California Underground

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear from people just like you.  Original air date 8.20.24 Summary On this episode of the California Underground Podcast, Phil and Camille discuss Proposition 36, which aims to make major changes to Proposition 47. They provide background information on Prop 47 and its impact on crime rates in California. They also discuss the support and opposition for Prop 36, with Republicans and some Democrats backing the measure. Phil and Camille discuss three propositions on the California ballot: Proposition 47, Proposition 32, and Proposition 2. They explore the potential consequences and implications of each proposition, including the impact on criminal justice, minimum wage, and education funding. They also highlight the role of politic

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear from people just like you.  Original air date 8.13.24 On this episode, Phil is joined by Dr. Alex Balekian, a Republican candidate for Congress in California's 30th district, discusses his campaign and the issues he stands for. He emphasizes the need for constitutional liberties, smaller government, and lower taxation. Balekian highlights the importance of keeping the government out of personal lives, including issues like gay marriage and abortion. Balekian aims to appeal to moderate voters and bring the pendulum back to the center. In this conversation, Alex Balekian discusses the issues of gender identity in schools, the role of teachers, and the conflation of sexual orientation and gender identity. He also shares his

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear from people just like you.  Original air date 8.6.24 Summary In this episode of the California Underground Podcast, Phil and Camille discuss the recent news of Kamala Harris choosing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her VP. They also analyze a debate between Tony Thurman and Sheriff Chad Bianco, who are potential candidates for the California Governor's race. Phil and Camille critique Thurman's attempts to discredit Bianco's endorsement of Trump and highlight the lack of action taken against Bianco if his endorsement was truly illegal. They discuss topics such as public safety, criminal justice reform, education, housing, and parental rights. Camille and Phil critique Thurmond's lack of preparedness and his tend

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear from people just like you.  Original air date 8.1.24 Summary On this episde, Phil and Camille are joined by Andrew Hayes, a school board president in Lakeside, California, who discusses the importance of local elections and the impact of school boards. He emphasizes the need for individuals to get involved in local politics and highlights the power of school boards in making decisions that affect the community. Hayes mentions his efforts to push back against AB 1955, a bill that infringes on parental rights, and his involvement in a lawsuit against the state. He encourages parents to be aware of their rights and to actively participate in their children's education. In this conversation, Andrew Hayes discusses the importa

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear from people just like you.  Original air date 7.30.24 Summary In this episode, Phil and Camille discuss Kamala Harris and her past as a California politician. They explore her relationship with Willie Brown, her time as San Francisco District Attorney, and her role as California Attorney General. They highlight instances where Harris withheld exculpatory evidence and refused to release inmates, all while benefiting from their cheap labor. The hosts question her leadership abilities and ethical decision-making. Her unimpressive 2020 presidential campaign, in which she dropped out before the Iowa caucuses, further highlighted her weaknesses as a candidate. Harris's record on criminal justice reform and her flip-flopping on

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear from people just like you.  Original air date 7.23.24 On this episode, we discuss the controversial AB 1955 bill signed by Gavin Newsom, which prohibits schools from notifying parents if their child is gender confused or transitioning. They highlight the issue of local control being taken away by Sacramento and the potential harm to parent-child relationships. They also discuss the concerns of teachers being forced to keep secrets and the slippery slope of government involvement in children's lives. The hosts emphasize the importance of local representation and the need for parents to be informed about their children's well-being. In this conversation, Camille and Phil discuss the lack of transparency and accountabili

Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear from people just like you.  Original air date 7.16.24 Summary On this episode, Phil and Camille are joined by Zack Gianino and the conversation discusses the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the reactions to it, and the conspiracy theories surrounding the event. The hosts express their shock and disbelief at the incident and question the competence of the Secret Service. The conversation touches on the role of conspiracy theories and the importance of critical thinking. They explore the impact of his response on Democrats and the potential influence it had on the election. The conversation then transitions to the speculation surrounding President Biden's health and the possibility of him dropping out of the

