is California's Proposition 40, and what questions does it raise beyond just another tax policy? This week, we examine the proposed billionaire wealth tax through the lenses of wealth creation, excellence, human flourishing, and Christian ethics. We break down ideas that shape the debate, and address why they matter for Californians considering Proposition 40! Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=m6rMV_PdA-xdwo7u For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/the-ugly-nature-of-californias-wealth-tax-proposition-40 Timestamps: 00:00 – 05:39 Proposition 40 – The Billionaire Wealth Tax 05:40 – 11:22 Creating Wealth is a Form of Excellence 11:23 – 13:55 Excellence Blesses Society 13:56 – 17:14 Envy Reframes Excellence as Injustice 17:15 – 19:50 A Civilization that Punishes Excellence Gets Less of it 19:51 – 23:55 Pursue Excellence & Steward Wealth 23:56 – 26:04 What This Means Practically

  8. Jul 23

    Ep. 98 | Trash Police, Sex Offenders, and Power Grabs – This Week in California Politics!

    This week in California politics, we have a governor trying to strip power from an office before a Republican can take it over, a bill designed to keep convicted sex offenders out of public office that somehow ended up creating exceptions for criminals, and yes – government officials inspecting the trash you throw away! Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntJLUgeDYRmbU-H-fhQq0Wn&si=gTd9c7qFadYr4RqD For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/this-week-in-california-politics Timestamps: 00:00 – 02:16 Welcome back to the show! 02:17 – 08:07 The Trash Police Are Here?? 08:08 – 14:53 Newsom’s Education Power Grab 14:54 – 23:17 Sure, Let’s Protect Pedophiles 23:18 – 27:20 Upcoming Ballot Propositions!

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Join the conversation shaping California’s future! Tune into The California Conversation podcast for the latest updates on California legislation. It’ll help you stay in the loop and empower you to shape our beautiful state. Get clear, common-sense insights on new and proposed bills that help you think critically and decide how you want our state to be governed. The future of California is in our hands!

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