California Insider

California Fuel Supply At Risk | Here's Why

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700

California produces only 25% of the crude oil it consumes and has no pipelines bringing refined fuel into the state. When global fuel supply tightens, where does a state that depends on imports turn? In this episode, Jodie Muller, President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association, explains how California's shrinking refinery base and dependence on imported fuel affects what consumers pay at the pump and whether the state's fuel supply is as stable as it appears. Skip York, Energy and Oil Fellow at the Baker Institute, adds context on what global market pressures mean for a state already running on thin supply margins.

*Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Hollywood Has a Gap—What's Pulling Film Work Out of the State?

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700

California's post-production workforce, the people who edit, score, and mix every film and show you've ever seen, has been losing work to other states and countries for years. How does an industry this embedded in a state end up competing for its own survival? In this episode, we speak with a panel of post-production professionals about the economic forces driving work elsewhere, and about the bill in Sacramento they believe could change that.

Featuring:

Marielle Abaunza, president of the California Post Alliance
Ben Urquhart, vice president of post production and integration at Universal Pictures
Brian Ralston, film music composer and producer
Dennis Dreith, media composer
Amélia Rolland, singer-songwriter, composer, and vocalist.

Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

LA's Infrastructure Race: The $30 Billion Push for 2028 | Artin Sodaify

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700

LA hosted the Olympics in 1984 with 23 events. In 2028, it's committing to more than double that, and the city carrying that weight today is a fundamentally different place. In this episode, Artin Sodaify, LA County Commissioner, walks through what's actually being built and contracted right now to get the region ready. The question of whether those preparations outlast the games is one LA residents will be living with long after the torch goes out.

Battery Plant Explosions in California | Here's What's Happening

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Battery storage plants have been exploding in California with a regularity that is easy to miss if you are not living near one. Eight went up last year alone, and the one in Moss Landing burned for three weeks. In this episode, physicist and Chairman of the Board of the California Arts and Sciences Institute, C. Michael Hogan explains what these facilities actually release when they go, and why the consequences for the people and the land around them outlast the event itself by a very long time.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Where Is California’s Homeless Funding Going?

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Billions of taxpayer dollars have moved through California’s homelessness system over the past decade. Yet on the streets of Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego, the tents remain and the strain on local services continues. How are state and local leaders evaluating the impact of that spending?

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Villanueva, Former Sheriff of Los Angeles County, Assemblymember Tri Ta, and San Diego Superviser Jim Desmond to discuss how funding moves from the state to local agencies and how those policy decisions show up on the ground in light of recent scrutiny and renewed attention to how funds are used.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Hidden Fees That Are Making California Housing Cost Double the National Average

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

California’s housing costs are among the highest in the nation, while single-family construction continues to lag demand. If land is not the only constraint, what is driving the gap between need and supply? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Capaldi, Partner at FBT Gibbons, to examine the approval process, local fees, and state mandates that influence what gets built. We trace how those choices translate into the price of a home and the calculation families make about staying in California.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Tariffs, Cargo Theft, and Record Volume: Long Beach Port CEO on What’s Happening Now

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

The Port of Long Beach recorded its highest cargo volume in 2025, marking a strong year for one of the nation’s most critical trade gateways. With imports surging and competition rising from other U.S. gateways, attention now turns to whether this pace can hold and what it could mean for the state’s broader economy.

In this episode, we sit down with Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach and President of the California Association of Port Authorities, to understand what is behind the record volumes and how long term rail and infrastructure investments could determine the state’s economic footing in the years ahead.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why California’s Wine Industry Is Under Strain Right Now

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

California vineyards are operating in a market where harvested grapes may not have a buyer. The reasons are not always visible from the outside, but the effects are showing up across growing regions. In this episode, Rodney Schatz, owner of Peltier Winery who manages about 1,100 acres of farmland, explains what is changing inside the business and why those changes matter beyond wine country.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What Happened After California Voted Yes on Prop 19

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

What happens to a family home after it is passed down? In California, voters approved Proposition 19 in 2020 with the promise of helping seniors and wildfire victims. For many families, the outcome has been sharply different from what they expected. We look at how Prop 19 affects family decisions around inherited homes. We also examine changes in property tax assessments and how higher ownership costs can affect rental properties with long-term tenants.

In this episode, we speak with Lalit Kundani, partner at Bridge Law LLP, estate planning attorney James Burns, homeowner Robert Locke, and Susan Shelley of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, who explain how the law works, what many families missed, and what options still exist.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Where the Palisades Stand One Year After the Fires | Builder-Side Panel

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

A year after the Palisades fires, signs of rebuilding are starting to appear, but progress looks uneven once you move from street to street. What decides whether a home comes back now or stays on hold? In this episode, Renzo Pali, Associate Director of Operations at SPF:a, Matt McRoskey, Head of Growth at Ghost Factory, and Dylan Hart, Partner at Village Rebuild, talk through what is happening at street level and walk through what drives those decisions, from money and time pressure to how neighbors work together.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Pipeline Closes, 100 Trucks Hit Roads: What Happens Next? | Steve Layton

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

California's fuel system is under pressure, not because demand has fallen, but because the path from oil to fuel has narrowed. What happens when pipelines shut down and oil that once flowed underground now requires nearly 100 trucks a day on Kern County roads? Steve Layton, president of E&B Natural Resources, explains how recent infrastructure changes are affecting how oil moves through the state, with consequences that tend to surface quietly before they become visible to the public.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California's Wealth Tax: What Happens When the 'One-Time' Rule Gets Applied

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

A proposed wealth tax aimed at California’s billionaires is headed for the 2026 ballot, presented as a one time measure to raise revenue for public programs. How would that one time label function once the rules are applied?

In this episode, Hank Adler, Associate Professor and Burra Executive Professor of Accounting at Chapman University, walks through how the proposal would operate in practice and what its structure could mean for California’s economy after the vote.

How Deep Is Cartel Influence in Northern California Farm Fields

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Across parts of Northern California, law enforcement officials say investigations are revealing the ways criminal operations have evolved in response to enforcement and regulations.

In this episode, Humboldt County Sheriff Bill Honsal describes how these enterprises function and why their methods are having economic and social effects that extend beyond the areas where they operate.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What is Happening in Iran and Why These Protests Are Different | Exclusive Interview

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

California has seen protests tied to events unfolding inside Iran. Inside the country, demonstrations show a level of organization and leadership absent from earlier waves, as authorities respond with force and communication shutdowns. We speak with Bijan Kian, an Iranian American activist closely following developments, about leadership linked to Prince Reza Pahlavi, the security and economic stakes for the United States, and what this moment may signal for Iran.

Former Energy Commissioner: Here's Why California Electricity Is So Expensive | James Boyd

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

California’s electricity rates are far higher than most of the country, and that gap did not emerge from a single decision or moment. It developed over time as the state responded to real challenges, with effects that became clearer only years later.

In this episode, we speak with James Boyd, a former California Energy Commissioner. Drawing on decades of public service, he explains how the state arrived here, and how growing pressure on the grid may shape the choices ahead.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Small Landlords Leaving the Los Angeles Housing Market: Will Rents Increase?

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Long term property investment in Los Angeles is becoming more uncertain for small landlords, often leaving them with little choice but to exit the rental business. But what factors are making rental housing harder to operate, and what’s the impact of these landlords leaving LA?

In this episode, we discuss with Dan Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, and Rich Kissel, a longtime property owner who exited the business, how current housing rules and operating realities are influencing rental conditions.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why Some Crimes in California Don’t Lead to Jail Time

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s diversion law was designed to steer some defendants away from jail and into treatment. But when the same statute produces very different outcomes across the state, what determines how much risk the public is expected to accept? In this episode, Deputy District Attorney Matt Greco and San Francisco public defender Matt SotoRosen explain how the law works in practice and where its impact holds or falls short.

00:00 – Intro

01:50 – Serious Crimes Committed While in Diversion

05:33 – Alternatives to Diversion and the Cost of Incarceration

30:03 – Effectiveness of Diversion and Judicial Discretion

42:35 – Diversion and Its Impact on Public Safety

California Reservoirs Are 118% Full. Why Are Farmers Still Struggling?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California reservoirs are above capacity after several wet years, yet water deliveries to farmers remain uncertain. High storage alone does not guarantee reliable supply, as the system for moving and allocating water continues to limit what reaches the fields. In this episode, we speak with sixth-generation California farmer Cannon Michael about how these conditions affect everyday farming and the broader future of agriculture in the state, and what direction California may need to consider to restore reliability to its water system.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

San Francisco Taxis Are Growing Fast - Here’s What Happening

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Major rideshare companies are now routing more of their trips to regulated taxis in San Francisco, and that shift is changing how the city’s transportation system actually works. It comes down to cost pressure on the platform side and the steady coverage that commercial drivers provide. In this episode, we talk with Hansu Kim, longtime SF political consultant and Chairman of Flywheel. He walks us through why this move is happening and what it may set in motion for the city’s next phase.

Can San Francisco Meet Its New Housing Mandate? | 82,000‑Home Requirement by 2030

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

State leaders want cities to allow far more housing near transit. Supporters see a needed shift while others question the practical outcome. In this episode we sit down with Tony Hall, former San Francisco supervisor, and Christopher Elmendorf, law professor at UC Davis. We look at what these changes could mean for San Francisco and how the policy meets the city’s real conditions.

Why Are California RV Encampments So Hard to Remove? | Barry Coe

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

RV encampments have become fixed parts of Los Angeles, especially in industrial areas where they sit for long stretches without intervention. What looks like a line of parked RVs carries real effects for the blocks around them, including steady waste and a growing pull on emergency crews. We discuss with Barry Coe, former Los Angeles city commissioner, about what keeps these RVs in place and how business owners stepped in when nothing changed.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What’s Fueling the Record Spike in California’s Cargo Heists—and Who Loses Out?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Freight theft is rising in California and hitting the state’s supply chain in ways most people don’t see. Loads disappear with a level of planning that signals a shift in how these crimes are carried out. In this episode, Verisk CargoNet Vice President of Operations Keith Lewis and retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department cargo theft detective Gerardo Pachuca explain what’s driving this change and why California has become a focal point.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How Rising Costs and New Competition Are Changing the Bay Area | Aman Verjee

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Silicon Valley has long been the launchpad for new tech companies, but conditions for young entrepreneurs are shifting. Starting and growing a company there now comes with limits that land much earlier than they used to.

In this episode, Aman Verjee, founder of Practical Venture Capital, walks us through how this shift took hold and what it could mean for the Valley going forward.

How a Landmark Court Ruling Could Change Rooftop Solar in California

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California once made rooftop solar a smart investment for homeowners. After new rules took effect, that balance changed almost overnight. In this episode, Siyamak sits down with Bernadette Del Chiaro, senior vice president for California at the Environmental Working Group, and Johnny Graham, CEO of Pacific United Power, to examine how the state’s new policy is changing the way solar works for homeowners.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California's Economy Is Growing, but Who's Losing Out?

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s economy keeps growing, but that growth looks different across the state. Some areas are thriving, while others feel the strain—a shift we discuss with Jerry Nickelsburg, Professor Emeritus at the UCLA Anderson School of Management; Mark Schniepp, Director of the California Economic Forecast in Santa Barbara; and Kymberlee Dildine from the Central California Food Bank to understand where the state’s economy may be heading next.

School Lunch Makeover: How California’s New Law Changes What Kids Eat

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California is drawing a line on what children are fed in public schools. A new law confronts the rise of industrial additives that have come to define many of the meals served to students. In this episode, Bernadette Del Chiaro, Senior Vice President of the Environmental Working Group, explains how these additives made their way into lunch trays and what California’s bold move could signal for the rest of the country.

Thousands Dropped: Inside California’s Home Insurance Turmoil | Rex Frazier

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Many Californians are realizing after wildfires that their insurance doesn’t cover what it costs to rebuild. In this episode, industry experts Rex Frazier and Robert Anderson explain how shifts in state rules and market practices left many homes underinsured. They also show how small choices made when buying a policy can determine whether a family recovers or faces lasting loss, and what this means for the state’s growing FAIR Plan.

Tap Water Rate Hike: Who’s Impacted, What’s Next in California in 2025

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Water in California is getting more expensive, and the reasons go beyond drought. Rising maintenance costs are consuming budgets once reserved for future projects, leaving districts to choose between higher bills or deferred upgrades. In this episode, we speak with District 6 Director Tony Estremera and EMWD General Manager Joe Mouawad about the financial strain behind California’s water system and how those choices could define its future.

Why There's a Significant Rise in Fraudulent Enrollments in CA Community Colleges | Kiran Kodithala

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s community colleges have been confronting a growing wave of enrollment fraud. Through stolen identities, fake students are collecting financial aid meant for real applicants.

In this episode, N2N Services CEO Kiran Kodithala explains how large-scale fraud networks infiltrated the system and what investigators are now uncovering behind the surge.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Prop 50 Could Have Major Impacts For California: Here’s Why

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s Proposition 50 would challenge the once-a-decade rule for drawing congressional maps. While some lawmakers call it a necessary response to partisan redistricting in other states, critics warn it could weaken protections against partisan gerrymandering in the state and shift congressional seat representation.

In this episode, former state Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo, and county Republican leader Will O’Neill join us to look at how this proposal could impact voter trust and the balance of power in California politics.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why Is California Still Investing Billions in High Speed Rail? | Elaine Culotti

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s high-speed rail has been in the works for years, but the story behind its delays is more complex than it looks. In this episode, developer Elaine Culotti talks about why progress has slowed and what’s already taking shape. We dive deeper into what the project shows about how California builds infrastructure and why finishing the project has become so difficult.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How Eviction Delays Are Driving Up LA Rents | Avi Sinai

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles County’s eviction process has become a drawn-out struggle over how property rights are enforced. Real estate attorney Avi Sinai shares what he’s seeing in court as legal delays and expanding tenant protections have changed how landlords and renters deal with each other across the county. Property owner Thomas Maimone recounts how his family’s warehouse in Altadena was taken over by tenants who knew how to work the system. In this episode, their experiences reveal how policy and enforcement gaps play out in real life.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How California’s EV Market Is Changing Without Incentives | Daniel Sperling

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s electric vehicle market is starting to shift as key incentives come to an end.

In this episode, we speak with University of California–Davis professor Daniel Sperling, one of the driving forces behind the state’s clean-car policies, about how reduced support is impacting the market and what it could mean for California’s clean-car goals.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

The Aerial Innovation That Could Stop Wildfires in California | Brien Seeley

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California has always found ways to adapt. As wildfires are expected to continue to increase, the need for practical solutions is growing. Brien Seeley, an aviation expert and inventor, explains how existing electric flight technology could work together in a new way to fight fires faster, cleaner, and at a much lower cost than current methods.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How 62% Hive Loss Is Impacting California Food Supply - And Why It Matters | Ryan Burris

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s beekeeping industry is struggling to keep its colonies alive. More than half of all honeybee colonies in the United States died last year, one of the worst losses in decades. With cheap blended honey driving down prices and policies making it harder to keep operations sustainable, many keepers are reaching a breaking point. In this episode, third-generation beekeeper Ryan Burris breaks down how the fallout from hive losses is spreading through California agriculture.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

China's Hidden Political Influence Across California and the US | Joshua Philipp

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Foreign influence is reaching deeper into California than most realize. In Arcadia, even a local city council campaign was caught in it. In this episode, investigative reporter Joshua Philipp reveals how the Chinese Communist Party extends its presence here and what that could mean for our state.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why Tax Increases in California Have Become Easier | Susan Shelley

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Proposition 13 has defined California’s property tax system for decades, limiting increases and setting strict rules for local taxes. A court ruling in 2017 weakened that standard by allowing some measures to pass with only a simple majority. More recently, Proposition 19, approved by voters in 2020, brought changes to inherited property taxes, creating new costs for families.

In this episode, Susan Shelley, columnist and editorial board member of the Southern California News Group, explains how these shifts are already playing out through new taxes, higher costs, and growing pressure on housing.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

2,000 Permits Approved, but Are California’s Pipelines Still at Risk?

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Pipelines that once carried most of California’s oil are now running close to empty. As production falls, refineries face the risk of shutdown, which could raise fuel costs and drive up the price of everyday goods.

Assemblymember Stan Ellis, University of Southern California Professor Michael Mische, Skip York of Turner Mason & Company, and University of California–Berkeley Professor James Rector explain how the state reached this point and what may lie ahead.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Inside Oakland’s Fight Against Illegal Dumping | Ansel Troy | Vincent Williams

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Oakland is facing a surge in illegal dumping that is leaving neighborhoods buried in debris and residents feeling abandoned. The problem is not just about appearances, but is changing how the people of Oakland live and weakening confidence in city services.

Entrepreneur and former probation officer Ansel Troy has been documenting what happens when enforcement is limited, while Vincent Williams, cofounder and executive director of the Urban Compassion Project, shows how organized cleanups are making a measurable difference. In this episode, we see how community efforts, even if small, can lead to a marked improvement—even while larger systems work to catch up.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why LA County Is Borrowing Billions: How Abuse Cases Could Affect California Cities Financially

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles County and its schools are now facing billions in legal settlements as victims come forward about abuse they suffered decades ago. A 2019 law gave them new time to file claims that were once closed.

Former Republican state senator John Moorlach joins California Insider to explain how this law came about and why its financial impact could spread to schools and local budgets across California.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

As California's Inmate Population Drops, the Question Arises: Are the Prisons Needed?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California is closing its fifth state prison. Officials point to lower inmate numbers, but the reasons behind the decline are contested, with effects already visible in local jails and courtrooms.

Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco says crime hasn’t dropped—it has been shifted out of view through legal changes. San Francisco public defender Jared Rudolph argues the system is stepping back from punishment as the default response.

