The California Conversation

Tess Abraham
  • 4.2 (38)
  • 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. 77 | Democrats Divided Over California’s Wealth Tax??

    Governor Gavin Newsom is siding with Republicans for once and opposing the more radical wing of the Democrat Party. What magical issue could be bringing this about? Well, California is considering one of the most aggressive tax proposals in the country – a 5 percent tax on the net worth of every billionaire living in the state. Would this save California from its budget crisis, as supporters champion, or are there other implications we need to consider? Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=7alyWe8EOAto8A87 For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/democrats-divided-over-californias-wealth-tax Timestamps: 00:00 – 02:05 California’s “Billionaire Tax Act” 02:06 – 06:44 What is a Wealth Tax? 06:45 – 11:47 Support & Opposition 11:48 – 24:35 Implications of a Wealth Tax 24:36 – 31:17 Final Thoughts

    31 min

  2. FEB 19

    Ep. 76 | Is California Introducing a Mileage Tax? AB 1421 Explained

    What if instead of paying taxes at the gas pump, California charged you for every mile you drive? That’s not law yet, but our state just took a major step closer to it. That step is called AB 1421, and today, we’re going to unpack what it is, what it isn’t, and why this conversation matters right now. Buckle up because when it comes to increasing taxes, I have a LOT to say! Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=SKPfDPkTvHwSapto For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/is-california-introducing-a-mileage-tax Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:37 What is AB 1421? 03:38 – 10:55 Gas vs. Mileage Tax Explained 10:56 – 30:47 Three Major Problems 30:48 – 34:12 Why This Matters Today

    34 min

  3. FEB 12

    Ep. 75 | Major Legal Wins in California – Is the Tide Turning?

    In just the last few weeks, higher courts have stepped in and delivered major blows to some of the most aggressive policies our state government has treated as untouchable. From gun rights, to parental rights, to immigration enforcement, we are watching federal judges remind California of something it has tried so hard to forget: the Constitution still applies here. I’m breaking it all down for you today and showing you how these rulings are proof that the tide CAN turn, even in the bluest state in the country. **CORRECTION: In the show, it is stated that California is a "may issue state." That was true up until 2024, when the the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision went into effect. Based on that ruling, California transitioned from a "may-issue" to a "shall-issue" state for concealed carry licenses. Local law enforcement must issue permits to qualified applicants who meet the objective standards mentioned (background checks, training, and "good moral character"), but the standards removed the previous, more subjective "good cause" requirement. However, length of time and general ability to obtain a CCW still varies widely across the state depending on where you live and how "gun-friendly" your county/city is. Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=gQ8UHDyrvccwY7Ww For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/major-legal-wins-in-california Previous episodes mentioned in today’s show: AB 1955 – https://rss.com/podcasts/thecaliforniaconversation/1783723/ Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:07 Introducing Recent Court Wins 01:08 – 08:51 Second Amendment Rights 08:52 – 16:20 Parental Rights 16:21 – 18:39 Federal Immigration Enforcement 18:40 – 25:00 Politics Matter!

    25 min

  4. FEB 5

    Ep. 74 | California's Break from Federal Health Policy

    California is breaking from federal health policy – from reengaging with the WHO to passing AB 144, we are truly acting like our own country. What does this power shift mean for medical freedom, informed consent, and who gets to decide health guidance in our state? Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=Edl0IPyRqyvvSOWl For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/californias-break-from-federal-health-policy Timestamps: 00:00 – 08:51 Controversy Over the WHO 08:52 – 12:51 Further California Isolationism 12:52 – 16:53 Policy Shift – AB 144 16:54 – 28:46 States’ Rights vs. the Constitution? 28:47 – 33:23 Call to Action!

    33 min

  5. JAN 29

    Ep. 73 | Why Comparing ICE to Iran Is Morally Wrong

    California is no stranger to protest, but not all protests mean the same thing. This week we reflect on two very different movements being protested in California, and asks what really defines courage, resistance, and moral clarity. When everything is treated as equal, we risk losing perspective on what’s truly at stake. Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=byVLtAAiLzD3FzRQ For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/why-comparing-ice-to-iran-is-morally-wrong Timestamps: 00:00 – 06:49 Two Protests, Same State, Different Stakes 06:50 – 17:05 ICE vs. Iran 17:06 – 21:51 The Criteria for Protest 21:52 – 23:20 We Must Preserve Moral Clarity in Protest

    23 min

  6. JAN 28

    Ep. 72 | Gavin Newsom x Ben Shapiro – Is Newsom Actually a Moderate?

    Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom sat down with right-wing political commentator Ben Shapiro for a one hour and forty-minute-long conversation about everything from their personal lives to politics – and it was as intense, fast-paced, and interesting as it sounds. But what might have surprised you is that our beloved Governor didn’t sound quite as radical as he is often painted to be – could it be that Gavin Newsom is actually a moderate? I'm breaking it all down for you in this BONUS episode of The California Conversation! Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=jUn09lKJnzWa8znp Timestamps: 00:00 – 04:02 Gavin Newsom vs. Ben Shapiro !! 04:03 – 12:17 Newsom’s Interview Tactics 12:18 – 21:30 Newsom on Immigration 21:31 – 25:56 Newsom on Housing 25:57 – 33:17 Newsom on the Economy 33:18 – 37:59 Newsom on Transgenderism 38:00 – 39:35 Final Thoughts

    40 min

  7. JAN 22

    Ep. 71 | How Minnesota’s Fraud Scandal Exposes California

    Minnesota’s fraud scandal exposed billions in wasted taxpayer dollars – and now federal investigators are turning their attention to California. From healthcare and education to homelessness and the high-speed rail, this week I am breaking down why California’s largest programs are being flagged as high-risk for fraud, waste, and abuse! Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=sth4tWwMbFvQcBhb For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/how-minnesotas-fraud-scandal-exposes-california Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:17 Introduction 01:18 – 05:14 The “Minnesota Model” 05:15 – 11:12 Where to Look Next: Califraudia 11:13 – 21:16 Sources of Fraud in California 21:17 – 27:12 Uncovering Fraud Matters Brand Partners! WE HEART NUTRITION: Get 20% off high-quality supplements and support mothers facing unplanned pregnancies! They are pro-baby, pro-mama, pro-life, and American owned! Use code TESSABRAHAM at checkout, or shop through my link here: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/tessabraham. SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE: Get 10% off high-quality, mission-oriented coffee products while supporting pregnancy resource centers throughout the country! Use my code TESSABRAHAM at checkout or shop through my link here: https://snwbl.io/seven-weeks-coffee/TESSABRAHAM EVERY LIFE: Get 10% off premium diapers, wipes, and other baby products, as well as non-toxic women’s health products, while supporting a company that values every life by partnering with 900+ pro-life organizations. Use code TESSA10 or shop through my link here: https://everylife.com/discount/TESSA10 AMALLOW: Get 15% off clean skincare at Amallow Naturals through my link https://amallow.com/tessabraham or use the code 650Q2ZY3HL at checkout! *Discount code will automatically be applied at checkout through my link. CURIE: Get 10% off nontoxic deodorant and other crunchy approved products at Curie with my code, CURIETESSABRAHAM, or shop my link: curiebod.com/CURIETESSABRAHAM

    27 min

  8. JAN 15

    Ep. 70 | One Year After the Palisades Fire

    One year ago, leaders stood in front of cameras and promised that the Palisades would be rebuilt quickly, safely, and stronger than before. They promised urgency. They promised support. But one year later, we have to ask: did they deliver on these promises? Where are the people who lost their homes today? And should we feel sure that this won’t happen again? We’re diving into all of it today. Previous Episodes Mentioned: California’s Insurance Crisis: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecaliforniaconversation/1856837 The Catastrophic Policies that Led to California’s Wildfires: https://rss.com/podcasts/thecaliforniaconversation/1845846 Check out more content related to California politics, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI6CiPPZnCntOxJ2m6iAHX3sj1_Ll0RuF&si=sth4tWwMbFvQcBhb For sources cited in compiling today’s episode, check out my corresponding article here: https://www.thecaliforniaconversation.com/articles/one-year-after-the-palisades-fire Brand Partners! WE HEART NUTRITION: Get 20% off high-quality supplements and support mothers facing unplanned pregnancies! They are pro-baby, pro-mama, pro-life, and American owned! Use code TESSABRAHAM at checkout, or shop through my link here: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/tessabraham. SEVEN WEEKS COFFEE: Get 10% off high-quality, mission-oriented coffee products while supporting pregnancy resource centers throughout the country! Use my code TESSABRAHAM at checkout or shop through my link here: https://snwbl.io/seven-weeks-coffee/TESSABRAHAM EVERY LIFE: Get 10% off premium diapers, wipes, and other baby products, as well as non-toxic women’s health products, while supporting a company that values every life by partnering with 900+ pro-life organizations. Use code TESSA10 or shop through my link here: https://everylife.com/discount/TESSA10 AMALLOW: Get 15% off clean skincare at Amallow Naturals through my link https://amallow.com/tessabraham or use the code 650Q2ZY3HL at checkout! *Discount code will automatically be applied at checkout through my link. CURIE: Get 10% off nontoxic deodorant and other crunchy approved products at Curie with my code, CURIETESSABRAHAM, or shop my link: curiebod.com/CURIETESSABRAHAM Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:55 Remembering Palisades 01:56 – 09:58 Promise 1: “Cut Red Tape” 09:59 – 18:32 Promise 2: “Resident Support” 18:33 – 23:48 Promise 3: “The Turning Point” 23:49 – 27:42 This Matters in an Election Year!

    28 min
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About

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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