Summary In this episode of the California Underground Podcast, Phil and Camille discuss new laws that have gone into effect in California as of July 1st. They cover topics such as hidden junk fees, date rape drug testing kits in bars, streamlining housing construction, and banning suspensions based on willful defiance in schools. Phil expresses his dislike for the gun and ammo tax, while Camille questions the effectiveness of the drug testing kits and the impact of the school suspension ban. They also touch on Gavin Newsom's potential presidential ambitions and his recent campaign activities. Visit our full website at www.californiaunderground.live Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 03:06 Unpacking New Laws in California 06:59 Hidden Junk Fees 17:22 Date Rape Drug Testing Kits in Bars 24:29 Controversy Surrounding the Gun and Ammo Tax 32:07 Streamlining Housing Construction 35:12 Challenges of Banning Suspensions for Willful Defiance 39:04 The Need for Transparency and Parental Involvement

Summary In this episode of the California Underground Podcast, host Phil interviews Bill Wells, the mayor of El Cajon and a candidate for the 51st congressional district in California. They discuss Wells' decision to run for Congress, his stance on COVID-19 restrictions, and the need for conservative voices in California politics. Wells shares his experience of standing up against lockdowns and mask mandates as a mayor and the support he received from the community. He also discusses the importance of individual freedom and the dangers of totalitarianism. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the border crisis, implementing realistic energy policies to boost the economy, and tackling the homelessness and mental health crisis. Wells also expresses concerns about President Biden's cognitive abilities and the impact of his policies on the country. He invites listeners to support his campaign through donations and volunteering. Check out our full site at www.californiaunderground.live Chapters 00:0

Summary In this episode, Phil and Camille discuss the recent lawsuit that went to the Supreme Court of California regarding a tax ballot initiative called the Taxpayer Protection Act (TPA). They explore the question of whether the TPA is constitutional or unconstitutional according to the California Constitution. They also discuss the distinction between amending and revising the Constitution and the power of the electorate to adopt proposals through the initiative process. Check out our full site at www.californiaunderground.live Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Moving Woes 03:14 Setting the Record Straight: Not Moving Out of California 04:14 The Lawsuit and the Role of the Supreme Court of California 06:19 Appealing to the United States Supreme Court 09:00 Hypothetical Vote on the California Supreme Court 12:38 The Supreme Court's Ruling on the Taxpayer Protection Act 22:18 The Supreme Court's View on Voter Approval for Tax Measures 25:20 Concerns about the Role of the People in the Legislative Pro

Summary In this episode, Phil and Chad Bianco, the Sheriff of Riverside County, discuss the role of an elected sheriff and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest. Sheriff Bianco emphasizes the importance of being an elected official who answers to the voters rather than being appointed by politicians. He shares his experiences in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, including the quarantine of a plane from Wuhan, and his refusal to enforce certain restrictions that he believed violated people's constitutional rights. He also discusses the approach taken by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office in dealing with protests and riots, emphasizing the importance of protecting people's rights while maintaining public safety. In this conversation, Chad Bianco discusses the need to fix Prop 47, a ballot measure in California that has led to a rise in crime and public safety concerns. He emphasizes the importance of passing a new proposition to repeal or drastically change Prop 47, as

Summary In this episode of the California Underground podcast, host Phil interviews Mayor Will O'Neill about his background and experiences in California politics. They discuss his journey from attorney to city council member and eventually mayor of Newport Beach. Mayor O'Neill shares his insights on running for office, the challenges of local politics, and the importance of community engagement. They also delve into the topic of public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of Prop 47 on crime rates. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the current efforts to reform Prop 47 and the implications for public safety in California. In this conversation, Mayor Will O'Neill discusses the challenges faced by progressive city councils in California and the need for competent conservative governance. He highlights the negative impacts of policies like defunding the police and the importance of electing moderate Democrats over progressives. Check out our full site at www.californiau

On this episode we discuss what a special district is and what they do and how much money they take in. We also discuss the recent push to ban plastic bags in California and whether it makes a difference or not. Finally we discuss the Recall effort of Gavin Newsom and how they have collected no signatures but raised $1 million. Check out our full website at www.californiaunderground.live Takeaways Special districts in California provide specialized services and are governed by a board of directors elected or appointed by voters. The ban on plastic grocery bags has led to an increase in the use of paper bags, which has its own environmental impact. The hosts emphasize the importance of local elections in determining the individuals who make decisions about special districts and their funding. The environmental impact of different types of bags, including reusable bags, is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. The hosts express skepticism about the effectiveness of banning plastic bags and hig