In this episode, two voices inside the system trace how California’s justice policies are changing and what those changes leave out.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Daily Wolf Attacks Are Pushing A Northern California Community to the Breaking Point

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Northern California ranchers are facing nightly wolf attacks and cattle losses that UC Davis researchers estimate can reach $162,000 for each wolf every year. In this episode, Rick Roberti, President of the California Cattlemen’s Association, Paul Roen, Chair of the Sierra County Board of Supervisors, and Michael Fisher, Sierra County Sheriff-Coroner discuss how the crisis is forcing hard choices for ranchers and creating safety concerns for nearby towns

How Close Is California to Facing a Gas Shortage?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Gas prices in California are already high. With Valero's Benicia refinery shutting down and more production shifting overseas, the state's fuel supply is entering a more fragile phase. What could this mean for the state’s ability to keep up with demand? This episode features Skip York, Chief Energy Strategist at Turner, Mason & Company; Mike Ariza, former Senior Refinery Controller at Valero; and Catherine Reheis-Boyd, President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association. They explore how infrastructure limits, policy decisions, and exposure to global markets are changing the risks.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California’s Wine Industry Faces $20 Billion Loss—What’s Happening? | Stuart Spencer

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In California’s vineyards, entire harvests are going unpicked, something few imagined possible in one of the world’s top wine regions. For many growers, it means seasons of work with no return and families forced to decide whether the next generation will remain in farming. Stuart Spencer, owner and winemaker at Lodi Wine, explains the hard choices facing growers and what could still secure a future for California wine.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What’s Stopping Thousands From Rebuilding After the LA Fires | Panel

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Months after the LA fires, rebuilding remains uncertain. Many homeowners are discovering that the help they expected isn’t enough, and the process of starting over has become far more complicated than they imagined. In this panel, Farid Yaghoubtil, founding partner at DTLA Law Group, Gary Mkrtichyan, CEO of Opus Builders, and Ken Calligar, CEO of RSG 3D, discuss the realities on the ground and what may determine whether communities can return.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Massive Fraudulent Enrollments in California Community Colleges: What's Happening?

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s community colleges are contending with widespread enrollment fraud that has prevented real students from getting the classes they need and disrupted campus operations.

More than 1.2 million fraudulent applications were filed in a single year, affecting about 80 percent of campuses across the state.

The problem, first seen during the shift to online learning, has persisted despite efforts to contain it. In this episode, college leaders explain how campuses are responding and the steps now underway to safeguard access for genuine students.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Prioritizes Cost of Living Over Environmental Policies | Corey Jackson

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California is the world’s fourth-largest economy, but daily life here is becoming less and less affordable. Housing costs take up more than half of some families’ incomes, while utility bills, gas prices, and insurance keep rising. In this episode, state Assemblymember Corey Jackson talks with Siyamak Khorrami about the pressures behind the cost of living and the steps lawmakers are weighing to ease them.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Housing Bill That Allows 6-Story Building in Residential Neighborhood Near Transit

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

To address California’s housing shortage, lawmakers in Sacramento are considering SB 79, a bill that would allow taller apartment buildings in neighborhoods currently reserved for single-family homes.

The measure is intended to add housing options, shorten commutes, and make better use of existing infrastructure. But this has also led to discussion of local control and how cities can manage growth.

In this episode, former Torrance City Councilmember Mike Griffiths and Nolan Gray, senior director of Legislation and Research at California YIMBY, offer different perspectives on what SB 79 could mean for California communities.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why Independent Films Are Leaving California | Jeff Deverett

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California just doubled its film tax credits to $750 million annually, but some say there's a problem. While the state courts big-budget productions, thousands of independent filmmakers making movies under $1 million are being left out entirely, impacting the entry point for new directors, writers, and crews. Independent filmmaker and professor Jeff Deverett breaks down why this matters for the next generation of Hollywood talent and what California risks losing if it doesn't act.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Is About To Change Its Redistricting Law - What Will Be Different? | Don Wagner

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s governor has called for a special election in November 2025 to redraw the state's congressional districts. If approved, it would temporarily set aside the voter-created redistricting commission, and the new maps would be used when Californians vote for Congress members in 2026. Former state Assemblyman Don Wagner joins us to explain the proposal and its potential impact on California voters.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

More Refineries Are on the Verge of Leaving California: Insider Explains Why | Catherine Reheis-Boyd

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s shrinking refinery network is only part of the story. New limits on Kern County oil are adding to the pressure, and decisions in Sacramento could influence what comes next.

Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association, explains why this link matters for keeping fuel available and affordable in the state.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Los Angeles Is on the Verge of Losing Major Infrastructure | Alan Hamilton

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles has become a target of crime due to a key component in its infrastructure: copper.

Thieves are unconcerned with causing widespread disruption to critical services or eroding local history, with damage extending far beyond financial costs.

In this episode, LAPD Deputy Chief Allen Hamilton discusses the growing sophistication of these thefts, and how law enforcement is working to address the issue.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Can Bike Lanes Fix California Traffic Problems? | Steve Bennett

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s transportation debate often focuses on cars and public transit. With more Californians turning to e-bikes, Assemblymember Steve Bennett believes the state doesn’t need to rebuild the whole system, just fill in what’s missing. In this episode, he lays out a proposal for “bike highways” that connect cities through long-distance, protected lanes without disrupting how most people commute.

Dr. Stefan Bean's Amazing Journey from Orphan to Leading Education for 450,000 Students

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Dr. Stefan Bean was abandoned in Vietnam, evacuated during the war, and adopted into a foster home in San Diego that took in over 150 children. He spent much of his early schooling out of class due to surgeries and language barriers. One teacher made a different call. Years later, Bean leads education for 450,000 students in Orange County. In this conversation, he reflects on the small moments that shaped his path and how those early experiences still guide his decisions today. He also challenges how we define student potential and shares what most people don’t see about how California’s education system works behind the scenes

Berkeley Professor Reveals Drilling Oil in California Might Be Good for the Environment | James Rector

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0700

An independent study challenges long-held assumptions about greenhouse gas emissions. In parts of California, natural seeps and aging wells appear to be releasing more methane than modern oil operations, with elevated levels in populated areas.

In this episode, University of California–Berkeley Professor James Rector, who conducted the study independently of industry or government funding, explains why removing oil from underground reservoirs may, in some cases, be the most effective way to bring emission levels down.

What California’s ADU Surge Reveals About the Housing Market

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

ADUs are popping up across California. Homeowners are turning garages into rentals, adding units in backyards, and stacking two at a time. But behind the growth, there is a mix of red tape, scams, and neighborhood tension.

This episode brings you inside the experience. A builder talks through the challenge of managing dozens of projects. A homeowner shares the costs, the payoff, and how he helped his son find housing. A former city official explains why some communities are pushing back. Along the way, guests raise concerns that anyone planning to build should hear first.

Only 18 Percent of Californians Can Afford to Buy a Home | Oscar Wei

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In California, the housing market appears stable, but the income needed to afford a typical home is well over $200,000 a year. Most households make less than half that. Only 18 percent of Californians can afford to purchase a median-priced home. In this episode, economist Oscar Wei explains how interest rates, limited supply, and long-standing policy choices are keeping buyers on the sidelines.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What One of America’s Busiest Ports Is Doing About New Tariffs | Noel Hacegaba

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

As tariff policies evolve, California ports are under pressure to adapt. The Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest in the country, is moving record volumes without the backlogs of recent years. Chief Operating Officer Noel Hacegaba joins us to discuss how they're managing changes in cargo flow and labor needs while global trade remains in flux.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

16 California Universities Rejected Asian Teen Prodigy, So Google Hired Him | Nan Zhong

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Stanley Zhong, a teen prodigy from Palo Alto, earned a 1590 on the SAT and built a secure code tool during the pandemic that later led to a job offer from Google. However, he was rejected by every University of California campus he applied to. In this episode, his father, Nan Zhong, explains why their family is challenging the college admissions process and what this means for other high-achieving students in California.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Reforms Major Environmental Law: What’s Next? | Jim Righeimer

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 131 aim to speed up housing approvals by limiting the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in targeted areas. Former Costa Mesa Mayor Jim Righeimer explains how faster permitting could help ease delays, while also pointing to deeper pressures on infrastructure and housing costs that remain unresolved. He shares how these changes are showing up in local communities and where gaps in the broader response still exist.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California Prisons Gang and Drug Culture Making Reform an Impossible Task | Zach Skow | Hector Bravo

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s prison system has been experimenting with rehabilitation for years. Programs like Zac Skow’s dog rescue work inside facilities to build trust and teach responsibility. But as Hector Bravo, a former correctional lieutenant, explains, drugs and gang control still run deep. This episode looks at where reform efforts meet resistance, and what that means for safety, staff, and the people inside.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

US Army Corps Exits LA Fires Cleanup Effort — What’s Next? | Elaine Culotti

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Cleanup in LA’s fire zones has slowed to a crawl. The Army Corps finished its work, but half the burned lots are still sitting untouched. Homeowners are now on their own, facing blocked haul routes, limited permits, and rising costs. Some of the debris is being dumped in local landfills, triggering lawsuits and raising new concerns for nearby communities. In this episode, developer Elaine Culotti explains what’s been overlooked and what it will take to move forward.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How a Family-Run Truck Business Survived LA’s Shifting Industrial Landscape | Mark Baatz

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Mark Baatz moved to Los Angeles from Canada in the 1980s and took a sales job at a small tow truck dealership run by his father and a partner. Over the next 37 years, he helped grow the business through recessions, legal setbacks, and a changing city. He built a team that stayed together, bought property, and worked to keep the business steady through uncertainty. This is a story about staying in business rather than scaling it, and what that kind of work requires in Los Angeles.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How is LA's Mansion Tax Impacting Housing Development? | Mott Smith

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Voters thought Los Angeles’ mansion tax would target luxury home sales to help fund solutions for homelessness. In practice, it’s affecting a much wider range of properties, including apartment buildings and commercial spaces. Developer and urban policy educator Mott Smith explains how this is changing the real estate landscape in LA and what adjustments could help restore balance while still supporting public goals.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Is Rolling Back Its Landmark Environmental Policy to Create More Housing |

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

For decades, California’s environmental law, CEQA, has made it harder to build housing, even in places where it makes the most sense. A new reform changes that. In this episode, land use attorney Dave Rand explains how the rules just shifted and why this could open the door to more housing in the communities that need it most.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California’s Gas Prices Are 50 Percent Higher Than National Average—What's Next? | Michael Mische

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s Phillips 66 refinery will close this October, and Valero’s Northern California facility is expected to follow in 2026, reducing in-state refining capacity by 20 percent. USC professor Michael Mische examines how shifts in where California gets its fuel could affect local prices.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Behind the Mixed Signals in U.S.–China Education Ties | Joshua Philipp

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

American universities are known for their openness to global collaboration. But some partnerships may carry more than academic goals. In this episode, investigative journalist Joshua Philipp looks at how foreign-backed programs on U.S. campuses have intersected with national security concerns, from research funding to curriculum decisions.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why Is the Solar Industry in California on the Brink of Collapse? | Johnny Graham

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California has long been a testing ground for clean energy solutions like rooftop solar. State and local leaders promoted adoption to cut emissions and lower long-term costs. But recent policy shifts and rising expenses are changing the equation for homeowners. In this episode, Johnny Graham, CEO of Pacific United Power, explains what’s behind the change and what it means for those considering solar.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Meet the Pharmacist Whose Personalized Medicine Reaches 18 Countries | Dr. Nayan Patel

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

As California pushes health care innovation, working through a system not built for individual care can be limiting. That challenge led pharmacist Nayan Patel to develop tailored treatments now helping patients across the state and in more than 10 countries. The path wasn’t simple. Each step along the way guided how he approaches care and what it takes to build something sustainable. This is his story.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Is About to Lose 20% of Its Gas Supply—What Happens Next?

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

As California continues investing in clean energy, the gradual decline of in-state refineries is drawing attention. In this episode, a panel explores how this shift could influence long-term energy reliability and what solutions, both policy driven and independent, are emerging to help meet demand.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Moves Closer to Mass Production of Lithium, but Local Concerns Grow | Michael McKibben

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A significant lithium resource, among the largest identified in the U.S., is gaining national attention as California works to secure more of its own battery material supply. In this episode, we explore with geologist Michael McKibben the promise of geothermal lithium extraction and its economic potential. Community leader Luis Olmedo shares concerns about the initiative’s impact on local communities and the risk of repeating historical oversights.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What Makes Building Housing So Complicated in California? | Tia Patterson

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In California, the cost of building affordable housing keeps climbing, with some units nearing $1 million to construct. At the same time, older developments are at risk of falling out of affordability as costs rise and protections expire, putting pressure on the system meant to support low-income residents. Tia Patterson, CEO of the California Community Reinvestment Corporation, lays out what’s driving these pressures and what it would take to build and preserve housing that meets people's needs.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Could Reusing 39,000 Idle Oil Wells Impact California’s Power Grid? | Bill Bartling

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California has more than 39,000 idle oil wells, many of which pose environmental and financial risks if left unaddressed. While often treated as a burden, former state energy regulator Bill Bartling sees a missed opportunity. In this episode, he shares how a tech-driven solution could cut emissions and help stabilize the grid, but only if the state is willing to act.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California’s Bonus ADU Program Allows Apartment Buildings in Backyards | Geoff Hueter | Danna Givot | Dennis Robinson

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California is expanding a policy that lets homeowners build multiple ADUs on single-family lots, in some cases adding dozens of units where one home once stood. Officials say it’s a step toward easing the housing shortage. Others worry about what it means for infrastructure, privacy, and neighborhood character. This episode breaks down how the policy works and what’s unfolding on the ground.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Former LA Sheriff Explains What's Behind The Riots In Los Angeles | Alex Villanueva

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Riots broke out in Los Angeles after federal immigration agents carried out enforcement actions in the city’s garment district. But what actually sparked the unrest, and why didn’t local law enforcement step in? Former LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva explains what’s happening and what’s at risk if the response doesn’t change.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

What Can $700 and a Dream Build in California? | Tom Miller

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Tom Miller started his business in California with $700 and a clear view of what car dealerships needed but weren’t getting. He built a model that streamlined fragmented services and scaled it to 850 employees. In this episode, he reflects on the pressure, the cost of growth, and what kept him going.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Why Is Evicting Squatters So Hard in California? | Jonathan Madison

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In California, some property owners return to find strangers living in their homes, and police often can’t remove them. The law doesn’t always distinguish between a squatter and a tenant. Jonathan Madison, Lead Attorney at The Madison Firm, explains how this legal gray area is playing out across the state and what might shift next.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

The Race for CA Governor Begins— Who Are the Candidates? | Mike Gatto | Jim Reighaimer

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s next governor will face real, day-to-day problems that affect millions—housing, insurance, energy, and more. In this conversation, Democrat Mike Gatto and Republican Jim Reighaimer explore how the state’s open primary influences who makes it to the top—and what kind of leadership could connect in today’s California.

What Happens When a City Is Built Just for Kids? | Sandy Stone

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Many parents sense it: something’s missing in how we prepare young kids for real life. In this episode, we sit down with Sandy Stone, founder of Pretend City, a nonprofit in Orange County that has served over 2.4 million children and families. Built from the ground up using real neighborhood data, Pretend City offers hands-on experiences—from running a grocery store to visiting a doctor’s office—that help kids develop practical skills, empathy, and confidence before they even reach kindergarten.

California’s Last Sugar Beet Plant Is Closing—What’s the Impact on Agriculture? | Gil Rebollar

Sat, 31 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A century-old sugar plant in California’s Imperial Valley is shutting down—marking a shift in the state’s farming economy. Gil Rebollar, Mayor of Brawley, shares how the closure is affecting his community—and how the rise of renewable energy is changing how land, water, and opportunity are managed across rural California.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

What’s Driving California’s $4.1 Trillion Economy? | Fiona Ma

Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California recently became the world’s fourth-largest economy. In this conversation, State Treasurer Fiona Ma discusses the industries that are driving the momentum, the role of human capital, and how public investment is being used to meet the state’s evolving needs. She also addresses pressure points in agriculture, housing, and small businesses—offering a clearer view of where California stands today.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What a Secret Service Agent Learned Protecting Presidents, a Pope, and the Powerful | Ronald Williams

Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Ron Williams protected six U.S. presidents and some of the most high-profile figures in the world. But what did decades inside the Secret Service really teach him? In this conversation, he opens up about the moments that changed him—on duty, in loss, and in faith.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California’s EV Mandate Overturned by Congress | Larry Elder

Sat, 24 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s move to electric vehicles has a lot of momentum, but most of the talk sticks to the tech. In this episode, Larry Elder shares what he learned while making a documentary on how EVs are built, where the materials come from, and the often overlooked policies and trade-offs behind it all. The discussion opens up what this shift could mean for California’s future—and whether we’re getting the full picture.

Watch EV movie https://gjw.us/evfilmyt1

Views expressed in this episode are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How Getting A Permit For One Tree Has Taken Over 3 Months | John Gregorchuk

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Independent LA builder John Gregorchuk spent over a decade navigating delays, shifting requirements, and a maze of unclear rules—just to build housing on land he already owned. At one point, he created a chart to track what no one at the city could explain. His experience shows how red tape, appeals, and siloed departments can quietly stall housing projects in Los Angeles.

Views expressed in this episode are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

19-Year Old, 5 Degrees and Now She is Running The City | Kaylee May Law

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Kaylee Law is just 19 years old—and already a city council member in her California hometown. In this episode, she shares how homeschooling, early college enrollment, and strong community support helped shape her path into public service.

“I want my ceiling to be their floor,” she says, reflecting on her family's journey and why she’s committed to helping the next generation succeed.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California Has Thousands of Empty Rooms Right Now—Can the Homeless Use Them? | Claudio Bono

Sat, 17 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

As California’s shelters reach capacity, thousands remain on the streets. Hotel GM Claudio Bono believes there’s a practical, dignified alternative—one that uses empty hotel rooms to offer temporary shelter and a path back into society. Therapist Cameron Flanagan joins to share firsthand insight into how the current shelter system is falling short.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What’s Happening With Los Angeles Burglaries | Diana Lavu Weems | Brian Wendling

Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Many Los Angeles residents aren’t reporting home burglaries, but real estate agent Diana Lavu Weems says they’re happening more often than people realize. She shares firsthand accounts from her community, while LAPD Captain Brian Wendling explains how organized crews operate, what data shows, and why reporting matters.

How Education Breaks the Cycle of Incarceration? | Les Triché | RoxAnne Triché

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A former corrections officer and his wife returned to California’s toughest prisons—not to enforce rules, but to offer a new way forward. In this episode, they share how education, discipline, and human connection helped shift prison culture from within, and why lasting change starts with responsibility.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why California Is Losing Hollywood Jobs | Brian Ralston

Sat, 10 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Hollywood work is moving out of California—and it’s not just about cost. In this episode, composer and producer Brian Ralston explains how remote technology, global tax incentives, and union structures are changing film production. He offers a clear view of how these changes are affecting jobs in Los Angeles and what it means for California’s film economy moving forward.

Why Are California Kids Struggling With Math? | Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh

Wed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California pours billions into public education. Yet classrooms remain under strain, student outcomes lag, and programs multiply without clear accountability. In this episode, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh shares what she’s seeing from inside the legislature—and why the conversation may finally be shifting.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

One Musician Walks Away from Pop Fame to Follow a Different Calling | Melody Noel

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Melody Noel spent years writing songs in the pop industry. Today, she’s witnessing something different—Californians showing up for quiet worship nights, finding purpose in faith, and forming communities that feel more real than routine. In this episode, she shares what’s behind this shift, what it’s changing for young people, and why she believes something bigger is underway across the state.

