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Will talks with Hoover Institution economist Ben Jaros and legal scholar Aharon Friedman about likely post-election challenges to Proposition 40, the Billionaire Wealth Tax. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsenDavid’s latest book: Profit from the Profit@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Hoover Institution’s latest revision reveals more bad news about Prop. 40 Friedman, Jaros and Rauh, “The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act and the Constitution: Retroactivity, Residency, and the Limits of California’s Taxing Power” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his first and only gubernatorial debate with Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton brought actual policy to counter Becerra’s incantatory use of the word ‘Trump.’ We look at the unintended — but utterly predictable — consequences of L.A.’s Mansion Tax. Vanity Fair’s deep profile reveals Gavin Newsom’s remarkable shallowness. Companies doing business in California are now required to document their ties to slavery.  Bonus! Gene Autry was more than just Hollywood’s ‘Singing Cowboy’ — he was a real American hero. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsenDavid’s latest book: Profit from the Profit@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: A Kelvin Wave Is Heading Toward the California Coast, Bringing TroubleBill Hicks on Los Angeles and Arizona BayThe Net Present Value of the California Billionaire Tax ActThe Effects of the Measure ULA (United to House LA) Transfer Tax on Economic Development and Municipal Finances in Los AngelesICE arrests father on college campus in what may be unprecedented action in CaliforniaHilton blames Democrats. Becerra blames Trump. Little was learned in governor’s race debateCNN Transcript Becerra vs HiltonGavin Newsom Is Ready for His Next Act. Will Democrats Ever Give Him a Shot at the White House?New California reparations law requires companies to disclose past profits from slavery  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California AG Rob Bonta has sued for peace in his fight with Paramount’s David Ellison, making Bari Weiss this week’s biggest winner. David says Republicans are poorly positioned to counter the Democrats’ affection for socialism. Will says California Dems finally have former Union general and abolitionist John C. Fremont right where they want him. Harry and Meghan join the California exodus.  Bonus: Cal Policy’s Lance Christensen says Gavin Newsom got it right — four times! Music by Metalachi. Email Us:|[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Oregon QB Dante Moore leaves field on cart, in neck brace after late hit from USC's Desman StephensDavid's Capital Record: A Choice, Not a Socialist EchoGov. Gavin Newsom touts California climate response as Super El Niño approachesRob Bonta Sued Paramount to Counter Political Influence, Then Fell Victim to ItCity of Sacramento announces top pick for renaming Cesar Chavez PlazaNewsom administration proposes removing explorer John C. Frémont’s name from state park, citing his violence against Native AmericansPrince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Con Was Never Going To Last ForeverBonus! Lance Christensen: Where Newsom was Right  Veto: Gives teachers unions another tool to kill charter schools (AB 84) Veto: Costly pension enhancements (AB 1054)Signed: Make inter-district school transfers easier for parents (SB 1082)Veto: Costly pension enhancements (AB 1383)This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit LawNPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest Jon Fleischman helps Will break down the news of the week, including Gavin Newsom’s remarkably weird interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, his AI alarmism, and his surprise legislative vetoes. Yet another major battery fire has climate activists wondering who to blame when “clean” energy goes awry. The city of Long Beach responds to the Soviet submarine in its harbor. And we remember the Siege of Los Angeles, September 22, 1846. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaimTheRadioFreeCA Show Notes:Jon Fleischman, So Does It Matter SubstackGavin Newsom tells CNN's Jake Tapper he won't run for president if Kamala Harris runs in 2028Newsom signs bill barring other states from sending National Guard troops to CaliforniaGovernor Newsom issues executive order to accelerate independent oversight and advance the creation of an AI kill switchWho Pays When AI Causes Harm? The “Kill Switch” Is LiabilityNewsom vetoes bill to loosen work-from-home rules for state workersRepublicans Help SEIU Defy Gavin Newsom’s Return-to-Work Order - WTH?Newsom vetoes bill closing CEQA manufacturing exemptionNewsom cites pension crisis as he vetoes bill to enhance retirement for police and firefightersI Was Wrong About Gavin Newsom And AB 1383, The Public Safety Employee Union Sponsored Pension Spiking BillLAUSD struggles to decide between refurbishing and retrofitting or closing schoolsLAUSD Ignored the Warnings. Now the Bills Are Due.New fire breaks out at Moss Landing Power Plant in California; shelter-in-place order issuedHow do you dispose of an abandoned Russian submarine? Long Beach is on the hook to find out  This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit LawNPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Gavin Newsom’s California, artificial intelligence is apparently dangerous enough to require an expanding apparatus of government regulation, but, in the hands of the state, trustworthy enough to answer your questions about government itself. In other news, Inglewood bails on its SoFi Stadium debt, Ro Khanna embraces race hustling, and David learns about Star Trek's cultural ties to SoCal’s scientific community. Music by Metalachi.  Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: ‘Star Trek’ premieresThe New Generation of Defense WizardsGovernor Newsom signs first-in-the-nation AI safeguards to protect Californians, calls on the federal government to do its partGovernment, made easier. Governor Newsom introduces AskCA, a new AI-powered tool for CaliforniansBetter Future AIDavid Sacks on X: “Pace the frontier”California wealth tax proponent threatened labor officials, law firm’s report findsRo Khanna, Race HustlerThe deal that helped bring SoFi Stadium to Inglewood isn’t legally valid, judge rulesHuntington Beach Approves Police Raises Amid Budget Deficit ProjectionsThis week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California’s state employees swear an oath to protect the United States Constitution — so what’s up with the university professors calling for armed revolution and the liquidation of Democrats? Newsom visits with South Carolina Democrats but can’t outrun his failures back home, including high unemployment and a new audit showing that the tiniest high-speed rail system in the world has run off the tracks. Bonus: If you missed David and Will’s discussion of November’s 14 ballot measures, listen to Will’s conversation here with political analyst Jon Fleischman. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: California Profs Endorse Violence, Forget Constitutional Oath (Listener Steven A.)California drivers could pay for Gavin Newsom's personal security when he's out of office (Listener Kathy)Gavin Newsom will leave office in January. In South Carolina, he previews what could come nextNewsom’s Minimum Wage Whitewash (Listener Eric O.)California’s ‘groundbreaking’ fast food council lacks a leader, hasn’t met in over a yearInspector General slams latest high-speed rail planJudge dismisses Justice Department lawsuit challenging California transgender sports policiesBonus: California’s 14 Ballot Propositions Explained, With Recommendations! | Jon Fleischman & Will Swaim This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 1999, the last time California boosted the benefits it pays government employees – earlier retirements, richer retirements – financial disaster followed quickly. Now, state lawmakers want Newsom to try it again. We fact-check Newsom’s claims on housing starts (terrible) and jobs (worse). Iowa’s AG sues California for blocking the Paramount-Warner merger. Now that he’s successful, Mark Zuckerberg says social media companies must be regulated. David and Will break down the Nick Shirley Act. Music by Metalachi.   Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes:David Bahnsen’s “Profit from the profit”Ishi discovered in California Meta to Pay Up to $17.1 Billion in Landmark Settlement Over Social Media Addiction Claims“Hardly any” AI regulations? Becerra should know betterIowa Attorney General Says She’s Taking California to the Supreme Court Over Paramount-Warner Bros. LawsuitGavin Newsom still doesn’t understand the limits of his powerCalifornia set to force big companies to disclose historic links to slaveryKenneth Schrupp on Newsom’s jobs reportNewsom’s big housing claim is built on bad dataLawmakers vote to let first responders retire earlier and with more money. Will Newsom sign on?AB 1383 is a costly pension mistake in the makingAB 2624 signed into law, California rejects hated-filled (sic) misinformation campaignWill’s work here would likely be illegal under the Act Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Since 1911, Californians have been allowed a direct role in legislation via the initiative and referendum process. This year’s November ballot features 14 measures, including the Billionaire Wealth Tax, two “affordability” programs that will make housing more expensive, and a bid to make the nation’s highest marginal income-tax rate a permanent impediment to prosperity.  Bonus! David discusses the birth today of his fifth book, “Profit from the Profit.” Music by Metalachi.   Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes:David Bahnsen’s “Profit from the profit”   This episode's advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.com boardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discussing this week’s news -- taxpayer-funded political campaigns, students learning about social justice from a rabid anti-Israel activist, DEI in college admissions, and Newsom’s enthusiasm for new automobile tire regulations -- David concludes with a general principle: “In public policy, every reductio ad absurdum eventually becomes an absurdum.” Bonus: Hoover Institute economist Benjamin Jaros offers his latest battlefield assessment of California’s wealth tax. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Karen Bass ripped after viral video lays out taxpayer-funded match of campaign donations Outraged Palo Alto High parents sue school district over mosque field trip Mission High leads California schools in UC Berkeley admissions. But many don’t graduate Gov. Newsom supports California regulators' approval of new replacement tire rules Los Angeles Should Follow San Francisco’s Path to Recovery — Says Man Who Helped Set Back Both Xavier Becerra floats bizarre plan to slash Californians’ utility bills Xavier Becerra’s high-speed rail solution appears to be “sue and hope” Hoover Institution’s Ben Jaros on the Billionaire Wealth Tax  Benjamin Jaros bio Misdiagnosing California’s Fiscal Crisis Don Newsom Refuses an Offer A powerful union, the billionaire tax and an alleged bargaining chip This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.com boardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Los Angeles resident Kamala Harris visited New Orleans to celebrate the charter schools she condemns at home -- and to encourage schoolkids to fight Republicans. Gavin Newsom swerves out of his “moderate” lane and endorses Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race. This week in California history: Richard Nixon resigns, Buck Owens is born, and a San Francisco trans activist who sought political asylum in the Netherlands discovers there’s no place like home. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: David on Capital Record: The Common Good, Pornography, Gambling, and You Will on NPR’s Left, Right & Center: The ‘Socialist’ Brand Helps Some Democrats…For Now New Orleans students get advice from Kamala Harris at back-to-school rally How New Orleans Turned Around Its Failing Schools Congratulations @AbdulElSayed  Sacramento judge sides with Attorney General Rob Bonta in Prop 39 ballot title lawsuit California’s Medi-Cal has a bad case of fraud — and there’s only one cure Medicaid Expansion’s Growing Improper Enrollment Crisis Have an idea to fix San Francisco? You could win $50 million San Francisco dad questioned by park rangers for teaching his own kids tennis at public court Civil war breaks out in rich, white California town as activists from crime-plagued neighboring city demand it’s ‘canceled’ Transgender American who fled US admits it was ‘the dumbest thing,’ returns home from European asylum center Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a state where slavery was always illegal, California lawmakers continue their push for reparations, whitewashing the critical role of such black Californians as William Alexander Leidesdorff in the state’s founding. Bonus! What is Participatory Budgeting and why does California Policy Center senior fellow Mark Moses hate it so much? Music by Metalachi. Email Us [email protected] [email protected] Follow Us @DavidBahnsen @WillSwaim @TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes David’s Capital Record podcast: The Real Story of Rent Stabilization David: Five Takeaways About the Common Good Will Swaim: California schools turn to child sacrifice California’s next reparations fight Oakland Approves $125 Million Coliseum Sale, Clearing Way for Irving Azoff Overhaul California Democratic Party endorses billionaire tax Newsom Expresses Concerns About State Antitrust Suit Against Paramount California launches next phase of state cybersecurity plan as AI changes threat landscape  Governor Newsom announces a first-of-its-kind partnership, providing Anthropic tools to state agencies and improving services for Californians His Wedding Guests Were Arriving—Just as His $45 Billion Fund Was Falling Apart Introducing Claude for Teachers Has Kamala Harris Been Hijacked by the DSA or Has the Progressive Mask Finally Slipped? Harris cites JFK, Obama among ‘most effective’ presidents, omitting Biden Mark Moses on “participatory budgeting” The Municipal Financial Crisis – A Framework for Understanding and Fixing Government Budgeting (Palgrave Macmillan, January 2022) Participatory budgeting won’t save California cities We’re seeding PB across California! How Taylor Swift’s Wedding Became a Lesson in the Rule of Law This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.com boardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vanity Fair revisits Gavin Newsom's two-decade-old affair. SEIU president Dave Regan says he did not illegally bargain over his union's proposed wealth tax. California undermines national defense. We remember the California connections of U2 pilot Gary Francis Power. Bonus! In the wake of the Facuci diary’s release, CPC’s Lance Christensen joins Will to remember what it was like inside the state capitol during Covid. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes Gavin Newsom’s ex-mistress drops bombshell essay on affair that nearly destroyed him California wouldn’t be the right place to launch California Pizza Kitchen today, co-founder says We Still Need More Ships Exclusive: California Forever loses $3.2 billion shipyard contract as defense startup picks Texas California shouldn’t punish Coast Guardsmen for serving their country Rich Californians Are Finding Creative Ways to Get Ahead of the Billionaire Tax Medi-Cal And One Big Beautiful Bill: Federal Medicaid Reforms And The Fiscal Premise Of California's Billionaire Tax Act California House Republicans ask Trump administration to block state’s new tax A powerful union, the billionaire tax and an alleged bargaining chip 2026: 5 reasons the Dodgers should not go back to the White House again next year (Lopez)  2026: Are the Dodgers tone deaf? White House visit is an insult to their fans (Plaschke) 2021: Dodgers celebrate World Series title at White House, then extend winning streak (Castillo) 2026: The Dodgers were right to go to the White House (Fleischman) Abuse and intimidation have taken over Sacramento City Hall meetings | Opinion Lance Christensen on the Fauci diary and Newsom’s failure Fauci, in Private Diary, Reflected on Covid’s Origins and His Own Fame National Review Institute Comes to San Francisco Regional Seminar: American Innovation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She oversaw the burning of L.A.’s Westside last year. In April, Mayor Karen Bass turned to the city’s schools, backing the teacher union’s demand for the budget-busting pay hike that led to the announcement this week that the district is nearing bankruptcy. Bonus! We remember the 1973 premiere of American Graffiti, George Lucas’s love letter to California’s Central Valley. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Housing Affordability and Housing Demand PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment Governor Newsom announces $20 million in grant funding matched by Google to support local journalism across the state State workers have returned to offices. What’s next in the fight for telework? LAUSD deadline looms to make painful cuts after county says board actions ‘erode confidence’ RFC 441: Strike or not, Los Angeles Unified is on an unsustainable trajectory RFC 441: The price of LAUSD union peace will be $1.2 billion a year. Next up is paying for it RFC 441: LAUSD deal reached: Mayor Bass steps in to avoid LAUSD strike  Alameda County supervisors unanimously approve policy-driven reparations plan for Black residents Alameda County Identifies $55M in Budget Reductions, but Major Gap Remains As World Cup fans pour into LAX, long-awaited people mover train struggles with delays People Mover lawsuit LA blew $60M on homeless ‘fix’ — it housed just three units Katie Porter says she’s done with politics after failed governor bid as she teases next chapter   This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.com boardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Representative Ro Khanna (D., Silicon Valley) traveled to Israel, drove into a military conflict zone — and claims the Israeli government threatened him. AG Rob Bonta leads a 12-state effort to block Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner; Paramount considers joining the California exodus. Newsom signs off on a historic tax hike. California transfers coastal land to tribes. Even the wealthy can’t afford San Francisco, but don’t blame the government. Bonus tracks! CPC’s Andrew Davenport reviews the California Teachers Association’s 30-year war on charter schools and his colleague Sheridan Karras wonders why California ended standardized tests that measure student understanding of American and California history. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:[email protected]@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes How Israel Should Handle Progressive Palestine Pilgrimages Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter on X Paramount weighs leaving California over Warner Bros. rift Why I’m Suing to Block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger (AG Rob Bonta) Newsom’s polling slip California still one of the worst states to move to in 2026, consumer report says Newsom Lawyers Up As Missing Tax Returns Fuel More Questions About Federal Probe California approves ‘largest tax hike in history’ — here’s where you’ll pay more Newsom wants to increase an obscure tax for millions. He needs Trump’s help | Opinion California is returning a stretch of its coast to Indigenous tribes: “This is beyond huge” New California law requires allergen labeling at chain restaurants In San Francisco, Even $180,000 Tech Salaries Are No Longer Enough This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.com boardtrainingprinciples.com Bonus track! CPC manager of strategic initiative Andrew Davenport Waging war on charter schools: A history of teacher unions’ anti-charter school campaign in California Bonus track! CPC research director Sheridan Karras The forgotten subject: California’s failure to assess history education Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Like Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, Rep. Ro Khanna is eyeing the White House. But this week was a rough one for the SIlicon Valley progressive: he finally abandoned his defense of alleged serial rapist and Nazi sympathizer Graham Platner, beclowned himself during a House Intelligence Committee hearing, and faced fresh reporting that he lives more like the oligarchs he denounces than the working class he champions. Will and David also discuss the Hollywood bombshell whose wartime invention helped change the modern world, and California's surprising connection to the Scopes "Monkey Trial," which began 101 years ago. Music by Metalachi. Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] Follow Us: @DavidBahnsen @WillSwaim @TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Hours of chaos, vandalism in Newport Beach: Are viral social media posts to blame? Newsom goes national Tony Thurmond criticizes ‘undemocratic’ plan to overhaul superintendent’s role The cost of Khanna’s Platner alliance 'Clown': Ro Khanna Picks a Fight With the Wrong Guy During House Select Committee on China Hearing ‘Ro’ Me the Money! How Progressive Class Warrior Ro Khanna Lives Like the Oligarchs He ‘Fights,’ With In-Home Elevator, $190K Range Rover, and Family-Owned Golf Courses. The Nazi Tattoo Guy Is Exactly Who You Thought He Was On the California Coast, a Picture-Perfect City Falls on Hard Times Vance Downplays Watergate and Compares Himself to Nixon David’s latest Capital Record podcast: Setting the Record Straight on Alexander Hamilton   Bonus track: Fighting for liberty in the 9th Circuit California Policy Center, Inc. v. Garcia-Brower About Jeff Schwab About Emily Rae Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.