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California Teachers Association President David Goldberg examines the growing challenges facing California’s public schools, from retaining talented educators to securing the funding students need today. David also discusses how hunger, rising housing costs, and mental health needs affect the classroom, and how parents, educators, and communities can work together to strengthen public education.

Criminals get second chances. But what happens to the families whose loved ones never got a second chance at life? California lawmakers are rewriting criminal justice laws, expanding parole opportunities, and debating the future of incarceration. Amid these decisions, one question remains: Who is speaking for the victims? In this powerful and sometimes emotional episode of SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas sits down with Topo Padilla, President of Crime Victims United, for a candid conversation about California's criminal justice system and whether the state has lost sight of the people it was supposed to protect. Padilla doesn't hold back. He challenges the Administration, state legislators, and California's courts over policies he believes are undermining public safety and forcing families of murder victims to relive their worst nightmares. The conversation gets personal as Padilla shares the devastating murders of people close to him and explains why he has dedicated himself to fighting for victims and their families. In this episode:•    Are violent criminals being released from prison too early?•    Why are lawmakers reconsidering sentences that victims' families believed were final?•    Has California created a revolving-door criminal justice system?•    Are recent court decisions making it harder to hold repeat offenders accountable?•    What happens to victims' families when murderers receive another chance at parole?•    Is Governor Newsom putting criminal justice reform ahead of victims' rights?•    Can California support rehabilitation while still protecting the public? Padilla also discusses the impact of Propositions 47, 57, and 36, California's bail system, and what he believes lawmakers are getting wrong about public safety. His message to Sacramento is simple: Think about the victims before changing the laws. Whether you support criminal justice reform or believe California has gone too far, this is a conversation worth hearing. Watch the full interview and tell us what you think: Has California's criminal justice system lost its balance? Learn more about Crime Victims United: https://crimevictimsunited.com Subscribe to SacTown Talks for conversations about California politics, public policy, and the decisions shaping our communities. #SacTownTalks #HectorBarajas #TopoPadilla #CrimeVictimsUnited #CaliforniaCrime #VictimsRights #CriminalJusticeReform #PublicSafety #CaliforniaPolitics #GavinNewsom

What will decide California’s 2026 election? Political strategist Tino Rossi says the defining issue crosses party lines: affordability. Tino, President of Swing Strategies, joins SacTown Talks for an inside look at the voters, races, and ballot measures shaping California’s political future. Drawing on more than a decade in public affairs and political consulting, Tino explains what polling and focus groups reveal about the electorate and why housing, groceries, energy, transportation, and insurance could matter more than traditional partisan messages. In this episode:•    The races that could reshape the California Legislature•    Voter turnout and California’s changing political coalitions•    Why the Insurance Commissioner race matters•    Voter ID, the billionaire tax and other major ballot measures•    Divisions within both political parties•    What campaigns often misunderstand about polling•    How influencers and social media are transforming political communication•    Tino’s election-night prediction Tino has helped lead statewide ballot measure campaigns, independent expenditure programs, corporate public affairs initiatives and stakeholder coalitions throughout California. At Swing Strategies, he advises companies, advocacy organizations and coalitions facing complex political, public affairs and reputation challenges. Learn more about Tino Rossi: https://swingstrat.com/tino-rossi/ Learn more about Swing Strategies: https://swingstrat.com/ Subscribe to SacTown Talks for candid conversations with the people shaping California politics and public policy. #CaliforniaPolitics #Election2026 #SacTownTalks #TinoRossi #BallotMeasures 00:00 Meet Tino Rossi02:04 What California’s 2026 electorate could look like05:07 Affordability and the mood of voters07:40 Legislative races to watch13:58 Generational change in California politics16:29 The battles within both political parties18:23 Why the Insurance Commissioner race matters22:02 Voter ID and ballot-measure turnout25:29 The billionaire-tax debate29:10 California’s “punch-counterpunch” ballot cycle30:25 Is Trump still an effective campaign message?32:14 California politics after Governor Newsom35:13 What polling and focus groups actually reveal37:57 Social media, influencers and declining institutional trust41:31 Tino’s election-night prediction

What if reaching a decision-maker isn't enough? What if the people around that decision-maker are just as important? Hector Barajas sits down with Libby Hall, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Unearth, to discuss how technology is reshaping public affairs communications. They discuss how precision targeting can reach policymakers, regulators, and those who influence them; how organizations can determine whether an online controversy is gaining traction; and how digital campaigns can move people from simply supporting an issue to taking action. Libby also explains Unearth's approach to Atlas audience targeting and Scout digital intelligence, including how organizations can analyze conversations, respond to specific audiences, track opposition messaging, and determine whether their own communications are breaking through. The conversation also examines AI's growing role in public affairs, why human judgment remains critical, synthetic audiences, connected TV, advocacy campaigns, and the direction of digital communications over the next three to five years. If you work in elections, public affairs, government relations, communications, advocacy, trade associations, or issue campaigns, this episode offers a practical look at the technology increasingly shaping the profession.