How Joshua Tree Protection Law Is Impacting CA Cities | Curtis Yakimow | Madelaine LaVoie

Sat, 03 May 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s effort to protect the iconic Joshua tree is well-intentioned—but the law has led to unintended consequences for homeowners, developers, and even public infrastructure projects. In this episode, we hear from Curtis Yakimow, the town manager of Yucca Valley, and Madelaine LaVoie, a local resident and real estate broker, who explain how basic home repairs and new housing have become increasingly difficult under the current permitting system.

While the law was designed to preserve a native species, its ripple effects may soon reach far beyond this desert town—impacting communities across Southern California where Joshua trees naturally grow. We take a closer look at the law's real-world impact and the conversation around finding a balanced fix.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California DA Explains Why Shoplifting Is Going Down | Jeff Reisig

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Retail theft laws in California have changed—but is it enough to make a difference? With felony charges now on the table for repeat offenders, some business owners say they’re already seeing fewer incidents. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, one of the authors of the sentence-increasing statute Prop 36, joins us to explain how the law is being applied, what’s happening behind the numbers, and how the system handles cases involving mental illness or addiction.

Marine Veteran Turns Adversity Into Purpose | Kate Monroe

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Marine veteran Kate Monroe’s journey began with injury and disappointment during her military service, and deepened as she faced the complexity of the Veterans Affairs system after leaving the Marine Corps. Out of that experience, she built VetComm, a company that today generates tens of millions in revenue by helping veterans access benefits that often go unclaimed. In this episode, she reflects on the mindset that turned hardship into purpose, how broken exit systems affect veterans long after discharge, and the discipline behind building lasting success.

For veterans seeking support, more information is available at www.vetcomm.us or by texting “claim review” to 858-360-2227.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

600,000 Residents Could Lose Water Under Potential Dam Removal in California | Chris Coulombe

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Thousands of families, farms, and businesses across three Northern California counties—Sonoma, Mendocino, and Marin—could lose a vital water supply as two key dams face removal. Chris Coulombe joins us to explain how this could raise living costs, strain firefighting efforts, and pressure local economies—and why some say better solutions to avoid long-term damage are being overlooked.

For more background on this issue, we recommend Keely Covello’s reporting: https://www.americaunwon.com/p/breaking-california-to-spend-500

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Pays 85% More for Power. A New Storage Project Could Help | Mike Umbro

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Could California’s old oil fields become part of the state’s clean energy future? In this episode, we meet Mike Umbro, a California native testing a new approach to long-duration energy storage. With support from federal labs and the Department of Energy, his team is working to store solar heat deep underground—potentially generating zero-emission electricity for up to 42 days. While the science behind it is established, the project still faces long permitting delays. We take a closer look at how this unconventional idea might help California meet its energy goals—and what stands in the way.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How One of LA’s Oldest Foundations Builds Trust in California Communities | Bill Ahmanson

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In California’s nonprofit world, consistency is hard to find, but one of the state’s oldest foundations still focuses on long-term support and trust. In this episode, Bill Ahmanson, president of The Ahmanson Foundation, explains how that works—and why it matters.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why Some Crimes in California Go Unprosecuted | Matthew Greco

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A shift in California law is changing how courts handle criminal cases tied to behavioral conditions. Judges must now presume a connection between a diagnosis and the offense, narrowing their discretion to deny diversion. Deputy District Attorney Matt Greco discusses the impact on victims, public safety, and the courts—and a proposed bill that could restore judicial authority.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Why Tiny Houses Are Gaining Ground in California | Max Gerbut

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Building a home in California can take months—or even years—before anyone moves in. Max Gerbut, founder of Haus.me, believes that timeline is outdated. In this episode, he explains how his off-grid, factory-built homes are designed to be installed in under an hour, require no hookups, and meet code across jurisdictions—offering a new path forward for housing in the state.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

What’s Driving Ranch Closures in California | Andrew Giacomini

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A behind-the-scenes agreement between federal officials, environmental groups, and The Nature Conservancy changed the course of ranching in Point Reyes.

Now, many longtime families are leaving.

West Marin attorney Andrew Giacomini joins us to explain how it unfolded, how it affected the public, and what’s at stake for agriculture, housing, and community in Marin County.

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A Legacy of Choosing Service Over Politics in San Francisco City Hall | Tony Hall

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Tony Hall spent decades working inside San Francisco’s government—across seven departments and three branches. In this conversation, he shares how civic culture once centered on service, and what happens when ambition, politics, and patronage take over. You’ll hear what kept him going, where he drew the line, and why some of the biggest changes started with small shifts few noticed at the time.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Policy Expert Shares the Data Behind California’s Real Problems | Steve Hilton

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California has long been a symbol of possibility—but for many residents, that promise feels increasingly out of reach. Author and policy expert Steve Hilton joins us to examine the data and decisions behind the state’s growing dysfunction.

We take a closer look at why California leads in innovation yet falls behind in affordability, housing, and public safety. Backed by research and real-world experience, Hilton breaks down how policies, political structures, and ideological shifts have shaped today’s challenges—and what a better path forward could look like.

This episode is for Californians who’ve built their lives here, seen the changes firsthand, and want more than headlines or talking points.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

How California’s Insurance Rules Backfiring on Homeowners | Stacy Korsgaden

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

If you’re a homeowner in California, you’ve probably noticed it’s getting harder—and more expensive—to keep your property insured. Even in low-risk areas, people are being dropped or pushed into the FAIR Plan, which was never meant to be a first option.

In this episode, insurance expert Stacy Korsgaden who’s spent decades in the industry, walks us through how we got here. From Proposition 103 to wildfire risk and delays in government action, she explains how a system meant to protect consumers has slowly made it harder for insurers—and homeowners—to stay in the market.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

This California Landfill Fire Is Still Burning—and May Last for Decades | Pilar Schiavo

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Read the story 👉 https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/a-smoldering-problem-deep-underground-at-chiquita-canyon-landfill-5759324?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ocyoutube

An underground fire at a Los Angeles County landfill has been quietly burning since 2022, releasing toxic gases into nearby neighborhoods. Residents near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill report chronic symptoms—including nosebleeds, skin rashes, and a rise in cancer diagnoses—while officials continue to monitor the site.

In this episode, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo joins us to discuss the health concerns, the state’s response, and what this may reveal about California’s broader approach to waste management and public health.

“People are getting cancer. They can’t sell their homes. Their kids can’t go outside. And we still haven’t declared a state of emergency,” said Assemblymember Schiavo, who has called for relocation support and stronger intervention.

This LA Doctor Uses Barbershops to Fight a Silent Epidemic | Dr. Bill Releford

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Dr. Bill Releford has spent more than three decades working to prevent diabetic amputations—a complication that affects thousands across California and hits some communities harder than others. In this episode, he joins Siyamak Khorrami to explain how he brought health screenings into Black-owned barbershops, creating a model that helped save thousands of lives.

He also discusses how food access, medical mistrust, and chronic disease are reshaping public health in California—and how his LA County farm now supplies fresh produce to patients as part of their treatment. His journey connects medicine, community, and solutions that meet people where they are.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

What Newsom’s Podcast Reveals About California Politics | John Phillips

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast is raising eyebrows—especially as the 2026 election looms. In this episode, KABC radio host John Phillips joins us to discuss what Newsom’s move might signal, how media dynamics are shifting in the state, and what it could mean for key voter groups, including Latino and Asian communities. We also dive into California’s political power centers—from San Francisco to Los Angeles—and whether recent cracks in party dominance could open new paths in 2026.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Mexico's Toxic Waters Impact California | Jim Desmond

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Sewage from Tijuana has shut down one of San Diego’s most popular beaches for over 1,000 days. The contamination is now threatening Navy SEAL training areas, local businesses, and California’s coastal environment. But despite years of warnings, there’s still no long-term fix in sight.

In this episode of California Insider, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond explains the real cause behind the pollution, why expanding wastewater treatment plants may not solve it, and what’s holding up cross-border solutions. We also examine the potential Superfund designation and what it would mean for federal cleanup efforts.

Plus, we turn to another risk along the coast: spent nuclear fuel stored at San Onofre, just steps from the ocean. With no national storage plan, California may be stuck with long-term nuclear waste—raising new concerns about safety, infrastructure, and federal responsibility.

California Losing 10% of Gas Production. What Are The Options Ahead | Skip York

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s refinery network is shrinking. Phillips 66 is shutting down its LA refinery, and more closures may follow. But what happens when we lose domestic refining capacity with no clear plan to replace it?

Skip York, Chief Energy Strategist at Turner Mason & Company and Nonresident Fellow for Energy and Global Oil at Rice University’s Baker Institute, joins California Insider to explain how this shift could leave the state more dependent on foreign imports. We explore what California’s fuel future could look like, why state-run refineries may not be the solution, and whether a quiet policy alternative—state-backed fuel importing—offers a more practical path.

Why California Schools Are Being Investigated and What's the Impact | Erin Friday

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A new federal investigation is raising questions about a California law that limits when schools can notify parents about a child’s gender identity. Erin Friday, a Bay Area attorney and parent, joins California Insider to explain what AB 1955 means in practice, how it intersects with federal law, and why some school policies may be putting state funding at risk. As new executive orders emerge at the federal level, this episode explores what’s at stake for parents, students, and California’s public education system.

A California Father in Office Fights to Protect Children From Online Dangers | Josh Lowenthal

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California, long a hub for Big Tech, is now at the center of a growing push to protect kids online. In this episode, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal joins California Insider to explain why he's calling for stronger safeguards. Drawing on his background in tech and his role as a parent, he discusses how social media is changing childhood—and what role lawmakers should play.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California’s Empty Buildings Could Be a Warning for the Rest of the Country | David Marino

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s commercial real estate market is cracking—quietly but deeply. Office towers are half-empty, warehouses are overbuilt, and lab space demand has vanished. In this episode, real estate expert David Marino reveals what’s really happening behind the data and why California could be the signal for the rest of the country.

Family Owned Business in San Francisco Are Struggling To Stay Open | Hrag Kalebjian

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In San Francisco, small business owners are increasingly left to face crime on their own. Hrag Kalebjian runs Henry’s House of Coffee, a third-generation shop in the Sunset District. Despite filing a restraining order and calling police multiple times, he’s been left to deal with the thefts on his own.

His experience isn’t unique. Many San Francisco business owners are seeing the same shift: rising lawlessness, limited enforcement, and growing frustration. In this episode, Hrag shares what it’s like to protect a family legacy under these conditions, how he transitioned from corporate finance to carry on his father’s work, and why—despite everything—he still hasn’t given up on the city… at least not yet.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California Farmer Finds a Smarter Way to Grow Rice | Christopher Lopes | Bruce Lopes

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Farming in California isn’t easy with rising costs, drought, and market pressures. But one farming family is rethinking rice farming with a centuries-old Japanese technique that uses ducks instead of chemicals. This approach cuts water use, improves soil health, and brings high-quality rice directly to schools and farmers' markets.

In this episode, they share how they transitioned from traditional farming to a direct-to-consumer model, navigating drought, supply chain struggles, and the challenges of organic agriculture. Could this be a model for sustainable farming in California?

Los Angeles Spent Billions on Homelessness. Where Did It Go? | Paul Webster

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles has poured billions into homelessness programs, but a new audit reveals deep financial mismanagement and a lack of oversight. Are these funds truly reaching those in need, or is bureaucracy getting in the way? Paul Webster of the LA Alliance for Human Rights discusses what this report uncovers and what it means for the city’s response to the crisis.

Los Angeles about to Lose a Large Number of Restaurants | GianCarlo Pagani | Roozbeh Farahanipour

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles restaurants were already facing rising costs and declining reservations—then the fires hit. Industry leaders say the impact feels like a second pandemic, with small businesses, event venues, and entire supply chains struggling to recover. Restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani, partner in Mother Wolf Group and Avila’s MXO, shares firsthand insight into the challenges and the uncertain road ahead. Roozbeh Farahanipour, president of the West LA Chamber of Commerce, weighs in on the broader economic pressures affecting local businesses. As concerns over crime, bureaucracy, and slow recovery efforts mount, will LA’s restaurant scene rebound, or are more closures inevitable?

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How Trump’s Air Quality Policies Will Impact California | Susan Shelley

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has set the state’s emissions standards, often going beyond federal requirements. But with Trump back in office, could California lose its ability to set independent climate policies? Susan Shelley, member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group, joins us to examine how a potential rollback of California’s regulatory authority could affect industries, energy prices, and the state’s climate goals.

With ongoing debates over emissions regulations, federal waivers, and cost-of-living concerns, what changes might be ahead for California? We explore the legal and economic stakes as federal and state policies collide.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Why Clearing Highway Encampments in California Takes So Long | Senator Catherine Blakespear

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s homelessness crisis persists, with encampments growing and solutions slow to materialize. State Senator Catherine Blakespear explains why efforts haven’t curbed the problem, the challenges in funding and policy, and what needs to change to move people off the streets for good.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Professor Reveals Why California’s Water Crisis Has No Easy Fix | Thomas Holyoke

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Water storage in California is tangled in regulations. While the capacity exists, legal barriers prevent water from being available when it’s needed most. What’s stopping the state from securing its supply? We sit down with Thomas Holyoke, a political science professor, to explore the legal, political, and environmental obstacles standing in the way of real water solutions.

Former Congresswoman Explains CCP’s Hidden Influence on California’s Infrastructure and Institutions | Michelle Steel

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

What if foreign powers had access to critical U.S. infrastructure? Former Congresswoman Michelle Steele reveals how China is quietly expanding its control over California’s ports, universities, and technology—raising major national security risks. From hidden chips in cranes to influence in academia, we uncover what’s really happening and why it matters.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Finding Fulfillment in Helping the Underserved | Katina Holliday

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles is spending billions on homelessness, yet the crisis keeps growing. Katina Holliday, a registered nurse, took matters into her own hands—housing over 500 homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals through her nonprofit, Holiday's Helping Hands.

More than just providing shelter, she’s building community and restoring dignity for those in need. With medical care, job training, and long-term support, her approach is helping people reclaim their lives.

California Doctors and Patient Battle for Treatment Approvals | Hooman Melamed

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Medical decisions should be made by doctors and patients, but increasingly, insurance approvals shape access to care. Spine surgeon Dr. Hooman Melamed shares his firsthand experience with the growing barriers to treatment, from delays in urgent procedures to financial pressures influencing medical choices.

Why are some surgeries harder to approve? How do industry trends impact patient care? And what can be done to fix the system? Dr. Melamed offers insights into the challenges—and potential solutions—facing modern healthcare.

California’s Fire Crisis Exposes a Major Blind Spot | Shawn Sahbari

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Shawn Sahbari founder and CEO of Komodo Fire Systems, to examine why California’s wildfire response has not kept pace with growing risks. As wildfires intensify, concerns rise over toxic contamination in air, soil, and water. Sahbari discusses policy gaps, the limits of traditional firefighting methods, and how emerging fire prevention technology could offer more effective solutions

How Rancho Palos Verdes Was Able to Stop Massive Landslide: Former Mayor Explains | John Cruikshank

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes was accelerating, moving up to 50 feet per year—far beyond its historical rate—tearing through homes and infrastructure. Former Mayor John Cruikshank explains how they managed to slow it down, the tough decisions involved, and what this means for California’s disaster response.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

What’s Happening on San Francisco Streets With Homelessness | Cedric Akbar

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

For years, San Francisco’s open-air drug markets have drawn people from across the country—some seeking help, others sinking deeper into despair. Recovery expert Cedric Akbar has lived it, fought to change it, and now watches the city struggle to turn the tide.

With new leadership and growing public pressure, will these changes finally turn things around?

Why California Withdrew Its Zero-Emission Trucking Mandate | Eric Sauer

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s zero-emission truck mandate hit a major roadblock. High costs, infrastructure gaps, and legal challenges led the state to withdraw it. What does this mean for trucking, supply chains, and consumers? We sit down with Eric Sauer, CEO of the California Trucking Association, to examine the impact and what’s next.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

California Home Insurance is at a Critical Juncture | Rex Frazier

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s insurance market is at a critical juncture as an exodus of insurers from high-risk areas leaves homeowners with fewer options. Rex Frazier, CEO of the Personal Insurance Federation of California, explains the factors behind the crisis and the changes needed to keep coverage accessible.

"The insurance industry still believes that California wildfire is insurable," Frazier says. "We don't need special government programs to make that happen, even in the face of a hotter, drier climate."

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Achieving the American Dream and Giving Back to Younger Generations | Mark Johnson

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Mark Johnson built a multimillion-dollar business from scratch, but instead of just enjoying the rewards, he chose to give back—through philanthropy, leadership, and education. His journey from overcoming hardship to shaping future leaders is one you won’t want to miss.

*Views expressed in this podcast are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

Innovation Professor Explains What’s Behind California Population Growth | Marshall Toplansky

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California’s population is growing again—but what does that mean for the economy? Innovation professor Marshall Toplansky analyzes the latest data, noting that while the numbers show an increase, the types of jobs being created raise important questions.

“The bigger problem in my mind are not the big macro numbers, it’s the quality,” says Marshall Toplansky, “When you peel those numbers apart and you look at the quality of, say, job creation, we’re not creating the kind of jobs that people can afford to live on here.”

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Reviewing California Public Train Projects: Which Ones Are in Trouble | Marc Joffe

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California has invested billions in rail projects, promising convenient access to public transportation for millions. In this episode, we sit down with Marc Joffe, a visiting fellow at the California Policy Center to discuss the real numbers and challenges behind transit projects across the state, from Bay Area expansions to L.A.’s Metro and high-speed rail. With costs rising and ridership declining, what does the future of public transportation look like?

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Property Owner Explains How This Historic Park Is Becoming LA’s Most Dangerous Spot | John Alle

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

MacArthur Park, once a historic landmark in Los Angeles, is now overrun by gangs, open-air drug markets, and fires threatening businesses daily. John Alle, a longtime property owner in the area, reveals what’s fueling the chaos and whether there’s a way to take back the streets.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

How the Olympics Will Expedite the Rebuilding of Los Angeles | Lola Smallwood-Cuevas

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

As Los Angeles prepares to host the Olympics, billions in investment are set to reshape the city. But will these events bring lasting benefits or deepen displacement? We sit down with State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas to examine the impact on housing, transit, and wildfire recovery.

Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Former Mayor Explains What’s Preventing Housing Development in California | Curt Pringle

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

The cost of an average home in California is about $870,000. To afford a mortgage that includes taxes and insurance on such a home, a household would need an income exceeding $250,000 per year. However, the average household income in California is only $136,000. Some say prices or interest rates must drop, but others argue low supply will keep prices high. Our guest, Curt Pringle—former mayor of Anaheim and California Assembly Speaker—has spent decades observing issues with the state’s construction code.

