SacTown Talks

Jarhett Blonien
  • 4.7 (27)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Weekly News Roundups and Conversations with California’s Leaders in Politics and Policy.

  1. 19H AGO

    E354: California’s Rat Surge – Homelessness, Fires, and the Rodenticide Policy Fight

    Los Angeles has overtaken Chicago as the top U.S. city for rat infestations, and SacTown Talks host Russell Lowery asks Renee Pinel, President and CEO of Western Plant Health, why California’s rodent problem is exploding. Pinel links the surge to rats clustering near food sources around restaurants and homeless encampments, displacement from wildfire areas into urban centers, and a lack of effective controls. She argues rats and mice pose serious public health risks—citing hantavirus, plague concerns among homeless populations, and contamination of homes and schools—while rural infestations damage irrigation equipment, threaten farm workers, and contaminate food storage. Pinel says political and regulatory actions restricting rodenticides have reduced available tools, and she advocates an “integrated pest management” balance that includes targeted chemical controls to reduce populations to levels where trapping and other methods can work. 00:00 LA Rat Infestation Shock 01:11 Why LA Is Surging 02:34 Meet the Pest Expert 04:31 Health Risks Explained 08:00 Rural Farms Under Siege 10:13 What Solutions Work 12:07 How Politics Changed Tools 15:31 If We Do Nothing 18:41 Ideal Balanced Plan 22:09 Where Decisions Happen 24:01 Final Thoughts and Wrap

    26 min

  2. 10/28/2024

    E352: Navigating Florida's Shifting Political Landscape and National Election Dynamics with Jamie Miller

    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 Florida and California politics, examines the influence of national figures like Gavin Newsom, and offers perspectives on Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign strategies. Additionally, the episode delves into recent election outcomes, voter turnout trends, and the impact of key swing states in upcoming elections. The discussion also covers the challenges facing Kamala Harris's campaign, the strategic maneuvers of political parties, and the implications of debate performances and political endorsements. Jamie also reflects on the potential outcomes of the upcoming election, shares his perspectives on the Citizens United case, and introduces his substack 'Reasonable Arguments.' Light-hearted highlights include a mention of Florida's unique and entertaining headlines. This Episode was record on 10/18/24 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:41 Jamie Miller's Background and Career 01:21 Florida's Political Landscape 03:38 Gavin Newsom's Perception in Florida 05:17 Polling and Election Predictions 09:42 Kamala Harris's Campaign Challenges 12:35 Voter Turnout and Early Voting Trends 14:54 Swing States and National Polling 16:57 Media Perception and Campaign Strategies 18:57 Debate Dynamics: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump 20:21 Post-Debate Reactions and Strategies 21:08 The Assassination Attempt and Its Impact 22:15 Trump's Convention Speech: A Missed Opportunity? 24:13 Democratic Strategy: Biden, Harris, and Schumer 25:18 Election Integrity and Voter Rights 25:59 Ground Game: Republicans vs. Democrats 28:39 The 2020 Election: Predictions and Processes 30:31 Author Insights: Reasonable Arguments and American Speeches 35:26 Concluding Thoughts and Florida's Unique Perspective

    36 min

  3. 10/14/2024

    E351: End-of-Session Reflections with David Bowman

    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 legislative procedures like electronic voting and bill processing. The conversation touches on the historical context of assembly operations, recent protests, and special sessions. Bowman also highlights the transition with long-term assembly members departing and future procedural considerations.   This Episode was record on 10/4/24   00:00 Welcome Back to SacTown Talks 00:39 Reflecting on Staff Retirements 02:15 Roles and Responsibilities on the Floor 03:22 End of Session Chaos 05:44 Protests and First Amendment Rights 08:28 Saturday Session and Voting Procedures 10:00 Changing Votes and Legislative Procedures 16:49 Debate Time and Speaking Rules 21:28 Resolutions and Their Significance 30:10 Preparing for a Long Session Day 32:46 Historical Context of Bill Introductions 33:20 Challenges During COVID-19 34:06 Role and Responsibilities of a Reading Clerk 35:17 Managing Floor Sessions and Debates 36:12 End of Session Procedures 38:19 Nonpartisan Role and Parliamentary Procedures 47:33 Special Sessions and Legislative Calendar 49:28 Reflections on Long-Term Service and Relationships 56:43 Post-Session Duties and Veto Overrides 01:03:35 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

    1h 4m

  4. 09/23/2024

    E350: Empowering the Next Generation: APICA's Mission and Impact with Melissa Sagun & Allie Umemoto