In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas talks with Cameron English of the American Council on Science and Health about the “Dirty Dozen,” pesticide residues, organic vs. conventional produce, and the science behind food safety. They discuss why detection doesn’t necessarily equal risk, how regulators establish safety margins for pesticides, why organic farming also uses pesticides, and what can happen when fear and misinformation influence what families buy at the grocery store. English also explains why this debate matters beyond science. When families are told they should avoid affordable conventional produce, the decision can affect both their grocery bills and how many fruits and vegetables they eat. Most importantly, the conversation offers parents a simple way to approach alarming claims about food and health: ask, “Is this true?” and then look at the evidence

Food recalls and food safety outbreaks can be frightening. But what happens when fear causes people to avoid fruits and vegetables altogether? On this episode of SacTown Talks, Hector Barajas sits down with registered dietitian, cookbook author, and food and agriculture expert Amy Myrdal Miller for a wide-ranging conversation about food safety, nutrition, consumer fear, and the importance of keeping fruits and vegetables at the center of a healthy diet. The discussion begins with the recent Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce from Mexico and addresses how consumers should think about recalls, outbreaks, and food safety warnings. Amy explains why it is important to look at the specific product, source, brand, and growing region involved rather than assuming an entire food category is unsafe. She also encourages consumers to rely on trusted sources, such as the FDA and CDC, for accurate information. The conversation then turns to a much larger public health issue: Americans still do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Amy discusses why fear and misinformation can worsen the problem, how food safety events can affect consumer behavior long after an outbreak ends, and why fresh, frozen, canned, and other forms of fruits and vegetables can all play an important role in a healthy diet. Hector and Amy also talk about the changing way consumers think about food, including convenience, sustainability, price, and health; the need to tell more positive stories about farmers and farmworkers; California agriculture; Farm to School programs; and what policymakers can do to support both food safety and the people who produce our food. Amy also shares a simple message for families shopping for produce: buy what you love, try something new, and make fruits and vegetables a bigger part of your cart and your daily meals. The episode closes with a discussion of her cookbook, Cooking á la Heart, and her passion for making healthy eating flavorful, approachable, and enjoyable. Buy the cookbook here: https://www.farmersdaughterconsulting.com/book-cooking-a-la-heart/

Why is gasoline so expensive in California? What happens when refineries close? Can California transition to cleaner energy without making life even more expensive for consumers? In this episode of SacTown Talks, Hector Barajas sits down with Jodie Muller of the Western States Petroleum Association to discuss California’s complex energy market and what it means for families, workers, and businesses. Muller explains why she believes California consumers pay more at the pump, citing supply constraints, taxes and fees, regulations, operating costs, and the state’s growing reliance on imported fuel. She also discusses refinery closures, the decline in in-state oil production, energy reliability, and the potential impact of California’s increasing dependence on fuel produced elsewhere.  The conversation also examines the human side of California energy policy — including skilled refinery jobs, middle-class wages, community tax revenue, and employment opportunities that can disappear when facilities shut down. Topics include: Why California gasoline costs more than in many other statesTaxes, fees, and regulations affecting fuel pricesRefinery closures and fuel reliabilityCalifornia’s growing dependence on imported oil and fuelHow energy prices affect food, transportation, and other everyday costsThe impact on workers, families, and local communitiesEnvironmental goals versus affordability and reliabilityWhat California’s next governor should do on energy policyWhether California can maintain oil production while meeting environmental goalsWhy Muller says consumers should be at the center of energy policy.  This is a deeper look at one of California’s biggest affordability questions: How do we balance environmental goals, energy reliability, and the cost of living?

On SacTown Talks, host Hector Barajas interviews Brooke Armour, executive vice president of the California Business Roundtable and president of the Center for Jobs and the Economy, about California’s economic outlook and the 2026 ballot. Armour says California added a net 200 jobs from January to July 2026, with most growth in government or government-supported sectors, while private-sector jobs remain below pre-pandemic levels. She argues high electricity costs, housing unaffordability, and layered, sometimes unworkable regulations are pushing businesses and middle-income residents out, and that tax revenue is not the same as economic health. Armour highlights Prop 40, a “wealth tax” she says could expand taxation beyond billionaires via legislative changes, and supports Prop 43 to restore a two-thirds vote threshold for local special taxes and Prop 45 to reform CEQA to speed housing.   00:00 Meet Brooke Armour 00:35 Roundtable Mission 01:17 Data Driven Economy 02:50 California Economy Check 04:51 Jobs Leaving State 09:44 Regulation Uncertainty 11:35 Fines And Fees 14:16 Agencies Versus Lawmakers 16:41 Ballot Measures Overview 17:18 Prop 40 Wealth Tax 25:13 Prop 43 Taxpayer Act 29:33 Next Governor Metrics 30:05 Housing And CEQA Reform 32:18 Energy Costs Reality 34:41 Final Voter Message

In this episode of Sac Town Talks, Russell Lowery welcomes Renee Pinel from Western Plant Health to discuss California’s growing rat infestation crisis and the public health, agricultural, and policy challenges tied to it.  From Los Angeles overtaking Chicago as the nation’s top city for rat infestations to the spread of diseases like hantavirus and plague, Renee explains how rising rodent populations are impacting both urban neighborhoods and California farms. The conversation dives into homelessness, food safety, farmworker health, pest control policy, and the debate over balancing environmental protections with effective rodent management tools.  Renee also breaks down why current pest control strategies may be falling short and what California policymakers are considering next. If you want a deeper understanding of how pest control, public health, agriculture, and politics intersect in California, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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

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

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

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

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

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