“What the state has really done in these last couple of years is pass a lot of pieces of legislation that try to force housing, but then they tie things onto the legislation that almost make it impossible to use those laws to develop housing,” says Pringle.

Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

How Students Are Still in Classes After Their AltadenClasses Keep Going After Schools Are Burned Down in Los Angeles | Ian McFeat | Shawn Browna Schools Burned Down | Ian McFeat | Shawn Brown

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Entire schools have been reduced to ashes, leaving families and educators scrambling for solutions. Ian McFeat, Superintendent of Aveson Schools, and Shawn Brown, Founder of Pasadena Rosebud Academy, share firsthand accounts of the devastating Altadena fires. From the chaos of evacuation to the urgent need for temporary classrooms, they reveal the challenges of rebuilding and the support pouring in from the community. What will it take to restore these schools and prevent future disasters?

Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

How Insurance Companies Are Handling LA Fire Losses | Karl Susman

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:45:00 -0700

Karl Susman, an insurance expert, explains the realities of wildfire insurance in California, from payout delays to rising costs. With entire communities affected, homeowners face tough decisions—rebuild, relocate, or cut losses. Susman reveals what’s really happening with claims, policies, and the future of insurance in high-risk areas.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

How California’s Water Management Impacting Small-Scale Farming | Nathan Magsig

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

California remains one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, yet its farmers confront intensifying water restrictions. In this comprehensive analysis, Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig investigates California’s escalating water crisis and its impact on Central Valley agriculture. He examines how environmental regulations, drought management policies, and water rights affect farming communities across the state. What strategies could help California achieve sustainable water management while preserving its $50 billion agricultural economy? Magsig provides an insider’s perspective on breaking through political gridlock, implementing practical solutions, and securing reliable water access for both urban and agricultural needs.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

LA Representatives Explain Little-Known Steps for Cleanup and Recovery | Ben Allen | Jacqui Irwin | Sasha Renée Pérez

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0700

In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, many Californians have started the road to recovery. But what’s really happening on the ground? Families are searching for housing, insurance claims are piling up, and entire communities face an uncertain future. We sit down with State Sen. Ben Allen, State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, and Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin to discuss what’s being done to help fire victims, the obstacles slowing recovery, and how state and federal efforts are shaping the response. Lawmakers break down the successes, challenges, and necessary steps for rebuilding.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California’s Rural Counties Are About to Lose Funding for Schools and Roads | Jaime Green

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:00:00 -0700

“How do you break the poverty cycle? You know what child in this country is going to cure a strain of cancer?” asked Jamie Green, superintendent of Trinity Alps School District. “We are America, we are the most powerful nation in the world, we should have strong education for each and every child.”

In this episode, Green reveals how disappearing rural funding threatens to close schools and deteriorate roads in small-town California. Discover how families and teachers are fighting to save their communities and what this crisis means for the future of rural America.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

California Homeowners May Be on the Hook for LA Fire Loss | Former Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:00:00 -0700

California’s insurance crisis is deepening. Former Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones discusses the impact of LA fires, rising premiums, and potential FAIR Plan assessments. Learn about the financial burden, policy gaps, and the urgent need for reforms to reward mitigation efforts.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

Deep Analysis of California Water Challenges Amid LA Fires | Brett Barbre

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Amid the ongoing Los Angeles fires, regional water management issues and infrastructure gaps are revealed. Water expert Brett Barbre delves into current systems, policy impacts, and strategies for enhancing water security across California.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.

How the California Reform Movement Started and Where It’s Going | Carl DeMai

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Carl DeMaio discusses Reform California’s approach to key state policy issues, including tax rates, public safety, and government transparency. He explores the power of collaboration and emphasizes the need for accountability, while examining specific reform proposals and their potential impact on California’s governance.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why Are California’s Real Estate Prices Going Up Despite Record Unaffordability? | Matt McCormick

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with real estate expert Matt McCormick. Together, they dive into the driving factors behind the continuous rise in housing costs in California and explore how this trend is contributing to the growing homelessness crisis.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How Will California’s New Crime Laws Work? | Juan Alanis

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Assemblyman Juan Alanis to talk about the impact and implementation of Proposition 36 in California, which was recently passed by voters in all counties across California to crack down on retail theft.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

Here Is What You Need to Know About California’s Bird Flu Emergency | David Macedo

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California’s dairy farms are contending with a bird flu outbreak, affecting more than 400 dairies and slashing milk production. Siyamak sits down with David Macedo, a livestock auctioneer and Central Valley farmer, to reveal how this challenge is altering farmers’ livelihoods and California’s food supply.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

70 Percent of California Hospitals Operating at Financial Risk | Esmeralda Soria

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Hospitals across California are facing closures, leaving communities—both rural and urban—without critical care. Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria joins Siyamak to discuss the ripple effects on families, from maternity wards shutting down to financial strains, and the state’s efforts to address this growing crisis.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California Voters Are Shifting. What’s next? | Heath Flora

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:15:00 -0700

Is California experiencing a political shift? With evolving voter priorities like safety, affordability, and family issues, recent changes in county outcomes could signal shifts in Sacramento. Siyamak sits down with Assemblymember Heath Flora to explore what this could mean for the state’s future.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California Lawmaker’s New Plan to Reduce Healthcare Costs | Mia Bonta

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California’s health care system faces rising costs and limited access to doctors. Siyamak sits down with Assemblymember Mia Bonta to discuss her innovative prevention-first approach, including “food as medicine,” and her vision for making health care more accessible and affordable.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Tow Truck Shortage Threatens California Freeway Rescue Services | Mark Baatz

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California’s tow truck industry is at a crossroads. New regulations push for zero-emission vehicles, but the technology needed for heavy-duty services is falling short. Essential roadside assistance could face major setbacks, impacting drivers statewide. In this episode, Siyamak sits down with industry expert Mark Baatz to uncover how these rules are reshaping operations, why diesel restrictions are creating supply shortages, and what the future holds for critical public services. Watch now to understand the high stakes for California’s roads and businesses.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why Does It Take Weeks to Finalize Election Results in California? | Gail Pellerin

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with California’s Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin, chair of the state Assembly Elections Committee, to discuss why the Golden State’s election results take time. From verifying ballots to ensuring voter access, Pellerin explains the process and shares her personal story about the importance of mental health services.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

What Trump’s Policies Could Mean for California | Shannon Grove

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Senator Shannon Grove to discuss how Trump’s policies could reshape California. We explore immigration, domestic energy, school choice, and economic challenges, examining how these federal shifts may influence the Golden State’s future.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why These California Communities Are Hit Hardest by Gas Prices | Tom Lackey

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 22:30:00 -0700

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced new regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of gas. This push for cleaner fuel is expected to significantly increase the cost per gallon in California. Siyamak sits down with Assemblymember Tom Lackey, who says that while the regulations are intended to improve quality of life, they may instead diminish it by making it harder for people to afford basic necessities. He explains the details of the regulations and the challenges his community faces due to rising gas prices.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Providing Health Care Directly to the Homeless in Los Angeles | Brett Feldman

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 20:15:00 -0700

More than a thousand homeless individuals died in Los Angeles County last year, with limited health care access and untreated conditions fueling this crisis. We sit down with Brett Feldman, the director and co-founder of USC Street Medicine, who takes an unconventional approach by providing care directly on the streets to address this urgent issue.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why California’s Beaches Are Shrinking, and How to Save Them | Victor Cabral | Jayme Timberlake | Laurie Davies

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Many beaches in California are losing their sand, and the economic impact often goes unnoticed. Siyamak sits down with Victor Cabral, mayor of San Clemente; Jayme Timberlake, a geologist and coastal zone administrator for the city of Oceanside; and Assemblymember Laurie Davies. Join us as we explore the causes behind the erosion of California’s beaches and what it takes to bring them back to life.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How Junk Fees Are Adding to California’s Cost of Living Crisis | Aisha Wahab

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California’s rising cost of living is affecting daily life for millions. State Sen. Aisha Wahab discusses the factors driving this crisis, from housing, utilities, and layoffs to the systemic issues behind them, as well as the steps needed to address these urgent concerns.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California Has Become the Largest Energy Importer in the US | Marco Tule

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We need to have that honest conversation that the majority of our power in California is generated from fossil fuels. And we’re actually importing a lot of our power. We’re vulnerable,” says Marco Tule, director and board president at Inland Empire Utilities Agency. Tule will explain his concerns about California’s future energy needs.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

I Was Stepping Over the Homeless Until God Sent Me a Message | Zach Southall

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 07:45:00 -0700

Zach Southall once ignored homelessness, believing it stemmed from bad choices. But losing everything—his business, home, and health—brought him to his lowest point, where faith gave him a second chance. Now, as Charity on Wheels’ Managing Director, he’s dedicated to helping those he once overlooked.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Here’s Why 2024 Election Will Change California | Mike Gatto

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California voters sent a strong signal in 2024 to prioritize combating crime, economic policies, and critical issues affecting daily life. Siyamak sits down with Mike Gatto, a former California Assemblymember who, according to the Sacramento Bee, was one of the most independent lawmakers in the Democratic Party. Gatto will discuss the implications of the 2024 election results for California and why they will have a significant impact on the state’s future.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

UFC Fighter Explains How He Broke Out of LA’s Rough Neighborhood | Victor Henry

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“I was in debt. I was renting a room out of my house. At a certain point, I was like, I have to get out of South Gate. I can’t catch a stray bullet because there have been drive-bys. There have been people crashing into buildings and pulling bodies out of cars,” says Victor Henry, UFC fighter from Los Angeles. He'll share his background growing up in one of the roughest areas in Los Angeles, and how he was able to break out through hard work and perseverance.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Surprising Facts About California’s Plastic Recycling | Senator Ben Allen

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“Recycling as a system has become increasingly problematic. The truth of the matter is only a very small percentage of the plastic that’s out in the consumer waste stream actually gets recycled at the end of the day. … At the best case scenario, it goes into the landfill. Worst case scenario, it ends up in our water streams, in our ocean, in our environment. … And in fact, so much of it is out there, and so much of it ends up breaking down into micro plastics and ending up in our food stream, in our water stream, and it’s ending up in our own bodies,” says California Senator Ben Allen.

Join us as we dive into the challenges the recycling industry is facing, and his efforts in bringing the plastic industry and other producers to the table to solve the recycling problem. We also dive into Allen’s personal experience as a senator and what inspired him to go into public service.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

The Hidden Costs That Impact California’s Housing Affordability | Nolan Gray | Jim Righeimer

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Nolan Gray, a policy expert with California YIMBY, and Jim Righeimer, former Costa Mesa mayor and developer, delve into the factors driving California’s high cost of living compared to more affordable states such as Texas and Florida. Join us as we explore the impact of housing policies and differing approaches to new development.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Assemblyman Is Concerned That Young Graduates Can’t Afford to Stay in California | David Alvarez

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0700

“California has become really unaffordable. Where are my kids gonna live? We pride ourselves on it being such a great economy in California, which is fueled by the opportunities that are academic institutions. But if your talent can’t find a place to call home, they’re gonna take their talent and their skills somewhere else, and that is the largest threat to the future success of California,” says Asm. David Alvarez.

Siyamak sits down with Assemblymember Alvarez to discuss his concerns about housing affordability in San Diego, California. He will also share his journey of becoming a lawmaker after growing up in a poor neighborhood in San Diego.

“My parents never owned a home. I’m the first one in our family to go to college, and that college opportunity afforded me this middle-class lifestyle with home ownership, but it’s something that no longer feels like a reality for a lot of people,” says Alvarez.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why Housing Costs Are Still Through the Roof in California

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California has some of the highest average housing costs in the country. While some believe this is due to a lack of available housing, others attribute the high prices to government policies.

Siyamak sits down with Jim Burling, vice president of legal affairs at the Pacific Legal Foundation; Nils Nehrenheim, Redondo Beach councilmember; and Nolan Gray, senior director of legislation and research for California YIMBY.

Join us as we explore the factors driving these high costs and discuss the state-mandated development initiative—and why some cities are pushing back.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

What to Know About San Francisco’s Mayor Election | Matt Gonzalez

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Matt Gonzalez, Public Defender and Former County Supervisor in San Francisco. He will highlight the key factors in San Francisco’s Mayoral race and give us an in depth analysis of the current top candidates.

“Mayor Breed is very talented, but there’s just a sense that we’re not making progress on things like crime, homelessness, and issues like that,” says Gonzalez. “All the candidates have wide support. One thing about the selection, though, is who’s going to get the runoff votes. These are things polling doesn’t exactly tell you, because it’s not just where you stand after the first round of voting; it’s what happens when someone you don’t support is defeated. Where do their supporters go next? And that’s the big challenge here.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Hollywood Crews Are on the Brink of Losing Everything | David Graves | Patrick Caligiuri

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Hollywood is experiencing an unprecedented downturn, leaving many workers without jobs. Siyamak sits down with David Graves, a film industry expert and IATSE union member, and Patrick Caligiuri, a Hollywood TV executive with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the reasons behind this decline and explore possible solutions for affected workers.

“About a month after the WGA strike started, we were almost at 80 percent unemployment, which basically stopped the industry altogether. Anything that was still shooting because they had scripts already purchased stopped because the actors weren’t available—that was last year. It was literally a neutron bomb for the film industry” says Graves.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California Takes Lead On AI Legislation | Senator Josh Becker

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Senator Josh Becker, who’s actively shaping AI regulation in the state. As a global leader in AI, California faces significant challenges and opportunities with major implications for jobs, safety, and privacy. Join us as we discuss the state’s efforts to address these concerns through new laws and regulations, some of which may influence national policy.

“AI, to some extent, has been around for 30-40 years. Now, we have generative AI producing text, audio, and video, with many positive uses of this technology. However, there are also significant risks and downsides, and I believe it’s our job as policymakers to stay ahead of that,” says Becker

We’ll also delve into Senator Becker’s background as a public servant, exploring how his immigrant family roots shaped his belief in the power of public education and the American dream. Senator Becker represents San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County in California’s 13th Senate District. Elected in 2020, he is not only at the forefront of AI regulation but also champions clean energy and justice reforms.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

Will the New Law Lower Gas Prices and Why Gas Is so Expensive in California?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:15:00 -0700

California consistently has some of the highest gas prices in the nation, and now the state government has passed a new law aimed at stabilizing them. In today’s episode, we'll uncover the mystery behind the numbers you see at the pump, the key players driving these prices, and how this new law could impact your wallet.

Siyamak sits down with Alessandra Magnasco, governmental affairs and regulatory director at the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance; Taha Saleh, a gas station owner; Sen. Brian Jones; and Travis Gillmore, a Capitol reporter with The Epoch Times.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How Will Californians Be Impacted by Budget Cuts? | John Laird

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California is facing a budget crisis that may last for the next couple of years. Siyamak sits down with Senator John Laird, who has served as the education chair of the budget committee. Join us as we explore how Californians will be impacted and where this budget crisis may lead. We also dive into Senator Lear’s experience as a public servant.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why California Is Regulating Social Media Companies | Samuel Chapman | Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Fentanyl is becoming one of the leading causes of death among children due to counterfeit medications, and the amount of incidents tied to social media use is increasing. California is passing a law to limit social media addiction for kids.

“Social media is solving the last-mile problem for drug dealers. They networked inside my son’s school, found him, and a lethal dose of a counterfeit drug was delivered to our home after we were asleep—like a pizza,” says Samuel Chapman, CEO of Parent Collective, advocating for progressive drug policy reform.

We will also sit down with Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, who will tell us how fentanyl is impacting Californians and why parents should be aware.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Is California Still the Land of Opportunity? | Stephen J. Cloobeck

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0700

“California was pro-growth. It was the land of aspiration. Our brand is tarnished. Collectively, we as Californians must ask, how do we improve ourselves? California is no longer affordable, no longer livable, and frankly, it’s not workable. That’s why, in my opinion, we’re seeing a migration out,” says Stephen J. Cloobeck, businessman and founder of Diamond Resorts International. Cloobeck explains why he thinks California’s brand has lost its shine, and what it will take to turn things around for the state.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Will California Wine and Vineyards Survive the Downturn in Wine Industry

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700

California is home to some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Lodi, making it a top global wine producer. However, the state’s wine industry is facing a significant slowdown in sales. Wineries are filled with unsold inventory and grape growers are struggling to find buyers for their grapes, even at steep discounts.

“Some of our older growers that have been farming 60 to 70 years, in some cases, say this is the worst they’ve ever seen. Last year, an estimated 400,000 tons of grapes were left on the vine in 2023 because they couldn’t sell them. It was never harvested,” says Stuart Spencer, executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission.

Join us as we look into the world of wineries in California, what’s behind this slowdown and downturn in the state’s wine industry, and how it’s impacting everyone from farmers to winemakers. Siyamak sits down with Spencer; Patrick Cappiello, winemaker at Monte Rio Cellars in Sonoma County; and Craig Ledbetter, vice president of Vino Farms.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

Buying or Selling Homes? Here’s What You Need to Know About Realtor Commission Changes

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 23:20:00 -0700

New regulations for real estate commissions took effect last month. Siyamak sits down with Mike Hickman, president and CEO of Seven Gables Real Estate, to explain the details of the change and why it will have a significant impact on how we buy and sell homes in California.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

Growing Number of Schools in California Require Students to Lock Away Phones

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Many California schools are looking at Banning smartphones while in school, and it may soon become a law in California in 2025. What are the main reasons that are driving this trend, and what have been the experiences of schools that have already been implementing a strict no-device policy?

“Teachers had no standing like to confront this, and so it constantly was a battle. They could not teach all these lessons they were planning they were not getting through during the day because cell phone distractions were a major issue,” says Trisha Lancaster, founder of SOAR Charter Academy.

Siyamak sits down with Marc Berkman, CEO and founder of the Organization for Social Media Safety; Trisha Lancaster, founder of SOAR Charter Academy; and Assemblymember Josh Hoover.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why California Animal Shelters Are Facing Record Number Abandoned Pets | Zach Skow

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Our animal shelter deals with between 30 and 50 surrenders per day. We’ve abandoned animals to a degree that is shameful and deserves a cultural reckoning, and I think that reckoning will only happen if we’re honest about the variables that have contributed to this problem,” says Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts Animal Rescue.

Siyamak sits down with Mr. Skow to discuss the overwhelming number of abandoned animals in California’s shelters and how his Pawsitive Change Program is making an impact by getting dogs adopted and helping prison inmates at the same time.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Massive Landslide in California Threatening Hundreds of Homes | Rancho Palos Verdes

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 22:15:00 -0700

“The landslide area is about a mile wide right now. Parts of that landslide are moving 50 feet per year, about one foot per week. It’s actually the largest landslide complex in North America,” says John Cruikshank, mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes.

