SacTown Talks by The Nooner W/ Scott Lay

Today we welcome Chris MacKenzie, Senior Director of Communications for Chamber of Progress. Mackenzie has a strong background in connecting with center-left voters and thought leaders through digital media campaigns and traditional press outreach. We discuss Mackenzie's career, the Chamber of Progress, the CA Journalism Protection Act and more. This episode was recorded on 06/23/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(03:57) Talking Chamber of Progress(08:36) What is AB 886? (12:43) Concerns with disinformation and the CA Journalism Preservation Act(19:48) Support and opposition for AB 886 and the future of money in media

Today we welcome to the program Monica Miller. Miller is the owner and President of Sacramento Advisors, LLC. We discuss Miller's career, involvement in non-profits, work in foster care and more. This episode was recorded on 06/22/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(02:29) Miller’s nonprofit work(06:17) Utilizing the budget (08:48) Miller’s journey from foster youth to government (17:32) Improving foster care and preventing homelessness (25:23) Successful lobbying without resources

Today we welcome to the program, Assemblymember Gregg Hart. Hart represents Assembly District 37 and previously served as Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, California Coastal Commissioner, and Santa Barbara County Supervisor. We discuss Hart's career, issues with housing, the environment, budget goals and more.  This episode was recorded on 06/20/2023SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

Today we welcome to the program Assemblymember Bill Essayli. Essayli represents Assembly District 63 and previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney as well as a Riverside County Deputy District Attorney. We discuss Essayli's career in law, gun violence, incarceration, drug issues and more.This episode was recorded on 05/24/2023SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(05:40) Essayli’s career in law and path to politics(12:50) Talking Essayli’s bill package(15:37) Firearm enforcement bill and Bowies Law(19:09) Gun control and prisoner rehabilitation(24:01) Talking budget goals

Today we welcome to the program, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. Smallwood-Cuevas represents Senate District 28 and is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. We discuss the election, issues with the prison system, employment, housing and more. This episode was recorded on 05/23/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(09:04) Affordable housing and cost of living in LA(14:36) Involvement in community organizing (23:19) Motivating running for Senate and working with the new legislative class(34:23) Bills and legislative focuses(44:27) Talking committees

Today we welcome to the program labor and employment law expert, Ryan McCoy. McCoy is Partner with Seyfarth Shaw LLP, with a focus on employment litigation. We discuss employment litigation in CA, wage issues, AB5 and more. This episode was recorded on 05/18/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(03:57) What is PAGA? (08:00) Talking labor code violations(14:56) 2024 voter initiative and the effect of COVID on employers(24:48) AB5 and the impact on litigation (30:08) Discussing the Cal-WARN Act(34:05) Labor code changes McCoy would make 

Today we welcome back to the program political consultant, Bill Wong. Bill Wong recently released his new book Better to Win: Hardball Lessons in Leadership, Influence, & the Craft of Politics. We discuss the book, contemporary politics, the Asian American community, and more of Wong's work. This episode was recorded on 05/16/2023 SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(04:22) Wong’s journey from China to Northern CA(10:21) Lessons learned from playing football and Wong’s education path(16:36) Working for Mike Honda and Judy Chu(24:06) The effects of member turnover (28:16) Talking door to door campaigning and API progress(36:20) Wong’s future in politics

Today we welcome Nanette Farag, Vice President of Political Affairs for Randle Communications. Farag has more than 20 years of experience leading strategic operations and has served as Chief of Staff to two Assemblymembers. We discuss Farag's career, political campaigns, technology advancements, advertising and more. This episode was recorded on 5/11/2023. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(04:20) Farag’s path to Randle, working as a young staffer with Alex Biering(09:00) Talking campaigns and escorting Danny Devito and Rob Lowe to the inauguration(16:38) How technology has changed the game(26:04) Geofencing and advertising(31:11) Farag’s work for internet safety for children(40:03) Talking experience as Chief of Staff(43:54) Looking ahead to upcoming political campaigns 

(03:55) Ashby’s journey to politics (07:17) Ashby’s City Council experience through tough times(11:04) The needs of the people of Sacramento\(15:01) Addressing homelessness and education for foster youth(17:56) The potential of downtown Sacramento(21:20) Ashby’s bill package