On this episode we discuss the conviction of Donald Trump in Manhattan. We discuss the ramifications of the conviction and whether it will hurt or help Donald Trump in his campaign for re-election to the Presidency. Check out our full website at www.californiaunderground.live Check us out on social media IG: californiaunderground X: CA_Undergound --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message

On this episode, we discuss Newsom's proposed budget for 2024-2025 and breakdown his "tricks" to keep the budget "balanced" without adding more to the deficit. Check out our full website at www.californiaunderground.live Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recap of California GOP Convention 02:03 Governor Newsom's Budget Proposal and State's Financial Problems 06:18 Newsom's Stance on Taxes and Reliance on Federal Money 14:31 Teachers' Anger over Budget Cuts 33:16 Gavin Newsom's budget proposal and potential budget emergency 40:10 The impact of COVID-19 on businesses in California 45:08 Newsom's tendency to blame local governments 49:21 Newsom's hand gestures and lack of coherence 59:37 The $100 billion surplus and budget negotiations 01:02:17 Final thoughts and call to action --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message

Tune in to our episode live from the 2024 CAGOP Convention floor in San Francisco. Are you a Californian who feels like your views on politics in California are not popular? Do you feel like no one will agree with you? Feels like when you meet someone who does agree you are part of a secret underground club of people who think like you? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast to hear others who share your views and solutions to save our beautiful state.  Check out our full site at www.californiaunderground.live This episode was recorded on 5.18.24 *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/californiaunderground/message

Summary In this episode, Phil and Camille discuss the recent audit that revealed that $24 billion allocated for homelessness in California has gone missing. They highlight the lack of transparency and accountability in the state's approach to addressing homelessness. The California Interagency Council on Homelessness, the agency responsible for tracking and analyzing spending on homelessness services, has not analyzed any spending past 2021. The audit also found that San Jose and San Diego failed to account for their spending or measure the success of their programs. The hosts express frustration and call for accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars. In this conversation, Phil and Camille discuss the mismanagement of funds and lack of accountability in California's homeless programs. They highlight instances of fraud and wasteful spending, such as a shelter operator charging for work that was never done and a nonprofit falsifying invoices. They also discuss the failure of the Project Room Key pro

On this episode, we are joined by independent journalist, Anthony Cabassa, who was on the ground reporting live on the UCLA protests and their confrontation with the police. We further discuss his thoughts on why these protests are happening and whether they will continue into the summer. Check out our full website at www.californiaunderground.live Takeaways Protests at UCLA were organized by college students demanding divestment from Israeli ties. The encampments at UCLA had strict access control and were organized with tactics such as interlocking arms. Motivations of the protesters varied, with some genuinely concerned about the conflict and others joining for social reasons. There were concerns about the presence of agitators and professional protesters within the movement. Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses are strategic and well-organized. Tactics such as umbrellas, leaf blowers, and masks serve specific purposes. The left has a long history of organizing and mobilizing, giving them an adva

Summary On this episode we discuss the recent case of Grants Pass v. Johnson that was heard in front of the Supreme Court recently regarding bans on camping in public spaces. We dive into previous court rulings, listen to some oral arguments, and discuss the potential impact the Supreme Court's ruling will have on homelessness in the near future. Check out www.californiaunderground.live for more info about the podcast. Takeaways The Ninth Circuit's ruling on homelessness in the Martin v. City of Boise case has had a significant impact on the enforcement of camping bans in California, Washington, Oregon, Kansas, and Hawaii. The petitioners in the Grants Pass v. Johnson case argue that the Ninth Circuit's ruling violates the Eighth Amendment, as it criminalizes the status of being homeless and imposes cruel and unusual punishments. The Supreme Court's decision in this case could have far-reaching implications for the regulation of public spaces and the enforcement of camping bans. The argument

Summary On this episode we are joined by Todd Madison of Transparent California. Transparent California is a public database that collects data on public employee compensation in the state of California. They collect almost 4 million records per year and have about 42 million records online. The data they collect reveals that over a million public employees in California make over $100,000 a year, with 100,000 people making over $250,000 a year and 4,000 making over $500,000 a year. The conversation discusses the high salaries and benefits of public employees in California, particularly in the education sector. It highlights the disconnect between public employee compensation and performance, as well as the unsustainable pension debt in the state. Check out our whole site at www.californianunderground.live Check out Transparent California at www.transparentcalifornia.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Transparent California 07:08 Expanding Data Collection Beyond Schools 27:12 The Unsustainable