California is experiencing an unprecedented landslide in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for the area. We head out to the city to see how the residents are doing and what’s happening there. We also sit down with the mayor, public works director, and a geologist to discuss the city’s efforts to mitigate the landslide.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California is About to Dump 114 Billion Gallons of Water into the Ocean | Geoff Vanden Heuvel

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 12:30:00 -0700

“The California we know today is really only possible because we move water around—moving water from areas of abundance to areas of need, literally causing the desert to bloom,” says Geoff Vanden Heuvel, Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs at Milk Producers Council.

Siyamak sits down with Geoff Vanden Heuvel, who will explain why this water release may have little impact on the Delta smelt and what it means for the rest of California.

“We really cannot afford to waste water in the state. We have to make sure that when we dedicate water to the environment, it does good and protects the environment. We absolutely want to do that and have an obligation to do so, but we must maximize the amount of water we store in wet years so we have it in the dry years,” says Vanden Heuvel.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Sheriff Explains How Toxic Pesticides Are Now in California’s Legal Weed | Jeremiah LaRue

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We’re now talking about contaminated marijuana that is out in the legal market. We had 15 pesticides on the marijuana product that the state isn’t even looking for. Five of them are 100% banned in the United States, and they’re not allowed to be used at all. Some of these pesticides, if you look at them, it says fatal if inhaled,” says Jeremiah LaRue, Siskiyou County Sheriff.

Siyamak sits down with Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue, who will tell us how he discovered that illegal pesticides are getting on legal marijuana in California.

“There is all kinds of corruption going on at different levels. There are certain labs that are testing, and if they come back with bad tests, they just clear it anyway. There is no way of knowing if the weed you’re consuming is safe,” says LaRue.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California Homeowners Are Losing Their Insurance—Here’s Why

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“A lot of people think that insurance carriers are just multi-billion-dollar companies living the good life. That’s not always the case. In the last three to five years, we’ve been losing so much money that we just can’t do this anymore,” says Harry Crusberg, a fire marshal and former president of American Agents Alliance.

Home insurance rates are skyrocketing in California because of fire risks. Join us as we dive into California’s ongoing insurance crisis. We'll explore why insurance companies are dropping policies, leaving homeowners with no options but the costly FAIR Plan, or going without insurance entirely.

“Our first year of fire insurance was $7,000. By the third year, it went up to $12,000, which we could no longer afford. We never imagined putting ourselves in a position where we would own a house without insurance,” says Michael Daneau, a homeowner who lost his second home to fires in six years.

We also speak with state leaders about what they are doing about it.

“The Legislature is taking this issue very, very seriously. ... The cancellation of these insurance policies isn’t just happening to people in high fire-threat areas. For heaven’s sake, I had my own insurance policy canceled,” says Senator Dave Cortese, who’s working on a partial property coverage by insurers to expand options for consumers.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California to Reform Prop 47 | Greg Totten

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700

As public safety takes center stage in California’s political debates, all eyes are on Proposition 36, which would reform Proposition 47 if passed by voters in November. Some experts believe Proposition 47 has contributed to the rise in homelessness, drug addiction, and retail theft in California, while others argue that the link is hard to prove and that reforming the law could negatively impact the state’s judicial system.

To get the full story, be sure to check out our previous episode with Matt Gonzalez, who provides insight into why Proposition 47 should be kept intact. We present both sides of the argument to help you make an informed decision this November.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Different Perspectives on California Prop 47 | Matt Gonzalez

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“To make a theft a felony, keep in mind that felony cases are now going to be in a courtroom alongside homicides, rape cases, aggravated assaults, armed robberies, and you’re going to have a petty theft with a prior—where nobody served any substantial misdemeanor jail time—competing for a courtroom and resources. This distracts prosecutors from serious cases, who now have to litigate these other cases,” says Matt Gonzalez, Chief Attorney at the Public Defender’s Office in San Francisco.

Siyamak sits down with Matt Gonzalez, who will discuss Prop 47’s impact on crime and why reforming the proposition is not the solution.

“I received a couple of emails, and they were just thank-you messages saying, ‘Hey, I got my life together. I really appreciate what you did. You fought for me. You kept me from getting these felonies.’ You know, they turned their lives around, and when I was dealing with them, they were just strung-out heroin addicts. So the question is: Do we want to make a decision that satisfies public safety concerns but increases the likelihood that these accused people have a chance moving forward to turn their lives around?” says Gonzalez.

Will Homeless Clean up Work in California? | Traci Park | Dane White | Greg Anglea

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Most cities in California have been impacted by homelessness. Recently, a Supreme Court ruling granted local governments the authority to clean up encampments. We sat down with Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park to discuss what this ruling means for her city and how the city plans to navigate this issue.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions, and as a matter of policy, we need to get it right. Otherwise, I’m concerned that problems here in LA could actually get worse,” says Park.

We also spoke with Dane White, mayor of Escondido, one of the first cities in California to ban homeless encampments. He shares his personal experiences with homelessness and how they shaped his approach to policy.

“I’m of the mindset that jail is not good rehab for people on drugs, but we’ve created a situation where there are no alternatives. I was given the choice: jail or rehab,” says White.

Additionally, we talked to Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, an organization that assists over 20,000 homeless individuals annually. Join us as we explore the future of homelessness in the Golden State and whether the Supreme Court decision could be a turning point in addressing the crisis.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Residents Share How Rampant Crime Has Become in Oakland | Brenda Grisham | Ken Houston | Leighton Woodhouse

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Grisham, an Oakland resident, and Leighton Woodhouse, an independent journalist and documentary filmmaker who has been covering the situation in the city. We also spoke with Ken Houston, founder of Oakland’s Beautification Council and a third-generation Oakland resident, who has been affected by the city’s high crime and vandalism.

“This is my home. So whoever’s doing this out here, they’re interfering with my neighborhood. This is not their neighborhood. We’ve got to take back our streets. The criminals don’t run our city. ... This is our city,” Houston says.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

What Is Behind the Retail Theft Surge and Can California Stop It? | Travis Gillmore | Rudy Blalock

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“There is actually a resale market in California that’s quite healthy. We have a black market on the streets, and this is easily visible. They are selling things at a fraction of the cost of if you go into the store and actually purchase it yourself. I’ve talked to police and law enforcement, and they tell me there’s a direct correlation here between drug addiction, retail theft, and these illicit black markets,” Mr. Gillmore says.

Siyamak sits down with Travis Gilmore, reporter with The Epoch Times. He'll explain what’s going on with retail theft in California and how the policymakers are trying to deal with it. We also sit down with Rudy Blalock, Epoch Times’ reporter, who’s going to share what he has seen on the ground investigating retail theft.

“As long as it’s below $950, then he would just walk out of the store. And he had a friend that would sell them on OfferUp, and he told me that he gets about a 30% exchange rate. He estimated about $50,000. People on the streets understand the law, the drug dealers understand the law, and they’re using it to their full advantage,” Mr. Blalock says.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider

Californians to Vote on Raising Minimum Wage This November. What Are the Potential Impacts?

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In November, California voters will decide on a new minimum wage increase. It’s one of the ten ballot measures and could raise the current minimum wage from $16 to $18 an hour. Join us as we delve into what it means for Californians.

“Just since the minimum wage increase that went into effect for fast food employees, we have seen 98% of them raise prices since April here in California. 89% have had to scale back hours or benefits for their workers, and 70% have had to make cuts. Who doesn’t want a few extra dollars in their pocket, right? But we ask, with a minimum wage increase, at what cost? At what price?” says John Kabateck.

To understand the impact of Prop 32, we sit down with We also sit down with Mr. Kabateck, California State Director of NFIB, which represents 14,000 small businesses in the state. He'll share his concerns about the impact of Proposition 32. Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage, a leading advocacy group for service workers, and the director of the Food Labor Research Center at the University of California–Berkeley.

“One in three Californians lives and works in poverty. The cheapest county in the state of California is Modoc County. In Modoc County, one person with no children needs over $20 an hour just to cover the very basics like rent, food, and transportation,” says Ms. Jayaraman.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

What Ballot Propositions Are Coming up in November in California | Will Swaim

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“Every time you pass a bond, you’re basically saying to the next generation, ”Here’s our gift to you“. A debt. And they’re gonna have to pay that off. Supporters say all of these things are important and reasonable, we should pay for them anyway and your children will thank you for it.”

Siyamak sits down with Will Swaim, President of the California Policy Center. He tells us what ballot initiatives we'll expect to see in November election. Mr. Swaim is going to try to argue on both sides of these issues and tell us what these propositions are about. So you can make up your own mind.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How Will the ADU Boom Impact Californians?

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Join us as we explore the growing trend of ADUs in California. We will speak with homeowners, developers, investors, city leaders, and community organizers to discuss what it takes to build and use ADUs, their potential benefits and risks, and their impacts on the housing market in California.

California is experiencing a boom in accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Since the first ADU bill was passed in 2016, allowing ADUs on single-family home properties, the number of ADU permits has skyrocketed. However, along with this surge in development, some city leaders and residents are raising concerns for the community. Join us as we explore the growing trend of ADUs in California. We will speak with homeowners, developers, investors, city leaders, and community organizers to discuss what it takes to build and use ADUs, their potential benefits and risks, and their impacts on the housing market in California.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How Californians Will Be Impacted by Budget Cuts | Travis Gillmore

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“Low-income Californians and communities of color are essentially going to be disproportionately impacted. This is because they really rely on these programs, be it in food, housing, or education. More than 200 programs will be impacted in one way or another,” Travis Gillmore says.

Siyamak sits down with Mr. Gillmore, a California reporter for The Epoch Times. He tells us the details of California’s budget deficit and the spending cuts that the state is making to address it.

“Depending on who you ask, in 2024 we dealt with somewhere between a [$50 billion to] $73 billion deficit. The legislature is essentially looking to balance these reductions by putting forth bond measures. What we’re essentially doing is borrowing from the future with these changes, which will put further pressure on later budget years, later fiscal years,” Mr. Gillmore says.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Will California Backtracks Its Zero Emission Mandate? | Heath Flora

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“I’m a huge EV guy. Like, I think that’s a great technology. But in reality, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to meet these goals from the infrastructure side. If we flip a switch tomorrow and get rid of all fossil fuel vehicles, all fossil fuel electric generators, the state would be an immediate blackout,” says Mr. Flora.

Siyamak sits down with Heath Flora, an Assemblyman from the Central Valley and a member of the California Problem Solvers Caucus. He shares his insights on how California is transitioning to zero emissions, and what obstacles and challenges we’re facing.

“If we flip a switch tomorrow and get rid of all fossil fuel vehicles, all fossil fuel generators, the state would be in immediate blackout,” says Mr. Flora. “Our neighbors are doing all this fossil fuel burning ... and then we import that energy to make ourselves feel better, right? But in reality, we don’t have enough green energy produced within the state for the supply,” Mr. Flora says.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How Difficult Is It to Teach Critical Thinking in California Schools? | Sean Redmond

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It’s like walking through a minefield; you’re trying to just make people think. But if you conflict with them just to make them think, then they’re going to be upset about that. Students just completely lock into the narrative that they want to lock into, and that’s not a good thing, whether you’re left or right. It occurs on both sides. So what I want students to do is to be able to think critically and to understand the very valid points for and against each side. But if you’re doing that, you’re gonna offend somebody.”

Siyamak sits down with Sean Redmond, a veteran high school civics and history teacher. He will explain how political narratives are impacting students’ education and the changes he’s experienced teaching in the system for the last couple of decades.

“Let’s focus on education, less than indoctrinate. Let’s bring up both sides of an issue; we need to help students think and come to their own conclusions. We need to get that offending is bad out of the air right there. I don’t see teachers trying to offend students. Teachers are there because they care; they really want to help.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

A Group of San Diegans Come Together to Fix the Root Cause of Homelessness | George Mullen | Jon Lutack

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“The homeless situation in San Diego is no longer just homelessness. It’s like a cancer that has completely taken over our streets and parks. It seems like anywhere you go, where you might have once seen one or two homeless people, is now a village,” says Jon Lutack.

San Diego County offers a wide range of housing solutions and programs to help those suffering from homelessness or on the verge of losing their homes. But despite all of these efforts, the homeless population continues to grow. Today, we sit down with George Mullen, who co-created Sunbreak Ranch, a new approach to homelessness that has gained significant backing from both citizens and politicians in San Diego. We also discuss this issue with Mr. Lutack for an insider’s view of what it was like living on the streets, the unnecessary steps it took to turn his life around, and his influence as a substance abuse counselor.

“If we look at what’s been going on, the cities just want to put a band-aid on the problem, doing the same thing. In 2019, 165 homeless persons died in the San Diego region. In 2023, a mere four years later, 624 homeless persons died in the San Diego region. That’s a 280 percent increase in four years,” says Mr. Mullen.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Former San Francisco Budget Analyst Explains Ways to Improve the City’s Finance | John Farrell

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“Will San Francisco come back? When you look at it with the 30% vacancy, you look at the foreclosures or the defaults on a lot of the loans. You look at all this and you say to yourself, ‘What can we do?” says Mr. Farrell.

Siyamak sits down with John Farrell, a former budget analyst, assistant assessor, and financial director with extensive experience in San Francisco’s municipal finances. John will provide insights into the city’s current budget deficit and propose solutions for improving its financial health. He will also tackle critical issues such as homelessness and public safety, with a vision to revitalize the downtown area.

“Right now the city budget is $15.9 billion and the city has 35,500 employees. In 2010, there was a budget of $6.4 billion, and the city had 27,000 employees.There’s been a 30% increase in positions.” says Mr. Farrell.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Former California Inmate Explains the Impact of Rehabilitation | Brian James

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“I served 29 years and two months. I went in at the age of 16; I was arrested and ultimately convicted of second-degree murder. I’m someone who they call ’the worst of the worst,' who’s taking complete advantage of the opportunities that are in there. I was dead in the water up until about 37 years old. I was going to die in prison. I had accepted it, and I knew I was. Then they opened the door. I just got a glimmer of hope, me and a bunch of guys that we ran with it.”

Siyamak sits down with Brian James, a former inmate who served 29 years in the California state prison system. He‘ll tell us how some prison reform policies have opened opportunities for inmates to rehabilitate. He’ll also share with us his transformation process that ultimately led to his recent release.

“For 20 years, I was a character. I had a name; I had a gang. I introduced myself that way. When my cell door opened, I put on my act. When it closed, I went back to Brian James. My first probably 10-12 years in prison, all the issues that plagued my life that led to my incarceration, nothing had changed. For better or worse, I took part in taking that man’s life. And our stories are forever intertwined.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

A Bold Solution to California Homelessness | Ken Houston

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We only hire justice-impacted and unhoused individuals. We work directly behind Oakland Public Works. If you can go there and start with the small things instead of trying to do these huge wins, you'll be able to cure and heal the city.”

Siyamak sits down with Ken Houston, the 3rd Generation Oaklander and the director of the Beautification Council.

“All these lives would not be out here making living wages. Dignity, respect, and responsibility with a living wage—that’s what makes change.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Los Angeles May Fix Homelessness After Settlement | Paul Webster

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We want to be the personal trainer of the city and the county, we want to be the person that they love to hate, because we are encouraging them. We are challenging them. We are motivating them to do something that they haven’t been able to do for themselves. But they know that when they get it done, it'll be better off. It really sends a signal that there’s need for fundamental change in Los Angeles if they can’t meet these commitments and meet these metrics and milestones.”

Siyamak sits down with Paul Webster, with La Alliance for human rights. Paul and his team have taken legal action against the city and county of Los Angeles to address the homelessness crisis in LA. We'll also dive into his efforts and the outcome of his lawsuit.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Court Strikes Down California’s Lot-Splitting Law SB9 | Jim Righeimer | Mark Miller | Dennis Robinson

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We’re just allowed to double the amount of houses. There aren’t left turn lanes big enough, there aren’t sewer pipes big enough to handle the sewage, and you don’t add any parking.”

Siyamak sits down with Jim Righeimer, developer and former mayor of Costa Mesa in Orange County. He‘ll share his concerns with some of California’s recent housing laws, such as SB9, which aims to increase housing density and affordability. We also talked with Mark Miller, Senior Attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation and housing expert, who shared his perspective on why giving homeowners the right to build can address the state’s affordability crisis, and Dennis Robinson, who has been involved in building ADUs and multiple projects under SB9. He’ll give us his hands-on experience on what the new law looks like in practice and the demand he sees for ADUs and SB9 projects.

“A lot of people think it’s kind of as easy as an ADU. When I get real with them and break down all their costs, how long it’s going to take, a lot of them will steer away from SB9. You’re gonna have to do all sorts of surveys, you’re gonna have different steps with, like the utility bills, you have to do new meters, your city impacts or fee or are going to be higher, doesn’t make financial sense.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why Latino Success Matters in California : New Study Reveals | Soledad Ursua | Gloria Romero | Marshall Toplansky

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“Unfortunately, Latinos do worse than their Latino counterparts in other states. It’s largely due to a failing public educational system, and also due to increased regulation, mostly environmental.”

Siyamak sits down with Soledad Ursua, a lead author of ‘El Futuro es Latino’, conducted with Chapman University, which looks at how Latinos are doing in California compared to other states when it comes to education, income, and homeownership. We also sat down with Gloria Romero, a former state senator, and Marshall Toplansky, a clinical assistant professor at Chapman University. In this research, he looked at the Latino workforce in California.

“They are the largest number of truckers, laborers, construction industries that are crucial to the growth of California in the future. We’re going to need to rely on Latinos for the next generation of economic prosperity for the state and they’re really not being accommodated with current state policy.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

How California Makes It Illegal to Fight Crime: Sheriff Chad Bianco

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We are hearing that the crime statistics are up a little bit. That’s what the public has been led to believe. I’m in my 31st year right now. Crime is very much higher than what it was in the past. We’re in a weird spot. It’s scary how we’ve been misled and how we’ve been lied to about these bills that they want passed.”

Siyamak sits down with Chad Bianco. He'll share what he sees as a sheriff of Riverside County, and how state policies are impacting the crime rate in California, and how we can turn things around.

“You have a teenager that you know, is a prostitute that’s on the street selling herself. It is against the law for law enforcement to ask if she’s okay, to find out what she’s doing there. They have made it a crime for me to do anything about it. I can’t talk to a juvenile anymore. I can’t rescue these these serious, innocent victims from the human trafficking element, because our state has made it legal.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Los Angeles Jail Turns Into the World’s Largest Homeless Shelter | Nathan Hochman

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“There were 17 gangs in Los Angeles that were engaged in follow-home robberies. So you could rape an unconscious woman, and the law considers that a non-violent, non-serious offense. You can engage in human trafficking of someone 18 or older, a non-violent, non-serious offense, which has made LA County US capital of human trafficking. It changes the way you live your life in LA County.”