Today we welcome Assemblymember Diane Dixon to the program. Dixon represents Assembly District 72 and previously served two terms as Mayor of Newport Beach. We discuss public safety, transportation, housing and more.SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(05:53) Dixon’s global government relations experience(10:56) Talking CA manufacturing, energy, and the gas tax(20:45) Housing issues in Newport Beach and AD72(30:40) Important public safety bills, fentanyl, and rehabilitation(36:16) Discussing Dixon’s bills out of committee

Today we welcome Senator Alvarado-Gil to the program. Alvarado-Gil represents Senate District 4 and serves as State Commissioner for Special Education. We discuss education, fentanyl, public safety, and more.SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(04:19) Experience as a first generation Mexican-American(09:01) From working with animals, to working with children in need(14:41) Inspiration running for Senate and the election experience(22:34) Alvarado-Gil’s rape bill and silent reactions (27:54) Alvarado-Gil’s fentanyl bill and gun rights(30:35) Talking broadband and fire protection 

Today we welcome Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen to the program. Nguyen represents Assembly District 10 and previously served as Executive Director of Asian Resources. We discuss crime rates, education, homelessness, and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!

Today we welcome Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua to the program. Villapudua represents Assembly District 13. We discuss  vocational training, rehabilitation, the water bond, and moreSacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(04:59) Talking Villapudua’s water bond(11:02) Budget and Problem Solver Caucus goals(15:41) Vocational training and rehabilitation for the incarcerated(23:33) Agriculture, manufacturing, and creating jobs (29:38) From Sacramento State to the Capitol

Today we welcome back Nick Sanders of Sanders Political Law. We talk all things new with political law including elections, recounts, the FPPC, development and more.  SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(03:00) Close elections and the recount process(15:47) SB 1349 and issues with the FPPC(23:04) Problems with housing and developers (27:26) Political attorney’s focus during non-election years(36:54) Talking taxes, special funds vs. general funds

Today we welcome Senator Josh Becker. Becker represents Senate District 13. We discuss public safety, environmental protection, social justice and more.SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(01:22) Becker’s journey to politics(06:56) Revisiting Becker’s time in Guatemala(09:49) Clean tech, green energy, and reducing emissions(15:07) Budget goals, wildfires, and affordable housing (19:47) The Half Moon Bay shooting, gun laws, and criminal justice (27:08) Bringing ideas from Full Circle to California

Today we welcome Don Howard, President and CEO of the James Irvine Foundation. We discuss the role of philanthropy, expanding opportunities for Californians, the history of the James Irvine Foundation, and more.SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(01:06) Don’s journey to the Irvine Foundation(06:48) Investing in climate resilience and getting through the pandemic(12:25) Working together with the state of California(14:49) Promoting greater equity and access to opportunity (19:36) Working together and the role of philanthropy(23:44) Advice to those thinking of getting involved in philanthropy

Today we welcome Consulate General, Joe White, of the UK Consulate in San Francisco. We discuss UK-CA relations including agriculture, tech policy, trade and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(01:08) Joe White’s journey to Consul General in CA(07:21) Tech policy and regulating artificial intelligence(14:11) Agriculture and trade relations(20:12) Talking national security technology (24:16) Looking forward to the future of technology

Today we welcome Senator Anna Caballero. Caballero represents Senate District 14. We discuss the high speed rail, housing, public protection and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(05:21) Redistricting and the election (13:15) Discussing the high speed rail (28:45) Talking SB6 and property tax(35:28) Caballero’s legislative package and goals(41:06) Water conservation and CA energy sources

Today we welcome Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco. Pacheco is a freshman legislator representing Assembly District 64. We discuss housing, homelessness, mental health, climate change, and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(04:36) Pacheco’s journey to politics(13:53) Improving the workforce and creating jobs (17:00) Addressing homelessness(19:28) Housing in Downey(24:18) Protecting CA immigrants

Today we welcome Senator Lena Gonzalez. Gonzalez represents Senate District 33 and serves as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. We discuss environmental protection, reducing emissions, the high speed rail, equal rights and more. SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!(05:38) Modern transportation issues(10:38) Transitioning to clean fuel and incentives (13:35) Discussing the high speed rail(17:22) Climate change and environmental protection goals(26:12) Windfall gas profits and hydrogen fuel(31:32) Talking state parks and protection