    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 Sacramento, and their efforts to create a pipeline for future generations. They highlight key events like the annual Sushi Showdown and internship programs, underscoring APICA's role in fostering networking and career opportunities. The conversation also covers the challenges and strategies associated with working for term-limited members and the ongoing efforts to increase API representation in the legislative workforce.   This Episode was record on 9/17/24   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 Background of APICA 01:21 Melissa's Journey with APICA 03:00 Allie's Journey with APICA 04:05 History and Founding of APICA 05:46 Personal Motivations for Politics 11:47 Navigating the Capitol and APICA's Role 15:09 APICA Events and Community Engagement 24:42 Mentorship and Professional Development 30:16 Future Plans and Networking 35:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

    38 min

  5. 09/03/2024

    E349: Former Democrat Assemblymember Supports Former President Trump

    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 economy and housing market. The conversation covers topics such as retail theft crime in California, high tax burdens, and the discontent among Democratic voters regarding the lack of a primary process. Sebastian also provides insights on the economic policies of other states and the potential consequences of the Democratic administration's actions on national and local economies.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:36 Disillusionment with the Democratic Party 02:14 Post-COVID Economic Challenges 04:14 Housing Crisis in California 09:01 National Economic Concerns 17:10 Retail Theft and Crime in California 23:56 California's Tax System and Budget Deficits 32:41 Democratic Party Politics and Primary Process 40:59 Swing State Sentiments and Election Outlook 49:32 Conclusion and Farewell

    50 min

  6. 08/26/2024

    E348: From Assembly to Academia: Catharine Baker's Journey in Public Service and Policy

    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  discusses her campaigns, experiences in the assembly, and her work post-politics, including her role at the FPPC. Catharine’s latest venture focuses on utilizing UC's resources to influence policy and provide research-backed solutions to state legislators. This comprehensive interview provides insights into her career, perspectives on bipartisan work, and future plans in her new role. This Episode was record on 8/23/24 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Catharine Baker's Early Life and Career Beginnings 01:03 Entering Politics: The Great Recession and Campaigns 03:16 Running for State Assembly and Winning 06:06 Challenges and Experiences in the Assembly 08:05 Facing Political Realities and Party Dynamics 11:41 Impact of National Politics on Local Elections 14:27 Returning to the Law Firm and Community Service 14:54 Serving on the Fair Political Practices Commission 15:14 Insights from the 2014 Race and FPPC Work 17:11 Challenges and Reforms in Campaign Finance 19:01 The Role of Transparency in Democracy 22:08 Legislative Experience and Bill Proposals 25:15 New Role at UC Student Policy Center 27:50 Future Initiatives and Collaboration 34:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

    36 min

  7. 08/19/2024

    Episode Title: E347: Navigating Political Law: A Conversation with Lacey Keys

    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 shares insights on managing her own law practice and offers advice for aspiring political attorneys, emphasizing the importance of internships and networking within the field. This Episode was record on 8/5/24 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Lacey Keys' Background and Career Path 04:13 Transition to Independent Practice 05:52 Understanding Political Law and Lobbying 13:56 FPPC and Lobbying Compliance 32:08 Advice for Aspiring Political Lawyers 35:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

    37 min

  8. 08/12/2024

    E346: Inside California Dairy: Sustainability, Regulations, and the Future with Michael Boccadoro

    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 reduction, dairy farm regulations, and legislative support for farmers. Additionally, he explains the impact of statewide policies on dairy production and the importance of incentives in achieving sustainability goals. The conversation also explores the evolving dairy market, environmental challenges, and collaboration within the agricultural sector. This Episode was record on 8/2/24 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:23 Michael Boccadoro's Early Career 01:45 Transition to Dairy Industry 03:19 Public Affairs and Lobbying 03:43 Regulatory Challenges in Agriculture 07:13 California Dairy Cares: Mission and Impact 09:05 California's Dairy Production and Global Market 18:52 Environmental Sustainability in Dairy Farming 21:58 Innovations in Methane Reduction 27:38 Cost-Effective Climate Solutions 28:04 Challenges in Greenhouse Gas Reduction 28:47 Comparing Project Costs 29:47 California's Aggressive Climate Goals 31:44 Economic Impacts of Climate Policies 35:35 Dairy Industry's Role in Climate Goals 37:29 Innovations in Methane Reduction 40:42 Nutritional Importance of Dairy 42:48 Legislative Outreach and Dairy Farming 47:43 Collaborative Efforts in Agriculture 50:33 Future Funding and Policy Needs 52:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    53 min
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About

Weekly News Roundups and Conversations with California’s Leaders in Politics and Policy.

Information

  • Creator
    Jarhett Blonien
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Russell Lowery
  • Show Website
    SacTown Talks