Siyamak sits down with Nathan Hochman, former federal prosecutor and defense attorney. He will discuss what has contributed to the increasing violence of crime in LA County over the past 10 years and the role of the District Attorney’s office in combating crime and homelessness.

“Right now, there are 13,000 in the LA County jails, and about 40% of that population is homeless. 70% of them are suffering from a serious mental illness, a substance abuse disorder, addiction, or both. 50% of the people who are going to be released will be back in jail or prison within two years.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

California Cities Facing Cartel Style Illegal Growers in Neighborhoods | David Welch | Jake Fisher

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We’ve seen people take over homes and warehouses to cultivate marijuana. People probably wouldn’t know the difference; it looks like a residential house. This is a very, very high level of sophisticated organized networks. It’s dangerous in the sense that it’s really a threat. These operations are worth a lot of money. They will do what’s necessary to protect their assets.”

Siyamak sits down with David Welch, who serves as the Special Counsel for Narcotic Enforcement to combat illegal cannabis grows in cities across LA County, and also El Monte Police Chief Jake Fisher, who will tell us how illegal grows operate and how they impact communities through increased crime, pollution, and safety hazards.

“The County of Los Angeles is overwhelmed. We’ve seen situations where we have people that are undocumented who seem like they’re forced to work in these homes. We’ve seen a lot of involvement of foreign nationals, individuals that are tied to transnational criminal organizations. The victims are not only the people that are being trafficked but also sometimes the people that own the property and are being lied to and used to facilitate this illegal activity.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Los Angeles Store Owner Stopped Shoplifters Despite 81% Increase in Shoplifting | Fraser Ross

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We were just getting fed up. Our security bill was $150,000 last year. We never had that. The police aren’t going to come. So I blast someone on my Instagram, and they freak out. Very wealthy people start shoplifting. They realize, ‘Well, if everyone else can do it, and I’m paying taxes and they’re not getting arrested, so I’ll do it, there’s no consequences. Just shove it in your bag.' It’s horrible that we have to do this, but it has curtailed the shoplifting tremendously.”

Siyamak sits down with Fraser Ross, owner of Kitson, a specialty retail store in Los Angeles. Shoplifting is on the rise in LA. Mr. Ross will share how he holds thieves accountable by socially shaming them. We also talked to Dr Ashley Massimino, who’s a clinical and forensic psychologist, to understand the reasons behind the rise in shoplifting.

“The backdrop of LA is going down fast. The uniqueness is going down fast. Every day I hear stores closing. If this doesn’t stop, there won’t be small specialty stores, which is the backbone of the American economy, 85% are small businesses. There’s just no reason to open the store in California.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why is California’s Affordable Housing Mandate Becoming Controversial? | James Ardaiz

Thu, 30 May 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“I don’t think the Affordable Housing Act is about affordable housing at all. What it really is, is just an aspect of socialism. Carmel is very densely populated. It’s one square mile. There’s really no spot to put them other than taking away from existing infrastructure.”

Siyamak sits down with James Ardaiz, a retired California appellate judge and resident of Carmel-by-the-sea. He’ll discuss the challenges a small beach town like Carmel-by-the-sea faces when trying to meet the state’s housing mandate.

“And now you’re starting to see their reaction to it as communities are suing the state over the legislation and are attempting to band together to oppose it. It’s really kind of an odd grassroots conglomeration when you think about it. But there are just a lot of folks that are saying, ‘You’re just interfering in our lives to accomplish a social goal that we don’t share.’”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Insider.

Santa Monica Vice Mayor Explains How Cancel Culture Is Impacting the City | Lana Negrete

Sat, 25 May 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We have a huge opioid crisis on our hands, we have a huge mental health crisis. But we’re so focused on ideology versus practicality and common sense, and who’s in what political group and who’s saying it, that we haven’t solved the problem. Organizations have spent tens of thousands of dollars to spread toxic, negative information about candidates running to help serve our city instead of focusing on the issues at hand, and that is what scares me because people are so misinformed.”

Siyamak sits down with Lana Negrete, the vice mayor of Santa Monica. She shares her insights on some of the city’s most pressing issues, such as homelessness, crime, and quality of life, and how special groups and politics are impacting the city’s ability to unite and improve as a whole.

“If we continue to go down this path of letting small groups and organizations lead campaigns with misinformation and negative tactics, we will be so distracted by that and we will step farther and farther away from the real issues that we need to be focused on in Santa Monica.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Former Supervisor’s Honest Take on Fixing San Francisco | Tony Hall

Fri, 24 May 2024 20:45:00 -0700

“San Francisco was a working little town with an enormous cash flow that was right for the boys to move in and take it over. It was a tourist town, within a business town, within a high real estate town, unlike any other city in America. It never had a negative cash flow. This is why the boys came in and took it over.”

Siyamak sits down with former San Francisco supervisor Tony Hall, who shares an insider view on why the city is struggling and what it will take to fix it and return San Francisco to its glory.

“They got themselves elected to office. And they proceeded to monetize city services. Anything that can be farmed out to another agency and money made on it. Outside special interests became a huge force in San Francisco, starting in the ‘70s. Now, as they got control, they set up a political machine.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

California Owes $55 Billion on Unemployment Benefits | Will Swaim

Fri, 24 May 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“In the COVID era people ended up on unemployment and the federal government send out about $100 billion to California and a huge amount of it, about $55 billion, was lost to criminal gang. Fraudster show up from all over the world. We’re talking about international crime, gangs, people in California prisons and jails.”

Siyamak sits down with William Swain, the president of the California Policy Center. We'll discuss how California now has about $55 billion in unemployment benefit liabilities, of which a significant amount was due to EDD fraud during the pandemic, the biggest fraud of its kind in any state. Now, California businesses are liable to cover these costs.

“They’re not just going to eat that out of their profit these businesses, they’re going to raise their prices. You wouldn’t know a whole lot about this because the business community itself is really hesitant to raise objection or afraid that if they do the regulator’s will descend on them and find something wrong with their business.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Why Californians Are Losing Their Home Insurance | Rex Frazier

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“Too many people are going to the FAIR Plan. Nobody should want to be in the FAIR Plan; it’s meant to be a temporary market of last resort. It’s an unvirtuous cycle. Under the law, any deficiency that the FAIR Plan has, and the amount of money it has to pay claims, it just turns around to the admitted insurance companies. That has huge cascading impacts on the entire insurance industry.”

Siyamak sits down with Rex Frazier, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California and former deputy Insurance Commissioner of California. Some Californians are losing their insurance coverage, and key insurance companies are avoiding writing more insurance in California. Rex is here to tell us what’s happening behind the scenes, why we are here, and if there is a way out.

“California has by far the most complicated rate formula in the US. We have these extreme problems because of the rules that we put in place in the early 1990s. We haven’t updated them. Every other state has updated them. The tough part now is that we’re just waiting on the regulations to change.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

Top Advisor to Los Angeles District Attorney Charged With 11 Felonies | Full Story | Alex Villanueva

Tue, 14 May 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“She destroyed hundreds of deputies’ careers; they used to call her the ‘badge collector.’ The effect of that was catastrophic to the organization. People started leaving in droves. No one wanted to be a deputy sheriff, and they started shrinking.”

Siyamak sits down with Alex Villanueva, former sheriff of Los Angeles County. There has been an unprecedented indictment in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office by the Attorney General of California. Alex is here to tell us what’s behind this and how it will impact Los Angeles.

“They’re in panic mode now. What’s going to happen is, in two or three years, you’re gonna see a bunch of cases of corruption and dirty cops. What Diana Teran did is just the tip of the iceberg.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

LA Doctor Explains Why Homelessness Is Growing in the City | Houman Hemmati

Sat, 04 May 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“We’re talking about homeless housing located on some of the most expensive land on Earth, occupying what used to be a much-needed parking garage, at a cost of $2 million per unit. The value of that land was around $120 to $150 million. If they’re building 120 units on there, that’s a million dollars per unit of just land value, taxpayer land value. The council is justifying it by saying it’s very needed.”

Siaymak sits down with Dr. Herman Hemmati, an activist and resident of Los Angeles, who over the years has been observing how LA is dealing with the homeless in the county in different cities, including the city of Santa Monica.

“I’ve seen people who’ve owned buildings and wanted to develop them for medical purposes, who’ve given up and said, you know what, I’m turning it into homeless housing, I’m going to make more money quicker, because the city will just write me unlimited checks. And that’s what’s happening.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of California Insider.

LA Residents Take up Homelessness Clean up by Themselves

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“What we should understand about Los Angeles is that everybody complains about homelessness. Online, on Twitter, on Nextdoor... Everyone has something to say. But very few people have taken it upon themselves to try to push things along and find solutions where the city or the county falls short.”

Siyamak sits down with Beige Luciano-Adams, the Epoch Times reporter in Los Angeles. She'll tell us what LA residents are organizing to clean up trash and deal with the encampments in the city. We also sit down with Keith Johnson, April Silverman, and Cameron Flanagan, who have been instrumental in cleaning up homeless encampments in their communities.

“These people are also becoming citizen journalists. They’re doing Public Records Act requests, they’re digging into the records, they’re looking at the numbers. They’re doing a better job than a lot of media.”

Former Sheriff Explains Why Californians Are Mobilizing to Change Prop 47 | John McGinness

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:30:00 -0700

“You can literally walk into a retail store every single day of the year and steal $949 worth of merchandise and you will never do a minute in jail. No compounding consequence. The voters I believed were duped because the summary and title said it was the Safe Neighborhoods and Safe Schools Act. So that’s all you see in this Prop 47.”

Siyamak sits down with John McGinness, former sheriff of Sacramento County and a radio host. There is currently a movement to change Prop 47, and it is about to get enough signatures to be on the ballot this November.

“Under California law, ironically, rape of the unconscious is not a violent crime. Assault on a peace officer with anything other than a fully automatic weapon is not a violent crime. Domestic violence, with the word ‘violence’ right in the crime title, is not a violent crime. So we really truly need some truth and justice in the state of California.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

What’s Happening on the San Diego Border? First-Hand Account | Cory Gautereaux

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“I constantly see these white buses coming down full of illegal immigrants who are claiming asylum. Not through the port of entry—they’re coming through the fence, cutting the fence, around the fence, over the fence. I have found documents giving them exact instructions. This is a very regimented, professional operation. Who’s doing it?”

Siyamak sits down with Cory Gautereaux, a resident at the border in San Diego. Over the last year, we’ve been covering the situation at the border around the San Diego area. There have been a lot of border crossings, and Cory has been documenting what’s happening around the border. He’s here to tell us his story.

“I went out there one day, and there were 200 people standing there. They had tents, and there were fires going out. I was blown away. He talked to a Venezuelan gentleman who explained to me that in Venezuela, on their own media and radio, they’re talking about how easy it is to come to the United States right now. This isn’t a political issue for me. This is a case of ’something’s not right.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

California Restaurants on Verge of Going Under With Excessive Mandates, Higher Costs | Brian Back | John Kabateck

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“I’ve sent an open letter to [California Gov.] Gavin Newsom. Not only have we seen the cost of almost everything go up exponentially in the last few years, but also faced new regulations and mandates. If I were to match our increased costs with menu pricing, we would be forced to charge about $40 for a cheeseburger. We can’t explain that to the customer.”

Siyamak sits down with Brian Back, who established his restaurant in the Bay Area to serve as a community asset and foster unity among people. He shares the challenges he faces with laws, regulations, and escalating costs. Additionally, we speak with John Kabateck, president of the National Federation of Independent Business, who has observed several restaurants and their owners within his organization’s membership facing difficulties in California.

“I wanted to do something that was neighborhood-scaled; I wanted to do something in my community. I wanted to have a place where family could be generating tax revenue and building community. I was naive until I opened this business. I’m spending most of the money that we earn on debt obligations to the state,” Mr. Back said.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

California’s Dam Removal Damages: Local Farmers Fear Liability for Massive Salmon Deaths | Theodora Johnson

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It really has been the biggest dam removal experiment in modern history. People who were very much in favor of dam removal are now beside themselves because they had no idea this would be the outcome.”

Siyamak sits down with Theodora Johnson, a sixth-generation rancher from Siskiyou County. The Klamath Dam removal project is the largest of its kind in the US. Ms. Johnson will discuss its impact on the community, environment, and wildlife in the area. Siskiyou County recently declared a state of emergency over this dam removal.

“What’s happened with the suspended sediment in the water has brought the dissolved oxygen level down to zero twice since the dams were removed. Now, you see muck and mud, dead fish floating to the banks, crawdads, and we see animals trying to crawl out of the water to escape.” - Ms. Johnson said.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

What Californians Can’t Afford to Miss in Prop 1 | Susan Shelley

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It’s being sold to the voters as treatment. But you’ve got $2 billion going into housing that can be for people who are still using hard drugs. If you have a building with, let’s say, 40 units, and 15 of the people in them are addicted to hard drugs, that is going to have an impact on the community, and the community has no say in that land use at all. That’s in Prop One.”

Siyamak sits down with Susan Shelley, columnist at the Southern California News Group. Proposition One passed barely in California. Ms. Shelley tells us what the impacts are and whether it will cause tax increases in California.

“If someone wants to do hard drugs in free housing, they have every right to do so in California. We’re not differentiating between people who are making a choice to use drugs on the street and people who are domestic violence victims and are on the street. Everybody’s entitled to free housing equally.”

“To wait until people are arrested and are jailed, and that’s where they receive mental health services, is a terrible policy. The Los Angeles County jails are the largest mental health hospital system in the nation. That’s appalling. That’s not worthy of the state of California,” the longtime columnist said.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

Former Homeless Reveals What Homelessness is Like in Sacramento | Matt King

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

‘It’s almost like we’re living in an open-air mental health facility. There are people walking down the streets; you don’t know if they’re going to shoot you, stab you, punch you, spit on you... And we, as parents, are kind of teaching our kids and grandkids how to be numb to the situation.’

Siyamak sits down with Matthew King, former homeless and a community advocate from Sacramento. He has seen the capital deteriorate over the last few years and will talk about homelessness, drug addiction, and crime issues that his community is facing.

We also talked to Travis Gillmore, our reporter in the state capitol. He has been talking to the state legislature, the homeless people, and police officers.

‘You’ve got union ironworkers, electricians; you’ve got a lot of people from various trades who are homeless. We’re not stupid people, either. We’re very intelligent, and we know how to do a lot of stuff. They’re selling stolen items right from the tent.’ Mr. King said.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

Are California Housing Mandates Ending Community Involvement and Character of Cities? | Amy Kalish | Lydia Kou

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“The goal is to densify every town in the state. To densify it—so that‘d be walking around, not driving. In some places, it doesn’t work. But this whole policy has been applied as ’one size fits all' with no complaining.”

Siyamak sits down with Amy Kalish, with Citizen Marin. She’s been studying what the housing mandates are for different cities in California, and she tells us what’s happening with California communities.

“These are buildings built for profit, single-family homes for rent only. So they’re kept off the market forever. And whole neighborhoods do get bought up by corporations. What the state does is they bloat out the [Housing and Community Development] budget, hire a lot of people to come and bother every city to see what they’re doing. They write a ton of reports to spend millions of dollars on paying consultants to write reports, and none of that is going towards any kind of solution or housing.” Ms. Kalish said.

We also talked with Lydia Kou, former mayor and current city council member of Palo Alto, to see her perspective as a city leader, and what’s going on with California cities and the housing mandates.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

https://californiainsider.com/

California Parents Are Afraid of Losing Their Kids | Erin Friday

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“The school adopted my daughter’s new identity, which was a boy, changed her records to be male name, called her that in class. They told me I was unsafe. So they were safer for my daughter. This is a new movement that all parents are bad until proven good.”

Host Siyamak Khorrami sits down with Erin Friday, executive committee member for Protect Kids California. She tells us about a new policy in California schools, and how it has impacted her and a lot of parents across the state.

“At what age do they teach this in schools? Now is TK, that’s four years old,” Ms. Friday said, “We’ve never done this in the United States. They called me conservative, right wing. I’m a Democrat. They don’t want to put that in the story, because that’s going to open it up for other Democrats that believe what I believe.”

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

https://californiainsider.com/

Former Prison Guard Explains Why California Prisons Are Becoming Unsafe | Hector Bravo

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“It is like working at a zoo, and they’ve opened up every single cage: to the bears, to the lions, to the panthers, to the giraffes, to the elephants. And you got the correctional officers like: “Oh my god, what have they done here?”

Siyamak sits down with Hector Bravo, a former correctional officer and lieutenant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, who worked in the prison system for 16 years. He provides insights into the deteriorating conditions in California prisons based on his first-hand experience, and critiques the implementation of the “Norway model” of reforms, which he says has actually made the prisons more dangerous for both inmates and staff.

“I’ve been involved in numerous riots and I’ve never seen blatant disregard for life like that,” said Mr. Bravo. “Everybody is at risk. That’s exactly what California prisons are like right now, in 2024.”

Will California Lose Its Entrepreneurial Spirit as More Businesses Invest in Other States? | Marshall Toplansky

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“Who is leaving? That’s probably the most worrying aspect of all of this. The people who are leaving are the most productive, what I call the seed corn of California—people who are going into family formation stage, 30- to 50-year-old people who are mid-career, people who make $200,000 a year and above. And so what we’re left with, which is kind of ironic, is an aging, graying generation that need more services in the form of personal services and health care services, and the low-income people that service them.”

Siyamak sits down with Marshall Toplansky, innovation professor at Chapman University, who has been studying California’s exodus. He shares his findings from researching the demographics of the people who are leaving California, and how this population decline is going to impact Californians—our innovation, culture, and future prosperity.

*Views expressed in this video/article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Epoch Times.

From US ‘Murder Capital’ to Zero Homicides: A California City’s Remarkable Rebirth | Paul Bains

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:00:00 -0700

“I remember that year; there was just so much shooting going on. Kids would sleep in bathtubs to avoid stray bullets.”

Siyamak sits down with Pastor Paul Baines from East Palo Alto. He will share how his city managed to turn around from being the murder capital of the state and the country to achieving zero homicides.

“Believe it or not, a lot of times, young people want discipline. They desire boundaries because of their upbringing. Perhaps the father wasn’t present, or maybe the parents were absent. What discipline does is show that you genuinely care about someone.”

How Los Angeles Mansion Tax Impacts Affordable Housing | Chris Tourtellotte

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“You’re going to see housing supply dropped. Investors are no longer looking at the city of LA because it’s too risky. Why would you sell a property, if you would have to give all your profit to the city?”

Siyamak sits down with Chris Tourtellotte, managing director of LaTerra, a large real estate development company based in California. He'll discuss some key challenges facing developers, including the “Mansion Tax” in Los Angeles, the environmental review process, demand for different housing types, and the impact of policies such as rent control.

“I use the word ‘deceptive’ because it was called the ’mansion tax.‘ But when they realized that ... this applies to all classes of real estate, including affordable housing projects, you kind of go, ’Oh, wait a minute. That’s not a mansion tax,'” Mr. Tourtellotte said. “People say your land is not worth much because of this tax in the end.”

Is California Still Leading the Nation? | Larry Elder

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700

“In the last three years, we’ve had a net outflow of 1 million people. I don’t want to leave; I want to help turn the state around because I think sooner or later the voters are going to wake up, and I want to be here when that happens.”

Siyamak sits down with Larry Elder, a radio and TV host, former gubernatorial candidate in California, former presidential candidate, and best-selling author. He shares his perspective on the major problems facing California, such as high taxes, budget deficits, low-performing public schools, rising crime, homelessness, and the high cost of living, as well as his experiences with the cultural changes in California politics.

Famous Chef Explains Why It Is Hard to Operate A Restaurant in California | Andrew Gruel

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 08:45:00 -0700

“Opening a restaurant seems simple, right? You never anticipated that you would expect ... Every single restaurant owner I talked to, is in a PAGA lawsuit. None of them are less than six figures.”

California is the hardest state to open a restaurant, according to a new study by Restaurant Furniture. Siyamak sits down with celebrity chef Andrew Gruel, who has started and operated multiple restaurants in California, to discuss the reasons that make running a restaurant difficult in the state. We also spoke with state Sen. Shannon Grove, who sponsored legislation to amend PAGA (the Private Attorneys General Act).

“We are no longer allowed to use plastic gift cards in California that was recently signed into law. If you offer a straw to a customer, you as the server and the restaurant will get penalized. It’s a civil violation,” Mr. Gruel said. “We are creating a lot of regulations. But we’re unmooring people from a value system. Do we want every restaurant to be run like the DMV?”

Mr. Gruel shares his experiences of starting as a food truck operator and evolving into a restaurateur with multiple locations across California. He discusses the impact of labor laws, environmental policies, and the recent PAGA lawsuits on small businesses and argues that excessive regulation not only burdens businesses but also detracts from the values and community connections upon which small businesses thrive. He calls for a reevaluation of these regulations and advocates for a more balanced approach that recognizes the importance of small businesses in California’s economy and culture.

Why California’s Budget Deficit Is Snowballing: Legislative Analyst | Gabriel Petek

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 21:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Gabriel Petek, California’s legislative analyst. He shares with us why California is facing such a huge budget deficit and how it may last a few more years. He also shares what it will take to solve this budget crisis.

“A couple of years ago, we had a $100 billion surplus, and we heard about these big numbers. Now, we’re estimating that we currently face a $68 billion budget deficit. The governor’s office also identifies about $30 billion in annual deficit,” Mr. Petek said. “In order to solve that problem, we would need $50 billion in higher revenues.”

California DA Explains Which Policies Lead To Increased Crime | Morgan Gire

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 09:45:00 -0700

"As an elected District Attorney, I have people from my county being released from prison early and I don't know why."

Siyamak sits down with Morgan Gire, District Attorney of Placer County, who has over 24 years of experience working in the criminal justice system. He'll discuss recent criminal justice reforms in California and share his opinion on how they've contributed to rising crime in California.

"There was probably a turning point in your mind when it didn't feel as safe in California as it had before. We saw that with Prop. 47. Prosecutors said, 'When you pass this, in about 10 years we're gonna see businesses closing because people are going to be stealing right and left, and you're gonna see addicts on the street.' And people said, 'Oh, you're just these draconian prosecutors trying to scare everybody so that you can lock more people up in prison,' and nothing could be further from the truth," Mr. Gire said.

Join us as we dive into the impacts of voter-passed Propositions 47 and 57. Realignment shifted responsibility for lower-level felons from state prisons to county jails. While this was intended to reduce overcrowding, Mr. Gire notes county facilities were ill-equipped for long-term inmates. This exacerbated caseloads for probation officers, who are now supervising more serious, repeat offenders.

Prop. 47 reclassified certain drug and property crimes as misdemeanors. However, the Placer County DA argues this "one-size-fits-all" policy treats first-time and repeat thieves equally, reducing consequences. With fewer facing jail time, some business owners feel unsupported by law enforcement. Mr. Gire also links Prop. 47 to rising addiction and homelessness as fewer enter treatment programs.

In addition, Prop. 57 aimed to shorten sentences, but without proper assessment, some inmates deemed "non-violent" may be unfit for early release, said Mr. Gire.

California Lawmakers Spending $1.2 Billion on Office Renovation | Bill George

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Bill George, historian and filmmaker, who has been studying and documenting the history and culture of California. He'll discuss the changes he has observed in California’s state capital when it comes to homelessness, crime, and transparency in the legislative body. We'll also take a deep dive into California's history and look at the forces that shape its culture.

"I've lived in Sacramento on and off since 1982. I love the city; it's just beautiful. Recently, however, it has been degrading. School kids couldn't even walk to school without being threatened, yelled at, or cursed out. I mean, when you walk down the streets, you just hear somebody randomly spouting off a string of profanity," Mr. George said. "And then I noticed that the state Capitol was undergoing a huge renovation, a billion-dollar renovation. It was all done in secret. Even the press in Sacramento says it's been the most under-the-radar thing they've ever seen."

Join us as we explore the complex issue of homelessness in Sacramento. Having witnessed the state capital's transformation firsthand since 1982, Mr. George voices his concerns about its recent downturn, exacerbated by the billion-dollar renovation of the state Capitol building and the pandemic.

He also sheds light on the grim realities on the city's streets—where the escalating homelessness and associated social challenges contrast with official narratives and actions—and highlights the lack of public engagement in decisions that shape the city's landscape and sense of community.

Why Oakland Police Can’t Stop Criminals | LeRonne Armstrong

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 07:30:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with LeRonne Armstrong, a former police chief who served for the Oakland Police Department for over 25 years. He explains how it’s difficult for the police to operate because of the rules and regulations they are facing from the city. This situation in Oakland is so dire that the governor is sending 120 California Highway Patrol officers to Oakland to help with safety. Meanwhile, Mr. Armstrong has filed a lawsuit against the city and Mayor Sheng Thao, claiming that his dismissal last year was an unlawful act of retaliation for exposing misconduct by Oakland PD’s federal monitor, Robert Warshaw.

“When you think about a city that’s growing, but a police department that’s shrinking, it is a recipe for disaster. People are fearful that bullets could fly into their homes. We don’t want to live in a society where everyone needs to be armed. The city’s image must change,” Mr. Armstrong said. “The city has been a part of my life. Oakland, such a beautiful city, has built me. There are so many areas in the city to be proud of, but all people know about the city is its violent crime.”

According to the former police chief, Oakland’s public safety is at a crossroads, facing challenges exacerbated by a shrinking police force in the face of growing demand and stringent policies that limit officers’ ability to effectively combat crime. He sheds light on the concerning increase in auto burglaries, robberies, and violent crimes, emphasizing how these trends have instilled fear among residents and visitors alike.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of policing in Oakland, including policy restrictions that prevent officers from pursuing suspects, contributing to a sense of lawlessness. Mr. Armstrong’s insights highlight the urgent need for a unified approach to reimagine public safety, restore trust in law enforcement, and foster a safer environment for all Oakland residents.

California EV Mandate: 14,000 Trucks With Limited Chargers At Ports: Matt Schrap

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 18:30:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Matt Schrap, CEO of Harbor Trucking Association, which represents trucking companies operating at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland. Today, he'll share his insights on what it takes for trucking companies to comply with the zero-emission mandates at the ports and how this might affect Californians.

Join us as we delve into the challenges California's trucking companies are facing because of strict emission regulations—particularly the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Expecting job losses and more companies leaving the state due to the new rules, Mr. Schrap emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers both environmental goals and the trucking industry's well-being, which he said is essential to California's economy.

How Working From Home Is Crushing Downtown Los Angeles | Chris Cooper

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Chris Cooper, principal and regional managing director at Avison Young. He talks about what challenges downtown Los Angeles is facing today in the aftermath of the pandemic and the impact on the commercial real estate industry.

“I’m a third-generation Angeleno. We have a wonderful community.“ Mr. Cooper said. ”There are competing interests, but we can solve those problems by all taking a step back and really think through a way to attract people to come back to L.A., to reenergize that Renaissance that we had established before the pandemic.”

Mr. Cooper highlights the city’s previous success in creating a vibrant live-work-play environment and the setbacks caused by the pandemic. He emphasizes the need for a partnership between the private sector and city government to revive downtown Los Angeles. He also addresses the challenges posed by the homeless problem and the hybrid work strategies affecting commercial real estate.

Join us as we delve into the impact of the mansion tax on commercial real estate transactions and what Mr. Cooper says are its catastrophic effects on the industry. We also discuss the attractiveness of Los Angeles to foreign investors despite challenges like high taxes and regulations, attributing it to the city’s diverse economy and favorable lifestyle.

Who's Leaving California? Is It Impacting California's Economy? | Jim Doti

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Jim Doti, president emeritus at Chapman University. Today he will talk about his latest findings on the California Exodus and provide some insights on the demographics of people who are leaving California, why they are leaving, and the outmigration’s impacts on California's job market and economy.

"Over the last five years, we've lost 1.2 million people. We did a survey of CEOs; over 50% say that they're thinking of relocating their operations, and that's why jobs increasingly are leaving the state. That's why California ranks number 49 in job growth. There's no greater loss to an economy than the loss of human capital, and that's what's happening,” Mr. Doti said.

In this interview, our guest offers insights into the recent revisions in migration numbers, revealing a concerning trend where over 300,000 more people have left California than those who have arrived in the past few years. He shares his observations on the updated estimates by the Department of Finance of California, signaling a significant outflow that poses challenges such as a growing deficit and perceived policy inertia in Sacramento.

Our guest sheds light on the challenges faced by the state, from fiscal deficits to concerns about job growth. The discussion emphasizes the impact on high-paying jobs, particularly in advanced industries, where California historically held a strong position but now faces growing competition from low-tax states.

Mr. Doti also navigates the complexities surrounding housing affordability and anticipates potential changes in housing dynamics as the outflow continues. As the looming budget deficit comes into focus, the conversation explores the available options for state leaders and contemplates the potential consequences of policy decisions.

California Cities Are Forced to Build ‘Unaffordable’ Housing | John Cruikshank

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with John Cruikshank, mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes in Los Angeles County. He will discuss the challenges facing California cities regarding the state housing mandate and the potential problems of government overreach when it comes to improving housing affordability.

“Right now the policymakers up in Sacramento don’t trust the cities to do their job. And so now they’re using the stick or lawsuits to force us into complying with what they have visioned for California,” Mr. Cruikshank said. “We’re doing this for affordability, but when you start off with already very expensive land, it never pencils out; it would never work.”

Secret Chinese Biolab With Viral Diseases in California Under Investigation | Steve Ispas | Kevin Kiley | Lear Zhou

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this special episode, we discuss an unlicensed Chinese biolab in California that was illegally researching viral diseases. Siyamak sits down with investigative reporters Steve Ispas and Lear Zhou from The Epoch Times. He also talked to Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), who, along with his colleagues in Congress, has been investigating this case.

“There were 1,000 mice in there. These mice are genetically modified to contract COVID-19, hepatitis, and other dangerous pathogens that were in this lab,” Mr. Kiley said. “And I believe this company got a $360,000 tax credit from our state. So there are a ton of questions here. What was the purpose of this lab?”

Is Theft Causing the End of Retail Stores in California? | Juan Alanis

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Juan Alanis, an assemblymember from Modesto County and former law enforcement officer. He discusses the issue of rising retail theft in California and his insights from serving on the Assembly Committee on retail theft. He also talks about the impacts on businesses, law enforcement, and local communities.

“We’re talking about millions of dollars. These chains, these stores, these small businesses—they all stand together against retail theft. But we also need to remember that they’re competitors to each other. So, they’re not always going to share all the information that they have,” said Mr. Alanis. “A lot of people look at it like this: ‘Hey, shoplifting has gone down. Look at it from the previous years.’ Well, when you don’t make it a crime anymore, it’s hard to report it.”

Tax Expert Explains How High Taxes Drive Jobs Out of California | Joe Vinatieri

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Joe Vinatieri, Mayor of Whittier, California and a tax expert. He'll talk about why people are leaving California and the impact of high taxes on the state.

“McDonald’s started here, Carl’s Jr. started here, Taco Bell started here, In-N-Out started here. There was just a great entrepreneurial spirit,“ said Mr. Vinatieri. ”When you’re pushing people and they’re leaving California, they’re taking jobs with them, they’re taking income with them, and those are tax dollars.”

50,000 Migrants Dropped Off With No Plan. Can San Diego Handle It? | Jim Desmond

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak Khorrami sits down with Jim Desmond, San Diego County Supervisor. He'll talk about how the recent surge of migrants in San Diego is causing a big problem for the county and how he's worried that homelessness could get worse as a result.

"We're not as bad off as San Francisco or LA but if we keep going down this path, we're going to have the same problems and same consequences," Mr. Desmond said. "We've had over 45,000 people being dropped off the last couple of months. It's an unmanageable system. There's no end in sight."

LA Corruption: Where Did It Come From, and Can It Be Fixed? | Alex Villanueva

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Alex Villanueva, former sheriff of Los Angeles County. He'll give us a deeper look into how corruption works in Los Angeles, and what should be done to stop it.

"It's billions of dollars that get poured into the pockets of the nonprofit world in the state of California. And what is the return on the investment? A bigger homeless problem. We're not fixing anything, what we're doing is maintaining very expensive nonprofits that are very profitable," said Mr. Villanueva.

"Then who are these people donating money to? The same elected officials that are awarding the contracts to the nonprofits."

"So those elected people, who do you think their allegiances are? To the taxpayer, to the voter, or to the machine that puts them in office?"

Former LA Sheriff Captain Concerned About Department Officers Losing Deputies Due to Stress | Michael Bornman | Cece Woods

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Michael Bornman, a retired captain from the LA County Sheriff's Department who had served for over 30 years. He shares his perspective on the issues the Department is currently facing. We also talked with Cece Woods, who has been reporting on the LA Sheriff's Department for many years. She provides her insight based on conversations she has had with people in the department.

"They're getting pre-scheduled, managed, forced overtime. And on top of that, if they don't have enough people, if you're getting out the door to go home, they'll draft you into another overtime spot. So 16-hour days every day" Mr. Bornman said. "Folks are dropping like flies because they're frustrated, they're angry. They get mixed messages from the top. You don't ever hear about a great cop did something or how they've saved a kid or how they saved the day for somebody. All we're hearing nowadays is anti-cop, anti-law enforcement rhetoric. I'm sure you've seen it in the news."

State-Mandated Housing Coming to Your Town | Christine Epperly

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Christine Epperly, a licensed civil engineer and building designer with over 30 years in business. She discovered a state-run plan called the "15 Minute City" that is changing the landscape of California.

"What's happening in California is we're building these high-density communities in the middle of the towns and suburbs. I looked at them and they're basically all the same. It's brutalism."

Why California Electricity Costs Have More Than Doubled | Susan Shelley

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Susan Shelley, columnist with Southern California News Group. She discusses California's renewable energy policies and their impact on the cost of living.

"We are in California, bearing this tremendous burden financially to model good climate behavior. And it does not affect the global climate because it's too small. It’s 1 percent of all our global greenhouse gas emissions. The whole state could shut down and it would make no difference."

Why California's Insurance Crisis Is Putting Homeowners' Lives at Risk in Wildfires | Sam DiGiovanna

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0700

"It's like apocalypse when you're on these wildfires and everything is burning. Homeowners in sandals, shorts, and a T-shirt on their roof, watering the roof down. A lot of people cannot get fire insurance because it's getting so expensive in California."

Siyamak sits down with Sam DiGiovanna, fire chief for Verdugo Fire Academy. He discusses his predictions for upcoming wildfires.

Why San Francisco Parents Are Outraged Over Math | Rex Ridgeway

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Rex Ridgeway, president of the PTA at Lincoln High School in San Francisco. He explains how San Francisco's inclusion policies are actually hurting the overall performance of students and why parents are leaving the public school system.

"Kids in San Francisco can't get to calculus. They moved Algebra 1 out from the 8th grade in a city, which Mayor London Breed has recently said is the hub of AI. In the heart of Silicon Valley, you don't let kids shine."

"Carjacking is a serious felony, but selling a child for sex is not. I would ask them as a parent, why would you not support a bill to make human trafficking of minors [a serious felony]? ... This is a place where good public safety bills go to die from both Democrats and Republicans." Siyamak sits down with California state Sen. Shannon Grove, author of the SB14 Child Trafficking bill initially rejected by the Assembly. She takes us behind the scenes and tells us what’s going on in California legislation.

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0700

"Carjacking is a serious felony, but selling a child for sex is not. I would ask them as a parent, why would you not support a bill to make human trafficking of minors [a serious felony]? ... This is a place where good public safety bills go to die from both Democrats and Republicans."

Siyamak sits down with California state Sen. Shannon Grove, author of the SB14 Child Trafficking bill initially rejected by the Assembly. She takes us behind the scenes and tells us what’s going on in California legislation.

Why LAPD Lost 1,000 Officers | Marlon Marrache

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0700

"We were called agents of racial genocide. That really hits bad, that is so, so not true. So when you start hearing those types of words that are describing what you do every single day, it doesn't sit well."

Siyamak sits down with Marlon Marrache, a retired LAPD officer to discuss the impact that legacy media has on people's perception of policing, and why the LAPD is struggling to find new officers.

Parents in California Are About to Lose Their Kids Under New Law | Erin Friday

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0700

"I trusted the doctors, I trusted the teachers. That part was so painful to understand. Parents are bullied. Doctors tell them: "Would you rather have a dead daughter or alive son?" Siyamak sits down with Erin Friday, a lawyer and parent advocate. Today she will discuss California laws on gender transformation, and how she dealt with this personally.

Retired Officer Exposes How Environmental Policies Hurt The Environment | John Baker

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0700

"In the name of green energy, we're sacrificing wildlife species. Because of the power mandates, we're unable to enforce the take of that. I don't think they have thought what that cost is to us as Californians and to the environment as a whole." Siyamak sits down with John Baker, retired Assistant Chief with California Fish and Wildlife Department. Today he'll discuss the double standards he experienced while enforcing California's environmental laws.

California Reparations Moves Forward. What’s Next? | Tony Hall

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“I’ve never seen a more insidious, inane, exploitive, and cruel plan put forth to the American public. You’re asking non-slave owners to pay people who were never slaves $5 million per black guy in San Francisco. The average household is going to have to pay $600,000.”

Siyamak sits down with Tony Hall, a former supervisor with San Francisco County. Today he’ll explain what California and San Francisco’s reparations plans entail, and why he thinks it’s not likely to happen.

Why Santa Monica Is at the Verge of Losing Its Iconic Appeal | John Alley

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“Residents are seeing homeless in the alleys, [there’s] dumpster fires, they’re cooking drugs, cooking meth … Individuals are defecating, shooting up heroin … It’s a matter of will from the city.”

Siyamak sits down with John Alley, real estate owner and co founder of The Santa Monica Coalition. Today, Mr. Alley explains why this coalition exists and why business owners in Santa Monica have decided to put up a sign saying Santa Monica is not safe.

Why California Retailers Are Forced to Lock Up Items | John Kabateck

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“I’ve never believed in my wildest dreams that we would see it get this bad. These aren’t just people stealing property, it’s now getting very serious and escalating to violence.”

Siyamak sits down with John Kabateck, state director of the NFIB, which represents many small businesses in California. He tells us how businesses are impacted by crime, and what the impacts are if California does not fix its laws.

Former Resident: Why San Francisco Is on the Brink of Losing Its Unique Culture | Jennifer Sey

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“The city has always been known for its progressive politics. But I liked that. I lived there until 2021—over 30 years. It’s become a place of such aggressive conformity. And if you don’t uphold whatever the most far-left narrative is, if you dare to ask any questions, you will be smeared and vilified, and pushed out of your job.”

Siyamak sits down with Jennifer Sey, former brand president of Levi’s and a long-time resident of San Francisco. Today she will talk about what caused her to leave California.

Economist Explains Why California Exodus Matters | Jim Doti

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“It’s easy to ignore it when the numbers are small. But not only are the numbers getting bigger, but this cumulative effect is becoming more significant as well.”

Siyamak sits down with Jim Doti, an economist and former president of Chapman University. He talks about the growing trend of people leaving California and what impacts it has on the state.

Why is California Losing Hollywood? | David Graves

Wed, 31 May 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“We’re not leading the way—we’re starting the way. And we’re letting other states lead the way. I consider Louisiana and Georgia to be our main competitors.”

Siyamak sits down with David Graves, Political Director with IATSE Local 728, which is a union from Hollywood. Today he will talk about what is happening to the film industry, and why they are leaving California.

Landlords Are Losing Their Homes — Here’s Why | Chris Moore

Wed, 10 May 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“During the eviction moratorium, to ask a tenant to pay rent could be viewed as harassment to the tenant.”

Siyamak sits down with Chris Moore, board member of the Bay Rental Housing Association. He shares with us his first-hand experience being a landlord in California and why he thinks the eviction moratorium is hurting the tenants.

Ex-Lawmaker Issues Dire Warning on New California Laws | Melissa Melendez

Sun, 07 May 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“And now they’re boxed into a corner, because now they can’t quite get out of it. Because if they do, if they change how they’re dealing with these issues, they have to admit that they were wrong.”

Siyamak sits down with Melissa Melendez, former California State Senator. Today she will talk about what has changed in California’s legislature over the past decade, and why some policies are not delivering what they promised.

Former Inmate Shows How Rehabilitation Is Possible | Alfred Lopez

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“Prisons are a breeding ground, to become institutionalized and to learn, basically, how to do more crime and become worse.”

Siyamak sits down with former California inmate, Alfred Lopez. Incarcerated at 18, Lopez spent almost 30 years in prison. Today he will talk about what he saw in the prison system, and why it is so costly to incarcerate inmates.

Larry Elder Explains His Presidential Candidacy | Larry Elder

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“I’ve been doing TV and radio for 40 years, mostly criticizing politicians. I know how brutal it is, I know how your enemies will dissect things that you’ve said and put the worst spin on it, or will even make things up … But I think I bring a couple things to the table the others don’t.”

Siyamak sits down with Larry Elder, EpochTV host and political commentator. This is Elder’s first interview after he announced his run for president of the United States. In this episode, Elder talks about why he’s running for office and the issues he would address if elected.

Former Calif. Homeless Man Explains What It’s Like to Live on the Streets | Lang Martinez

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“You think prison is bad—no … prison’s got structure … the streets. There’s what they call ‘rules of engagement.’ And if you don’t abide by the rules of engagement, you die.”

Siyamak sits down with Lang Martinez, a former homeless man and gang member, and now an advocate in Los Angeles. He joins us on the show to share what he saw on the street, and how the homeless are trapped in the current system, suffering from addiction and mental illness.

California Looking to Penalize Social Media Companies for Harm to Children | Nick Janicki

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“Most of us when we use these platforms, we don’t really think we could be the product. It was consciously designed that way. The end funnel isn’t funneling you just something to buy, but funneling you to an ideology.”

Siyamak sits down with Nick Janicki, media relations director with Gan Jing World. Today he will talk about what’s behind the algorithm of the big tech. And how it is designed to get you addicted.

Energy Expert Explains How CA Penalizing Big Oil Will Cause Gas Prices to Increase | Mike Umbro

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 23:30:00 -0700

“Gavin Newsom … has really pushed this notion that the big oil operators are gouging the consumers. People don’t know why things are happening, they’re just told they need to be angry.”

Siyamak Khorrami sits down with Mike Umbro, an energy entrepreneur from California. Today he will explain why California’s gas prices will likely keep increasing despite the state’s recent actions to penalize Big Oil.

Californians Losing Homes to Eviction Moratorium | Jonathan Madison

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“One of my clients, first-generation immigrants from Mexico, came here to have an experience of the American dream. And they find themselves living in an American nightmare, just because a tenant refused to pay the rent, not because they couldn’t afford it.”

Siyamak sits down with Jonathan Madison, lead attorney at the Madison Law Firm. He explains why some counties still have the moratorium in place and how it is negatively impacting both tenants and landlords.

Former Teacher Explains How She Got Fired For Her Belief | Jessica Tapia

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“I was fired for what I believe, not what I did. This was absolutely not something I could have ever imagined … 13 allegations made against me.”

Siyamak sits down with Jessica Tapia, a former high school PE teacher from California. Her story went viral on Instagram after she got fired by the school district. What really happened to Jessica, and what is making California fire good teachers despite a severe shortage of educators? Let’s find out in this episode.

Former Drug Dealer Tells How San Francisco Failed the Homeless | Ricci Wynne

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

"When I came back to San Francisco, I started seeing things through a different lens, I started seeing it for what it really was. And I, it was really, like jarring to me." Siyamak sits down with Ricci Wynne, a San Francisco resident, and videographer.

He was once a drug addict and labeled a career criminal but has since turned his life around and has become an advocate for the homeless and sober living. He continues to fight for a change in San Francisco's approach to homelessness and drug addiction.

Doctor Explains the impact of legalizing psychedelics in California | Anthony Kaveh

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Siyamak sits down with Anthony Kaveh an anesthesiologist in the San Francisco Bay area.

"But the body opens up in ways that give us a privileged look into the life of the patient. And things come up that we often don't share with anyone else. So past traumas, maybe you're taking medications, prescription or non-prescription, or illicit substances... These all affect the body ".

Today Anthony will give an overview of what is going on in the operating rooms in California and the impact of legalizing psychedelics.

Former Sheriff Explains Los Angeles’s ‘Deputy Gangs’ | Alex Villanueva

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“There’s a very specific definition [of] what an actual real gang member is. Never existed in the department, but it was useful just for a political game.”

Siyamak sits down with Alex Villanueva, former sheriff of Los Angeles County. He explains if there are deputy gangs within the department and what the impacts are.

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Prosecutor Explains Why California Can’t Stop Crime | Jeff Reisig

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“The criminal justice system has been fundamentally changed in California, not in a good way.”

Siyamak sits down with Jeff Reisig, district attorney of Yolo County. He shares with us the latest result of his study on California’s recent policies and why crime is on the rise.

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How California’s Famous Beach Town Is Getting Unsafe | Matt Wilson

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“It was so nice before. It’s really all those things that you pictured in the movies and pictures. It’s not that now, it’s nothing like that. It’s the complete actually opposite of that. And it’s very sad.”

Siyamak sits down with Matt Wilson, a videographer and resident from Santa Monica. He shares with us his experience living in the city and what happened behind some of the viral videos he took.

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Lawmaker: Why It’s so Hard to Stop Fentanyl in California | Tom Umberg

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“Fentanyl right now is the largest killer of individuals between the age of 18 and 45. It exceeds all other causes of death. Every 8.57 seconds, somebody dies of a fentanyl overdose.”

Siyamak sits down with California Sen. Tom Umberg to discuss the impacts of fentanyl and what our state is doing about it.

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Sheriff Reveals How Cartels Have Taken Over Rural California | Jeremiah LaRue

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“If you see the pictures, if you see the video, it looks like a third-world country. The crime is off the charts. We have people getting murdered at marijuana grows.”

My guest is Jeremiah LaRue, sheriff of Siskiyou County. In a previous episode, we covered how cartels are taking over land in his county and growing massive amounts of illegal marijuana. Today, we will dive deeper to find out what’s happening in Northern California and why the illegal grows have been out of control.

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Doctor Explains Why Los Angeles’s Homeless Deaths Are on the Rise | Brett Feldman

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“If you see somebody sleeping during the day, it might not be because they’re lazy. It might be because they feel like they had to be up all night for their own safety.”

Siyamak sits down with Brett Feldman, director of Street Medicine at USC. He and his team go out on the street every week and provide treatment to 300 homeless people a year. And they are helping more and more homeless people get back health insurance.

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Former Gang Member Explains Why Los Angeles Is Becoming Unsafe | Gil Tejada

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“When I was young, we were looking at the gang members and saying, ‘Well, that’s what I want to be.’ When are you going to have these kids out there saying, ‘Oh, no, my uncle is out there. He’s 20-some years old. That’s what I want to be.'”

Siyamak sits down with Gil Tejada, founder and host of American Cholo, a YouTube Channel that focuses on helping gang members get back to normal life. Gil talks about his personal story and how the current policies are affecting his community.

California Insider is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://birchgold.com/california

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Why Some California Schools Have 70 Percent Failing Rates | Gloria Romero

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“Seventy percent of African American students are not reading at proficiency levels. It’s higher in math—it’s about 80 percent.”

Siyamak sits down with Gloria Romero, former state senator and first female majority leader of the state Senate in California’s history.

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California’s Exodus Continues: 700,000 Net Loss, Why It Matters | Jim Doti

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“We interviewed corporate CEOs as to what’s [their] future in California … What we heard back was, ‘We’re thinking of leaving the state, we can’t survive here.'”

Siyamak sits down with Jim Doti, president emeritus and leading economist at Chapman University. His research team has been studying the root cause of why people are leaving California.

California Insider show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://birchgold.com/california

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Police Officer Explains Hidden Problem Behind Homelessness | Deon Joseph

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“We have people not just living on the streets, but living in low-income supportive hotels who are going through absolute hell.”

Siyamak sits down with Deon Joseph, senior police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. He has been working in Skid Row for decades, and he shares with us his first-hand experience helping the homeless and fighting the criminal elements on the ground.

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Tax the Rich? California’s Wealth Tax Explained | Jim Righeimer

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“Oh, it’s just 1 percent more. It’s 1 percent more, but that extra 1 percent makes somebody say, ‘You know what? I don’t want to pay 13.9. How about I pay you nothing?'”

Siyamak sits down with Jim Righeimer, former mayor of Costa Mesa and host of the radio show “Weekend Answer.” California is considering imposing a wealth tax on people who have more than $50 million in assets. It is estimated to generate $21 billion in tax revenue for the state.

California Insider show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://birchgold.com/california

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Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0700

These offenders will keep reoffending until they’re stopped.”

Siyamak sits down with Samuel Dordulian, victims attorney and former prosecutor.

Recent reports show that about 7,000 child molesters were released early from prison in California. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, these criminals are four times more likely to reoffend.

Is rehabilitation instead of incarceration working in our state? Does it have an impact on the community and the rise in crime?

California Insider show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://birchgold.com/california

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How California Went From Billions of Surplus to Billions of Deficit in One Year | Scott Baugh

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“It wouldn’t surprise me that this budget deficit, depending on a recession, would get to $50 to $100 billion.”

Siyamak sits down with Scott Baugh, a former California state representative and Republican assembly leader.

California could be looking at a $25 billion budget deficit in the coming fiscal year. What caused the state to experience a potential deficit after having a huge surplus the past two years? Will services be cut? Or will we pay higher taxes?

California Insider show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://birchgold.com/california

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California County Dismissing 1,000 Crime Cases Explained | Michael Hestrin

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0700

“The accused criminal gets a free pass. The person walks free, it’s not on their record, there are no consequences, and the injured party, the victim, they don’t see their day in court. Nothing.”

Siyamak sits down with Michael Hestrin, district attorney for Riverside County.

Over 1,000 criminal cases have been dismissed in Riverside County, meaning as though they never happened. Why are cases continuously being dismissed in the county, and what are the impacts?

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Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

"The California public education system, they don't really care if they really prepare our students for society, for the workforce. And that's scary."

Siyamak sits down with Frank Xu, President of Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. Are we going to have a generation of kids that can't read and do basic math?

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Former Female Prisoner Reveals True Story of California’s Trans-Friendly Prisons | Amie Ichikawa

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

“[It’s] very difficult for the prison to ensure that person’s safety.”

Siyamak sits down with Amie Ichikawa, founder of Women to Women.

A recent law in California allows inmates to choose the male or female prison based on how they self-identify without any biological examinations. Among these transferees are convicted sex offenders. Ichikawa discusses what’s happening inside female prisons.

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Why Thousands of Iranians in California Went on the Street | Sudi Farokhnia

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

“It’s really heartwarming to see how many Iranians have, after 43 years, finally came to unite on one ask, and that one ask is to get rid of the regime of Islamic Republic in Iran.”

What started as a protest turned into an uprising. And it is now being considered a revolution.

After the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Iran on Sept. 16, waves of protests erupted worldwide including in California, which has the highest number of Iranians outside of Iran.

Siyamak sits down with Sudi Faroknnia, who gives an update on what’s happening in Iran.

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How Hollywood Is Censored by the Chinese Communist Party | Jason Loftus

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

My guest is Jason Loftus, director of the film “Eternal Spring.” He talks about the story behind his movie and how Hollywood is censored by the Chinese Communist Party.

To learn more about the movie, visit https://eternalspringfilm.com/

California Insider show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://birchgold.com/california

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Why California Spent Billions and Still Can’t Fix Rising Crime | Douglas Eckenrod

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

“They’re hurting outcomes at nearly the rate that good program providers are delivering good outcomes. And all you’d have to do is just get rid of this part of the equation, and you would see some improvement over time.”

Siyamak sits down with Douglas Eckenrod, retired deputy director of state parole. In California, we put a big emphasis on rehabilitation for inmates. But has this become an industry that’s more focused on making money than helping the inmates rebuild their lives?

California Insider show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://birchgold.com/california

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How Cartels Successfully Take Over Northern California | Jorge Ventura

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

“I covered the crime and cartel stuff, but never has an elected official in the United States backed off an interview with me, because [they] actually were threatened from that group. I mean, this is happening in the United States. I mean, it’s absurd.”

Siyamak sits down with Jorge Ventura, reporter and producer of the documentary “Narcofornia.”

Ventura explains the hidden world of illegal marijuana growth in California and the dangers it presents to our community. Has California lost control of these rural communities? Are the local residents feeling helpless against this threat?

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California Moves to Get Rid of Fossil Fuel, What’s The Problem? | Ronald Stein

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

“Would be nice to manufacture it here. We manufacture somewhere else, usually it’s because of cost. But the emissions over there, we don’t count those emissions.”

Siyamak sits down with Author, Ronald Stein. Today he will explain how importing oil to California is causing a significant amount of emissions and why cutting back on fossil fuel doesn’t seem as plausible as one would hope. What does the future hold for California and our plan to reduce emissions?

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What Is Victim Shaming and How It Impacts California's Rising Crime | Vern Pierson

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

"When we don't hold people accountable for shoplifting, when we don't hold people accountable for breaking into cars, all of these examples over and over again, sends a message that there is no accountability. And what you get from that is increased lawlessness."

Siyamak sits down with Vern Pierson, District Attorney for El Dorado County.

With crime continuously rising in California, has our attention shifted in the right direction? Victims and store owners are now being criticized for incentivizing crime. Do we have to change our lifestyles to avoid being victimized in California?

How California's Wildfires Get Out of Control and Erase Climate Gains | Kevin Olson

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0700

“We need to have control, but we need to have consensus on that control from all parties involved. And plus, meeting the needs of the public and what’s best for the public.”

Siyamak sits down with Kevin Olson, retired staff chief with CalFire.

Is California’s approach to wildfires our best option? Are we spending more money to control wildfires rather than prevent them?

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Half of California's New Homes Got Sued, What's the Problem | Larry Salzman

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700

"What is a problem here in California is overwhelming sections of the state are just off limits for getting building permits, so you have this artificial shortage on the supply of housing - it's artificial because it's completely a function of regulation."

Today, Siyamak sits down with Larry Salzman, Director of litigation at Pacific Legal Foundation. It is estimated that half of the homes built in California face a lawsuit. Have the laws to build new housing in California become overly complicated?

Why California Government Can't Solve Problems Effectively | Jim Nielsen

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700

My Guest today is Jim Nielsen, California State Senator.

Have the people lost their voice in the state of California? Does the majority party leave any room for different ideologies?

Let’s get an insider’s perspective on how our legislation is operating in California.

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Why Most Californians Aren’t Happy With the State | Victor Davis Hanson

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700

My guest is Victor Davis Hanson, historian and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.

California has almost half of the nation’s homeless population, has some of the highest taxes in the country, and is ranked among the lowest in education. What does the future look like for California? Are we able to turn our state back into the prosperous land it once was?

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Behind Los Angeles’s Racism Scandal | Rick Reiff

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700

My guest is Rick Reiff, editor at large with Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) and a television host.

In the wake of the Los Angeles City Council racism scandal, what important details are not being covered by the media? Are we missing a bigger picture of corruption?

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Why California’s Largest County Wants to Leave the State | Curt Hagman

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700

My Guest today is Curt Hagman, Chairman of San Bernardino County Supervisors.

San Bernardino County is one of the largest counties in America, even larger than some U.S. states. Will it secede from California to become a state of its own?

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